Harmony Newsletter vol. 186

Music review

ECM Records

ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music) is an independent record label founded by Manfred Eicher in Munich in 1969.

Known primarily as a jazz label, they have actually released quite a few contemporary classical albums, including ones from composers John Cage, John Adams, Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt.

That said, the label has recorded and released many seminal jazz recordings by artists like Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, John Abercrombie and Keith Jarret.

One common thread that runs through each and every ECM record is the amazing sound quality. Aside from recording great performances, ECM has always been obsessed with giving music listeners the very best recordings. In fact, ECM's motto is "the Most Beautiful Sound Next to Silence”.

Recently, online music streaming service Spotify announced a deal with ECM to allow streaming of their catalog.

For those customers with Spotify accounts, just click here to sample a huge collection of their recordings. Enjoy!

Tips & techniques
TV Sharpness

It would seem that the sharpness control would benefit the picture when you turn it up. Surprisingly, it actually has the opposite effect. It makes the picture worse!

Let’s explain…

The sharpness control can accentuate the high frequencies of the video signal, where all the detail is (think of a treble control on your stereo).

When you turn up the sharpness, you boost the high frequencies, but also any noise that may be a part of the signal. Again, think of the treble control on your hi-fi, when you crank it up, it raises all the highs, including unwanted aspects, like hiss or background noise.

It’s the same thing with the sharpness control on your TV set. When you crank it up, it enhances any noise within the picture. Even Blu-ray discs use video compression, so there will always be some artifacts in the picture. Turning up the sharpness will actually reveal more noise in the picture and give it a fuzzy or edgy quality.

Most sets have the sharpness set at 50-100% out of the box. We’ve found that the smoothest picture is when the sharpness control is set to 10% or less. So, give it a shot and see for yourself. It may take a day or two to get adjusted to the set, but soon you’ll realize it actually does look better - and clearer!

Feedback

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Special Offer
Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 & Sonos AMP

Spring is finally here, and that means great weather to enjoy! What could be better than adding terrific music to your next barbecue party?

The B&W AM-1 (Architectural Monitor) offers a unique combination of high-quality sound and supreme flexibility. Articulate, exciting and powerful, AM-1 avoids the compromises commonly associated with all-weather speakers and delivers all the performance expected of a Bowers & Wilkins monitor.

A two-way design, the AM-1 features an inverted drive unit configuration, with a 25mm aluminum-dome tweeter mounted below rather than above the 5-inch glass-fiber bass/midrange driver. This ensures optimal dispersion of sound when the speaker is mounted high on the wall. Used instead of a conventional bass reflex port, the rear-mounted auxiliary bass radiator (ABR) endows the AM-1 with exceptional bass response for a cabinet of its size. Unlike a port, it also provides AM-1’s cabinet with a continual seal against the elements.

The AM-1 combines a rust-proof aluminum grill with a rigid cabinet composed of glass-filled plastics, ensuring class-leading resistance to the extremes of dust, moisture and UV exposure. Now in stock at Harmony, the B&W AM-1 sells for only $600.

For added convenience, we highly recommend coupling the AM-1 with a Sonos AMP ($599). The AMP is a powered version of the Connect wireless music player. Featuring 55 watts of output, the AMP is easily controlled by the free Sonos app, which gives you dozens of music listening options.

As a benefit to our readers, if you mention this newsletter you’ll get $100 off if you purchase a pair of AM-1s and a Sonos AMP together! Normally $1199, they’re yours for just $1099! Hurry, the offer ends on May 31, 2019!

Clearance item

Yamaha YAS-706

From the originator of the soundbar, Yamaha’s YAS-706 sets the bar higher than ever before in quality and value.

The YAS-706 system is comprised of a 38-inch traditional soundbar coupled with a wireless powered subwoofer in a 12-inch cube.

The YAS-706 features separate amps for treble, midrange and bass drivers. These dedicated amps reduce interference, allowing the sound bar to produce exceptionally clear sound.

Equipped with both Bluetooth and Apple’s AirPlay, the YAS-706 makes it easier than ever to play the music of your choice, regardless of the source or app.

Napster, Spotify, Pandora and SiriusXM are all built-in for added convenience. And if those aren’t enough choices for music, vTuner allows you to find and play thousands of radio stations on the Internet.

The two independent HDMI inputs feature 4K pass-through, as well as 3D pass-through, so you can enjoy your video collection without degradation.

Normally selling for $998, Harmony is offering our floor model for just $499!!

Special Offer Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 & Sonos AMP

Special Offer
Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 & Sonos AMP