AV Rant #946: Cousin’s Wife’s Projector
Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 speakers are Klippel optimized, leaving only one speaker in Ascend’s entire lineup that hasn’t been redesigned yet. Auro-3D was acquired by Goerdyna Group, owners of Dynaudio. Tom shares an update on what’s happening with his house. And too much cycling talk.
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00:00:00 – Intro
Update on Tom’s house.
00:15:15 – What We Watched
Rob watched Anastasia, and Smile 2. Tom’s been watching OceanXplorers
00:27:59 – Listeners of the Week
Our Listeners of the Week are Bill for his PayPal donation, plus our 133 Patreon Patrons, as well as Infinite Gary and Ilango for sending us movie codes, George and Dan for sending Tom their AV Receivers, and Galen for talking us up to SVS.
Thank you to Ilango for giving Tom permission to use his photos on https://avgadgets.com/
And we appreciate the notes of gratitude for keeping the podcast going from: Ryan, Dan, Mohsen, Chris, Travis, Karl, Jack, Drew, Ryan, Infinite Gary, Dazz, Ilango, and John. Thank you to everyone for continuing to listen!
00:35:02 – A Little Surprise for Tom from Dan
Thank you, Dan! Your unexpected gift to Tom is awesome!
In the news:
00:37:34 – News: Ascend HTM-200SE2
The SE2 version is Klippel optimized and only slightly more expensive: https://tinyurl.com/5n7dw6m6
00:43:53 – News: Auro-3D Acquired by Dynaudio
Goerdyna Group owns Dynaudio, Libratone, XEO, and now Auro-3D: https://tinyurl.com/y78zsare
Comments:
00:45:37 – Comment: Alan – 2 Sonos Amps for 4.2
Alan corrects us about being able to use your choice of subwoofer and speakers with a Sonos setup, since two Sonos Amps can be used together to make a 4.2 system.
00:50:37 – Comment: Dazz – Ascend Speakers & Cold Cycling
A shout out to Ascend Acoustics’ customer service and last of the original SE Series speakers. And a prompted tirade about cycling in cold weather for Tom.
QUESTIONS:
01:01:19 – Ryan: Sonos Sub vs SVS SB-2000
Could his HDMI switch degrade signal quality? Can he somehow use his Sonos Play One speakers with his TV? And are Sonos Sub fans correct that it’s better than an SVS SB-2000?
– https://avgadgets.com/what-do-hdmi-dropouts-look-like/
– https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/port
– Nintendo Wii HDMI Adapter: https://tinyurl.com/55dyusdj
01:13:04 – Sasi: Ascend’s Specs
What is “in-room sensitivity”? And why are the spec claims slightly boosted over their own posted measurements?
01:19:04 – Brad: THX Sub Setting
His Onkyo AVR has a THX Subwoofer setting. Should he use it? Does he need a miniDSP to optimize his subwoofer setup? And do we boost our Surround and Overhead trim levels a little?
– https://avgadgets.com/lpf-for-lfe-crossover-setting-what-is-correct/
– https://avrant.com/a-12-step-guide-to-setting-up-dual-subwoofers/
01:30:58 – Jack: Simple TV Speakers
He likes using his pair of JBL 305 self-powered Monitors with a simple analogue connection to his TV as a solution for his parents. We have a suggestion for self-powered speakers that look a little prettier.
– https://avgadgets.com/fluance-ai41-powered-bookshelf-speakers-review-soundbar-killer/
01:34:34 – Chris: Cousin’s Wife’s Projector
They say they don’t want a flat panel. But the room won’t be light-controlled. And they’re horror movie fans! So we mention our favorite UST options. But the biggest flat panel is honestly the better choice.
– LG HU915Q: https://tinyurl.com/mw8v75hb
– EluneVision Aurora 8K UST Screen: https://tinyurl.com/2uhwwee7
– EluneVision Reference 8K UST Screen: https://tinyurl.com/yknj238b
01:45:59 – Adam: Hiding Receiver & CEC Woes
We do think it’s time for either a new AV Receiver, or simplifying his Living Room setup. And hopefully that will also fix his HDMI-CEC problems.
– Denon S670S from A4L: https://tinyurl.com/tceuew9x
– https://www.wiimhome.com/wiimamp/overview
01:53:46 – Tony: Apple TV 4K Issues
We sadly won’t be much help with these: unwanted automatic standby, Atmos over AirPlay 2, and audio signal lock delay.
02:01:38 – Travis: Battery Backup UPS for Pops & Clicks?
He’s getting lots of audible electrical interference in his new house. He should call and electrician, because a regular battery backup UPS isn’t going to solve things.
– https://avgadgets.com/iogear-professional-online-ups-review/
02:05:42 – Galen: Only Front 3 Speaker Playing
When he plays Atmos from a disc, only his Front 3 speakers make a peep. We discuss.
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