The Sonos AMP is a great piece for multi-room audio! Read below.

We've had a lot of calls lately from clients with 10-20 year old whole-house audio systems that are looking for an upgrade to something more modern. Sonos has a solution that works great for 98% of these applications. Want a multi-room speaker system that is easy to use? See below from a previous article and Sonos Amp review.

Custom cabinet build for electronics, turntable and record collection

Salamander Designs audio video credenza

Pro-Ject S-Shape turntable sounds awesome and looks like art!

Martin Logan ESL-C center channel speaker on custom cut shelf

Big, bad speakers sound amazing...Martin Logan Motion 60XTi tower speaker pair

Today’s Project of the Day is one of the jobs that we love that consisted of good audio, custom cabinets, proper design and higher-end audio video components.

Marantz SR8015 AVR - This is an awesome heart of your new surround sound system

Covid led to many nightmares but one in particular had to do with supply chain and electronics. As an organization, we took a closer look at Marantz as they make quality components AND they did a great job actually spitting out receivers (where some other companies failed miserably. Yamaha…I’m looking at you). After playing with a bunch of them and installing many units, we’ve been very pleased with the performance and feature set. Marantz has always been known for high-end audio but we are a company that believes what we see and test…not what is advertised. After doing this, we are now proud Marantz dealers and have added them to our line-up! Hooray!

We are ecstatic as one of our long-term employees just came back to our team! This individual happens to have a very similar ear for audio as I do. As a result, I was interested to hear what he had to say about our Martin Logan Motion60XTi tower speakers as we added them to our line-up before he took off. In our earlier review, we touted them as one of the best speakers we had heard under $5K/pair and we highly recommended them. See below for some info.

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/283-best-tv-surround-sound-and-wifi-of-2020-best-tv-best-audio-video-receiver-and-more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B--DN9kqJcs&t=5s

Here's what our guy Danny had to say once he gave them a test drive:

"I am going to say right off the bat how impressed I am with these speakers. Their musicality and precision is incredible.  These speakers have me wanting to use words such as - delightful, magical, transcendental, whimsical.  I could go on and on.  They literally left me feeling giddy and excited and entranced, as if taken on an immersive hands-on journey that left a huge smile on my face that only a child in the world’s biggest toy store could understand.  These ML Motion 60 XTis are the real deal!

There is amazing separation and clarity in all three ranges (highs, mids and lows/bass) which allowed me to easily and distinctly pick up on each and every sound and instrument being played.  The incredible precision and speed and clarity of the tweeters are mind blowing.  The mid-range is nicely present and punchy without sounding muddled or messy. They produce a fantastic full range soundstage and image in your mind, literally taking you inside the recording. This allows you to actually feel and “see” the instruments being played on the various spots on the stage. 

I used a couple demo albums that are well recorded and mastered. While listening to Hotel California on the “Hell Freezes Over” CD from the Eagles, it seemed I could actually see and hear each grain of rice in the rice shaker as Don Henley shakes it to the beat while belting out his notes.  I fully came to appreciate the first track on Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” album (I just wasn’t a fan before).  That static rip that plays on a loop in the song actually has impressive depth and character to it. These are things that I wasn’t able to hear before on other speakers but that come to life on these Motion 60XTi speakers.  The vocals sound clear and present, residing right behind the instrumentation of the music – not too forward, but not lost in the back either.  WONDERFUL – AMAZING!

After my preliminary testing, I can confidently and whole-heartedly say that these Martin Logans are now my favorite speakers by far that we carry.  And to tell you the truth, they are a STEAL at their list price of $3750/pr.  For anyone who loves music and movies and loves actually getting lost in the experience, these are the floor-standing speakers for you! You will not be disappointed!"

It was nice to have my listening observations confirmed. Moral of the story: Martin Logan really just rocks.

Want Martin Logan speakers in Southern California or San Diego? Give us a call and we'd be glad to get you rocking as well! 

Why do we love Martin Logan speakers? Because they sound GREAT...that's why! See our latest "Product Spotlight" video on the Martin Logan Motion 60XTi tower speakers and get an idea why we rated them as our "Best of 2020" earlier this year.

