Audio

The Mystery of Henry Hoke

JonathanGreen — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:55:11 +1000

Like many readers of ManSpace, we at the Institute of Backyard Studies (IBYS) are big tool collectors. Most Sunday mornings you’ll find us out at garage sales, swap meets or the trash’n’treasure, casting expert eyes over piles of rubbish and junk in a search of that elusive little beauty. A Stanley plough plane from 1923 perhaps... or maybe a Wilkinson folding drawknife is just sitting there, waiting for our loving touch. You live in constant hope of that big find and some days are good.

Denon relaunches core AV receiver line

CF — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:50:51 +1000

Available now, the new line includes the 7.1-channel Model AVR-1913 as well as the 5.1-channel Models AVR-1713, AVR-1613 and AVR-1513.

Denon product manager for core products Yoshinori Yamada says, “With the launch of our new core AV receiver line for 2012, we are giving more people total simplicity of setup and operation, access to online music content as well as outstanding audio and video capabilities.”

Airplay in three new models

Panasonic 3D Blu-ray home theatre systems

CF — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:02:52 +1000

The new models boast a plethora of connectivity features including smart phone remote control, VIERA Connect, enhanced DLNA functionality, Skype video and voice calls, built-in Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN capability and iPod/iPhone/iPad connection.

On the go again!

wrenton — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:35:25 +1000

It’s been a while since the last update, but there has been quite a delay with the supply of the steel for the upper level, and once a again it felt like there was very little happening. Quite a few of the wall frames had been completed but erecting these all depended on the steel being in place.

Going back a month or so, the bricklayers did a fantastic job with all the lower walls being completed in just under two weeks. It would have been nice if the steelwork had come along as well! Anyway, the clock cannot be wound back, and, as of this week everyone is back on the job.

Niles GeoRealistic Pro Series rock and planter speakers

CF — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:39:46 +1000

Featuring Niles’ signature rugged design and long-lasting materials, the Niles GeoRealistic Pro Series rock and planter speakers are engineered to deliver the highest quality audio fidelity and weather any outdoor climate. The new line is available for immediate delivery to dealers.

Wisdom Audio Insight Series in-wall loudspeakers

CF — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:07:45 +1100

"We are excited to announce the pricing and shipping plans for the Insight Series in-wall models to our distribution channel. After our Insight Series demonstrations at CES, many of partners have been looking forward to offering a wider range of Wisdom Audio products to their customers," says Wisdom Audio president Mark Glazier.

TEAC SR60iP iPhone/iPad audio system

CF — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:02:45 +1100

The SR60iP features a docking station compatible with the latest iPod, iPhone and even iPad models. Users can enjoy audio playback while simultaneously charging their iPod, iPhone or iPad device.

Having a bar of it

JonathanGreen — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:36:57 +1100

In the launch edition for ManSpace we asked readers to send in personal stories about their space. Darren Gallagher has answered the call and gives us a first person account of The Flying Sailor Bar & Brewery; his garage retreat inspired by beer, blues music and cool cars: Never a truer word has been spoken since young Tobias talked it up in the 18th century. There is something fantastic about being young and hitting the high seas (which led to being hit from time to time, or from port to port). Having moved around as a lad because of my father’s employment, little did I know that he ...

Music to test speakers with

Darcy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:24:48 +1100

Like a giant Meccano set

wrenton — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:04:51 +1100

With the holiday break behind us the action on ‘The Block’ is picking up. Early January the scaffolding was put in place, then from that point on there didn’t appear to be much happening. However, we were assured there was plenty going on behind the scenes.

So you have at least 3 quotes, now what?

matthew — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:57:20 +1100

If you have carefully selected your tender list, then choosing your builder should be relatively easy. If you have read my previous blogs you would have already selected builders that can provide what you are looking for. So once you take this variable out of the equation it comes down to scope and dollars.

What you are trying to do here is get all of the builders to price exactly the same scope. Once this is done you can either just go with the cheapest price, or negotiate with your favourite.

The slab is in!

wrenton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:46:14 +1100

It is hard to believe, looking at the concrete slab, how much work has gone into getting the project to this stage.

The initial setup was done, and once all the string lines were set out the lower corner of the floor seemed to be so elevated it was difficult to get everything in perspective. The fall of the block seemed to create an optical illusion. However, it was a case of wait and see as the preparations continued.

Progress at last!

wrenton — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:26:25 +1100

Who could believe that after signing the building contract, not a blade of grass had been disturbed in three months!!

We finally have some action shown in the photos. The clearing of the block has been completed, the cut has been done for the downstairs, and now the foundations have been poured.

REVIEW: Swans T200B Professional Multimedia Monitor System

Darcy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:38:49 +1100

Read our review of the Swans T200B Professional Multimedia Monitor system - are these the audiophile's answer to good computer speakers?

REVIEW: Sonos Zoneplayer S5 multi-room system

Darcy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:36:04 +1100

We test drive the Sonos Zoneplayer S5 multi-room audio system, to find out how it stacks up against professionally wired multi-room options.

Tweeters

Darcy — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:27:57 +1100

The AVC Group signs with APG

Darcy — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:41:06 +1000

The AVC Group of Carlsbad, California has announced that Audio Products Group (APG) will take over responsibility for their brands Elan, Aton and Sunfire from 1 October 2011.

Quotes, and taking the razor to the plans

wrenton — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:31:32 +1000

The three builders quotes have come in and to our horror they are all more than 30% over our original budget. We will now get the razor out and look at where we can reduce the cost of the whole project. We met with each of the builders again and went through in detail all the areas where savings can be made without jeopardising the overall design. They resubmitted their quotations and we have chosen Jake - a local builder who is very keen to build our home. The next step is to complete the Project Building Specifications as required by the Master Builders Association. This is a 30 page ...

