Thursday, January 5, 2012
Home Theatre and Hi-Fi Reviews: Bowers and Wilkins 685 Bookshelf
Home Theatre and Hi-Fi Reviews: Bowers and Wilkins 685 Bookshelf: The B&W (Bowers and Wilkins) 685 Bookshelf The Bowers and Wilkins Bookshelf is a speaker that stuns a lot of first time listeners. It put...
Portable Radios
Portable radio styles are handheld, headphone, emergency, table top, armband, pocket/mini and tabletop. The different brands are Sony, Grundig, Tivoli, Sangean, Coby, Panasonic, Summit, GE, Midland, Griffin Technology, Oregon Scientific and Tripp Lite. The various bands are FM, AM, Weather, Shortwave and World band. The tuning may be digital or analog.
Characteristics of portable radios
Some of the features of a few portable radios are mentioned below:
Sony SRF-M37V Portable radio
There is a TV tuner and weather band tuning function. There is a direct weather button that allows to access weather forecast at the touch of the button. There is a 25 station preset memory. Electronic settings are used for one-button tuning for the choice from 5 TV channels, 5 weather bands, 10 FM and 5 AM stations. 1 AAA battery provides hours of listening and assists to make the Walkman(R) radio compact and cheap to use. The 5 direct key preset memory allows you to electronically tune any 5 stations you set, although in different frequency bands with the press of a single and easy-to-reach button. The digital clock and battery indicator allows to keep track of the correct time and provides a visible indication when the battery power becomes low.
Sony Radio Walkman
The digital clock and battery indicator makes it perfect to use. There is an accurate and drift-free tuning for AM and FM radio stations with five-station preset memory and local weather band broadcasts. There is also a TV tuner to listen to the audio from TV channels.
Sony SR-FM37V Personal Radio Walkman
1 AAA battery provides hours of listening, makes the radio compact and cheap to run. There is a 25 Station preset memory and a 5 direct key preset memory. Additionally, there is a digital clock and battery indicator. Also, a direct weather button and FM local/distance DX switch are present. There are 3.3 ounces of battery and belt clip.
Grundig Mini AM/FM Shortwave Radio
This has a clock and an alarm. There is analog tuning with a digital frequency readout and an earbud jack. There is also a travel case and earbuds. This has 2 AA batteries. There are 7 shortwave bands that allow to dial-in the world.
Characteristics of portable radios
Some of the features of a few portable radios are mentioned below:
Sony SRF-M37V Portable radio
There is a TV tuner and weather band tuning function. There is a direct weather button that allows to access weather forecast at the touch of the button. There is a 25 station preset memory. Electronic settings are used for one-button tuning for the choice from 5 TV channels, 5 weather bands, 10 FM and 5 AM stations. 1 AAA battery provides hours of listening and assists to make the Walkman(R) radio compact and cheap to use. The 5 direct key preset memory allows you to electronically tune any 5 stations you set, although in different frequency bands with the press of a single and easy-to-reach button. The digital clock and battery indicator allows to keep track of the correct time and provides a visible indication when the battery power becomes low.
Sony Radio Walkman
The digital clock and battery indicator makes it perfect to use. There is an accurate and drift-free tuning for AM and FM radio stations with five-station preset memory and local weather band broadcasts. There is also a TV tuner to listen to the audio from TV channels.
Sony SR-FM37V Personal Radio Walkman
1 AAA battery provides hours of listening, makes the radio compact and cheap to run. There is a 25 Station preset memory and a 5 direct key preset memory. Additionally, there is a digital clock and battery indicator. Also, a direct weather button and FM local/distance DX switch are present. There are 3.3 ounces of battery and belt clip.
Grundig Mini AM/FM Shortwave Radio
This has a clock and an alarm. There is analog tuning with a digital frequency readout and an earbud jack. There is also a travel case and earbuds. This has 2 AA batteries. There are 7 shortwave bands that allow to dial-in the world.
Grundig/Eton radio
This is the most modern single-conversion superheterodyne circuit design, digital frequency readout, 13 shortwave bands, AM/FM bands, built-in 90 minute sleep timer, telescopic antenna and built-in ferrite bar antenna. There are also L/R line level outputs, earphone jack, stereo/mono switch and carrying handle. AC adapter and shoulder strap are included. Four D batteries are not included.
Coby Digital All Weather Radio w/Band #CX96
There is a digital AM/FM tuning system. There is a DBBS-Dynamic bass boost system. There are 20 preset stations and a built-in digital clock. Lightweight stereo earphones are included. There is a detachable arm band and 2 X AAA size batteries.
