This year was going to start off in a very special fashion because, for the first time in many years,  I was expecting to avoid the annual migration to the CES. As most of you know, CES is the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where everything from cellphones to whole house automation and everything in-between are exhibited, demonstrated and debuted by manufacturers from around he globe for their Dealers and other industry professionals. I had been engaging in a bit of taunting with my colleagues lately by taking every possible opportunity to point that for once I had been exempted from those required to attend. Don’t get me wrong, there are trade shows that I enjoy such as CEDIA, NAMM and AES but few of us relish the CES experience. No sooner had I planned my mini-vacation for the second week in January before I learned that the gravitational pull of this event would suck me back in. This posting is not technical so, many of you may wish to take a pass however, it is short just in case I have peaked your curiosity.

Andy Oxenhorn and Carl Kennedy at Galpin Autosports Celebrity Event in Los Angeles 2008

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For those of us who have marveled at Secret Agent movies or SciFi flicks, modern day life now gives the gadgetry of secret agents and space travelers a pretty good run for their money. Think about it, keyless car ignitions, GPS tracking and navigation, voice recognition, miniscule MP3 players, night-vision cameras and remote computer control of your household appliances, what’s next? Read the rest of this entry »

Soon we will be inundated with Television and Radio stations playing countdowns of the best TV shows and songs of 2008. Corporations will grade the past year’s performance with graphs, pie charts and excel spreadsheets and, in general, many of us will look “back”. 2008 was a pretty great year for me, my family and my colleagues and I am very grateful. Frankly however, I am not as inclined to look back as I am to look forward and prepare for the future. We are now faced with some challenges in our economy, high unemployment statistics nationwide, challenges to the environment and I am most interested in getting to the business of making 2009 as positive as possible. One way that I am hoping to do this is by diversifying this website to cover more topics and address the needs of more fans of both audio and video. I plan to offer effective advice to include a broader selection of products and price-points and generally stretch my abilities to assist as many categories of AV enthusiast as possible. Yes, you guessed it, I am making my New Year’s resolution early.

My goal is to offer some content that more resembles product reviews and buying assistance, more advice for the enthusiast with challenges regarding aesthetics, acoustics and budget and frankly anything that helps those of us who love music and movies to have better experiences from “purchase to play.”

Thanks for your engaging emails and phone calls throughout the first year of this Blog. I hope to make year number two even better! Here’s to a safe and LOUD holiday season!

Carl Kennedy

I receive inquiries on a daily basis asking for advice on a wide variety of audio-related topics. Many such inquiries pertain to speaker technology and most focus on subwoofers. Despite the fact that some are more interested in movie playback, others in 2-channel music, some in surround music formats, professional environments etc, the basics do not change. Quality audio reproduction can be achieved by following several basic rules of configuration that apply across all formats and applications. I have covered this message in one form or another from the start of this website however, I continue to receive inquiries on this topic. For this reason, I want to distill and reiterate this basic message once again.

My role here often seems to be that of “debunker” where I attempt to break you guys of old habits and rid you of misconceptions that may be keeping you from getting the most from your sound system. In the case of this post, I will tackle the most common and detrimental error I witness. Once corrected, the result yields the most satisfied system owners time and time again! Read the rest of this entry »

Generally, I try to give tips in this Blog that will make the biggest improvement to the widest range range of audio systems in use today. More often than not, I can trace the flaws in our sound systems to common misconceptions that many of us may have. Once we get past such a misconception everything starts falling into place. In the case of this post, I am addressing what may be the most common misconception of all, “digits”. If you use a DVD Player, CD Player, Receiver, Pre/Pro or a switching amp you should read more…

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Thanks to some considerable efforts on the part of my good buddy and webmaster Barry Ober (and Nick R. at my hosting company), it would appear that we have conquered the conundrum of the Blogging software and I am back in business after a lengthy hiatus. Much has happened during this time including the Cedia Expo trade show and numerous other audio nuggets that may interest you thus, I have some catching up to do. I am traveling through Southern California at the moment so it may be as much as a week before I get these written but, I have one thought to leave you with today. Read on to learn more about a new website I have just launched paying tribute to the late Scottish Singer, Bassist and Songwriter James Dewar. Maybe it is just what you have been looking for or, maybe it will inspire you to start a tribute page for your favorite musical artist.

