High-End Audio Industry News

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12 / 06 / 13

  With the evolution of high-resolution audio (HRA) technology and in response to growing market demand, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced the Hi-Res Audio Experience, a new TechZone featured at the upcoming 2014 International CES. The Hi-Res Audio Experience will showcase the latest high-resolution audio content coming to market and the latest technologies that will give consumers the highest quality listening experience. Located in The Venetian's Bellini Ballroom, the Hi-Res Audio Experience is anchored by hi-res digital download pioneer and leader HDtracks and features companies including Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez Store, Blue Coast Music, Mytek Digital and Native DSD Music. A variety of hi-res audio products also will be demonstrated or on display in the Tech Zone. In addition, several manufacturers will have hi-res products on display in their rooms in the Venetian Tower and in their booths across the CES show floor. CEA research shows that consumers are ready to embrace high resolution audio. The research indicates that the appeal of high quality audio electronics extends beyond enthusiasts and that the appeal of hi-res audio extends far beyond higher quality audio devices. CEA finds four in ten (39%) of consumers with a moderate interest in audio indicate they are willing to pay more for high quality audio electronics devices and that nearly six out of ten (60%) of consumers with a moderate interest in audio are willing to pay more for higher quality digital music. Nine in ten consumers say sound quality is the most important component of a quality audio experience. "For the past 25 years, my brother and I have dedicated our lives and our company to pushing the envelope in sound quality and we apply this same passion to music downloads," said David Chesky, co-founder and CEO of HDtracks. "Now we are pleased to join with a number of other artists, music stores, and electronic companies at CES to take high fidelity music reproduction to a new level that was never before even imaginable." In addition to cutting edge exhibits, the Hi-Res Audio Experience will feature its own conference track at the 2014 CES with sessions including:

Welcome to the Hi-Res Music World, 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, January 7

Meet the Hi-Res Music Creators, 3-4 p.m., Tuesday, January 7

Hi-Res Audio for Every Lifestyle, 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, January 8

12 / 05 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.TV is now now accepting submissions from those within the music industry to have their video featured on our channel. We will be delivering to our enthusiastic worldwide audience high quality videos from manufacturers, recording studios, musicians, DJs, etc. so the world can share in your joy of music! Find out more about this great opportunity by sending us an e-mail for more details. For our readers, soon we will be holding a contest for viewers to submit their videos, with the winner being chosen by our audience. More on this in the coming weeks.

T.H.E. Show Las Vegas has announced they will have a special 'Legends In Audio' section including exclusive book signing by The Absolute Sound editor Robert Harley plus Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez CEO Chad Kassem. "The Absolute Sound magazine will debut their new and impressive coffee-table publication, The Illustrated History of High-End Audio, at T.H.E. Show Las Vegas," says Richard Beers the President of T.H.E. Show. "It is indeed a beautiful accomplishment. This debut Volume is a 320-page, deluxe hardbound book and is nearly the size of an LP cover. It is richly illustrated with rare archival photos of the company founders, their workshops and early products." The Illustrated History of High-End Audio will only be available at T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas during convention week at a discount. It can be autographed by Robert Harley and many of The Absolute Sound contributors . Note that T.H.E. Show will only offer special numbered, limited First Edition copies! "This epic book is a 'must-have' for all audio enthusiasts," says Robert Harley. Another T.H.E. Show Las Vegas debut will be Acoustic Sounds' Super HiRez DSD downloads where attendees can learn more about these online downloads from Acoustic Sounds founder and CEO Chad Kassem. T.H.E. Show begins at the Flamingo Hotel on Tuesday, Jan 7th and will hold an Opening Night Reception: featuring The Absolute Sound contributors and phenomenal entertainers including bassist Dean Peer. Opening night is sponsored, in part, by Cardas Audio and guitar virtuoso and Grammy winner Larry Mitchell. The festivities begin at 6:30pm in the Red Rock Ballroom at the Flamingo. Registration at T.H.E. Show is in the Executive Conference Center, entrance in the Shopping area hallway across from the Sin City Bar. Attendees with CES badges will be admitted free of charge after stopping at the Registration Desk. Press personnel can pre-register at T.H.E. Show Las Vegas' site and audio enthusiasts not going to CES can pre-register and pay online through the website as well. Enjoy the Music.com will have our T.H.E. Show Las Vegas 2014 and CES 2014 show report at this link.

