High-End Audio Industry News
04 / 30 / 12
Germany's High End Society's Munich
High End 2012 event will take place from May 3rd to 6th, 2012, at the
M.O.C. in
Munich. This highly successful European specialist trade fair sets the tone in Europe. The entire range of high-tech products are under a single roof. From tubes and hornspeakers to ribbons and solid-state to pure digital or turntables, the High End 2012 integrates all technologies that transport music. A wide variety of lectures will be held to educate and
answer attendee's questions. Enjoy the Music.com's live
coverage of High End 2012 will begin the first day of the event.
JPS Labs
Superconductor+ Series of cables, the company's benchmark for over 15 years, is now
fully retired and a new model takes over well into the next decade. JPS Labs just introduced their Superconductor V loudspeaker cable ($1749 for a 6 foot pair). The cable's white, silver, and chrome modern design is large in girth (12 mm/ 0.5" OD) yet lightweight and flexible. The rhodium plated custom made banana connectors each have either a clear or a blue Swarovski crystal marking polarity. Each cable comes in a crystal clear package to show off its visual beauty. According to JPS Labs, the new cables offers "excellent sense of space, micro detail without brightness". This loudspeaker cable is available as a bi-wire (3.9 mm2/11.5 AWG x 4) or as a Single (7.8 mm2/8.5 AWG x 2) for standard two wire configuration. JPS Lab's Superconductor V will be making
its world debut at the High End 2012 show in Munich,
Germany.
04 / 27 / 12
HDtracks
is offering 15% off their high resolution digital music downloads!
You may choose from HDtracks' deep collection of high-resolution downloads,
even those from our HDtracks Classic 50 from exciting major labels like
Universal Music Group, ABKCO, Concord Music Group (Verve, Fantasy), Warner
Music Group, Deutsche Grammophon, plus major independent labels such as 2L and
Bar None, covering all of the genres that HDtracks offers. From classic and
alt-rock, to jazz, classical, world, blues and more, you'll enjoy huge savings
across our entire catalog through this limited-time offer. Simply use code legends15
to receive 15% off your entire purchase. This one time use code will expire at
11:59PM PST on Monday, April 30th 2012.
The
new P14 mono-hybrid power amplifier
(€9999 per pair) by
Audio Exklusiv is based on the basic concept of the company's hybrid power amplifier
P11. The P14 is a typical A/B circuit, yet with more power than the P 11. Rated at producing 300 wpc @ 4 Ohms, the hybrid-circuit uses carefully selected gold pin E88CC dual triode for
initial gain stage and 6N6 for driver duties. The source-follower is built up by special transistors which show tube-similar sound characteristics. In addition to a complex power supply with two 500 Watt transformers and a RC-filter as well as the special selected components, special patented measures for resonance elimination are applied.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Wilson Audio Specialties
introduces the 7th iteration of its venerable WATT/Puppy system that's been available in various incarnations for the last 16 years. The new System 7 will debut at the Home Entertainment Event in NYC, May 30 thru June 2, 2002. According to the company's press release, the changes from the WATT/Puppy 6 are as follows: strategic use of a new cabinet material in conjunction with the existing "X" material for reduced enclosure resonance and a lowered noise floor; an upgraded Puppy woofer; crossover changes especially in the area of phase delay tuning for greater transient speed and decay; and subtle cosmetic changes to refine the overall visual integration between the monitor head and subwoofer base.
04 / 26 / 12
EgglestonWorks
just announced its plans for the 2012 High
End Show in Munich Germany. The company will be unveiling and showcasing several new models. Current production models including the The Andra III ($24,900/pair) and The Isabel Signature ($6,000/pair) will be joined by new models including the world debut of the Isabel Signature ($6500/pair). The Andra III will also be on active demonstration in their suite. Rogue Audio will feature a comprehensive sampling of their comprehensive line of tube electronics, and JPS Labs will be supplying all cabling for the demo. Company President and designer Jim Thompson says the company is extremely excited to be showing for the first time in Munich and
said, "The Munich show has gained such importance that we had to get involved. By having our line physically present, visitors to our suite get a chance lot see, touch and listen to a wide variety of what EgglestonWorks is currently producing. We see this as a great opportunity to meet new dealers and distributors and show them the products that we
make." You can see Enjoy the Music.com's May 2012 world premiere review of the EgglestonWorks Isabel Signature Speaker
by clicking here.
