Music by the seat of your pants

Embedding music systems in household furniture is hardly a unique concept, as we've seen it done in pieces ranging from headboards to fireplaces. But in most cases, you don't sit on the equipment.

That's why we were initially a bit dubious about the "Substage FlatMagic Active Subwoofer," which is described as "the world's first ultra-compact low-profile audiophile subwoofer solution"--meaning that it's thin enough to slide under a living room chair or sofa. Soundmatters, which will soon sell a new version of the skinny box for $399, says it was designed by Godehard Guenther, "former NASA physicist and audio engineering legend." (Why does all this remind us of the The Nutty Professor?)

We like the description by Chip Chick best: "A cinematic experience under your bum."