Eos Wireless review

Despite the very impressive wireless technology on show, this Eos system struggles where it matters most Tested at £250.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If as much effort was put into the sound as the technology and usability, the Eos would be a real winner

Pros

  • +

    Very impressive wireless technology

  • +

    wonderfully simple to use

  • +

    open sound

Cons

  • -

    Very poor bass and treble

  • -

    you can't control your iPod from the satellite unit

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Never heard of Eos before? That's OK, neither had we before the 'Wireless Core System Bundle' arrived on our doorstep. Turns out it's part of IntelliTouch, a San Diego company that specialises in 'innovative and award-winning communications products'.

On the evidence of the Eos Wireless we're happy to concur with the 'innovative' bit, even if it's a long way from winning one of our Awards.

In this bundle you get two units. Pop your iPod into the Base Station and it will play your tunes in the same way any dock would, but turn on the second unit in another room and it magically plays your iPod's tunes, too!

GigaWave fires tunes in every direction
OK, so it's not magic, it's just very good wireless technology, called GigaWave. This proprietary 2.4GHz system sends lossless audio up to 50m with no noticeable lag or interference. You can even add extra satellite units to create a simple five-one system.

The care taken over usability is also impressive – this is a true plug-and-play proposition, with none of the faff one might associate with wireless products.

Then there are little touches like the fact you can roll the mains lead into a recess in the satellite unit and clip the power adapter to it, allowing you to basically hang the unit on a wall socket.

All this brilliant innovation makes it all the more disappointing that both units sound very poor.

The soundstage is surprisingly wide and there's decent clarity to the midrange, but bass is unforgivably buzzy and blowy, while treble is sharp, resulting in a delivery that spoils your enjoyment and the Eos' chances of a good score.

What Hi-Fi?

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