12 / 04 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com just posted the December edition of Hi-Fi+ filled with many great equipment and music reviews plus think pieces. This issue includes equipment reviews of the Electrocompaniet Nordic Tone I floorstanding speaker, Aurilic Vega digital audio processor, Spendor D7 speakers, McIntosh MA5200 integrated amplifier, Cardas Clear Sky/Parsec cables, Trinnov Amethyst preamplifier/processor, Snake River Cables and much more! Within Alan Sircom's editorial he says, "This is the last issue of Hi-Fi Plus in 2013. It's inevitably time to reflect. We've had our 100th anniversary (but we don't look a day over 95). The world is in a slightly more financially happy and confident place at the end of this year than it was at the beginning and we have lost some good people both in the fields of music and audio. The rise of retro continues unabated (who'd have expected cassette tapes would make a comeback in on-trend indie record stores?), streaming is on the up, but reports of CD's grand demise might be greatly exaggerated. Who knows what's in store for hi-fi in 2014?" You can see the complete table of contents and editorial of Hi-Fi+ by clicking here.

iFi Audio's new nano iDSD ($189) battery powered portable USB DAC unit handles DSD, DXD and PCM files. The nano iDSD is the world's smallest portable battery powered high fidelity audio DAC that natively plays high-resolution formats including PCM from 44.1 to 384 kHz and DSD 5.6/6.2MHz and DXD 352.8/384kHz. Digital input is a USB 3.0 (2.0 compatible) with digital out appearing on S/PDIF RCA. Analog outputs include a headphone jack and pair of RCA jacks. The iFi Audio nano is compatible with all recent Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod and Android devices plus will work with Windows, Mac and Linux computer operating systems. The iFi Audio nano iDSD has the company's True Native playback, Bit-Perfect, selectable digital filters, DirectDrive and asynchronous USB. This battery powered unit includes a precision analog volume control for headphone use, can easily be used to feed your music to powered speakers or as an input to your home or automobile music system.

12 / 03 / 13

  Pioneering the next generation of bass traps and acoustic treatments, GIK Acoustics has introduced their patent pending FlexRange Technology. This new technology is claiming to provide the best in bass trapping and low end absorption. Backed by research, development and testing, FlexRange Technology encompasses GIK Acoustics proprietary bass trap design while offering a choice to control the frequency range that's absorbed. The Full Range option is broadband in nature maximizing low end and upper frequencies to give a true broadband range of absorption. Full Range is an excellent option at controlling low end frequencies and is the preferred choice for early reflection points or when upper frequencies need 100% absorption. Another option is GIK Acoustics' Range Limiter that has a built-in frequency range limiter. This option includes a membrane system which improves lower frequency absorption – up to 50% more low end (below 60Hz) – while retaining 75% more high end (from 400Hz and above). The Range Limiter option is sad to be an ideal solution to make a small room sound larger, keeping 'life' within the room.

Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Apple's iTunes is now finding itself fully exposed as Jon Johansen, the brilliant Norwegian programmer who made available the DeCSS code that allows DVD copy protection to be hacked, has now released a hack for iTunes Music Store called QTFairUse. This new program is said to basically be a "memory dumper" and can then allow the bypassing of Apple's QuickTime DRM protection. While this is technically not the first such hack of Apple's iTunes as Bill Zeller offered a program called MyTunes that makes mp3 files from iTune files.

12 / 02 / 13

  The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has touted the music business' digital transformation and music's central role in culture and commerce. The RIAA is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the record industry around the world. RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all recorded music produced and sold in the United States. Noting that the music business is now primarily a digital business that derives approximately 60 percent of its revenues from a wide array of digital sources, the RIAA offered several examples of how music drives innovation and products:

· Music is driving developments at major technology companies: In the past few years, technology companies from Google to Apple to Amazon, as well as a variety of startups announced and funded the development of new music delivery services.

· Music has driven adoption of smartphones and tablets: Virtually every smartphone or tablet manufacturer includes music player capability within the device, and has marketed at least one of its devices by, among other things, touting the device’s music capabilities.

· In-car music enhancements have driven the sale of cars: Luxury cars are marketing themselves based on the enhanced digital music experience in the car, and now more than 100 vehicle models have digital radio in the dashboard.

· Facebook: 37 of the top 50 pages (74%) of any genre on Facebook are for creative content (music, books, movies/TV) or creators of creative content and 9 of the top 10 celebrities on Facebook are sound recording artists. Music is also driving the creation of new apps and digital advertising methodologies on Facebook.

