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Audio Systems - Speakers and Systems

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Building an M80 Floorstanding Speaker: A Look at What’s Inside Andrew Welker Axiom Audio

Apr 2013

 Most people only ever see the outside of their loudspeakers, and that’s probably a good thing! But if you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a loudspeaker, then this video will walk you through the inner workings of an M80 Floorstanding Speaker. Axiom Engineer Andrew Welker explains the parts inside and Axiom’s innovations in the loudspeaker building process.
Review - IAV LightSpeakers - Wireless Multi Room Audio System Brandon Hetherington HomeToys.com

Dec 2012

 Since HomeToys.com began over 15 years ago we have always had a passion for products we feel are innovative, creative and are helping move this AV industry forward. When I saw the press release for the launch of the IAV LightSpeaker come across my email a few months back I was intrigued. Basically this is a self-contained wireless speaker and lighting system where each speaker fits into your standard 5” & 6” pot lights with standard Edison sockets, no speaker wiring needed.
IAV Light Speaker Krista Bergman IAV Light Speaker

Dec 2012

 Put it conveniently into 5” and 6” ceiling cans or neatly into larger lamps, pendant lights or carriage light fixtures; anywhere there is a standard Edison light socket. Once installed you have not only a high quality speaker system but you gain a super efficient lighting system that will last decades and because it saves energy and therefore your money,
Home Theater in a Box Redefined by WiSA Systems Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Oct 2012

 Home Theater in a Box systems are either dedicated, limited feature systems, or often the lowest-end receiver and speaker combination a manufacturer has to offer. These are attractive to many, as an “easy” route to sound that exceeds those tinny speakers in the ever-slimming TV. The Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA™) Association promises a more practical, scalable, wireless- yet-audiophile-quality solution.
The Wireless Speaker & Audio Association Jim Venable WiSA

Aug 2012

 The Wireless Speaker & Audio Association's remit is to advance the adoption of wirelessly transmitted, interference-free high-definition (HD) surround-sound audio in the home theater environment. We spoke to President, Jim Venable about the organization and the standard.
Monitor Audio Speaker Technologies Casey Carlton Monitor Audio

Aug 2012

 Monitor audio explain some of their newest speaker technologies.
Introducing WiSA™, the Wireless Speaker & Audio Association Paul Konikowski WiSA

Aug 2012

 In traditional home theater surround sound systems, there is a receiver wired to 6, 7, or 8 different speaker cabinets. You look at your living room and you start to imagine where you could put the subwoofer(s) and where the surround speakers might go. Typically, the choice is constrained by cable runs. Not anymore with WiSA.
In Wall Speaker Placement: Five Simple Rules For Great-Sounding 5.1 Amie Colquhoun Axiom Audio

Aug 2012

 It’s classic Mars and Venus: one of you craves the thrill of 5.1 surround-sound in movies, music – even many television shows today. But the other half of your relationship is definitely not excited by the idea of five large speakers in the room. Enter in wall speakers, a sleek option for great sound without taking up any floor space. Modern in wall speakers aren’t restricted to just white anymore – you can get them in paintable finishes that help them really blend into the room. Paint the speakers before you install them for the best finish.
Edifier e30 Spinnaker Bluetooth Speaker System Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Aug 2012

 It’s not often that a set of speakers comes to market that is aesthetically striking, produces quality sound and affordable. The Edifier Spinnaker Bluetooth Speaker systems achieves all three.
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
Interview - Procella Audio Chuck Back Procella Audio

Aug 2011

Procella came into the marketplace with a high-performance speaker system created not in a garage but as a solution for the European headquarters of one of the top audio companies in the world. Taking basic designs that come from a pro audio perspective that includes a strong cinema background, and seasoning them with studio/audiophile sensibilities, these speakers take a 'top down' approach to home theater, bringing the best performance characteristics of reference cinema systems into the home. Procella’s scalable concept enables enthusiasts to create systems capable of reproducing the full dynamic range of 96/24 recordings in any room size from a living room to a 40 seat cinema.
Interview - 3D Sound Christen Casey sonic emotion

Apr 2011

3D sound is a unique audio technology developed by sonic emotion in Switzerland and sold on an audio chip. 3D sound technology provides consumer audio and home entertainment devices with the ability to create a virtual 3D soundfield in any listening area, immersing listeners in their favourite music, movies and games in previously unheard dimensions.
If One Sub is Good, Are Two Better? Alan Lofft Axiom Audio

Apr 2011

 My colleagues and friends who have large vaulted-ceiling rooms all run dual subs. Taste plays a role as well. If you like your music or soundtracks really loud and deep, go for two subs. If you have a huge room and you want really loud sound and deep bass, then look at physically larger subwoofers with bigger amplifiers.
Three Home Theater Sound Enhancers You Can Try This Weekend Alan Lofft Axiom

