The Distributed Audio Awards recognize the best whole-house A/V products that are driving consumer interest.
In these rapidly changing times in consumer electronics, you know a category has made it if the computer industry is making products to compete in the space. While the competition in electronics may not mean much to the new homebuilder, its results can have a definite effect on a homebuilder’s business. n Fortunately for new homebuilders, the results of these consumer electronics battles translate into a broader product selection and lowered prices for the components and technologies that consumers desire the most. n Builders can find the best evidence of the electronics wars by examining the whole-house audio/video category. This particular category keeps growing by leaps and bounds every year, with each player introducing one or more new products with a single goal: To grab the attention of the average consumer. Moreover, as the category has grown, its technologies have continued to evolve and improve in terms of performance, ease of installation and user interface. n All of this bears out in the third annual Distributed Audio Awards (DAAs), announced on Tuesday Nov. 16 at the Fall 2004 Electronic House Expo (EHX) show in Long Beach, Calif. The winning products will be chosen from the following list of entrants:
On-Wall Speakers: $1,000 or more per pair
Thiel Audio | ViewPoint Loudspeakers
Designed for use with today’s flat-panel video displays, the Thiel Audio ViewPoint loudspeaker can be custom built to match the size of any video display, and it features several of the company’s proprietary loudspeaker designs.
Thiel Audio, 859-254-9427, www.thielaudio.com, MSRP is $1,990
Polk Audio | RM6900
The RM6900 system from Polk Audio is a complete home-theater package that includes five matching loudspeakers and a powered subwoofer. The speakers’ design is intended to complement the appearance of a plasma or LCD television, and is constructed from extruded aluminum.
Polk Audio, 800-377-7655, www.polkaudio.com, MSRP is $1,200
Boston Acoustics | P400
The Boston Acoustics P400 loudspeaker combines a home theater system’s left, center and right speakers into a single chassis. This provides space-challenged homeowners with a home-theater product that integrates performance, style and ergonomics in a single component.
Boston Acoustics, Inc., 978-538-5000, www.bostonacoustics.com, MSRP is $1,500 each
In-Wall Speakers: $1,000 or more per Pair
Polk Audio | LC265i
Polk Audio’s LC265i in-wall loudspeakers are designed to perform like the company’s other, more expensive loudspeaker models. The speakers incorporate specific technologies that were developed to compensate for the compromise of placing a speaker within an in-wall environment.
Polk Audio, 800-377-7655, www.polkaudio.com, MSRP is $1,800 per pair
In-Wall Speakers: Less than $1,000 per Pair
SpeakerCraft Inc. | AIM Series
Over the years, SpeakerCraft has continually improved its popular AIM series of architectural loudspeaker products. The latest edition of AIM loudspeakers feature two models with 51/4-inch woofers and 1-inch dome tweeters that can be directed towards the listener’s seating position to improve sound quality.
SpeakerCraft Inc., 909-787-0543, [http://www.speakercraft.com], MSRP is N/A
Boston Acoustics | DSi460T2
Boston Acoustics positions its Dsi460T2 as a multipurpose loudspeaker that solves a variety of whole-house audio and home theater problems, including stereo audio from a single loudspeaker and a single speaker.
Boston Acoustics, Inc., 978-538-5000, www.bostonacoustics.com, MSRP is $400 each
Bose | ADAPTiQ
The Bose ADAPTiQ in-wall loudspeaker utilizes the company’s famous jewel-cube technology, which allows the ADAPTiQ-enabled loudspeaker to be placed in just about any position within a room. With its ADAPTiQ driven compatibility, the in-wall loudspeaker can be automatically calibrated by Bose’s proprietary processing to sound good in any mounting position. The speaker’s enclosure measures 4-inches wide by 7-inches high and through its small size the speaker can integrate into any home décor.
Bose Corp., 800-428-2673, www.bose.com, MSRP is $800
In-Wall/In-Ceiling Subwoofers: $1,000 or more
Boston Acoustics | VRiSub85
The new Boston Acoustics’ VRiSub85 is designed to fill in those important low frequencies that are sometimes too difficult for small architectural speakers to handle. The in-ceiling subwoofer can be configured in a number of different ways to meet the needs of each individual installation, and the subwoofer can be powered by Boston Acoustics’ SA1 subwoofer amplifier to complete an all-inclusive Boston Acoustics speaker system.
