Polk Audio PSW10
Polk Audio have really been pushing out the boat over the last few years in terms of providing quality hifi speakers at very reasonable prices, if you are currently looking at a new entry level subwoofer then one of the current best deals doing the rounds is most definitely the Polk Audio PSW10 Monitor Series a 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer the PSW10 looks good and has performance that far outstrips its price.
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Now despite being specified at a meagre 50w RMS this 10″ speaker is actually very capable and gives great bass reinforcement at very reasonable volume levels. The 50w RMS tag is a bit misleading an in actuality this unit sounds great and is very capable of keeping up with units rated far higher in terms of basic specs. The PSW10 is built around a basic 10-inch polymer-composite cone driver this is in turn supplemented with Polks Klippel measurement technology a laser system meant to center coil inside the magnetic field for a better and more accurate output. To be fair at extremely high volumes the sub does introduce a little distortion to the very lowest end of a signal but this is to be expected at a unit in this price range. So this unit is probably best used in smaller room configurations, so if your living room is like a cathedral perhaps you should spring for something a little more top end like the PSW505 or similar. Anyway this minor problem is pretty much un-noticeable in day to day operation and the PSW10 reproduced the bass end on our tested recordings with aplomb, keeping things deep but also controlled sounding the PSW10 also handled the central low end on bluray soundtracks with ease.
All in all you could do far worse than the Polk Audio PSW10 for subwoofer duties in an entry level system, and at Current prices its a bit of a steal. Especially if you are generally working in a small to medium room and at moderate volumes. Well worth a listen.
RRP: $239.95 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
April 5, 2011
· 
Aiki · 
One Comment
Tags: Polk Audio, Polk Audio PSW10, PSW10, Subwoofer · Posted in: Speakers
Pioneer VSX-1020-K
Look at many current “best in category” or “bestseller” AV receiver lists and you will see the Pioneer VSX-1020-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver featuring prominently. This is not without reason, not only is the Pioneer VSX-1020-K feature heavy and very capable power wise but there are also some incredible deals around on this unit right now. With this in mind I though Id give you a rundown of why you should put the Pioneer VSX-1020 on your “under consideration” list.
The Pioneer VSX-1020-K has a very modern look right down to the digital style text on the display, they design of the unit itself is quite nice but a little busy on the front panel for my liking with a plethora of switches and various front mounted ports (including the iPod dock) being clearly visible. Not really to my taste but if you like having everything easily accessible it may be for you. Build wise most of the fixtures and fittings are reasonably solid with the exception of the front port cover which feels slightly on the cheap side to me. The supplied remote is easy to use with nice glow in the dark keys but with perhaps one or two of the main functions being a little small for my meaty fingertips.
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The feature set of the Pioneer VSX-1020-K is extensive and very much oriented towards current sensibilities. It covers all the basics nicely, sporting 6 HDMI 1.4 ins (1 front/5 back) and a single rear 1.4 out, multi zone audio with 7.1 or 5.1 + 2 configuration possible and most of the standard audio codecs supported (TS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz) the VSX-1020-K covers most peoples needs well. The Ethernet port allows for easy access to internet radio services and also allows wireless control of the system with the free iContolAV iPhone app which is a rather cool bonus, though I found it couldn’t control the internet radio right now which is a shame, perhaps something worth sorting out in an app update?
Initial setup of the VSX-1020 is not exactly a breeze (this is quite a complex unit after all) but neither is it over complex. The menuing system is well designed and with few glitches or oversights and the auto assist system is pretty intuitive to use. If you have previous experience with setting up surround systems you shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes or so to be up and running.
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So how does it sound? To my ear it is has a very pleasing overall tone, in 7.1 configuration I found the overall feel of the system to be both powerful, immersive and controlled. The VSX-1020-K handled everything I threw at it with grace and subtlety especially handling the high end well when used in conjunction with the Onkyo SKSHT750
So overall the Pioneer VSX-1020-K is a very competent mid range receiver, it is user friendly for the most part, its HDMI switch speed is quite fast, it has a very solid feature set a good level of power handling (7x 110 w per channel) and its overall sound quality is extremely good. As I said at the start of this review if you are inthe market for a new 7.1 receiver right now the VSX-1020-K is well worth giving a listen especially with the amazing deals on this unit right now.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Power: 110×7 watts
- HDMI Specification: v. 1.4, 3D, Deep Color and X.V. Color
- HDMI Ports: 6 in (including 1 front in), 1 out
- Component Ports: 2 in, 1 out
- Audio Codecs Supported: DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz with pre-out
- Video Modes Supported: 1080p and below
- Audio Modes Supported: Multi-zone (7.1, 5.1 + 2)
- Digital Formats Supported: JPEG, MP3, WAV, WMA
- “Works with iPhone”-certified
- RRP: $649.99 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 31, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: Pioneer Receivers, Pioneer VSX-1020, Pioneer VSX-1020-K, VSX-1020-K · Posted in: Receivers
Polk Audio RM6750
Occasionally I asked to suggest a decent all-round entry level speaker system for home theatre, the Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System is without a doubt one of the best recent offerings at this price level. Polk Audio are renowned for their more top end speaker systems such as the ATI R7 or the AM1805 SurroundBar so it may surprise some to see them making such inroads to the budget end of the home theatre market but I for one am glad they did.
