Klipsch ships Gallery G-17 AirPlay speakers
updated 11:10 am EST, Fri December 16, 2011
Klipsch Gallery G-17 arrives at last minute
In a last-minute arrival, Klipsch's promised Gallery G-17 wireless speakers have started shipping. The AirPlay-focused speakers pipe audio from any iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or iTunes app on the same Wi-Fi network. The design is meant to provide an "audiophile resolution" with dual amps as well as two 20W woofers and two 10W tweeters.
Listeners only need a basic web setup to change the G-17's wireless name and otherwise set it up to join the local network. As a fallback, it can use a 3.5mm connection or USB for a non-iOS iPod or other devices that don't know how to talk to AirPlay. While intended as a free-standing system, it has options to wall-mount.
The combination of Klipsch audio and wireless carries a premium for the speaker, which costs $550. Orders made on Friday will ship for free in time for Christmas, but rush orders will still work by December 20.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2008
REALLY want one (or three)
but REALLY wouldn't be inclined to spend over about $300 for one. Unless Apple is charging Klipsch $250 for the "works with Airplay" label, pricing is way out of line here. Might be worth even $400 if it was TRULY freestanding or totally wireless but, alas, it has no built-in rechargable batteries and at a minimum need to have a wall-wart plugged in. Pity.