http://www.ecoustics.com/latest/reviews Latest product reviews, updated every five minutes http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/velodyne-deq-15r If you are anything like me, you've got Velodyne envy. If you don't have one, you want one. Even if you have a sub you are happy with, there is always that nagging question in the back of your mind? "What would a Velodyne sound like in my room?" There is no doubt that the Velodyne DEQ-15R delivers the bass. While the DEQ-15R may not do everything quite right, it certainly has enough going for it that I don't mind giving it a very strong recommendation. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:10:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/elemental-designs-a7s-650 When you are a company known for outrageously large subwoofers, you have to do something to expand your market base. The answer - vertical integration. Elemental Designs latest subwoofer offerings have had one thing in common - they are tall. The newest in the line is the A7s-650. This A7s-650 features two forward firing 13" drivers in an enclosure that only takes up a 16" square floor space but stands 38" tall and dips down to 16Hz. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:35:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/intimus-5b There is little not to like about the Intimus 5B bookshelf speaker system. The Intimus 5Bs have the ability to disappear into a room thanks to their excellent imaging capabilities and very detailed open sound. Aperion Audio proved in droves that they could combine great sound, aesthetics (score one for the wives) and build quality into a compact package that most budding audiophiles can afford. Their masterfully executed fit and finish of the cabinetry make these pieces of furniture that just happen to sound really good. Mated with a powered subwoofer, you?ve got audiophile performance and aesthetics on the cheap. Considering their very liberal return policy, FREE 30 day home trail program and FREE shipping (both ways) I can?t say anything else other than ?highly recommended!? Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:56:19 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/satellite/samsung-ht-bd3252 Samsung is definitely looking for a specific customer with the HT-BD3252. With limited inputs and outputs, we're betting this package will be a great add-on to a display sale. The WiFi, Netflix and Pandora streaming, USB port, network streaming, iPod support, and auto calibration should make your first time buyer (providing they have the right display) very happy. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:55:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lg-bg390-wi-fi-netflix Network video and downloadable content seems to be catching on, and companies like LG Electronics are bringing it to consumers in droves through the use of BD Profile 2.0 players like the BD390. What sets this player apart, however is the integration of wireless n technology which means that users can cut the hard line and enjoy Netflix, YouTube and CinemaNow movies with simple wireless connectivity. Don't think this is a big deal? Consider that 4 out of the top 5 television manufacturers are now integrating Netflix and other streaming video technologies into their newest sets. With a product like the LG BG390, now you can bring that same functionality to your existing flat screen television while also playing back standard DVD?s and Blu-ray discs - all from one machine. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/boston-acoustics-vs-344 The new Boston VS 344 floorstanding speakers are $1250 each and feature a much slimmer design from its bigger brother. Sporting five 4.5" drivers and a 1" tweeter, the speaker only stands 44" tall and a bit over 5" wide. Sporting five 4.5" drivers and a 1" tweeter, the Boston VS 344 only stands 44" tall and a bit over 5" wide. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/satellite/vizio-vsb210ws-sound-bar-wireless-subwoofer A good deal; Americans are crazy for them. Waiting in line three days at an IKEA store for a free chair; bogo sales; no interest for 90 days; no payments till 2075; we can't get enough. "Recession proof" stores are successful because the stores provide a good deal. The Wal-Marts, Targets, Rooms to Go's, etc. prey on the American dream of getting the deal of a lifetime. Good deal or not, if America believes they are getting a deal, the product will be successful. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:44:47 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/logitech-360-degree-speaker-systems Logitech may just be one of the first speakers many people buy. Why? Because they are attached to their computer. The name is practically synonymous with computer peripherals and control devices. The three new speaker system offerings are the Z320, Z523, and the Z520. The claim to fame with these new speakers is an open back design which is supposed to provide a 360 degree sound experience. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/eq-2-review The last several years have seen an increase of the number of options for room equalization at bass frequencies available to consumers. Following up on my A7S-450 review, I was asked to review an external parametric equalizer that Elemental Designs (eD) sells alongside its subwoofers. The eQ.2, can be purchased separately or as a bundle with one of the eD?s subwoofers at a slightly reduced price. The eQ.2 represents a usable parametric EQ solution but with some caveats. It is inexpensive and functional, but it is bare bones basic. For someone on a tight budget or the DIY types, the eQ.2 will certainly do the trick provided you take the time to set it up properly as I instruct in this review. