Aperion Audio SLIMstage30 Soundbar Review

by Tom Andry — last modified July 12, 2010

Aperion Audio SLIMstage30

Summary

Product Name: SLIMstage30 Soundbar
Manufacturer: Aperion Audio
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: July 12, 2010 03:45
MSRP: $ 799

Specifications: Surround Algorithms: Euphony HD decodes PCM, Dolby Digital 2.0/5.1, DTS Digital Surround
Decoding 5.1 channel: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, PCM
Decoding 2.0 channel: Dolby Digital
2-channel to 5-channel conversion: Euphony HD
Power: Class-D Amplifiers (RMS at < 0.8%THD) Satellites 80W, Woofers 60W
Maximum SPL@1m:103dB
Main Speakers: 4 each 50x50mm with patented LMD Neo-sandwich magnets
Woofer Arrays: 2 - Each array includes one Active High-Energy 3 ̋ patented LMD Neo-sandwich magnet woofer plus two 3” bass radiators
Power Supply: Digital, 95–265Vac, 36V, 50/60Hz

Inputs (6)
Analog 1 –stereo 1/8” (3.5mm)
Analog 2 – stereo 1/8” (3.5mm) Available 20dB attenuation for speaker level in
Analog 3 – stereo 1/8” (3.5mm) Front Panel, with priority selection
Digital 1 – SP/DIF coax
Digital 2 – Optical / TosLink
Digital 3 – Optical / TosLink

Outputs (2)
Analog: Subwoofer out – stereo 1/8” (3.5mm)
Analog: Headphone (Euphony Virtual Surround) –stereo 1/8” (3.5mm)
Rear Channel Outputs (normal/default off )

Accessories
IR remote control
Power supply with cables and mounting strap
EZ-tilt leveling feet with height insert
Wall-Mount Bracket with mounting hardware
3m optical cable
3m 1/8 ̋ mini phone jack cable
3m 1/8 ̋ mini phone jack to male stereo RCA cable
3m digital coax RCA cable

Controls
Master, Headphone Volume (IR and front panel) Subwoofer level (IR only) Source select, mute (IR and front panel) Surround/stereo (IR only)
Modes: On, Mute, Off/Standby
Off/Standby Power: 2W or less
Weight (approx): 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg)
Dimensions: (WxHxD)–31.1”x 3.5”x3.7”(790x88x93mm)
Height with EZ-tilt leveling feet – 4.4” (112mm)
Height with feet+height insert – 5.2” (132mm)
Depth with wall-mount bracket, any model – 5” (127mm)

Bravus 8A Subwoofer
Frequency Response: 36Hz - 160Hz
Amplifier Power: 100 Watt
Woofer: Single 8" Aluminum Cone Driver
Driver Configuration: Single
Enclosure Type: Ported and Internally Braced 3/4" HDF
Dimensions: 15"H x 13.5" W x 13.5" D (with feet attached)
Weight: 33lbs

Pros

Convincing surround experience
Nice bass response even without a sub
Lots of mounting options
Compatible with many different surround modes
Wide front soundstage, convincing experience

Cons

Shares codes with other gear
No auto/integral calibration options
Extremely small setup menu display
3.5mm connector means extra cable purchases
Not so hot on stereo or musical content
Surround rarely reaches all the way behind

Introduction

There are plenty of people out there that just want a small solution. They don't have the room or the desire to set up a full system but they still want a surround sound like experience. Soundmatters has paired with Aperion Audio to bring you the SLIMstage30/Bravus 8A combo. The sound quality of the SLIMstage30, especially for movies, is impressive and will probably have you shaking your head in disbelief. The Bravus 8A sub is powerful and capable and the bass response of the SLIMstage30 means that the two will mate well.

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