Audio Products, Including Speakers
Sep 28, 2001 12:00 PM,
Editors
Audio Components
Surround Processor
Audio Design Associates www.ada-usa.com
The ADA 6.1 Surround Processor enhances the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS5.1 surround-sound experience by sending all mono-rear channelinformation to an actual speaker or to multiple speakers. Any5.1-encoded movie, DSS broadcast or music software benefits from theeffect at a relatively inexpensive price.
Multichannel Amps
B & K Components www.bkcomp.com
The Reference 7250 5-channel and Reference 7260 6-channel amplifiersare rated at 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 375 watts into 4ohms. Designed using high-capacity torodial transformers, 1% metal filmresistors and high-current computer grade electrolytic power supplycapacitors, the amps operate on a class-A pre-driver and AB highcurrent MOSFET power output stages. Frequency response is 5 Hz to 45kHz. Input sensitivity is 1.4 volts; and input impedance is 33.2k-ohms.
Power Amplifiers
Crest Audio www.crestaudio.com
Crest’s CPX Series power amplifiers offer built-in defeatableGCL™ clip limiting, low-pass filters (18 dB per octave at 80 Hz)and electronic crossovers with direct outputs. The CPX900 provides 450watts per channel at 2 ohms, 900 watts at 4 ohms with bridged mono. TheCPX1500 produces 750 watts per channel at 2 ohms (1500 watts at 4 ohms,bridged mono). The CPX2600 has 1300 watts per channel at 2 ohms (2600watts at 4 ohms, bridged mono). Each operates at 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Speaker/Mic Module
HAI www.homeauto.com
The HAI speaker/microphone module allows homeowners to listen in onhome activities by accessing the system from a remote phone, allows theoperator of a central station to talk to or listen to people and soundsafter an alarm, and allows for paging and announcements from an in-hometelephone. An optional two-way audio module lets the system announcethe type of alarm (burglary, fire, etc.) and zone (front door, hallway,etc.); and it can deliver customized messages such as “trash-night”reminders. Available in surface- or flush-mounted versions, it issuitable for outdoor use in weather-protected areas.
Power Amplifier
Hafler www.hafler.com
The Hafler SR2600 transonova Diamond amplifier is said to combine thelinearity of Class A and the headroom of Class B designs, with aClass-G output stage for improved efficiency and lower heat. Featuresinclude variable-speed, dual-fan cooling, switching-power-supplyconstant power at 2/4/8 ohms or 70/100 volts, and balanced XLR and1/4-inch inputs. The 2-rackspace SR2600 delivers 600 watts per channel(at 8/4/2 ohms) or 1200 watts bridged mono into 4- or 8-ohm loads.Weight is 32 lbs.
Combination Deck
JVC www.jvc.com
The new XL-R5000BK 3-CD and 1-CD recording and rewritable combinationdeck comes with a triple-tray changer, mix-in-voice from microphone,and optical digital or line jacks. Options include creatingCD-to-CD-R/RW synchronous recordings, 2-times high-speed recording,1-disc recording and 1-track recording for mixing, and an editrecording function where up to 32 steps can be entered for listening orprogramming. Pitch control is ±12%. It is compatible with JVCproducts that offer Compu Link capability.
Preamp/Processor
Krell www.krellonline.com
The centerpiece of Krell’s HEAT™—High End AudioTheater—system concept is the Home Theater Standard surroundpreamp/processor. A preamp mode with an analog input passthrough allowsthe HTS to operate as an analog-only preamp when desired. Meanwhile,system interfaces include RS-232, RC-5 baseband, 12-volt triggerinterfaces, and now PHAST Link communications (a Panja Partner Programstandard) that uses TCP/IP technology to provide control of networkedcomponents. HTS is also I2P certified for compatibility with Crestronhome automation systems. With a host of utilities and features, theHome Theater Standard is compatible with Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logicand DTS surround modes.
Integrated Amplifier
Krell www.krellonline.com
Add to Krell’s HEAT system the KAV-300iL integrated amplifierwith a power output of 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms. The KAV-300iLemploys eight output and four driver devices per channel. The voltagegain stages use Krell Current Mode™ discrete Class-A, directcoupled circuitry. The power supply features an 800VA toroidaltransformer with 55K microfarads of filter capacitance. Both balancedand single-ended inputs are provided for compatibility with sourcecomponents, and Krell’s Theater Throughput™ mode simplifiesintegration into home theater systems. Remote control is included.