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In my enthusiasm for great new product I previously gave you a peek at the JL Audio f212. The onslaught of inquiries was a bit overwhelming so I took down the post after a short while. We took a little more time to squeeze a couple more drops of magic out of this uber-Fathom and now we are close to sharing this amazing product with the rest of the world. If this kinda thing gets your pulse going read-on!

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I have had hundreds of people hounding me for two solid years wanting the scoop on the FATHOM f110. To the frustration of some, I have had very little to report as it has been a “work in progress”. Well, I am ready to start reporting!

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Subwoofers are fun, revealing and they have the potential to transform the playback of any recording into a more enjoyable experience. The question is often asked “do I need a sub?” This is a short post but the answer may surprise you. Read on.

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If you have ever seen an ad for California Cheese you know that they have the slogan “Great Cheese Comes from Happy Cows.” It’s good for a laugh and it gives the TV ad people a chance to stretch their creative legs. As amusing as this campaign has been, it actually speaks to a very important point. Is there a link between attitude and excellence? Read on.

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I have been a professional musician since 1967 when I used to play drums in my father’s lounge behind a curtain (because I was only 9 years old). I grew up in a time when the term “Guitar Hero” was coined. People like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and many others came to prominence in the late ’60s and the name was fitting. Do we now have a NEW guitar hero in our midst? Read on.

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Let’s face it, some reviewers have no business being in this business. I don’t generally rain on someone’s parade but when you hold yourself out as an expert you have a responsibility and some of these guys just do not stand up to scrutiny. The result is sometimes that trusting readers make poor choices and suffer. On the other end of the scale is my trusted colleague and valued friend Colin Miller. We are friends because I cannot separate work and play and neither can he. I met Colin professionally and we talk shop both on and off the clock, it’s a good gig. Colin is an inspiring example of young, talented blood in our industry and he knows what the hell he’s talking about. If he is unsure, he doesn’t guess he does his homework and his readers benefit. For this reason I was very pleased to read his complimentary review of the JL AUDIO Fathom f112. For those who may be interested it can be found at the Secrets Of Home Theater website

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/subwoofer-reviews/subwoofers/jl-audio-fathom-f-112-subwoofer.html

Thanks Colin!

This is one of the most important questions in audio (really). What most people do not realize is that the largest part of a full-range speaker enclosure is producing audio in the subwoofer range. The reality is, the bulk of the audio content resides in the region below 120Hz. This area produces the largest sound waves, consumes the most wattage and places the most physical demand on the mechanics of your system. If you take a good analytical look at a full-range speaker you will see that the mid-woofer and tweeter consume a relatively small footprint and require far less amplifier power. Generally speaking, the highest performing systems I hear utilize high quality satellite speakers and a pair of robust subwoofers carefully setup to behave as one speaker. It can be great fun to build a “giant-killer” Sat/Sub system that will blow away a big floor-standing behemoth. Considering the cost of most big towers, the Sat/Sub arrangement will cost far less too.

“Turn it up!”

CK

Once in a while I get an Email from someone who states “my subwoofer hums”. The question begging to be asked; “is it being told to hum?”

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Something that has usually been taboo in multi-family dwellings is the dreaded subwoofer. I set out to make the two coexist and I have a solution that works nicely in most cases. This is also an effective solution for any issues where sound migration to other parts of a building is problematic. Do you like to watch movies while the rest of your family sleeps? Read on. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of us just need the answer. Sometimes you simply do not care about details, history, philosophy or anything else. This post is for that person who simply wants to find the best location for their sub(s) quickly and definitively.

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Some subwoofers like the Fathom and Gotham from JL Audio have a power feature that automatically turns the unit on when an audio signal is sensed at the input. This post will help users to understand how this circuit works and how to adjust your systems for optimal signal-sensing operation.

