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High-End Audio / Hi-Res Audio (HRA) Audiophile Industry News

04 / 30 / 16

Gold Note DS-1000 DSD Streamer And P-1000 Stereo Preamplifier
Gold Note, an Italian manufacturer of high-end audio electronics, has just introduced their DS-1000 DSD streamer with integrated DSD D/A converter and P-1000 stereo preamplifier. Gold Note's DS-1000 can playback DSD audio files from Ethernet and Wi-Fi or via S/PDIF coax and TosLink optical inputs. The DS1000 also has the ability to have an HDD and USB two USB A ports. Gold Note's proprietary SKC and TFT display allow intuitive full unit control conveniently played by a single knob. The unit may also be controlled through Wi-Fi. Two options integrated preamplifier stages and balanced input provide additional analog inputs. output is via unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR. Gold Note's new P-1000 analog preamplifier is part of their new 1000 modular series of electronics. This Class A stereo preamplifier features six separated ultra-linear Class A gain stages enabling superior audio performance. The unit can play stereo and mono, plus it can invert the left and right channels. A three positions boost power control allows the preamplifier to partner with any kind of power amplifier and loudspeakers. Gold Note's P-1000 preamplifier features an exclusive relays / resistor a 256-step volume control to guarantee the best sound performance whilst also virtually eliminating distortion in the audio signal path. The P1000 features 10 analog inputs, five of which are fully balanced XLR and five unbalanced RCA. The preamplifier also features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output and ports for various external accessories connectivity. Enjoy the Music.com just published a World Premiere review of the Gold Note Meditteranneo turntable, B5.1 tonearm, and Tuscany Gold cartridge.

04 / 29 / 16

Concord Jazz Release Marquis Hill's The Way We Play
Recording label Concord Jazz is releasing Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winner Marquis Hill's The Way We Play on June 24. For the past five years, 29-year-old trumpeter Marquis Hill has been invigorating the Chicago jazz scene with his sleek approach to modern jazz, which often incorporates elements of spoken word and hip-hop. On The Way We Play, Hill fronts his regular ensemble of four years, the Blacktet, which consists of alto saxophonist Christopher McBride, vibraphonist Justin Thomas, drummer Makaya McCraven, and bassist Joshua Ramos. It's a smart tactic because it plays to the strengths of Hill as a bandleader and affords the music a vivacious group accord that often comes from years of playing together. Hill, however, flips the scripts on the new disc. Instead of offering entirely original material as he did on his last three discs, he revisits a handful of jazz standards. "I want to pay homage to some of my favorite jazz standards and American songbook classics," Marquis Hill says. "These are some of the songs that I came up playing in various jam sessions; these songs really taught me how to play jazz." The Way We Play is hardly a color-by-numbers jazz standards album. As Hill has done on his previous discs, he revitalizes the material by placing heavier emphasis on the groove, which enables the compositions to resonate more to a 21st-century jazz audience – hence the disc's witty title. "I really want to make it very clear that this is the sound of my band, which is uniquely Chicago. I wanted to put everything on the table – this is the way that we play," Hill explains.

Industry News 10 Years Ago
Format Wars: SACD, DVD-Audio, HD-DVD And Blu-ray
The battle of HD disc formats is heating up as TDK has begun shipping its first write-once and rewriteable Blu-Ray disc media to retailers in the United States. Also in the news is that Matsushita's Blu-ray support will never merge, nor will the company make a universal player that will support Toshiba's competing HD-DVD format. TDK's blank discs are rated at 2X speeds and priced at $20 each for a 25-Gbyte write-once (BD-R), $25 for a rewriteable (BD-RE) 25-Gbyte disc, and there are plans to offer larger quantity packaging and higher capacity discs. As for the competition between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, once again the consumer electronics manufacturers can not agree to a single standard, thereby adding confusion in what appears to be a very predatory market. It was reported that "The companies backing competing formats for next-generation DVD technology will never again talk about forming a unified standard," said an executive at Matsushita. "We are not talking and we will not talk," Kazuhiro Tsuga, an executive officer at Matsushita. In the end it appears consumers will decide who is the 'winner' and who is the 'loser.' Unlike DVD-Audio, that was an agreed upon industry standard, while Sony chose to ignore these standards and release their SACD / DSD format and causing confusion, DVD-Audio is an official standard by the group who decides formats for DVD. Now consumers will begin seeing predatory pricing and possibly marketing prose that will only add to making consumers wonder if they should bother investing into either format until a prevailing format is found. The possibility for a super resolution audio format could be in the future for either disc format, yet to date none has been made known as a standard.

04 / 27 / 16

Hi-Fi World's June 2016 Issue Is Now Available Online
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted the June 2016 issue of Hi-Fi World magazine! This issue features reviews of the Tannoy Eclipse 3 loudspeaker, Opera Prima 2015 loudspeaker, Riva S Bluetooth loudspeaker, Audiolab M-DAC+, Meridian 808 V6 CD player/DAC, YBA Heritage D100 D/A convertor, Luxman L-590ax MK II amplifier, Onkyo A-9010 stereo amplifier, Roksan Radius 7 turntable & Nima tonearm, Charisma Audio Reference One cartridge, B&W P5 headphones and more. Within his editorial titled MQA, Ambisonics, And Trifield 3D, Noel Keywood says, "The latter part of 2015 was auspicious for hi-fi. Chord Electronics announced their Mojo DAC based on a UK designed DAC chip that leads all others globally and Meridian announced MQA. Both events were held with panache in London's Shard tower too – not a faceless suburban factory. And the glitz was justified. MQA is a digital file that assures the quality of the audio packed within. Whilst Meridian founder and digital expert Bob Stuart outlined it only in general terms at the Shard press conference, we are now told a separate company has been set up to market MQA to the music industry and outside world, headed up by Bob. Meridian the hardware company, as it were, continues selling hi-end audio of course, and developing product. It also has a fair amount of involvement in – and business with – Jaguar / Land Rover, specifying and supplying in-car audio, including a surround-sound encoding scheme called Trifield audio that was another of Bob Stuart's interests way back in the 1970s, alongside Ambisonics, to which it is related. If you buy a Range Rover Sport you get Trifield 3D surround technology, I was told by Richard Hollingshead of Meridian, when he visited us to talk about Meridian and MQA recently. He also explained how large JLR are and the effort they put into installing top quality audio into their vehicles: it sounded daunting. All of which is to get Meridian's new Signature Reference CD player we review on p58 into the broader context of the world from which it comes. It also illustrates UK audio isn't dead yet." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World at this link.