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/283-best-tv-surround-sound-and-wifi-of-2020-best-tv-best-audio-video-receiver-and-more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B--DN9kqJcs&t=5s

Need help with 2 channel stereo, high-end home theater or other audio components? Let San Diego audio experts Aire Theater Designs guide the way!

2020…well, that was horrible. Although there were about 432 things wrong with last year, there were some great elements, particularly with audio/video products. We’re listing below our own personal “Best of 2020” list for televisions, surround sound receivers, home speakers, WiFi products, universal remote controls and more.

Best TV for 2020: Sony A9G OLED TV. This TV is the best set that we’ve ever seen at the consumer level. You may have read our prior articles about OLED technology and why it is awesome (SEE LINK HERE).

Sony has taken this OLED technology and overlaid it with their world-class color and motion processing. The end result…a picture that in our opinion, is unparalleled. P.S. You can buy Sony’s A8H OLED set for a lot less $$$ and get most of the features and performance of the A9.

Best surround sound receiver for 2020: Marantz SR8015 surround sound receiver. In the past, you would normally choose a separate pre-amp and amplifier combo when you want HIGH-PERFORMANCE out of your audio and video system. With Marantz’s new receiver option, there may be no need for this added expense. This 11.2 channel X 140 watt having, Dolby Atmos providing, 8K processing, multi-room sending, toroidal transformer possessing, 38.4 pound weighing BEAST is unbelievable. Sonos vs. Heos? It’s got Heos built-in which saves you $$$ over buying a separate music streamer. The best surround sound receiver we’ve installed.

Best tower speaker for 2020: Martin Logan XTi60. We love when we get a new product and are blown away…especially when they are speakers. Home audio speakers and audio in general have an emotional component that you don’t get out of wireless routers, TVs, etc. These speakers sound SOOOOOOOO good! This 66 pound monolith features 2 X 8” drivers, 1 X 6.5” mid-range speaker and Martin Logan’s reference 2.4” Folded Motion tweeter. More importantly, they provide a presence and presentation of music that made one of our in-house listeners simultaneously want to cry and then fight, depending on the content being played. That emotional response is what great audio and speakers can provide. We like these so much we got a pair for our San Diego showroom.

Best WiFi for 2020: Eero Pro 6. With WiFi, we have a couple features that we see as very important. 1^st, it’s just got to work. We’ve worked with other WiFi companies (we’ll omit the names so we don’t get sued) where every other job is a nightmare of slow speeds, devices not working and that have no concrete resolution from the manufacturer’s tech team. Eero just works with no nonsense. We’ve got hundreds of Eero and Eero Pro 6 mesh WiFi extenders in the field that attest to this. 2^nd, Eero gives us a way to “see” your WiFi network remotely so we can tell you if it is up or down, if your connected device is misbehaving, if an Eero mesh extender is unpluggged, etc. This is VERY important for us to be able to service our clients in a quick and efficient manner. See link HERE. Want better WiFi San Diego? Eero Pro 6 is the answer!

Best universal remote for 2020: URC universal remote. In this category, we are picking a universal remote company instead of a specific product. URC is the best universal remote company for 2020 in our opinion because: 1) Things just work. We get calls frequently from people that have universal remotes from other companies and they HATE them because their systems aren’t intuitive and their home automation products get out of sync constantly. This doesn’t happen with URC. 2) Multiple solutions: URC has universal remotes that can “talk” to your WiFi network and ones that don’t. Want a universal remote for your 93 year old grandparent to watch TV? You DON’T want something that relies on the Internet. When the Internet or WiFi is down, Grandpa can’t watch TV. URC has remotes for Grandpa and for someone that wants an Elon Musk-level of technology.

Want the best home technology in 2020? We sell all of these products. Come to Aire Theater Designs for the best TV, stereo and WiFi that you can buy. P.S. Stay tuned for our "Best Outdoor TV of 2020" and "Best Outdoor Speaker of 2020" blog...coming soon!

