Gramophone’s Favorite Things

PSB Imagine Minis: There’s Nothing Mini About Them

There’s always that kid in elementary school who gets bullied for being on the short side. He’s probably picked last during gym when the class breaks up to play basketball, and he probably gets a neck ache for always having to look up to his peers. But being small doesn’t always mean you’re not good enough. In fact, it’s usually the small kid who has the best jokes, wins the science fair, or is just a great person to be around. What we’re trying to say is that you shouldn’t judge someone by his size. So when we were introduced to the PSB Imagine mini speakers in the Gramophone showroom, we held back our judgements, docked our iPod, and let the speakers to do talking.

The Sound

As soon as we heard our music we stepped back and listened. The sound was so clear, so expansive, and definitely not something either of us expected. Were we really listening to our music on the PSB minis? Every note seemed to exude effortlessly from the speakers, as if sound, even at a higher level, was as nothing to break a sweat over. The PSB minis definitely caught our attention. Even songs with higher and lighter notes blended right in the complexity of the the deeper tunes, creating a harmonic balance that was new to our ears. The reproduced sound equalled that of floor-standing speakers over 3 times their size!

The Looks

We must admit, we’re definitely not fond of speakers, well, their looks that is. The boxy awkward things that overpower a desk or clutter the sleek line of a cabinet is definitely not our favorite. But after searching the showroom floor for 5 minutes trying to find the PSB Imagine minis, we were awestruck. They had been right in front of us the whole time, in fact, we had listened to them last week! The Imagine minis were part of the Peachtree iDecco display. Measuring just under 6” wide, just over 9” high, and 8” deep, the curved modern forms blended in. The tapered back and sloping top with rounded edges gives the minis a sophisticated twist, and definitely not a boxy cluttered look. We even took the fabric screen cover off the front to expose the B&W-looking face and they were still discreet. The minis are lightweight and come in a variety of finishes to match you existing decor and avoid the overpowering feeling speakers are all to familiar with.

The Integration

We listened to the minis with the iDecco but they can also be integrated into a home theater system or just used as computer speakers. Their versatility speaks for itself and at a low price point for such high, uncompromised quality. The minis also come with matching stands and custom brackets to help the integration process run smoothly and seamlessly.

 

Check out the PSB Imagine minis or, even better, come in to Gramophone today to hear them for yourself!

-Julia and Ela

 

The Face of Peachtree’s iDecco

I’m the kind of person who remembers faces, not names. I’ll notice when you’ve gotten a haircut, and I’ll probably be able to pick out that new accessory that you’re wearing for the first time. No, I’m not your personal stalker; I’ve just got a great eye for detail. When it comes to spotting a product in the Gramophone showroom, I’m no different. So today when I was walking through the front room, I had to stop, turn, and face the sleek silver faceplate and rounded edges of the iDecco. This wasn’t your classic, black-buttoned box. No, the iDecco was something different. And once I got the chance to dock my iPod, press the power button, and watch the Class A tube light up, I was definitely never going to forget the face of the iDecco.

 

What’s it got that I don’t have?

We all have our own way we like to listen to music, right? Whether you’re a fanatic for the perfect headphones or you can’t picture a better evening than to just be able to sit in front of your home stereo speakers, there’s no right or wrong way to listen to music. But there is something that we’re all missing when we listen to our music in its digital format. What we’re missing is the fine tuning, the discrete notes, and of course the depth and range of our audio’s true abilities.

While the iDecco may look simple, it proudly shows off its row of six buttons and volume knob with a nod in the direction of a modern and contemporary design. This minimalist appearance makes the iDecco easy to operate, even for a first time user like me. After placing my iPod in the docking station (the feature that differentiates the iDecco from the Decco²), I pressed the “power” button and the music instantly traveled to the connected pair of bookshelf speakers surrounding the iDecco. I adjusted the volume, and that’s where I fell back in love with my music.