Digital Audio Server
Lansonic www.lansonic.com
Able to store up to 2100 hours of music on its internal drives, theDAS-750ML with MusicLoader™ is a digital music server that workswith many commercial CD changers to record up to 400 CDs in one sessionwithout using a separate computer. CDID™ technology recognizesalbum, artist and song title and displays this information on the frontpanel. The MusicLoader uses a Control-A1-type interface to put the CDchanger under the control of the DAS, allowing the DAS to select adisc, start and stop play, and transfer digital-audio data via SPDIFdigital interconnection. The DAS-750M-30 has a 30GB internal drive (525hours of music); DAS-750MO-60, a 60GB drive (1050 hours); and theDAS-750ML-120, two 60GB drives (2100 hours).
Amplifier
Marantz www.marantzamerica.com
The MM-9000 A/V power amplifier is a THX-Ultra certified, 5-channelamp designed for home theater surround sound systems. It sends 150watts into 8 ohms for each of its five channels and is suited for DolbyDigital and DTS discrete 5.1-channel movie soundtracks and music discs.Oversized toroidal power transformers with high-capacity electrolyticpower capacitors drive sound and loud volumes while internal componentsare high-quality for good signal purity. Rear-panel d-bus connectorsallow the MM-9000 to interface with other Marantz components. Otherfeatures include LED peak-level indicators, rear-panel AC-outlet andbanana-plug compatible speaker terminals for audiophile-quality speakercables.
Digital Surround Processor/Multimedia Controller
Meridian Audio Ltd. www.meridian-audio.com
Two new products from Meridian, the Meridian 568 and the Meridian562V.2, enhance each other in the home theater. The 568 digitalsurround processor delivers stereo and multichannel surround, plusdecoding of all surround formats via up to eight channels. It can beconfigured using a PC or with simple front-panel control. The 562V.2 isa multimedia controller to complement the 568. It expands the 568 to 12digital and eight analog inputs, plus 10 video inputs comprised of sixand four composite/S-video. When used as a system, the 568/562V.2 issimple to install and configure. When fully configured, each source(when selected) automatically recalls a default program thatincorporates the listener’s choice of surround decoding orprocessing options, and fine tuning of balance and channel levels,delays, bass and mid/treble tilt.
Digital Pre Amp Processor
Myriad www.artech-electronics.com
Designed to sit at the heart of a home theater and music surroundsystem, the MDP500 puts digital signal processing into an elegantchassis. It handles Dolby® Digital and DTS and will adapt tofuture standards. There is a 7.1-channel direct analog input forDVD-Audio and future multichannel sources as well. Controls aredesigned for intuitive use, and a display screen gives fullinformation. Inputs are: 9 stereo analog, 7.1 multi-channel analog, 6digital (four co-ax, two optical), and 6 video (all composite andS-video). Outputs are: 3 stereo tape record (one loop), 7.1multichannel analog, 1 digital (optical), 2 video (composite andS-video), 1 S-video without OSD. The unit also includes two My-Linkinput/output, three 12V DC-trigger output, RS0232 control input andmore.
A/V Receiver
NAD www.nadelectronics.com
The T760 Dolby Digital and DTS A/V Receiver has a 60-watt power outputto all five channels. It includes five A/V inputs (two with S-video)and four audio-only options, as well as three digital inputs. Featuresinclude simple onscreen display, 30 programmable presets for FMstations and 10 presets for AM stations. Input sensitivity for mono is16.1 dBf, for stereo it’s 36.1 dBF. Frequency response is 30 Hzto 15 kHz ±1.5 dB. It is 17.125 inches wide by 5.188 inches highby 13.75 inches deep and weighs 35.9 pounds.
Home Theater Receivers
Onkyo www.onkyousa.com
Onkyo’s first home theater receivers use Dolby’s Pro LogicII processor for 5.1-channel surround sound, even from older audiosources like videotapes, cable TV receivers and LPs. The TX-DS494features S-video connection capabilities and a preprogrammed remotecontrol. The TX-DS595 and high-end TX-DS696 offer A-Form listening-modememory for storing and recalling processing modes selected for eachinput. All three models have 5-channel amplifiers, rated from the 494to the 696 at 55 watts, 75 watts and 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms.The receivers’ front panels are made from aircraft-grade stock,with black, brushed-aluminum front panels.
