The New M40 Stereo Receiver - Words from the Director of Product Development

You know, there have times in my life when I have seen something ‘new’ and immediately dismissed it as ‘oh yeah another one of those’.

Don’t consider the Proficient M40 as a Stereo Receiver; consider it as the new ‘Leatherman’ in your product tool belt. We are talking about versatility in a chassis.

Ok, let’s think about the budget whole house audio system installation that is primarily a single source throughout the house. Whoa, we have a solution that fits! How about an M40 based system, with its hefty 80, high current watts per channel, teamed with Proficient VC60i volume controls and high performance but value priced speakers? Ding, ding, we have a winner. The M40 is the perfect complement to our impedance matching volume controls when designing a whole house system that needs punch everywhere, but only needs a single source at a time. Many rooms could be fed, with the rock-solid stable M40 power. This tool puts all of us in a situation of being able to offer a total Proficient system, at a new price point and market.

Ok Dennis, housing starts are non-existent (duh!) and we need a tool to help us grab more retro-fit work. What do you have for me? Well, what I have is the M40; the perfect piece to go back to your M4 installations and add increased versatility and performance. I have an M4 installation, what if I go in and add an M40 as tuner source? What if I go in and add 80 watts to the ‘big’ room fed from the M4 pre-out to the M40 power amp in? What if I go in and have the ability to add additional sources to the whole system using all the M40 inputs? (Anybody got that many sources?) Not I. But you get the idea. And guess what; the M40 IR codes are now part of the Proficient Editor programming software, so integrating an M40 into an existing M4 system, with control, could not be easier. Do I hear another Ding, ding?

Want another tool? You have a situation where the customer wants stereo in two areas, and in both those areas they insist on stereo mains with a subwoofer (or subwoofers!) in each. Ding. With the linkable subwoofer outputs to both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ Speaker outputs, the M40 lends itself to powering two separate systems with dedicated powered subwoofers per area, all day long! Only the powered sub linked to the ‘A’ or ‘B’ will be active when that system is selected. (I can’t hear the living room sub too well when I have the garage system active while out working on the dirt bikes) Go figure. We have a solution. I think Myth Busters has proven this.

Well last, but not least, the M40 is a rockin’ stereo receiver. In my modest office at work, I have a pair of NFM6’s, with a PS10 subwoofer, powered by the M40. Between all those phone calls and meetings…..I am jamming to a great stereo system fed by my new Slacker or iTunes (pretty cool, one of the perks of Product Development). In addition, one of the markets that traditionally hasn’t been available to us is those that are not homeowners. I am a renter, not a homeowner, and my landlord might have a problem with me installing in-walls and a whole-house audio control system. In the home office, I have a Serious stereo system, again powered by the M40 feeding NFM’s and PS12 subs. WOW! (Ok, I guess another perk of Product Development) But you get the idea.

Let’s take this new tool and make it work to improve our sales. If you have any questions or ideas, give me one of those phone calls………I don’t mind turning it down to visit. I always value your input and ideas.

Let’s rock.
Dennis Goettsch
Director of Product Development
http://www.proficientaudio.com/

Jason Talks About the New M40

The Proficient M40 receiver sets a new level of dedication to the installing dealer. Some people think of a stereo receiver as just an amp to connect to two speakers, where most installers see it as a tool for whole house audio.

What Proficient has done was to take the basic concept and maximize the M40's capabilities that the dealer is looking for. It starts with a High Current Amplifier, delivering 80 watts per channel that is designed to drive multiple pairs of speakers with volume controls.

To add to this the M40 has capabilities to be used as a pre-amp controller for additional amplifiers, should there be a need for even more power.

The Subwoofer output offers flexibility where some homeowners want to have more control of turning on or off the subwoofer when adjusting the satellite speakers. This has sometimes been a problem in other designs as the sub would continue to play when the speakers are turned off.

Along with that the control continues with the IR in and out that allows you to work the M40 behind a cabinet and be heard and not seen.

Some may find that the M40 is too sharp looking to hide behind cabinet doors as it is one of the nicest designs in years.