Boston Acoustics, 978-538-5000, www.bostonacoustics.com, MSRP is $500 per set
User Interface/Keypads
Crestron Electronics | Isys i/O TPMC-10
The latest touchpanel solution from Crestron, the wireless Isys i/O TPMC-10 WiFi touchpanel, offers users email, streaming multimedia and Internet access. The 10-inch Web tab is powered by the 802.11b wireless protocol and Microsoft’s Windows CE.NET 4.2 operating system, which allows the unit to have full two-way communication compatibility with a home’s LAN.
Crestron Electronics Inc., 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP is $7,600
GE Security, Residential Solutions | GE Touchscreen
The GE Touchscreen is a self-contained touchscreen that provides users with a 3.9-inch color screen. The GE Touchscreen can control up to three devices that incorporate an RS-485 port, and the touchscreen gives users the ability to control functions such as volume, source selection and complete multizone control.
GE Security, Residential Solutions, 800-777-5484, www.gesecurity.com, MSRP is approximately $750
Remote Technologies Inc. | T1
The T1 universal-remote control from Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) features eight source buttons, four general-purpose source buttons with keycaps and 38 fully programmable macro-assignable buttons to facilitate the programming of today’s home-theater equipment.
Remote Technologies Inc., 952-253-3100, www.rticorp.com, MSRP is $299
Remote Technologies Inc. | T2
The T2 universal-remote control from Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) is designed to provide total control of a home’s home theater, whole-house audio/video system and other residential subsystems within today’s connected home.
Remote Technologies Inc., 952-253-3100, [http://www.rticorp.com, MSRP is $599
Niles Audio | Intellipad Ci TS-1
Designed as a plug-and-play keypad the Niles Audio Ci TS-1 ships with preprogrammed options for any Niles whole-house audio product. The wall-mounted control panel offers users a LCD keypad, backlit hard-key buttons and a plasma-proof remote-control sensor.
Niles Audio, 305-238-8014, www.nilesaudio.com, MSRP is $549
Bose | Personal Music Center II
Designed and engineered primarily as a control device for the company’s Lifestyle BUILT-IN INvisible AV-38 and AV-48 media centers, the Bose Personal Music Center II control device provides users with a complete control solution.
Bose Corp., 508-879-7330, www.bose.com, MSRP is $149
On-Wall Speakers: Less than $1,000 per pair
Klipsch | Reference Series RVX-42
Klipsch has designed its RVX-42 on-wall loudspeaker to match the industrial look of today’s popular flat-panel video displays. The speaker incorporates dual 4-inch woofers, a 1-inch dome driver that’s mated to the company’s famous Tractix horn technology that improves the efficiency of the speaker.
Klipsch Audio Technologies, 317-860-8100, www.klipsch.com, MSRP is $449 each
Outdoor Speakers
Bose | 151SE Environmental Speaker System
The Bose 151SE outdoor loudspeaker provides homeowners with a large stereo soundfield, which is desirable for outdoor audio listening. The outdoor speaker’s slim profile allows it to be placed under an eave, next to a wall or anywhere else the homeowner desires.
Bose Corp., 508-879-7330, [http://www.bose.com, MSRP is $278
Niles Audio | RS8Si Weatherproof Rock Loudspeaker
Niles’ new RS8Si outdoor rock loudspeaker is a weather-resistant speaker that can be installed as a mono, or stereo speaker configuration, and blend into a home’s existing landscape.
Niles Audio Corporation, 305-238-8014, www.nilesaudio.com, MSRP is $449.95
Rack, Mounts & Enclosures
Middle Atlantic | ASR Adjustable Shelving Rack
The ASR Adjustable Shelving Rack system from Middle Atlantic Products can be installed into a cabinet, closet, wall or entertainment center, and after installation it can slide out and pivot to provide access to the rear panel’s connections.
Middle Atlantic Products, 973-839-1011, www.middleatlantic.com, MSRP is N/A
Wireless/No-New Wires Transmission Media/Technology
AMX | NXA-WAP200G
The NXA-WAP200G is the latest wireless LAN access point from AMX, and it supports the standards-based Wi-Fi capabilities of AMX’s Modero and NetLinx control products. The device can protects a homeowner’s investment into a control system by providing a migration path to the wireless protocols 802.11b and 802.11g, and it can operate at speeds up to 54Mbps.
AMX Corporation, 469-624-7605, www.amx.com, MSRP is $399
All-Inclusive Distributed Audio System
$1,000 or more per Room
Audio Design Associates, Inc. | HTR-2400
The HTR-2400 from Audio Design Associates (ADA) offers homeowners the ability to supply their home with an 8-room/8-source (DVD players and CD players for example) whole-house A/V system and a home-theater system that is compatible with the audio industry’s high-resolution audio formats.