Futuresource Consulting
Music Market Celebrates Strongest Performance in Years
Futuresource Consulting's latest global music market report cites 2015 as the most successful year the music market had seen in 15 years, based on year-on-year performance. Global consumer spend across packaged, subscription and pay-per downloads grew by 5% to reach almost $19 billion, primarily fuelled by the growth in streaming music subscription services, which accounted for one quarter of all music market spend. "Continued growth in the overall music market is expected over the forecast period, with streaming subscriptions set to account for 70% of consumer spend by 2020," commented David Sidebottom, Principal Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. "Many countries including the USA, UK, Germany and Japan, witnessed healthy growth of around 5% in 2015, with only a few key countries reporting a decline. However, all markets remain significantly lower than at their peak in the early 2000's." Whilst most streamed music consumption worldwide is still free, consumer spend from streaming music subscriptions reached almost $5 billion in 2015, growth of almost 70% year-on-year. With over 60 million on-demand streaming music subscribers worldwide, such services are steadily becoming more established. Although the shift to streaming music subscription is a global phenomenon, the variance of this rate of change is significant by country. Approaching 70% of consumer spend on music in the USA is digital and almost 85% in Sweden. However, in other developed markets such as Germany and Japan, packaged music, namely CD, still dominates, accounting for approximately 70% of spend in these countries.

04 / 26 / 16

AXPONA 2016 Show Report By Enjoy the Music.com

AXPONA 2016 Show Report
Scaena Iso-Linear Array Large Floorstanding Speakers

Triangle Art, ModWright, Eggleston Works, Skogrand, And Massif Audio Design

Furutech Schuko Sockets, DeMag Alpha, Destat III And Alpha Nano Cables
Furutech's new line of top-end power connectors and Schuko sockets features their NCF sound enhancing material plus they have a new Nanoflux cable series too. Furutech's NCF connector and socket series will be incorporated into select Furutech products. Nano Crystal² Formula is comprised of a special crystalline material that has two "active" properties. First, it generates negative ions that eliminate static and secondly, it converts thermal energy into far-infrared. Furutech then combines this crystalline material with nano-sized ceramic particles and carbon powder for their additional "Piezo Effect" damping properties. The resulting Nano Crystal² Formula is the company's ultimate electrical and mechanical damping material. Also new is Furutech's improved DeMag Alpha that completely demagnetizes LPs and optical disc media such as CD, CD-R, DVD, MD, Game CD, Photo CD, SACD, and DVD Audio with 20% increased demagnetization power than the original DeMag. The new stylish DeMagα also features touch panel technology for ease of use. Furutech's Destat III is incredibly easy to use as it removes dust and static charge from audio/video media in just one 15 second treatment – now with 30% more zapping power. High performance enthusiasts know that static charges on analog and optical media -- LPs, CDs and DVDs – can lead to distracting noise and compromised sound. Simply place your media on the Destat III or hold it over your media of choice and press one button! The powerful fan removes dust while the Destat III's Balanced Ion Flow Generator – releasing just the right balance of positive and negative ions – eliminates static. Lastly, Furutech's Alpha Nano-Au-Ag OCC is one of the company's best conductors that their engineers have found for sound reproduction. The new technology used in the highly specialized manufacturing process of this ultra-high performance Nanoflux-NCF power cable and Nanoflux speaker cable combines Furutech's world renowned Alpha- OCC conductors with extremely effective signal transmission enhancer, Nano Liquid, to create Nano-Au-Ag conductors. Nano Liquid's molecules are so tiny (8 nano-meters in diameter (8/1000000mm) they cover the Alpha-OCC surface and "fill up" any concave-convex sections left on the conductor surface during the production process. This is claimed to increase the electric conduction area and debasing impedance. The very precise mix of gold and silver super-micro particles and amount of dispersing Squalene oil used on the conductor is said to have an influence on the sound reproduction.

Industry News 15 Years Ago
The Home Entertainment Association
Bringing the world's first true gateway - all purpose website for both specialty audio manufactures and consumers is The Home Entertainment Association (T.H.E. Association). Headed by Mike Maloney, previous owner of Scientific Fidelity loudspeakers and now heads the yearly T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas, manufactures will have the ability for a complete listing and making changes as necessary though Member Login and password, discuss various topics with others within the industry, etc. T.H.E. Association will also offer all users special discounts and rebates from airfare to rental cars and more. A Global database offers business to connect with dealers, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers and much more. An Online Marketplace will assist with everything from hardware to human resource solutions. For a small monthly fee consumers will have the opportunity to seek out detailed information about manufactures including names, address, phone number, website address and much more. Furthermore, a unique customizable search engine will allow consumers to seek out companies who make specific products within a specified range. Industry individuals such as business consultants, clubs, societies, dealers, distributor, expos/shows, association, manufacturers (and their representatives), press, those involved with recording, retail consultant, custom installers and suppliers each have their own sections within The Home Entertainment Association website.

