Audioholics Featured Reviews & Articles
The Speaker Company TST2 Floorstanding Speaker ReviewI like reviewing budget gear because I know I'm reviewing something that is in the bulk of our reader's price range. Let me speak plainly - These are NOT $450/pair speakers as their price suggests. I have found them to be much closer in performance to $1000/pair speakers. This time I'm going to refrain from making any grandiose claims but I'll tell you this, don't bother asking me what my advice is for budget bookshelf (with stands) or floorstanding speakers. My answer is The Speaker Company TST2s. |
Usher Audio S-520 Bookshelf Speaker ReviewAfter spending some time with these speakers, I’m convinced that Usher Audio is looking to dispel the idea that you need to search the Internet for quality bookshelf speakers at a reasonable price. The build quality is without equal, the component quality rivals (and bests) speakers much more expensive, and the sound if phenomenal. As far as I’m concerned, these are THE budget bookshelf speakers to beat. |
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Recent Professional Reviews, Articles and News
Tech Article: Going to 7.1-Channel Surround Sound
by Alan Lofft — last modified July 03, 2009 19:03
by Alan Lofft — last modified July 03, 2009 19:03
Almost everyone loves surround sound, (except for an eccentric actor whom I know who actually prefers mono!) and what’s not to love? Our ears are on each side of our head, canted forward, but we hear sounds from every direction with almost equal precision. For that reason multi-channel sound reproduction is intrinsically more realistic and believable. But how many surround speakers are required to present a plausible illusion of the real thing?
Press Release: Win a Free eD A7-700 Subwoofer!
by Clint DeBoer — last modified July 03, 2009 03:50
by Clint DeBoer — last modified July 03, 2009 03:50
Starting as of July 1st, 2009 and running until July 14th, 2009 Elemental Designs is running a contest in which they are offering up one A7-700 subwoofer. The A7-700 powered subwoofer features dual 15” high output drivers, the LT/1300 amplifier featuring ICE Power design, integrated bracing, and even with its weight tipping the scales at 250 lbs they are shipping it in the 48 CONUS free.
First Look: New Pioneer Elite Receiver Lineup
by Tom Andry — last modified July 03, 2009 03:57
by Tom Andry — last modified July 03, 2009 03:57
Pioneer is making four new additions to their Elite receivers with the introduction of the SC-27, SC-25, VSX-23TXH, and VSX-21TXH. With such features as ICEPower amplification, Internet streaming, iPhone control, and lots more, Pioneer is looking to entice you to upgrade whether you are ready to or not. With prices ranging from $700 to $2000, there certainly is something for everyone in this new group of offerings from Pioneer.
Pro Review: Auton 1001-LCD Motorized Projector Lift
by Tim Johnson — last modified July 02, 2009 04:30
by Tim Johnson — last modified July 02, 2009 04:30
You've already purchased your front projection system and all your components, and now you're left with a daunting task. How do you mount the projector, without hearing an earful from your significant other; or in this case, in a conference room with a commercial drop-ceiling? Many mounts and stands can be not-so-appealing to the female eye, such as a pole dropping from the ceiling, a stand behind the couch, or a box sitting on the conference room table. You ask yourself: does visual perfection really have to come at such a price?
First Look: GIK Acoustics Screen Panel
by Tom Andry — last modified July 02, 2009 04:41
by Tom Andry — last modified July 02, 2009 04:41
GiK Acoustics has been one of the most popular online dealers of room acoustics for their quality products at no-nonsense pricing. They've consistently met and exceeded their customer's needs by providing products that they often didn't even know that they needed. Once again they are doing the same with the introduction of their new Screen Panel. Obviously designed for a studio setting, we think there are more than one Audioholic that would be interested.