The Polk Audio RM6750 system arrived nicely over packaged, it took a little longer than I usually expect to get things out of the box but this is some ways makes you feel psychologically like things are going to be better protected in transit, not that the speakers really seem to need it. The speakers are reasonably attractive especially the 4 dinky little satelite speakers which seem especially small next to the to my mind overly large subwoofer, all 6 pieces are pretty solid in construction have a reasonable heft and look to be built to last.
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Initial setup is easy, I found that the sub needed a slight cut in output volume on my receiver in order to take away some of the boomieness I was perceiving on louder passages of music and movie soundtracks. Once I cut 3 or so dB I sound that the sound quality was very reasonable, while the bass was a little over emphasised the top end was nicely balanced and in control and the mid range is slightly effected compared to higher end speaker sets. While not exactly silky smooth or 100% natural the RM6750 system still managed to be very listenable and especially kept speech very understandable even on loud passages and during action sequences. In terms of sound staging the RM6750 coped very well, giving a real feel of movement and solid placement for each track. Overall I would say that the Polk Audio RM6750 system is probably best suited to a purely AV role as its unlikely to give you top end response in use as part of music playback system, not a top end product but but extremely capable and very good value for money for use as part a primarily movie oriented system.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Six piece surround sound package that includes 2 front and 2 surround speakers, 1 center-channel speaker, and 1 subwoofer
- Satellite and center-channel speakers can accommodate 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems
- Front and surround speakers: Single 3-1/2-inch polymer composite cone woofer; single 1/2-inch silk/polymer composite dome
- Surround and front speaker dimensions: 6-1/2 x 4-1/16 x 5 inches (HxWxD)
- Center speaker: Dual 3-1/2-inch polymer composite cone woofer; single 3/4-inch silk/polymer composite dome
- Center speaker dimensions: 4-5/16 x 11-3/16 x 5-13/16 inches (HxWxD)
- Subwoofer: 8-inch subwoofer
- Subwoofer dimensions: 15-7/8 x 11 x 13-1/2 inches (HxWxD)
- RRP: $599.95 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 23, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: 5.1 Channel, Home Theater Speaker System, Polk Audio, Polk Audio RM6750, RM6750 · Posted in: Speakers
Marantz SR7005
Every once in a while I read a review Ive written and I have to re-edit it because it seems to be too “fanboyish” or sycophantic in tone. The first draft of my review for the Marantz SR7005 receiver was such a document. Hopefully this rewrite will be a little more professional in tone, but don’t be surprised if the fact that I’m utterly in love with this receiver shines through 
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On initial inspection the Marantz SR7005 appears to be almost retro styled, with a very simple looking front panel with an on button a rotary input selector and a volume knob being the only visible controls (there are far more options hidden under a slide down fascia), the thing that stands out on the front panel though is the circular blue lit display which somehow manages to be both understated and extremely visually appealing. The SR7005s controls all have a well built appeal and a satisfying glide and solidity to them. Of the larger receivers I’ve seen in the last year the Marantz SR7005 is the most attractive Ive seen, while it is substantial in size and extremely solidly built it still manages to remain sleek and most definitely not “brick like” which is something you could unfortunately say of several other receivers in this category.
As you would expect of a receiver in this price bracket the Marantz SR7005 is not just a pretty face, the specifications on the unit are pretty incredible and cover pretty much any eventuality I can think of, I wont list every input, output bell or whistle or this review could quite quickly become a boring list of port names and numbers but needless to say it has all bases covered in spades, including 6 HDMI ins & 2 HDMI outs all 1.4 3D compatible spec, the HDMI on this unit can also do passive HDMI pass-through so the unit doesn’t need to be turned on if you wish to use it as a HDMI switch. The tuner if the unit has a lot of options form AM, FM and HD Radio through to internet stations & sites (via the integrated RJ45 port). The front of the SR7005 also sports a USB input for media streaming from iPods and USB memory sticks, giving high quality results. There is also an Ethernet connection allows for firmware updates, and streaming of media from your PC. If you want to have a look at the full compliment of ports available click on the photo of the SR7005s rear panel below for a close up.
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So as one would expect on a unit at this price point the setup is an automatic and internal microphone assisted affair, its pretty easy in my humble opinion but then Ive been doing this kind of set-up for quite some time, the menuing system is not exactly child’s play but neither is it the minefield Ive seen on some less user friendly devices. The results achieved in the end with the auto setup system were in the end very good though and so Im giving the Marantz SR7005 a B+ as regards ease of setup.
