Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sony STR-DA333ES Receiver

Sony STR-DA333ES Receiver Review



Sony STR-DA333ES Receiver Feature

  • Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic decoder
  • 32-bit DSP engine for digital cinema sound
  • Karaoke-capable
  • Digital cinema sound
  • 80 watts per channel
This high-grade surround receiver from Sony's topnotch ES line offers everything discerning audiophiles need for quality home theater, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding; 32-bit digital signal processing with 29 Sony-developed surround effects; and discrete output transistors for high-speed, high-current capacity and low distortion. Great build and sound quality are the order of the day with the STR-DA333ES.

Sony pays fastidious attention to detail throughout the receiver's design and construction. The STR-DA333ES uses separate digital processors for 24-bit multichannel surround decoding and employs Sony's proprietary 32-bit Digital Cinema Sound modes, which are designed to re-create the listening conditions in actual film-production suites.

The STR-DA333ES's amplifiers crank out 80 watts for each of its five main surround channels, while audiophile-grade parts--including heavy-duty capacitors, heat sinks, and power supply--couple with an antiresonant chassis design to maintain quality throughout the audio signal path.

The receiver is well stocked with audio-video inputs and outputs, including five S-video inputs and four analog audio inputs (including a phono input for your turntable), as well as five digital inputs and a Toslink optical digital output. The included multibrand two-way LCD remote (preprogrammed to operate many brands of audio-video equipment) simplifies operation immeasurably, showing not only current system configuration, but also station names and CD titles.


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Sony XM-ZR604 Xplod 4/3 Channel Stereo Power Mosfet Car Amplifier (600 Watts)

Sony XM-ZR604 Xplod 4/3 Channel Stereo Power Mosfet Car Amplifier (600 Watts) Review



Sony XM-ZR604 Xplod 4/3 Channel Stereo Power Mosfet Car Amplifier (600 Watts) Feature

  • 110W x 4 Max Power into 4 Ohms
  • 150W x 2 (at 2 Ohms) + 300W x1 (at 4 Ohms) Max Power
  • 60W x 2 RMS into 4 Ohms
  • 65W x 4 RMS into 2 Ohms
  • High Level Sensing Power On
Sony's Xplod amps combine form and function in a mix that'll make your system look and sound great. On the outside, the sleek inverted heat sink keeps vital internal components running cooler and lasting longer. Removable terminal covers keep all the wire connections protected and out of sight for a clean-looking installation.


Pioneer TS-A1702C 6.75-Inch A-Series 230-Watt Component Speaker Package

Pioneer TS-A1702C 6.75-Inch A-Series 230-Watt Component Speaker Package Review



Pioneer TS-A1702C 6.75-Inch A-Series 230-Watt Component Speaker Package Feature

  • 6.75-inch component system with 230 watts maximum power handling (50 watts nominal)
  • Woofers feature composite IMPP cone with interlaced aramid fiber and butyl rubber surround
  • 7/8-inch soft-dome tweeters with magnetic fluid and neodymium magnet
  • Outboard crossover with -12dB/octave low- and high-pass filter
  • Surface, flush, or invisible tweeter mounting
This 6-3/4-inch component system from Pioneer delivers 230 Watts of maximum power (50 Watts nominal), and offers the flexibility and improved soundstage of a component installation. The IMPP woofer cone design provides the rigidity required for powerful bass. The soft-dome tweeters can be flush- or surface-mounted, and can be swiveled to suit the listening environment once installed. The included crossovers ensure a smooth response from both speakers.

Pioneer's A-Series Speakers

Pioneer A-series speakers outperform factory speakers on nearly every level. Packing a powerful punch, A-Series speakers are equipped with up to three independent tweeters with reinforced woofers, so every beat is heard and felt. Featuring a bigger, better cone than most OEM speakers, the A-series boasts serious output and booming bass. Extra-sensitive tweeters play at higher frequencies and are capable of handling stronger audio signals, resulting in vocals that are crisp and clear, even when you crank the volume.


