By Scott Kessman
Aug 11 2006 09:19AM
We all want to hear good quality, crystal-clear audio from our stereo systems, but we don't want to have to purchase giant speakers or spend a large sum of money. The good news is, unless you are extremely particular about your audio to the point of being an audio fanatic, you don't have to worry about size or pricing. You can find a good set of bookshelf speakers that produce great sounding audio but are compact enough to sit comfortably on a shelf, out of the way.
There are a number of good sets of bookshelf speakers for under $100, capable of delivering astounding audio at a minimal cost, and superbly powerful despite their smaller size. Bookshelf speakers are not intended to be the equivalent of a top-of-the-line, full-on audio experience that will leave you breathless, but they are capable of producing excellent sound, even at a rather small size and moderate cost. Perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, offices, or for anyone who simply doesn't want to clutter their home with large speakers, bookshelf speakers are an ideal option.
Be sure to visit the websites of the following manufacturers for more precise technical details regarding the bookshelf speakers. Prices may be better at online stores rather than traditional retailers.
The Sony SS-MB350H Bookshelf Speakers manages to achieve excellent audio with its 3-way acoustic suspension speakers, which pack 120 watts of power. Clean and crisp, the audio also manages to convey a proper bass without sounding too booming or distorted, and the high and low frequencies of sound are accurately represented. Offering a full range of sound, the Sony Bookshelf Speakers are a little larger than most bookshelf speakers, but not too large to be subtly placed in the corners of a room if desired and still be out of the way and unobtrusive.
They also work great as an inexpensive alternative to a full set of surround sound speakers, or most notably as the rear pair of surround sound speakers. The three-way format helps to spread the sound evenly throughout the room, providing a very enjoyable listening experience. An additional subwoofer is also available for purchase.
Another great set are the POLK AUDIO R15 Bookshelf Loudspeakers. Capable of delivering home theatre performance at a fraction of the cost of a home theater speaker system, the high-quality of the Polk Audio Bookshelf Speakers are ideal when paired with a subwoofer for the complete surround sound package.
Offering impressive wide frequencies with low distortion, the Polk Audio Bookshelf Speakers fill the room with high performance audio, with sharp details and clear vocals.
The Polk Audio Bookshelf Speakers can be set on the floor or a shelf, or they come with a variety of hook-up options for mounting or hanging. Use them separately or add them to an already existing speaker system as an accompaniment.
The JBL Northridge E20 2-Way 5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers are impressively small, and deliver outstanding audio performance. Loud, clear, and absent of distortion, the JBL Bookshelf Speakers are the ultimate in compact quality audio, and is available in a number of finishes to better match the decor of your room, such as Black Ash, Beech, or Cherry. The exquisite craftsmanship coupled with a vast assortment of high-technology features combine to form a harmonious pairing of sound and function.
With the JBL E20 Bookshelf Speakers, you can easily afford that stunning JBL quality and design. Paired with a subwoofer or existing speakers, they will enhance your audio to the extreme, filling the room with sharp, clear sound, but as a separate set, the JBL speakers still do a fine job of bringing out the subtle tones of audio that would otherwise be lost on lesser speakers.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
home theater speaker: A Genius Act: KYE-Tirupati Tie-Up
EFY News Network
(Friday, July 14, 2006 2:19:05 PM)
Tirupati to distribute KYE’s Genius brand of products in India.
Friday, July 14, 2006: New Delhi: KYE Systems, a Taiwan-based IT and consumer electronics company, has inked a distribution relationship with Kolkata-based Tirupati Enterprises to expand its Genius brand of product lines in India. This is the second distribution engagement by KYE in India, after the one with Transtek Infoways.
In India, Tirupati will distribute KYE’s Genius range of products, which include MP3 players, speakers and headphones for digital audio, remote controls and home theater speaker system for home entertainment, webcams for Internet video calling, headset for mobile phone, Internet talking, gaming and laser mice, and keyboards. But KYE has made it clear that Tirupati will offer different products than what is being offered by Transtek, KYE’s existing partner in India, to ensure that no conflict of product arises due to the new distribution tie-up.
