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
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Aiki · 
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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 dĂ©but 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 Audio™–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 Audio™.
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
Marantz CD5004 CD Player
What can one say about the Marantz CD5004 that hasn’t already been said by other commentators? I have to admit that while I do tend to like the sound quality that comes with Marantz upper end models I do tend to have a problem with their look. The Marantz CD5004 while solid and with a good feeling of durability about its face plate components & connectors still to my mind is a bit “fussy” and is slightly retro but cant really decide if it wants to look modern or more traditional. I guess its a matter of opinion kind of thing. For me Marantz components are not to my liking in terms of appearance, but maybe they are for you?
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Anyway regardless of the units aesthetic qualities the real test of any such unit must of course be its audio, I’m glad to say that on this count the Marantz CD5004 does not disappoint. It to my ears is extremely transparent with a very good and highly listenable high end. The headphone circuit is extremely good for direct listening very smooth and listening in this fashion makes you realise just how good this units sound staging is, precise and wide but never in an abrupt or artificial way. If I had to describe the general results I got from the CD5004 they could be summed up as detailed yet extremely musical. The supplied remote is decent enough and allows easy access to all major functions. Over all this unit definitely punches well above its weight and for $350 you’ll be hard pressed to find anything in this price range that sounds as good, just a shame about the face plate really.
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Manufacturers Description
High Performance Audio High quality film capacitors are used in the audio signal path for superior transient speed and better bass response. The CD5004 utilizes our Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module, or HDAM, at critical analog circuit junctions to insure smooth and ultra-fast signal transfer from one stage to another. The D/A converters themselves come from Cirrus Logic. Yes, we’ve used them before but only in far more expensive products such as our THX-certified DV8400 DVD player; so we know they’re good. In fact, they’re capable of handling high definition audio data streams (DSD and 24-bit/192 kHz PCM signals) without losing their composure. You might think they’re a bit of overkill for CD reproduction. But you’ll know better once you hear the CD5004. For private listening, a current-buffer headphone amplifier is included for extraordinary sound quality. It’s no secret that audiophiles want everything just as it was recorded. If you’re of that persuasion, you’ll really appreciate the CD5004’s selectable Audio EX mode. Audio EX bypasses the pitch control, mutes the digital output, and shuts the FL display off completely. With those three potential noise sources eliminated, you’ll be able to hear everything just as the artists intended.
Connections Connecting the CD5004 to the rest of your system is easy, even if you choose high performance cables. For one thing, the gold-plated output terminals are widely spaced so they won’t cramp heavy duty connectors. And the terminals are chassis-mounted so they’ll take the strain of audiophile interconnects. For custom installation demands, the CD5004 has a detachable AC cord and a flasher input jack for remote control ease.
Convenience You’ll also be interested to know that the CD5004 plays more than just conventional CDs. It’s ready for CD-R and CD-RW discs with MP3 and WMA files, too. So you can listen to your favorite playlists with full CD convenience. In addition to all the information you need to locate and enjoy your favorite passages, the high density fluorescent display also shows CD Text. Simply press the remote’s TEXT button to see the album title, track title, artist and composer name, etc. If you’re a musician, the word “tuning” probably causes a grimace. That’s because it’s often very difficult to play along with a disc because of pitch differences between it and an instrument. The CD5004 offers an easy solution to that dilemma, a pitch adjustment that “retunes” the disc so you don’t have to retune your guitar or anything else you’re playing! And this pitch adjustment is perfect for slowing down those hard-to-learn riffs that can make or break a performance. Don’t forget the CD5004’s Quick Replay feature either. Just push a remote control button and the CD5004 instantly “backs up” anywhere from 5 to 60 seconds (your choice) and begins playing again. So if you didn’t catch that riff the first time, you can quickly hear it again.