TS-A1702C Features

Composite IMPP Cone with Interlaced Aramid Fiber
With long aramid fibers interlacing together inside, this IMPP cone design provides the strength and rigidity that powerful bass sound requires. High-density compressed internal architecture is resilient, stacks up against high power well and transfers sound quickly. The result is full-bodied, rich sound character with midrange depth that conventional IMPP cones cannot match.

Butyl Rubber Surrounds
Durable butyl rubber speaker surrounds won't fall apart under the stress of extreme temperatures, sunlight or time, and help Pioneer's woofers deliver serious bass.

Solid Construction
A-Series speakers are easy to install and built to last. From rock-solid cone construction to a heavy-duty, ultra-thick, stamped steel basket, these drivers are ready to handle booming bass and high volumes with ease.

High-Quality Crossover
The External -12dB/Octave HPF and LPF crossover improves the transition from mid to high frequency, for a smoother mid-range to tweeter response. Audiophile-grade capacitors and inductors are used, and all components are encased in a clear acrylic cover for protection.

Fits 6"x8" Applications
The included 6"x8" adapter allows this component set to also be used in many Ford and Mazda vehicles that feature a 6"x8" speaker application size.



A complete component system with 230 watts power handling.
Click to enlarge.


TS-A1702C Specs

Woofer Cone Material:Composite IMPP Cone with Interlaced Aramid Fiber
Surround:Butyl Rubber for Smoother Response
Voice Coil Bobbin:Glass-Imide
Voice Coil Wire:OFC Copper
Damper:Aramid Fiber
Tweeter:7/8" Soft Dome with Magnetic Fluid and Neodymium Magnet
Basket Design:Full Depth Basket for Rich Bass Response
Built-in Passive Crossover:Outboard Crossover with -12dB/Oct. LPF/HPF
Speaker Grille:Included
Watts MAX. Music Power:230 Watts
Watts Nominal Power Handling:50 watts
Frequency Response:31 Hz to 35 kHz
Sensitivity (1W/1m):90 dB
Ohm Rating:4
Mounting Depth:2-1/2" (62.5 mm)
Cut-out Dimensions:5-1/2" (139 mm)

Pioneer Car Audio Systems

Pioneer's Mobile Business Group is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.

What's in the Box

Pioneer TS-A1702C Component Speaker Package (Two Woofers, Two Tweeters, Two Crossovers), Mounting Hardware, Installation Guide Pioneer Ts-A1702C 6.5-Inch A-Series 250-Watt Component Package


Thursday, February 9, 2012

JBL GTO938 6 x 9 Inch 3-Way Loudspeaker

JBL GTO938 6 x 9 Inch 3-Way Loudspeaker Review



JBL GTO938 6 x 9 Inch 3-Way Loudspeaker Feature

  • 6 x 9-inch three-way loudspeaker
  • Plus One woofer cone with rubber surround
  • Adjustable mylar-titanium tweeter and supertweeter with level control
  • 300 Watts peak power handling; 2 ohm impedance
  • Three-inch mounting depth
This speaker includes some of JBL's top tech. Its Plus One woofer cone has more surface area than that found on competing models of the same size. Its My-Ti (Mylar/titanium composite) tweeters offer increased power handling, reduced distortion and increased efficiency. The speaker can be safely driven by any head unit. It also uses a My-Ti supertweeter to deliver every last nuance.


The GTO tweeter is both strong and light weight
while being adjustable

Why JBL Sound?

For more than 60 years, JBL products have been bringing home the impact and excitement of the world's best recording studios, movie theaters and concert venues. Now, JBL engineers are creating these world-class listening experiences in the car. Thanks to advanced technology developed in the professional arena, JBL mobile products simply sound better than the competition. High output, superb bass response, long life and smooth response are all things you can expect from any speaker that wears the JBL badge. So join enthusiasts who know audio, and don't settle for anything but JBL in your vehicle. Bring the sound of the show on the road.

Listen Loud
The last thing you want to worry about is the quality of your speakers. We understand. All new JBL mobile products have to go through nearly 500 hours of environmental testing. We put them under temperatures fluctuating between -35° C and +90° C with up to 90 percent air humidity for more than 200 hours. We expose speakers to UV light for more than 150 hours to simulate a mounting location on a car's rear deck. We even shake things up, as all of our new mobile audio products have to pass extensive vibration testing before we release them for production. We've made unparalleled efforts to ensure the best possible quality so that you can listen long and loud when you crank up a JBL speaker.