Dec 2010

 Home theater fans, audiophiles, and newcomers alike all have one goal in mind: to make their home theater or reproduced music sound better. It’s the engine driving most of our loudspeaker and equipment purchases, which is hardly surprising. After all, it’s an amazing era we live in where a savvy consumer can assemble some good loudspeakers, an amplifier and CD/DVD or Blu-ray player and achieve sound reproduction or home theater that can often rival or surpass the real thing, and do it in the comfort of your own home.
Invisible In-Wall Speakers Steve Olszewski Stealth Acoustics

Oct 2010

 Stealth Acoustics has released the LinearResponsetm (LR) Series of invisible in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. The new models include the LR3, LR6, LR8 and SLR8. They maintain the same basic model alignments of the previous FX and AX lines, only with dramatically enhanced sonic performance.
Outdoor Speaker Installation and Performance Stephanie Scola KEF America

Aug 2010

 The demand for outdoor entertaining has become increasingly popular, and justifiably so because who doesn’t want to enjoy their favorite music poolside on a hot summer day? But to truly get the same experience you get in the living room outdoors, it takes a bit more than toting a battery-powered iPod accessory out to the patio for your next cookout. To help you get a better understanding of outdoor audio, we turned to Stephanie Scola, marketing manager at KEF America, for a few tips.
Paradigm Stylus 370 Oudoor Speakers Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Apr 2010

 Summer is on the way so it's time to start thinking about taking your entertainment outside. Outdoor speakers are a special case and of course can cause special problems when it comes to weathering the storm. They not only need to sound good up close, but they also need to project that sound into a void.
Paradigm CS-60R-30 Ceiling Speakers Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Apr 2010

 Ceiling speakers for home theaters and multi-room systems have caught on in ways I'm sure make hard core audiophiles cringe. Who would have thought that anyone would even consider getting theater quality sound from a drywall ceiling? After all, weren't they invented for airport PA systems --- and we all know that you can't make out anything that is said over those things.
Definitive Technology Home Theater Speakers Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Apr 2010

 When you set up a home theater system what is the most important component? This is one fact that has not changed since the days of old --- ITSS (It's The Speakers Stupid).
Wall Of Sound Chuck Hinton

Mar 2009

 We at McIntosh Labs were pretty impressed with ourselves when we realized the McIntosh 2K reference system weighed in at close to one full ton. It never even occurred to us to imagine what kind of McIntosh system might weigh 75 tons. As it turns out, our imagination was not required. Nearly 32 years earlier, Owsley ‘Bear’ Stanley, Dan Healy and Mark Raizene of the Grateful Dead sound crew and Ron Wickersham and Rick Turner of Alembic Sound dared to dream of such a system.
Whole House Speakers: Flat or Phat? Bob Williams Aton

Aug 2008

 We are now enjoying digital media on the go and throughout our homes in environments and listening situations that were unheard of in the last century.
OutCast Wireless Outdoor Speaker System Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Aug 2008

 I pulled it out of the box and in about 10 minutes had a new and very full bodied speaker out on the patio playing music from my ipod.
High Fidelity and Utility for Stuctural Loudspeakers Jan Plummer

Aug 2008

 The Ideal Structural Loudspeaker (ISL) will open up a world of possibilities for this important application. This ISL will produce no acoustic energy in the ceiling structure and greatly reduce vibration while increasing dynamics and dispersion.
Outdoor Sound - Alan Rottner - StereoStone Alan Rottner StereoStone

Jun 2008

 Outdoor entertainment is already seeing complete living spaces designed for the outdoors.
Jon Herron - Planar Magnetic Speaker Technology Jon Herron Wisdom Audio

Apr 2008

 Our planar magnetic drivers use an advanced thin film membrane to move the air. This film is actually lighter than the air that it is responsible for moving, so it can respond instantly to the smallest detail in the signal.
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.
KEF Five-Two Series Home Theater Speakers Bob Hetherington Kef

Feb 2008

 I fired up one of my favorite CD's (which I have listened to hundreds of times). These speakers took the music to another level altogether. I was blown away at how they added an unbelievable depth of sound. I expected a slight tinniness at a high volume but there was nothing of the sort to be heard. All in all I would definitely recommend these speakers to those of you like me who feel intimidated by most speaker technology out there. With these you get all the sound of a complete surround sound system in two very attractive towers. And setup is a breeze.
Interview - Speaker Design Jay O'Brian Kevro International, Inc.

Oct 2007

 The primary culprit for limiting sound quality in the home is the infuriating lack of standardization in both the software and hardware sides of our industry – it’s just too frustrating to use our wonderful toys! When I put on a record or CD it plays – I listen and enjoy. When I put on a DVD, I must determine the disc’s optimal encoding scheme for use on my system ...
Am I ready for Wireless Speakers? Acoustic Research Acoustic Research

Jun 2007

 When it comes to wireless speaker systems, keeping it simple and playing it conservative is your best approach. The technology is constantly improving. Do your homework.
Tetra Manhattan 120U Speakers Michael Silver Audio High

Apr 2007

 Musicians love these speakers. Why? Because they spend their lives performing, and they know what live music sounds like. And when they hear it reproduced on an audio system, they get excited.
Which is more important for a great home theater - the picture or the sound? John Mickelson Audio Video Design