WADAX
of Spain, a designer of advanced digital audio electronics, has announces the
Munich High End Show's debut of the Hermes digital streaming module for the PRE 1 universal digital preamplifier ($4300). The Hermes ClearStream is a recording and playback streamer that combines digital file management with the D/A conversion stage. All file management is synchronously clocked with the D/A master clock. With this protocol, according to the company, the best possible CD content for the PRE 1 is the Hermes streamed from a bit perfect source i.e. hard disk or solid-state storage. WADAX's Hermes can playback files from 44.1 to 192 kHz, 16 to 32 bits. Note: 32 bits is only available when the source is the Wadax musIC chip in the PRE 1. The unit can record at 96 kHz and 24 to 128 bits, though note that 128 bits is only available when an analog input source is coded via musIC chip. The Hermes plug-in module can be added at anytime to the PRE 1.
04 / 25 / 12
Oracle
Audio's new Paris USB DAC 250
($3500) allows data flux transfer of 480Mbits per second, which enable the
unit to play any high resolution audio format including 24-bit/192kHz WAV
native files and any PCM studio master with no compression or downgrade
resolution to let them work. Through the high-speed USB port the DAC
can run virtually any computer player system including iTunes, Window
Media player, Foobar2000 as many others. Simply to install the drivers
available from the Oracle Audio web site in the Firmware download section.
Oracle Audio's The Paris USB DAC 250 features four S/PDIF RCA 75 Ohm
inputs, one TosLink optical and one AES/EBU via XLR 110 Ohm. Digital
outputs can be switched On/Off to preserve the best audio purity if not
used. The Oracle Audio Paris USB DAC 250 features an analog to digital
converter which enables the unit to record analogue audio signal into the
computer through RCA connectors. The unit can record in 24 bit high
definition from any analog source. Using any dedicated recording computer
program the data transfer can be managed simply. Typically all the
computers support as default a recording program to start working with the
Oracle Audio Paris USB DAC function. The Paris USB DAC 250 features a
volume control offering the flexibility to act as a preamplifier for
connecting directly to a power amplifier or an active speakers system. The
Volume control is stepping up & down can be controlled via remote or
front panel keyboard.
04 / 24 / 12
Audience's
new power conditioning filter section for its Adept Response AC power conditioners is now
available. The optional filter section, designated by an "S" at the end of the model number, offers improved sonic performance and is available on the Adept Response standard, model T and model TS power conditioners. The new S filter section can be ordered as part of a new Adept Response power conditioner or retrofitted into an existing unit. Adept Response units are available in either 120
Volt or 220-240 Volt configurations. The Audience Adept Response power conditioner S input filter upgrade is said to add a new dimension to their already superior filtering system according to the company. This filter section consists of a new large-core balun transformer implemented with the same OCC (Ohno) wire used to make the award winning Audience Au24 powerChord. The result is a "more effective filtering over a broader frequency spectrum, down into the critical
20 to 30 kHz range. By lowering the noise floor, more low level information is
revealed."
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Old
School meets New Wave as the Panasonic's B-flat CQ-TX5500D (approximately
$800) double DIN in dash automobile CD player is the world's first to
employ a vacuum tube, yet also play MP3 CD-Rom discs.
Old
School meets New Wave as the Panasonic's B-flat CQ-TX5500D (approximately
$800) double DIN in dash automobile CD player is the world's first to
employ a vacuum tube, yet also play MP3 CD-Rom discs. Employing a tube in the pre-amplification stage, the B-flat produces 16 watts (nominal) into 4 channels (45 watts per channel peak). An
auxiliary input allows for flexibility of additional source components such as a portable
cassette player or MiniDisc. Overall dimensions are 178mm x 100mm x 160mm while the unit weighs in at 2.3Kg. The CQ-TX5500 includes and AM/FM radio, allows for choosing folders on an MP3 CD-Rom, track selection on audio CD discs, and provides for single button random playback and repeat. A wireless remote control is also available. Visual
features include the ability to view the tube while "old school" backlit analog UV meters show power output. Playback abilities include MPEG-1 Layer 3 (32kbs-256kbs), MPEG-2 Layer 3LSF (16kbs-160kbs). CD
playback frequency response is from 5Hz to 20kHz. No date set for availability
within the USA.
04 / 23 / 12
Enjoy
the Music.com has just posted the number
6 issue 1 of HIFICRITIC magazine. This edition of
HIFICRITIC includes reviews of the Audio Research Reference 5 SE preamplifier, budget streaming with Cambridge Audio’s NP30 streamer Audio
networking with the Naim UnitiServe and other computer network audio matters, Genelec 8050A studio monitors, turntables from Rega,
Pro-Ject and Hanss come under scrutiny.
In his editorial, Paul Messenger says, "I must
first apologise for the late appearance of your magazine. Ironically, the same
thing happened exactly a year ago. Next year maybe I’ll have the good sense
not to upgrade my computer halfway through the schedule. I could come up with
more excuses, but that’s boring, so I’ll just apologise, promise to try
and do better next time, and set myself a proper deadline to do just that. It
ought not to be too difficult, as my close association with Hi-Fi
Choice magazine (covering some 30 of the past 34 years) was
terminated following the magazine’s recent purchase by an organisation with
the unlikely name of My Hobby Store (which also now owns Hi-Fi
News)." You can see the
complete table of contents and editorial of HIFICRITIC by clicking
here.
