Gramophone’s Favorite Things

Gramophone's 10-Week Music Challenge

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

Have You Forgotten How Music Is Supposed To Sound?

I'm not your typical audiophile who can talk for hours about the technical aspects of the music I love.  In fact, people who know me, know that I'm more of a casual music listener. I listen to talk radio in the car, and I'm usually forced to listen to Hannah Montana and High School Musical at home. (Guess who lives in a house with a 10 year old girl...) My boss and I differ on our musical taste. Let's just say: I'm a little bit country, he's a little more rock 'n roll. So, when I come in early on Saturday mornings, I take some time to sit down, relax, and listen to what I enjoy. 

We just put together a new display at our Timonium location: The new NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier and the PSB Syncrony One loudspeaker towers.  This morning, I decided to see what this setup could do for Patsy Cline.  I'm a sucker for "Crazy", and I think the tape hiss enhances the listening experience.  When music is played through great equipment, the image that you can create in your mind is crystal clear.  So, when all was quiet, I dropped the disc* into the tray, sat down in one of the comfortable Classic Leather chairs and re-experienced "Crazy"  It was as though I was in a smoky studio in Nashville in the 60's, looking through the glass into the booth, where Patsy and the Jordanaires were laying down the tracks while I sat at the board.  I was hearing things in this classic that I had never heard before.  When in came to the end, I knew I had to grab my other current favorite, Tony Joe White singing "A Rainy Night in Georgia."  The kickdrum is tight. Tony's voice is gravely and low.  You can hear each string being played.  But most of all, you can feel what he's feeling.  That's what music is about.  Have you really heard your music how it's supposed to sound?

It wouldn't surprise me if you're not familiar with NAD or PSB, not everyone has them on display and ready for you to experience.  For the quality and value, though, it's amazing that they're not a standard household name.  NAD & PSB Speakers are part of the Lenbrook Group, a Canadian company that has been producing great audio equipment since 1978 (almost as long as Gramophone's been in business!).  Together they make beautiful music.

Just the look of the components will let you know what you're in for.  The industrial design of the M2 is rock solid with a simple faceplate showing that performance does not have to be complicated.  The PSB speakers are beautifully constructed, reminiscent of the construction of fine furniture.  These are not speakers that your wife will want hidden from sight.

Come in and be reminded of how music is supposed to sound.

Bruce Spivey
410-308-1650

*Don't want to use CDs? Not a problem.  We can play your iPod through these speakers.  We'll just hook up Peachtree's iDecco and you'll be good to go!

Resources:

• Bruce's Playlist on Grooveshark
• Grooveshark on Facebook
• Grooveshark on Twitter
• NAD Electronics
• NAD Electronics on Facebook
• NAD Electronics on Twitter
• PSB Speakers
• PSB Speakers on Facebook
• PSB Speakers on Twitter

Portable Music

Before you know it, summer will be here, and we'll be heading outside to play, eat, swim, and soak up the sun. Great news: your portable music now has a great portable speaker it can connect to. Soundcast presents the Outcast, a truly wireless & weatherproof speaker that connects right up with your iPod. I know that for the audiophiles out there these features send up red flags about sound quality, but I'm here to tell you, the quality is quite good. And with a battery that runs the speaker for up to 10 hours per charge, you can take it with you to the park and play your music all day without a problem. Want to listen to satellite radio or your favorite local station? It can do that too.* Since it's weatherproof, don't worry about doing a cannonball into the pool, the Outcast can take it.

Take out your earbuds, and share your music this summer. The Outcast turns your afternoon in the sun into an event you'll want to repeat.

-Bruce Spivey

*Tech-Speak: Want to know how the RF dock (iCast) works? The iCast has a rear panel analog audio connection. When you don't have an iPod docked in it, the rear panel connection is an INPUT. It can accept analog audio from any source. Here's the catch: if you plan to use the iCast as an iPod dock - for both the soundcast speaker AND your a/v receiver - then that rear panel connection becomes an OUTPUT. Think of the iPod as a mechanical switch. Insert it, and the connection becomes an output, remove it, and the connection becomes an input.

iPod Obsessed?

Let's face it, America has been obsessed with the iPod for quite some time now (whatever its form: iPod, iPod Touch, Nano, Shuffle, iPhone, or iPad). I was an early adopter of the iPod myself. My first iPod was a 2nd generation model--you know the one: big, thick, clunky, heavy, white with dull monochrome screen, battery that lasted a year & storage for about 300 songs. The coolest thing around in 2002. Since then, I have gone through 4 different iPods, to the 80 GB that I use to store all of my music now. I also have the iPhone, and I keep a little bit of music on there as well.

Being in the business, I have had the opportunity to listen to my iPod on a lot of different speakers and music systems over the years. So, before opening the showroom this morning, I took some time to dock my iPod with the new iDecco from Peachtree Audio. I have NEVER heard my iPod sound this good. The iDecco is the only integrated amplifier with a built-in dock that is authorized by Apple to take the music off the iPod in digital format. The iDecco converts converts the digital media (which is how the iPod stores music) to an analog format (which is how we listen to the music) not in the iPod, but in the iDecco itself. There are some stand alone docks out there, like the Wadia, that are allowed to take the music off the iPod digitally, but they still need to be connected to something else to make the magic actually happen. The iDecco is a one piece miracle.

I had connected the iDecco to a pair of Arro speakers by Totem, which are relatively small floor-standing speakers. There was no subwoofer involved in the setup. I have never heard speakers so small create such large, tight bass as the Arros delivered when connected to the iDecco. The soundstage was massive and wide open. All the instruments were crystal clear & accurate, and the vocals were right out front where they should be. I was blown away.

If you are an iPod person, you owe it to yourself to come check out the iDecco and hear what it can do for your music.

Josh Shobe

410-321-2100

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

B&W Zeppelin - the speakers your iPod® has been waiting for.

B&W, makers of the world's best speakers, now make the world's best way to listen to your iPod® or iPhone®. Zeppelin is an integrated iPod speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the speakers that are used in recording studios around the world (including the Abbey Road studios). B&W creates technologies and systems that world-leading studios depend on and that find their way into even its most affordable speakers. Zeppelin will fill a room with crisp, deep, lifelike stereo sound, and deliver musical detail that you won’t believe your iPod could deliver. That’s because the two have so much in common: blissfully simple design and world-leading technologies that let you get the most out of your music.

Sonos Introduces a Multi-Room Music Kit

Wireless multiroom music provider Sonos has introduced the Bundle 150 that gets you a  two-room starter kit for $999. It includes everything you need to wirelessly play music in two rooms of your house at the same time: play the same song in perfect synchronicity or play two entirely different songs at the same time. Using the cool, ergonomic wireless controller, you can select songs, browse your music library, internet radio stations or popular online music services and adjust volume from anywhere in the house. It’s a cool little product that makes a huge impact on your musical “quality of life.”

B&W Loudspeakers Enters the Social Music Scene with the Society of Sound

B&W’s new Society of Sound Music Club is a welcome response to the overly stylized and overly commercial air play of mainstream recording today. The Music Club is a chance to rediscover what made people  fall in love with music to begin with: original artists, immaculate recordings and moving songwriting. Hallelujah.

The Music Club is a partnership between B&W and Peter Gabriel’s state-of-the-art Real World recording studios. The goal of the project is to produce and record specially commissioned albums from exceptional artists all over the world – many well known and many as yet undiscovered.

You can become a member of the Music Club, which grants you access to monthly downloads. Each recording is presented as an Apple Lossless file, which is a larger format than typical MP3 files. Apple Lossless files are identical to the original recording created in studio so you hear the recording in super high fidelity.