04 / 25 / 16

<<<REWIND<<<
High-End Audio Is Dead! Or Is It?
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

AXPONA 2016 Show Report By Enjoy the Music.com

AXPONA 2016 Show Report
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Monitor Speakers Designed By Andrew Jones

Audio By Van Alstine, Salk Signature Sound And OPPO

Cavalli Audio, Chad Kassem, Sota, Expressimo, And McIntosh

AURALiC ALTAIR Streaming DAC And Network Audio Player

Aries Cerat Diana Forte And Diana Mezzo Vacuum Tube Amplification
High-end audio company Aries Cerat new Diana Forte and Diana Mezzo adds to this company's line of excellent vacuum tube gear. Their completion in the Diana Series of amplification includes the introduction of two new models consisting of the Diana Forte SET stereo amplifier and the Diana Mezzo Class A preamplifier (€18,000 and €12,000 respectively). The two models share the majority of circuits with Aries Cerat Diana integrated and technically is a two chassis improved version of the integrated. Their Diana Forte stereo power amplifier circuits are based on the Diana Integrated amplifier output and driver stages. The Output stage is scaled up to deliver a true 60 watts of SET magic per channel. The parallel SET output stage is built around the 813 DHT big bottle tube. This, in turn, drives an oversized core OPT constructed using special winding techniques to deliver wide bandwidth at full power. The 814 DHT tube is loaded by a special quality double-C core bifilar winded inter-stage transformer. Output stage PSU is a dual completely separate set of choke-filtered capacitor banks using Aries Cerat's unique SuperCaps with ESL and ESR parameters said to be 100 times lower than any film or electrolytic capacitor. All tubes can be biased and monitored on the fly as well as can be matched using the Diana Forte as a stripped-down tube tester. Aries Cerat's Diana Mezzo is an improved version of the Diana Integrated's preamplifier stage. At its heart, the Diana Mezzo is an SET amplifier boasting an 814 Direct Heated thoriated tungsten DHT. The output transformer is a double-C amorphous core, bifilar winded OPT while signal attenuation is performed by a relay-switched array of resistors in a shunt/ladder hybrid mode. There are a pair of Xenon gas rectifiers that are used as rectifiers of the high voltage PSU. Filament PSUs are quadruple filtered using a cascade of choke/resistor-cap pi filters providing very low noise floor for the sensitive filaments of the DHTs. Signal bandwidth is from 10Hz to 120kHz (-3dB).

04 / 24 / 16

Lone Star Audio Fest 2016 In Texas Features Dealers, Manufacturers & DIY
Lone Star Audio Fest 2016 is a modest American high-end audio event that will take place April 29th through May 1, 2016 in Dallas, Texas at the Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central hotel. This 12th annual LSAF promises to be a treat for the ears and eyes featuring Hi-Fi systems from established brands, entrepreneurial startups, and advanced DIY/makers. Thanks in part to the southern hospitality of its founder, organizers, and exhibitors, LSAF is an intimate friendly event for audiophiles and music lovers seeking to explore the joyful limits of music reproduction. Stereo systems ranging from personal desktop sized all the way to six-foot tall 200+ pound benchmarks will be demonstrated and admission is free to the public. LSAF invites lingering demonstrations and personal connection between exhibitors and show goers. Manufacturers and dealers showcase some of the industries' most exquisite Hi-Fi sources, amplification, and speakers. A DIYer contingent is on hand to show off their latest achievements including technologies outside the mainstream and enabling components like engineered driver sets, enclosures, and PCBs. Individual enthusiasts and audio clubs host rooms for the simple joys of camaraderie centered on music and fine hi-fi. In total, approximately 11 exhibit rooms have been confirmed to date.

04 / 23 / 16

AXPONA Achieves Record Attendance And Exhibitor Participants
JD Events, dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results, has announced that AXPONA 2016 welcomed 5934 attendees and 400 exhibitors to the Westin O'Hare in Rosemont, IL, April 15th through 17th, 2016. Attendance was up 16% over 2015 with 137 students at the show as part of the new Student Day Program. AXPONA offered music lovers, audiophiles, and musicians three jam-packed days of incredible sounds, technology, seminars, live music and the very latest products in the industry. In addition to a series of special events, live concerts and educational seminars, attendees had the opportunity to experience the very best in sound in 111 listening rooms by top manufacturers in the industry. In all, more than 400 leading manufacturers, retailers and brands gathered at AXPONA, including Paragon Sight & Sound, Legacy Audio, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds Inc., and Nordost. "Overall, the 2016 show was a huge success with nearly 6000 attendees from around the globe, world class exhibitors, and new show highlights including the highly-anticipated Manufacturer's Showcase," said Steve Davis, AXPONA Founder. "We're excited to announce that rooms and exhibit space are already 75% sold out for 2017 and we look forward to bringing an even bigger and better show to Rosemont next year." AXPONA 2017 returns to the Westin O'Hare on April 21st through 23rd.

04 / 22 / 16

AXPONA 2016 Show Report By Enjoy the Music.com

AXPONA 2016 Show Report

Gershman Acoustics, Lamm, Oracle And Morrow Audio

Nordost, Pass Labs, Sonus Faber, Kubala*Sosna And AMG

Merrill Audio, Reference 3a, EMM Labs, Nordost And Stillpoints

Gershman Acoustics, Lamm, Oracle And Morrow Audio

Nordost, Pass Labs, Sonus Faber, Kubala*Sosna And AMG

Daedalus Audio DiD And ModWright Tryst Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Technics Grand Class SL-1200GAE Direct Drive Turntable

Well Audio And Danacables

Channel D Pure Music, Pure Vinyl, Seta L, Piccola Mk2, Plus Lynx Hilo And Music Hall MMF 9.3

Wilson Audio Alexia Speakers And Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Progression Monoblock Amplifiers

