Wednesday 6 March 2024

15 Years Between Models - Sonken SA-700 and SA-710


Time almost stood still for this model; it was the very first model in the series from Sonken Australia.

The Sonken SA-700 Karaoke Mixing Amplifier and it was so popular and reliable over the years that little did it change in looks and functionality over its 15 years of being on sale.

The SA-700R was released a few years later, the R was for the included Remote Control which enabled you to make adjustments for music volume, microphone master volume, source input A or B and change key.

It had one very unique feature over other amplifiers at the time apart from the very reasonable selling price and that was key control, so you could step up and down the key of the song being played to suit your singing style and a lot of singers gravitated to this model for this specific feature.

But it was limited to only two RCA Stereo Audio inputs for a Karaoke Machine to be connected for the most part of entire existence, until the last version was released, which was the Sonken SA-700RB the added B in the model number was for a then ground breaking audio streaming technology called Bluetooth, and yes that was a big deal back then, streaming audio from your phone was in the early stages back then compared to today everything has Bluetooth almost by default.

Today I would call the SA-700 a classic model, in-fact I call it the legacy model from where everything else in the Sonken range has grown from.

It still amazes me when customers call up asking about this model their friend has which they are still happily using it today, we still get referrals asking for this model. 

With many customers coming back today having decided it’s time to upgrade to the now Sonken SA-710 model given the SA-700RB was retired a few years back, passing on the old working model to another family member to get them started in the world of karaoke singing.

For Sonken it was just time for a change, almost forgotten about given its success, why change something that’s doing so well, and of course Sonken had released other models during this time, like the SA-720, short lived SA-730 and the 2018 release of the SA-760 with pioneering 4.3" LCD Screen and HDMI Input and Music and Vocal Record feature and its replacement the current model the SA-767 which took the brand  up another level once again.


Plus, Sonken also launched a budget range of Karaoke Amplifiers (KA) which has spanned 7 models now with the current incarnation the Limited Editon KA-13. This series on its own was incredibly popular, feature packed and not only priced well but performed just as good and two models even featured the vocal and music recording feature back to USB which a feature which was generally handled by an expensive external recorder.

But that brings us to the long, long awaited Sonken SA-710 model which was released with little fan fair in mid-2019 we didn't even know it as coming, it just arrived!

It's fair to say though that many people in upgrading have jumped the replacement model altogether to take on something more adventurous like a SA-720 or SA-760/767.

So, the sales of the SA-710 initially where slower than the previous model it replaced as a result.

Many of the sales came from first time customers to Karaoke Mixing Amplifier market who were opting for something which was a step-up from the entry level KA series.

The SA-710 Karaoke Mixing Amplifier has been well received and the feedback from our customers they are more than happy with the features and performance it delivers. Sonken currently have 3 speaker options which suit the SA-710 the CS-450, CS-600 and CS-612. 




The first two have a 10" Woofer with the CS-612 which houses a 12" Woofer, both the CS-600/612 models feature four 3" Tweeters and are presented in a premium black timber case with rose gold trim with a black grill and is capable of 350 Watts (RMS) power input.

With the slightly smaller CS-450 (pictured above) which is presented in an all-black finish producing 300 Watts (RMS) from its 10" Woofer with two 3" Woofers, and all three options are very nice and capable speakers.

If you’re looking for a beautiful bass response even at low volumes, then spend a little more and pick either one of the premium speakers being the CS-600 or 612 there is a noticeable difference even between these two. 

I have had the pleasure of having all models at my house for several months starting with the CS-450 to get a true user experience. It’s fair to say each on their own are great, but when you move from one model to the next model is when you truly notice and very quickly the difference between the CS-450 to the CS-600.

It’s like a totally different musical experience but it’s the same amplifier (SA-710) but it’s a richer sound and the bass response it like WOW and difference is there at low volume long before I start turning up the volume and that’s when you start saying OH WOW.

Even in our showroom this is more than evident as we do a demonstration not changing the volume or editing any of the EQ settings other than switching from CS-450's to the CS-600's, and I must say customers are really enjoying the sound of the CS-450's but that flick of the switch is more than noticeable when they hear the difference and that gets them thinking really fast can we spend a little extra.

And then the CS-612 comes along, this model is not always available and there was a gap of 6 months where you couldn't get them, and we only had the other two models. 

It's slightly larger in its physical size and weight too but this speaker just lifts the experience to another level again and I can't stress enough it’s not just about volume, yes which is phenomenal but the sound it produces is WOW.

The bigger timber boxes give more bass depth and you can feel it, literally with the air that comes pumping out the rear vents and if you can place them against a wall with around 20cm gap in-between and you'll notice an even different experience with the air pumping, its surreal and you can do this with the CS-600's as well.

