Factors To Consider Before Buying Those Speakers

The overall sound quality of your systems would depend on the quality of your speakers.  It is imperative to consider the factors that will greatly influence your decision in buying one. 

You might have a good radio inside your kitchen but with a low quality in ceiling speaker, it renders the former useless.  An in ceiling radio in the absence of a quality speaker is powerless.  It will just be an ordinary transmitter.

Here are some considerations that you might want to look into before purchasing your speakers:

   1.     Personal Opinion – It all depends on how you define and perceive quality.  Every person is unique and has different tastes when it comes to music.  What may be best for others may not be best for you.  Bring a CD while choosing the speakers.  Test it before deciding.  You alone can judge if the sound quality has passed your standards.  Play music with low base and high treble.  Don’t rush, take time to listen.

2.     Speaker Requirement – This is crucial.  You have to determine what type of speakers are you looking for.  Is it for the kitchen or the bathroom?  Will it be mounted or exposed?  Do you have enough space or do you prefer minimal exposure?  Is it for a home theater system or for a regular transmitter?  Once you determine and answer these questions, it would be easier.  There are several types of speakers such as bookshelf, floor standing, satellite, in-wall and on-wall models.  Check out their differences.

    ·      Floor standing – the largest of the 4 types, a traditional audiophile speaker that produces the most bass and has the largest soundstage; preferred by home theater enthusiast.

    ·      Bookshelf – almost the same as floor standing but is a little smaller thus would occupy smaller space.  This speaker is usually placed in an elevated surface.

    ·      In Wall – performs well and takes no space at all; yes you’re right, it can even be invisible to the eye.  These speakers are mounted inside your walls.  These speakers are a bit difficult to install and dismantle which might require a professional to ensure quality.

    ·     On wall - it compliments flat wall TVs; performance and quality is comparable with floor standing speakers

3.     Power vs. Performance – Speakers should be matched with the receiver or the amplifier; the speakers power should match the power that the receiver or amplifier is giving.  To know more about speaker efficiency, click this link.

You don’t have to be an expert to know which one has the best quality of sound.  It all depends on you and your preference. 

Fashion And Function: Acquiring The Best Headphone

It started out as for military use during the early years of 1900s but now it is widely used for fashion and music.  It is a device that is designed to make us enjoy our music in a different way.  Today, the celebrity-branded headphones are being sold like a hot cake at an amazing speed.  What used to be a military gadget is now setting the trend not only in Hollywood but also around the globe.

So how do you choose what to get?  What are the things that you need to consider in buying a headphone?  Will you consider its functionality or will you go for fashion?  These are the questions that you need to take into consideration before getting one.  Headphones come in different varieties depending on the style and function that one would need.  So before purchasing, you need to decide why you need one.  And as you try to answer the question why, you need to think also where you would use it or connect it such as your iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, laptop, mobile phone, TV or your conventional stereo system.

Once you have determined the answers to those questions, you can now start choosing from a wide array of headphones that are available in the market.  Here are a few choices of headphones bases on functionality.

1.     Wireless – Instead of the traditional wires and jacks, this headphone uses transmitters such as Bluetooth, IRs or radio signals.  This is best when you want to roam around while listening to your favorite music.  It gets you off the hassle of limited distance.  You can cook while using this headphone.  A high quality in ceiling radio is like wearing a wireless headphone.  No need for wirings that are an eye sore.

2.     Over Ear Headphones – Sometimes called full-size headphones, these headphones are for the serious audio enthusiast.  It encompasses the entire ear thus reducing ear fatigue and eliminates noise coming from the outside giving you a better sounding music.

3.     Ear Pads – They are lighter and more comfortable to wear compared with over the ear headphones.  Although it doesn’t isolate noise just like over the ear headphones, it can still produce good music.  This type of headset is best used while exercising because this type will not fall from your head.  It doesn’t mess with your hair, glasses or jewelry so it’s also best for those who are particular with their hairstyle.

4.     In Ear Headphones – It slips into the ear canal.  This is frequently used for gadgets like your MP3s, iPhones, iPods, and mobile phones.  But you can still use this for other audio systems that you wish to use.  Some users prefer this type of headphones because of its noise cancellation abilities compared to over the ear headphones.

These are just some of the many types of earphones that you can choose from.  For quality music and best aesthetics, choose only the best in the market.  Visit KBsound.com for other speaker needs such as in ceiling radio and in ceiling speakers.