Emotiva DC-1 DAC, SP-1 Pre, PA-1 Amp And Airmotiv B1 Speakers

KEF Blade Two, Ultimate 1 Bookshelf, And Muo Bluetooth Speaker

GIK Acoustics 4A Alpha Panels And Tri-Trap Corner Bass Traps

Kimber Kable AXIOS High-End Audio Headphone Cables

Etymotic Research Releases Their ER4XR And ER4SR IEM

Friday Quickies
AXPONA 2016 Friday Show Report

Saturday Quickies
AXPONA 2016 Saturday Show Report

Ear Gear Expo 2016

AXPONA 2016 Ear Gear Expo Show Report
Show Report By Dave Hanson

04 / 21 / 16

Lindemann audiotechnik Musicbook:DSD Handles Many Format Types
Lindemann audiotechnik is known to be a specialist for excellent digital sources. With the upcoming Musicbook:DSD, this German manufacturer is going to launch a new generation of their Musicbook: line at HIGH END 2016 in Munich. For this purpose, both the converters Musicbook:10 and 15 plus streamers Musikbook:20 and 25 were revised in significant respects. Lindemann says these are the world's first high-end devices offer a feature combination that includes re-sampling of all digital source data (e.g. from CD, streamer, USB interface, digital inputs and even Bluetooth plus DSD 256; with subsequent conversion of the DSD signal in the Pure Path mode. Lindemann says that sonic gains of the new converter architecture is dramatic: greater dynamics, more vivid timbres and a new, totally "life-like" atmosphere which closely resembles an analogue reproduction (with far better resolution). The already comprehensive feature set of the Musicbook digital sources is supplemented by Bluetooth aptX and a USB audio port up to 384kHz and DSD 256. The streaming platform can now process DSD files in the .dff and .dsf formats. Moreover, Lindemann has integrated convenient multi-playlists, the TIDAL online catalog and a new radio and podcast provider. The Lindemann apps for Android and iOS were also further optimized. The new Lindemann Musicbook:DSDs will replace the previous Musicbook models.

04 / 20 / 16

T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 To Be Held June 3rd Through 5th
The Home Entertainment Show Newport (T.H.E Show) 2016 marks the sixth year of this informative, fun, and relaxing southern California event. T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 will be held at The Hotel Irvine in California from June 3rd through 5th, with a special VIP and Press Day being June 2nd. Visitors to T.H.E. Show Newport can visit the Headphonium exhibitors, the Marketplace, Vinyl, CD, and Accessories vendors all in one location-a giant 15,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom within the center of the Hotel Irvine. A very special event in 2016 is a memorial to Richard Beers, who was the President of T.H.E. Show and passed away this year. Attendees of T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 can enjoy gourmet food trucks, a giant high-end auto show, live entertainment day and night, wine tasting, and many more popular educational seminars orchestrated by the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society (LAOCAS). T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 is inviting special VIP and members of the press to their Preview Day open by invitation only. You will need to register to secure your free spot to T.H.E. Show Newport! Preview day is Thursday, June 2nd. This is T.H.E. Show's 2nd annual Preview Day, dedicated to Press & VIP attendees. This is a great free opportunity for all those wishing to spend exclusive time with exhibitors before the crowds swarm the rooms on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Over 250+ companies have already signed up! Main event is open to the public June 3rd through 5th, 2016. T.H.E. Show Newport will provide you with a preliminary list of participating exhibitors a couple weeks prior and also with a confirmed list of room #s upon your arrival. Whichever dates you plan to attend between June 2nd and 5th, please be sure to Register for T.H.E. Show Newport as soon as possible. This will secure your pre-registration as a VIP/Press member giving you access to T.H.E. Show Newport exhibit rooms and booths on all four days. You can also check out their Facebook event page at this link. You can enjoy Enjoy the Music.com's T.H.E. Show Newport 2015 coverage here.

Industry News 15 Years Ago
Academy Advancing High Performance Audio & Video
The Academy Advancing High Performance Audio & Video (AAHPAV) seems to have been docile for the past few years or so now appear to have completely disappeared. The AAHPAV is known for their "Golden Note Award" where their members consistently look as though they voted for other favored members. Due a variety of situations, the AAHPAV has been suffering over the years. Their website registration expired on February 12, 2001 without a mere $30 or so to renew it and is now completely offline. This may not be a great loss as the website itself, when available earlier this year, apparently suffered from a lack of updating for approximately a year. Furthermore, calling the AAHPAV yesterday has resulted in hearing a recording that the telephone number is disconnected. Three years ago the AAHPAV did offer various seminars at a consumer show, and then continued this program the following year. Sadly, the AAHPAV never became an influential presence within the electronics industry nor a veritable voice representing the high-end to congress or other important public venues as the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is today. This situation leaves no single voice for the high-end, though it could be argued that the AAHPAV might not have ever truly represented the high-end in a meaningful and productive way to help progress the visibility of the industry as a whole. Creative Director of Enjoy the Music.com, Steven R. Rochlin, appears to be the only press member to have attended all the excellent AAHPAV seminars both years and earned a Masters Degree.

04 / 19 / 16

Part 3: Montréal Salon Audio // Audio Fest 2016 Show Report
Montreal Audio Fest Show Report By Rick Becker

