Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III 10 reviews 3.2 of 5 MSRP: $ 499.00 10 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 3.20 of 5 Description: This 2-way 6″ bookshelf loudspeaker with MDF enclosure and Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguide reproduces sound with unparalleled spaciousness and definition. The PolyPlas (polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone woofer features traditional JBL engineering; the same technologies used in JBL’s Professional equipment that can be found in stadiums, music halls and movie theaters around the world. Shielded components allow placement near video monitors. High-temperature, oversized Kapton® voice coil and HeatScape motor structure allow these speakers to effortlessly play all types of movies and music. The woofers are built on cast-aluminum frames, which reduce distortion and increase power-handling capability. A low-diffraction IsoPower baffle directs the sound power into the room, reducing distortion caused by cabinet vibration.The lock-mitred, computer-designed enclosure requires no bracing. The FreeFlow flared port increases bass response without adding unwanted port noise. More Products from Bose >> Search AudioReview forums for the Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III >>

Reviewed By: 1Inventor
Review Date: December 18, 2008

Summary:
As an audio engineer and an avid speaker builder, they are definitely mass market, consumer speakers. The drivers on the satellites are roughly 25 cents worth, and the woofer, around $5.00. And you’re paying how much? Most of that cost is advertising expenses.

This is not bashing by any means but fact.
You can’t have quality with inferior parts. The knowledge of the parts cost should infuriate any level headed, sane consumer.

You can’t put a Yugo engine into a Corvette body and expect it to perform. S&*t in, S*&t Out.

Bose will not perform frequency plots or divulge other information besides power handling because it would make an informed/knowledgeable customers that their drivers can only go as high as 10 khz (shy of another 10 khz) and only as low as 40 hz. It would also show frequency anomalies that would deter costumers. Instead of educating their consumers, they program them to think ( in this case, not consider specifications ). Specifications are not the entire picture but they tend to represent good engineering.
I would not buy a car just because it looked good, not know what engine is in it and what its capabilities are, to justify its price.

Most consumers have never listened to a good system, and would not know any better. ” Better Sales through Advertising.” So most would buy what the masses(as ill informed) would buy.

If you truly want to know what sounds good, try listening to speakers from companies like Pradigm, Magnepan, PSB, Thiel and the likes…not necessarily to buy, but to have an idea as to what good is. then go back to your bose units and see how you’ve overpayed for them.

Better yet, due to your extreme loyalty to Bose, call to confirm how much the drivers cost, if they will even divulge that info.

They are average speakers that will amaze or satisfy or amaze the average joe.

25 cents each for the satellite speakers, $5.00 per woofer = $12.00 + particle board with laminate, wires and connectors, $18 manufacturing cost being sold for over $380? WOW!

Seriously folks - either you are so brainwahed by Bose, are you are just too cheap to buy a real system.

Strengths:
” Better Sales Through Advertising”

Weaknesses:
” No highs, No Lows, must be Bose.”

Overall Rating
1 of 5

Value Rating
1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

New Fire-Resistant CL3-Rated Cable Approved for In-Wall and Between-Floor Use in Residential and Commercial Installations

CES ’09, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2009 — Lenbrook America, exclusive U.S. importer of QED, the leading British specialist cable brand, is pleased to announce the introduction by QED Cables of QED Professional Silverline Five loudspeaker cable, ideal for use as a speaker cable in walls and between floors, at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Silverline Five is QED’s first audiophile quality speaker cable to be fully rated by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). It meets the UL-CL3 standard for in-wall use, the UL13 standard for Power Limited Cables, and the UL-CL3R standard for use as a certified Riser cable that can safely be used between floors in both residential and commercial locations. The cable brings hi-fidelity purist performance to the custom installation market.

read more on ecoustics.com…

www.lenbrookamerica.com

source: ecoustics.com

Reviewed By: blackraven

After doing in home Auditions of all 3 Van Alstine DAC’s I thought I would post a review on each one.

VA offers a Solid State DAC called the Insight for about $900, an all Tube DAC called the T8 for about $1400 and a hybrid tube/ss DAC called the Ultra for about $1700.

