Now that Apple has decreed the removal of the 3.5mm connector on its new iPhone, the feeling is that we'll soon see more wireless solutions on the market, although something tells me the change will face more resistance than usual. From a technical standpoint, The Vamp Stereo could be used with an iPhone 7, but the important thing here is that this small device serves as an amplifier and Bluetooth bridge for all kinds of speakers, whether new or rescued from an old system.
An old Philips audio system is gathering dust on a shelf a few centimeters above my monitor. In the past I made a couple of modifications, like improvising an audio input, but the truth is it was a hack too crude, and it never sounded good. However, its speakers are very interesting, and I'd love to be able to reuse them in the near future. To be honest, I don't listen to much music, and for years I've been a "headphone rider" though there are times when I don't want to "put on the helmet" for a couple of songs. Buying another audio system to listen to music isn't in the plans, and if the idea is to recycle, well... why not something like The Vamp Stereo?
A successful crowdfunding story
If the name sounds familiar, it's because in 2013 its original version received more than a hundred thousand pounds sterling through Kickstarter, and delivered around ten thousand units without issues, a detail that is seen less and less often in the particular world of crowdfunding. As its name indicates, The Vamp Stereo now has stereo support, its integrated amplifier is more powerful, and it adopts the latest Bluetooth technology advantages, which translate into a more solid range and lower power consumption. Its integrated battery gives it ten hours of autonomy, and if the music source doesn't have Bluetooth support, The Vamp Stereo can take on the role of a simple amplifier through a 3.5mm connector.
Those who don't have spare speakers can access the The Vamp Speaker option, made from recycled materials, and with two auxiliary inputs to connect more speakers. The Vamp Stereo along with the Vamp Speaker costs 81 euros, but if you're only interested in the Bluetooth module, the price drops to 46 euros. The first deliveries will be made in March of next year.