Enough with the potatoes, now on to the meat of the subject. How does the Marantz SR7005 sound? In a word “Incredible”, in two words “Fraking incredible” (and yes I am a BSG nut). The Marantz SR7005 is such a highly capable unit in terms of its amplification qualities that I am on the verge of losing it and decaying into a froth of superlatives, but the SR7005 is truly excellent. Sonically Id rate it as the number one receiver I’ve had the pleasure to try out over the last 12 months, the SR7005 sports seven discreet amplifiers each rated at 125 Watts per channel for the kind of power output that means you are never likely to want for more. This is without doubt the best Marantz product Ive heard in a long time (perhaps ever), it has a slickness and clarity of sound in the speech range that keeps everything very easy to understand even within the context of loud action sequences or loud orchestral music swells.
The bass of the unit is punchy and tight and the top ends can only be described as sizzling, the mid range is perhaps more pedestrian and with some material ever so slightly boomy but not to the point of annoyance. The power handling of the amplifier section is very capable and quite configurable if you are not a fan of bass heavy mixes and want to keep your sub under control that is something that is easy to manage. The sound staging is very accurate and you definitely feel like you are in the environmental “bubble” of a movie when you are watching it. If I were to describe the characteristic sound of the Marantz SR7005 as a whole Id say “Accurate, Under control and natural” it doesn’t display some of the over the top surround sweeps you get with some systems but to my mind this is a very definite advantage of the Marantz SR7005.
So to summarise, I really fell in love with this unit to the point that Im seriously thinking of a trade in in the nearish future (wife permitting). The Marantz SR7005 is a truly great receiver. Its really pretty, has a great overall sound an amazing level of I/O options (including optional bluetooth streaming with the RX101 receiver add-on). With the two minor caveats firstly that the set up may be a little technical for beginners and secondly that some users may need to slightly adjust the mid range if they find it slightly boomy for their tastes. But all in all I want one!
Product Specifications
- Six HDMI1.4a inputs and 2 HDMIv1.4a outputs for digital audio and video including Deep Colour support
- High grade components. HDAMs and oversized low impedance transformer
- Multiroom video on component video to one room with multiroom audio to two rooms
- USB input for music playback with iPhone/iPod and USB memory
- Bluetooth capability with option RX10
- Network functionality including the ability to stream Internet radio, vTuner, Napster, Last.FM
- Network player function for music/photo streaming, Compatible with Windows7 and with DNLA1.5 support
- IP control or control using Apple iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad with appropriate app
- Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dyamic EQ, DSX and MultEQ XT room accoustic calibration
- power output: 125W/channel
- Size: H: 7.4 in, W: 17.3 in, D: 16 in
- Weight: 28.7 pounds
- RRP: $1,599.99 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 17, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: AV Recievers, Marantz receivers, Marantz SR7005 · Posted in: Receivers
Sony SSF-7000 Speakers
The Sony SSF-7000 Floor Standing 4 way Speakers are in some ways the big daddy of the Sony SSF-6000s we reviewed a shot while back with a couple of changes the SSF-7000 sport an impressive sounding 8 inch woofer (as opposed to the SSF-7000s 6 inchers) it is also built to handle slightly more power (up to 200 watts rms @ 8 Ohms ). In terms of looks and finish the two speakers are almost identical (the larger woofer cone not withstanding) the Sony SSF-7000 are only a few pounds heavier and about 4 inches taller.
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Sound wise the bass end is only slightly more powerful and controlled than the already excellent standard set by the Sony SSF-6000s, they manage to sound in control and have a smooth character even at extremely high volumes. The Sony SSF-7000 still display the slight sibilance I also discussed hearing at loud volumes with the Sony SSF-6000s, this isnt really all that much of a surprise, neither is it a dealbreaker for speakers in this price range. Both sets of speakers are a great buy and which you go for will really depend on two things, your room size and the likely average volume you will be using these at.
In all but the largest rooms the Sony SSF-6000s are likely to be extremely capable of doing the work required, and so unless you are planning on using these in a very large area its pretty much down to personal preference which is better for you. The Sony SSF-6000s are I’m my humble opinion better value for money but there is nothing to stop you listening to both sets and seeing which of the two you prefer. Both are solid choices for the mid to large living room.
Manufacturers Specifications
Height: 41.9 inches, Depth: 11.9 inches
Frequency Response Curve: 35.50,000Hz
Impdedance: 8 ohm
Peak Power Handling – Speakers: 200 watts
RRP: $350 per pair (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 15, 2011
· Aiki · No Comments
Tags: 4 way Speakers, Floor Standing, Sony Speakers, Sony SSF-7000, SSF-7000 Speakers · Posted in: Speakers
Cambridge Audio Azur 350A Integrated Amplifier
Anyone who has been reading hifi-reviews.com for any length of time will know we have a lot of respect for Cambridge audio products especially at the top end of the non audiophile consumer market turning out a large number of hard hitting amps & CD players over the years so with this in mind we come to the recent Cambridge Audio Azur 350A Integrated Amplifier, I have to say that with this unit the team at Cambridge have exceeded my expectations for an integrated amplifier a this price point.
