”

Rf headphones are using a stereo frequency modulation system when transmitting sound from transmitter to the headphones. It is pretty much like having a mini radio station in your house. These kinds of headphones are perfect for TV, computers, games consoles when you don’t want to disturb people around you.  The range of an rf signal can be affected by other sources and some materials used in building construction. The newer headphones are a lot less sensible for interference from example microwaves and other devices then the earlier ones. Radio waves are the best choice if you’re looking for total freedom.

There are also wireless headphones that use light to transmit the sound. This technology is called ir, ir stands for infrared. The disadvantage using ir headphones are that they only work when the light is visible. That means that you have to make sure that it’s always open air between the transmitter and the headphones to get a clear signal.

read the rest and more about wireless headphones at buyingwirelessheadphones.com…

The next frontier in television technology is here and heading to retail outlets next year.

Just don’t forget your glasses.

Sony and Panasonic say they will release home 3-D television systems in 2010; JVC is not far behind. All of Mitsubishi’s current model Home Theater TVs are 3-D ready and are offered in screen sizes from 60 inches to 73 inches. A 3-D standard format does not currently exist for Blu-ray or DVD prepackaged media, however.

Some analysts compare the 3-D transition to the switch from black-and-white to color television and the shift from standard- to high-definition images. It won’t happen overnight, but the new technology will take hold, they agree, and could give electronics retailers, manufacturers and distributors a boost akin to when flat-panel televisions really took flight five or so years ago.

read more about upcoming 3D TVs on rtohq.org…

source: rtohq.org

Peabody, Mass. - Boston Acoustics replaced the middle series in its three-series component-speaker selection, shipping a six-SKU Reflection series designed to complement flat-panel displays and to bring select flagship-series technologies to lower price points.

The RS 334 floor-standing speaker at $699 (street price) each tops out the Reflection series of component speakers with rounded edges and scratch-resistant piano-black finish.

The company also launched a co-promotion with sister brand Denon, offering consumers up to 25 percent off a combined purchase of any six Boston Acoustics speakers and select Denon electronics.

With Reflection’s launch, Boston Acoustics turned over all three of its component-speaker series over an 18-month period, said Joe Stinziano, sales and marketing senior VP.

read more about the RS 334 and the Reflection Series on Twice.com…

source: Twice.com

www.bostonacoustics.com

Conveniently brings better sound to laptop users (and anyone else who hates wires.)

Today Klipsch hass added wireless technology to its ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers. The original ProMedia 2.1 system was introduced in 2000, and over the years it has become one of the highest praised, best-selling products Klipsch has ever produced. But given the increase in laptop and notebook usage, company officials decided to put a fresh spin on the classic setup by introducing a wireless version.

The new ProMedia 2.1 Wireless looks and sounds like the THX®-certified original, only the Klipsch logos are silver instead of copper. “The ProMedia is still the defacto 2.1 standard for computer speakers. It’s been known to put some home stereo systems to shame, and we want to keep it that way–with or without wires,” said Don Inmon, Klipsch director of product development for personal audio.

The real difference between the two designs lies within a USB wireless transmitter that plugs into the computer’s USB port. “Only a few simple steps are required to get the ProMedia Wireless up and running. Just plug, play and enjoy the full sonic impact of your music, movies and games without being tied down,” said Inmon. “No router or installation software is needed.”

Inmon, however, notes the misconception that many consumers have about wireless audio. Often times, when people see the words “wireless” and “speakers” together, they assume the entire sound system is wire and cable free. However, no such speaker system exists–unless it runs off of batteries. “Speakers need a power source to drive them and that source needs to connect to electricity,” he says.

more info and photos on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

www.klipsch.com

Featured Article from

Jack Roberts & The Flight of the Mini-monitors, Part 7: Lowther’s worldwide debut of the DX-65 driver in the Teresonic Magus XR

Reviewer: Jack Roberts

A new driver from Lowther is real news. A new five inch driver is even rarer news, so it was with great anticipation that I waited on this pair of speakers to arrive. It was the Teresonic Magus XR with the new Lowther DX65 driver. XR stands for eXtended Range, and is the first speaker to implement the new DX65 driver to extend the capabilities of small speakers in multiple parameters: frequency response, efficiency, imaging, etc. Below is a brief technical description of the new DX65, and for a reference the same information about the DX55 that comes standard in the Teresonic Magus and other fine speakers.

