1. technology and computing
2. consumer electronics
3. audio equipment
4. headphones

From the publishers oF
➤ Sound systems for every budget
➤ How to turn an average audio
system into something amazing
➤ Fine-tuning your listening room
➤ Celebrity Q&A with Earth, Wind
& Fire’s Ralf Johnson
special report HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO
separates are the way to go when you want a topnotch listening experience. Pictured here are a few
of Krell’s amplifiers, sAcD/cD player and preamp.
Maximizing Your
Listening Enjoyment
The pieces and parts that turn an average
system into audiophile gold. By Grant Clauser
compressed digital files, inexpensive mass
produced components, poor understanding
of basic audio concepts and the general fast
pace of our lives all contribute to a condition
where people believe that the washed out lowrange sounds that come from their earbuds
or desktop speakers are perfectly adequate.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. A
high-performance audio experience isn’t dif-
When most people walk into a home
have risen for the first time since 2004. And
ficult; nor does it require esoteric equipment or
electronics store, the big screens are usually
we’re talking actual, physical media, not digital
second mortgages. However, it does require
what initially grab their attention. Yet for most
sales (which are also up, by the way). Music
the consumer to slow down long enough to
of the history of home electronics, music was
clearly is still important.
listen and learn about the differences between
the focus, and that focus was played through
two speakers.
48
There are other signs that the audiophile
a good and great audio system.
in all of us is starting to break out. Turntables
Talk to people over a certain age (I won’t
and LPs are popular again, and not just the
Hear Like An Audiophile
say what age), and they’ll wax nostalgic over
USB turntables that allow people to rip their
Our ears, despite years of abuse by loud con-
their first stereo system—usually purchased in
old albums to their iPods.
certs and July 4th explosions, are pretty good
college, or shortly after when they landed that first
Bob Cole, president of World Wide Ste-
at hearing fine detail. The problem is that we
post-college job. So why has music taken a back
reo in Montgomeryville, Penn., actually thinks
often don’t let them, so we don’t know what
seat to video? Is music no longer important?
flat-panel TVs have contributed to increased
we’re missing. Cole notes that most people
The answer clearly is that music still is
interest in quality audio products. “The thinner
don’t believe they can hear like audiophiles
important, but our hectic lifestyles have pulled
the TV panel, the worse the built-in speakers
so that they can hear the difference between
us away from one of the greatest pleasures
sound,” he says, which is leading more people
good sound and bad sound, but he knows
technology can provide. In fact, Nielson Sound-
to invest in receivers and speakers to balance
from experience that they’re wrong. “It’s in our
Scan—the company that tracks what people
out their entertainment system.
DNA to tell the difference between sounds.
listen to—released a report in July revealing
Even so, many people are still missing out
that in the first half of this year, album sales
on the true beauty of their favorite music. Overly
ElEctronic HousE Sept ember 2011
We survived in the wilderness by hearing.”
Try this experiment. Go sit in your backyard
EHInstallers.com
HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO special report
after midnight with a friend or spouse and have
What About Personal Speakers?
a normal conversation. Then stop talking. Pay
There are plenty of times when large speakers
attention. Before long you’ll be surprised at how
that fill a room with sound are just not ideal
loud your backyard really is. You may hear insects
because the rest of the people around you
and animals you never noticed, maybe a freeway
don’t want to listen to your music. This doesn’t
that’s a mile away or the hum of a neighbor’s TV.
mean you have to resort to the little white
Everyone is capable of fine detail appreciation,
earbuds that came with your digital player.
if they just let themselves notice it.
Audiophile-quality headphones are becom-
And that’s what high-performance audio is
ing more readily available and more popular.
about—hearing the things you didn’t know were
High-performance headphones can pro-
there. From the subtle rasp of a guitar pick on
duce an incredibly accurate and detailed sonic
the E string or the inhale between words in
experience due to the inclusion of better dia-
a verse. These things are the texture and life
phragm materials, better fit for sound isolation
of music, but poor quality gear can’t reveal
and better component construction.
it. Once you hear it, you can’t live without it.
