06 / 29 / 04
Onkyo
has introduced the DV-CP802 ($500) six disc progressive scan multi-channel universal digital disc
player. Compatible with nearly every disc format, including DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, WMA, and MP3 audio formats. Digital decoding features a 108-Mhz/12-bit video D/A converter for superior video and 24-bit/192kHz for audio. The audio DACs also have Onkyo's Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) claimed to provide a smoother and more detailed analog output. Onkyo's Direct Digital Path ensures maximum integrity of Dolby Digital, DTS and PCM audio signals to the rear-panel digital outputs. There is a complete multi-channel analog audio output, including a defeatable second set of surround channel connections for use with 7.1-channel home theater systems. The player is fully compatible with DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, JPEG/Picture CD, and
CD-R/RWs.
06 / 28 / 04
There has been much uproar on the Internet concerning the recent
Beastie Boys release To The Five
Boroughs by Capitol Records/EMI. While the US and UK releases have no copyguard, the remainder of the world is suffering from non-standard, non-Red Book digital discs. The Red Book is a set of technical
specifications defining what a proper audio CD should adhere to. The world release of the
Beastie Boys recent disc suffers from
Macrovision's CDS-200 and also forces computer users to compressed audio
files. On one hand the band claims nothing is installed on the users computer, yet in the end admit a "temporary skin"
is indeed installed. Furthermore, compressed audio is played through their
computers and may be of inferior quality as compared to uncompressed music as found on proper Red Book audio discs. Proof is in the below quote from the
Beastie Boys website:
While the Beastie Boys CD does use copy control in some territories, there is no copy control on the Beasties Boys discs in the US or the UK. Where copy protection is used, it is Macrovision's CDS-200 technology; the same technology being used for the past several months around the world for all of EMI's releases in those territories. This Macrovision technology does NOT install spyware or vaporware of any kind on a users PC. In fact, CDS-200 does not install software applications of ANY KIND on a user's PC. All the copy protection in CDS-200 is hardware based, meaning that it is dependent on the physical properties and the format of the CD. None of the copy protection in CDS-200 requires software applications to be loaded onto a computer.
The technology does activate a proprietary Macrovision player in order to play the CD on a PC, and that player converts WMA compressed files to audio on the fly. It also temporarily installs a graphic "skin" for the player. Nothing is permanently installed on a hard drive. These details can be verified in the 'install.log' file in the computer's root directory.
06 / 25 / 04
Thorens
has released a new Acrylic Series, TD 2010 and the TD 2030, to their already extensive line
up. This new series is claimed to provide a live, dynamic sound combined with Thorens known reliability and durability. A silent-run bearing combined with highly polished stainless steel axle has a bearing point in the form of a ball and runs in two maintenance-free bushes. The AC synchronous motor is isolated from the turntable chassis and is regulated by a separate electronic motor control unit. The acrylic body is mated with a heavy
aluminum platter driven by a belt. Specifications for each turntable is as follows:
TD 2010
Drive: Electronically regulated AC synchronous motor
Speeds: 33, 45 rpm
Speed change: Electronic
Turntable: 300 mm / 4.5 kg, not magnetic
Tone-arm: Thorens TP 250
Antiskating: Magnetic
Automatic operation: No
Auto-cut No
Cable capacity: 120 pF
Power supply: Fully electronic, regulated control of AC synchronous motor
Dimensions (WxDxH): 420 x 360 x 165 mm
Weight: 13 kg
Color: Clear acrylic
TD 2030
Drive: Electronically regulated AC synchronous motor
Speeds: 33, 45 rpm
Speed change: Electronic
Turntable: 300 mm / 6.3 kg, not magnetic
Tonearm: Thorens TP 300
Antiskating: Magnetic
Automatic operation: No
Auto-cut: No
Cable capacity: 140 pF
Power supply: Fully electronic, regulated control of AC synchronous motor
Dimensions (WxDxH): 420 x 360 x 175 mm
Weight: 15.5 kg
Color: Blue/clear acrylic
06 / 24 / 04
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
has released their 2003 piracy statistics. This also includes the RIAA's enforcement efforts to thwart piracy within the United States. While
counterfeit CDs are up a staggering 218.6 percent in 2003 as compared to 2002, CD-R piracy was down 3.6 percent.
