Digital-Audio Reviews

I was looking for a great MP3 player, and I've been very disappointed with some digital products from other companies, so I was very hesitant to purchase one. I also read several reviews about players from some other brands (particularly RCA, which is what I was wanting to purchase), and read about several problems and disappointing findings about the player. I bought this a few months ago and haven't had any problems. Even beyond that, this player surpasses everything I imagined. It is highly customizable, even letting you set how long the LCD lights when you push buttons, has very easy to use and effective software, is small, compact, reliable and even the FM radio (which had nothing to do with why I bought it - it was just a bonus) lets you tune up to .05. I keep finding stuff I can do with it.

It is well worth the price.

I first came across the iAudio CW300 while searching for digital voice recorders. Needless to say, the CW300 128 performs perfectly as a voice recorder, picking up most sounds clearly through its two settings: HQ (High Quality) and UHQ (Ultra High Quality). For HQ I got almost nine hours of recording time and for UHQ I got around 4 hours of recording time. I also found it handy that you can hear what you are recording through your earphones, simplifying the question of whether you are recording what you want (even though the recording seems to pick up even more than what I hear). Starting and stopping recording is easy with just a touch of a button on the face of the CW300. Transferring the voice recordings to your computer via USB is also very easy with the included software.

Of course, the CW300 acts also as a MP3 player and a FM radio and it performs perfectly in both of these functions as well. Maybe 128 is not enough for both heavy MP3 and voice recording usage, but I managed to fit 21 MP3s of 128 kbps quality and still have 2 hours of UHQ recording time left. FM reception is great and can be recorded. Battery life is astounding for just one AA. The company's claim of 30 hours seems about right.

The only drawback I can see is that the jog controls are a bit tricky to get used to (at least for me). But after a bit of usage they proved to be efficient and quick.

You can read about the pro's and con's for this player everywhere, so I will only say that this player has unbelievable sound, and if you buy one, you will not regret it.

I just got mine from J&R Music World a few days ago. Great shipment - fast, double boxed, etc. It took awhile to set the new receiver up, as I had over 50 connections on the back of my previous receiver. I had upgraded from a Kenwood model and the difference is substantial. The sound quality, particularly in music, is substantially better. The number of settings you can tweak for each particular input is awesome. A true audiophile's dream. Right down to being able to set individual crossover points for EACH channel for EACH input! The on screen display/programming is great and makes setup much easier. I would highly recommend this receiver.

If your looking for a receiver that has plenty of power and tons of features. Stop at this one and buy it now. I tried all kinds of receivers from the Onkyo, Denon, and the Sony, but this HK is head and shoulders above them all. The sound that this thing puts out is incredible, nice and rich and perfectly rounded out. The separation in movie soundtracks will blow you away, and the music end of the sound from this receiver is unparalled. If your worried about the low rating of power compared to others, don't fret, because this thing has "pure" power - it truly surppasses the Onkyo rated at 100 x 6. HK has perfected the high current power in these sereis models and you get no distortion at top end. You won't beleive your speakers could have ever sounded like that. As far as features and ease of use - even if you have a little knowledge of audio hook up, you'll have it done in no time. The remote let's you sit there and it will adjust everything automatcally for you. Don't let the price scare you, because you can find it for less - brand new! Just look around, I found it here at Amazon, thank you so much for letting me have it for so cheap! People don't waste your time with anything else, because HK has made this the ultimate machine. Just way too much to list and completely go over, just get it and you won't regret it! Also thank you JR music world for partnering up with Amazon for that price!

I purchased the Harmon Kardon AVR 525 for a newly-remodeled medium-sized upstairs living area. To be honest, I didn't have great expectations of the AVR 525. We have a theater system made up of Parasound separates in our larger downstairs recreation room, and I felt like I was lowering myself to buy a mere receiver! I went with it mainly because it had seven powered channels that would fit it the limited space I had available for gear. However, I have been surprisingly pleased with the AVR 525.

Of note is the ease of operation of the AVR 525. I pretty much set up the entire system without referencing the operations manual; including experimenting with the triple cross-over bass management system (I'll talk about this later). About the only thing that I needed to use the manual for is programming the remote and using the AVR 525's EzSet feature to balance the speaker system. The AVR 525's learning remote is quite good. I was able to program it for my DVD player, CD player/recorder, S-VHS player, plasma monitor and satellite receiver without sacrificing any important features.

