Sound Bytes: May 1999

Lexicon’s Digital Sound Controller

Lexicon’s DC-2 Digital Controller marks the latest evolution of its modular, upgradeable surround sound processor/system controller. Among the upgraded features are enhanced input and output facilities and refined ergonomics. The DC-2 redesigned remote controller’s on-screen displays have been re-written to allow for easier use and a glow-in the dark keypad ensures visibility in even the darkest home theater environment. Available in three models, the DC-2 also boasts five speaker processing and extensive low frequency enhancements. For more information call 781-280-0300 .

Polk’s Self-Amplified Speakers

Polk Audio’s has introduced a line of high performance self-amplified speakers that are designed to bring high fidelity audio performance to home computer use. The multimedia RAM speakers consists of five models, which feature or combine 2 powered, full-range speakers, a powered subwoofer, and two satellite/subwoofer systems. The patented subwoofer is crucial to the success of the combined larger systems, since it produces a powerful, low-distortion bass response usually associated with a larger and more expensive unit. For more information call 410-358-3660.

Cerwin-Vega’s Audio/Video Loudspeakers

Cerwin-Vega’s CVT series of audio/video loudspeakers are designed for high quality home audio and home theater installations. The CVT-12 features a slim, elegant tower with a side-mounted woofer, minimizing dedicated floor space without sacrificing bass response. Dual, stacked seven inch sub-woofers and a one inch silk dome tweeter are housed in their own sub-enclosure, isolating them from potential woofer modulation interference and improving sound quality and acoustic detail. For more information call 212-517-8399.

Onkyo’s Entry Level A/V Speakers

Budget-conscious audiophiles will want to check out Onkyo’s TX-DS474 Dolby Digital AV receiver. The unit incorporates on-board Dolby Digital processing for fully discrete channel surround decoding. All digital processing is implemented by a powerful Motorola family processor, maintaining 24-bit precision that preserves the full dynamic range of today’s best discrete digital soundtracks. The TX-DS474 also features digital domain Pro Logic decoding for the thousands of existing film, video and music titles. High resolution, 20 bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are used for all channels-unusually high performance, wide-dynamic range components for so affordable a receiver. For more information call 210-825-7950.

Rotel’s Surround Sound Preamplifier/Processor

New from Rotel is the RSP 985 Surround Sound Preampflier/Processor, an audio component with extensive video capabilities. The unit includes Dolby Digital, DTS and THX processing, allowing for the full enjoyment of any video-based soundtrack. The RSP 985 also features a comprehensive arrangement of inputs and outputs for almost unlimited source component flexibility, A simplified front panel is designed to make the unit accessible to everyone in the house, even technophobes. For more information call 800-370-3741.

Originally Published May 1, 1999