Recently Filed in Audio

Triad Speakers is set to deliver its new DesignerSeries Speakers that can be completely hidden and sealed behind walls or ceilings. The line of “invisible” speakers features three mono versions and two stereo models that can produce maximum sound pressure levels up of 105dB. The speakers can be used for a variety of installation scenarios, including multiroom audio, home theater rear surrounds, and environmentally-challenging situations like wet and humid pool areas and bathrooms. Triad employs power-coated aluminum frames, a rigid aluminum honeycomb core with paper… View this story
Speakers • In-Wall Speakers • Surround Sound • Audio • Product News

When you’re personally chosen by Frank Zappa to join his band fresh out of college, it likely means that you are destined for greatness.  It can be tough to live up to the expectations, but in the case of guitarist Steve Vai, the New York-born musician has lived up to and exceeded the lofty goals that were established during his youth. Today Vai is considered the Tiger Woods of his profession—the best at what he does—and the enthusiasm with which he approaches his job he… View this story
Movies and Music • Audio • Product News

Of all the cool home electronics, the one system that strikes a chord with nearly every homeowner is whole-house music. “With all the options available, multiroom audio is still the most sought-after electronic home upgrade,” says Rick Ho of London Audio in Ontario, Canada. “A great sounding and easy-to-use system will often be played from morning till night.”  It’s easy to see the appeal. With just a touch of a button, your favorite music can follow you throughout your house—and you won’t have to blast… View this story
AV Components • Multiroom Audio • Audio • Info and Answers

Back in the day it used to be that music fans sat in front of a pair of speakers like the Maxell “Blow-away” guy to listen to their favorite tunes. These days people often listen via their favorite personal media players.  The advent of portable digital media has re-ignited interest in headphones, which has in turned has spawned interest in a sub-category of noise-canceling headphones.  Many familiar audio manufacturers from the consumer- and pro-audio worlds have popularized noise-canceling headphones, and the technology behind the product… View this story
Speakers • Headphones • Reviews • Audio • Product News

Bass guitar players, in most forms of music, lay the foundation for a song by playing supporting, groove-oriented patterns. There are, however, a number of songs where the bass is a primary melodic and harmonic contributor. These songs are not only fun to listen to, they can be great tools for setting up a stereo or home theater and assessing its performance. The frequency spectrum covers the low bass up through the midrange, making it a great way to assess subwoofer level and integration, as… View this story
Home Theater • Audio • Info and Answers • Slideshows

Q. I’m having problems with the Disney movies on BD for “A Bugs Life” and “Wall-E.” The DTS HD Master format does not show up on the Onkyo 606 Receiver. It shows DTS-ES Matrix. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem? The BD player is a Panasonic DMP-BD35. - Darin Buss, Oshkosh, Wisc. A. Hi Darin, it’s probably one of two things: The Blu-ray player may not be set up to output the high resolution audio bitstream. Make sure your HDMI cable… View this story
AV Components • Blu-ray • Receivers • Audio • Ask a Pro

Q. I am building a house and will plan a home theater. I am free to place my speakers during construction. I want to use the speakers in a 10.1 arrangement. Is there a system like Denon AVR-5308CI Receiver that would handle my needs? I will not be needing the receiver until December? - Shawn A. If money permits, you should talk with an audio design firm like Rives Audio, PMI or a trained electronics installer. If you are planning on doing this yourself, there… View this story
Speakers • Receivers • Home Theater • Audio • Ask a Pro

These homeowners have catapulted a 50-year-old ranch-style home into the 21st century with modern, minimalist design, with the help of custom electronics pro London Audio. Blonde woods, glistening stone, premium leathers and polished chrome replaced the Cold-war design elements during this complete home makeover. And the basement bonus room has taken on new life as a dedicated screening room. “This young and stylish couple had little interest in an Art Deco or traditionally styled theater,” says London Audio’s Rick Ho. “They wanted their screening room… View this story
Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Home Theater • Audio • Cool Homes

Almost everyone that’s visited a dealer in search of an audio system has experienced the boring audiophile music that’s used to highlight a system. Without stereotyping their musical preferences for equipment demos too much, that dedicated group of traditional audiophiles usually choose from classical and jazz, to vocal wares from artists like Diana Krall, Patricia Barber and Peggy Lee, to test high-performance systems. The problem with these choices however is that young people—Gen X and Gen Y— generally prefer the more energetic rock music genre.… View this story
Movies and Music • Audio • Info and Answers • Slideshows

Unless you grew up on a farm, the thought of jumping on the back of a horse stirs up plenty of apprehension in most people. Words of encouragement can help, but there’s no better form of comfort than music, says Shery McDonald-Galbreath. The owner and president of the SaddleUp! Foundation and Riding Academy, a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization in Parker, Colo., Shery plays music during every riding class she teaches, helping her mostly disabled students relax and enjoy the freedom of mobility. “It’s particularly… View this story
Miscellaneous • Audio • Cool Homes

I just had a home theater system installed by MyerEmco in my great room – an open contemporary room with vaulted ceilings. I want to take up the old wall-to-wall rugs and install hardwood floors. A large sectional Persian rug will be put down. How will it affect the sound bounce and what alternatives are available to capture the perfect sound from the new system? By the way, I have leather furniture. - Mike, Lorton, VA A. Mike, this question is right up my alley.… View this story
Acoustics • Media Room • Audio • Ask a Pro

Q: I want to add surround sound to my living room but my problem is where do I place my front speakers. I have a rectangle room and at the front left corner my 40” LCD display is mounted above my wood burning fireplace. To the right of the corner fireplace is a window and at the other end of the room is the entrance to the dining room. Would I get better sound if I use in-room floor speakers and move the display off… View this story
Speakers • Surround Sound • Audio • Ask a Pro