Coby Sport AM/FM Radio w/ Arm band
This all-weather sport AM/FM digital radio with arm band has a digital tuner, DBBS-dynamic bass boost system, 20 preset stations (10 AM, 10 FM), built-in digital clock and detachable arm band. There are also lightweight stereo earphones.
Sangean HDR-1 HD Table-top radio
There is an auto tuning system and an auto preset system. There are 20 memory presets and a backlit LCD. There are tone and bass control, EQ pre-sets, clocks, snooze function, adjustable sleep timer, multicast capability and IR remote control. This has a weight of 6.6 lbs.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Bowers and Wilkins PM1
NEW B&W PM1
Compact and discreet, yet introducing technologies never before seen in any Bowers & Wilkins speaker, PM1 produces a sound so refined that everything else suddenly seems insignificant.
PM1 is a compact loudspeaker that offers an extremely high-quality performance. It features a new tweeter design, and a cabinet unlike anything previously constructed by Bowers & Wilkins.
You might imagine that any changes made in the frequency range above the limits of human hearing shouldn’t effect the sound we hear. And yet our experiments with diamond tweeters proved otherwise. By raising the break-up frequency far beyond the audible threshold of 20kHz, we created a tweeter that sounded far truer and more natural. With a break-up frequency of 30kHz, our aluminium dome tweeters already operate above the audible range. But inspired by diamond, we wanted to see if we could do even better for the PM1.
The result is an entirely new type of tweeter dome. By bracing the dome with a ring of filament-wound carbon fibre, we’ve raised the break-up frequency of aluminium to 40kHz. As a result, the PM1 features the sweetest-sounding aluminium dome tweeter we’ve yet produced.
The result is an entirely new type of tweeter dome. By bracing the dome with a ring of filament-wound carbon fibre, we’ve raised the break-up frequency of aluminium to 40kHz. As a result, the PM1 features the sweetest-sounding aluminium dome tweeter we’ve yet produced.
At Bowers & Wilkins we understand that for many people audio quality isn’t the only consideration when deciding upon a loudspeaker. And while we would never place design considerations above acoustics, we appreciate that the look and feel of a loudspeaker is important. But we don’t need to explain ourselves; one look at the PM1 should be all you need to understand.
The Nautilus tube-loaded tweeter on top, the curved baffle, the Kevlar drive unit, are all included for technological, audio-related reasons. But they also come together visually, to create an aesthetically pleasing whole. Add to that the Mocha Gloss wood panels and matching stand, and we’re confident that the PM1 is not only the most refined sounding small speaker we have ever produced. It’s also one of the most desirable.
The Nautilus tube-loaded tweeter on top, the curved baffle, the Kevlar drive unit, are all included for technological, audio-related reasons. But they also come together visually, to create an aesthetically pleasing whole. Add to that the Mocha Gloss wood panels and matching stand, and we’re confident that the PM1 is not only the most refined sounding small speaker we have ever produced. It’s also one of the most desirable.
REVIEWS
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Rotel, Marantz, Harman Kardon, B&W, KEF, Monitor Audio
We have some great products to make your festive season even more spectacular.
Why don't you give me a mail at wikus@soundimage.co.za or come and visit me in our Shop in Menlyn Shopping Centre, and we don't Sound Great, we are Sound and Image, we have the best in Home Theatre and HI-FI, you can find directions here.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
New Harman Kardon AVR 158 THE LITTLE MONSTER
THE LITTLE MONSTER
As a multitalented A/V receiver for budget-conscious film and music lovers, the Harman Kardon® AVR 158 is a more than capable way to take your home entertainmentto the next level.
With all the latest Dolby® and DTS® audio modes and HDMI® v.1.4 with 3-D and Deep Colour, the AVR 158 lets you experience the next dimension in TV viewing –while Harman Kardon Logic 7® processing supplies you with an exhilarating 5.1-channel, 360-degree soundstage for movies, TV shows and games.
And with three HDMI inputs and extensive video and audio connectivity, the AVR 158 also grants you the flexibility to add a Blu-ray Disc™ player and surround-sound speaker system to the mix.
Overall, the AVR 158 is a great starting off point if you want a gratifying home theatre system.