Product Description
Analog audio circuits featuring HDAM-SA2, High performance Cirrus Logic stereo D/A converter, Current-buffered headphone output, Audio EX mode for super-quiet performance, MP3/WMA playback capability, Variable pitch control, Adjustable Quick Replay, CD-Text, MP3/WMA tag data display, Independent gold plated analog output jacks, IR Flasger Input, IEC type detachable power code
Manufacturers Specifications
Playback Formats CD, CD-R/-RW (CD-DA/MP3/WMA)
Random/Repeat Play Yes
Recording Edit Mode Yes
AMS (Auto Music Scan) Mode Yes
Peak Search Yes
Disc Changeable In Play
Pitch Control Yes
Headphone level Control Yes
AUDIO IN/OUTPUTS
Headphone Out 1
Analog L&R Out Independent Gold Plated RCA: 1pair
Digital Optical Out TOSLINK: 1
Digital Coaxial Out Gold plated RCA: 1
External control (RS232C) Flasher In x1
D-Bus Remote (RC-5) In/Out 1/1
AUDIO SECTION
Format 16-Bit Linear PCM, MP3, WMA
Sampling Frequency CD:44.1kHz, MP3/WMA:32,44.1,48kHz
Dynamic Range 100dB
Frequency response 2Hz – 20kHz
THD 0.002%
S/N Ratio 110dB
Other
Remote Control Device Remote integrated Marantz amp. basic control function
Power Requirement AC 120V 60Hz
Power Consumption 14W (Standby: 0.4W)
Dimensions W x H x D (Inchs) 17-5/16 x 4-1/8 x 13-3/8
Weight (lbs) 11.2
RRP: $349.99 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon)
February 11, 2011
· Aiki · 4 Comments
Tags: CD Player, Marantz CD Players, Marantz CD5004, Marantz CD5004 CD Player · Posted in: CD Players
Sony ss-f6000 Speakers
Here at HiFi reviews we try to not only cover the latest and greatest top end stuff but also the more reasonably priced and neophyte friendly gear for the average consumer with that in mind we were glad to take receipt of a pair of brand spanking new Sony ss-f6000 Floorstanding Speakers to put on test early in the new year. The first impression you get is that the ss-f6000 stand actually quite tall coming to about waist height (38 inches) when floor mounted, some users may like to put the ss-f6000s on some risers depending on the eventual listening position they will be taking.
With the grills on the sony ss-f6000s are actually quite simple in look, squared off and minimalist in appearance removing the grills makes them far more attractive to my mind displaying the business end of these babys. On display you get a black 2.5cm tweeter and then an 8cm Kevlar mid top cone and two 16cm cones one for mid bass and then the woofer, these three sporting a rather nice looking white ringed cone section. All of these components look attractive and feel solid.
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Once I hooked up and calibrated the ss-f6000s, I found that sony speakers gave me far better quality than one can reasonably expect for the price being paid. It really does seem that the quality of components at this price level is consistently creeping up year on year. The results I obtained from Blu-ray, DVD, and from my Logitech Squeezebox Touch were all universally excellent.
The ss-f6000s could be said to have a clear, and well balanced but quite rich sound. Occasionally on “sharper” passages of music the can be ever so slightly bright, but never to the point of annoyance and nothing that 1 or 2 dB of EQ cut in the 4kHz range couldn’t sort out. They can also handle a solid amount of power (180w @ 8 Ohms) though at extremely high volumes the ss-f6000s lost their control a little, but to be honest this is as much as can be expected for such a budget set of speakers. I found the bass end was quite controlled and not insubstantial, if you are going to deploy these as part of a normal mid range stereo system then you are very likely to be able to get away without a separate sub woofer. Though I would still probably suggest one as part of an AV surround system.
In summation if you are in the market for a decent quality budget pair of 4 way bass reflex speakers that can handle a hell of a lot of power the Sony ss-f6000s are a great choice and In my estimation are quite capable of outperforming some speakers that have double the RRP.