Audio Design Associates, Inc., 914-946-9595, www.ada-usa.com, MSRP is $9,999
Xantech | MRC88
The MRC88 from Xantech represents the company’s second generation of whole-house audio and video products. The system expands upon the original’s capabilities by adding more system flexibility to its list of features.
Xantech Corporation, 818-362-0353, www.xantech.com, MSRP is $8,000
Sonance | DAB1
The Sonance DAB1 is a four-source six room or zone whole-house audio product that combines system management and source control within a single product.
Sonance, 949-226-5151, [http://www.sonance.com, MSRP is $2,500
Gibson Audio | Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox
The Gibson name has long been associated with some of the world’s best musicians, and now the company is taking its years of musical intelligence and applying its knowledge to the consumer-audio category. The new Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox allows users to download, manage and distribute their music library wirelessly from any room in their house.
Gibson Audio, 202-744-4477, www.gibsonaudio.com, MSRP is $1,999
OWI | DAVES
The Distributed Audio Video Entertainment System (DAVES) from OWI is capable of distributing audio, video and wireless control signals over Cat 5 up to 1,000 feet without any signal loss. OWI has designed DAVES as a plug-and-play system that needs no preprogramming, and it is compatible with up to four source components, including DVD players, DSS systems, AM/FM tuners and CD players. The system features combination amplifier/keypad devices that accept system signals and provide control and power the system’s connected loudspeakers.
OWI Inc., 310-515-1900, www.owi-inc.com, MSRP is $5,800
Russound | RNET Smart System Protocol
The RNET system protocol from Russound is designed to facilitate the installation of the company’s line of whole-house audio products. The communication protocol allows Russound’s line of smart components to communicate. Some of the smart series of components include the CAM6.6 multiroom receiver, the ST2-XM dual tuner with XM Satellite Radio, the SMS3 Smart Media Server, and the RNET compatible Uno keypads.
Russound, 603-659-5170, www.russound.com, MSRP is N/A
All-Inclusive Distributed Audio System
Less than $1,000 per room
SpeakerCraft | MZC-66
Designed as an all-in-one component, the MZC-66 comes with an integrated preamp and amplifier, and SpeakerCraft’s EZ-Pads and EZC-1.0 controller. The upgradeable MZC-66 base unit is the single-gang J-box unit that allows users to select sources, component functions, power control and an IR repeater.
SpeakerCraft, 800-448-0976, www.speakercraft.com, MSRP is $2,400
M&S Systems | Xtreme Digital Music System XDM4600
M&S System’s Xtreme Digital Music System XDM4600 provides users with whole-house audio and communications via six sources (DVD and CD players for example) to four different zones (bedroom and living room for example). The base system, which is expandable up to eight zones, comes with one universal-remote control, four keypads, one central controller, six wireless control emitters and a front-door station.
M&S Systems, 214-366-5612, www.mssystems.com, MSRP is $2,600
NuVo Technologies | Concerto
The Concerto whole-house audio system is a six-source (CD and DVD players for example)/eight-zone (bedroom or living room for example) product that features an amplifier, system keypads and a complete wireless-control library.
NuVo Technologies, 513-347-2180, www.nuvotechnologies.com, MSRP is $2,999
Amplifiers, Controllers & Distribution Apparatus
Elan Home Systems | D1650
The D1650 is the follow up product to Elan’s original D1200 digital amplifier. The amplifier employs the company’s proprietary amplifier technology, which enables the amp to run at a cool temperature.
Elan Home Systems, 859-269-7760, www.elanhomesystems.com, MSRP is $2,199
Denon | AVR-5805
The AVR-5805 is Denon’s new flagship A/V receiver. The receiver features 10 amplifiers, 16-channel output capacity, multiple 5.1 home theater capabilities and THX Ultra2 certification. (The company THX was started by Star Wars creator George Lucas to improve the quality of movie audio and video).
Denon Electronics, 973-396-0810, www.usa.denon.com, MSRP is $6,000
Sony | CAV-M1000ES
With the introduction of the CAV-M1000ES Sony has consolidated a home’s entire A/V entertainment into a single-box solution. The unit provides homeowners with the necessary control of their entertainment system’s function through the use of Sony’s wireless touchscreen control panel, which can operate a variety of equipment that ranges from a DVD player to a HDTV set-top box.
