03 / 31 / 03
BetterCables.com
has developed a new line of Blue Truth interconnect (single-ended RCA and balanced XLR) and loudspeaker cables in both normal and bi-wire version. High-grade Teflon was chosen for its high insulation properties while silver-coated wire was chosen for its
inherit higher conductibility than pure copper. "The choice in materials and construction play critical roles in sound reproduction," said Brad Marcus, President of Better Cables LLC. "High-conductive metals, noise-rejection and insulation materials make the difference between sound that is good and sound that is great."
03 / 28 / 03
xHiFi
is offering a different take on satellite/subwoofer loudspeaker design. Founded by Mel and Howard Schilling, owners of Camelot Technology, xHi-Fi has debuted their xDucer high performance yet compact and upgradeable three-piece loudspeaker system. The xDucer will begin shipping on April 1, 2003, at a special
introductory price of $695 in lovely Cherry finish. The 6.5-inch paper cone subwoofer driver is powered by an included 50-watt "Class D" digital amplifier while another 50-watt amplifier powers the satellites. The satellites employ a ultra-high bandwidth 360° driver with a frequency response out to over 50 kHz. The xDucer offers numerous upgrade options, such as Digital Multimedia Playback (for Memory Stick, Compact Flash, Secure Digital, and Smart Media cards), automatic 24-bit/192 kHz digital upsampling, and more powerful amplifier circuits.
03 / 27 / 03
Chesky Records
has many new multi-channel, dual layer releases on SACD. Ana Caram Rio After Dark [SACD241] is straight from the original analog recordings. Now a world-renowned Brazilian vocalist, this is Caram's debut featuring special performances from Paquito D’Rivera and the bossa icon Antonio Carlos Jobim himself. Another new release is Ron Carter, George Coleman, Jimmy Cobb, and Mike Stern
4 Generations of Miles [SACD243, pictured here]. This is a remarkable live recording by four outstanding musicians who played with Miles Davis over the distinct phases of his career. This disc is filled with classic Miles Davis tunes such as "There Is No Greater Love", "All Blues", and "Freddie Freeloader" to name a few. Lastly,
The Persuasions Sing the Beatles [SACD244] features this acappella group covering fourteen of the Beatles great songs.
03 / 26 / 03
Swans Speakers, developer of the Isodynamic planar transducer, has announced their new Swans 2.2 reference loudspeaker
system. The Swans 2.2 is a no-holds-barred flagship design featuring flat baffle for low diffraction distortion with flexibility of placement. Within the Swans 2.2's driver arrays are 76 flat panel drivers with solid champagne-anodized aluminum alloys and
hand rubbed gloss piano black surfaces. The Isodynamic planar driver features linear motors energized by Neodymium motors and flat diaphragms for low possible distortion. Four 8-inch woofers provide lowermost frequency support. Specifications are as follows:
Frequency Response: 30Hz to 40kHz
Sensitivity: 92dB/W/m
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Power Handling: 1,500 watts
Tweeter Driver Array: twenty-two 2-inch Isodynamic Planar
Midrange Driver Array: sixteen 4-inch Isodynamic Planar
Woofer Array: four 8-inch woofers
Dimensions: 910 x 337 x 2050 (WxDxH in mm)
Net Weight: 150kg
03 / 25 / 03
Beauhorn
has launched their "greatly uprated" version of the B2, the new B2.2 Revelation (£2,999, including VAT the plinths). Beauhorn claims that use of a new drive unit gives the new model, to be known as the B2.2 Revelation.
The new drive unit has a wider frequency bandwidth, increased detail and transparency. The B2.2 Revelation package includes the company's VibraPlinth isolation platforms. Those with older B2 models can upgrade to 2.2 status for £299.
03 / 24 / 03
Classic Records is now taking orders for Procol Harum's self-titled album ($50,
catalogue number LRZ-1001). This 200 Gram LP reissues. "Appearing six months after
A Whiter Shade of Pale and Homburg the UK version of the self titled Procol Harum LP had neither of the hit songs on it. But the album itself included music that is an engaging meld of psychedelic rock, blues, and classical influences, filled with phantasmagoric lyrics, bold (but not flashy) organ contributions by Matthew Fisher, and Robin Trower's most tasteful and restrained
guitar... The first 1,000 copies will also include a 7" white vinyl single of an alternate version of
A Whiter Shade of Pale and Lime Street Blues mixed to Stereo from the original 4 track masters at David Gilmour's Astoria Studios on the River Thames outside London by John Lechie. This is where psychedelic rock began and its a Classic!"
DH Labs Silver Sonic
has proudly announced their new very high content copper male RCA connector. While many of today's manufacturers employ quite a bit of brass in their copper male RCA lacks
(approximately 60% according to DH Labs), their unit is said to be 99.3% copper. Other brands of RCA jacks may include varying amounts of zinc, lead, and tin to reduce the manufacturing cost by making the material much easier to machine and process. To quote the DH Labs press release "From an electrical standpoint, these other metals are considered impurities that drastically reduce the electrical conductivity of the resulting alloy. For example, the conductivity of brass alloys is only about 26% that of pure copper. As electric and sound engineers, we have always believed that this loss of conductivity (almost 75%) of a connector, directly affects the overall performance of a terminated audio cable."