This review is mostly about the difference the new Lowther DX65 makes compared to the DX55 when mounted in a Teresonic Magus cabinet. So you really need to read the recent review of the Magus Silver DX55. Teresonic dubs this version of its Magus mini-monitor the Silver XR.

Why Lowthers

On the home page of the Lowther website right next to the picture of Paul Voigt, it says:

“Since the early 1950s, Lowther has exported over 90% of its manufacturing to audiophiles worldwide. In almost every country in the world there are discerning music lovers demanding only the very best sound reproduction possible, these are Lowther owners. ‘Lowther for life’ means just that, as once heard, nothing else can suffice. Those that have “strayed” return to Lowther stating no other speakers can do what Lowther can, which is to ensure that the listener hears pure music, oblivious to the presence of speakers in the listening room.”

Paul Voigt was born in London in 1901. His first job was with the J. E. Hough Ltd company. It was part of Edison-Bell works in 1922. Paul Voigt developed several new products for them, including a slack diaphragm condenser microphone, a high flux energized speaker drive unit and horns using the “tractrix” contour. In 1926 he developed the first British electric recording system. In 1933 Voigt started his own company, “Voigt Patents”.

He released the “Domestic Corner Horn” in 1934 and it was considered to be a new benchmark for high quality sound reproduction. Another very significant thing happened in 1934 when Paul Voigt met O. P. Lowther, and a strong friendship was formed. In 1936, there was published a Lowther sales brochure entitled “Lowther-Voigt Radio”. It detailed three radios, separate amplifiers, tuners and loudspeakers. The most ambitious system used a 12-watt amplifier and the deluxe Voigt domestic corner horn loudspeaker. I could go on but if you’re interested, you can go to the Lowther Museum site and read to your heart’s content.

Let’s just say that for over seventy years, the name Lowther has been synonymous with quality single-driver speakers systems. They have had many famous users and it is absolutely amazing how the sound gets under your skin. So when a company with this kind of history and following releases a new product, its news, and I promise you the DX65 is big news.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Amplifiers

Units: About 2,300

Distributor: Krell Industries LLC, of Orange, Conn.

Hazard: The amplifiers were designed to operate at a temperature warm to the touch. However, a component input device can fail and cause the amplifiers to overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Krell has received 50 reports of the amplifiers overheating including reports of smoke and electrical fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Krell power amplifiers with model numbers KAV-250a, KAV-250a/3, KAV-500i and KAV-1500. The amplifiers are used to provide power to a loudspeaker in a home audio playback system. The Krell logo is printed on the front of the amplifier.

Sold by: Authorized dealers and distributors of audio equipment nationwide from January 1997 through February 2001 for between $3,000 and $8,000.

Manufactured in: USA

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the amplifiers, and contact Krell to schedule the free installation of replacement fuses.

Customer Contact: For additional information contact Krell at (888) 436-6055 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.krellonline.com. Consumers can also email the firm at service@krellonline.com.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 436-6055
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

source:  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
via: audioREVIEW forums

Limited Edition Earphones Are World’s First Audio Hardware To Bear Official Miles Davis Name

* Created in Conjunction with the Miles Davis Family
* Feature Sleek Styling Designed to Capture the Essence of the Man and His Music
* Engineered to the Most Demanding Sonic Specifications

Monster Miles Davis Tribute In-Ear Headphones
Monster, renowned for its many advanced consumer electronics accessories and fast becoming one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance headphones, is proud to announce the upcoming introduction of the world’s first audio hardware product to bear the official name and signature of legendary trumpeter Miles Davis — the new “Miles Davis Tribute” high-performance in-ear headphones. Created in conjunction with Miles Davis Properties, LLC, the new headphones are being offered in a individually numbered limited edition. Adding value to this limited edition release, purchasers of the Miles Davis Tribute headphones will also be able to enjoy free of charge the official 50th Anniversary boxed set of the artist’s seminal album Kind of Blue, featuring two music CDs, a DVD and a 24-page booklet.

