Integra Debuts Fall Lineup

ATLANTA (9/20/10) -- Integra, the leading brand of audio-video components specifically engineered for custom installation, has introduced a range of new home theater receivers and separate AV components at the 2010 CEDIA Expo which opens here Thursday. The highlights of this introduction include full-line 3D-Ready HDMI 1.4a interfaces with lossless Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio sound. They also offer improved audio and video processing, expanded networking and Internet Radio capabilities, ISF video calibration, and more. All of the new receivers, processors, and a Blu-ray player are THX certified.

The new lineup consists of four AV receivers, two AV controllers, and two Blu-ray disc players, all of which are now shipping to its dealer base of custom installers and systems integrators. Integra's products are not sold through national chains or online retailers.

"Our commitment to Integra's dealer base is strong," said Keith Haas, Director of Sales. "We promised them that our products would always lead the state of the art, and today's new lineup is the clearest demonstration that we have kept that promise. We have kept Integra exclusive to the custom installer and systems integration marketplace, making it available only from our authorized 'brick and mortar' dealers--not on the Internet--not through distributors--and we intend to keep it that way."

Headlining these introductions are the DHC-80.2 AV preamp controller and DTR-80.2 and DTR-70.2 high-end AV receivers. All three are 9.2-channel channel systems, THX Ultra2 Plus Certified, and network capable products that also include Audyssey's new MultEQ XT32 premium room correction technology and Audyssey Sub EQ HT that properly integrates the sound of dual subwoofers.

Integra is also introducing the DHC-40.2, a mid-priced AV preamp controller, and the DTR 40.2 and DTR-50.2 AV receivers. These are 7.2 channel systems with THX Select 2 Plus certification, network capabilities, and Audyssey MultEQ.

Also debuting at CEDIA are the DBS-50.2 and DBS 30.2 Blu-ray Players. The former is a premium THX Certified player with 1080p upscaling using a new Marvell Qdeo HD Video processor. Both offer an extensive range of features including video on demand.

All these products are now available from Integra's dealer base of custom installers.

Integra designs and manufactures premium Home Theater receivers, processors, amplifiers, and DVD players that are specifically designed to meet the needs of custom audio/video systems installers. Systems integration and convergence technology protocols include RS-232, IR and on-board Ethernet for network connectivity and TCP/IP control. Integra has access to vast technical resources, and bears a proud heritage of 60 years of audio engineering excellence. For more information about Integra and its many fine products, visit www.integrahometheater.com or call 800 225-1946.

DIGITAL FOCI INTRODUCES PHOTO STORAGE & DIGITAL ALBUMS TO EUROPEAN MARKET AT PHOTOKINA

Expands into Europe with Top Selling

Picture Porter 35, Photo Safe II, & Photo Book



September 16, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – Digital Foci www.digitalfoci.com, an award-winning leading provider of digital photography accessories for consumers and professional photographers, announced today that it will be expanding its top-selling line of portable digital photo storage and digital photo albums into the European market at Photokina, held September 21-26 in Cologne , Germany , with European introductions of Picture Porter 35, Photo Safe II and Photo Book. Digital Foci products are currently available in the U.S. , Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .



Picture Porter 35 - Full-Featured High-Capacity Photo Storage



Picture Porter 35 is a full-featured, high-capacity 250-500GB portable photo manager for professional photographers and consumers to take while traveling, on vacation, or on photo shoots. Picture Porter 35 lets you instantly and securely store and view digital photos, music and video on its hard drive wherever you go. It features a 3.5-inch color LCD screen for easy viewing; built-in hard drive with 250GB and 500GB capacities; fast copy speeds of 1GB of data under 90 seconds; RAW image support with zoom capability and EXIF/histogram viewing, and a multi-format memory card reader for CF, MMC, SD/HC Card, miniSD, Memory Stick, MS PRO, MS Duo, and xD-Picture card. The incremental backup feature allows you to save new photos to an existing folder in the Backup Directory. The USB-Host function lets you connect an external hard drives connected to Picture Porter 35 and provides a convenient and inexpensive method for making a secondary backup of critical photos. Picture Porter 35 (model PPR-350) is available immediately priced at U.S. $399 MSRP for 250GB and U.S. $499 for 500GB. Info at: http://www.digitalfoci.com/downloads/product_literature/PPR-350_Brochure.pdf



