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<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Audioholics Reviews and News from Audioholics</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com</link><description>Where audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.</description><lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 04:15:00 -0000</lastBuildDate><item><title>Loudspeaker Design Cookbook, 8th Edition Vol.1 Review</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-design-cookbook-8</link><description>Audio enthusiasts and audio engineers are both in luck with the release of the 8th edition of Vance Dickason’s “Loudspeaker Design Cookbook,” which is both a comprehensive guide and a wealth of knowledge about the art of loudspeaker design; the best book about designing loudspeakers just got better!</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 04:15:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-design-cookbook-8</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Can Active Streaming Speakers Really Replace a High-End Stereo System?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/active-streaming-speakers</link><description>Active streaming loudspeakers, such as the $2,800 KEF LS50 Wireless II, promise all the performance of a traditional component-based stereo system combined with the simplicity of a “lifestyle” audio product. These products have become very popular, so there’s clearly a market for compact, all-in-one audio systems. But will hardcore audiophiles ever replace their big two-channel rigs with all-inclusive active streaming speakers? Read on to learn more. </description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:15:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/active-streaming-speakers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>MIT Researchers Develop Paper-Thin Loudspeaker That Can Mount to ANY Surface</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/paper-thin-speakers</link><description>A Research team at MIT has developed a thin, flexible loudspeaker that can be mounted to any rigid surface (such as a wall), turning it into a high-quality audio source. This ground-breaking design is fabricated using a surprisingly simple process that can be scaled up or down as needed. It requires far less power than a normal speaker, and has countless potential applications. Read on to learn more. </description><pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/paper-thin-speakers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>10 Loudspeakers Trends That Should End</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeakers-trends</link><description>Here at Audioholics, we are subject to a lot of experience with loudspeakers and the practices of the industry that produces them. Some of these practices are very sensible, but some are habits that are long past due to end. In this article, we go over ten things that we would like to see change within the loudspeaker industry. Read on to find out what speaker companies are doing that bugs us so much!</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:10:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeakers-trends</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>10 Audio Myths Debunked For Better Sound</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/10-audio-myths</link><description>The audio hobby is awash in mythology, and these myths perpetuate due to a poor understanding of the principles of audio. In this article, we tackle some of the less obvious but more resilient myths that just seem to linger despite numerous attempts at correction. Read on to see if you might be holding on to an idea that it's time to file away into the 'Spurious' drawer.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:30:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/10-audio-myths</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Polk, Definitive Technology First Speakers to Qualify IMAX Enhanced Certification</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/imax-enhanced-cert</link><description>DTS and IMAX are now extending their IMAX Enhanced certification system to loudspeakers, so consumers will know which speakers will get them closer to that IMAX experience at home. The first speakers in line to receive certification are the higher-end models from Polk Audio and Definitive Technology. Will the only speakers to be IMAX Enhanced certified be expensive high-performance speakers? Will the certification be watered down to include mediocre speakers? How does it compare to THX certification for loudspeakers? Read on to find out.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2020 22:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/imax-enhanced-cert</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Sealed is Not Acoustic Suspension in Loudspeakers</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/acoustic-suspension</link><description>Many of today’s vented subwoofers and full-range tower speakers offer port plugs for sealing the cabinet and making them behave like sealed speakers. But this does not result in a true acoustic suspension system, which is quite a different animal altogether from a merely “sealed” speaker. Let’s explore the difference between acoustic suspension and sealed and see if today’s designers aren’t missing an opportunity to make some great products.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/acoustic-suspension</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Ten Nonsense Myths About Subwoofers and Bass Busted!</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/10-nonsense-myths</link><description>There are as many myths and legends in the audio industry as there are written in the pages of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel.  So great are these myths, that there are no shortage of myth busting articles; themselves giving rise to even more myths.  