Really impressive, the clarity the highs and lows and yes, the deep bass it delivers is outstanding and I have seen other brands offering similar specification speakers for near $1500 more is a true testament to Sonken in continuing to offer outstanding performance at an more than reasonable price.



If money is no object then choose the CS-612 especially if you have big open room, if you’re in a standard size lounge or family room then I would personally stretch to the CS-600 over that of the CS-450's but only because I know how great they sound and admittedly the look of the CS-600 Series is top self.

 The rose gold trim and high black gloss grill especially went over very nice with my wife, with its modern stylish looks they will suit any decor, not one to normally comment on my sound equipment, apart from frequent "Hey! turn it down", she noticed them and said, oh they look really nice! 

Bonus, I just got the tick of spouse approval :)

So then we come full circle back to the future with the SA-710 now with a 12 band graphic equalizer so you can really fine tune the music highs and lows for each speaker, where as previously you had only a 3 button low, mid and high volume control, simple yes but compared with the SA-710 you can really hear the difference and in my opinion is a welcomed change on this model.

You now have many different source inputs including the standard stereo rca connections along with Optical Audio Input for your smart TV, that lets you grab the audio from the TV and feed it through the SA-710 so you can sing-along to whatever you are watching on the TV.



Bluetooth is also included and that opens your SA-710 to connect to a Smart TV, Phone, Laptop, or Tablet so again you can stream the audio. You also have a dedicate sub-woofer output though personally if you’re getting either the CS-600 or CS-612 speakers I would save your money you don't need it and if you’re thinking of getting the CS-450 and adding a Sub-Woofer just spend the money and  go for the CS-612's if they are available, you won't regret it, it will save you money in the long run because if the sub doesn’t have at least a 10" woofer and is 150 Watts your just wasting your time.

Sonken had a sub-woofer with those specifications, but I never recommended them for either the SA-710, SA-720 or SA-767 models especially if you had the premium Sonken speakers like the predecessor to that of the CS-612's the CS-800's or FSK-10's.

The sub-woofer was better suited with the KA Series as then you could really appreciate the difference the sub made and it boosted the output provided by the CS-450 Speakers sold with the KA Series.



The SA-710 certainly looks different and that’s first major thing you seen especially when looking back at the SA-700 it still has the Key Control feature and the basic remote control, but to get down and dirty with all the settings and adjustments you'll need to get up and off the couch and use your fingers to fine tune the sound just the way you like it.


It may have been 15 years in the making and maybe the model number should have been SA-715 but either way the SA-710 has delivered beautifully, building on the legacy that the SA-700 spent years in cultivating. 

Enjoy everything the SA-710 has to offer it's an instant classic in my book.

Thursday 1 February 2024

Sonken Limited Edition KA-13 Karaoke Amplifier and Speaker Package Deals

 

The Sonken KA-13 has arrived at Karaoke Home Entertainment, this model is a Limited Edition release with only 100 examples being made available in celebration of Sonken's 25 years in Australia.

The KA Series is perfectly suited for the everyday karaoke enthusiast offering all the desired mixing features at budget-conscious friendly price.

The KA Series has long been popular in the Sonken line up over the years, it all started off with the KA-07, and quickly progressed over the time with subsequent offering with the KA-08, 09, 10, 11 and 12 models.

Customers are continuously telling us they are still enjoying their KA Amplifiers all these years later a testament to the brands popularity, reliability and performance.

The KA-12 model ran for nearly 3 years ending in 2023 and the replacement KA-13 released mid 2023 has had a serious power boost to 250 Watts per channel, yes that's a true stereo output of 500 Watts (RMS).  

The previous model KA-12 was 340 Watts (RMS) or 170 Watts (RMS) per channel so if your thinking of an upgrade the extra power boost will be noticable from the outset.

This model also caters for more singers with four 6.35mm Microphone Jack Ports which can of course support either Wired or Wireless Microphones.

Optical input on the KA-13 has been omitted for Smart TV connection but can still be added with the optional DAC adapter (Included in our packaged deals) running through the AUX input on the KA-13 if you still require that option.

95% of audio connections today are delivered via Bluetooth whether its from your Smart TV, Phone or Tablet, with the other 5% coming from a AUX Input for a Karaoke Machine (Disc or Hard Drive), Laptop or TV connection using Optical Input.

Use Karaoke Streaming Services, Karaoke Apps, Karaoke YouTube, Karaoke Machines, Karaoke Hard Drive, KTV Android Touch Screen or your Laptop to provide the Karaoke songs and enjoy the experience anytime at your home all flowing seemlessly through the Sonken KA-13 Mixing Amplifier and CS-450 Speakers.