· Twitter: 39 of the top 50 profiles (78%) on Twitter are for actors or sound recording artists and 9 of the top 10 celebrities on Twitter are sound recording artists.

· YouTube: 28 of the top 30 most viewed videos (93%) on YouTube are official videos for sound recordings owned or distributed by the major record labels.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an organization that represents the recording industry worldwide with some 1300 members in 66 countries and affiliated industry associations in 55 countries, had their CEO address the recent ARIA Masterclass meeting. The CEO of IFPI said "I believe it was through the sheer relentless hard work of those working in record companies and their vision of a new music industry that would emerge from the disruption of the early days of the Internet. Record companies have made three big, strategic long-term changes over the last decade. First, they TRANSFORMED THEIR BUSINESS MODELS (bold theirs) to digitize the industry. As Denis said, record companies have licensed more than 30 million tracks to over 500 digital music services. Today, 35 per cent of record companies’ trade revenues globally come from these digital channels. In Australia, that proportion is higher, with almost half of industry revenues coming from the more than 30 licensed digital services operating here. In some countries, such as Sweden, digital channels account for more than 60 per cent of revenues, and that proportion is still increasing. Second, record companies diversified their digital revenue streams. Consumers have access to download stores, subscription services, internet radio stations and video streaming sites. In some countries, such as those in Scandinavia, subscription services are dominant; in others, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, download stores remain the primary source of digital revenue. Of course, the emergence of new models is not uncontroversial. Just as the download model caused a stir when it first emerged, today there are debates about subscription and streaming services."

12 / 01 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com's December Review Magazine is now online and features four world premiere reviews plus our Great Audiophile Gifts For 2013! See the December Review Magazine by clicking here.

   
Regular Reading
Daily News: Audiophile news updated each weekday!

Show Reports
TAVES 2013 (Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show) Report
The industry's most extensive report is now online!

Contest!
Win Napa Acoustic's $399 NA-208A tubed integrated amplifier!

Viewpoint
Enjoy the Music.com Launches State-Of-The-Art Internet TV Station Enjoy the Music.TV

Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 168
Tweakin' With The Black Ravioli Base.
Article By Dr. Bill Gaw

Skoff'ing Up Food For Thought
It is critical that you be a critic, but don't be critical of yourself!
Article By Roger Skoff

Video Celebration
Vacuum Tube Amplifier Theory
How a vacuum tube works.

Why We Create Music
Humans have a desire to communicate... and music is a great medium.

Lifestyle & Design
Cartesian Co. EX¹ 3D Printer
Now you can print circuits on boards, cloth, paper and more!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Doctor Who Memorabilia Set For Auction
Who doesn't know of the good Doctor Who?
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Ducati's $99,000 Model 1199 Superleggera Motorcycle
From Italy comes perhaps the most extreme superbike to date!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Superior Audio
Meitner MA-2 Integrated Playback System
One would be hard pressed to find a more satisfying musical source at anything near this price.
Review By Jules Coleman

Merrill Audio VERITAS Monoblock Power Amplifiers
Being faithful to the original performance.
Review By Jules Coleman

Equipment Reviews
Enjoy the Music.com's Great Audiophile Gifts For 2013!
Gift ideas to give your audiophile for the 2013 holiday season.
By The Enjoy the Music.com Staff

World Premiere!
LAB12 HPA OTL Headphone Amplifier / USB DAC
An audio revolution with high fidelity OTL headphone amplifier and basic USB DAC.
Review By Matej Isak

World Premiere!
Red Wine Audio Isabella Renaissance Edition Preamplifier
An impressive battery powered tube preamplifier for $3995.
Review By Tom Lyle

World Premiere!
GLOW Audio Two Integrated EL84 Tube Amplifier... Now With DAC!
The Sweetness of the GLOW Audio Two $1508... How do you like your sugar?
Review By A. Colin Flood

World Premiere!
Hegel SUPER USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier
A great sounding no muss, no fuss USB DAC for only $399!
Review By Wojciech Pacuła

Audience Au24 SE Cables
No fancy window dressing or exaggerated physical size, just great sound.
Review By Anthony Nicosia

DIY Audio
Vacuum Tubes Part 5 
Current Source Topology
Article By Grey Rollins

Music Reviews
Classical Music
Fiery Chopin Playing By Young Vassily Primakov.
Review By Max Westler

Unorthodox Formula One Approach to Early Schubert Symphonies.
Review By Max Westler

Wagner's Die Walküre, Siegfried Rienzi, Tannhäuser, Die Meistersinger and more!
Review By Joe Milicia

See the December Review Magazine by clicking here.