Tuner
Parasound www.parasound.com
At half the width, depth, and height of a conventional audiocomponent, Parasound’s TDQ-150 AM/FM tuner has a stereosignal-to-noise ratio over 74 dB, 50 dB stereo separation, 60dB AMsuppression and a capture ratio of 1 dB. It has a remote control andrear-panel remote infrared connector that allows it to interface withmany home automation technologies. It has a total of 30 presets, andlong-term memory retains present stations for up to 30 days without ACpower. The TDQ-150 weighs 4 pounds.
AC Socket
PS Audio www.psaudio.com
The Power Port, PS Audio’s first AC socket designed for home A/Vsystems, is a custom-built, hospital-grade, 15- and 20-amp receptaclewith isolated grounds. The socket is designed to deposit 15 layers ofhand-polished nickel plating over machined brass, which helps maintainthe system by reducing surface pitting and eliminating oxidation andcorrosion. It is also fully isolated.
Stereo Receiver
Rotel www.rotel.com
The RX-975 audio/video stereo receiver is based on an intentionallyover-designed power supply based on a toroidal transformer rated at 600VA. Two low-ESR 12,000 µf storage capacitors and precisionhigh-current regulators form the rest of the power supply. The RX-975sends out 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. With pre-out/main-inRCA-type terminals, it accommodates up to 10 sources with eightline-level inputs and one RIAA-equalized high-quality phono input foreither a magnetic or high-output moving coil cartridge. Five A/V inputswith composite video capability, an A/V “record out,” and a separatevideo monitor output are also included, along with 30 programmablepresets and several tuning modes.
Power Amplifier
Tsunami Technologies www.tsunamitechnologies.com
Similar to Tsunami’s SMPS-based HQ-2002S, the HQ-3.4 poweramplifier is capable of more than 1800 watts of power per channel at 2ohms. The HQ-3.4 uses a conventional power supply and featuresefficient class H output amplification, in-rush current protection, DC,temperature and over current.
CD Changers
Yamaha www.yamaha.com
Featuring new Yamaha styling, the CDC-585 and CDC-685 play CDs, CD-Rsand CD-RWs. Both models have CD text compatibility, peak search,optical output; and both let the user swap out four discs while thefifth is being played. Both have CD Synchro Start, peak search andindex search, 40-track random access programmability, 4-mode repeatplay, Intro Scan, four DACs, S-bit technology and Intelligent DigitalServo operation. The DCD-685 has a remote-controllable headphone jack,digital and variable analog output ports, and I/O remote controlterminals for custom installation.
Speakers
Multichannel Speaker System
Atlantic Technology www.atlantictechnology.com
New from Atlantic Technology, the System T 90 includes dedicatedcenter, left and right front, and surround speakers, plus a 150-wattpowered subwoofer. Its five satellites are two-way, acoustic-suspensionspeakers with 5.25-inch woofer/midrange and a titanium-coated, moldedgraphite cone. The center-channel speaker has a titling base andfeatures high-frequency level control. The surround speakersincorporate a single forward-firing woofer/midrange and twophase-compensated, side-firing, wide-dispersion tweeters. Finally, theT 90 PBM subwoofer comes with a custom-built, 12-inch-long throwdriver, a treated cellulose composite cone, and a large magneticallyshielded motor. Power for the T 90 PBM is supplied by a 150-wattClass-G amp.
Floor-Standing Speakers
Canton www.canton.de
Part of Canton’s Karat Series, the M 50 DC and M 70 DC(pictured) floor-standing speakers are equipped with gold-platedbi-wiring connectors. Each speaker in the series has an aluminummembrane midrange for high pulse velocity and good overload tolerance.An optimized Canton aluminum-manganese dome tweeter is used for thehigh-frequency range. The M 50 DC is 6.7 inches wide by 42.5 incheshigh by 13.8 inches deep. The M 70 DC is 6.7 inches wide by 47.2 incheshigh by 15 inches deep.