Photo Safe II - Low-Cost Photo Companion



Photo Safe II is the ultimate low-cost photo companion for travelers. Photo Safe II provides portable on-the-go digital photo storage with 250GB and 500GB hard drives and built-in memory card readers, so you can quickly save your digital photos on the road without worrying about losing important photos or running out of memory card space. Photo Safe II (PST-251) is priced at U.S. $159 MSRP for 250GB and U.S. $219 for 500GB. Info at: http://www.digitalfoci.com/downloads/product_literature/PST-251_Brochure.pdf


Photo Book – Hottest Seller 2009 Holiday Season



Photo Book is an elegant portable digital photo album with an 8-inch 800x600 color digital LCD screen and 4GB of internal memory. Available as a “Wedding” version in Pearl White and “Professional” version in Black, Photo Book has been consistently awarded PMA Retailer’s “Hot Pick” at PMA 2009 in Las Vegas , PMA Canada 2009 and PMA Australia 2009. As predicted by the PMA panel of retail buyers with expertise and knowledge of the photo industry, Photo Book was one of the hottest sellers of the 2009 holiday season in the U.S. Photo Book in Pearl White is the perfect digital wedding album and the Black “Professional” version is great for photo portfolios or keepsakes. Both have a sleek design encased in a soft leather-like case for a beautiful photo album that makes an attractive first impression. Ideal for passing around while sitting on the sofa and at family gatherings, Photo Book can run for over 2.5 hours on its internal battery, giving you the convenience to share your photos in any setting. Photo Book Pearl White “Wedding” version and Black “Professional” version are priced at U.S. $189 MSRP. Info at: http://www.digitalfoci.com/downloads/product_literature/PBK-080_Brochure.pdf.



Availability



All Digital Foci products are available immediately through Digital Foci at www.digitalfoci.com and major retailers, such as www.Saks.com, www.amazon.com, www.bhphotovideo.com, and www.adorama.com. European availability and pricing will be announced 2011. For more information, see www.digitalfoci.com.



About Digital Foci



Digital Foci www.digitalfoci.com helps consumers manage and enjoy their digital content collection easily. The company enhances people’s lives by allowing them to seamlessly move digital photos, video, and music from one place to another. Digital Foci products include digital picture frames, photo d is plays, storage devices, and card readers for transfer, storage, and management optimized for any setting where you choose to enjoy your digital content.



Digital Foci (pronounced “foe-sigh”) is the plural form of the word “focus” and symbolizes the many d is tinct points where light and sound converge and diverge. It is at these digital focus points (or foci) where you view and share your digital pictures, watch your digital video, l is ten to your digital music, and access your digital files.

XSTREAMHD’S REVOLUTIONARY DIRECT-TO-HOME SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY WILL BE MARKETED BY THE LARGEST INDEPENDENT DEALER NETWORK IN THE UNITED STATES

XStreamHD and Nationwide Marketing Group to Distribute the Ultimate in Cinema-Class Entertainment Through a Network of 3,000+ Consumer Electronics Dealers



McLean, VA and Winston-Salem, NC – September 16, 2010 – XStreamHD, an emerging leader in the delivery and distribution of Full High Definition (HD) entertainment directly to the home, and Nationwide Marketing Group, the largest U.S. buying and marketing organization providing services to independent consumer electronics dealers, today announced the formation of a partnership that will enable Nationwide dealers to market and install XStreamHD’s revolutionary cinema-class entertainment solution. XStreamHD selected Nationwide for the outstanding customer service reputation of its national dealer network and its reach within the consumer satellite entertainment market.