Astell&Kern has released their AK100 MKII ($799) version that has lower output impedance of 3 Ohms and new firmware for their AK120 ($1299). The MKII version of the AK100 portable high resolution audio players handles 192kHz/24-bit audio and DSD64 using the Wolfson 8740 digital to analog converter chip. The unit has extremely low signal to noise ratios (SNR) as well as extremely low levels of harmonic distortion (THD). On-board memory is 32 GB yet there are two additional micro SD card slots for adding more storage space to a total of 96GB. Astell&Kern AK120 v1.37 system software update adds 'comfortable USB mode' that easily provides for switching between USB DAC and Connect As Removable Disk connection modes without disconnecting your USB cable. There is a Play All option under Folder view. Also added is 32-bit floating .WAV (stereo) file playback support. DSF files are now shown in the MQS menu plus Astell&Kern added Home Screen themes. Naturally a few housekeeping items were also corrected during this update.

11 / 27 / 13

  HDtracks, the leader and pioneer in high resolution audio downloads, has launched a newly refreshed website and now offers Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and Muddy Waters' Folk Singer. HDtracks gives the growing number of audio-conscious consumers an easy way to enjoy the very best possible listening experience in 24-bit high resolution audio quality. With music from both iconic bands as well as many of today's Grammy and Award earning hottest new artists, HDtracks is perhaps the place to go for the most diverse and highest quality music online. Shoppers at HDtracks.com have instant access to music downloads in upwards of 192kHz/24-bit for rich and dynamic sound that harkens back to the era when music lovers cherished the experience of great-sounding vinyl record albums. The new website features a refreshed interface with expanded download options, a streamlined check-out process, and greater customer engagement through online reviews. HDTracks now offers two of the most iconic albums in history in both 96kHz/24-bit and 192kHz/24-bit; with the new release of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue which is being offered for the first time sourced from the original studio tapes and Muddy Waters' best-selling blues classic Folk Singer.

Linn Records has a special gift for music lovers this holiday season by giving away free high resolution music! A different free Studio Master track every day in December until Christmas Day, available to download from Sunday 1 December. A Studio Master, or 24-bit download, is the highest quality music file available from Linn Records. It allows the listener to hear music exactly as it was recorded, before it was altered to fit on a CD or squashed down to MP3 size. Linn are very proud of their eclectic music library and this Christmas gift will allow listeners the chance to explore and expand their musical tastes, introducing up-coming musicians, new genres and a few well-known favorites. There’ll be something for virtually everyone to enjoy including the award-winning Sir Charles Mackerras and Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Britain’s First Lady of Jazz Claire Martin, electronica legend Jean-Michel Jarre, popular Scottish indie-rock band Admiral Fallow and much more.

11 / 26 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com, high fidelity audio's leading online information site for more than 18 years and now in concert with major print media plus Internet partners, is pleased to announce a historic alliance. Armed with a new state-of-the-art audio/video studio facility, Enjoy the Music.TV will stream key information to help educate consumers about great high fidelity audio gear while also showcasing multi-Grammy award winning recording studio engineers and musicians, EDM DJs plus home, car and portable audio gear. It is not just how music is created in the studio or reproduced with an electronic device, what matters most is that the musical artists' creation is experienced as intended in true high fidelity audio sound quality. With so many new technologies reaching the marketplace, it can get confusing to exactly what the inherent sound quality of music people are purchasing. Consumers can rely on Enjoy the Music.TV's experts, with many hundreds of years of experience in the field of music and audio, to educate as well as entertain our audience. See the complete press release at this link.

Enjoy and Napa Acoustic are offering their NA-208A ($399) vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier to one lucky contest winner! "Amazing" is the word the company hears most often when people discover the NA-208A hybrid vacuum tube amplifier for the first time. Its small size and understated elegance in chrome and stainless steel are admired almost as much as the sound it produces. With a vacuum tube front end and solid-state output power section, the NA-208A offers a very sophisticated stereo design that produces 25 wpc. Se more and enter to win at this link.

