CEDIA Expo 2007
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association

  Bryston's audiophile Redbook CD player, the BCD-1 ($2395) is designed with exceptional build quality and outstanding sonic performance in mind. Using fully discrete Class-A analog circuitry and a 192K/24Bit Crystal DAC with 128-time oversampling, Bryston has virtually eliminated bit timing errors (jitter) by perfectly synchronizing the player's master clock and drive. The Crystal CS4398 DAC is an advanced generation chip using a combination of several different conversion methods to optimize the processing. Each premium DAC boasts dedicated power supplies-a separate, closely regulated and filtered digital power supply as well as a heavily regulated and filtered analog power supply with carefully routed electrical grounds. Finally, careful trace routing throughout the complete circuit architecture of the BCD-1 eliminates potential noise via capacitive coupling, which delivers those critical extra dB's of noise and distortion reduction marking only the most outstanding equipment. The Bryston BCD-1 CD Player uses discreet operational amplifiers after the DAC instead of the commonly used integrated circuits. The use of discrete devices enables Bryston engineers to exactly match the needs of the DAC and allow for a more robust output than IC-based amplifiers. The use of discrete devices also allows Bryston to select components with carefully matched input and output impedances based on specific in-circuit requirements. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs plus transformer-coupled SPDIF and AES EBU digital outputs are located on the rear of the unit. Also included is a optical output and the unit is RS-232 software upgradeable.

Bryston also introduced their 28B-SST monoblock amplifier ($7500) that produces 1000 watts of power. A significant part of the design criteria for the 28B-SST was to develop a very powerful amplifier that would drive any speaker on the planet but maintain an ideal power curve at 1 watt as well as at 1000 watts and every power level in between. This results, clams Bryston, is "a big, powerful amplifier that sounds incredibly detailed and musical at very low levels while maintaining the same sonic sophistication and drive capability with even the most challenging, inefficient speakers." The Bryston 28B-SST is a fully balanced-output amplifier, which has reduced THD and IMD to low values (typically 0.001% or less). An extremely low noise floor, typically below 115dB, and tremendous power reserves give just a hint to the Bryston's 28B-SST capabilities.

Lastly, Bryston is showing a prototype of their "D Series" zone amplifier prototype at CEDIA. The D-180Z zone amplifier technology currently in development is lightweight, compact, reliable, and highly efficient zone amplifiers for whole-house audio applications. "Although the entire zone amp product category is separate from our audiophile amplifier designs, we are confident that the engineers at Bryston can execute the class D format at a very high level," reported James Tanner, VP of sales and marketing at Bryston. Current plans are in the works for three models of D-series amplifiers to serve the needs of installers building a variety of distributed audio configurations. Bryston's D-180Z features dual linear power supplies, 8 independent channels at 180 watts each into 4 Ohms, 4 stereo zones at 180 watts per channel into 4 Ohms and each zone is bridgeable to 400 watts all 4 zones driven into 8 Ohms. Each channel has level control while each input can select from direct input from RCA jack or left, L+R or right signals from the stereo bus.
See our review of the Bryston 7B ST by clicking here.

 

  Stealth Acoustics announced the immediate availability of its new model AX3 high-performance 3-way invisible speaker. Improving upon Stealth Acoustics' successful invisible speakers, the AX3 ($1500) is a 3-way, full-range speaker utilizing a rigid frame that fits into a standard 3.5 inch deep stud wall and attaches directly to standard structural framing without the need for special mounting brackets. The paintable, active, diaphragm radiating surface is a structurally modified three layer composite consisting of two layers of graphics grade paper with a modified foam core, suitable for receiving most standard wall or ceiling finishes including latex paint, light texture or wallpaper. "The AX3 is a true 3-way speaker system" said Steve Olszewski , vice president of Stealth Acoustics. "The fact that it becomes a completely invisible part of the finished wall or ceiling adds aesthetic benefit, but listen to the speaker – there's very little compromise for being invisible compared to other visible speakers in its price range. We have complete EASE and CLF test data to support higher–end applications." The AX3's solid midrange "punch" is created by attaching dual mid-frequency drivers to special fiber composite material and arraying them in a manner Stealth brands as "Dual Midrange Drive tm". This technology, coupled with the AX3's dedicated high-frequency driver and 8" cone woofer, create an invisible speaker solution that extends from as low as 45Hz to 20kHz. Accessory, constant voltage transformers are available.