The KA-13 is the only Mixing Amplifier in the Sonken range series to feature the DSP {Digital Sound Effect Processor} so you can further enhance the audio output, over an above all the other mixing options.

We have also created special packaged deals featuring the KA-13 with the matching CS-450 Karaoke/Music Speakers which are rated nicely at 300 Watts (RMS) giving you a nice buffer when paired with the KA-13 Mixing Amplifier. 


Two unique packages have been created one with the Sonken MP4000 Multi-Region DVD Player and Karaoke Machine (CD+G, DVD, VCD and CD) and Digital Songs in MP3+G. This multi-purpose Karaoke system enables playback of all the popular karaoke formats on disc and digitally via (USB/SD Card) and this unit can even record your karaoke performance.


The other package deal features the ACNOS KM-8 Vietnamese Karaoke Hard Drive System with over 43,000 Vietnamese Songs and around 6000 English Songs as standard. The KM-8 unit connects to your WIFI and is controlled via an APP on your Phone or Tablet for selecting songs from the system, extra songs can be accessed via the cloud and even YouTube. 

Up-to 8 devices (people) can use the ACNOS Connect APP all at the same time to select songs whilst someone is already singing.


All our packaged deals feature Microphones with three of the four deals including the Premium Sonken WM-800D Wireless Microphones as well as two Professional Wired Microphones enabling you to have 4 singers all singing at the same time.


Time is running out though, as less the 30 of the Sonken KA-13 Karaoke Mixing Amplifiers remain in stock at the time of writing this. 

Lots of accessories are also included to ensure you have everything you need to plug it all together and start singing in minutes.

And we even have dedicated "How to Guide" to assist with the connection for your reference.

So grab the Sonken Limited Edition KA-13 whilst stocks last,
only from Karaoke Home Entertainment - 1300 550 630.

Thursday 18 January 2024

15.6" Touch Screen & KBEATBOX Karaoke Sound System

 

Karaoke Home Entertainment presents the KTV-Touch Screen.

Take your Karaoke to the next level with this amazing 15.6" Free Standing Android Tablet which sits nicely on top of your KBEATBOX Karaoke Systems like the (CB-4051-MAX, CBX-150G, KB-43S, CBZ-16GN and CB-56GD) or similar big box models from KBEATBOX.

Imagine the KTV-Touch sitting on your KBEATBOX Karaoke System displaying the Karaoke Lyrics so everyone can easily see and singing along, you can even output the video to even larger TV or Video Projector, via the HDMI Mini Port.

We have even created 3 Combination Packaged Deals including the KTV-Touch Screen and the KBEATBOX CBX-150G - 100 Watts {RMS}, the KBEATBOX CBZ-1GN - 150 {RMS} and the biggest in the series the CB-56GD at 200 Watts {RMS} output power.

All the KBEATBOX units are on 4 wheels and made from a heavy timber box, which gives you a beautiful natural bass sound.

You also get 2 UHF Wireless Microphones and on the CBZ-16GN and CB-56GD models you can expand this to 4 singers if you want with the optional add-on (WM-800D Series from SONKEN).

Plus all the KBEATBOX models have vocal mixing features and have a rechargeable battery inside.


The packaged deals also include a HDMI Mini to HDMI cable adapter, plus 15m HDMI Cable so you can connect the KTV-Touch to larger TV or Video Projector at the same time.

We also include a package of 5x Hygenic Microphone Socks and 2x Wireless Microphone Anti-Roll Mic Stands which stops your microphones from rolling when layed down.


Use Karaoke APPs (From Google Play Store), Karaoke Streaming Services or YouTube for Karaoke all via the Andriod KTV-Touch Screen and have hours of fun singing along!


The KTV-Touch connects to the KBEATBOX Karaoke Sound System via Bluetooth (or Line input) and to your WIFI (or LAN) for internet and APP access.

The ultimate karaoke system is now available for you to own and enjoy!


Friday 22 December 2023

Sing Karaoke in the Car ? Yes you can with the ACNOS Mi-Car 3 Wireless Microphone


Yes now you too can Carpool Karaoke on your next road trip thanks to the 
ACNOS Mi-Car 3 Karaoke Microphone. 


Simply connect your Phone, Tablet or even a Laptop to the Mi-Car 3 Microphone using Bluetooth, this lets you then use any Karaoke App or Streaming Service including YouTube (on your device) for the Karaoke Songs and then tune the Mi-Car 3 to your cars FM radio and start singing.

You even have Microphone Volume, Echo and Reverb.

www.acnos.com.au


Monday 28 August 2023

This small Karaoke Speaker packs an epic punch! The KBEATBOX CS-200PU has arrived!