11 / 25 / 13

  Bryston, LTD BUC-1 ($799) is a special purpose digital to digital converter that enables music enthusiasts to use their computer as a high resolution music source even though their existing Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) does not feature asynchronous USB capability. The Bryston BUC-1 converter allows for native 24 bit resolution at sampling rates up to 192 kHz. The Bryston BUC-1 takes a standard USB output from the computer and is said to deliver bit-perfect data via either an 110 Ohm AES/EBU or 70 Ohm S/PDIF output to any DAC. The BUC-1 including a robust linear power supply design and in order to supply clean power to the on-board circuitry, the BUC-1 uses a combination of power supply filtering and a newly engineered power down-regulator. Like other Bryston electronics, the power supply features ultra stable voltage regulation, extremely low noise/low distortion circuitry throughout and a steel chassis to reject any radiated noise from a computer or other device in close proximity. The goal of any quality USB converter is to convey the exact bits in the audio signal with the least amount of jitter possible. Most crucially, the Bryston BUC-1 takes control of the master timing of the audio system — so rather than the computer running the master clock with questionable results, the BUC-1 becomes the main system clock delivering ultra low jitter, high resolution audio to any outboard DAC. All outputs are transformer coupled and on the front panel are input sample rate indicators. Dimensions are 8" x 5.625" x 2.25" (DxWxH) and the Bryston BUC-1 will be available January 1st, 2014.

Randall K Designer HiFi has a mission "to make audio cool again and get people passionate about wanting to share music and audio the very same way it was infused in us". To do this, the company is building limited edition functional audio art that at the very least are conversation pieces and are said to perform at state-of-the-art levels. To quote their press release, "We feel that for too long, people would purchase a piece of equipment to hide it in their audio cave. The only way the audio business will drive groups of music lovers towards finer equipment and enjoy listening is to make audio an inclusive sport and not an exclusive one, as well as offering unique, high performance products. Each hand made pair of Randall K speakers are limited editions to insure exclusivity and value. Randall K speakers can be custom tailored in both color and material utilized to add another level of personalization. We want our clients to be an integral part of the process and to take pride in owning a Randall K loudspeaker." Randall K designs combine wide band drivers with a midbass/bass driver to achieve the coherency of a single driver loudspeaker, yet with the output and dynamics of a multi-way design. Resonance and internal timing errors are addressed using their AIR technology (Asynchronous Internal Randomization) for ultimate musical reproduction. The shapes and contours of Randall K cabinets are chosen to minimize internal reflections and minimize all of the non-desirable restrictions that putting a speaker into a box causes.

11 / 23 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com just added two new reviews within our Review Magazine.

World Premiere! 
Red Wine Audio Isabella Renaissance Edition Preamplifier
An impressive battery powered tube preamplifier for $3995.
Review By Tom Lyle

Audience Au24 SE Cables 
No fancy window dressing or exaggerated physical size, just great sound.
Review By Anthony Nicosia

TAVES 2013 (Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show)
Just Posted: TAVES 2013 show report part 4 now online! 

Mat Weisfeld of VPI Industries Inc. announced on Bloomberg TV their new 'The Nomad' turntable ($995). This new, easy to use package includes the turntable, tonearm, Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet (MM) cartridge, phonostage, headphone amplifier and iGrado headphones. The turntable comes ready to go so there are no worries about dealing with tweaking things just to get it setup correctly. Mat said The Nomad is great for college dorm rooms, while we here at Enjoy the Music.com agree and feel it is also a great way to get new vinyl enthusiasts involved too. You simply plug it in and enjoy the music. See Mat's interview below for more information about The Nomad and other products from VPI Industries Inc.

11 / 22 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com has just posted Hi-Fi World's January 2014 edition including the complete editorial and table of contents. This issue includes reviews of the Quad Platinum DMP player/amp, Fiio X3 digital audio player, Audiolab Q-DAC & M-pwr Tellurium Q Claymore amp, Usher Dancer Mini-x Diamond speaker, VTL TP-2.5 MKII phonostage and more! The editorial Great Gear Ahead As We Welcome 2014 by Noel Keywood says, "It's the time of the year when the days grow short, frosts set in and Christmas approaches. Which means it's also time for us to sit down and look at all the products we've reviewed over the last 12 months to nominate the conspicuous greats, those that stand out as exceptional. And as always, there were plenty of them." See the complete January table of contents and editorial of Hi-Fi World by clicking here.