Active Subwoofer
Genelec www.genelec.com
Genelec’s 1093A active subwoofer has a frequency response of 18Hz to 85 Hz ±3 dB from one 10-inch driver. The driver is housed ina compact, 41-liter cabinet and can create SPLs of 112 dB at 1 meter.Features include low distortion levels, a 6.1 bass management system, abuilt-in calibration tone generator, LF response control, driverprotection and a bypass function. The enclosure is 21 by 12.5 by 23inches and weighs 57 pounds.
Active Monitoring System
Genelec www.genelec.com
The S30D is a 24-bit/96kHz monitor system that accepts digital signalswith a word length of up to 24 bits and sampling rates up to 100 kHz.Within the system, each three-way enclosure has an 8-inch woofer loadedin a vented cabinet for accurate frequency response down to 36 Hz; a4-inch mid-frequency cone driver in a cast alloy aluminum housing; anda ribbon tweeter with a moving mass of 32 mg and a frequency responseup to 50 kHz. Other features include selectable D-to-A gain settings, adigital loop through, and fast, low-distortion amplifiers.
Loudspeakers
Infinity www.infinitysystems.com
A family of high-end home theater and stereo loudspeakers, theIntermezzo Series includes the Intermezzo 4.1t floor-standing speaker(pictured), 2.6 bookshelf speakers, 3.5c center-channel speaker and1.2s subwoofer. Each uses Infinity’s Ceramic Metal MatrixDiaphragm™ driver technology for ultra-low mass and highrigidity. The 4.1t has an integrated 12-inch, 850-watt RMS subwooferand a separate LFE input with level control to accept the LFE outputfrom a Dolby Digital/DTS home theater receiver. The 2.6 has a built-in250-watt RMS amp and a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter. The 3.5 has abuilt-in 250-watt RMS amp with dual 5.25-inch woofers, a 3.5-inchmidrange driver and high-power 1-inch tweeter. The 1.2s has an 850-wattRMS amplifier with peaks over 2000 watts, which operates with a 12-inchC.M.M.D. woofer for bass to below 24 Hz.
Speakers
Jamo www.jamospeakers.com
The X 8 Series consists of two floor-standing speakers (X 850 and X870), a center speaker (X 8CEN), a compact main/surround speaker (X830), and a 200-watt powerered subwoofer (X 8 SUB). Jamo’sproprietary anti-resonance compound comprises the front baffles. As anexample of performance, the X 870, a 3-way bass-reflex speaker with a10-inch woofer, two 6.5-inch mid-range drivers and a 1-inch tweeter hasa sensitivity of 91 dB at 1 meter and a max SPL of 111 dB. Frequencyresponse is 32 to 20,000 Hz; power is 200 watts long-term, 280 wattsshort-term with an impedance of 4 ohms. Jamo’s Web site has alist of all speaker specs under the product section.
Speakers
Jamo www.jamospeakers.com
The slim the E 8 Series are available in beech, cherry or black ashenclosures made of resonance-free MDF board between 19 and 22 mm thick.E 870 and E 850 are for large rooms, while the E 800 is for smallerroomers. The surround add-on, E 8ADD, goes with all three loudspeakers.The 11-pound E 800 is a 2-way bass-reflex speaker with a 5.5-inchwoofer and a 1-inch tweeter. It runs 100/140 watts(long-term/short-term) through 4 ohms impedance for a sensitivity of 88dB and a frequency response of 45 to 20,000 Hz.
Loudspeaker System
Krell www.krellonline.com
Including models for high-end stereo music systems and high-endmultichannel home theater systems, the Lossless Acoustic TransducerSeries features aluminum construction and separate crossover assembliesfor each driver. The LAT-1 has a frequency response of 28 Hz to 25 kHz±3 dB and system sensitivity of 91 dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 wattinput. The LAT-C front-center loudspeaker’s frequency response is50 Hz to 25 kHz ±3 dB, also with 91 db SPL. The LAT-S subwooferoperates at 20 to 150 Hz ±3 dB. The LAT-3 three-way speaker has 38Hz to 25 kHz ±3 dB and 88db SPL. And, the LAT-2 offers 40 Hz to 24kHz ±3 dB, 90dB SPL.
