Nixeus Fusion HD Digital Player (Multi-media Streamer)

Chris Eberle

It seems only appropriate that I follow my recent review of the Apple TV with a look at another digital player, the Nixeus Fusion HD. This product is another example of a multi-media streaming device. It has the ability to play back a wide variety of formats for video, still photos, and audio. To this it adds Internet functionality in the form of a web browser plus access to services like YouTube and Flickr. It also offers file management in the form of BitTorrent and easy connectivity with your networked computers via Ethernet or WiFi.

AV DirectoryMedia Streamer

Emotiva XDA-1 Differential Reference DAC for the Audiophile

Jim Milton

As general rule of thumb, I try not to review equipment from manufacturers of products that I personally own as it can lend an air of bias on my part. I'm just letting you know up front that I own a UMC-1 pre/pro and three amplifiers from Emotiva. I find their products to perform very well and are true bargains in the A/V world.

DACs

GoldenEar

Secrets
GoldenEar's founders and their engineering team have literally hundreds of years of combined experience and have created...
AV Directory

Pass Labs XP-25 Phono Preamplifier

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Pass Labs is highly renown for their audio components, some of which are pure Class A. Besides preamplifiers and power amplifiers, they also produce phono preamplifiers (also called phono stages), having begun with the Aleph Ono in 1997. The XP-25 is their latest version, which was designed by Pass Labs engineer Wayne Colburn.

Phono PreamplifiersPreamplifiers

Zildjian 22″ Z3 Rock Ride Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

The Z3 represents Zildjian's series of high power (heavy) cymbals that are made for metal drummers who want to project their sound all the way into the restrooms at concerts. They have large bells and symmetrical hammering, which are factors that are partly responsible for their high volume output. This 22" Z3 ride typifies the sound you can expect. It will punch through, with a bright, crisp ping, no matter how many guitarists you have.

Cymbals

Gig Grips for Drumsticks

John E. Johnson, Jr.

There have been many accessories invented over the years to assist in controlling the drumsticks in your hands when playing. Gig Grips consist of thick rubber bands with holes on each end that you push the stick through until it is in the location on your stick where your fulcrum finger would be when holding the stick. They can be used in traditional or matched grip and are a very useful addition to any drummer's kit, but also, they would be a good teaching accessory for beginning drummers learning how to control stick movement.

Accessories

Pioneer PD-D6MK2 SACD Player and SX-A9MK2 Integrated Amplifier

Jim Milton

The D6 SACD player and A9 integrated stereo amplifier are two of four possible combinations in the Pioneer G-Clef series of SACD players and integrated two channel amplifiers that are sold as a pair. The G-Clef series is tested and approved by AIR Studios in London and are designed for the discriminating stereo lover in mind. As quoted from Pioneer's website, "The AIR Studios quality seal is proof not only of the extraordinary engineering that has gone into these audio units, but also of the exceptionally high quality of their craftsmanship and carefully selected electronic components".

Integrated Amplifiers

Zildjian 18″ K Medium Thin Dark Crash Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

The "K" line of Zildjian cymbals have a characteristic "dark" sound, meaning there is quite a strong low frequency component. There is also a K Custom line which is stated to retain some of the original K sound, but with the addition of modern hammering techniques that "enhance the K character." The Zildjian 18" K Medium Thin Dark Crash Cymbal is reviewed here. It has mostly large hammer marks rather than the typical "K" hammer marks. The sound is bright, but with dark undertones, and it has a very fast response. It sounds quite different than the K Custom Dark Crash. It rides nicely, and the bell is very musical.

Cymbals

Home Theater WallWizard XM37 Flat Panel HDTV Wall Mounting Bracket

Piero Gabucci

One of the things I like about CEDIA is discovering something that I hadn't expected to impress me. Oh sure the dazzling larger than life flat panels, or bright projectors are always omnipresent. The beautiful glossy speakers and sometimes those overstuffed theater chairs are a welcomed relief. But this year walking by the WallWizard booth it was the motorized wall mounts caught my attention. When I was introduced to them I was shown some innovative ideas that seemed to solve issues we've all thought about but never seen addressed.

Stands/Racks/Furniture/Room Treatment

Boston Acoustics RS 326 Floor-Standing Speakers

Tyler Stripko

The Boston Acoustics RS 326 represents the top model in Boston Acoustics' Reflection series, which includes numerous floor-standing, bookshelf, and center channel speakers along with a matching subwoofer. Second only to the VS line, the Reflection series was designed to create an "elegant fusion of technology, performance, and stylish good looks (to quote the Boston Acoustics website)."

Floor Standing Speakers