Black Friday Sonos - Don't deal with these crowds...call us!

Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar and Sonos SUB wireless subwoofer

Enjoy time with your friends and family and save $$$ with just a phone call or e-mail. We're offering 20% off on selected Sonos products for Black Weekend (there is no Black Friday any more). Until 12/2/2019, save 20% on:

Sonos PLAYBAR...20% off!

Sonos BEAM...20 % off!

Sonos PLAYBASE...20% off!

Sonos SUB...20% off!

Sonos AMP...20% off!

Here's some information about which soundbar to buy:

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/243-sonos-beam-vs-sonos-playbar

We are off for the Holiday but we're processing all orders via phone or e-mail. Questions? Let our Sonos experts guide you towards the perfect audio solution for Black Friday.

Looking for Black Friday Sonos specials? Don't worry! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Salamander Designs audio cabinet - Single design for 4 or less components

Today's furniture piece of the day is from one of our partners...Salamander Designs. This particular piece in Salamander's CORSICA line is designed for 4 or less components and is a great option when you want something that is stylish, functional (has proper depth for all components) and that provides adequate ventilation for all of the audio/video gear that is inside.

This line is built in multiple configurations that are made up of 1-4 pieces like the one above. If you have equipment for your entire home including routers, modems, whole-house amplifiers, subwoofers or need room for records (we stil sell turntables!), one of the larger configurations may suit your needs. Need an audio cabinet for your equipment? Let San Diego's leading Salamander retailer show you the many styles and configurations of TV stands and audio furniture that are available today.

"I need a Salamander Designs dealer near me!" Don't worry! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Sunbrite outdoor television in our San Diego office

Miragevision outdoor television in full daylight - On a conventional TV you wouldn't see a picture!

Seura Mirror TV - In addition to outdoor TVs, Seura also makes custom sets like this

Being that we don’t live in Greenland, Alaska, etc., we have a fantastic opportunity in Southern California to enjoy our backyard spaces ALL YEAR LONG! Fortunately, our brands of outdoor televisions allow you to maximize your backyard fun 365 days a year!

Outdoor televisions are designed to be weatherproof, are much brighter than a conventional TV and are more robust than standard sets. Our outdoor TVs from Seura, Miragevision and Sunbrite have offerings for:

• Full and direct sunlight – Choose one of our BEST level TVs from Seura or Miragevision

• Partial sunlight – Choose one of our BETTER level TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

• Shaded areas – Choose one of our GOOD level outdoor TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

These sets come standard in sizes from 32” to 86”. Interested? Give us a call and see how San Diego’s experts in outdoor televisions can enhance your backyard fun.

P.S. An outdoor television isn’t as fun without an outdoor audio system. See our earlier article about outdoor audio and outdoor speakers at the link below.

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/210-outdoor-speakers-san-diego-outdoor-audio-installations

UPDATE! Samsung has just entered the arena with their "Terrace" outdoor TV line. These televisions have the brightest picture we've seen at the price point which is fantastic for conditions where there is partial or full sunlight. These Terrace outdoor TVs come in 55", 65" and 75" sizes (QN55LST7, QN65LST7, QN75LST7). We'll add a supporting article about them shortly.

Samsung 55" Terrace TV with Klipsch outdoor speaker system

Your dealer for outdoor televisions in Southern California is here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Sonos vs Heos - Who will win the battle?

Sonos Playbar on top of cabinet

Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar and Sonos SUB wireless subwoofer

UPDATE #2 as of 10/09/2021: We have added some information since we last published this article. See our video review at the link below. Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you find it helpful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyZoVUXBUno&t=103s

Who owns the Home Wireless Music Streaming Industry?

Sonos, by far, owns this market – hands down.  After all, they are the pioneers of the wireless home sound system.  They were established back in 2002 and have been solely focused on this market for almost 20 years. For a while there, they were the only company making systems of this kind. Since then many other companies have jumped in and are giving this market a try.  One of the more reputable companies is Denon with their Heos Wireless Speaker Devices and Heos-enables devices.

Does Heos give Sonos a run for its money?

The answer to this question is a big YES IT DOES.  Heos brings some great products and features to the table that could definitely sway a person to use Denon’s Heos as an excellent alternative to Sonos.  They both are controlled and setup using a free downloadable App on your phone or tablet.  They both have devices that can create a whole house wireless music system.  They both can stream most of the popular music streaming services available.  They both offer varying sizes of wireless speakers with pretty comparable prices ranging from $150 to $900, and so on.

SONOS                                                           HEOS

Play 1              $149                                        Heos 1             $199.99

Sonos One SL  $179                                       Heos 3             $299.99

Sonos One       $199                                       Heos 5             $399.99

Play 5              $499                                        Heos 7             $599.99

Playbar           $699                                        Heos Bar         $899.99

Any major differences between Sonos and Heos?