Let me say this first. I liked all 3 and they all had a similar sound to some extent because they use many of the same electronics. Frank VA’s philosophy is to produce music as naturally as possible without distortion or coloration and this can be found in all his equipment. In addition, his equipment does not come with all the bells and whistles that you may find on other brands. He keeps things simple as possible.

Now for the reviews-

1. Insight SS DAC - Price: $999

This DAC is a real bargain. It produces excellent tight bass with out muddiness. Treble and high frequencies are crisp and clear with out any congestion. Midrange is very smooth. It has great transparency and presents a large sound stage. It sounded much better than my Cambridge Audio 840c CDP which was my reference player. I was able to directly do AB comparisons. Out of the 3 DAC’s, this one produced the deepest bass and most pronounced treble but it did not have the same depth of transparency, resolution or sound stage as the other 2 DACs. The sound was very neutral and natural. There was no grain, digital glare or fatigue.

2. Transcendence Eight DAC - Price: $999

This was the most analog sounding of the DAC’s but it was not overly warm. It still had more of a neutral sound but was definitely warmer than the Insight. It had greater transparency and a larger sound stage than the Insight but treble was softer as you would expect from an all tube design. Bass was tight but not as powerful (but not anemic by any means) as the Insight. The sound was very smooth and liquid with good detail and resolution. You could listen to this DAC all day and not get tired of it. My only complaint about it is that I like more prominent treble. This would be a great DAC if you had a brighter system or you liked to listen to a lot of older Cd’s that tended to be on the bright side.

3. Ultra Hybrid DAC - Price: $1699

This is the most expensive of the 3 DAC’s and is well worth it. It gives you the best of the other 2 DAC’s. Its a neutral sounding DAC with a hint of warmth. It has tight bass, better than the T8 but not as pronounced as the Insight. Treble is excellent, not as soft as the T8. It is also extremely liquid. The virtues of this DAC are its dynamics, clarity, resolution, detail, quietness, huge sound stage and transparency. The sound stage is so large that I thought I was sitting in a concert hall listening to music. It also has the most transparent sound that I have ever heard. You feel as if you could reach out and touch each instrument. It also had the most natural sound and made music sound live. Now part of this could be my Magnepan MG1.6’s which make just about all music sound like a live performance, but all 3 DAC’s, especially this one, made the music sound like a live performance.

Inside the Ultra DAC

One last comment, I got an email from a guy on the Audio Circles forum the other day asking me about my Magnepans. We got to talking about DAC’s and CDP’s. He owns the Insight DAC. He said he had owned the Benchmark DAC, the PS Audio Digilink III DAC and the Cambridge Audio 840c CDP but that the Van Alstine Insight DAC blew them away. I still have his Email if any one is interested in talking to him.

www.avahifi.com

Surround sound headphones?  Are these going to save my marriage.  Can my wife now study while I shot bullet holes in everything I see?  Track Scan Vibras Five.One headphones are certified by Microsoft for Xbox and Xbox Live.  You can chat (like your need to hear your mamma jokes in surround sound), you can hear the explotion behind you, in front, off the far left or right.  For $199 these maybe the an awesome X-mas gift and just may save some relationships.   They do look a little ghetto, so they might not sound

-AR

Xbox(R) Gamers Hear It Coming Innovative Headset System Brings High-Definition, 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Experience VIBRAS Five.One from Track Scan(TM) Is Named an Official Xbox 360(R) Accessory by Microsoft

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Dec 16, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Delivering sound so detailed and powerful that it puts users inside the game, the new VIBRAS Five.One Surround Sound Headset System has received Microsoft’s approval as an official Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system accessory.

The VIBRAS Five.One, designed specifically for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live(R), uses Dolby(R) Digital AC3 and special “sound-canal” technology to create a true 5.1 channel surround sound experience. With five individually encoded discrete audio channels pulsating through 10 speakers (five in each ear cup), gamers who use the VIBRAS Five.One enjoy unprecedented sound quality.