With that in mind, Audioholics is taking on the task of myth busting ten bass and subwoofer myths we feel are more nonsense than fact.  Myths we hope to lay to rest. </description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2019 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/10-nonsense-myths</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Understanding Subwoofer Review Distortion Measurements Part III</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/measurements-3</link><description>In our subwoofer reviews, we post a very comprehensive set of measurements that illuminates the full range of a subwoofer's performance. We have noticed that one of the graph sets in our subwoofer reviews have been a bit cryptic for much of our readership, however, for those who understand what is being displayed, they are some of the most illuminating graphs in looking at how well the subwoofer maintains accuracy from low loudness levels to its maximum limits. In this article, we attempt to shed some light on these graphs so any reader can follow them to get a better understanding of what their subwoofer is actually doing.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/measurements-3</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Understanding Loudspeaker Review Measurements Part II</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-measurements-2</link><description>The waterfall plots and polar maps often seen in Audioholics' speaker reviews are colorful and visually interesting, but what can they really tell us about a loudspeaker's performance? In this article, we explain the meaning of these graphs. We try to help you understand what to look for in determining the sound character of speakers from the information displayed in these graphs, so you can use them to find the right speaker for your system.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-measurements-2</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Understanding Loudspeaker Review Measurements Part I</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-loudspeaker-measurements</link><description>Over the last couple of years, Audioholics’ speaker reviews have contained measurement graphs that have prompted questions from many readers about the meaning and importance of the information displayed in them. Some readers have found the information in them confusing, and that is our fault for not recognizing how cryptic these sort of representations are for an average reader. In this article, we explain frequency response and the set of frequency response curves known as the 'Spin-O-Rama' curves.</description><pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2019 01:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-loudspeaker-measurements</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Speaker Grilles On Or Off: Which Way Sounds Better?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/grilles</link><description>Do grilles on speakers really make a difference on or off? Most home audio loudspeaker grilles are removable so their use is optional for most applications. Given how fussy audio enthusiasts can be though the use of grilles has been a point of strong personal preference for as long as there have been home audio loudspeakers. This article will help resolve the issue of whether or not to remove them for critical listening and how they affect the overall sound. Check out our recently added YouTube discussion on this topic for further insights.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2019 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/grilles</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Epique CBT24 Loudspeaker Designer Note by Don Keele</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/epique-cbt24</link><description>As an addendum to our review of the Dayton Audio CBT24 "Epique" loudspeakers, we have invited the CBT24 designer Don Keele to explain some of the unique aspects of the CBT design in more depth and the CBT24 in particular. Don Keele's accomplishments in loudspeaker design is a long list, as is the list of awards he has received in this endeavor which includes a Scientific and Technical Acadamy Award from the Acadamy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for work he did on constant-directivity horns. In this short piece, Don explains some of the features and science behind the CBT24 and what performance characteristics separates it from conventional loudspeaker design.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/epique-cbt24</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>A Historical Perspective of the Loudspeaker Impedance Specification </title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/speaker-impedance</link><description>Audio specifications run the gamut from merely “nice to know” to “genuinely useful.” A speaker’s impedance rating should be one of those genuinely useful specs, but you can’t always trust them. What does it really mean when a company rates their speaker as 8 ohms, or 4 ohms? Read on to get an "insider's look" at loudspeaker impedance spec rating and the marketing behind it that you won't read anywhere else. </description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/speaker-impedance</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Study Shows No Correlation Between Price and Sound Quality in Headphones</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/price-sound-quality-headphones</link><description>In a recent study of the frequency responses of over 280 headphones, it was found that price had no correlation to frequency response. Why is this a big deal? Earlier research found that frequency response was by far the greatest factor in headphone sound quality. So if price does not correspond to sound quality in headphones, what is really gained by spending hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars one a set, beyond build quality, comfort and features? Read on to find out more about the research that prompts these questions.