Dans Papers - May 25, 2007 - Pump Up The Volume

Flashback to 1993 - You just bought a brand new, state-of-the-art, five-disc CD changer with a dual cassette player and digital radio component. Two chunky, milk-jug-sized speakers pump thunderous Zeppelin riffs and the mini-subwoofer punctuates the funky, low end of Parliament Funkadelic bass player Bootsy Collins' unmistakable slap. And remember those cute LCD screens that only displayed the bottom part of the number two? With enough ingenuity, you could take it nearly anywhere. You thought you'd have that bookshelf stereo for the rest of your life. Ah, the nostalgia.

But seriously, why be nostalgic for a tangled mess of wires and fat, chunky speakers when you can be grooving inside and out with a variety of (almost) wireless, hi-quality sound systems?

Clearly there have been tremendous breakthroughs in technology over the past ten years. CDs have practically becomes extinct, replaced by digital MP3's, that take up no literal space and can go anywhere. One of the most popular ways to provide party music from your iPod is by plugging it into the Bose Sound Dock Digital Music System. Bose, known for the WAVE radio, has mastered the concept of streamlining speakers without losing any punch in sound. The Bose Sound Dock, whose tagline is "earbuds not required" is compatible with every iPod model and comes equipped with a power chord and pack, meaning it can go as far as your longest extension chord. Worried about your iPod running out of battery? Don't be. The Bose Sound Dock even charges your iPod while it's plugged in. Not to mention, a sweet remote control for the reasonable price of $269 - quite the bargain for a rich, warm sound from a sleek and relatively small speaker.

iPods are great and all but maybe you're thinking something a little more progressive. Fear not, there are speakers for everyone. If your tech-savvy and have your whole house connected to a central stereo system and are looking to expand its range beyond the confines of the home, your options are limitless. One of the more innovative speakers comes from Niles, a company that integrates high-quality sound with functional designs. The companies RS and PS lines offer very unique options. The RS8Si hides two 1-inch dome-like tweeters and one 8-inch subwoofer inside a faux-sandstone rock, which easily blends into your backyard. Niles, whose camouflaged speakers come with a two-year warranty, also manufactures a flowerpot speaker, which houses dual tri-laminate tweeters and a 6 1/2-inch subwoofer. The best part is that the flowerpot isn't just a clever disguise, but a functioning clay-like pot ready for live plants. The PS6Si Flower Pot speaker runs about $359.99, while the RS8Si Sandstone speaker costs roughly $420. Niles also makes a smaller stone speaker, the RS5, which goes for an affordable $189.99 each.

If wireless is your ideal then a trip to the Sharper Image may be in your future. Everyone's favorite gizmo and gadget shop is currently hawking a wireless speaker set with a transmitter module that is compatible with MP3 players (iPods included), CD players, televisions and even satellite radio. One of the nicest features about the Sharper Image set is that the wireless transmitter with ZipConnect(TM) sends music through walls and floors to the dual outdoor wireless speakers up to 150 feet away, according to their catalog, which means you can play DJ from across the house. Gotta love technology!

While the advances in digital technology have clearly affected the way we absorb our favorite tunes, it doesn't mean that old school methods are out of the question. For the nostalgic baby boomer who still has his prized vinyl collection somewhere in basement, as well as the meticulous hipster who prefers Arcade Fire's baroque chamber pop on freshly spun vinyl, is the Crosley CR49 Traveler Portable Turntable. The record player, which comes in a variety of vintage finishes (I own the tweed cover), is the best option for bringing the warm sound of wax to the great outdoors. DJ favorite NuMark also makes a portable turntable. The PT01 portable turntable even takes batteries, meaning you are free to roam the yard spinning your favorite old school soul and hip hop classics this Memorial Day weekend.

Can you smell that? Nope, the hot dogs aren't done yet, but thanks to your new speakers, funk is sure heating up. Hot BBQ, cold beer and warm soul music - a recipe for a satisfied mind.