Wild West Electronics Blog

Monster Turbine Pro High Performance In-Ear Speakers with ControlTalk

 

Finally, the long wait is over. The Monster Turbine Pro high-performance in-ear speakers WITH the ControlTalk feature is finally here. This product had been pushed back numerous times since the end of last year while Monster perfected the ControlTalk feature. 

ControlTalk is basically an in-line mic with iPod & iPhone control. So what does this mean for you? 

For iPhone users: if you are listening to your favorites tunes and receive a phone call, no worries, with the ControlTalk feature you can listen to the person you are talking to on your headphone and can also talk to that person using the in-line mic. Additional control features allows you volume control and can also change tracks. 

For iPod users: since you don't have a phone on the iPod, the in-line mic won't be useful for you, but the control features are nice allowing you to increase or decrease volume as well as the ability to change tracks. 

Very cool, don't you think? 

So how do these in-ear speakers sound anyhow? As you can see they look awesome and  if you are passionate about music and are into critical listening, these in-ear speakers may be your calling. They are designed for serious audiophiles and professionals. These are studio quality with superb audio quality.

For all of you poker players out there, these might make quite the impression at the poker tables too.

Here are some of the other key features: 

• Pro speaker design with low mass, ultra-wide bandwidth driver for superior accuracy.
• All-metal construction cancels unwanted resonance for pure sound.
• Pro Sound SupertipTM with advanced construction provides maximum sound isolation.
• Pro strain relief; rugged construction withstands heavy duty use.
• MicroStrand conductors with ultra-low impededence for subtle detail and clear audio reproduction.

If your interested in getting your hands on these, we'd suggest you hurry because we received only a limited quantity. Click here for more info and to place and order online. 

Monster MH TBB-P IE CPR CT - 129433

Just when we had HDMI figured out.. here comes HDMI 1.4

Get some coffee.. clear your mind..

Here are all the details so far....

HDMI LICENSING, LLC ANNOUNCES FEATURES OF THE UPCOMING HDMI SPECIFICATION VERSION 1.4

Enhancements Include Networking, Audio Return Channel, 3D Capability, Improved Performance and New Connectors

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 27, 2009 – HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced the features that will be incorporated in the upcoming HDMI 1.4 specification. This latest version of the HDMI specification will, among other advancements, offer networking capabilities with Ethernet connectivity and will add an Audio Return Channel to enable upstream audio connections via the HDMI cable. The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download on the HDMI LLC website no later than June 30, 2009.

The HDMI 1.4 specification will offer the following enhanced functionalities:

• HDMI Ethernet Channel

The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application.

The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.

• Audio Return Channel

The new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

• 3D Over HDMI

The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.

• 4K x 2K Resolution Support

The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:

• 3840x2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
• 4096x2160 24Hz

• Expanded Support For Color Spaces

HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of reproducing more accurate life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.

• Micro HDMI Connector

The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.

• Automotive Connection System

The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufactures will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.

“The HDMI specification continues to add functionality as the consumer electronics and PC industries build products that enhance the consumer’s HD experience,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “The 1.4 specification will support some of the most exciting and powerful near-term innovations such as Ethernet connectivity and 3D formats. Additionally we are going to broaden our solution by providing a smaller connector for portable devices and a connection system specified for automobiles, as we see both more and different devices adopting the HDMI technology.“

Consumers will also see new HDMI cables introduced to the market. In order to take advantage of the HDMI Ethernet Channel, consumers will need to purchase either a Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, or a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet. Consumers connecting an external device to an in-vehicle HDMI-enabled HD system will need the new Automotive HDMI cable. Consumers can expect to see new HDMI 1.4 cables introduced to the market when new HDMI 1.4 devices are available.

Consumers will have a choice of the following HDMI cables:

• Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60;
• High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification;
• Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
• High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
• Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.

The HDMI standard continues to grow in the marketplace with now over 850 adopters worldwide. The growing adoption of the HDMI specification by both consumer electronics and PC manufacturers further strengthens its position as the worldwide standard for high-definition digital connectivity. According to market research firm In-Stat, over 394 million HDMI-enabled devices are expected to ship in 2009, with an installed base of 1 billion devices. By the end of 2009 100% of digital televisions are expected to have at least one HDMI input.

The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download at http://www.hdmi.org no later than June 30, 2009.

Now don't you feel better knowing that

Cambridge Audio 650BD - Coming Early December 2009

Cambridge Audio 650BD Blu Ray Universal Disc Player

Wild West Electronics is thrilled to help introduce the all-new Cambridge Audio 650BD Blu Ray Universal Disc Player. Offering support for all of the latest surround sound formats and audiophile grade sonic performance, this lightning-fast, easy to use player will reproduce movies and music with all the passion their creators intended.