"No doubt Transtek Infoways is doing a wonderful job for Genius in India and we appreciate their efforts in building up the brand; however, the geography of the country is so vast, so is our product basket, that it requires one more partner to tap the entire potential in the cut-throat competition," said Sandeep Ramani, country manager, KYE Systems (India) Corp.
Abhishek Kejriwal, GM, Tirupati Enterprises, said, "We are excited about our tie-up with Genius as it is a new line of business for us.” Genius being one of the top three brands in key boards, mice etc., we will definitely try to put focus and increase their market share in India.”
KYE is targeting, at least, a 100-per cent growth over the next 9-12 months.
(Friday, July 14, 2006 2:19:05 PM)
Tirupati to distribute KYE’s Genius brand of products in India.
Friday, July 14, 2006: New Delhi: KYE Systems, a Taiwan-based IT and consumer electronics company, has inked a distribution relationship with Kolkata-based Tirupati Enterprises to expand its Genius brand of product lines in India. This is the second distribution engagement by KYE in India, after the one with Transtek Infoways.
In India, Tirupati will distribute KYE’s Genius range of products, which include MP3 players, speakers and headphones for digital audio, remote controls and home theater speaker system for home entertainment, webcams for Internet video calling, headset for mobile phone, Internet talking, gaming and laser mice, and keyboards. But KYE has made it clear that Tirupati will offer different products than what is being offered by Transtek, KYE’s existing partner in India, to ensure that no conflict of product arises due to the new distribution tie-up.
"No doubt Transtek Infoways is doing a wonderful job for Genius in India and we appreciate their efforts in building up the brand; however, the geography of the country is so vast, so is our product basket, that it requires one more partner to tap the entire potential in the cut-throat competition," said Sandeep Ramani, country manager, KYE Systems (India) Corp.
Abhishek Kejriwal, GM, Tirupati Enterprises, said, "We are excited about our tie-up with Genius as it is a new line of business for us.” Genius being one of the top three brands in key boards, mice etc., we will definitely try to put focus and increase their market share in India.”
KYE is targeting, at least, a 100-per cent growth over the next 9-12 months.
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
home theater speaker: LTB Audio Systems Promotes Low Cost Home Theater Sound System People Wear on Their Heads
LTB Audio systems is promoting the world’s only true 5.1 wireless sound system that sits comfortably on a person's head. The LTB-WR-5.1 Wireless Headphone system is the only one of it’s kind to offer true, non-compressed digital wireless 5.1 surround sound audio in a comfortable, lightweight headset.
Teterboro, NJ (PRWEB) August 3, 2006 -- LTB Audio Systems, the leading manufacturer of true digital 5.1 headphone technology, is promoting true 5.1 wireless headphones for home theater speaker enthusiasts who don’t want to shell out big bucks for surround sound. Since their introduction this year, the Cinema 1 wireless 5.1 headphones have become very popular with movie and console gaming enthusiasts. LTB has been promoting its true 5.1 headphone technology through retailers that sell HDTV products from 26–50 inches. The Cinema 1 headphone system offers customers with minimal budgets the ability to take full advantage of 5.1 audio offered in today’s HDTV broadcasts.
“With LTB true 5.1 headphones you don’t need to focus speakers to a central point in a room, because you wear them, you can move about or sit anywhere and you can have private control over the volume as well,” said Jon Miller VP of Marketing for LTB.
The latest addition to the LTB 5.1 lineup, the Cinema 1 True 5.1 2.4GHz RF wireless is a unique example of combined audio technologies that have been overlooked by other audio manufacturers. As in other LTB 5.1 Headphone products, the Cinema 1 series sports six independently chambered emitters that are pre-balanced to offer true Dolby 5.1 Center, Left, Right, Rear and Sub channel separation. LTB also believes in safe headphone usage: its safebass™ technology represents a true effort to limit problems from extensive headphone use by limited bass levels below 90db.