Enjoy the Music.com
has just posted Hi-Fi World's
Volume 22 Number 4 (June 2012) edition including the complete editorial and table of
contents. This issue includes reviews of the PMC Twenty.24 speaker, Spendor S3/5R2, Chord Electronics Red Reference Mk iii CD player, Yamaha RX-A3010 AV receiver, Sennheiser HD700 headphones, Tellrium Q power amplifier, Paul Rigby talks to music on vinyl in their factory in
Holland
and more! The
editorial titled Within This Issue by Noel Keywood says, "No one produces new loudspeakers faster than Martin Logan it would seem, so we have yet another new model in this issue, the amazing £9500 Montis on p12. We never miss a Martin Logan, because these hybrid electrostatics are all but unique and have their own astonishing sound. I hope you enjoy reading about them. Dare I admit their Theos has just arrived at our offices for review soon!" See the complete
June table of contents and editorial of
Hi-Fi World by clicking here.
04 / 20 / 12
To celebrate National High 5 Day, yesterday Enjoy the Music.com chose the perfect moment to launch our Facebook and Twitter social media
strategy. Site updates including live show reports, newly posted high-end audio equipment reviews and other updates can now easily be followed by giving
Enjoy the Music.com your High 5. Twitter and Facebook users can easily find us @ EnjoyTheMusic5.
"As we celebrate High 5 Day, it brings me joy to finally launch
Enjoy the Music.com's social media sites on Twitter and Facebook," said Senior Editor and Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "Combined with our highly popular Android and Windows Phone 7 app initiative, plus custom Internet Web site browser, I am thrilled that within minutes of launch to already be receiving a High 5 from many people worldwide! As an added bonus, there is a link to a very special world premiere review of the much-anticipated Bob Carver Cherry 180 tube monoblock amplifier for those who visit EnjoyTheMusic5 at either Twitter or Facebook."
Come High 5 Enjoy the Music.com @ Twitter and Facebook:
Twitter.com/EnjoyTheMusic
Facebook.com/EnjoyTheMusic5
04 / 19 / 12
April
Sound's Phono G-1 ($12,500) is a direct-coupled two-stage phono preamplifier with
permalloy output transformers by In Tact audio. The G-1 attempts to simplify the audio path to its minimum so as to present the information that is on the records with as little physical or electrical obstruction. The unit has a separate, external power supply that is vacuum tube regulated and has double regulated filaments. April Sound's G-1 is a stand-alone phonostage that offers highly accurate RIAA equalization and 45 dB of gain, which works with any high output MC or MM cartridge. The two stage direct coupled passive RIAA filtering network is made with 80% nickel output transformers
by Dave Slagle. Frequency response is from 10 Hz to 40 kHz (+-1dB). There are two sets of inputs in parallel to offer different loading options. April Sound also offers step up transformers custom wound for any specific cartridge parameters in either high purity copper or silver by In Tact
Audio.
Antelope
Audio's new Rubicon ADC/DAC is touting to be the "World's First Atomic AD/DA
Preamp". Offering 384 kHz converter, phono stage preamplifier and headphone amplifier with an integrated atomic clock, the Antelope Audio Rubicon integrates the world renowned 10M Rubidium atomic clock. This unit will be presented to the public during the
Munich High End Show 2012, which will be covered live by
Enjoy the Music.com from May 3rd through 6th. Rubicon is the first DAC to integrate a Rubidium atomic clock, which is 100,000 times more stable than a traditional crystal oscillator. Coupled with Antelope’s 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking technology, the Rubidium is said to achieve a breakthrough in jitter management. The transformer-based, ultra-low noise, discrete JFET phono preamplifier is of very high quality. In addition to the 384 kHz USB streaming, Rubicon offers extended flexibility via implementation of DLNA capability. The DLNA streaming gives users the opportunity to wirelessly push audio files from their smart phone, PC or NAS (Network-attached storage) server and play the content through the high-sample rate DAC. A gold-plated stepped relay volume attenuator is matched to 0.05dB for all volume levels. Inputs are one Phono, three analog via RCA, a high input RCA and balanced XLR; whilst for analog output there is both balanced via XLR and unbalanced via RCA. There is also a Word Clock Input, Ethernet port, USB, and digital outputs.
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted
part 5 of our Salon Son & Image de
Montreal 2012 show coverage! This completes
our extensive show report from Montréal by Rick Becker. Organized by Les Nouvelles Éditions
Alcyon, this event was held at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Montreal. Attendees
had access to a wide range of high-end products plus expert
information. A special Canada Pavilion showcased the expertise and know-how of Canadians, with featured products ranging from headsets, speakers, amplifiers, and CD players to turntables, digital audio converters for computers, cables, and much more. You can see
part 5 of Rick Becker's coverage of the Salon Son & Image de Montreal
2012 at this link.