Featuring almost universal disc compatibility, the Cambridge Audio 650BD is equipped to handle a vast array of disc media including CD, HDCD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD and of course Blu-Ray discs.

Delivering stunning video reproduction is just half the story with regards to the 650BD because it also excels nicely in audio performance. Boasting 24/192kHz Digital to Analog Converters and a meticulous attention to audio circuitry design ensure that the 650BD can reproduce the dynamics and scale required for modern movie soundtracks while also being able to deliver a genuinely musical performance with either stereo or multi-channel music discs.

Meanwhile the latest surround-sound formats are supported including decoding of Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio in Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 variants. In particular support for the true lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats provides unprecedented audio fidelity from Blu-ray discs.

It's lightening fast!

For complete user convenience, the 650BD boasts power-up and loading speeds which are amongst the most impressive of any Blu-ray player currently available. And naturally, the widest possible array of HDMI, digital and analogue outputs are fitted for connection to screens and home cinema receivers of all types.

A fresh new look

The Cambridge Audio 650BD Blu Ray Universal Disc player benefits from the highly regarded new Azur series wrap-around casework design and its proprietary engineering is housed within a new low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. The Azur Navigator remote which also controls the all new and also soon to be released Cambridge Audio 650R home theater receiver completes the package.

Cambridge Audio 650BD - Key Features

• Universal disc playback including SACD, DVD-A and HDCD
  
• Profile 2.0 supporting BD Live and Bonus View
  
• HDMI 1.3c supporting 10 bit and 12 bit deep colour and x.v.colour
  
• Pure Audio mode and 24/192kHz DACs for superior audio performance
  
• Onboard decoding of lossless Dolby and DTS HD audio CODECs
  
• 7.1 multi-channel analogue audio outputs to allow connection to older non-HDMI AVRs
  
• Ultra fast disc loading times and power on time
  
• Azur Navigator remote control with Azur AVR/Amp control
  
• Standard definition DVDs scaled to 1080p HDMI output
  
• 2 USB 2.0 inputs, front and rear
  
• Energy Star certified ultra low power (<1W) standby circuits
  
• Brand new wrap-around casework design with thick
• Available in black or silver finishes

Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 Bookshelf Speakers (Limited US Pre-release)

Wild West Electronics is proud to offer a few very lucky and exclusive customers the opportunity to own a pair of the new Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 bookshelf speakers available in a very limited quanity of black or rosewood finishes far sooner than this model and the balance of the new Diamond 10 collection will be made available to North American customers.

If you don't act and take action now, you will not be able to buy Diamond 10 series speakers in North America until February 2010 when the official US launch is expected. Please don't think you have time to wait on this exciting and rare opportunity, we sold more than 15% of our remaining stock today alone and expect to sell out by the end of this Labor Day Weekend!

Wharfedale Diamond 10 Series Overview

Following the highly successful and award winning Diamond 9 series was always going to be a difficult task. But Wharfedale engineers were determined to bring the latest Diamond right into line with the standard of performance expected from a stand mount/bookshelf speaker in 2009.

The concept of a curved wall cabinet for strength and reduction of internal standing waves has been maintained and, in the Diamond 10 series, the cabinet walls have been made stronger through a superior method of bonding and curving the panels. This both increases the rigigity of the cabinet structure and, aided by internal bracing, reduces the audible effects of panel resonance.

To make the most of the stonger cabinet the bass unit, with a chassis formed from strong, nylon filled, homopolymer, has been given a massive flange secured to the cabinet with six screws to improve its stability. The front baffle also has a composite panel structure to reduce vibration.

The discerning audiophile will also note the diamond pattern moulded into the surround of the woven Kevlar cone. This is more than just cosmetic as the pattern reduces and damps standing waves in the surround yeilding a cleaner high frequency acoustic roll-off.

This enable the relatively simple crossover to yield a phase perfect integration to the treble unit throughout the whle crossover region, creating a soundstage which is free from the speakers and allowing the drive units to work as a cohesive whole.

Over the treble unit is a metal diffusion grid which, as well as protecting the dome when the speaker is being used without its grille, also irons out high frequency perturbations right up to 30kHz giving a super-smooth response and crystal clear treble detailing.

Equally for low frequency analysis twin reflec ports extend bass to below 45 Hz and have been re-positioned on the rear of the cabinet to reduce the effects of audible distortion.

