You can use the Restio to listen to CDs, the radio, music stored on Apple devices or on a USB key. The only drawback is that the system is lacking when it comes to displaying digital files on a USB key, which are only identified by the track number and the folder where they located.

The alarm clock uses IntelliAlarm technology to provide a smooth wake up. Initially, the system will play the audio source selected by limiting high frequencies to avoid waking you up too suddenly. The high frequencies are slowly added as the song progresses. It’s an excellent idea.

The Restio ISX-800 audio system contains two 1.25-inch high frequency speakers and two 4-inch low frequency speakers.

Installing it is easy, just affix the Restio directly to the wall. Its square shape and thickness of 9 cm make it compact and nice to look at. In addition, the fact that the front panel of the Restio is available in black, white, green or purple leaves more options as to how much you want it to stand out in a room.

The elegant Restio can also be installed on a half moon-shaped pedestal directly against the wall, or you can use a more stable circular base for positioning that requires no other support.

Yamaha Restio ISX-800

The YRS-700 features a 250-watt amplifier, three speakers and a 5-inch 100-watt subwoofer, all perfectly hidden in the TV stand. As for the top shelf, it holds the Air Surround Xtreme 7.1 sound system.

The Air Surround Xtreme bar can recreate, from a single distribution point, a rich surround sound, regardless of the surround mode selected: movie, music, sports, or games. The Music Enhancer improvement system will improve compressed audio soundtracks by increasing the response quality of the entire frequency range, especially the bass.

In terms of connections, there are three inputs, one 3D-compatible HDMI 1080p output and an audio return channel. Having a unit that integrates the amplifier and speakers greatly reduces problems associated with tangled wires.

The middle shelf is adjustable in height and the design of the stand allows for placing it at an angle, without losing too much space.

For more information, visit the official YRS-700 website.

Yamaha YRS-700

Source: Yamaha

Image source: official Yamaha website

First, on the appearance side, you have the choice of ten colors, from green to red and even pink and turquoise. Perfect if you want to integrate the MCR040 micro system into your decor, its compact design also makes it an excellent piece in a small room or on a bookshelf. And yet, no compromise on power.

The music, meanwhile, can come from an impressive variety of different sources. As the MCR040 is a base for the iPod/iPhone, a USB connector allows you to plug in an USB key containing music files. An auxiliary 3.5 mm jack at the front also makes it possible to connect any type of MP3 player. Finally, the MCR040 is also equipped with a CD player.

In addition, a slim remote, the size of a credit card, controls everything remotely.

For more information on the MCR040 micro, visit the Yamaha Canada website.

In fact, the idea behind the sound bars is to “virtually” recreate the surround sound that you would get with a set of speakers placed around the listener. The diagram below speaks for itself. It is taken from the Yamaha site.

Our source is plugged directly into the bar. No need for a receiver. There are several inputs jacks, including four HDMI, two optical, two coaxial, one component, etc. As well, there is an input jack for an external base such as those offered for the iPod by Yamaha, which will satisfy fans of mobile music. In addition, the YSP bar is compatible with Sirius radios.

From the point of view of loud speakers, the YSP has an army of speakers capable of surrounding the consumer with premium quality sound. Two built-in subwoofers, forty mid-range and two tweeters. That is huge! These direct the sound so that it can literally bounce off the walls and finally reach the ear from several different angles simultaneously.

Here is a diagram taken from the Yamaha site that shows the various listening modes possible with the YSP-5100 bar. Eleven listening modes are available separated into three categories: film, entertainment and music.

The YSP-5100 bar sells for close to $ 2,000 US. An entry-level model, the YSP-4100, is also available at $ 1,200 US.

Access the Yamaha YSP site

Source: Yamaha

First, you need to ask yourself the following questions: where will the speakers be installed, what kind of weather will they be exposed to and how much are you willing to invest? In all cases, it will be your needs and your budget that will guide your purchase.

According to the models and the planned installation, you must consider the level of resistance required. A speaker placed directly on the ground will be constantly exposed to rain as opposed to a speaker mounted on a wall or under a ledge. A speaker placed near the pool, in addition to splashes, must be resistant to chemicals (chlorine, etc.). Resistance to humidity and water are often mentioned, but also think about the sun. UV rays are also harmful to plastics.

As far as the wiring, be prepared to spend some money.  This will link your sound system and the speakers. Even with the best of systems and the best speakers, bad wiring will give poor performance and be unsatisfactory. If the wires are exposed to sunlight, use a UV-resistant cable. For wiring buried in the ground, keep in mind that the cables will be in a high humidity environment. Therefore, you must use cables provided with a protective sheath designed to be used underground. If you must use very long wires, consider buying a higher calibre wire. The signal degrades over long distances. And during the installation, think about animals, such as rodents…

During the winter, avoid using them. The cold weakens the speaker membranes and they may crack if they are used. It isn’t necessary to store them inside however. Covering them well, as you would a shrub, is sufficient.

In closing, you can find wireless, Bluetooth and rechargeable outdoor speakers for less than $100. Be wise before buying. While the offer may sound tempting, this type of product may let you down well before the arrival of cooler evenings in September. Not to mention the fact that the audio quality doesn’t compare to more sophisticated systems.

Here are some links to the products available at Fillion Electronics.

Bang-Olufsen BeoVox1

BOSE Models 51/131/151/251

Boston Acoustic Soundware/Voyager 4/Voyager 5

Paradigm Rock Monitor 60 SM/80 SM

Yamaha NS-AW190

For more information, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from an in-store  adviser. Enjoy the summer!

Model shown:  Paradigm Rock Monitor 60 SM

While waiting for the new S-2000 Series that I talked about previously in another post, Fillion Électronique has recently received the S-1000 Series, that, along with the S-700 Series, is intended to be an introduction to the S-2000 Series, which is the pinnacle of the line. The S-1000 Series lists at $1300 for a CD player and $1500 for an amplifier, and as far as the S-700 Series is concerned, which we should be receiving some time in October, the amplifier will be available for $900 and the CD player for $700.

The differences between the S-1000 Series and S-2000 Series:

They’re superb amplifiers and CD players that make us rediscover the impressive quality of the hi-fi systems that YAMAHA used to offer in the 80s. We also note that for the price, they obviously haven’t lost any of the expertise they’ve garnered from their years of experience as makers of hi-fi equipment!