04 / 18 / 12
Apertura Audio,
with a combined 25 years of experience in high-end audio product design and
in-house skills, will be launching their new Apertura Enigma speaker (€26,000)
at the upcoming
High End show in Munich as their new flagship
model. The Enigma is a two-way, three driver floorstander. It uses two 8" isotactic matrix drivers loaded in a hybrid bass-reflex/line acoustic enclosure. A large 5" professional ribbon tweeter handles frequencies above 2 kHz. The crossover is based on a
'DRIM' structure designed by acoustic engineer Christian Yvon. Apertura Audio's Enigma is constructed by employing multiple layers of high density molded panels. There are ten internal braces, heavy metal stand and a specific internal treatment for stationary mode cancellation all to ensure the cabinet is solid.
The metal feet and adjustable to ensure the speakers can be properly setup
on many surfaces. Apertura Audio's Enigma speaker includes a removable
grill and is available in four wood veneer high gloss finishes including cherry, piano black, rosewood, and figured maple. Dimensions are 40.4 x 134.6 x 44.6 (WxHxD in cm) and weight is 165 lbs.
each.
The
Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA) today reported that the consumer electronics (CE) industry dramatically increased its recycling in 2011, advancing the goals set by the eCycling Leadership
Initiative. The First Annual Report of the eCycling Leadership Initiative, revealed
that participants of the eCycling Leadership Initiative arranged for the responsible recycling of 460 million pounds of consumer electronics, a 53 percent increase over the 300 million pounds recycled in 2010.
Electronics manufacturers and retailers increased the number of recycling drop-off locations for consumers nationwide to nearly 7,500 from just over 5,000 a year ago.
"In the first year of the eCycling Leadership Initiative, our industry has made significant progress toward its goals due to the hard work of our member companies," said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA. "We continue to push for a national solution to eCycling that will eliminate the costly and confusing patchwork of state regulations."
By the end of 2011, 96 percent of the recycling done by eCycling Leadership Initiative participants was conducted in third-party certified recycling facilities.
CEA launched GreenerGadgets.org to educate consumers about eCycling and energy consumption. By entering a ZIP code, anyone can locate the closest responsible recycling opportunity sponsored by the CE industry and/or third-party certified recycler.
"According to CEA research, the average United States household owns 25 different CE products," said Walter Alcorn,
CEA's vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability. "We want to make recycling electronics just as easy as purchasing electronics."
04 / 17 / 12
The new Densen Audio Technologies B-440XS (£3250) is the company's new top model CD
player. Based on the design work of Densen's reference CD player, the B-475
provides some significant updates to the current range of Densen CD players. The signal comes from the heavily modified CD transport, with external clock control to avoid jitter by using same clock in both sending and receiving end of the
data stream. It passes through the PCB layout to the DAC, and further on through the analogue stage that uses Densen's unique non-feedback Class A topology. Compared to earlier incarnations of the B-440 and B-440+, the B-440XS adds two significant features: a digital input, allowing the use of the internal DAC in the B-440XS as DAC for an external source like a Sonus system, a Squeezebox or another digital source. This is done via a coax digital input, as Densen believes this is what secures the best digital transfer, and thereby sound. Switching between listening to the CD in the B-440XS or an external source, can be done either by a selector switch on the
front panel of the B-440XS, or by a push on the Densen Gizmo remote. Also, the B-440XS adds a socket for connection of the Densen DNRG and 2NRG external
power supplies, which is said to further enhance performance.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
The
Shanling CD-T100 is a tubed
high-end audio Chinese CD player that uses the CS8420 sample rate converted chip for a 96kHz sampling
frequency, the second-generation PMD-200 24-bit/96kHz for HDCD decoding and four paralleled PCM1704 as main DACs. The most unusual design element is the top-mounted tube output stage with four transformers that not only drives the analogue outputs but also powers the headphone jack. The Montreal show priced the CD-T100 at $3,000 Canadian. With the current exchange rate, this could translate into a
$1500 to $1800 United States price. Interested readers should contact the company for more details.
04 / 11 to 4 / 15
Enjoy
the Music.com's coverage of the NYC Audio & AV Show 2012 will begin the night of April 13th and updated through the 15th.
This New York City event takes place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Midtown
Manhattan. Open to the public, this two-and-a-half-day event is organized by two show-management power houses known for producing high-end home entertainment and electronics shows around the globe: the UK- based
Chester Group Exhibitions
and Richard Beers of T.H.E. Show
(Las Vegas and Newport Beach).