Edge-Driven, Mylar-Titanium Super Tweeter
The JBL GTO938 uses a 1/2-inch (12-millimeter) Mylar-titanium (My-Ti) super tweeter with a large voice coil--much like a voice coil found in high-end home audio speakers. The benefit of the Mylar and titanium blend in making a tweeter is that it is lightweight and has remarkable strength. At the same time, its large voice coil increases power handling and reduces distortion at high output levels. This tweeter design also helps create more seamless integration with the woofer. The GTO638's tweeter is even adjustable, so you can modify it to optimize the sound. The result? Crystal-clear, extended high frequencies for true, high-end, audiophile-quality performance.

Edge-Driven, Mylar-Titanium Tweeter
For extra smooth and detailed sound, the JBL GTO938 speakers use a one-inch (25-millimeter), Mylar-titanium (My-Ti). The addition of this dedicated driver allows the GTO938s to deliver rich sound through the midrange frequencies where most of the vocals in music can be found. This extra detail in the midrange, paired with the �super� tweeter and woofer, means that the GTO938s deliver true, audiophile-quality performance worthy of even the best home speaker.

Built-in Crossover Networks
Typical entry level mobile loudspeakers use low performance bass blockers to keep bass from going to the tweeter. Well, the JBL GTO938 is not your typical entry-level loudspeaker. By using a built-in crossover network with advanced high and low pass filters, the GTO938 creates a smooth transition between the woofer and tweeter. The result? Midrange vocals that sound so natural and lifelike you think you the artist were right in the car with you.


The Plus One woofer cone increases
bass output and efficiency

Bass that Booms

Plus One Cone
The JBL GTO938 uses a 6� X 9� woofer with the patent-pending JBL Plus One cone technology. Plus One technology gives the GTO938 more cone surface than competing models of the same size--up to 30 percent more in many cases. With a larger cone area, the GTO938 speakers provide higher efficiency and better bass response. Add a low-Q woofer design for higher bass output from the typical mounting location and 300-watt peak power handling, and the GTO938 will really get your car booming.


Look for the True 4 ohm logo for the best real world performance

Powerful Performance

True 4-Ohm Topology
Low-impedance speaker voice coils extract more power from your amp for more powerful performance than high-impedance coils do. JBL GTO938 speakers use a lower-impedance voice coil than a typical 4-ohm speaker to extract the most power possible from all amplifiers engineered to drive loads of 4 ohms or less. And the GTO938 is compatible with both aftermarket head units and factory-installed systems. Since many factory-installed systems incorporate 2-ohm speakers and include amplifiers designed to drive 2-ohm loads, replacing those reduced-impedance speakers with a typical 4-ohm model will reduce the power output from the amplifier. For the most powerful performance, the GTO938 makes the best use of any amplifier by providing an optimum 2-ohm load.

An Easy Install

No special tools needed
Doing it yourself? JBL makes installing the GTO938 speakers a breeze. Designed as replacements for factory-installed OEM speakers, they easily install into nearly any factory-built 6� X 9� location without any special tools or additional modifications. If you are upgrading an older set of aftermarket speakers, the GTO938's easy installation makes replacement simple as well. You'll be listening to your new JBL speakers in no time at all.



The JBL GTO938s deliver high output, superb bass response, long life and smooth response.

Highlights
  • Great JBL Sound Quality
  • 3-way speakers delivers audiophile sound quality
  • Plus One woofer cones for the high output and deep bass
  • True 4-Ohm design pulls the most power out of your system
  • Easy to install

What's in the Box
One pair of JBL GTO938 3-way loudspeakers

JBL 6" x 9" 3-Way Loudspeaker


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Buffalo IR-100 IR Receiver

Buffalo IR-100 IR Receiver Review



Buffalo IR-100 IR Receiver Feature

  • Voltage regulated flasher outputs
  • Amplified input allows very long IR runs
  • Connect up to 15 repeaters
The IR-100 is the heart of the Infrared Control system. Able to drive up to 15 IR-250 repeaters and 4 IR-EL flashers, any number of IR100s can be paralleled if more flashers or repeaters are required.


Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver

Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review



Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver Feature

  • 5-channel 500W powerful surround sound (100W x 5)
  • 1080p-Compatible HDMI 1.3
  • Bluetooth music streaming using Yamaha YBA-10 Bluetooth Audio Receiver
  • Connect an iPod using Yamaha YDS-10SL Universal iPod Dock
Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)

Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black) Review



Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black) Feature

  • 100 Watts per Channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
  • HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel)
  • Network Capability for Streaming Audio Files
  • HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
  • THX Select2 Plus Certified
If you’re ready to take your first step into the world of networked home entertainment, let the HT-RC270 be your guide. This versatile A/V receiver sports a handy Ethernet connection that lets you enjoy streaming PC audio and internet radio in the comfort of your living room. When it comes to connectivity, the HT-RC270 handles virtually anything you throw its way. You get six 3D-ready HDMI 1.4a inputs (one on the front-side); 7.1-channel analog audio inputs for legacy components; analog RGB inputs for PC video; a Universal port for Onkyo peripherals; and a front-side USB input for Pod models and flash memory devices. Onkyo has a well-earned reputation for bringing advanced audio features to a wider audience. In the case of the high-value HT-RC270, that means low-jitter Burr-Brown DACs; lossless HD audio from DTS and Dolby; Audyssey MultEQ room-correction; and the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. All of this connectivity and processing power earns the HT-RC270 the quality assurance of THX Select2 Plus.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 - 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver

Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 - 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver Review



Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 - 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver Feature

  • Double-DIN AM/FM Radio, CD, CD-R/RW, WMA/MP3, USB, iPod, Bluetooth Receiver
  • 50W x 4 MOSFET internal amplifier with three 4V preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)
  • Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation and audio streaming
  • Front-panel USB port with direct iPod control, WMA/MP3 playback; 3.5mm auxiliary input
  • Display features oversized rotary knob, 728-variable color illumination
  • Built-in Bluetooth Interface (HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP).
  • Built-in Bluetooth Interface (HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP). Front USB Port with iPod Direct Connect Capabilities.
  • Built-in Bluetooth Interface (HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP)
  • Built-in High and Low-Pass Filters.Magna Bass EX Dynamic Bass Enhancement.Parametric EqualizerBeat EQ for Sound Adjustment.
  • Built-in Microphone.728 Color Variable Lighting Display and Buttons.3.5mm Audio Auxiliary Input (Front)
  • Front USB Port with iPod Direct Connect Capabilities. Sirius Direct Connect Ready.
  • HD Radio Ready with Optional THD301.50 Watts x 4 Built-in Amplifier.6-Channel/4 Volt RCA Output. Subwoofer Volume Control.
  • OEM Steering Wheel Remote Ready. Wireless Remote Control Included

Clarion's CX501 is a versatile double-DIN CD receiver with room to grow, offering Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity with iPod direct control, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier to crank out the tunes. Ready to grow? The CX501 offers six channels of preamp outputs for system expansion, and the ability to add SIRIUS or HD radio.

Clarion CX501
A versatile double-DIN CD receiver with built-in Bluetooth and room to grow. Click here for a larger image
Built-in Bluetooth Hands-free Calling and Audio Streaming

The CX501's built-in wireless Bluetooth interface supports HSP/HFP for hands-free operation and PBAP for phonebook download. You can easily communicate with the outside world by listening to phone calls through the car's audio system and talking through the embedded microphone. And with A2DP/AVRCP support, you can enjoy music streamed from your mobile phone.

CD and WMA/MP3 Playback

Enjoy your favorite CDs or CD-R/RW discs, or burn CD-R/RWs full of MP3/WMA digital audio files for hours of playback on a single disc.

Not feeling like waiting for a disc to burn? Throw a bunch of tunes on a USB thumb drive and play back directly, using the front-panel USB input.

Front-Panel Auxiliary Input

For your other MP3 players, or pretty much anything with a headphone output, a convenient front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input is provided.

