Dear Friends,
August marks the one year anniversary of our Online Catalog -- a good time to think back on where we have been and look forward to where we are going!
So I thought I might take a few moments in this issue not only to introduce some new products that are now available at Audiolinks.com, but also to give you another look at our current specials (some of which will be discontinued as of the end of this month).
I also want to invite your Feedback on both things you particularly like and things you want us to add to our product offerings.
This issue includes the following articles and features:
- A Back-to-School Special for the Plugged-In Classroom
- AudioLink Adds Listen Technologies to our Product Offerings
- Responses to Customer Questions
- Current Featured Specials (Get Them Before They're Gone!)
Califone Back-to-School Special
When I was in 9th grade, I was Junior Audio Man (A.V. Boy) a card carrying school nerd.
I was the one who came in and set up the projector or some other type of totally uncool equipment in the back of the room. I remember thinking the only good thing about some of that stuff was that it would probably last a hundred years because it was so well made.
Guess what, I was right!
Califone was a big name for school & classroom equipment then and it remains so today (not that I am quite a hundred years old).
Now, in addition to the solid quality they have always represented, they have definitely ratcheted up the cool-factor as well!
Check out the new look of Califone and see what great products they now offer (not to mention our great prices -- whoops I just did). Then go out and get yourself a new pocket protector...
Wait -- one more thing! To make this more enticing we are this month launching a "Back-To-School Special" with new LOWER PRICES for Califone products.
And -- in the next few days, we will be bringing on line some NEW Califone products that are just now becoming available.
For Newsletter Subscribers Only - here's a Sneak Preview - The 4100-USB Headset is Califone's new and improved headset with USB connector. Combining the latest technological advances with Califone's tradition of quality and reliability, this USB headset provides great sound for today's interactive multimedia equipped classrooms. The enhanced USB 2.0 connector allows for faster and more balanced sound distribution and is PC & Mac compatible.
AudioLink Adds Listen Technologies to our Product Offerings
AudioLink welcomes Listen Technologies to our line-up of quality manufacturers with a new special offer.
Listen Technologies – a relative newcomer to the field of audio equipment – carries an impressive array of wireless FM receivers and transmitters.
Like Williams Sound, Listen Technologies includes ADA compliant sound systems and portable tour guide systems. These systems are ideal for Auditory Assistance (schools, churches, boardrooms) and Tour Groups (training, cruise ships, trade shows).
As long standing fans of Williams Sound equipment we wondered if there was value in adding Listen Technologies to our product offerings, so we invited Russell Gentner, the President of Listen Technologies, to meet with some of our staff and address some of our concerns.
If the name Gentner is familiar to you it may be because you have heard it before. Prior to founding Listen Technologies he created and managed Gentner Communications (which he sold before he launched his new start-up).
As you might expect, the “new and improved” company has, according to Gentner, focused on fixing a range of small (and not so small) “inconveniences” in existing products that add up to some significant overall improvement.
Unlike other such claims, however, our tech staff was impressed with the presentation and, after considerable analysis, we are pleased to add Listen Technologies to our line-up with a launch coinciding with this issue of our newsletter.
Here is how Listen Technologies and Williams Sound stack up on some of their best selling products when we tested them head to head:
Comparing Listen & Williams Sound FM Systems:
| Ease of Use: |
| FEATURE |
WILLIAMS SOUND |
LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES |
| “Smart” Battery
Charging |
NO |
YES |
| Battery Level
Indicator |
NO |
|
| Battery Type |
|
|
| Belt Clip |
Available Accessory |
Built In |
| Channel Seek |
NO |
YES |
| Digital Interface |
NO |
YES |
| LCD Display |
NO |
YES |
| Menu Driven |
NO |
YES |
| RF Signal Strength
Indicator |
NO |
YES |
| Volume Control |
Selector Wheel |
Selector Wheel |
| Volume Indicator |
Potentiometer |
Potentiometer |
| Warranty |
5 Year Limited |
Lifetime Limited |
| Fidelity: |
| FEATURE |
WILLIAMS SOUND |
LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES |
| Squelch Control |
NO |
|
| Stereo Headset
Capable |
NO |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio
measured in decibels (dB) |
60 dB |
80 dB |
| Coverage: |
| FEATURE |
WILLIAMS SOUND |
LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES |
| Available Frequencies |
Up to 17 |
Up to 57 |
| Available Channels |
Up to 6 |
Up to 6 |
| Available In Narrow Band (Preferred) |
YES |
YES |
| Available In Wide Band (less expensive) |
YES |
NO |
| Compatible With Other Manufacturers |
NO |
YES |
| RF Band |
72 or 216 MHz |
72 or 216 MHz |
| Transmission Range –
Portable |
50 to 100 feet |
100 to 150 feet |
| Transmission Range – Stationary |
Up to 1000 feet |
Up to 3000 feet |
All said and done the Listen Technologies products offer tremendous advantages in ease of use, fidelity, and coverage.