Setting Up Your System
The Components You’ll Need
Your room is as much a part of your sound
The typical iPod speaker system or all-in-one
system as the quality of the needle cartridge
home theater-in-a-box system can’t deliver the
on your turntable. Many seemingly mundane
subtle nuances your music contains. High-
things can impact how your system sounds,
performance products include more finely
from where you place your speakers and your
tuned parts, audiophile-grade construction
listening chair to the kind of floor covering
and hand-built attention.
in your room. Here are a few simple tips to
The ingredients of a high-performance
get you started:
system aren’t complicated: a quality source
1. For your critical listening space, avoid
component, most likely a CD player; a preamp
room sizes with dimensions that are multiples
or integrated amplifier and processor, full-range
of each other. This will reduce the likelihood
speakers (a subwoofer may be optional depend-
of “standing waves” that occur when sound
ing on the specifics) and quality interconnects
bounces off the walls and interferes with the
and speaker wire. Additional components, such
direct sound waves coming from your speakers.
as a turntable, power conditioners, high-end
2. Don’t place floorstanding speakers tight
iPod dock, DAC (digital to analog converter),
up against a wall. The speaker needs room to
and a media server can also be added. Many
perform, and putting them too close will over
audiophiles opt for individual amplifiers (called
emphasize the low frequencies and reduce
monoblocks) for each speaker channel.
accuracy. Most floorstanding speakers need
Audiophile amps are usually solid-state or
to be at least a foot from the wall.
tube-based. Some class D (digital) amps can
3. Toe in your speakers. The left and right
be found in audiophile-grade products, but not
speakers usually will need to be aimed to-
usually. Many high-performance components
ward the center listening position for ideal
go out of their way to isolate the signal paths
sound. This will get the music directly to you
to prevent contamination of the audio signal.
with the least amount of interference from
Speakers will use high-quality driver
the side walls.
materials, such as Kevlar, aluminum, layered
4. Listen for vibrations. Are there any knick-
ceramic composites, magnesium and beryl-
knacks that may rattle? Glass tables that may
liumor, rather than paper. The speaker cabinets
cause reflections? Windows? Secure and/
will be made of highly-braced MDF (medium
or cover anything that may vibrate or cause
density fiberboard) or metal, but not plastic.
reflections.
Speakers play a big role in the reproduction of music. Paradigm’s Signature S8 reference series speaker
is made of premium materials both
inside and out to maintain the sonic
character of your music collection.
ElEctronicHouse.c o m
49
special report HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO
Earth Wind and Fire’s
Ralf Johnson’s
Audiophile Experience
Jazz, high-end McIntosh speakers and new
full-spectrum Monster earbuds are some of
his essential listening tools.
Earth, Wind and FirE has been craft-
In L.A. in the ’60s we had this incredible jazz
ing its transformative sound of R&B, funk and
station KBCA 105.1, and I fell in love with
Have there been any recent technologies
rock for about 40 years, racking up such ac-
jazz. So when I got to the point where I was
that have impacted how you make or ex-
claim as six Grammy Awards, four American
making some money with Earth, Wind and
perience music?
Music Awards and induction into the Rock
Fire, I decided that one day I was going to
I keep going back to McIntosh. Now McIn-
and Roll Hall of Fame.
buy myself the ultimate killer stereo system.
tosh includes a USB port in their preamps
A few days before the superstars played
So one night in 1977 I went to a place called
which allows you to take something like your
the Welcome America celebration on July
Federated Stereo, which was a big chain in
laptop and play your MP3 collection, which is
4th in Philadelphia, they stopped by the
L.A., and bought myself McIntosh Audio and
what I do at home. That’s a great plus. Digital
Montgomeryville, Penn., showroom of
JBL speakers. I still have my dual turntable
technology is constantly improving.
audio/video dealer World Wide Stereo
with a Shure V15 cartridge.
to chat with specially invited customers and
What was the impetus to develop earbuds
to show off their new Gratitude earbuds,
What other audio equipment do you use
and headphones with Monster?
which the band is launching this year in
at home?
Noel Lee [the Head Monster] is a big fan of
collaboration with Monster (www.monster-
I have Vienna Acoustics, the Mozart model,
the band and he wanted to do something. We
cable.com). At that event, Electronic House
and I also run a subwoofer, which is an M-
saw what was happening with the Dre Beats
got some one-on-one time with drummer
audio subwoofer. What I like about Vienna
and thought, well, maybe Earth, Wind and Fire
and vocalist Ralf Johnson to discuss his
Acoustics is there’s a hollow chamber in
could come out with headphones. So we talked
love of music and the importance of the
the bottom where you put sand, and that
about it and started to develop a plan and now
audiophile experience.
helps solidify the bass. I’m only listening to
we’re here with the Gratitude in-ear speakers.
two-channel stereo. Not 5.1 surround—just
As a music professional, how important is
give me two-channel stereo, and I’ll be fine,
How involved was Earth, Wind and Fire in
the quality of your listening equipment?
not to say that home theater won’t be in
the development of the Gratitude earbuds?