This event will feature more than 100 brands and 70 exhibitors, plus live musical performances and lively educational seminars with editors and publishers from several popular consumer electronics publications, along with industry luminaries.
Ticket pricing is as follows:
Friday, April 13, 2012 from 3:00 — 8:00 p.m.
is $17 (e-ticket) & $22
Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. is $22 (e-ticket) & $28
Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. is $22 (e-ticket) & $28
Complete weekend tickets valid for
all 3 days is $39 (e-ticket) & $49
04 / 10 / 12
PSB
Speakers is shipping their class leading Imagine T2 tower speaker ($1749 on up depending on finish). This high performance five-way tower speaker is equipped with PSB's Triple Port Bass Reflex and subdivided discrete chambers. A titanium dome 1" ferrofluid cooled tweeter is mated to a 4" clay/ceramic filled polypropylene cone midrange and three 5.25" clay/ceramic filled polypropylene cone woofers. The triple ported enclosure allows the speaker to produce deep bass to 34 Hz. Internally, the drivers have individual chambers to ensure optimum performance and no
unwanted driver interactions. Dual five-way gold-plated binding posts enable
users to bi-wire or bi-amplify. Overall frequency response is from 34 Hz to 23 kHz, sensitivity is 88dB/W/m, it
presents a 6 Ohms load and dimensions are 8.3 x 40.6 x 13.6 with a weight of 43 lbs.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), owner of over 200 music labels in over 42 countries, has announced they will begin copy protecting their promotional 5" silver discs with
music in an effort to reduce file-sharing and "ripping" of the music. The reason we do not call these 5" silver discs a "CD" is that they do not follow the rules set forth by Sony/Philips in what is
technically a music CD. In fact the debate has become so heated that Philips has officially
denounced calling this type of disc a "CD". There has been quite a bit of ink spilled on this subject, including some from
Enjoy the Music.com's editor Steven R. Rochlin
(see article here), to stop this action. Some of the methods employed to protect the music has caused numerous problems with computers users that
cause their machine to completely lock up or crash. Please help us fight the record
label's efforts of this possibly illegal action. Read our article concerning this
issue by clicking here.
04 / 09 / 12
Kronos Audio
is the world's first counter rotating dual-platter suspended turntable. This design is said to provide an unprecedented level of stability in order to extract more musical information from vinyl records.
This turntable employs two identical high mass platters, one above the other rotating in opposite directions and moving at precisely the same speed. This engineering is claimed to completely eliminate torsional forces. Since the turntable is protected from mechanical and environmental vibrations, it can therefore be suspended without any negative outcomes. Finally, the judicious use of materials helps minimize the transfer of remaining mechanical vibrations emitted from the bearings and stylus friction. The Kronos uses two high quality Swiss-made DC motors that consistently deliver quiet, smooth, linear power to the platters. DC voltage to the motors is produced from a fully regulated Class A dual power supply, CPU-controlled to maintain constant speed.
Meridian Audio
is now shipping their new 818 Reference Audio Core preamplifier (£7500) with a full suite of proprietary resolution enhancement technologies, and provides connectivity to Meridian's unique range of DSP Loudspeakers. In addition to its external source connectivity, 818 also provides an internal Meridian Sooloos source through a network connection to any Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. As part of the Meridian 800 Reference Series, 818 is the highest performance two-channel preamplifier and Sooloos end-point manufactured by the company. The 818 offers simple networked integration with any Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System plus an array of other sources through high-performance analogue and digital inputs. Meridian's 818 employs triple FIFO buffering along with a full suite of Meridian's proprietary resolution enhancing DSP technologies, including apodising up-sampling of standard-rate digital inputs. The ID41 Sooloos Card enables 818 to connect directly to a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. When connected, the 818 becomes an audio endpoint and renders audio streamed from the Digital Media System. The new card has been designed with particular attention being paid to magnetic isolation, a factor which is able to help
maximize the performance of the Sooloos source without the need for external cable filtering. A diverse range of audio inputs, both analog and digital can be switched and processed using the audio enhancing DSP as the internal Sooloos source. The high-speed USB input on 818 allows a simple high-quality connection to be made between a personal computer and the Reference Audio Core, allowing 818 to function as an external soundcard for the
computer.
04 / 06 / 12
HDtracks
is featuring many music titles from Geffen Records, now offered in high resolution
digital music download. Geffen Records was founded in 1980 by music industry businessman David Geffen who, in the early 1970s, had founded Asylum Records. Geffen stepped away for a period due to medical condition and then returned to work and struck a deal with Warner Bros. Records to create Geffen Records. Warner provided 100 percent of the funding for the label's operations, while Geffen retained 50 percent of the profits, and distributed its records. The many bands featured on
Geffen include Tom Petty, Nirvana, The Who and Steely Dan. Most titles are available in 24-bit/96kHz and include album art and liner noted via
Adobe PDF.
