JBL has unveiled a new set of USB-powered speakers called Pebbles. The speakers have an interesting design that looks a lot like a snail shell – enough like a snail shell to make Gary the Snail jealous.
The JBL Pebbles speakers have their odd looking snail shell style because they’re designed to be laid flat on their side or stood on the flat bottom section vertically. Inside the snail shell cases are a pair 50 mm drivers. Some room inside the case is also used for a bass reflex zone to help improve low-end response.
The speakers have a built-in DAC which supports 16-bit 48 kHz audio – this allows the speakers to skip over your computer’s built in audio circuitry, feeding a digital signal directly to the speakers. Audiophiles hoping for 24-bit quality may be disappointed, but for most of us the speakers should provide plenty of audio quality.
The speakers are USB powered so they need no external power adapter, and have an extra 3.5mm audio input for other devices. The Pebbles are available in black or white each with orange USB cables and orange accents on the bottom. The speakers should start shipping later this month for $59(USD). Keep an eye out on the JBL website for more details.
[via EverythingUSB]