“It’s awesome!” said Rich Heinz, a professional gamer from Port Jefferson, N.Y. “I can literally hear everything and know exactly where each sound is coming from. The overall sound quality is excellent.”

continued on MarketWatch.com…

source: MarketWatch.com

Licensed and Designed For Xbox 360® & Xbox LIVE®

The 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Headset System with Dolby Digital Technology is designed specifically to work with the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. This uniquely designed headset system with sound-canal technology creates a true 5.1 channel surround sound experience. If you choose to play Games, watch DVD Movies, or listen to Music on Xbox LIVE or through the console with your Zune, you will find this to be the Best Performing 5.1 Surround Sound Headset System in the marketplace - The Finest Tonal and Sound Separation available. You will be immersed in Sound as if you were sitting in the Game or Movie Theater.

Xbox LIVE

The system can be used with Xbox LIVE using the professionally designed microphone. You can chat online or while playing a game.

DVD Movies

You can listen in Dolby Digital Surround Sound to your favorite DVD movie using the Xbox 360 DVD game console drive. The Microphone can easily be removed while watching your favorite movie.

Headset Features

• 10 speakers in total (five speakers in each headset cup)
• Lightweight and comfortable for long-time use
• 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital Technology
• Uniquely designed headset with sound-canal technology
• Adjustable headband
• Replaceable ear pad covers

Microphone Features

• Plugs directly into the Xbox 360 game controller
• Microphone is easily detachable from the headset
• In-line powered Amplifier control box with Volume control and Mute switch
• Lightweight and easily adjustable
• VOIP applications

System Components Included

• 5.1 Channel Surround Sound “Headset”
• Dolby Digital Technology “Decoder Box”
• Detachable “Microphone” with an in-line voice amplifier box
• Optical Fiber Cable (9.8 foot length)
• AC Power Supply (9.8 foot length)
• Headset “Ear Pad Covers” (one replacement set)

Requirements

• Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
• Xbox 360 video cable with Optical Port required
• Two AAA (not included) - For use with Xbox LIVE

For only $6000 you can have a private, plush, leather 7 channel surround sound game chair that drives the sound right into your body. Other then being ugly this chair is pretty cool. I’d personally would still rather have a real sound system that kicks to drive the sound into your gut. I could see this chair going over well though in a small apartment where you have to keep the sound down or once again have that lady with too many cats and that funny smell come downstairs and have that ‘chat’ with you again.

Well, if anyone has tried it, how’s the kick and sound stage?

-AR

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Dec 16, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) — BodySound Technologies, Inc. today introduces a high-end video game chair for the serious gamer who wants the best technology and the most comfortable seating. Experiential(TM) seating with BodySound technology is patent pending audio-touch technology built into ultra-comfortable, luxury seating. Users see, hear, and feel everything because they sit at its center.

This fusion of fine furniture with high-end audio technology places the user right in the center of the game, in style and comfort. “We developed BodySound technology for profound relaxation and to personalize the home theater experience, but we were blown away when we plugged an Xbox into a BodySound chair,” says Dan Cohen.

Every seat, whether a recliner or part of a larger seating arrangement, has a dedicated 7-channel amplifier with 200 MIPS of processing power. It drives each seat’s 7 speaker 5.1 surround system to provide private surround sound. The sound is crisp and clear, preserving every detail. The user hears everything without disturbing others. Every user can control the volume level, EQ wave shape, and balance settings for every speaker. Users can even steer the audio signal mix for each speaker.

continued on MarketWatch….

embedded video from MarketWatch http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=460863

source: MarketWatch.com

Top 5 Searched Flat Panel TVs on AudioReview.com

from 12/8-12/14

1) AOC L42H861 42 in. LCD TV 0 reviews 0 of 5 MSRP: $ 700.00 0 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 0.00 of 5 Description: The Envision L42H861 42″ LCD HDTV Display is designed with all the technological essentials need for powerful performance. Featuring vivid 1080p HD quality resolution, 6,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a full 1920×1080 widescreen resolution and 3 built-in digital HDMI inputs. More Products from AOC >> Search AudioReview forums for the AOC L42H861 42 in. LCD TV >>