- Ease of use and setup:  

Sonos takes Heos on this one.  The Sonos App is incredibly easy to use, works consistently and the setup process is quick and straightforward.  Heos’ App is a bit more clunky to navigate around in and the setup process isn’t always as smooth as Sonos’.

- Features:

Heos takes Sonos on this front.  Unlike Sonos, Heos devices are Bluetooth capable and are dual-band WiFi ready, so they can connect to either the 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz band of your router.  Only the brand new Sonos Move has Bluetooth capability and all Sonos devices are single-band WiFi, 2.4Ghz capable. All Heos speaker devices have an audio line-in jack, a USB port, and a couple of the speakers even have a headphone jack. Heos supports Hi-Res audio, 96 KHz/24 bit, where the highest Sonos supports is CD quality, 44.1 KHz/16 bit. Heos also is built-into many Denon and Marantz receivers and this saves you money over buying a separate streamer (which you have to do with Sonos as it isn't built into any receivers today).

- Functionality:

Sonos wins this battle. Sonos plays with more partners and companies than any other streaming product.

So which one do I choose? If you like the idea of something that is easy to use and that plays with all kinds of different apps, Sonos may be for you. If you want something that you can take with you where you may not have WiFi OR you want the best streaming quality possible, Heos should be your choice.

All opinions are ours and are just opinion. Need more information? Give us a call and let San Diego Sonos AND Heos experts give you the scoop.

P.S. This video is not sponsored. Please consider purchasing Denon, Marantz, Sonos or Heos through the links below if you aren't in the Southern California area. We make a small commission via this medium and this helps support our video channel AND will let us take our guys out to lunch. THANKS!

✅ Denon Home 150 portable speaker: https://amzn.to/3ZhrHWD

✅ Denon Home 250 BETTER portable speaker: https://amzn.to/3ZlzRxg

✅ Denon Home 350 BEST portable speaker: https://amzn.to/3nnjEKV

✅ Denon Home Sound Bar 550: https://amzn.to/40wpnNb

✅ Denon Home Subwoofer: https://amzn.to/3KaxdGt

Please consider purchasing Sonos through the Crutchfield links below if you aren't in the Southern California area.

✅ Sonos AMP 125 watts X 2: https://www.gopjn.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc15UE%2Fp_616AMP%2FSonos-Amp.html

✅ Sonos ARC soundbar in BLACK: https://www.pntra.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1A1R%2Fp_616ARCBK%2FSonos-Arc-Black.html

✅ Sonos ARC soundbar in WHITE: https://www.pjtra.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1A1Q%2Fp_616ARCWH%2FSonos-Arc-White.html

✅ Sonos BEAM soundbar in BLACK: https://www.pntrac.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1D94%2Fp_616BEAM2BK%2FSonos-Beam-Gen-2-Black.html

✅ Sonos BEAM soundbar in WHITE: https://www.pntrac.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1D93%2Fp_616BEAM2WH%2FSonos-Beam-Gen-2-White.html

✅ Sonos PORT streaming pre-amp: https://www.pntrac.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc18DH%2Fp_616PORT1BK%2FSonos-Port.html

✅ Sonos MOVE portable speaker in BLACK: https://www.pntrs.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc18DI%2Fp_616MOVEBK%2FSonos-Move-Black.html

✅ Sonos MOVE portable speaker in WHITE: https://www.pntrs.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1A8S%2Fp_616MOVEWH%2FSonos-Move-Lunar-White.html

✅ Sonos ROAM portable speaker in BLACK: https://www.pntrac.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1BWN%2Fp_616ROAMBK%2FSonos-Roam-Black.html

✅ Sonos FIVE best streaming speaker in BLACK: https://www.gopjn.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1A1S%2Fp_616SONOS5B%2FSonos-Five-Black.html

✅ Sonos FIVE best streaming speaker in WHITE: https://www.gopjn.com/t/1-9448-301982-9448?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crutchfield.com%2FI-rppjc1A1V%2Fp_616SONOS5W%2FSonos-Five-White.html

UPDATE: Sonos has just added their Sonos ARC soundbar and Sonos PORT streaming pieces. These improved soundbars/streamers further cement the choice in our opinion that Sonos vs. Heos is a knock-out by...Sonos!

Yamaha AVENTAGE receiver acts as the heart of your whole-house entertainment and surround sound system

It's probably been a while since you've bought a new audio/video receiver or maybe I'm being assumptive and this is your first foray into surround sound. No worries...we'd be happy to help. Your audio/video receiver is the heart of your surround sound and whole-house entertainment system. Making the right choice here assures sonic excellence and also provides you the flexibility to hook up future components. However, dealing with the big-box stores or attempting to figure out what to buy on the Internet can be painful (aside from this article, of course). Here's a quick guide to picking the right audio/video receiver. This goes over some of the new 2019 Yamaha models.