Overall you may consider the M40 as a professional grade product versus consumer grade for its competition. With the all aluminum faceplate setting the trend of performance and durability of the M40 you will understand how great quality still exists and it exists in Proficient!

Jason Dominique
Eastern Region Sales Manager
http://www.proficientaudio.com

Loren Talks about the New M40 4 Room High-Current Receiver

As a former custom installer finding product that had application versatility was a rare find. And, if you found one, it typically wasn't around long. Not so with Proficient delivering rock solid product since 2001.

Proficient receivers. A venture that will bring dealers and integrators across the country a fresh new look at building quality, performance, versatility and great looking product to their projects.
With that said, from a sales and marketing standpoint, you asked for it and Proficient is now delivering it. A “Single Brand” that delivers performance, quality and great looks too at value cost. A single brand solution. Speakers and electronics for distributed audio systems and speakers and subwoofers for home theater systems. And now surround receivers for the ultimate home theater setup.

At first look, you can’t help but notice the detail on the faceplate. It’s NOT plastic. Nor is a piece of extruded aluminum cut to size. It is Cast Aluminum! STOP and LOOK at it from all angles and you’ll see the detail of the convex curves to the “hand finished” shaved fins.

The new M40 stereo receiver (DON’T STOP READING cause your thinking it’s just another stereo receiver) will take you places you couldn't go before... Yes, it is a stereo receiver AND A WHOLE LOT MORE.

Inside the M40, you’ll find more than enough horsepower for your system delivering 80 watts per channel of High-Current amplification with speakers “A” & “B” switching (from the remote too!) a Phono input for you vinyl spinners and “Two” full range “Sub Outs” to add a powered sub or even an extra amp to power even more speakers.

It’s more than a cool little sound system for an office or bedroom. Setup a pair of your favorite Proficient speakers and subwoofer and you're rockin' to your favorite tunes.

How Versatile the M40 is!
If all bells and whistles of a surround receiver don't interest you, it’s the perfect choice for a simple A/V setup for your TV.

What about distributed audio? The reason we brought the M40 to market. Hookup up to four pairs of your favorite Proficient speakers to four VC60i’s impedance-matching volume controls then connect it all to an M40. Providing a great low cost distributed audio system.
But I use “Distributed audio controllers”. How about providing an AM/FM tuner as a source to an M4 audio controller.

And with that, you can add the 80 watt per channel High-Current amplifiers of the M40 to ANY zone on an M4 or M6 system.

Now here’s the kicker for those light commercial jobs. The M40, best choice for the head-end controller for that Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Office space, Retail store etc. Just connect the “Full Range Sub Out” of the M40 to a commercial amp(s) and you’re done.

The M40. More than “Just a stereo receiver”

Proficient Audio… NOT “Just another speaker manufacture”. A Single Brand solution for Custom Installers and Integrators across the country. A “Premium Brand” that that delivers performance, quality, service, support and now total solutions with a value cost.

Loren Maldoon
National Sales Manager
http://www.proficientaudio.com/

Proficient Unveils New Products, Joins Thousands at CEDIA 2008

Scenes from CEDIA 2008

Thousands of professionals from the residential electronics systems industry attended the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo in Denver, Colo. last month, and Proficient was on hand to tout some of its newest products.

It was an important year for CEDIA; while the current economic downturn threatened a drop in attendance among both manufacturers and dealers, this year’s CEDIA Expo welcomed about 29,000 attendees, recording an increase of both non-exhibiting professionals in attendance and electronic systems contractors (ESC) taking advantage of CEDIA University training.

As a member company of CEDIA with some new products to share, these positive developments are big news for Proficient, too. In particular, we were on hand to highlight two products that were each designed to streamline the use and installation of audio and home-theater systems, thus making the most of the consumer’s dollar: The Source and the the MDS speaker line (click on the links to see the full CEDIA videos featuring each product).

The Source is a new in-wall keypad system that allows for the same level of flexibility as an iPod, but controls a whole-house audio system. It includes an easy drop-in docking system that is compatible with most iPods, and up to six Sourcedocks can be used with any one system. The Source also operates AM and FM tuners, CD players, and other devices connected to the system, and controls Proficient’s M4 and M6 multi-room amplifiers.

