Archive for the 'Speakers and Sound Systems' Category

A new look for the Oontz

I wrote a rave review of the $69 Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz Bluetooth Speaker not long ago, and quite a few readers have been contacting me with some raves of their own.  Here are a few samples of what they have to say about The Oontz: “After reading your column I purchased the Oontz Bluetooth speaker. […]

Ohm Acoustics Black Friday Sale

Regular readers know I am a big fan of the Ohm Acoustics Walsh Speakers. They have a special Black Friday sale coming up so if you have been thinking of giving their speakers a try it would be a good time to check them out. Visit their site at www.ohmspeakers.com. Questions? Email Don

Polk LSi series speakers: now a high-end bargain

Polk Audio LSi9 Speakers in Cherry Finish Polk Audio’s wonderful LSi series are being phased out with the introduction of the new, improved and more expensive LSiM series.  If you have ever wanted speakers with true high-end looks, feel and sound but have thought they were priced out of reach, this could be your chance. […]

Sound Advice Column: Adding a subwoofer to a stereo receiver, Pioneer VSX-1021

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Fourth week of December, 2011 Q:A salesman in a big box store told me that a powered subwoofer cannot be connected to a 2-channel stereo receiver. Is he right? – Ron Lassow, Minneapolis, MN A. Though two-channel stereo receivers do not have an RCA subwoofer output, you can still use […]

Weekly column: Polk, Axiom, Ohm speakers all should satisfy

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Third week of December, 2011 Q: I’m buying a new home theater system and need wall-mounted bookshelf speakers due to room configuration. I have seen you speak highly of both the Polk Audio LSi9 and Axiom Audio M22 speakers. Are there significant differences? -Larry Mulmed, Minneapolis. MN A: Both are […]

Marantz NR1402 Receiver

I’ve had a lot of questions come in lately that read a lot like this: “Hi, not too long ago you recommended an HDMI receiver that is slim and reasonably priced and otherwise wonderful. But I didn’t keep the article from my newspaper. Can you help jog my memory? Thank you.” The receiver is the […]

Definitive Technology ProCinema 400 Home Theater Speaker System

Here is another winner from the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show: the Definitive Technology ProCinema 400 5.1-channel home theater speaker system. As you can see in the picture the speakers in this system are very small. Usually tiny speakers mean a big sound quality compromise, but that isn’t the case with the ProCinema 400. In the […]

Ohm Black Friday Sale is on!

Ohm MicroWalsh Short Speaker Long time-readers know how much I love Ohm Acoustics Walsh speakers.  You can read what I have to say about them at the links below: http://www.soundadviceblog.com/home-theater/ohm-walsh-speakers-unique-technology-stunning-performance/ http://www.soundadviceblog.com/sound-systems/product-of-the-day-ohm-walsh-3000-speakers/ If you want to treat yourself to the best, Ohm is having a Black Friday sale this weekend, including Thanksgiving hours! I have copied […]

Sound Advice #14, 2011: Video connections, supreme home theater with 3D and gaming

Q. I recently purchased the Samsung PN42C450 after reading your blog. With my PlayStation 2 hooked up, I get sound with a black-and-white picture. I am using the regular red/white/yellow cable that came with the PS2. What do I need to get a color picture? JIM HONDLIK A. Your TV does not have a composite […]

Affordable Pioneer speakers- good news for those wanting quality on a budget!

Pioneer SP-FS51-LR Floorstanding Speakers Longtime readers probably remember The Speaker Company and the great speakers they sold at very low prices. Sadly, they are not around any more and though there are lots of high-value lines out there (such as Arx) not everyone can spend $249 per pair for bookshelf speakers or $500 or more […]

Color calibration for Panasonic plasma HDTVs, good sounding, affordable home theater using tiny speakers

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Week 13, 2010 Q. We recently purchased a 58-inch Panasonic VT25 series 3D plasma TV. The installer strongly recommended we get it color balanced by a professional service person for $200. Do you think it is worth it? -Anand Kumar, Pleasonton, CA A. I think calibration can be worthwhile for […]

Sound Advice Week 11, 2011 : Connecting computer and sound system, image stabilization and unsteady hands, under $1,000 complete home theater with soundbar and streaming

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Week 11, 2011 Q. I have a desktop computer I use with powered computer speakers. Nearby I have a vintage stereo receiver with speakers. Is it possible to run the computer audio through my receiver and speakers, and will it work when using Netflix or iTunes? -Dale Nielsen, Shoreview, MN […]

Audio-Technica ATH-M35 Headphones : A truly great buy

Audio-Technica ATH-M35 headphones are quite a market standout. I have been enjoying my own set recently and thought it might be a good idea to mention them to anyone looking for headphones, or who are thinking of adding headphones to their system.  Though marketed as “monitor headphones” for professional applications I find them to really […]

Sound Advice Column Week 8, 2011 : 5.1 surround sound from cable/satellite boxes, iPad 2, At-LP120-USB Turntable update

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Week 8, 2011 Q. I just switched from cable to satellite and no longer get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound from high-def channels, as I did with Comcast. I have the satellite box connected the same as before, with HDMI to the TV and an optical digital cable to my […]

Sound Advice Week 5, 2011: Upgrading receivers, HDMI and Component Video Sunset

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Week 5, 2011 Q. I have a Kenwood KRV 7040 audio-video receiver. It was purchased in 1992 and I’ve been very pleased with it. I was considering upgrading to one of the $500 digital HDMI receivers you recommend (either the Onkyo or Pioneer, leaning towards the Pioneer) but after reading […]

Sound Advice Column Week 2, 2011: Fixing old stereo receivers, glasses-free 3D HDTV

Sound Advice By Don Lindich Week 2, 2011 Q. I have a mid-1980’s NAD 7140 receiver that sounds great to me. Lately when I adjust the volume or balance knob there is static in the left speaker. A few seconds of jiggling removes the static and gets it back on track. My guess is the […]

Super home theater surround sound system for $1,250 complete

Lately I’ve received more than a few emails from people either upgrading their existing sound system to match a new HDTV added over the holidays, or who simply want to add surround sound to their home entertainment system for $1,000 or a hair above.  I’ve emailed this recommendation several times recently so I am going […]

Tiny surround speakers

I often receive questions asking about tiny surround speakers that can be placed very discretely in the room.  I’m not usually a fan of tiny speakers and prefer to match the speakers with the fronts, but sometimes tiny speakers are all that will keep the peace with the wife, or all that will fit in […]

Arx Speakers First Impressions

 Arx A3 towers before unboxing. Miniature dachshund provided for scale. Yesterday Fedex Ground stopped by and dropped off some double-boxed happiness: a pair of brand new Arx A3 tower speakers.  I’ve been anxious to see and hear these since The Audio Insider announced they were dropping Acculine and developing something new based on the Acculine […]

Arx Speakers Now Shipping

I just got the news- the long-awaited Arx speakers from The Audio Insider are shipping starting today, June 16, 2010. I have my order in and will be reporting on them soon.  This product has been anxiously awaited by many of your readers and I am happy to report that you can finally give these […]