Gramophone’s Favorite Things

Surround Sound Part I: 1.0 ... 2.1 ... 5.1 ... 7.1 ... 9.1 ... 11.1

Hey, I just wanna watch a movie. What’s the deal with this surround sound number soup?

We’ll define all those numbers and explain the various speakers in surround systems in order of importance and their typical roles:

Center channel speaker – This speaker is usually placed directly above or below the TV screen. It delivers up to 85% of the dialogue and 65% of the special effects in a soundtrack. Just think about how much of the action in any viewing experience is in the center third of the screen; all the sound for that action and more is going to come from the center channel speaker.

Left/Right front speakers – Ideally placed equidistant from the left and right sides of the screen, generally no more than 4 feet away, if possible. The L/Rs support the output from the center channel and reproduce sounds that show up on the left or right third of the screen. If a stereo source is being reproduced, all the information will come from these two speakers unless you’ve got a subwoofer in the system and the L/Rs are set to “Small” in the receiver menu.

Primary surround speakers – Ideally placed directly to the sides or a little behind the prime listening area. These typically reproduce the ambience or the environmental sounds in the movie or TV show scene. Jungle sounds, office sounds, restaurant sounds, city street sounds, stuff like that. In spite of everyone’s powerful desire to hear the surround speakers all the time, the truth is you shouldn’t be consciously aware of their existence most of the time. Trust me, the film director doesn’t want you constantly distracted by sounds coming from your side or behind you. Surround music on the other hand, may have just the audience sounds in these channels or the engineer may place primary info in these channels. Why do they do this? Because they can.

The above add up to the “5” in a 5.1 system. They’re all full frequency channels (20Hz – 20kHz) when recorded by the studio but you can choose to send the low frequencies to your subwoofer. 

More channels to come in the next post…

 

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

 

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

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. 

10 Reasons To Join Us for a Martini Night...

Dear Readers,

I can imagine that maybe you're sick of me writing about all my product encounters...I can understand that; therefore, I'm going to move in a different direction.  We have an event rapidly approaching that will be: EPIC (that's what the kids are saying these days, right?) And we want you to join us.

On May 18th (at Timonium) and May 19th (at Columbia), we will be hosting an event titled: Diamonds are a Guy's Best Friend.  

1. There will be Custom-Colored Martinis.
2. Experience the difference that diamond makes in B&W's 800 series speakers.
3. Exclusive Promotions from B&W, McIntosh, and Runco on their hottest products!
4. Meet Charlie Randall, Presdient of McIntosh.
5. Learn how McIntosh uses garnet dust to manufacture their products.
6. Discover why a custom-colored TV from Runco may be in your future.
7. Delicious catering from a local restaurant.
8. Complimentary Valet Parking (who doesn't love to have someone else park their car?)
9. To the ladies: You'll definitely want to find out why your man is in love with diamonds too...
10. It's free to attend.

We know you want to attend, so send us your RSVP to diamonds@gramophone.com.

Cheers!

Kate

Diamonds & Hearing Clearly

Back when I was about 8 years old, I got my first pair of glasses.  I still remember the first time I was able to distinguish the leaves on the trees.  Up until that time, I had known trees to be clumps of green blurs; but, when I put on my first pair of (blue clear plastic framed) glasses, I discovered what everyone else had been seeing all their life.  

I had another "seeing clearly" moment today when I got a demo of the B&W 800 series speakers (what B&W refers to as their Diamond Series, as the tweeter contains diamond!).  It was as Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson (Live)" played and I could hear the clapping of the audience.  For the first time, I was able to hear the variety of distinct sounds in the clapping.  Impossible? Not on these speakers. We've become accustomed to hearing blurs of sound as our speakers don't fully reproduce the sounds of our music -- to the point that we're not even hearing the full songs.  There's something absolutely exhilerating about actually hearing the music - the strings of the guitar, the drumsticks hitting the drums, the rasp in the voice.   

The speakers, to say the least, are shaped interestingly.  These are not your typical rectangular, box speakers.  These have curves, are spherical on top, with tweeters (that have been mistaken as microphones) resting on top.  For me, they take some getting used to, but when the music plays, the shape just makes sense.  I can't explain why, because I haven't figured that out yet.  These aren't small, compact, or bookshelf speakers in the least, but the power of the sound that plays is worth every square inch of floorspace occupied by their footprint.

I haven't met a single person who doesn't enjoy hearing music live, and these speakers have the horsepower to give that experience from the comfort of your home.  In one word: Amazing.

-Kate

Let Your Music Play Outside

Having lived in Maryland for my entire life, I understand that it is possible to experience the 4 seasons over the period of 4 days: Snow on Friday and 80 degrees & sunny on Monday.  If you're not from the area, you may be surprised by this fact, but trust me: it's possible.

The good news is that it looks like we may be heading into a very spring-like weekend, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees.  Which means it's going to be the perfect time to head outside...with your music.  But don't limit the experience to your headphones: share it with your friends & family on a pair of outdoor speakers.  

When you add the Sonos ZonePlayer 90 to your system, along with a pair of Sonance outdoor speakers, you'll have easy access to your entire music collection and be able to play all your music outside.  We can even set it up so that you can choose which music to play from your iPod or smartphone.  Just imagine: you're lounging outside.  The music's on.  Your friends are over.  And all of a sudden, someone makes a song request.  In 5 seconds, you've quickly found the song, and set it to play without having to move!  How simple is that?

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

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.