LTB Audio Systems technology is widely recognized as the true leader in 5.1 headphone technology. While other manufacturers may offer multiple speaker headphones, none can claim the true fidelity of LTB patented ISC (Independent Sound Chamber) technology or the safe functionality of Safebass. LTB Audio Systems has provided Vivendi Universal Games with true 5.1 headphones to be used exclusively to demonstrate the latest PC Gaming titles at this year’s 2006 E3 Expo in Los Angeles. LTB offers several wired 5.1 headphone systems that meet a variety of applications. LTB will release a new series for computer users based on their current Platinum pro series early this fall called Magnum 5.1. LTB True 5.1 Digital headphones are available from a variety of on-line vendors like
Radioshack.com, staples.com, techdepot.com, skymall.com, smarthome.com, buy.com, qvc.com, hsn.com and more.
About LTB Audio Systems
LTB, which stands for Listen To Believe, represents a product line focused on providing leading-edge audio and multimedia headphones designed to meet the optimal demands of the latest digital media in games and movies as well as music and hi-def audio. LTB controls various key technology patents that have made them an upcoming leading manufacturer of true surround sound technology products. For more information visit LTB at www.ltbaudio.com.
Teterboro, NJ (PRWEB) August 3, 2006 -- LTB Audio Systems, the leading manufacturer of true digital 5.1 headphone technology, is promoting true 5.1 wireless headphones for home theater speaker enthusiasts who don’t want to shell out big bucks for surround sound. Since their introduction this year, the Cinema 1 wireless 5.1 headphones have become very popular with movie and console gaming enthusiasts. LTB has been promoting its true 5.1 headphone technology through retailers that sell HDTV products from 26–50 inches. The Cinema 1 headphone system offers customers with minimal budgets the ability to take full advantage of 5.1 audio offered in today’s HDTV broadcasts.
“With LTB true 5.1 headphones you don’t need to focus speakers to a central point in a room, because you wear them, you can move about or sit anywhere and you can have private control over the volume as well,” said Jon Miller VP of Marketing for LTB.
The latest addition to the LTB 5.1 lineup, the Cinema 1 True 5.1 2.4GHz RF wireless is a unique example of combined audio technologies that have been overlooked by other audio manufacturers. As in other LTB 5.1 Headphone products, the Cinema 1 series sports six independently chambered emitters that are pre-balanced to offer true Dolby 5.1 Center, Left, Right, Rear and Sub channel separation. LTB also believes in safe headphone usage: its safebass™ technology represents a true effort to limit problems from extensive headphone use by limited bass levels below 90db.
LTB Audio Systems technology is widely recognized as the true leader in 5.1 headphone technology. While other manufacturers may offer multiple speaker headphones, none can claim the true fidelity of LTB patented ISC (Independent Sound Chamber) technology or the safe functionality of Safebass. LTB Audio Systems has provided Vivendi Universal Games with true 5.1 headphones to be used exclusively to demonstrate the latest PC Gaming titles at this year’s 2006 E3 Expo in Los Angeles. LTB offers several wired 5.1 headphone systems that meet a variety of applications. LTB will release a new series for computer users based on their current Platinum pro series early this fall called Magnum 5.1. LTB True 5.1 Digital headphones are available from a variety of on-line vendors like
Radioshack.com, staples.com, techdepot.com, skymall.com, smarthome.com, buy.com, qvc.com, hsn.com and more.
About LTB Audio Systems
LTB, which stands for Listen To Believe, represents a product line focused on providing leading-edge audio and multimedia headphones designed to meet the optimal demands of the latest digital media in games and movies as well as music and hi-def audio. LTB controls various key technology patents that have made them an upcoming leading manufacturer of true surround sound technology products. For more information visit LTB at www.ltbaudio.com.
Monday, August 7, 2006
home theater speaker: Genius appoints Tirupati Enterprises as its second disty
Genius spreads its wings to capture indian marketplace
New Delhi, New Delhi, India, 2006-07-14 (IndiaPRwire.com) -- Taiwan based Genius, one of the leading IT and Consumer Electronics brand across the globe, extends its distribution relationship with Kolkata based Tirupati Enterprises. This is their second distribution engagement in India as the first one is with Transtek Infoways.
