What We Think
It's not cheap, but Inteset's luxury-class Windows Media Center server does it all, and does it well.
After years of false starts, the age of convergence app
For most people, flagship A/V receivers costing $4,000 to $6,000 are just too much: too much size, weight, complexity, and, for sure, money. But the cheapest models are too limited in connections and, more often than not, too flimsy. The result?
DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE
All data were obtained from various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS, and reference output is 1 watt into 8 ohms. Volume setting for reference level was -3.5.
What We Think
Despite cost-saving cosmetics in its "budget" version, this is a very good system for the price.
Crystal Acoustics is a new brand to me, and to most Americ
Old joke: Heaven is the place where the police are British, the cooks are French, the lovers Italian, bureaucrats Swiss, and the engineers German. Hell is the place where the cooks are British, the engineers Italian, bureaucrats French, lovers Swiss, and the police German.
Outlaw Audio helped pioneer the direct web-to-consumer channel for audio/video electronics and is among the most successful in that small but growing arena. Its latest introductions include an aggressively priced preamp/processor and compact 7-channel power amp that ask the question: Is an A/V receiver your only sensible choice with less than a couple grand in hand?
If Gumby were shopping for speakers, the new Infinity Cascades are what he'd choose. Their shapes quickly call to mind the green, bendable character - at least for boomers or SNL addicts who recall Eddie Murphy's classic routine ("I'm Gumby, dammit!").
Wild Strawberries, House of Cards: Season 1, Oz the great and Powerful 3D, Paul McCartney & Wings: Rockshow, The Newsroom: Season 1, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 3D.