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/price-sound-quality-headphones</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title> Loudspeaker Power Ratings Part III: The Test Results</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeakers-power-ratings-part-iii-the-test-results</link><description>In parts one and two, the case was made for the idea that real power handling in loudspeakers was intimately tied to the nature of the signal, as well as the electromechanical parameters of the speaker under test.  In the final part of this three part article, Paul performs an experiment to determine if the underlying theory has merit, or if he is simply full of hot air. Be sure to check out our recently added YouTube video discussion on matching amplifier power to loudspeakers.

</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2016 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeakers-power-ratings-part-iii-the-test-results</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Pros &amp; Cons of Various Center Channel Designs</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/center-channel-designs-1</link><description>In an ideal world we would have three (3) identical speakers with a vertical arrangement of drivers for the front left, front right and center speakers; hence the term "matching LCR's".  In this idealistic world, there are no diseases, no poverty and no money.  But, you do have to worry about the occasional Borg assimilation or Dominion take-over of the Alpha quadrant.  In reality, our viewing screen prohibits us from having a tall center channel speaker and our lack of warp drive keeps us far enough away from the bad aliens. This article and recently added YouTube Video discussion takes you on a tour of the most common center channel driver arrangements and discusses their associated pros and cons to help you pick the best product for your needs.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2016 14:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/center-channel-designs-1</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Audio Measurements: The Useful vs. the Bogus in Consumer Audio</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/audio-measurements</link><description>It's every audiophile's dream to own a loudspeaker that measures ruler flat from 20Hz to 20kHz.  It's not uncommon for the audio magazines to  regurgitate the manufacturers claims either in text or with measurements to emphasize product positives. It's my belief that most of the manufacturers and audio magazines aren't flat out lying or being deceptive as much as they aren't giving you the whole story likely because of lack of proper measurement facilities or techniques at their disposal.  It's easier to furnish pretty graphs because quite frankly to paraphrase Jack Nicholson "you (consumers) can't handle the truth". In most cases these measurements do have a grain of truth if you place a lot of conditions and caveats on them that are often not disclosed.  In this article and recently related YouTube Video discussion we explore various measurement and graphing techniques.  Can you handle the truth?  If so, read on...</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/audio-measurements</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Loudspeaker Drivers: Identifying Legitimately High Fidelity Parts</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-drivers</link><description>This article focuses attention on loudspeaker drivers while continuing the series on “Identifying Legitimately High Fidelity Loudspeakers.  We take you on a tour of all the various aspects in driver design and the trade-offs associated with each type and discuss this in detail in our recently added YouTube Video Discussion. We also go into more detail on driver mechanics to gain a better understanding of what’s inside the loudspeaker driver to make it work.  Getting a peek at the guts inside a speaker system you are considering purchasing can tell you a lot about the budget allocated towards the drivers in the design.  Better parts truly can yield better performance in the hands of a competent designer which are more common these days with the advent of inexpensive measurement equipment and knowledge of the basics in loudspeaker mechanics 101.</description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-drivers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Dipole vs Bipole vs Monopole: Which Surround Speaker is Best?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/surround-speaker-dipole-vs-bipole</link><description>This article covers the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators (aka. monopoles) and discusses the pros and cons of each. We provide recommendations on which type of speakers to use for standard 5.1, 7.1 speaker layouts as well as emerging immersive surround formats like Dolby Atmos.  Rather than trying to define the “best” surround speaker, it's important to understand what kind of speaker would be the best for your application.  Check out our recently added YouTube Video discussion.