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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.

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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.

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Music Streamers

HTD whole-house audio controllers deliberately do not include a built-in music streamer. Music streamers come with different features and different budgets, ranging from about $50 to $600+. Streaming technology changes much more rapidly than a quality amplifier, speaker, and whole-house audio controller.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How do I select which speakers are best for my home theater?

When choosing a set of speakers for your home theater, start with the center channel. Then, work your way around the front left and right, surround channels, height channels, and subwoofer.

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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.

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How do you compare the HDX and SDX in-wall and in-ceiling speaker lines?

In short, HDX is a little more refined than SDX and is our choice for critical listening. But let's compare the lines in more detail, starting first with how they are similar.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How should I arrange speakers for surround sound?

No point reinventing the wheel. Dolby® (a pioneer in the world of surround sound) has a really great interactive tool to help you plan for, and arrange, a room full of speakers connected to your home theater receiver.

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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.

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Tell me more about the Kapton ribbon tweeter.

Our Kapton ribbon tweeter provides effortless clarity and detail.

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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.

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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.

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What are FCD Cones?

Our proprietary FCD cones are at the heart of the warm, smooth sound found in all of our Level TWO and Level THREE speakers.

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Understanding Your Options for Wired, Wireless, and Hybrid-Wireless Whole-House Audio

The objective of this white paper is to provide enough information about Whole-House Audio (WHA) so that you can make an informed decision about how best to set up your home for high quality listening and control of music, TV audio, and other audio sources. For new home construction, I clarify what types of cable (if any) should be run before the walls and attic space get closed in.

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