“XStreamHD provides consumers with unmatched HD entertainment quality and convenience that fits perfectly with the product mix offered by our highly-skilled consumer electronics dealer network,” said Mike Decker, senior vice president of Electronic Marketing for Nationwide Marketing Group. “Based upon our expertise in the consumer satellite entertainment service market, we expect XStreamHD to penetrate more than 100,000 households from this relationship within a 12-month rolling sales period.” More than 60% of Nationwide’s consumer electronics dealer network sales are attributable to satellite consumer services.



XStreamHD’s innovative whole-home HD entertainment system delivers Full 1080p HD video and up to 7.1 channels of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio™ via satellite, enabling consumers to enjoy the very latest in uncompromised Full HD entertainment. Additionally, every XStreamHD customer has exclusive multi-room access to Pre-Fetched Entertainment (PFE), which provides unparalleled convenience by automatically delivering just-released HD entertainment directly to each user’s personal library based upon individual preferences and advance title selections.



“This partnership will enable us to distribute our superior entertainment solution through Nationwide’s network of expert consumer electronics dealers,” said George Gonzalez, founder and CEO of XStreamHD. “Our customers will enjoy unparalleled digital quality, access and convenience to HD entertainment integrated with electronic devices and technology available through Nationwide’s team of satellite services professionals.”



Consumers can currently pre-order XStreamHD’s FAST Start or PRO Start packages to receive priority shipment of the first release systems at www.XStreamHD.com. Each starter package includes one HD Media Server with 1TB storage, one HD or PRO Media Receiver - depending on the package selected, a RF One Remote Control, and all required accessories. The FAST Start package is priced at only $399, while the PRO Start package is offered for $499. 2TB and 4TB storage upgrades are optional with both starter packages. The XStreamHD Fast Start was honored with a 2010 CES Innovations Award for excellence in engineering design and consumer innovation.



About XStreamHD

XStreamHD is leading the HD revolution, setting a new standard for the delivery and distribution of Full HD entertainment throughout the home. XStreamHD provides the first-ever transport network to offer Full HD(1080p) video and up to 7.1 channels of lossless audio of movies and music delivered directly to the home via satellite. With XStreamHD, consumers can build a customized, unique, and unparalleled in-home entertainment network and enjoy the content they want most - including movies, music, electronic games, broadcast HDTV, and more - when it’s most convenient, anywhere in the home, and at the quality today’s home theaters were designed to support. XStreamHD is based in McLean , Virginia . For more information, visit www.XStreamHD.com.



About Nationwide Marketing Group

Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) is America ’s largest buying and marketing organization providing services to appliance, electronics and furniture independent dealers. With over 3,000 members operating some 8,000 store fronts and $12 billion in combined annual sales. NMG offers group negotiated pricing and a host of specialized programs that help their member dealers cut costs and thrive in today's marketplace. NMG also hosts PrimeTime! a bi-annual buying show and conference that puts members face to face with top executives from name brand suppliers and gives them access to leading experts who teach, train and present on the latest trends in the industry. For more information, visit www.NationwideGroup.org

ASUS Unveils a Lineup of Innovative Products at Pepcom Holiday Spectacular!

-- ASUS displays the latest PC technologies featuring uniquely styled Notebooksand Netbooks, LCDs and the WiCast EW2000 1080P Video Streamer--