AXPONA 2016 Ear Gear Expo

AXPONA 2016 Ear Gear Expo Show Report
Show Report By Dave Hanson

04 / 18 / 16

AURALiC ALTAIR Streaming DAC / Network Digital Audio Player
AURALIC has just introduced their new ALTAIR Streaming DAC (starting at $1800). The ALTAIR can act as an easy-to-use Home Music Center with more than 15 input sources including: Streaming Inputs: Network Shared Folder (NAS), USB drive, Internal music storage (optional), uPnP/DLNA media server, TIDAL and Qobuz streaming, Internet Radio, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Songcast and RoonReady; Digital Inputs: AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial, optical TosLink, USB device to computer, 2 USB host for storage and DAC, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n/ac tri-band Wi-Fi. The ALTAIR Streaming DAC utilizes AURALiC's award-winning Lightning technology. Launched in 2014, Lightning is the audio industry's first streaming technology that supports DXD and Quad-Rate DSD playback through a Wi-Fi network. It also offers several new and advanced features such as Gapless Playback, On-Device Playlist and Multiple-Room functions, as part of AURALiC's ongoing program of offering regular upgrades that download in the background. Memory Playback, the latest feature added to to the Lightning streaming technology, allows the ALTAIR to fetch and cache the entire track in its memory or system storage in advance to improve the sound quality, and also play locally without the need of network data transfer. Using Lightning DS, you can also stream TIDAL, Qobuz and listen to Internet Radio at any time. ALTAIR's AirPlay, Songcast and Bluetooth functions provide alternative ways to stream your favorite music from Apple Music, Spotify and other service providers through your smartphone or computer. ALTAIR's streaming function, operated by AURALiC's Lightning DS control App, is available on iOS platforms right now, with Mac and Windows versions in development. It is also compatible with other 3rd party OpenHome or UPnP control software for playback. ALTAIR also works as a RoonReady endpoint to use with Roon software, bringing you a new way to discover and listen to music.

04 / 16 / 16

AXPONA 2016 Show Report (Audio Expo North America)
Coverage By Enjoy the Music.com

04 / 14 / 16

<<< Rewind <<<
47 Labs 4706 Gaincard And 4700 Power Humptye
Everything you know is wrong... or... I was fooled by mainstream audio gurus.
Review By Steven R. Rochlin

Industry News 10 Years Ago
Texas Instruments License Pass Labs SuperSymmetry
Pass Labs has announced that Texas Instruments has purchased a non-exclusive license to United States patent 5,376,899. Specifically, the amplifier topology, marketed by Pass under the tradename "SuperSymmetry," which provides a means of achieving high performance with balanced symmetric feedback and minimal gain stages. SuperSymmetry has been the basis for amplifiers marketed by Pass since the 1998 introduction of the X-1000, a 1000 watt power amplifier using only two gain stages - differential input transistors driving complementary power output transistors. Inventor Nelson Pass said, "The beauty of the design lies in the combination of power and simplicity. We believe that the highest quality sound is achieved with a simple gain path, and SuperSymmetry gives us high performance with minimal complexity and negative feedback."

04 / 13 / 16

Record Store Day 2016 On April 16th Will Bring Many New Releases
Enjoy the Music.com proudly supports and now presents to you the special releases planned for Record Store Day 2016. Taking place on April 16th at your local record store are special event and releases on vinyl LP, cassette tape and more! The list of titles being released will be available only at record stores (and later eBay and Amazon via resellers). This year there is a very handy PDF that you can use as a shopping/wish list. The Record Store Day website will be updated as things progress. There are a variety of categories on the Record Store Day list. They include:

RECORD STORE DAY EXCLUSIVE RELEASES. Exclusively available on Record Store Day at Record Store Day participating stores. Will not be available anywhere else in the same format.

RECORD STORE DAY LIMITED RUN/REGIONAL FOCUS RELEASES. Also exclusively available on Record Store Day at Record Store Day participating stores, but may not be distributed nationally, or the quantities of these titles are EXTREMELY limited. 1000 and under and WAY under 1000 in some cases. We felt it was only right to put them on a special sub-list, so that everyone is clear on the odds.

RECORD STORE DAY FIRST RELEASE. These are titles that you can find on Record Store Day at Record Store Day participating stores. So if you're a fan of the artist, you get first listen. At some point in the future, generally four to six weeks, these titles will be available at other retailers.

INTERNATIONAL LISTS. Please understand that the Record Store Days does not control what gets released in which countries. Someday, every release will be available everywhere without issues but that day is not today. Meanwhile, below are PDFs to the list of releases set for April 16th, 2016.

BELGIUM: HERE
CANADA: HERE
FRANCE: HERE
GERMANY: HERE
ITALY: HERE
MEXICO: HERE
NETHERLANDS: HERE
SPAIN: HERE
UK: HERE
USA: HERE

04 / 12 / 16

IFPI Global Music Report 2016: Online Streaming Overtakes Physical Media
According to the just-released IFPI Global Music Report 2016, global music revenues increase 3.2% as digital revenues overtake physical for the first time. Digital sales contribute 45% of industry revenues; overtake physical's 39% share. Streaming revenues up 45.2%, helping to drive 3.2% global growth. Music consumption is "exploding globally", but the "value gap" is the biggest brake on sustainable revenue growth for artists and record labels. The global music market achieved a key milestone in 2015 when digital became the primary revenue stream for recorded music, overtaking sales of physical formats for the first time. Digital revenues now account for 45% of total revenues, compared to 39% for physical sales. IFPI's Global Music Report 2016 also reported a 10.2% rise in digital revenues to $6.7 billion, with a 45.2% increase in streaming revenue more than offsetting the decline in downloads and physical formats. Total industry revenues grew 3.2% to $15 billion, leading to the industry's first significant year-on-year growth in nearly two decades. Digital revenues now account for more than half the recorded music market in 19 markets. However, there is a fundamental weakness underlying this recovery. Music is being consumed at record levels, but this explosion in consumption is not returning a fair remuneration to artists and record labels. This is because of a market distortion resulting in a "value gap" which is depriving artists and labels of a fair return for their work. "After two decades of almost uninterrupted decline, 2015 witnessed key milestones for recorded music: measurable revenue growth globally; consumption of music exploding everywhere; and digital revenues overtaking income from physical formats for the first time," said IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore. "They reflect an industry that has adapted to the digital age and emerged stronger and smarter. "This should be great news for music creators, investors and consumers. But there is good reason why the celebrations are muted: it is simply that the revenues, vital in funding future investment, are not being fairly returned to rights holders. The message is clear and it comes from a united music community: the value gap is the biggest constraint to revenue growth for artists, record labels and all music rights holders. Change is needed - and it is to policy makers that the music sector looks to effect change." Since Enjoy the Music.com is high-end audio's official Press Center and the industry's leading provider of information, we want our readers and other magazines to take advantage of this data by reading the entire report in PDF form at this link.