Sony Electronics, 201-358-4272, www.sonynewhome.com, MSRP is $4,500
Knoll Systems | GS12
Knoll Electronics’ GS12 amplifier can distribute music through six rooms or zones in any house. The amp analyzes what rooms are listening to music, and takes the power from the rooms not in use and redistributes that power to the rooms that are in use.
Knoll Electronics, 800-566-5579, www.knollsystems.com, MSRP is $1,498
Matrix Audio | Series 4, 6 and 8
The new Matrix Audio Designs’ Series 4, 6 and 8 multisource (a DVD player or AM/FM tuner is referred to as a source component) multi-room controllers build upon the company’s success with other whole-house audio products. Each product distributes four, six or eight sources to as many as 64 zones (a zone is generally another word for room), and when combined with Matrix Audio’s other products, Matrix can provide homeowners with a quality whole-house audio system. The Series four product delivers 20 watts of power, and the more powerful Series 6 and 8 doubles by delivering 40 watts of power.
Matrix Audio Designs, 877-734-9929, www.matrixaudiodesigns.com, MSRPs range from $2,200 to $3,900
Netstreams | DigiLinX
Netstreams’ DigiLinX system distributes audio over Cat 5 using the Internet protocol of TCP/IP without the need for additional home-networking equipment. The DigiLinX converts source files in real time into uncompressed .WAV audio files with the ability to deliver a high quality audio stream.
Netstreams, 512-977-9393, www.netstreams.com, MSRP starts at $3,000
Bose | Lifestyle SA-3
The SA-3 amplifier from Bose is rated to deliver 100 watts per channel, and it incorporates the company’s proprietary networking technology that facilitates as many as 14 additional rooms of sound to be linked together seamlessly. Each room or zone has independent volume and mute controls, and the amplifier also features an auto-sensing circuitry, which allows local sources such as a television or MP3 player to be placed in a room. Additionally, in larger installation, the SA-3 can be setup to combine multiple amplifiers that can be controlled by the user through a single remote control.
Bose Corp., 508-879-7330, www.bose.com, MSRP is $299
Russound | CAM6.6T Multiroom Receiver
The CAM6.6T from Russound is a multiroom AM/FM receiver that can be upgraded to serve as many as 36 zones (rooms). The unit features an expansion slot that can house updates such as an XM Satellite Radio tuner, and it offers other features, including Russound’s RNET technology that facilitates communication between Russound components.
Russound, 603-659-5170, www.russound.com, MSRP is $1,999
Connectivity Products
On-Q Home | On-Q Home Entertainment Connection Center
The On-Q Home Entertainment Connection Center (HECC) serves as a single access point for multiple components within a whole-house media system. The HECC features connections for CATV, satellite television, along with auxiliary video inputs and connection points for data, telephone and home-theater speaker systems. On-Q also offers models with optional multi-room audio, and On-Q designed the unit with an “installer side” and “homeowner” side, which keeps the two sides segregated and clean and neat in appearance.
On-Q Home, 717-702-2532, www.onqhome.com, MSRP is $91
Philips Consumer Electronics | SL300i Wireless Multimedia Link
The SL300i Wireless Multimedia Link from Philips enables homeowners with a high-speed powered home network to stream multimedia content from their PC or the Internet to their home-entertainment system.
Philips Consumer Electronics, 770-407-0000, www.philips.com, MSRP is $299
Philips Consumer Electronics | SL400i Wireless Multimedia Link
The Philips SL400i Wireless Multimedia Link is designed to consolidate, manage and enrich the connected-home consumer’s lifestyle by streaming music, video, images and games wirelessly to any display within the home.
Philips Consumer Electronics, 770-407-0000, www.philips.com, MSRP is $499
In-Ceiling Speakers: $1,000 or more per pair
ConNEXTion Systems | Z600c In-Ceiling Speaker
ConNEXTion Systems’ z600c is an 8-inch woofer and an 11/2-inch midrange speaker and a 1-inch tweeter. The z600c’s tweeter is designed to pivot in a 50-degree radius, and the midrange driver is also housed in the tweeter’s pivoting assembly, which allows it to hang approximately one inch below the ceiling and angled towards the listener.
ConNEXTion Systems, 866-310-6398, www.conextionsystems.com, MSRP is $1,400
Boston Acoustics | DSi495
Boston Acoustics’ Dsi495 complex in-ceiling loudspeaker is specifically designed to serve as a left, center or right loudspeaker within a home-theater system. The speaker features a baffle that can be rotated to produce the best possible audio for the home theater user.