03 / 21 / 03
SCAM ALERT
It has come to our attention that AudioWeb has become the
target of an illegal theft trick. Basically, a person going by the name John
Kojo will claim to be interested in buying something you are selling on
AudioWeb, yet have a check sent over the amount of the product. Then he asks
you to Western Union as soon as possible the extra amount of the check to him.
Naturally the check is forged and you will be out thousands of dollars. Please
see below check and e-mail:
From: john kojo [mailto:johnk2022003@yahoo.com]
To: Your E-Mail Address
Subject: RE: Your For Sale listing on AudioWeb
Your Name
thanks for your mail. i will instruct a client of mine who is owing me $5,750 to issue a cashiers check in your name and once the check clears in your
bank, you will deduct cost of the goods and my balance is sent back to me through western union money
transfer. this is so cos it takes time for american checks to clear over here but takes a few days to clear over
there. let me have your name and address that will be written on the check and as soon as the check is sent to you, i will let you
know. i am already arranging for shipping to DUBAI let me hear from you soon.
Thanks
JOHN KOJO
-----Original Message-----
From: john kojo [mailto:johnk2022003@yahoo.com]
To: Your E-Mail Adress
Subject: URGENT REPLY
Dear Your Name,
How are you today and every body around you?, hope fine. I have been busy for the past few
days, my client told me you should expect the cheque today that is before thursday via FEDEX COURRIER
SERVICE. he said the cheque would clear within 24hours because it is a Certified Cashier's
Cheque. Dear once you cash the funds today, i will want you to deduct your amount and send the balance to my personal assistant through western union money transfer. Below are directions on how to send the money via western union money transfer; i would want you to go immediately to western union outlets either in gas station or supermaket close to you and have the balance sent to my personal assistant today as soon as you cash the cheque so that he will start arranging to come and pick-up the GOODS latest on friday morning.
my personal assistant information are as follows:
please this is the information that you will use in sending the balance to my personal assistant.
GBOLOGAN A.FRANCIS
LOME TOGO.
You should deduct the western union charges from my balance. Once the money has been
wired, i will need the Control (referrence) number, amount sent, test question and answer with the sender's information that is sender's name and address so i can forward it to my shipper to pick-up the Funds, and start making his trip to your house to pick-up the GOODS on friday morning, as soon as he receive's the payment from you today and tomorrow morning.
And i would like you to send the sales invioce to;
John Kojo
Johnkodex inc ltd
20 Rue du commerce.
Lome-Togo.
OR
you scan the invioce to this box for scaning will be better and faster. and every other infomations like purchasing order shipping
informations. that you will be needing from me, i will make sure that my shipper come's with them on friday morning after he might have received the money today. Blow are western union outlets close to you that i want you to go and send my balance back my personal assistant for the shipping of GOODS please go immediately to one of this people and have the funds sent because they are cheaper than the bank and also faster in transaction than the bank;
Western Union Agent locations/Addresses Hours Available Services
Send/Payout Money Transfer
PayCash
Looking forward to do more Business with you. My regards to you and your family.
John
To learn more about this rip-off, please see www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/alert/2003-3.txt.
Note, the bank the check is drawn on is different from the link above, yet
the scam is the same. Those of you with fraudulent checks from Commerce Bank
should contact:
Tanya Simms
Commerce Bank
Fraud Detection Manager
Voice: (816) 234-2072
Fax: (816) 760-3161
And now a letter from Eugene Arnold (Economic/Commercial Officer) American Embassy Lome, Togo:
Dear Mr. Rochlin,
Mr. Fitzgerald asked me to look at your e-mail and reply to you. Thank you for your concern and for forwarding the link describing yet another version of the many scams that originate in West Africa. The Department of State is working closely with other US government agencies and host governments in the region to combat this sort of fraud. Unfortunately the scam artists are careful to use aliases and other false information. For example the name John Kojo is a common name in the region, akin to John Smith in the US, making it very hard to trace. A quick check of the telephone book and local directories revealed no listings for A. Francis Gbologan, or Johnkodex Inc LTD. We will forward your e-mail to the Togolese authorities responsible for fraud investigations.
Sincerely,
Eugene Arnold
************************
Eugene Arnold
Economic/Commercial Officer
American Embassy Lome
BP 852, Lome, Togo
Tel. (228) 221-2991
Fax (228) 221-7952
ArnoldEJ2@state.gov
Intranet (http://10.130.192.8/index.html)
Internet (http://usembassy.state.gov/togo/)
This message is UNCLASSIFIED according to E.O. 12958.
At
the 114th Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention Linn
has shown their very first professional audio product. Specifically, their new 328A Professional Monitor Loudspeaker that is a versatile reference unit designed for reproducing precise and reliable full-range sound. This active reference monitor is for near-field and mid-field monitoring. This four-way active loudspeaker design delivers a flat, extended frequency response combining pitch accuracy with excellent power handling and includes Linn's active amplification and crossovers controlling each individual drive unit. The bass is servo-controlled to deliver
precise and smooth lower frequency production. The 328A loudspeaker enables stable console-mounting where the console meter bridge is able to support the 328A or can be mounted immediately behind the console on suitable stands.