</description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/surround-speaker-dipole-vs-bipole</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Audibility of Distortion At Bass Frequencies</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/audibility-of-distortion-at-bass</link><description>Bass is the most physically demanding frequency band for a home theater system to reproduce, so it will naturally be the region where distortion is the most prevalent. Those of us interested in higher fidelity sound would do well to understand the degree of which distortion in low frequencies can be heard and the challenges involved in finding those distortion thresholds. This article discusses those challenges and relays some of the current understanding of the subject from the field of audio science. Is your sound system up to the task of faithfully reproducing bass content, and if not, how short does it fall between your hearing and the sound engineer’s intention? </description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2015 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/audibility-of-distortion-at-bass</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Truth About In-Wall Speakers</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-in-wall-speakers</link><description>Despite the flawed conventional wisdom, in-wall speakers can be as good as their freestanding counterparts. In fact, there are areas where in-walls even offer advantages over conventional box speakers. And while a bad speaker is a bad speaker; in-wall or in-room; good in-wall speakers can solve many logistical problems. Put on your "open-mind" cap and read on...</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2015 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-in-wall-speakers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Truth About Matching Amplifier Power to Loudspeakers </title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-matching-amplifier-power</link><description>Do you need to match your amplifier power to your loudspeaker power ratings?  Can too much or too little power damage your speakers?  In this article clipping, impedance, heat, sensitivity, blown drivers, and other annoying mysteries are discussed from the perspective and real-world experiences of a professional audio guy who for many decades has tried to save people from themselves.  Don't blow a speaker.  Read this article!</description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-matching-amplifier-power</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Objective Loudspeaker Measurements to Predict Subjective Preferences?  </title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/measure-loudspeaker-performance</link><description>Accurately measuring loudspeaker performance is pretty much a universal problem among most loudspeaker manufacturers and ALL AV review publications.  Harman on the other hand under the guidance of Dr. Floyd Toole and Sean  Olive have developed a purely scientific methodology that actually allows them to objectively measure and predict listener preference.  This article explores the measurements while also providing the secret formula of the characteristics necessary for producing loudspeakers that score highly in subjective listening tests.  This is a must read with a call to action to your favorite loudspeaker company to give us more useful information about their products.</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2015 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/measure-loudspeaker-performance</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Headphones: Comparision Buying Guide</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-the-types-of-headphones</link><description>The headphone and earphone market is a pretty diverse place these days: there are several styles to choose from, not to mention a few new words to add to your vocabulary. If you believe that supra-aural headphones will improve your ears like hearing aids, then it's time for an education from Audioholics. In this article we discuss the various styles of headphones available, including their relative strengths and weaknesses. Curious to learn all about the world of headphones? Read our article and watch our recently added YouTube Video with examples of each type.</description><pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2015 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-the-types-of-headphones</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Top Ten Most Influential Speakers of the Last 50 Years</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/most-influential-speakers</link><description>Today, Audioholics goes over its top picks for the ten most influential speakers in the Consumer American hi-fi market over the last five decades. We'll take a trip down memory lane to look at classics from Acoustic Research, Advent, Bose, and Klipsch among others. We've also got a few speakers in mind that you might not anticipate. Of course, if we missed one of your favorites, make sure to chime in on our forums to let us know who you think deserves an honorable mention. </description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/most-influential-speakers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Are HRTF’s Necessary in Dolby Atmos Elevation Speakers?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/hrtf-and-elevated-sound-dolby-atmos</link><description>There's been a lot of talk lately about the Dolby Atmos Elevation (aka. Dolby Enabled) speakers and how through proprietary DSP processing in an Atmos AV Receiver along with a specialized speaker design can create the illusion of height without having to place discrete speakers on the ceiling.  The Dolby analog crossover integrated into speakers with the Dolby Atmos certification on them is designed to mimic the HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) to theoretically help trick your brain into thinking the sound is coming from an elevated position.  But is it really necessary, or can it be doing more harm than good?  We explore HRTF's applied to Dolby Elevation Speakers and include feedback from industry expert Dr. Floyd Toole to answer that question.  </description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/hrtf-and-elevated-sound-dolby-atmos</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>What are the Best Subwoofers in the World?