Link to the Show / Show Notes
They called him an animal
They wanted a piece of him—now they’re going to get more than just a little BIT
People, let me clue you in. You don’t need a big, fancy multi-speaker high-definition console to fill your media room with sound.
Oh, suuure, that’s what the online deal-a-day gadget-mongers will tell you. They’ll try to push a system like the SoundMatters MainStage on you, touting its built-in amplifiers and digital processing capabilities. And—OK, yes, I concede that the MainStage’s digital amp and top-mounted, four-inch woofer will pump out a nice, big earful of cinematic sound. And, OK, I have to admit it’s a lot easier to set up than some audiomaniac’s six-speaker dream system, with cables running all over, uglyin’ up the joint.
But folks, the easy way to get room-filling sound is to do it the way I did: Get a really, really small media room.
Mine’s a converted linen closet, which I lined with acoustic tiles. Small? Shoot! I had to start doing yoga just to squeeze in there. When I’m watching DVDs, I feel like I’m both of those fat minibike twins from the Guinness Book, sharing a New York City half-bath. There’s barely enough room in there for me and my tiny, fifteen-inch TV (with built-in DVD player).
But believe you me, when I cram myself in there to watch Big Caleb Thunder, Wolfman Ninja of Harlem, all several cubic feet of that clos—excuse me, media room—fairly pulsate with the sounds of funky ‘70s soul and feral, savage snarls.
Now, would the SoundMatters Mainstage console let me enjoy big sound in a room-sized room while simultaneously stretching my legs on a couch? I grant you, yes. And is its Zoran Virtual Multichannel Digital algorithm a cool, math-y way to create a 180-degree sound field? Yeah, I guess.
But look at it this way: My system ensures no one ever wants to come over to watch TV at my place, so I never have to do any annoying “housekeeping.” I feel sorry for my pal Dean on that score. He owns the SoundMatters MainStage system, and people always want to hang out at his house! He could never get away with letting his place get half as filthy as mine!
Ah, the poor sap.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to do my pre-movie-watching stretches.
Warranty: 2 Year Soundmatters
Authorized for SquareTrade Extended Warranty
Features:
- A revolutionary multi-speaker console with built-in amplifiers and digital processing
- Powered by a 20-watt digital amplifier, and a top-mounted 4-inch woofer that can project high-definition sound that fills almost any room
- Adaptable audio inputs, Optical (TosLink), Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm mini stereo can be integrated easily into your current home theater or PC Media Center set up
- Space saving low profile design, and hassle free set up (Audiophiles need not apply)
- Perfect for any small to medium-size room where running wires to 6 speakers just isn’t practical
- Zoran VMD (Virtual Multichannel Digital) algorithm analyzes the position of sound sources present in two channel audio signals and recreates the sound field existing at the time of the original recording. A single digital speaker powered by Zoran’s VMD technology will produce a high precision, space filling 180 degree sound field when connected to any two channel source
- Subwoofer and rear channel outputs for surround sound option
Additional Photos:
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 60Hz-20kHz ±3dB, 1w/1m (anechoic)
- Surround Sound: 5.1 channels, Dolby Digital
- DSP Processor: Zoran 38601-50M IPS
- Surround Algorithm: Zoran VMD®
- Class-D Amplifiers: 2×20WRMS < 0.8%THD into 4 Ohms (satellites) (80W Music); 2×20WRMS < 0.8%THD into 4 Ohms (subwoofer) (80W Music)
- Maximum SPL@1m: 104dB
- Main Speakers: 2 each 50×70 mm with patented Neo-sandwich magnets
- Internal Subwoofer: 1 each Super-4” with patented Neo-sandwich magnet
- Power Supply: Digital, 130kHz 95-265Vac 50/85Wdc
- Input Source 1 Analog: 150mV-2V variable
- Input Source 2 Analog: 2V
- Input Source 3 Digital: SP/DIF coaxial
- Input Source 4 Digital: Optical / TosLink
- Outputs (1) Analog: Sub-subwoofer out, Rear Channel Outputs (normal/default off)
- Controls: System Volume (IR and front panel), Subwoofer level (IR only), Dialog+ EQ (IR only), Source select, mute (IR and front panel), Surround/stereo (IR only), Source 1 input sensitivity (back panel knob)
- Modes: On, Mute/Sleep, Vacation (Off)
- Software Options (user config.): L/R channel reverse, rear channel on/off
- Standby Power: Less than 4.5W
- Display: Six LEDs
- Wall Mounting Capacity: 1/4” x 20 threaded
- Weight: Approx. 2.2kg (4.85lbs)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 425×65 x 230 mm (16.7” x 2.5” x 9”)
In the box:
- Soundmatters MainStage HD HiFi Theatre Console
- Remote Control (Batteries Included)
- RCA Cable (Red and White)
- RCA to Mini Jack Cable (Red and White to 3.5mm mini stereo)
- Optical Cable (TosLink)
- Mini Stereo Jack Cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm)
- Coaxial Cable (Orange)
- Adjustable Feet
- Users Guide
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