Yamaha AVENTAGE receiver acts as the heart of your whole-house entertainment and surround sound system

It's probably been a while since you've bought a new audio/video receiver or maybe I'm being assumptive and this is your first foray into surround sound. No worries...we'd be happy to help. Your audio/video receiver is the heart of your surround sound and whole-house entertainment system. Making the right choice here assures sonic excellence and also provides you the flexibility to hook up future components. However, dealing with the big-box stores or attempting to figure out what to buy on the Internet can be painful (aside from this article, of course). Here's a quick guide to picking the right audio/video receiver. This goes over some of the new 2019 Yamaha models.

What is it: Your receiver acts as the hub of your audio/video system. All of your components like cable boxes, video games, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, etc. hook into the receiver and it provides the sound for your speakers. Pick your receiver based on:

1) How many devices you will be hooking up to it?

2) Will you be connecting other areas/rooms of speakers?

3) How important is it to get the best surround sound experience you can?

Brand to Buy: Yamaha. Why? In a nutshell, they rarely break, provide great sound and have plenty of inputs. You can Google different brands, models, histories and other facets but we've already done that. We've also performed thousands of installations and sold receivers for over 20 years. We know what is the best TODAY. NOTE: If this ever changes, we'll let you know and we'll change our mind. However, for the time being, Yamaha is our choice for the best receiver at the price point.

GOOD: Yamaha RXV385. 4 HDMI inputs, 70 watts X 5 channels @ $279.99. Buy this if you are on a budget, will be hooking up four components or less and aren't hooking up speakers in any other areas of the house. NOTE: Plan on how many components you will be hooking up not just now, but in the future as well. 4K compatible.

BETTER: Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA780. 5 HDMI inputs, 90 watts X 7 channels, video upconversion, multi-source/multi-zone, Dolby Atmos @ $649.99. This is part of Yamaha’s AVENTAGE step-up line. Buy this if you will be hooking up 5 components or less or if you will be hooking up speakers in other areas (ex: Outside, other bedrooms, etc.). This is also a good choice if you have older components as it plays nicely with legacy video formats (Wii game systems, VCRs and certain cameras come to mind). 4K compatible.

BEST: Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA3080. 7 HDMI inputs, 150 watts X 9 channels (11 channel processing), improved audio processing, Dolby Atmos @ $1999.99. Buy this if you are hooking up 7 components or less and if you want the BEST in today's surround sound formats and processing. Our earlier article about Dolby Atmos goes into depth about the latest surround sound mode. This receiver also sounds noticeably better than step-down models due to its particular high-end construction. Got a man cave that has multiple TVs? This receiver can provide picture and sound to all of them.

http://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/125-atmos-in-san-diego

Now you're dangerous...you've got some good information. Stop by or call one of our product experts and let us simplify your decision to purchase a surround sound receiver. Aire Theater Designs, San Diego Yamaha AVENTAGE and surround sound installers.

P.S. For you DIY surround sound people, when you purchase a Yamaha AVENTAGE receiver through us, you receive a guide that shows EXACTLY how to hook it up (which the manual doesn't) as well as lifetime phone/e-mail tech support!

Yamaha receiver experts are here! We've been selling Yamaha audio for over 20 years! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Martin Logan Motion 60XT tower speakers and Motion 50XT center channel

It has been scientifically proven that when Martin Logan takes 15% off the price of their Motion series speaker line, your life gets 15% better. This summer, Martin Logan and Aire Theater Designs want to enhance your quality of life by 15%. Until August 3rd, save 15% on:

MOTION 2I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 4I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 6I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 8I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 15 bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 40 tower speaker pair

MOTION 30 center channel speaker

MOTION 50XT speaker pair

MOTION 60XT speaker pair

MOTION FX speaker pair

These models REALLY sound incredible. Some people think that they are the best speakers you can buy for the price. You know that speakers sound great when the guy that owns the speaker store (me) has the same line in his home. Want to hear music and movies in a new and better way? Step up to Martin Logan for your 2 channel audio and surround sound AND save some bucks!

P.S. LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube page HERE for Martin Logan reviews, tips and tricks.

San Diego Martin Logan experts are here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves and displays Martin Logan to all of San Diego County, CA including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Alta Del Mar, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Blossom Valley, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon...we're here too.

Bose vs Definitive Technology - What provides the best sound for the dollar?

