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PSB Imagine B50 Bookshelf Speakers: A Great Value for Audiophiles and Home Theater Enthusiasts

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 PSB Speakers, a Canadian company known for its high-quality, affordable speakers, has released a new pair of bookshelf speakers that are sure to please audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. According to the website, the Imagine B50 bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, build quality, and affordability.

With it's 2-way bass reflex setup and rear-facing slot port, the B50s deliver room-filling sound with impressive bass response. They also feature a 1" titanium dome tweeter with ferrofluid, which provides clear and detailed highs. This makes them ideal for a variety of listening applications, including music, movies, and TV shows.

The B50s like most bookshelf speakers offer flexibility. They can be used in a variety of settings, including home theater systems, stereo systems, and desktop computer systems. They are also relatively compact, so they can easily be placed in small rooms or on bookshelves.

In addition to their advertised sound quality and versatility, the B50s are expected to be well-built speakers. PSB speakers are known for high-quality components and construction, and they come with a five-year warranty. This makes them a great investment for anyone looking for a pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers.

At $699 per pair, the PSB Imagine B50 bookshelf speakers are also relatively affordable. This makes them a great value for the money, especially when you consider the sound quality, versatility, and build quality that they offer.

If you are looking for a pair of high-quality, affordable bookshelf speakers, the PSB Imagine B50s are a great option to consider. They offer excellent sound quality, versatility, build quality, and value for the money.

There are a number of other competitive bookshelf speakers in the same price range of $700, including the following:

  • Elac Debut Reference DBR62: The DBR62s are known for their excellent sound quality and value for the money. They offer a wide soundstage and a balanced frequency response.
  • KEF Q150: The Q150s are another popular choice for bookshelf speakers in this price range. They offer clear and detailed highs, as well as a surprisingly good bass response.
  • SVS Prime Bookshelf: The SVS Prime Bookshelves are a good choice for those who are looking for bookshelf speakers with a lot of bass. They offer a deep and powerful bass response, as well as clear and detailed highs.
  • Q Acoustics 3020i: The 3020is are a good choice for those who are looking for bookshelf speakers that are both stylish and affordable. They offer a good sound quality for their price.
  • Dali Spektor 2: The Spektor 2s are a good choice for those who are looking for bookshelf speakers with a neutral sound profile. They offer a wide soundstage and a balanced frequency response.
All of these speakers are excellent options for bookshelf speakers in the $700 price range. The best speaker for you will depend on your individual preferences, such as the type of music you listen to and the size of your room. I recommend that you read reviews of all of these speakers before making a decision. You can also listen to them in person at a local audio store. This will help you to decide which speaker is the best fit for you.

The Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Travel 2023

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Headphones blocking sound

Noise canceling headphones are a must-have for any traveler. They can help you block out unwanted noise from airplanes, trains, and other public transportation, as well as from noisy hotel rooms and city streets. This can help you to relax and get a good night's sleep, even when you're in a new and unfamiliar environment.

What to look for in noise canceling headphones for travel:

When choosing noise canceling headphones for travel, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Noise canceling performance: The most important factor to consider is the noise canceling performance of the headphones. Look for headphones that offer good noise canceling at all frequencies, particularly low frequencies such as the rumble of an airplane engine.
  • Comfort: You'll be wearing your noise canceling headphones for long periods of time, so it's important to choose a pair that is comfortable to wear. Look for headphones with soft ear cups and a headband that doesn't put too much pressure on your head.
  • Battery life: Noise canceling headphones can use a lot of power, so it's important to choose a pair with good battery life. Look for headphones that can last at least 10-12 hours on a single charge.
  • Portability: If you'll be traveling with your noise canceling headphones, it's important to choose a pair that is portable and easy to pack. Look for headphones that fold up or collapse into a small case.

