Q: My daughter wants lenses for her iPhone. What do you think of them, and do you have any favorites?
A: Personally, I have never really taken to accessory lenses for a phone camera. The digital zoom has always sufficed for my needs, though it cuts image quality a bit. I use my interchangeable-lens cameras for travel and creative work.
Although they are not for me, that does not mean that extra lenses can't be worthwhile. The trick is to get lenses that actually are useful. The olloclip 4-in-1 Lens Set (olloclip.com) offers this, with good optics covering wide-angle, fisheye and two close-up options.
Change of plans
While attending the New York Audio Show, I came across something so fantastic that I had to get it in the column right away. As a result, I have postponed the continuation of last week's discussion of wireless speakers until next week.
Panasonic made quite a splash when it reintroduced the Technics audio brand two years ago. At the time, the company expressed its intent to keep the brand high-end and exclusive, with a focus on products of exceptional performance and a limited number of specialist retailers (only 27 nationwide). It has been a successful strategy. Not only have Technics products been receiving universal acclaim, the demand for some of them has been outstripping the supply.
The most recent introduction, the Technics OTTAVA SC-C70 Premium Compact Stereo System, is a stunner and could well become the brand's biggest success. It incorporates the high-end technology, sound quality and fine workmanship of Technics audio components in a single-piece system.
In addition to the expected Bluetooth, auxiliary input, Wi-Fi and Ethernet capability, it has AM/FM radio and a built-in CD player. Given the volume of e-mail I get from readers looking for single-piece stereos with CD players, it is nice that someone is providing them. But there's even more: an optical digital input for use with a TV. And the system can be digitally fine-tuned for room acoustics using your phone or tablet's microphone.
It's hard to do justice not only to the beautiful sound and deep bass, but also to the leading-edge audio engineering, premium quality materials and stylish modern design. It sounds, looks and feels very expensive, and it can do pretty much anything you could ask a compact stereo to do. Given the market positioning of Technics speakers (up to $27,000 a pair) and amplifiers (up to $17,000), when I heard the SC-C70 at the show, I expected it to be priced at $3,000 to as much as $5,000. When I was told that it's $999, I was floored.
If you want to buy one, you had best act fast because it is likely they will sell out quickly. See it at technics.com and visit technics.com/us/where-to-buy/ to find retailers.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