Auralex Acoustics introduces Digital Personalised Room Analysis Form

CF — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:54:09 +1000

Auralex Acoustics has launched the newest addition to its Free Personalised Room Analysis service, a Digital Personalised Room Analysis Form (Digital PRAF). The new form will allow for a more efficient customer experience.

Jumping through hoops - permits and builders!

wrenton — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:53:39 +1000

Our planning permit was finally approved six months after being submitted to Council. The approved plans state that the works must be in line with the stamped plans, which note that the Manna Gum tree at the front of our property ( on Council land) is to be removed at our expense: The next step in our building project is to meet with our architects and proceed the advanced stage of the design development and working drawings. Further on from there we were presented with our interior design drawings which include all interior specifications including cabinetry, kitchen design ...

Cable management in everyday furniture

Darcy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:02:19 +1000

Proper cable management can make a simple installation look impressive or a high-end system look cheap. Here is some furniture that brings a touch of class to your AV.

How to connect banana plugs

Darcy — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:41:17 +1000

Banana plugs are a popular way to create a secure connection between speakers and receivers.

What are banana plugs?

The horn speaker alternative

Darcy — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:20:40 +1000

That ‘smaller is better’ has been pushed to end-users for decades, but now a Sydney company is going large – very large.

How a soundbar works

Darcy — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:13:26 +1000

PRODUCT NEWS: The McTiVia

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:22:34 +1000

McTiVia wirelessly sends and displays any content from your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry devices to your TV.

PRODUCT NEWS: Oceanic Distribution iPhone app

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:09:56 +1000

Oceanic has launched its new iPhone app. The app is a full catalogue with details on all products including RRP prices and pictures.

5.1 and 7.1 surround sound technologies

CF — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:03:09 +1000

5.1 and 7.1 channel surround offer different experiences.

Surround sound is an effective way to enrich the way that sound is delivered, by creating the impression of being 'immersed' in a 3D sound environment, surrounded by whatever you're listening to.

PRODUCT NEWS: JBL SB 300 2.1 soundbar system

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:00:54 +1000

JBL introduces the new SB 300 2.1 soundbar system, featuring a two-channel soundbar and matching wireless subwoofer.

PRODUCT NEWS: Pioneer's new AV receivers

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:52:49 +1000

Pioneer has announced nine new AV receivers, engineered to perform as the central entertainment hub in the home.

PRODUCT NEWS: Pioneer Sound Wing speakers

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:49:31 +1000

With a minimalist design, Pioneer’s new ‘Sound Wing’ speakers deliver big, multi-directional sound without dominating the living space and decor.

PRODUCT NEWS: Castle celebrates forty years with Richmond Anniversary collection

Darcy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:42:57 +1000

Castle is celebrating forty years in business with an Anniversary edition and collector's item, Richmond Anniversary.

Digital radio

Darcy — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:25:21 +1000

Digital radio allows you to view the album art for the song you are listening to.

What is digital radio?

Performance considerations

CF — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:16:14 +1000

How to choose a home audio system

CF — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:46:42 +1000

A sound bar is a simple but effective way of creating a surround sound effect.

Audio in the home has never been so powerful.

Surround sound vs. stereo

CF — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:34:23 +1000

A good surround sound system can exceed all expectations.

When it comes to audio, stereo has been the go-to solution for decades now. Most hi-fi and TV systems come with in-built stereo speakers, and that's how most of us are used to hearing sound being broadcast.

Digital radio

CF — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:26:26 +1000

Digital radio

CF — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:26:26 +1000

Racks and mounts

CF — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:56:30 +1000

Speaker cable

CF — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:38:42 +1000

Outdoor audio

CF — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:17:25 +1000

Having audio outside can be good for more than just summer barbeques.

Outdoor audio

If you are considering having audio all around your house, why stop at the back door? Having audio throughout your garden can be a great asset when you’re lounging in the pool or entertaining guests by the barbecue.

Components

CF — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:52:34 +1000

Noise regulations

CF — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:46:22 +1000

Soundproofing is a good way to ensure noise from your home doesn't irritate the neighbours.

Obviously our audio equipment makes a bit of noise - that's what it's there for! The question is, though: how much is too much?

Speaker positioning

CF — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:40:41 +1000

Positioning your speakers can help maintain your sound quality.

Once you have decided on the type of speakers you are going to use in your home, you need to know where to put them.

Soundproofing

CF — Thu, 26 May 2011 10:47:00 +1000

Soundproofing your home might just keep your neighbours talking to you.

Soundproofing, in the simplest sense, is about controlling how much sound gets in or out of the room. When deciding how much soundproofing you need and whether you need it at all, you need to consider:

other people in your house

Environmental acoustics

CF — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:42:31 +1000

With the wrong acoustics, you won't get what you paid for with those expensive speakers.

The environment you listen to your audio in can actually be as important as the equipment itself. For that reason, it's worth considering where you will be putting your new gear before you commit to an investment.

Speakers

CF — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:43:52 +1000

Different types of speakers will benefit your audio style.

Photo courtesy of Lauri Rantana, used under the CC BY 2.0 license.

The traditional loudspeaker as we know it has been around since the dawn of electronic audio.

What is multi-room audio?

CF — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:11:58 +1000

By connecting the audio in your whole house, you can hear the music you want, where you want.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, your audio system is no longer confined to the one room in your house where your component system and speakers are located. Multi-room AV is far more versatile than a conventional hi-fi system

What is home audio?

CF — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:22:55 +1000

Home audio can refer to any audio feature installed in your home.

Photo courtesy of Lauri Rantana, used under the CC BY 2.0 license.

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