You can get
these and many more great music titles in high resolution audio by visiting
HDtracks.
Triode Wire Labs, founded by 'Triode Pete' who is a licensed Professional Engineer with a B.S. from Clarkson University and a M.S. from the New York Institute of Technology, announced their newly designed audiophile power cable
line-up. These power cables feature deep cryogenic treatment and completely passive noise filtering on all models. The company's Seven Plus American ($399 for 5 foot
length, pictured here) is their newest and beefiest cable (7
AWG) to date. Consisting of a massive 525 conductors, its heavy construction makes it ideal for use with very large amplifiers, power conditioners and regenerators. Despite its very large gauge, the soft annealed metallurgical conductors remain very flexible and not stiff like other 'garden-hose' power cords. Construction
is by hand and is very labor-intensive as the Litzendraught braided construction dictates. Triode Wire
Labs offers a 30-day audition trial period. Also available from Triode Wire Labs is their Eight Plus (8
AWG, $349), Ten Plus (10 AWG, $289) as well as the Twelve Plus (12 AWG, $199).
04 / 05 / 12
Bryston, founded in 1962 by
Tony Bauer, Stan Rybb, and John Stonborough, just announced their B-135
SST² integrated stereo
amplifier ($4695) that boasts excellent output power, advanced analog circuitry, home theater pass-through and control system
compatibility. As a replacement for the company's legendary B-100 model, the new Bryston B-135
SST² produces 135 watts per channel into 8 Ohms and employs Bryston's most advanced analog circuitry in the preamplifier section. Customers can choose to add the optional onboard DAC for an additional $1395 and the optional moving magnet phono stage for an additional There are seven high level inputs, a pass-through feature (typically for home theater applications), one tape loop and a pre-out/main-in. A front panel headphone jack is standard and a full featured remote control is optional. There are three completely independent custom
toroidal power supplies engineered to prevent any possibility of channel to channel cross talk, interference or interaction between digital and analog sections. Bryston's proprietary ultra-linear input buffer results in the lowest possible noise floor and miniscule distortion levels. There is over 30,000 MFD of filter capacitance per channel, which
are fed by new ultra low noise power transformers. Internally there are totally separate ground paths for digital and analog sections, whilst a new computer-modeled heatsink design insures the unit operates at optimum temperature. There are four assignable digital inputs for
those with digital sources that use either TosLink optical and/or S/PDIF inputs. Like all
Bryston units, a 20 year warranty is included. Enjoy the Music.com has
reviewed the Bryston 7B SST2 C-Series monoblock power
amplifiers, the Bryston 9B SST2 C-Series
multi-channel amplifier and an interview with Brian Russell Of Bryston.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
PRIMEDIA Specialty Group Inc.'s
Home Entertainment show will focus on home theater and
audio. The Hi-Fi and Home Theater Event will be held in New York City from May 31st through June
2nd. Attendees of this event are invited to participate in various seminars and panel discussions. Generally focusing on home theater, movie enthusiasts will be able to learn
about new technologies and interact with moderators. You can see Enjoy
the Music.com's 2002 coverage of this New York event by clicking here.
04 / 04 / 12
New York City's
Audio & AV Show 2012 will take place from April 13th through the 15th at the luxurious and elegant Waldorf Astoria hotel in Midtown
Manhattan. Open to the public, this two-and-a-half-day event is organized by two show-management power houses known for producing high-end home entertainment and electronics shows around the globe: the UK- based
Chester Group Exhibitions
and Richard Beers of T.H.E. Show
(Las Vegas and Newport Beach). "Based on our research, New York City has been the location of several highly successful hi-fi shows in the past sponsored by
Stereophile magazine and we intend to bring back the excitement and enthusiasm for the first time in many years." says Roy Bird, Chairman of the Chester Group.
This event will feature more than 100 brands and 70 exhibitors, plus live musical performances and lively educational seminars with editors and publishers from several popular consumer electronics publications, along with industry luminaries.
Companies interested to learn more about exhibiting
(or press enquiries) at the New York Audio & AV Show can contact
Bill Leebens. Enjoy the Music.com's daily live coverage of
the New York City
Audio & AV Show 2012 begins the first day of the event. Ticket pricing is as follows:
Friday, April 13, 2012 from 3:00 — 8:00 p.m.
is $17 (e-ticket) & $22
Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. is $22 (e-ticket) & $28
Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. is $22 (e-ticket) & $28
Complete weekend tickets valid for
all 3 days is $39 (e-ticket) & $49
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted
part 2 of our Salon Son & Image de
Montreal 2012 show coverage! Organized by Les Nouvelles Éditions
Alcyon, this event was held at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Montreal. Attendees
had access to a wide range of high-end products plus expert
information. A special Canada Pavilion showcased the expertise and know-how of Canadians, with featured products ranging from headsets, speakers, amplifiers, and CD players to turntables, digital audio converters for computers, cables, and much more. You can see
part 2 of Rick Becker's coverage of the Salon Son & Image de Montreal
2012 at this link.