Stealth Acoustics is also debuting their Model 255R ($500) rack mountable monoblock subwoofer power amplifier. The 255R incorporates all of the features found in a conventional powered subwoofer and puts them in a package that can be installed in a standard 19" equipment rack, or stacked with other non-rack mounted stereo equipment. With a full complement of input and output options it will adapt to any installation interface requirement. The unit takes up two RU spaces and includes a DC protected, fixed high pass filter, variable low pass filter (50Hz to 150Hz), auto on/standby function, loudspeaker and line level inputs and outputs, phase control and bypass switch for low pass filter.

 

  Energy Speaker Systems has introduced their ESW-8 and ESW-10 ($219 and $329 respectively) entry-level subwoofers. A bass-reflex design with a front-firing port, the ESW-10 employs a 10-inch MPP cone with patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround. This proprietary design is claimed by the company to eliminate surround distortion, enabling the subwoofer to play lower with greater output and fidelity. An efficient internal power amplifier delivers 400 watts of output. The smaller ESW-8 offers the same driver technology and design as the ESW-10, but instead utilizes an 8-inch woofer and generates 200 watts of output. Both of these subwoofers feature line and speaker level inputs and a variable low-pass filter that allows for seamless blending with a wide variety of speakers, including Energy's C-Series and Take Series. Both models also have a power mode switch that enables them to turn on and off automatically, based on the presence or absence of an audio signal. "Energy is known throughout the industry for developing subwoofers that deliver amazingly smooth low-frequency response," said Ben Burko, Energy product line manager. "So, because we've been able to push our acclaimed hard-hitting performance to more affordable price points, more and more people can bring Energy into their homes."

Energy Speaker Systems is also using their 30-year legacy in acoustic research and development within the new Take Classic ($599) home theater system. Consisting of four matching satellites that serve as dynamic front and surround channels, a center channel for crisp dialogue, and a powerful subwoofer for amazing bass response, the Take Classic features a high-gloss black finish—so it looks as good as it sounds. Standing less than 7-inches high and weighing less than 3 pounds, each magnetically-shielded satellite is a bass-reflex design with a rear-firing port. All of these speakers utilize a Convergent Source Module with a 3-inch poly-titanium woofer and a 0.75-inch Hyperbolic aluminum-dome tweeter for a dynamic frequency range and expansive soundstage. Equipped with mini five-way binding posts for high-quality connection and offering amazing placement flexibility, these satellites feature a built-in keyhole slot and a 0.25-inch – 20 insert for wall mounting. The 3-pound magnetically-shielded center channel has all the same features and technologies as the satellites, except for the fact it employs dual front-firing ports. Completing the system's bottom-end performance is a hard-hitting compact subwoofer with a front-firing port. It employs an 8-inch MPP woofer with a patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround coupled to an efficient 200-watt amplifier. This proprietary design eliminates surround distortion, enabling the subwoofer to play lower with greater output and fidelity.

 

  Klipsch is applying its 60-plus years of audio experience to produce premium in ear monitor (IEM) earphones. The company's Custom Series consist of Custom-1, Custom-2, and Custom-3 ($129, $199 and $299 respectively) are designed to offer great comfort and sound plus complete personalized fit. All three of these earphones utilize patent-pending Contour Ear Gels, which are anatomically designed to accurately fit inside the human ear canal. These soft, oval silicon tips reduce ear fatigue as well as provide an amazing seal for excellent noise isolation and bass response. Because ear canal measurements vary, each Custom model comes with five different ear gel sizes: small, medium, and large single flange designs as well as small and large double flange designs. To prevent the ear gels from getting lodged in a user's ear, Klipsch has also designed a patent-pending earphone nozzle with mechanical locking ring. For a perfect exterior comfort, flexible ear wires bend over and around the ears so they can be formed to whatever fit is best for each individual user. So not only do these adaptable wires provide optimal comfort, they also let users experience full or partial noise isolation — a great safety feature for on-the-go users. It's just a matter of pulling the ear gels out of the ear canals and adjusting the wires to firmly position the earphone nozzles over the canals. Furthermore, Klipsch has gone to great lengths to ensure the long-lasting durability of these Custom earphones, up to and including their 50-inch-long cables. The company has added appropriate strain relief at every cable connection point to avoid wire damage. Custom-1 earphones employ exclusive KG332 balanced armatures and comes in a high-gloss black finish with off-white accents. Custom-2 earphones employ exclusive KG534 balanced dual armatures in each ear for an enhanced full-range acoustic experience and comes in a charcoal gray finish with metallic silver accents. Custom-3 (pictured) flagship earphones employ exclusive KG723 tweeters, KG731 woofers, and a patent-pending electro-acoustic crossover system. This model comes in a high-gloss black finish with copper accents. All models include five sets of ear gels, a pouch and a cleaning tool.