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First impressions of the unit is that it is extremely solid in construction with the volume, tone and balance knobs all having an assured smoothness to their glide and a general feel of quality. The brushed aluminum case is both attractive and well constructed. The back of the Azur 350A sports all the standard inputs (mp3,CD, Tuner/DAB, BD/DVD & Aux) a Tape in and 1 Record Output as well as 4 sets of easy to use speaker terminals (This unit does not come with a built-in phono preamp). There is also a second mp3 input at the front of the unit for easy plugging in of your iPod or other portable mp3 player. The remote supplied with the Azur 350A is reasonably attractive and can control both the unit itself and the iPod touch we tried it with.
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As with most Cambridge Audio where this unit really shines is the quality of the output, the Azur 350A is an excellent performer, I found the bass end to be punchy, but controlled. It never feels like it is about to loose its clarity or heft even at high volumes. The highs are extremely well managed keeping any harsh edges lesser units may throw out in check and allowing a very relaxing listening experience even with material that packs a lot of high end. One very minor complaint is that the unit could be said to be slightly hollow in the mid range on very quiet acoustic passages, but this is a minor niggle and didn’t actually impact on my enjoyment of the music. Overall the Cambridge Audio Azur 350A overall has a smooth detailed and very powerful but controlled sound which manages to never sound sterile and to my mind stayed musical throughout our testing.
So in conclusion, this unit scores highly both in looks, build quality and where it really counts audio quality it is verging on audiophile territory in summary if you are looking for a quality, solid home use stereo amplifier for less than $1,500 the Cambridge Audio Azur 350A should definitely go on your list of “listen to” amps.
Manufacturers Description
The new 350A is truly an amplifier to be reckoned with. Separate high quality integrated circuit amplifier modules eliminate all possible crosstalk and guarantee excellent stereo imaging. Very close attention has also been paid to the quality of passive components selected and their performance potential. In particular, a very high quality ALPS black box film volume pot has been specified for its superior sound quality and excellent channel balance. This is particularly noticeable at low volumes when your awareness of left and right channel balance is most acute. The power supply is a critical component in any power amplifier and here, we’ve stretched our budget to the limit to bring you an oversize toroidal transformer. Selected for its very low external magnetic field and much lower noise than laminate type amplifiers – as are more commonly specified in entry-level amplifiers – power and refinement are palpable from the moment the music starts. Tone controls further enhance your listening experience giving subtle control of the frequency response and enable compensation for ‘difficult’ room acoustics. And for the true audiophile touch, they can be defeated using the Direct switch to ensure the shortest possible signal path. Indeed, the performance of every single component specified in the 350A has been maximised to the last degree by the engineers at Cambridge Audio’s London-based R&D centre to guarantee that every last drop of your music is realised. Connect just about anything! Just as importantly, in terms of connectivity, the 350A offers a plethora of inputs and outputs to accommodate sources of all types. iPods and MP3 players get the VIP treatment and can be connected directly to the front panel via a dedicated 3.5mm jack and matching source control. In addition, the supplied Navigator remote features iPod command codes enabling control of any iPod (except Shuffle) when connected to a suitable dock such as Cambridge Audio’s new iD50.
- Power Output: 45 watts (into 8 ohms)
- THD (unweighted): <0.02%@1kHz, 80% of rated power
- <0.15% 20Hz – 20kHz, 80% of rated power
- Inputs: 5 inputs, 1 Tape Input, ¼’’ headphone input, 3.5mm MP3 input
- Outputs: Speaker A & B outputs, 1 Record Output
- Frequency Response: (-1dB) 5Hz – 50kHz
- S/N ratio (ref 1w): >92dB (unweighted)
- Input Impedance: 47k ohms
- Max. Power Consumption: 320W
- Bass/Treble controls: Shelving, ultimate boost/cut +/-10dB @ 20Hz and +/-6dB @ 20kHz
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 86 x 430 x 340mm (3.4 x 16.9 x 13.4’’)
- Weight 6.0kg (13.2lbs)
- RRP: $449.00 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 14, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: Azur 350A, Cambridge Audio, Cambridge Audio Amplifier, Cambridge Audio Azur, Integrated Amplifier, Stereo Amplifer · Posted in: Amplifiers
Infinity Primus P362 Floorstanding Speakers
The one think I will say I immediately noticed about the Harman Infinity Primus P362 Speakers upon unpacking is just how solid and how much visual impact they have, I understand that looks are highly subjective but there is just something about the look of these things that I particularly like especially with the grills off they have a great aesthetic impact, shrinking violets they are not. The Infinity Primus P362s are 3 Way floorstanding models that are quite tall and slender but still manage to have a solidness and heft (weighing in at 48.5 pounds each) that makes them feel like you can rely on them, to my mind they have an excellent build quality.
The quality of the Infinity Primus P362s doesn’t stop there though, we tested a pair of the P362s in a simple stereo configuration with our Yamaha A-S500 Amplifier and found the bass to be excellent, these units can handle almost anything you throw at them bass wise without any need for a separate subwoofer, though Im pretty sure they will work extremely well in a full 7.1 AV speaker setup too. It seems to my mind that the much vaunted Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) technology employed in several of the current Harman speaker systems do sterling work here giving us a very accurate and well balanced midrange and extremely clear but in no way harsh top end.
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While in performance of acoustic music such as Kaki Kings “Legs to make us longer” the instrumentation is given space to truly sing but is also given appropriate power and heft, with heavier more beat oriented music the Infinity Primus P362s really made me smile, the timing and power of these speakers was extremely evident on Moderats Eponymous début album picking out detail that is not evident on other systems I have listened to the album on. The power handling on the was well up to any job I threw at them with the Yamaha with no distortion or sibilance being evident even at high levels of output, the P362s are built to handle 200 watts at 8 Ohms and worked nicely with the A-S500. If you are an electronica or EDM fan I’d suggest that these speakers will be right up your alley.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a pair of very solidly built “room feature” floorstanders a set of Infinity Primus P362 speakers will give you not only extremely solid performance and reliability (Did I say they really are build well?) but also incredible value for money. You can certainly compare the Infinity Primus P362s to speakers going for 2 to 3 times as much. You owe it to your ears to check these powerhouses out.
Manufacturers Details
The Primus P362 floorstanding speaker is the top of the Primus line. This 3-way model is magnetically shielded and utilizes Infinity’s proprietary Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) technology to deliver accurate performance with dramatically reduced distortion for incredibly lifelike sound.
Unlike the paper, polypropylene or Kevlar cones found in similarly priced speakers, Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) cones consist of a stiff aluminum core, anodized on both sides for increased strength and rigidity. The result is extremely fast, extremely accurate transducers, producing a distinctly cleaner, more realistic sound.
Frequency response: 38Hz – 20kHz
Recommended power amplifier range: 10 – 200 watts
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 93dB
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Crossover frequency(ies): 350Hz, 3,300Hz; 24dB/octave
Low-frequency driver: Dual 6-1/2-inch (165mm) MMD
Midrange driver: 4-inch (100mm) MMD
High-frequency driver 3/4″ (19mm) MMD
Dimensions: 39-1/4 x 8-1/4 x 13 inches (HxWxD)
Weight: 48.5 pounds
Finish: Black Wood-Grain Enclosure
RRP: $199 per speaker (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 9, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: Floorstanding Speakers, Infinity Primus P362, P362, Stereo Speakers · Posted in: Speakers
Denon DM38S
At HiFi Reviews we try to not only cover the top of the range and “hot topic” products that various manufacturers come out with month in month out but also try to have some focus on the normal home user aimed products. The Denon DM38S Micro AM/FM CD System is one example of such a product, squarely amide at the casual music fan it is what I would describe as a “top end compact” system. While generally products in the small boombox category tend to sacrifice both sonic & build quality in order to make a cheaper consumer level product the Denon DM38S makes very few of these such sacrifices.
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Ones first impressions of this unit is that is actually nicely compact but well designed and attractive. A simple and to the point front plate with all the usual controls and buttons with the added bonus of a single USB port to enable you to plug your iPod cable directly into the unit. The rear plate includes twin speaker outs (Plus subwooofer) AM/FM antenna in 2 sets of aux ins (1 with an associated dock control) and a single set of aux outs. All in all as much as can be expected on a unit this small and at this price point.
The stereo speakers supplied sport a single tweeter & woofer they are built very solidly and give the impression that can handle a bit of a bashing. The Denon DM38S can handle a reasonable level of power (60 watts @ 6 Ohms) and as such can provide very adequate sound levels in small to medium sized rooms. With this unit I found that there can be from time to time a minor amount of audible hiss in the circuits, but turning on Pure Direct sound mode removed this and produced an output with no discernible distortion or loss of sound quality. All in all I found the bass end to be quite controlled but still powerful and without any sense of boominess except at very high volume levels. The top end is nicely produced giving a well balanced overall tone to the unit, in all honesty the system is not going to win a shootout against a properly specified separates system but it can definitely stand up to anything in its class when it comes to sonic fidelity.
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The AM/FM reception on the Denon DM38S was solid even without a proper Ariel (of course this may vary dependent on the area you are in), the iPod docking was easy to set up and worked well with the DM38Ss remote allowing you to select tracks, fast forward and stop, etc all with minimal learning curve. One minor niggle was the fact that the iPod dock will not power your player when the Denon DM38S is turned off, this is a shame as it means you cant jut leave your iPod connected to the unit charging when it is turned off this is a shame and a bit of a silly oversight from Denon. That being said the Denon DM38S is actually a great bang for the buck halfway house between a “budget boombox” and a fully fledged separates system, if you are in the market for a radio/CD player with iPod compatibility this well worth taking a look at.