To take one example, Listen Tech receivers are only offered in narrow band configurations. While this may be seen as a limitation the fact is that narrow band configurations solve the problem of frequency drift and manual re-tuning. This is a real headache in managing large events.
Ok, why not just buy Listen Technologies receivers instead of Williams Sound?
Well, as you might suspect, the compensating factor in favor of Williams Sound is price.
Again to take the example of narrow band vs. wide band configurations. Williams Sound offers wide band which is less expensive. Thus, if you are not concerned about the headaches of retuning at a large event then Williams is perfectly adequate and a lot less money. (By the way, Williams Sound also offers narrow band configurations at prices closer to those of Listen Technologies.)
For the tried and true Williams Sound R7 4 channel receiver, for example, retail is $127.00 and AudioLink Systems offers this product at the discounted price of $108.00.
By comparison, The Listen Tech LR-500 6 channel receiver, which does everything the Williams Sound 4 channel receiver does, and a whole lot more, the price is $189.00 (no discounts allowed due to Listen Technologies' pricing policies).
So, the match-up is $108 to $189: about 75% more for the Listen Tech product (even if you have to buy the Williams Sound belt clips separately).
If you do not need a lot of added features, then Williams Sound is the obvious Best Buy -- especially when you are buying dozens or even hundreds of receivers... by the way - we offer large volume discounts if you qualify (hint)!
By contrast, Listen Technologies is our Top of the Line choice for all of the reasons we listed in our comparison chart. If you need a lot of additional channels; if you need to reset channels frequently; or, if you just like the sleek design of a digital interface - then Listen Technologies is really worth those few additional dollars.
Conclusion:
Williams Sound = Best Buy
Listen Technologies = Top of the Line
Technologically Listen wins hands down!
Economically there are still plenty of rea$on$ for you to buy Williams Sound!
The choice is yours...
Still have questions? Feel free to call! 1-800-516-6955
Interested in learning more about Listen Technologies Products?
Here are a few top sellers for you to consider:
 |
Basic system with four receivers (72 MHz)
This newly redesigned LS-02-072 Listen system is a great starter system for public venues to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
|
 BUY NOW |
 |
LR-300 Digital Receiver (72 MHz)
This pocket-sized Listen LR-300-072 is a low cost 100% digital receiver which is digitally tuned so transmission will not drift. |
BUY NOW |
 |
LR-500 Digital Receiver (216 MHz)
This 100% digital Listen LR-500-216 portable receiver offers a unique Look&Listen™ display – easily verify channel selection, battery level, and RF signal strength.
|
BUY NOW |
 |
Tour Guide with seven personal receivers (72 MHz)
The Listen LS-06-072 tour guide system is a highly portable, touring solution for small facilities, conference rooms, houses of worship or other venues.
|
BUY NOW |
 |
Tour Guide with fifteen receivers (216 MHz)
The Listen LS-08-216 tour guide system is a great starting point for small facilities, government or other meetings, houses of worship or other venues that wish to provide language interpretation.
|
BUY NOW |
 |
LT-700 body pack transmitter (72 MHz)
The Listen LT-700-072 portable transmitter is available in both the 72MHz and 216MHz frequency ranges, with 57 channels in each frequency range. This means you are sure to find a clear signal.
|
BUY NOW |
 |
Repacked LR-500 72 MHz Receivers
This Listen Tech product is a highly rated tour guide system with fifteen personal receivers, fifteen over-the-ear speakers, and an advanced transmitter with digital interface.
|
BUY NOW |
Responses
to Customer Questions
Here are some more of the
questions asked by our readers and customers.
Oscar F. writes "I need a complete, efficient, portable and small microphone system for a person with a vocal chord problem. This person is a teacher and needs to amplify her voice. Can you help? Thank you."
We replied:
Dear Oscar,
I recommend Nady's 20 watt portable PA system with lavaliere microphone (AudioLink item #00469A).
This Nady WA-120LT PA system is the most affordable and compact wireless PA we've seen. It comes with a lavaliere wireless microphone plus body pack transmitter. Its ideal for many applications, including use in classrooms, conference/meeting rooms, churches, health clubs and small auditoriums.
This powerful yet lightweight PA system features treble and bass controls, 200 feet of operating range, two 1/4 inch unbalanced input jacks (one microphone, one aux), one 1/4 inch unbalanced record out, plus an external AC line cord.
The microphone is the lapel type, which clips onto the collar. It is connected by a short wire to a battery powered body pack transmitter which clips to the belt or may even go into a pocket. You can choose between an omnidirectional or unidirectional microphone.
In your case, although it is a matter of personal preference, I would recommend the omnidirectional microphone as it has a slightly wider auditory pickup range and does not require you to speak directly into it, as the unidirectional microphone does. This will give the teacher the ability to speak in a normal tone of voice without strain, and to have the voice amplified in a classroom.
The best feature of wireless microphones is their ability to allow you to move freely about the room without a wire to be careful of. The PA system can be plugged into an AC outlet and set in a centrally located place in the classroom which will give the best coverage and amplification to students.