04 / 03 / 12
Schiit Audio, founded in June 2010 by audio industry legends Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, announced their first balanced products, the Mjolnir balanced headphone amplifier
(pictured) and Gungnir balanced upgradeable DAC ($749 and $849 with USB option respectively). Seeking to reach the price/performance ratio in balanced gear, Schiit Audio made the Gungnir DAC modular so as to be fully
upgradeable for "virtually future-proof performance". Mjolnir's maximum output is 8W RMS per channel into 32 Ohms, or 5W RMS per channel into 50 Ohms.
"Gungnir has the most advanced clock regeneration of any DAC, our Adapticlock system," Mike Moffat said. "No matter the quality of the source, Adapticlock automatically chooses the ideal system for regenerating the
clocks – VCXO or VCO. In this way, we can lock to virtually any source and provide excellent jitter rejection." The Gungnir uses a pair of AKM4399 D/A converters plus a fully discrete analog section and differential summing for single-ended output. Its analog stage offers DC coupling from input to output, as well as high operating voltage and low-noise JFETs for excellent THD and noise performance. The Mjolnir is expected to be shipping in June 2012 and Gungnir in August 2012.
Divergent
Technology, manufacturer of Reference 3a
speakers and distributor of Copland
gear, is now shipping the Copeland CTA506 ($6490) amplifier, which is based on the KT120 power valves. These valves are a new variant of the legendary 6550 / KT88 power valves that have been the foundation of numerous of high quality amplifiers The KT120 is one of the most powerful dedicated audio tube in production and produces 30% more power than a KT88. With a plate dissipation rating of 60W, a pair of KT120 tubes in push-pull configuration can deliver nearly 200W of audio power. Copland's CTA506 uses four Kt120, two 6550, four 12BH7 and two ECC81 tubes. Rated output power is 90W per channel, stereo, with less than 0.1% THD.
Frequency response is from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (-3dB) and the unit has output taps for 4, 8 and 18 Ohm speaker
loads.
Electrocompaniet's
new multi-format player the EMP-2 ($2995) is a fully fledged and versatile
player with support for all modern audio and video formats and media including
USB 24-bit/192khz. This also includes Blu-ray in 2D and 3D, CD, SACD, DVD and
DVD Audio. Modern video and audio processing in both stereo and multi-channel
gives excellent picture quality and high-end sonics. Electrocompaniet's EMP 2
offers both 7.1 unbalanced via RCA outputs and balanced via XLR stereo
outputs. Digital inputs include two HDMI, optical TosLink and coax S/PDIF plus
USB and E-SATA. Qdeo video processor from Marvell for optimal Blu-ray playback
gives a natural picture without noise and artifacts. DVD movies are upscale to
HD-format. SACD playback is possible in both stereo and multi-channel using
the standard DSD format. The DSD data-stream is sent directly from the disk to
the DACs for direct transmission to analogue audio. Filters on the output
removes high frequency noise and amplitude and phase characteristics of the
signal is maintained. A separate balanced stereo output offers high quality
two-channel playback to you existing stereo set-up. Discrete Class A output
circuits and the best DAC available ensure very high sound quality. The unit
is DLNA certified and also handles Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Dimensions are 18.3 x
12.4 x 3.6 (WxDxH in inches) and the unit weighs 22 lbs.
04 / 02 / 12
Enjoy the
Music.com's specially
prepared April Review Magazine
is now available and features some very crafty, and if we may be as so
bold as to say, funny articles to celebrate April 1. There are five World
Premiere equipment reviews plus many outstanding high-end audio
think pieces and music reviews. See the humorous April
1 issue
by clicking
here.
Daily News: Audiophile news updated each weekday!
The BAS Speaker
Tonearm Damping
Article By Bob Graham
Sound Practices
History Lessons
Article By Joe Roberts
VALVE Magazine
High Efficiency Speakers
The continuing saga of a search for a loudspeaker for single-ended tube amplifiers.
Article By Dan Schmalle
Salon Son & Image 2012 Montreal High-End Audio Show Report
Event Coverage By Rick Becker
AXPONA 2012 Show Report!
High-end audiophile event in Jacksonville, Florida.
Report By A. Colin Flood
In This Issue...
High-end audio shows and our special April edition.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
World
Premiere!
Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 149
Classé Audio CT-SSP Pre-Pro World Premiere With New HDMI Update.
Article By Dr. Bill Gaw
The Milto-Burlitz Guide To Reading.
Understanding And Enjoying Audio Reviews
Article By Fred Manteghian
Get The Latest Audiophile Craze!!!
