Author Archives: John Banks

World News

SVS releases 1000 Pro Series subwoofers

Posted on by John Banks

SVS, a leading manufacturer of high-performance speakers, subwoofers and audio accessories, announced Friday the release of its 1000 Pro Series subwoofers.

SVS bills the 1000 Pro Series as a “massive leap forward” over the original 1000 Series.

According to the company, each model boasts a 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver and a 325 watts RMS, 820+ watts peak power Sledge STA-325D amplifier with discrete MOSFET output. A 50MHz Analog Devices DSP, SVS said, ensures pitch perfect low frequency output, at the proper levels, with precision.  

Both models include a subwoofer control smartphone app, allowing the user to control and tune a subwoofer from anywhere in a room.

Each subwoofer features major advancements to the driver, amplifier, cabinet, and overall user experience, the company said.

Hometheaterreview.com will feature an in-depth review of the product soon.

World News

Fry’s Electronics shuts all 31 stores

Posted on by John Banks

Fry’s Electronics is no more.

In business since 1985, the San Jose (Calif.)-based company has closed all its stores because of changes in the retail industry and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The family-owned company operated 31 stores in nine states.

“It is hoped that undertaking the wind-down through this orderly process will reduce costs, avoid additional liabilities, minimize the impact on our customers, vendors, landlords and associates, and maximize the value of the Company’s assets for its creditors and other stakeholders,” Fry’s said in a statement posted to its web site. “The Company is in the process of reaching out to its customers with repairs and consignment vendors to help them understand what this will mean for them and the proposed next steps.”

Customers who have equipment currently being repaired should contact [email protected].

Customers with items needing repair under a performance service contract should call  (800) 811-1745.

Why the “Store Within a Store” Approach Makes Sense for CE Manufacturers

World News

McIntosh MCD85 CD player released

Posted on by John Banks

McIntosh on Thursday released its MCD85 SACD/CD Player, the latest in the company’s line of retro-styled equipment. The MCD85 features a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting, silver trim, an illuminated logo, and rotary control knobs.

McIntosh said the MCD85 can play store-bought Super Audio CDs and CDs as well as music from homemade CD or DVD data discs. 

According to a McIntosh news release, the MCD85 uses 2x read speed – discs placed in its diecast tray that are read at higher speeds, allowing their data to be stored in a buffer memory for better error correction and tracking.

Balanced and unbalanced fixed analog stereo outputs are available to connect the MCD85 to a preamplifier, integrated amplifier, and other home audio system components, the company said.

Additionally, McIntosh said, the USB audio input supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz, allowing the MCD85 to be used to stream digital music from a computer or other digital storage device.