Soundmatters, inc.s FULLstageHD Virtual Surround System

San Francisco, CA, August 23, 2005 — Citing growing demand for simple, yet high-performance speaker systems that offer full-bandwidth sonics without the clutter of home-theater-in-a-box products, soundmatters, inc. today announced it will soon ship the FULLstageTMHD high-definition virtual surround system, comprised of the company’s MAINstageTMHD multi-speaker digital console and ultra-stealth SUBstageTM100 flatmagicTM active subwoofer.

According to Lee Adams, Vice President of Marketing for the company, soundmatters’ FULLstageTMHD (system SRP: $649.00) system is designed to give users and installers an easy-to-implement, high performance, virtual surround system from two stealth cabinets.

“Whether it’s for a primary audio system or a limited space environment like a bedroom or dorm room, consumers continually ask for a high-fidelity home theater system that can be heard, not seen,” said Adams. “Even the newest HTIB systems rarely offer decent sound, and almost always require lots of wiring. FULLstageTMHD is our solution for consumer who high-definition virtual surround without having to look at unsightly boxes and cables.”

Added Adams: “soundmatters pioneered the single-box virtual surround category when we first introduced the original MAINstageTM back in 2003. We still hear from legions of end-users who are thrilled to get full bandwidth frequency response from such a sleek, barely noticeable cabinet.

“FULLstageTMHD goes even further with the addition of a new High Definition version of MAINstage, coupled with a companion stealth subwoofer that allows the system to reach down to 35Hz — a remarkable accomplishment when you consider the sub’s enclosure is slightly bigger than a shoebox.”

Featuring Revolutionary flatmagicTM SUBstageTM100 for Full Bodied Bass
The new SUBstageTM100 features a radically thin footprint that complements current trends in flat panel television displays while providing deep, resonant bass response down to 35Hz.

While designed by audio legend and company founder Dr. Godehard Guenther to be hidden under or behind furniture, hung on a wall, or out on display, the SUBstage boasts a timeless, classic appearance that blends with any decor. The compact steel enclosure, which measures 4.05″ x 16.7″ x 8″ (H/W/D), utilizes patent-pending flat-magic technology to create internal pressure so high that it seamlessly couples the spiderless, dual neodymium magnet, 6.25″ extreme-energyTM driver with two 5.5″ x 6.5″ “moving walls,” effectively creating a single 14″ piston.

The SUBstageTM100 is powered by a highly efficient, 100-watt Class D amplifier. For additional output or to smooth out room anomalies, the SUBstage can be daisy-chained to create either a multi-location system or a bass board of SUBstage units along a floor or wall, with every doubling of modules increasing the capacity by +6dB. The SUBstage’s patented driver is magnetically shielded to allow its placement in direct proximity of a video or computer monitor.

MAINstageTMHD — Upgraded Speakers, Plus Improved Vocal Clarity
As the heart of the FULLstageHD system, MAINstageHD is a hi-fi theater console with upgraded speakers and twice the power of the acclaimed MAINstage, featuring improved power and sound quality commensurate with its new HD moniker, while maintaining the diminutive footprint of its predecessor.

MAINstageHD’s integrated digital amplifier reaches 80 Watts RMS for a stronger dynamic range and broader deeper 3-dimensional image. Signal-to-noise ratio is improved as well, with 20dB less noise. Additionally, soundmatters’ newly updated patented dual-core, dual-neodymium Linear Magnetic Drive extreme energyTM speakers are utilized for greater clarity and sonic definition. Also unique to the MAINstageHD is soundmatters’ proprietary Dialog+ circuit, which enhances dialog and vocal clarity for improved low-level listening; a boon for those with mid/high-range hearing loss.

Along with improvements in technology, form and function are upgraded as well. Newly added front panel controls include Volume +/-, surround and standby/mute LED indicators. The rear panel is enhanced with an output for adding powered back speakers or a second MAINstage creating a dedicated 6.1 surround system. The simple to use IR remote now features a bass level and Dialog+TM controls.

As the majority of today’s flat TVs are in-fact shelf-mounted, the new model retains the original model’s sleek mini-footprint form factor but adds wall-mount capability via ¼’ – 20 threaded camera-type insert.

The new MAINstageHD measures 2.6″ x 16.75″ x 9.6″ (H/W/D), and weighs 4.85 lbs.

CEDIA Expo attendees are invited to visit soundmatters, inc. in booth #SR-18 for a demonstration and explanation of the FULLstageTMHD high-definition speaker system.
# # #
soundmatters, inc. (www.soundmatters.com), headquartered in San Francisco, CA, is dedicated to developing consumer electronics that enhance, rather than complicate consumers’ lifestyles. For further information, high-resolution images, product samples, and interviews with company executives, please contact Adam Sohmer, SOHMER ASSOCIATES, 718-499-9161 (voice/fax), 347-512-0066 (cell), adam@sohmerassoc.com.