Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Harman Kardon AVR 1650 5.1-Channel, 95-Watt Audio/Video Receiver with HDMI v.1.4a, 3-D, Deep Color and Audio Return Channel

Harman Kardon AVR 1650 5.1-Channel, 95-Watt Audio/Video Receiver with HDMI v.1.4a, 3-D, Deep Color and Audio Return Channel Review



Harman Kardon AVR 1650 5.1-Channel, 95-Watt Audio/Video Receiver with HDMI v.1.4a, 3-D, Deep Color and Audio Return Channel Feature

  • 95 watts X 5 with high-current and ultrawide bandwith capability for accurate, dynamic sound
  • Four HDMI v.1.4a inputs with 3-D and Deep Color
  • Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for the latest playback from hi-resolution sources like Bluray
  • Proprietary EzSet/EQ technology simplifies setup for the best possible sound
  • Optional Bridge IIIP iPod/iPhone dock plays music and videos from your favorite device
The Harman Kardon AVR 1650 is the perfect receiver for budget-conscious film lovers and audiophiles. It has an impressive list of features designed to take your home entertainment experience to the next level. With all the latest Dolby and DTS audio modes and HDMI v. 1.4a with 3-D and Deep Color, the AVR 1650 lets you experience the next dimension in TV viewing - while Logic 7 processing creates an exhilarating 5.1 - channel 360-degrees soundstage for your movies, TV shows and games. With its four HDMI inputs, extensive video and audio connectivity, and the ability to connect with the optional Bridge IIIP for iPod/iPhone playback, the AVR 1650 gives you all the flexibility you need to configure your ideal home theater system. And since it's a Harman Kardon you know 60 years of engineering some of the world's most renowned audio systems will make for an incredible listening experience right in your own home.


Monday, January 30, 2012

JBL On Stage Micro III Portable Loudspeaker for iPod and iPhone (Black)

JBL On Stage Micro III Portable Loudspeaker for iPod and iPhone (Black) Review



JBL On Stage Micro III Portable Loudspeaker for iPod and iPhone (Black) Feature

  • Dynamic JBL Weave design
  • Charges your iPod or iPhone
  • AC or battery operated (batteries not included)
  • Dual JBL Odyssey transducers with computer-optimized equalization
  • IR remote control navigates iPod menus from 15 ft (4.6m) away
Let your favorite music take center stage in style, anywhere you and your friends get together. Battery operated and weighing in at less than a pound (0.45kg), the JBL On Stage* Micro III can go virtually anywhere. And with two JBL Odyssey full-range transducers and a digital amplifier, there are few rooms (or outdoor spaces, for that matter) it can’t fill with realistic JBL sound. Use a USB cable to sync and charge your iPod or iPhone with iTunes while keeping it charged, and navigate your library with the JBL On Stage Micro III’s IR remote control.


Harman Kardon 730 Noise Isolating Earphones (Black)

Harman Kardon 730 Noise Isolating Earphones (Black) Review



Harman Kardon 730 Noise Isolating Earphones (Black) Feature

  • Inline bass boost and volume control.
  • Highly accurate music reproduction with greater sound output and enhanced bass.
  • Enjoy accurate audio at lower listening levels.
  • Noise isolation occurs naturally with earphones desgined to seal comfortably into ear canal.
  • Earphones deliver full-spectrum audio response from Ipod®, other MP3 and CD players, portable DVD players or any multimedia device with a stereo mini jack connection.
The Harman kardon EP 730 earphone gives you excellent sound, blocks ambient sounds, and has an inline volume control and bass boast.


