All Blog Posts (249)

I've recently wired the non-sync or taken two extra wires from the non-sync input and wired them onto one of the two inputs on format 61 AUX left and right so I can switch the decoders Dolby pro-logic to normal surround mode.

I've been thinking of another technique to wiring AUX so I can run the normal surround mode with rear surrounds as it would be in common cinema.

Snag is the outputting of channels that would need a little more thought processing to make sure it runs…

I made the trip north to Montreal for the 25th annual Salon Son & Image HiFi show. Set against the backdrop of the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel downtown, up to 10,000 visitors are expected to roam the halls of this very casual event. The hotel is circa 1970’s brutal concrete modern and lends itself…

This link is to a PDF from Apple. Read it and I think you will agree that this is good news for hi rez music lovers. With increased bandwidth and cheap storage, Apple may be getting ready to stream in HD 96/24 . At least, we can hope...…

Sundance 2012 was as busy as ever including the all important film deals. There may have been a slight let-up in the downtown party scene, but I may not have been the best judge of that as I opted to stay in on Friday and Saturday night of the opening weekend. That was due in part to the…

Secrets Festival Photographer Ray Keller is not a hipster.

I AM NOT A HIPSTER…

Pure i-20

I just got this the other day and think it is pretty cool. Has a built in 192/24 DAC. Now I can play hi-rez audio from my iPhone4 directly into my main stereo equipment. Less than $95.…

Emotiva is expecting to release their latest pre/pro around July. MSRP is $1499. This unit will incorporate TacT digital room correction and take direct DSD audio. For more specifics, click the link:

XMC-1 Specifications:…

There are a couple of things that I noticed this year's CES had lots of: One is switching amplifiers. Many companies are moving in this direction, in part because they deliver more power for less money, but also because they are efficient and high tech. The one shown above is the new Anthem M1, which,…

Final Thoughts:

CES 2012 has come to a close and it is really good to be home.  I have uploaded my coverage from Wednesday and Thursday and I also wanted to share some final thoughts.

The show seemed to be a big hit based on the enormous crowd.  From an audio/video perspective, the new…

It's time for Sundance once again! Our usual schedule of Movies/Skiing/Movies/Skiing etc might just become Movies/Movies/Movies/Movies because currently the Park City resort has a measly 20 inch base. Long range forecast is offering some hope though. Movie wise the forecast looks good as well but from…

This being my first CES, I had no idea what to expect. Sure everybody told me it was going to be huge and overwhelming, but I know now you can never be too prepared for the nerd overload present in the Las Vegas convention center. Luckily, I count myself as a full fledged member in the gadget lovers nerd…

Final Impressions and a few more pics..

CES was very busy this year, as the lines seemed longer and the crowds more dense. Now that I have had a peaceful night of sleep back at home, I can look back at the trip more clearly.  The star of the show for me was easily the Sony Crystal LED. From what I heard, its the real deal and should come to market, although no date or pricing is known.  "Smarter" TV was also very prominent with all the major brands offering a better…

CES Round Up



CES 2012 was a success for the show, with over 153,000 people coming through the doors over the week.  It certainly felt that way, as there was rarely a place to sit down, or room to walk, and always more to see than you could possibly see.  I've spent the past day trying to catch up on all…

Admittedly, not much has come out of CES since Blu-ray made its huge impact several years ago. We all curse and complain about the immensity of the show and the lines, and the distances and the walking and the damned shuttle buses. And yet, CES occurs just after the holidays and we approach the New Year with enthusiasm…

Sharing a fried twinkie with Cynthia

This being my first CES, I'm curious as to what I'm in for.  I've been reading about a lot of the new things that are rumored to be featured and I can't wait to dive in and check them out.  Lately, it seems the buzz is centered around the new ultra thin LG OLED televisions.  It looks like we're in for some paper thin TV's within the next few years.  One thing is for sure...  I'm going to need to wear a bib to contain all of the drool from checking out all of the new gadgets.  See ya in…

On behalf of the SECRETS Team, the Johnson-3, wish all of our readers a very happy holiday and best wishes in…

All right you CAVE dwellers, so what is on your audio/video wishlists for 2012?

Post them here for us Santa to…

Sigh after spending £75.00 and postal UPS delivery of £10.00 for an almost knackered busted in cone on a JBL G-125.

I mean look at the packing for starters! WTF is these tubes doing inside the box? And yes I have spoken to the company that sold me it. They said like anyone would “send it back and we’ll refund you”.

That’s not the point or principle I’m talking about.

If you look at the why its described in the sale not very photo creative are they. I bet the cone was…