High-End Audio Hub
Known for their audio purity, Naim launches the all-in-one NaimUniti, which offers high performance audio in a single chassis design that includes an integrated amplifier, CD Player, FM tuner, internet radio, iPod dock, digital-to-analog converter, music file player and network audio streaming. The NaimUniti offers extreme digital versatility, capable of handling a wide range of audio files such as MP3, Windows Media®, AAC, Apple® Lossless (from an iPod®), FLAC and WAV formats.  Filed Under: Equipment $$$ 
Posted Tue Jun 9, 2009, 4:40 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
If ordinary surround processors don't get your juices flowing, then the Krell S-1200 Surround Sound Preamp/Processor is sure to get you fired up. Known for their substantial industrial designs and superb sound and video performance, Krell's new state-of-the-art processor is designed for reference level Home Theaters, employing the company's finest audio and video engineering plus the latest in connectivity technology. To ensure a clean signal path, the S-1200 does not use op amps or integrated circuits. Every channel utilizes discrete current based Class A, direct coupled circuitry for the greatest signal purity and highest bandwidth. The preamp mode bypasses all digital circuitry and routes analog stereo inputs directly to a balanced resistor ladder volume control for ultimate music reproduction. In fact, the audio signal path is a direct descendant to their $30,000 Evolution 707 Reference Surround preamp/processor. The S-1200 also uses the same DSP engine and 1080p video stage from the Evolution 707. Filed Under: Equipment $$ Contemporary
Posted Tue Jun 9, 2009, 4:02 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
Design and manufactured in Israel, the SoundSpot Music Theater 1 from Morel is as compact as it is stylish. There are two complete 5.1 systems. The SoundSpot MT consists of five 3.5-inch satellite speakers (model SP-1) and one 8-inch powered PSW8 Subwoofer that retail for $1,300.00. The reference SoundSpot MT 2 includes five 4-inch satellite speakers (model SP-2) and the same subwoofer for $1,900.00. Also, the speaker spheres and subwoofer can be purchased separately, if you want to expand your system beyond five channels. The systems are available in three beautiful finishes; black, white and metallic champagne piano finishes. Each speaker can be easily mounted on the ceiling, wall or simply set on a shelf for quick and simple installation. Filed Under: News
Posted Thu Jun 4, 2009, 12:36 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
You've no doubt heard of Audyssey technologies by now. Their auto calibration and room EQ circuitry are practically an industry standard. The masterminds behind all the Audyssey technologies are USC professors Tomlinson Holman and Chris Kyriakakis. I, and a few other journalists, had the rare opportunity to spend an afternoon with Tom and Chris to learn about their latest technology called DSX. The basic technology is centered around a concept that Tomlinson Holman has been talking about for the last 10 years. Filed Under: $$ Equipment
Posted Thu Jun 4, 2009, 12:02 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
Designed to serve primarily as a high performance center channel speaker for home theaters, the compact Encore TF ($499 each) from Martin Logan uses an ATF (Advanced Thin Film) driver, long-excursion low-mass woofers, and sophisticated crossover engineering to produce sound with lifelike clarity and openness. The Encore TF can be discretely mounted beneath a high definition flat screen or used with the included table top stand. Additionally, the Encore TF is highly adaptable, performing equally well mounted horizontally or vertically. The Encore TF can also be used for all 5-channels in a home theater. Like all MartinLogan speakers, the Encore TFs are carefully hand-built and incorporate the best air core coils and low dissipation electrolytic capacitors, The crossover employ's MartinLogan's proprietary Vojtko topology for extremely low distortion and seamless driver integration. This precision-tuned network is capable of preserving the most subtle sonic nuances while handling the full dynamics of any source. Filed Under: Contemporary Pro Interiors $$$
Posted Thu Jun 4, 2009, 11:49 AM ET — By Kim Wilson Photography: John Wagner
Sponsored by the National Council of the Housing Industry, the 2009 New American Home demonstrates cutting-edge technology, energy efficiency, and jaw-dropping contemporary design. This annual event chooses a premier show home and uses it as a technology laboratory, providing real-world demonstrations of the latest concepts in architecture, construction techniques, new products, and lifestyle trends. Filed Under: $ Furniture Contemporary
Posted Thu May 21, 2009, 2:09 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
