News

Harman/Kardon Package

2012-02-12T11:09:00.003+02:00

As you may or may not have heard, Menlyn is having their annual sidewalk sale. In honour of this, Sound & Image has a variety of items on sale, including this Harman/Kardon pack. Inside this deal is the HK AVR165 AVR receiver, the BDT30 Blu-ray player and the HK TS30QB speaker package. The offer is available in-store only.

Our sale runs with Menlyn's sidewalk sale, and ends on the 19th of February 2012.

A Visit to D&M Holdings

2012-02-12T10:36:00.000+02:00

We arrived to a bitterly cold, snowy andovercast country, but that would not change our mood. So our journey began withmuch excitement from Amsterdam, we catch a bus that drives us down to near theBelgium border in Eindhoven. Greeting us at the bus is a friendly Dutch mancalled Ties, he is the Export SalesManager for D&M Holdings. Walkingover the freezing snow from the previous day, we enter D&M Holdings headquarters, Europe. We walk into anicely laid out conference room where some snacks and drinks await,as we wait for our cold bones to be warmed up this is definitely a welcomedgesture.

Awaiting us is the team of D&M Holdings staff that areresponsible for Europe and Africa. Rainer,Dirk , Oliver and Michel, allgreeting us with German- and Dutch-English accent. Also entering the room is afriendly Japanese gentleman, Ken Ishiwata.What a humbling moment and an honour for me, meeting the guys from D&M Holdings and a legend in thefield of Hi-FI.

Treated to an introduction wewere separated into 2 groups and my group was first go and have a“meet-and-greet” with the legend, Ken.We walk down a spiral staircase into a dream, a studio laid out and fortified,treated and decorated by Ken to getthe best sound possible. In front of us is his demo room, Marantz CD Players, Marantz Pre-Amps, Marantz Power Amps, allsilver, hooked up to a Boston A-26and still concept Boston Reference speaker (unknown by name, unknown forrelease).

To begin with he played some songs on the Boston A-26 bookshelf. Ken Ishiwata has also been involved inthe development of the BostonA-Series. He hooks it up to the MarantzKI-Pearl Lite, obviously his signature is on that specific unit. So thiswas awesome, a speaker and stereo amplifier which both was influenced by Ken Ishiwata. Cranking it up a bit itbecame apparent to me (listening first time to the A-26) that Boston is infor business and aims to tackle the stronghold of the British speakers. Thetypical American sound has become much more musical, much more balanced, and itcosts a fraction of most bookshelf speakers. Dear I say the B&W 685 bookshelf does not seem thatimpressive in my mind, well not as much anymore since listening to thiscombination.

Beautiful mid-range, the HF is wellpronounced, the bass is effective in filling the room with what it is given. Toall who are looking for a brilliant bookshelf stereo set up, get a Marantz KI Pearl Lite and a Boston Acoustic A-26. . .fabulous!

No, he is not dancing!

Next in line were the Reference Speakers that were only show cased once. They were hookedup to the Marantz Legendary CD, PreAmp and Power Amp (SA 7 S2, SC 7 S2 andMM 9 S2). Just to put this into perspective, I have heard B&W 803 Diamonds, 800 Diamonds, Ihave heard Steinway Lyngdorf Model D,I have heard the KEF Blade, and I canassure you if or when this speaker comes into production it will change a lotof people's view on Boston Acoustic'sability to make high end Reference Speakers.It was awesome. He played specifically a piece of bass guitar solo. Goodheavens, what absolutely stunning presence, control and balance. Ken showed us the design of the cabinetand it explains a lot how the sound from these speakers is brilliant. Thespeaker does at no time feel held back, it is crisp, clear, politeyet aggressive, with precision thundering bass.

What a treat to be with a legend in thefield of Hi-Fi. He is passionate about what he does. And when you look at theexcitement and passion of the group of people at D&M Holdings, the future of Denon,Marantz, Boston and their associated products looks very bright. They arealways asking for input and feedback on their products, always willing to takea compliment and suggestion a like.

After our encounter in the demo room wemoved up to the conference room again. Here, some new products which wererecently launched were displayed to us. Their soundbar TVee 30 is really a lovely piece of work for those whohave space restrictions, or just want to have great sound in their bedroom.Most soundbars on the market cater for movies almost exclusively, but not the Boston TVee. Dare to play David Foster Blu Ray through it! Youwill find a great pleasure in this, I can almost guarantee this. Alsosome new i-Pod players will come ontothe market in the near future, which will be Airplay friendly. Beautiful design and it does sound better thanthe Boston Duo.

The time had come to leave the D&M HQ, Europe. With a huge smile onmy face, off I plodded into the freezing cold winds of Holland. Fortunately wewere treated to an awesome Japanese restaurant where food at one stageflew around, (the video to be added about this at a later stage).

I would like to give specific mention tothe people that really made this experience truly unforgettable, my sincerestthanks to: Ties, Rainer, Dirk , Oliver and Michel, and Ken Ishiwata,you have left such a great impression in my life, meeting all of you issomething that I will cherish as being one of the great moments in my life.Thank you all so much for the opportunity to meet you, chat with you and createsome really special memories. You have inspired and humbled me.

Yamaha RX-A810 Special

2012-02-10T15:01:00.003+02:00

Coming Soon

2012-02-08T16:06:00.006+02:00

Coming to Menlyn's Sound & Image on Friday... Menlyn is having their annual side walk sale and we will be unveiling our latest packaged deals. Exclusive to the Sound & Image Menlyn Branch.

The sidewalk sale starts on Friday the 10th of February 2012 and runs until the 19th of February 2012.

There are a variety of speaker kits and micro systems as well as individual units on sale at prices that are simply unbelievable!

February Sale!

2012-01-31T15:59:00.006+02:00

The Menlyn Park Branch of Sound & Image is on sale! With a variety of products on sale at excellent prices, missing out would be silly.

New PV1 Replacement, The PV1D

2012-01-24T17:43:00.001+02:00

Pricing confirmed on the new PV1D at R15 990.00 SRP. It will have a DSP unit and power output of 400watts. So far very little information is available but we hope to have stock of this unit by middle to end February.

New Mark Levinson introduced at CES

2012-01-24T17:38:00.000+02:00

At the CES show recently Mark Levinson introduced some new equipment to celebrate their 40th Anniversary.

Here follows some of the units they introduced

No 52 Reference Dual Monaural Pre-Amplifier

The № 52 is quite simply the finest Mark Levinson preamplifier ever. It is an all-analog, true dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible.

The № 52 provides a comprehensive complement of inputs including three balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, and a dedicated phono input that is selectable for moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through full-range subwoofer output or a record output. Read more

No 585 Intergrated Amplifier

The Mark Levinson № 585 integrated amplifier is ideal for audiophiles and music lovers who desire an all in one audio control center and stereo power amplifier that is space saving and easy to use and delivers ultimate-quality music reproduction. The № 585 offers three analog line-level audio inputs plus an MC/MM phono input and six digital audio inputs, to accommodate a wide array of music sources, and can be operated via its remote control. The № 585 delivers a generous 225 watts per channel power output into 8 ohms, to easily drive even inefficient audiophile loudspeakers, and provides a dedicated sub woofer output. Read more

No 512 SACD Disc Player

The Mark Levinson № 519 SACD Disc Player is designed for those who demand nothing less than the finest in digital music reproduction. It combines a precision CD/SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) player mechanism with dual 32-bit/192kHz audiophile-grade digital to analog converters to deliver extraordinary fidelity, resolution and musical accuracy. Adding to its versatility, the № 519 also functions as a complete digital preamplifier. It includes four S/PDIF and USB digital inputs, plus XLR and RCA analog and HDMI 1.3, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial S/PDIF outputs and an onboard digital volume control that enable the № 519 to be connected to a stereo or multichannel preamplifier or amplifier. In addition, the № 519 provides direct SACD audio output via its HDMI connection as well as high-resolution LPCM digital audio. Read more

No 560 Digital Audio Processor

The Mark Levinson № 560 is engineered to bring out the very best in all digital audio sources including high-resolution audio formats and serve as the heart of a digital audio music system. The Mark Levinson № 560 enables listeners to enjoy the full sonic benefits of computer audio, disc transports, streaming media devices and other digital sources thanks to its dual 32-bit, 192kHz premium digital to analog converters, digital volume control and impeccable engineering and construction.

The № 560 provides no less than 10 digital audio inputs including two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, three USB 2.0 (A) connectors, two HDMI inputs with DSD (Direct Stream Digital)-direct capability and an AES/EBU XLR input. The No 560’s XLR and RCA analog outputs facilitate connection to an amplifier or preamplifier. The № 560 is designed for extraordinary sonic performance, incorporating isolated digital and analog circuitry with independent power supplies, asynchronous clocking to ensure jitter-free performance from the dual 32-bit DACs, premium quality internal components throughout and many additional enhancements.

Boston Acoustics: Soundware S5.1

2011-11-18T15:03:00.005+02:00

Boston has reworked their award-winning SoundWare XS 5.1 system, into the Soundware S 5.1 system. This new system is “ultra-compact” and comes with greater acoustic performance as well a higher output in terms of power.

The system comes equipped with five 13cm x 13cm satellite speakers, available in either a high-gloss black or white finish. These satellite speakers also feature a ¾” dome tweeter as well as 3-1/2 mid-bass drivers.

The SW S5.1 has wall brackets with stylish coverings as well as rear-panel wire grooves, making setup easier.

The subwoofer is a 10-inch vented woofer that comes with a 200W (300W peak) amplifier, which features Boston Acoustics’ BassTrac circuitry. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the speakers do come with MagnaGuard magnetic shielding.

** Available in December 2011

Monitor Audio... Yes, We stock it!

2011-07-21T16:49:00.004+02:00

“…Monitor Audio blends the performance you can hear with the design you’ll love so precisely that neither seems compromised. Across a range rich in its choice of style and application, our meticulous approach to quality, perfected over four decades, guarantees you great sound with a tonal accuracy that’s shared by every speaker. This means that with one clear voice we can answer the call for discreetly stylish life-like audio in every environment…”

“…Putting innovation into action requires enormous dedication and skill. For each new range we ask our engineers to capture more frequencies, invariably from smaller, glossier cabinets! This entails finding further ways to endow more compact designs with the fidelity of our flagship technologies. For any given cabinet volume Monitor Audio endeavours to go higher and deeper with less distortion than other brands. The extraordinary focus we apply to the quest for greater efficiency, accuracy and bandwidth from our speaker systems is unceasing and always reinvested…”

-Information sourced directly from: www.mafocus.co.uk

Menlyn's stock has gone on Sale!

2011-05-24T16:37:00.006+02:00

It is indeed a crazy time of year! Sound And Image's Menlyn branch is going on sale from the 26th of May 2011, all those items you have dreamed of, you can now get them at an even better price.

With knowledgeable staff members who are friendly and eager to assist you, with any questions or demo's, the Menlyn branch is definitely the place to be from the 26th of May until the 12th of June 2011.

Samsung... Television worth seeing

2011-05-04T16:55:00.004+02:00

Sound and Image has a variety of great items, and we have now added Samsung televisions to the list. If you are looking to complete your home theatre system in style, adding a television is the way to go! We have a great selection of televisions, LCD's, LED's and Plasma flat-screens, suited to any indoor living area!

They Are That Good

2011-04-21T12:08:00.003+02:00

The Boston A-series speakers. Yes, we are going on about them for a reason. They are just “that good”. The A-25’s and A-26’s sound like floorstanding monsters, the floorstanders sound as good a Bugatti Veyron… And we have them all in stock. Curious about them, well fortunately all our stores have soundrooms, which means if you want to hear what we are talking about… Come down to any of the branches and take a listen.

Boston Acoustics latest Series...

2011-03-17T12:44:00.000+02:00

Boston has added a new series to their already impressive speaker collection. The A-series. These speakers are designed with the same principles that Boston has applied to all their speakers: The Play Smart approach – the same approach that they used with the first A-series back in the late seventies/early eighties. The joy of this means that music sounds as good as ever!

Boston Acoustic speakers are designed for flat octave to octave frequency response – all notes are produced with a consistent loudness, low distortion and high power handling - pumping out the full dynamic range whichever side of the scale (Loud to soft, soft to loud).

The A-series has a variety of elements that make this range completely different to it’s predecessor, the driver design has been remodelled, using electromagnetic as the base point, the sub-woofers use Deep Channel Design (DCD) magnetic structures which is optimised through the use of FEA software, literally opening up the room for the maximum woofer movement.

With all the A-series speakers, Boston used a distinct curved-cone design allowing for the smoothest frequency response that they could possibly give.

The cabinets are as critical as the software performing two critical acoustic functions, acting as a tuned chamber to magnify the woofers sound output and providing a clean acoustic baffle.

This series is bound to impress, it did in the eighties and it definitely will today.

-Information sourced from A-series White Paper: www.bostonacoustics.com

Yamaha packs

2011-02-14T10:23:00.000+02:00

Yamaha has got a variety of packages for this month, which means WE have them. Some of the packs are 5.1 speaker packs - like the 700 series, others are home theatre combo's - like the ACT series. Throughout the month we'll be updating the site, adding in more packages and keeping you up-to-date on specials, new additions, news and reviews.

If internet shopping is not your style - don't worry, all of the items are in-store as well. You are welcome to pop on down to one of our branches and chat to one of our sales consultants.

Update to the high-side

2010-11-01T14:58:00.000+02:00

Rotel has announced that all future 15-Series receivers and processors will be able to support HDMI 1.4a and...Wait for it... all will be fully 3D-compliant! The company also plans to perform firmware updates to all existing 15-series receivers and processors totally free of charge!

KEF Special Offer

2010-09-15T00:24:00.000+02:00

Sound and Image has always liked the Q series for their versatility, both in audio quality and aesthetics. These babies have always been good value so why the crazy discount?

While we would love to take all the credit for this great offer, the truth is that KEF are about to launch a new series, and this offer is basically a blowout sale worldwide! That really does mean stocks are limited, and never to be repeated.

So last chance to own a piece of KEF history, and one the most successful speaker ranges ever built.

Yamaha's all star lineup of 3D Ready AV Receivers touch down

2010-07-20T09:25:00.000+02:00

Drop by and experience Yamaha's new range of 3D ready AV Receivers.

Guaranteed to blow you away!

Click here to go to product page

Yamaha YSP 41000 & RSW 300 & BDS 1065 Package

2010-07-20T09:20:00.000+02:00

Surround sound that doesnt take up space!! No messy cables, just pure surround sound bliss.

Click here to go to product page

All New Yamaha MCR 730 Package

2010-07-20T09:15:00.000+02:00

Be sure to Pop into one of our showrooms to experience the all new Yamaha MCFR 730 Package, you be blown away!

Click here to go to product page

Yamaha Blu Ray Player Patch for Avatar

2010-06-06T16:32:00.000+02:00

See in store for the latest Yamaha Blu Ray Player Patch for the Film Of the Year Avatar!

Our friendly staff will glady assist you!

Samsung 55C7000 Review

2010-05-06T12:37:00.000+02:00

Conclusion

I really think the Samsung UN55C7000 55-inch 3D LED HDTV is a wonderful display, one of the best I've seen in recent memory. I found its 2D performance to be incredible and its 3D performance to be equal to and in some instances better than theatrical 3D. There is always a price to pay when being the first to adopt any technology and 3D is no different. Ultimately, it's going to be up to you and your budget. Is 3D going to be with us for the long haul? I think so given how hard Hollywood is pushing it right now, but time and tastes change and anything is possible. The one saving grace about the UN55C7000 is the fact that it's not just a good or first generation 3D capable display - it's a good LED HDTV period. So even if 3D dies a horrid death within a year or two you won't be stuck with a worthless HDTV, which should offer some comfort to those unsure of whether to buy into the trend now or later.

Samsung 2010 3D LED Touch Down!

2010-05-04T12:23:00.000+02:00

Sound and Image are proud to announce the all new 2010 line up of 3D capable panels!
See our online store or pop into one our stores for more details and previewing!

Samsung BD C 6900 3D Blu Ray Player Now Available!

2010-05-03T19:12:00.000+02:00

The All New Samsung BD C 6900 3D Blu Ray Player Now Available!

Click here to go to product page

Denon Cara Now Available!

2010-04-21T15:04:00.000+02:00

The all new Denon Cara now available in our online store!

Click here to got to product page

Audioquest Now Available in the Online Shop!

2010-04-16T12:54:00.000+02:00

Click here to go to product page

B&W 800 Diamond Series Now In Store

2010-04-07T13:33:00.000+02:00

Be sure to visit the online shop and view the latest offering in the form of the Bowers and Wilkins 800 Diamond Series!!

3D touching down in home shortly!

2010-03-26T11:45:00.000+02:00

Avatar now has a place in movie history as a film that has forever changed public consciousness of a technology. In this case, the technology is 3D. Like it or not, 3D is coming home, and James Cameron's blockbuster has made a majority of viewers aware of that.

The news came in a Retrovo Pulse survey of 1250+ randomly selected people in December and January. Before Avatar hit theaters, 39 percent of them were aware they'd soon have 3D at home (if they wanted it). After the movie became a sensation, that number rose to 60 percent.

However, don't jump to the conclusion that a majority of consumers are ready to spring for 3D. While the survey did record a jump in willingness to buy, from 27 to 32 percent, that still leaves two-thirds of consumers 3D-wary.