It’s important because you always want to
my future.
We were quite involved. During our last meet-
know you’re getting a true reference. You
50
ing in San Francisco, Monster asked me to
want to feel like you’re hearing music at
What audio elements are you listening for
come down and give them a listen and I told
its optimum. Some years ago I wanted to
in your music?
them “this is a very fine in-ear speaker.”
make sure my listening experience was
I’m listening to rhythm, I’m listening to melod-
Once we heard the prototype we gave it
always going to be excellent, so I bought
ics. I’m listening to the choral palette that’s
the go-ahead and that was it. This was not a
McIntosh audio equipment, which I still
going on within the song, but beyond that I’m
project where we just said, “Yes, go ahead and
use today.
listening to the frequencies that are coming
put our name on it and call us in six months
I got turned on to stereo and audio at a very
back to me as I’m sitting in front of the stereo
with the check.” We wouldn’t release anything
early age because of my father. He brought
system. Is there a balance between the bot-
until we thought it was right. The quality of what
home this wonderful Harman/Kardon Citation
tom end, mids and the highs? That’s what
we have done musically has to transfer over
2 FM receiver, and I just fell in love with FM.
I’m looking for.
to the headphone. —GC
ElEctronic HousE Sept ember 2011
EHInstallers.com
HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO special report
Prepping Your Room
for Great Sound
Acoustic treatments can vastly improve
the audio quality of your sound system.
messing with your room design. They usually
protrude only a few inches from the wall, and
manufacturers offer a variety of great-looking
options that can actually enhance your decor.
Whether your room could use more absorption,
reflection or diffusion, the actual treatments
can be concealed inside fabric wall panels.
You can choose the color, texture and style of
the fabric to complement your room design.
You can also use acoustic treatments as
By Robert Archer
an opportunity to redecorate. Some acoustical
For decades, audiophiles have searched
the problems exist in your listening space and
manufacturers invite homeowners to choose
for the Holy Grail of sound. During this time,
fix them by installing a variety of acoustical treat-
an image to appear on the panels. This can
most of their efforts have focused on equip-
ments. For example, he might hang absorptive
be a photo of your children, a rendering of a
ment changes—from turntables and CD players
panels on the walls to tame the reflections or
favorite painting or a movie poster, for example.
to swapping out amplifiers and cables. Often
place some diffusers near the back of the room
The panels can be designed with a wooden
overlooked, though, are the acoustical charac-
or on the ceiling. Diffusers help spread the audio
frame and finished or stained however you like.
teristics of a listening space.
evenly throughout the space. There are also
Another benefit of acoustic paneling: When
A trained custom electronics (CE) pro may
materials that prevent sound from escaping the
the right fabric is used, you can use them to
be the best person to fine-tune your listening
room and outside noises from interfering with
hide in-wall speakers. The sound filters through
room, but it doesn’t hurt for homeowners to know
your listening experience. “The last thing you
the fabric and into the room unaffected.
a thing or two about acoustics. If fact, there are
want to hear is the toilet flushing [when you’re
many simple modifications you can make to your
listening to music] or a loud passage ,” says Dr.
room now to improve the way your music sounds.
Bonnie Schnitta, a professional acoustician.
Why Treat Your Room?
Attractive Options
You’ve made a sizable investment in your
Don’t worry about acoustical treatments
While their job is to make a room
sound better, acoustical treatments,
like the fabric panels on the wall of
this home theater, can also function as decorative elements. Theater
design by First Impressions Theme
Theatres, Miami, Fla.
sound system and music collection. You’ve
trained your ears to pick up on the nuances
of certain songs. You’ve become a real audio
aficionado, and you demand that the music you
play sounds as close to the real thing as possible. This is rarely possible, though, without
the addition of some acoustical treatments.
What often results without acoustic treatments is echo. Hard surfaces like wood flooring,
large banks of windows, even a glass coffee
table can cause the sound waves to bounce
uncontrollably around the room. This effect is
called reflection, and too much of it is a bad thing.
