Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

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In the heart of Lisle, Illinois, there's a new spot that's harmonizing the rich beats of music with the robust flavors of local brews: Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap. This unique establishment, which is part record store and part taproom, is creating a buzz among both audiophiles and beer enthusiasts alike.

### The Concept: A Symphony of Sounds and Sips

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is a fresh take on the traditional hangout spot. Here, the timeless allure of vinyl records meets the innovative spirit of the Chicagoland craft beer scene. The idea is simple yet profound: provide a space where people can come together to explore vast musical landscapes while savoring the taste of finely crafted local beers.

### The Beer: A Local Brew Tour

The taproom is a celebration of local brewing artistry. Featuring a rotating selection of craft beers, Crooked Arm is a testament to the diverse and vibrant brewing community in the Chicagoland area. From the Caffe Hazelnut Bianco, a unique golden ale with a hint of roasted hazelnuts and white chocolate, to the Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit, an imperial breakfast stout with Vermont maple syrup, the taproom offers an ever-changing array of flavors. The place also caters to non-alcoholic preferences with a selection of NA beers, seltzers, and craft sodas.

### The Records: A Vinyl Haven

With around 13,000 records spanning various genres and eras, Crooked Arm is a vinyl enthusiast's paradise. The shelves are packed with everything from the classic hits to the obscure gems, inviting guests to embark on a musical journey through time. The store is not just a place to buy records; it's a community hub where music lovers can gather to share their love for vinyl, discuss their favorite albums, and maybe even discover their next favorite song.

### The Community: More Than Just a Store

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is about creating a sense of community. It's a place where families are welcome, where kids can enjoy a kid-friendly beverage while their parents relax. The establishment encourages guests to order food from nearby restaurants, making it an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Furthermore, as a sister business to J & B Music in Joliet, Crooked Arm is rooted in a broader commitment to fostering a love for music in all its forms.

### The Experience: A Local Gem

Located at 6450 College Road, Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap isn't just another bar or record store. It's a local gem where the simple joys of life are celebrated - a place where you can slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the harmony of good music and great beer. Whether you're a lifelong vinyl collector, a craft beer aficionado, or just someone looking for a cozy spot to unwind, Crooked Arm offers a warm welcome and an experience that resonates.

In a world that often feels too fast-paced, Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity. It's a place where the vinyl spins gently, the beer pours freely, and the atmosphere invites you to stay a while. This new spot in Lisle isn't just a store or a bar; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where the rhythms of music and the flavors of life come together in perfect harmony.

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Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap: Where Records Meet Craft Beer

Discover Lisle's Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap, where the joy of vinyl records and craft beer collide in perfect harmony.


At HiEnd Munich 2024, happening from May 9 to 12, PMC is set to introduce their Active twenty5i series to the European audience. This event, held in Munich, is well-regarded in the audio community for bringing together the latest advancements in high-fidelity sound. Here's a down-to-earth rundown of what PMC is bringing to the table this year.

### Event Details and Presentation Focus

HiEnd Munich 2024 is where you’ll find all sorts of audio tech enthusiasts, from industry insiders to everyday audiophiles. PMC plans to showcase their Active twenty5i series here, which includes four models that promise studio-quality sound without the mess of extra wires and external amps.

### The Tech Behind the Speakers

Each speaker in this series comes with its own 100-watt amplifier built right in, which means each component of the speaker is powered exactly as it needs to be for optimal sound quality. This setup helps improve how quickly the speaker responds to changes in the audio it's playing (that's the transient response) and reduces any unwanted distortions in the sound.

### Live Demonstrations

If you’re at the show, you can head over to Room D106 in Atrium 3 to hear these speakers in action. It's a chance to experience the clarity and detail they promise without having to sort through any tech jargon.

### Practical Advantages

Aside from reducing the clutter of external amplifiers, the Active twenty5i speakers have both XLR and RCA inputs, making them compatible with a wide range of audio equipment. This makes them a straightforward choice if you want high-quality sound without the hassle of matching components and dealing with a tangle of cables.

In sum, PMC’s presentation at HiEnd Munich 2024 looks to offer a practical, high-quality audio solution for those looking to simplify their setup while still enjoying top-notch sound. The integration of each speaker’s amplification directly into its frame is a smart move, promising cleaner sound and an easier setup. If you're around, it's worth taking a listen to see if these speakers live up to the hype.

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PMC Unveils New Active twenty5i Series in Munich

PMC is a British company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high quality loudspeakers and professional monitoring systems. Their products are used in various settings, from professional recording studios to home audio systems. PMC's technology is particularly noted for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) design, which enhances the bass output and audio clarity. Their products cater to audiophiles and professionals seeking accurate and immersive sound reproduction.

Discover PMC’s latest innovation, the Active twenty5i series, at Munich’s leading audio show.


The intriguing question often arises among music enthusiasts: Can you connect an electric guitar to a home HiFi speaker system? Or even further, is it possible to interchange guitar and HiFi speakers? The question taps into a complex web of factors, including frequency response, impedance, and overall sound quality. While there's no straightforward answer, exploring the compatibility between the two realms can offer a more nuanced understanding.

## The Theoretical Underpinnings

### What Makes Each Type of Speaker Unique?

Guitar cabinets and HiFi speakers are engineered for different purposes. The former aims to emphasize a unique frequency response that colors your guitar's sound with character and warmth. On the other hand, HiFi speakers are designed to offer a balanced frequency response across the audio spectrum, aiming for a high-fidelity representation of audio signals.

### Sensitivity, Efficiency, and Distortion

Another critical area where these speakers differ is in sensitivity and efficiency. Guitar speakers are crafted to produce higher volume output for a given electrical input. HiFi speakers focus on creating a balanced soundstage rather than raw output. While guitar speakers might introduce a specific type of coloration when pushed to their limits, HiFi speakers are designed to minimize distortion, thus preserving the original audio signal.

## Practical Considerations

### The Pros and Cons

While connecting your guitar to a HiFi system won't damage the equipment, given the low output signal from most passive guitar pickups, the sound quality may be sub-optimal. Furthermore, some users have noted issues like audio lag and volume limitations that make the setup less ideal than using a dedicated guitar amp. However, for sheer convenience, especially for beginners, this could serve as a makeshift solution.

### Tailoring Your Sound: EQ and Amp Simulation

It's possible to improve the guitar tone through a HiFi system by using equalizers and amp simulators. High-quality equalizers can be used to adjust the frequency response of your HiFi speakers to more closely resemble that of a guitar cabinet. Modern guitar amp simulators have also become increasingly sophisticated, providing a fairly authentic guitar sound for home practice sessions.

### Alternative Routes

If you're looking for more reliable solutions, using dedicated guitar processors with your home HiFi system can offer a more satisfying experience. These devices usually include amp and cabinet simulation. Another option is to use a digital interface to route the guitar sound through a computer and then to the HiFi system. This setup generally provides better sound quality and versatility.

## Final Thoughts

In summary, while the idea of connecting an electric guitar to a home HiFi speaker system may be tempting, it comes with a complex set of trade-offs. Sound quality, convenience, and the level of investment you're willing to make should be considered. Additionally, although the concept of interchanging guitar and HiFi speakers is enticing, they are generally designed for distinct applications and achieving an optimal experience would require a deep understanding of each type's limitations and characteristics.

So before you make that unconventional hookup, weigh the pros and cons. Remember, sometimes the best speaker for the job is the one it was specifically designed for.

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Electric Guitars and Home HiFi Systems

Ever wondered if your electric guitar and HiFi speaker system could get along? Find out what you need to know about audio compatibility, practical considerations, and possible workarounds.

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