Courtesy: hometheatermag.com

Bowers and Wilkins 800 Diamond Series Now Available In Store

2010-03-26T11:10:00.000+02:00

HDMI 1.4A... The low down

2010-03-23T11:10:00.000+02:00

HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, today announced the release of HDMI Specification Version 1.4a featuring enhancements for 3D applications including the addition of mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content as well as the addition of the 3D format referred to as Top-and-Bottom. The complete HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, along with the 1.4a version of the Compliance Test Specification (CTS), is available to Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet.

An extraction of the 3D portion of Specification Version 1.4a is available for public download on the HDMI Web site. The purpose of the extraction document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification for those companies and organizations that are not HDMI Adopters but require access to this portion of the Specification.

“We published these latest enhancements to support the market need for broadcast 3D content. When we launched 1.4 in June of 2009, we deferred the selection of mandatory 3D format(s) for broadcast content until the market direction was more clearly defined. The market has spoken and the HDMI Consortium has listened and responded to accommodate those market needs.”

- Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

The latest HDMI Specification adds key enhancements to support the market requirements for bringing broadcast 3D content into the home:

1. The addition of Top-and-Bottom to the Specification.

2. The addition of two mandatory formats for broadcast content:

Side-by-Side Horizontal
Top-and-Bottom
With the addition of these two mandatory formats, the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a provides a level of interoperability for devices designed to deliver 3D content over the HDMI connection. The mandatory 3D formats are:

3D Mandatory Formats

For movie content:
Frame Packing
1080p @ 23.98/24Hz
For game content:
Frame Packing
720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
For broadcast content:
Side-by-Side Horizontal
1080i @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
Top-and-Bottom
720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
1080p @ 23.97/24Hz
Implementing the mandatory formats of the HDMI Specification facilitates interoperability among devices, allowing devices to speak a common 3D language when transmitting and receiving 3D content. The mandatory requirements for devices implementing 3D formats are:

Displays – must support all mandatory formats.
Sources – must support at least one mandatory format.
Repeaters - must be able to pass through all mandatory formats.
HDMI Adopters will have 90 days from the publication of the Specification Version 1.4a to build and sell products that are compliant with 1.4a as well as pass the CTS Version 1.4a. This also applies to legacy set-top boxes that may have upgraded to use Specification Version 1.4 signaling.

For more information about the HDMI specification please visit http://www.hdmi.org.

Yamaha YHT S 400 & BD S1065 Special

2010-03-17T12:06:00.000+02:00

Grab this superb offer while you can!

Was R13650.00

Now R9990.00

Click here to go to product page

Month Of March Product Focus - Marantz SR 6004 AV Receiver

2010-03-10T12:50:00.000+02:00

To all our valued customers and followers.

Sound and Image would like to offer you the following great offer!

Upgrade to the Award Winning Marantz SR 6004 AV Receiver , marked down to R12 200.00 inc vat

Upgrade to the Marantz SR 6004 AV Receiver and any other items in your basket will qualify you for an extra 5% discount on your total bill!

Sale Starts 13th March 2010 - Ends 20th March 2010

For more info click here: SR 6004 Special

Yamaha DSP Z7 Special with AS 1000 Amp and CD S1000 Player

2010-03-04T10:35:00.000+02:00

Once again, due to popular demand we have brought back the Yamaha DSP Z7 AV Reciever and AS 1000 and CD S1000 Special!

Grab yourself this combo while you can!

Was R66000.00
Now R39990.00

Click here to go to product page

Boston & Denon Package Special

2010-03-01T11:49:00.000+02:00

Bowers & Wilkins CM9

2010-02-26T11:48:00.000+02:00

European Loudspeaker 2009-2010 > B&W CM9

Click here to go to product page

Harman Kardon HK990

2010-02-26T11:42:00.000+02:00

European Audio Amplifier 2009-2010 -> Harman Kardon HK 990

Click here to go to product page

Boston Acoustics & Yamaha Special Package

2010-02-25T13:34:00.000+02:00

Yamaha Z11 & BD S1900 Blu Ray Special

2010-02-24T13:25:00.000+02:00

Was R85330.00

Now R60990.00

Click Here to go to product Page

Latest Yamaha Sound Projectors

2010-02-16T10:19:00.000+02:00

Yamaha just unveiled the YSP-5100 and YSP-4100, its next generation of Digital Sound Projectors. Employing Yamaha's proprietary technology, both models deliver surround sound from a single speaker by employing dozens of separate audio beam drivers that deliver center channel sound directly, while sounds from other channels are heard reflecting off the walls around the listener. These units, which are ideal for placement beneath the latest flat screen TV models, provide HD Audio decoding and four 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs along with proprietary technologies including UniVolume for keeping the sound of TV programs and commercials and different sources at the same volume level, and yAired for wireless iPod and iPhone audio playback.
The YSP-4100 features 40 beam drivers and two woofers, each with dedicated amplifiers. The YSP-5100 is identical, plus two tweeters with dedicated amplifiers. Both units bypass the need for a separate receiver or amplifier, or additional speakers, making them the ideal surround sound solutions for small spaces or second rooms in multi-zone systems. Both models, which are significantly thinner than previous Digital Sound Projector models (3 ½ inch depth), can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf or rack.

The YSP-4100 and YSP-5100 offer HD Audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD High Resolution) to deliver the best possible sound from Blu-ray disc players and all other digital sources. Users can also choose from six listening modes (5 BeamPlus2 for 7.1 ch HD Audio, Stereo + 3 BeamPlus2, 5 Beam, Stereo + 3 Beam, 3 Beam and Stereo) to best suit their living spaces and content playing. Eleven Cinema DSP Modes (3 "movie," 3 "music" and 5 additional "entertainment" modes) offer even more options to further maximize the audio for any entertainment experience.

The YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 have 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/ 1 out) that enable the connection of multiple HDMI sources and the full enjoyment of 1080p monitors, Blu-ray disc players and HDTV set top boxes. They also feature analog to HDMI digital video upconversion that improve video composite and component signals to HD quality.

Yamaha's UniVolume feature maintains a consistent volume level between different channel, programs, commercials and input sources. For instance, when watching TV, the volume of commercials will not be louder than the program being viewed. The same is true when switching sources to watch a DVD or Blu-ray movie or to listen to music on CD. This is particularly helpful for late night watching and listening when spikes in volume can disturb others in the house or apartment building.

Stand-alone entertainment systems in their own right, both models have an integrated FM tuner and are fully Sirius Satellite Radio ready, broadening the user's listening choices. Yamaha's yAired technology allows users to wirelessly play audio from iPods and iPhones via the YSP-5100 and YSP-4100. By connecting a small transmitter (supplied with both YSP models) to an iPod or iPhone, users can take out their ear buds and share their favorite music, video and games with friends. This solution adds remote control capability to iPhones and iPods so users maintain direct access to what they want to hear. The yAired connected iPods/iPhones and YSP-5100/YSP-4100s automatically synchronize for powering on and off.

In addition to seamless wireless convenience, yAired technology offers key advantages over Bluetooth, including superior sound quality via uncompressed linear PCM audio transmission and no audio delay issues when watching video or playing games. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology compensates for the lost detail of audio that is compressed during the "ripping" process to iPods and MP3 players, recapturing the essence of the original recording.

Those opting to add low frequency punch to their systems with optional subwoofers are able to quickly connect them via a supplied accessory package (which includes a SWK-W10 wireless subwoofer kit and a YIT-W10 wireless transmitter). Through wireless integration, users have the freedom to place any model subwoofer anywhere in the room without unsightly wires getting in the way.

Yamaha's exclusive IntelliBeam Automated System Calibration immediately readies the system to deliver optimum multi-channel sound reproduction with accurate image location by optimizing the level and frequency response of each beam. This is achieved via a microphone that monitors and analyzes a room's acoustics in less than three minutes.

Both the YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 are Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatible. When either the YSP-5100 or YSP-4100 are connected to CEC-compatible TVs, they will power on and off together with the TV, and the TV remote can be used to control the Digital Sound Projector volume. With CEC active, signals will pass through the YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 even if they are powered off.

Both models have RS-232C, IR pass through out and extended IR for custom installation functions and are sold with preset remote controls.

Types of Audiophile Speakers

2010-02-16T10:07:00.000+02:00

1.0 An Overview of Floor-standing Audiophile Loudspeakers
The floor-standing loudspeaker is your traditional audiophile speaker. Because of their large size and to-the-floor design, floor-standing speakers have the most bass, the largest soundstage and often overall the best sound money can buy.

2.0 Types of Floor-standing Audiophile Loudspeakers

2.1 Dynamic Speakers
Dynamic loudspeakers use traditional speaker drivers normally connected via a crossover network that sends the high frequencies to the tweeters, the midrange audio to the midrange driver and the low-frequency material to the larger woofers. Dynamic speakers can commonly be found as two-way bookshelf speakers, three-way floor-standing speakers or in even more complex configurations. Dynamic speakers are the most popular design of speakers in the audiophile and home theater markets.

2.2 Electrostatic Speakers
Electrostatic Speaker designs use a high voltage electrical field to drive a thin membrane between two perforated conductive plates called stators. Unless paired with a hybrid design using dynamic woofers (like MartinLogan speakers do), electrostats don't need a crossover system the way traditional dynamic loudspeaker systems do.

Fans of electrostats love their linear and low-distortion sound. Electrostats are very hard to drive and therefore need very powerful amplifiers to get high levels of sound pressure. An AV receiver is not a good match with a true electrostatic loudspeaker system. Electrostats are not known for their ability to reproduce deep bass and are, in most cases, physically very large.

2.3 Planar Speakers
Planar speakers use a thin membrane to create a three-dimensional sound that is beloved by a small group of older audiophiles. The most famous type of planar speaker is the Magnepan. Design flaws and technological limitations make planar speakers difficult to use in home theater applications. Also, don't let their thin size make you think they can be placed near a wall and still sound good. Planars need a lot of space between the speakers and the back wall of a listening room to sound their best. Planar speakers require a lot of power to play loudly and generally still can't keep up with dynamic or even electrostatic designs.

2.4 Ribbon Speakers
The term "ribbon" in the context of a conversation about speakers generally refers to the concept of using a thin ribbon driver, along with other, normally dynamic drivers to create the three-dimensionality and characteristic sound found in planar or electrostatic speakers without sacrificing power and dynamics. The most famous ribbon loudspeaker company today is Wisdom Audio, which makes the most expensive in-wall, ribbon-loaded speakers on the market today.

2.5 Horn Loaded Speakers
Horn speakers are used in cinema applications and in many recording studios. Horns have a distinctive sound on the high frequencies and are the speakers of choice for installations behind perforated screens, as they are highly efficient compared to traditional speakers and therefore will play loudly enough to make the behind-screen application sound good. Klipsch is the most well-known company currently selling horn loaded consumer-grade speakers.

2.6 Bi-polar Speakers
Bi-polar speakers fire both from the front and the back. Planar and electrostatic designs are bi-polar, which helps to create their distinctive three-dimensional sound. Bi-polar speakers can be dynamic or any number of other designs. Bi-polar speakers are more subject to the acoustics to the room than more traditional designs. Bi-polar rear and side-channel speakers have been in use in THX-certified theaters for more than a decade.

B&W MT 30 Theatre Package Special

2010-02-12T13:52:00.000+02:00

One of the Finest satelite speaker packages we have seen to date, superb quality construction and attention to detail when it comes to acoustic reproduction.

The entire package consists of a full 5.1 satelite set, 2 x fronts, 2 x rears and 1 x center channel. The sub included is the highly rated PV1 Sub, rated at 500w rms with dual 8" drivers mounted in a spherical chamber, this sub is great for movies and music whilst aesthetically doing it in style. All the Satelites can be wall mounted and wall mount brackets are included.

Available in Silver and Black, these are my first choice when it comes to satelite lifestyle speakers.

Take a look at our shop page for more details

Click here to go shop page

Was R20940.00
Now R16990.00

Klipsch Going Green!

2010-02-09T13:24:00.000+02:00

Loudspeaker manufacturer Klipsch is going green. It is amping up its green loudspeakers, and turning to solar power and other techniques to make its product line more energy-efficient. Klipsch is claiming that its horn-based loudspeakers use less power and produce more sound than other speakers.

The speakers are said to be able to produce three to six decibels more sound, using the same amount of power, compared to your standard loudspeaker. This is possible because with every three decibel increase in speaker sensitivity, the power must double. By incorporating a six decibel increase in sensitivity at no additional power consumption, the Klipsch speaker effectively cuts power consumption by 75%.

Klipsch is also considering adding solar panels to its Arkansas plant, and using finishes that have lower toxic emissions and other waste byproducts, in order to lessen the company’s overall impact on the environment.

Click here to go to Klipsch Product Page

The Role Of The Subwoofer

2010-02-05T10:32:00.000+02:00

Overview of Home Theater Subwoofers
Subwoofers are speakers designed specifically and exclusively to reproduce the lowest register of audio in home theater and audiophile systems. Often using large drivers sealed in a square-shaped box, subwoofers originally were designed to augment the lackluster bass performance of floor-standing speakers. Getting subs to integrate with audiophile speakers in the early days was without question a challenge but, when done properly, the results added tremendous impact to the overall sound.

Today, subwoofers get a lot more respect, because in 5.1 surround, the "point 1" channel is the LFE or subwoofer channel, meaning that even with most good surround sound formats, ranging from Dolby Digital to DTS to today's best lossless formats like DTS Master Audio and Dolby True HD, your subwoofer is getting discrete audio mixed and mastered only for your woofer. The significance of this for audio and movies is that the mixing engineer can determine exactly where the most bass-demanding effects or instruments can go; the best place for them to go in the mix is the subwoofer. It allows your main speakers to do what they do best and do it more clearly, while not sucking the life out of your amplifiers, which are trying to power a gigantic explosion or the dynamics of a tympani drum. Most modern subwoofers today are powered with digital or powerful class AB amplifiers, allowing them to do their job of reproducing bass from around 140 Hertz to subsonic levels of below 20 Hertz.

Will Blu-ray Profile 3.0 Be the Magic Bullet For Audiophile HD Music?

2010-02-03T10:28:00.000+02:00

Even for audiophiles, SACD is fading out of favor. Fewer labels are releasing new SACDs, and the labels that are still selling them are bringing out fewer discs. And of course for years now, DVD-Audio has been essentially extinct. What does the future hold for people who care about quality surround and stereo audio reproduction? The answer might very well be in the growing availability of Blu-ray players and discs.

Johannes Müller presented a very useful tutorial at the Audio Engineering Society's 126th Convention in Munich last May -- AES members can view a streamed version at http://www.aes.org/tutorials/. In this tutorial, Müller notes that one of the fatal flaws of the SACD and DVD-Audio formats is that special players are needed to take full advantage of the high-resolution content, so they never reached a mass market. However, every Blu-ray player can reproduce high-resolution surround audio through its HDMI output: 7.1 channels of 24-bit 192-kHz audio, losslessly coded and/or LPCM, depending on what the content owner decides to include on the disc. Some also have multichannel analog outputs and built-in converters for LPCM and lossless coding. Additionally, as the retail prices of Blu-ray players are dropping precipitously and more people are buying Blu-ray discs, the cost of mastering and pressing these discs is also dropping, so limited production runs of specialized content is becoming more economically feasible.

Müller is with msm-studios in Munich, who have developed a method of authoring Blu-ray audio discs that they call Pure Audio. These discs can be navigated in a similar manner to SACDs and CDs using a standard Blu-ray remote control; no video display is required. However, they include simple on-screen menus which can show track titles, images, and audio stream selection (losslessly compressed surround, LPCM surround, or stereo). If desired, video segments can be included and selected from the on-screen menus. Six Pure Audio discs have been released by Norwegian label 2L, packaged with hybrid SACDs of the same recordings. Four of these are available from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/y9hj3re; all six can be ordered from Norway: http://www.mamut.net/lindberglyd/shop/ (scroll down to the bottom of the listing to find the Pure Audio releases).

The Blu-ray Disc Association has recently announced the finalization of Profile 3.0, their audio-only standard. Unfortunately, a thorough search of the Web does not yield any details on what this standard includes, how it addresses backward compatibility with existing players, and how it handles navigational issues. This information is available only to licensees at present. Further, the Audio Engineering Society has established a standards project to develop a specification for navigating audio-only Blu-ray discs: http://www.aes.org/standards/meetings/init-projects/aes-x188-init.cfm . High-resolution surround audio on Blu-ray discs is not only technically feasible, it is commercially available.

But six releases from one small label are not enough to make a successful format. It is probably too much to expect that the major labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony/BMG, EMI, and Warner will release surround recordings on Blu-ray. Their tepid efforts in SACD and DVD-Audio did not meet their sales expectations, so it's unlikely that we will see anything from them for the foreseeable future. Moreover, major labels have shown historically that they are nearly singularly focused on picking the lowest hanging fruit in the marketplace as opposed to working on adding value to the consumer thus their love affair with the Apple-owned world of CD-quality downloads in a world dominated by HD formats for television, movies, video games, computers and beyond. The independent labels who supported SACD may decide to release their catalogs on a format which, because of its large installed player base, would have a much better chance of commercial success than was possible with SACD. It wouldn't take a technological miracle for majors and indie labels alike to rerelease not only the DVD-Audio and SACD catalogs in 24/192 Blu-ray complete with copy protection and over 30 percent market penetration with current players. The majors have 24/192 copies of most of the catalog material which could provide a much needed move from a 25-plus year old Compact Disc to something that provides a more musical, more resolute, more added value for the consumer way to sell music. Many think that the mysterious details of Blu-ray profile 3.0 could inspire enthusiasm for music on Blu-ray. Audiophiles are holding their breath, crossing their fingers and sending out prayers that this is true.

