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

  Did i mention that CES 2013 brings out some rather interesting things such as the fact that ION has announced their iLP ($99), a digital conversion turntable for iPad, iPhone, and iPod. The turntable includes a free app for converting vinyl records into digital music. ION comes in four colors; red, white, blue, and natural. This USB conversion turntable is more a toy for audiophiles, but then again there are many electronic toys at CES 2013. With iLP's built-in dock and included EZ Vinyl and Tape Converter app, the conversion process is extremely easy. The app automatically separates the tracks, and for iOS devices with Apple's new Lightning Connecter, iLP works with Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adapter.

 

Soulution Audio is here at CES 2013 with their new Series 5 products including the 520 Preamplifier and 530 Integrated Amplifier. The solution 520 has four line inputs and a high quality phono stage built in. solution's model 520 is an unbalanced design with physical separation of the left and right channel to provides optimal separation and cross talk performance. High quality relays switch between the inputs. Source signals are buffered directly at the input. For safety, an audio grade coupling capacitor protects the preamplifier as well as downstream amplifiers and loudspeakers from potential DC components in source signals. As for the 530 Integrated Amplifier, its 125 wpc @ 8 Ohm amplification circuit is based on the technology of the 710 and 700 amplifiers. At its core is an innovative voltage amplification stage that consists of linearized amplifiers operating up to a cutoff frequency of 80MHz. Current amplification is done in three stages, each with a narrow, almost linear operating range. The high Class A operation supplemented by 47,000µF of storage capacitance results in a nearly infinite impulse response. Massive copper bars on the amplifier board and to the speaker terminals ensure that all the power of the 530 is available to drive the speaker. High-precision idle current management ensures optimal Class A operation for all conditions, without requiring any readjustment in the music signal. Optimal sound is thereby guaranteed immediately from switch on. Control circuits that protect against RF or DC signals at the input, and short circuits at the output ensure safe operation in all situations. The input level is also monitored continuously. Analogue inputs include two each balanced inputs via XLR and unbalanced inputs via RCA. There is also a Phono input. Analog outputs include one each balanced and unbalanced. There are two pairs of speaker binding posts.

 

Wadia's new Intuition 01 integrated 350 watt amplifier/DAC comes packaged in this alluring style that suits any modern and artistic home. Wadia has long been known for their digital audio prowess, and so the new Intuition 01 incorporates a digital inputs with 24-bit/192 kHz for S/PDIF, TosLink optical and AES/EBU, yet can playback 32-bit/384kHz via USB and the ESS 9018 SabreDAC. Also via USB is native DSD playback. There are two analog inputs for those who enjoy vinyl, tape and other analog sources. The 32-bit AD/DA digital preamplifier has a 1.5 MHz sampling frequency whilst the amplification section produces an outstanding 350 watts @ 4 Ohms via Class D+ technology. Dimensions are 15" x 15" x 2.378 and the unit weighs 12.3 lbs.

 

NYNE is here with their Smart Media Center model SMC-1000 ($2500). This is a high fashion, integrated media console that features a variety of both wireless and wired connectivity options including an Apple Lightning dock, Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, HDMI ports, USB ports, digital inputs, NFC and more. For the sophisticated audiophile who wants it all, the SMC-1000 is the first froom NYNE that combines style, function, versatility and superb audio. The unit is a full 2.1 stereo system with 400 Watts RMS power from two mid-range drivers, two tweeters and one subwoofer. NYNE's SMC-1000 is a true connectivity wizard with both wireless and wired connectivity for a wide range of audio and video devices. With four HDMI ports, two USB ports, TosLink optical and S/PDIF coaxial digital inputs, built-in Apple Lightning dock, Apple Airplay, 3.5 mm Aux-In and wireless Bluetooth. Plus, for Android-based devices, Near Field Communication (NFC) allows users to connect to the SMC-1000 simply by tapping their device to the unit.

