CEDIA 2003
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association

Part 2

 

  Intelligent Audio Systems, Inc. showcased their IA-643 subwoofer that claims to be the world's first self-installing and self-adjusting audio loudspeaker. According to Intelligent Audio's co-founder Ken Kantor, "One of the biggest remaining obstacles to ideal loudspeaker performance is controlling how speakers interact with each individual listening room. Intelligent Audio breaks that barrier with our RADS technology... audio "artificial intelligence" that enables a computer to hear the way the human ear does." The on-board "X-Scale" processor analyzes the input and output hookup, then automatically adapts the system for operation. It calculates the exact match for the existing loudspeakers and room, thereby making the appropriate corrections.

 

 

McIntosh Laboratory had their new MC252 stereo amplifier ($3,800, 250 watt per channel) and C45's multi-channel pre-amplifier ($3,600). In Stereo, the MC252 delivers an impressive 250 watts per channel continuous power into 2, 4, or 8-ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. In Mono, the exclusive McIntosh output autoformers enable the MC252 to deliver 500 watts into 16, 8, 4, 2, or 1 ohm loads. The MC252 has McIntosh's signature glass front panel design and a stainless steel chassis with super mirror finish. Fiber-optic LED lighting provides even illumination The C45's dual six-channel inputs allow control of the latest multi-channel audio formats when used with source components that provide the decoding. These formats include DVD-Audio, SACD, Dolby Digital and DTS Audio/Video. Each of the eight source inputs is assignable to any one of fourteen available selections. An ultra-short signal path, in conjunction with electromagnetic switching, is claimed to virtually eliminate pre-amplification noise. The C45 also includes a high-performance moving-magnet phono input for a turntable.

 

 

Faroudja, a division of Genesis Microchip Inc., had their DVP2000 ($14,995) digital video processor that combines a full-featured Faroudja Digital Video Processor with a high-performance DVD transport, Digital Video Interface-compatible connection, HDTV Cross-Conversion, and a high-end digital audio stage with SACD and DVD-A formats. The DVP2000 has selectable output scan rates and can store up to eight display "profiles" for flexibility in multiple display applications. It utilizes an internal DVD drive to send digital video stream straight to the video processing stage where Faroudja's deinterlacing, scaling and image processing are applied. The signal is optimized for the display resolution being used, then sent to the display via digital DVI-compatible connection for the highest quality image possible. The HDTV Cross-Conversion feature converts 480p, 720p and 1080i signals to the native rate of the display for optimum performance from HDTV sources. The DVP2000 also includes a proprietary audio stage with SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility. Special low-jitter crystal oscillators reduce digital noise that can degrade sound. Data from the DVD is buffered and re-clocked for exact audio-for-video timing. Three digital outputs including AES/EBU are offered along with the SACD/DVD-A connectors.

 

 

Polk Audio showed their all-new RTi Series product line. The RTi series is said to be Polk's best-selling loudspeaker line occupying the "Better" position in Polk's "Good" (R Series), "Better" (RTi Series) and "Best" (LSi Series). The new RTi products feature all-new drivers while the two top floorstanders feature "Power Port Plus" venting system. With the new Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters, bass/midrange drivers employ polymer/mineral composite cones while a redesigned 1-inch tweeter is made with silk/polymer composites. Power Port technology is claimed to reduce turbulence at the mouth of the port, thereby reducing "chuffing" or "port noise." The two larger floorstanding models, RTi10 and larger RTi12 as seen here ($569.95 and $839.95 each respectively), use multiple long-throw 7-inch woofers. All RTi models are magnetically shielded to allow safe placement next to televisions or video monitors and feature gold plated five-way binding posts with dual inputs for bi-amplification or bi-wiring.

 

 

Sencore's new audio test tools are designed for the custom home and commercial audio/video installer by offering their SP295C Contractor's 'SoundPro' Audio Analyzer, an MX299 four-microphone multiplexer, and RS95 deluxe acoustic reporting software all contained within a hardsided carrying case. The SP295C Contractor's Version SoundPro Audio Analyzer enables installers to set up audio systems accurately with its 1/12th octave real time analyzer, energy time graph, reverb decay time test, sound study graph, impedance test, and sine wave sweeps. Sencore's MX 299 Microphone Multiplexer works with the SP295C SoundPro Audio Analyzer allowing simultaneously acquisition of sound samples from multiple positions in a room providing the average response of a listening room. The RS95 Acoustic Calibration Report allows collection and storage of acoustic information from a listening space and print that information as a graphed report.

 

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