About Garry Margolis
Garry Margolis is an audio/video marketing consultant; he has worked with Philips on SACD issues. He is Treasurer of the Audio Engineering Society. This article does not necessarily reflect the views of Philips or the AES.

Courtesy. Hometheaterreview.com

Yamaha RXV 1065 and BD D1065 Special

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000+02:00

Get this superb package now!

Was R 20000.00

Now R14990.00

In Ceiling Speakers Now Avialable!

2010-01-29T11:53:00.000+02:00

Take a look at what we have to offer,

our new In-Ceiling Speaker range will blow you away!

Click here to go to product page

How to find out...Which speaker is right for me?

2010-01-27T09:41:00.000+02:00

With your budget decided, the next step is to book a series of demonstrations with a specialist hi-fi dealer. We'll cover that in more depth in our Buying Advice section, but the basic points are these: while judging a product on its brand name the quality of your dealer's demonstration or even on the strengths of its magazine reviews can be a useful way to narrow down your options, in the end, only you can decide whether the equipment is right for you. That's partially because personal preferences have a huge part to play in the listening experience, but it's also because hi-fi components interact with each other in a remarkably organic way. Combine three well-reviewed components in a system that should, in theory, be fantastic and you could well find that the results disappoint. Ancillary components, such as cables, supports and stands, can make a difference in this regard, but it's the intrinsic sonic properties of each core component that have the biggest impact. This is where an experienced dealer can be of most help.

While the best way to judge if a system will meet your needs is to hear it correctly set-up in a dedicated listening environment, always be mindful of the size of your own listening space before signing on the dotted line. And always insist on being able to listen using your own music at the sort of volume you are likely to use at home. Great hi-fi is tailor-made, not off-the-peg.

Boston Reflection Series

2010-01-25T13:48:00.000+02:00

Boston just keep on getting it right!
Just check out the attached review...

Boston Reflection

Reflection Series unerringly does just about
everything right...

...at this price, you couldn't get better value
for your money...

Home Theatre Magazine
February 2010

720P, 1080i, 1080P.... which TV to buy?

2010-01-25T13:44:00.000+02:00

All things being considered equal then I would buy 1080p but it isn’t as simple as just buying 1080p and being done with it. There is so much more to consider than just native resolution. My advice is to take the native resolution into consideration but don't let that be the sole purpose for buying a HDTV. In other words, look beyond the 720p, 1080i and 1080p specifications.

Learn about the technology inside the TV and options it has. It is my opinion that you’ll be happier with a 720p or 1080i that has a great picture enhancement system than a 1080p HDTV with no picture enhancement.

TV is not 1080p

Most, if not all, broadcast and cable channels send a high definition signal in 720p or 1080i. A 1080p television might scale the image to 1080p but it isn’t a true 1080p image. This has to do with native resolution, which you might see in some TV specifications. For example, a TV with a 720p native resolution will receive a 1080i image and convert it to 720p.

Lack of programming being viewed in 1080p is the biggest issue right now with respect to 1080p televisions. However, the future will undoubtedly turn toward 1080p.

Movies in 1080p

Blu-ray disc players have 1080p capabilities now and TV Technology.com reports that the film industry I’ve read reports online about the film industry moving toward a 1080p production standard but this is still a work in progress.

1080p and Game Consoles

Sony is the leader in 1080p potential with the Playstation. XBOX 360 took a shot to the chin with the demise of HD-DVD so I expect it to take a while before they get with the Blu-ray camp. Still, most, if not all, games are not being produced in 1080p.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that a high definition image is better than a non-high definition image. While 1080p has the potential for producing a better picture than 1080i or 720p, the realism is that 1080p isn't really in the market yet as far as programming. This is a case of technology moving faster than the content producers.

The importance of a Subwoofer!

2010-01-25T10:43:00.000+02:00

The subwoofer is a vital element in good home theater sound, because aside from the obvious dynamic benefits it can impart, a sub can also open up the midrange, contribute to musical bass lines and even drive the room’s acoustics more effectively. However, a bad subwoofer will do more harm than good, by slowing the balance down, softening the system’s attack and generally making a sonic nuisance of itself. In our view, you’re better off having no subwoofer at all, than opting for a compromised design.

Once you’ve specified a sub, the next stage is to integrate it into the system. One school of thought holds that subwoofers can be positioned anywhere in your room, as bass is ‘non-directional’, but we’d disagree. A spot of fine-tuning can notably improve your system’s speed and integration, both with movies and music.

Here’s how. Put your subwoofer next to where you normally sit. Disconnect the speakers (at the amplifier/reciever end), but leave the subwoofer connected. Play a loud piece of music, with a consistent bass beat. Walk around the room, listening to the bass as you walk. You'll find it sounds louder in perhaps two or three places in the room (usually the corners). Put the subwoofer in one of these positions, which are referred to as ‘nodes’. If this turns out to be behind you rather than in front of you, you may need to reverse the sub’s phase, using a switch fitted to its amplifier control panel.

Taking your sound outside!

2010-01-25T10:39:00.000+02:00

Entertaining in the summer is almost always a delight, so why not take your music with you? You needn’t compromise on sound quality with portable radios or other compact audio systems as weatherproof outdoor speakers can deliver much the same hi-fi quality as conventional indoor designs. They can also be set up to play exactly the same range of audio sources as your main system. Our Leisure Monitor ranges offer a variety of designs suited to differing budgets and garden sizes,our highest performance models have bass response to rival a substantial pair of conventional cabinet speakers.

Latest Yamaha Sound Projectors Available

2010-01-22T11:31:00.000+02:00

Take a look at the lastest offerings from Yamaha, their all new sound projector range is guaranteed to Wow!!

Click here to go to product page

Klipsch Now Available In The Online Shop

2010-01-22T10:26:00.000+02:00

Be Sure to check out the latest Audiophile Speaker selection from Klipsch, added to our exstensive selection of products in our online shop!

Click below to go to product page

Klipsch

Yamaha RXV 2065 Special Deal

2010-01-21T10:18:00.000+02:00

Place your order now!!

Was R16660.00

Now R13999.00

Click link below to go direct

to shop page

RXV 2065

HiFi Speaker Placement

2010-01-19T12:34:00.000+02:00

We've already mentioned that a room's size can have a fundamental impact on the size and type of loudspeaker you should buy now we'll explain why.

The moving components in a loudspeaker are called drive units, because they work to drive the air in your room. The bigger the loudspeaker and the bigger its drive units, or in some cases the more drive units it employs, then the more air it can move. This is relevant, because the larger your room, the more air your speakers will be asked to move and as a result the harder they'll have to work. To use the most extreme example, the tiny drive units fitted to most desktop speaker systems would sound lost in a large concert hall. By the same token, a massive pair of floorstanders will excite too much air in a small space, sounding both sonically and to a surprisingly real extent, physically intimidating.

For that reason, choosing speakers of an appropriate size to fit your available space is a significant step towards better hi-fi. That means being realistic not only about the room you have available, but also about where you can actually position your speakers within that space. If you have to place your speakers close to a wall, or a corner, you might find your buying choices are more limited than you'd first hoped.

Why? Simply because every loudspeaker will interact with its environment and especially with nearby walls. Place your speakers close up to a back wall and in almost all cases you'll find the level of bass on offer increases, but this can be at the expense of openness, stereo imaging and 'speed'. Bigger speakers will simply exacerbate this effect, sounding bigger and more bass heavy than ever. Conversely, place small speakers too far out into the room, and they can sound lost, again because they're being asked to drive too much air. For that reason its vital you plan where you propose to put your speakers before you buy, taking account of the specific space requirements of each model relative to your room. The precise science of positioning can vary from speaker to speaker, often being influenced by cabinet design, but most manufacturers and dealers will be able to give you guidelines. One hard-and-fast rule almost everyone will agree on is that corners are a definite no-no, as they cause significant amounts of boom that no amount of high-quality amplification and source kit can overcome.

The acoustics of your room can also influence sound in other ways. Place your speakers on a hard, polished floor, and you'll find the sound takes on a significantly different character to the results you'd get from a warmer, softer, carpeted room. This is caused by sonic reflections, a minimalist modern room is more acoustically live than one awash with soft furnishings. Its immensely difficult for your dealer to compensate for this effect in a typical demonstration area, but its worth mentioning the particular properties of your living room to him just the same, he may be able to recommend kit that can compensate for its acoustics.

Denon Award Winning Specials

2010-01-15T09:55:00.000+02:00

Denon AVR-2310 (R15000.00) & Denon DBP-1610 (R8900.00)
Total Package Value R24000.00
Combo Special R19900.00

Denon AVR-2310 (R15000.00) & Denon DVD-1740(R3300.00)
Total Package Value R18400.00
Combo Package Value R14900.00

B&W 800 series Sphere/Tube how it works

2010-01-14T15:34:00.000+02:00

Whether it’s raw rock, powerful arias or any of the choral repertoire, voices are central to musical communication and conveying all the emotion requires the very best midrange rendition – the finest driver operating in an ideal enclosure. Taking the simple tube concept of the original 4-way Nautilus™ a stage further, we perfected the Nautilus™ ’head’ to allow a single driver to cover the whole of the critical mid band in one seamless sweep. Crafted from inert Marlan® composite, the internal cavity – a sphere closely coupled to a short tube - absorbs most of the sound from the back of the driver, with the fibre filling mopping up the last vestiges. On the outside, the glossy teardrop shape smoothly disperses the sound around the speaker creating a solid, three-dimensional image.

Samsung 40A610 Crazy Deal

2010-01-13T11:05:00.000+02:00

Be sure to get your hands on this superb

Full HD LCD Panel while stock last!

Was R18000.00

Now R10999.00

*Click here to go to product page*

Yamaha RXV 765 & B&W MT 10 Theatre Package

2010-01-13T10:26:00.000+02:00

Be Sure to check out this great Theatre Combo.
Yamaha RXV 765 AV Reciever
Bowers and Wilkins MT 10 Theatre Package

Was R19800.00
Now R 16800.00

*Click here to go to package page*

Hifi System cabling tips

2010-01-12T12:18:00.000+02:00

Whichever system you buy, at whatever price point, the appropriate cables will help it to perform at its best. There’s no black magic or ‘weird science’ to this phenomenon, by the way, whatever you might read to the contrary. Better-quality audio cables simply relay more of the musical signal than cheaper or ‘freebie’ wires.

So, how much should you spend? Most specialist magazines advocate spending a total of 10% of your available system budget on cabling to optimise its performance – so, around R2000 in a R20 000 hi-fi. This should cover speaker cabling, to link your amplifier to your speakers, and interconnects, to hook your source component (or components) into your amp. Choosing interconnects is a relatively straightforward process – the shortest possible length of an appropriately priced link will give optimum results – although some electronics manufacturers recommend specific brands, as they believe they give better results with their kit, so it can pay to do your homework.

Speaker cabling, meanwhile, should be of equal length wherever possible, since this ensures an even ‘load’ is presented to the amplifier. You should also aim to use the shortest possible lengths you can, taking the most direct path possible from amplifier to speakers, and avoiding any kinks, coils or other undesirable twisting in the cable itself.

That aside, you can find that speaker cables have a specific tonal character, which can help to fine-tune the balance of your system. Cables with a high silver content, for example, tend to sound tonally sweet, while substantial solid-core cables often provide a more powerful sound. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule here: the best option is to ask to audition some suitable cables with your proposed hi-fi system, and judge the effects (or lack of them!) for yourself.

Guidence in purchasing HiFi speakers

2010-01-07T14:37:00.000+02:00

So, how should you go about building a hi-fi speaker system? The first and most crucial element is deciding on a budget. That is essentially a personal issue but be aware that certain other factors should be considered when deciding how much you should spend and what you should spend it on. For example, your room has a fundamental impact on the type of system you should get. Larger rooms tend to require larger loudspeakers, which in turn merit better amplification to deliver satisfactory results. Similarly, if your listening space is small, you could find that large speakers are simply inappropriate for your needs. Specialist audio magazines and independent hi-fi dealers can be an invaluable source of advice here, but you should also try to be as realistic as possible about your needs.
Before you begin any in-depth research, the first step is to list the music sources you would like to listen to. This will fundamentally impact on the performance and balance of the hi-fi speaker system you plan to build. If you opt for fewer source components, you'll be able to spend more of your available budget on each element, thus ensuring better performance for your money. Opting for a system that includes a record player, a CD player and a radio inevitably means splitting your total source component budget three ways, which in turn means less chance of high-quality results. Unless, of course, you can afford to lavish equal sums on premium components straight away. If, on the other hand, you're prepared to build your system in gradual stages you stand a better chance of creating a set-up that has solid sonic foundations. To that end, consider investing about one-third of your budget on your principal source, which for most music lovers will probably be a CD player.
The next key element in your system is amplification and this also involves some forethought. If you plan to listen at high volumes in a large room, possibly via large floor standing speakers, it's sensible to budget for an amplifier with ample reserves of power. Unfortunately, power is one of the most commonly misunderstood measures of quality in hi-fi, and watts while important do not dictate performance alone. For example, Rotel's RA 1520, one of the finest budget hi-fi amplifiers on the market, has a mere 60 watts of output per channel, yet it's easily capable of very substantial volume levels with most speakers. If, however, you want to use some of the larger designs, such as the acclaimed 800-series range, you'll have to plan for better-quality hence, more expensive, amplification. Again, for recommendations, you can consult the specialist press or your dealer, but as a guideline, around one-third of your available budget should be invested in amplification.
That leaves loudspeakers, again a broad one third rule of budgeting applies. You've more choice over design in this category than in any other, loudspeakers are available in sizes both large and small, with aesthetics both traditional and modern. In general, larger speakers produce bigger, deeper sounds than their smaller siblings. But if you opt for high-performance compact designs like Bowers and Wilkins 805 Bookshelf Speakers, that delineation is less clear-cut. Speakers of this quality can produce bass levels that equal many larger, lesser alternatives, making them an ideal option for rooms where space is at a premium. However, you must remember that Bookshelf speakers will only perform at their best when mounted on dedicated loudspeaker stands, which are an additional cost over and above the price of the speakers themselves.

Marantz BD 5004 Blu Ray Player

2010-01-06T11:24:00.000+02:00

Marantz's 2009 Blu-ray line up includes four new models: two lower-priced players (the BD5004 and BD7004) and two high-end, reference models (the BD8004 and UD9004 universal disc player). The BD5004 is Marantz's least expensive Blu-ray model to date. We have not performed a hands-on review of the BD5004, but here is an overview of the player's features. This Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player supports Bonus View/picture-in-picture playback and BD-Live Web functionality, and it offers both onboard decoding and bit stream output of Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The BD5004 does not support any type of video-on-demand streaming or download service, such as those offered by Netflix, Amazon, and CinemaNow.

In terms of video connections, the BD5004 offers HDMI, component video and composite video outputs (no S-video). This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI, and it has a Source Direct mode that allows it to output all discs at their native resolution. The menu includes a solid assortment of picture adjustments: contrast, brightness, sharpness, gamma correction, colour, black level, and noise reduction.

Audio outputs include HDMI, coaxial digital (no optical), and stereo analog. As I mentioned, the BD5004 has onboard Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and it also passes these high-resolution audio formats in their native bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. The player lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so the only way to pass decoded high-resolution audio formats is via HDMI. The setup menu allows you to adjust speaker size, level, and delay for LPCM output over HDMI. For those who also plan to use this device as a music player, the BD5004 features a Pure Direct mode that shuts down unneeded video circuitry to achieve higher-quality audio performance.

The BD5004's disc drive supports the following formats: BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, JPEG, MP3, WMA, and Divx. The back panel features an Ethernet port for BD-Live Web features, as well as quick firmware updates. The player doesn't include a wireless network connection option. The BD5004 lacks internal memory, so the addition of an external storage device is required to download BD-Live features; an SD card slot is provided for this purpose. The front-panel SD card slot also supports playback of AVCHD, JPEG, MP3, and WMA files. Finally, the BD5004 sports IR in/out ports for integration with an advanced control system.

The step-up BD7004 adds Anchor Bay's VRS video processing chip, with a more comprehensive set of picture adjustments, as well as a higher-quality 12-bit/297-MHz video DAC, multichannel analog audio outputs, and an RS-232 port.

High Points
• The BD5004 supports 1080p/24 playback of Blu-ray discs.
• The player has internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and can pass these formats in bitstream form over HDMI.
• It supports BD-Live Web content and can play picture-in-picture bonus content.
• This player offers a Source Direct mode to output all discs at their native resolution via HDMI.
• The SD card slot allows for easy playback of digital movies, music, and photos.
• IR in/out ports are provided.

Low Points
• The BD5004 lacks multichannel analog audio outputs, so it's not the best choice for someone who owns an older, non-HDMI A/V receiver.
• This player does not support any type of video-on-demand or music streaming, nor does it feature a wireless option for connection to your home network.
• The player lacks internal memory, and Marantz does not supply an SD card for storage of downloadable BD-Live content.