Manufacturers Description
Combining legendary Denon design concepts along with a European-engineered speaker system, the DM38S micro component music system is the ideal choice for listeners who demand superb musical performance and leading edge connectivity. This versatile compact music system is perfect for a bedroom, home office, business office or college dorm. The DM38S system is “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” featuring a USB input for direct digital connection of these devices. The front panel features a deluxe two line dot matrix fluorescent display, which provides clear indications of source and function status. The DM38S is can be used with optional ASD-11R, 51N and 51W iPod docks providing additional features. The systems built-in CD player features precision Burr-Brown audiophile D/A converters, and features CD-R and CD-RW disc playback compatibility, along with MP3 and WMA playback capability. The AM/FM tuner features 40 user presets for radio listening convenience. The unit is equipped with a convenient timer function, which can be easily set up for Once, Daily, and Sleep modes. The included remote control unit features ergonomically designed buttons, with logical groupings for easy use. The powerful 30-watt/channel amplifier section is backed by a robust power supply that features dual power transformers and features Denon’s simple and straight circuit design philosophy. A mono subwoofer pre-out jack is included. The powerful 5 inch woofer features Denon’s Double Layer convex cone technology, which provides deep bass and clear mid-range free of coloration caused by cone flex distortion, and also features air venting for optimum cooling during extended passages of high volume. The 1 inch soft dome tweeter features extended response to 40 kHz, along with wide dispersion and high power handling thanks to the advanced coil and dome air venting system. The DM38S is a compact system packed with performance, features and value.
- 30-Watt/channel power amp with minimalist high fidelity circuit design
- CD-R, CDR-W compatible, MP3 and WMA track playback capability
- iPod and iPhone direct connectivity via USB input
- Solidly built 120 mm D.D.L double-layered cone woofers and 25 mm soft dome tweeters.
- RRP: $399 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon)
March 7, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: Denon, Denon DM38S, DM38S, Micro Systems, Mini Hi Fi systems, Mini Systems · Posted in: Mini Systems
Onkyo TX-SR308
Onkyo have built up a reputation over the last few years for producing quality AV receivers at extremely good price points on working with the new Onkyo TX-SR308 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver over the last few months I’d have to say that they are onto yet another winner. The Onkyo TX-SR308 is aimed squarely at the lower end of the market for people who want a quality product and solid results but cannot afford to shell out $1000+ for one of the many top end onkyo receivers currently available.
To be fair receivers are to my mind what Onkyo does best. Their design teams have experience of building these products in spades (see the onkyo tx-sr608 or tx-nr808 as examples) and the expertise gained in designing these flagship models has certainly been applied and carried over into this much more affordable piece of kit.
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The TX-SR308 looks almost identical to the onkyo tx-sr608 in terms of its construction its faceplate and its styling. Onkyo receivers may not be the pettiest girl at the party but dammit if they aren’t reliable, solid and capable of doing almost anything you ask of them. The TX-SR308 is no exception to this. The knobs and switches all feel solid and reliable, the unit as a whole is well constructed and is more than capable of dealing with most day to day stresses you might but it under.
Performance wise the unit is very robust gives a clear and powerful sound (65 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms) with very decent audio and HD video performance. Ok so its not going to win Stereophile Receiver of the year in terms of audio clarity but if you want that you are looking at spending 5 to 10 times what you will be able to pick up the TX-SR308 for. The unit runs HDMI Version 1.4 which allows for 3D Video Format support, amongst its other features are HDMI 1.4 Audio Return Channel, Deep Color , x.v.Color , LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI 1.4 of which it has 3 Inputs and 1 Output. The TX-SR308 also sports two optical inputs, composite inputs, and several more options including a universal port for connection of the optional Onkyo dock for iPod or HD Radio Tuner.
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We found the setup for the TX-SR308 to be relatively easy with no real issues being evident in configuration, all the checkpoints you need are covered in the manual. As we have come to expect from Onkyo the core functionality of this unit gives a pretty rock solid performance in day to day use with all the formats we threw at it. If you are interested in the “bells & whistles” side of things then you might be a little less enthused. The extra sound modes/FX are not really up to scratch, the integration with other components can be a little awkward and will probably be best if you have a separate truly universal remote for using all your components together. Also the unit has no configuration leeway in terms of 5.1 sound handling you need to have a proper 5.1 speaker setup or you are not going to get the best from this unit.
In the end you need to decide what you are after, if you want a ton of extra functions, convertion options and so on then the Onkyo TX-SR308 is probably not the unit for you. But if you are after a solid 5.1 receiver that will do exactly what it says on the tin with quality sound & vision and at an amazing price point then the TX-SR308 is definitely a unit you should check out.
Manufacturers Description
At the budget-conscious end of the home entertainment spectrum, you’re looking to maximize performance and features without putting undue strain on your finances. Onkyo understands that, which is why they’ve redefined the entry-level A/V receiver with the high-value TX-SR308. Not only is it ready for the 3D video future thanks to its HDMI 1.4 specification, but it also handles high-definition lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS. Advanced A/V processing on a bedrock of classic Onkyo engineering is complemented by a bevy of convenient features like a new overlaid On-Screen Display for easy adjustment of settings, a Universal Port for single-cable connection of peripherals, and a front-panel audio input for direct connection of iPods and other MP3 players. With the TX-SR308, you get a simple but powerful home theater centerpiece that’s ready to drive the latest high-def entertainment sources available today and beyond.