What is it: Your receiver acts as the hub of your audio/video system. All of your components like cable boxes, video games, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, etc. hook into the receiver and it provides the sound for your speakers. Pick your receiver based on:

1) How many devices you will be hooking up to it?

2) Will you be connecting other areas/rooms of speakers?

3) How important is it to get the best surround sound experience you can?

Brand to Buy: Yamaha. Why? In a nutshell, they rarely break, provide great sound and have plenty of inputs. You can Google different brands, models, histories and other facets but we've already done that. We've also performed thousands of installations and sold receivers for over 20 years. We know what is the best TODAY. NOTE: If this ever changes, we'll let you know and we'll change our mind. However, for the time being, Yamaha is our choice for the best receiver at the price point.

GOOD: Yamaha RXV385. 4 HDMI inputs, 70 watts X 5 channels @ $279.99. Buy this if you are on a budget, will be hooking up four components or less and aren't hooking up speakers in any other areas of the house. NOTE: Plan on how many components you will be hooking up not just now, but in the future as well. 4K compatible.

BETTER: Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA780. 5 HDMI inputs, 90 watts X 7 channels, video upconversion, multi-source/multi-zone, Dolby Atmos @ $649.99. This is part of Yamaha’s AVENTAGE step-up line. Buy this if you will be hooking up 5 components or less or if you will be hooking up speakers in other areas (ex: Outside, other bedrooms, etc.). This is also a good choice if you have older components as it plays nicely with legacy video formats (Wii game systems, VCRs and certain cameras come to mind). 4K compatible.

BEST: Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA3080. 7 HDMI inputs, 150 watts X 9 channels (11 channel processing), improved audio processing, Dolby Atmos @ $1999.99. Buy this if you are hooking up 7 components or less and if you want the BEST in today's surround sound formats and processing. Our earlier article about Dolby Atmos goes into depth about the latest surround sound mode. This receiver also sounds noticeably better than step-down models due to its particular high-end construction. Got a man cave that has multiple TVs? This receiver can provide picture and sound to all of them.

http://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/125-atmos-in-san-diego

Now you're dangerous...you've got some good information. Stop by or call one of our product experts and let us simplify your decision to purchase a surround sound receiver. Aire Theater Designs, San Diego Yamaha AVENTAGE and surround sound installers.

P.S. For you DIY surround sound people, when you purchase a Yamaha AVENTAGE receiver through us, you receive a guide that shows EXACTLY how to hook it up (which the manual doesn't) as well as lifetime phone/e-mail tech support!

Yamaha receiver experts are here! We've been selling Yamaha audio for over 20 years! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Samsung QLED TV differences - Q900 through Q60

We’ve had a TON of questions about the new Samsung QLED TVs. Many of the questions are along the lines of “Why is one of the sets $2399 and another is $7000?” Here are some basic facts and features that hopefully make your decision easier about which QLED to buy.

Direct Full Array: This feature positions LED lights that are directly behind the screen instead of behind the bezel at the edges of the screen. This provides better contrast and more even colors/lighting. The higher the number for the Direct Full Array (ex: Direct Full Array 16X vs. Direct Full Array 4X), the more zones that are back-lit and the better the picture.

Quantum HDR: This feature provides HDR, which is the newer video standard that provides amazing color and depth. In the industry, we feel that HDR is MUCH more important than 4K for providing the ultimate picture.

8K Quantum Processor: This is available only on Samsung’s reference 8K TV. This allows today’s content to be upconverted to the absolute best picture quality, whether the content is as high as 8K or as low as cable quality.

Here are some line steps and feature differences:

Samsung QN82Q900: Samsung’s BEST 8K TV, with 8K Quantum processor, 8K Direct Full Array ambient art mode and more. Available in 65”, 75”, 82” 98”.

Samsung QN82Q90: Samsung’s BEST 4K TV with Direct Full Array 16X, Quantum HDR 16X and Ultra Viewing angle. Available in 65”, 75”, 82”.

Samsung QN82Q80: Samsung BETTER 4K TV with Direct Full Array 16X, Quantum HDR 12X and Ultra Viewing angle. Available in 65”, 75”, 82”.

Samsung QN82Q70: Samsung’s BEST 4K TV with Direct Full Array and Q HDR1000. Available in many sizes.

Samsung QN82Q60: Samsung GOOD 4K TV with Q HDR. Available in many sizes.

There are BIG sales going on now through 9/29/19 on many of the sizes. Interested in getting a fantastic TV for football season and beyond? Call ATD, your home for Samsung 4K and Samsung 8K TVs!

Samsung 8K TV is here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help!