Conclusion
The BD5004 has the Blu-ray essentials--like BD-Live support, 1080p/24 output, and onboard high-resolution audio decoding--but you can find less-expensive models that add multichannel analog audio outputs, video-on-demand, and wireless network connectivity. This Marantz product has better build quality than you'll find in many budget models, and the company puts a greater emphasis on analog audio quality, for those who also wish to use their Blu-ray player for music playback.

Crossing Over Not Just For John Howard!

2010-01-05T12:13:00.000+02:00

A crossover has to do three things: equalise the driver responses; blend them seamlessly; and do both while inflicting minimum degradation on the signal. The first two can be measured by sophisticated laboratory equipment. For the third, we bring in the most sophisticated piece of equipment available: the human ear. The sound of a capacitor, for example, is not something that can be discerned from numbers on a spec sheet or tables of lab figures. So, once we are close to creating a crossover that can perform its first two tasks to our standards, our expert listeners audition different components - over and over and over again - until they find the purest, most natural-sounding B&W combination

Diamond, not just a girls best friend but a music lovers too!

2010-01-05T12:05:00.000+02:00

Why use diamond for tweeter domes? It may seem extravagant, but the move is simply an extension of B&W’s pursuit of the perfect loudspeaker. One element of our quest for the best is the development of drive units that neither add nor subtract from the signal. In a tweeter, that means creating a dome that remains rigid, exhibiting perfectly piston-like behaviour, as far up the frequency scale as possible. Best for this are materials with a high stiffness to density ratio - which is where diamond comes in.

Over the years, B&W has optimised the design of its aluminium tweeter dome to raise its break-up frequency and bring about a cleaner sound. But the material that gets closest to the behaviour of a hypothetical perfect tweeter – one with infinite stiffness and zero mass that can only exist in a computer - is diamond. Working with the world’s foremost industrial diamond producer, we’ve created the ultimate tweeter dome and the sweetest-sounding tweeter you’ve ever heard.

B&W 's Kevlar, Not only does it look the part it sound the part, here's why

2010-01-05T12:01:00.000+02:00

The midrange is where the real musical action is invariably found, and a smooth midband is an invaluable loudspeaker quality. Enter Kevlar. It’s been B&W’s cone material of choice since 1974, and with good reason. The basic woven fabric is first impregnated with a stiffening resin that cures during the cone forming process. The cone is then further treated with a polymer coat, which seals the fibres and adds damping. The result is a semi-flexible cone, which exhibits a peculiar style of break-up behaviour, not found in more conventional materials, that maintains a more constant dispersion pattern at all frequencies in its range and transmits far fewer delayed, time-smearing sounds to the listener. Not only does it deliver a cleaner sound, it can do so to a wider group of listeners.

Yamaha releases IPhone/Ipod Touch network control app

2010-01-05T11:52:00.000+02:00

Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theatre and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduces a free downloadable iPhone and iPod touch application that enables users to easily control the most-used functions of its network receivers (available inputs, volume levels, mute and power commands) from anywhere in or around their homes. The app, which can be downloaded now from the company’s site (www.yamaha.com/hometheater) or directly from the iPhone App Store, can be used with the recently introduced Yamaha RX-V2065 receiver as well as the RX- -Z7 and RX-V3900 models. Depending on the network receiver model with which it is being used, the new app can simultaneously control audio in up to four zones in and around the house. For instance, users can set up their multi-zone system to enjoy a Blu-ray movie in the living room, satellite radio in the bedroom and HD Radio in the back yard. To power up any zone, users selects the room or zone on the app interface and press the corresponding power button. The selected zone is now active, giving the user control of volume level and input source selection. YAMAHA UNVEILS iPHONE/iPOD touch RECEIVER CONTROL APP, 2 PROVIDING MULTI-ZONE CONTROL OF MOST-USED A/V FUNCTIONS. Once downloaded, it is easy to set up the iPhone/iPod touch app. Users need only to have the IP address from their network receiver and make sure their iPhone/iPod touch is configured to the same local area network as their receiver. The app identifies the receiver and lists its model number to denote the connection. Once quick setting adjustments are complete, the user presses the control button to make the app fully functional.

Rotel RSX-1560 Simply Brilliant

2010-01-04T13:17:00.000+02:00

The Rotel RSX-1560 is not just a science experiment in Class D amplification. It is a fine-tuned product that maintains the manufacturer’s effortlessly musical personality while projecting it onto a new amplifier topology. If I agonized over this receiver, I can only imagine how many sleepless nights Rotel’s designers spent trying to make it sound as good as its shiny front panel looks. With Mother Nature giving us dirty looks, it’s nice to know that such a thing is possible.

Theater will never be the same after you've experienced D BOX

2010-01-02T10:37:00.000+02:00

You may have noticed recently that some Blu-ray DVDs make reference that they are D-BOX Motion enhanced. If you are unfamiliar with D-BOX, then this review may prove to be rather enlightening as I examine this cutting edge technology and how it impacts the home theater experience.

What is D-BOX? The D-BOX Motion Code™ System is a Motion simulator system currently available for consumer purchase that adds the next level to the home theater experience beyond traditional audio and visual. D-BOX adds the elements of motion and vibration to movies through Motion Actuators that are attached to the viewer’s seating area. These Motion Actuators are fed a signal by a Motion Controller that is in-synch with the on-screen action of the movie.

Assembly and installation of the universal platform. Professional installation of the SRP-230 universal platform is available from an authorized D-BOX installer.

Installation of stand-alone Motion Controller. The installation of the stand-alone Motion Controller is much easier. The Motion Controller works in conjunction with your existing DVD player in a loop fashion. The optical or coaxial digital-out signal from your DVD player is sent to the corresponding optical or coaxial digital-in of the D-BOX Motion Controller. The optical or coaxial digital-out signal from the D-BOX Motion Controller is then sent to your A/V receiver. In essence, the D-BOX Motion Controller extracts the information it needs from the DVD before passing through the audio signal to the A/V receiver to be decoded in its normal fashion. Additional connections for the D-BOX Motion Controller include a CAT-5 wire to the Motion Actuators, a power cord, and an optional internet connection to take advantage of Motion Code downloads for additional movie titles. Once both the platform and Motion Controller are installed, all that remains is to insert a D-BOX compatible DVD into your DVD player and press play.

How does the system work? The SRP-230 universal platform has four direct drive Actuators that are aligned under the four corners of your sofa/loveseat/chair. The Actuators are capable of producing 2Gs of acceleration and lifting up to 250 pounds each (1,000 pounds in total for the four Actuators). A control cable runs from the Motion Controller to the SRP-230 universal platform carrying the digital information that was extracted from the DVD in your DVD player. This digital information tells the Actuators when, and to what degree, to engage in order to synchronize its motion and vibration to what is happening on-screen with the movie.

How well does D-BOX perform? I watched three DVD movies for this review, “The Guardian” (Blu-ray), “The Bourne Ultimatum” (standard), and “The 6th Day” (Blu-ray), all three of which have had D-BOX Motion Code written for them. The first movie I watched was “The Guardian” (a movie about Coast Guard rescue swimmers) and accordingly it has several scenes that take place in rough ocean waters. D-BOX generated both side-to-side, and up-and-down, motion to simulate being caught in the treacherous waves. The motion was continuous, smooth, and not at all violent or jerky. I truly felt like I was bobbing up and down in the water, waiting to be rescued. The second movie that I viewed was “The Bourne Ultimatum” (a movie about a spy with amnesia who is trying to uncover his true identity). There is a great deal of action in this movie, including hand-to-hand combat scenes and car chases. The motion created by D-BOX for the fight between the main character, Bourne, and a hired assassin, made the scene quite realistic as I felt as though I was experiencing each punch, kick and body blow happening on-screen. Similarly with the car chase and ensuing crashes, I felt like I was riding in the passenger seat of the vehicle as it swerved into the turns and was jolted by the impact from the other vehicles. The third movie that I watched was “The 6th Day” (a movie about a helicopter pilot who, after being cloned without his knowledge, battles to recapture his identity and life). While there were plenty of great motion and vibration scenes in this movie, one in particular stood out for me. The main character attempts a helicopter escape in which the helicopter needs to quickly climb in flight in order to avoid crashing into a building. D-BOX generated some real G-Force here and made me feel very much a part of this climatic action scene. Overall, D-BOX performed extremely well and it made my viewing experience for these three movies much more realistic and enjoyable.

D-BOX compatible DVD titles. D-BOX does not require a special type of standard or Blu-ray DVD be used, rather the same big-studio DVDs that you already own, or can purchase from the typical retail or on-line store, will work just fine. Some Blu-ray DVDs have D-BOX Motion Code directly embedded on the DVD itself (i.e. “The 6th Day”, “National Treasure 2”, “Die Hard 4”), but the majority of Motion Codes for Blu-ray and standard DVDs is available from D-Box’s Motion Code library which is stored in the Motion Controller. The Motion Controller automatically downloads the Motion Code from its hard drive for the movie titles when a DVD is played. That being said, not every Blu-ray or standard DVD has D-BOX Motion Code currently programmed for it. Presently, there are a total of over 800 standard and Blu-ray DVD titles that are D-BOX compatible. The list of compatible titles is available on D-BOX’s website and new titles are continually being added (which in turn can be downloaded to the Motion Controller via an internet connection). In the event that a movie that does not have Motion Code written for it is played through the D-BOX Motion Controller, no motion will be created, however, the D-BOX will still produce Vibration from the movie’s bass soundtrack (much in the same way that bass shakers and tactile transducers operate).

Conclusion. For that reason, I am excited about the wonderful qualities that Blu-ray DVD brings to home theater. And just as Blu-ray DVD elevates video and audio capability to the next level in home theater, I believe that D-BOX adds yet another level of excitement with its elements of motion and vibration. The ability to feel and experience the action that is taking place on-screen in a movie cannot be underestimated. I believe that D-BOX has achieved the perfect balance of motion and vibration as its effects are strong enough to be felt, yet never too powerful to distract attention from the movie itself. Having signed licensing agreements with several high-profile home entertainment studios (including Disney, Fox, Sony and Lionsgate), D-BOX appears to be much more than a niche technology. Be fairly warned, once you experience what D-BOX brings to much home theater, you will no longer want to go back to watching a movie without it. Audio and visual alone will lack this extra dimension that helps draw you deeper into the movie experience than ever before.

Epson home theater projectors awarded THX certification

2010-01-02T10:04:00.000+02:00

Building on its commitment to deliver high-quality home entertainment experiences, Epson America today announced that its award-winning Home Cinema 8500 UB and Pro Cinema 9500 UB projectors have received THX® certification. Designed for custom installers and home entertainment enthusiasts, the native 1080p 3LCD(TM) home theater projectors deliver accurate and exceptional picture quality with THX Movie Mode, a playback setting that lets consumers experience studio color, black levels and clean signal processing right out-of-the-box.(i)

"We are constantly working to develop high-quality products that deliver the optimal balance of image quality, performance, display flexibility and affordability to enable home theater enthusiasts to create unforgettable wide-screen experiences in their homes," said Marge Ang, senior product manager, Epson America. "Receiving THX certification clearly demonstrates that these latest Home and Pro Cinema projectors offer the best in their respective price and performance classes."

THX sets strict performance standards for black levels, resolution, contrast, color gamut, and signal processing. The THX Certified Home Cinema 8500 UB and Pro Cinema 9500 UB feature THX Movie Mode, a playback setting designed to recreate the cinema experience at home by adjusting the projector's gamma, luminance, color temperature and other settings to match those used by filmmakers in the studio.

D-BOX touches down at Sound and Image

2009-12-31T12:46:00.000+02:00

D-BOX Technologies designs and manufactures leading edge high-technology motion systems mainly suited to the needs of the entertainment industry. With its unique, patented technology, « D-BOX Motion Code™ » uses motion codes specifically programmed for each film, TV program or video game, which are sent to a motion generating system integrated within either a platform or a seat. The resulting motion is perfectly synchronised with all onscreen action, creating an unmatched realistic immersive experience. To date, D-BOX Motion Code™ is available on more than 850 titles. Accordingly, many prominent Hollywood studios have started embedding D-BOX Motion Code™ on many Blu-ray™ format releases. By reaching agreements with the leaders of both the motion picture and gaming industries, D-BOX’s award-winning motion technology is gradually proving itself as a new global standard in the entertainment world.

Now available to you!
Come and experience it yourself in our Menlyn Store!

3D and How it Works

2009-12-30T13:07:00.000+02:00

3D Film
The term 3D or 3-D is used to describe any visual presentation that attemps to create an illusion of depth to the viewer. Generally this is accomplished by filming two images at the same time from diferent angles. The images is then displayed in such a way that the viewers visual coretex will interpret the oair of images as a single 3D image.

3D Film Techniques
There are several techniques to produce 3D Film. They all involve projecting stereoscopic images.

•Anaglyphic 3D film (with glasses)
•Polarization 3D film (with glasses)
•Alternate-frame sequencing (with glasses)
•Autostereoscopic displays (without glasses)

3D Film vs 3D Games
3D Film and the technique behind 3D film is not to be mistaken to be anything like the technique behind the term '3D Games'. Today, generally, 3D Games refer to a game that is set in a virtual 3D world where you can move about in all directions. But the eye (or brain) is not really 'seeing' the images as 3D, not more than viewing a 2D photograph of our 3D world. But with most 3D Film techniques available 3D Games could easily be made to generate realistic moving 3D images.

This exciting technology will soon be making its way into your living room!

Marantz IS 301 Wireless Ipod Dock

2009-12-29T11:06:00.000+02:00

For the past several years a number of A/V manufacturers, especially those who specializing in products for the custom installation market, have offered a variety of iPod docking systems designed to let users plug their iPods into home audio and/or home theater systems. The appeal, of course, is that such docks let you turn your normally hand-held personal digital playback device into a mini-media server that the whole family can enjoy.
But one thing that has surprised me about many of the dock offerings I’ve seen is that they so often fail to take advantage of two of the iPod’s greatest strengths: namely, its portability and terrific user interface. Happily, Marantz’s IS301 Wireless Dock for iPod addresses both problems in an ergonomically satisfying way.
OVERVIEW
Consider this iPod dock if: you’d like to listen to music (or watch video content) from your iPod, yet would like to preserve as much of the tradition iPod user experience as possible. The IS301 is particularly useful in settings where you might need or want to keep your iPod stationed near your listening chair and away from your main equipment rack. The IS301 also gives you the option—at least for music playback—carrying the iPod with you as you move about the room.
Look elsewhere if: you’re a purist audiophile looking to extract digital audio signals from the iPod that can be routed to an outboard DAC for maximum sound quality. The IS301 provides analog audio and video outputs only, though it is tough to beat in terms of pure convenience.
Ratings (relative to comparably priced iPod docks):
Versatility: 9
Ease of use: 7
User interface: 10
Sound Quality: 9
Video Quality: 9
Value: 9

FEATURES
The IS301 consists of three main units:
an iPod handset (which serves as a carrier for whatever type of iPod you might have),
a base unit (which serves as a stand and charging unit for the handset), and
an extender unit (which connects to the base unit via wires or wireless Bluetooth connections and that provides A/V signal jacks for hooking the dock up to your audio or home theater system).
Interestingly, the IS301 is configured such that it can, when used with compatible Marantz A/V components, provide a limited range of remote control functions such as power on/off, volume up/down, and input switching. The IS301 handset also includes a USB port so that an installed iPod can be synced to the iTunes account on your PC or Mac (a USB cable is included for this purpose).
The system also includes a variety of handy accessories, including:
a small credit card-sized remote controller,
two AC power packs (one for the extender and the other for the base unit, which is used only when there are no wired connections between the extender and the base unit),
two sets of AC adaptors (one set for US/Japanese-type wall outlets, the other for European wall outlets),
a pair of “S-Link” cables (CAT5/LAN straight-type cables) for connecting the base unit to the extender (one cable provides audio connections and the other video),
an A/V cable (composite video and stereo analog audio),
a remote cable,
a USB cable (for connecting PCs/Macs to iPods installed in the IS301 handset), and
wall-mounting screws for hanging the base unit on a wall.
iPod compatibility; the IS301 is compatible with the following types of iPods:
iPod Mini,
iPod nano 1G/2G/3G/4G,
iPod 4G 20GB/40GB,
iPod 4G Photo 20GB/30GB/40GB/60GB,
iPod 5G Video 30GB/60GB/80GB,
iPod classic 80GB/120GB/160GB, and
iPod touch 1G/2G.
Interesting application note: As you can see from the list above, the IS301 is not "officially" compatible with iPhones. But we couldn't resist trying an iPhone in the dock, just to see what would happen. Our findings: when we plugged an iPhone into the IS301 handset, the iPhone displayed a message indicating we were attempting to connect to an accessory not intended for use with the iPhone. But wait: once we fired up our iPhone's iPod application, we found it would play through the Marantz dock just fine. Similarly, the Marantz remote controller had no trouble at all controlling our iPhone. Your "mileage," as they say, may vary, but in our case the iPhone worked beautifully with the IS301...

SET-UP/EASE OF USE
Base Unit
The first decision you’ll need to make when installing the IS301 is whether to use S-Link (wired) or Bluetooth (wireless) connections between the base unit and the extender module—a decision that will be governed partly by the types of media you want to play and partly by matter of convenience. If you intend to use the dock for music playback only then you will enjoy equally good results with wired or wireless connections, but if you plan on playing video content or displaying still photos from your iPod, then wired connections are a must. Once hardwired video connections are in place, a switch on the side of the base unit allows you to choose composite video, S-video, or component video outputs (depending on which of those options are supported by your particular iPod). With wired connections the base unit must be placed within about 5 – 6 feet of the extender, whereas with wireless connections you have the option of locating the base across the room from the extender and near your listening chair—an option many users will welcome with open arms.