Sunday, January 29, 2012

JBL GTO628 6.5-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker

JBL GTO628 6.5-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker Review



JBL GTO628 6.5-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker Feature

  • 6-1/2- Inch two-way loudspeaker
  • Plus One woofer cone with rubber surround
  • Adjustable one-inch mylar-titanium tweeter with level control
  • 180 Watts peak power handling; 2 ohm impedance
  • 2-1/16- Inch mounting depth
This speaker includes some of JBL's top tech. It has a cone with more surface area than that found on competing models of the same size. Its My-Ti (Mylar/titanium composite) tweeters offer increased power handling, reduced distortion and increased efficiency. Its Unipoint rotating tweeter pod allows the tweeter to rotate 350 degrees so it can be directed for optimal imaging. The speaker also includes a tweeter-level control for easy adjustment of tweeter output, even after installation. Finally, it incorporates the Intermount III proprietary mounting system, which facilitates easy installation into all four 6-inch-hole variations.


The GTO tweeter is both strong and light weight
while being adjustable

Why JBL Sound?

For more than 60 years, JBL products have been bringing home the impact and excitement of the world's best recording studios, movie theaters and concert venues. Now, JBL engineers are creating these world-class listening experiences in the car. Thanks to advanced technology developed in the professional arena, JBL mobile products simply sound better than the competition. High output, superb bass response, long life and smooth response are all things you can expect from any speaker that wears the JBL badge. So join enthusiasts who know audio, and don't settle for anything but JBL in your vehicle. Bring the sound of the show on the road.

Listen Loud
The last thing you want to worry about is the quality of your speakers. We understand. All new JBL mobile products have to go through nearly 500 hours of environmental testing. We put them under temperatures fluctuating between -35° C and +90° C with up to 90 percent air humidity for more than 200 hours. We expose speakers to UV light for more than 150 hours to simulate a mounting location on a car's rear deck. We even shake things up, as all of our new mobile audio products have to pass extensive vibration testing before we release them for production. We've made unparalleled efforts to ensure the best possible quality so that you can listen long and loud when you crank up a JBL speaker.

Edge-Driven, Mylar-Titanium Tweeter
The JBL GTO628 uses a 1-inch (25-millimeter) Mylar-titanium (My-Ti) tweeter with a large voice coil--much like a voice coil found in high-end home audio speakers. The benefit of the Mylar and titanium blend in making a tweeter is that it is lightweight and has remarkable strength. At the same time, its large voice coil increases power handling and reduces distortion at high output levels. This tweeter design also helps create more seamless integration with the woofer. The GTO628's tweeter is even adjustable, so you can modify it to optimize the sound. The result? True, high-end, audiophile-quality performance.


UniPivot Tweeter Pod
We all know that our ears are not down by our ankles. Unfortunately, most factory-installed speakers are usually down somewhere in the door, far from our ears. This placement can really affect the imaging of your music, making it sound unnatural. To ensure proper imaging, the GTO628's utilize a patented rotating tweeter. So even if the speaker is mounted down low, the soundstage can be brought up and optimized for the listening location.

Built-in Crossover Networks
Typical entry level mobile loudspeakers use low performance bass blockers to keep bass from going to the tweeter. Well, the JBL GTO628 is not your typical entry-level loudspeaker. By using a built-in crossover network with advanced high and low pass filters, the GTO628 creates a smooth transition between the woofer and tweeter. The result? Midrange vocals that sound so natural and lifelike you think you the artist were right in the car with you.


The Plus One woofer cone increases bass output and efficiency

Look for the True 4 ohm logo for the best real world performance


Intermount III makes installation into any factory location simple
Click to Enlarge

Bass that Booms

Plus One Cone
The JBL GTO628 uses a 6-1/2-inch (160-millimeter) woofer with the patent-pending JBL Plus One cone technology. Plus One technology gives the GTO628 more cone surface than competing models of the same size--up to 30 percent more in many cases. With a larger cone area, the GTO628 speakers provide higher efficiency and better bass response. Add a low-Q woofer design for higher bass output from the typical mounting location and 180-watt peak power handling, and the GTO628 will really get your car booming.

