Gramophone’s Favorite Things

Deep Fried ... Electronics.

Summer brings thunderstorms, and thunderstorms bring lightning damage to your electronics. Wouldn't it be a bummer to come home from a weekend away only to find the smell of blown power supplies filling the air.  Yep, that's the smell of the surge that fried your beloved TV and surround system.

You can avoid this heartbreak by using quality component surge protection systems, which serve in several capacities.

1. They provide much needed surge protection to your valuable electronic equipment, from components to your TV.  Don't be fooled: The $15 power strip you buy isn't going to protect your system from that catastrophic event.
   
2. Have you heard about power conditioning? It's a very important part of digital processing now.  Just about all of your components are digital. Your cable box or satellite system, Blu-ray player & TV are all digital. A good surge protector/ power conditioner will remove noise* from your AC power and the result is better sound & picture.
3. Now what are those other connections?  It's a pretty good bet that you have cable or satellite for TV. All of your components are connected to a surge protection system, but if the lightning strikes the incoming cable line or satellite dish, guess what...you just got fried. Now with these extra connections, your coax cable goes through the surge protection system. Even if you have a dish system your incoming coax cable and phone line at that location will be protected. Pretty cool, eh?

* Noise: There are many things in the house that put noise into your power. From your refrigerator to your central air compressor, these all create big problems in our already overtaxed power grid.  This noise becomes part of the audio and video in your system. remove the noise and get better performance.

So if you've spent a good chunk of change on a home theater system, are you willing to put it all at risk (as well as not get its full potential) by choosing to not put in a system protection component?  If you don't have protection now, it's not too late to add it. If you're getting ready to make a purchase, this is a no brainer. 2 words: Buy it.

We recommend the full line of Furman surge protection equipment and UPS units. You will see them in use all around the store. Furman is the choice of professionals and recording studios.

-Bruce Spivey

410-308-1650

Audiophile vs. The mp3

Being what I would consider a “moderate” audiophile (i.e. I can absolutely hear the difference, appreciate the quality, yet never spent the overwhelming amounts of cash to achieve a super high level of bliss), I found myself over the last ten to fifteen years, trading in the fidelity for the convenience of the MP3.  On my computer at home, I probably have almost 30k songs to choose from.  Now, I would never load all of them onto a portable device at one time, yet, I do rotate playlists as my mood changes.  Talk about convenience! !t was and still is, great.  However, I always felt the sound coming from my computer and third party speakers never sounded that good.  Actually, to be completely honest: it was awful. 

So, what does one do?  Over the years, some of us have all learned about loading content (MP3s) with varying degrees of compression.  The less compression, the better.  The best way to keep the sound quality of the content is to use some form of “lossless” compression.   While using lossless will absolutely take up more hard drive space, the cost of larger capacity hard drives continues to drop, making it affordable to keep large volumes of content; however, I’m still using my computer speakers which are truly dreadful.

Now I’m very excited about a product line from Peachtree Audio.  Peachtree understood the need for convenience and the explosion of iTunes music and the desires of folks to enjoy their music in a much better way.  They created a product called the Decco about a year ago.  That was their first product and my first awe inspired audition.  From the first Decco, the have created three new products, the Decco2, iDecco and the Nova.  This second generation of products is nothing more than incredible!  One of my colleagues has already discussed the iDecco, which incorporates an iPod dock.  However, it's the Nova that made a real impact on my home digital music library.  

The Nova is a very well built integrated amplifier.  Which means: no Am/Fm tuner, just eight inputs for both analog and digital sources.  For my test, I used the USB from my computer and connected it directly to the USB input on the Nova. 

After switching the audio decoder on my computer to “external DAC,” I was almost there.  I pulled a small pair of nice bookshelf speakers I’ve had laying around the house and hooked them up.  Within a couple of minutes, I had iTunes up and began an evening of rediscovery. 

The Nova has 80 watts per channel, so I had more than enough power to meet my needs.  More importantly, the sound quality was astonishing.  I spent hours starting one song and then jumping quickly to another and then another.  It was like hearing these songs for the first time.  I honestly didn’t think anyone could make older, highly compressed MP3’s sound so good.  Was it as good as my newer lossless material?  No, not at all, however, I was now able to hear all the subtleties and details in the music again.  All this from a box about the size of a VCR.  Fifteen minutes into listening, I began to laugh and quote Will Smith from “Independence Day….’I… have Got to get me one of these!”

I could go into all the technical specs, but if you’re like me, I really don’t get hung up on all the data, I just want to see or hear how it performs.  So, if you have a lot of digital music or just starting out and you would like to really enjoy it, you must audition the Nova.  On performance, I give this an A+.   If you have any thoughts or questions, post them here.

Thanks,
Mark Tabor
410-381-2100

Make This Year's Father's Day Stand Out From All the Rest.