IS301 handset, show thumbwheel-style "thickness adjuster"
Handset
With the IS301 system, you don’t plug your iPod directly into the base unit (as would be the case with many other docks), but rather plug the iPod into a Bluetooth-enabled handset that in turn clicks into a fitting on the top side of the base unit. One important point to bear in mind is that, when playing music from the iPod, users have the option of detaching the IS301 handset from the base unit and carrying it with them—relying on Bluetooth connections between the handset and the rest of the system to carry audio signals (again, the Bluetooth option works only for music playback, not for viewing video or still photos). One minor limitation is that, once the handset is removed from the base unit, the handset is powered solely by the iPod’s battery. However, once the handset is clipped back into the base unit, power supplied through the base unit will immediately begin recharging the iPod’s battery.
One very cool aspect of the handset’s design is a clever thumbwheel-style “thickness” adjuster that lets the handset work with a wide variety of iPods, and without requiring any of the little clip-in adapter plates that most docking systems use. If you’ve ever misplaced one of those docking plates, you’ll appreciate how nice Marantz’s “no-adapters-needed” design really is. But the most significant aspect of the handset is that it lets you use the iPod’s own user interface to control playback, which—in my view—is how things should be. (It amazes me that many dock makers attempt to re-invent the “user interface wheel,” so to speak, when the fact is that it very difficult to improve upon Apple’s simple, effective, and almost universally well-loved interface. Happily, Marantz really gets this.).
Extender Unit
The extender unit is simplicity itself, as it provides composite video, S-Video, component video, and stereo analog audio outputs for connection to your audio or home theater system. Additional jacks are provided for the extender’s AC adapter, an external control terminal (for example, for use with a whole-home remote control system), and for remote control signal feeds to associated Marantz A/V components. Naturally, there are two CAT5-type jacks which allow wired connections to the IS301 base unit.

Remote Control
The IS301 comes with a credit-card-sized remote control that serves two functions. First, the remote duplicates most of the control functions provided by the iPod itself, including power on/off, menu, select, play/pause, skip forward/backward, repeat, shuffle, and arrow up/down control. But second, the remote provides functions geared toward controlling associated Marantz A/V components, including amplifier power on/off, volume up/down, and input select buttons. The remote is particularly in settings where users have chosen to use hardwired connections between the base unit and the extender (say to support a video iPod), yet still want an easy way to control the system from across the room.

PERFORMANCE
For both audio and video playback I found Marantz’s IS301 dock virtually indistinguishable from using hardwired analog audio/video connections between the iPod and the main system. In practice, this means the dock offers sufficient resolution to show sonic difference between various types of audio compression you might choose to use (lossless schemes sound better than lossy ones). Interestingly, on music I could hear little if any difference between hardwired and Bluetooth audio connections between iPod and the main system, meaning there is essentially no performance penalty for using Bluetooth, if you wish to do so.
One minor quibble I should mention, though, is that Bluetooth connections between the IS301 handset are not as robust as some I’ve tried (for example, the almost bulletproof Bluetooth connections served up by the Etymotic Research wireless Ety8 Bluetooth in-ear headphones). As a result, you may experience—as I did—occasional losses of signal, especially if you break line-of-sight connections between the IS301 handset and the antenna on the extender module. Happily, it’s easy to re-establish connections with the push of a “pairing” button on the handset (or on the extender module). Still, I’d be even happier if wireless connections were never broken in the first place.
Video presentations from the iPod through the dock offers about the same resolution as a direct, hard-wired connection would. The dock does not offer the near state-of-the-art presentation you might see from certain high-end docking systems that use extensive video processing functions to restore video resolution the iPod itself is missing, but the presentation is otherwise about as good as the iPod’s video imaging ever gets.
One point I’d like to make absolutely clear is the IS301 does not extract digital audio from the iPod as a dock such as the Wadia Model 170 iTransport does. The IS301 provides analog audio and video connections only.

BOTTOM LINE:
Marantz’s IS301 wireless iPod dock gives you a simple and effective means of connecting almost any version of iPod to your audio or home theater system. Through the IS301, you can listen to music or, where your iPod supports these functions, watch videos or display still photos with the greatest of ease. The IS301 is at its very best for music playback, where the IS301’s innovative and portable Bluetooth handset lets you control playback directly from the iPod’s own user interface—an option not all competing docks allow.
A/V outputs: composite video, S-Video, component video, stereo analog audio
Other connections: USB port for syncing iPods to iTunes accounts on PCs or Macs, external control input for use with whole home control systems, remote control output for feeding control signals to compatible Marantz components.
Bluetooth compatibility: version 2.1+ EDR, supports A2DP profile and AVRCP profile
iPod compatibility: iPod Mini, iPod nano 1G/2G/3G/4G, iPod 4G 20GB/40GB, iPod 4G Photo 20GB/30GB/40GB/60GB, iPod 5G Video 30GB/60GB/80GB, iPod classic 80GB/120GB/160GB, and iPod touch 1G/2G.

Building Blocks Of A Home Theater

2009-12-28T13:47:00.000+02:00

Most movie soundtracks are digitally split up into five more more channels. In most instances, you’ll find channels dedicated to front, centre (dialogue) and surround signals, giving a total of five main channels, with a sixth bass-only channel dedicated to bass reinforcement. This bass or .1 channel contains approximately 10% of the audio content found on other channels within the 'soundfield' (as it only handles low bass signals), giving rise to the expression ‘5.1 surround sound’. In some soundtracks, an additional sixth channel of audio content has been encoded into the mix to add extra surround spaciousness, giving a 6.1 soundtrack (see our Separates section for more). This can be replayed either by one or two extra rear speakers, giving a total of either six or seven speakers and a sub in the system.

Now, let’s look at the core elements of home cinema systems in more detail. First and foremost, you’ll need a good-quality display and preferably a big one: large-screen plasma and LCD TVs are ideal, while the best, most cinematic results are available with a projector and screen. This will involve watching in a properly darkened room to ensure the best results, but in our view this only adds to the movie theatre experience.

Next, you’ll need a source, which for most buyers, means a DVD player. These have become increasingly disposable items in the modern market, costing as little as the price of two DVDs in some places, but while superficially appealing, these bargain-basement buys will do little for your home theatre enjoyment. A higher-quality player will not only provide a better picture for your screen, it will also deliver superior sonic performance and be built to last.

Then, you’ll require a surround sound processor, amplifier or receiver. This will provide all the amplification needed to drive your loudspeakers plus all the necessary surround sound decoding. Whether a processor (which requires a separate power amplifier) or an amp/receiver, the key audio work is carried out by powerful digital signal processors. These take the digital signals fed to them by your DVD player (games console or satellite receiver) and use them to recreate an enveloping soundfield in the room. Processors can also compensate for the acoustic properties of your room, and the relative placement of your speakers within it.

Finally, you’ll need a speaker system, which will be powered by your amplifier or receiver. There’s a massive variety on offer, from compact satellite systems through to huge floorstanding set-ups, but the key element remains consistent: all the speakers in a home theatre speaker package need to be tonally identical. This ensures that the soundfield remains coherent and is not disrupted by differeing characteristics in one channel or another. The slightest variation in tonality or volume, especially in the centre channel, can ruin the illusion, and with it, your experience. That’s why we produce dedicated centre-channel speakers to suit almost every loudspeaker range we produce.

Whichever size of speaker package you choose to buy, you should also budget for a dedicated subwoofer, or even two. Powered by its own internal amplifier, subs ensure you hear the full theatrical experience, complete with deep, articulate bass.

Invest in all these elements: display, source, amplification and speakers and you’ve the building blocks of a home theatre system. To fine-tune it for the best results, visit our Set-up section.

Yamaha BD S1065 Overview

2009-12-24T10:38:00.000+02:00

Yamaha recently added two new models to its Blu-ray lineup. We have not performed a hands-on review of the BD-S1065, but here is an overview of the player's features. This Profile 2.0 player supports BonusView/picture-in-picture playback and BD-Live Web functionality, and it offers both onboard decoding and bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The BD-S1065 does not support any type of video-on-demand platform, such as those offered by Netflix and Amazon.
In terms of video connections, the BD-S1065 offers HDMI, component video, S-video, and composite video outputs. This player supports both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 output resolutions via HDMI. The setup menu does not include any advanced picture adjustments, such as preset picture modes or noise-reduction options. The BD-S1065 has the full complement of audio connections: HDMI, optical and coaxial digital and 2- and 7.1-channel analog. As I mentioned, the player has onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and it also passes these high-resolution audio formats in bitstream form over HDMI, for your A/V receiver to decode. You can set speaker size, level, and delay for the analog audio outputs.

The BD-S1065's disc drive supports BD, DVD, CD audio, AVCHD, and JPEG playback, but not MP3 or WMA music files. The back panel features an Ethernet port for BD-Live Web connectivity; this player does not have built-in wireless functionality. The BD-S1065 also lacks internal memory, so the addition of an external storage device is required to download BD-Live features; a back-panel USB port is provided for this purpose. The player lacks RS-232, but it does have remote control in/out ports. The unit is compatible with the SCENE function available in many Yamaha receivers, which automatically launches a series of codes for certain tasks like "DVD Viewing."

Conclusion
Purely from a Blu-ray standpoint, the BD-S1065 has the most desirable features to suit any A/V setup--such as 1080p/24 output, BD-Live, and HD audio decoding with multichannel analog outputs--and would be a logical fit for anyone who owns a Yamaha receiver.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T10:47:00.000+02:00

Lexicon Direct to you!

2009-12-22T17:21:00.000+02:00

Founded in 1971, Lexicon has become one of the world's premier manufacturers of home theater and professional electronics. Innovative technologies, such as LOGIC 7, have helped Lexicon to push the boundaries of home entertainment. Lexicon audio systems are now available in the Rolls Royce Phantom, and LOGIC 7 in models from BMW, Mercedes and Land Rover.

Now available in the online store!

Mark Levinson In The Online Shop!

2009-12-21T14:16:00.000+02:00

The History of Mark Levinson

1972 saw the introduction of Mark Levinson’s JC-1 preamplifier, a concrete, functional symbol of Mark Levinson’s approach to audio reproduction. It evidenced a signature blending of vision and science. It was the beginning of a series of groundbreaking audio components that reinforced America’s reputation in high end audio design.

Indeed, the JC-1 taught even hardcore audiophiles that tube components had no lock on aural truth. As the JC-1 evolved into the ML-1, it was joined by the ML-2 monophonic power amplifier. Mark Levinson then introduced the ML-3 power amplifier, a massive and ultra-stable dual-mono design that precisely controlled even the most difficult loudspeakers of its day.

By the mid ‘80s, despite innovations such as a fully modular preamplifier and extraordinary open-reel tape decks suitable for demanding studio recording sessions, Mark Levinson Audio Systems found itself in difficult financial straits. However, the Mark Levinson tradition of hand-crafted excellence was rescued by Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Mark Levinson’s “sister company” distributor. Key personnel regrouped to continue design and production. The reorganization brought needed fiscal discipline and an expanded engineering staff.

The timing was propitious. The audio industry was moving rapidly towards the digital CD as a prime music source. Although certainly not the first digital-to-analog converter to appear, Mark Levinson’s classic No. 30 reference processor was instantly hailed as the new sonic benchmark, an achievement that signaled digital’s “coming of age.” The following year, the No. 31 reference CD transport completedMark Levinson’s desire to offer the finest digital playback system. It, too, was hailed as a milestone in design, execution, and sound quality.

With the Mark Levinson name firmly established as a first tier supplier of components for the home enthusiast, Mark Levinson broadened its reach with a relationship with Lexus, Toyota’s luxury car division. Working closely with Lexus engineers, Mark Levinson leveraged its experience and the expertise of other automotive divisions of its parent corporation, Harman International, to provide audio performance that fully complemented the Lexus driving experience.

Today, more than three decades after the company’s inception, Mark Levinson continues to expand the horizons of audiophiles at home and on the road as well as those of home theater enthusiasts with components and systems that define accuracy, reliability, and enjoyment.

Mark Levinson. Since 1972. The same name. The same enduring standards. The same extraordinary level of satisfaction.

Check out our latest offering from Audiophile Manufacturer Mark Levinson.... now available to you via our Online Store!

Denon's AVR-4810CI 9.3 Channel Receiver

2009-12-19T11:53:00.000+02:00

Denon just introduced the AVR-4810CI Audio/Video Receiver, a next-generation 9.3 channel multi-zone A/V receiver that offers high-quality distribution of audio and video throughout the home. With nine built-in amplifiers that can be configured to a host of system designs, the AVR-4810CI offers unprecedented flexibility and support for high-definition audio and video performance from all digital sources.
Along with many of today's most advanced surround sound and distribution capabilities, the AVR-4810CI includes 6 HDMI inputs/2 outputs, all certified for HDMI 1.3a. It includes support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz, featuring Front Height Effects Channels, as well as Dolby TrueHD/ DTS-HD Master audio support for decoding the multi-channel recordings featured on Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. It also features a built-in HDCD decoder, as well as a wide variety of performance and convenience features, including Vertical Stretch (2.35:1 CinemaScope) Mode, and a Video Control Adjustments Memory by input feature. Analog Video Conversion with Scaling to 1080p/24 uses advanced Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT) video processing and scaling.
Among the AVR-4810CI's leading-edge features and capabilities is the inclusion of Audyssey DSX with front height and/or expanded width channels. This advancement allows for a dramatic enhancement of the listener's 5.1- or 7.1-channel surround experience, adding a vertical component to the horizontal sound field and/or widening the image field to recreate a more realistic movie theatre-like experience. The enhanced spatial audio effect provides added presence and depth while maintaining the integrity of the source mix and ensuring audio is always appropriate to the source material.
Advanced Whole-Home Networking
The AVR-4810CI also includes a host of 21st century networking capabilities, joining other leading-edge products in Denon's line to feature both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g certified) for control and digital media steaming. In order to provide users with even more flexibility and convenience, second zone video output is available via component with onscreen display for meta-data from iPod®/XM/HD Radio/Streaming Audio, providing a second zone within a home to experience high-definition video signals, audio and meta-data from connected devices. Two discrete AM/FM tuners, one featuring HD Radio, as well as Sirius and XM readiness provide for multi-zone distribution. The AVR-4810CI also features Rhapsody and Napster streaming audio via Internet without the necessity of a connected PC. It provides audio and video processing capabilities for three independent home entertainment zones, plus connectivity and control of Apple iPods that can be streamed to any of these zones. The height of "future-readiness," the AVR-4810CI even features a special "Party Mode" multi-zone network streaming management system for use with the ASD-51N/W Network Server/Dock. Notably, thanks to its preout connections for another set of channels for Audyssey DSX, the AVR-4810CI is in actuality a 4-zone AVR with 11.3-channel capabilities.
Custom Installation-Friendly Features
In addition to built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the AVR-4810CI includes a host of features geared toward custom integrators, including easy system setup and maintenance from a remote location. This allows custom integrators to diagnose and even fix a customer's problem from their office and not waste time travelling to a customer's home. Once the unit is installed, the integrator can simply log on via secure website hosted by Denon and correct or restore settings that may have accidentally changed. Additionally, it allows users to stream and listen to music stored on a Windows PC, Mac and media server products or NAS devices supporting the DLNA standard.
For total ease and accuracy of set-up, the unit features Audyssey MultEQ XT Auto Setup and Calibration, along with the ability to use the advanced Audyssey Pro installer package, which measures ideal sonic performance in up to 32 different positions. This allows installers to define the ultimate sound quality for virtually any size or shape room.
Like all Denon receivers, the AVR-4810CI includes Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume levelling technology that frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume levels when broadcast material changes between television shows and commercials or even while watching a movie. Coupled with Audyssey Dynamic Volume is Audyssey Dynamic EQ, a loudness correction technology that enhances the overall entertainment experience even further. Audyssey Dynamic EQ solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality of movies and music as volume is decreased. By selecting the correct frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment, Dynamic EQ lets users enjoy the full palette of original rich sound at any volume.