Fremont, CA (September 15, 2010) - ASUS, a market leader in personal computer products, is displaying several of its latest offerings at the Pepcom Holiday Spectacular! in New York City. ASUS is known for elevating innovation into an art form and this is especially true of its latest mobile computing products. Highlights of the show include the following products:
ASUS NX90Jq Atelier craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology seamlessly meld together in the luxurious ASUS NX90Jq notebook. Designed by award-winning designer David Lewis of David Lewis Designers, the NX90Jq is a study in sublime contrasts, featuring a polished aluminum exterior and palm rest that match beautifully to the matte-black keyboard and dual touchpads. Two speakers featuring Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® technology flank an 18.4" display reminiscent of high-end consumer flat screen televisions. Exclusive ASUS SonicMaster technology helps ensure that all audio is reproduced as flawlessly as possible. The NX90Jq also offers a unique way to interact with the system, in the form of dual touch pads. These work in concert with the Rotation Desktop software to provide users with an intuitive DJ-like control. Featuring the latest in Intel® Core™ i7 and NVIDIA GeForce® technologies plus up to 1.28TB* of storage space and 8GB* of DDR3 memory, this work of modern art also has the power to replace your desktop. ASUS U33JcThe U33Jc is a 13.3" notebook featuring one of the most elegant designs ever developed by employing natural bamboo on the cover and keypad area for a sophisticated look and touch. By employing this natural material in a unique way, ASUS has perfectly combined traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The U33 Bamboo notebook boasts the industry's most innovative technologies, such as Intel's® Core i3-370M processor and NVIDIA's® G310M discrete graphics chipset. In addition, the U33 Bamboo notebook is equipped with USB 3.0 connectivity for high speed transfers along with Intel's WiDi wireless display technology that enables users to transfer high-definition images and audio to external displays. Energy savings are provided by Intel Turbo Boost technology, NVIDIA Optimus auto-switch technology and ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine technology.
ASUS N53JfThe ASUS N53Jf represents a new definition in style, portability, and entertainment performance. Featuring next generation NVIDIA® GeForce GT425M graphics along with an Intel® Core i5 processor and ASUS Sonic Master audio technology the N53Jf is your best choice for a portable entertainment platform. The exclusive ASUS SonicMaster technology is a new audio standard focused on providing professional surround sound. Co-developed with acclaimed Bang & Olufsen ICEpower and based on the efforts of ASUS’ Golden Ear team, SonicMaster completely reinvents the way audio is treated and reproduced on notebooks. Users further benefit from the implementation of several additional technologies on the new N Series notebooks, including USB 3.0, NVIDIA Optimus auto-switching technology and Intel Turbo Boost for additional processing power when needed.
ASUS Eee PC 1015PEMn The 10.1" 1015PEM is the perfect PC due to its travel friendly size and stylish design. It features the new Intel Atom N550 dual-core processor for improved performance and prolonged battery life. Besides its elegantly seashell-inspired design the Eee PC 1015PEM is feature laden with Bluetooth 3.0* and 802.11n wireless for the fastest connectivity speeds available in a netbook. User comfort is a priority at ASUS and the 1015PEM does not disappoint with an ergonomically designed Chiclet keyboard and a large touchpad perfect for working on a spreadsheet or conversing with friends and family on your favorite social networking site.ASUS WiCast EW2000 1080P Video StreamerASUS’s newest product, the WiCast EW2000 offers wireless streaming of 1080P media with almost no latency (<1ms)>

PowerBass Releases New Atom Amp ATM-330.2

PowerBass Releases New Atom Amp ATM-330.2

New for 2010 is the PowerBass Atom line up of amplifiers. Built on a compact footprint these amplifiers are up to 45% smaller when compared to a conventional amplifier with the same power output. An ultra-efficient design, heavy duty double sided PC board and surface mount components result in a compact, low profile chassis with uncompromised sound.

The ATM-330.2 (shown) delivers 75-watts into 2-channels at 4-ohm (150 watts/channel at 2-ohm) in a chassis that measures only 6.5” by 7.7” while standing just over 2” tall. Somehow PowerBass managed to squeeze in a fully variable electronic crossover and a Bass EQ circuit that allows the user to give their bottom end an additional 6 or 12dB boost at 45Hz.