2) JVC LT42P789 LCD TV 0 reviews 0 of 5 MSRP: $ 1179.00 0 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 0.00 of 5 Description: JVC’s P-Series LCD TVs are full featured high definition displays with a cabinet design that conveys the sets’ focus on both audio and video performance. Each features a universal remote with direct input access, a on-screen menu system, a side-mounted USB photo viewer, and ATSC / QAM tuning.Connections include three HDMI inputs, two component inputs, one S-video input, SPDIF input and an analog audio output for sending sound from an iPod or the TV through a home theater system.The sound package delivers 10 watts per channel to a pair of JVC’s exclusive oblique cone speakers. And JVC’s Omni Surround package with equalizer offers four listening modes. More Products from JVC >> Search AudioReview forums for the JVC LT42P789 LCD TV >>

3) Sony WEGA LCD HDTV 70 reviews 3.74 of 5 MSRP: $ 70 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 3.74 of 5 Description: Captivating entertainment meets refined elegance in Sony’s High Definition LCD Rear Projection TV. Our features come together to produce images and sound like no other. Cinema Black, an Integrated ATSC Tuner, 0.87″ WXGA LCD Panels, 3.28 Million Dots of Resolution, 1,092,168 Million Dots Per Panel, and Sony’s Proprietary WEGA Engine System all contribute to this surreal experience. Direct Digital II Circuitry, Digital Reality Creation® MultiFunction V1 Circuitry, Multi Image Driver (MID® X) Circuitry, CineMotion® Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology, and Enhanced Memory Stick® Media Playback* also add to our unique combination of style and technology. Sony’s new beauty is not just skin deep. Arouse your senses - the KDF-70XBR950. More Products from Sony >> Search AudioReview forums for the Sony WEGA LCD HDTV >>

4) Samsung 2433BW 24 in. LCD TV 0 reviews 0 of 5 MSRP: $ 428.00 0 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 0.00 of 5 Description: The SAMSUNG 2433BW 24″ widescreen LCD monitor. Its soft curves, rich piano black finish, clear acrylic accent bar and integrated cable housing lend distinctive style and sophistication to your desk. The 5 ms response, exclusive SAMSUNG picture technologies and 20,000:1 dynamic contrast mean a fast, colorful, detailed picture. And a Custom Key gives you one-touch access to the picture optimization function you use the most. (less) More Products from Samsung >> Search AudioReview forums for the Samsung 2433BW 24 in. LCD TV >>

5) Insignia NS-LCD47HD-09 47 in. LCD TV 0 reviews 0 of 5 MSRP: $ 1200.00 0 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 0.00 of 5 Description: Get the most from your movies, games and TV shows with this stunning 47″ 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV. Equipped with 3 HDMI and 2 component inputs, this TV makes it easy to connect to your HD components. More Products from Insignia >> Search AudioReview forums for the Insignia NS-LCD47HD-09 47 in. LCD TV >>

Product Info and AudioReview.com User Reviews: Monarchy Audio M24 DAC 2 reviews 5 of 5 MSRP: $ 1490.00 2 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 5.00 of 5 Description: The Monarchy Audio Model 24 (M24) Digital Audio Converter is a 24/96 DAC with a tube analog output The Monarchy Audio Model 24 (M24) Digital Audio Converter is a 24/96 DAC with a tube analog output stage, as well as a tube line stage which can function as a line amp for other components. It employs premium components to play all convential CD’s and 24/96 CD’s. More Products from Monarchy Audio >> Search AudioReview forums for the Monarchy Audio M24 DAC >>

REVIEW:

Reviewed by:aaudioman (AudioPhile)
Review Date: December 1, 2008
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating: 5 of 5
Used product for: 1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $1080.00 from Monarchy audio

Summary:
The dac -24 is superb even against dacs in the $5-10k range , just read the reviews for starters. The newer unit has vacuum tube as well as solid state, and to have a line stage pre that is as good as a $3k unit is a huge bonus but as a dac myself being an Audiophile foor some 30 years and owning some expensive gear,I know a thing or two about sonics , one thing I just incorporated was the Monarchy DIP- upsampler whichs makes this dac and others even better, even without it it still will not be outclassed by any unit shy of $10k+ using great vintage vacuum tubes x2- 6922 really does help also. the heart of the system uses the legendary hand laser trimmed Burr Brown pcm63PK dacs which are one of the best ever made and now discontinued because of cost, 10 seperaate power supply and the great 1704 units, dual torroidal transformers for the  digital ,and analog sections. This unit weighs in at 15 lbs using all good quality Audiophile grade parts including the high grade German Wima capacitors, comment: Use a good grade power conditioner such as one from Furman and a good quality aftermarket powercord you will be highly rewarded ! This applys to all good quality audio.