Boston Acoustics CS 26 Bookshelf Review

2009-12-18T15:36:00.000+02:00

Founded in 1979, Boston Acoustics established a reputation for high performance, affordable home loudspeakers, and then ventured into the mobile audio arena with equal success. Boston, along with companies like Adcom and B&W, played a huge role in the upper mid-fi boom of the mid-to-late 1980s. Boston also strongly delved into the mobile OEM business, and to this day still provides the audio systems for a number of high profile automobiles. D&M Holdings, owner of the Denon, Marantz, McIntosh, Snell, and Escient brands (among others), purchased Boston in 2005.
Launched late in 2008, Boston's "Classic Series" loudspeakers combine many of Boston's high-end technologies with a more traditional style and look, all at an affordable price. Along with the CS 26 Bookshelf Loudspeaker reviewed here, the line-up includes the CS 226 Floorstanding Loudspeaker, CS 225C Centre Channel, CS 23 Compact Bookshelf, and CS Sub10 Subwoofer. Boston also offers a complete CS 2300 5-channel surround sound system, consisting of four CS 23 Bookshelf speakers and a CS 223C Centre Channel.
The CS 26 Bookshelf Loudspeaker couples a 1-inch Kortec soft dome tweeter to a 6 ½-inch graphite injected polymer woofers utilizing Deep Channel Design (DCD) for more bass from less amplifier power, according to the company. The company says that Kortec® incorporates stiffening agents into a synthetic fabric to achieve high frequency response and power handling. The CS 26 employs a rear firing port, and provides two gold plated 5-way binding posts. The CS 26 also provides a keyhole bracket for easy wall mounting, along with a set of rubber feet. Available in either a black or cherry vinyl finish, the CS 26 provides a good level of fit and finish, and its inset grill design creates a smooth front appearance that will appeal to many (as long as you listen with the grills on, that is...take them off and the appearance looks a bit awkward). Boston has achieved its goal of offering a classic, simple cosmetic alternative in today's modern marketplace.
Sound
Set up on stands and driven by a good quality A/V receiver, the CS 26 delivered a well-rounded, sparkly presentation. The highs stood out just a bit, but not overly so. The CS 26 threw a very convincing soundstage considering its price, with depth and width and a good feeling of air. The bass had very good depth and tightness, and blended well into the lower midrange. The port definitely colored the bass a bit, but never to the point of distraction. While the CS 26 lacked ultimate bass depth, as that is to be expected at its size, the overall bass performance really stood out and drew you in as a listener. The CS 26 had a smooth midrange and only a bit of shallowness in the lower midband. Overall, vocals and piano had a very appealing, listenable quality, and blended well into the rest of the presentation. The CS 26 also played pretty loudly when asked, and held together pretty well. The CS 26 performed better away from rear walls, but not as much as you'd expect from a rear ported design. It held its own even mounted directly against the wall.
I preferred the CS 26 only slightly more with classical and jazz than rock and electronic material. Its solid midrange and consistent bass response allow it to stretch pretty much well across all types of music. But for me, its slightly sparkly tonal balance and big sound staging lent itself to classical; I really enjoyed listening to big symphonies and opera through the CS 26.
At 89dB efficiency with an 8 ohm load, the CS 26 needed only an average amount of power to open up properly. While I recommend at least a good quality power source, you could certainly get away with an entry-level receiver.
High Points
• The CS 26 performs well across a wide range of music, plays loudly without significant break-up, and doesn't suffer much even when wall-mounted.
• The CS 26 reproduces big classical and opera very well.
• The CS 26 is easy to drive and set up, and offers a pretty, classic cosmetic profile with an elegant grill design.
• The CS 26 offers optional matching centre and surround models for easy expansion.
Low Points
• The CS 26's slightly forward tonal balance lends itself to classical and opera recordings, but certainly does well overall with rock and electronic material, as well.
• The CS 26 produces midband coloration typical of budget bookshelf loudspeakers, but not enough to stand out and distract.
• The CS 26 looks much better with the grills on, as the inset baffle design makes things look a bit awkward when they're off.
Conclusion
The CS 26 offers a very appealing combination of sonics, ergonomics, and aesthetics. It can stretch across many types of material, and look good in the process. None of its sonic shortcomings came at the expense of the whole sonic picture, which is critical at any price point. While I didn't find any one aspect of the CS 26 truly extraordinary, I also didn't find anything truly unappealing, either. It sounds good, looks good, and is easy to set up and drive. This is a solid performer.

Marantz hit one out the park!

2009-12-17T16:01:00.000+02:00

Marantz has had a reputation for high-quality audio reproduction for over 50 years. Lately, their receivers have been a little short on features, but maintained the legendary sound. Times are changing and Marantz has adapted nicely to the new technologies available to the receiver maker. The release of the SR6004 receiver reviewed here is proving that. This new receiver has you covered on all the new codecs, Audyssey features, video scaling and even Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed to be the hub of a modern home theater and even an entire home.

The SR6004 comes with all the features you'd expect, like four-to-two HDMI 1.3 switching, three-to-one component and composite video input switching. A front panel input allows composite video and has the only S-Video jack on the receiver. Digital inputs abound, with four optical and two coaxial, as well as a USB input, and one optical digital output that can feed a digital recorder or another home theater elsewhere in the home. There are a 7.1 channel analog input, eight pairs of stereo analog inputs and a stereo analog output for one zone, as well as 7.1 channel preamp outputs. A two-prong IEC power socket with both a switched and un-switched power outlet for your other components round out the connectivity. Seven 110-watts-per-channel into eight ohms amplifiers can be set to run speakers in a host of different ways from a conventional 7.1 system, with or without front height channel connected for when you use Dolby Pro Logic IIz. If you only run five speakers, you can use the extra channel to bi-amplify your front speakers.

Control is handled by remote connections for syncing to other Marantz components, as well as a 12-volt trigger, an RS-232 port and IR inputs. Connectors for both Sirius and XM satellite radio are here, as well as AM and FM tuners with up to 60 presets and direct access via the remote. The coolest thing on this unit is Marantz's new M-X Port terminal that plugs in the included RX101 Bluetooth and IR receiver. This allows remote IR detection should you hide your gear and will also sync to your iPhone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices and allow playback wirelessly on your home system. The RX101 has the capability of remembering up to eight Bluetooth devices, so the entire family can easily sync their iPhones and laptops on a single receiver.

The entire complement of Audyssey functions are here, including MultiEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which offers an added pair of front height channels to increase the surround experience. All analog video sources can be scaled up to 1080p or any other format and are converted to HDMI and each other, allowing only the highest-level connector to connect the receiver to your display. Nowadays, that will hopefully be HDMI. Two HDMI outputs are present and you can directly switch between the two of them with a button on the remote. I am very happy to see this addition, as switching between the two outputs on older Marantz receivers was deeply buried in the set-up menus. Now those with dual display systems can easily switch between them.

The front panel USB port is full 2.0 spec and allows direct connection to an iPod, iPhone, flash drive or hard disc drive with up to 700 folders and over 65,000 files. Clearly, this will handle even large libraries and massive storage devices. When connected via USB, iPods and iPhones transfer data digitally as LPCM and can reproduce true CD quality sound from uncompressed files. Should you not want to be tethered to your receiver, the Bluetooth adaptor will allow you to move about your house while listening. Full iPod control is available from the remote and, for larger storage devices, your display will allow you to easily navigate your music files.

Top all this off with Marantz's new look for receivers and separates with the swooped-back side plates of the front fascia and the shallow depth cabinet, and this receiver not only looks great but can fit into places others can't. The shallow depth also makes connections easier, thanks to the extra space. The only thing not present on this receiver is WiFi support for computer audio, but the included Bluetooth support is more useful, easier to set up and accomplishes the same goals.

The Hook-up
I hooked the Marantz SR6004 to a 5.1 set of KEF 5005.2 speakers and fed the unit with a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR, Denon DVD2500BTCI player and my Marantz TT-15SI turntable. I ran the cable box via both HDMI and component video, as well as a coaxial digital. I plugged in the RX101 Bluetooth receiver and the power cord and was up and running in less than half an hour. The Audyssey MultiEQ auto room set-up took a few more minutes. I went through the menus to set up my sources. The new GUI Marantz has made is much more modern than the previous version, which seemed very MS-DOS like and was a nice new addition. The input assignment is done on a large chart and is logical and intuitive to use. All inputs can be renamed to your liking. Parental controls, manual and automatic room set-up are all here, as well as set-up for the 7.1 channel analog input. You can even use Marantz's nine band graphic equalizers that allow you to customize each of the seven speakers, a true treat for the tweaker and a feature that provided a lot of fun for me. Tweaking frequency response of the different speakers can greatly improve or degrade your system, so be careful when messing with the EQ settings, but have fun.

Performance
The first thing I wanted to test was the Bluetooth connection, as I find this to be incredibly useful in today's world. I started off with my Mac Book Air streaming 192 Kbps MP3 and AAC files and was very happy with the results. Whether I streaming The Cure's cover of "Purple Haze" from Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (Reprice/WEA) to Cypress Hill's self-titled album (Sony) and the track "How I Could Just Kill a Man," the sound was good, with reasonable separation and solid bass. Connecting my iPhone was a snap and gave me in-hand control of everything on it, even from across the house. When I did step out of range, simply moving back a few feet resumed playback. The ability to stream from my or any of my friends' iPhones or laptops made the experience far outweigh any limitations the compression took away from the music.

To compare the RX101 Bluetooth receiver to the USB, I used my iPhone. The USB input allows a true digital feed from the attached USB device to the receiver. I made two play lists of the same songs, one as AIFF files and one as MP3 and AAC files for easy comparison. I had to use my iPhone, as my iPod is an older model and only fourth-generation or newer models support the direct digital output. With my iPhone directly connected, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" from Annie Lennox's Medusa (Arista) in AIFF offered the best sonics, and for critical listening was more open with better separation than the 192 kbps MP3 track. When I switched to the Bluetooth receiver, the differences between the two file formats was less, with both sounding closer to the MP3 track, though the AIFF still had a bit more open sound.

Turning to TV, I found the time for the SR6004 to switch between different HD resolutions acceptably. It took a second or two, but everything does these days, and the Marantz was certainly no slower than others I've used, and on par with anything else I have. Dolby Digital from my HD DVR was clear and open. When I watched Entourage (HBO), vocals were easily discernable and surround effects matched the screen image. Sons of Anarchy (FX) demonstrated solid bass from explosions, while keeping subtleties clear. Scaling from the component input was good and, with higher-resolution sources, seemingly identical to HDMI on my slightly dated Panasonic plasma. I tried the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and volume and went through the various levels. While they did improve the ability to perceive voices at lower volumes, they pushed the mid bass too much for my liking, so I defeated them.

I spun up Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs (Chrysalis/Capitol) on vinyl and was pleased with the rich and open way it portrayed the title track, giving a spacious soundstage with well-positioned bells. The deep and driving guitar riffs of "Too Rolling Stoned" came across with power and energy that made the song a joy to hear. I loved this album as a young man and this set-up showed me why, in more detail than I remembered. The AM/FM tuner of the Marantz SR6004 worked well, tuning in even difficult stations and had more presets available than any terrestrial radio market will offer.

I loaded up X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) on Blu-ray and got all the life and energy I have come to expect from the new codecs. Every minute detail was crisply portrayed from the DTS HD MA track, while powerful explosions shook the room. The sound of sliding metal on metal when Wolverine's new claws come out for the first time was perfect and sounded as though I was using my own kitchen knives. The smacking of flesh in the fight with Blob had great detail and Blob's fall to the floor was palpable.

Low Points
The remote is well laid-out and functions perfectly, and even has great backlighting, but it feels kind of cheap. I know, I'm nitpicking, but it doesn't seem quite up to the quality of the receiver. Four HDMI inputs is a good number, but those with multiple gaming platforms, players and possibly TV sources may need more. I love the addition of the remote button to switch HDMI outputs, but can also see the downside to this, as a child accidentally hitting this button could cause technical operating problems, but I don't see how to overcome this, as those with dual display systems need immediate access to this feature. It is just something to be careful of if you don't use it.

Conclusion
Marantz has hit one out of the park with the new SR6004 AV receiver. Not only does it have/support all the new uncompressed codecs, multi-zone control and Audyssey EQ features, it even has Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds front height channels to enhance the surround experience. It has compatibility for both satellite radio providers, a USB audio input that can access music stored on any type of USB capable storage and allows a true digital feed from fourth-generation or later iPods or iPhones for critical listening. What I like the best is the inclusion of the RX101 Bluetooth receiver that allows me, or any of my friends, to stream music from our iPhones or other Bluetooth devices to the system wirelessly while maintaining in-hand control. The included RX101 Bluetooth receiver allows total convenience with only a slight loss of sonic quality when compared to the USB input and can remember up to eight devices, so an entire family or group could easily connect to it.

Marantz has a long history of delivering great sound, often with a lack of features, but this new receiver breaks that mold. Sure, it sounds great. In fact, it sounds better than most of the competitors' higher-priced models, but now Marantz is really baring its teeth and adding the coolest, most useful features. The SR6004 doesn't offer WiFi for computer audio - it goes one better and adds a Bluetooth receiver, which allows more ease of use and flexibility than WiFi. To top it off, the RX101 Bluetooth receiver also doubles as a remote IR receiver, allowing the SR6004 to be hidden from view, yet still be easily accessed via the included remote.

This is a great receiver. It's so easy to use and so practical, while sounding incredible. It offers relevant usable features not found elsewhere with great sound, all at a mid-fi price. This is the receiver I am recommending to anyone who asks me. The Marantz SR6004 is the most useable, feature-packed receiver, offering incredible sonics at a real-world price point. This is the one to check out if you are in the market for a new receiver, but get your own: I'm keeping this one

What the Rotel RMB 1575 can offer you

2009-12-15T15:24:00.000+02:00

Rotel is one of the most established leaders in value-oriented audiophile gear. As part of the group that also owns Classe Audio electronics and Bowers and Wilkins (B&W) loudspeakers, thus giving home theatre enthusiasts and audiophiles meaningful performance without a staggering price tag. One of the categories that Rotel has succeeded in most recently is in their digital multi-channel amps. With real power ratings (not the trumped-up BS you will find with other brands currently in the market) you can get five channels of clean, quiet and bountiful power in an absolutely stunning chassis that borders on the levels of the uber-amps out there. The sound of the Rotel RMB-1575 is noticeably void of noise, a quality desirable to audiophiles in Class-A, Class-B designs. Class-D "digital" amps put the other designs to shame in terms of their quiet operation. Rotel's RMB-1575 also provides a very immediate sound, as it has so much more real power than even the top of the line AV receivers. This is valuable to home theatre users pumping the latest HD audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and or DTS Master Audio via HDMI from Blu-ray, who will now have the amplifier power to keep up with the increased dynamics of the new formats.

High Points
• Dollar for dollar, the power you get with the Rotel RBM-1575 makes it a killer value. It cannot be compared with even the best AV receivers as it has so much more power. It is clearly a step above.
• The "quiet" or low distortion sound of the amp is truly alluring for music lovers and movie enthusiasts alike, especially with the new HD audio codecs from Blu-ray.
• The casework on the Rotel RMB-1575 is gorgeous, comparing with the best in the business.
• The Rotel RMB-1575 runs cool as a cucumber compared to traditional amps.

Low Points
• Class-D "digital" amps have tons of power and run quietly and cool. However, they tend to lack the heft on the low end that you get from the best Class-AB amps, such as a Krell or even a comparably-priced ATI. Those amps are far heavier, larger and run much hotter, often with more distortion, yet there is no question as to the difference in sound. It is not a "one is better than the other" valuation. Class-D amps just sound different than traditional Class-AB amps.

Conclusion
It should come as no surprise that Rotel is back with another bang-for-the-buck winner with the RBM-1575 five-channel Class-D digital amp. It is a good-looking contender that is the logical companion to today's latest AV preamps with the power needed to blow away even the best, most expensive AV receivers, especially on audiophile sources like DVD-Audio and SACD and, even more dramatically, on HD audio sources from Blu-ray.

Classe Audio CA-5200 Reviewed

2009-12-15T15:14:00.000+02:00

By: Jerry Del Colliano
Receivers are for bedrooms. In a true high-performance, audiophile-grade theatre, you need real power to move some air with your speakers, meaning that even if you have a pair of your favourite monoblock amps perched on a slab of granite, you still have five more channels of audio to power. That brings me to the Classe' CA-5200, one of the most refined, powerful and graceful multi-channel amps to ever grace my equipment rack.

Listed conservatively at 200 watts per channel times five channels, the Classe Audio CA-5200 is what we could call a beast of an amplifier. It mainly operates as a traditional class AB amp but, at lower outputs, the Classe' engineers have figured out a way to make the amps run as a class-A amp (no pun intended), which reportedly reduces some of the noise associated with class AB switching, not that you can hear any audible noise when auditioning the Classe' CA-5200, as this power amp runs very, very quietly. The Toroidal transformer (the heart and soul of any good class AB amp) is custom-made and extra-beefy, yet the Classe' CA-5200 runs cool as a cucumber.
The build quality and industrial design for the entire Classe' line, especially the CA-5200, is as good as it gets at any price in the world of specialty audio. For music, expect to hear an amplifier that doesn't really impose its sound on your recordings. What the Classe' CA-5200 does is provide a reserve of power that is always sitting there waiting to produce. You don't always need all 200 watts across five channels, but when you are playing a demanding SACD in surround, there are times you are glad you have the sonic reinforcement that the CA-5200 delivers. For movies, the need for discrete power is arguably even more important, as a CA-5200 likely would power your front three speakers, as well as your surrounds. With HD audio coming from today's best Blu-ray sources, never before has having a high-resolution surround sound system been more relevant. The resolution of the effects you can hear in your side and rear channels are better than ever, necessitating a more significant amplifier like the Classe' CA-5200.