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/best-subwoofers-world</link><description>Realistically, most A/V enthusiasts are bassaholics at heart: few things in life can force a grin on our faces like a big deep bass effect in a movie reproduced with gusto. As a result, the question of which subwoofers are the best pop up on our forums quite a lot. Here we'll share a few of our cost-no-object favorites as well as a some relatively affordable options. Have a subwoofer in mind that wasn't mentioned in our list? Make sure to chime in on our forums.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/best-subwoofers-world</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>What are the Best Loudspeakers in the World?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/best-loudspeakers-world</link><description>I often get the question “What are the best speakers in the World?” from fellow Audioholics and/or from family or friends.  I typically tell them that it really depends on the situation. Of course, people that don’t know audio are often surprised when I DON’T tell them Bose is the best.  I usually retort that “best” and “most popular” are often not synonymous, and a few analogies outside of audio often help them to understand the lack of relation such as:  Beer:Budweiser, Pizza:Dominos and Burgers:McDonalds, etc.   I don’t like to be boxed into a corner of declaring an absolute best, even when the type of speaker and the application are known. That said, I’ve come up with a list of very notable designs for each category type.  Take a look and feel free to share your favorites on our forum.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2014 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/best-loudspeakers-world</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>What Are Dolby Atmos-Enabled Speakers?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/dolby-atmos-elevation-speaker</link><description>Atmos, Dolby’s next generation object-oriented audio format, is about to make its formal debut in the home theater market. You have two options for installing the necessary height channels; in-ceiling or upfiring Atmos Enabled (aka Elevation) speakers. This article explores the latter and takes an in-depth look at Dolby’s pending patent as well as the challenges behind the technology.  Are Atmos Elevation speakers compatible with future competing surround formats?  Can you make your own Atmos Enabled speakers to elevate your sound? Read the article to find out and watch our recently added Youtube Video explaining the speaker technology.</description><pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/dolby-atmos-elevation-speaker</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Powered Subwoofer Testing: Outline and Procedures Overview</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overview</link><description>Audioholics is gearing up to do a slew of subwoofer measurements and comprehensive test reports.  This article takes a quick look at the equipment and software used, the various measurements recorded and the purpose of the particular measurements used for our up and coming subwoofer evaluations.  Results will be condensed and summarized in a consistent and efficient manner for each product tested. This article will serve as the demarcation point for all subwoofer tabulated test results.  Check back regularly for the most recent copy of our downloadable Excel spreadsheet for all subwoofers tested under this new test protocol.  Check out our new Youtube Video Interview on how we measure and evaluate subwoofers.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2014 18:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overview</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>How to Evaluate Loudspeakers for Sound and Accuracy</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/how-to-judge-loudspeakers-sound-and-accuracy</link><description>On the face of it, evaluating loudspeakers is pretty straightforward: you just have to listen to them. If only it were that simple... What do you listen for? What source material do you use to evaluate loudspeakers? What role can measurements play in the evaluation process? In this article we lay out a plan for evaluating the sound quality and accuracy of a speaker system including what to listen for to help identify a good from a great speaker.  This guide will help you make an educated purchasing decision by allowing you to more carefully evaluate sound quality during your listening tests.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/how-to-judge-loudspeakers-sound-and-accuracy</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Sealed vs Ported Subwoofers: Which Is Right For You?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/sealed-vs-ported-subwoofers</link><description>Sealed vs. ported subwoofers is an epic grudge match in the audio world. Stereotypes run rampant: it's not uncommon to hear statements like "sealed subwoofers are tight and musical while ported subwoofers are slow and plodding", or "sealed subwoofers just don't have enough low end power to deliver big effects on today's blockbusters". Unfortunately, stereotypes fail to tell the whole story. If you're interested in learning the real deal on how sealed and ported alignments compare and contrast, keep reading.</description><pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/sealed-vs-ported-subwoofers</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Loudspeaker Myths: Separating the Scientific Facts from Science Fiction</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-myths-and-truths</link><description>Just like we’ve found with speaker cables and audio interconnects, snake oil and gimmicks are also alive and well in the world of loudspeakers.  With over 400 loudspeaker brands in the consumer market competing for a very small piece of action, it’s no wonder some manufacturers feel the need to differentiate themselves often using Ivory Tower tactics and pseudoscience to proclaim product superiority.  In fact some of the loudspeaker science often reads less believable than science fiction.  