The iDecco does what?
I couldn’t quite pin the mind-numbing, eyes-widening experience I got from listening to music through the iDecco integrated amplifier to just one thing. Could it have been the tube that glowed a light orange inside the iDecco when my iPod was docked or when my headphones were connected? Better yet, I needed to ask myself what did that tube do?

After a little research and a lot of help from Gramophone’s Bruce Spivey, a man I’d like to consider my go-to tech guru, I learned that the iDecco does some serious work with your music before you hear the end result. The most important thing to note is that the iDecco converts the digital input of your music, whether it be from your iPod, CD player, or computer library. To complete this process the iDecco sends your tunes through the on board DAC (digital to analog converter), passes it through the Class A tube preamp, and finally sends out through the amplifier. The end result is music clarity way beyond my previous standards of audio excellence.

The iDecco’s DAC turned my crummy and compressed music on my iPod into something I could enjoy listening to for hours. And the tube preamp took away the harsh and gritty edge that digital music throws at your ears. The iDecco truly made me realize all that I was missing with my music. I can safely say I’m never going to forget the name of the iDecco. I may have a great memory for the remembering faces, but great sound is something I’ll never be able to erase from my mind.

Visit one of Gramophone’s showrooms in Timonium or Columbia and listen to your music through Peachtree’s iDecco for yourself!

-Ela

Arcam rCube: It's Just A Cube, Right?

So you’ve got that iPod (or two or three), right? Maybe you’ve got the iPad too. Okay, I’ll confess. I have all of Apple’s products, or they’re at least on my wish list. We all know Apple designs their products to look great and perform at a level beyond comparison, but how do you put them to the test? What I’m trying to get at is, what’s out there that makes your iDevice scream, “I’m the best thing that’s happened since the Internet!”? After spending a little time with Arcam’s rCube, a box of true sonic awesome, I’m convinced I’ve found the way to win over my iPod’s heart. 

It’s just a cube, right?

Wrong. The rCube is much more than a simple 8” cube. Surrounded on all sides by a mesh-like fabric, I approached the rCube in the Gramophone showroom not really expecting to be blown away. With its minimalist design, the rCube doesn’t really catch my eye, nor would it have drawn my attention if I didn’t hear music coming from its general direction. As I got closer to the rCube, I realized that music wasn’t just floating around the showroom, it was coming from something. That something was the rCube.

I was first surprised to find out that the rCube wasn’t playing music directly from an iPod. Although the rCube has a built-in dock that charges your iPod or iPhone and allows for easy playback, I didn’t see an iPod in front of me. Instead, I found out that the rCube has a few little accessories that allow for wireless streaming from different electronic devices. The accessory that I first learned about was the rWand. About a thick as the iPod Nano and smaller than a thumb drive, the rWand connects to the docking port of your iDevice. After syncing the rWand to the rCube, you’re free to roam around your home (even go up or down a flight of stairs) and still remain in control of your iPod’s song playback or volume.

I also learned about the rWave. Similar to the idea behind the rWand, the rWave easily slips into your computer’s USB port and allows for you to stream your tunes from your music library or even play music online straight to the rCube. Now, instead of having to take your iPod with you around the house, you can simply unplug the portable rCube and have music with you where ever you go. And don’t worry about the battery dying- the eight hours of continuous playback is enough for any party/cookout/jam session with guys.

Sound Quality

As I said before, I wasn’t really expecting to get amazing sound from the rCube. After all, it’s not a full, blown-out sound system. But I was wrong to think of it as any other docking station. Instead of forcing out music, the rCube seems to effortlessly emit sound. And unlike other iPod docks, the sound coming from the rCube doesn’t sit in front of the speakers. Situated with speakers on the side panels, the rCube guarantees that no matter where you’re standing, whether your off to the side or directly in the center, you’ll experience phenomenal sound.