High Points
- The Classe' Audio CA-5200 delivers real power via proven amplifier technology. The 200 watts you get from each channel are conservatively rated and have pound after pound of technology to back them up. Don't fall for the hype of a digital amp unless cost is the most pressing issue. Yes, they are quiet and have one hell of a spec sheet, but listen to a real amp like the Classe' CA-5200 first before you plunk down your Black Card.
- The fit and finish of the Classe' Audio CA-5200 is breathtaking. One look in person (or even at the photos) will reassure you as to why this is one of the best options in the world of audiophile amplifiers. This is an amp you buy and keep for the rest of your life; you may even put a provision in your will for it. It's that good and will last that long.
- No multi-channel amp looks better in a custom rack than Classe'. Arguably, no large-scale class-AB amp runs cooler in a rack, either.
- Classe says they design their amps to not be very interconnect-dependent, meaning you don't have to geek out with 10 pairs of three-meter interconnects from your AV preamp to your amp. It's nice that they said this, as I needed to test it for myself and you know what? You can hear a difference between, say, UltraLink and Transparent cables with the Classe' CA-5200, so I stuck with my Transparent Reference cables, which have served me well over the years, as I believe each incremental audio improvement adds up to a system that sounds significantly better. I agree with Classe, however, that cables are not a huge issue with the CA-5200, as they sometimes are with tweakier audiophile amps.
Low Points
- I could pick on the Classe CA-5200's weight, but it's more of a planning issue than a ding. You wouldn't want to drop a CA-5200 in a flimsy rack, as this amp is worthy of being placed on granite in a more audiophile-oriented system. The coolest way of presenting the CA-5200 is in a custom rack, such as a Middle Atlantic rack with a custom faceplate. An entire rack of Classe' electronics looks nothing short of stunning when installed professionally.
Conclusion
The Classe' Audio CA-5200 is as powerful, nimble and robust as you will find in the world of audiophilia. Its build quality makes a reasonable argument that this amp will function longer than you will. The Classe CA-5200 has enough real power to light up the highest-end speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 system, ranging from B&Ws to Wilsons to Martin Logans to Cantons to Magnepans to Revels. You never need to worry about having enough power if you own a Classe CA-5200. If you were to make a list of the best multi-channel amps money could buy for ultimate performance, value and overall sound, I am confident the Classe' Audio CA-5200 would be right at the top.

A little Info on Rotel

2009-12-15T14:23:00.000+02:00

Rotel recently introduced a number of new two channel components: Integrated amp, CD player, stereo and power preamplifiers that are designed for the value conscious consumer with a taste for truly refined sound.
Stereo Integrated Amplifier
The RA-1520 is a music lover's amplifier and is ideal as a stand-alone stereo system. Its 2 x 60 watt (into 8 ohms) design is based upon nearly 50 years of expertise in analogue audio engineering and it delivers all of the musical performance the artist intended. Subtle nuances and large dynamics are both rendered faithfully from uncompressed digital or classic analogue sources with the included moving magnet phono. To complete its functionality, as well as its superb performance capabilities, there are additional inputs for tuner, tape, CD and Aux.
CD Player
The RCD-1520 utilizes a segmented power supply with a large toroidal transformer to minimize power supply "sag" and reduce hum emissions. All rectifiers, voltage regulation components and BHC low-ESR storage capacitors are carefully selected, not only for tight tolerance specifications, but in particular, for their sound quality. Both analogue and digital circuits undergo this careful scrutiny. For the digital domain, Rotel has specified the superb Wolfson DAC for advanced digital filtration and D/A conversion. The CD transport is a high performance, slot loading mechanism. The result of this attention to detail is a CD player that will remain a part of a reference audio system for years to come.
Stereo Preamplifiers
The RC-1580 is designed for the hi-fi purist in terms of its minimalist approach and absolute musical fidelity. Component parts such as an oversized toroidal power transformer and special BHC capacitors, along with circuit topology, have been carefully selected to obtain the best sound possible. For those who want the best of both audio and video worlds a unity gain stage has been included to enable a surround processor to feed straight through to the power amplifier thereby bypassing the volume control. The RC-1580 includes a low noise MM/MC phono with discrete, differential input stages, as well as CD, Tuner, and two AUX inputs. The preamplifier can be controlled by RS-232, or IR input. A tone defeat, media input socket, phones socket and remote control is included.
RC-1550
The RC-1550 delivers an extraordinary level of performance. Its rock-solid power supply is comprised of a custom made toroidal transformer and select grade BHC slit foil capacitors. RC-1550 features six line-level inputs in addition to a phono input for moving magnet cartridges. A convenient contour control allows easy and repeatable timbre adjustments. With two sets of main outputs, a 12 volt "trigger” jack, and a Rotel-system remote control for both the pre-amplifier and a companion Rotel CD, tuner, or DVD player, the RC-1550 brings the flexibility and sound quality of Rotel separates within easy reach.
Stereo Power Amplifiers
Rotel has been engineering and manufacturing power amplifiers for decades and the two amplifiers presented here build on the company's Balanced Design Concept engineering philosophy and feature refined Class AB output stages, over-sized power supplies with toroidal transformers and select grade components throughout.
Rugged, stable, and natural sounding, either model is the ideal foundation for a high performance music systems. Both feature 12-volt triggers for remote operation and include an IEC detachable power cord. Power output configurations are 2 x 200 watts for the RB-1582 and 2 x 120 watts for the RB-1552. The on/off operation of the amplifiers can be remotely controlled by 12-volt triggers. Optional rack mount rails are available for custom installation requirements.

Cable Non-believers Are Missing Out On a Religious AV Experience

2009-12-14T11:28:00.000+02:00

Long ago I used to believe wire was wire and to this day there are many well respected AV equipment engineers who still feel this way but I have since gotten religion. Much like most audiophiles in the old days (early to mid-1980's) my system was wired with what today is affectionately called "lamp cord" for speaker wire. It was thin, affordable speaker cable and for nearly everyone in the market - it seemed good enough. Vividly, I remember when Noel Lee and Monster Cable came to market with meaningful aftermarket speaker cable. For retailers it was a game changer. It showed them a new way to add value to a sale not to mention profit. Nevertheless, audiophiles and enthusiasts mainly pooh-poohed this new component category with the argument of "why spend extra money on speaker wire when you can spend that money on speakers and or electronics?" It took me a few years to find my way and get over these early notions en route to higher audiophile and videophile enlightenment.
My conversion to the dark side of cables started when I first learned about aftermarket AC power cables for audiophile systems. The premise was so absurd I literally laughed in the face of the early adopter salesman who was willing to dare me to take home these pricey wires that looked more like Romex than anything that should be plugged into the back of a Mark Levinson amp. I got home and started my experiments, not just with my geeky self but with my wife as well, to hopefully bring a sense of reason to a seemingly absurd audiophile experiment. To our utter surprise, you could hear a difference. We were floored. When I swapped out the cables for my wife, she commented the sound was more open and the bass felt better. She then swapped them out for me and I could hear what she was talking about. It wasn't a little change. It was noticeable. But how could this be possible? I was starting to feel the power. I was starting to see what people were buzzing about with these un-Godly expensive aftermarket cables.
I went further in my search for ideal power, adding and swapping out various power conditioners. Some did compress the dynamics, especially when used on amplifiers, but some didn't and lowered the noise floor significantly. When I finally got to the upper end units, especially the ones with battery backup like my current reference PurePower 700 I was floored by the improvement and it wasn't just with audio, it markedly improved the video performance of my display as well. As my enthusiasm and hunt for the best performance AV gear got more and more advanced - I not only bought it, I drank down the Kool Aid and went back for seconds. With tremendous scepticism about a world filled with snake oil salesmen - I was able to find some truth. Could a well made cable make a good sound for a fair price for most consumers? Absolutely yes. But when you get to upper echelon of performance, finding the nth degree of performance opens you up to every element of your system including acoustics, EQ and yes, high end cables.
While I have done hundreds of hours of experimentation with cabling, mostly at the mid-level range, my eyes were opened even further when I got a chance to hear some true high end cables in my system from my friends at Transparent Audio. I had been warned that adding their interconnects and speaker wires would be on par with a component upgrade, and I was convinced that this wouldn't be the case, but I tried them, and low and behold they improved my system more than I had ever dreamed. My first experience with Transparent (I tried easily three or four other respected high end cables during my testing) made me feel the one component upgrade claim was not only reasonable but was conservative with a system on the higher end side of things.
Some religious fanatics go to the Vatican or travel to Mecca. Recently, I had the opportunity to go to audio Mecca in Saco, Maine known as the Transparent Audio factory. The trip was more impressive than a 15 pound lobster being plunked on your table. The thing that is most striking at Transparent is that their factory is designed to be like a home, as that is where most of Transparent's products end up. The warehouse where the finished cables are stored is in the rear of the building but the entire front of the office is built around the large kitchen and most if not all offices are within earshot of each other. The company philosophies are open and creative. They embrace failures and unlike many audiophile companies, feel that there is more than one way to solve a problem. This was clearly a forward-thinking company dedicated to the art of the very high end in audio and video reproduction. I quickly started to feel at home.
Corporate philosophies are easy to cook up but the proof is in the pudding, which for Transparent comes via what many believe to be the most state of the art listening room in America. We started off with a Rotel system with small B&W bookshelf speakers, initially wired with somewhat generic aftermarket cables. Respectfully, the system was not very enjoyable, and had a real lack of air and a bit of upper end harshness that would have become fatiguing in a short time. When the staff swapped in their entry level interconnects and speaker cables - the change was dramatically evident. Much of the edge in the system was gone and the separation improved. Moving further up the line showed continued improvements as did adding their upgraded power cords. Amazingly the improvement continued to be evident even in their highest lines, and they have one of the finest systems assembled to prove it. Moving into the world of the absurd, we demoed cables on a large format Wilson Alexandra-based system that was nothing short of incredible.
For the Rotel-level enthusiast there were real world performance improvements to be had at a price that most enthusiasts could afford or could ultimately upgrade to. However out at the lunatic fringe of EMM Labs, Wilson Audio and LAMM - there were new questions. Ask any truly wealthy person if they think that $30,000 per pair of speaker cables are worth the money and you will likely get laughed at, yet they spend that kind of money on jet fuel in a short trip on a plane or buying designer diamonds at 10 times mark-up on wholesale. Everyone has their own values and for those who truly love music and movies and who want to take the experience to the total extreme there are cables like Transparent's Opus line. Even compared to other high end brands and models of speaker cables (and interconnects) these cables show the utmost level of performance one can hope for. We swapped these carbon fibre encased, stunningly beautiful cables in and out of the systems and it was like seeing God. The music in this well treated, beautifully designed room was truly incredible. All scepticism aside - this was the best sounding room that I have ever heard, including anything and everything I have heard at dozens of showrooms, CES or CEDIA tradeshows as well as auditions in homes packing $250,000 audio systems. It wasn't just about cables, just as you wouldn't just take a bite out of a white truffle. It's about the overall experience and the merger of excellent ingredients from speakers to electronics to acoustical treatments, including of course high end cables. Everything tasted - I mean sounded - truly fantastic.
I know that people will want to argue that cables don't make a difference but to my ears they do. I will admit that there are some bogus cable companies out there selling snake oil, but there are also dozens making truly fantastic cables from the insanely priced Transparent Opus product down to Dtrovision's fibre optic HDMI cable that can run over 300 feet with beyond-1080p or Wireworld's new glass USB cable that for less than $100 can improve the sound of computer-based audio or iPod systems. The point isn't that you have to spend the remaining equity in your home to get to some audiophile fantasy system. My suggestion is that if you have an appreciation for the finer things in life - especially when it comes to your music and movies - that you ignore the sceptics and take a look at the total design of your system. It's not the power of any one component that will get you the best performance from your current system - it's the synergy of all of the parts together. Even if you are sceptical - give it a chance. I did and I will never go back to thinking the way I did years ago.

Article Courtesy By: Dr. Ken Taraszka

Boston Acoustics Reflection Series Now Available

2009-12-07T12:07:00.000+02:00

Be sure to check out the latest from Boston Acoustics, the all new Reflection series.

Now available in store or @ http://www.soundimage.co.za/ in the Online shop!

B&W FESTIVE DEALS

2009-12-07T10:10:00.000+02:00

Christmas Special

2009-12-03T11:43:00.000+02:00

Ever wondered how to set your time delay?

2009-11-28T10:57:00.000+02:00

Adjustable speaker ‘delays’ allow the processor to automatically compensate for your room size, and for situations where for example, the rear speakers are positioned closer to your seat than the front speakers. If you didn’t add a slight delay to the sound in such circumstances, there’s every chance you’d hear the rear speakers before the fronts, which would sound very strange indeed. To set delays, you need to measure the distance from each speaker to your seat and enter those values into the 'delay' section of your amp or receiver's set-up.

Most modern receivers and amps offer the choice of metres or feet for precise speaker delay calibration. However, some older kit requires you to enter in values to account for milliseconds of delay (which effectively does the same job, but which simply means you have to do the calculations yourself, rather than the processor). To work out these delays, use the following calculation: first, measure the distance from your front-left speaker to your seat. Then do the same for your left-rear speaker. You’ll have two numbers. For every 30cm of difference between these two figures, add 1ms (millisecond) of delay. For example, 300cm to front speakers, 150cm to rears = 150cm of difference, so 5ms of delay.

Finally, you’ll need to set the relative volume level of each speaker and your subwoofer. This can be done using the receiver’s built-in test tone, which can be used to both ensure you've wired each speaker up correctly, and to adjust each speaker for an even level of volume at the listening position. This is best done using a sound pressure level meter. Sit in your listening position, and point the meter straight upwards, not at your speakers. Set the meter's sensitivity to 80dB and flick the selector switches to ‘C’ weighting, and ‘Slow’ response. Turn on your receiver’s test tone, and turn up the main volume dial until you get a reading from the front-left speaker of 75dB. Then use the volume trims on your receiver’s remote to adjust the volume from every other speaker in the system until it shows that level.

Prepare for the Zeppelin Mini

2009-11-25T13:02:00.000+02:00

Introducing Zeppelin - the ultimate iPod speaker system, brought to you by the makers of some of the most advanced hi-fi speakers in the world. With its breathtaking sound quality and stunning design features, Zeppelin really is the speaker your iPod has been waiting for.

There are two models in the family to choose from. The original Zeppelin has become a modern design classic - the ideal all-in-one sound system for any space and occasion. And now there's also the streamlined Zeppelin Mini, perfect for when you want a big sound in smaller spaces. Whichever Zeppelin you pick, you can be sure that your digital music will never quite sound the same again.

A great iPod speaker system deserves fantastic music to play. At the Bowers & Wilkins Society of Sound you can download better than CD-quality music that will sound amazing on either Zeppelin or Zeppelin Mini. Sign up for a free trial, and you’ll receive a six-track sampler to really show off your speaker’s true potential. Members receive an album a month, plus access to an ever-increasing high-quality musical archive. Click here to find out more.

To read the latest news about Zeppelin and Zeppelin Mini visit the Bowers & Wilkins Blog. They’ll keep you updated about new reviews, awards, and any firmware updates that are available. You can also post your thoughts on Zeppelin and Zeppelin Mini, and have some fun letting us know what music sounds best on your speakers. Click here to sign up.

The Zeppelin mini will be launched in South Africa in January 2010 - priced at +/- R3999.

How upscaling works

2009-11-20T14:06:00.000+02:00

With the advent of high definition television, the development of components to match the resolution capabilities of HDTV are becoming more important. As a solution, more and more DVD players are equipped with "upscaling" capability to better match the performance of the DVD player with the capabilities of the today's HDTV's.
However, the introduction of Blu-ray and HD-DVD has confused the issue regarding the difference between the upscaling of standard DVD and the true high definition capability of Blu-ray.
Standard DVD Resolution
A standard DVD player, without upscaling, can output video resolution at 720x480 (480i). A progressive scan DVD player, without upscaling, can output 720x480 (480p - progressive scan) video signals.
480i represents 720 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 480 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 480 horizontal lines, which are, in turn, displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.
480p represents 720 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 480 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 480 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.
The Upscaling Process
Upscaling is a process that mathematically matches the pixel count of the output of the DVD signal to the physical pixel count on an HDTV, which is typically 1280x720 (720p) or 1920x1080 (1080i - and, some cases, 1080p).
720p represents 1,280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.
1080i represents 1,920 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines, which are, in turn, displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.
1080p, on the other hand, represents 1,080 horizontal lines displayed sequentially. This means all lines are displayed during the same pass. 1080p is the highest quality HD display format.
The Practical Effect Of DVD Upscaling
Visually, there is very little difference to the eye of the average consumer between 720p and 1080i. However, 720p can deliver a slightly smoother-looking image, due to the fact that lines and pixels are displayed in a consecutive pattern, rather than in an alternate pattern.
The upscaling process does a good job of matching the upscaled pixel output of a DVD player to the native pixel display resolution of an HDTV capable television, resulting in better detail and color consistency.
However, upscaling, as it is currently implemented, cannot convert standard DVD images into true high-definition images. In fact, although upscaling works well with fixed pixel displays, such as Plasma and LCD televisions, results are not always consistent on CRT-based high definition televisions.

Sound surround speaker advice!

2009-11-19T13:06:00.000+02:00

Looking to Upgrade your 5.1 Theater to a 7.1 and not sure what surround speaker type to go for?

A surround sound speaker system means five, six or seven speakers plus a subwoofer . In addition to selecting the number of speakers (or channels) you want for a surround sound system, you need to select the type of surround sound speakers you want. There are three types to choose from, direct radiating speakers, bipole and dipole and each type produces different surround sound effects. Your decision should be based on your room and your listening preferences.

Direct Radiating Speakers
A direct radiating speaker outputs sound directly into the room towards the listeners. Surround sound effects in movies, music and games are most noticeable with direct speakers. In general, most people prefer direct speakers if they listen mostly to multichannel music. Direct speakers are placed at the sides or rear of the listening room behind the listeners.