Powerful Performance

True 4-Ohm Topology
Low-impedance speaker voice coils extract more power from your amp for more powerful performance than high-impedance coils do. JBL GTO628 speakers use a lower-impedance voice coil than a typical 4-ohm speaker to extract the most power possible from all amplifiers engineered to drive loads of 4 ohms or less. And the GTO628's are compatible with both aftermarket head units and factory-installed systems. Since many factory-installed systems incorporate 2-ohm speakers and include amplifiers designed to drive 2-ohm loads, replacing those reduced-impedance speakers with a typical 4-ohm model will reduce the power output from the amplifier. For the most powerful performance, the GTO628's make the best use of any amplifier by providing an optimum 2-ohm load.

An Easy Install

Intermount III (Patent Number 6,505,705) Mounting System
Doing it yourself? Installing GTO628 speakers in nearly any factory-built location is a breeze. Designed as replacements for factory-installed OEM speakers, they easily install into nearly any factory-built 6-1/2-inch location without requiring any special tools or modifications. To make installation even easier, the GTO628s use JBL's patented Intermount III mounting system. Depending on the vehicle, the factory-built 6-1/2-inch location can actually vary in size from 6 inches all the way up to 6-3/4 inches, thanks to the GTO628's included installation rings. Even if you are upgrading an older set of aftermarket speakers, the GTO628 makes replacing them easy.

And with such easy installation, you'll be listening to your new JBL speakers in no time at all.



The JBL GTO628s deliver high output, superb bass response, long life and smooth response.

Highlights
  • Great JBL Sound Quality
  • UniPivot Tweeter Pod for smooth highs and great imaging
  • Plus One woofer cones for the high output and deep bass
  • True 4-Ohm design pulls the most power out of your system
  • Easy to install


What's in the Box
One pair of JBL GTO628 2-way loudspeakers, one set of installation hardware, one set of Intermount III rings

JBL 6-1/2" 2-Way Loudspeaker


JBL GTO8628 6-Inch x 8-Inch/5-Inch x 7-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker

JBL GTO8628 6-Inch x 8-Inch/5-Inch x 7-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker Review



JBL GTO8628 6-Inch x 8-Inch/5-Inch x 7-Inch 2-Way Loudspeaker Feature

  • 6" x 8" / 5" x 7" two-way loudspeaker
  • Plus One woofer cone with rubber surround
  • Adjustable one-inch mylar-titanium tweeter
  • 180 Watts peak power handling; 2 ohm impedance
  • 2-1/16-inch mounting depth
JBL 6" x 8"/5" x 7" 2-Way Loudspeaker


Saturday, January 28, 2012

Harman/Kardon DP1US Drive + Play iPod Control System

Harman/Kardon DP1US Drive + Play iPod Control System Review



Harman/Kardon DP1US Drive + Play iPod Control System Feature

  • The Drive + Play is one of the easiest ways to use and listen to an iPod in the car and no earphones are required.
  • Display Unit Features Separate 128 x 64 pixel LCD screen with backlighting Normal
The Drive + Play is one of the easiest ways to use and listen to an iPod in the car and no earphones are required. It lets you listen to your iPod over any car stereo with an FM radio or an auxiliary input. More importantly, it has a very large, very visible display that can be mounted conveniently on your dashboard, so you can see what's playing with just a glance.



The Drive + Play consists of three components:

(1) A backlit LCD screen, large enough to present five lines of iPod menu text, yet small enough to be mounted anywhere it can be easily viewed by the driver. The pivoting mount can be attached to the display in any of three positions and provides the user a full range of adjustability.

(2) A five-button navigation control unit with universal mounting options mimics the iPods user interface and can be mounted on the center console or other location
for easy access while driving. The controller features four buttons that control the play/pause, forward, backward and iPod menu functions; a rotating dial around the perimeter that can be used for forward and backward scrolling; and a center button for the enter command.

(3) The brain serves as an information processor and connecting port. The brain houses a wireless FM modulator with five factory-set frequencies and one definable by the user; a 3.5mm audio output jack that connects Drive + Play to any vehicle that has an auxiliary input; and an auxiliary input that allows the user to use Drive + Play to route other audio signals, including satellite radio, into the vehicles audio system.


