CES 2013 & T.H.E. Show Report  2013
   
CES & T.H.E. Show Report 2013
Coverage By Steven R. Rochlin

  Aurorasound announced the United States debut of a new phono-stage, the Aurorasound VIDA Vinyl Disk Amplifier ($5990), at T.H.E Show 2013. A state-of-the-art semiconductor technology (LCR-type network) and innovative technology are combined with old-world craftsmanship to make this phono amplifier "outstanding in many respects" says the company. There are user selectable choices for MC/MM, MC Impedance, Direct/Subsonic Filter, Stereo/Mono, and demagnetizing functions. The absence of capacitors in the signal path enables a completely flat frequency response With use of the latest semiconductor devices and discrete amplifier circuit, Aurorasound's VIDA produces high resolution in the low frequencies and reduced distortions. A large-size MUTE switch together with other functions are aligned in the front panel for improved man-machine interface for user-friendly operation.

 

Voxativ showed within the USA for the first time their top-of-the-line model Ampeggio Due loudspeaker system priced at an eye-popping $120,000. The Voxativ Ampeggio Due is a completely new design that was especially created for Voxativ’s AC-Xp driver. This horn convinces with its shallow depth of only 7.5". The horn opening is face down and bass response of this speaker system extends down to 25 Hz. There are two models of the Ampeggio Due. The Acrylic Ampeggio Due is made of Acrylic Glass, and of course has the Voxativ AC-Xp driver embedded. A second special edition is the Ampeggio Due Art Edition. This model takes a new direction together with the famous Berlin artist Gabriele Schlesselmann. The painting is "open end", as a new part is added every year. The artwork itself is gold leaf on oil and acrylic paint. The speaker's overall frequency response is from 25 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity is a very high 100dB/W/m and dimensions are 47" x 71" x 7.5" (WxHxD), with weight being 220 lbs.

 

WADAX debuted their Hermes ClearStream digital streaming solution. Models in this line include the Hermes ClearStream Streamer and Hermes ClearStream Server ($4300 and $7670 respectively, with system price being to $11,055). These units add plug 'n' play streaming playback to the Wadax PRE1 and PRE1 Mk II universal digital preamplifiers. This optimized product solution is comprised of three parts that can be added at anytime. A recording and playback streamer module housed inside the Wadax PRE1 is one possibility. Another is a one box external server whilst another is an application control point being an iPad or the like. The internal streaming module requests data from the external server, which is asynchronously clocked to the D/A master clock. A buffer stores data and sends it in bursts as required by the DAC. This topology cancels the timing issues in data transfer and is superior to all S/PDIF connections. Jitter is rated at less than 1ps and other audio data induced errors approach theoretical limits. Also, as most audiophiles know asynchronous transmission is ideal for networking and included. The Hermes playback streamer combines digital file management with the D/A conversion stage. File formats are upgradeable and include WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WMA and MP3. Hermes can playback files from 32 to 192 kHz with 16 to 32 bit depth. The Hermes Server is connected to the PRE1 via RJ45. Music can be stored internally via solid-state drive or by connected NAS.

 

This being a huge trade show... Stellé Audio Couture is a new premium lifestyle electronics company and premiered their collection of female-centric lifestyle audio products during the CES 2013. Debuting their refreshing approach to design and functionality, Stellé Audio Couture’s introductory range of fashion-forward speakers — both portable and designed to complement individual style — make a unique departure from the traditional consumer electronics launches. "We are thrilled to introduce Stellé Audio Couture at CES and to finally provide women with options in consumer electronics that are truly designed for them" said Anna Perelman, Co-Founder and CEO of Stellé Audio Couture. "Women outspend men in consumer electronics, yet it’s an industry that has not truly catered to her... until now." The new unit plays music wirelessly through any Bluetooth-enabled device or connects to USB or a 3.5mm analog stereo input cable. The Lithium-ion rechargeable battery allows for 15 hours of continuous play between charges at nominal volume. This 2.0 stereo system includes proprietary 1.5" acoustic drivers, a universal power supply 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, built-in microphone for Speakerphone capabilities and a Bluetooth wireless range of up to 50 feet. Women can match this with virtually any outfit as it is available in Ostrich Skin Blue, Red/Black Snakeskin, and Black Weave.

