What are the most viewed headphones/earbuds of the past Holidays for AudioReview.com?

1) Bang & Olufsen A8 Earbuds 34 reviews 4.44 of 5 MSRP: $ 69.99 34 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 4.44 of 5 1,413 Views Description: Designed for durability, the A8’s can be adjusted to fit the contours and curves of the individual ear. This ensures that regardless of whether you’re relaxing, walking or jogging, they always sit comfortably, and firmly, in place. More Products from Bang & Olufsen >> Search AudioReview forums for the Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphones >>

2) Sony MDR 7506 56 reviews 4.61 of 5 MSRP: $ 56 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 4.61 of 5 1,283 Views These pro-quality headphones let you hear it all. Premium 40mm drivers reproduce every musical nuance. Closed-ear design gives a tight bass response, practically eliminates external noise, and snuggles over the ears for hours of comfort. Frequency response is a flat 10Hz to 20kHz so you accurately hear what’s being recorded. Gold-plated connectors prevent rust and corrosion, and a UniMatch plug is provided for both 1/4″ and 1/8″ jacks. Phones fold for easy storage. We recommend the MDR-7506 for applications where hearing accuracy is crucial. Includes soft case. More Products from Sony >> Search AudioReview forums for the Sony MDR 7506 >>

3) Sennheiser HD595 10 reviews 4.9 of 5 MSRP: $ 289.00 10 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 4.90 of 5 1,270 Views Description: Welcome to Sennheiser’s new 500 series.The HD 595 is the premier headphone of the range, boasting a new level of comfort and sound quality. Features include our E.A.R. technology and a highly constant,compressed cellulose fleece to reduce total harmonic distortion. Velour ear pads and high-quality leatherette headband both provide outstanding comfort. More Products from Sennheiser >> Search AudioReview forums for the Sennheiser HD595 >>

4) Sennheiser HD-202 7 reviews 4.14 of 5 MSRP: $ 35.00 7 Reviews 1 Quick Ratings 4.25 of 5 1,231 Views Description: The HD 202 closed, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones are the ideal partner for DJs and powerful modern music, providing good insulation against ambient noise and a vivid, crisp bass response. The rugged lightweight headphones have a secure fit and can be used for both mobile sources and home (mini) hi-fi systems. More Products from Sennheiser >> Search AudioReview forums for the Sennheiser HD-202 >>

5) Sennheiser MX 500 Earbuds 23 reviews 3.78 of 5 MSRP: $ 23 Reviews 0 Quick Ratings 3.78 of 5 1,049 Views Description: Full-bodied stereo sound with powerful bass response. Ultra-lightweight design for comfortable musical enjoyment & cool metallic look. It has superior sound reproduction & volume control built into the cable. With convenient carrying box that fits easily into your pocket. More Products from Sennheiser >> Search AudioReview forums for the Sennheiser MX 500 Earbud >>

Who needs a DVD or BluRay player at this point.  If you’ve got a web connection you only need a TV.  Let us hope the picture quality is good and it isn’t too expensive, and inputs for your XBox.  Otherwise this feature is just another gimmick.

- AudioReview.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. and LOS GATOS, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics today extended its groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), as the two companies announced the first broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the TV, requiring no external device. LG’s new LCD and plasma “Broadband HDTVs” will display the growing library of movies, TV episodes and high-definition (HD) content that Netflix members can watch instantly directly on the TV with Ethernet connectivity.

Available this spring, the new LCD and plasma HDTVs will join the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, the first Blu-ray disc player to stream movies instantly from Netflix. These products - and five new models of Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems planned for 2009 - will offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes instantly from Netflix. Netflix members owning one or more of the devices pay as little as $8.99 per month for unlimited instant streaming and unlimited DVDs from a catalog of more than 100,000 DVD titles in more than 200 genres.

LG Electronics and Netflix will demonstrate these broadband HDTVs this week at the 2009 CES(R), Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Embedding the Netflix streaming software in the television is a natural progression of our partnership with Netflix and our innovative product line,” said LG Electronics USA President Teddy Hwang. “This is an LG industry-first, which provides another flexible option for consumers seeking to access exciting content directly through their HDTV.”

read more on reuters.com

http://www.lge.com/

source: Reuters

Bridge Music Wirelessly from an iPod, Macbook or Phone to Existing Home Stereo and Audio/Video Equipment

HOLLAND, Mich.–(Business Wire)–

Amidst a growing market for new wireless solutions, Miccus Inc. today announced its BluBridge line of wireless speakers, transmitters and receivers. The products allow people to play music from an iPod, laptop, or mobile phone to an existing home audio system without connecting a cable.

“The inspiration for BluBridge came from the concept of using an iPod or phone as a remote control for the home stereo,” said Jeremy Kovacs, founder and president of Miccus. “Bluetooth technology has gained universal acceptance in the mobile phone market for its ease of use and power efficiency. BluBridge extends Bluetooth even further into the digital lifestyle, giving people a simple way to wirelessly stream audio to any room in the home.”

The initial product release includes the following products:

BluBridge for iPod - `Easy connect` transmitter for iPod. $59
BluBridge usb - `Plug and Play` USB transmitter for PC or Mac. $49
BluBridge mini jack - Transmitter connects to any headphone jack. $59
BluBridge mobile - Portable transmitter and receiver, Battery or USB power. $79
BluBridge mobile speaker - Portable music speakers and speaker phone. $129
BluBridge home speaker - Bookshelf-size, 3.5″ active, all wood enclosures. $249

read more on reuters.com

http://miccus.com

source: Reuters

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

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.