They’re Back!! The NHT SuperZero 2.0 is essentially the same speaker with improvements in the crossover design and cabinet. Touted as a true high-end mini monitor speaker the SuperZero 2.0 definitely lives up to that claim and delivers stunning high frequency and mid-bass performance. For the best full-range performance I would recommend adding the Super 8 powered subwoofer to supplement the low frequency response.

The SuperZero 2.0 speakers can be used for a small 5.1 system, or add 2 more as rear and effects channels for a 7.1 system, or match them up with a small amplifier and use them for your computer speakers. You can even pair them with the Fatman tube IPod docks for a great IPod sound system.

Patrick G

Patrick is our most experienced sales person, and has worked at OneCall longer than any other sales associate. He is a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the electronics business and is a great go to guy for those tough questions that come up on a daily basis. Patrick was born and raised in Washington State, growing up in the Bellingham area before relocating to Spokane where he has lived for well over 12 years….he is a true Washington State native. When he’s not selling Electronics and helping our customers at OneCall, Patrick enjoys working in his garden, cooking and playing video games on his Sharp TV. If he could have any electronics product available, at the moment, he would go with the 65” Panasonic 3D Plasma TV and if he could go anywhere in the world on an ultimate vacation he would go to Australia.

The unboxing
Polk does a great job of packaging the unit and the instructions are on a single page with clear step-by-step setup instructions on the quick start guide. In the box you’ll find the SurroundBar 3000 speaker bar, Subwoofer, a power cord for the subwoofer as well as a 20v power supply for the SurroundBar 3000. Polk also includes a 6 foot optical digital cable for connecting to your HDTV and a guide for programming the included remote control.

Installation
It is very easy to get going with simple installation and easy to follow instructions. Start by connecting your SurroundBar 3000 to the digital audio output from your TV with the supplied optical cable. The wireless connection between the SurroundBar 3000 and subwoofer further simplifies the installation process and you can place the subwoofer virtually anywhere in the room. Once you’ve decided where you want the subwoofer and connected the SurroundBar 3000 and subwoofer power cords to an A/C outlet you’re done. The included remote control is handy for adjusting the volume and the level of the subwoofer to match whatever you are watching or turn it down while the baby is sleeping. The remote functions can also be programmed into a universal remote control for added convenience.

The sound test
The first thing I tried was Madden11 on XBOX360 and as soon as I turned the XBOX on, I could tell I was going to be impressed. The opening XBOX logo sound did give me a feeling that there were speakers behind me and a nice bass note from the subwoofer. Sound quality for the game was incredible although some minor audio adjustments in the game menu were necessary to balance out the sound of the announcers, cheering crowd and sound effects. From there I moved on to one of my favorite movie scenes of all time which is in Matrix, when Neo and Trinity hijack the helicopter to save Morphius. So, I skipped forward to that scene and Neo was operating the minigun from the chopper. The bullets casings were falling from the copter and you could hear each little casing falling with detail from the SurroundBar 3000, while the blades of the helicopter cutting though the air above could be heard from the subwoofer. I was so enveloped by the sound that I ended up watching the movie the rest of the movie.

To sum it up the sound quality is incredible and the SurroundBar 3000 does a great job delivering a 5.1 channel experience and the illusion of having speakers behind you. If your TV does not have an optical output then you will need to use the red/white audio out on the TV with a mini adaptor to the SurroundBar 3000. I also tested it mounted on the wall with the two keyhole mounts on the back of the bar. It looked great but definitely sounded better on the shelf with something solid below it.

Chad G

How long have you been working with OneCall? 5 yrs What do you think has been the greatest consumer electronic advancement that has come in your lifetime? Wireless internet What is your favorite thing about working at OneCall? Learning about new technologies.

	Boston Acoustics VR3 loudspeakers Boston Acoustics created a special pair of speakers when it designed the VR3 Floorstanding speakers Dual 7-inch woofers provide deep and rich bass in this classic 3-way tower.  They are rounded out by a 4- and ½-inch mid-range driver with a 1-inch VR tweeter.  The sound the speaker reproduces is a warm mix of, what I like to call, mellow.  The highs are not overly sharp, being a metal dome tweeter, and the lows are not muddy.  I would consider this an excellent anchor point to a surround sound system or perfect for a two channel set up as well.
	Definitive Technology BP7006 TheBP7006 bi-polar speaker features a built-in 8-inch 300-watt amplifiedsubwoofer for pulse pounding bass. It is equipped with dual 4 ½-inch woofer and dual 1-inch tweeters.  With an impressive frequency response of 17 hz to 30 Khz, you will be hard pressed to find audio thisDefinitive Technology speaker can’t reproduce.
	Polk Audio RTi 8 The soft silk dome tweeter in thePolk Audio RTi 8 speaker provides amazing clear and sweet highs.  Dual 6 ½-inch woofers along with Polk’s patented power port allow this speaker to get low with the best of them.  Polk’s power handling provides the ability to go with very large amplifiers.