To see all the new models that make up the PowerBass Atom amp line-up simply visit the company website at http://www.powerbassusa.com/

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NuVision INTRODUCES THE FX10 LS Series of LED/LCD TV's

Three new super slim edge lit 3D-ready models deliver true 240Hz processing

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, September 15th, 2010–NuVision© U.S. Inc. (www.nuvision.com), the leading manufacturer of ultimate-performance 1080p Deep Black LCD HDTV's has announced the introduction of the Lucidium FX10 LS series of super slim LED/LCD HDTV sets. The initial product range will include 46” and 55” sizes to be available October, 2010 with a 40” version due out 1st quarter, 2011 and all three models represent NuVision’s most advanced series to date. NuVision’s 3D platform is capable of working with Blu-ray and broadcast sources, while providing the visual performance and exceptional build quality that has become synonymous with the NuVision brand. The Lucidium FX10 LS series is also available with U Color - a service which allows you to décor-match the TV’s handcrafted aluminum bezel to any color. Additionally, a fully reflective mirror finish is available on the 55FX10 LS. All FX10 LS sets come with two pairs of 3D glasses included. The FX10 LS series is a complete line of high performance HDTV’s that will appeal to consumers looking for the finest in technology and style.

FX10 Technology - NuVision’s FX10 products employ proprietary software embedded within the video processor that eliminates the need for the 3:2 pulldown algorithm by performing a true 5:5 pulldown and frame doubling, generating true 240Hz performance (24 frames per second x 5 x 2 =240 frames per second), delivering an absolutely stunning motion picture experience. NuVision’s video processor also handles the FFM (Frame Forward Motion), which compares two consecutive frames and uses proprietary frame doubling interpolation algorithms to generate new frames for blur free, breathtakingly clear, fast sports motion and action sequences.

Tru Dimming - Because Edge lit LED backlit LCD panels are lit from the top and bottom and the backlight is diffused to fill the entire viewing area, NuVision engineered their Tru Dimming algorithm to achieve the highest degree of lighting uniformity. Tru Dimming improves color depth, contrast, and both black and white levels to deliver the most balanced and detailed picture possible.

Custom Installer Friendly - Every NuVision television offers bi-directional RS232 control for seamless integration into home automation systems. They also offer IR pass-through to control other devices and an IR input to control the set, eliminating the need for separate IR emitters.

Environmentally Friendly - NuVision is environmentally conscious and all TVs are mercury free and require 40% less power to operate than comparably-sized CCFL sets. The TV frame is made of recyclable aluminium and each dealer is expected to take responsibility for proper recycling procedures at the end of the TV’s lifecycle.

Premium Customer Service - NuVision's customer service is simply second to none. All NuVision TVs come with NuCare, a two-year warranty as well as a 30-day defective exchange policy. In the unlikely event that the TV should ever need service, NuVision will see to the repair within two business days in the customer’s home.

Pricing - The 40FX10LS will have an MSRP of $4,499, the 46FX10LS will have an MSRP of $5,499, and the 55FX10LS will have an MSRP of $6,999. The 55FX10LS Mirror will have an MSRP of $8499, and the U Color premium adds $1500 to any of the FX10LS series.
About NuVision: Founded in 2005, NuVision, Inc. is a manufacturer of ultimate performance video components. Known for their premium build quality and elegant appearance, NuVision products are engineered to be the finest home cinema solutions available. To ensure that customers receive the best support, service and set-up, NuVision products are only sold through an exclusive, pre-qualified dealer network. NuVision garnered 7 first place awards in the prestigious Inside Track 2010 Supplier Loyalty Test. For more information visit: www.NuVision.com

BDP-1 Digital Music Player and SP3 Processor Highlight Bryston Booth 2418 at CEDIA 2010

Both units will be powered up for feature demonstrations

Peterborough, Ontario Sept 15th, 2010— Bryston LTD (www.bryston.com), builders of the world’s finest audio electronics have announced that the BDP-1 digital music player and much anticipated SP3 surround processor (audio only version) will be on operational display at CEDIA 2010 in booth 2418. Additionally, both units are expected to ship to authorized Bryston dealers Q4, 2010.