Do It Yourself Reviewing
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
World
Premiere!
Ultimate Tone Records (UTR)
Advancing into the past with amazing new 78 rpm audiophile vinyl pressings!
Article By Claude LeMer
Design Philosophy For Turntables
A Paper From Pierre Lurne Of Audiomeca
World
Premiere!
Classé Audio CT-2300 Two-Channel Amplifier
A powerful seductive amplifier from our neighbors up North in Canada.
Review By Anthony Nicosia
World
Premiere!
Talon Hawk 2 Speaker
Amazing sounding two-way speaker with modern styling.
Review By Tom Lyle
North American Premiere!
AVM Audio Inspiration C8 CD Receiver
A forerunner of what is to come.
Review By Ron Nagle
Crystal Cables
The power and the glory!
Review By Phil Gold
Acoustic Preference Gracioso 1.0 Loudspeakers With Stands
A Feast for both ears and eyes straight from Slovenia in Eastern Europe.
Review By Anthony Nicosia
World Premiere!
Audioengine D2 24-Bit Wireless DAC
Fits well with the needs of a 21st Century audiophile.
Review By Tom Lyle
Six Budget USB DACS Put To The Test!
Clive Meakins checks out some USB equipped DACs and how to get the best out of them. USB DAC shootout featuring JPLAY and the Rega DAC, Beresford TC-7520 (modified + Burson Buffer), Halide Design DAC HD, JKDAC and MK3 JKDAC32.
Review By Clive Meakins
Virtue Audio's Dodd Modified Sensation M451 Integrated Amplifier
Hearing is believing!
Review By Ron Nagle
Reference 3A MM de Capo i
The latest iteration of a long time favorite.
Review By Phil Gold
Foaming At The Mouth
Article By Jeff Poth
Sensory Management Headphones
>>> JUST UPDATED! <<< Ghost of J. Gordon Holt
Seen!!!
Article By Jeff Poth
The Silencer
Article By Grey Rollins
Classical Music
Fine Stephen Hough renditions of Saint-Saens piano concertos in a well-priced Hyperion reissue CD.
Review By Joe Milicia
A well-chosen retrospective on the career of film composer John Williams.
Review By Joe Milicia
The venerable Vermeer Quartet bids farewell with a lovely bouquet of chamber works from British composers Britten and Bliss.
Review By Joe Milicia
One great and two very good new recordings of Ravel's wonderful Daphnis and Chloe ballet.
Review By Max Westler
Jazz / Bluegrass / Etc Music
How To Sing The Blues
Attrib. to Memphis Earlene Gray with help from Uncle Plunky
Frank Sinatra Swing Along With (Mo-FI Vinyl)
Review By Claude Lemaire
Guy Clark Workbench Songs
Review By Steven Stone
Chris Thile How To Grow a Woman from the Ground
Review By Steven Stone
Rock, Techno, House, etc.
The Alternate Routes Good And Reckless And True
Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Swampdawamp Swampdawamp
Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Kelly Sweet We Are One
Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
See the April Review Magazine by clicking
here.
04 / 01 / 12
Ultimate Tone Records
(UTR), a grass-roots company formed by a group of enthusiastic vinylphiles, is soon going to release twelve popular music titles on 78 rpm vinyl! Ultimate Tone Records is hedging their bets on the assumption that if 45 rpm special vinyl pressing are good, then as an extension newly released 78 rpm titles will be far and away better! Twelve remastered titles are venturing in uncharted waters with the schedule release of no less than five titles on the hi-speed format starting next June, with seven more in the following months. "With the growing number of used and even new three-speed idler and rim drives flooding the market" said UTR president Jonathan Fisher, "there definitely was a vacuum to fill and we are well positioned to be at the forefront of this emerging wave". UTR cuts the lacquer with a regular 'variable micro-groove' lateral width as opposed to the wider 'fixed groove pitch' of the 1920s. As such, there is no need for users to change their favorite cartridge. The first five titles were chosen for their musical impact and in commemorating their 45th anniversary; all are limited to 1000 copies and priced around $75 for a set of three 12 inch double sided 78 rpms containing roughly 6 to 7 minutes per side.
Starting in June and throughout the summer will be the following:
1) Jefferson Airplane - Surrealistic Pillow
2) The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground and Nico
3) The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are you Experience
4) The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
5) Cream - Disraeli Gears
Later in the year UTR says we can expect the following 'Golden-Aged' titles:
6) Miles Davis - Birth of the Cool
7) Sonny Rollins - Way Out West
8) Frank Sinatra - Come Dance with Me!
9) Art Pepper - Art Pepper + Eleven - Modern Jazz Classics
10) Frank Sinatra - Nice 'n' Easy
11) Johnny Griffin - The Kerry Dancers
12) Bill Evans Trio - Waltz for Debby
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