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This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.

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Audio Systems - Audio Components

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Introducing: The Erudite Audio Verbositor mkIV Charles Hinton McInstosh

Oct 2012

 I can assure you, dear reader, that the Erudite Audio Verbositor mkIV sports the most impressive display of buttons, knobs and blinky lights this Audiophile poser has ever had the privilege to drool over ;-)
Ebode Bluetooth Speaker and Universal Receiver Contributed by Peter van Dam

Oct 2012

 Looking for improved sound from your mobile device? Peter van Dam reviews a wireless Bluetooth speaker and a universal Bluetooth receiver
Rescue Audio - Part 2 - Once you’ve found something worth taking home Mark Cerasuolo

Aug 2011

 As you read this, chances are that someone is abandoning a classic audio component—maybe something you always wanted—at a thrift store near you.  Here’s how to rescue and enjoy it.

This is Part 2 of a 3 part series.

Here is Part 1 - Finding the Gems

Stay tuned for:

Part 3 - Cleaning and touch-up
Digital to Analog Audio Conversion Paul McGowan PS Audio

Apr 2011

 Computers use a binary counting method that allows them to work with very large numbers – and the size of this number depends on how many bits they have.  In the case of most recordings, 16 bits are used to count.  In the case of the PS DAC, 32 bits are possible.  So all that happens is the analog music signal goes into a digital counting device and the musical energy is converted to numbers – bigger numbers for higher levels and smaller numbers for lower levels of music.
The Sweet Spot Nelson Pass Pass Labs

Feb 2011

 As an audiophile you want the best performance, and you probably aren't above spending money and trying tweaks of various sorts to help you get it. But there are real improvements that can be had without extra accessories or emptying your wallet.

Amplifying circuitry can be made better without more complexity and without more feedback. The best part of this for do-it-yourselfers is that these are things that can be done on your own bench, costing mostly just the time it takes to tweak the circuit and evaluate the results. Moreover, this approach is not seen on the factory floor – for most manufacturers it's simply too time consuming to do, and the rest probably never heard of it.
Audio Oddities: Solving Subwoofer Troubles Alan Lofft Axiom

Dec 2010

 It’s not uncommon for a new subwoofer owner to have problems getting the subwoofer to produce audible output. More often than not, it’s usually a matter of choosing the right menu items in the AV receiver, but there are some simple tests you can make to ensure that the subwoofer itself is activating properly and producing output.
Secrets of Amplifier and Speaker Power Requirements Revealed Alan Lofft Axiom

Oct 2010

As audio/video hobbyists, most of us grew up thinking that if we have an amplifier with 50 watts of rated output power into 8-ohm speakers, and that combination produces reasonably clean and loud music, then by doubling the amplifier power to 100 watts per channel, the system would then play twice as loud. Many readers likely still believe that. Not so.
How the iPort is changing the face of Home Systems Buzz Delano iPort

Aug 2010

 No industry or brand has ever grown without extending its reach to more people. iPad is a bridge to a larger market. It is making more people aware of the choice for an automated home and at a fractional price for the interface.  That’s important as it opens up more customers to the dealers.
Surround Sound Technology Training Tony Weber BG Radia Corporation

Jun 2010

As far back as 1940, with Walt Disney’s production of “Fantasia”, surround sound has been a concept that nearly everyone finds exciting. Consumer electronics tried to take advantage of surround for music in the early 1970s with various forms of quadraphonic sound. It never really became a mainstream success, however, due to limited recorded software and much more expensive phono cartridges or tape decks needed to play it back.

The First Watt B1 Buffer Preamp Nelson Pass

Mar 2009

 So here we are in the New Millennium, and thanks to Tom Holman and THX we’ve got lots of gain in our electronics. More gain than some of us need or want. At least 10 db more. Think of it this way: If you are running your volume control down around 9 o’clock, you are actually throwing away signal level so that a subsequent gain stage can make it back up. Routinely DIYers opt to make themselves a “passive preamp” - just an input selector and a volume control. What could be better? Hardly any noise or distortion added by these simple passive parts. No feedback, no worrying about what type of capacitors – just musical perfection. And yet there are guys out there who don’t care for the result. “It sucks the life out of the music”, is a commonly heard refrain (really - I’m being serious here!). Maybe they are reacting psychologically to the need to turn the volume control up compared to an active preamp. I suppose if I had to floor the accelerator to drive 55 mph, maybe I’d think the life was being sucked out of my driving. Then again, maybe I like 55. Nice and safe, good gas mileage…
What’s a Home Without Music! Buzz Delano Delano Associates

Jun 2008

 Choosing a qualified A-V contractor and including a music and family room theater will help you grow your business and improve your bottom line.
Moving Beyond the Cineplex: Impactful Home Theater through Tactile Technology Randolph Crowson and John Yi Crowson Technology

