News from Evolution Audio

New & Amazing "Toys" For All Ages...

And that still leaves a few holes that were filled with short term formats that I won’t bother to touch on…

Welcome to Audio & Video 2024!

You want the best in Stereo or Dolby Atmos sound quality?  Look at the large landscape of new audio streamers to get your fix.  You can still purchase a big stack of audio components.  But for the minimalist, there are super high quality stereo systems that are self-contained.  In one box, you can have it all – just add speakers!  Great stereo systems with enough inputs to handle your “legacy” gear (CD player, Turntable, Cassette Deck, etc.).  The major difference is you now have access to almost every album or song ever produced via streaming.  You’ll want to turn to the services of Tidal or Qobuz for the best audio playback quality possible.  $20/month is a small price to pay for millions of songs, artist and albums at your fingertips.  Heck – we’ve spent $20 just for one CD!!!
Evolution has a cream of the crop selection of these High Resolution Streamers / Integrated Amp-Streamers starting around $500.  Naim Audio, NAD, Cambridge Audio (strangely enough – or maybe not - all from our friends in England).  Bluesound and HiFi Rose round out the world’s best streamers.  Even in the A/V world, you can now get high resolution streaming from JBL Synthesis, Integra, Sony and Marantz Surround Sound Receivers!

We just brought in the super high quality all-in-one wireless soundbar from Sennheiser – the Ambeo!  You can add their wireless Subwoofer to complete the system.  Perfect for TV viewing with quality that blows away similar products! 

On the video side, Kaleidescape has finally made a high-end Movie Server for the rest of us.  Their new Strato V is their first fully fleshed out, no compromise – lossless audio/video – Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision movie playback system that can attach to your TV and give you beyond first run movie house quality!  For the price of the now defunct Oppo 4k Bluray Player – you can have access to thousands of movies, concerts and TV shows.  No disc required! Speakers?  Along with GoldenEar and Martin Logan, we now represent Klipsch Heritage (the old-school vibe with the latest electronics) and Focal.  Please come in and treat yourself to hearing any of these (or all).  No need to bring CD’s – we have all your favorites for playback via Tidal or Qobuz. 

CD’s?  We do have the Hegel – Viking…  Recently reviewed as the BEST CD player (and perhaps the last) available today!

Headphones are “hear” for auditioning from Sennheiser – HD-620’s!  Focal – Clear!

Don’t forget about our Turntables!!!  Rega, Thorens, American made Sota, Music Hall, NAD & Marantz!

And of course, we have the latest TV technology from Sony – both MiniLED and OLED for your viewing pleasure.
Just a subtle reminder – Evolution also provides home networking, home security cameras and of course – Control4 and URC home automation!

Upcoming In-Store Events…
Focal/Naim: TBD
Cambridge Audio: TBD
Kaleidescape: TBD

But for now – you can have a “private audition” of any unit that we represent!  Come in!
 

Season Change - As Do Speakers...

Power, Guts & Glory

October 2022

Continuing our Rose theme I started back in August - let's just call this the "HiFi Rose Thrillogy" and leave it at that...  Making it's debut next month - the RS520 is the latest Rose on the block.  HiFi   Rose has designed the ulitmate all-in-one integrated amplifier/streamer!  The all new RS520!!!  Combining the build quality of the RS150B streamer/DAC with the new GaN FET techonlogy of the RA180 integrated amp, the all new RS520 is going to be a hell of a holiday gift for only $3,695!!!  You have the best of both worlds (Hi-Res Network Streamer / Powerful Amplification) packed into one unit!  The chassis is forged from milled aluminim and available in both black or silver - Featuring a HUGE 12.6in Touchscreen, 250 watts PER channel and the elegant and easy to use Rose App - this is going to be a "knock-out" unit!    If fact, I'm sure they'll be in short supply - so if you're remotely interested, please let us know asap!  As they say - "The petal does not fall from the rose bush."

Power of the Rose...

September 2022

We've been on the Rose "Bandwagon" since August, so why not add another of their "unique" offerings?  The all new HiFi Rose RA180 Integrated Amplifier.  Using advanced technology, the new GaN Class AD Amplifier design - it greatly improves performance and sound quality over other Class D amplifiers.  Let's talk what most people bring up first - power!  The RA180 combines 4 mono amps for unheard of power - 200 / 400 watts depending on how you configure the amps.  Specs are one thing and listening is another.  I can reel off numbers and graphs, but the proof is in the "pudding"!  I would highly suggest, if you're in the market for an extremely unique and feature packed 2-Channel integrated, do yourself a favor and give the new HiFi Rose RA180 a listen!  I'm willing to bet that you'll not be dissapointed!  Did I mention the build quality and aesthetics?  This unit is a beast - almost 40lbs... Try lifting that over your head a few times!  And the looks?  Somewhere between Steampunk and retro classic amp design.  It's definitely a "looker"!  As of now, it only comes in silver... All this and much, much more for just under $7,000


 

Rose is a Rose except when it’s not...