Key Features
Power/Technology
Powers a 5.1-channel surround-sound system
70 watts of power per channel
High-current-capability (HCC), ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier
design for accurate, dynamic sound and emotional impact
HDMI v.1.4 with 3-D and Deep Colour for playing 3-D content
such as movies, 3-D TV and sporting events
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for highresolution
sound that matches high-resolution video
Logic 7 processing to turn conventional stereo sources into
5.1-channel surround sound
FM/AM radio with 30 station presets stored, plus Radio Data
System (RDS) to display radio text information that radio stations
broadcast
Surround-sound decoding for all varieties of Dolby and DTS
audio formats
BXR enhancer to improve bass performance of MP3 and
WMA files
Lip-sync adjustment to delay the audio signal to match the
video signal
Screen-saver function to prevent image burn-in on CRT and
plasma displays
Key Specifications
Audio Section
Stereo mode, continuous average power: 70 watts/channel,
both channels driven @ 8 ohms, 1kHz, <0.9% THD
Multichannel power: 5 x 70 watts/channel, two channels
driven @ 8 ohms, 1kHz, <0.9% THD
Bandwidth @ 1W (+0dB/–3dB): 10Hz – 100kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): 100dB
High instantaneous-current capability (HCC): ±45 amps
Transient intermodulation distortion (TIM): unmeasurable
Slew rate: 40V/μsec
FM Tuner Section
Frequency range: 87.5MHz – 108.0MHz
Usable sensitivity (IHF): 1.3μV/13.2dBf
Signal-to-noise ratio (mono/stereo): 70dB/65dB
Distortion (mono/stereo): 0.15%/0.3%
Stereo separation: 40dB @ 1kHz
Selectivity (±400kHz): 70dB
AM Tuner Section
Frequency range: 522kHz – 1620kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 45dB
Usable sensitivity (loop): 500μV
Distortion (1kHz): 50%, mod 0.8%
Video Section
Television format: PAL
Input level/impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Output level/impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms
HDMI v.1.4 with 3-D and Deep Colour
Power/Technology
Powers a 5.1-channel surround-sound system
70 watts of power per channel
High-current-capability (HCC), ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier
design for accurate, dynamic sound and emotional impact
HDMI v.1.4 with 3-D and Deep Colour for playing 3-D content
such as movies, 3-D TV and sporting events
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for highresolution
sound that matches high-resolution video
Logic 7 processing to turn conventional stereo sources into
5.1-channel surround sound
FM/AM radio with 30 station presets stored, plus Radio Data
System (RDS) to display radio text information that radio stations
broadcast
Surround-sound decoding for all varieties of Dolby and DTS
audio formats
BXR enhancer to improve bass performance of MP3 and
WMA files
Lip-sync adjustment to delay the audio signal to match the
video signal
Screen-saver function to prevent image burn-in on CRT and
plasma displays
Key Specifications
Audio Section
Stereo mode, continuous average power: 70 watts/channel,
both channels driven @ 8 ohms, 1kHz, <0.9% THD
Multichannel power: 5 x 70 watts/channel, two channels
driven @ 8 ohms, 1kHz, <0.9% THD
Bandwidth @ 1W (+0dB/–3dB): 10Hz – 100kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): 100dB
High instantaneous-current capability (HCC): ±45 amps
Transient intermodulation distortion (TIM): unmeasurable
Slew rate: 40V/μsec
FM Tuner Section
Frequency range: 87.5MHz – 108.0MHz
Usable sensitivity (IHF): 1.3μV/13.2dBf
Signal-to-noise ratio (mono/stereo): 70dB/65dB
Distortion (mono/stereo): 0.15%/0.3%
Stereo separation: 40dB @ 1kHz
Selectivity (±400kHz): 70dB
AM Tuner Section
Frequency range: 522kHz – 1620kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 45dB
Usable sensitivity (loop): 500μV
Distortion (1kHz): 50%, mod 0.8%
Video Section
Television format: PAL
Input level/impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Output level/impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms
HDMI v.1.4 with 3-D and Deep Colour
Monday, October 24, 2011
New Rotel RSP-1572 Processor
ROTEL RSP-1572
The RSP-1572 is Rotel’s latest 7.1 surround sound preamplifier. Its advanced design builds upon a progression of outstanding home theater processors that have received critical acclaim around the globe. The RSP-1572 features important new technologies such as HDMI 1.4 with 3D capability. It offers six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs with one HDMI output having ARC capability (Audio Return Channel). The ARC in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasing user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection.
Dual 32 Bit DSP’s and 24Bit/192K audio DACs ensure highest quality playback performance.
A USB front input for iPod/iPhone/iPad or other MP3 player use is included. The USB input provides a digital connection so that the RSP-1572’s internal 24 bit/192kHz DACs can do the crucial decoding for best sound quality.
The desire to have a central AV system with audio and video available in additional rooms is a highly requested feature by today’s consumers. The RSP-1572 provides three additional zone outputs for composite video and analog audio. Zone control includes source selection, volume and on/off. The RSP-1572 front panel display shows current source, volume and DSP mode. The OSD (On Screen Display) is available for customer setup using the HDMI, Component, or Composite main video outputs. Remote control zone operation can be utilized by purchasing optional RS-232 touchpads by companies such as Crestron and RTI, or most IR based keypad systems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)