Center-Channel Speaker
Meridian Audio Ltd. www.meridian-audio.com
The DSP5500HC uses digital active loudspeaker technology in acenter-channel speaker. It has four drivers: dual 8-inch woofers, a6.5-inch midrange and a 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter. Each driver isamplified by a dedicated, onboard power-amp channel at 75 watts. TheDSP5500HC also comes with four 96kHz/24-bit digital-to-analogconverters and two independent S/P-DIF-format digital inputs. Frequencyresponse in-room is within 3 dB from 35 Hz to over 20 kHz. It hasgreater than 112 dB SPL at 1 meter on music material; and noise is lessthan 15 dB SPL.
Flat Panel Speakers
Millennium Enterprises www.millennium-enterprises.com
The FSP-600 speakers feature a transducer mounted to a speciallyconstructed, rigid panel that vibrates to create full-range, smoothfrequency response without an enclosure. The flat panel speakers are 16by 22 inches and can be covered with photographs or posters to matchthe décor of a room. The FPS-600s include a snap-in frame designto easily change the photo or poster. Frame sets are available inblack, pine and cherry.
Surround Speaker
Miller & Kreisel www.mksound.com
Based on M & K’s Tripole design, the K-4 surround speakermeasures 7.375 by 6 by 6.375 inches. It has 2.5-inch dipole drivers, a1-inch neodymium tweeter and a 4-inch woofer; and it has the same lookas the K-5, K-7 and K-9. This speaker also uses M & K’s phasefocused crossover.
Indoor/Outdoor Loudspeaker
Niles Audio Corporation www.nilesaudio.com
There are two new weather-resistant loudspeakers from Niles: theOS10SI (pictured) and the OS25. The OS10SI has a 5-inch dual voice coilwoofer and two 1-inch ElastoDynamic® dome tweeters. It comes inwhite or black. The OS25 woofer is made with the new 6.5-inchinjection-molded TCC cone, a high-power BL magnet and a vented polepiece to prevent non-linear distortion. Both units are housed inpolypropylene cabinets with rustproof aluminum grilles and fitted withadjustable mounting brackets.
Ceiling-Mount Speaker
Niles Audio Corporation www.nilesaudio.com
For use in a variety of custom applications, the CM800SI performancestereo input ceiling-mounted loudspeakers are 8 inches high, have dualtweeters and an 8-inch dual voice coil woofer. They are circular,weather-resistant speakers that fit easily into small spaces. Featuresinclude brass and stainless steel hardware, gold-plated connectionterminals, a rustproof aluminum MicroPerf™ grille and a flip-tabmounting system for easy installation.
Outdoor Speakers
Parasound www.parasound.com
The Outsiders line of loudspeakers is designed for use near pools,decks and patios, or indoors. The Outsiders S (small) and Outsiders L(large) provide high-quality sound while withstanding weatherconditions. They are made with Kevlar woofer cones with phase plugs,aluminum dome tweeters, a refined crossover circuit and new mountingbrackets. Both Outsiders have two-way designs with 4.5-inch and5.25-inch woofers respectively.
In-Wall Speakers
Parasound www.parasound.com
Parasound’s Precision Architectural Loudspeaker line consists offive full-range in-wall speakers, one in-wall subwoofer and threeceiling speakers. The PAL-380 (shown) and PAL-360 are three-wayspeakers with 8-inch and 6-inch woofers respectively. The 1-inchaluminum dome tweeter and 2-inch soft-dome dual-chamber midrange aremounted in an isolated sub-baffle that pivots 15?. Key features of theline include Kevlar woofers, multi-layer polyurethane surrounds,powerful motors, and crossover networks with glass epoxy circuit boardsand high-resolution inductors and capacitors. It has 3-position treblecontrols, 2-position mid-bass adjustment and 3-position midrangecontrols,which allow the installer to tailor the sound to the room.Read information on the Pal 2-ways, subwoofer and ceiling speakersonline.
Speakers
Phase Technology www.phasetech.com
The Teatro 7.5 is a floor-standing speaker system set into a rosewoodcabinet with a full-range frequency response of 38 Hz to 20 kHz and asensitivity of 90 dB. It incorporates a 7-inch, long-throwpolypropylene woofer midrange with a butyl-rubber surround, and a1-inch, soft-dome tweeter. With dimensions of 36.5 inches high by 8.25inches wide by 11 inches deep, they are available laminates, arerosewood or black ash.