Bargains like these allow you to add to your sound field, so whether you are looking to increase the performance of your surround system or enjoy you music with the detail and clarity you expect to hear. Enjoy and get your ear into the gear!

Lee R

Lee is one of our resident camera experts! Lee joined the retail division of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video in 1999 and transferred to the OneCall mail order division in 2006. While Lee is well versed in all the products we carry, he favors cameras and home theater. He uses a Marantz receiver and a Canon SLR. Lee loves to talk to customers, so give him a call!

live long and listen
– Domitor Sonos

Domitor Sonus

Defender of truth, Slayer of Misinformation, a champion in the arena of Home Theater. For I am Domitor Sonus.

What’s in the Box?

Take a look at the new LCR Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-50! Learn more

Rachel Plut

The occasion was a training and demonstration by Martin Logan, the speaker company. We had a training once before with Martin Logan, but there were no speakers available for the demonstration due to a late delivery. We knew the history of the company and the technical advantages of the electro-static design, but for those of us who work in the call center the proof is in the pudding. It is very difficult to communicate real knowledge and enthusiasm for a product based on theory and specifications. For this training Martin Logan wanted us to know what their speakers are capable of. The trainer hooked up a pair of Vantage speakers to the Musical Fidelity A5.5 Integrated Amplifier. The source was an Adcom CD player. To use a widely used quote that has multiple attributions, “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture. It’s stupid.” Writing about how music sounds through a system may be just as futile, but I will try.

We chose the Musical Fidelity A5.5 Integrated amplifier over the numerous home theater receivers on display at our retail store because it would provide the best power source. Form follows function. The integrated amplifier is designed for two channel stereo. The Martin Logan Vantage speakers like power. The sound was outstanding. The bass was handled by eight inch woofers that have their own 200 watt power supply. Otherwise, there is no voice coil or enclosure or crossover filters to influence the sound. There was a sonic transparency I have never heard before from a speaker. The highs soared and the midrange was precise and detailed. We turned the volume up to levels you would never use if you have neighbors. There was no distortion. No doubt the windows of the retail store were vibrating far more than the rigid panels of the Vantage speakers. Though the replication of a live performance is still the Holy Grail of high fidelity, this demonstration was the closest I have ever been to that goal.

Rob N

Get the complete details for the KEF PicoForte 1, or Call our experts at 1.866.919.4773.

Holley E

“I want a stereo system for an outdoor environment with lots of little speakers I can put along my fence line to mask the sound of cars driving by. I want a good quality system but I’m not rich. What do you suggest?”

To install a good quality system without sacrificing sound quality I recommend starting with two Outdoor speakers, a receiver and your audio/music source. Once you have the system setup if you decide more speakers are necessary you can add more speakers and a speaker distribution system that will handle more speakers as you deem necessary and your budget allows. I think you’ll find by investing in high quality speakers that deliver exceptional detail and sound clarity the sound will carry very well throughout the yard, and you may not need as many speakers as you might think.

If you’re setting up a complete system I recommend a Stereo Receiver or Power Amplifier to power the speakers and a music source which can be as easy as your iPod or MP3 player or even a DVD/CD player. I would suggest a receiver like the Onkyo TX-8555 that has great sound quality with 100 watts per channel of power output and has a compatible iPod dock for easy integration of you iPod.

When you look at the selection of Indoor/Outdoor speakers available from OneCall finding the best speaker for you can be a little daunting. First you need to decide between the application or placement of the speakers. Single Channel audio speakers are intended to be used in a stereo pair configuration, meaning one speaker for the left audio signal and one speaker for the right audio signal. For best sound performance these should to be placed within a 10-15 feet of each other for even stereo sound. If you place several pair of speakers around the edge or your yard you would end up with uneven stereo sound. With the brief description of your application I think the Stereo Input speakers will be the best choice. With Single Stereo speakers you’ll get Left and Right stereo sound from a single speaker. Placing multiple speakers along the fence line or around your yard will give you a more even and balanced audio sound and the cost is really about the same as buying two Single Channel speakers. Once you’ve decided which type of Outdoor or Environmental speaker will work best for your application then you can decide between the Environmental Rock Speakers or a more traditional speaker and which you would prefer to have in your yard.

Since your original comment was posted OneCall is now offering a line of portable weather resistant wireless speakers from Soundcast which may be an easy solution for you as well. Instead of having lots of speakers around the yard you could have one portable wireless speaker you could place closer to where you are.

Looking for advice or have a questions you’d like answered? Send your question to wordpressatOneCallBlogs.com or call our experts at 1.866.919.4773

Matt P

Home audio/video enthusiast and merchandising specialist at OneCall.com