LATEST ADDITIONS

TAD Moves Closer to Pioneer
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2008
As of Oct. 2007 Technical Audio Devices became Technical Audio Devices Laboratories Inc. under the ownership of Pioneer. That will enable them to deepen their existing relationship, with engineering resources dedicated specifically to the new company. New from TAD is a Class A mono-block amp that uses no more power than a Class B amp. There's also a new floorstanding model, the S-3EX. It's far less massive than the flagship S-1EX and uses a ceramic graphite tweeter in lieu of the beryllium used in other TAD speakers. Stand-mount and center versions to come. TAD's Andrew Jones is one of the best and brightest in speaker design and his next moves will be of the greatest interest to us.
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Avalon Does Home Theater and We Finally Notice
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2008
Somehow we've spent the past two years failing to notice Avalon's first and still only home theater speaker package, the Evolution, at around $5000 for a 5.1-channel configuration. Efficiency is HT-worthy at 90dB and the tweeter is a super-cool Avalon-made aluminum-ceramic composite dome mated with Kevlar woofer.
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Keeping It on the Level
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2008
I’ve heard about Dolby Volume technology, but I hadn’t heard an actual demonstration until today. Dolby’s Craig Eggers gave a short but very effective demo of the technology using a prototype Onkyo receiver with the appropriate Dolby circuitry built-in. Onkyo’s not ready to bring a unit to market yet, but it’s obviously coming (from somebody, if not Onkyo). Dolby Volume helps keep all the sources and programming you listen to at the reference level you choose. It can also keep dynamic peaks (explosions and the like) within a more moderate range when it’s engaged.
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Great CES Booth Slogan #423
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2008
I don’t even want to see what the fusion of “voice, music and death” is.
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More LCDs, Less Wires
Adrienne Maxwell  |  Jan 08, 2008
Westinghouse's new TX Series of 1080p LCDs includes 42-, 47-, and 52-inch models, all of which allow you to output 1080p through all HD-capable connections, including component video. The series' release date is listed as March 2008, and prices are expected to range from $1199 to $2499. The 47-inch model will be offered in both a standard 60 Hz model and in a 120 Hz option. The company is also releasing a full complement of 720p panels at lower price points.
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CES 2009
If You Have to Be Working ...
uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2008

At least its in a nice place. The Venetian is one of the classiest hotels in Las Vegas, especially if you like ornate Italian decor. The Venetian plays host to several esoteric and high-end manufacturers during CES. The larger all-suite rooms make for better demonstrations and more comfortable surroundings.

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CES 2009
Surround Made Simple
uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2008

Definitive Technology expands on their offerings of SoundBar solutions. The
new Solo Surround Array Series consists of two models, the SSA-42 and SSA-50. The numbers say it all because they are designed to fit neatly under a 42" or 50" flat panel TV. Unlike their highly regarded Mythos SoundBars that contained left, center, right speakers in a single enclosure, these new models provide five descrete channels, eliminating the need for additional surrounds. Moreover, the SSA-42 and SSA-50 are attractively priced at $799 and $1099, respectively.

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CES 2009
New Definitive Tech Speakers
Fred Manteghian  |  Jan 08, 2008

Definitive Technology had some neat new speakers. Above, the new Mythos STS, a slightly smaller and less expensive version of the ST I just reviewed, but with the same 300 watt powered subwoofer. I like the fact that being shorter, their tweeters are at ear level and imaging seemed excellent.

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CES 2009
Youngest Member of the Press Corp
Fred Manteghian  |  Jan 08, 2008

Aaron is a reporter for the Scholastic Kids Press Corps. I immediately asked him about what he thought about how Chelsea Clinton dissed the nine-year-old reporter from the Scholastic News in Iowa last week, and he and his Mom (right) were surprised it took so long for anyone to ask.

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CES 2009
Wall of Sound
uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2008

Induction Dynamics ID1.18 tower speakers certainly dominate a room and will surely impress your friends. The 4-way design includes dual 18” subwoofers for impressive low-end plus a 1.125” high-power soft dome tweeter, a 3” soft-dome midrange and dual 8” woofers.

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