Integrating the Cube
It’s important to mention that the rCube is unique because it doesn’t try to make your other electronics obsolete. With an “upgrade” button located on the back of the device, it’s easy to find a way to make your rCube a part of your sound system. Better yet, the “video” output option allows you to stream photos or videos that are stored on your iPod or iPhone directly to your television for high quality viewing while taking advantage the rCube’s unbeatable sound reproduction. And there’s always the option to use the rCube as the audio output for a movie you’re watching on your iPad. Simply use the rWand to wirelessly sync both of your devices.

I’m overall really impressed by this little box! (So remember, it’s not just a cube.) Visit a Gramophone showroom in Timonium or Columbia to see the rCube for yourself!

-Ela

Dads and Grads...on a budget

Looking to get dad an awesome Father’s Day gift that he can’t put down? Need to get your grad something extra special without breaking the bank? Father’s Day is just around the corner and graduations are recent news so here are a few cool items you can pick up right here at Gramophone that are sure to please even the biggest gadget guru.

Headphones

Beats by Dr. Dre

 

Beats are a must have for any college bound music enthusiast but even dad whose still into the golden oldies will absolutely love these incredible headphones. With noise cancelling features, ultra light design, and clear crisp HD sound, Beats are more than just headphones. They provide a stellar music listening experience every where you go! Beats on-ear start at just $199 in either red, black, silver, or white and come complete with a sturdy traveling case and cable connector to ensure durability.

 

 

Bowers and Wilkins P5

Now dads and grads can enjoy the same luxurious experience they love about Bowers & WIlkins everywhere they go with the  P5 noise-isolating, mobile hi-fi headphones. At an incredible price for the B&W quality, wow your dad and grad for under $300!

Looking for a review? Check out what Wired Magazine says about the B&W P5: “Heavenly Headphone Create Symphony Hall for Your Ears”.

 

iPod Docks & Speakers

Geneva Sound System Model S

Receiving the highest marks in its class, the Geneva Model S is as compact, portable, and high tech as it gets. When the iPod/iPhone is removed, the motorized PowerDock spins closed to protect it. Any dad or grad would be proud to own this powerful little box with easy to use touch light controls and a built digital clock radio.

Looking for a review? Check out what Wired Magazine says about the Geneva Model S: “iPod Dock Has Killer Looks, Sound to Match”.

Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Mini

Give your dad or grad the gift of music, elegant, compact, and advanced music with the streamlined Zeppelin mini. Perfect for the office, dorm room, or new apartment, dads and grads alike will love the incredible sound delivered once again by B&W. Same great sound as the Zeppelin or Zeppelin Air with a much smaller price tag, only $299!

 

 

 Television

48-Month Special Financing Available from Sony*

Receive a Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player powered by Google TV when you buy a qualifying LED Sony BRAVIA HDTV listed below.  Valid to July 9, 2011.  Eligible Models: KDL-46HX729, KDL-55EX720, KDL-55HX729, KDL-55HX820, KDL-55NX720, XBR-55HX929.

*See store for details. Subject to credit approval.

Is your dad or grad more about catching the football game? Gramophone is proud to carry the latest in LCD TVs from Samsung, Sony, and Sharp with crisp, ultra clear displays. Starting in the $200 price range, the 19” LCDs are a perfect fit for any dorm room or office.

 

Sonos Wireless Home Sound System

Is this Father’s Day the time to get dad something extra special that he’s been wanting but, until now, your budget couldn’t fit? Visit Gramophone to check out the latest in wireless full-house music entertainment. Whether you plan to start dad out with a single one-room unit  or upgrade throughout the house, the Sonos Wireless Multi-Room Music System is the perfect solution to affordable zoned music.

 

Ask Julia what she would recommend for your Dad or Grad!

McIntosh & Gramophone Celebrate the Good Life With “DIAMONDS ARE A GUY’S BEST FRIEND” Evening OF Music, Martinis, And Fine Food

McIntosh Laboratory, a global leader in home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 60 years, will be the featured performer at a special Gramophone home entertainment and music celebration on May 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Timonium location (4 West Aylesbury Road) and May 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Columbia location (8880 McGaw Road). The event will provide a first-hand look at some of McIntosh’s legendary audio gear and allow people to experience the intense emotional impact made possible by true no-compromise music reproduction. In addition to the McIntosh experience, the event will feature product demonstrations from Runco and Bowers & Wilkins. 