 

Swedish high-end audio manufacturer Perfect8 Technologies is at CES 2013 launching the new ultra high-end glass loudspeaker The Point MKII Evolution. This redesign includes using a brand new custom air motion transducer optimized for dipole applications. The result according to the company is "even higher resolution and micro detail resulting in stunning imaging and realism". This speaker features a smaller subwoofer enclosure without any sacrifice in low frequency response. The 10" drivers match the performance of the dipole panel with deep, extended, tight and ultra controlled bass. This is accomplished through record low mechanical losses, significantly decreased distortion, increased excursion and ultra-stiff aluminum cones each driven by an oversized 22 lbs magnet. The drivers are powered by DSP controlled amplifier technology at 92% efficiency, which is almost invisibly integrated into the glass subwoofer enclosure. This three-way model uses a ribbon tweeter and dual cones for midrange.

 

Vitus Audio's new RD-100 is the latest addition to the company's Reference Series. This DAC features true analog inputs and volume control. The RD-100 also uses the typical modular topology that is being used in other company's other products. Inputs include USB, TosLink optical, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, RCA analog and XLR analog. Output is via unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR analog. Modules include Masterclock, USB receiver, S/PDIF receiver, SRC, DAC, I/V converter (one per channel) and Analog Stage module (one per channel). This modular topology offers a future proof product, that can always be upgraded to the latest technology.

 

DeVore Fidelity has introduced their first three-way speaker of the popular gibbon series. Building on the
experience of the gibbon 3XL, gibbon 88 and Orangutan O/96 projects, the new drivers couple a 7" treated-paper cone to a new, carefully designed cast alloy chassis. This new driver has 50 percent more powerful magnet with double the linear voice coil travel. This allows for greater dynamic expression in the midrange and bass, lower distortion with increased sensitivity plus higher output capability. The all new midrange driver achieves a new level of speed and musicality with a revolutionary Adaptive Surround carefully mated to a coated paper cone and phase plug for improved transient performance and lower thermal distortion. It operates in it’s own aperiodic line enclosure. Also new is the SB/R-3 3/4" tweeter that takes considerable strengths of the previous Silverback tweeter and lowers distortion, increases dynamic expression and improves transparency. Preliminary specs include a frequency response from 21 Hz to 40 kHz, impedance of 8 Ohms, and sensitivity of 91dB/W/m. Cabinet dimensions are 44" x 9" x D 17.75" (HxWxD) and weight is 75 lbs.

 

Stahl~Tek is at T.H.E. Show 2013 in Las Vegas introducing their Ariaa ($12,900) that is part of the heritage of the Opus Series. Stahl~Tek brought on additional audio engineers, who labored under the love of the craft to produce a work of art which matched both their desire for the purest audio. The Ariaa features the ability to stream bit perfect audio data up to 24-bit at 192kHz, with all the usual lower sampling and bit depth rates also being supported. The output volume is adjustable. an internal master clock includes auto-frequency selection and there is full galvanic isolation of all outputs. Digital inputs include I2S, S/PDIF, AES/EBU and USB 2.0 asynchronous. Frequency response is from 0 Hz to 100 kHz, SNR is a very low >127dB and dynamic range is a high >127dB. Analog outputs are true balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA.

 

Legacy Audio's new Aeris loudspeaker (starting at $17,750) is at T.H.E. Show Las Vegas 2013. The Aeris is a bi-amplification ready speaker system whose striking looks are matched by its performance capabilities. The upper portion of the speaker cabinet is open-air dipole for fast decay of midbass frequencies and airy spacious highs. The bottom end is crossed over and room corrected by a 24 bit digital processor and powered with 1000 watts. The six driver, 4.5-way system is the first to use the Legacy's Dual Air Motion neodymium tweeter with high dynamic range, and a dipolar titanium encrusted 8" Italian midrange. Midbass is delivered by an open air 10" driver, while dual 12" subwoofers provide a displacement of nearly 200 cubic inches. The bass section is internally powered by dual 500 watt ICEpower modules.

 

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