I matched the receiver with a Bose Accoustimass 15 Series III speaker system and two Definitive Pro-Sub 200 sub-woofers. I have to admit, I am extremely impressed with the AVR 525. Discrete theater modes sound astounding in both Dolby and DTS. Stereo modes and multi-channel emulations are clear and distinct.

I find the Logic 7 emulation particularly impressive for stereo programming. To the point where I hooked my Creek Audio MC Phono-stage amp and Music Hall MMF-7 turntable to the AVR 525, and have thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks listening to vinyl recordings through seven channels. If you haven't done this, you have to give it a try!

A few comments on the AVR 525's triple cross-over bass management system. I found this to be a very useful feature. In fact, I achieved much better sound by getting rid of the Bose Accoustimass sub-woofer and using the triple-crossover bass management system for routing the bass through the Definitive Pro-Sub 200s. The ability to tune the bass management system for each of the emulation modes has been very useful, particularly for playback of vinyl recordings.

On the down side, the AVR 525 could use one more set of rear inputs. I maxed out the inputs with my current set-up. Fortunately, I have been able to connect my digital video camera through the 525's front inputs. The AVR 525 comes with two component-video inputs, one more would be nice. The unit runs quite hot. Given that the 525 is powering seventy watts through seven channels, this is not surprising. However, when setting up the AVR 525, ample ventilation space is required. All-in-all, these are minor points given the price-range of the unit.

What's quite amazing is that for around $650 the AVR 525 sounds pretty darned-near as good as my Parasound pre-pro and power amp system, which cost me over $5000. Granted, I am filling a much smaller room with sound. But watt-for-watt, the AVR 525 is a great sounding and full-featured receiver.

This really is a top of the line Home Theater Amp from Yamaha. Weighs in around 22 KGs and performs superbly. Has all the features and input/outputs one can think of. Does Dolby Digital as well as DTS decoding. Also has additional two channels for front top left and front top right to give better surround impact.

I have been using the amp for the last 1 year and has no complaints and am proud of it's performance.

I CANT BELIEVE THIS RECIEVER IS HERE FOR THIS PRICE.IWENTEVERYWHERE TO FIND THIS RECIEVER AND EVERY STORE HAD IT FOR 2700.00DOLLARS.SO IWENT AND BOUGHT THE YAMAHA RX-V2095 WICH IS AGOOD RECEIVER ALSO BUT ITS NOT THE DSP-A1.IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN I WOULD HAVE GOT IT HERE AND GOT THE RECIEVER I REALLY WANTED AND SAVED.

The DSP A1 delivers nothing less than the world's finest home theater audio performance. In every single respect, it is absolutely state- of the art. Never before have you been able to select so many different sound fields to match audio and video genres.Never before have you been able o experience such thrilling audio "presence" in your own homeThrough the wonders of Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround, together with Yamaha's own leading-edge Digital sound Field Processig technology, you will enter a new realm of home entertainment.

I've had this receiver for over 2 years now. It's a great name, with a clean, modern look. Here's what I have to say:

Buy this receiver. I cannot turn the volume up beyond half way without blowing my ears off. (I also have a JBL powered sub-woofer, which I recommend for anyone who is an audio/video enthusiast.)

I can find no flaw with this receiver. I should be able to keep it for 20 years. It has plenty of power, a slew of features a mile long (I still haven't figured out the entire remote control) with on screen programming (that blew me away, being able to adjust the stereo features through a TV menu).

Don't even hesitate to buy it. I bought it new ... and I think I only paid around [money] for it, brand new, including shipping.

The only reason I would not buy this receiver is if your budget allows, and you can buy one of HK's bigger brothers, the AVR-310 or higher. But if you are in the "I think I can justify [money] on a new stereo" this is THE one!!

I thought I had the ultimate home video setup, that is until I bought this receiver. I was blown away within seconds of getting it up and running. Try playing the opening scene of "Twister" on this machine. I wanted to run and hide in a closet! Or try the scene in "Jurassic Park" with the T-Rex's footsteps approaching the stalled jeeps. I kept looking for a T-Rex to come in my den. My mother thought someone was ramming the house. I have my system hooked up with Klipsch surrounds, it is devastating.

I only have one bad thing to say about this receiver and that is the remote. I can't get it to control the majority of my name brand components (but what universal remote does that).

