AktiMate Maxi Active 2-Way Loudspeakers with iPod dock & Wi-Fi

The AktiMate Maxi may look like an unassuming pair of speakers. But they are so much more - to start with, this active 2-way system removes the need for a separate amplifier as it has its own 60 Watt per channel amplifier built in to one of the speakers.

Reciva Internet Radio Module Onboard

It includes a Reciva media module which brings the wonders of direct access to internet radio together with the ability to stream from any Windows or UPnP shared network on your computer. To access the network you either connect via the Ethernet RJ45 on the rear panel, or wirelessly using the AktiMate Maxi’s internal Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g.

There is FM radio as well (with a string antenna supplied), and the Maxi has three auxiliary inputs (2 pairs of RCA phono connections and a mini-jack) plus audio outputs. The USB host socket on the Maxi allows replay of music files from memory sticks or MP3 players. The iPod dock situated on the top of the active speaker has the elegant cover flap recently introduced on the Minis.

Illuminated LCD Screen

The enhanced functionality is easy to use thanks to the addition of an illuminated LCD screen on the front of the more powerful active speaker. The menu itself is clear and easy to navigate, either via the remote or the knob on the front panel.

The options are plentiful - Internet Radio, FM Radio, Media Player, Aux 1 (via RCA Phono 1), Aux 2 (RCA Phono 2), Line in (Mini-jack) ... there is even an alarm clock!

In addition, once registered with Reciva (free) you have access to the vast media library which you configure to your very own My Stuff folder for speed of access.

Control is via the remote handset or from the control knob on the front panel of the active speaker. AktiMate Maxis are fully shielded, so placement alongside a monitor presents no problem although the size of these speakers suggest the are better suited to being placed on stands.

A voltage selector switch permits a change of voltage should you wish to travel to a part of the world using different mains voltages.

Designed by Mike Creek

Get a pair of AktiMate Maxis designed by the legendary Mike Creek of Creek Audio and Epos fame! What you get is a Creek amplified Epos speaker with an embedded iPod dock and three additional inputs for listening to a source other than your iPod. When the iPod isn’t in use, there’s a hinged cover built right into the speaker that folds down flat to conceal the dock. The Maxis also incorporate a built-in FM radio and internet radio module, plus a USB input for playing music files. They even come with a wireless remote control.

It comes in a choice of three dynamic finishes – gloss black, gloss red and real wood walnut veneer. Silk cloth fabric grilles are provided for the woofer - to fit them gently remove the trim ring and the grilles fit into the same fixing holes. They can be removed and the trim ring replaced at any time.

AktiMate Maxi comes complete with a connecting speaker cable, a 3.5mm cable, rubber feet, banana plugs, an iPod accessory pack although this contains a selection only - (the cradle which comes with your iPod fits neatly into the dock).

AktiMate Maxi Speakers Awards and Reviews

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - 5 Stars - March 2009
Here then is a self-contained system with no need for a source player to get some sounds. Crisp, detailed and edlessly likeable, the Maxis are engaging enough to make long listening sessions fly by. The most impressive aspect of the performance is the effortlessly deep, martially controlled, bass.

Choosing your (colour) finish will be the most difficult part of the transaction: as far as sound is concerned, this is a no-brainer.

Gramophone magazine - June 2010
The AktiMate Maxis give away nothing to more conventional multi-box amplifier/speaker systems, producing a big, mature sound across a wide range of musical styles and speech, and having more than sufficient bass for all by the largest of rooms. They're beautifully detailed, can create a credible, well-focused soundstage, and have a room-filling sound that's anything but shut in.

Smarthouse magazine - February 2010
Using the Internet Radio function on the Aktimate Maxi is straightforward and simple. As soon as it connected to our network, we were able to browse stations by region or genre, perform a manual station search, and store up to 12 preset stations. We were even able to choose whether to stream stations on WMA, MP3, or AAC+ format in some instances, which improved audio quality. The Maxi did a good job in streaming low bitrate audio - it didn't sound awful and we enjoyed listening to the music.

... the speakers producing punchy bass, warm midrange, and pristine highs even when set at high volumes.

With Internet radio, FM, audio streaming functions, iPod connectivity, and various input ports onboard, the Aktimate Maxi is a great speaker to have. It sounds fantastic, can definitely liven up a room, and is worth the investment. Easily one of the best iPod speakers for this year.

BBC Music Buyers Guide - August 2010
This is a great set-up for the digital audio and internet savvy music listener.

BBC Music Magazine - 5 Stars
The solid cabinets are expertly made ... the Maxi serves up a rich fluid audio with well-judged low-end tones and a nice level of detail.

... a sophisticated, space-saving solution.

Sound+Image
... we've never heard internet radio sound so good.

It was the ability to acheive emotional impact for solid sonics that originally endeared us to the Maxis’ smaller stablemate, while here you also get a healthy supplement of weight, scale and bass that will suit larger rooms and bigger parties.

if you liked the Minis, you should love the Maxis too. They take the original AktiMates’ wow factor and make it large, while adding today’s technology to open the doors to network streaming and internet radio. Recommended.

AktiMate Maxi Speakers Specifications

Configuration 2-Way active bookshelf speakers (1 active master speaker/1 passive slave speaker)
Power Output 60 W into its own 4 Ohm speaker load
Woofer 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) mid/bass with moulded polypropylene cone. Shielded magnet.
Tweeter 25 mm (1 inch) metal dome with neodymium magnet.
Speakers driver used in AktiMate are licensed from Epos Limited U.K.
Frequency Response 48 Hz - 28 kHz
Power Amplifier Type Class A/B (built in) 60 watts per channel RMS
Nat-Semi LM4780 Overture
MAS 6116 digitally controlled analogue volume control
Transformer 160W Toroidal power transformer
Inputs 2 Pairs Stereo RCA sockets
1 3.5 mm jack
iPod dock
USB for memory stick / MP3 Player
Outputs 1 pair RCA sockets (unfiltered) for connection to sub-woofer or to daisy-chain AktiMate speakers
Connections Ethernet
Wi Fi 802.11b/g
FM
THD <0.05%
Crosstalk <50dB
Input Impedance 22 kOhms unbalanced
Passive speaker impedance 4 Ohms
Protection Output current limiting, Thermal over-temperature, Power on/off transient protection
Replaceable external mains fuse
Mains voltage 240/120V 50/60 Hz
Inclusions Right angles IEC power cord
Connecting speaker cable
3.5mm connection cable
iPod accessory pack - note this is a selection only. The accessory which came with your iPod
fits into the AktiMate dock.
4 mm banana plugs
Wi fi aerial
FM aerial
IR remote control handset
Cloth grilles (to fit over woofer)
Instructions
Size 320 x 210 x 260 mm
Weight 16 Kgs
Packed 1 carton
Warranty 12 months