It might only weigh 7kgs, and yes it's compact, but don't let the fool you because the new kid on the block from KBEATBOX can well and truly hold its own, and if your limited on space at your place and don't want to spend a lot of money but don't want a toy either then I think this might just be what your looking for!

Everyone is blown away when they hear the KBEATBOX CS-200PU they can't believe the awesome sound it produces. 

Yes everyone is attracted by the price, but quickly assume that the performance will disappoint!

See the team at KBEATBOX have a reputation to up-hold as they guys are the BIG BOX makers of the Karaoke Speaker World for which they are famous for, so they and would never release something that couldn't deliver the goods, they simply wouldn't allow it.

The CS-200PU provides an amazing 50 Watts (RMS) Audio output power, that's a thumping 300 Watts (PMPO).

It features three operating modes, Bluetooth the default standard for all KBEATBOX models, but by pushing the "MODE" button you can then select either MP3 audio playback from the USB port or push it again to select the line (AUX) audio input.

The AUX input can be used to connect a Karaoke Machine for example like the Sonken MP-4000 if you wanted to play Karaoke Discs or Downloads, or you might want to connect your Smart TV to the CS-200PU so you can sing-along to music from a Karaoke Streaming Service, Karaoke App or even YouTube.

Now if your TV has Bluetooth you won't need to use the AUX input just pair the TV to the CS-200PU and the audio will stream through and you can sing-along, else if your TV doesn't have Bluetooth just add the optional DAC adapter and you will use your TV's optical output and feed that through the AUX line input again so you can sing-along to the audio from the TV.



And the fun continues as you get not one but two Professional UHF Wireless Microphones with CS-200PU and you have mixing features for the Microphone Volume, Bass, Treble and yes Echo.


For the music you also have Bass and Treble adjustments along with a Digital BASS+ boost button.

Oh and I almost forgot it has an playback time of 3 to hours via the internal rechargeable battery making the CS-200PU truely portable device and comes with the mains charger unit.

You'll be hard pressed to find a comparable model in the market that offers all this for Karaoke Singing, Public Speaking or just listening to music.

The perfect companion at home or on the go, this is the light weight karaoke speaker system that is going to put a big smile on your dial, happy singing! 

Sunday 2 July 2023

Turn your Karaoke CD+G Discs into Modern Digital Karaoke Songs!

Transform your existing Karaoke CD+G Discs into modern Digital Songs using the SONKEN MP4000 KARAOKE MACHINE. 

Why? So you can effortlessly enjoy all your songs without the hassle of swapping discs! With the MP4000, you can even generate a songbook and effortlessly enter the unique song number for instant playback.

The process is simple: insert a 32GB USB Memory Stick or SD Card into the MP4000, play your CD+G Disc, and PRESS the RECORD button. 

The MP4000 will automatically convert your songs into digital MP3+G files. These files will retain all the musical elements and on-screen lyrics, so you won't notice any difference except for the convenience of having all your songs just a click away!

Discover the additional capabilities of the SONKEN MP4000 at www.mp4000.com.au.



Monday 5 December 2022

ACNOS Mi-30 Portable Karaoke Mixer


Check out the brand new
Mi-30 Portable Karaoke Mixer from ACNOS SoncaMedia (Vietnam).

The Mi-30 is not only extremely compact in size but its full of features second to none on the market.

Bluetooth 5.0, AUX In and Out, Optical Input for your Smart TV, Guitar Input as well as free access to the ACNOS Cloud Karaoke App so you sing-along to over 40,000 Vietnamese Karaoke Songs, but you can use any Karaoke App, Streaming Service including YouTube Access for English and other languages.



It's so easy to connect and use and you can download the How to Connect Guide before you purchase one to see how this technical marvel will easily integrate with your Home Audio System.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that the Mi-30 also comes with 2 UHF Wireless Microphone, so this is truly an perfect all-in-one solution with everything you need to start singing!

Connect to your Smart TV, Phone, Tablet or Laptop and feed the audio through the Mi-30 and Sing-along!

Even Sing-along to YouTube Karaoke via your devices streaming the audio via Bluetooth through the Mi-30.



With all the cool mixing features to play with right on the top of the Mi-30 so you can get the sound just the way you like it.



Checkout all the accessories included they have left nothing out you even get a compact carry bag so you can take it to your friends house for the next party.

Now available at a price that will impress you even more!

www.acnos.com.au 
(World Wide Sales Including Australia and New Zealand)

Sold and Distributed by Karaoke Home Entertainment
in Australia and New Zealand.

We also offer the ACNOS Mi-30 Range via our eBay Store