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:21:12 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/cables/atlona-technologies-hdair-usb-to-hdmi-wirelessly The Atlona Technologies HDAiR is a wireless USB to HDMI or VGA adapter designed to bring your computer content directly to your home theater without the hassle of wires. The HDAiR is capable of transmitting up to 720p resolutions 30 ft via a UWB signal. The downside? No audio. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:55:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/cables/monoprice-component-hdmi-converter With changing technology, people often come up with problems that require very specialized solutions. If you need a product like the Monoprice Component & S/PDIF Digital Coax/Optical Toslink Audio to HDMI Converter, you really need it. While the unit isn't without its quirks, it does perform (mostly) as advertised. If you're tired of having to switch inputs on your display but don't want to upgrade your TV/receiver, the Component & S/PDIF Digital Coax/Optical Toslink Audio to HDMI Converter might be just what you're looking for. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:20:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v1065-receiver The RX-V1065 is one of the newer receivers out of the AV giant and is retailing for just under a grand. There is no doubt that the Yamaha RX-V1065 is packed full of features. The problem is that the features on the most part aren't all that new. Over the previous Yamaha offerings you are gaining a brand new GUI which may help simplify user interaction (something that is probably a selling point for your family more than for you), some album art/information display, and an HDMI input. The question is, does the RX-V1065 have enough of what you want? Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:16:13 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/krk-rokit-powered-6-10s While KRK may not be a well known name in the world of home theater, they do have a reputation in the studio market. One of the dangers of getting involved in home theater and high fidelity is that you become incapable (or at least unwilling) to tolerate poor sound - even in your office. Overall, I was extremely impressed with the overall performance of the KRK Systems Rokit 6's. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with the system as a whole. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:30:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/headphones/altec-lansing-backbeat-pro-earphones Altec Lansing has been known as a manufacturer of both pro audio and consumer audio loudspeakers and equipment for many years. Purchased by Plantronics in 2005, Altec Lansing's pro line develops such products as powered speakers, ceiling speakers and full-range speakers. Their consumer line, under which fall their Backbeat line of earphones, includes comprehensive line of headphones, computer speakers and home audio products. We were interested to see that they extended their Backbeat line of earphones to include a new ?Pro? line that promises musician-quality earphones that will satisfy professionals and consumers alike. I know a lot of musicians ? many of whom aren't even deaf yet ? so I set out at once to see if these earphones were a marked improvement and worth their $99 asking price. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:26:39 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/receivers/yamaha-neohd-media-controllers Yamaha has been seemingly trying to reinvent itself recently. While the MusicCAST2 may not have been very innovative (as it took many of its cues from its competitors), the new neoHD Media Controllers are showing us innovation that we wouldn't have expected. While the new Media Controllers share the same styling as the MusicCAST2, they are essentially receivers. Audioholics may recognize them as the beginnings of a Home Theater in a Box package, but their innovative interface may just revolutionize how we interact with our gear. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:35:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/receivers/integra-dtr-30-1-20-1 Integra, the high end arm of Onkyo, has introduced two new AV receivers that are both price conscious and aimed squarely at custom installers. The two new models are the DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 and are 7.2 and 5.2 channels respectively. What makes them perfect for custom installers are bi-directional RS-232 and Ethernet ports for third party control systems, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:25:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/receivers/pioneer-elite-sc-27-25-vsx-21txh-23txh Pioneer is making four new additions to their Elite receivers with the introduction of the SC-27, SC-25, VSX-23TXH, and VSX-21TXH. With such features as ICEPower amplification, Internet streaming, iPhone control, and lots more, Pioneer is looking to entice you to upgrade whether you are ready to or not. With prices ranging from $700 to $2000, there certainly is something for everyone in this new group of offerings from Pioneer. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:25:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/furniture/speaker-and-display-mounts/auton-1001-lcd-motorized-projector-lift You've already purchased your front projection system and all your components, and now you're left with a daunting task. How do you mount the projector, without hearing an earful from your significant other; or in this case, in a conference room with a commercial drop-ceiling? Many mounts and stands can be not-so-appealing to the female eye, such as a pole dropping from the ceiling, a stand behind the couch, or a box sitting on the conference room table. You ask yourself: does visual perfection really have to come at such a price? Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:28:30 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/acoustics/gik-acoustics-screen-panel GiK Acoustics has been one of the most popular online dealers of room acoustics for their quality products at no-nonsense pricing. They've consistently met and exceeded their customer's needs by providing products that they often didn't even know that they needed. Once again they are doing the same with the introduction of their new Screen Panel. Obviously designed for a studio setting, we think there are more than one Audioholic that would be interested. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:45:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/transports/cd-players/marantz-sa-ki-pearl-sacd Marantz's high end offerings have impressed us in the past. The new line gets away from the unique gold styling that so caught our eye for the more traditional black with blue lights that has been adopted by just about everyone. According to Marantz, they have a "silk-black" finish but that may not be enough to have this gear stand out. The SA-KI Pearl SACD Player is a $3,000 unit that can play stereo SACDs, CD, and CD-R/RW and is compatible with CD-DA, MP3, and WMA files. Of course, the unit is completely overbuilt but is it enough to justify the cost? Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:50:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/satellite/boston-acoustics-soundware-xs In this economy, everyone is looking for a deal. There are also people that are that looking for big sound out of small speakers. While the first is relatively easy to find, the second is pretty much impossible. Boston Acoustics is taking their stab at it with their new SoundWare XS 5.1 Surround Speaker System. Available in black and white, the speaker system is designed to be shelf, wall or corner mounted. At just about a 4" cube, the system should have little problem blending into the background. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:40:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/snell-lcr7-xl The LCR7 XLs are one of their premier speakers that feature a design by Snell Chief Engineer Joe D?Appolito memorializing the 30th anniversary of Snell Acoustics. Utilizing a D'Appolito array (or Mid-Tweet-Mid, MTM for short, design) and the renown SEAS XL drivers, the LCR7 XL represent the pinnacle of what you can achieve through components and experience. At $6000 a pair, they certainly seem to be sparing no expense. Performance-wise, they are tops with a fantastically clear high end and nearly limitless power handling. These are speakers you can drive practically until your amp gives out since they seem to have no real upper limit. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:40:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/altec-lansing-expressionist-plus-fx3021 Marketing drivel aside, the Expressionist PLUS system looks to be a very interesting "add on" speaker system for your next desktop purchase. At only $99, no one is expecting the moon here. The looks alone will sell a lot of systems. Altec Lansing historically has made very decent speaker systems. TheExpressionist PLUS should prove to be no different. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:25:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/digital-media-servers/yamaha-musiccast2 The new MusicCAST2 introduces a completely new MusicCAST system redesigned from the ground up. The system consists of three different products, the MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander remote, the MCX-P200 Pre-amp Network Music Player, and the MCX-A300 Amplified Network Music Player. It gives you access to Rhapsody, Internet radio, or tracks stored on your computer (up to 16 on a network), USB sticks, and Bluetooth devices (with additional BlueTooth receiver). iTunes is supported as well as MP3, WMA (no lossless or PRO), AAC (no Apple lossless or FairPlay DRM), FLAC and WAV audio files. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:20:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/ah/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/jl-audio-f110 The JL Audio Fathom f110 may be small in size, but its not lacking in the performance department. While there are certainly much larger subs from other brands at the same price or less, you will be hard pressed to find all of the performance attributes the f110 has to offer in such a compact box. Not once did I find the f110s output lacking as they were always able to rattle my walls and shake my couches when the source material required it. It?s clear to me that JL Audio is as serious about high fidelity in the home environment as they have been in mobile audio since their inception. Bassaholics rejoice as JL Audio has produced a reference level product that will thump, and thump well, without requiring a refrigerator sized box that you neither have the space nor the accepting wife to accommodate. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:16:33 -0400