Effects Of Listening To Good Music While Studying

Did you know that listening to classical music stimulates our brain?  No, not like this image on your left.  However, music can also make you sleep well – just don’t do it while working or you may get in trouble.

They say that Mozart’s music can kick start your brain or improve your intellectual capacity.  Several studies have proven that there are cognitive improvements in those who listened to classical music before taking on any tasks or examinations.

Listening to classical music will not only improve your brain functions but it will also help you with your mood.  Music will help you in having a positive outlook towards others and how you view life.  Be careful also with what type of music you listen to.  If you keep on listening to depressing music, it can influence also your mood and make you depressed and view life negatively.

Music can also influence your health.  Classical music can relax and soothe your brain, decreasing the level of stress, which is most of the times, the cause of critical illnesses.  Studies also show that those who have experienced heart attacks and strokes can recuperate faster and can gain their speech much faster if music is incorporated with their therapy. 

Aside from stimulating your brain and make you healthier, music can also influence work performance.  Imagine an office with no music at all.  People tend to work slower and they get bored easily.  Aside from stimulating your brains, music can actually set your mood for work.  If you listen to an upbeat music, it gives you extra energy especially when you are on overtime and you need some kick in the butt to keep you going.  Vary what you listen to.  Listening to too much pop or rock in one day can have a different effect.  Try listening to classical music but make sure that you don’t sleep.

A lot of people believe that music lifts up their soul.  In some cultures, music is part of their everyday rituals.  Music is indeed a healer of the soul.  If you’re a stay at home mom, music can also influence your day-to-day chores at home.  You can listen to good music while taking a bath or while preparing dinner by installing an in ceiling radio and in wall speakers, which can definitely give you good music and pristine sound, along with delectable food for your family.  Just make sure you don’t swing the pan while enjoying your good music or you might accidentally hit your husband with it.

Soothing Music And Great Food Always Go Together

Have you ever tried eating at a fine dining restaurant with your special someone without a hint of a classical music?  Probably not. What is it with music and great food? 

Food and music have long been in a relationship and it began thousands of years back. Food and wine have greatly influenced composers while making their masterpieces.  Food and music have been a major factor when it comes to rituals and traditions.  Both bring a sense of community during the olden times.  They even pay composers and musicians with food after playing a couple of songs.  Some things just really fit together. 

In today’s generation, food and music are still in harmony.  Both are still used hand in hand.  Have you seen a food channel without a background music?  Or have you ever attended a party with lots of food but without good music?  They are both inseparable.  This is also the reason why kitchen designs are evolving.  Interior designers are now considering having a player and a good set of speakers mounted inside the kitchen.  They either recommend installing a high quality in ceiling radio and in ceiling speakers or ask their client to have the conventional type of sound system inside their kitchen.  As they say, great conversations happen inside the kitchen.  What is a conversation without relaxing music?

Can music really influence the taste of food?  Yes.  In fact restaurants and high end dining places are now hiring composers and professional musicians to create the right music for their establishment.  They say that tunes have the power to influence behavior.  Imagine being in a restaurant eating with your special someone and you are planning to pop the most important question in your relationship and all you can hear are the horns of the cars outside and the noise created by the crowd walking past the restaurant.  Or imagine proposing to your girlfriend with the sound of sax and the slow beat of the drum and a romantic voice of a live singer.  Which one is better?  The latter, of course.  Music has a greater impact in setting the mood.

A great meal, just like a relaxing music, will leave you satisfied.  One nourishes the body and the other one nourishes the soul.  Great food and soothing music are truly inseparable.  Whether you’re in a restaurant or at your own kitchen, choose the right music to compliment your great food.

Music Compliments Taste With High Quality Speakers

Various studies have shown that the presence of music is associated with higher food intake. According to a study done by the Department of Psychology at the Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia higher food and fluid intake and longer meal duration are a result of listening to music played via in-ceiling radios. The presence of music played via in-ceiling radios appears to be one of a set of environmental factors that influences food and fluid intake among people. However, no significant differences were recorded in music speed or volume.

Using in-ceiling radios are a simpler, more cost-effective way of maximizing the tool of auditory ambiance in food industry establishments versus pre-mixed online streaming which is dependent on broadband connections that require complicated hardware hookups to an existing PA system. KBSOUND® in-ceiling radios come in complete DIY kits and are designed to install quickly and easily into your area of use. The main components are the two speakers and the electronic module. The low profile electronic module is designed to fit into a standard ceiling cavity – like a low-voltage down light transformer.

