All Products Filed in Audio

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The P48 shares much in common with the P38, except that its design was specifically targeted for freestanding applications. It is not available in in-wall or on-wall versions. The P48 is not a line source like some of our larger models, but is instead a point source loudspeaker. The vast majority of loudspeakers available in the world are point sources, meaning that they radiate their sonic energy outward in an expanding sphere, as though from a point in space.

The P48 is available in a freestanding version only, and sharing the same driver technology, it is timbre matched and can be combined with other Sage Series in-wall, on-wall and freestanding models as is desired for the specific installation. Slim and elegant in design, the P48 blends nicely into a variety of décors where traditional loudspeakers might otherwise intrude excessively on the room’s appearance. Constructed entirely from machined and extruded aircraft grade aluminum, the clear anodized interlocking trim bezels and matte charcoal colored cabinet convey an exquisite balance of industrial design and build quality unique among consumer loudspeakers.

Four of the same proprietary high operating pressure woofers used in the larger models mate with a unique MTM Planar Magnetic Driver array for the midrange and treble. The MTM array provides the same level of transparency, detail, and instantaneous dynamics as the 24-inch Planar Magnetic driver used in the L150 (in multiples), but is a much smaller package optimized for the space requirements associated with the P48 and other more compact Sage Series models. The MTM array incorporates a groundbreaking 2-inch planar magnetic tweeter and two 2-inch midrange drivers. This combination of unique transducers is responsible for this series’ characteristic transparency, detail and instantaneous dynamics, extending all the way down to 650 Hz.

As with all Sage Series systems, the 7.3 channel SC-1 System Controller is the heart of the system. It provides the active crossover between bass and midrange/treble, system-specific EQ, as well as Audyssey™ MultEQ® XT room correction on all 17 output channels for consistent no-compromise performance in every installation.

The P48 sonically presents itself in a room with the convincing authority normally associated with much larger loudspeakers. Employing planar magnetic drivers for the majority of its output, it is incredibly detailed and dynamic, and does not suffer from the sonic compression that plagues many conventional loudspeaker designs. The P48 provides stunning, lifelike dynamic music reproduction that belies its small footprint. Capable of the volume and dynamics normally associated with a live performance, the P48 can fill a large space with ease. This compact system is an ideal solution for those listeners demanding a high resolution, low compression loudspeaker with a refined, contemporary, slim appearance that integrates easily with a range of décors.

Learn more about the advantages of Planar Magnetic Drivers (PMDs) here.

P48 Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time, in order to improve the product.

Frequency response	40Hz – 20kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Frequency response, 30° off horizontal axis	40Hz – 18kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Impedance, planar section	3 ohms
Impedance, woofer section	3 ohms
Sensitivity, planar section	90 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Sensitivity, woofer section	91 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Shipping weight, each P48	58 lbs. (26 kg)
Shipping weight, pair of P48 bases	22 lbs. (10 kg)

Dimensions

P48	.dwg, .dxf, pdf

Wisdom Audio’s SC-1 System Controller incorporates an electronic crossover and acoustic room correction that incorporates Audyssey MultEQ® XT technology. It also includes selectable, RS-232 operable memory settings for optimized performance in varied acoustic settings for music and film environments. A PC-based installation application allows a professional installer to configure the SC-1 for the particular complement of Sage Series speakers used in a given installation.

A good loudspeaker is designed to deliver sound with little distortion and coloration. But when even great speakers are placed in a room, things change. Walls, furniture, and other objects reflect and absorb the sound from your speakers, creating complex distortions specific to your room, which could not have been predicted by the loudspeaker designer.

Advanced Room Correction
Audyssey MultEQ® XT is a room equalization solution that calibrates any audio system so that it can achieve optimum performance for every listener in a large listening area. MultEQ XT captures acoustical information at multiple locations throughout a listening area in both the time and frequency domains. It uses a sophisticated clustering algorithm to combine this information so that acoustical problems are accurately analyzed. Based on these measurements, MultEQ XT calculates an equalization solution that corrects for both time and frequency response problems in the listening area and also performs a fully automated surround system setup. The result is clear, well-balanced sound for every listener. Wisdom Audio licensed the most sophisticated form of this technology for use in our systems, and worked closely with Audyssey™ to ensure that you get all the performance you deserve.