"No doubt Transtek Infoways is doing wonderful job for Genius in India and we appreciate their efforts in building up the brand-GENIUS, however, the geography of country is so vast so is our Product Basket that it requires one more partner to tap the entire potential in the cut throat competition," says Mr. Sandeep Ramani, Country Manager, KYE Systems (India) Corp., and both the distributors would surely work in synergy with each other to achieve the company's objective.
Mr. Abhishek Kejriwal, GM, Tirupati Enterprises says, "We are excited about our tie-up with Genius as it is a new line of business for us". Genius being the top three brands in KeyBoards, Mice etc, we will definitely try to put focus and increase the market share in India.
Genius products basket comprises wide variety of products including MP3 players, Speakers and Headphones for digital audio, Remote Controls and Home Theater Speaker system for home entertainment, Webcams for Internet video calling, Headset for mobile phone, Internet talking, gaming and laser mice and keyboards to name a few.
Mr. Ramani further added, "Genius has a huge family of products with several variations, hence we require more partners to help us expand our reach with different products other than what is offered by Transtek. Tirupati will be offering different products than what is being offered by Transtek to the market thus ensuring that no conflict of product arises due to the new distribution tie-up, and we believe that multiple partners will only compliment each other and in turn, it would help everybody grow at a much faster pace. We are targeting to become a significant player in the Indian marketplace and we are looking for at least 100% growth in next 9-12 months period".
About Genius: Genius is the brand name of KYE Systems, a US$ 353 million Taiwan, Taipei based company. In 1985, KYE launched the brand Genius, which stands for technology and trust. Headquartered in Taiwan Taipei, KYE has three manufacturing units at Dongguan, China and the fourth plant is under construction, which emphasizes in the manufacturing of products with excellent Industrial & Mechanical design, Environmental Protection Application & Lead-Free Technology Selection, and with a light, slim, short and small look. KYE has been awarded with ISO 9001 Quality systems certification in 1994 and ISO 14001 in 1996. It has been traded in Taiwan Stock exchange since 1997. KYE has received many an accolades from various quarters i.e. National Golden Award of Excellence, Good Design Award in Japan etc.
About Tirupati Enterprises: Tirupati Enterprises is a leading importer and distributor of computer parts and peripherals with channels spreading throughout the territory of India. Based in Kolkata, its partners are located in all major cities across the country. Tirupati's major product lines include Genius, MSI, Ge-cube Graphic Cards, Corsair Memory Products, etc.
About Alliance PR
Alliance PR is a leading PR firm that specialises in communications and networking with a nationwide geographical spread to offer its services across India.
For more information, Please contact:
Sanjeev Kant
Manager, Alliance PR
011-416 4699
kant@proalliancepr.com
You can also visit www.proalliancepr.com for more information.
New Delhi, New Delhi, India, 2006-07-14 (IndiaPRwire.com) -- Taiwan based Genius, one of the leading IT and Consumer Electronics brand across the globe, extends its distribution relationship with Kolkata based Tirupati Enterprises. This is their second distribution engagement in India as the first one is with Transtek Infoways.
"No doubt Transtek Infoways is doing wonderful job for Genius in India and we appreciate their efforts in building up the brand-GENIUS, however, the geography of country is so vast so is our Product Basket that it requires one more partner to tap the entire potential in the cut throat competition," says Mr. Sandeep Ramani, Country Manager, KYE Systems (India) Corp., and both the distributors would surely work in synergy with each other to achieve the company's objective.
Mr. Abhishek Kejriwal, GM, Tirupati Enterprises says, "We are excited about our tie-up with Genius as it is a new line of business for us". Genius being the top three brands in KeyBoards, Mice etc, we will definitely try to put focus and increase the market share in India.
Genius products basket comprises wide variety of products including MP3 players, Speakers and Headphones for digital audio, Remote Controls and Home Theater Speaker system for home entertainment, Webcams for Internet video calling, Headset for mobile phone, Internet talking, gaming and laser mice and keyboards to name a few.