I hope everyone gets a chance to at least hear a good Harmon Kardon system. You would be amazed!

I just picked up one of these beasts. It is awesome. Don't let the power rating fool you. It says 40 watts, but that is over the full 20Hz to 20k Hz, and that isn't peak power, like cheaper recievers tell you. It can drive the speakers at high current without any detectible distortion.

This thing has more inputs and outputs then anything else I have seen, for example. Check out the detailed specs. It will convert s-video in to composite out, which is nice for me, since my tv does not have s-video in.

I love the auto level setup for the speakers, using a pressure sensor on the remote. Incredible.

The remote now controls my tv, dvd player, cablebox and reciever, plus you can set up macros on it, up to 17 steps, you can make it turn on your cable box, reciever, and television with one button, plus turn them off with another.

The On Screen display is nice. The best part for me is that I got it as an open box for $300 at circuit city.

Try it, you'll like it

This is a great pda/gaming console...there aernt many games out now but you can expect good things :) (never winter nights,mtx:mototrax, tomb raider, and street hoops)
there are already great titles out ..like duke nukem..tony hawk 4 , doom2, and many more...
if you dont like the games or applications made specifically then you can pick up over 19,000 others that are compatible witht the palm os(so says tapwave)...Visit the website and look at the specs and stuff....
BUY THIS PRODUCT YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED..(also if you would like to actually try out a zodiac before you buy it then visit your local compusa to try one out...)

I owned zodiac 2 for about 8 months now, and i can say with confidence that it is the best palm OS that i owened and i moved between a few. i can babble on and on about its features and capabilities and it is great speakers, screen, memory, analog pad for games. bluetooth connectivity. but that what not add much to what other people said or what you can find on the website. and nothing is better than trying it. get from www.tapwave.com and if you don't like it just return it within 30days. i know i did that and i decided to keep it.

I'm a long time Palm (and Pocket PC) user and have never really been 100% happy with any device I've gotten. Some came close...my wonderful Sony Clie 710C was awesome in its day. I've enjoyed the Sony Clie line for its superb color screens and cutting-edge features. But they are expensive and more recently, seemed to be falling behind. I was darn tired of having to upgrade the RAM in order to have something useable so when I heard about the Tapwave Zodiac 2 which offered an unbelievable 128 Meg of RAM I was immediately interested. After checking the specs I determined to be one of the first to get one of these devices. Gaming is secondary to it being a good Palm device, but definitely a HUGE plus for me.

My first reaction when I got it was how awesome the screen was! It definitely rivaled any other Palm device out there, and people always comment on it when I show them. The huge amount of RAM is just a joy to have. You can even load MP3s on it, although certainly using a good size SD card works even better. Don't miss the double card slots! Another feature you won't find on any other Palm device.

Video playback is great using MMPlayer (ditch the crappy Kinoma it comes with) and MP3 music is quite excellent. Battery life is excellent compared to other Palm color devices, and landscape and portrait options make things like reading ebooks and viewing photos even better. Bluetooth works great, I have no trouble downloading email over my cellphone.

So, how is it as a gaming device? Compared to other Palm devices, this device blows them out of the water! The number of available games specifically for the Zodiac is still fairly small (although there are some excellent games out there now) but having access to the full library of Palm games means I have more games loaded on it then I ever will have time to play. The included game, Stunt Car Extreme, is excellent and shows great potential for this device.

Overall, as a gaming device alone, I probably would not recommend the Zodiac, simply because there are better, cheaper options out there. But if you need or want a PDA that does multimedia and gaming, you won't find a better choice, and at a very reasonable price.

This is a great player that is so easy to use. The only thing I don't like about it is it uses up batteries fast ,but this player's battery use is a lot less than other players out on the market. I found that if you use the remote the batteries used up really fast. The software is easy to install and really easy to use. I have seen lots of mp3 players and this is one of the easiest to use. A feature that I like about it is the voice recorder. Once you record something you can put it onto you computer and send it in an e-mail or what not. I like my player and use it often. I would recomand this player to everyone.

I read all the reviews on the Samsung Yepp before purchasing it and the most frequesntly mentioned downside was that it eats batteries. Truthfully I haven't found that to be the case at all! I use my Yepp everyday and I haven't had to change them too much at all! I even use the radio/remote and that doesn't seem to drain the batteries either. I can also use this will my many types of MP3 files I have with no trouble. The sound is great! The earbuds feel weird at first, but I got used to them quickly. I found that if I substituted a conventional headset for the earbuds it lost volume. I am so happy to have my Yepp!

i have had this product since christmas 2001 and have had no problems with it what so ever the mp3 player gives out rich sound. plays music with no problem too there are many different choices of how you want the music to sound such as rock or classical. i like the way it is very portable.

