Tyler Stripko

HSU Research ULS-15 MKII Subwoofer Review

HSU Research ULS-15 MKII Subwoofer Review

Tyler Stripko

One of the original Internet-direct subwoofer manufacturers, Hsu Research is well-known within the home theater and audio community. For over 20 years, their products have been leaders in the realm of high performance for relatively low cost. On hand today is the new ULS-15 MKII – a sealed subwoofer with a large 15-inch driver.

Subwoofers

Sonus Faber Olympica Speaker System Review

Tyler Stripko

Long known for making products that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the ear, Sonus faber has released their new Olympica line of speakers. I have a full surround system on hand for review, starting with the flagship Olympica III towers for the front mains, the matching Olympica Center for center channel duty, and a pair of the Olympica I bookshelf speakers for use as surrounds.

Surround Sound Speaker Systems
Sumiko S.9 Subwoofer

Sumiko S.9 Subwoofer Review

Tyler Stripko

Sumiko has decided to enter the somewhat crowded subwoofer market with a new line of subwoofers. Not merely content to make a big box that pipes out loud, one-note bass, Sumiko has decided to pursue the more difficult goal of making subwoofers that blend seamlessly with high quality speakers and truly increase the dynamics and weight of an audio system.

Subwoofers

XTZ Room Analyzer II Pro Room Acoustics Analyzer Kit

Tyler Stripko & Mark Vignola

We've all heard the adage a dozen times: your room is far more important to the sound that you get out of your system than the system itself. While this statement may very well be true, the process of tackling "your room" is far more difficult than deciding what type of receiver or speaker wire you should buy. Welcome to the world of acoustics: incredibly complicated and undoubtedly intimidating. The XTZ Room Analyzer may just be the thing to help get you into this world a little easier.

Audio Accessories Misc

Harman Kardon HK 990 Integrated Amplifier and HD 990 CD Player

Tyler Stripko

Most likely recognized in today's market as a purveyor of home theater receivers, desktop/PC speakers, iPod docks, and factory-installed automotive sound systems, Harman Kardon is a name that is also well-recognized in traditional 2-channel audio. While the history of the company is quite interesting (see the "about us" link on the company's webpage), one thing has remained constant at Harman Kardon over the years: they produce an aesthetically pleasing product that delivers the high-sound quality sought after by the brand's customers. Here, we review their 990 Integrated Amplifier and HD 990 CD Player.

Integrated Amplifiers

Axiom Audio M22 V3 Bookshelf Speakers for the Audiophile

Tyler Stripko

Being recognized as the audio/video guru in your circle of family, friends, and co-workers is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is highly rewarding when people ask for your advice (and even better when they actually take it). On the other hand, just about every time I give a recommendation I am inexorably demanded to "find something cheaper." ......Axiom Audio has been a haven for consumers who want excellence and value in a hi-fi system. Here, we review their M22 V3 bookshelf speakers, which are very affordable and deliver the goods in the sound department.

Win a pair of M22 V3 bookshelf speakers!!

Bookshelf Speakers

Onkyo TX-SR607 7.1 A/V Receiver

Tyler Stripko

I have to admit, I'm a sucker when it comes to having the latest and greatest toys. As my wife can attest, I'm always looking for excuses that will allow me to spring for that next upgrade. In recent years, Onkyo has been at the forefront of new A/V receiver technology and features, releasing new models at an almost breakneck pace in order to stay one step ahead of the competition. The TX-SR607 continues that technological advance as the first product in the world to sport Dolby Pro Logic IIz.....The bottom line is this: you need to pay quite a bit more money to dramatically improve upon the performance of the TX-SR607.

Receivers

Dynaudio X16 Bookshelf Speakers

Tyler Stripko

The Excite is Danish manufacturer Dynaudio's second least expensive speaker line, comprised of five different models: two towers, two bookshelves, and one center channel. The X16 is the larger of the two bookshelf speakers, with a 1" hand-coated silk dome tweeter and a single 6.5" mid/woofer configured in a classic two-way ported design.

Bookshelf Speakers

Marantz SR6003 7.1 A/V Receiver

Tyler Stripko

Marantz enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the finer consumer electronics companies in the audio/video industry, with products ranging from affordable home theater receivers to the “audiophile” 2-channel components of their highly regarded Reference Line. They also produce some of the best front projection units in the business. While not being sold at many “big box” retailers, Marantz has continued to thrive by producing quality products and selling them primarily through specialty retailers and custom installers. As I unboxed the SR6003 receiver, I was immediately struck by the desire to like this unit. The elegant curves of the front face panel combined with a readily apparent solid build quality captured my attention.  Did the Marantz SR6003 have the audio/video prowess to match its beauty? Let's find out.

Receivers