Friday, January 27, 2012

Harman Kardon HTFS 3/E Floor Speaker Stands

Harman Kardon HTFS 3/E Floor Speaker Stands Review



Designed to position any HKTS satellite at an ideal height for seated listeners, these aluminum floor stands* feature a cable-management system to keep speaker wires out of sight. You're welcome.


Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver

Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Review



Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Feature

  • 50 watts per channel x 7 (into 8 ohms, 20 to 20 kHz, with less than 0.15 percent THD); high-bandwidth HDTV video switching
  • Decodes Dolby Digital 5.1 and EX 6.1 (with additional rear-surround channels), Dolby Pro Logic II (for 5.1-channel surround from 2-channel stereo)
  • Also offers 6.1-channel DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6; FM/AM tuner with station preset tuning
  • Versatile remote with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration offers built-in sound-pressure-level measuring
  • Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available
The 7.1-channel DPR 1001 digital path receiver features a full digital-signal path from input to output, combining high-power output, convenience, and leading-edge performance with a sleek, high-tech appearance. Winner of a CEA Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Award, the 7.1-channel DPR 1001 delivers 50 watts into each of its seven main channels. It's also compatible with all popular 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1-channel surround decoding formats, as well as with all high-resolution video and audio formats and display devices, thanks to its wide-bandwidth HDTV- and DTV-compatible component-video switching, multichannel analog-audio inputs, and detailed bass management.

The DPR 1001's versatile setup and configuration options include independent multiroom-multisource operation and a comprehensive array of rear-panel and front-panel digital and analog video and audio connections. The receiver comes with Harman Kardon's programmed LCD remote control with EzSet functionality, plus a Zone II remote for control of a second-room audio system. The receiver uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) digital amplifier technology--which keeps digital-audio signals in the digital domain from input to the last stage of output--to achieve significant advantages in performance and physical design.

Harman Kardon's Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available in any audio-video receiver or DVD player. This system lets you select from three bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimal frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players), making it easy to enjoy maximal sonic benefits from high-resolution formats. Advanced 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters ensure the highest possible resolution, fidelity, and dynamic range. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1 and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material. When the unit's connected to a computer or sound card with a compatible coaxial digital-audio output, you can play back MP3-encoded CDs or Internet-delivered streaming media.

The unit's audio-video connections includes composite video, S-Video, and wide-bandwidth component video switching, plus a wide-bandwidth component-video output, which passes the full bandwidth of HDTV signals. Digital and analog front-panel jacks accommodate program sources such as game consoles, VCRs, camcorders, digital still cameras, and portable audio-video products. Exclusive to Harman Kardon products, the front-panel coaxial digital audio and analog audio-video jacks may be switched to function as record outputs for easy connection to portable recording devices.


Thursday, January 26, 2012

Infinity Reference 6832cf 6 x 8/5 x 7-Inch, 180-Watt High Performance Two-Way Loudspeaker (Pair)

Infinity Reference 6832cf 6 x 8/5 x 7-Inch, 180-Watt High Performance Two-Way Loudspeaker (Pair) Review



Infinity Reference 6832cf 6 x 8/5 x 7-Inch, 180-Watt High Performance Two-Way Loudspeaker (Pair) Feature

  • Two-way loudspeaker with 180 Watts peak power handling to fit 6 x 8 and 5 x 7-inch applications
  • Plus One woofer cones and durable rubber surrounds for increased bass output and higher efficiency
  • Edge-driven textile dome tweeters for increased power handling and reduced distortion at high output levels
  • Tweeter level adjustment and swivel positioning for optimizing sound and stereo image
  • One-year warranty
Infinity's 6 x 8 / 5 x 7-inch 6832cf is a two-way loudspeaker with Plus One woofer cone and edge-driven textile dome tweeter, and offers an ideal--and simple--upgrade to your factory drivers. The 6832cf mounts in place of 6 x 8 or 5 x 7-inch speakers.