Multiple Setup Memories
We then went further and provided support for recalling up to three complete and independent setup calibrations, any of which can be selected as needed. While a single setup is all that is necessary, having the ability to recall any of multiple setups can solve some otherwise difficult situations. For example, you might want to have selectable setups for:

Different room conditions (e.g., drapes open vs. closed)
Slightly different target curves (e.g., music vs. gaming)
Various seating arrangements (e.g., solo listening vs. the whole family)
Bi- or Tri-amplification
People who have wanted to extract the highest performance from their systems have known for a long time that driving each section of the speaker directly and separately yields the finest results. Of course, this requires having a dedicated, active crossover to divide the frequency range appropriately before the power amplifiers, so that they can then drive the speakers directly.

Biamplification makes use of two channels of amplification to drive different portions of a single channel. The most common instance of “bi-amping” today is in home theater applications, wherein a dedicated subwoofer handles the deepest bass, while the remaining audible range is handled by the various front and surround speakers. But you can also biamplify a full range loudspeaker, driving the woofer separately from the drivers that handle the midrange and treble frequencies.

Logically, you can combine these two approaches, and the result is “triamplification.” A “tri-amped” system uses separate amplification for three audible ranges. In our case, the three ranges are:

Deepest bass (one or more subwoofers)
Mid-bass (the woofers in the front and surround speakers)
Midrange and treble (the planar magnetic panels)
Since each channel of the amplifier is delivering current into its load only over a limited range of frequencies, several forms of distortion are reduced as compared to each channel handling the full range of musical information.

The SC-1 supports up to a “7.3 channel” system, meaning that up to seven main speakers can be supported (all of which are biamplified), plus up to three independent subwoofer channels. All of these outputs benefit from room correction, described above.

System-Specific EQ
Wisdom Audio speakers deliver extraordinary performance from slim, elegant enclosures. However, we cannot cheat the rules of physics. Delivering powerful bass from such small enclosures places unusual demands on both the woofers and the amplifiers used to drive them.

Specifically, equalization is used to compensate for the unusually small enclosure volume behind the woofer. This approach is used in almost all dedicated subwoofers today, and we use it in our full range speakers. Doing so allows us to achieve the bass performance usually associated much larger speakers, but in elegant enclosures that support modern lifestyle choices.

SC-1 Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time, in order to improve the product.

Signal to Noise ratio	–110dB (ref 2.5V rms A-wtd.)
Input impedance	25kΩ (balanced)
Output impedance	50Ω
Maximum output voltage	2.5V rms
Maximum input voltage	2.5V rms
Power consumption	33W
Thermal load	2 BTU/minute
DC trigger input sensitivity	3-20V @ 10 mA
DC trigger output signal	12V @ 100 mA
Mains voltage ranges	100-120V or 200-240V
Shipping weight	34 lbs. (15.4 kg)

Boulder, Colo.-based Boulder Amplifiers is known for its luxury line of electronics that primarily target traditional two-channel enthusiasts. Recently however the American audio company added a software revision to its 1021 Disc Player that includes the UPnP and DLNA protocols to facilitate networked usage.

With the software update installers can set the 1021 as a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to asynchronously stream digital music files from iTunes or Windows Media Center and play them back at resolutions as high as 32-bit or 192kHz.

The 1021 supports Apple formats such as ALAC(Apple Lossless Compression) and AIFF (audio interchange file format), as well as FLAC, OGG, Vorbis, MP3 and WAV. Additionally, Boulder says that users with smart phones like an iPhone or Droid can use a control app to assemble playlists and perform other control functions via network connectivity.