Hope this helps!
Here's another inquiry, this time from Luke C.
"Hello. Can you advise if you can ship item #00277 to Dublin, Ireland? Thanks, Luke."
And here's our response:
Dear Luke,
Generally, our policy is to accept payments on credit cards, money orders or checks issued through banks which operate in the United States, and to ship to US addresses only. However, we will ship products overseas as long as the following requirements are met:
- The item must be prepaid in US dollars by certified check or similar verifiable instrument
- The payment must include all applicable taxes, duties and shipping charges
- Shipping arrangements will be made through UPS Worldwide, unless you specify otherwise
- In the event UPS does not ship to your address we would expect your assistance in choosing a carrier
- You will be responsible to meet custom requirements and provide appropriate documentation
- The order will not ship until all requirements are satisfied and the payment has cleared
Hope this helps!
And this one, this time from Deborah A. who writes: "I have a 1400 watt amp and mixer. I am currently running guitar cables out to the speakers. This, so I am told, is tantamount to a mortal sin! My question is, what type of cable should I actually be using? Thanks!"
Here's our reply:
Deborah, you've been given a good piece of advice!
There are major differences between instrument (or guitar) cables and speaker cables, although they may look identical.
Instrument cables have a single core conductor inside a braided shield. This shielding minimizes EMF interference and helps to make your instrument almost noise free. They are not intended to carry a heavy power load, so the wire core is usually thinner in diameter (lower gauge) than a speaker cable. They are assembled with 1/4" phone plugs on both ends, may be brightly colored or patterned, usually packaged individually and are of convenient lengths for stage use (12-25 feet).
Speaker Cables are not usually shielded. Loudspeakers can draw some serious current, so the core conductor is made from a heavier gauge wire. Also, the lengths typically start at 25 feet on up to 100 feet or more. This is to aid in the optimal placement of speakers at a given venue. These cables are generally assembled with 1/4" phone plugs, usually strictly black in color, may have heavy duty insulation and are sometimes packaged in pairs or sets.
Hopefully, this information is getting to you before any serious damage occurs...
If not, here's a link to the Mixers we offer as well as Amplifiers and Speakers...
Hope this helps!
Feel free to get involved with your own questions or comments.
We address them individually, and in each issue I highlight some of the more useful examples.
This Month's Featured Specials (Get Them Before They're Gone!)
 |
 |
 |
Deluxe multi-channel Tour Guide System at more than $600 off list. Other systems at more than 30% off! Learn more. |
Extraordinary discounts on select wireless microphone systems from Anchor, Nady and Shure. Learn more. |
Fender Deluxe Passport PA Systems, and compatible Fender speaker stands or wireless microphones at great discounts! Learn more. |
 |
|
 |
| Gemini DJ packages for beginners or professionals at more than 45% off list. Learn more. |
Recordex Duplicators discount pricing on 1 to 1, 1 to 2 and 1 to 4 expandable cassette copiers. Learn more. |
We have taken some of our best selling handheld PA systems & megaphones and priced them to Move! Learn more. |
 |
 |
 |
Anchor Audio PA's -- including the MiniVox, Megavox, Explorer, Xtreme, Liberty & Seville lectern Public Address (PA) systems and accessories -- now available at below MAP pricing! Learn more. |
Back-to-School Specials -- Durable Califone products including turntables, PA systems, learning centers, megaphones and USB headsets now at incredible prices, up to 40% off! Learn more. |
Three all-in-one systems of Microboards CD-R and DVD-R duplicators & printers at substantial discounts. Learn more. |
 |
 |
 |
Delegate Conference Microphone System -- AudioLink offers 70% off and a warranty on a DIS Delegate microphone system. Learn more. |
Fender Guitar Gift Sets, includes everything you need to learn, play and enjoy your first guitar. Save more than 33%! Learn more. |
Guitar Gear and Music Collectibles - extraordinary discounts plus a FREE GIFT: Learn more. |
AudioLink Services
You already know that AudioLinks.com is the premiere
source for audio equipment discounts, but are you aware of the other services we provide?
Conference & Meeting Planning, Equipment Rental, Interpreting, Recording & Transcription as
well as Voice Over Production are just
some of the other areas of the industry we can help you with.
Let us give you a Free Consultation and you'll
find out just how versatile we really are!
Well, that's about it for this edition. In future issues we plan to offer reports and updates on different types of audio equipment, links to useful sites and to answer questions posed by you and other readers. We hope you will find this newsletter useful and we welcome your feedback.
Looking for something that's not on our web site? Contact Us and we'll respond as quickly as possible, or, visit AudioLink's product pages and see for yourself why we are known as: "The Home of Sound Solutions"
Until then,
That's sound advice...
Regards,
Audio Man
SiteManager@audiolinks.com
Back To Newsletter Archive
© Copyright 2004. All rights reserved |
CART
MANUFACTURERS