Acoustic Research, a brand owned by VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), introduces their new line of attractive and functional tech accessories designed with the modern woman in mind. Leading the collection is the wireless Bluetooth speaker that combines trends from the fashion runway. The design rethinks traditional speaker shape and surface, adding a feminine touch with soft, rounded corners, leather detailing and a tactile face that calls upon the tufted fabric trend. The AR for her speaker's svelte tufted look comes in black and white to compliment a classic look or city chic style. The line also includes a white and pink polka-dot speaker for a fun and flirty touch, while a leopard print version brings out a fashionista's wild side. The collection will receive an updated look each season to capture the latest runway styles. The Bluetooth speaker wirelessly connects to all compatible devices to stream your favorite music, has a built in microphone for hands-free calling and features a rechargeable battery for 8 hours of musical bliss. There is a 3.5mm aux input that works with virtually every portable music player on the market. Buttons for play, pause, track and volume controls are easily accessible. These features, along with a lightweight size and an optional carrying strap make it easy to transport the speaker from room to room while getting ready, or out on the town for exceptional sound day or night. "Technology has become an integral part of our life, our accessories go everywhere we do," said David Geise, President of VOXX Accessories Corporation. "We created AR for her so that women looking to express their tech savvy style can go beyond the fashionable smartphone case, and opt for attractive yet functional items made especially for her." The collection will be available for purchase spring 2014. Retailers will have the option to choose customized colors, designs and patterns to best meet their clientele’s style. Additional functional tech accessories will be reimagined for women to round out the collection.

11 / 21 / 13

  High fidelity audio is reaching high finance as VPI Industries' own Mat Weisfeld will be appear on Bloomberg TV! Tune in to Bloomberg's live online stream or cable TV channel on Friday between 5pm and 6pm NYC time to see Mat Weisfeld of VPI Industries discuss their 3D printed tonearm and perhaps announce one of their new designs. During the RMAF 2013 we here at Enjoy the Music.com interviewed Mat Weisfeld and he gave us some hints about their upcoming products. So come check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek at what may be announced on Friday! In the past few months Enjoy the Music.com provided a world premiere review of VPI's Scout 1.1 turntable and a review of their new Classic 3 turntable.

Jim Smith's new episode of Breaking Through The Sound Barrier -- now syndicated and available via iTunes along with the previous two episodes -- sees host Jim and sidekick Randall tackling various questions. He lets us all know when to expect delivery of the TTSB Kickstarter and what it takes to keep your sanity when building a proper listening room. Then Jim goes on to your e-mail, and this time he kicks that segment off with a great contribution from listener and TTSB backer Alón Sagee. You can enjoy Jim Smith's newest episode in mp3 at this link or visit iTunes to get all three. Jim's Kickstarter campaign says "Through the Sound Barrier is a book, a DVD, and a special CD. It includes the Quarter Notes newsletters, and Breaking-Through podcasts. It's really an audiophile’s toolkit. With it, we are going to realize another level of musical enjoyment, one that you most likely have not experienced much – except maybe at live concerts."

Looking to sell you high fidelity audio gear or perhaps buy something used? If so, then Stereo Fair may be just the place for you! Creating an account is simple and free. To post as ad, all you need to do is click POST AN AD and fill in the details about your item for sale. You may add up to six images. Once you've checked out, your ad will appear in your MY ADS LIST and in the NEW TODAY section of the Web site. You can always return to edit your ad later, or to change your item's status to SOLD or SALE PENDING. A single ad is just $3.50 for a 30 day listing. Special package deals are also available including five ads for $16, ten ads for $31 and 20 ads for just $60. Ad packages never expire and there is never a transaction fee. You may pay for single ads or ad packages by VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