The JVC RX-7000 has the state-of-the-art in surround sound processing with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding. Several additional surround sound options are provided, including digitally processed Dolby Pro-Logic surround, 3-D Phonic (Virtual Dolby), and a Digital Acoustics Processor with 5 preset sound fields. Enjoy the most spectacular theater sound at home when you view movies on DVD. JVC RX7000 Features - Multi Color OSD Text CompuLink!...110 watts x 2 min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.06% THD...100 watts x 5 min. (2 Front, 1 Center, 2 Rear speakers) RMS, into 8 ohms, 1kHz, 0.8% THD...DVD Multichannel Audio Compatible (5.1 channel analog input and 5 separate amps) for connection to existing and future multichannel sources such as DVD Audio ...Multi-Brand A/V Remote Control (VCR/TV/CATV/DBS)...Dolby Digital and DTS decoders built-in for theater quality surround from digital sources...Fully Discrete Outputs to ensure greater fidelity and longer life...Digital Acoustics Processor (DAP) with 5 preset sound fields (Theater/Hall/Live Club/Pavillion/Dance Club) digitally recreates these venues in your own home...3D-PHONIC Virtual Surround Sound creates dramatic home theater sound with just two front speakers...Text COMPU LINK will transmit text data carried by media like CD-Text and MD to display on your receiver and a television...AV COMPU LINK provides simple one touch operation between your JVC audio and video components. For example, pop a pre-recorded VHS tape into the VCR and it will automatically power up your receiver and your television and then turn them each to the proper inputs. ...ENHANCED COMPU LINK CONTROL SYSTEM...Multi-Color On Screen Display simplifies control by allowing you to choose options from your television screen to operate your receiver...Dot Matrix Fluorescent Display with Sound Pattern...Line level Sub Out...3-band electronic S.E.A. equalization with 5 presets and 1 manual setting for each source to give you flexible tone control and minimize sound degradation...Bass Boost, One-Touch Operation...1 Assignable Coaxial Digtial Input that you can designate to any digital source...2 Assignable Optical Digital Inputs that you can designate to any digital source, 1 Optical Digital Output for use with digital recording devices...3 S-Video inputs...2 S-Video outputs...1 Composite Video output...2 Main Speaker Terminals...15 AM and 30 FM station memory...2 Year parts and labor warranty...Weight: 25.0 lbs...Width: 17 3/16" ...Height: 6 3/16"...Depth: 16 1/4"...Banana Plugs for easy speaker connections (Main1/Main2)...High-Rigidity Z-Chassis ...Dolby Pro Logic in Full Digital Processing...Pretty Cool Little Receiver...  

I have always been a fan of JVC. They always manage to squeeze an amazing number of features per dollar into their products. This unit is no exception. The "Compu-Link" feature is a great feature for those of us with other JVC components. It makes the entire system function like one unit.

The sound quality is excellent for this price range. However, I noticed the volume needs to be set relatively high to get decent sound from my speakers. Not a big deal though - the sound quality isn't affected.

The lack of decent speaker terminals for the center and rear channels is disappointing. However, considering the price of this unit I suppose they had to cut corners somewhere.

I bought this receiver when I was in the U.S. from ... for whatI think was a great buy at ($) that includes shipping and handling to Holiday Inn Express in Belmont where I was staying. It came in a huge box full of protective styrofoam. Inside it revealed the JVC box containing the RX-7000VBK (plus accessories) that requires 110V input (not auto-voltage, nor does it have a voltage switch which is important to me since the Philippines is 220V).