Cassettes, once the life blood of counterfeiters, is down 74.8 percent and video are down 76.3 percent. There are no statistics concerning vinyl, an analog format that some claim offer the best in music reproduction and also has no protection schemes. Pertaining to legal actions, search warrants were up 47.3 percent, yet actual arrests were down 18 percent with a decrease of 63.6 percent in actual guilty/convictions. To see the entire listing as release by the RIAA, please
click here.
06 / 23 / 04
Tomorrow is the day for New York City's Christies
to auction off one of Eric Clapton's acoustic guitars. This 1976, Flamenco guitar is stamped internally Gerundino/Luthier/Almeria and bearing the maker's signature on the label, back and sides of cypress bound with rosewood, spruce top, cedar neck with ebony fingerboard, fitted internally with a Carlos pickup, length of back 19 5/16 inches. The hardshell case has adhesive tape inscribed by Lee Dickson Auction #56/Gerundino. This guitar was bought for the rehearsals for the George Harrison Tribute concert, and has been used at home a little according to Eric Clapton. Eric said, "I loved it -- the playability of that guitar is phenomenal. The neck, and the feel, and the action are perfect. But [I found] that thing with the pegs a bit intimidating."
Ben Shabalala, brother of Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and leader Joseph Shabalala, was killed in unknown circumstances on June 16 in a suburb of Durban, South Africa. Ben first joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1979 and was part of the group during Paul Simon's
Graceland recording and subsequent tour. His voice was an integral part of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo sound that captivated audiences worldwide through the popularity of the
Grammy Award winning Graceland album. Ladysmith Black Mambazo also won a Grammy
for their recording Shaka Zulu. Said Joseph Shabalala, "Ben was not just my brother, but is a part of my history. He is a part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy. While his life has ended in this terrible way, his voice, his memory and his spirit will continue on with Ladysmith Black
Mambazo."
06 / 22 / 04
Velodyne Acoustics Inc. has released both a DSP-Controlled Digital Power Slot (DPS) and VRP
attractively priced line of subwoofers. The DPS series consists of the DPS-10 ($499) with 10-inch and the DPS-12 ($599) with 12-inch driver. Each unit includes amplification (350 and 400 watts respectively) to drive the
forward firing driver while the digital control of crossovers, equalization, dynamic compression, volume, phase, protection circuits and four selectable presets are also included. Velodyne's new Rear Port (VRP) Series subwoofers consists of the VRP-1000 ($349) with 10-inch and VRP-1200 ($449) with 12-inch forward firing drivers. Velodyne employed bipolar-MOS technology amplifiers, said to be "capable of producing significant dynamic power from their reserve headroom" for both units. In addition, each amplifier incorporates protection circuits to insure long-term durability.
06 / 21 / 04
BV Audio's
new P10 pre-amplifier ($1,590) combines computerized control of volume, has four single ended (RCA), one
balanced (XLR), plus an MM/MC phono stage. The phono stage allows for a custom impedance load option and is R/C-selective. Outputs for
bi-amplifying or subwoofer are also provided for. Ultra-linear low noise parts from Analog Devices and Burr-Brown can be found inside the unit while the computerized analog volume control driven by military grade microprocessor is claimed to guarantee unprecedented channel separation, absolutely precise channel matching and volume adjustment.
06 / 18 / 04
hifi
Collective
offering many parts, kits, and publications for the DIY
enthusiast. This includes Audio Note loudspeaker kits, Glass House tube amplifiers, Neohm carbon and TruOhm carbon film resistors, various capacitors, diodes, transformers, wire, and NOS vacuum tubes. Of note are the Black Gate and Cerifine capacitors and Audio Note paper in oil
resistors. Also available are circuit diagrams, circuit descriptions, etc. Also
available are back issues of DIY enthusiast magazines such as Sound Practices, Vacuum Tube Valley, plus many technical books including those covering valve data and audio history.
06 / 17 / 04
DaVinci Audio
now has available both their 9 inch and 12 inch tonearm called the Grandezza. Employing ruby bearing technology, the Swiss-made Grandezza is constructed from a bronze base and double gimballed bearing technology with ruby from
a Swiss watch manufacturer. The anti-skating is done via generated magnetic field(!). Naturally a non-interacting balance in used while the ebony wood arm tube has a bronze headshell for cartridge mounting. The geometry is via that from the highly
regarded SME3009/SME3012R. A Grand Reference tone arm Grandezza version is rhodanized
and the export price is CHF 10,046 while The 24 carat gold plated version is CHF
9,156.