Manufacturers Details
SS-F6000 speakers
Speaker Type 4 Way magnetically Shielded
Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex
Woofer: 16 cm, cone type
Woofer: 16 cm, cone type
Midrange: 8 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 2.5 cm, balanced dome type
Power Handling: 180 w @ 8 ohms
Freq response: 40hz – 50,000hz
Weight:12.2kg
Dimensions: Â 215 x 950 x 260.5 mm
List Price: $250.00 (Check Amazon for Current Pricing)
February 3, 2011
· Aiki · 3 Comments
Tags: Floorstanding Speakers, Sony ss-f6000, Speaker Reviews, Speakers · Posted in: Speakers
Onkyo TX-SR608 Receiver Review
The Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver is amongst Onkyos more recent efforts in the entry level AV receiver market, and while this bit of kit may be classed as “Entry Level” features and quality wise it is far from it. The Onkyo TX-SR608 has become a very common site in just about any AV vendors show rooms and with good reason, it is an extremely good model for all but the most demanding consumer.
Looks wise the TX-SR608 is pretty much what we’ve come to expect from onkyo receivers, slightly blocky in look with a simple but ergonomically sound front plate and a solid and trustworthy feel to the enclosure itself. Connections wise the unit is very well specified for something in the entry level price range. I/O includes basic Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (1 Front/5 Rear Inputs and 1 Output), HDTV-Capable (720p/1080i) Component Video Switching (2 Inputs and 1 Output), Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices, Front-Panel Auxiliary A/V Input 4 Digital Inputs (2 Optical and 2 Coaxial), 4 A/V Inputs and 1 Output, Video Output (Monitor), 2 Audio Inputs, Color-Coded, Banana Plug-Compatible Speaker Posts a Headphone Jack and finally a universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for iPhone™/iPod® or DAB+ Radio Tuner. Now as I see it this is a serious amount of I/O, some oversights on the Onkyo TX-SR608 are that this model doesn’t support Ethernet, USB or Bluetooth, but I really think that these are niggles rather than genuine complaints for a unit at this price range.
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Onkyo have also made this unit pretty easy to get to grips with in my opinion, considering the plethora of available features. If you like to tweak things you will not be disappointed, but at the same time you never feel like you might need a doctorate in astrophysics to get to grips with it, the nicely designed setup and configuration menus see to that. The audio handling and playback quality is extremely good on the TX-SR608 some nice features include volume control handling which stops you getting blasted form your seat when you first turn the unit on and also the unit s maximum volume and Audyssey Dynamic Volume settings which ensure you get a pleasant and listenable experience throughout your film or program without having to constantly adjust settings to make voices easy to hear or stop loud music passages drowning out other parts of the audio track. The units handling of HD audio is extremely good and during my testing I was constantly surprised at just how much presence it had, a couple of times having to remind myself that this is a sub $500 unit. All in all sonically very adept and as good as many older units with almost double the list price.
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I found the video imaging on the TX-SR608 to very capable, bright and realistic, sharp as one needs and with very solid blacks and darker hues where needed. One or two other observers have said that they have seen occasional frame drops when handling 1080p 24fps sources but this is not something I experienced during testing, never the less if you are a plasma owner perhaps testing this unit with a similar screen before purchase would be advisable. All in all I was very happy with this units performance and would happily recommend it to anyone in the market for a sub $500 unit.