 

MIT Cables has two new USB cables at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. Designed with the computer audiophile in mind, these new cables feature premium materials for the highest error-free data transmission of your digital media files. Featuring 24-gauge Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) center conductors that are triple shielded to eliminate extraneous noise for excellent RFI and EMI noise rejection. Both products support data transmission up to the USB maximum of 480 Mbps, providing dependable, error-free, high-speed performance. The StyleLink Digital USB cable ($79 for 1 meter) is made with 24 gauge Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) center conductors, is triple shielded to eliminate extraneous noise and easily meets or exceeds all USB 2.0 specifications. The MIT StyleLink Digital Plus USB cable ($149 for 1 meter) uses silver-plated 24 gauge Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) center conductors, has rugged braided outer jacket, is triple shielded to eliminate extraneous noise and easily meets or exceeds all USB 2.0 specifications.

 

Purist Audio Design is at T.H.E. Show 2013 Las Vegas to introduce their version of the well-known Krell CAST (Current Audio Signal Transmission) cable ($1600 for 1 meter). They have taken the experience from the company's 25th Anniversary line and added an exclusive silver conductor design for enhanced audio performance and sound staging. Purist Audio Design has also introduced their all-new Ultimate USB Audio Cable ($900 for 1 meter). The USB cable is specifically designed for computer audio applications. The Ultimate combines passive filtering, a totally new cable design, and the largest gauge conductors allowed by USB standards to create the ultimate listening experience. Its conductors allow for accurate signal transfer up to five meters compared with other computer USB cables, which are limited to a few meters. This allows computers to be located away from audio components without compromising performance. The new Purist Audio Design Vesta AC Power cable ($275 per meter) is a "low-cost replacement for a system's factory-provided power cord" says the company. Vesta's 12-gauge conductor offers a higher current capability that many others and is fitted with the superior Wattgate AC plugs.

 

ViV Laboratory Ltd. is in Las Vegas showcasing their new Evanui Signature III elegantly styled floorstanding loudspeakers ($60,000 per pair). ViV Lab's Evanui Signature III means "vanish" in Latin. Good speakers make the listener forget their existence, and ViV Laboratory aims to make its equipment really disappear. ViV Labs FDM driver floats mechanically (Floating Diaphragm Mechanism) and reproduces sound with very low distortion whilst also covering a wide frequency range without the need for either extra woofer nor extra tweeter. The company feels that this eliminates the need for crossovers, avoiding both electrical and mechanical distortion. The wood cabinet, made of apitong plywood, works as a short straight backload horn. There are 63 apitong boards of 18mm are piled up and the core is cut out. Its surfaces are hand-planed and filed down to beautiful piled, stripe pattern by artisans, piece by piece. This single driver system has only a 3" full-range FDM driver and has an overall frequency response (-6dB mind you) from 50 Hz to 30 kHz. Very surprisingly for a small single driver crossoverless design, sensitivity is a very low 87dB/W/m.

Also from ViV Lab's is their new Rigid Float Tonearm that they claim has "remarkable performance with unusual and very innovative features. The Rigid Float Tonearm is a brand new Straight tonearm design with (magneto-fluid) Ool Floated Pivot and no offset/angle structure. Installation is said to be Very easy installation as you can simply place it anywhere - no mounting necessary. The tonearm is available is 7", 9" and 13" lengths and pricing is $4390, $4,590 and $4,990 respectively.

 

HRT (High Resolution Technologies) new Music Streamer HD ($449.95) is an ultra high performance DAC that connects a computer, tablet, smartphone or any compliant host. There are analog inputs, both balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA, for non-digital sources. USB connected and powered, the Music Streamer HD is simple to use and has a high performance asynchronous USB transceiver, differential current mode conversion and a fully differential signal path. All power requirements for the Music Streamer HD are supplied from the host, operation being a simple plug 'n' play into any available USB port. Utilizing native Audio Class 1.0 or 2.0 drivers, simply select the appropriate audio class via the Music Streamer HD's front panel switch, connect it to your computer via the included USB cable, connect the audio outputs to your audio system (RCA or XLR) and then select the Music Streamer HD as the audio destination on your computer. LED indicators show the current sample rate (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz), the bit depth (16 or 24) as well as the state of the mute circuit.

 

HRT also introduced their new microStreamer ($190) that is a miniature sized USB DAC with both fixed and variable analog output. This extremely small unit easily fits in your palm of your hand or pocket! The unit is made out of solid aluminum block with a satin finish for beautiful looks and solid build quality/durability. The microStreamer handles digital files up to 24-bit/96kHz.

 

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