Conversely, a room could have too much
absorption of sound, making it difficult to hear
certain parts of a soundtrack. This is what’s
known as a sonically “dead” room, and is
often caused by too many soft materials such
as draperies, cushy couches and carpeting.
The desired effect is a balance of reflection
and absorption. A CE pro can determine where
PhotograPhy by alan ShaPiro
ElEctronicHouse.c o m
51
special report HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO
2-Channel Audio Systems
for Every Budget
Audio experts offer recommendations for building blissful systems.
Since the advent of home theater, die-
➤ Marantz CD5004 CD player, $349
hard audio enthusiasts have complained about
➤ Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable, $369
the public’s waning interest in two-channel
➤ Pair of PSB Image T6 loudspeakers,
$1,199
sound systems.
➤ Pair of Audioquest G-Snake
About 10 years ago, however, as people
Interconnects, $39
rediscovered the joys of music, the pendulum
➤ Pair of Audioquest 14-Gauge
of public opinion began to swing back in favor
FLX-14/2 speaker cables, $45
of two-channel (stereo) electronics. The convenience of the Apple iPod and the growing
Total: $2,500
penetration of digital audio technologies has
Compiled by Natural Sound, Framingham,
been met in part by the reemergence of the
Mass., www.natural-sound.com
vinyl LP, and the two-channel audio hobby is
$5,000 System
once again an entertainment option for millions.
Unlike the golden era of audio of yesteryear,
Terry Menacker, founder of Overture Ultimate
today’s music lovers have a diverse choice of
Home Electronics, is a strong supporter of
audio components, ranging from digital stream-
the theory that good audio doesn’t have to
ing devices and digital-to-analog converters
cost a fortune. His recommended system
(DACs) to traditional tube amps and turntables.
brings media diversity to a standard stereo
To explore some of the options, Electronic
system. In addition to a CD player, FM radio
House asked four experienced A/V profes-
and digital audio broadcasting, the sug-
sionals to recommend their ideal two-channel
gested Rotel A/V receiver can stream con-
audio system.
tent from the Internet. Its built-in 100-wattsper-channel amplifier drives a pair of Focal
$2,500 System
Chorus 836 speakers, each which feature
Eric Gaunt, a sales consultant for Natural
three woofers, a single midrange driver and
Sound, is enthusiastic about the components
$2,500
mance audio system. “I feel that the current
“They have fantastic dynamics, a good, full-
line of Marantz products is outstanding for the
bodied sound and are very easy and pleasant
money,” he says. “The receiver has a fantastic
to listen to,” he explains. “I think when you
amplifier section for under $500; it competes
combine the openness and detail of the Ma-
with products that are closer to $800. It also
rantz products with the warm, easy-to-listen-to
includes a nice built-in moving-magnet phono
elements of the PSB speakers, you get great
stage and a good tuner.
synergy [between the components].”
Gaunt mated the Marantz electronics with
Image T6 Floorstanding speakers from PSB.
52
ElEctronic HousE Sept ember 2011
a single tweeter.
➤ Rotel RCX-1500 Integrated Audio/
that comprise this value-minded, high-perfor-
➤ Marantz SR4023 80-Watt
Stereo Receiver, $499
Video Receiver, $1,500
➤ Focal Chorus 836 V Loudspeaker,
$2,995 per pair
➤ Tributaries Series 7 SL8 Speaker Cables, $345 for a pair of 10-foot cables
Total: $4,840
Compiled by Overture Home Electronics,
Wilmington, Del. www.overtureaudiohometheater.com
HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO special report
$5,000
$10,000 System
Targeting a budget of $10,000, Stereo Exchange’s digital audio specialist Cosmos
$10,000
➤ Kimber Hero balanced 1-meter
$20,000
cable, $200
➤ Kimber 8TC speaker cable with ba-
Heidtman chose products that have earned
nana termination, $480 for 10-foot pair
high levels of sound and a user interface that’s
respectability in their categories. “Bel Canto
➤ Kimber B-Bus AG USB cable, $125
regarded as the best in consumer electron-
products feature excellent jitter rejection
➤ Kimber V21 digital coaxial cable with
ics, he says. “At the $20,000 price point, I
[timing differences between internal digital
BNC adapter, $68 for 1 meter
can’t think of a more musically fulfilling and
components] in its DACs; solid build quality,
➤ WaveLength Audio Wavelink USB
fun system to own than a Meridian/Sooloos
small form factors and efficient, high-current
to S/PDIF converter, $900
combination.” He pairs the Sooloos by Me-
designs,” he says. The Vienna Mozart Symphony
➤ 2 Shunyata Venom c13 power
ridian Control 15 with Meridian’s DSP5200
speakers, meanwhile, “have phenomenal bass
response for a 2.5-way speaker, and they love
cables, $99 each
Total: $10,061
high-current, solid-state amplifiers.” To round
Compiled by Stereo Exchange, New York,
out his theoretical all-digital system, cables from
N.Y., www.stereoexchange.com
as pure and clear coming out of the speakers
as it is going in.