06 / 16 / 04
Anthem
now offers their Statement P2 stereo amplifier ($2,499). Built as a true monoblock amplifier contained within a single
chassis, the P2 feature dual autonomous power supplies using conservatively rated low-impedance toroidal units. Each channel is also self-contained with
separate glass-epoxy circuit board and heatsink. There are no DC rail fuses to insure "direct-connection to the power supply. A grand total of fourteen bipolar output devices allow each channel to produce 350 watts into an 8 ohm load. Both single ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs are provided for while custom-designed gold-plated Anthem Statement binding posts secure loudspeaker wire.
06 / 15 / 04
Sennheiser
has opened a website featuring free music from emerging musical artists. The Sennheiser
TrueSound Lounge has
emerging artists like Sugarcult and Jody Whitesides free for the listening, plus quick-witted video shorts from various commercial filmmakers and producers. There are also Headphone and Heritage rooms that feature Sennheiser's products and history.
06 / 14 / 04
AperionAudio.com
has unveiled their new Intimus Power Tower (522D-PT) in its acclaimed
loudspeaker product line. The Power Tower is a full range speaker that merges the lush imaging of the Intimus bookshelf speaker with the full-bodied bass response of a 150-watt powered subwoofer built into the base of the tower.
Overall frequency response is from 30Hz to 20kHz employing a 1-inch dome tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, and 8-inch long throw subwoofer. The entire unit is magnetically shielded for ease of placement near a television and
5-way gold plated binding posts insure loudspeaker wire flexibility. This
tower design also includes the well-received DiAural crossover technology.
06 / 11 / 04
It greatly saddens us to report that singer, songwriter, musician and
twelve time Grammy Award winner Ray Charles passed away yesterday at age 73. At the age of six Ray was blind due to glaucoma. That never stopped his love for
song and he learned to read and write music in Braille at the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and the Blind. In the 1940's Ray was already recording rhythm and blues and cool pop music of the time. Only a few years later, in
1951, his first hit "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand" brought his voice and music styling to a large audience. Other hits include "This Little Girl of Mine," "Drown in My Own Tears," "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "Lonely Avenue," "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack," and "The Right Time." Ray Charles recorded and/or played with many of the great jazz/pop/soul/R&B artists over the next five decades, including a few movie/TV gigs (Blues Brothers, etc). Ray always gave 100% when
performing and reporter has experienced Ray Charles in concert many times and can attest to Ray's deep love and joy in bringing
music to the world. He will be greatly missed.
06 / 10 / 04
Microsoft has
announced the beta version of their Windows Media Player
10. New features include a new visual design for improved ease of use and faster access to top Player tasks. This allows for users to accomplish "everyday digital media tasks all in one convenient place and to take advantage of the powerful capabilities of the Player while browsing the library." Unlike other media players, Microsoft's version allows users a choice of many online services, called "Digital Media Mall," including download, rent, or stream music and video from MusicNow and Napster (to name two of many). Naturally many portable devices are supported by the upcoming Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 with new Portable Media Center devices that will be available later this year.
Naturally the new Media Player supports lossless compression codecs and
insures purchased copyrighted music is secure.
06 / 09 / 04
Linn's
latest pre-amplifier development brings about their new Exotik multi-channel unit
claimed to "offer purist audio performance and access to and control of the new generation of multi-channel sound formats without compromise." Derived from their award-winning flagship Klimax Kontrol pre-amplifier, this multi-channel unit uses very high quality parts with great care taken to circuit design to insure the
critical analog signal is extremely pure, aiming towards the proverbial "straight wire with gain.". The Exotic pre-amplifier is extremely flexible to also accommodate different loudspeaker set-ups including supporting bass redirect, stereo sub algorithm, and LoRo analog 5.1 to stereo downmixes. Linn will be offering a digital variant (planned for September 2004 release) called the Exotic+DA that adds an additional digital audio module for processing of all major audio algorithms, including Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II & Music mode, AAC Surround, MPEG Surround, DTS Surround, DTS 24-bit/96kHz, DTS CD, DTS EX Matrix & Discrete. Both versions will include Linn's RC5 input and output sockets for direct integration with other Linn products.