The Infinity Reference Series

Infinity's Reference Series has been engineered to deliver best-in-class performance for those looking to replace or upgrade their factory speakers. Features like Infinity's Plus One (patent pending) woofer cones and edge-driven-dome tweeters have helped position Infinity Reference as the number-one line of automotive loudspeakers for the past six years straight.



An ideal upgrade to your factory drivers. Mount in place of 6 x 8 or 5 x 7-inch speakers.

Infinity 6832cf Features

Plus One woofer cones
This patent pending technology deliver a cone with more surface area than competing models of the same size. The result is increased bass output and higher efficiency.

True Four Ohms
All Reference speakers feature two ohm voice coils. Original factory-installed speaker wiring in many cars is 18-22 gauge. This wire, and heating in the voice coil when power is applied, increase the impedance "seen" by the amplifier or head unit. The impedance of Reference Speakers has been adjusted to compensate for this increase and can be safely driven by any head unit.

Edge-driven textile dome tweeters
These are not commonly used w-domes, but fully-edge-driven domes like those found in better home audio speakers. The benefit is increased power handling and reduced distortion at high output levels. This technology also allows for better integration with the mid/woofer.

Unipivot
Infinity's Unipivot (patent no. 6,002,780) allows the tweeter to be pointed at the listener's location even when the speaker is mounted off axis. This optimizes the stereo image and ensures a more uniform response.

Tweeter level adjustment
The 6832cf also features a tweeter level adjustment located on the front of the speaker and can be set at the reference level of 0dB. If the speakers are located low in the doors or if you are looking for a brighter sound, set the tweeter at +3dB.

Rubber surrounds
This material provides optimum cone-edge suspension and absorbs distortions that may travel up the cone edge, adding stronger low-end.



Infinity 6832cf Specifications

Power Handling, RMS:60 Watts
Power Handling, Peak:180 Watts
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m):93dB
Frequency Response:49Hz - 21kHz
Impedance:2 Ohms
Mounting Depth:2-3/8 inches (60mm)



About Infinity

Infinity was founded in 1968 on a unique blend of technology, performance, and design. Today, Infinity offers three tiers of automotive speakers comparable to the best home-audio components. Infinity Kappa Perfect, Kappa, and Reference Series speakers deliver performance that rivals the best the competition has to offer.


What's in the Box

Infinity Reference 6832cf 6 x 8 / 5 x 7-Inch 180-Watt Two-Way Loudspeaker (pair), Installation Hardware, User Manual


Infinity Reference Series Multi-element Options

Multi-elements are clearly the easiest way to upgrade your system. They consist of an integrated tweeter and midrange/woofer. These speakers are designed to fit right into your factory locations with few, if any modifications. Infinity offers two extremely compelling lines of multi-element loudspeakers. Our Reference Series represents perhaps the best value of any premium brand in its price range, and our Kappa Series multi-elements are simply spectacular. These speakers have won numerous awards for their incredible audiophile-grade performance.

Infinity Reference 3032cf 3.5-Inch 75-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 4032cf 4-Inch 105-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 5032cf 5.25-Inch 135-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 6032cf 6.5-Inch 180-Watt Two-Way Loudspeaker
Infinity Reference 6432cf 4 x 6-Inch 120-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 6832cf 6 x 8/5 x 7-Inch 180-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 9632cf 6x9-Inch 300-Watt Two-Way LoudspeakerInfinity Reference 9633cf 6 x 9-Inch 300-Watt 3-Way Loudspeaker
Looking for a more moving audio experience? Take Infinity car audio for a ride. Innovative materials and breakthrough engineering have always put Infinity products out in front of the competition’s. So expect extreme output from these speakers, but be prepared for accuracy and detail that may surprise you. Infinity Reference Series loudspeakers continue to be the top-selling premium speakers in the world. For instance, the 6-1/2-inch Reference coaxial model has been the number-one-selling car audio multielement speaker for five years straight. With proprietary features such as patent-pending Plus One cones, true 4-ohm topology, UniPivot edge-driven tweeters and the industry-leading Intermount III and I-Mount mounting systems, as well as the Starfish tweeter-mounting adapter, Reference Series speakers leave the competition scrambling to keep up.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Toshiba Satellite A665-S6094 16-Inch Laptop (Fusion X2 Finish in Slate)