Astell&Kern Debuts AKT1 Hi-Res Music System At Williams McCall Gallery
Astell&Kern is debuting their Hi-Res Music for the home at Williams McCall Gallery in Miami Beach on April 16th. This is part of Williams McCall Gallery's opening reception for Expanse 3.0, An Exploration Of The Uncharted Urban. Williams McCall Gallery is featuring the Astell&Kern AKT1 All In One Hi-Res Sound System which contains everything a person needs to listen to high resolution audio in a single, sleek modern unit that saves space and looks great anywhere. The AKT1 includes speakers, amplifier, and high resolution audio decoding in one unit so you can have audiophile quality high resolution audio playback without the need for multiple components and large speakers. "We are delighted to provide the exhibit space for such a great innovation in music," said Gail Williams, owner of Williams McCall Gallery. "Our gallery has always been known for the introduction of cutting edge works, so we felt the blend of the newest in music technology was a natural. People who love art, love the best in quality music." Owen Kwon, President of Astell&Kern, said "We deeply appreciate the partnership with such a prestigious gallery as Williams McCall Gallery. The excitement of their exhibits express the passion we bring to the music world. This marriage of art and music is all about providing the public with the best of what life has to offer." The Expanse 3.0 exhibit includes the following participating artists - Emil Bodourov, Debbie Carfagno, Rolande Ciciurel, Alfredo Garcia, Clare Kowalewski, Roxanne Layton, Maitejosune, Nicole Martin, David McCauley, Amy Musto, and Beatricia Sagar.

Classé Audio 2200i Powerful 200 Watt Integrated Amplifier
Classé Audio has announced their Sigma 2200i, which is a new 200 watt stereo integrated amplifier ($5500). By connecting the output of the 2200i's preamp section DSP directly to the input of the amplifier DSP, Classé eliminates DAC and ADC conversion losses and their associated analog circuitry's noise and distortion. That's said to be the secret to the powerful performance / price ratio delivered by the exciting new Sigma 2200i stereo integrated amplifier. By keeping digital signals digital all the way to the amplifier output filter, Classé Audio shortens the signal path, avoids losses and eliminates digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) as well as their associated analog circuits. The front-end consists of the stereo portion of a Sigma SSP, including inputs for USB types A and B, Ethernet for streaming AirPlay and DLNA, S/PDIF coax, TosLink optical, analog inputs for balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA and an optional phonostage (as in the CP-800 and Sigma SSP). Classé has also included four HDMI inputs, adding convenience for users with AV sources like set top boxes, Blu-ray players, etc. A touchscreen control provides familiar features like digital domain Tone Control, 9-band PEQ per channel and flexible bass management. The Subwoofer output is derived from the only DAC onboard. IP control includes Android and iOS apps.

CANADA HiFi April Issue Is Available Online For Free
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted the latest issue of CANADA HiFi magazine! This issue features special articles including Twenty Innovative Technology Products and Tech Toys, Ten Tips For Tuning Your Turntable For the Spring plus The Origins and History of Punk Music Part 2. Reviews is this issue include Zavfino 1877 Phono ZV-5 turntable + Aeshna tonearm, Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema LS10000 3LCD projector, MOON by Simaudio Neo 2800 streaming DSD DAC with MiND, and Skogrand SCI Tchaikovsky interconnect cables. Within his editorial titled CANADA HiFi Exciting Evolutionary Step Forward, Suave Kajko says "Spring is in the air and I'm ecstatic to announce that CANADA HiFi is about to make a very exciting evolutionary step forward - something that has been a vision for the last couple of years. This fall, our publication will begin to offer an expanded amount of technology content in every issue, while improving the delivery of existing HiFi and home theater topics. To celebrate this new direction, the magazine will receive a fresh new look and a shiny new name. I hope that you will be pleasantly surprised and entertained by what you'll see!" You can see what's within this issue of CANADA HiFi and download your FREE copy at this link.

04 / 10 / 16

Sex & Audio
A clear case of discrimination!
Article By Peter Mapp, PhD, FASA, FAES

04 / 08 / 16

High-End Audio's Official AXPONA Press Center: Now Live w/Daily Updates
Enjoy the Music.com is high-end audio's official press center for AXPONA 2016. We bring both our readers and journalists worldwide important information they crave. We're offering press releases from high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio manufacturers taking part at AXPONA 2016. We proudly offer audiophiles and music lovers AXPONA 2016 press releases and images to learn more about all the great advancements within consumer electronics technology showcased at AXPONA 2016 that can bring many hours of joyous music that fits your personal lifestyle. AXPONA 2016 will be held from April 15th through 17th in Rosemont, IL, and the below press releases focus on high resolution music and high-end audio consumer electronics gear. Enjoy the Music.com is the industry's leader in providing you the tools and information needed to get the very best in musical enjoyment within your home, car, and portable / mobile devices. See Enjoy the Music.com's extensive AXPONA 2016 Press Center and show coverage at this link.

