Atlantic Technology unveils the 1400 SR-z, a dipole/bipole surround speaker designed for height-speaker channel applications.
The 1400 SR-z can be mounted above a system's front speakers and targeted to systems utilizing Dolby ProLogic IIz. Atlantic says the speaker is adept in either the side or rear surround channel positions. It's also selectable to either dipole or bipole operation to enhance the surround experience, depending on room environment.
Though they are not the first glass/acrylic/transparent speakers available, Kenwood SP0001 are a couple of speakers that will certainly draw some attention when installed.
A translucent body allows users to keep an eye directly on the speaker. These speakers were designed with audio quality in mind, not just good looks.
Vantage has just announced the release of its newest innovation, the Digital Music Manager. Equipped with the ability to automatically seek out all of the digital music sources in a home’s network, the Digital Music Manager can stream live from a laptop, USB/MP3 players, Internet Radio, or any shared music files; in addition to playing any of the CDs ripped and stored on the Digital Music Manager itself. No longer does the homeowner need to worry about different music sources or formats -- the Digital Music Manager aggregates all audio sources, formats and remotes into one easily operated solution.
If you're looking for a pair of quality bookshelf speakers you should definitely consider something from Totem's compact line-up of speakers. Among its extensive speaker catalogue, Totem offers a wide selection of bookshelf speakers suitable for just about any budget. If you'd like to own a speaker that comes with a pride of ownership, Totem's got you covered here as well - all of its speakers are made right here in Canada.
Most Canadian audio enthusiasts aren't familiar with the Xindak brand, at least not yet. But Xindak isn't new at all to the audio business. The company was established in China more than 20 years ago and has since grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of audio components in China. Its products however weren't available in Canada until recently. And if Robert Neill of Worldwide Wholesales, Canadian Xindak distributor, has his way, many more Canadians will be taking interest in Xindak in the coming months.
Samsung's new family of projectors are ideal for those searching for high performance in color and brightness with low operating noise.
The compact design of the P Series (P400) makes the ultraportable projector lightweight, less than 2 pounds, with best-in-class brightness, 150 ANSI lumens, from an LED light source, and standardized audio/video connections.
There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the release of Sony's high-end XBR8 TV series, the company's first series to feature LED-backlighting.So what's all the excitement about?With the exception of Samsung's Series 9 TVs, all LCD TVs on the market today use fluorescent lighting to illuminate the screen.Standard fluorescent backlighting has always presented a challenge for LCD TVs because it prevents them from displaying deep blacks, a crucial building block for a realistic TV picture.Without the ability to display a deep black, LCD TVs generally can't match the contrast ratios and overall colour reproduction of current plasma TVs.
One of the things that originally tantalized me about writing for CANADA HiFi was the prospect of reviewing products. For a 100% confirmed technology junkie, nothing could be more fun than receiving a brand new piece of gear, living with it for a few weeks to put it through its paces, and then being able to share what you've experienced with others who share your passion. As such, it was with great excitement that I learned that my first official review for CANADA HiFi would be of the brand new, top of the line Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD Blu-ray disc player.With an MSRP of $2199, the BDP-09FD exists in rarified air, a level of home theatre gear many of us would never consider delving into.
Samsung's new AS730 is a 7.1-channel receiver and a 5.1-channel speaker system with a powered subwoofer. With three HDMI inputs, three Toslink inputs, the requisite iPod dock (with analog video support), auto calibration and even 7.1 channel analog audio inputs.
Samsung says you can setup this system in under 15 minutes. Of course, at this price point, some tradeoffs have to be made. An external Blu-ray deck will have to decode any Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA to LPCM.
The 737 Series brings 1080p to four screen sizes: 60, 65, 75 and 82 inches. All feature 3D-Ready viewing technology.
The models include Smooth 120Hz, an Advanced Video Calibration Mode, JADE activity based user interface, improved DeepField Imager, SharpEdge video noise reduction, ultra-thin frames and 6-Color Processor (which Mitsubishi claims provides significantly more color reproduction than typical flat panel TVs). All models are EnergyStar 3.0 qualified.
The 837s also feature four HDMI inputs (1.3a), NetCommand home networking system, USB media input, ISFccc certification, and RS-232C control interface.
Highlights of the MD 309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier include:
HYBRID-ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY. This unique and proprietary circuitry combines the musicality, soundstaging and audio realism of our MD-Reference 6922 CryoTubes with the crisp detail, harmonics and long-life of a solid state device.
POWERFUL and FLEXIBLE. Equipped with 40 Sanken output transistors to boost current after the tube gain stage, the MD-309 is rated at 225 watts into 8 ohms (450 watts into 4 ohms), adequate output to drive the most demanding of speakers.
Multi-Electronique (together with Plurison) had a massive line-up in front of their room to listen to a 20 minute demonstration of a $330,000 two-channel audio system.
After another name change, this year’s electronics show in Montreal opened under the name Salon Son Image.It was formerly called Festival Son & Image.Traversing the show floors at the Sheraton hotel, we explored the latest and greatest offerings from some 85 exhibitors at the show, representing an incredible number of different audio/video brands.Below are some of the more interesting products that we came across at the show.
The VT2230 is a 22" LCD HDTV that supports full 1080p resolution, in a compact size perfect for kitchens, bedrooms and other areas with limited space.
High brightness combined with an 8,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio provide crystal clear picture quality. The integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM television tuner and multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, allow multiple uses for the LCD, such as video game consoles and as a computer monitor.
The VT2230 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a native 1920x1080 resolution panel, providing crisp images in places within the home where lighting may not be ideal.
Part one of our survey of Canadian manufacturers covered Anthem, Athena, Axiom Audio, Bryston, Classé Audio, Energy, Gutwire, Magnum Dynalab, Mirage, Paradigm, Totem and SimAudio. There's at least twenty left to cover. Part two will concentrate on speaker manufacturers. It's no accident there are so many fine speakers hailing from Canada, since much research into the secrets of speaker design has revolved around the National Research Council's Acoustic Testing Laboratories in Ottawa
Arcam's new AVR600 HD 7.1-channel A/V receiver is one of the first to feature Dolby Volume, which adjust the sound level automatically to keep up with the varying levels of broadcast media, especially inconsistencies with TV commercials.
Dolby Volume offers tonal balancing to ensure clear sound at low levels; and balances low, middle, and high frequencies to compensate for the ear's sensitivity. Dynamic range can also be adjusted such that dialogue remains clear but loud effects are toned down.
The AVR600 boasts a toroidal power transformer and high-efficiency class G amplifiers, and delivers 120W of power per channel with all seven channels driven.
Perreaux, based in New Zealand, has just announced its "Eloquence" line of AV equipment consisting of an integrated amplifier, DAC and phono stage.
he 250i delivers in excess of 350W of continuous power into an 8 Ohm load. Perreaux claims it is the most powerful Class-AB integrated amplifer available.
The 250i features a custom-designed 1000VA toroid power transformer, with an XQ core and magnetic shielding, to provide low electrical and mechanical noise, while offering well-regulated voltage and enormous amounts of current.
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