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.Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:20:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-measurement-standardThe presentation of loudspeaker measurements varies wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer. This means that, without independent analysis, consumers are left comparing specifications that were obtained using completely different methods that yield different looking results. In an effort to alleviate this confusion, it is our goal to provide readers with consistent measurement information for each loudspeaker reviewed allowing direct comparison from review to review. As a part of this commitment, the Audioholics Loudspeaker Measurement Standard presented in this article provides the nuts and bolts of the techniques used to measure loudspeakers. Our measurements will include : On-Axis Frequency Response, Sensitivity, Listening Window Response, Polar Response, Impedance & Electrical Phase and Distortion Analysis. We discuss how these measurements will be conducted, including the test equipment and calibration procedure used in case the reader or manufacturer wishes to reproduce our results. Please feel free to share your comments in this articles related thread.Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:20:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-measurement-standardLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/understanding-impedance-electrical-phaseStuck on jargon like Ohm's Law, Impedance and Electrical Phase? Have you ever wondered what makes a loudspeaker “difficult to drive”? Do you wonder what’s so special about an amplifier that is stable into a 4 ohm load? If these are the kinds of questions that leave you mystified, this may be the article for you. Things are far more complicated than saying “Speaker X is 100dB sensitive, so you could power it with a potato!” Fortunately, there is nothing extraordinarily difficult involved in answering these questions: as long as you have rudimentary math skills and knowledge of the right equations, you will be able to look at a few basic measurements of a loudspeaker, namely the impedance curve, electrical phase curve, and voltage sensitivity, and determine what kind of amplification you’ll need to get the job done. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/understanding-impedance-electrical-phaseLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-sensitivityLoudspeaker manufacturers sometimes exaggerate the specifications of their products to make them look better than they really are. Some are more honest than others in this regard. The focus of this article is on loudspeaker sensitivity and what to look for in this rating so the consumer can make a more educated purchasing decision when comparing products. We propose an ideal solution every speaker company every loudspeaker company can easily follow, giving all of us one very specific, agreed-upon, universally-recognized way of measuring and stating sensitivity. If all speaker companies did this, then consumers would have a reliable, transparent way to compare sensitivity ratings from different manufacturers, and reviewers would have a concrete benchmark against which to verify their test result findings against the manufacturer’s claims. But, alas, not everyone does—so caveat emptor! Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:45:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-sensitivityLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-specs-measurementsThe tip for today is NOT to get too bent out of shape on loudspeaker specifications and measurements. Measurements and specifications are important tools in the decision making process for purchasing audio equipment. They can help those with the knowledge to interpret them identify potential performance issues. However, not all measurements and specifications are created equally. In the end, what matters most is whether or not you are pleased with the sound emanating from your speakers in your listening space.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 02:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-specs-measurementsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/tip-of-the-day-corner-loading-a-subTip of the Day: Corner load a small but potent sub to take advantage of low frequency room gain. Keep the wife happy aesthetically while getting the deep tactile bass you desire. This can be accomplished with a small sub employing a HPF with a gradual rolloff. The EMP ES1010i is one example that works well in such situations. Check out the EMP ES1010i Subwoofer: http://www.emptek.com/es1010i.phpFri, 30 Nov 2012 03:40:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/tip-of-the-day-corner-loading-a-subLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/sealed-vs-portedSealed vs ported loudspeakers, which one is better? This is an age-old question one which sparks debates not only among consumers but designers themselves. There are certainly points on each side of the argument to consider. The debate of ported vs. sealed is intrinsically relevant and interesting, regardless of the arbitrary brand involved. This article provides a historical perspective on the genesis of the sealed loudspeaker design and how it compares with conventional ported designs. Tue, 09 Oct 2012 23:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/sealed-vs-portedLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designs-1In an ideal world we would have three (3) identical speakers with a vertical arrangement of drivers for the front left, front right and center speakers; hence the term "matching LCR's". In this idealistic world, there are no diseases, no poverty and no money. But, you do have to worry about the occasional Borg assimilation or Dominion take-over of the Alpha quadrant. In reality, our viewing screen prohibits us from having a