Articles written by HTD Staff
Articles written by
HTD Staff
Music Streamers
A music streamer is a device that can play audio stored in another location. Most streamers can pull content from the internet using services such as Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, and some can pull audio stored on your phone or a hard drive located on your home network. They are a must-have for today’s whole-house audio systems.
Troubleshooting Lync Whole-House Audio Systems
Here are the most common issues we hear about from customers using one of our Lync systems, along with suggestions to resolve them.
Troubleshooting MC-66 and MCA-66
Here are the most common issues we hear about from customers using one of our whole-house audio systems built around the MC-66 or MCA-66, along with suggestions to resolve them.
HTD Apps for Whole-House Audio
The new "HTD Home Audio” app is now released for all Lync, MC-66, and MCA-66 systems! Read this before downloading the new app.
All the ways to use Alexa and Echo Dot
Add music streaming and interact with Alexa’s voice assistant by connecting the affordable Echo Dot to your whole-house audio system.
Benefits of wall-mounted keypad controllers
Yes, you can control your entire system with just your phone or tablet, but keypads offer benefits you don't want to overlook.
Mistakes to avoid when preparing your home for a whole-house audio system.
A little planning goes a long way toward making the installation of your whole-house audio system trouble free. Avoid these common mistakes and you are well on your way.
Why is a speaker cabinet with a transmission line better than a cabinet with a simple port?
The definition of a "transmission line" differs depending on who you ask or what you read. A simple port by some definitions is a type of transmission line. But we distinguish our designs from simple ported designs because we don't just cut a hole in the cabinet and insert a straight plastic tube.
Do I really need a powered subwoofer?
Many people still cling to the idea that a powered subwoofer is only necessary if you are using small bookshelf speakers. While a powered subwoofer can, and usually should be used to assist in the bass reproduction of every channel, its main purpose in home theater is to reproduce the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. This channel (the ".1" in a "5.1" or "7.1" recording) was introduced with Dolby Digital and DTS and offers a completely unique conduit for low frequency information and effects. If you don't have a powered subwoofer, you're completely missing out on this exciting stream of low frequency information.
Does HTD offer an in-wall center channel speaker?
The center channel speaker is arguably the most important speaker in your system, but not because it reproduces sound any differently, but because in movies the center channel receives 90% of the dialogue. If you plan on using an in-wall speaker for the center channel then we recommend using a single speaker identical to the front left and right speakers for the center channel location. This is the only way to guarantee a 100% perfect “timbre match”, meaning that all three of the front speakers will sound exactly the same.
What cable should I run for surround sound?
A special type of cable is necessary to connect the subwoofer (LFE) channel on a home theater receiver to the subwoofer amplifier. For the other speakers, consideration needs to be given to cables run behind walls/ceilings versus only within the room.
What is Macassar Ebony?
Macassar Ebony is a highly figured hardwood. It is immediately recognizable due to its striking and unusual grain pattern, usually appearing as “striped” patterns of light and very dark brown. While it is not a CITES restricted wood, it is rare, expensive, and highly sought after by master woodcrafters for its beauty and durability.
Standard Speaker Connection to Bi-Wire Posts
All of our Level THREE Bookshelf, Center, and Tower Speakers include two pairs of 5-way gold-plated binding post connections. Two pairs of binding posts allow for a standard connection (shown here) or a bi-wire or bi-amp connection (read more). 5-way binding posts allow for your cable to be connected by either: 1. bare wire (shown), 2. spade connectors, 3. pin connectors, 4. individual banana plugs, or 5. dual banana plugs.
Is a bi-wire speaker connection worth the added cost?
Many audiophiles (self-proclaimed home audio enthusiasts/experts) will only connect speakers using bi-wire or bi-amping. The benefit to most listeners is negligible and not worth the additional cost. But to audio-purists, even the slightest improvement can make all the difference to their listening experience.
How to Connect a Voice Assistant into a Whole-House Audio System
Any Voice Assistant Device (VAD) must be located where its built-in microphones can detect your voice. In most cases, the ideal position is near the center of the room and, wherever possible, in the ceiling so that other people and objects do not obstruct the most direct path from mouth to device. But there are alternatives . . .