Miles Davis Tribute headphones feature a striking gold/brass finish based on the actual trumpet played by the artist, featuring a Miles Davis silhouette and gold-etched signature on the earpiece. The headphones are complemented by an attractive “kind of blue” cord and uniquely designed “musical instrument” carry case. Designed in every way to capture the essence of the renowned musician’s style, the Miles Davis Tribute headphones are tuned to reproduce the subtle nuances of music, with advanced sonic technologies engineered to deliver reference-quality audio.

find out more on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

Panasonic to Show Full HD 3D Home Theater, Expanded tru2way(R) Solutions at Cable-Tec Expo 2009 Emphasis on Full HD 3D TV, Growing Interactive Cable TV Applications

DENVER, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic will demonstrate prototype Full HD 1080p 3D televisions and will exhibit an expanded range of tru2way solutions, including tru2way-based broadband cable set-top boxes and its tru2way-intergrated consumer VIERA HDTVs at this year’s Cable-Tec Expo® — the
cable industry’s engineering show of the year — beginning today through October 30 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

In addition to the Panasonic booth (#14053), the company’s presence will be supplemented by a Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater-equipped tractor trailer exhibit from its nationwide 3D tour fleet to demonstrate 3D for show goers. The Full HD 3D system, which will reach the market next year, utilizes 1080p Plasma display technology and a modified Blu-ray Disc player to deliver a truly immersive 1080p Full HD 3D experience of entertainment and other programming in the home.

“Panasonic believes that the Cable-Tec Expo, with its more than 10,000 cable industry professional attendees, provides the perfect opportunity for us to highlight the impact of Full HD 3D and to give cable engineering, operations and management leaders the chance to experience first hand the powerful and exciting possibilities of 3D. Full HD 3D is anticipated to be widely deployed in 2010, creating new revenue opportunities for the industry,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic Corp. of North America’s Chief Technology Officer. “It also provides Panasonic with an occasion to demonstrate our commitment to tru2way, including exhibiting our expanded range of interactive cable solutions — both current and next-generation tru2way digital set-top boxes and the design for a new tru2way digital Set-Back Box which converts VIERA TVs into tru2way-capable receivers.”

At Booth #14053, Panasonic will feature a lineup of next-generation tru2way-based broadband cable set-top boxes all of which offer a smaller footprint and are more energy efficient than earlier models. Panasonic will also demonstrate tru2way-enabled VIERA Plasma TVs, their NovaTouch(TM) system, an innovative touch-based remote control designed to navigate next generation cable program guides, and a prototype of Panasonic’s new tru2way Set-Back Box, which can transform Panasonic VIERA HDTVs into tru2way-enabled receivers.

In addition, at Booth #14044 Panasonic will feature its highly acclaimed Toughbook® mobile computers that allow cable technicians, engineers and supervisors in the field or on the workbench to solve problems quickly and efficiently with exceptional reliability.

About Panasonic
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Detailed information about Panasonic’s environmental stewardship may be found in its Panasonic Report for Sustainability 2008 (www.panasonic.net/csr/reports) and Environmental Data Book 2008 www.panasonic.net/eco/rpt/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at
www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

® — tru2way is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

Chris De Maria, Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182, demariac@us.panasonic.com; or
Blayne Murphy, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9763, blayne.murphy@cohnwolfe.com

source: PRNewswire

www.panasonic.com

ITOK Media Limited, renowned Hong Kong manufacturer of high end but not high priced audio products, has launched its new Trends Hi-Fi product - Trends TA-10 amp and PA-10 Pre-amp Combo. Integrating Trends TA-10.2P SE Power Amplifier, Trends PA-10 SE Tube Pre-Amplifier and Trends Audiophile Audio Cable to bring audiophiles and music lovers the outstanding Hi-Fi Systems in affordable prices.

“As we all know, Trends TA-10.1 is widely considered the best sounding and the best value among Class-T amps! This potent little handful is quickly becoming a global audio phenomenon.” said says David Ho, the marketing director of Trends Audio. “Meanwhile, Trends PA-10 Tube Pre amplifier provides nice dynamic range, and a crisp clear open presentation
favouring the midrange”.

read more on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

www.trendaudio.com

So many to choose from! Lets us boil it down. How to Choose a Floorstanding Speaker that fits you:

Editor’s Note: Some of the speakers below can be had at amazing deals right now.  Some are year older models, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great speakers.  It does mean the prices are a lot lower than MSRP.