Mr. Ramani further added, "Genius has a huge family of products with several variations, hence we require more partners to help us expand our reach with different products other than what is offered by Transtek. Tirupati will be offering different products than what is being offered by Transtek to the market thus ensuring that no conflict of product arises due to the new distribution tie-up, and we believe that multiple partners will only compliment each other and in turn, it would help everybody grow at a much faster pace. We are targeting to become a significant player in the Indian marketplace and we are looking for at least 100% growth in next 9-12 months period".
About Genius: Genius is the brand name of KYE Systems, a US$ 353 million Taiwan, Taipei based company. In 1985, KYE launched the brand Genius, which stands for technology and trust. Headquartered in Taiwan Taipei, KYE has three manufacturing units at Dongguan, China and the fourth plant is under construction, which emphasizes in the manufacturing of products with excellent Industrial & Mechanical design, Environmental Protection Application & Lead-Free Technology Selection, and with a light, slim, short and small look. KYE has been awarded with ISO 9001 Quality systems certification in 1994 and ISO 14001 in 1996. It has been traded in Taiwan Stock exchange since 1997. KYE has received many an accolades from various quarters i.e. National Golden Award of Excellence, Good Design Award in Japan etc.
About Tirupati Enterprises: Tirupati Enterprises is a leading importer and distributor of computer parts and peripherals with channels spreading throughout the territory of India. Based in Kolkata, its partners are located in all major cities across the country. Tirupati's major product lines include Genius, MSI, Ge-cube Graphic Cards, Corsair Memory Products, etc.
About Alliance PR
Alliance PR is a leading PR firm that specialises in communications and networking with a nationwide geographical spread to offer its services across India.
For more information, Please contact:
Sanjeev Kant
Manager, Alliance PR
011-416 4699
kant@proalliancepr.com
You can also visit www.proalliancepr.com for more information.
Sunday, August 6, 2006
home theater speaker: Horizontally or Vertically, KEF’s HTB2 Sub Is A Powerful Winner
MARLBORO, NJ – July 25, 2006 – KEF, the British manufacturer of world-class home theater speakers, has added another award to its roster of accolades with the 2006 Electronic House “Product of the Year” Award. KEF was recognized for its unique HTB2 high-powered subwoofer, part of the dynamic KHT3000 Series 5.1 home cinema speaker system.
“We are truly honored to have received this recognition from Electronic House magazine,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The HTB2 is a tremendously exciting product and continues our tradition of offering innovative, sophisticated, and décor-friendly solutions that deliver the 3D sound and stunning bass realism that are our trademarks.”
The HTB2 sports a radical new design that complements modern décor, and uses a 10-inch bass driver along with a 10-inch Auxiliary Bass Radiator. The ultra long-throw design and all-new 250 watt amplifier produce deep, defined bass with a tight response, and SmartBass ‘connect and go’ functionality means that set-up is quick and simple. The subwoofer also features an acoustically inert ABS-molded enclosure and its two-position phase switch and three-position bass boost switch lets users easily adjust sound at any time.
The HTB2 gives home theater enthusiasts complete placement flexibility. After careful research with consumers, KEF designed the HTB2 for either vertical or horizontal placement. This is achieved by simply removing the factory fitted base-foot (for vertical) and fixing the additional three feet to the rim of the driver (for horizontal). No matter how the sub is positioned, the control panel and connections are easily accessible.
The KEF Home Theatre 3000 Series builds on the huge success of the popular KHT2005.2 system, resulting in a 5.1 system that delivers the dialogue and sound effects of today’s digital soundtracks, as well as the streamlined looks design-conscious consumers demand. Currently available, the system comprised of 4 satellites, 1 center channel and the HTB2 subwoofer, retails at an MSRP of $1,500. To match a variety of home interiors, KEF offers the 3000 series in high-gloss silver or in a stunningly new high-gloss black finish. A la carté, the HTB2 retails at $799.