With only 10 Days until Father's Day, these are some of our top picks!

It is almost impossible to write about the "Top Three Gadgets for Father's Day"  There are far more gadgets that Dad would love to have than just three.  How to decide? Headphones top our list of great Father's Day gifts, but there are also great iPod Dock solutions.  And we didn't limit ourselves to picking just three.  We'll let you figure out which of the following would make this year's Father's Day stand out from all the rest.

Better than a tie, but not quite a set of nice cuff links.

Sennheiser's line of headphones offers a great gift for dad for when he goes to the gym.  The adidas Performance headphones with volume control are portable, washable, and simply the way to go when it comes to athletic headphones. Wired Magazine's Product Review Section says: The Sennheiser/Adidas PMX680s provide "Exceptional sound quality. Marvelous bass. Stays put securely. Water resistant and dog-proof."

Better than the really nice cuff links, but not quite his dream golf club set.

At less than $300, this gift is far better than a set of nice cuff links , but not quite at the level of a really nice set of golf clubs.  For the Dad whose music taste is stuck back in time somewhere, these headphones will take him back and let him relive those days -- without causing the whole family to cringe.

Looking for a review? Wired Magazine's Product Review Section says: Heavenly Headphones Create Symphony Hall for Your Ears

Dad has an iPod?

Actually, this gift will be something an entire family enjoys...if Dad's the sharing type.  Starting at less than $400, you can get dad the B&W Mini-Zeppelin or the "big-daddy" of the two, the B&W Zeppelin.  These two are both iPod docking stations that are easy to use and have great sound quality. He'll love the fact that they have digital signal processing, digital amplifiers, as well as s-video & composite outputs. But in addition to that, they just make his music sound amazing. 

Don't take our word for it: Wired Magazine's Geek Dad Section says: "B&W Zeppelin: Still Soaring Above The Crowd After Three Years"

Dad Deserves Quiet Time.

Noise canceling headphones might just be the gift every dad has been wanting. Sennheiser's PXC310 noise canceling, collapsible headphones might just improve Dad's mood when the dog's barking, the baby's crying, and the kids are squealing with delight.  We won't tell if you use them every once in a while too!

 

Dad Wants To Spend As Much Time Outside As Possible (But he still loves movies...)

There's only one choice for this Dad: Epson MovieMate.  "Epson's MovieMate 60 combines an HD projector, A CD/DVD player, microphone unit, and stereo speakers in one portable unit" (And it comes with parental controls, so the kids can't watch movies you don't want them to see!

For less than $700, you can create your very own drive-in movie theater, have a karaoke night, watch a slideshow of family pictures, and more on a picture that can be 120"!

Want to know more about it?  The Today Show featured it!

Dad Hates Digital Music, But It's Time He Move Into the 21st Century

He needs the Peachtree iDecco. Hands Down. The best thing to do is experience the difference it makes in taking the flat sound of digital music and allowing it to breathe and have depth again.  Certainly, you can read reviews. Or, you can just come in and see how simple it is to make your digital music sing!

Dad Needs To Relax In His Very Own...Motorized Chair.

Sometimes Dad just needs to take a seat.  Oh, and this seat will make him feel like a king!  This chair is available in more than 20 colors of high grade woven fabric, and 25 colors of top grain, aniline leathers. With cupholders for his favorite drink, possible snack table, and cushions that will force his body to relax.  Don't go with the La-Z-boy, go with the VIP line of seating that offers so much more!

Dad Loves The Kids And Wants To Spend Lots of Family Time With Them

Is it time to splurge on Dad & the family at the same time?  Spend quality time with Dad while letting him win Wii Golf, snuggling on the couch as a family watching the latest blockbuster, or cheering on your favorite sports team on a 100" screen.  If this sounds like the perfect gift for Dad, they you'll want to check out the Epson Ensemble HD Theater System.  For $5999, it's an all-inclusive investment in Family Time, and what better time to start that investment than Father's Day?  The teenagers just might stay at home to watch movies with the family every once in a while too, but we won't make any promises on that!

We could offer so many other great ideas, such as:

• the portable, wireless, outdoor speaker Dad can take with him anywhere (tailgating included!). Oh, and it links right up with his iPod!
• the outdoor tv for the Dad who loves watching baseball and early season football, but also wants to be outside with the kids!

You want more? Give us a call. Stop by.  We want Dad to be thrilled!

Going Outside: my new project

This is the year, the year we make the great outdoors even greater.  We love music, and we're excited by the idea of outdoor television and movies.  Our challenge now is making the space fit you and your family.

   


We provide all sorts of solutions and ideas for you to peruse, from our online gallery to our state-of-the-art showrooms.  Let us help you design your great outdoors.

Are these some questions you have?

• Do I want to include a Sunbrite weatherproof TV?
  