Toshiba Satellite A665-S6094 16-Inch Laptop (Fusion X2 Finish in Slate) Review



Toshiba Satellite A665-S6094 16-Inch Laptop (Fusion X2 Finish in Slate) Feature

  • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit),3.5 hours of battery life
  • Intel Core i7-740QM processor,640GB HDD (5400rpm),4GB DDR3 memory
  • DVD-SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive
  • HD TruBrite LED Backlit display
  • No Bluetooth (No Antenna)
  • 90W (19V x 4.74A) 100-240V AC Adapter
  • Li-Ion (48Wh 6-Cell)|Up to 3.5 hours
  • 3-USB (2.0) 1-eSATA/USB (2.0) combo port with Sleep and Charge
  • 10/100 Ethernet LAN
  • Intel Wireless LAN (802.11a/g/n)
  • Built-in microphone Headphone jack (stereo) Microphone jack (mono) harman/kardon stereo speakers
  • Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel
  • 2270MB total: 512MB GDDR3 discrete memory + up to 1758MB shared memory w/NVIDIA TurboCache technology
Create customized CDs and DVDs with high-quality labels using this laptop that features a double-layer DVD RW/CD-RW drive with Labelflash technology. Blazing-fast 4G WiMAX mobile broadband keeps you connected on the go (service contract required).Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded Which Windows 7 edition is best for you? Compare.Intel 4G WiMAX chipset built in for Internet access to go at next-generation mobile broadband speeds. Learn more about WiMAX. Wireless service plan required; sold separately. WiMAX service not available in all areas.Learn more about Intel processors. Information provided by Intel.


JBL CS6100BG High Performance, complete 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System with Brackets (Black Gloss)

JBL CS6100BG High Performance, complete 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System with Brackets (Black Gloss) Review



JBL CS6100BG High Performance, complete 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System with Brackets (Black Gloss) Feature

  • 10-inch subwoofer rated at 300-watts (peak)
  • Titanium-laminate dome tweeters for outstanding high frequency sound
  • Dual 3.5" midrange satellite drivers
  • Video shielded
  • Wall brackets included for satellites and center channel
Got your widescreen HDTV for your living room? That's only part of the experience. HDTV sound goes beyond 2-channel stereo, dividing sound into 5 channels. Get yourself a 5.1 channel surround receiver and add these speakers and you've got home theater to enjoy and love! JBL's CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package is a high-performance home-theater speaker system that beautifully complements your living room. The four satellites, matching horizontal center, and 300-watt (peak) subwoofer deliver unbelievable sound. The satellites and center channel feature JBL's advanced titanium-laminate dome tweeters and dual 3-1/2" drivers for unsurpassed power and realism. The voice-matched center channel speaker uses components that are identical to those used in the satellites for seamless pans. The black, high-gloss finish brings a touch of attractive contemporary design to your home and complements any flat-panel television. Wall brackets are included for the satellites and center channel.


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black)

Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black) Review



Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black) Feature

  • 80 w/ch, 8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD, FTC
  • Discrete Amplifier Design
  • Direct Digital Connection of iPod /iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port
  • Network Capability
  • Mass Storage Class USB Memory Playback Capability
Onkyo's Hi-Fi revolution gathers pace with the TX-8050. This finely sculpted stereo receiver delivers two channels of audio precision to entertainment spaces where you don't need advanced video processing or multichannel audio. Analog A/V inputs on the TX-8050 are augmented by digital optical and coaxial audio inputs, a Universal Port for Onkyo peripherals, and a front-side USB input for direct digital connection of iPod /iPhone . The receiver's network capability, meanwhile, lets you stream internet radio or play audio from a PC or network audio storage device. Behind the smart aluminum façade lies a massive transformer and large capacitors that provide clean amplification power and help push performance well beyond the norm.