Strengths:
Very natural sounding not etched detail like im many of these delta sigma New dacs . the soundstage is Huge the inner detail is very good with weight and dimentioality around the instruments ,and this vacuum tube unit ifs not bloomy sounding at all ,more like a solid state with weight and conviction the bass is also very solid. “One of the best buys in all of Audio” ,if you know anything about what real music sounds like then this is the unit for any sensible Audiophile !

Weaknesses:
you should turn the unit off ,and start and leave on for 1/2 hour to hear the tubes warmed up at their best , not necessary though , you can leave it on but if you have vintage tubes they will not last as long ,that is the only down side you can just order a matched pair of any 6922 and they will be happy.
No fancy casework if you want that plan to spend the $10k

Similar Products Used:
Wadia , BAT, Opera droplet, Dodson audio digital in the past Wyered 4 sound Ice switching amp with Capacitor options -per Excellence. All Voodoo Ultralinear cables throughout. Modded Consonance Cyber222-MK2 with all Vintage Vacuum tubes from the 1950s and a Oppo digital highly modified dvd-cd player used as a transport,:please note even a standard Oppo player workd well especialy when using the Monarchy DIP-digital ,interface processor - upsampler.

On-line purchasing is easy, it’s the research that’s a pain in the butt. (We know, since that’s what we do!) So here’s a little something for you: a lovely list of gift choices guaranteed to satisfy your favorite audio enthusiast along with some great HeadRoom specials too. First, a fantastic offer on one of our most popular headphone amps. Next are the tried ‘n true; some of our very favorite products for anyone with two ears. And finally, a great Shipping Special to help the goods get to you quickly, safely, and cheaply! HeadRoom Micro Amp - On Sale! We’re putting this right at the top because we know the Micro Amp is guaranteed to please audiophiles of all stripes, and $100 off makes it a great deal for the giver. This compact amp is perfect for the office or nightstand, and delivers precise authoritative sound with virtually any headphone. Feed it a line level source from a CD player or iPod, or pair it up with our Micro DAC to use with digital and computer sources. The little Micro will have your audiophile loved one smiling broadly and proclaiming loudly (funny how people shout with cans on) their thanks for your thoughtful gift.