Feb 2008

 Tactile technology promises to deliver personalised, realistic impact through aesthetically pleasing (hidden) design, and straightforward integration without jeopardising our family's hearing. When choosing between types of tactile device, customers should select products based on discerning need-to-performance analysis. Frequency range, flatness of frequency response and efficiency are all important considerations. Other factors include uniformity of motion, power requirements, gain and level control, interoperability with control systems, and cost.
How to Achieve Wireless Surround Sound Using Amphony’s New 5.8 GHz Transmitter/Amplifier Annie Abrams Amphony

Dec 2007

 Sometimes people flinch at the idea of “going wireless” with audio because they are afraid that the sound quality will suffer. Amphony took those worries to heart and their product will put any sound connoisseur’s mind at ease.
Fatman iTube Michael Silver Audio High

Jun 2007

 The iTube's warmth and liquidity very nicely smoothes the rough edges of the iPod's output and makes the music surprisingly good for such a small, inexpensive system.
Simplifi 5075D Digital Amplifier Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Jun 2007

 The unit contains not only the amplifier but also the sound card and requires only a USB connection. It's a Creative Sound Blaster Live 24 bit external card. Once you plug it all in, the unit automatically senses that your Media Center is on and turns itself on too.
Chord CPM 2600 Integrated Amplifier Michael Silver Audio High

Apr 2007

 When people first hear Chord amps they are surprised at the liquidity of the sound, the musical fidelity, and the amount of detail they hear. It's like the best of tube amps coupled with the best of solid state.
Transmit Your MP3 Music Files Using New Wireless Technology Soundcast Systems Soundcast Systems

Jun 2006

 iCast and AudioCast form a wireless bridge between an audio source such as an iPod or MP3 player and a home stereo system.
Systems for Small Spaces Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Feb 2006

 It seems to me the criteria for a small space entertainment system is compact size, diversity in features and ease of operation (always). I don't feel the condo dwellers should have to sacrifice any of the awesome experiences that new technology is providing.
Music Server’s User Interface Mike Weaver Qsonix

Feb 2006

 Just as history has shown us that iPod’s success resulted from its user interface, this may also decide the future of the dedicate home audio server.
Modular vs Standalone AV Systems Altinex Inc. Altinex Inc.

Feb 2006

 The future of upgrades continues to expand at an impressible rate; as innovations are unveiled steadily by resourceful engineers working around the clock, modular audiovisual systems will continue to be the most beneficial answer to customer requests.
Getting to Know Audio Servers Scott Garman Russound

Feb 2006

 The audio server market is ripe with choices for music enthusiasts. Whether your preference is for an elegant, self-contained music management system, or a complex array of ways to customize music playback to your fine-grained needs, there are many media servers out there for your taste and budget.
Classic Home Toys: Super 8 Film James Russo

Dec 2005

 This new column, Classic Home Toys, will feature electronics of yesteryear. It is this reviewers hope that this column and forthcoming articles will bring nostalgic memories back to those who used these formats and, hopefully, help out those readers who may still be using these formats to connect with other hobbyists who have an appreciation for what these home toys of yesteryear could do.
Differential Amplifier Design Mike Pontelle ATI

Feb 2005

 A truly differential drive amplifier, consists of two complete amplifiers for each channel: one + amplifier and - amplifier. The positive input signal is amplified by the positive amplifier and the negative input signal is amplified by the negative amplifier when a balanced signal is applied to the input.
HALO T3 Tuner Bob Hetherington

Feb 2003

 The new line of components from Parasound ... HALO ... are very nicely designed with silver faceplates and violet glowing lights behind each button giving the units a modern elegant look as well as clear visual control functionality.
Imerge S1000 SoundServer Bob Hetherington

Aug 2002

 In my humble opinion the arrival of products like the Imerge SoundServer marks the beginning of the next generation of home music and entertainment system solutions that will revolutionize the industry and the home. If you believe in "Killer Apps" ... then this could be the next one. Why? Here's my story and I'm stickin' to it!
Nike psa[play 120 Digital Audio Player Bob Hetherington

Aug 2001

 To get another opinion about this device I asked my better half to give it a try. She's a fitness buff and I thought she would be a good test subject. Well ... I haven't seen it since ... nor have I talked to her much.
Audiotron Digital Music Player Brandon Hetherington

Apr 2001

 The AudioTron by Turtle-Beach is nice affordable place to start for a Home MP3 Jukebox. This is a new technology and the Audiotron is one of the originals. As history has taught us, this technology will improve, and prices may drop ... but as for now AudioTron is a good choice for anyone who wants a Home MP3 player for a reasonable price ... now.
Nomad Jukebox MP3 player Bob Hetherington

Feb 2001

 You can organize play lists, change modes and adjust sound effects etc. without the need of a PC. The LCD window and menu are easy to follow and give you lots of options and control. There are jacks for external inputs and outputs so the Nomad can become a component of your entertainment system. EAX special effects are also available and provide some cool sound enhancements to the system.

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