HDMI allows you to connect your high-definition sources to the Onkyo TX-SR308 receiver HDMI® 1.4a Support for 3D Video and Audio Return Channel
The TX-SR308′s three HDMI inputs let you simultaneously connect high-def sources such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, and a cable/satellite tuner. As the latest version of this connector, HDMI 1.4a adds the exciting possibilities of 3D video and an Audio Return Channel. 3D video is the next big thing in home entertainment, with movie, game, and broadcast content on the increase and 3D-compatible HDTVs on the near horizon–the TX-SR308 gets you ready for this next generation of content at a surprising value.
The Latest Hi-Def Audio Decoders for Rich, Lifeike Movies and Music
The Onkyo TX-SR308 A/V receiver can decode Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audioâ„¢–two lossless formats that enable delivery of a bit-for-bit soundtrack identical to the studio master track. Previously available only on mid-range and high-end receivers, now you can take full advantage of your Blu-ray movies for a true cinematic audio experience. The TX-SR308 also handles Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audioâ„¢.
The TX-SR308′s overlaid graphical On-Screen Display makes changing the receiver settings more seamless than ever.
Changing your A/V receiver’s settings is now more seamless than ever, thanks to the TX-SR308′s new overlaid graphical On-Screen Display (OSD) feature. Simply press the Home button on the included remote controller, and semi-transparent graphical set-up menus appear overlaid on the video image you’re watching. This means you can adjust the settings immediately, without having to switch back and forth from a blank screen background.
The optional Onkyo UP-A1 dock for iPhone/iPod lets you connect directly to your TX-SR308 receiver Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for iPhone™/iPod® or HD Radio™ Tuner
A proprietary Universal Port located on the rear side of the Onkyo TX-SR308 lets you connect an optional UP-A1 Dock for iPhone/iPod or UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner (both sold separately). If you have both peripheral devices, they can easily be “daisy chained” via an input on the UP-HT1. A key advantage of the Universal Port is that it accepts video and audio signals through the same cable that sends a power supply from the receiver to the devices. Net result: more connectivity, less cable clutter.
Playback of Different Audio Sources in Two Different Zones
With Powered Zone 2, you can enjoy surround sound entertainment in the main room, while playing back a different stereo source in a second zone equipped with a pair of speakers. Alternatively, you can use the Zone 2 line out to send an unamplified audio signal to an amplifier (and speakers) in the second room.
Easily select from four different game modes for a more realistic audio experience
These four gaming modes create an audio experience with more realism and impact. You can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or RPG (Role Playing Game) modes to match your gaming content.
Onkyo’s Music Optimizer improves the quality of compressed audio siganls.
While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine on a portable digital player, the limitations of these compressed files can be exposed when played back through a home entertainment system. Onkyo has designed onboard Music Optimizer technology to improve the quality of compressed audio signals. Compressed music loses a substantial amount of bit information at higher frequencies, so the Music Optimizer technology works to overcome this limitation and enhance audio quality.
Onkyo’s Theater-Dimensional cicuitry lets you experience surround sound with as few as two speakers
Onkyo’s exclusive Theater-Dimensional circuitry takes the complexity out of conventional surround-sound set-ups and lets you experience the excitement of surround sound from as few as two ordinary speakers. Want more? Theater-Dimensional’s unique multi-speaker modes let you place up to five speakers conveniently by the TV, for the most realistic virtual-surround sound possible.
Remote Interactive over HDMI (RIHD)
Onkyo A/V receivers offer integrated system control with certain HDMI-compatible high-definition displays, DVD and hard-disk recorders, and Blu-ray Disc players. With one remote control, you can control functions such as Standby, Volume, and Direct Change.
Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices
If you have an iPod® or other MP3 player, you can connect it to the TX-SR308′s front panel for quick and convenient audio playback. Your player’s compressed digital music files can then receive a quality boost from the receiver’s Music Optimizer technology.
Product Description
At the budget-conscious end of the home entertainment spectrum, you’re looking to maximize performance and features without putting undue strain on your finances. At Onkyo, we get it. That’s why we’ve redefined the entry-level A/V receiver once more, with the high-value TX-SR308. Not only is it ready for the 3D video future—thanks to its HDMI 1.4 specification—but it also handles high-definition lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS. Advanced A/V processing on a bedrock of classic Onkyo engineering is complemented by a bevy of convenient features: a new overlaid On-Screen Display for easy adjustment of settings; a Universal Port for single-cable connection of peripherals; and a front-panel audio input for direct connection of iPods and other MP3 players. With the TX-SR308, you get a home theater centerpiece ready to drive the latest high-def entertainment sources, today and beyond.
