Need to securely access files over the internet wherever you go? CloudEngines’ Pogoplug offers a quick and easy way to share a USB connected drive online (you don’t even need a computer). Just plug into the drive (even a USB thumb drive) and you’re ready to go. You can even transfer and access files via your iPhone.
I recently received my free Netflix PS3 disk allowing me to stream online videos directly to my Playstation console. It works extremely well - and will replace the Roku as my primary player of choice for now. Don’t get me wrong, the Roku is a fantastic device - but you need a sufficiently fast internet connection to prevent sound “dropouts” during playback.
Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a faster connection so this wasn’t an option for me (I love the HD picture and surround sound capabilities of the Roku though - and will use it as my primary device as soon as I can get faster download speeds!). Until then, I’ll be using the PS3, as I haven’t experienced a sound problem yet!
Audio do-it-yourselfers rejoice! A good friend recently told me about an excellent site for information on building your own speakers: Zaph Audio. The site features detailed DIY documentation for building great speaker projects. Each of the speaker designs (which range from basic bookshelf speakers to floorstanding) has been tested by the owner. Enjoy!
For those looking for fantastic sound I highly recommend a pair of Grado SR60 headphones. The sound they produce is fantastic and, more importantly, doesn’t “fatigue” your ears. Most headphones I can stand for about 30 minutes before having to take them off. However, after receiving these as a gift recently I found myself listening to Jazz for hours without a hitch! A must buy for any audio enthusiast.
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It appears that resellers of Paradigm Speakers (one of my favorite speaker brands) have finally wised up and raised prices. Don’t get me wrong - I wish they hadn’t, but I had always been perplexed by how inexpensive these speakers were. A recent visit to my local dealer (the only one in town) confirmed this, as the new lineup features a more expensive Paradigm Atom (the least expensive of the Monitor line) and a pricier Paradigm Titan (one of my absolute favorites).
But don’t despair, discriminating buyers can still find prior versions of these speakers on ebay for a steal. I recommend, for the price, the Paradigm Titan v.3 (I owned these for years and was extremely happy with them). However, even despite the recent price hike, I still think the current models are a fantastic bargain for the price.
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Here’s another find for those looking for great sound at a reasonable price. Thinkgeek has the Sonic Impact T-amp for $69.99 (if you can ever find it in stock!). The unit is a class T amplifier which, based on all of the information I have found online, has blown reviewers away ever since it was released in ‘05. You’ll need high efficiency speakers to get the most out of it - but it sounds like it is well worth it.
According to the audio reviews, the price to performance ratio is almost unbelievable. And, while I am a firm believer in “no free lunches”, this may be one of those rare hidden gems you should jump on before it’s gone.
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I’ve long been a fan of Cambridge Soundworks - a brand well known for creating high quality speakers (audio nerds and wanna-be audio nerds like myself will recognize the name of company cofounder Henry Kloss).
I’m an even bigger fan of the fact that the company (now owned by Creative) has decided to sell their products direct to customers again - cutting out any additional cost associated with distributors (the middle-men).
Bargain hunters will like their clearance section, where they resell open box and refurbished speakers (all of which have been thoroughly tested). I’ve already blown quite a bit of coin on some fantastic deals like a pair of the Classic Series Model Six speakers for $127.49. To be honest, these speakers sound incredible - especially given the price.
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Much has been made about the highly publicized competition between Sony’s Blu Ray and HD DVD. However, Sony has an asset this time around that is going to make it extremely hard for the HD DVD camp to get an edge: The PS3.
If I am a parent, or just an average Joe, the bottom line is that I want to save money. If I am going to buy a game console, why not choose the one that already has a next generation DVD player built in? Xbox 360? Nope - you have to pay extra for an HD DVD add on. Wii? I am a big fan of the Wii - but nope. This is the reason I bought a PS3, and why many I have talked to have done the same. The point of least resistance is always a good bet. Plus, they just lowered prices on the Playstation 3.
Combined with the fact that Blu Ray has more major studios in its camp, as well as a 2-to-1 sales advantage over HD DVD, I’d say (for now) that things look good for Sony.
Finally, for everyone who has toiled countless hours stringing audio cable around their living room (i.e., me), the wait is over. I found the Amphony Wireless Digital T-Amp at one of my favorite sites, ThinkGeek.com. Instead of running cables from your amplifier or receiver to your rear surround sound channels, you can now send the signal via wireless!
I know, I know, you’ve probably heard wireless speakers at your local electronics store and they sound awful. But this is different - you provide your favorite speakers, they provide the wireless transmitter and high quality amp. Amphony promises excellent digital sound up to 150 feet away via its class-T amplifier. Plus, since it transmits at 5.8 GHz it won’t mess with your wireless network!
I know, I know, I’m on a home audio kick lately. But I bought the Cambridge Soundworks Computer Speaker System a couple of years ago and it has, hands down, been the best set of PC speakers I have owned.
One of the things I want to help readers out with is getting a good product for a good price. At $80 bucks for a system designed by audio legend Henry Kloss I think this one definitely fits the bill! Read the reviews from customers on the Cambridge Soundworks site here.