tall center channel speaker and our lack of warp drive keeps us far enough away from the bad aliens. This article takes you on a tour of the most common center channel driver arrangements and discusses their associated pros and cons to help you pick the best product for your needs.Fri, 21 Sep 2012 03:05:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designs-1Loudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/comb-filteringComb Filtering and Acoustical Interference are two audio terms that relate to the manner in which two or more sound sources (such as two separate speakers or two drivers within a single speaker system) interact and affect each other. The importance and audibility of these phenomena are the subject of this article, and they are a source of a continuing difference of opinion among well-respected equipment designers and acoustic theorists/researchers. Dealing with potential acoustical interference issues of multiple drivers in the same loudspeaker cabinet is something any serious designer should be concerned about and not just brushed off as a measurement artifact that doesn’t have real world implications. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 03:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/comb-filteringLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-driversThis article focuses attention on loudspeaker drivers while continuing the series on “Identifying Legitimately High Fidelity Loudspeakers. We take you on a tour of all the various aspects in driver design and the trade-offs associated with each type. We discuss why budget minded designs often employ stamped frame baskets as opposed to better but more costly cast frame alternatives. We also go into more detail on driver mechanics to gain a better understanding of what’s inside the loudspeaker driver to make it work. Getting a peek at the guts inside a speaker system you are considering purchasing can tell you a lot about the budget allocated towards the drivers in the design. If the manufacturer doesn’t supply such images, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Better parts truly can yield better performance in the hands of a competent designer which are more common these days with the advent of inexpensive measurement equipment and knowledge of the basics in loudspeaker mechanics 101.Tue, 29 May 2012 19:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-driversLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designsThis article takes a broad look at center channel design and discusses the prior two articles we've already written on the topic and compromises associated with horizontally arranging drivers. The subject of proper center channel speaker design is not a simple one. There are many considerations—price, desired coverage area, aesthetics, and others. A manufacturer has a daunting task trying to balance many seemingly conflicting requirements, while for the consumer, education and information are the keys. Being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the various design types gives the consumer the best opportunity to make the most satisfying choice.Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/how-audition-speakersShopping for and auditioning speakers can be a daunting experience for newcomers to home theater, and even some veterans for that matter. There are a myriad of brands, styles, price points, and plenty of people willing to give their opinions. For many, the most exciting part of shopping for speakers is sitting down and demoing them. We have to agree. Unfortunately, walking into a HiFi shop and asking to listen to some speakers probably won’t get you very far. Sure, the sales person will be happy to crank up some Pink Floyd from their iPod to ear bleeding volume levels and ask if it is the most amazing thing you have ever heard (yes, this happens quite often), but how do you know what you are hearing is because of the speakers and not the receiver, room, iPod, etc. This article helps weed out the variables in hopes to help you achieve a good demo experience on the showroom floor or in your own listening space.Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/how-audition-speakersLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-dataBy now you’ve seen the numerous subwoofer reviews we’ve published using our new Powered Subwoofer Test and Room Size Rating protocol. Audioholics.com has invested a great deal of resources measuring and analyzing subwoofers over the last few years. As a result we have created the industry’s most comprehensive testing procedure and database of tabulated measurement results. Our tests adhere to our strict testing methodology which is also compliant to the CEA-2010 Subwoofer Measurement Standard whenever practical. In this article, we will take you on a tour of our Excel Spreadsheet measurement results called “Audioholics CEA-2010 Subwoofer Measurement Data”. It is our hope that the reader can achieve a better understanding of what all the data means for a more informed purchasing decision by making objective apples-apples comparisons between various tested products. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:25:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-dataLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/detailed-look-proper-loudspeaker-cabinet-bracingA recent Audioholics article about loudspeaker cabinet bracing posited that one measure of quality is in a well-braced cabinet. Poorly or improperly braced loudspeaker cabinets vibrate unduly, coloring the overall acoustic output and lowering fidelity. In this article, we will explore the reasons that a stiff cabinet is a desirable feature of a well-designed loudspeaker based on established engineering mechanics using Finite Element Analysis to illustrate modal behavior of a cabinet under load with and without bracing. We will also discuss how improper understanding of this subject matter and a limited amount of measurement of a test mockup could falsely lead one to believe that using fewer braces, thereby lowering the panel resonance of a cabinet, is desirable. Simply adding more braces to a cabinet may not be the most effective way to reduce vibration IF those braces are not stiff enough to force higher modal behavior in the panel under time varying loads, such as music. As you will see in this analysis, the stiffer the cabinet, the lower the resonances become which will greatly reduce unwanted colorations of sound.Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:30:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/detailed-look-proper-loudspeaker-cabinet-bracingLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoversThe loudspeaker crossover can be considered the brain of the loudspeaker. It directs the bandwidth of frequencies each driver is optimized to reproduce while it also level matches each driver and can help to stabilize the load impedance the amplifier will see. No matter how much science a loudspeaker company may tout leading them to certain design choices, without careful observation of their "science" one cannot be sure of its accuracy. It's easier and often more profitable to justify using cheaper parts or less elaborate design practices than to take the time to do it right. This article explores some of the myths and facts about crossover design. It also discusses some of the mistakes often made by loudspeaker manufacturers done either as cost savings or design incompetence. It is our hope that the reader will gain a better understanding of the mechanics of loudspeaker crossovers so they can make a more informed purchasing decision. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:25:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoversLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-cabinetsThe cabinet is a big expense in the total budget of a loudspeaker system. Cost cutting is an easy area for some manufacturers to rationalize by using pseudo science and also knowing most consumers won't take a peek inside the box to see what’s going on. This article explores some of the common myths we've uncovered and discusses how poorly executed decisions can ultimately compromise the quality of the product. The sum of the parts really does matter in loudspeakers, as does the engineering behind making all of the parts work together as one unit. Take the time to research the mechanics of the enclosure if the manufacturer is willing to espouse the information. Pay close attention to our reviews where we often dissect the speakers to give an inside look and analysis. If you are seeking out truly high quality loudspeakers, don't settle for mediocre or even average build quality, especially if the price tag doesn't justify it.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:05:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-cabinetsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-room-sizeAs part of our new powered subwoofer measurement protocol, we will be offering a room size recommendation for each subwoofer tested based on the data gathered from our exhaustive CEA SPL vs frequency and distortion output testing. It is our hope that the methodology we chose in determining the room size capability for subwoofers can be a useful general rule of thumb for an end user attempting to determine which model is right for their listening space. Of course we always recommend multiple subwoofers for more overall output and smoother bass response from seat to seat. The goal for a great A/V system is lots of clean output and a similarly good listening experience for all listening seats in the room, NOT just the money seat. See what "Bassaholic" rating recommendation your favorite subwoofer will earn or how many identical subs you will need to add in your room to achieve it.Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:45:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-room-sizeLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/high-fidelity-loudspeakersThis article explores the economics behind the speaker business and some of the cost cutting approaches loudspeaker companies make to maximize profits while still keeping the products affordable to the consumer. It is our goal to help the reader decide if loudspeakers from their favorite manufacturer are built for serious sound or serious profit. Speaker building, especially during the design phase, is, if nothing else, an effort in compromise for all but those most expensive systems. A good designer must weigh every choice in light of its cost, as well as its relative contribution to the overall performance of the system. It does so with a historical perspective considering what has come before, and the changes which have occurred in the marketplace over the last three decades. We will briefly delve into the shortcomings that arise resulting from these cost cutting techniques used, especially when poorly applied. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/high-fidelity-loudspeakersLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootout-roomBased on our new Subwoofer Room Size Protocol for determining subwoofer room size capability, we went back to our 2010 Subwoofer Shootout and tabulated the data below to see how each model ranked. All of the subs in this shootout earned our Large certification except the mighty Rythmik FV-15HP which earned our Bassaholic rating. If an end user is considering any of these subs other than the Rythmik and wishes to reach the 123dB reference level in a very large room, they are advised to purchase two of their chosen subwoofers. Unfortunately this would make the purchase more costly than a single sub solution. However multiple subs are always a good idea if your objective is to ensure smoother and more consistent bass for every seat in your theater, NOT just the money seat.Fri, 22 Jul 2011 22:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootout-roomLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overviewAudioholics is gearing up to do a slew of subwoofer measurements and comprehensive test reports. This article takes a quick look at the equipment and software used, the various measurements recorded and the purpose of the particular measurements used for our up and coming subwoofer evaluations. Results will be condensed and summarized in a consistent and efficient manner for each product tested. This article will serve as the demarcation point for all subwoofer tabulated test results. Check back regularly for the most recent copy of our downloadable Excel spreadsheet for all subwoofers tested under this new test protocol.Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overviewLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/aperion-audio-design-philosophyIn preparation for our up and coming article that discusses what's in a truly high end speaker and the common cost cutting approaches some companies often make to deliver a high value product, we sat down with the well established and revered brand Aperion Audio to get their views. They discuss the importance of using high quality drivers in conjunction with a properly executed crossover network for achieving accurate tonal balance and power response. Aperion Audio loudspeaker engineer Ken Humphreys discusses the care that must be taken in ensuring the cabinet is free from unwanted resonances to not hinder the design objectives of making a truly accurate loudspeaker. Take a tour of how Aperion Audio approaches the humbling art and science of loudspeaker design. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:55:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/aperion-audio-design-philosophyLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/atlantic-technologyIn preparation for our up and coming article that discusses what's in a truly high end speaker and the common cost cutting approaches some companies often make to deliver a high value product, we sat down with the well established and revered brand Atlantic Technolgy to get their views. They discuss the importance of using high quality parts with tight tolerances and even more importantly having clear and solid design objectives. Budget vs non-compromised designs are discussed focusing on the importance of proper design execution and solid engineering in crossover design, parts selection and cabinet construction and bracing. Take a tour of how Atlantic Technology approaches the humbling art and science of loudspeaker design. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:05:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/atlantic-technologyLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/audio-measurementsLet's face it we all like things to run smooth. It's every audiophiles dream to own a loudspeaker that measures ruler flat from 20Hz to 20kHz. Many audio magazines love to regurgitate the manufacturers claims either in text or their own measurements to emphasize product positives. It's my belief that most of the manufacturers and audio magazines aren't flat out lying or being deceptive as much as they aren't giving you the whole story likely because of incompetence or lack of proper measurement facilities at their disposal. It's easier to furnish pretty graphs because quite frankly to paraphrase Jack Nicholson "you (consumers) can't handle the truth". In most cases these measurements do have a grain of truth, if you place a lot of conditions and caveats on them. This is often not disclosed, but it's my goal to do so in this article where we explore various measurement and graphing techniques. Can you handle the truth? If so, read on...Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/audio-measurementsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootoutThe goal of our most recent subwoofer shootout is to give us as consumers, a reliable and quantifiable way to purchase home theater subwoofers with some confidence that the products we hear and read about are in fact well designed and capable of sufficient output at low frequencies to reproduce both music and movies with the impact and realism that you expect from a well designed and executed product. The products in this comparison were chosen based on a box size of 6 cubic feet or less, and a maximum retail cost of $2000. This article discusses our testing methodology for measuring all of the subwoofers. It also defines what the new CEA 2010 Subwoofer Measurement standard is all about and why we are using it for testing the subwoofers in this up and coming shootout.Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:10:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootoutLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-speakerWe've noticed lately that horizontally placed MTM speakers used as center channels have been getting a bad rap mostly because of their limited off-axis performance. But just how far off axis does one have to get until this does become problematic? Some consumers have alternatively chosen two-way bookshelf speakers in-lieu of using an MTM to get around this alleged issue while others chose W(T/M)W dedicated center channel designs or placing an identically matched speaker from their front channels behind a perforated screen. Not everyone has the luxury of the later option so this article discusses the tradeoffs of different center channel designs and their applications. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-speakerLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossoverEver wonder why some higher end manufacturers utilize top notch parts in their crossovers? This article explores the differences between capacitor and inductor types utilized in the crossovers of your loudspeakers and how the use of a non-linear materials can affect the sound of the music we hear. If we are looking to improve our systems, and purchasing upgrade crossovers, we need not only be informed about the specifications of the parts used in them, we also need to consider the PCB layout as well. While perhaps the simplest electrical circuits in use in audio today, crossovers can play a major role in the sound we hear coming from our speakers, and our speakers are the most important link in the audio chain in the vast majority of systems in use today.Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossoverLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoverHave you ever wondered how the tweeter and woofer have their responses combined in a speaker system, or what the crossover network is and how it works? This article sheds some light on the least seen and perhaps most undervalued part of the speaker system, the crossover network. While passive crossover components and materials and construction have changed over time, the underlying theory and practice has not. In the real world, capacitors, inductors and resistors exhibit behavior which is neither ideal or perfect. In this article, we considered the importance of real loudspeaker impedance, and how it acts as a monkey wrench to complicate and frustrate the function of constant resistance type crossover networks. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoverLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-extensionMore often than not consumers are swayed by a single parameter in a products specifications to judge its true performance. Lately it’s quite a popular trend on the forums of people critiquing a subwoofers performance by a simple metric; its -3dB point or how low the subwoofer can go in frequency before its sound output rolls off. This article will explore the trade offs associated with tuning a vented subwoofer system for the lowest achievable frequency output and demonstrate a balance between real usable extension and efficiency for achieving the best performance given a particular driver size and box enclosure. When doing comparisons of subwoofers by looking at specifications, remember that published specifications are almost always static measurements, and usually only reflect what a speaker does at low drive levels, where speakers tend to be linear and well behaved. This is why judging a subwoofers performance by a spec sheet or singular measurement metric is misleading and often dangerous when trying to determine the better product.Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:14:50 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-extensionLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeakers-power-ratings-part-iii-the-test-resultsIn parts one and two, the case was made for the idea that real power handling in loudspeakers was intimately tied to the nature of the signal, as well as the electromechanical parameters of the speaker under test. In the final part of this three part article, Paul performs an experiment to determine if the underlying theory has merit, or if he is simply full of hot air. (Hot air is not good for either loudspeakers or authors.) What he aims to prove is without specifying the frequency content and crest factor of the test signal used, the power handling number/rating in loudspeakers IS MEANINGLESS. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:26:02 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeakers-power-ratings-part-iii-the-test-resultsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-power-ratingsIn part I of this series of articles, we discussed simple concepts regarding power handling in loudspeakers and common misconceptions surrounding them. In this article, we discuss the mechanics of loudspeaker clipping and work several examples of product failure at various power levels depending on what test signal is being used. We learn that without a knowledge of the test signal used, the power rating number for a loudspeaker system is meaningless. Read on to find out why.Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:10:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-power-ratingsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-power-handlingThere are two basic ways in which you can destroy a loudspeaker with power; thermally or mechanically. Everyone is familiar with the concept of being able to burn a loudspeaker. It gets too hot, and the voice coil wire burns, or worse, something else (like the cone) catches on fire and burns. We all go shopping with “How many watts can it handle?” This is like living in a vast desert with only a few filling stations and wanting to know your cruising range in miles. We ask how big is the tank, and not how many miles we get to the gallon. (What is the efficiency?) In part I of this series, we examine a few very simple concepts regarding power handling and common misconceptions surrounding them.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-power-handlingLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/sound-bars-silicon-chip-tiHigh-quality audio is a critical part of creating a compelling home theater product line. With the availability of six- and eight-channel surround sound systems, consumers expect movie theater quality sound in their living rooms and bedrooms from their televisions. New Silicon-on-Chip Designs promise better and cheaper sound bar technology to fill the gap for those who can't build out full 5.1 systems.Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:52:15 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/sound-bars-silicon-chip-tiLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/dayton-audio-wt3The WT3 Woofer Tester by Dayton Audio is a fast, accurate and affordable measurement tool that’s about as easy to use as it gets. Just load the included software, plug the probe into the nearest USB port, calibrate, and you’re good to go. It’s that simple! It’ll measure driver impedance and derive the all-important Thiele/Small parameters - critical to the loudspeaker design process. It will also measure the impedance of various components commonly used in the construction of passive crossover networks such as resistors, caps & inductors. Rounding out this feature set, the WT3 sports some useful extra utilities you’ll likely find handy. All in all, this is one item likely to be a favorite of the DIY community for a long time to come. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:50:34 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/dayton-audio-wt3Loudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-part-1When it comes time to size up a subwoofer's performance, the proof is in the measurement! Audioholics takes a hard look at the science of subwoofer measurements in a two-part series covering a broad spectrum of measurement methods, useful to both pro and enthusiast alike. The purpose of both documents are to present a set of measurement guidelines by which a comprehensive objective assessment of a subwoofer’s performance can be developed. Included within this document’s definition of a subwoofer are: single & multiple driver subwoofer systems; powered and passive systems; systems featuring vented or totally enclosed cabinets; along with less common items such as dipole subwoofers. Let the science begin!" Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-part-1Loudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurementsYou often see us measuring subwoofers using various methods such as: groundplane, in-room nearfield, outdoor on a pole, anechoic, quasi anechoic, etc in our product reviews and technical articles. This article discusses the different approaches to measuring subwoofers as well as tabulates the pros and cons of each method. Depending on the resources on hand of the reviewer, we will typically apply one or more of these methods and will note them as such in the reviews. The idea here is to eliminate external influences that complicate the measurements to yield similarly correct results for each methodology employed. The scope of this overview is limited to subwoofers only and the amplitude response frequencies range of 10 Hz to 320 Hz.Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:50:19 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurementsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/speaker-spikes-and-cones-2013-what2019s-the-pointIn recent years it has become common for items of audio equipment to be mounted using “spikes” or “cones”. These come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials, at all kinds of prices. The Hi-Fi magazines sometimes ‘review’ these accessories, and recommend their use. However, are they worth buying and using? In this article, we consider their use with loudspeakers, and discuss some alternatives.Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:28:10 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/speaker-spikes-and-cones-2013-what2019s-the-pointLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designsThe center channel’s job is a tough one. The consensus is that around 75 percent of a movie’s content is routed to the center channel loudspeaker. Yet, the design criteria for center channels traditionally require that it fit as stealthily as possible around that big-box television, or that huge sheet of projection screen. The sound can’t go through your glass TV screen and projection screens are usually not acoustically transparent. Ideally, the sound should come from behind the image, through the screen as it does in the movie theaters. But while there are new options with acoustically transparent projection screens, this article will focus on the more traditional problem of what compromises result from the different approaches to center channel design.Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:55:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-impedance-series-parallel-connection-basicsMore often than not a question pops up in our forum about speaker impedance and the result of connecting multiple speakers to a single amplifier. Thus we have prepared this introductory tutorial to help clear up some of these questions.Mon, 22 May 2006 01:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-impedance-series-parallel-connection-basicsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/inductor-coil-crosstalk-basicsAs a fledgling electronics buff I gathered together the usual hodgepodge of spare parts, old TV's and all the other electrical odds and ends that youngsters bitten by that particular bug seems to collect. Among my most prized possessions were 2 25 lb. spools of insulated, 12 AWG copper wire. Their weighty status didn't spare them however from featuring in many of my early experiments.Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/inductor-coil-crosstalk-basicsLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/speaker-break-in-fact-or-fictionDriver "break in", "burn in" or "run in" is a topic that's been debated in various forums for years. This topic continues to ignite occasional flame wars, fueled by the contributions of both uninformed and enlightened alike.Thu, 25 Aug 2005 01:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/speaker-break-in-fact-or-fictionLoudspeaker DesignAV Researchhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/lowering-mechanical-noise-floor-in-speakers-pt-2The mechanical & acoustical performance of a loudspeaker cabinet's panel will be assessed at various stages of construction, with an eye to noting any improvements along the way. This report will conclude with a simple before/after comparison of the acoustical output of one of the test cabinet's panels, followed by a subjective assessment of the system's performance.Tue, 05 Jul 2005 01:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/lowering-mechanical-noise-floor-in-speakers-pt-2Loudspeaker DesignAV Research