Winning products were selected by Electronic House editors based on reviews released throughout the year, product demos, installer feedback, innovative features and overall value. The winning products will be featured in the September issue of Electronic House and on www.electronichouse.com.
Talking Points:
- KEF’s HTB2 high-powered subwoofer wins Electronic House Magazine’s 2006 Product of the Year Award.
- The HTB2 sports a radical, ultra long-throw design featuring a 10” bass driver along with a 10” Auxiliary Bass Radiator.
- All-new 250 watt amplifier produces deep, defined bass with a tight response.
- Acoustically inert enclosure is shaped to eliminate internal standing waves for extreme bass realism.
- SmartBass™ ‘connect and go’ functionality makes setup a breeze.
- Two-position phase switch and three-position bass boost switch lets users easily adjust sound at any time.
- Complete placement flexibility allows for vertical or horizontal subwoofer placement depending on space requirements or taste.
- Part of KEF’s KHT3000 Series 5.1 home cinema speaker system comprised of 4 satellites, 1 center channel and HTB2 subwoofer. The complete system retails at an MSRP of $1,500.
- A la carté, the HTB2 retails at $799.
- Winning products were selected by Electronic House editors based on reviews released throughout the year, product demos, installer feedback, innovative features and overall value.
About KEF Audio
KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products which are distributed around the globe, have won awards from both sides of the Atlantic, as KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation.
Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of new materials, new technologies and design ingenuity. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF passionately remains true to its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and above all sound quality, secure KEF's world-class reputation.
About KEF, Inc.
KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, offers loyal North American audiophiles a stream of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.
For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kef.com.
“We are truly honored to have received this recognition from Electronic House magazine,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The HTB2 is a tremendously exciting product and continues our tradition of offering innovative, sophisticated, and décor-friendly solutions that deliver the 3D sound and stunning bass realism that are our trademarks.”
The HTB2 sports a radical new design that complements modern décor, and uses a 10-inch bass driver along with a 10-inch Auxiliary Bass Radiator. The ultra long-throw design and all-new 250 watt amplifier produce deep, defined bass with a tight response, and SmartBass ‘connect and go’ functionality means that set-up is quick and simple. The subwoofer also features an acoustically inert ABS-molded enclosure and its two-position phase switch and three-position bass boost switch lets users easily adjust sound at any time.
The HTB2 gives home theater enthusiasts complete placement flexibility. After careful research with consumers, KEF designed the HTB2 for either vertical or horizontal placement. This is achieved by simply removing the factory fitted base-foot (for vertical) and fixing the additional three feet to the rim of the driver (for horizontal). No matter how the sub is positioned, the control panel and connections are easily accessible.
The KEF Home Theatre 3000 Series builds on the huge success of the popular KHT2005.2 system, resulting in a 5.1 system that delivers the dialogue and sound effects of today’s digital soundtracks, as well as the streamlined looks design-conscious consumers demand. Currently available, the system comprised of 4 satellites, 1 center channel and the HTB2 subwoofer, retails at an MSRP of $1,500. To match a variety of home interiors, KEF offers the 3000 series in high-gloss silver or in a stunningly new high-gloss black finish. A la carté, the HTB2 retails at $799.
Winning products were selected by Electronic House editors based on reviews released throughout the year, product demos, installer feedback, innovative features and overall value. The winning products will be featured in the September issue of Electronic House and on www.electronichouse.com.
Talking Points:
- KEF’s HTB2 high-powered subwoofer wins Electronic House Magazine’s 2006 Product of the Year Award.
- The HTB2 sports a radical, ultra long-throw design featuring a 10” bass driver along with a 10” Auxiliary Bass Radiator.
- All-new 250 watt amplifier produces deep, defined bass with a tight response.
- Acoustically inert enclosure is shaped to eliminate internal standing waves for extreme bass realism.
- SmartBass™ ‘connect and go’ functionality makes setup a breeze.
- Two-position phase switch and three-position bass boost switch lets users easily adjust sound at any time.
- Complete placement flexibility allows for vertical or horizontal subwoofer placement depending on space requirements or taste.
