Gramophone’s Favorite Things

Who the heck is JR and why should you care?

So what gives me street cred as an expert in A/V and more? Well, 10 years in retail at a NYC area audio store in the 70s followed by 30 years working for a several audio manufacturers in sales, marketing and product development roles including a 5 year stint as an industry consultant (1990 – 1995). In 2005 circumstances led to me starting up my A/V consulting company once again. From 2005 to 2008 I traveled the US and Canada delivering Certification review courses and a full day Home Theater Audio Boot Camp of my creation to installation professionals under the auspices of CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association).

Why should you care about all this? Well, I’m going to be filling this ongoing blog with information relative to home theater, audio/video systems, listening skills, high-end audio, home automation, control systems, and much more. It’s really important that you understand the stuff I’ll be posting won’t be driven by manufacturers, Gramophone staff or a desire to specifically sell you something. Sure, Gramophone wants to sell you products and services. But they’re smart enough to know that in order to compete in this ever changing environment they need to offer you benefits that you just won’t find elsewhere. So I guess you can look at me as “your kindly old Uncle who’s in the business”. Hopefully you’ll send me some general questions on the above topics that I can answer in the blog. I’m confident that I can provide information of broad interest in response to your questions so other readers will benefit as well.

-JR

Introducing Joel...

Oh! Oh! Oh! I have a blog! Here I am, old as the hills, and in this rapidly changing world I’m now suddenly hip. Oops, I guess the term “hip” itself probably negates the blog part, doesn’t it?  And I don’t know what word has replaced hip today. Cool? Rad? With it? Smushnup?

Well, anyway let me tell you who I am and why I’ve suddenly been thrust into the 21st Century. But first, does this mean I’m gonna have to get a smart phone and start texting everyone, especially when sitting in a restaurant, driving or in a movie theater?

My name is Joel Rosenblatt and I’ve been in what used to be called The Audio Business (TAB) for 43 years. You know, The Audio Business; listening to music as an activity, all by itself. We’ll talk more about that concept later, but about 15 years ago TAB began evolving into The Audio/Video Business (TAVB) Boy, do we love acronyms in this business or what? I just made these last few up. Rad, huh? As the industry changed, I’ve managed to hang in there and stay up with these rapidly evolving technologies, eventually becoming a bit of an industry expert along the way. In my next post I’ll give you a little of my history.

Hurricane Irene is On Her Way!

You've probably already made it to the store to stock up on the essentials & non-perishable items, as well as made sure you have batteries & candles in case of power-loss.  

We're all great at preparing ourselves for bad weather, but it's easy when going down the checklist to forget about your home electronics.  In light of that, we'd like to give you a few tips on what to do to minimize damage to your system.

Make sure you are prepared for the worst: In case of the need to submit an Insurance claim, make sure you have pictures of your system pre-damage!

High-Winds & Flooding:

• Debris can go flying when high-winds are involved.  Especially if your home is in an extremely high-risk area, you'll want to make sure your windows are covered, and that - if possible - you've moved your electronic equipment as far away from windows as possible.

• Elevate any equipment that's on a floor to protect from water damage.

 

Lightning:

• If you don't have surge protection on your equipment (Read why this is so crucial), you'll want to make sure you've unplugged the equipment prior to thunder & lightnight storms to protect it from any lightning strikes.

• Surge Protectors are great for the unexpected, but even with a surge protector, when you have fair warning you'll still want to unplug everything including the COAX cable from your cable box or satellite box, as those can also lead to surge. 

• Be aware that surges can also occur when the power comes back on!

 

Loss of Power:

• Remember: Wireless devices do not always mean they don't have wires!

• Be prepared that extended loss of power can reset equipment back to the factory default settings. So, when power returns, items may require a service call to have audio/video and/or calibrations settings reset.  If you find this is the case, please give us a call and we'll be happy to get a field technician out to your house ASAP.

 

Boredom:

• Remember, lots of entertainment options go out the window when there's no power!  Having battery-powered items (like the Arcam rCube or Sonos Play 5) & battery-powered chargers for small items, such as your phone, iPod/iPad, and Portable DVD player can come in handy, especially when the boardgames just aren't taking care of the kids! Are your playlists up to date? 

• What did people do before the internet?  No Power = No internet. (Unless 3G is up and running and you have the ability to connect through 3G, make sure you have options for entertainment that's can be used offline)

• Here's a list of offiline activities to share with your kids!

• To our streaming music fans out there (perhaps you have MOG, Rdio, or Spotify): Be sure that playlists have been downloaded.

• Headphones are always a great resource for during a power outage (as long as your iPod's charged up!), but keeping yourself calm & occupied are always important.  Remember, if your headphones use batteries, to keep extra batteries available.