Disclaimer: The information below is our professional opinion only.

I’m almost willing to bet that if you walk up to 100 random people and ask them if they have ever heard of the company Bose, at least 95 of them would say yes. Bose invented the “small speaker” category, they have a great product and they are extremely good at advertising and providing customer support. We used to be the certified installers for Bose for all of Southern California so we are very familiar with their product line-up. However, times have changed and there are small speaker offerings that we feel are a better option for the buck. One brand is an award-winning speaker company called Definitive Technology or as many people call them, "Def Tech".  Let’s dive in, shall we?

Bose Acoustimass 6 System:

                                - (1) 2.5” Twiddler full-range speaker per speaker

                                - (1) 5.25” powered woofer (subwoofer)         8”Wx13”Hx22”D

Bose Acoustimass 10 System:

                                - (2) 2.5’ Twiddler full-range speakers per speaker

                                - (2) 5.25” powered woofers in the subwoofer enclosure             8”Wx16”Hx25”D

Now let’s look at a few items from Definitive Technology (also called Def Tech) in comparison:

ProMonitor 800:

                                - (1) 4.5” driver, (1) 1” aluminum tweeter, (1) 4.5” passive radiator

ProMonitor 1000:

                                - (1) 5.25” driver, (1) 1” aluminum tweeter, (1) 5.25” passive radiator

SuperCube 2000 Subwoofer:

                                - (1) 7.5” powered woofer, (2) 7.5”ultra-low bass radiators        approx. 10” cube dimension

SuperCube 8000 Subwoofer:

                                - (1) 11” powered woofer, (2) 12” ultra-low bass radiators         approx. 16” cube dimension

The Def Tech speakers are going to sound far more full and detailed than the Bose speakers for a few reasons.  The ProMonitors have markedly more driver surface area which directly helps achieve more full mid/low range frequencies and they have the separate metal tweeters which give the speaker great clear detailed high frequencies. With the passive radiators (which supply more bass) added, these speakers throw out nice full-range sound that fills the room nicely. Once you have decided which ProMonitor you like, you then get to pair them with one of Def Techs excellent subwoofers (which are MUCH smaller in size then the Bose units).  All the subwoofers in the Definitive Technology SuperCube line deliver clean, precise, LOW frequencies that you can’t get with a 5.25” driver like the Bose subwoofers possess. Another great thing about Def Tech is that you can piece these systems together as you see fit. For example, you can use the larger ProMonitor 1000 speakers with the smaller SuperCube 2000 Subwoofer.  However, if you like the smaller ProMonitor 800 speakers but want teeth-rattling bass you can add the larger SuperCube 8000 subwoofer (or either 4000/6000).  This allows you to make your own stereo “kit” to match your budget and desired quality level. When it comes to Def Tech vs Bose, we have to say that we feel that Definitive Technology scores a knockout!

Love Bose and need new speakers? Give us a call and let us show you how you can get more tunes for your bucks with Definitive Technology and some calibration from the best local speaker store, Aire Theater Designs. P.S. LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube page HERE that details speaker reviews and other good stuff about today's audio technology.

Looking for Def Tech So Cal? We've been selling the line in San Diego and the surrounding areas for over 20 years!

Martin Logan Motion 60XT tower speakers and Motion 50XT center channel

It has been scientifically proven that when Martin Logan takes 15% off the price of their Motion series speaker line, your life gets 15% better. For this reason, Martin Logan and Aire Theater Designs want to enhance your quality of life by 15%. Until September 1st, save 15% on:

MOTION 2I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 4I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 6I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 8I bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 15 bookshelf speaker pair

MOTION 40 tower speaker pair

MOTION 30 center channel speaker

MOTION 50XT speaker pair

MOTION 60XT speaker pair

MOTION FX speaker pair

This line REALLY sounds incredible. You know that speakers sound great when the guy that owns the speaker store (me) has the same line in his home. Want to hear music and movies in a new and better way? Step up to Martin Logan for your 2 channel audio and surround sound AND save some bucks!

San Diego Martin Logan specialists are here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves and displays Martin Logan to all of San Diego County, CA including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Alta Del Mar, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Blossom Valley, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon...we're here too.