A perfect solution for a secondary AV system or for tight quarters, the Modena Series from Omnimount offers a convenient and inexpensive solution for mounting flat panel TV's and holding AV equipment. The three models (37FP, 47FP and 55FP) range in price from $199.95 to $329.95, depending on the size of your TV. The Modena series offers clean lines, smoky black glass shelves and a striking high gloss finish. OmniMount's Lift n Lock system allows for easy attachment of a flat panel TV and locks it securely in place. The supporting back post doubles as a cable management system, to neatly route and organize cables. Filed Under: $$$ Equipment Contemporary
Posted Thu May 21, 2009, 1:18 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
Bang & Olufsen (B&O), known for their killer designs, makes their 103" plasma TV available in the United States. The Beovision 4-103 is one of the largest TVs on the market. What makes the Beovision 4 stand out from all the others is that special B&O touch. The motorized floor stand lifts the TV from it's position near the ground, when you are ready to view movies or TV. By resting the TV inches from the floor, it becomes less prominent in the room when not in use, according to the B&O press materials. However, I'm not sure how a 103-inch TV is not prominent, no matter where in the room it is located. Filed Under: Pro Interiors Contemporary $$$ Theme
Posted Fri May 15, 2009, 10:07 AM ET — By Kim Wilson Photography: Andrew Trask
Sometimes it takes the combined talents of two professional organizations to come up with a striking, one-of-a-kind home theater. Such was the case with this Florida home. Cinema Design Group is a leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of home theater seating, acoustic panels, and custom home theater environments. Along with Boca Theater and Automation, a premier provider of turn-key, custom-built integration systems and home theaters, these two specialists created a home theater that bears the resemblance of the familiar geometric Art Deco designs of the early 20's, yet, it reveals a distinctive 21st century edge. Filed Under: Reader Interiors Contemporary $$$
Posted Fri May 15, 2009, 9:51 AM ET — By Frederick Relyea
When we broke ground on our new home in upstate New York my wife Kristie and I each had our goals for this space. I desired a place where I could listen to music, and where the family could come together for a great movie experience. Kristie's priority was for the space to feel like an extension of our home. Filed Under: Equipment $$$
Posted Fri May 1, 2009, 11:29 AM ET
Sonance has long held the lead position in the architectural, in-wall and in-ceiling speaker marketplace. Now, the company that invented—and popularized—this category has announced the availability of their latest innovative variation—the Invisible Speaker Series. The flat-panel driver technology developed by Sonance is featured in three new models, two of which utilize improved planar technology. The Sonance Invisible Series speakers are entirely flat and vanish into the room design, delivering ambient music that emanates from the walls and ceilings. The advantages of the Invisible Series extend beyond the visual. The underlying physics of planar transducers empower the Sonance SA3 and SA1.5 to radiate sound omnidirectionally, to achieve smooth, accurate, and remarkably broad and even coverage over nearly a full hemisphere (140°) up to an amazing 10kHz—performance that a conventional cone-and-dome driver cannot match. This delivers attractively spacious, lifelike sound and makes the Invisible Series a superb application for background or ambient music in a broad variety of rooms, including casual and transient spaces. Filed Under: Equipment Furniture $$
Posted Fri May 1, 2009, 10:37 AM ET — By Kim Wilson
Sanus Systems' VisionMount LMT15 motorized tilting mount provides automated movement by remote control, making it easy to adjust the viewing angle of your TV. It can automatically tilt to a pre-set position up to 13 degrees when the TV is turned on, or it can be positioned as desired with the IR remote control. When the TV is turned off, the mount returns to a neutral position, flat against the wall, for a low-profile appearance. It's available in black for $319, and supports flat panel displays from 40-60-inches, weighing up to 150 lbs. The LMT15 offers a variety of features, including: ClickFit, a technology that allows power conditioners and other small accessories to snap onto the mount, so they're hidden behind the TV yet easily accessible. An open wall-plate design provides for wiring flexibility. The extruded aluminum frame makes it incredibly easy to install the mount and provide a strength-to-weight ratio with corrosion resistance greater than steel. Motion-detection sensors are used for safety reassurance. Filed Under: $ Equipment
Posted Thu Apr 16, 2009, 12:45 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