BDP-1: Bryston will have a small audio system up and running at CEDIA 2010 to show off the BDP-1’s functionality. The BDP-1’s sole function is to give music aficionados the ability to enjoy their library of high-resolution digital music files (resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz are supported) residing on a USB storage device, which in turn is directly connected via standard USB cable or thumb drive to the BDP-1 digital music player. “The BDP-1’s feature set is unique and we have found that it is most easily defined by clarifying what it does not do,” stated Bryston’s James Tanner. “The Bryston BDP-1 does not contain an internal DAC, a hard-drive, a streamer, a CD player/ripper, noisy fans or switching power supplies. The BDP-1 connects to an external DAC for playback through AES-EBU or BNC digital outputs. Quite simply, the BDP-1 is an ultra high-performance digital music player when connected to an external drive and DAC,” said Tanner. BDP-1 MSRP is $2150.

BDP-1 Tech Talk:
· Out-of-the-box playability when connected to an external USB drive—no network required
· Supports 16 and 24 bit files with sample rates of: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz & 192 KHz.
· Linux operating system optimized to provide the highest quality audio performance
· Industrial quality motherboard uses only a small fraction of its computing power to optimize sonic performance
· Utilizes Bryston-modified top quality soundcard
· AES-EBU Balanced and BNC (spdif) output section for the highest possible performance
· Electronic isolation of audio components from computer components
· Galvanic isolation employed to prevent charge-carrying particles from migrating section to section
· Warranty on the BDP-1 is five years parts and labor

SP3: The SP3 surround processor has been engineered to deliver ultimate performance surround sound playback. Slated to be available in two versions, the SP3 at CEDIA 2010 will feature audio processing (with all of the latest DTS and Dolby® high definition formats); however a modular video processing board will become available next year for those consumers who wish to add video processing capabilities. The SP3 will feature ultimate performance Class A discrete analog circuits and isolated dual power supplies, one each for the digital and analog sections of the device. Analog inputs will include both balanced and single-ended, and the numerous digital inputs will include 8 for HDMI. 7.1 analog outputs are provided in both balanced and singled-ended formats, and digital outputs include two HDMI. The SP3 is expected to have an MSRP between $9,000 and $10,000 and will carry a five year warranty.

SP3 Tech Talk:
ANALOG INPUTS:
· Two pairs of Stereo Balanced XLR
· Single Ended Analog bypass (7.1)
· Six pairs Single ended Analog
· One Microphone
DIGITAL INPUTS:
· Eight HDMI
· Two AES-EBU
· Three Optical
· Four SPDIF Coax
· One USB



ANALOG OUTPUTS:
· Set of 7.1 Balanced XLR
· Set of 7.1 Single Ended (RCA)
· One Zone (stereo)
· One set VCR and Tape loop
· One Stereo Headphone Jack
DIGITAL OUTPUTS:
· One Optical SPDIF
· Two HDMI
· CONTROL INPUTS:
· One RS-232
· One Ethernet
· One IR

Please visit Bryston at Booth 2418 at CEDIA 2010

About Bryston: Bryston (www.bryston.com) first opened for business in 1962 as a manufacturer of blood analysis equipment, and was named (as an acronym) for its three founders, Tony Bauer, Stan Rybb, and John Stonborough. In 1968, NASA engineer John Russell, Sr. relocated himself and his family to Canada from the US and bought the company, where his son Chris set to work designing the first Bryston amplifier. The Pro 3 made its debut in 1973, and since that time, Bryston components have become legendary for their hand-assembled build quality, performance and reliability in both the pro audio and consumer audio market segments. Bryston amplifiers are utilized in some of the world’s most renowned recording studios and owned by many discerning music industry professionals. Bryston applies manufacturing techniques and materials in the everyday assembly of their electronic equipment that are more typically utilized by the military and aerospace industries. Bryston is now based in Peterborough, Ontario Canada, just northeast of Toronto, and sold through over 150 dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide.

THIEL Loudspeakers Unveils the SCS4T

Time and phase coherent two-way tower speaker added to J.E.T collection

September 15th, 2010 (Lexington, KY) — U.S. loudspeaker company THIEL Audio (www.thielaudio.com), has announced the introduction of the SCS4T, a new floor-standing model as part of the J.E.T. collection. Based upon THIEL’s award-winning Power Driver technology, the SCS4T features advanced engineering and elegant aesthetics that bring both visual appeal and truly superb audio reproduction to any music or home theater system. The two-way SCS4T design exists as a direct response to consumer demand for a Power Driver-based floor-standing loudspeaker.

THIEL’s much heralded short coil/long gap coaxially mounted Power Driver, which lies at the heart of the company’s architectural products and the SCS4 bookshelf speaker, maintains THIEL’s longstanding tradition of time and phase coherent designs featuring first order crossovers. The Power Driver also features a tweeter design based upon the exceptionally high performance tweeter used in the company’s flagship loudspeaker, the acclaimed CS3.7. The SCS4T is meticulously crafted using ultra-rigid cabinet construction and an aluminum baffle to deliver exceptionally high levels of detail, dynamics and impact resulting in a truly lifelike listening experience. The SCS4T also includes brushed aluminum Outriggers fitted with spikes to provide the highest degree of stability and visual appeal. And as with all THIEL loudspeakers, the Natural Cherry, Dark Cherry, and Black Ash finishes have been painstakingly selected and finished to integrate beautifully with any décor. "The primary design goal of the SCS4T was to make the Power Driver technology available to customers looking for a high performance floor-standing loudspeaker—and we are highly pleased with the results,” explained THIEL president Kathy Gornik. “The SCS4T is a perfect complement to our architectural and existing floor-standing models and is equally at home in surround or stereo music systems,” Gornik added.

Features and Benefits

· Coaxially mounted midrange/tweeter and phase correct crossover design ensure perfect time coherence for every listening position, resulting in a very high level of spatial realism and three dimensional imaging
· High output capability for dynamic, demanding playback
· Ultra low-distortion short coil/long gap, copper-stabilized driver motor systems for excellent sonic fidelity and tonal accuracy
· Die-cast aluminum baffle and 1" thick MDF cabinet construction provides a level of strength equal to that found on much more expensive products, resulting in greater clarity from reduced vibrations and resonances
· Black brushed aluminum Outriggers and gunmetal finish spikes provide a superior base for optimized sonic performance
· Available in three of our most popular real wood finishes – Natural Cherry, Dark Cherry, and Black Ash.

The THIEL SCS4T will have an MSRP of $3690 per pair and the expected delivery date to authorized THIEL dealers is November 15th, 2010.

First Look: AMD Phenom II X4 970 BE

I recently got in the new Phenom II X4 970 BE. I have not had that much time to work with it, but I will be giving a first look into its perfomance stock and overclocked. BE stands for Black Edition. And that is AMD's version with an unlocked multiplier. The unlocked multiplier makes it that much easier to overclock. Due to time constraints, I went old school and worked within the BIOS. With just a few clicks to up the multiplier and voltage, I was overclocking. A word of caution with overclocking- I would not recommend it using the stock cooler. I was able to reach 3.818GHz air cooled without any difficulty, but overclocking eats power. And that translates to heat. So if you want to overclock, get a nice cooler. And here are a few early benchmarks that look pretty good. I used 3DMark Vantage. The stock setting of 3.5GHz gave 11,950 CPU marks, and overclocked at 3.818GHz yielded 13,070 CPU marks. Not bad.

JL Audio CS112RG-W3v3 Subwoofer Review

When it comes to subwoofers, there are a lot of choices to pick from. Not only do you have many manufacturers to pick from, but there are also many different sizes and styles. Subwoofer sizes range typically from 8” to 18”. The size of the speaker typically will tell how deep the subwoofer will play. After all, an 8” will typically not play as deep as an 18”, but then again, speaker size is only one part of the equation.

Up for review is the JL Audio CS112RG-W3v3. It is a 12” subwoofer in a sealed box made specifically for the driver. With subwoofers the most popular types of enclosures are sealed and ported. Typically, ported boxes will play louder than sealed. This extra output also will usually come at the expense of not playing quite as deep. The type of box design is solely the preference of what is more important to you – louder or deeper.

The driver in the JL Audio CS112RG-W3v3 is from their W3v3 series, and feature some excellent JL Audio technologies. These technologies include:
1) DMA Optimized Motor System
2) Vented Reinforcement Collar
3) Insert molded suspension/Coil/Terminal Sub-Assembly
4) Elevated Frame Cooling
5) Floating Cone Attach Method
6) Surround Stress Relief

No matter the range of stroke and input power levels, the DMA-optimized motor system delivers constant performance. JL Audio’s patented VRC (Vented Reinforced Collar) increases reliability by reducing failures due to glue breakdown and provides stress relief to the spider material during high excursion. The Insert Molded Suspension/Coil/Terminal Sub-Assembly uses an all new hybrid-weave progressive roll flat spiders onto a composite carrier for the best suspension alignment. Elevated Frame Cooling creates a pathway for air to cool the voice coil. Floating cone attach method improves piston motion through independent cone and surround alignment from the spider/coil assembly. Surround Stress Relief helps maintain the surround performance at all power levels.

All of these technologies are the thanks of JL Audio’s proprietary DMA (Dynamic Motor Analysis) modeling system. The cone itself is a mineral filled polypropylene upper cone body. The driver is designed for small sealed or ported boxes. The power handling capability is rated at 500 watts. The enclosure used for the CS112RG-W3v3 is sealed for rear firing dark grey carpeted enclosure with a black steel mesh grille. The enclosure and driver weigh just over 30 lbs, and the wedge design measured 14.25 x 24 x 11.75 x 6.75 inches.

For the listening test, I turned to Bachbuster – Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Dead or Alive – You Spin Me Right Around, and Techmaster Bass Computer – Activate. Bachbusters Toccata and Fugue in D Minor proved to be very musical. The W3v3 driver in it’s prebuilt enclosure showed great output and low end extension of the pipe organ. Dead or Alive –You Spin Me Right Round is a great track to test the responsiveness of a subwoofer. A large cone and large motor structure are often not a great combination when it comes to fast bass beats, which can come off sloppy sounding, and muddy. The Dead or Alive – You Spin Me Right Round track not only provided excellent output, it also showed how responsive the cone and motor structure is. Often times a 12” driver is not quite up to the task, and the bass beats come off sluggish. With the JL Audio CS112RG-W3v3-4, it was only a tad sluggish. I then turned to Bass Computer – Activate. It is an old school bass CD, but is a great torture disk for those subwoofers that are not up to the task. The JL Audio W3v3 driver again delivered in spades. The output was accurate, deep, and with lots of authority. The bass was very clean sounding with a lot of impact.

Overall I was very impressed with the sound quality and output from the subwoofer. While low end extension showed it can play down to around 20Hz, useable output is really in the 30Hz range. For a small sealed enclosure I was impressed. Reference gear used was Kenwood Excelon KDC-X991 and Kenwood Excelon X1200M Class D amp. While the output was not quite equal to my high output reference driver, I was not expecting this level of performance from a small sealed enclosure, especially with an MSRP of only $350. The performance has earned it our “Highly Recommended” award. For more information and complete specs, check out their website at jlaudio.com.