04 / 07 / 16

Merrill Audio Cara Stereo Preamplifier Provides High-End Balanced Inputs
Merrill Audio Advanced Technology Labs new wide bandwidth, high performance Cara stereo preamplifier ($3500) is now available. Said to provide a new level of control and performance for a preamplifier price point, the Cara has a frequency response from 8 Hz to 200kHz within 0.1dB. The Cara preamplifier employs a circuit design with the goal of delivering exceptional detail and astonishing realism with excellent control. Using transformer-like circuits that achieve CMRR of a balance transformer with the gain, drive and bandwidth of active circuitry, Merrill Audio's Cara seeks to bring a new level of input line noise rejection and output line noise reduction. Employing an active gain control circuit design for the volume control, the Cara preamplifier achieves a very wide range of attenuation and gain, ranging from -99 to + 15 dB allowing for volume control of high output DACs and low output phonostages, all in 0.5dB steps. Offering dual independently set outputs, the Cara is excellent for bi-amplifying and monitoring with each output capable of having a difference of up to 115 dB from the other. Each of the four balanced XLR inputs have independent preset gain settings that allow normalizing of the different inputs. Each input pre-set allows a +/- 12dB setting and in combination allows input variations of up to 48dB to be normalized. A large LED display allows easy viewing of channel volume and information. The display brightness can be set with 9 brightness level and Off, plus has delayed dimming and turn of. Further control on your system is provided with a Max Volume setting, Min Volume Setting, Remote Trigger for on/off of other components. All setting is saved in permanent memory and full configurable with the remote. Using an external power supply, the Cara preamplifiers seems like a Passive Volume controls and its high current output drives long cables with ease. Input impedance is at 100k Ohms are a very easy load to any source component. Signal to noise ration is 110dB with a total harmonic distortion of 0.002%.

04 / 06 / 16

HIFICRITIC's Latest Issue Features Their Special Awards
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted the latest issue of HIFICRITIC magazine! This issue features reviews of the Rega Apheta 2 + Aphelion, Missing Link Passion amplifier, Vertex AQ's 'Leadingedge' room treatment panels, Heco Direkt loudspeaker, Eclipse TD712zMK2 speaker, ATC SCM11 compact but powerful standmounter, Allnic HPA5000 transformerless valve headphone amplifier, Benchmark DAC2 HGC DAC/pre-amp/headphone amplifier, Astell&Kern AK500 NAS music player, and there is a great interview with Audio Note UK's boss Peter Qvortrup plus Keith Howard explores the ideal headphone frequency response, and envisages further developments. Peter Truce explains why and how multiple subwoofers and heavyweight filtering are necessary to deliver seriously smooth bass within the listening room. HIFICRITIC's Chris Bryant encounters an unusual high end cartridge. This issue brings you the prestigious HIFICRITIC Awards 2015 including those bits of gear that merit Audio Excellence, Recommended and Best Buy components! Within his editorial We Have Another Great Issue... Including Our Annual Awards, Paul Messenger says "Our 2016 spring issue is packed with reviews and features. Our moderately priced hit is the ATC SCM 11 compact loudspeaker which sailed though our most exacting testing to score a BEST BUY Award. This issue also carries the index to last year's reviews and features, music and hi-fi gear, and not least the Annual Awards listing. Techno guru Keith Howard's authoritative investigation explains what has gone wrong with headphone design. Martin Colloms digs deep into the technology behind the new amplifier sound from Naim, and at last scores the sound quality for the Naim 300DR power amplifier." See what's within this issue of HIFICRITIC at this link.

Industry News 15 Years Ago
Rio Is Adding 100 Secure Digital Music Downloads To Their Library
As online music heats up, RioPort will soon make approximately 100 secure digital music downloadable songs from Warner Music Group (WMG). This is added to their previous deals with Artemis Records, House of Blues, Sonicnet, MTV.com and VH1 to sell music online. Meanwhile the man whose name, or lack thereof changes like the tide, Prince once criticized Napster has now made a deal to have his unreleased track titled "The Work - Pt. 1" available on Napster April 6th. This song will be part of Prince's upcoming album titled The Rainbow Children. Of course the major labels want their slice of the pie so Bertelsmann, EMI and Warner Music Group have unveiled plans for their upcoming online music-subscription service in partnership with RealNetworks. The plot thickens! Never heard of Rio? Well, in 2016 you might know of them as Astell&Kern.

04 / 05 / 16

Hi-Fi+ April 2016 Issue Is Now Available Online
Enjoy the Music.com has just posted the April 2016 issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine! This issue features show coverage of both the Bristol Sound & Vision and Lisbon Audio Show. Equipment review include the Shiit Audio, Meridian Audio Explorer 2, Scansonic M-6 BTL, Leema Acoustics Libra, iFi Audio micro iDAC2, Lampizator Lite 7, Wilson Audio Sabrina, Graham Audio LS3/5, The Bespoke Audio Company passive line preamplifier, ELAC Debut B5, Cardas Audio A8 universal-fit earphones and many more. Within his editorial, Alan Sircom says, "A peculiar – yet extremely useful – by product of our regular 'themed' issues is you get an overview of trends within audio. And in digital audio, those trends come thick and fast. This year, however, a trend has emerged that might surprise many audiophiles and enthusiasts. If you look closely at many of the digital domain devices in this latest issue, they sport aptX Bluetooth connections alongside wired digital links. This is at once unexpected and, in my opinion, great! Bluetooth has been derided by enthusiasts as not a serious audio source, and yet here it is turning up on some very serious digital audio products. What's changed?" See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ at this link.

HIGH END 2016 Event In Munich Is Sold Out For Exhibition Space
HIGH END 2016, taking place in Germany from May 5th through 8th, is 100% sold out for exhibitors. More than 500 exhibitors / industry manufacturers will descend upon Munich for the industry's largest annual event in Europe. Over the years, the HIGH END has established itself as a global meeting point for audio enthusiasts, becoming an industry institution in the process. It now stands as the most important showcase event for audio anywhere in the world. Branko Glisovic, CEO of the HIGH END trade fair, is thrilled by the tremendous response from leading companies, but is at the same time aware of the demands that this interest brings with it. "Of course you try to get as many companies as possible involved," says Branko Glisovic. "But when you reach the limits of a 28,361 square meter exhibition space, it is then a question of capacity." Numbers of foreign exhibitors continue to grow as well. The biggest growth driver here is, of course, foreign companies. Based both in Europe and further afield, these firms recognize that the HIGH END has become the industry's foremost trade fair. With 316 exhibitors expected from abroad, this year's foreign involvement will likely represent a 2% increase on last year's, with an overall share of 63% of attendees. At the same time, German-based companies are still the most strongly represented at the HIGH END. Great Britain is in second place with 40 companies, followed by the USA, Italy, France, China, Japan and Switzerland. "This means that the HIGH END offers not only a broad spectrum, but also an international selection, thereby serving as a shop window for the innovative drive of the whole industry," says Kurt Hecker, Chief Executive of HIGH END SOCIETY. "This is the basis for the ever growing international significance of the HIGH END and the recognition it receives on the basis of its quality. We are delighted with the faith that exhibitors put in our event through their participation." Enjoy the Music.com offers the most extensive online coverage of HIGH END starting in 2000. You can see our HIGH END 2016 show overage at this link.