 

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All in all, it's most important to take care of yourself, family, and friends!  Please stay safe this weekend!

-The Gurus at Gramophone

 

P.S. Last Minute In-Stock Products for Hurricane Preparedness

Surge Protectors: Don't be fooled: Those $15 powerstrips aren't going to protect your equipment...

Arcam rCube Portable & Battery-Powered: 8 continuous hours of high-quality audio output! That's quite a bit of music, podcasts, etc. to listen to while the power's out!

Oh, hey! And we're having a sale!

How Many Times Can I Use the Word “Blog”?

Blogging is in the air! Well the Gramophone air, that is. From a blogging event to a new blog site, we’re in that blogging spirit.




The Event: Social Media Club of Baltimore

On Thursday evening, August 11th, Gramophone hosted a blogging panel and happy hour sponsored by the Social Media Club of Baltimore. The panel featured expert bloggers - Jill "Scary Mommy" Smokler, Scott Paley, Sunday Stilwell of Extreme Parenthood, and Rachael King - who explored the uses ofsocial media to promote, engage, and expand a brand. 

My contribution? Driving to Fells Point to pick up the oh-so-fittingly named Dangerously Delicious Pies. The star of that show being the Baltimore Bomb, Berger cookie pie awesomeness, yea it exists. 

The Site: See it. Hear it. Love it.

So, in great spirits over a successful and informative blogging event, we prepare for the long-awaited and slightly overdue launch of the new and improved See it. Hear it. Love it. Blog! Mark your calendars because the Beta Version launch is Monday, August 15! Explore the iPad-friendly interface while learning all things cool, awesome, and fun in the electronics, music and movie worlds.

-Julia

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*ATTENTION: Guest bloggers wanted!

All published posts will include links back to the author’s primary blog site. A minimum of 3 published posts will establish a “Featured Author” title included with a picture and bio. Oh and just to thank you for your support, Gramophone will award a $250 Gramophone gift card to each author upon the completion of 25 published posts! Interested in becoming a guest blogger? Shoot an email to khudkins@gramophone.com with the subject line: Guest Blogging Opportunity.

 

TV Meet College Student, College Student Meet the Coolest TV Ever!

Like most college students, I am in the market for a TV, but an affordable TV. Over the past 3 months I’ve done my research and learned that a 720p TV, 32” or under, is not a compromise but a way to save money. Because the screen size is relatively small (and a perfect fit for my less than spacious dorm room) 720p resolution is great quality and a minor difference from 1080p. Perfect. So last week I came into work at Gramophone prepared and excited to buy my 32” 720p LCD TV, or so I thought.

Conveniently, I was introduced to the Sony Internet Connected TV powered by Google, Google TV for short. With the 32” screen, 1080p resolution and LED-LCD quality picture, my attention was certainly grabbed. I asked one of the sales guys to pretend I was a
customer, and well, I’m sold. Get past the basic specs, the clean black & white streamlined design, and the uber modern metal stand, and you’ve still got an incredibly magnificent transition into the future. Yes, you may think I am slightly over-glorifying this TV but it really is just that cool. Here’s why.

First let’s state the awesome. A Google TV has a built-in WiFi receiver so it connects directly, and wirelessly, to my existing internet at no extra cost. Not to worry, there is an ethernet port just in case my dorm room internet decides to be difficult. So much for missing out on the show while I look something up on my computer, now I can multitask all on the same screen!

Google TV also has a USB port so I can take music, pictures, and videos from my computer and load them onto the TV easily with a flash drive. As for DVDs? Using any of the the four HDMI ports I’m instantly connected to my PlayStation 3 and ready to watch Blu-ray movies or show off my expert Guitar Hero skills to the guys (yes, I am a girl and yes, I do still play that game).

As if it couldn’t get any better, I learned that a quick and free download from the iTunes App Store lets me control the Google TV right from my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. But after playing around with the full qwerty keyboard remote with a built-in scroll mouse that comes with the TV, I don’t know if I’d even want to use anything else!

Oh did I mention the apps I can get? Yup, in addition to the Google Chrome browser, I can download and access the Android Apps Market right on the TV for increased ease and convenience. Some of the pre-downloaded apps include Twitter, Facebook, Pandora, and Netflix.  

Needless to say, my love affair with Google continues, and yours can too! Gramophone will proudly feature the Sony Google TV, starting at just $299, at the Back-to-School Sale from August 15th - 31st, at both the Timonium and Columbia locations.

Gramophone, bringing affordable HD living to dorm rooms across the country.

-Julia

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

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. 

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

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!