Guests will enjoy powerful high fidelity demonstrations from several McIntosh systems. Attendees are encouraged to bring in their favorite nostalgic vinyl records to experience listening to their music on a world-class audio system. 

Find Out What the “McIntosh Experience” Is All About
The Gramophone celebration will give area music lovers a taste of why discerning listeners have long considered McIntosh to be the “diamond standard” of great sound. Each McIntosh component is meticulously handcrafted in the U.S.A. at the company’s Binghamton, NY factory – and music lovers around the world regard the iconic “McIntosh Blue” front panel meters as the hallmark of unmatched quality, performance and reliability.

In fact, McIntosh has built a cult-like following around the world that has long included many of the world’s most discriminating audio enthusiasts and musicians – members from The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead, as well as John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Antonio L.A. Reid to name just a few.

RSVP to diamonds@gramophone.com, or call 410.308.1650

About McIntosh Laboratory
Since 1949, McIntosh Laboratory’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and quality continues to define the state-of-the-art in high fidelity and provide discriminating consumers around the world an elevated home entertainment experience. McIntosh high-performance audio and video products are handcrafted at the company’s Binghamton, New York headquarters. Its products reflect unmatched levels of performance, superlative engineering and hand craftsmanship. Built to last for decades, McIntosh components demand nothing less than an equal level of commitment to customer support and service. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is a D&M Holdings company. For more information visit www.mcintoshlabs.com, join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcintoshlabs or follow us on Twitter by searching for McIntoshLabsInc. All product and brand names with a trademark symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 

DISCLAIMER
Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights. 

Take Your Sonos System To The Next Level

Do you have a Sonos system?  Are you in love with it? (Most people who own a Sonos System do tend to fall madly in love with it.)  Are you wondering how to take your relationship with Sonos to the next level?  You're in luck.  The Nova from Peachtree Audio creates amazing sound for all your music sources including those digital audio files that live on your Sonos, iPod, Computer, or other mp3 player.

Peachtree Audio understands that a tube amplifier adds a warmth and smoothness to your music.  In "audiophile-speak": The tube preamp lends smoothness and warmth to your music's high and mid-range frequencies while solid-state amplification delivers tight punchy bass. This high quality digital-to-analog conversion means smoother and clearer sound for your digital music.

Other features include an onboard headphone amp for enjoying private listening at work or just kicking back to enjoy some late night tunes at home. The stereo preamp outputs let you add an extra amp or a powered subwoofer.

The Nova features an open space in the back of the unit that will fit your Sonos® wireless music ZP90 digital music player, and will use its digital to analog converter (DAC) to convert the digital music stored on the Sonos to smooth and clear analog music signals.

-Miles

The Travels of Kate's B&W Zeppelin

A few weeks ago my B&W Zeppelin got sick.  It had been about 5 years of using the Zeppelin nonstop: for my iPod & TV speakers.  Just like a car, sometimes electronics need a tune-up and that's what happened.  So, sadly, I packed it up, told it to "get well soon", and shipped it back to B&W for some good ol' fixin.

While my dear Zeppelin was being taken care of, I had the misfortune of having to listen to my flatscreen TV through its itsy-bitsy built-in speakers.  That first night of tinny, reverberating sound was miserable, and I even considered just not watching TV until my Zeppelin was returned to its proper place.  Because, what I've learned is: TV is just not the same when the sound isn't good.  In fact, the emotion (of my beloved dramas, and occasional reality show) vanished when the Zeppelin was off getting its tune-up.  I could hear the sound smashing into the hard plastic backing of the TV, and echoing back and forth.  I found myself playing with the volume, in the hopes that maybe turning the volume way up would eliminate the empty audio quality, but no, it just made it worse.  So, I attempted turning the volume down, to a barely audible level, in the hopes that maybe the tinny sound wouldn't be noticeable at such a low volume.  But, what I discovered, to my dismay, was that no matter what the volume, the audio quality was just flat out bad.

