CalMAN Calibration Software Version 5

Chris Heinonen

 

There are a few different programs out there to assist in calibrating a display, but CalMAN from SpectraCal is currently the most prevalent. CalMAN is used for ISF Level I and II training, and is available in a variety of different configurations ranging from the DIY user to the full time calibration professional.

Video Calibration

KEN KREISEL Sound & Design

Secrets
Ken Kreisel has always been known as an innovator willing to take new paths to offer state-of-the-art audio performance at real world prices and to embrace new technologies...
AV Directory

Audio Technica

Secrets
Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving...
AV Directory

NAD M51 Direct Digital DAC

John E. Johnson, Jr.

 

Most audio component manufacturers have a DAC in their product lineup, and NAD is no exception. However, the NAD M51 is unusual in that it takes the incoming digital PCM bitstream and converts it directly to a PWM bitstream, which is then fed directly to the output. The idea has been around for about a decade, but the technology for implementing it was not fast enough in those early days. Now, with modern technology and techniques, NAD has produced what they call a "Direct Digital DAC", where the digital signal does not go through digital to analog conversion in the normal sense, but converted to PWM at 844 kHz sampling, with 35 bit word length. As you will see with the bench tests, the results are quite amazing, and the price is very affordable.

DACs
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Widescreen for your ears

Secrets

Bowers & Wilkins launches Panorama 2 Panorama 2 offers a dramatically improved acoustic performance over the original Panorama. It's simple to connect and ...

Press

Shallow AV Receiver?

Scott Wilkinson

I've been thinking about a home-theater sound system for our living room. We have a 55-inch Toshiba LED-LCD TV wall-mounted in the center of built-in bookcases. However, the shelves are only about 12 inches deep! Do you have any ideas on what receivers I should consider? Also, I'm thinking about using GoldenEar speakers. How do I match receiver power with them?
- Jim Nolan

SECRETS Home Theater Q&A

Audio Desk System Automated Vinyl (LP) Cleaner

Rick Schmidt

For all of these years that I've been extolling the virtues of analog (LP a.k.a., vinyl) playback I've known that it just isn't really practical for most people. Even less practical, is the necessity to clean your LPs once in a while to keep those pops and ticks out of the music. Several companies make devices that clean your LPs. The Audio Desk System Automated Vinyl Cleaner is one of them, and we review it here.

Audio Accessories Misc

Darbee

Secrets
DARBEE™ DVP™ technology embeds monoscopic depth cues and details in an image by modulating the local pixel luminance according to our underlying patented method.
AV Directory

HiFiMan HE-500 Over-the-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones and EF5 Headphone Amplifier

John E. Johnson, Jr.

HiFiMan is a relative newcomer (2006) to the audio product scene. Their specialty is headphones (including over-the-ear and earbuds) and headphone amplifiers. We have reviewed several of their headphones, with positive and enthusiastic findings. The HE-500, reviewed here, are over-the-ear headphones, meaning that they completely enclose the ears. This model also uses planar magnetic drivers, which unlike cone drivers, are flat, very thin plastic membranes, on which is attached a thin conductor. The membrane is near permanent magnets, and when the signal flows through the conductor, the opposing electromagnetic field on the conductive membrane is pushed away from or attracted to the permanent magnets, producing the sound.

Headphone and Earphone Reviews