Monitor Audio Silver RS6 ~ $900

Stereophile - Robert J. Reina - Normally, any review of a $1000/pair loudspeaker would include a discussion of its flaws—the compromises necessary to meet that relatively low price point. But after several weeks of listening to dozens of recordings through the Silver RS6, I could find not a single shortcoming—no deviation from neutrality, or any other compromise that I would normally expect to find in a cost-constrained design. AudioReview - 22 Reviews 4.42 of 5 - saymir writes - Very good value for money.It does everything what company says,tight extended punchy bass,sweet treble,decent midrange if connected to smooth sounding amps-such as Technics.I was using Technics su-a700mk2.Simply amazing match.Relaxing sound.If connected to entry level hi-end gear,(krell kav500i)these speakers are capable of amazing 3D imaging and soundstage and dynamics goodsound.com - Philip Beaudette - Monitor Audio’s Silver RS6 — a relatively inexpensive, exceptionally well-built floorstanding speaker that provides considerable insight into what the best has to offer.

Editor’s Note: The RS6 has been replaced by the RX6 which is supposed to sound better, but is more expensive. RS6 speakers are still easy to find in Monitor Audio dealer shops and online. You might want to snatch up a pair before they are gone.

Featured Merchants

		BrandNamez.com
		BrandToyz.com

Wharfedale Diamond 9.6 ~ $800

AudioEnz - Michael Wong - The Diamonds are the kind of product expected from a long time manufacturer dedicated to making music accessible. With it’s canny balance of abilities the Diamonds do a very good job of disappearing and do not get between the listener and the music. With no major flaws, they are a steal, solid proof that the art of building good value stereo equipment survives. AudioReview - 8 Reviews 4.88 of 5 - sburken writes - all four drivers blend together for a warm sound that can be played to exceptionally loud levels without being fatigueing. however, these speakers do not shine when played with very harsh material (IE metal), they shine beautifully when tasked with rock through classical though

Energy Loudspeakers C-500 ~ $400

Canada HIFI - Through my test, I discovered that the Energy C-Series are a set of very musical speakers with a sweet tooth for the home theatre. With their modest size, they can be easily accommodated into a smaller room, although their sound can effortlessly fill an average sized listening space. AudioReview - 5 Reviews 5.00 of 5 - mastermind717 writes - For the price these are the best speakers I have ever heard. Highs, lows and midrange are tight and accurate. The sound stage is full and pleasant to listen to for hours no matter what your taste in music. I am running the C-500’s without a sub though I’m certain a mid size velodyne would compliment these nicely, especially for movies.

Magnepan Magneplanar MMG ~ $600

Goodsound.com - They’re so good that they’ll make you look like an audio wunderkind and make your system sing as never before. They do need to be driven by a good, strong receiver or amp — no 25W weaklings need apply — and they’ll expose weaknesses upstream from them (if you have a cheap, tinny-sounding CD player, for instance). They’ll also expose the intricate layers of beauty that might be hidden by your current speakers, so if you’re tempted to give ‘em a try, you can have these Maggies in your home for a 60-day, money-back trial. AudioReview - 283 Reviews 4.72 of 5 - stuartson writes - First off, The MMGs are amazing! Not simply “amazing for the money”, but flat out amazing. The soundstage is open and expansive, the tonal reproduction is exceptional, the speed and detail are mind-boggling at times. They truly have the ability to reproduce certain types of music with a scary accuracy and realism. AudioReview - DPS writes -I have had a pair of MMG’s for about six months and will most likely quit searching for the elusive audio nirvana I’ve been chasing since the mid 70’s. The simple fact is these speakers provide a window into my music tastes that cannot be duplicated by any other available speaker any where near this price.