Superior iPod and iPhone Connectivity

Enjoy the familiar operational feel of your iPod and iPhone, with album/artist/song/playlist on-screen display and more. The simple control mode enables system operation using just the iPod/iPhone controls, including ABC search. For audio playback, just use a standard 30-pin to USB cable, like that provided with your iPod / iPhone. As an added bonus, iTunes Tagging via the HD Radio makes it easy to purchase the songs you like.

Clarion CX501 Control
Oversized rotary volume control for ease of use and comfortable operation.
Clarion CX501 Illumination
728-variable color illumination and buttons allow matching to instrument panel or by personal preference.
Form and Function

The old-school, large volume control knob, combined with the ergonomically symmetrical design of the unit, helps to provide equally comfortable operation from the driver side or passenger side.

728-variable color illumination and buttons allow matching to instrument panel or by personal preference.

Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound

In addition to providing three preset equalization patterns--bass boost, impact, and excite--Clarion's Beat EQ allows you freedom to customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. Easily adjust the sound to your liking, depending on the genre of music and your preferences.

50W x 4 MOS-FET Power

CX501 has a MOS-FET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) power amplifier capable of delivering 50W x 4 of high quality sound with superior linearity and less distortion than conventional power amps even with the volume cranked up.

Six-Channel 4V Preamp Outputs

If that 50W x 4 isn't enough for you, worry not--the CZ401 is ready for system expansion in a big way, offering six-channels of 4V preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass filters let you dial in the output for your particular application/vehicle.

Sirius and HD Radio Ready

The CX501 also supports direct connection with an optional Sirius Satellite Radio tuner. The SCC1 Sirius Connect Vehicle Tuner plugs into the back of CX501 with no adapters necessary. Enjoy high quality genre-specific programming from music and talk, to news and traffic, via direct satellite feed to your car. Similarly, you can expand your radio options by adding a Clarion HD Radio receiver.

What's in the Box

Clarion CX501 Receiver, Remote Control With Battery, Trim Ring, Mounting Bracket, Case for Detachable Front Panel, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Documentation

Double-din bluetooth cd/usb/mp3/wma receiver; cd/usb/mp3/wma playback; built-in bluetooth interface (hfp, hsp, opp, pbap, a2dp, avrcp); built-in microphone; 728 color variable lighting display & buttons; sirius direct connect ready; hd radio ready with optional thd301; 50w x 4 built-in amp; subwoofer volume control; built-in high & low-pass filters; magna bass ex dynamic bass enhancement; parametric equalizer; beat eq for sound adjustment; oem steering wheel remote ready; 3.5mm front audio aux input; front usb port with ipod direct connect capabilities; 6-channel/4-volt rca output; includes wireless remote


Onkyo HT-RC370 7.2-Channel THX Certified Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black)

Onkyo HT-RC370 7.2-Channel THX Certified Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black) Review



Onkyo HT-RC370 7.2-Channel THX Certified Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black) Feature

  • 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC; 125 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.1%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
  • Direct Digital Connection of iPod /iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port
  • Network Capability THX Select2 Plus
  • Lip-sync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio , DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Multichannel PCM, and CEC
  • 7 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output, HDMI Support for 3D, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color , x.v.Color , Lip-sync, Dolby TrueHD
To really get your home theater connected, hook up the ultra-versatile HT-RC370. With seven HDMI inputs including one on the front this THX Select2 Plus certified receiver offers unlimited scope for high-definition thrills. Along with lossless audio from Dolby and DTS, the HT-RC370 supports 3D video, an Audio Return Channel, and video up scaling to 4K resolution via Qdeo technology. Other inputs include a front-panel USB port for direct digital connection of iPod /iPhone , and a wide range of digital and analog inputs including S-Video and 7.1-channel analog inputs to handle legacy components. The HT-RC370 employs advanced Odyssey room-calibration and equalization technologies to optimize audio output, and a seamless graphical OSD and navigation GUI for browsing your content and adjusting settings. As a network receiver, the HT-RC370 also adds internet radio and PC audio to your entertainment options. Audiophile features, such as bi-amping capability and 7.2 multichannel pre-outs, help make the HT-RC370 an irresistible choice for the serious home theater fan.