In-ceiling radios are engineered and designed as effective tools to enhance the potential of music in the food industry. Music can increase the productivity of your workforce/ staff in the kitchen and the dining area. A series of experiments has investigated the relationship between the playing of background music during the performance of repetitive work and efficiency in performing such a task. The results give strong support to the contention that economic benefits can come from the use of music in industry. The studies show that music is effective in raising efficiency at work even when in competition with the unfavorable conditions produced by machine noise.

Music played through in-ceiling radios can also boost the positive interactive relationship of workers toward one another and most especially toward restaurant guests. This type of positive atmosphere reinforces an establishment’s brand identity and increases brand awareness in their clientele.

Purchase any of our products and discover how music compliments taste with KBSOUND® in-ceiling radios.

Influences Of Music To Newborn Babies And To Children 4 And Up

Music has a special effect on people.  To prove to you that music has indeed an influence on your life, imagine a time when you were in love with someone and because of your overflowing love for each other, you end up having a theme song for each other.  Let us say your theme song for each other is Superstar by Karen Carpenter.  But because of irreconcilable differences like Tom and Kate’s reason for separation, you separated.  After months of being separated and enjoying another love affair with another love partner, you suddenly hear the song “Superstar”, same music you and your ex had for each other.  Suddenly you remember your past and start crying.  You remember the good old days that you had together and it moves you even if you’re already with another person.  That’s the influence of music.  It brings you back to the past.  It makes you remember important dates and memories so vividly.

Likewise, music has influences to your newborn babies.  Yes your unborn child will definitely remember and recognize your voice when they come out of your womb.  But music will not only be remembered but it can help in the brain development of your unborn child.  Imagine a mother carrying her child in her arms and singing a good lullaby, it soothes and makes the baby fall asleep.  Why is it so?  Because music influences the baby in so many ways and here are some influences of music to babies:

1.     Music relaxes and soothes the baby.  It calms them down and decreases irritation.  That is why lullabies are so effective especially when babies are not comfortable or irritated.

2.     Music changes the mood of your children.  Have you ever imagined not singing “twinkle, twinkle little star” to your kid before they go to sleep?  It creates good memories that they will definitely remember.

3.     Music can make them smarter.  It stimulates their brains and music makes them more active.  The so-called Mozart effects were debunked by many researches but are still followed by a lot of nursing moms. 

Having an in ceiling radio and in ceiling or in wall speakers inside your baby’s room may significantly help your baby to become more relaxed and soothed while hearing good music.  Nursing moms can also benefit from listening to good music while taking care of their children.  

Most Envied Celebrity Kitchens

Our kitchen is considered the heart of our homes.  It is where you prepare the one of the most important things in our lives – food.  Great conversations happen in the kitchen.  When you visit a house, the first thing that you will really appreciate is the kitchen area.  This is where different cultures meet in one place.  So why not have the best inside our kitchen.  And besides, the look of your kitchen would somehow give your visitors a glimpse of your personality.

Whether you’re a professional, a homemaker or a celebrity, an excellent kitchen would really make your day.  Let us visit some of the most envied celebrity kitchens and see how they’ve spent their money to have a one of a kind kitchen.

Ellen DeGeneres’ kitchen showcases beauty and elegance.  The custom made glass was built not only for its aesthetic design but also to serve as a storage for her wife Portia de Rossi's tableware.

Diane Keaton’s funky kitchen would definitely spell out her personality, which you will not usually see with her timeless movies.  This Spanish Colonial inspired kitchen boasts of its colorful tiles and Robert Frost’ quote which says “Home is a place where when you knock on the door they have to let you in”.  What makes this kitchen special is that Diane personally bought these colorful tiles.

Our next celebrity kitchen is Celine Dion’s kitchen.  Did you know that Celine Dion gave her fist ever performance on a kitchen table?  Their family kitchen is where her dream of becoming a superstar was formed.  While she may have various awards and numerous albums under her tab and having her dreams realized, she still sees the importance of having a great kitchen.  Coming from quite a big family, she designed her kitchen to accommodate big gatherings and still have the luxury of comfort and family.

A great kitchen would never be complete without a kitchen sound system.  We just said that great conversations happen in the kitchen and it is where different cultures meet.  Having a high quality in ceiling radio and an in ceiling speaker would definitely add up to the spice of your kitchen experience.