August - 2022...
Nothing in life is free - maybe...

Let's look at the latest in Hi-Resolution Streaming devices - The HiFi Rose RS150B Preamp/DAC/Streamer.  This South Korean company seems to be gaining popularity all over the globe!  It's easy to see why... This new unit is not unique in the current world of high-end streaming devices - but at the same time does have unique features.  For instance, the entire front panel is one large (almost) 15-inch-wide touchscreen!  Which, for the few of us that still like to get off our asses and actually man (or woman) handle our audio gear - it is completely controllable by touch.  Of course, everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) can be controlled via the downloadable Rose App.  Don't like the cluster of control buttons on the front?  No problem!  Simple toggle through the various screen options and colors until you find something a bit more suitable.  From analog or digital alarm clocks, radio dials to various (working) VU meters!   Just like having the ability to change the face of an Apple Watch.  The RS150B is an extremely gifted preamp.  With every conceivable input/output option you can think of.  You'll be able to engage almost any source component you have and then some.  Did I mention that you can also playback 4k video through the main screen or output it to your main display unit?  Of course, I didn't until I just did!  This is a massive work of art, and the guts are quite impressive too!  The RS-150B uses the latest ESS Sabre DAC (for those in the know) and allows Hi-Resolution streaming via Qobuz, Tidal, your own digitized library and more.  It is Roon Ready with a robust MQA decoder.  You need to come by and experience it for yourself - but be prepared to spend some time.  Once you start listening you might be here for a while!  Compared to other hi-end pieces the RS-150B is a true deal at only $5,000.  Others are priced way north of that without many of the RS-150B's features.  I suggest coming by for a demo.  That part is free!


 

Welcome back...

July, 2022 - Soooo... It's been a few years since we've updated our News section!  What does social unrest, politics, changing weather patterns, supply chain/shipping delays and a world-wide pandemic have to do with cool new stuff on the audio/video front?  Other than totally blowing off any updates - and the lack of obtaining any gear in reasonable amount of time - not much!

Here we are with over half of 2022 now in the rearview mirror and seemingly stuck back in 2020 - again.  With the new Covid BA.5 variant scorching a path through our lives, shipping delays still with us and such - as Paul Simon once sang... "Still Crazy After All These Years"!  Which really begs the question, how do we de-stress, unwind, and relax with this continual "tidal wave" of crappy news washing over us 24/7?

I'm glad I asked that question because I happen to have the answer... Music, Movies and TV.  If you really want to lose yourself into other worlds of no-brainer bliss, what is a better way than to kick back, turn down the constant "bad news background" chatter and enjoy your favorite music, TV show or movie?  We’re here to make that dream come true!
 
So, what’s new since our last 2019 update???  Everything!
 
We have added quite a bit into our line-up of great equipment…  For instance, we’ve added the Klipsch Heritage Speaker Line.  Old school charm with the latest in speaker technology.  Horn drivers that don’t make your ears bleed!  Truly amazing sound with the looks to go with it!

GoldenEar is introducing (2) new subwoofers... The ForceField 30 ($799) & FF40 ($1,099).  Both are new updated replacements for their long running ForceField 3 & 4.  They should be available sometime in August!
 
Martin Logan is still the #1 manufacturer of Electrostatic Speakers…  And they are incredible!
 
In 2019 we raved about Naim.  A British electronics legend that has some of the very top line music streaming all-in-one systems.  Since that, we’ve added another British legend, NAD!  Using unique electronics, glorious touchscreen capabilities and ease of use, their units are truly a joy to listen to and use.  They also have one of the most coveted 4k surround receivers ever - the T778.  

JBL Synthesis, NAD and Acurus supply us with the finest quality high-end surround preamps (when the companies are able to ship them) ...
 
Along with Integra and NAD, we’ve added Marantz to our A/V electronics list.
 
Now you can have a HUGE - between 100in to 120in of 4k HDR picture - for under $6,000.  Hisense has delivered their next generation “Laser TV”!  You must see it to believe it…
 
Speaking of Laser, Epson has a new front screen projector, the LS12000.  Full 4k HDR - almost 3,000 lumens with custom picture settings for only $5k!!!  This picture rivals’ units twice the price.
 
The new Sony line-up of Smart TV’s is still the best you can buy for the money!  Plus, the best customer service!
 
Taking a step back from pure digital (no streaming, no app - just great sound) we now offer Rega and Thorens turntables. These premium turntables will really look amazing in the new Solid Steel Equipment Rack!
 
Another new tool in our A/V shed is Control4.  This is probably the most reliable, robust, easy to use (easy to program) bang for the buck automation system.  I highly suggest coming by for a quick look-see.
 
Clarus has released their award winning Power Conditioners – Concerto, Sextet and Duet!  A must have for clean, noise free audio.

We look forward to hosting a future event where we can all get together again - without having to deal with the worries of Covid!  If nothing else, drop in and say "hi"!  We'd love to see you again!!!


