Audio Video News

Soundbars are in. No, not the kinda bar you regret through your hungover haze the next morning. Slim, single speaker cabinet that blends in seamlessly with your TV-type of soundbar is what we're talking about. The new SLIMstage40 is an amplified speaker system, complete with built-in processing for Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround. Cool.

The SLIMstage40 has 170 watts supplied by eight separate amplifiers, and unique processing to produce a reasonable surround-sound image without relying on reflective sound.

Keep reading for more details.

The SLIMstage40 uses four main speakers, but more impressive is how they handle the LFE information. Nine bass drivers, three of which are down-firing Extreme-Energy subs, with six mass radiators claim a frequency response down to 45Hz.

Marketing VP Lee Adams said, "Most single-cabinet surround systems typically require reflective walls to optimize a sonic image, but with SLIMstage, we've effectively removed this barrier by incorporating patented surround and speaker technologies that don't rely on walls or subwoofers to produce a pinpoint surround-sound image. And our patented technologies have allowed us to develop a super-slim cabinet, which unlike others has bass, and nearly disappears on furniture or under a flat-panel TV."

Surround processing was developed with DiMAGIC, Inc to provide virtual surround, and also surround from stereo sources.

There are two optical and one coaxial digital inputs, three analog inputs, and a virtual surround headphone jack. It comes with a remote control, RS-232 port, and wall bracket.  It's available for $899, or $1199 with a bundled subwoofer.

Disappearing under most flat-panel TV's, the SLIMstage40 might be your minimalist solution. -Leslie Shapiro

soundmatters