Monday, March 15, 2010

The L150 is our premier expression of the core technology and strengths of the Sage Series, designed for those customers that demand the highest level of sonic refinement and performance available in an architectural speaker. It combines our state-of-the-art transducer elements in a way that takes full advantage of their inherent performance benefits. It offers a no-compromise solution for customers that require a high-end audiophile loudspeaker that fully integrates into their home. The Sage Series L150 is an unparalleled effort and serves as a benchmark for industry leading architectural products available today.

The L150 can be used for in-wall (L150i), or on-wall (L150m) applications. These versions can also be mixed and matched for the specific needs of the installation. All enclosures are constructed entirely from aircraft grade aluminum. Slim and elegant in design, the L150m on-wall integrates easily with a variety of décors where traditional loudspeakers might otherwise intrude excessively on the room’s appearance. Their clear anodized interlocking trim bezels and matte charcoal colored cabinet convey an exquisite balance of industrial design and build quality unique among consumer loudspeakers. The narrow aspect ratio L150i in-wall design becomes one with the wall, via its paintable grill and bezel, while its all aluminum chassis and integral back box enclosure ensure optimal and consistent performance regardless of mounting environment.

The L150 is the tallest line source in our Sage Series. Incorporating true line sources of this length is unprecedented among in-wall and on-wall speakers. Since true line source arrays effectively eliminate floor and ceiling reflections, they are ideal for large rooms or those with architectural challenges including cathedral or coffered ceilings, hard floors, etc. The large, 76-inch tall line source driver complement allows for high resolution, low distortion and extraordinary dynamic range. The result is highly detailed, dynamically accurate, genuinely effortless performance at any volume level.

The true line source behavior of the L150 exhibits less propagation loss than any conventional loudspeaker, resulting in a vastly enlarged “sweet spot” that is particularly beneficial in any situation with a large seating area. Whether in a media room with a casual seating arrangement or dedicated home theaters with multiple rows of seating, everyone in the audience is treated to “money seat” performance.

The L150 consists of two 76-inch tall by 8-inch wide cabinets per channel, with the woofer cabinet crossing over to the mid/high frequency planar magnetic line source cabinet at 275Hz. The mid/high frequency cabinet builds upon the planar magnetic line source array of the Sage Series’ L75 model, incorporating three 24-inch PMD drivers resulting in a 72-inch true line source, yielding superior resolution, extraordinary dynamic capability, low distortion and wide dispersion.

The low frequency cabinet within the L150 incorporates twelve proprietary high operating pressure woofers. Each woofer cabinet is driven by a single SA-1 amplifier, thereby using a combined 1,000 watts from its two 500-watt amplifier channels for the 12 woofers. Each channel is a two-cabinet system designed to be installed in-wall or on-wall, adjacent to each other, within four or five inches of each other (flanking a stud in in-wall installations).

Considering the center channel handles the majority of soundtracks' vocals and dynamics, we also offer a no-compromise option to those customers who want the best performance possible from their center channel, the C150 Center Channel. The C150i (in-wall) and C150m (on-wall) models incorporate a 50-inch tall planar magnetic line source for mid and high frequencies, accompanied by two woofer arrays, each containing eight proprietary high operating pressure woofers for a total of sixteen woofers. Because the C150 is a line source, it requires installation behind an acoustically transparent screen and is not able to be mounted horizontally either below or above the screen. In such installations (as in professional cinemas), having the center channel information delivered from behind the screen lends a sense of coherence and vocal localization that provides an even more engaging experience for the listener. Of course, for those who wish to do so, it is entirely possible to use the C150 for the left and right channels behind the screen, as well.

As with all Sage Series systems, the 7.3 channel SC-1 System Controller is the heart of the system. It provides the active crossover between bass and midrange/treble, system-specific EQ, as well as Audyssey™ MultEQ® XT room correction on all 17 output channels for consistent no-compromise performance in every installation.

