Mark Fleischmann

CEDIA 2009
Genelec Does Double Demo
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
This Finnish manufacturers specializes in active, meaning powered, speakers. Its demo reviewed the reasons, which include eliminating impedance interaction between amps and speakers, and crossovers that don't heat up and waste juice. There were two demos, one of which featured the gigantic HTS3B shown here. Dynamics and admirable bass control were what we heard.
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CEDIA 2009
Sherwood NetBoxx Trawls for Content
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
Lots of audio/video receiver makers are showing net-enabled receivers (and rarely calling them receivers). Sherwood's NetbBoxx R-904N has seven times 100 Class D watts and ships with both a front-panel USB input and a wireless dongle. Video is output at 720p/60. Compatible content sources include YouTube, Shoutcast internet radio, CinemaNow, Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN, and Amazon VOD. Shipping in October for $649, but not in white, the photo notwithstanding.
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CEDIA 2009
Paradigm SE Series Fits Between Studio and Monitor
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
Paradigm's new Special Edition Series, shown, is positioned between the Studio and Monitor lines. It includes a tower, two monitors, and sub starting at $299 for the SE1 monitor. The sub's feet can be detached and reattached so it can be used front- or down-firing. At the bottom of the picture are two six-sided subs which use PerfectBass equalization and vibration-canceling circuitry. The smaller one is the Sub 2 ($3499). The larger one is the Sub 1 ($7499) whose 4500-watt RMS amp runs six 10-inch drivers at 126dB and 40Hz, and down to 7Hz. At the top of the picture is the Millennium 20, a hybrid in- or on-wall speaker for $529 each. Not pictured is the upgraded Signature Series which uses a corrugated surround that allows the woofers to produce more output. That in turns means the tweeter and midrange don't need to be choked down. The S1 now comes with a choice of beryllium ($799) or aluminum ($599) tweeters. Sister brand Anthem showed its BLX-200 Blu-ray player ($799). Anthem's first receivers are promised for the first quarter of 2010.
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CEDIA 2009
Phase Tech Subs Are Wireless but No Longer Ambulatory
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
The Power WL subwoofers from Phase Technology can run wired or wireless using an uncompressed signal in the 2.4GHz band. They're available in eight-, ten-, or twelve-inch versions at prices from $900-1300, backed with a 900-watt amp, allowing linear peak-to-peak excursion of 2.5 inches. Why are the active drivers on the bottom and the passive radiators on the front? The designers found the subs were "walking themselves across the floor," and therefore swapped the drivers to keep them in one place.
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CEDIA 2009
Solid|Drive's RockSolid Sub Has No Holes
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
Without any perforations in its surface, how does the RockSolid rock speaker emit sound? Using its polyurethane composite surface, which serves as a driver, excited by underlying magnets. Finishes include sandstone, charcoal, red rock, and custom versions. Pricing will range from $500 for a single speaker to $900-1000 for a dual version.
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CEDIA 2009
Bowers & Wilkins Shows Sub and In-Walls
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
The B&W DB1 sub will be a big deal when it ships in December for $4500. Its two 12-inch drivers can be equalized with an app downloaded to a PC, then input into the sub. B&W (as we persist in thinking of the company, being old-fashioned that way) also showed two new in-wall series, the 600 and 700, both with innovative back boxes that make for an easy install. The 700 Series back box is especially interesting -- it's a two-piece structure that fits into a slot in the wall, with the pieces joined by a hinge. You can see the bottom half of the back box trailing below two of the speakers in the picture.
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CEDIA 2009
Rotel Wants Your iPod
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 11, 2009
Given a choice between an iPod dock and a component that accepts a front-panel USB connection, we prefer the latter. And that's what's available in the Rotel RCX-1500 ($1499) CD receiver and RDG-1520 ($999). Both have FM and internet radio tuners but the 1500 also has a slot-load CD drive and 100 Class D watts times two.
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CEDIA 2009
Wisdom Shows Suitcase Sub
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 10, 2009
Yup, they're actually calling it the SCS, and yup, that does stand for "suitcase sub." Companies like this are like manna to journalists. The narrow vertical sub hugs the wall and packs in dual 5x7.5-inch drivers, which yield an active cone area of 12 inches, powered by 300 watts. Probable price $4000, shipping in 30 days. We didn't let it distract us from the excellence of Wisdom's Sage Series line source planar speakers, the L100i and C150i, which speak like oracles through a woven screen.
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CEDIA 2009
Wisdom Shows Humungolicious Ceiling Sub
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 10, 2009
The s90i in-ceiling subwoofer from Wisdom contains two 5x7-foot drivers. We trust further comment will be unnecessary.
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CEDIA 2009
Triad Teams with PMI on CinemaPlus Systems
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 10, 2009
A notable speaker brand makes common cause with a distinguished acoustics consultant to create home theater systems worthy of the description high end. The CinemaPlus systems will combine design, engineering, and support from PMI -- Anthony Grimani's company -- with acoustic treatments from MSR and speakers from Triad. The curved baffle wall shown in the picture is part of the package. It is modular and scalable. Systems will start at $46,550 for a small room (2000-2999 cubic feet), rising to $88,650 for a medium-sized room ($3000-5999 cubic feet), and topping off at $105,350 for a large room (6000-12,000 cubic feet). Are you reading this, Mega Millions winners?
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