One of the primary design goals for our StudioLAB Eclipse series loudspeakers was to approach the quality of sound achieved by our Reference series, at a reduced cost. The main reason for doing so was to give our customers a less expensive option for putting together a high end home theatre system. Reducing the enclosure thickness to 3/4″ from 1″ was one way we achieved this and offering them in a simulated black ash vinyl was another.

Any customer who has purchased or had a chance to listen has confirmed that we have been very successful in raising the musical bar for loudspeakers under $1000. We are pleased to announce that for the first time we are now offering our Eclipse series in a maple finish (other finishes to follow.)

Click the photo below to see the latest views of our Stouffville location.

The latest in Onkyo’s line of RI (Remote Interactive) Docks for the iPod links with your home entertainment system to get more out of your music, movies, TV shows, music videos, and video podcasts. The DS-A3 is equipped with component video output, to ensure greater quality and reliability for video playback. You also have the benefits found on earlier Docks: recharging capability; onscreen display for navigation and content selection; a dedicated remote control; and integrated operability through Onkyo’s RI system. Combining iPod versatility with Onkyo sound quality is a simple formula for pure enjoyment.

Scientists in Germany have published details of flutes dating back to the time that modern humans began colonising Europe, 35,000 years ago.

The flutes are the oldest musical instruments found to date. The researchers say in the Journal Nature that music was widespread in pre-historic times. Music, they suggest, may have been one of a suite of behaviours displayed by our own species which helped give them an edge over the Neanderthals. The team from Tubingen University have published details of three flutes found in the Hohle Fels cavern in southwest Germany.

The most well-preserved of the flutes is made from a vulture’s wing bone, measuring 20cm long with five finger holes and two “V”-shaped notches on one end of the instrument into which the researchers assume the player blew.

The find brings the total number of flutes discovered from this era to eight, four made from mammoth ivory and four made from bird bones. According to Professor Nicholas Conard of Tubingen University, this suggests that the playing of music was common as far back as 40,000 years ago when modern humans spread across Europe.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that music was part of day-to-day life,” he said.

Exerts from Pallab Ghosh - Science correspondent, BBC News

Featuring a 4.5 inch Fostex full range driver modified for Unity Audio, this crossover less design produces a beautifully detailed sonic presentation.  The enclosure is a double bass reflex design, which includes spikes.  The ones pictured are finished with an automotive beautiful burgundy paint, other custom  finishes and colours available.  Priced under $1000, true to life sound has never been so affordable!

We are pleased to announce our new website is currently under development. The new site will include information on all products we carry, discontinued vintage StudioLAB models, as well as articles on how to get the most out of your hifi & home theatre systems.

As our old site was very much out of date we’ve decided to launch our new site while we add content, so please check back frequently as we will be updating the site each day with new content.