SRS iWow: Indulge your Ears
Posted by Steven Owens on 07/15/07 in Audio, Music, Podcasting
While Apple laptops have better speakers than most laptops, they could still use some help. Even most external powered speakers could use some improvement. The SRS iWow plugin for iTunes from SRS Labs can make your built-in speakers sound good or your good speakers sound great. The plugin uses SRS Labs’ technology to “provide amazing audio immersion and maximum thump for a personalized audio experience.”
SRS iWow is a plugin for iTunes and is powered by Rouge Amoeba’s iTunes Enhancer technology. After installing the SRS iWow plugin, its window opens up when you open iTunes. You have the option of keeping it open or closing it (which reduces its already low processor load).

The plugin allows you to choose what type of speakers you are using (headphones, external, or laptop) and a preset or custom setting (although there is no way for you to save multiple custom settings). There are many customization options including SRS 3D (enhances the stereo environment), Definition (highlights high frequency details), FOCUS (changes the “height” of the sound stage), and TruBass (maximizes bass by adjusting the frequency of the low-pass filter). If you are an audiophile, the SRS audio enhancement website provides more technical details.
Not being a huge audiophile myself, I just stuck with the presets and did some testing with both my Logitech X-230 speakers (which I highly recommend) and the built-in speakers on my MacBook Pro. I was very impressed with the results on with all types of music. I also noticed a difference on the clarity of spoken-word audio files such as podcasts and audiobooks. The effect is of course more noticeable on lower quality speakers (ie. built-in speakers) but was still made a big enough difference on my Logitech speakers to make it worth the $19.99 it costs to purchase. I’d be curious to hear what an audiophile thinks as well as other people’s experiences.
I recommend highly recommend the SRS iWow plugin for iTunes from SRS Labs for anyone who spends time listening to either music or spoken word on their laptop or external speakers. You can download a free trial from SRS Labs and give it a try before you have to pay $19.99 to register the plugin.
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