Bird-Electron EZ-TAKEGTF2: Electricity-Free, Portable Bamboo Speaker
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad 
on 08. 3.06
If you're looking for grid-free amplification for your MP3 Player, you can now use your solar backpack or your bamboo speaker. Added benefit: no need to camouflage plastic ugliness if bamboo happens to work with your decor. From exporter AudioCubes:
Utilizing the natural resonance of bamboo, this Japanese engineered speaker not only projects quality sound but also is an stylish interior design deco. The TAKEGTF2 model uses a special Japanese SuSu bamboo which is smoked and aged for close to 100 years, and hand selected and crafted to meet Bird-Electron's standard. Unit can be used with any audio device through its stereo-mini plug. No power source needed.
No word on exactly what the treatment process means or how/where the stuff is harvested. What can't be done with bamboo? $199. :: Via Mobile Magazine
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"No power source needed" simply means these are not amplified speakers. They still use traditional speaker cones that require electricity to move the electromagnet that moves the cone that creates the sound. The difference is that they are able to operate with the little bit of electricity that carries the line level audio just like your headphones. Any speaker cone can do this, you just won't get much sound out of them. The question is how much sound can this little guy get out of the line level input? Hopefully more then other line level speakers for $200 bones.
There are many portable speakers out there with "No power source needed". The RCA FSP100 is one of them (under $20). But I'm sure the large bamboo housing provides much better sound then the dinky folding plastic housing of the RCA.
Is the bamboo really aged for close to 100 years?? That blows my bleary mind?
Armand
Man, too bad they had to wate for the bamboo to age or else they could of had a killer product 100 years ago.
Now-a-days though, its just a mediocre one for the price of a good one.
Susu Bamboo is simply bamboo that has hung over a fire for a very long time. These pieces that hung over old fire pits in the middle of old old old style houses are coveted for their character, and their aged nature. apparently, for one reason or another, its better than its comparitor.
Susu just means soot. so the bamboo has been smoked at a low temperature, and been covered in soot for a very long time.