Top rated noise canceling headphones for travel in 2023:

Here are a few of the top rated noise canceling headphones for travel in 2023:

  • Sony WH-1000XM5: The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the latest and greatest noise canceling headphones from Sony. They offer excellent noise canceling performance, as well as a comfortable fit and long battery life.
    Sony WH1000XM5Opens in a new windowelectronics.sony.com
  • Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700: The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are another great option for noise canceling headphones for travel. They offer excellent noise canceling performance, as well as a comfortable fit and long battery life.
  • Apple AirPods Max: The Apple AirPods Max are a great option for noise canceling headphones for Apple users. They offer excellent noise canceling performance, as well as a comfortable fit and long battery life.
    Apple AirPods MaxOpens in a new windowApple AirPods Max
  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are a great option for noise canceling headphones for audiophiles. They offer excellent noise canceling performance, as well as a comfortable fit and long battery life.
    Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessOpens in a new windowwww.amazon.com
  • Jabra Elite 85h: The Jabra Elite 85h are a great option for noise canceling headphones on a budget. They offer good noise canceling performance, a comfortable fit, and long battery life.
    Jabra Elite 85hOpens in a new window www.amazon.com

Tips for using noise canceling headphones safely:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Even though noise canceling headphones can block out a lot of noise, it's still important to be aware of your surroundings when you're traveling. Be sure to take breaks from using your headphones so that you can hear what's going on around you.
  • Don't use them while driving: Noise canceling headphones can make it difficult to hear important sounds, such as traffic horns and sirens. It's best not to use noise canceling headphones while driving.
  • Don't use them at high volumes: Using noise canceling headphones at high volumes can damage your hearing. Be sure to use them at a moderate volume.
  • Take breaks: Wearing noise canceling headphones for long periods of time can cause ear fatigue. Be sure to take breaks from using your headphones every few hours.
  • Noise canceling headphones can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but they can also be a bit isolating. If you're using them in a public place, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. You don't want to be so caught up in your music that you don't notice the pickpocket slipping their hand into your

What types of sounds will noise canceling headphones realistically reduce?

Noise canceling headphones can be very effective at reducing low-frequency noises, such as the rumble of an airplane engine or the drone of a busy street. However, they are not as effective at reducing high-frequency noises, such as human voices or the sound of a crying baby.


Portable audio interfaces for podcasting - What you need to know

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Portable audio interfaces are essential tools for podcasters. They allow you to record high-quality audio on the go, with minimal setup and equipment. Whether you're a solo podcaster or you host a multi-guest show, a portable audio interface can help you take your podcast to the next level.

Here are some of the benefits of using a portable audio interface for podcasting:

  • High-quality audio: Portable audio interfaces are equipped with high-quality preamps and converters, which ensure that your recordings sound clear and professional.

  • Portability: Portable audio interfaces are lightweight and compact, making them easy to take with you wherever you go. This is ideal for podcasters who need to record on the go, such as interviewing guests at conferences or recording episodes from different locations.

  • Versatility: Portable audio interfaces can be used to record a wide variety of audio sources, including microphones, guitars, and other instruments. This makes them a great all-around tool for podcasters who also create music or other audio content.

  • Affordability: Portable audio interfaces have become increasingly affordable in recent years, making them accessible to podcasters of all budgets.

If you're serious about podcasting, investing in a portable audio interface is a wise decision. It will give you the flexibility and tools you need to create high-quality recordings, wherever you are.

When choosing a portable audio interface for podcasting, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The number of inputs: How many microphones do you need to record? If you're only recording one person, you'll need an interface with at least one input. If you're recording multiple people, you'll need an interface with multiple inputs.

  • The type of inputs: Some portable audio interfaces have XLR inputs, while others have TRS inputs. XLR inputs are the standard for professional microphones, while TRS inputs are more commonly found on consumer microphones.

  • The quality of the preamps: The preamps in your audio interface will amplify the signal from your microphone. High-quality preamps will give your audio a cleaner sound.

  • The features: Some portable audio interfaces have additional features, such as phantom power, headphone outputs, and MIDI inputs. Consider which features are important to you when making your decision.

Here are a few of the best portable audio interfaces for podcasting in 2023:

  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a popular choice for podcasters because it's affordable and offers good sound quality. It has two XLR inputs, two headphone outputs, and phantom power.