Back home I have a modest system. This receiver will actually replace an older JVC RX-801VBK which has been running since 1987 (and still working very well). I have a JVC XV-K503 DVD player (bought in Singapore), JVC HR-J7005UM 6-head Hi-fi VHS, JVC TD-W901 double cassette deck (since 1987 also) and a 25" JVC Interiart Flat multi-system TV. My main speakers are Bose 301 Continental Direct/reflecting system (the Continental edition was limited, for only ($) were sold in the Philippines). With no other speakers at hand, I rushed to a local audio store to buy a pair of US Audio Surround speakers and a center speaker (I did not buy a subwoofer since I want to know if this Amp can pump my Bose). After connecting everything, with particular attention to the COMPULINK cables, I powered on the DVD player, inserted the Terminator 2 DTS DVD and the receiver automatically turned-on and switched to DVD Digital mode(courtesy of the JVC's COMPULINK). My speaker settings were Front=Large, Rear=small, Center=Large, Subwoofer=No. I set the DVD audio to DTS and after listening to the DTS intro on the disc, I had a wide grin on my face. Further "testing" with Saving Private Ryan, Eagles Hell Freezes Over, Metallica S&M, U2 Rattle and Hum, Santana Supernatural and Kitaro, at that price, I'd say it was a bargain.

There are things that you need to set before everything works though. One is setting the digital input and the display properly (page 16 of the manual), the other is the speaker settings (page 14). Read the manual, it will keep you busy for a while.

Convenient features: The COMPULINK system is unbeatable. Insert a VHS tape on the VHS deck, and the system automatically switches to VHS input. Press Play on the cassette deck and the system switches to Tape audio. Turn off the RX7000, and everything turns off (except my cassette deck which has a mechanical switch). One COMPULINK feature I cannot use right now is TEXT COMPULINK, which would allow me to search for genre, title, artist, etc. if I have a 200-disc CD changer from JVC. The remote control allows me to control the entire system and even replicates my DVD's joystick function. Just make sure that the little switch to the right of the remote is in the proper position. Another convenient feature is the one-touch button, which would allow me to set various settings (such as equalization, bass boost, DSP mode, etc.) for each of the input (even each station on FM/AM) and automatically sets the correct mode if chosen.

Wishlist? We'll my old RX-801's SEA allows me to create four named equalization settings on seven bands with individual frequency control. The RX-7000's SEA is not that flexible since it has only three bands and one user preset.

It's DSP modes are flexible. When playing audio CD, my settings are SEA=ROCK, DSP=DANCE CLUB, BASS BOOST=ON, it makes Metallica sound great. For DVD and best surround listening experience, make sure that speakers are positioned properly (page 23).

Should I still get a subwoofer? At this point, I don't need it. Should you need a subwoofer, make sure it is the Active type (powered).

The Signature 2.0 Dolby /DTS Digital Processor/Tuner provides unsurpassed performance and the flexibility required of a state-of-the-art digital home entertainment system. Processor Features: Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic Onboard; Six-Channel Direct Inputs for Future Enhancement and Expansion; RS-232 serial port interfaces with home automation systems; Now with DTS processing Onboard; Six Composite and Two S-Video Inputs; Link any Output to any Analog or Digital Audio Input; Six Digital Audio Inputs: Four Coax Data and Two Optical Data; Trigger Control for External Amplifiers; Universal Learning Remote; Record Outputs/Bus that Tracks Main Input or Records a Separate Program; Comprehensive On-screen Menu System; FM Stereo/AM Tuner with RBDS Data system and 30 Presets... There are few brands who can rival the performance of this piece...

I bought a Sig 2.0/2.1 combo because my speakers are 25 years old, the size of small coffins, and have low impeadances. They love current. Even with 45 amps of current, the protection circuits in my old HK AVR500 would kick in under heavy (i.e., cranked to the max) loads, and shut the unit off.

SO, I decided to purchase a Sig 2.0 preamp and 2.1 amplifier. The total price was about the same as as HK's equivalent receiver. That makes it a very good deal.

IMPRESSIONS:

Sound: The 2.1 amp is beautiful. It blows away the amps in my Harman Kardon AVR500, which itself sounds really good. The 2.0 preamp also sounds better, but not to the same degree. It is clean, articulate and uncolored. This is truly a high end audiophile piece of equipment, built in the US by Madrigal, the division of Harman Kardon which makes Mark Levinson and other high priced, high end audio equipment. It appears to use many of the same components.

I did an a/b comparison between the 6 channel out my JVC DVD-Audio player and the HK. The HK's processors are noticably better sounding on PCM, DTS and Dolby Digital sources.