03 / 20 / 03
Brinkmann Audio
is proudly offering their very own tonearm. After many years in development, their 10.5-inch
tonearm is light- to middle- weight and capable if handling virtually all modern cartridges. The tracking force and the dynamic mass can be adjusted by the graded counterweight using two differently shaped discs for fine adjustment. That gives the tonearm adaptability for mating with a vast number of cartridges. The counterweight and the bearing housing are made from high-grade steel, all other parts from black anodized aluminum except the tonearm tube, which is anodized dark gray. The choice of the material and the surface treatment of the tonearm tube guarantee an extremely fast discharge of possible resonance. Combined with a high torsion resistance, this tonearm is said to offer "fast and open musical timbre". The tonearm has a double-cardanic suspension, a fixed headshell, and play free bearings. Magnetic
anti-skating adjustment guarantees a friction free run of cartridges and eliminating interfering noises. A draw-in culet fixing connects the tonearm shank with the base and cuts out vibrations. The fixing can be loosened with a screw to adjust the shank play free in its height. The draw-in culet fits around the whole shank to prevent pressure marks that could hamper the adjustment.
Dolby Laboratories and Texas Instruments
(TI) have collaborated to developed an all new PC integration to allow 1394 connectors to seamlessly work with S/PDIF. This new
FireWire-S/PDIF converter provides Dolby Digital and PCM audio to be digitally sent from an IEEE 1394 device to S/PDIF connection. According to the press release "The converter, created by
Island Digital Media Group, consists of an IEEE 1394 connector at one end and a coaxial S/PDIF connector at the other. It requires no additional wires if power is available from the 1394 cable, though a DC connector is available on the device for an external power supply, if needed. The device runs on a Texas Instruments iceLynx-micro (TSB43CB43A) chip." This new product
also allows music and gaming enthusiasts to play back popular stereo and multi-channel 5.1 computer music files, such as MP3, AAC and WMA, through their home theater systems from their PCs.
03 / 19 / 03
Soundations'
"HF technology" found in both our Soundation HF and AV series equipment stands enables integration of high performance audio/video systems into modern interiors without compromising equipment performance or interior aesthetics. Acoustic feedback/isolation is provided for through a combination of coupling, absorption and mechanical isolation. All internal shelving is decoupled from the outer "isolation cradle" using unique adjustable bushings that also provide infinite shelf adjustment possibilities. This allows for critical
leveling of sensitive equipment and maximum space utilization. Material choices and construction quality in high performance support furniture of this nature is critical. Soundations combine solid MDF,
aluminum and steel to make the isolation cradle while shelving can be supplied in either heavy duty glass or MDF. The MDF frame elements can be finished in either cherry veneer or blackstone lacquer. The Soundations series are available as hi-fi stands, speaker stands or home theatre stands. See here is their HF-SL that has an overall dimensions of 600 x 750 x 500 (WxHxD in mm) with a
useable depth of 450 mm.
03 / 18 / 03
Pure Audiophile Records has released their two LP set Soular
Energy by the Ray Brown Trio featuring Gene Harris on piano and Ray Brown on bass. This spectacular 1984 recording also highlights the musical
stylings of Red Holloway on tenor sax and a rare appearance by the great Emily Remler on guitar. Pure Audiophile Records went to the original session tapes and came up with three alternate takes that appear on this LP release. Musicians on this record are Ray
Brown (bass), Gene Harris (piano), Gerryck King (drums) Red Holloway (tenor
sax), and Emily Remler (guitar). Pressing in on audiophile grade vinyl by RTI and songs on this disc include:
1. Exactly Like You
2. Cry Me a River
3. Teach Me Tonight
4. Take the "A" Train
5. Mistreated But Undefeated Blues
6. That's All
7. Easy Does It
8. Sweet Georgia Brown
Bonus Tracks
9. Mistreated But Undefeated Blues
10. Cry Me A River
11. Take the 'A' Train
12. CC Rider
03 / 17 / 03
PRIMEDIA Specialty Group
Inc.'s Home Entertainment 2003 (HE2003, also referred to by some as the
Stereophile show) will features both home theater and specialty audio products. This event will take place in San Francisco from June
5th through the 8th, 2003 at The Westin-St. Francis Hotel. Having a ticket to HE2003 not only allows access for the public to see all the equipment at the show,
it also provides free access to live music concerts from renowned jazz, blues, contemporary, and classical recording artists. Furthermore, various daily educational seminars will
be conducted during the event. Advance tickets are available now by calling (800) 830-3976 or by logging on to
www.HE2003.com. See our various Stereophile
show reports by clicking here. Specifics
of the 2003 event are as follows:
Home Entertainment 2003
The Westin-St. Francis Hotel
335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tickets:
$25.00 one-day pass
$35.00 weekend pass
Open to Press & Trade Only:
Thursday, June 5, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Open to the Public:
Friday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Click here for our news from
03/01 to 03/15
High-Performance Audio Reviews