While I was without the Zeppelin, I discovered closed captioning, reading, the great outdoors, my love of cooking, and the fact that even my computer's built-in speakers had more richness and depth to them than the poor wanna-bes in my TV.  

So, when my darling Zeppelin returned, repaired and feeling well again, I was elated.  The most difficult part was getting it out of its box.  I could definitely have used a second set of hands, but the adrenaline of excitement was able to pull me out of the sticky situation (pun intended).  Once the Zeppelin was out of the box, it only took me about five minutes to set it up:

1. Plug into wall outlet.
2. Run cable from TV to the back of the Zeppelin

The only thing that stood in my way was the fact that the puppy had decided to get in the empty box to play, so subtract one minute for me chasing her out of the box, and placing the box up on the table.

Finally, the time had come to turn on the TV.  This was the moment I'd been waiting for.  There's nothing quite like hearing quality sound along with a crystal-clear picture.  And, my iPod, once again, has a place to spend time charging itself while playing some of my favorite music.  

-Kate

From The Desk of Guest Blogger: Mick Lee from Z104.3

 

Being a radio DJ I think it would be pretty obvious, but I'm a big music/audio dude. And, I get so excited at the thought of even stepping foot into Gramophone's huge showroom….so when I heard about Peachtree Audio's musicBox, I wanted to be one of the first to try it out! My friends at Gramophone set me up with one to try last month, and it was hard to let it go when the month ended. Such amazing audio quality (which is typical with all of Peachtree products). 

It's sleek, shiny, and small enough to fit on any shelf….but packs a punch with clarity and volume. With the iPod dock on it, I was able to connect my iPod and iPhone (yes, the tech geek that I am has both) instantly and enjoy music at any moment of the day. Great to just chill, or for background music when I have friends over. Even cooler was that I could connect my HDTV to it for amazing sound from my favorite shows and movies. Good stuff. 

Definitely head to the Gramophone showroom to see it for yourself! Oh, and don't forget to bring your own iPod so you can put it to the test!

- Mick Lee (from Z104.3)

*Note from the Gramophone Team: It's on display for a limited time only, so swing by before March 31st!

 

Have No Fear Kaleidescape is Here

Trouble finding that favorite movie or CD? Feel like no matter how much you try to keep your music and movies organized something always ends up MIA when you want it the most? Have no fear, Kaleidescape is here. 

 

Kaleidescape is one of the most impressive media devices I have ever seen. It is a media server that allows you to store all your movies and music on an internal disk. It automatically organizes and visually catalogs your collections that are then instantly delivered to any room in your home.

 

 

Kaleidescape is built using high quality components which deliver 1080p video, so you get the best performance rate and the quality is never compromised.

 

So, how does it work? Most people are used to finding the DVD or CD of their choice (either in a pile on the floor, a CD/DVD rack, or a bookshelf.  Then, sticking it into the player, and hitting play. However, Kaleidescape stores all you movies and music in one convenient location. Once installed, all you need to do is use your remote (which can be Kaleidescape’s, a Universal remote, or Crestron) to access and choose the movie or music of your choice.

 

Another great feature the Kaleidescape has to offer is the fact that it is ready for the future. How so? Kaleidescape periodically provides a software update and new hardware, like the new Blu-ray players. This allows you to keep up with the most current movie and music formats so you do not have to keep purchasing newer more expensive technology. I love how you can play, pause, resume, and even bookmark to later jump to favorite scenes in your favorite movies.

 

*Other cool features allow: parental controls, resume the movie you are watching in a different room, and even downloading music from your Kaleidescape System to your iPod.

 

-Chris Beasley

410-381-2100

Gramophone's 10-Week Music Challenge