UK Retail inc. Tax £ 1,750
USA ex. Tax $ 3,250
Canada ex. Tax CAN$ 4,350
Europe ex. Tax € 2,300
Sweden inc. Tax SEK 26,500
Norway inc. Tax NOK 23,500
Denmark inc. Tax DKK 21,500
06 / 08 / 04
Is Krell Industries
after your business? In hopes of thwarting authorized dealers from shipping product to unauthorized dealers (also known as transshipping), Krell has hired Net
Enforcers, Inc to police all unauthorized distribution of Krell-branded products on the Internet. Net Enforcer is a service that identifies web sites that infringe on a company's name, content, logos, trademarks or images. "With transshipping becoming such a widespread market on the Internet, Krell is determined to ensure that our dealers are protected in their category, with our brand," comments Bill McKiegan, vice president, sales and marketing. "Net Enforcers will help implement our initiative to protect our brand and track down any unlawful use of the Krell name."
06 / 07 / 04
German turntable manufacturer Acoustic Solid
has added yet another turntable to their already extensive line of analog
products. The Solid Transparent turntable ($1,500) features a massive 30mm aluminum platter made from a single block. The platter is covered by an acoustic felt and a 6mm Acrylic layer said to insure outside noise does not reach the vinyl's groove. Acoustic Solid's synchronous motor string drives the platter in a separate housing on the 15mm thick acrylic turntable body. Rega's well-proven RB250 tonearm and Ortofon VMS 30 MK II cartridge are included in this package.
06 / 04 / 04
Unites States transformer manufacturer MagneQuest
has announced their new Robin Hoods line ($75 each unit). This is a newly designed series of four single-ended output transformers for builders who desire a transformer for
bi-amplifying and offered at attractive pricing. While the Robin Hood series does not have the huge inductances and AC power capabilities of
MagneQuests legendary FS-030 single-ended air gapped output transformer, the price is more cost effective. To quote
MagneQuests press release, "To get great sound we have incorporated design techniques that we have used successfully in our DS series of output transformers as well as the
successful interleaving techniques that we have used in our EXO series of parafeeds. The primary copper circuit is well designed to keep resistive losses at a minimum (the dcr is approx 185 ohms). The copper losses from the full secondary and the full primary are equal in magnitude. The primary inductance is carefully designed to fully support the published low frequency extension of each model at the maximum stated power level. The total (AC and DC combined) magnetic flux density is kept
below 16kg in each model offered in this series. Therefore, these will not saturate or "run out of iron" when used within their published specs."
06 / 03 / 04
Bocchino Audio Australia
are claiming to have employed a new interconnect design "not ever attempted before by any other designer and delivering the absolute best result in audio reproduction at a price never deemed possible." Their new "Morning Glory" ($AUD 1,880) interconnect cable uses >99.94 percent copper return Earth-Bus and >99.996 silver signal wire of 0.6mm diameter enclosed in PTFE piping. The wires are terminated to Bocchino Audio Australia's Brenda B3 RCA connector that is manufactured from solid copper billet. The cable is also available with their Brenda B17 solid copper billet RCA connector.
06 / 02 / 04
The prestigious Grammy
organization have announced musician Carlos Santana will be honored as Latin Recording Academy Person Of The
Year. Santana will receive the honor on Aug. 30, 2004, at a star-studded tribute dinner and concert in Los Angeles. A portion of the
proceeds will benefit the MusiCares
Foundation. Enjoy the Music.com is the
only audiophile publication that are proud members of the Grammy organization
and are also supporters of MusiCares Foundation. It brings us joy
to see true talent such as Santana receive this award. MusiCares provides critical assistance for music people in times of
need -- including financial, medical and personal emergencies. "The Latin Recording Academy honors Carlos Santana as an extraordinary human being, musician and activist who has made a global impact on music and culture," said Gabriel Abaroa, President of the Latin Recording Academy. "His exceptional talent, expansive body of music, social activism, honesty and wisdom are the qualities that make Santana the epitome and embodiment of the Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year. By recognizing Santana, the Latin
Grammy community honors a man who has shown the rare ability to wear his remarkable talent with humility. ¡Viva Carlos Santana!"
06 / 01 / 04
We are proud to announce the June edition of Enjoy
the Music.com's Review
Magazine. Just coming back from reporting on both Germany's
High End Society show and also PRIMEDIA's
NYC show, the June issue of our Review Magazine includes 20 new
album reviews, 5 new equipment reviews, and 5 new editorials. We welcome
you to benefit from reading our Review Magazine by clicking
here.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