  • PreSonus AudioBox GO: The PreSonus AudioBox GO is a lightweight and portable audio interface that's perfect for recording on the go. It has two XLR inputs, two headphone outputs, and phantom power.

  • Rode AI-1: The Rode AI-1 is a compact and affordable audio interface that's perfect for recording podcasts. It has one XLR input, one TRS input, one headphone output, and phantom power.

  • Zoom H6: The Zoom H6 is a versatile audio recorder that can be used for podcasting, music recording, and field recording. It has six XLR inputs, four headphone outputs, and phantom power.

    focusrite

Once you've chosen a portable audio interface, you'll need to connect it to your computer and record your podcast. Most audio interfaces come with software that makes it easy to record and edit your audio.

Here are a few tips for recording a podcast with a portable audio interface:

  • Choose a quiet place to record. Background noise can ruin a podcast, so it's important to
    choose a quiet place to record. If you're recording in a noisy environment, you can use a noise gate to reduce background noise.

  • Set the gain levels correctly. The gain levels on your audio interface control the volume of the signal from your microphone. It's important to set the gain levels correctly so that your audio is not too loud or too soft.

  • Use a good microphone. The quality of your microphone will have a big impact on the sound quality of your podcast. Invest in a good microphone if you want to produce high-quality audio.

  • Edit your audio. Once you've recorded your podcast, you'll need to edit it to remove any mistakes and add music and sound effects. Most audio interfaces come with software that makes it easy to edit your audio.

By following these tips, you can use a portable audio interface to record high-quality podcasts on the go.


How to build a Premium Dolby Atmos Music Setup

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Creating a system dedicated to playing music recoded in spatial audio can take some time and careful consideration, but it can yield some incredible results.


Dolby Atmos represents an exceptional advancement in audio technology, introducing a third dimension to soundscapes and elevating the auditory experience into a realm of immersion and realism. Achieving this remarkable auditory journey hinges on the incorporation of height channels, enabling sound placement above and below the listener and fostering a captivating sense of envelopment akin to sound emanating from all directions.

There are several key components you'll need to create a premium Dolby Atmos system for music listening. 

1. A Dolby Atmos-compatible receiver or soundbar: This acts as the central processing hub, unraveling the Dolby Atmos signal and seamlessly channeling it to the speakers.

2. Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers: Vital to the authentic Dolby Atmos experience, these speakers reproduce the crucial height channels, lending an unmistakable vertical dimension to your audio encounters.

3. Dolby Atmos-mixed music: Given that not all musical content adheres to the Dolby Atmos format, it's imperative to ensure compatibility between your chosen music and the Dolby Atmos technology.

Expanding upon the fundamental components, there are a few other considerations to consider for an optimal Dolby Atmos music setup:

1. Subwoofer integration: For genres of music that thrive on profound bass and depth, integrating a subwoofer can elevate the auditory richness of your system.

2. Room acoustics enhancement: In scenarios where your listening space is relatively compact, deliberating on room acoustics improvements can markedly enhance audio quality. Potential solutions encompass acoustic panels and bass traps, tailored to your space's unique acoustic characteristics.

Here are some things to consider when planning your Dolby Atoms system

1. Gauging your space dimensions: A larger room necessitates a system with additional speakers to encapsulate you in a truly enveloping auditory panorama.

2. Budgetary contemplation: The price spectrum for Dolby Atmos systems spans from modest to lavish, making it pivotal to define a budget threshold before delving into the shopping realm.

3. Thorough research: The marketplace hosts a plethora of Dolby Atmos systems, warranting diligent research and comparison of diverse options. Rely on reviews, video demonstrations, and insights from individuals experienced with Dolby Atmos setups.

Through meticulous planning and informed exploration, a Dolby Atmos music configuration that promises years of immersive and captivating auditory bliss is well within your reach.

Don't buy a Dolby Atmos system for music listening before you read this.

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Dolby Atoms is hardly a common term to most people, even with most streaming services offering some type of 360 degree sound like Atmos or Sony 360. You might be tempted, like I was to rush out and get this newest technology that promises to enahnce your home theater and music listening experience.

