OTHER TECH

Each touchscreen's stereo digital amplifier is rated 35 watts per channel and handles 4-ohm or greater loads, allowing a single touchscreen to drive two pairs of speakers if needed. Though the amps produced moderate to fairly loud listening levels, as I approached the upper range of the volume scale, audio started sounding strained and harsh, forcing me to back down. Additionally, the volume ramps up so slowly that the first third of the scale produces almost no output; the "sweet spot" for listening ended up being in the 50-60% range with my speakers. I did love that each touchscreen features a five-band equalizer to tailor the sound for each room. Each also includes a built-in IR receiver and comes with a handheld remote for operating the system away from the screen.

BOTTOM LINE For less than $1,700 you could pick up a single Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier and iPod dock and enjoy your Pod-tunes like never before. Even better, these components serve as the building blocks of a powerful audio distribution system expandable to 40 touchscreens with 20 simultaneous streams.

Further, the Colorado vNet Vibe audio distribution system easily integrates with Colorado vNet's lighting-control products. So, it not only fills your house with sound via one of the easiest interfaces around, it can also light up your world. As an installer and consumer, that leaves me with a really good vibe!

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