Author Archives: Jim Lee

Just the Flax

Focal - Flax Speakers

Yesterday we received the latest generation of “affordable” FOCAL speakers called the Aria 900. Focal is a French company who always pushes the envelope to find even better ways of making their speakers. France just happens to be Europe’s main supplier of flax. Flax is used to make top-quality linen fabric which is prized by the clothing industry worldwide. For the last ten years, Focal has been working to develop high-quality drive units to fit between their Polyglass drivers and the expensive ‘W’ sandwich cones used in their high-end utopia speakers. Flax has provided the solution Focal has long been seeking, giving low mass, rigidity and self-damping properties.

Here is a little video filmed at october’s CEDIA show explaining why flax is such a perfect material for this purpose:

They are also using a redesigned tweeter in this series which is supposed to maintain an even more linear response than their previous models.

The cabinets are truly beautiful with hand rubbed lacquer or wood finishes. And the leather wrapped baffle plate is a nice touch. The new magnetic grill, which covers all the speaker components, gives it a very subtle and sleek appearance. As Adam and I were un-crating a pair in our showroom one of our favorite customers remarked that these will definitely be her next speakers.

So how do they sound? We are in the process of breaking them in and we plan to put them through their paces this weekend. Anyone interested in a new pair of speakers are welcome to join us.

Testimonial Letter – Scott Stewart DDS

We recently finished installing a sound system for Dr. Scott Stewart DDS here in Silverdale. He was kind enough to write us a thank you note that I thought we would share.

His office is beautiful including art work from Lisa Stirrett and a view to die for. Thanks Dr. Scott, we very much appreciate your business.

Stewart Testimonial 1

Stewart Testimonial 2

Installation Project – Whole House Audio-Video System

Truck Backing In

Today Adam put the finishing touches on an extensive remodel project both he and Matthew have been working on for the past few months. A very good client of ours had recently purchased a new home and asked us to design and install a low profile whole-house audio-video system that was simple to use and would perform at levels well beyond typical background house music systems.

We ended up installing over 40 Focal in-wall and in-ceiling speakers along with JL Audio’s in-wall subwoofers, 5 flat screen televisions, and a beautiful Sony projection, Focal, JL audio and Integra home theater system. The entire entertainment system can be easily controlled with several URC touch screens located throughout the home.

With the permission of our client, we wanted to share a few photos of this project.

Adam calibrating the living room TV.

URC In-wall touch screen

One of several URC In-wall touch screens programmed to allow audio or video to be distributed to any desired room in the home.

Sooloos Control Screen

Sooloos Control Screen located in the kitchen to allow quick access to thousands of full resolution albums.

Incognito Niles Rock speakers

View of the grounds from the upper deck. Incognito Niles Rock speakers provide background music mixed with the calming sound of the waterfall.

Elegant Chandelier

We had absolutely nothing to do with this chandelier but had to take a picture anyway.

Component cabinet

This cabinet houses all the whole house music and control components. It was modified to allow for great ventilation as some of those babies can get toasty.

Screen Innovations black diamond screen

For the home theater system we chose Screen Innovations black diamond screen as it can be used day or night no matter the light conditions.

Screen Innovations black diamond screen.

Another angle of the Screen Innovations black diamond screen.

Sony Projector, in-wall Focal in wall surround speakers

The new Sony Projector shown with the in-wall Focal in wall surround speakers.
The magnetic removable grills are off to the painters to have them match the wall color.

Living Room - Dining Room

We would like to thank our lovely client and friend for allowing us to participate in helping make this home amazing. Too much fun!

New JL Audio Subwoofer – the e112

JL Audio e112

Today the long awaited JL Audio e112 arrived and we just fired it up in one of our display rooms. We are proud to be the first dealer in the country to be able to audition this beautiful new component. Tomorrow, JL Audio plans to debut this at CEDIA. JL Audio’s goal for this design was to incorporate much of the technology found in their famous Gotham and Fathom series products and bring to market a more affordable device that will kick butt on anything even close to this range.

We invite you to stop in a feel it for yourself. We are sure this will be one of the best selling subwoofers in the history of high end audio.

Connie Takes A Vacation

For the next two weeks our beloved Office Manager, Connie, is on a well deserved vacation. If you are in the mood to buy a new system or upgrade your existing one, you could not possibly choose a better time. You see when she is here she tries very hard to keep us in line as far as pricing goes.