First Look: Marantz SA-KI Pearl SACD Player
by Tom Andry — last modified July 01, 2009 03:45
by Tom Andry — last modified July 01, 2009 03:45
Marantz's high end offerings have impressed us in the past. The new line gets away from the unique gold styling that so caught our eye for the more traditional black with blue lights that has been adopted by just about everyone. According to Marantz, they have a "silk-black" finish but that may not be enough to have this gear stand out. The SA-KI Pearl SACD Player is a $3,000 unit that can play stereo SACDs, CD, and CD-R/RW and is compatible with CD-DA, MP3, and WMA files. Of course, the unit is completely overbuilt but is it enough to justify the cost?
First Look: Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS 5.1 Surround Speaker System
by Tom Andry — last modified June 30, 2009 05:49
by Tom Andry — last modified June 30, 2009 05:49
In this economy, everyone is looking for a deal. There are also people that are that looking for big sound out of small speakers. While the first is relatively easy to find, the second is pretty much impossible. Boston Acoustics is taking their stab at it with their new SoundWare XS 5.1 Surround Speaker System. Available in black and white, the speaker system is designed to be shelf, wall or corner mounted. At just about a 4" cube, the system should have little problem blending into the background.
Pro Review: Snell LCR7 XL 30th Anniversary Bookshelf Speaker
by Tom Andry — last modified June 30, 2009 05:03
by Tom Andry — last modified June 30, 2009 05:03
The LCR7 XLs are one of their premier speakers that feature a design by Snell Chief Engineer Joe D’Appolito memorializing the 30th anniversary of Snell Acoustics. Utilizing a D'Appolito array (or Mid-Tweet-Mid, MTM for short, design) and the renown SEAS XL drivers, the LCR7 XL represent the pinnacle of what you can achieve through components and experience. At $6000 a pair, they certainly seem to be sparing no expense. Performance-wise, they are tops with a fantastically clear high end and nearly limitless power handling. These are speakers you can drive practically until your amp gives out since they seem to have no real upper limit.
Tech Article: Listening Room Acoustics: Room Modes & Standing Waves Part I
by Michel Leduc — last modified July 01, 2009 06:51
by Michel Leduc — last modified July 01, 2009 06:51
Room modes cause standing waves that can cause three acoustical problems: a level boost at some frequencies, an extent of the duration of sound at those same frequencies (resonance) and some profound dips at other frequencies. This article explores methods of reducing the problems of standing waves in your home theater room and also works real world examples for greater clarity. Don’t settle for acoustical compromises. Learn the facts, and arm yourself with the right tools to enhance your movie watching and music listening experiences.
Tech Article: Audyssey DSX 10.2 Surround Sound Overview
by Paul Apollonio — last modified June 29, 2009 10:41
by Paul Apollonio — last modified June 29, 2009 10:41
Audyssey as a company is sort of a brain trust that creates and licenses signal processing solutions. They employ the sciences of psychoacoustics, acoustics, signal processing and use highly complex mathematical algorithms to put those Mega Flop DSP chips to work to do dynamic equalization and derive extra channels for surround sound.
News: NHT is Back!
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Wayde Robson
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June 29, 2009 05:36
First Look: Altec Lansing Expressionist PLUS Desktop Speaker System
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Tom Andry
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June 24, 2009 18:42
First Look: Yamaha MusicCAST2
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Tom Andry
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June 24, 2009 08:04
Editorial: Downloads vs. Discs - An Analysis
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Tom Andry
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June 24, 2009 08:06
News: Elemental Designs A7-450 Sub Update
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Clint DeBoer
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June 24, 2009 18:39
Editorial: Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Part 2: Great Hardware
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Marshal M. Rosenthal
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June 24, 2009 19:41
News: Redbox Threatens Netflix in Video-Rental III: Rise of the Vending Machines!
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Wayde Robson
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June 23, 2009 04:03
Pro Review: JL Audio Fathom f110 Subwoofer Review
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Gene DellaSala
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June 23, 2009 12:16
First Look: Paradigm Reference Hybrid Millenia In/On Wall Speakers
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Tom Andry
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last modified
June 22, 2009 03:49
News: Axiom Audio EP800 Subwoofer First Review
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Clint DeBoer
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June 22, 2009 06:34
