K-array Ecodock Scoops Up ‘Best in Show’ Award at The NAMM Show

Jan. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Anaheim, Calif., – January 30, 2012 – Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that the Ecodock, a passive audio amplifier dock for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S manufactured by distributed brand K-array, was selected as a winner in the category of “Best Accessories and Add-ons” at the "Best In Show" breakfast panel, held at the NAMM Show 2012 on Sunday, January 22.

Six experts — including music store owners and music publication editors — combed the NAMM show floor to find the top gear in four categories, including: Best In Show — the best product or service that panelists saw at NAMM; Company to Watch — an exhibitor with trendsetting products or services; Gotta Stock It — a product that retailers want to stock right now, if they haven’t already; and Best Accessories and Add-ons — A great product from the small-goods arena.

“Even with nearly 1,500 exhibitors, tens of thousands of products and panelists from diverse parts of the country and diverse parts of the industry, there were a few standout companies and products that caught the attention of several of our judges,” said Frank Alkyer, publisher of DownBeat, UpBeat Daily and Music Inc. magazines, as well as the session’s moderator. “That was a dramatic change from most ‘Best In Shows’ and demonstrates the power of a good product or a good idea.”

Small Wonder Stands Out from the Crowd
The Ecodock is a freestanding miniature loudspeaker for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, capable of boosting the audio signal by up to 10dB — with no battery or external power supply. Sporting a sleek, compact design and priced at just $19.95, the Ecodock is perfectly suited for amplifying conference calls, listening to podcasts, or enjoying music at modest levels.

With a base of clear Plexiglas and a similar form factor as the iPhone, the Ecodock uses the natural laws of physics and the principle of the ‘horn loudspeaker’ to efficiently distribute acoustic energy over a wide air surface. Since the device fits easily into a pocket and requires no batteries, it can be used just about anywhere and is effortless to operate.

A small package making a big difference
For every Ecodock sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the “A Smile for Burkina” association, a charitable organization dedicated to helping the “Les Saints Innocents” children’s orphanage in Burkina Faso — one of the poorest West African countries in the world. “Les Saints Innocents” is home to 130 orphans, four nuns and 16 caregivers.

“A Smile for Burkina” began working with the orphanage in 2008 and is now hard at work on the construction and furnishing of three new classrooms for the children. 

The Ecodock is available individually or in case packs of 24. For more information on the Ecodock and “A Smile for Burkina,” please visit http://www.k-array.com/en/ecodock.