11 / 20 / 13

  Bob Dylan is harnessing the power of current Internet technology while taking us back to his 1965 classic hit "Like a Rolling Stone". When the song first came out there was no music video, yet today's technology provides longtime and now legendary singers, songwriters and musicians a chance to relive and modernize their craft. So almost a half-century later Bob Dylan has unleashed a groundbreaking interactive project that has been created for the song "Like a Rolling Stone," allowing fans to experience this classic recording in unprecedented ways. Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" interactive video coincided with The Complete Album Collection Volume 1, which was just released on Columbia/Legacy Recordings. Wit this new video, viewers can play an active role in the story of the music video. The experience begins when users press play and have the ability to surf 16 different "TV channels" within the video in real-time. These channels are comprised of American TV formats in which, no matter what channel you are on, the hosts and actors are all lip-syncing the lyrics to "Like a Rolling Stone" as the song continues to play seamlessly. No two people will engage with the video in the same way twice. The full interactive video can also be experienced on iPhones and iPads and is easily shared across social media platforms. "We're forever looking for compelling, creative ways to distinguish our artists and their music from the din" said Adam Block, President of Sony Music/Legacy Recordings. "The Interlude treatment of "Like a Rolling Stone" provides us with a unique, playful, highly engaging platform from which we can reach — and ideally attract — Dylan fans from across the spectrum." Yoni Bloch, founder and CEO of Interlude, said "As a musician myself, I can't imagine a more thrilling project to be a part of than helping create the first video for "Like a Rolling Stone," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time. The song has repeatedly been voted the No. 1 Greatest Song of All Time by Rolling Stone, and is generally regarded as revolutionary, influencing both artists and popular music around the world. Like the song, we hope Interlude will inspire creative professionals everywhere to develop new and unique ways to tell stories through video."

On a related note to the Bob Dylan announcement above, Enjoy the Music.com is planning to offer a press release soon yet word is already sneaking out with great excitement within the high fidelity audio and music industry about our next project. Specifically, visit EnjoyTheMusic.TV for a small hint of what is to come. Again, an official press release from Enjoy the Music.com and Enjoy the Music.TV will be coming in the next few days.

TACET's new Maurice Ravel Ma mère l'Oye, Pavane, Le Tzigane (€25.78) as performed by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Carlo Rizzi is now available on 180 gram vinyl. One year ago, the first LP in Tacet's "play backwards" procedure astounded the specialist world and customers alike. Playing an LP backwards - is that actually possible? It is indeed possible, as the thoroughly successful vinyl production "oreloB" (TACET L207) has proven. And it offers considerable advantages under certain circumstances. The question raised by "oreloB" - namely why LPs were not originally made from the inside to the outside - has remained unanswered to the present day. Admittedly, the first LP has offered an ideal program with the Bolero and La Valse of Maurice Ravel. The present LP is less spectacular in this respect. Nonetheless, the volume progression is also unmistakably clear here, as can be seen in the curve representation. The graph shows the dynamic development of both sides; both begin quite calmly and end rather powerfully. There was no reason, therefore, not to do the same with the other works of Maurice Ravel as had been done with Bolero, all of which, incidentally, were recorded during the same sessions with the fabulous Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. Gordan Nikolic really gets the dance floor vibrating with his interpretation of "Le Tzigane", and Carlo Rizzi carries us off into the wonderful dream world of Maurice Ravel with the fairytales of Mother Goose. Depending on how well a program is suited to this procedure, some LPs by TACET will, in the future, be issued "normally" and others "backwards".

11 / 19 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com just added two reviews within our Review Magazine.

Merrill Audio VERITAS Monoblock Power Amplifiers 
Being faithful to the original performance.
Review By Jules Coleman

Vacuum Tubes Part 5 
Current Source Topology
Article By Grey Rollins

Black Cat Cable has announced the release of their Silverstar! audiophile quality USB cable ($99 for two foot length). The Silverstar! USB is a well-executed cable that was designed for maximum performance at minimum price. Cable designer Chris Sommovigo was on-board the USB DAC train before most folks even heard of it, thanks to catching Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio with his demo at CES 2004. Almost a year later Gordon sent Chris a USB DAC. Forward the clock nine years and the USB cable has become a key interface for many high fidelity audio systems. "The USB cable market has been in full swing for several years now, but I wasn't comfortable releasing any products unless they were in the realm of 'can't be beat,'" says Black Cat founder Chris Sommovigo. "I had to be confident that the new Silverstar! would be heads and above other cables even three and four times its price... This USB cable draws a line in the sand." As with all Black Cat Cable products, the new USB cables are assembled in Atlanta, GA USA.