Oct 2006

 When the sound system is carefully chosen and installed, the true magic of home theater shines through.
DESIGN GOALS FOR LOUDSPEAKER 2006 AND BEYOND TBI Audio Systems TBI Audio Systems

Oct 2006

 The current emphasis is for small speakers that work as designed in the actual customer environment without the boxy sound character and with a linear dispersion allowing for more flexible seating positioning.
Choosing Audio Systems and Speakers Mel Clapman Acoustic Research

Oct 2006

 If you are in the market for a good audio system with high-quality speakers and solid, reliable performance, the time couldn’t be better to shop and buy. You know the drill. Do the research, pick your products and have yourself a great audio experience.
Unique Design Leads to Improved Functionality Lime Light Audio Lime Light Audio

Jun 2006

 Speaker systems built into lamps and furniture. Consider them ‘headphones for your couch’, and you won’t ‘muss’ your hair! They are sure to impress the audio enthusiast and interior decorator alike!
Outdoor Speakers - A Significant Addition to Your Musical Quality of Life Mel Clapman

Jun 2006

 Outdoor speakers do not have to cost a fortune. But if you buy smartly and efficiently, the results could be priceless. ENJOY!!!
Outdoor Sound Jeff Myatt

Jun 2006

 Outdoor sound has its challenges and great rewards. Sound systems are all about the application, coverage and amplifier choice. If done right, it certainly beats dragging your speakers from the living room on to the deck too!
Landscape Speaker System Jay Coombs James Loudspeaker

Jun 2006

 James Loudspeaker offers a radical new approach to outdoor loudspeaker systems. Whether it’s an outdoor barbeque for your friends and family or an intimate concert under the moonlight, James Loudspeakers’ stealthy new landscape speaker systems offer versatility and hi-fidelity performance that is unmatched in the industry.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place Alan Rottner StereoStone

Jun 2006

 Conventional "box" speaker manufacturers whose products are designed for protection under a roof soffit should not be compared with a rock/landscape-type product that is designed for the elements
Audio Elements Dave Brown Scion Technology Ltd UK

Apr 2006

 This technology allows the creation of innovative solutions such as the Sound Shower when sound from a ceiling mounted tile will only be heard by those situated directly underneath
Logitech Z-5450 Digital Wireless 5.1 Surround System Bob Hetherington Logitech

Feb 2006

 Logitech, combining its expertise in wireless technology with its leadership in high-performance multimedia speakers, has delivered an original new surround-sound speaker design that solves the unsightly cord problem without adding any additional components.
Jamo 775 HCS 4 Speaker System Bob Hetherington Jamo

Feb 2006

 I selected these speakers for our demo because of the looks and size of them. Once I set them up with the AVR-793, the quality of the sound blew me away. This system brought my DVD concerts and music collection to life.
Space Invaders No More DALI USA DALI USA

Dec 2005

 The DALI sound design principle of “Wide Dispersion” is a perfect match for an in-wall speaker. The in-wall speaker is fixed to a certain position in the room and the wide linear dispersion of the Euphonia Phantom ensures not only that the sweet spot is larger, but also that a large area in front of the in-wall speakers is covered with linear frequency response.
One Voice Technology Andy Dixon DCM Loudspeakers

Dec 2005

 Although it may seem like a good idea to recycle your old audio equipment and “Frankenstein” yourself a new home theater, once you hear it you’ll understand why the villagers formed the angry mob.
Entertainment Without Boundaries Tony Weber Phase Technology

Oct 2005

 As far back as Shakespeare and Bach, engineers, architects, and performers have known that the most important contributing factor to the fidelity of music or theater has been the acoustical properties of the room itself. Every room contributes its own sonic signature by altering the content at all frequencies as they are played.
B&W 804S and HTM3S Speakers John E. Johnson, Jr.

Sep 2005

 Of all the speakers made throughout the world, for those that I have listened to, B&W remain some of my favorites.
Speaker Impedance, Your Amplifier And You. Paul DiComo, Ken Swauger & Scott Orth Polk Audio, Inc.

Feb 2004

 In the audio world, simple spec numbers rarely adequately describe real-world performance. When a speaker is specified as being "8-Ohms," that is really an oversimplification of a complex issue. A speaker's impedance is different at different frequencies!
The Pyramat PM300i Speaker Mat Luke Hetherington

Apr 2003

 This sound system might not be the most powerful on the market but when the sound comes from such a close source, with the bass reverberating against your back, its more than enough.
PSB CustomSound M6.1R In-Ceiling Speakers Bob Hetherington

Dec 2002

 With digital sound reproduced through quality speakers it makes a room come to life. If you like music ... then why not have it everywhere? Multi-room audio systems are here to stay and while you can spend a fortune on speakers for a home theater ... that's not necessary with multi room systems. In-ceiling speakers located throughout the house add a new dimension to your environment.
Snell Home Theater In-Wall Speakers Bob Hetherington

Oct 2002

 Overall I'm very impressed with the sound quality and performance from the Snell Acoustics home theater speaker system. We wanted to build a system that sounds great but doesn't fill the room with cubes of cloth covered wood. It worked.

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