Vanatoo "Transparent One" Hi-Fidelity Powered Speaker System

WAE - 6 FEB 2013

This is a most interesting powered speaker set for the compact listening audiophile. What we have here is a union of (1) multi-input technology, (2) amplification technology and (3) loudspeaker technology, all in a compact two-piece sound delivery system.

The intent is bring "anything in" and output a very good sound, but do so from a box that is roughly 10"X6"X8".

Does the Transparent One measure up to its $500 price tag? Let's consider not how all the technology works, but how your life is enhanced by this product.

The audition was conducted in two rooms.

I brought the system into my bedroom, which is about 13'X18'. The speakers were placed on 34" pedestals 6 feet apart from each other along the long side wall. The source used was the Motorola Razr Smartphone connected via 3.5mm cable to earphone jack. The media included the following albums: "Born This Way" by Lady GaGa, "Behind The Sun" by Chicane, "Last Train To Lhasa" by Banco De Gaia, and "Random Audio Title" by Deadmau5.

Audio:

The bass and treble tone knobs on the speakers were set to 12 o.clock and the tone on the Smartphone was et flat as well. Quality of sound: Very smooth delivery. The upper frequencies are clear but not necessarily bright and shining. There is a velvety feel to the audio throughout.

The 5.25. driver provides a surprising delivery that is consistent and works well with the tweeter. There is virtually no detectable transition between driver and tweeter.

I noticed that there is a subwoofer jack on the back, so I plugged in my Onkyo self-powered sub and now the sound was more complete on the low end. I actually had to cut back the subwoofer unit to allow the Vanatoo its own space. My overall impression in this environment is very positive. Most everything you want to hear is honest and true, except for that slight brightness I was so hoping to get. But I was using a Smartphone and I was using the analog input to the Transparent One.

The next test was conducted in the Recreation room. This room is about 30'X35'. The input source this time was my laptop USB adapter. I placed the speakers 5 feet apart and powered up the laptop. The first thing I had to do was go find a USB cable with a square connection on one end, because such a cable is not provided in the Transparent One packaging. After the laptop booted up, I powered on the Transparent One and plugged the square end of the USB to the Vanatoo and the other end to the USB slot in my Thinkpad laptop. It was a pleasure to see the Vanatoo software automatically install its driver onto the laptop. Without any further ado, I opened my browser and chose a selection from Pandora audio service. The sound quality was not so cloaked this time. Indeed the sound quality was definitely brighter and more engaging. But grant you I was standing only 4 feet away. As soon as I stepped back, about 15 feet, the sound seemed like it was losing something. Maybe this was the acoustics of my room, but it was somewhat disturbing. Also, the bass was not quite there either. Turning up the volume did not improve this situation. Well, we all know speaker placement is important, and this is what we call room acoustics.

Opinions:

Things I do like about the Transparent One include compactness, an attempt to minimize wiring for the technology deprived, quality of workmanship, quality components. An excellent sound for use in a planned environment. Would work well straight out of the box in a home office, bedroom, or other medium sized listening room.

Things that annoy me about the Transparent One include a blue LED that glows too brightly whenever the unit is powered on. The lack of a USB cable, which should be provided with the product. And the lack of an optical cable.

Conclusions:

Is the Transparent One up to the task? Yes. You can tell the techies got a hold of this project and walked it through the development process all the way. The result is an all-capability sound delivery system for the 21st century. Have your cables ready. Well done!