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Most installers and enthusiasts give a good deal of consideration to subwoofer placement when designing and installing sound systems. Some of the more experienced ones will speak of “room modes”, “boundary effect” and “standing waves”. This is all valid stuff, no problem. Unfortunately, most think only in lateral terms. I assume that this is due in part to the fact that people primarily consider floor locations when positioning subwoofers thus layout takes on a lateral perspective. Regardless, vertical modes exist and should be considered carefully when planning and optimizing a listening environment. Their existance is one reason why I insist that people evaluate bass while sitting (as opposed to standing). Not only will the listener be in the correct focal point for high frequencies but they will also be listening to the correct low-frequency characteristic from a vertical perspective. In some cases you can have an entirely different low frequency characteristic when comparing standing and seated elevations at the same floor position. This is due to vertical room modes. This can prove especially helpful when using a tiered seating arrangement. If you are feeling adventurous, read on and I will give you some guidlines for experimenting with elevated, front-wall locations for subwoofers.
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Few modern day topics have more lore and mythology associated with them than the field of Audio. Some of these opinions no longer hold true because the state-of-the-art has advanced considerably since they were formed. Just the same, plenty of rules and so-called “facts” are pure fiction and were never true. They are usually delivered with a lot of pomp and attitude while quoting a respected authority for effect.

A few years back, I was at a trade show listening to a product designer tout his new subwoofer. It really sounded bad but he was very proud of it just the same and supported his technological approach by claiming it was an extension of research done by a high-profile engineer who for this discussion shall remain nameless. Ironically, the name being dropped was that of the fellow accompanying me to this demonstration. My friend promptly stood-up and said “you are not quoting my research and, I have never even met you!”

Don’t let a lab-coat, grey beard or bad hygiene fool you, not too many of these guys have a clue and several still live in Mom’s basement.
Here you can find my take on these various topics. I will try to keep each one bite-sized and I will expand on this posting as time permits.

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I have been designing speakers ever since my my Dad got me started in 1967. Initially my methods were sloppy and my technique was purely trial and error. As I matured and developed a bit of an understanding of the principles, I began documenting my escapades. When I began as a professional Mastering Engineer in 1991, a solid understanding of the technology, a good ear and copias note-taking practices became my toolkit. As I cross-referenced my observations, one frequency came up time and time again as critical. That frequency is 2.5kHz or 2,500Hz. This observation will not change the way you put your pants on in the morning but it is worth noting regardless of your specific area of interest.

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Breaking long-standing rules of audio can be very interseting (and rewarding). To the surprise of many, the result does not trigger the “end of days”. Check it out!

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Cable discussions range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Normally, this is a discussion that I will avoid at all cost however today I am inspired.

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One popular topic for audio enthusiasts to debate over the years has been the “breaking-in” of new speakers. Even some manufacturers joined in on the fun. Here is the bottom line, I promise.

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Subwoofer misconceptions, their origins and the truth.

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It is important to point out that holes in low-frequency room response cannot be filled by equalization. The “hole” I am referring to is sometimes called a “suck-out” or “bass-hole” and it is acoustic cancellation resulting from less-than-optimal room dimensions.

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As most people know, every room sounds different. What many do not know is that room acoustics will determine the ultimate potential of a sound system’s performance. In order to “hear” the best sonic output that your system is capable of, you should consult an room acoustics expert and plan to invest something in room treatment. No quantity of exotic speakers and no esoteric electronics package can substitute for good room acoustics.

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Professional recording studios, broadcast facilities and mastering labs subscribe to a philosophy where the content present at the source-end of the cable is indistinguishable from the content at the output-end of the cable. The brand of wire most used by the Pros to accomplish this is Mogami ( www.mogamicable.com ).
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Ever since the debut of Satellite Subwoofer systems by M&K Sound in the 1970s, the debate has raged between those arguing in favor of the “sound” of a full-rage speaker or that of a satellite/subwoofer system. There is a difference and in most cases that difference is significant. Luckily, the discussions have always remained civil . (-:

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Artist: Nickelback (with Trapt and Chevelle)
Venue: Hard Rock Live
Location: Seminole Casino, Hollywood FL
Capacity: 5500
Attendance: Sold Out
Ticket price (ticketmaster): $25.- ea for 22nd row back, 10 rows up from floor, stage right
Date: March 15, 2006

WOW!
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Artist: ZZ Top
Venue: Hard Rock Live
Location: Seminole Casino, Hollywood FL
Capacity: 5500
Attendance: 4500
Ticket price (paid): $81.- ea for 19th row center floor/ticketmaster
Date: December 28, 2007
Time: 8:00pm

The boys from TEXAS just never seem to get old.

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