Audio Video News

Three admired brands in home audio are hosting live listening experiences around the country this fall. McIntosh has set up a listening space in New York City while SVS and NAD and taking the show on the road and making stops in a handful of cities.

A Night of Sonic Thrills
SVS is hosting a mini-series of four live events around the country under the heading “Speakers & Subwoofers Unleashed: A Night of Sonic Thrills with SVS.” Attendees of each event will enjoy a presentation on home audio technology and experience “jaw-dropping” home theater and audiophile system demos in some of the country’s finest AV showrooms.

As a bonus, one lucky attendee will win an SVS Prime 5.1.2 speaker system valued at over $2,500. Attendees will also be eligible to win a 3000 Micro subwoofer, Prime Wireless Pro speakers, and other prizes along with some SVS swag. The company says it also has a few surprises up its sleeve. All events are open to the public and free.

Can’t make one of the live events? No problem. SVS will live stream the events on Facebook and YouTube with separate giveaways for those who tune in and leave a comment.

Here are the dates and locations. Click on the event you want to attend and reserve a spot:

World Wide Stereo, Montgomeryville, PA – October 5, 6-8 p.m. ET

Nebraska Furniture Mart, Omaha, NE – October 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. CT

ListenUp, Colorado Springs, CO – October 11, 6-8 p.m. MT

BrandsMart, August, GA – November 2, 6-8 p.m. ET

Vintage Listening Sessions
In early October, NAD will kick off a series of Vintage Listening Sessions around the world, including eight in the good old U.S. of A. The in-store events will celebrate five decades of NAD design and innovation with a display of classic gear and listening sessions highlighting 1970s-inspired playlists. There will be demos of a vintage NAD system featuring the original NAD 3030 integrated amplifier and the retro-styled C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier, a new modular design featuring state-of-the-art technology.

The playlists will be curated by NAD product manager Cas Oostvogel with help from British producer EG White and emerging U.K. recording artist Benny Atlas. Here are the dates and locations of the U.S. events:

Gramophone, Timonium, MD – October 10-11

Safe & Sound, Chicopee, MA – October 23

The Groove, Oklahoma City, OK – October 25

Stereo Unlimited, San Diego, CA – November 1

Audio Video Therapy, Nashua, NH – November 3

Kitsap AV, Silverdale, WA – November 7

Definitive Audio, Seattle, WA – November 9

Saturday Audio Exchange, Chicago, IL – November 16

Click here for more information and to sign up for a chance to win an NAD C 3050 integrated amplifier.

The House of Sound
McIntosh recently opened the House of Sound in New York City’s trendy Chelsea district to feature the finest audio equipment from McIntosh, Sonus faber, Pro-Ject, Rotel, and Sumiko in meticulously curated listening rooms. The one-of-a-kind space is described as a “destination where audio, art, and design intersect to create a truly immersive experience.”

The House of Sound is located at 357 W 17th St., New York, NY 10011. Whether you live in or near NYC or are planning to be in town for a visit, all you have to do is click here to schedule a tour. Tours are held Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Vinyl Hi-Fi Lounge
Shibuya Hi-Fi, a cocktail lounge that offers a unique audio experience, opened last week in the Ballard section of Seattle with a simple mission: Offer up good drinks and good music that gets back to the basics. No algorithms here.

Alongside your favorite mixed drink, the establishment features world-class DJs spinning vinyl from a curated collection of records in a comfy “hi-fi room” outfitted with a killer vintage setup featuring a pair of mint Klipschorn speakers that were owned by a local enthusiast for 47 years. In the bar area, tunes are delivered over a pair of JBL L100 speakers driven by a Luxman amplifier. Not too shabby.

Shibuya Hi-Fi is located at 4912 Leary Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107 in what was formerly The Cedar Room dance club. Though not an official Klipsch venue, this is one lounge well worth a visit if you live in or near Seattle or are planning a trip there. For more information, visit, shibuyahifi.com.