The Good: The tuner has very good reception and sound with lots of presets and RDS, which displays text information sent by some radio stations. The unit has lots of inputs (6 pair stereo RCA, 4 dig. coax, 2 optical, 6 channel direct, 6 component video, 2 s-video) and outputs, and has exceptionally good configurability. Analog inputs can be balanced so that when going from one source to the next, the volume stays the same. It also has lots of processing modes: Pro Logic, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Late Nite, Dolby Digital Mono, Mono Plus, four music modes and four movie modes. (However, lack of ability to control delay time between front and surround channels). (It is several years out of date, so it does not have ProLogic II.) Oh! It also has plain stereo. And, it looks good with an uncluttered industrial black aluminum appearance. It is solid and weighs 22 lbs, as much as many AV receivers.

On the downside: It has poor bass management, a cheap universal remote control which is not backlit and which learns from other remotes, but has no built in programmable codes. There is no phono section. The unit makes a little squeeking noise every time my cd changes a track letting me know it figured out the format of the digital source material. The internal DACs do not feed to tape out. Finally, HK went for looks rather than putting enough functional buttons on front.

Wish list - A sleep timer.

Overall, a really good product.

Strengths:
Very good sound quality, excelent value, lots of inputs and outputs and surround modes

Weaknesses:
Cheap remote which is not backlit, no phono section.

If you are like me and find yourself with a surround system cobbled together from a collection of amplifiers and speakers, but don't have a good way to bring it all together...look no further! Don't replace all those amps with an "all in one box" surround system just because it's a hassle balancing all those descrete channels...

The Signature 2.0 processor/tuner/preamp is just what you need. It has an analog 6 channel input for your DVD Audio player, digital inputs, optical inputs, S-video outputs, it's all here... And talk about quiet? This preamp is absolutely silent. Maximum flexibility in assigning inputs, no changing cables, just reroute them via menu (onscreen or front panel) control!

The onboard processors are as smooth as silk, and the built-in effects (to add surround depth to stereo CDs) are subtle and never gimmicy. HK spent alot of time on this one! It is super.

There is only one thing about this unit that I have to work around...the remote sensor in the front panel is rather narrow sighted and I find myself almost out of range a fair part of the time;whos living room is a perfect listening room? I will have to add an IR remote sensor to compensate.

Please note that this is a deep cabnet, and it is heavy. Over-engineered it seems, since the power supply is clearly big enough to handle the consumption of this unit.

The perfect solution for those of you who want to use a couple of stereo systems in combination for a surround sound system! You will love it!

This is a great multi format player. So far I've been playing a lot of DVD-R's with excellent results. I was having a lot of problems with my previous JVC player.

Fantastic Video, excellent audio, heavy feature set, and looks great...but that's not why I bought it.

In the past, if you wanted max format compatibility, you had to sacrifice video quality. Sure, you can stick a slice of pizza in a Sony DVP-NS725P and it will play a Little Caesars commercial, but the video quality is horrendous. I searched high and low looking for a player that can read a wide range of formats, including DVD +R, without having to sacrifice quality...and just when I was about to give up, someone turned on a Grail shaped beacon.

Enter the Pioneer DV-563A. I dropped in every +R that I have and it played them flawlessly. No skipping, no laser chirping. It even played disks on lower quality media that were burned right to the edge. Absolutely awesome.

By the way, the specs do not advertise +R and I am using a recorder that supports bit setting so your mileage may vary.

I wonder why there isn't more interest in this player that has the unique ability to play both of the new formats. I bought mine for my mid level surround system and couldn't be more pleased.
I don't know it may compare with the $$$ players, but I find
the aural experience of SACD and DVD-A very nice for this price.

How can a low-priced amp possibly sound this good. This is the best kept audio secret of all time. I have mine connected to a SACD player through a ASL passive (tube)pre-amp. I turn the volume control on the SI all the way up and adjust volume with the pre. The sound that comes out of my high-efficency Horn Shoppe Horns is nothing short of amazing. Wide soundstage, incredible imaging and totally no audible noise. I own two and I'm looking for a third to hot-rod. Caution: If you are going to use in a home stereo rig, the speakers should have an efficiency of 90 or better to get the sound levels you'll want. Amazing!

I had some nice Polk speakers gathering dust, and had read good things about this little amp. It's all true - 8 AA batteries never sounded so good! I'm looking to add a AC/DC 12 volt power supply; I've read about people using a 13.8v controlled PSU for the extra power, but those appear to cost more than the amp did!

This cheap-o hunk of plastic sounds better than my $900 single-ended tube amp. No joke.