• What type of speakers do I want?  Do I want them to fit right in with the surroundings?  Madison Fielding Planters could be one option, but then there are the Speakercraft Rock Speakers. 
  
• Of course, there's always the question of sound quality: James Landscape Series or B&W weatherproof speakers?
• What about if I want to have a party and want to play my music outside the patio?  Should I look into the quality, portable, wireless speakers by Soundcast to use during those times?
• Do I want to go back inside to control the outdoor system?  There are several systems that I could use outside (that are also weatherproof) so I wouldn't end up running in and out of the house: Crestron and Control4 are two of them.
  
• What about when a party goes into the later hours and it gets dark outside?  Should I go with lighting control?  Color Kinetics looks like a great idea, but I'm still not sure.

Let's work together to make this year, the year of the great outdoors!  Give us a call or stop by to speak with sales representatives, designers, engineers & programmers to see what they think is best for you!

Timonium 410-308-1650

Columbia  410-381-2100

Meet The Behind-the-Scene's Experts at Gramophone

Meet Brian: The Man Behind it All

Over 30 years ago, he was a 20-something year old with an idea.  Since then, Brian’s idea has evolved into two nationally recognized showrooms, one of the top ten largest custom retailers in the United States, and Audio Video International’s Retailer of the Year for over 10 consecutive years.  From selling great sound systems to audiophiles in the late 70s to ringing in the 21^st century by providing the best home entertainment and automation, Gramophone has been meeting the needs of its clients since day one.

 

Meet Matt: Our Install Manager

Matt has been a part of the Gramophone team since 1995.  As our Installation Department Manager, he scopes clients' projects prior to sending installation teams, maintains internal projects in the showrooms and the service department.  Matt also maps out the length of a project and if any specialties are needed to complete the project seamlessly.  Matt is our in-house computer network guy, and keeps us up and running on a daily basis.

 

Meet Kurt:  Project Manager

As project manager, Kurt is in constant contact with everyone, from the engineering and programming departments at Gramophone to the other contractors on his jobs.  He makes sure that each of the contractors on the project are able to work together to keep the client’s project running smoothly. Kurt also acts as a resource for our installation teams and regularly walks the installers through jobs that he has scoped.  He remains with the install teams to show them tricks of the trade or to provide assistance with another set of hands.  In addition to all of this, he assists back at the office by working with sales representatives to recommend certain equipment for the job and confirm that work orders are complete.  He keeps himself busy, but we can tell he loves what he does, just ask one of the many clients who have let us know how appreciative they are to have had Kurt on the job.

 

Meet Sue:  Our Custom Installation Coordinator

Eight years ago, Sue joined the Gramophone team.  She's the one who's going to coordinate everything from your personal project manager's site visits, to your install team's work days, to any programming that needs to be integrated.  She will work with your sales representative, system engineer, design team, and our warehouse manager to make sure your project comes together smoothly and efficiently.

 

Meet Gabe:  Our Systems Engineer

At the end of August 2000 when Gabe joined the team as our systems engineer, Gramophone changed the way we document and construct systems for each of our clients.  He provides insight to our sales representatives and provides them with various options for the many decisions that accompany the design of your perfect system.  By developing flowcharts and other engineered plans for each project in advance of installation, your system will be installed with precision.

 

Meet Gus:  Our CAD Specialist

Gus joined us in 2007 as our full-time CAD Specialist.  To provide the most accurate documentation and design, Gus will create blueprints of your space to assist our design team, engineering, and install departments with both the technical and aesthetic design of your project. At the end of the project you will be provided with the detailed blueprints to keep for future updates.

 

Meet Bethany:  Our Space Planner & Interior Designer

Bethany joined the team in January 2007 as our full-time, space planner and on-staff interior designer.  She regularly works with clients, their interior designers & architects, or both to ensure that the final design provides our client with the best experience.  Working closely with the rest of the design team, Bethany’s designs have been featured in magazines and have made many clients’ dreams come true.

 

Meet Jeff:  Our Lighting Design Technician

As our lighting designer and programmer, Jeff regularly works to make sure our clients’ spaces feel warm and welcoming whether the sun is shining or not.  With extensive knowledge of the lighting and shading systems Gramophone offers to our clients, Jeff works with clients and our design team to create ambiance throughout indoor and outdoor spaces.  With the light touch of a button, your space can transform from daytime to movie time:  shades down, lights dimmed or off, and ready for viewing.

 

Meet Jay: Our Programming Department Manager

2004 was a turning point for Gramophone’s programming department.  Jay Basen joined the team and created a starting lineup of programmers who are dedicated to creating home automation systems for our clients.  Jay also developed the framework we currently use from job to job to ensure a consistent, stable system that contains every feature you will ever need.  He has the ability to make automating any size home look like a piece of cake.

