http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/store-750-audio-systemFrom time to time the Audioholics Store puts together systems it feels are simply excellent purchases for our readers and which represent an excellent value for consumers. The $750 system, while it won't include such niceties as a display or power conditioner, will present an excellent upgrade of audio and video capabilities for those looking to make the move into a true 5.1 home theater system.Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/store-750-audio-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/store-1000-audioThe $1000 system from The Audioholics Store delivers a solid surround sound experience for a bargain price. While the $1000 system won't include a flat panel display, it does add upgraded features & components such as a power conditioner and a more capable A/V receiver. This level of system will present a more than subtle upgrade of the audio and video capabilities of a television or even a soundbar. For those looking to make the move into a true 5.1 home theater system, this is going to be a major upgrade.Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/store-1000-audioRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-skew-a-blind-listening-testSetting up a blind test is easy right? Or is it? While many people will take the most well known precautions, they often forget or don't know about some of the others than can seriously affect the outcome of the test. Here are some lesser known things to remember when you set up your listening test for comparing loudspeakers.Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:15:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-skew-a-blind-listening-testHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/2009-500-receiver-comparison-guideIn a continuing effort to demystify your receiver choices, we come to a price point that is probably one of the most popular - around $500. In this comparison, we'll be looking at receivers from Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. At the near $500 price point, manufacturers have a bit more room to play with features and their design philosophies become pretty apparent.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/2009-500-receiver-comparison-guideHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/2009-750-receiver-comparison-guideIn this comparison article we look at receivers around the $750 price point. We have offerings from Yamaha and Harman Kardon at $649, Pioneer at $699, and Denon, Marantz, and Sherwood Newcastle at $799. While you'd think that the differences in receivers at this price point would be a matter of inches, you'd be wrong. Manufacturers are trying pretty hard to differentiate themselves. The question is - what do you need?Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:25:52 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/2009-750-receiver-comparison-guideHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/entry-level-receivers-comparison-guideIn a budget receiver, you are looking for the most bang for your buck. What you will need to focus on is what you actually need. Many of the receivers are limited in their compatibility and functionality based on price point. The trick is to clearly know what you need so that you are getting it all in the receiver you choose. These units from Denon, Harman Kardon, Onyko, Pioneer, and Yamaha represent the first tier in their receiver lines. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:40:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/entry-level-receivers-comparison-guideHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/digital-converter-box-comparison-shootoutLooking for a digital TV converter box can be a daunting task as every store seems to have their own brands. And with a proliferation of boxes on the internet, which ones work with those $40 government coupons… If so, how well do they work? Features? Quality? Ease of use? Affordability? Audioholics compares five popular boxes to analyze the facts and details and help you make the best choice!Sun, 03 May 2009 22:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/digital-converter-box-comparison-shootoutHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/rock-band-guitar-hero-instrument-compatibility-guideRock Band and Guitar Hero are two games we enjoy very much at Audioholics. But there are four platforms for the game, a number of instruments, and now third party hardware. Add it up and you have a compatibility matrix worthy of the best mathematicians in the country. We wanted to know what instruments would work with what games... and on what platforms. Unlike the gaming industry, which thinks I actually care about the hardware or which brand of game I'm playing, I'm all about the MUSIC. If I am an Aerosmith fan I want to pick up my guitar and play Aerosmith. I don't care whether or not that band signed with Harmonix or Activision. I may care that they left off some of their greatest songs and that the game doesn't allow me to play drums or sing...Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:03:44 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/rock-band-guitar-hero-instrument-compatibility-guideHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2008-consumer-excellence-awardsThe consumer electronics industry is awash with an influx of new products. Each year it seems that every manufacturer is on a quest to outdo all others in a race to integrate more features and advanced technologies into their products. The prestigious Consumer Excellence (CE) Awards program recognizes the most advanced and forward-thinking products in crucial CE categories. Awards are given to products which serve consumers directly and also those products which serve to improve the business and success of the custom installer. The CE Awards is a clear benchmark award for the products which will make an impact in the coming year.Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:45:00 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2008-consumer-excellence-awardsProduct Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/calibration-test-gear/audio-precisionEver so often something revolutionary happens in the A/V world that changes it forever. Rarely do you ever hear an A/V publication pay homage to a test equipment company. The new APx585 8CH HDMI Audio Analyzer from Audio Precision deserves the highest praises for single handedly being the most powerful, yet easiest to use multi channel Audio Analyzer on the market. For the first time in the history of this industry, we will be able to conduct full blown multi channel analysis of amplifiers, receivers, Blu-ray players via the HDMI interfaces to quantify audio performance through the entire signal chain. We look forward to the improvement of our review process thanks to this marvelous tool. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:01:57 -0000/buying-guides/calibration-test-gear/audio-precisionCalibration & Test GearWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/speaker-shootout-component-comparison-rightIn preparation for the forthcoming speaker shootout, we thought it'd be a good idea to explore the correct way to set one up. One of the most popular articles we ever write on Audioholics is speaker or cable shootouts. Shootouts are really just a comparison of two or more products. This sounds like a fairly straightforward process where you place two competing products in the same room and take a listen/look. But the reality is that it is much more complicated. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:30:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/speaker-shootout-component-comparison-rightHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/audioholics-2008-product-awards2008 proved to be a nice incremental year for electronics, with some products managing to carve out distinction among their peers. HDMI continued to advance and televisions began to introduce 120Hz technology en masse, though we think that particular area still needs some work. Overall it was a good year for price drops and added value features. With that in mind, we selected gear in each category that really stood out via our personal experiences, reviews or demo's as well as the market trends set based on performance, features, and value.Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/audioholics-2008-product-awardsProduct Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/audioholics-showcase-homeAfter two grueling years of plotting, planning, installing and configuring, we’ve finally completed the Audioholics Showcase Home. With over two miles of cable run behind dry wall, more than 40 speakers located around the house, and over 40 channels of amplification, we’ve got enough equipment to make a few IMAX theaters envious. All of the hard work has paid off as we are happy to report this project has gone pretty much according to design. Check out what we use as our reference test bed for conducting reviews and writing technical articles.Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:40:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/audioholics-showcase-homeWhat We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-3500-balanced-av-systemThe following is an entry-level system designed to balance the desire for optimal quality of both audio and video aspects of the room. Key things to note are that this could be a front projection system (no screen, DIY screen, or an inexpensive pull-down “starter” product), or a flat panel or rear projection system depending upon the desired screen size.Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:30:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-3500-balanced-av-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-25k-home-theater-systemNow we're talking home theater... The $25K recommended system takes some of the best equipment for the money and puts it together for an impressive immersive environment. Whether you're a two-channel nut or a fan of movies on the big screen, this system will deliver the satisfaction for all types of source material. These products are some of the best performers available that won't make you take out a second mortgage.Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:05:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-25k-home-theater-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-1000-bare-bones-systemLooking for an entry level home theater system? This is what we recommend for $1000. It will keep you from getting ripped off by the big box stores and deliver more than the average home theater in a box.Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-1000-bare-bones-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/calibration-test-gear/reference-audio-booksFor those who really enjoy this hobby and want to better themselves, we've assembled a list of some books that really touch upon some topics that we find are invaluable. While we can't support each and every word stated in these books, we feel that for the most part they will offer helpful tips and insights into the particular areas which they address. Becoming an audioholic doesn't happen overnight - and it comes about by equal parts experimentation, association and study. These books will be a great reference for those looking to get a leg up in the world of audio and video.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:40:22 -0000/buying-guides/calibration-test-gear/reference-audio-booksCalibration & Test GearWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/what-size-screen-displayWe get asked this question alot and we have, in fact, addressed it during the course of various projector and flat panel reviews. It is an important topic, however, and we feel that it is truly worthy of some personal attention - especially given these times of rapidly dropping flat panel display prices. While many believe that "bigger is always better," getting the right screen size means that you can truly optimize your home theater budget and allocate your money in teh best way possible to make sure you get the best visuals and sound possible. We'll take you through several ways to effectively determine the best screen size for your room, and give you some general guidelines for figuring out your own needs.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:42:41 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/what-size-screen-displayHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-for-an-av-receiverWith such a wide selection of A/V receivers on the market these days, it's difficult to know which model is right for you. Before getting into all of the tech specs and features, its important to first define how you will use this product. This article is a 7 step guide to choosing the right A/V receiver. As you will see in this guide, the decision making process weighs heavily on the type of HDMI connectivity and support you require. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:33:26 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-for-an-av-receiverHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/audioholics-2007-product-of-the-year-awards2007 proved to be another great year of product advancements in the A/V world. With such a constant and steady fast evolution, it’s challenging to know who offers class-leading products. With that in mind, we selected gear in each category that really stood out via our personal experiences, reviews or demo's as well as the market trends set based on performance, features, and value.Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/audioholics-2007-product-of-the-year-awardsProduct Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/best-electronics-gifts-christmas-2007What do you buy for that loved one who has everything? If your spouse or significant other is a consumer electronics, gadget, or home theater buff then hunker down and check out our list of the top 10 items that will satisfy any enthusiast at any price range. This list spans the entire price range from pauper to golden-pockets, so everyone is bound to find something that is the absolute best item of the season. Now, you may think that this is a subjective list (and you'd be right.) In our minds, however, you simply can't go wrong and you can trust us to know what's best for your loved one this Christmas season (yeah, that won't come back to haunt us later!) Without further ado, here are the top 10 Christmas gifts you can give this holiday season.Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:39:53 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/best-electronics-gifts-christmas-2007Product Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-1Our premier reference system belongs to Gene DellaSala (GDS), who performs some of our most technical and critical audio hardware reviews. This system features a main theater room which is very neutral, transparent and well balanced. Acoustics were provided by Auralex and the end result allows for hair-splitting details to be discerned when inserting a new piece of audio hardware/software for examination. It features an immense RBH Sound T-30LSE System and is outfitted with a robust Denon AVR-5805. This receiver supports two simultaneous multi-channel surround systems (the main theater and the master bedroom) and a Yamaha RX-V2700 and Emotiva MPS-1 power the Family Room. The home contains over 40 speakers with 4 front yard and 4 backyard speakers from Klipsch with powered subwoofers. Yes we rock our neighborhood!Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-1What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-2Some people build cars, others work on boats… As an official Audioholic, my passion has been for consumer electronics for quite some time now. While boats and cars can be hidden away in garages (or front lawns depending upon what part of the country you live in), home theater projects take on a considerably more sensitive nature in that your living space takes the brunt of the disruption.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-2What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2007-consumer-excellence-awardsThe consumer electronics industry is awash with an influx of new products. Each year it seems that every manufacturer is on a quest to outdo all others in a race to integrate more features and advanced technologies into their products. The prestigious Consumer Excellence (CE) Awards program recognizes the most advanced and forward-thinking products in crucial CE categories. Awards are given to products which serve consumers directly and also those products which serve to improve the business and success of the custom installer. The CE Awards is a clear benchmark award for the products which will make an impact in the coming year.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:45:33 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2007-consumer-excellence-awardsProduct Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-3Reference System 3 is one of our entry level systems and we are pleased to inaugurate it into our collection. This system provides the nuts and bolts of a budget-conscious home theater. This is perfect for consumers looking to buy a select few pieces to really beef up a system's capabilities without breaking the bank. Audioholics plans to use Reference System 3 for a variety of reviews including media servers, flat panel displays, and home theater networking products.Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-3What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-4Reference System 4 is our third benchmark system and we are pleased to inaugurate it into our collection. This system provides the ultimate in room acoustics and lighting combined with a high quality BenQ DLP front projector and Da-Lite screen and the some of the finest high end gear available.Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-4What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-for-televisions-displaysWe’ve received numerous emails, and indeed they come in almost daily, inquiring about the best televisions, which format is better and how to determine if Set A is better than Set B. These seem to be videophyte questions, however almost anyone shopping for a new display or television will run into many of the same issues.Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-for-televisions-displaysHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-loudspeakers.htmlShopping for a new speaker system is a lot like buying a new car. One must always find the right balance between performance, aesthetics and practicality while keeping within their budgetary constraints. Unfortunately looks can often tell very little about loudspeaker performance. In fact, some of the best looking, highest priced designs often look much better than they sound. The purpose of this article is to help the average home theater enthusiast pick and chose the right system based on their needs and budget.Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:01:07 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/how-to-shop-loudspeakers.htmlHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-5This system has been a work in progress for many years, and has lived in several different types of spaces. The most recent change was adding a retractable Stewart Electriscreen. During the day, the room functions as a sunroom. It is brightly lit with natural light from five windows.Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-5What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/75-000-multi-zone-home-theater-systemWe decided to go all out on this $75,000 and include mostly top notch products priced right at the crest of that place your budget hits the point of diminishing returns. This means we included some of the finest A/V products "smart" money can buy. You can possibly do better, but not likely for the price.Tue, 01 May 2007 23:59:23 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/75-000-multi-zone-home-theater-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/av-processor-receiver-checklistsWe provide an ongoing series of documents outlining the feature sets on the products we review. This enables consumers the ability to ensure the products they are interested in have the functions they want and need.Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:32:35 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/av-processor-receiver-checklistsHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-12k-home-theater-systemSo, you are thinking about putting together a Home Theater system and have a $12,000 budget? It's very easy to spend $12,000. All you have to do is buy a Flagship receiver or Processor / Amp combo for $4500, a set of mid to high end speakers for $3000-$4000, a high end DVD player for $1200, an HDTV Rear Projector for $3000 (or smaller Plasma for $4000), some cables, and you're done! Right?Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-12k-home-theater-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-7500-video-centric-systemIn this system we've added a few more things. We've integrated remote control choices, terminated cables and a healthier budget on just about all components.Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:34:31 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-7500-video-centric-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-video-centric-systemThis system tilts decidedly towards a preference for making sure the video aspects are favored. This system is for home theater buffs who may not spend as much time listening to two-channel music, but who favor the high-impact value of a good theater-killer system. Grab the popcorn, and a pen and paper and let's get started...Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:35:20 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-video-centric-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-audio-centric-systemThis system tilts decidedly towards a preference for making sure the audio aspects are favored. While the display may look under-funded, realize that if you focus on 720p front projection or a 42-inch plasma you may be surprised at what you can find.Wed, 24 Jan 2007 07:28:00 -0000/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-audio-centric-systemRecommended SystemsWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/ask-dr-a-the-budget-danceIs there some kind of accepted price/performance ratio between components? For example, if I am buying a $3000 set of home theater speakers is it pure heresy to hook them up to a $900 receiver? What price point amplifier would be appropriate? I know most of this is subjective, but would you buy a $900 DVD player to connect to a TV that cost only $1000?Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/ask-dr-a-the-budget-danceHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2006-audioholics-product-of-the-year-awards2006 pushed the envelope of technology on the world of home theater. 1080p became a reality, and Blu-ray and HD DVD made a soft thump on the marketplace.Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2006-audioholics-product-of-the-year-awardsProduct Awards and Gift GuidesWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-6Starting many years ago with a meager HTIB, TV and VCR, this system has worked its way into a full home theater with 106” projection screen, full 7.1 audio setup, and high definition sources. You can read about his progression in “Am I an Audoholic?” The primary motivation behind upgrades for Reference System 6 has been primarily been a better video gaming experience, but movie watching was a close second. This theater is the primary screen for movies and daily TV viewing. Of course, music is a part of the Robbins’ household, so there is also a separate 2-channel system in the main living room.Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0000/buying-guides/reference-systems/reference-system-6What We UseWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/avoiding-loudspeaker-gimmicksWe decided to visit some of our local dealers to observe and listen to their latest offerings of electronics and speakers. It seems lately that more and more gimmicks are surfacing in the audio world and the consumers are letting the industry get away with it. It is sad to see so many companies are simply implementing what we call "cookie cutter" designs. What we mean by this is that they are actually not designing loudspeakers. Instead, they are implementing design guidelines set forth by driver manufacturers that specify types of crossovers and enclosure dimensions to use with their drivers. Many of these so called loudspeaker "designers" don't have the proper test equipment and engineering technical staff and necessary tools to accurately design and measure their loudspeakers performance.Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:47:09 -0000/buying-guides/how-to-shop/avoiding-loudspeaker-gimmicksHow to ShopWhat to Buyhttp://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/recommended-stores-manufacturers/recommended-manufacturersListed here are companies who we feel produce quality products based on our personal testing, engineering evaluation, and experience. Audioholics Staff have gone through exhaustive testing procedures to ensure products from these companies reliably perform as advertised and represent a good value to the customer. Note: This is a working list and will grow as we review more hardware to determine if they meet the "Audioholics Seal of Approval".Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:55:07 -0000/buying-guides/recommended-stores-manufacturers/recommended-manufacturersStores & ManufacturersWhat to Buy