In this article and one on one interview between Gene and Hugo, we break down and discuss some of the common nonsense we’ve found surrounding consumer loudspeaker products. </description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2014 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-myths-and-truths</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Loudspeaker Measurements Standard: Our Procedure for Objectively Analyzing Speaker Performance</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-measurement-standard</link><description>The presentation of loudspeaker measurements varies wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer.  This means that, without independent analysis, consumers are left comparing specifications that were obtained using completely different methods that yield different looking results.  In an effort to alleviate this confusion, it is our goal to provide readers with consistent measurement information for each loudspeaker reviewed allowing direct comparison from review to review.  As a part of this commitment, the Audioholics Loudspeaker Measurement Standard presented in this article provides the nuts and bolts of the techniques used to measure loudspeakers.  Our measurements include : On-Axis Frequency Response, Sensitivity, Listening Window Response, Polar Response, Impedance &amp; Electrical Phase and Distortion Analysis. We discuss how these measurements are conducted, including the test equipment and calibration procedure used in case the reader or manufacturer wishes to reproduce our results.  Please feel free to share your comments in this articles related thread and be sure to watch our Youtube Video interview.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-measurement-standard</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Do Loudspeaker Manufacturers Really Make Their Own Drivers?</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-drivers-1</link><description>Among the many things with which audio aficionados use to evaluate the engineering and technical expertise of their favored speaker companies, one thing certainly stands out: Do they make their own drivers?  The overriding thought is that a truly top-notch speaker company designs such sophisticated and specialized products that only custom-engineered and –manufactured drivers will fulfill the design’s requirements.  This is usually not the case as you will find in this article from an Industry Insider's perspective.
</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-drivers-1</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Product Development Process: An Insider's Prespective Part II</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/productdevelopment</link><description>In Part I of our Insider's Perspective on Product Development we took a tour of the inner workings of a typical AV manufacturer's development process of a new product concept.  In Part II, we will take you on a tour of the manufacturing process, discuss dealing with outside vendors, show you how pricing strategy/decisions are made and how to avoid last-minute catastrophes.  We discuss how the ID [Internet Direct] cost model isn't much lower than the B&amp;M [Brick &amp; Mortar] one as some people may think. Why are cheaper parts often used, or necessary parts for product performance either compromised or left out?  Well, you're gonna have to read the article to find out.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/productdevelopment</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>The Product Development Process: An Insider's Prespective Part I</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/home-audio-products</link><description>Ever wonder about the manufacturing development and design process of your favorite speaker system, AV receiver or amplifier?  This Insider's Perspective takes you on a tour of the inner workings from product concept to product development  and manufacturing by no other than our very own Steve Feinstein. After a decades-long career as a Product Manager and Marketing Director at some of the industry's best-known speaker companies, Steve shares his experiences.  Some of this is bound to surprise you.  So have a read and enjoy the anecdotal stories and ponder hypothetical conversations that may be going on right now at your favorite manufacturer's facilities while developing their next series of AV products you're just clamoring to get your hands on.</description><pubDate>Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:05:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/home-audio-products</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item><item><title>Understanding Ohm's Law, Impedance And Electrical Phase 101</title><link>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-impedance-electrical-phase</link><description>Stuck on jargon like Ohm's Law, Impedance and Electrical Phase?  Have you ever wondered what makes a loudspeaker “difficult to drive”? Do you wonder what’s so special about an amplifier that is stable into a 4 ohm load? If these are the kinds of questions that leave you mystified, this may be the article for you. Things are far more complicated than saying “Speaker X is 100dB sensitive, so you could power it with a potato!” Fortunately, there is nothing extraordinarily difficult involved in answering these questions: as long as you have rudimentary math skills and knowledge of the right equations, you will be able to look at a few basic measurements of a loudspeaker, namely the impedance curve, electrical phase curve, and voltage sensitivity, and determine what kind of amplification you’ll need to get the job done.  </description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:50:00 -0000</pubDate><content:encoded> <![CDATA[]]></content:encoded><guid>https://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/understanding-impedance-electrical-phase</guid><category>Loudspeaker Design</category></item></channel></rss>