Klipsch is launching the world's smallest and lightest full-range in ear monitor (IEM) earphone design dubbed the IMAGE ($349). Image earphones utilize patent-pending Contour Ear Gels, which are anatomically designed to accurately fit inside the human ear canal. These soft, oval silicon tips reduce ear fatigue as well as provide an amazing seal for excellent noise isolation and increased bass response. Because ear canal measurements vary, each Image model comes with five different ear gel sizes: small, medium, and large single flange designs as well as small and large double flange designs. In order to continue Klipsch's 60-plus years of delivering stunningly precise audio, IMAGE earphones employ extended-frequency exclusive KG926 balanced micro-armatures. Featuring aluminum bodies that are finished in anodized copper — Klipsch's signature color — and high-gloss black "tails," IMAGE earphones also include patent-pending earphone nozzles with mechanical locking rings to prevent the ear gels from getting lodged in a user's ear. Furthermore, Klipsch has gone to great lengths to ensure the long-lasting durability of Image, up to and including its 50-inch-long vinyl cables. The company has added appropriate strain relief at every cable connection point to avoid wire damage. The unit includes a carrying case and pouch, 0.25-inch adaptor, airline adaptor, five sets of ear gels and a cleaning tool. As a bonus, purchasers within the United States who complete an online warranty registration will receive a free package of replacement Contour Ear Gels in the size of their choice.

Klipsch's Palladium P-39F floorstanding loudspeaker ($15,000 per pair) marks the company's flagship in this model line. The P-39F drivers were carefully custom designed and tested in the company's advanced engineering and technology center in Indianapolis. This 3.5-way tapered array design employs a new, proprietary horn-loaded tweeter assembly made of unique acoustically-damped materials, a sophisticated inverted dome midrange, and three high-output woofers. Developed from the ground up, the 0.75-inch titanium diaphragm tweeter utilizes two powerful neodymium magnets and a resistively damped back chamber. A uniquely chambered phase plug and exclusive Tractrix Horn combination delivers an extended high-frequency response that is inherently flat from 3kHz to 30kHz. Additionally, this arrangement reduces heat levels so that the driver will maintain its full dynamic capability at any volume level. Housed in its own acoustically-tuned, sealed enclosure, the P-39F midrange employs a 4.5-inch inverted aluminum diaphragm driver powered by three high-temperature neodymium magnets, allowing it to operate effortlessly from 500Hz to 3kHz. A copper-capped pole piece reduces inductance modulation, giving a low-distortion, clean sound. The midrange's lightweight foamed rubber surround allows the P-39F to achieve improved linear excursion, especially in the upper-frequency range. The midrange driver is coupled to a 90-degree by 60-degree acoustically-damped Tractrix Horn via a four-to-one compression phase plug, which is specifically designed to operate over the midrange frequencies. The Klipsch Palladium P-39F three low-frequency drivers employ 9-inch aluminum cone woofers powered by a unique three-part neodymium magnet structure with dual stabilizing rings that reduce nonlinear flux. Triple ports further enhance low-distortion bass response. Each woofer's 1.5-inch voice coil responds accurately to the smallest signal modulation, yet can also handle the high power of the most demanding music and movie soundtracks. For signal purity and driver integration, the P-39F's crossover network features a fourth-order electro-acoustic filter. Found in a damped region of the speaker's base plate, the network also allows the tri-wire input connectors to be hidden from view. Featuring a "boat-tail" enclosure, the P-39F's cabinet walls are up to 30mm thick and feature multiple laminations of medium density fiberboard that have been molded through a proprietary process. Extensive internal bracing gives the speaker a more rigid and structurally sound enclosure. It is also important to note that every P-39F comes as a "matching" left and right speaker pair. Meaning, not only are all of the driver components within each particular set acoustically matched, their cabinets also coordinate with one another by positioning their triple ports on opposite sides and sharing the same wood grain finish.
See Enjoy the Music.com's review of the Klipsch RP-5 loudspeaker by clicking here. 

 

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