The MDS speaker line was devised in part to make installation in existing homes easier for contractors and homeowners. The line affixes using ordinary J-boxes like those electricians commonly use, in addition to delivering great sound for multi-room audio and home theater systems.

AV Receivers Make Single-brand Audio Systems Possible

We’ve added three new audio/video receivers to our extensive line of home audio products, and for us, this is an exciting development on many levels. For one, the new receivers, combined with our already comprehensive lines of speakers, multi-room audio controllers, and accessories, make Proficient the brand that can provide residential custom installers everything they need to market single brand systems.

“This really changes the game,” says Keith Marshall, president of Proficient Audio. “No matter if you’re putting in a top-notch custom home theater, a casual media room, a multi-room or outdoor sound system, Proficient will be able to supply the electronics, speakers and accessories you need. Proficient single brand systems could become a very powerful tool for dealers.”

The top of this new receiver line is the M80, a fully featured model equipped with the complete suite of audio technologies from Dolby and DTS, including DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Headphone.

The M70 is designed for high-quality surround systems on a budget. It includes HDMI switching and an RS-232 port for external control. Each of its seven high-current channels is rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms. It includes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and DTS ES-Discrete processing.

The M40 is a straightforward stereo receiver, yet it offers several features designed to make it more versatile and useful for the custom installer. It can be used for a stand-alone two-channel sound system or, with impedance-balancing volume controls, it will easily drive a four room sound system. Features include composite video switching, a front audio/video input, two subwoofer outputs, and an input for a record player.

For more information on the M80, M70, and M40, click here or watch our latest promo:

New In-wall LCR Speakers Raise the Bar for Home Theater Systems

We’ve recently released two new, flagship products at Proficient Audio that are the perfect choice for larger media rooms and home theaters.

These new speakers, the IW650 and IW625 – both in-wall speaker models – improve on the bass response and power handling of our popular IW550 and IW525 speakers. Plus, until now, dealers who have been installing in-wall LCR speakers for flat panel jobs have been limited to using dual 5 ¼” woofer LCRs. The new Proficient dual 6 ½” in-wall LCR speakers can be installed horizontally between 16” on-center wall studs, allowing installers to design a three-speaker LCR array.

What’s more, the large woofers of the IW650 and IW625 bring breathtaking depth, dynamics and realism to home theater sound. The IW650 features two 6 1/2-inch Kevlar-cone woofers and a one-inch aluminum dome tweeter. The IW625 uses two 6 1/2-inch graphite-cone woofers with a 1-inch soft dome tweeter.

IW650

IW625

Keith Marshall, president of Proficient Audio, says “with the increasing popularity and size of flat panel displays, audio systems are having to scale up too.

“The IW600 Series provides the output needed for larger home theaters and media rooms, yet they’re exceptionally versatile and easy to install. We’re pleased to assist our installers with this extra acoustical potential.”

Click here for more information and specifications on the IW650 and IW625.

Substantial Subwoofers

Everyone from music lovers to movie buffs can appreciate the performance improvements we've made to our new line of floor-standing subwoofers.

The all-new PS Series consists of three models — the PS8, PS10 and PS12 — each combining an all-new cabinet design with substantial woofer and amplifier upgrades when compared to previous models.

The power player is the PS12, with a 12-inch long-excursion, treated paper cone woofer and 250-watt internal amplifier. With a frequency response of 28 Hz to 200 Hz, the PS12 has the power to reproduce the most demanding music and movie soundtracks—it can deliver the deepest bass notes with room-shaking authority.

The PS10 is a bit smaller than the PS12, but with its 10” long-excursion, treated paper cone woofer and athletic 120-watt internal amplifier, it delivers satisfying bass response in medium-sized rooms. The PS10 is easy to tuck into a corner, but plays deep enough to deliver robust cinema sound effects while still conveying the precision that music lovers demand.

For those with space limitations, the PS8 offers the same styling and audio excellence in a small-footprint chassis, and delivers a frequency response of 45 Hz to 200 Hz, deep enough to satisfy music enthusiasts and to convey the impact of action-movie soundtracks.

For more information, click here or check out our latest promo: