Digital Trends

Home Audio

POLK AUDIO

Polk Audio, who has produced quality loudspeakers for many years, is branching out.  Polk announced their new I-Sonic Entertainment System.  According to the manufacturer, it is the first product to combine IBiquity's HD Radio technology with XM satellite radio capability and a DVD/CD player.  The I-Sonic Entertainment System is a stereo, all-digital audio system that includes an AM/FM radio, a digital HD Radio tuner, a DVD/CD player, and XM Satellite Radio capability via an attachable plug-n-play module (optional).  The compact system includes 4-speaker I-Sonic and PowerPort technologies that, according to the manufacturer, "produce sound quality so big and lifelike that for many, the I-Sonic is capable of being the primary home entertainment system."  I-Sonic technology delivers a room-filling stereo soundstage of 360-degrees.  HD Radio is digital radio technology that offers static-free, crystal-clear reception with CD-quality sound from more than 2500 AM and FM stations across the country.  HD Radio also offers the station the capability to multi-cast, which means that broadcasters can provide additional content and/or text over the same bandwidth.  The I-Sonic Entertainment System will be available in September at a cost of $599.  The add-on XM Connect & Play Antenna module will be priced at $49.

Polk Audio I-Sonic Entertainment System

THIPHI AUDIO

Thiphi Audio has introduced a very compelling home theater in a box.  Their model 8801 Surround Sound System, priced at $1,199, is a complete self-powered system that doesn't need an AV Receiver.  Simply add a DVD player and a TV, and you are done.  This 5.1 high-performance system incorporates a unique command center into the center channel speaker, and digital processing into the active subwoofer.  It comes complete with 7-watt x 5 diminutive satellite speakers and a 30-watt active subwoofer with a long-throw 8-in. driver.  Housed in black cabinetry, the system decodes and plays back DTS, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic soundtracks.  To control the system, a credit card-size remote is provided.  It is also equipped to support a full spectrum of audio/video source components by including two digital optical, two digital coaxial, and three analog audio inputs.  All speaker enclosures are magnetically-shielded.

Thiphi Audio 8801 system controls

OUTLAW AUDIO

Outlaw Audio, who is celebrating its sixth year on the lam (according to their press release), has introduced an absolutely stunning new A/V Controller.  Their full-featured model 990, priced at $1,099, is a 7.1-channel audio-video preamp, processor, and tuner for music and home theater with complete DVI and component video switching capability with upconversion.  The model 990 processes all DTS aural schemes including DTS-ES, as well as Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Virtual Speaker, and Dolby Headphone layers 1, 2, and 3.  It digitally re-masters PCM to 192/24, and features 192 kHz 24-bit DACs for all channels.  This preamp/processor also includes automatic loudspeaker set-up and calibration using its included microphone.  There's a plethora of inputs and outputs:  two DVI in/1 out, three component video in/one out, five optical and two coax digital inputs/one optical out, five rear panel A/V inputs, six audio inputs with Phono, and a front panel A/V input and mic input.  Other key features include lip sync delay, on-screen display, multi-room capability, and high performance tuner with thirty station presets.  Lastly, the model 990 includes 7.1 RCA pre-amp outputs with dual sub out 7.1.  For the custom install crowd, this model also includes RS-232 controllability and twin 12v triggers.  It is currently available on the Internet.

Outlaw Audio 990 A/V Controller