➤ Meridian/Sooloos Control 15 Media
Server, $7,500
Kimber and Shunyata will help the products
perform to their potential, Heidtman says.
active speakers to ensure that the signal is
$20,000 System
➤ Meridian DSP5200 Loudspeakers,
$15,000 per pair
➤ Bel Canto DAC 2.5, $1,995
Products from Meridian Audio comprise the
➤ Bel Canto REF 500 amplifier, $2,595
bulk of this $20,000 audio system arranged
➤ Vienna Acoustic Mozart Symphony
by Greg Abplanalp, vice president of Definitive
Compiled by Definitive Audio,
Audio. Meridian’s products provide users with
Bellevue, Wash., www.definitive.com —RA
speakers, $3,500
Total: $22,500
ElEctronicHouse.c o m
53
HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO
LEARN ABOUT
SOUL by LUdacriS®
SL300
The SL300 model offers superior noise cancellation
technology combined with sleek style and professional
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and blocks out ambient noise, for a truly private listening
experience. It boasts powerful sound amplification for
studio quality balance of deep bass and crystal clear mids
and highs. The convenient foldable design and hard protective
case makes these the ideal headphones for the on-the-go music professional
or tasteful traveler. Plus, it comes with 3.5 mm to ¼ inch adaptors for easy
transitioning from MP3 players to amps. The premium Gold or Black/White color
combinations add stylish and unique flair. $299 USD — Available Now
SL150
The SL150 model features an on-ear design for
professional sound and distinct personal style.
Engineered for powerful deep bass with mid and
high clarity, these foldable headphones feature a
Chrome-on-Black color combination as a well as a Whiteon-Black option. $199 USD — Available Now
About SOUL by Ludacris®
Expression, Passion and Superior Sound are at the core of the SOUL by Ludacris®
experience. Here to prove that style and sound quality can coexist, the SOUL line
offers an array of personal audio products that masterfully balance elements such as
world-class noise cancellation technology with superior sound quality, allowing you
experience the full range of your music. Pair that with an award winning design team
and the expressive vision of world renowned artist Ludacris, and you get the first
headphone that effectively merges style with professional acoustics.
SOUL Electronics US Headquarters
1025 Greenwood Blvd. • Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 936-9990 • www.soulelectronics.com
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HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO
LEARN ABOUT
krell
S-1200 3D Surround Sound
Preamplifier/Processor
The heart of our surround sound preamp/processors are their sound quality.
We start with a great sounding preamplifier and then pair that to the latest in
surround processing technology. The S-1200 3D includes our finest audio and
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resolution True HD and DTS MA Blu Ray movie soundtracks are included as
well as 3D video compatibility. These advanced technologies pair elegantly to
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uncompromising centerpiece for a reference music and home theater system.
The suggested retail price is $11,500.
Evolution 2250e Stereo
and Evolution 3250e Three
Channel Amplifiers
Boasting technology sourced from their award winning larger siblings, the new
amplifiers provide the immense power and refined performance that are the hallmarks
of every Krell amplifier. Sharing the same advanced high speed output devices,
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costing far more. Power output of 250 W per channel into 8 ohms and 500 W per
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About Krell
Founded in 1980, Krell Industries is the world’s premier manufacturer of high
performance audio and video equipment. Its amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD/DVD players,
surround-sound processors, and loudspeakers have won acclaim in countless reviews,
and among audiophiles worldwide.
Krell Industries, LLC
45 Connair Rd. • Orange, CT 06477
(203) 799-9954 • [email protected]
www.krellonline.com
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