Introduction The ARQ2 is ReQuest Multimedia’s second-generation digital music server that not only stores and catalogs your entire music collection on its internal hard drive, but also allows you to easily and quickly access any song from damn near anywhere in your house and beyond. This type of product represents the next generation music server, following the mega-CD changer. The ReQuest exterior is unassuming, industrial in appearance and clearly designed to be tucked away in an equipment rack. The metal-bodied unit is finished in dull black with a simple front panel containing power and status LEDs with the IR receiving window on the left edge, a small LCD display to the right, and a CD tray door and eject button. Lastly, there are small metal knobs on each side of the panel that secure the panel to the units. The side panels are perforated at the rear to provide airflow for the internal fan. ...

Introduction Rogue Audio is a fairly new company in the world of high-end tube audio gear. Formed in 1994 by Mark O’Brien, who remains involved with the company as its president and head designer, Rogue Audio strives to provide reasonably priced, high-quality tube gear. A review of the Rogue Audio components reveals that the company spends its time and resources on items that will improve sound quality and not on gingerbread that is unlikely to be used often by audio enthusiasts. The Rogue Audio Eighty-Eight Magnum power amplifier is a good example of Rogue Audio’s efforts to provide high-quality sound, without frills, at a very fair price. The Eighty-Eight Magnum amplifier retails for $1,995, only $400 more than the non-Magnum version. The Rogue products can all be purchased in their regular versions, or for a small increase in price, the Magnum version with upgraded parts reminiscent of a "The Parts Connection" upgrade kit. Rogue Audio ...

Introduction Power-related products are gaining greater acceptance as more AV enthusiasts are realizing the benefits of cleaner power delivery and the negative effects it has on audio and video playback. This is a field that has had its history tied to high-end audio for years, where the benefits have been known to make substantial improvements to detail, depth of soundstage and low noise floors. The Richard Gray’s Power Company’s 600S is the latest AC power product featuring their previously reviewed, patented choke inductor technology. This eight-and-three-quarter-inch wide, six-and-one-quarter-inch high, 11-inch deep enclosure is a very dense 22-pound package that splits the product line between RGPC’s 400S ($750) and the powerhouse 1200S ($2,000) for larger systems. The 600S is for the consumer who wants the most performance out of gear and has a moderate-sized system that doesn’t require ultra-high current capability. Although there are ...

Introduction Utah-based RBH Sound has been around for a while: last year was their 25th anniversary. In the time they've been in business, they have produced some formidable loudspeaker systems, notably the impressive Signature Series. Now they have turned their attention to the needs of home theater listeners who have limited space, addressed with the release of the "Compact Theater" series. Though the new design is diminutive, RBH has managed to include the same design standards – and solid, durable materials, notably aluminum – that are utilized in their more up-market products. The result is a very satisfactory combination of high-quality audio and practicality that will suit the home theater and home surround audio listener who wants something way beyond your average grotty little satellite speakers (believe me, you do). The system arrived in two boxes. One contained the MS-8.1 powered sub, a near-cube a little over a foot wide on all sides. The other ...

Introduction When purchasing your audio/video system, there is no component that better defines its character than your speaker system. Speakers define both the sonic and aesthetic personality of your sound system. With the better part of the audiophile era behind us, a time when a good-sounding product in a hideous package seemed acceptable, the importance of combining performance with an attractive look has never been greater. Several months back, I approached RBH about reviewing their loudspeaker systems. RBH is hardly a newcomer to the audio/video industry having just celebrated their 25th anniversary. Having seen and heard their speakers at CES 2001, I was intrigued with their products, as they appeared to perform very well in an environment that is less than optimal, and because their speakers looked to be well-built at an affordable price. Finding products of value is a high priority for AudioRevolution.com. After speaking with RBH, we selected a speaker system that was felt to ...