For those customers seeking the ultimate architectural loudspeaker, the L150 is the solution. Merging the benefits of an integrated loudspeaker with the superior qualities of a true PMD line source and outstanding low frequency performance, the L150 is in a class by itself. Capable of unprecedented dynamics, low distortion, high resolution, faithful timbre reproduction, three dimensional sound staging and freedom from compression, this system should be compared with the best freestanding systems and needs to be auditioned to be fully appreciated.

Learn more about the advantages of line sources here.

L150 Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time, in order to improve the product.

Frequency response	30Hz – 20kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Frequency response, 30° off horizontal axis	30Hz – 18kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Impedance, planar section	3 ohms
Impedance, woofer section	6 ohms
Sensitivity, planar section	96 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Sensitivity, woofer section	96 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Shipping weight, bass section	90 lbs. (41 kg)
Shipping weight, planar section	53 lbs. (24 kg)

Now more than ever before consumers are aware of the negative effects of bad room acoustics.

Auralex's new Room Analysis PLUS Kit is an installer-friendly package that contains an omni-directional microphone, a USB drive with frequency sweep audio samples and instructions on how to use the tests.

Installers will record the tests in a .WAV format and email the results to Auralex along with room details that include dimensions and photos. Auralex will turn that data around to provide the installer and client with a detailed explanation to correct the issues affecting the room.

The British loudspeaker manufacturer KEF has announced that its Reference Series loudspeakers will now be offered in 12 new finishes, as well as other customizable finishes.

Each color is individually crafted to a high gloss finish with multiple layers of lacquer. Each finish is polished to a mirror finish by hand before applying the next layer, and the company says the result is a rich and brilliant shine that meets or exceeds that of most luxury automobiles.

“KEF has long believed that high-performance audio should be as exciting to the eye as well as the ear,” boasts Alec Chanin, president of KEF America.

“As one of the top luxury audio brands on the market, it only makes sense that KEF customers should have the option to indulge their senses and if they so desire, to match their speakers to their favorite car. And we are delighted to provide that service.”

The company says the 12 custom colors are now available by special order for a 15 percent premium and clients can expect an approximate 90-day wait for their order to be fulfilled. In addition, the company says that it will take individual color requests in the event the 12 colors don't meet the demand of the client or interior designer.

Here are KEF’s standard custom colors: Graphite (metallic dark grey), Grigio (metallic mid-grey), Stardust (metallic silver), Pale gold (metallic gold), Garnet (metallic dark red), Sapphire (metallic dark blue), Orange sorbet (metallic orange), Lime sorbet (metallic bright green), Lemon sorbet (metallic yellow), Snow white (gloss white), Racing red (bright red), Racing blue (bright blue).

Since its inception MartinLogan has been a leader in driver technologies and speaker concepts.

The company's new Encore TF Center Channel Speaker is the latest example of how MartinLogan's engineering staff is applying its driver designs to products that fit what the marketplace is currently demanding.

The speaker features the company's Advanced Thin Film (ATF) low-mass, long-excursion woofer with an advanced crossover to provide home theater users with an affordably priced center-channel speaker that can cleanly and swiftly respond to the requirements of dialog and effect reproduction. Installers can offer the speaker as an on-wall product or as a stand mounted speaker through the use of its tabletop stand.

Friday, March 12, 2010

For years Genelec's products have been a popular speaker in the world pro audio and the company's speakers can be found in many recording studios.

CE Pros have also used Genelec's products to address their high-performance audio installations and now with the release of the company's 8260A Three-way DSP System, installers have a new Genelec solution to address their commercial installations, as well as their high-performance home theaters and desktop, computer-based audio installs.

The 8260A features the company's Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) Mid/High driver system, as well as digital signal processing that's controlled by the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software, which enables custom installers to set operational parameters such as crossover filters, driver equalizers, driver position alignment, room response alignment, calibration and equalization-related filters.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

With the world of home entertainment shifting into a digital world that's highlighted by Blu-ray, Net Flix streaming and iTunes, CE Pros have been caught in the middle.