 

 
Hope everyone enjoyed their end of year festivities with your family and friends!  Even though we took our Holiday Hiatus, we were still hard at work (or hardly working) to bring you new and exciting audio and video items for the 2019.
 
First, as we’ve been touting for the past few weeks, is our new line of High End Audio gear from a formidable British standard known as Naim Audio.  Not that we’re “Naim dropping”, but we’re pretty darn proud to have them in our product mix.  Specifically their Uniti Series of streaming devices, which also give you the ability to take your “old school” CD’s and rips them into their system for  instant high resolution access, playback and gratification.  In fact I was so taken with the beautiful build quality, features and extraordinary sound, that I became a true believer of this company.  To the point I purchased a system for myself…
 
The most AMAZING surround sound preamp is about to be unleashed into the world!  The new Acurus MUSE 12 ($5,500).  It takes their already amazing Acurus ACT4 ($10,000) and shrinks it down in size and price. All the sound quality of the ACT4, minus some inputs and outputs. Compare this to similar units that sell for 10k and up. If you ever wanted to know what true “Cinema Quality” Dolby Atmos was all about, the MUSE 12 is your unit. Full spectrum 4k, HDR and up to 12 channels of Dolby Atmos!
 
Next, we received the brand new GoldenEar Reference Triton One.R ($6,000/pr) series of speakers.  If you haven’t heard the Triton References ($9,000/pr) yet, then you must immediately listen to their “Son of Reference” Triton One.R’s!  I’m going to make my first bold 2019 prediction and state that the new One.R’s are destined be their top selling floor standing speakers of the year! They have the DNA of their bigger sibling, but in a smaller, less expensive package. I dare you to find another speaker selling in the 6k/pr. realm that even comes close to these puppies.  Ain’t goin’ to happen!
 
Another Homerun is the new Martin Logan Dynamo 1100X  ($1,100) Subwoofer System with their App-Based
 
Lastly – at least for right now, we’ve inducted the Hisense LaserTV into our video line-up.  Their latest models are using dual lasers and offer incredible 4k, HDR and Smart TVfunctions on a really BIG screen. With their laser light engine you’ll see rich dynamic colors, wide contrast levels and 20 years – or more of great viewing.  You’re choice of 100in ($9,999) or their 120in ($12,999). The prices include the Smart TV, Screen, Sound System with a wireless subwoofer.

Showrooms...  Are they obsolete?



Years ago growing up in Woodland Hills (which was truly the ends of the earth back then) my friends and I would haunt the local audio salons (much to the owner’s dismay).  We were “audiophiles in the making” back then with little (to no) money in our pockets.  Video wasn't even on the horizon yet...  Back in the '70's there were plenty to choose from.  Woodland Stereo, Pacific Stereo, Federated, to name but a few. 

Fast forward (pun intended) to today.  You're lucky if you can find one audio/video showroom in your area that isn't located inside the "dealers" house.  Why? 

Simple answer...  A/V showrooms are not important to the masses these days.  Today’s "clients" aren't as passionate as we were in the past about sound or video quality.  Everyone is weaned on instant music, video, games, TV, downloads, streaming, etc. The ancient form of listening to an entire "album" is equivalent to driving a car with a stick shift (which coincidentally, I still do). 

That being said, you can't log onto Amazon and truly experience what a speaker, a receiver, an amplifier, etc. "sounds" like.  You can't really "see" what a TV or projector will reveal in picture quality.  You can't pick up a remote control system and feel how it reacts in your hands.  Yes, you can read endless online reviews from "real" customers (or are they???).  But as my grandfather once said... "Opinions are like A-Holes, everyone has one".  Translated, if you really want to know how a product looks, feels, sounds, etc., you have to take the time and experience it for yourself.  

That's why Evolution will always have demo rooms.  Yes, it's expensive to maintain.  No, as many of you have asked, the manufacturers DO NOT give us free equipment.  We still have to purchase it just like you.  Not only by investing big $$’s, but also years of experience in the hope to provide you with something exceptional.  That helps to make your purchasing decision a bit easier.  You fall in love with it (depending on your infatuation level) or not.  Unlike online shopping, you’ll know immediately if you like the product - saving you the unpleasant hassle of having to return it if you don’t.

Perhaps the most important reason to have a showroom is legitimacy.  For both dealer and manufacturer.  Most Hi-End manufacturers will only be represented through legitimate dealers with a showroom.  A showroom demonstrates that the dealer is totally committed to that product.  And not only by investing in the gear…  Dealers must be vetted by the manufacturers, trained on that product and most of all, be able to provide you with exceptional service.  Try getting that online!   Would you buy a car from reviews only?  I wouldn’t…  I’d want to see it, touch it and drive it.  I’d want a dealer that provides SERVICE.  For that reason, if you’re the least bit passionate about your audio and video gear you’d want to give it a “test drive”.  That’s the beauty of having a real demo room!