04 / 04 / 16

Montréal Salon Audio // Audio Fest 2016 Show Report
Montreal Audio Fest Show Report Part 2 By Rick Becker

04 / 02 / 16

Fidelizer Music Server Project 7.1 Update Is Now Available
Fidelizer has updated their Music Server Project. After releasing version 7.0 months ago, the company has received a few reports about usability problems and thus have solved this situation while also making further improvements. Resolutions of 800 x 600 and high DPI scaling screen problems have been fixed as has launching the media player application related to core affinity by enforcing execution to run with all cores. See Enjoy the Music.com's review of the Fidelizer Pro v7 software by clicking here. Detailed improvements are below:

Free
-Fixed Fidelizer may launch media player application on cores shared with non-audio processes on higher optimization levels
-Fixed some library server applications like Asset uPNP/J River Media Center that maybe treated as non-audio processes during optimizations
-Revised user interface to be compatible with low resolution and high DPI scaling screen

Plus
-Added change media player application option in running media player application dialog
-Fixed Fidelizer may launch media player application on cores shared with non-audio processes on higher optimization levels
-Fixed some library server applications like Asset uPNP/J River Media Center that maybe treated as non-audio processes during optimizations
-Revised user interface to be compatible with low resolution and high DPI scaling screen

Pro
-Added change media player application option in running media player application dialog
-Fixed Fidelizer may launch media player application on cores shared with non-audio processes on higher optimization levels
-Fixed some library server applications like Asset uPNP/J River Media Center that maybe treated as non-audio processes during optimizations
-Fixed startup optimizations terminating itself after three days
-Fixed Uninstall button working without installing before in Optimization Wizard
-Revised user interface to be compatible with low resolution and high DPI scaling screen

04 / 01 / 16

Astell&Kern Rose Gold AK400 32-bit/384kHz / DSD Player
Astell&Kern has announced their 32-bit/384kHz and DSD10x capable AK400 portable media player ($2700 introductory price). Featuring two ESS Technology SABRE ES9038PRO chips, the world's highest performance 32-bit DAC with an outstanding 140dB DNR, the 8-channel per chip will be used to support unbalanced, balanced and upcoming quadraphonic Hi-Res Music releases. Due to realizing the 2.5mm jack has been a very troublesome interface, all four channels will be available in balanced mode via dual 3.5mm TRRS auto-sensing headphone jacks akin to the popular Sony NW-ZX2. Digital input/output is via USB 3.0, whilst coax and optical S/PDIF is provided via a dual-purpose 3.5mm jack. Unlike previous Astell&Kern players that used a very limited capability proprietary operating system, the AK400 comes standard with the highly popular Android 6.0 OS (Marshmallow). This provides users the ability to freely download apps from the Google Play store. Furthermore, each Astell&Kern AK400 comes with a code for a $50 Google credit so you may download your favorite apps such as Neutron, Onkyo HF, etc. Equalization has been extended to now include both frequency and Q settings via fixed-point 64-bit processing. There is one Master and 1920 equalizer memories that are configurable. The Master EQ memory is for setting individual headphone(s), whilst the other is for Personal / Tracks Sensing equalization. Personal setting is for users to set their own equalization per song(s). This EQ overlays the single Master EQ setting. Track Sensing, while being licensed for car audio to appear in upcoming 2018 vehicles, Astell&Kern are using a special database so that you may use this 'preset' equalization as supplied from the database, which you may then modify. This ensures that each song has the very best sound quality via the ability to apply re-equalization as desired. Further expanding on sound quality over it's predecessor, the AK380, Astell&Kern's AK400 internal boards are each copper shielded to ensure the highest sound quality via extremely low electrical interference between the computer, Wi-Fi, digital decoding and critical amplification sections. Internal storage is 512GB, with two microSD card slots for further memory expansion up to 1TB. Of note is that the USB 3.0 jack is OTG-capable so you may use a thumbdrive or self-powered external hard drive (6TB, with future over-the-air firmware update set to enable 12TB capability). Astell&Kern's AK400 is the company's very first player to be offered in copper chassis that is then heavily plated with luxurious rose gold. The AK400 is backward compatible with the company's AK380 accessories that includes their headphone amplifier (also now available in matching rose gold) and newly upgraded rose gold digital ripper for CD, DVD (including DVD-Audio) and Blu-ray. Due to being a video player as well as Hi-Res Audio unit, the 4" screen natively plays 4k video with a resolution of 1000ppi. Due to extensive development in extending battery life plus the power efficiencies of the new ESS Technology SABRE ES9038PRO chipset, the Astell&Kern AK400 has a battery life of 23 hours per charge at 32-bit/384kHz and 80 hours of low resolution lossy MP3. Headphone amplifier output is 500mW at 1.5 Ohms. Frequency response is from 1Hz to 96kHz, DNR and SNR is 127dB, and channel separation is 132dB due in part to the extensive use of copper shielding between circuit boards. An early production version will be showcased at the upcoming AXPONA 2106 show in Chicago, with shipping expected to begin June 1.