Featured Merchants

Magnepan

Paradigm Reference Monitor 7 ~ $800

hometheaterreview.com - Soundstaging and imaging are both superb with the Monitor 7s. The Monitor 7s’ soundstage is as deep as it is wide and very nicely detailed and natural in its presentation. In terms of imaging, especially center focus, the Monitor 7s react much more like mini monitors than floor-standing loudspeakers. AudioReview - 98 Reviews 4.55 of 5 Spock1234 writes - This is especially obvious when listening to Jazz and Blues recordings which contain male voices and acoustic guitar segments. The bass extension is low enough to ‘feel’ the music, but it never sounds ‘boomy’. The single best thing about these speakers is that they are ‘Neutral’. If you are used to listening to other speakers that make the music sound ‘shrill’ or ‘boomy’, the Monitor 7s may sound a little ‘flat’ initially. But after you listen to them for a day or two, you will appreciate of the neutrality the Monitors. reviews.digitaltrends.com writes - The highs are sweet, the mids are richly detailed, and the bass is tight and accurate. Our only complaint is that the midrange could be a little richer on some vocal recordings. Additionally, the finish on these speakers left little to be desired in terms of a luxury finish – but now knowing their true price, we feel this is almost an uncalled for assessment.

Polk Audio TSi500 ~ $800

Bestcovery.com - Polk’s TSi500 floorstanding speakers are well designed with excellent build quality and finish for the money. The sound quality and especially the bass are very good. Music is lively with clean detail and highs. These speakers have a whopping four 6.5” drivers that deliver strong bass. The frequency range is rated at 28Hz-25kHz. They work well for both home theater and music listening. AudioReview - 2 Reviews 5.00 of 5 - pvsat writes - the best performance in the upper entry segment. I moved from a set of polk R300s to these and yes they make a huge difference in the sound. I feel the room shake during explosion and low bass sequences. They image very well..the image size increased about 2-3 times from the r300s when listening in 2 channel.

Store Name	Store Rating	Price	Notes	Buy Now
		$799.90	New
		$798.00
		$399.95	POLK AUDIO Authorized Dealer and WARRANTY! Award-winning customer service and price guarantee!
		$399.95	Order Today, Ships Today
		$400.00	New
More Prices >>

Fluance ES-1 ~ $400

Amazon.com reviewer Richard Hebbourn - Although I’ve heard quite a few good things about the ES1 speakers, I was still surprised by the amount of bass that comes through them. The highs are even better - each note is crisp and defined, and the sound fills my entire house. AudioReview - 9 Reviews 4.11 of 5 - Joseph writes - My lucky day! Awesome speakers when coupled with a sub for frequencies below 70Hz. I power them with a 120 watt per channel HK Stereo (yes I said stereo) reciever and run them through a 15 band equalizer just to tweak them ever so slightly. Add a 12 inch 150 watt sub and CD’s, Movies, and Concert DVD’s rock! Don’t let the fact they won’t cost ya an arm and a leg fool you, these may be the best deal in HiFi to be had in a long time! AudioReview - Chris writes - First few weeks, these speakers were breaking in. They sounded distinctly harsh. After the break-in period, however, they REALLY smoothed out. I would highly recommend them as excellent value. They look good (my wife likes them) and they sound very good.

Featured Merchants

Fluance

Klipsch RF-52 ~ $660

AVguide.com - Few affordable systems offer a more compelling blend of detail, finesse, and dynamic clout plus an almost magically vibrant quality that brings music and movies alive. Bravo, Klipsch. AudioReview - 1 Reviews 5.00 of 5 - boorat writes - Amazing, crisp sound! Will wake the neighbors with no distortion. Crystal clear highs and smooth, tight punchy bass. I can hear every instrument on it’s own. My sound dream come true! Highly recommend these!! Not too big, not too small. My receiver is the DENON AVR 5700 (140 watts per channel).

Featured Merchants

	Get Free Shipping on orders $199 or more!	Crutchfield.com
		Acoustic Sound Design

Infinity Systems Primus P252 ~ $230
	soundstageav.com - … was so blown away by the experience of listening to them that I felt almost compelled to purchase a pair. In these recessionary times, it’s good to know that an audiophile who doesn’t have much cash on hand can still upgrade his or her audio system without going bankrupt

Featured Merchants

	Get Free Shipping on orders $199 or more!	Crutchfield
		OneCall.com

More Floorstanding speakers on AudioREVIEW.

If you think we left a great sub $1000 speaker out, comment. Let us and others know why you think it should be included.