Other Diamond series attributes remain, like the sturdy bi-wire terminal block, high quality silicon iron and air cored inductors in the crossover, high purity copper internal wiring and an interference free front grille, now affixed without unsightly pegs in the piano-black finish front baffle.

The overall result of the engineering changes is to deliver a tightly focused and spacious stereo image allied to a clean and clear performance throughout the audioble bandwidth. The coherence of the midrange and treble balance provides a highly musical and natural delivery of all types of music that positively encourage exploration of any CD, LP and MP3 collection.

Wharfedale Diamond 10 series loudspeakers draw on the strenghts of the award winning Diamond 9 series and build even more enthusiastic music making and listener enjoyment. It is, as its name suggest, a Diamond amongst speakers.

Sonata Mini Hi-fi from Cambridge Audio

High Performance Stereo in a Compact Miniature Design!

We just completed development of our new Cambridge Audio Sonata home page featuring class-leading compact hi-fi components from Cambridge Audio's new Sonata series line. This exciting new line is perfect for anyone who may be tight on space or for the executive audiophile who wants a high quality compact stereo system that is truly special for the office. 

At the heart of the Sonata system is the new noise-canceling iPod dock designed to to reveal nuances you've never heard before from your iPod. Best of all this new iPod dock is included with the backbone of Sonata the line; the new AR30 Stereo Receiver boasting 40 watts of refined power Cambridge Audio is famous for delivering. 

What's more is you can also choose to add the matching DV30 1080p Upscaling Compact DVD player for the crispest picture and captivating soundtracks or the audiophile quality CD30 CD player that features Wolfson WM8716 digital-to-analog converters for incredible detail and stereo imaging. 

Need a good speaker recommendation? How about the highly-acclaimed Cambridge Audio S30 bookshelf speakers. Available in either black or cherry finishes, these compact, yet amazing stereo speakers are sure to impress. True audiophiles are sure to appreciate the dual binding post enabling the S30's to be bi-wired for improved detail and more effortless sound. 

For your convenience, we have assembled several common packages of components and even a complete system we are calling the Sonata CD3 Combo. Just add some quality audio interconnects and a set of speaker cables (we recommend bi-wiring) and you've got an affordable compact stereo system you'll enjoy for years to come. 

Marantz BD7003 Blu Ray Player (Shipping Now!)

Marantz is now shipping a follow-up to its reference BD8002 Blu Ray Player. The new Marantz BD7003 is a Profile 1.1 player, so it supports picture-in-picture/BonusView content but not BD-Live Web connectivity.

The Marantz BD7003 can output 1080p/24 and pass the native bitstream of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HS Master Audio soundtracks over its HDMI 1.3 connection, but it does not have the onboard high-resolution audio decoding and multichannel analog audio outputs found on the high-end model. It's best mated with a receiver that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD such as the Marantz SR8002, SR7002, SR6003 and SR5003 receiver models, or the also new AV8003 preamplifier processor.

The player does not have control options like RS-232 and IR, you will need to step up to the BD8002 for those features. But a discreet front-panel SD card slot is included, and the player supports MP3, WMA, JPEG, and Divx playback. At a bargain price of only $799, the new Marantz BD7003 is available now online at Wild West Electronics and is sure to be a hit among budget minded Marantz fans everywhere.

Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones Set New Standard

Just arrived from Monster Cable are the new Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. Just as the name implies, Monster has teamed up with famous hip-hop producer Dr. Dre and set out to design headphones that were unique with very high-fidelity that only Dr. Dre could feel comfortable endorsing. I'm not so sure Dr. Dre would be the first person to pop into mind when thinking of audiophile priced headphones, but he is in the recording industry and should be instantly recognizable to anyone slightly familiar with the Rap/Hip-Hop scene nonetheless. Let's get past the names involved here, and see if the new Monster Beats live up to their design objectives. More than three years of thorough research and development were involved in creating them.

Monster has always been synonymous with top build quality and performance and the new Beats are no exception. The sleek, metal reinforced headband combined with the soft faux leather earpads and headrest combine durability with comfort and functionality that is missing in many competing models. During use, the Beats feel much lighter than you might expect considering the materials used. Even though the earpads rest directly on the listener's ear, they don't crush your skull like other headphones. Cosmetics are always subjective and are a personal taste, but I think a lot of people will value the unique style of the Beats even if they don't care for the "beats by dr. dre" logo along to the top of the headband. This phones are sure to turn some heads while your out. 

