Amplify your iPod Without Batteries
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 07.10.07
I am not certain this would work: "Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibels which is roughly the maximum volume of laptop speakers. Upon connecting active earphones to the Phonofone their trebly buzzing is instantly and profoundly transformed into a warm, rich and resonant sound." -do horns actually amplify sound?
Wikipedia says "The horn itself is a passive component and does not amplify the sound from the driving element as such, but rather improves the coupling efficiency between the speaker driver and the air." and "Acoustic horns convert large pressure variations with a small displacement into a low pressure variation with a large displacement."
which is what is happening here and it certainly worked for record players.
It's from Science and Sons, which "Today, If anything at all, is mostly a Toronto based design collaborative between Heather Schibli and Tristan Zimmermann. The couple, which British tabloids have cited as engaged claim that rumors of their binge drinking, legendary decadence, and tumultuous romance should not draw focus away from the values of their creative pursuits."
"The work of Science and Sons seeks to distort, demote and occasionally deify the overlooked, the indulgent and the elegant. The loftiness of that last sentence alone can explain why their current product lines are few in numbers, but boundless in excellence."
Only 200 will be made and cost $875 at ::Science and Sons. via ::BoingBoing
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Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for posting this!
Phonofone is now available at Charles & Marie, www.charlesandmarie.com for $500. Beautiful!