Blaupunkt Shows World's First Portable Speaker System That Doubles As A Powered Car Subwoofer

Blaupunkt will show its unique Velocity 2Go systems at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here today. These newly introduced products are the world's first headphone-jack portable stereo speaker systems that can also be quickly converted into car audio subwoofers. Ideal for active music lovers, Velocity 2Go powered speakers generate room-filling full-range sound when connected to any device with headphone output jacks. When used in a car, it delivers deep, clean bass to add weight to the sound of a basic four-speaker car stereo system.

Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go is available in two sizes, each with powerful high-efficiency amplifiers, two long-throw polypropylene woofers and two silk-dome tweeters in a sturdy, attractive ported aluminum enclosure. Power for the four bi-amp configured amplifiers and active crossovers is supplied by a car's 12-volt electrical system, an AC adapter, or rechargeable AA batteries sustained by a built-in charger. A defeatable auto-turn-on function activates whenever an audio signal is detected.

The Velocity 2Go 5 features dual 5-1/4-inch woofers, and a pair of 3⁄4-inch tweeters in an 8 liter enclosure, and is capable of linear frequency response from 50 Hz to 25000 kHz. The larger Velocity 2Go 6 employs 6-1/2-inch woofers and 1-inch tweeters in a 15-liter enclosure, making it capable of higher output, and linear response down to 40 Hz.

In addition to the 3.5mm headphone jack input, there are also rear-panel RCA inputs for use with variable line-level outputs from a home, preamplifier, TV set, or other audio device. The unit's built-in amplifiers are capable of delivering a combined output up to 160 watts of power (80 watts RMS) when connected to either an AC or 12-volt DC source, and 60 Watts max (30 watts RMS) when powered by eight standard rechargeable AA batteries.

When used as a powered car subwoofer, the Velocity 2Go's low pass active filter network comes into play, limiting reproduction to frequencies below 120 Hz and removing the tweeters as an audio source. There are a complete range of subwoofer controls, including gain, low-pass frequency, and signal phase adjustments to ensure seamless integration with existing car stereo gear. A rear-panel multi-port input can be used with the included cable to instantly connect the Velocity 2Go to 12 V DC power, speaker-level or RCA audio inputs, making it remarkably fast and simple to hook up to nearly any car audio system. An optional QuickOut Dock is available to provide instant connection and subwoofer mode activation.

The Velocity 2Go is a class-leading product, and is built with extremely high-grade materials to ensure outstanding performance, durability, and appearance. The enclosures are made almost entirely of aluminum, with MDF internal walls for reduced cabinet resonance. The aluminum speaker ports also function as amplifier heat sinks with the cooling flow of air increasing in proportion to power levels.

The Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go 5 and Velocity 2Go 6 are currently available at retail prices of $399.95 and $449.95 each, respectively. The optional QuickOut car dock is available at a suggested retail price of $119.95.