In today's economy, everyone is looking for high value equipment, especially do-it-yourselvers. Aperion Audio is a direct-to-consumer manufacturer. This business model allows them to cut the mighty costs of distribution and dealer support. So, what you buy is the product and not a huge chunk of the associated costs to market it. The new Intimus 4B Harmony SA system is a complete 5.1 speaker system for only $999. This is the company's most affordable system complete with center channel speaker and subwoofer. The surround speakers can be mounted virtually anywhere - ceiling, on-wall, on stands, or placed on a shelf. They are available in real cherry wood (pictured) or high-gloss piano black. If you are on a budget you'll love how Aperion sweetens the deal even more with free shipping, lifetime customer support, a ten-year warranty, and a special customer care kit that includes a SPL meter for speaker calibration, plus a polishing cloth and handling gloves. Best yet, Aperion wants to guarantee your complete and total satisfaction with a 30-day in-home audition since your home is a far better environment to determine the suitability of a speaker system than any showroom floor. Filed Under: Reader Interiors Casual $$
Posted Thu Apr 16, 2009, 10:47 AM ET — By Jay North
The project to transform my empty basement into The Ultimate Man Cave took about 8-months. The theme is "Transportation" and all of the artwork and décor is based on planes, trains, antique cars, motorcycles, etc. We turned approximately 1400 sq. ft. into a large media room/game room/pool room with a dedicated workout area, home office, wine room and storage/AV Room. There is also a full bath and wet bar. Filed Under: Pro Interiors Contemporary $$$
Posted Fri Apr 10, 2009, 11:06 AM ET — By Kim Wilson
It's the perfect situation – a dedicated home theater and a completely separate room for critical music listening. One homeowner in Massachusetts was able to realize his dream of the 'perfect' audio system, and still provide the rest of the family with their own home theater. Filed Under: Contemporary Pro Interiors $$
Posted Thu Apr 9, 2009, 3:25 PM ET — By Kim Wilson Photography: Jesse Goff
What makes a home theater unique depends on the personality and vision of the homeowner. In this Tiburon, CA home, the client, who is a playwright, wanted a comfortable space that was also dramatic and transitional where she could relax for hours watching independent films, invite friends in for deep conversations, or be enveloped in creative thought. Filed Under: Furniture Contemporary $$$
Posted Wed Apr 1, 2009, 2:45 PM ET — By Debbie Stampfli
Usually, the first question that comes to mind when you walk into a home theater is, “Where do I sit?” No matter how clear the picture looks or how powerful the sound is, a bad chair or sofa can ruin your home theater experience. But new technology and innovative design aren’t just for the latest consumer electronics. These fresh seating options offer style, comfort, and convenience. They provide a killer combination of looks and practicality that will make your home theater memorable—in a very good way. Filed Under: Equipment $$$
Posted Mon Mar 23, 2009, 7:25 PM ET — By Debbie Stampfli
Simplicity and home theater equipment don’t often seem to go together. With the constant influx of new products and upgrades, it’s hard to maintain a user-friendly environment. After all, how can you simplify your surroundings and stay ahead of the technology game at the same time? Media servers can help solve this problem. They bring all of your movies, music, and photos to a central location and then let you access it from all around your home. Media servers also provide the integration you need so you’ll be able to just sit down and enjoy your movies and music. What a concept. Filed Under: Equipment
Posted Mon Mar 16, 2009, 7:57 PM ET — By Debbie Stampfli
It’s the great debate of home theater enthusiasts: Should you compromise your room’s uncluttered design in order to accommodate a bigger speaker system? Whether you’re a minimalist with a taste for high-quality sound or a home theater fanatic who doesn’t have room for an ordinary speaker system, it’s time to consider in-walls. These nearly invisible speakers can give you outstanding sound without taking up space, and they show off your room’s design in an unobtrusive way. If you’ve never thought about in-walls, it may be time for a change of heart. Filed Under: Equipment $$$
Posted Mon Mar 16, 2009, 3:52 PM ET — By Kim Wilson
Meridian announced delivery of the first new design with Sooloos, the recently acquired manufacturer of server-based home entertainment systems widely acknowledged as one of the most sophisticated systems available. The new Control 10 integrates Meridian’s proprietary connectivity with Sooloos' award-winning touchscreen, an extremely user-friendly media-access solution.
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