When you first use your Beats, you'll immediately notice that there's more to them than just plugging in and enjoying your music. The reason is because they incorporate active noise canceling technology which requires the insertion of two included AAA batteries into the the back of the left earpad. You'll probably want to invest in rechargeable batteries for the future with Beats because they will not operate without the batteries and economically it makes the most sense just to use a rechargeable set. You can expect about 24 hours of continuous listening from disposable batteries before they'll need to be replaced. On the right earpad there's an on/off switch and a large button that allows for quick and easy muting of the headphones when held down. 

Instead of hardwiring a fixed cable to the Beats, Monster wisely includes two different types of detachable cables that plug into the bottom of the left earpad. If you have ever owned a set of headphone before, then you know that the cord connecting the headphones to your source is often the first thing to get damaged from normal use. By allowing for detachable connections, Monster opted for maximum flexibility while giving you quality cables to get you started. The first cable included is just a standard 3.5mm audio connector, while the other one is meant to be used with your music-enabled phone. It allows you to press the microphone button on the cable in order to talk, and then press it again to hang up. Both cables are the same length and only reach about four feet, which is a concern in some situations. The good news is that if you need a longer cord, or if you'd prefer to upgrade the quality of the cord, you can easily purchase one and use it with the Beats.  Of course, there are a number of situations where the shorter cable length is actually a plus. There are also a couple of adapters included with the Beats so you can go from 3.5mm to 6.3mm as well as a double pronged connector so you can use it on airlines. A soft carrying case and cleaning cloth are also included so you can keep your Beats protected and maintain that glossy finish. 

As far as sound quality is concerned, the Monster Beats are quite impressive. We have found there is a very good balance between all frequencies which has come to us as a surprise considering Dr Dre's involvement. We initially expected them to sound bass heavy, but this wasn't the case at all. We found the the bass to be punchy rather than boomy while we found the midrange and highs to sound exceptionally good not getting lost in any of the music we listened to. Overall, we believe you would have to spend upwards of $1000 to get the kind of sound quality we experienced from this exceptional package. At just $349.95, these new Monster Beats headphones are actually a real bargain and are available for purchasing now. 

Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver Just Arrived

Wild West Electronics is proud to announce the arrival of the all new Marantz SR4023 stereo receiver. Now in-stock and available for immediate shipping, this new stereo receiver offers many exciting features.

The ideal answer for those who want Marantz quality sound reproduction of audio and video sources.  Complete with A/V switching and multiple video outputs, the SR4023 functions as the heart of a “home theater 2.0” system, a secondary zone, or a main music system. 

Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver Features

80W X 2 Channels

New Front Panel, derived from Reference series

Pre-Out/Main-in Terminals

Sub woofer Output

IR Flasher Input

RS232c

4 Video Inputs

Triple IR Code Sets (when using multiple units within the same job)

Speaker System A & B

Front Panel "Lock Out"

New Remote Control

Aluminum Front Panel

Wild West Electronics is proud to be an Marantz authorized online dealer.

Marantz SR4003 Home Theater Receiver Now In-Stock

Shipping earlier than expected, the all new Marantz SR4003 home theater receiver has just arrived and is available for purchase.

Marantz SR4003 Features

New cosmetics/chassis

M.R.A.C. Auto Calibration

3 Assignable Component Video Inputs

2nd Zone Audio Output (Same Source)

IR Flasher Input

80W X 7 Channel Discrete Power Amplification

Integrated Front AV Input Cover

In-Stock Now!

Since the SR4003's did arrive quite a bit earlier than expected, we also have a very limited supply of Marantz SR4002 units which we are selling at special clearance pricing. Call our sales team today @ 1-800-785-0399 for all of the details! Hurry, because they won't last long!

Wild West Electronics is proud to be a Marantz authorized online dealer.

Cambridge Audio 740A Integrated Amplifiers

The long wait is now over for the newly released Cambridge Audio 740A  integrated amplifier is available now!

Cambridge Audio continues to meet the needs of audiophiles at all levels and the Cambridge Audio 740A integrated amplifier is no exception. The Cambridge Audio Azur 740A integrated amplifier offers true hi-fi quality but at a fraction of the cost. Indeed the technology in the 740A is normally only used in products costing many times more.

The Cambridge Audio 740A integrated amplifier is the latest in Cambridge Audio’s Azur series. Using technology from both the top-of-the-range Cambridge Audio 840A powerhouse and a new evolution of the highly regarded amplifier circuitry used in the Cambridge Audio 540A and 640A Version 2, the 740A is set to rejuvenate the mid price sector. This integrated amp puts out an impressive 100W RMS into 8 Ohms and with two pairs of output transistors per channel has enough peak current capability to get the best from even ‘difficult’ speakers. A large front panel allows for assignable inputs to be displayed and sophisticated software afford a plethora of features.