Grado SR60 This sweet sounding headphone has been the de-facto standard for entry level high-end headphones for a couple of decades now. Gift your music loving student or budding audiophile a pair, and watch them smile. $69 Sennheiser RS140 For those of you who have a loved one that likes TV or movies late at night, the Sennheiser RS140 is an outstanding wireless headphone that sounds great for the wearer, and because it’s a sealed headphone, is very unlikely to disturb others. $219.99 Shure SE530 Want to step up to the top of the portable sealed headphone ladder? The SE530 is the finest in-ear canal headphone available (short of the thousand dollar custom-molded products), and are guaranteed to WOW! You gotta really love someone to shell our the bucks for these, but we promise they’ll love you back. $499.99* AKG K 414 P These dandy little cans are sealed, so you don’t have to hear the world around you as you listen. Perfect for the student or traveler who wants an upgrade from the stock earbuds that came with their portable player. $59.99 AKG K702 If you have a hard-core audiophile at home … well, we’re sorry. We know the disease. The good news for you is we also know the cure. The K702 is a gorgeous sounding and elegant headphone splitting the difference between lean and lush perfectly. $539.00* Denon D5000 Speaking of discriminating audiophiles, the sealed Denon D5000 deliver rich accurate sound and deep listening privacy wrapped in lustrous mahogany earcups… Ahh, sweet bliss! $699.00* Total BitHead Amp Once the headphones are sorted, why not go the extra mile and help your loved one drive them with a proper amp? Our Total BitHead is the perfect mate for those on the move with an iPod or other portable player plus the BitHead’s USB input will also transform the sound of their computer audio. * Why can’t we show you the lowest price? Minimum Advertised Pricing restrictions prevent us from always displaying the lowest price, but don’t worry, we always give it to you whether you ask us about it or not. To find out a lowest price, try adding the item into the order cart on our website; or please call us at 800.828.8184, or email our sales staff at sales@headphone.com And Finally- Really Fast, Really Cheap Shipping. Everybody will be luring you with promises of free shipping this gifting season, that’s fine if you don’t mind the wait, and the worry, of ground shipments. We thought it would be far more beneficial to give you $10 off any FedEx Service you’d like on any purchase over $89. That means most items ship for under $5 or completely free! That way, even if you wait until the last minute, we’ll be able to save you a few bucks and a lot of time getting your box from here to there. Just enter the following code in coupon window of your order cart:     CHEAPSHIP So, a very good list indeed that’s guaranteed to please (we have a 30-day satisfaction guaranty that’s extended through the holidays and transferable to your loved one), but we certainly know of many more terrific products that would be wonderful gifts to give this holiday season. Please feel free to call us or check out our website for lots more ideas. There’s nothing we’d like better than to help you give the perfect gift of music, right between their ears.

source: HeadRoom

STOCKHOLM, Sweden and UK – 10 December 2008: Jays, the company that brought you the highly acclaimed q-JAYS – the world’s smallest in-earphones with dual armatures – has stepped into the headphone market with the launch of the c-JAYS. Combining superb design with exceptional comfort and audio quality, c-JAYS are the perfect answer for consumers who want the Jays audio experience through a headphone rather than an in-earphone.

Lightweight and flexible, C-JAYS’ extending arms are made from hard-wearing, glassfibre-reinforced nylon making them flexible, tough and able to stand up to use in demanding environments. What’s more, they can even be folded up so it’s easy to carry and store them.

read the rest of the press release on www.sourcewire.com

www.jays.se/home.aspx

source: sourcewire.com

XLO™ Features Updated Reference 3™ and Signature 3™ Cable Lines
CES Venetian Tower 30-234 & 236

XLO… Sounds Like Nothing At All!

Ontario, California • 12/9/2008 • Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc., an innovative and prolific manufacturer of award-winning audio and video interconnects, cables and AC power products, features the completely updated Signature 3™ and Reference 3™ interconnects and cable lines at CES.

Cables are everywhere in an audio/video system; with poorly engineered cables most of the performance stays locked up in your components! Relying on a jumble of different cables to tone-control a system is equally unsound. Cables should just… get out of the way. And there’s the rub; it’s extraordinarily difficult to make cables that sound like nothing at all.

But that doesn’t stop Ultralink/XLO, a company in an excellent position to get closer to… the sound of nothing. “We control the manufacturing of our own product, just as we’ve done for more than 15 years,” enthuses XLO’s president Allen Sung, “giving us 100 percent quality control backed with a lifetime warranty. We have the capacity, machining and engineering expertise to work the conductor and dielectric materials. We design and produce all our specialist connectors. The product is of such quality,” Allen smiles, “that it’s supplied OEM to a surprising number of other brands.”

continued on eCoustics.com ….

About Ultralink/XLO Products Inc.
Ultralink/XLO Products Inc., headquartered in Ontario, California is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance audio and video cables and UltraPower™ AC power products, Canada’s market share leader in the field. In early 2002 Ultralink Products Inc. acquired XLO Electric Co., Inc. a well-known brand of audiophile reference cables and interconnects. Ultralink also introduced the elegant “Engineering Truth” Argentum Acoustics™ line of cables and accessories. Ultralink is a member of PARA, CEDIA and the CEA. For more information on Ultralink/XLO and their product brands call (909) 947-6960 or find them at www.ultralinkproducts.com or learn more about XLO at www.xloelectric.com.

source: eCoustics.com