- Part of KEF’s KHT3000 Series 5.1 home cinema speaker system comprised of 4 satellites, 1 center channel and HTB2 subwoofer. The complete system retails at an MSRP of $1,500.
- A la carté, the HTB2 retails at $799.
- Winning products were selected by Electronic House editors based on reviews released throughout the year, product demos, installer feedback, innovative features and overall value.
About KEF Audio
KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products which are distributed around the globe, have won awards from both sides of the Atlantic, as KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation.
Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of new materials, new technologies and design ingenuity. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF passionately remains true to its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and above all sound quality, secure KEF's world-class reputation.
About KEF, Inc.
KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, offers loyal North American audiophiles a stream of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.
For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kef.com.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
home theater speaker: Top 12 User Rated Home Theater Surround Sound Systems
By Guy Wright
There are three main components to consider when building a home theater – a big screen TV, some content to watch (from a DVD player, VCR, cable, satellite, or broadcast source), and a surround sound system.
Not too long ago ‘Home Theater in a Box’ surround sound systems were notoriously poor quality, but in recent years these systems have improved dramatically. We scouted around and found an even dozen of the highest user rated home theater surround sound systems – rated by users who actually own them.
At the heart of any surround sound system is the receiver – sometimes it is a separate, stand-alone unit and sometimes the receiver is built into a DVD player. The receiver ‘decodes’ the specially encoded surround signals (Dolby, DTS, THX, etc.) into different channels, amplifies each of these channels, and sends them to the multiple surround speakers. Early surround systems had three speakers (left, right, and center) but today most surround systems have at least six speakers (left, right, center, two surround speakers, and a sub-woofer). Since many surround encoding schemes don’t actually have a discreet sub-woofer signal the receiver has to ‘synthesize’ the sub-woofer channel based on the other five signals which is why a six speaker surround sound system will have the designation 5.1 (the ‘dot one’ refers to the sub-woofer). These days there are 6.1 systems, 7.1 systems, and some with even more speakers (although you’d be hard pressed to find any content that is encoded for anything above 7.1).
Now you could go out and buy a surround sound receiver and cobble together an assortment of home stereo speakers from different manufacturers but the odds are you’d be disappointed with the results. That’s because it’s important for all the speakers in a surround sound setup to be ‘matched’ – in other words they should all have the same acoustic profiles. That is why manufactures started offering complete systems with receivers and sets of matched speakers.
There are three main components to consider when building a home theater – a big screen TV, some content to watch (from a DVD player, VCR, cable, satellite, or broadcast source), and a surround sound system.
Not too long ago ‘Home Theater in a Box’ surround sound systems were notoriously poor quality, but in recent years these systems have improved dramatically. We scouted around and found an even dozen of the highest user rated home theater surround sound systems – rated by users who actually own them.
At the heart of any surround sound system is the receiver – sometimes it is a separate, stand-alone unit and sometimes the receiver is built into a DVD player. The receiver ‘decodes’ the specially encoded surround signals (Dolby, DTS, THX, etc.) into different channels, amplifies each of these channels, and sends them to the multiple surround speakers. Early surround systems had three speakers (left, right, and center) but today most surround systems have at least six speakers (left, right, center, two surround speakers, and a sub-woofer). Since many surround encoding schemes don’t actually have a discreet sub-woofer signal the receiver has to ‘synthesize’ the sub-woofer channel based on the other five signals which is why a six speaker surround sound system will have the designation 5.1 (the ‘dot one’ refers to the sub-woofer). These days there are 6.1 systems, 7.1 systems, and some with even more speakers (although you’d be hard pressed to find any content that is encoded for anything above 7.1).
Now you could go out and buy a surround sound receiver and cobble together an assortment of home stereo speakers from different manufacturers but the odds are you’d be disappointed with the results. That’s because it’s important for all the speakers in a surround sound setup to be ‘matched’ – in other words they should all have the same acoustic profiles. That is why manufactures started offering complete systems with receivers and sets of matched speakers.
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