 

Meet Barb:  Our Service Department Manager

As the weeks and months pass after your project has been installed, you may find the need to call on us with questions or concerns.  Barb, our Service Manager, will assist you with either offering solutions over the phone or scheduling a technician who is intimately familiar with your system to come to your home.  Barb manages the many aspects of maintaining a fully functional service department by providing loaner equipment, providing prompt service, and keeping our clients updated as to the status of repairs and service issues.  

 

Meet Mike:  Our Warehouse Manager

You may have met Rich and Chris, our dynamic delivery duo, but it’s Mike who’s scheduling those deliveries, confirming receipt of products, and keeping everything organized so when it comes to loading up for a client’s project, we’re ready to roll.  Mike’s been with us since 2001, and has been working with everyone to ensure our clients end up with exactly what they ordered, and that the product is in pristine condition. 

 

Meet Lisa:  Our Office & Accounting Manager

Lisa has been an integral part of the Gramophone team since she joined us in 2005.  As the years have passed, she has happily taken on increasing numbers of responsibilities. As our office and accounting manager, she takes care of all the paperwork that keeps our vendors happy, our co-workers happy, and our customers happy.  If you are in the store, you’re bound to be greeted by her smile upon entering the Design Center.

 

Meet Tracy:  Our Purchasing Manager

As of 2000, our entire purchasing system changed when Tracy joined the team.  Tracy works closely with all of our vendors to ensure our clients’ orders are completed and arrive in time for scheduled deliveries and installations.  In addition to working with the sales representatives to place orders, she also collaborates with both the installation department and warehouse for delivery orders, custom install projects, and our inventory.  We’re so glad to have enhanced this system, and to have Tracy as part of the team. 

*    *    *

When you work with Gramophone; you're working with the experts, and a great team.  You may know your salesperson, the install team, and programmers, but to make your dreams come true, the whole team works diligently on your project, from start to finish.  We look forward to working with you in the near future.

Timonium | 410-308-1650

Columbia | 410-381-2100

Pioneer’s New Kuro TVs Prove That Black is Everything

Kuro Plasma TVs from Pioneer Elite set the bar for flat panel displays with extraordinary  color reproduction, clarity and brilliance. No surprise Home Theater Magazine called them “the greatest flat panel ever.” The new line of Elite Kuro TV sets come in both 50” and 60” sizes. For even more advanced performance, the new Elite Signature Series monitors are available to integrate with your high performance home theater system, with simply the best and deepest blacks you’ll find in any TV. We’ll be debuting the new line in Maryland during the Pioneer KURO Tour stopping at both Gramophone showrooms on September 26th and 27th. More details on the tour coming soon.

Kaleidescape’s New 1080p Player Rivals Blu-ray

We love the Kaleidescape movie management system, which allows you to store, sort  and play hundreds of DVDs through a sleek on-screen management system. And now Kaleidescape has added another component to the system that promises to turn your existing DVD collection into a high-definition experience. Kaleidescape’s new 1080p Player and 1080p Mini Player hook into the Kaleidescape system and upconvert any ordinary DVD to a quality level on par with Blu-ray discs.

Squeezebox

Want a way to listen to your digital music collection in any room of your home? The amazing Squeezebox from Slim Devices is your solution! This slim player lets you access your music without ever touching a CD again! Plus you can use it to access a wide range of innovative music services like Rhapsody and Pandora (Pandora has been on Gramophone’s Favorite Things for several months!).

Enjoy,
Brian

Learn more at SlimDevices.com

Seura Mirror TV

I’m a TV guy; that’s no secret. But even I recognize that you don’t always want to see a big TV taking up space on the wall. The innovative new Seura Television Mirror gives you the best of both worlds. When the television is off, the Seura appears to be just another mirror on the wall. Turn the TV on, and the unit magically transforms into an LCD television right before your eyes. Best of all, Seura features Sharp LCD televisions, which we’ve been a fan of at Gramophone for years.

Enjoy,
Brian

Learn more at Seura.com

Kaleidescape DVD Movie Player

This is my favorite “wow” toy of all time. And I use the term “toy” lightly because the Kaleidescape DVD Movie Player is one of the most powerful and well-designed machines we’ve seen at Gramophone.

Kaleidescape is a hard drive that stores DVDs, allowing you to access your library through a powerful and easy-to-use on-screen display. You can sort your entire movie collection right on screen by the DVD jacket, title, director, actors, genre – any categorization you would like. You can mark movies by family member, skip right to the start of the movie, pause and restart exactly where you left off days later. It’s fast, fun and so cool; if you want to make your friends’ jaws drop, you’ve got to get Kaleidescape. We’ve installed Kaleidescape at both Gramophone showrooms so you can come in at any time for a demo.

Happy watching,
Brian

Learn more at kaleidescape.com