Boston Acoustics, 978-538-5000, www.bostonacoustics.com, MSRP is $500 each
In-Ceiling Speakers: Less than $1,000 per pair
TRUAudio | DV-6
TRUAudio has redesigned its line of speakers to make them perform better and be easier to install. Highlighting the newly redesigned line is the DV-6 Dual Voice Coil In-Ceiling Loudspeaker that features two swiveling tweeters, which allows homeowners to listen to stereo music in spaces that normally can’t accomidte a pair of speakers, such as a hallway or bathroom.
TRUAudio, 801-746-3777, www.truaudio.com, MSRP is $150 each
Installation Aids & Accessories
Sencore Electronics | SP295C
For the audio enthusiast that wants the best performing home-theater system one tool that’s available to tune a home theater’s sound is the Sencore’s SP295C audio analyzer. The SP295C provides the enthusiast with all the audio information necessary today to install, calibrate and analyze a home theater or whole-house audio system. The self-contained device is battery operated and its user interface is designed for easy navigation to allow users to perform a host of tests, including FFT and filter RTAs, sound-pressure levels and speaker distortion.
Sencore Electronics, 800-736-2673, www.sencore.com, MSRP is $2,695
Panamax | Max In-Wall Family
Panamax’s In-Wall line of power protection and power conditioning products are designed to deliver noise-free AC power to wall mounted flat-panel video displays and ceiling-mounted video projectors. The line of products employs a rack-mounted Panamax power conditioner and in-wall mounted faceplates that contain an AC receptacle and a port to house one of five available A/V signal modules: the MIW Data module; the MIW-S-Video module; the MIW-5RCA module; the MIW-VGA module; and the MIW-B&O module, which is designed to be used with B&O audio systems.
Panamax, 800-472-5555, www.panamax.com, MSRPs range from $49 to $299
Multiroom Audio Media Servers
AMX | MAX Multiroom Audio Media Servers
AMX’s MAX Multimedia server is capable of storing and distributing both audio and video content. Homeowners can add any type of music or video file and manage the files by cataloging them based on specific criteria. The system can distribute entertainment to as many as 25 zones (rooms). The system is compatible with MP3 files as well as uncompressed audio files. The product can be configured in two ways: single rack unit with 1 terabyte of storage, which can stores up to 2,500 CDs and 100 DVDs; and the two-rack version, which offers 3 terabytes of storage and can store up to 7,500 CDs and 300 DVDs. Both configurations also employ RAID technology, which allows drive units to be swapped out on the fly, and protecting users from losing files that were constructed over time.
AMX, 469-624-7605, www.amx.com, MSRP ranges from $12,000 to $60,000
Leviton Integrated Networks | Leviton Entertainment & Applications Platform
The Levition Entertainment & Applications Platform is designed to serve as an “everyday gateway,” and it’s designed to facilitate the flow of audio, video and data while providing homeowners with an intuitive user interface. The product consists of three components: a Digital Player, a Remote Control and a Digital Distribution Center. The distribution center is the system’s core component. It activates the entire product solution and it enables the user to control, manage and distribute digital files throughout their home.
Leviton Integrated Networks, 800-323-8920, www.leviton.com/lin, MSRP is N/A
Escient | FireBall E2-300 The latest product in the Escient line of media servers is the FireBall E2-300. The E2-300 allows users organize, access and manage CD and digital music files on its internal hard drive, and up to three connected CD jukeboxes. The unit incorporates an internal disc drive that allows users to rip CDs onto the hard drive, and if users incorporate file-sharing software on their home network, they can transfer and share files from their Mac or PC.
Escient, 317-616-6789, www.escient.com, MSRP is $3,999
Russound | SMS3
Russound’s SMS3 Smart Media Server is the central component of the company’s new multi-room line of products. The device allows users to store and manage music and images from anywhere within the home. The SMS3 can distribute three sources (a source is a CD player or AM/FM tuner for example) to multiple rooms, and it incorporates a 160GB hard drive, a CD-ROM drive and Ethernet (Cat-5 structured wiring) compatibility. The server also features software that allows users to create song lists and import song information from the Internet. The SMS3 is integrates easily with Russound’s RNET technology that facilitates the communication between Russound components.