Bipole Speakers
Bipole surround speakers have two or more speakers that output sound from both sides of the cabinet. If used as side surround speakers, the sound is output both towards the front and rear of the room. If used as rear surround speakers, they output sound in both directions along the rear wall. The dual speakers used in a bipole speaker are ‘in phase’, meaning that both speakers output sound simultaneously. Bipole speakers create a diffuse surround effect so the location of the speaker cannot be pinpointed. In general, bipole speakers are a good choice for movies and music and are usually placed on the side walls.

Dipole Speakers
Like a bipole speaker, a dipole speaker outputs sound from both sides of the cabinet. The difference is dipole speakers are ‘out of phase’, which means that one speaker is outputting sound while the other is not, and vice-versa. The purpose is to create a very diffuse and enveloping surround sound effect. Dipole surround speakers are usually preferred by movie enthusiasts and are also placed on the side walls.

Why HDMI is the way to go!

2009-11-18T13:56:00.000+02:00

Ever wondered what the advantages of HDMI over existing analog video interfaces such as composite, S-Video and component video?

Quality: Because HDMI is a digital interface, it provides the best quality of the video since there are no lossy analog to digital conversions as are required for all analog connections (such as component or S-video). The difference is especially noticeable at higher resolutions such as 1080p. Digital video will be sharper than component, and eliminates the softness and ghosting found with component. Small, high contrast details such as text bring this difference out the most.

Ease-of-use: HDMI combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems. This is particularly beneficial when equipment is being upgraded or added.

Intelligence: HDMI supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality such as automatic configuration and one-touch play. By using HDMI, devices automatically deliver the most effective format (e.g 480p vs 720p, 16:9 vs 4:3) for the display that it is connected to - eliminating the need for the consumer to scroll through all the format options to guess what looks best.

HD Content-Ready: HDMI devices supporting HDCP have the comfort of knowing they will have access to premium HD content now and in the future. HD-DVD and Blu-ray have delayed the activation of the image constraint token (a.k.a. content protection flag) with today’s HD movies to help minimize potential issues caused by the transition, but are expected to activate this in a few years, meaning future HD movies will then not be viewable at HD resolutions over unprotected interfaces such as analog component.

Blu Ray Audio..... What you need to know!

2009-11-17T13:00:00.000+02:00

Background
The standard DVDs you own now all use "lossy" multi-channel soundtracks, developed by Dolby Labs and Digital Theater Systems (DTS). "Lossy" means that a lot of data are thrown away using perceptual coding in order to greatly reduce the amount of "digital" space occupied on the disc by the soundtracks. The perceptual coding is very sophisticated (it's based on the principle that sounds softer than you can detect in the presence of louder sounds at or near the same frequency do not need to be encoded). This process enables Dolby Digital and DTS to carry six-channel discrete soundtracks (five channels plus a ".1" low-frequency effects channel), which run at relatively low data rates even when compared to the data rate from a lossless two-channel format like Compact Disc's "Red Book" PCM (pulse-code modulation).

While lossy formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 and dts can--and do--sound really excellent, far better than the old analog soundtracks of the past, anyone would agree that lossless soundtracks such as those offered on Blu-ray are preferable if enough space is available on the disc. Just to emphasize, a PCM audio track like that from a compact disc is lossless: it’s a stream of "1s" and "0s" that precisely describe the frequencies and relative loudness (amplitude) of a music signal. No data are discarded to conserve bandwidth. And Blu-ray's new lossless soundtracks use sampling rates and word lengths greater than compact disc and have the considerable potential to sound superior to the existing lossy Dolby Digital/dts formats.

The Blu-ray Soundtracks
The three lossless audio formats associated with Blu-ray players' high-resolution audio soundtracks are Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) and Linear PCM (Linear Pulse-Code Modulation). These formats will all convey eight discrete channels (7.1) of no-loss audio that exactly duplicate the original studio masters, but there are various ways of extracting the signals depending on how new or current your AV receiver is and what kind of input connections are available.

Older AV receivers
Owners of AV receivers that have a set of multi-channel analog input jacks -- usually six or eight RCA female inputs -- need not despair. As long as you get a Blu-ray player which has internal decoding of the aforementioned formats and that's equipped with a full set of analog output jacks, then you can still connect and benefit from the impressive high-resolution audio included on most Blu-ray discs. Your AV receiver doesn’t need HDMI inputs or outputs as you can still route the 1080p video directly over HDMI cables to your TV display or projector, bypassing your AV receiver for Blu-ray video. You will require a set of six or eight analog RCA cables to link the Blu-ray player's analog RCA audio output jacks to your AV receiver's multi-channel analog input set.

If you don't care or don't want to be bothered connecting the analog eight-cable set, then you could still use an optical digital or coaxial digital output from the Blu-ray player to the AV receiver’s optical or coaxial input. Your AV receiver will extract a standard lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 mix from the Blu-ray disc's Dolby Digital Plus soundtrack. The latter is a lossy audio format, so you can expect the audio to sound as good as any standard DVD's Dolby Digital mix or maybe better, because Dolby Digital Plus runs at a higher data rate that your AV receiver’s chip set may benefit from.

Getting Lossless Audio via HDMI and PCM
Dolby TrueHD is based on the original Meridian Lossless Packing profile that was developed for DVD-Audio, in which eight channels are compressed to take up less space but then exactly reconstructed by the player so there are no losses. If you get a Blu-ray player that will "unpack" or decode Dolby TrueHD and output it via HDMI in PCM form, then you all you need is an AV receiver that’s capable of receiving multi-channel PCM via HDMI. Any version of HDMI cable will carry multi-channel PCM -- including HDMI 1.0 through HDMI 1.3. However, your AV receiver must be able to deal with eight channels of PCM audio via HDMI connection.

The other method of extracting and hearing Dolby TrueHD is by what’s known as bit streaming: a raw data stream of Dolby TrueHD that is sent from the Blu-ray player via HDMI 1.3 to an AV receiver that has built-in decoding of Dolby TrueHD. So far, there are only a few AV receivers with this capability, however more and more will be appearing with each passing month.

DTS-HD Master Audio
Similar to Dolby TrueHD, the same requirements exist for extracting the DTS-HD lossless Master Audio tracks, which like Dolby TrueHD, can carry up to eight discrete audio channels. You must have a Blu-ray player that will internally decode DTS-HD MA or output it via a bitstream and HDMI 1.3 to a new AV receiver that has a built-in decoder for DTS Master Audio.

Improve your sound through bi-wiring

2009-11-16T12:55:00.000+02:00

Many speakers offer a bi-wiring connection option. Bi-wiring means connecting two lengths of speaker wire to each speaker, one to the woofer section and another to the midrange/tweeter section. Bi-wiring a speaker is an inexpensive way to improve sound quality by running two identical lengths of wire to each speaker, or purchasing a set of bi-wire speaker cables. Bi-wiring reduces the negative effects of the impedance differences between high and low frequencies traveling through a single wire. Bi-wiring speakers with separate wires reduces the interaction between the two and improves sound quality.
How to Bi-wire Stereo Speakers:
Not every speaker can be bi-wired. A speaker must have separate terminals for the woofer and midrange/tweeter. Sometimes they are marked by the designation 'high' and 'low, and sometimes they are not marked at all. Be sure to consult the owner's manual for further information before attempting to bi-wire your speakers. In addition, the bars that connect the terminals must be removed before connecting speaker wires to prevent damage to the speakers or amplifier.
Benefits of Bi-amplifying Stereo Speakers:
Bi-amplifying a speaker is another way to improve sound quality, but is a more expensive option because separate amplifiers are required for the woofer and the midrange/tweeter section of each speaker. In addition, rather than using the passive crossover built into the speaker to split high and low frequencies, an electronic crossover is recommended to get the best performance. Bi-amplifying a system allows the best amplifiers to be used for the bass and midrange/treble but because of cost is used mostly for very high-end systems.
How to Bi-amplify Stereo Speakers:
Bi-amplifying stereo speakers also requires separate terminals for the woofer and midrange/tweeter on the back of the speaker. Be sure to remove the bars that connect the terminals before connecting the speaker wires to prevent damage to the speakers or amplifier and consult the owner's manual.

Benefits of Blu Ray

2009-11-14T12:35:00.000+02:00

The Blu-ray format is going to push forward the limits of current media substantially which allow you to enjoy a host of great benefits which include:

•Improved Capacity,
•High-Definition Video,
•Enhanced Interactivity,
•Enhanced Copy Protection, and
•Being Future Proof.

The most obvious benefit is the larger capacity. With 25gb/50gb to use, movie and game studios will be able to offer much more in terms of extra features and longer gameplay. Also many new DVD titles require 2 discs for added features whereas only one will be needed for Blu-ray which will lower the prices for you.

High-Definition (HD) video playback is perhaps the most useful aspect of the next-gen formats. As HD becomes more mainstream (Sky launched there HD offering recently and more households are buying HD ready TV's) the ability for disc formats to support it is imperative. Blu-ray offers space for 2hrs/4hrs respectively of HD video (different encodings will allow more and less) with space for interactive features still available.

The enhanced interactivity features are another step forward compared to DVD. By incorporating the java platform (called BD-J), Blu-ray players can have dynamically changing interactive menu's that can be updated via an internet connection built into the player. These updates can include extra subtitles tracks and promotional features not available at purchase. This could effectively eliminate the 'special editions' studios tend to use as users could simply download all the extra features they wanted though its not clear if this will be free.

The enhanced copy protection is one aspect you won't notice as much but is very important. Blu-ray utilizes a variety of copy protection methods such as Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Advanced Access Content System (AACS). The DRM method used on Blu-ray is called BD+ which creates dynamically changing keys to protect the discs. This means that if a key is cracked only a select portion of the discs are compromised. The AACS can effectively disable players which are deemed 'bad'. i.e. if copied discs are used frequently, the AACS could disable the player for the user and stop it working even if bought by someone else. The final copy protection which may affect you is the Mandatory Managed Copy System (MMCS) which limits users to a set number of copies of discs by making the user register the 'right' to copy the disc.

Finally the Blu-ray disc has been designed to be future proof. This means that by buying all the new equipment needed, you will not need an upgrade in the near future (5 yrs) as these next-gen formats evolve. Also TDK has announced work on a 200gb Blu-ray disc (6 x 33gb layers) which will future proof the format even more.

This is just an overview of the benefits that Blu-ray offers. There are many smaller improvements but the benefits listed above are the ones that you are most likely going to affect you.

Benefits of seperate av components

2009-11-13T11:53:00.000+02:00

The simplest form of home theatre system is a home theatre in a box (HTiB), which provides a complete package of source, amplification and speakers. Frequently, these systems are inexpensive, small and severely constrained in performance terms. You’re unlikely to benefit from the same picture-enhancing features as you could expect to find on a standalone DVD player, for example, while most systems feature amplifiers with strictly limited but often wildly exaggerated power outputs. This will be especially noticeable in larger listening rooms, where the acoustic demands of the space will have a considerable impact on any system’s sonic potential. It’s true that you can find higher-performance complete solutions from certain manufacturers, but even so, these are still limited in both capability and longevity next to separates components.

Choosing separates kit, on the other hand, ensures you get to enjoy both excellent performance and a long lifespan from a system. Even the cheapest surround sound receivers will sonically outgun HTiB kit, providing more power, more exciting dynamics and vastly superior surround sound processing. They’ll also offer an extensive range of input sockets for source components coupled to additional channels of amplification to support 7.1 surround sound. If you don’t intend using these channels, you can frequently redirect them to suit other purposes, such as bi-amplifying your front speakers (see our hi-fi guide for more) or even powering another pair of speakers in a second room. Most receivers can also serve as video-switching hubs for all your sources, simplifying wiring and operation by allowing you to switch picture and sound simultaneously.

There’s no need for aesthetic compromises, either. Couple a good receiver to a quality DVD player from the same manufacturer and you have matched aesthetics that look every bit as elegant as the most thoughtfully styled HTiB. What's more, both components should also work off a single remote control.

Finally, opting for separates kit allows far more flexibility over speakers. You can opt for large or small designs as your room, budget and tastes allow, and you can also opt to add more speakers, giving a still-more cinematic surround effect. A 7.1 speaker array can add considerable surround ambience to your listening, and also tends to give more flexibility over speaker placement. This involves add two extra rear-speakers which provide more atmosphere. You could also consider adding an additional subwoofer for a still-more convincing and realistic spread of bass.

What is home theatre and what does it do for me?

2009-11-09T10:18:00.000+02:00

The perfect music recording adds as little as possible to the original performance: ideally, you should be able to hear the artist’s voice or the instrument he or she is performing on, in their original unvarnished form, as if they are actually there in the room performing especially for you.
By contrast, every sound you hear in a movie theatre is a trick. No one has ever stuck microphones next to a nuclear explosion and recorded it. No-one has ever recorded a T-Rex roar, the crash of a passenger liner as it snaps in two or the howl of a spaceship as it screams past your ear. These are 'best guess' sounds, designed to create a convincing and impressive sonic experience that adds to the movie theatre experience – but they’re not ‘real’.
In fact, every sound in a theatrical soundtrack is generated after the film has been completed. The dialogue is re-recorded in a studio, the music is introduced and then the sound effects are added, gleaned from a variety of audio sources, some of which can be quite unusual. For example, biological sounds – whales, especially – can be used to help reinforce deep bass effects in explosions, while the sound of the Titanic breaking in two was created using a gravity-driven concrete car crusher and some substantial decking planks. The sound designer’s art is also constrained by the need to preserve the most crucial element of the movie soundtrack, the dialogue. Most directors object to having their scripts obscured in a sonic melee, and are prepared to sanction some quite unusual sonic tricks to preserve clarity.
This distinction is important, because it helps to better understand the function of a home theatre system. Unlike hi-fi, it’s not there to convey reality: it’s there to create it, or whichever version of it the director is attempting to reproduce. To that end, the best systems should ‘fool’ you into believing that you are sitting in a movie theatre, enjoying the entertainment experience laid before you every bit as much as you would in the ‘real’ environment

How do i setup my home theatre system?

2009-11-06T11:25:00.000+02:00

Assuming you’ve opted to buy speakers from the same manufacturer for every channel in your home theatre system, a fundamental requirement for great sound, the next important thing is to position the speakers correctly in your room. The ITU (International Telecommunications Union) standard for multichannel recording and playback is one recommended standard for speaker placement, often employed by studio engineers when mixing surround audio for both movie and music use, and as a broad guideline, it’s effective. However, the ITU stipulations can be impractical for many homes. For example, it demands identical speakers be used in each channel, including the centre channel, which is difficult to do if your system has floorstanding speakers for left and right front channels.
Broader guidelines, then, are as follows: First, try to get the rear surround speakers high up on the walls, tilted down towards your listening position (this is true of two, three or four rear speaker systems). If you don’t want to wall-mount your speakers, consider using tall stands instead. The key is to avoid placing your rear speakers too close to your ears: height helps introduce an additional and natural acoustic ‘delay’ to the sound. The only exception to this rule is a dedicated dipole/bipole surround speaker, which fires sound in multiple directions at once. Designs such as this can be placed alongside or behind the listening position, but shouldn’t be tilted downwards.
Secondly, place your centre speaker at the same height as the main left and right speakers, under the screen if possible. Try to align its tweeter with those on the other front speakers in your system, or if that’s not possible, use a laser pointer and align its angle of tilt so that it focuses on to the same position on your seat as your other speakers. This can be extremely effective, and is easily achieved with a simple tilting centre-speaker stand such as the one we make. Further centre-speaker tweaking will help focus your system’s soundfield. If you imagine a shallow, curved arc that runs through the plane of your main left and right speakers, the centre speaker needs to be placed at its apex, so that it sits right at the heart of the stereo image generated by your main speakers, and slightly behind them. It should also be placed equidistant between the two, or as close as it is practicably possible to be.

Bowers & Wilkins MT25 Package

2009-11-05T13:04:00.000+02:00

Big screen sound from a small system. Bowers & Wilkins introduces a new sub-R12 000 Mini Theatre system. New addition to Bowers & Wilkins' award-winning Mini Theatre range. M-1 satellite speakers partnered with compact and powerful ASW608 subwoofer. Amazing value for money at under R12 000.The MT-25 is the latest member of the award-winning Mini Theatre range from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the world's most advanced home cinema sound systems. Compact and discreet the MT-25 will fill a room with rich, detailed multi-channel surround sound, thanks to a perfect partnership between the M-1 satellite speakers and the powerful ASW608 subwoofer.
Beneath its stylishly curved outer shell, the diminutive M-1 satellite speaker is bristling with state-of-the-art Bowers & Wilkins technology, including the famous Nautilus tube-loaded tweeters. Taking up front, side and rear channel positions in a 5.1 home theatre system, the M-1 is available in a choice of colours: black, silver or white.
Providing the bass channel in the surround sound set up, the ASW608 offers extraordinary power and control for such a compact subwoofer. Even better, it integrates beautifully with the M-1 satellites, creating a coherent, seamless soundscape. Ultra-solid construction and a 200 Watt Class D amplifier deliver maximum precision and power.
For those who are looking for great home cinema sound but don't want it to dominate their living room,MT-25 provides the ideal solution. The Mini Theatre range comprises the MT-25 and MT-30 system, which includes the award-winning PV1 subwoofer.
The MT-25 is available now!

More AVA specials

2009-10-28T21:29:00.000+02:00

AVA Expo Specials 27 September - 01 October

2009-10-28T21:25:00.000+02:00