Speck’s latest speaker takes the term ‘trance music’ to another level. The only speaker with a built-in infinity mirror, the Gemtones from Speck is supposed to be a speaker that lets you get lost, both visually as well as lost in the music. The team at Speck jokingly refers to it as a “mullet speaker”—business in the front, party in the back. And honestly, the description fits. It’s a bookshelf speaker for your cozy afternoons and a party speaker when the lights go down and the energy ramps up.
This speaker doesn’t beg for attention in the way many party speakers do, which is kind of the point. With its soft gray finish and an earthy leatherette strap, the Gemtones Infinity fits naturally into a living room, blending in like it belongs there. But the mirrored front panel? That’s where things start getting interesting. While it reflects its surroundings in a way that helps it stay low-key in daylight, it doubles as a hidden canvas for an LED light show when the party starts. Flip the speaker into its “infinity” mode, and the lights behind the mirror come alive, bouncing between layers of glass for an otherworldly effect. It’s like your playlist unlocked a portal to another dimension.
Designer: Speck
Speck didn’t stop at cool visuals, either. They packed the Gemtones Infinity with plenty of functionality to back up the theatrics. The speaker comes in three sizes, so whether you’re outfitting a bedroom or filling a backyard, there’s an option for you. Each one is built with two active drivers and a passive radiator tucked into the back, giving the sound a satisfying punch. While the exact wattage wasn’t shared, you can expect this setup to deliver a solid, balanced performance that doesn’t lose its footing when the bass kicks in.
The infinity mirror is easily the icing on this cake. Mostly relegated to DIY craft projects or bachelor-pads, infinity mirrors are exceptionally cool, given how they look like portals into another world. The trick behind them is simple – a two-way mirror and a regular mirror are kept facing each other. Add lights between and they reflect almost endlessly, creating a tunnel or portal. By putting this on a Bluetooth speaker, Speck’s managed to create an audio device that doesn’t just sound incredible, it looks incredible too.
Thanks to True Wireless Stereo (TWS) tech, you can link two speakers of the same size for stereo sound. But if you’re feeling ambitious—or just really want to make an impression—you can pair up to 50 speakers in a mix-and-match setup. Imagine starting with a single speaker on a bookshelf, then adding satellites all over your house or yard. It’s a modular sound system with room to grow.
The companion app lets you work all the features. Not only can you toggle between six different LED light effects, but you also get access to six EQ presets to tweak the sound for whatever you’re listening to. Want bass-heavy EDM one minute and balanced acoustics the next? A few taps, and you’re there. For those who like to micromanage their audio setup, this is the kind of customization that goes a long way.
Battery life clocks in at a respectable 15 hours, which should keep things going long past bedtime. Whether it’s an all-day playlist or a late-night dance session, the Gemtones Infinity isn’t going to bail on you early. It’s practical enough to use every day, but it’s that ability to shift gears when needed that makes it feel special.
Speck has pulled off something clever with the Gemtones Infinity. It combines optical illusions, home decor, and audio into one package that instantly feels very different from anything you’ve seen. The speakers come in 3 sizes, priced starting at $79 going up to $129 for the largest. It’s the closest thing to owning a miniature disco, honestly. Audio, check, trippy lights, check, vibe check.
The post Speck Gemtones Infinity Hands-On at CES 2025: A Speaker + Infinity Mirror That Dazzles and Delivers first appeared on Yanko Design.