Speakers
PSB Speakers www.psbspeakers.com
PSB expands its Stratus Series with a new powered subwoofer, theStratus SubSonic 7, and two center-channel systems, the Stratus C5i andStratus C6i. The subwoofer employs a 15-inch driver coupled to anamplifier that delivers 330 watts RMS, 600 watts dynamic, and 1200watts dynamic peak in an acoustic-suspension enclosure. The C5i and C6ieach contain a pair of 1-inch neodymium-magnet, aluminum-dome tweeterswith the Stratus phase plug. In the former, the tweeters are coupleswith dual 5.25-inch polypropylene-cone, rubber-surrounded woofers; inthe latter, the woofers measure 6.5 inches each.
In-Wall Speakers
PSB Speakers www.psbspeakers.com
The CustomSound line of in-wall speakers feature Split-Ring™backframes and Slide-On™ mounting bars, designed to accommodateboth new construction and retrofit installations. Elongated mountingholes allow adjustments. These models, the M6x6.1, M6x1, M6.1R, andM6.1S, use 6-1/2-inch polypropylene-cone, rubber-surround woofers and1-inch, aluminum-dome swivel tweeters. All include front-mounted EQswitches with high and low positions. See more specs at PSB’s Website.
In-Wall Loudspeakers
Sonance www.sonance.com
The Sonance Cinema.5 is a THX-certified in-wall loudspeaker, good foruse in smaller spaces. It has a frequency response of 80 Hz to 20 kHz±3 dB and a sensitivity of 90 dB. Power handling for the “dotfive” is 5 to 100 watts, with an impedance of 6 ohms nominal and 4 ohmsminimum. Sonance also offers the Cinema.5.SUR, a surround system with6.5-inch woofer and dual 2-inch tweeters with polypropylene cones. Itsfrequency response is 55 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB at 5 to 75 watts ofpower. Sensitivity is 89 dB. Impedance is 8 ohms nominal and 7 ohmsminimum.
Surround Speaker
Snell www.snellacoustics.com
Snell’s SR 30mp multipattern surround-channel speaker isswitchable between diffuse-field and direct-field modes. It has amatrixed pair of cross-firing 3.5-inch midranges, a single top-loaded6.5-inch woofer and three 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeters. The woofer hasextended response to below 60 Hz. The SR 30mp ensures performancewithin 0.5 dB of its master reference and is available in black orwhite satin-texture finishes. It is 16 inches high by 16.25 inches wideby 8.25 inches deep.
Bookshelf Monitor Speaker System
Westlake Audio www.westlakeaudio.com
Westlake’s three-way bookshelf Lc3w10 monitor speaker system is12.25 inches wide by 21.5 inches high by 13.375 inches deep. Itscomponents are a 10-inch polypropylene woofer, a 5-inch midrange and0.75-inch tweeter with a power handling capacity of 80 watts.Sensitivity is 88 dB at 1 meter for 2.83 volts input. Frequencyresponse is 42 Hz to 20 kHz; and impedance is 5 ohms nominal, 3 ohmsminimum with dual banana, five-way binding posts and bi-wire/bi-ampcapability.
Bookshelf Speakers
Yamaha www.yamaha.com
The NS-6390 three-way and NS5290 two-way speakers come with a blackfinish. The NS-6395 and the NS-5295 come in birch. The NS-6390 (6395)has an 8-inch hi-polymer coated woofer, 4-inch coated midrange and0.75-inch ferro-fluid-cooled,balanced dome tweeter. It has a powerhandling of 70 watts nominal and 140 watts music power. The frequencyrange is 45 Hz to 20 kHz, with a sensitivity of 91 dB/2.83 volts at 1meter. The NS-5290 (5295) has a 6.5-inch hi-polymer coated woofer withinverted dust cap and a 0.75-inch ferro-fluid-cooled balanced dometweeter. Its frequency range is 60 Hz to 20 kHz, with nominal powerhanding capability of 30 watts (60 watts of music power). Thesensitivity for the NS-5250 is 90 dB/2.83 volts at 1 meter.