11 / 18 / 13

  Sony's just released PlayStation 4 (PS4) is the first unit on the market to include DTS' new DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 decoder. This is DTS' top-line surround experience, which is available from both physical disc and digitally delivered media. Launched in North America and selling over 1 million units during the first 24 hours of sales this weekend, Sony's PS4 brings the new DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 decoder to a wide audience. PlayStation 4 features Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, Bluetooth, and two USB 3.0 ports. An auxiliary port is for connection to the PlayStation Camera, which is a motion detection digital camera device first introduced on the PS3. Strangely, there is an included mono (not stereo) headset that can be plugged into the DualShock 4 controller. Audio/video output options include HDMI and TosLink optical S/PDIF audio. DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 is the latest delivery profile under the DTS-HD technology portfolio of advanced audio solutions for next-generation content. Designed to deliver the highest quality surround sound experience possible from both physical and digital media, this new decoder supports streamed and downloaded content featuring DTS-HD-encoded audio tracks, as well as optical disc media with soundtracks produced in all DTS formats including DTS-HD Master Audio. The DTS-HD Master Audio format supports variable bit rates up to 24.5 Mbit/s on a Blu-ray disc and up to 18.0 Mbit/s for HD DVD. The format supports a maximum of 192kHz/24-bit from 2 to 5.1 channels, and 96kHz/24-bit resolution up to 7.1 channels. "Today, there are more than a couple of ways for consumers to access and enjoy entertainment content," said Brian Towne, executive vice president and chief operating officer at DTS. "Millions of consumers rely on their gaming consoles to serve as their hub for accessing digital content services, holding the expectation that these devices will deliver the same quality video and audio experience that they receive when gaming or watching Blu-ray discs. By featuring DTS' new DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 technology, PS4 owners will be able to enjoy the same high-definition 7.1 surround sound experience received on Blu-ray from streaming and VOD services."

Edifier's newest speaker set, called Luna Eclipse ($199), includes 74 watts of amplification and quality drivers plus passive radiators. Inputs include 3.5mm stereo audio and Bluetooth for wireless connection. Ideal for compact desktops and various home environments, the Luna Eclipse connects to any Bluetooth enabled device or via 3.5mm stereo jack from smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. A touch sensitive panel controls volume, power and track changes is located on the side of Luna Eclipse’s active speaker. When in Bluetooth mode, the user can use a swiping motion to change tracks or volume. In addition, an included wireless remote allows control of volume and power. Edifier's Luna Eclipse incorporates DSP and DRC technology to minimize distortion even at the highest volumes. Each speaker cabinet contains a 0.75" tweeter and a 3" full range speaker. In addition, each speaker cabinet contains two 3" passive bass radiators to aid in maximizing the bass performance and audio quality. The built-in power amplification is 15W for each 0.75" tweeter and 22W for each front full range 3" driver. A remote control is also included and available colors for the speakers are red, black and white.

Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Entering the legitimate online music marketplace is none other than computer operating system giant Microsoft. Looking to compete with Apple's iTunes, MusicMatch, Napster, RealNetworks' Rhapsody, and Sharman Networks' KaZaA (to name a few), Microsoft hopes to roll out their service in 2004. Naturally Microsoft will employ their own technology and will most probably make it a part of their free Media Player software. As a mere speed bump to Microsoft's efforts, the European antitrust officials are currently making legal decisions concerning how Microsoft bundles allegedly nonessential software within their operating system. Audiophiles take note as Microsoft owns the HDCD technology and could easily offer better than CD quality sound online.

11 / 16 / 13

World Premiere! 
GLOW Audio Two Integrated EL84 Tube Amplifier... Now With DAC!
The Sweetness of the GLOW Audio Two $1508... How do you like your sugar?
Review By A. Colin Flood

World Premiere! 
Hegel SUPER USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier
A great sounding no muss, no fuss USB DAC for only $399!
Review By Wojciech Pacuła

TAVES 2013 (Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show)
Just Posted: TAVES 2013 show report part 3 now online! 

Enjoy the Music.com just posted the December edition of The Absolute Sound (Issue 238)! This issue features a very special focus on computer audio and includes reviews of the Channel D Pure Vinyl LP-ripping software and Seta phonostage, KEF X300A digital hi-fi system, Parasound Zdac, Naim Audio UnitiServe, Peachtree Nova125, 3beez Waxbox music server, EAR-Yoshino 192 DACute DAC and more! Within Robert Harley's editorial he says, "We're now presented with another chance to abandon the CD's primitive specifications (which were dictated by the technology of 1979 when the standard was set) and replace low-quality digital and MP3 with great-sounding high-res. Of course, some of us have been enjoying high-resolution digital for some time, but the availability of titles is limited, and building a high-res server requires the dedication of an enthusiast. High-resolution digital audio must be simple, affordable, ubiquitous, and offer a deep catalog. To be judged a success, high-res must be available for all music, for all listeners, and at all price levels." You can see the complete table of contents and editorial of The Absolute Sound by clicking here.