Before you do, consider the advantages and disadvantages of listening to music through a traditional stereo setup vs a Dolby Atmos setuup

Traditional Stereo Setup

  • Advantages:
    • Less expensive
    • Easier to set up
    • More common, so there are more options available
    • Can still provide a good listening experience
  • Disadvantages:
    • Can be less immersive than Dolby Atmos
    • Doesn't offer the same sense of height and space
    • May not be able to reproduce all the sounds that are present in Dolby Atmos mixes

Dolby Atmos Setup

  • Advantages:
    • More immersive and realistic listening experience
    • Offers a sense of height and space
    • Can reproduce all the sounds that are present in Dolby Atmos mixes
  • Disadvantages:
    • More expensive
    • More difficult to set up
    • Not as common, so there are fewer options available

Ultimately, the best listening setup for you will depend on your budget, your needs, and your preferences. If you are looking for the most immersive and realistic listening experience, then a Dolby Atmos setup is the way to go. However, if you are on a budget or you are not sure if you would benefit from Dolby Atmos, then a traditional stereo setup is still a good option.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between a traditional stereo setup and a Dolby Atmos setup:

  • The size of your listening space. Dolby Atmos works best in larger rooms, where the sound can be more fully dispersed.
  • The type of music you listen to. Dolby Atmos is particularly well-suited for music that has a lot of spatial elements, such as surround sound recordings or live performances.
  • Your personal preferences. Some people prefer the more immersive sound of Dolby Atmos, while others prefer the simplicity of a traditional stereo setup.
  • Do your listening habits warrant Dolby Atmos? If you're typically listening to music as background enhancement, then Atmos my be a waste of money.
  • Do you have the budget to purchase an Atmos system? See our article on what an good setup might cost you.

If you are still not sure which type of setup is right for you, it is a good idea to listen to both and see which one you prefer. There are many retailers that offer listening demonstrations, so you can try out different systems before you buy.

Streaming music service pricing as of August 17, 2023

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streaming music image courtsey of Dall-e

Like everything lately, music streaming prices are going up. The latest is Amazon music upping their price for Prime members to $10. ($9.99) Still slightly cheaper than some others but no longer a big difference

Here are the prices as of mid August 2023. Choose wisely.

ServiceIndividual PlanFamily Plan
Spotify$10.99/month$16.99/month
Apple Music$11.99/month$16.99/month
Amazon Music Unlimited$9.99/month for Prime members, $11.99/month for non-Prime members$16.99/month
YouTube Music$11.99/month$16.99/month
Tidal$9.99/month for HiFi, $19.99/month for HiFi Plus$14.99/month for HiFi, $24.99/month for HiFi Plus
Deezer$9.99/month$16.99/month
Pandora Premium$9.99/month$14.99/month
SoundCloud Go+$9.99/month$14.99/month

The following offers a brief description of each music streaming service listed above

  • Spotify is the most popular music streaming service, with over 400 million active users. It offers a wide variety of features, including ad-free listening, offline playback, and the ability to create and share playlists.
  • Apple Music is another popular music streaming service, with over 60 million subscribers. It offers a similar set of features to Spotify, as well as exclusive content from Apple's music catalog.
  • Amazon Music Unlimited is the music streaming service offered by Amazon. It offers a large library of songs, as well as the ability to listen to songs from Amazon's Prime Music library.
  • YouTube Music is a music streaming service that offers access to songs from YouTube. It also offers features such as offline playback and the ability to create and share playlists.
  • Tidal is a music streaming service that focuses on high-quality audio. It offers a variety of subscription plans, including one that offers lossless audio.
  • Deezer is a music streaming service that offers a variety of features, including ad-free listening, offline playback, and the ability to create and share playlists.
  • Pandora Premium is a music streaming service that offers ad-free listening and the ability to create and share playlists. It also offers a feature called Pandora Radio, which creates personalized radio stations based on your listening habits.
  • SoundCloud Go+ is a music streaming service that offers ad-free listening and the ability to download songs for offline playback. It also offers features such as the ability to create and share playlists, and the ability to follow other users.

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