RRP: $299 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
March 1, 2011
· Aiki · One Comment
Tags: 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver, Home Theater Receiver, Onkyo Receiver Review, Onkyo Receivers, Onkyo TX-SR308 · Posted in: Receivers
Sonos Play 5 Wireless Internet Music Player
At first glance the Sonos Play:5 Wireless Internet Music Player could be mistaken for a slightly odd looking speaker, often found completely on its own in a room seemingly not connected to anything except a power socket and perhaps an Ethernet cable. The Sonos S5 is kind of hard to review as there isn’t much out there to compare it with, its a device that is pretty much in a class of its own both in terms of definition and the quality of the results we achieved with it.
Ok so what is this thing? Basically the  Play:5 is a wireless standalone internet & streaming media system with 5 built in quality speakers. It packs into one small form factor all the kit you need to stream music from the internet or any network attached device in your house whether that be a computer or other networked storage.
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Now as Ive already said when you first look at the Sonos S5 you might be a bit confused, where are the buttons & switches? Where the hell is the play button & tuning knob? Well the only controls you will see on the Sonos Play 5 are the volume +/- and mute buttons on the units top, everything (and I do mean everything) else is controlled wirelessly via the various supplied apps and software, yes that’s right with the Sonos Play 5 “theres an app for that”. The unit comes with a CD to install controller software on your PC or Mac, there are also apps available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and android based smart phones to control & configure the S5.
Looks wise the device itself is actually very minimalist in design, simple but not unattractive. Its also nicely compact about the same size as a standard boom box style radio (8.50 x 14.40 x 4.80 in.) and weighs in at about 9lbs, it can easily sit on a table, kitchen work surface or window sill. Now just because this thing is compact doesnt mean that it sacrifices on sound quality contained within its small frame you’ll find a 5-driver speaker system (2x tweeters, 2x Mid range cones & 1 woofer) each speaker has its own dedicated digital amplifier which helps keep the sound of the Sonos Play 5 both lively and clean. We found ist overall sound extremely easy to liten to and engaging if perhaps ever so slightly “upfront” for some. The one minor flaw with the Play 5 system is of course the lack of stereo wideness. Sonos being the forward looking company that they are have thought of this and will allow you to configure a pair of Play 5s to work as a stereo couple, ingenious.
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Now on to configuration &control. Ok so obviously the ideal set-up for using the Sonos Play 5 is in a wirelessly networked environment, the play 5 will pick up your router signal and once you use the config section of the app to set any network security key you might have, we found the unit was pretty much 100% plug and play. During our testing we had no problem accessing pretty much any radio station that has an internet presence, using pandora, last.fm & Spotify or streaming media from various computers. All in all I found the ease of configuration and quality of results for streaming media with the Sonos Play 5 to be exemplary. The menus are well thought out and take very little getting used to, the guys at Sonos obviously spent a long time getting this stuff right and I for one thank them for it.
We didn’t test the Play 5 in conjunction with other Sonos products but apparently it is fully compatible with al their existing gear and can be configured to to work with pieces like the ZonePlayer120 and Zonebridge or Sonos Controller 200 with ease. In terms of further extensibility the Sonos S5 also has a rear panel that supports 2x Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or additional network device such as a network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Ther is also a rear mounted headphone socket (plugging into this mutes the Play 5s speakers) and a 3,5mm (1/8″) stereo audio in for connecting other audio devices that you cannot stream music wirelessly from.
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Conclusions? Well after using the Sonos Play 5 for the last month or so I can say that not only did this little piece of kit exceed my expectations both sonically and in terms of functionality, its also extremely easy to use & super convenient. I would be loathe to loose the S5, in fact so much so that Im thinking of buying another one for use in the bedroom. Sonos are on to a real winner here. Highly recommended & very cool.
Manufacturers Description
Wirelessly play any song, in any room. With the Sonos Play 5 wireless music system you can enjoy unlimited music from iTunes and the Internet all over your house. And you can control it all right from your iPhone® or iPad™. No computer or docking required.
Superior sound, fill a room or the whole house. The Play 5 delivers crystal-clear, room-filling sound that rivals much larger, more complicated audio equipment.
5-driver speaker system individually powered by 5 dedicated digital amplifiers for room-filling sound. 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and 1 bass driver for accurate tonal balance, deep bass and crystal clear sound. All digital architecture for precise sound reproduction
Adjustable bass and treble controls for optimal sound performance
Manufacturers Details
- 5 integrated speakers powered by 5 digital amps for room-filling sound
- Unlimited music, wirelessly play iTunes, free Internet radio, Pandora, Napster and more
- Wireless control with free apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
- Simple setup and wireless expandability to play different songs in different rooms
- Requires high-speed Internet connection and wireless router
- RRP: $399.00 (Check Amazon For Current Pricing )
February 22, 2011
· Aiki · 3 Comments
Tags: Internet Music Player, play:5, Sonos, Sonos play:5, Sonos S5, Wireless · Posted in: Digital HiFi Systems