Ayre Acoustics' QB-9 USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) provides electronics professionals with a digital device that integrates into a traditional audio system, as well as today's increasingly popular desktop audio systems to enable consumers to listen to their digitally stored audio files at the highest quality levels.

Unlike most of the consumer-grade DACs on the market, which operate in adaptive USB mode, the QB-9 employs the “asynchronous” USB data transmission technology developed by Wavelength Audio to deliver what the company says is a lower noise, higher performing DAC-based audio experience.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The latest racking option for installers from Middle Atlantic is designed to provide a visual upgrade to a rack mounted electronics system.

Middle Atlantic's Series Residential Designer Rack (RDR) is the company's new aesthetic option for integrating small to medium-sized home entertainment systems, and the company says the single part number rack is factory-configured and ships loaded with the necessary accessories to install a fully loaded rack.

Included with each RDR Series rack are vented shelves and panels that facilitate airflow, built-in cable management to enable system performance and service calls, and a filtered, surge-protected power strip. In addition, the RDR ships with trim strips and hidden casters to enhance its aesthetic design, and four-point mounting shelves pre-installed for fast equipment integration.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

It's surprising the scenarios in which CE Pros often find themselves in and it's the ability of a custom installer to meet the unique needs of their clients within the electronics industry.

Induction Dynamics' SolidDrive line of transducers enables CE Pros to solve some of those unique audio installation situations by transforming nearly any surface into a loudspeaker solution to meet the needs of diverse group of clientele.

Recently the company added anodized titanium and black finishes to its SolidDrive line, and according to the company, the new colors increase the products' temperature handling capabilities to allow for more installation options, and they provide more aesthetic choices for property owners.

With the custom electronics industry shifting its emphasis more towards retrofit home environments, it's important for installers to have the ability to deal with all types of building structures.

Nev.-based Wisdom Audio has just introduced its SE Wall Enclosure, which is a product that facilitates the installation of its Sage Series in-wall and in-ceiling products into solid walls.

The accessory is made of made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and according to the company, when an installer wants to mount a Sage Series in-wall speaker, he would place the speaker into the the mount via screws that grip into the aircraft-grade aluminum extrusion SE enclosure.

The SE Enclosure features Wisdom's flexible rubber-magnetic mounting system then allows for an ultra-thin, stainless steel grill to conform to variations in wall surfaces once the speaker is fitted into the mount to provide the appearance of a flush installation into the solid wall.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

You could say that the West Coast-based Lotus Group USA is excited about its latest product.

The two-channel specialty distributor's reason for excitement is the SMc Audio VRE-1 Preamplifier, which the company is now offering to the enthusiast audiophile market.

According to the company, the preamp took five years to develop and it features a circuit designed that's engineered to highlight the best attributes of a passive and active performance through the use of a JFET circuit, Lundahl and Jensen coupling transformers, and input transformers that convert all inputs to a balanced operational status.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The concept of all-in-one disc players certainly isn't a new idea, but since the dawn of the new millennium the quality of these products has gotten exponentially better and a good example of this improvement can be found with the Cambridge Audio Azur 650BD Universal Blu-ray disc player.

This new disc player incorporates BD Live 2.0, HDMI 1.3 12-bit Deep Color support, Crystal CS4345/CS4361 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters for audio playback and built-in Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio processing.

In addition, the company says the player powers up and loads quickly, and for the pure audio enthusiast, the Azur 650BD also supports the SACD and DVD-Audio formats.

Audio Plus Services distributes Cambridge Audio in the U.S.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Many people know the Fender name for its iconic products like the Stratocaster and Jazz Bass, but the company also offers a complete line of sound reinforcement products too.

The company's flagship Passport 500 Pro PA system is a turnkey product that includes a newly redesigned mixer layout, a new reverb function that is said to sound more natural than the previous version and speaker enclosures that incorporate 35mm stand sockets for easy setup.

Fender says the new Passport 500 Pro is also several pounds lighter than the previous version and it also includes USB and sub out options to facilitate recording and system expansion.