Russound, 603-659-5170, [http://www.russound.com, MSRP is $2,899
ReQuest Multimedia | AudioReQuest
The rack-mountable AudioReQuest media server comes with a removable faceplate that’s available in either black or silver, and its user interface is designed to be intuitive to neophyte users and robust enough for enthusiasts. ReQuest manufactures the unit to be compatible with almost any home-control system, and the device provides functions for file management, organization and distribution, and it works with a variety of digital-audio files.
ReQuest Multimedia, 518-899-1254, www.request.com, MSRP ranges from $ $2,500 to $25,000
Bose | Lifestyle BUILT-Invisible AV-48 Media Center with uMusic audio playback system
With Bose’s uMusic users can listen to their favorite music without any fuss. At the heart of the system is the company’s AV-48 Media Center that incorporates the Bose Link technology, which can distribute music in up to 14 different rooms. The AV-48 can deliver multiple musicstreams to any room that the system in networked into. It also offers independent volume and mute control. In addition, the AV-48 features the company’s ADAPTiQ audio-calibration technology, which automatically performs acoustical calibration to maximize the listening experience, and a built-in DVD/CD player, an AM/FM tuner and enough inputs to service a complete entertainment system.
Bose Corp., 508-879-7330, www.bose.com, MSRP is $1,999
Meda Systems, Inc. | Bravo Digital Media Server
Meda Systems’ Bravo Digital Media Server is a complete multi-source (a source is a component such as a CD player)/multi-zone (a zone is a room within a house) whole-house audio system that includes wireless touchscreen control, multiple inputs and the company’s “Follow Me” mode that follows a homeowner by providing music as the person moves from room-to-room throughout he house. The Bravo system is available in 1,4,8,12, 16, and 24-zone configurations, and each model incorporates the company’s Digital Entertainment Operating System (DEOS). The DEOS operating system features Meda’ s MZSync, which automatically syncs sources to provide homeowners with instant file or source access. Each server also includes an internal hard drive and Web compatibility that enables a variety of products to control and access the server.
Meda Systems, Inc., 510-653-3200, www.medainc.com, MSRP is $4,595
Multiroom Audio Source Components
Crestron | C2N-TXM XM Satellite Radio Tuner
The C2N-TXM XM satellite radio tuner allows users to experience the benefits of XM satellite radio in their home. The unit integrates easily into a Crestron home control system, and it provides homeowners with real-time component feedback such as station and song information. The unit can store up to 20 XM presets, and these channels can be accessed quickly from a touchpanel or keypad. XM radio broadcasts over 100 channels of entertainment, that are organized by genre, including music, news, sports, talk and comedy, and the company’s control system can handle multiple C2N-TXM units to allow multiple users to enjoy XM Satellite Radio.
Crestron Electronics, 201-767-3400, www.crestron.com, MSRP is $1,100
Russound | ST2-XM Satellite Radio Tuner
Russound’s dual tuner ST2-XM is available in a number of configurations that offer users both traditional radio broadcasts and XM Satellite Radio. The ST2-XM is compatible with the company’s RNET communication protocol, which facilitates the communication between Russound whole-house audio components, and it can be controlled wirelessly through a number of wireless protocols. The device offers users real-time status feedback that includes song and artist information, and its features can be accessed at the touch of a button.
Russound, 603-659-5170, www.russound.com, MSRP is $999
Bose | Lifestyle BUILT-Invisible AV-18 Media Center
Bose’s Lifestyle AV-18 is a complete entertainment package that includes an AM/FM tuner, a DVD/CD player, and enough inputs to serve as the central component of an A/V system. The AV-18 also includes the company’s ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology, which automatically calibrates the AV-18’s sound to ensure the best possible sound within any given room. The system can be controlled by a variety of devices, including Bose’s Personal Music Center II. The tuner offers users 50 station presets, and the unit is small enough to blend into a variety of home environments without calling attention to its location within the room.
Bose Corp., 508-879-7330, www.bose.com, MSRP is $900
Parasound | Z Series Tuner
The compact Parasound Z Series AM/FM tuner is designed to provide homeowners with an audio entertainment source solution that doesn’t take up a ton of room. The tuner features 30 presets that can be reduced to eight presets to accelerate channel scrolling, and the unit can be tuned via remote control or directly from its front panel. The tuner’s back panel offers port access to facilitate its integration into a home-control system, and Parasound covers the tuner with a 10-year warranty. Moreover, the tuner can also be paired with other products from Parasound’s Z-Series of compact components to provide users with a complete audio system.
Parasound Products, Inc., 415-397-7100, www.parasound.com, MSRP is $300