Manufacturers Details
Product Features
100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 HzÂż20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
THX Select2 Plus Certified
HDMI (Version 1.4 to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel) with Deep Color, x.v.Color, LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (1 Front/ 5 Rear Inputs and 1 Output)
ADVANCED FEATURES
THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified
HDMI® (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel) with Deep Color™, x.v.Color™, LipSync, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio™, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Multichannel PCM, and CEC
Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio™, Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio™ Decoding
HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema™
Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz for New Surround Channels
Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-Bit DACs (PCM1690) for All Channels
Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry
Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology
Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction
Audyssey Dynamic Volume™
Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ for Loudness Correction
Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room
Overlaid Graphical On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI
2 Parallel Subwoofer Pre Outs
Analog RGB Video Input (D-sub, 15 pin) for PC
AMPLIFIER FEATURES
160 W/Ch at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven, IEC
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
High-Current Low-Impedance Drive
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
Bi-Amping Capability
PROCESSING FEATURES
Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
4 DSP Modes for Gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG (Role Playing Game)
Music Optimizer™ for Compressed Digital Music Files
Pure Audio Mode
Direct Mode
Double Bass Function
Non-Scaling Configuration
A-Form Listening Mode Memory
Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround Function
CONNECTION FEATURES
Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for iPhone™/iPod® or DAB+ Radio Tuner
Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (1 Front/5 Rear Inputs and 1 Output)
HDTV-Capable (720p/1080i) Component Video Switching (2 Inputs and 1 Output)
Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices
Front-Panel Auxiliary A/V Input
4 Digital Inputs (2 Optical and 2 Coaxial)
4 A/V Inputs and 1 Output
Video Output (Monitor)
2 Audio Inputs
Color-Coded, Banana Plug-Compatible Speaker Posts
Headphone Jack
OTHER FEATURES
Crossover Adjustment (40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz)
A/V Sync Control Function (Up to 200 ms in 10 ms Steps)
Tone Control (Bass/Treble) for Front L/R Channels
Display Dimmer (Normal/Dim/Dimmer)
Sleep Timer (via Remote)
Battery-Free Memory Backup
RDS (PS/RT/PTY/TP)
40 FM/AM Random Presets
RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) for System Control
Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for iPod
Preprogrammed RI Remote Control
List Price: $599.00 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon
January 11, 2011
· Aiki · 3 Comments
Tags: Onkyo, Onkyo Home Theater, Onkyo Receiver Review, Onkyo Receivers, Onkyo TX-SR608 · Posted in: Receivers
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones Review (250 Ohm)
Beyerdynamic have long been thought of as one of the top manufacturers of audiophile headphones for the discerning pro and home user, the DT990s have been getting universally positive reviews since their release so I was happy to get my hands on a pair for a short hands on test recently. The set I got lent were nicely pre burnt in pair of the 250 Ohm version. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium headphones are also available in 32 Ohm & 300 Ohm configurations. I was informed that “I need to try these out” by my good friend Tom Atkins who has been using them for the last 6 months or so. He rates them highly and almost thrust them upon me to have a listen, I have to say I’m really glad he did. So what can I say about the DT990 Premiums? We lets just say that after a couple of weeks with them I’m very impressed though after seriously considering retiring my Sennheiser HD-280 Pros and getting a pair for my own home studio work I have decided that they are possibly too bass heavy for mix work.
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Having said that this is not because the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premiums are in any way sub par, no not at all for a home hifi user the DT 990s can be considered an unmitigated success. They are to my mind extremely comfortable and easy to wear pair of open back cans. They are in fact very listenable, smooth and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, The classic EQ smile curve is evident in the sonic profile of these cans and as such I would recommend them for those who quite like a slight bump in the bass and top end of their signal. The mid range is smoothe, dynamic and extremely easy to listen to, I never experienced any listening fatigue or sense of “unreality” from the mid range. The 990s are sonically a very pleasurable experience.
The stereo field of these headphones is quite incredible with an amazing level of detail in the stereo positioning of instrumentation. Each instrument gets a very impressive and solid positioning with the listener getting a powerful sense of where they are in the mix. The overall sound is extremely natural and smooth feeling though with a slight amount of over accentuation from time to time in the upper mids.
All in all I would highly recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones to anyone who wants a very strong contender for best in class home user headphones, with the caveat that they are not quite flat enough in response for pro audio mixing or mix testing. you will be hard pressed to get much better for under $500. In a word I would call the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones “Immersive”.
Manufacturers Details
The famous DT 990 Premium, 250 ohm version; Stereo Headphone excellent open ear design, true sound reproduction
Made in Germany, innovative “Bass reflex” system for excellent audio performance
Open design, includes carry case, 11 oz light weight
Gold vaporized stereo 3.5 mm mini-jack & 6.35 mm adapter included
2 year warrangty serviced in the U.S.
List Price $349.00 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon)
December 20, 2010
· Aiki · No Comments
Tags: Beyerdynamic, Beyerdynamic DT 990, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Headphones, Headphones · Posted in: Headphones