High-End Audio Industry News
06 / 30 / 10
Red Dragon Audio
just introduced their M-500 and M-1000 monoblocks ($699 and $899
respectively). At the heart of the new amplifiers is the ICEpower ASP series which offers high power in a compact, energy efficient design. The new amplifiers are housed in a solid extruded aluminum chassis with an engraved logo faceplate and feature premium components throughout: silver plated wiring, Neutrik XLR inputs, Cardas binding posts and Schurter power inlets. Both models claim to offer the same sonic signature of the flagship Leviathan amplifier. The ICEpower
Class D core technology keeps the unit 83% efficient plus a Soft Clip Circuitry to protect the system in case of overload.Both units have a damping factor of >1000, dynamic range of 119dB and frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.5dB).
06 / 29 / 10
Combak
Corporation's Dinosaur DNS-0610 Speaker Stand is said to be a state-of-the-art
design created after years of extensive research on the basis of the sound technology such as those of
a Piano. This unique design sets to achieve the full potential of small sized
loudspeaker systems, thus enabling users to hear more dynamics and information than
previous achievable. Various resonance controls and specialized feet and
employed to realize the very best in sound quality. The Dinosaur DNS-0610 is beautifully handcrafted and made of selected high quality
woods and easy to assemble and use.
Specifications:
Height: 700mm ( From tiptoe to tuning creeper)
Top Board Size: 200 x 260mm
Wooden Base Size: 362 x 362mm
Weight: 10.6 lbs
Materials Selected: High quality wood with brass metal tiptoe
Colors: Jacaranda wood finish or Satin black
Accessory: RF-909X
06 / 28 / 10
Do you love headphones yet want want your listening sessions to sound like some of the very best studio monitors on Earth?
Then you may enjoy the new Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP
($499). While this unit caters to professional recording engineers who desire to hear their mix in different situations, audiophiles can also admire it for the way to can simulate many of the best real world
studio loudspeakers. This allows for a wide variety of choices to shape your listening session to the type of speakers that you feel best suits the music. VRM (Virtual Reference Monitoring) technology allows you to enjoy music in different environments, through different speakers and from different positions, just using headphones. VRM uses standard headphones to reproduce the direct sound, together with a DSP system that is used to simulate specific monitoring scenarios. VRM's room models are mathematical models which provide greater flexibility in the possible combinations of loudspeakers and listening positions. The loudspeaker simulations are created using convolutions of impulse responses measured using the original loudspeakers. The accuracy of these simulations in different environments is taken care of by the impulse responses themselves and the way they are calculated and manipulated. Processing within the Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP is via a 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Interface aided by JetPLL jitter elimination technology. Being a recording engineer
product, you can also add in Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins. The unit will work with various Windows and Mac OS X and Intel Mac compatible operating systems and software is included so you can customize what you desire hearing. Overall dynamic range is 106.5dB, frequency response os from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and SNR is 106dB. Iputs include S/PDIF, FireWire, TOSLink optical and line in via 1/4 inch jacks. Outputs are via headphone, S/PDIF, and line via 1/2-inch jacks.
06 / 25 / 10
Enjoy the Music.com
has a world premiere of Hi-Fi World's
Volume 20 Number 6 (August 2010) including the compete editorial and table of
contents. This issue includes reviews of the Q Acoustics 2050 and Onix Concerto 1 speakers, XTZ CD100, HRT Streamer II+, Music Fidelity M1, Burnson Audio AB-160, Funk Firm Saffire II turntable plus a phonostage supetest and much more!
The
editorial by David Price says, "This new issue of Hi-Fi
World has also got some great digital news too; from XTZ's top
value budget CD spinner [p36] to the superb HRT Technologies Streamer II+,
which is the answer to many a computer audiophile's prayers [p66]. Musical
Fidelity's new M1 is one of the best affordable DACs we've ever heard and a
veritable steal at under £400 [p68], and Micromega's CD30 is a mid-price
silver disc spinner with buckets of Gallic charm, that you've just got
to taste [p78]. See the complete August table of contents and editorial of
Hi-Fi World by clicking here.
06 / 22 / 10
Anthem has debuted their new receiver line with optional iPod/iPhone docking station dubbed the MRX series
receivers. These 3D ready receiver series will feature the MRX 300, MRX 500, MRX 700, and MRX 900 ($999, $1499, $1999 and $3999 respectively). All models will have seven channels of amplification (MRX 900 will have nine channels of amplification) and four HDMI in/one out (MRX 900 will have seven HDMI in/one out). All the latest audio formats will be supported including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, and DTS-HD Master Audio and support internet radio (except MRX 300) and HD Radio (MRX 700 and MRX 900). In addition, the MRX series will process 3D movies and television when paired with a 3DTV and a 3D capable source component making them the perfect addition for 3D enabled home theaters. Additional technical features of the MRX receiver line include 9.1 channels of amplification with bi-amping capability on the MRX 900, Anthem Room Correction (ARC) system, Internet Radio via built-in Ethernet port on models 500 and up plus front and rear USB inputs will play music from a hard drive or memory stick on models 500 and up. Designed for use with all MRX receivers, Anthem will also offer an optional MDX 1 ($129) iPod/iPhone dock that provides for native digital output and on-screen display for the latest generation iPod/iPhone.
Of course audiophiles will enjoy the latest 24-bit/192kHz lossless
processing for their music files and high-end processing for lossy mp3.
06 / 21 / 10
WS
Distributing now offers the new Vincent KHV-111MK hybrid vacuum tube headphone amplifier in silver and black finish ($500). The Vincent Audio KHV-111MK headphone amplifier combines premium solid-state discrete component circuitry with a classic 12AX7 vacuum tube input stage that is ideally matched to the headphone use. The 12AX7 is a two-channel, pure Class A triode vacuum tube noted for its high gain, accuracy and musical character. With the higher operating voltages of vacuum tubes, and the different requirements of the solid-state sections, Vincent Audio gave the KHV-111MK a very large and stable power supply section. With the combined weight of the power supply combined with the heavy-duty chassis used to shield the sensitive circuitry, the KHV-111MK weighs in at a hefty 7 pounds, well above that of most headphone amplifiers. The Vincent KHV-111MK has separate, front-panel volume controls for the left and right channels, a front 1/4-inch headphone jack, power switch, and a window to monitor the glow of the vacuum tube filament. The rear-panel has gold-plated stereo RCA input jacks. For
balance and volume, each channel has a separate volume control, THD is rated at <0.1%, input sensitivity is 5 mV and SNR is >90dB.
Music Industry
News 10 Years Ago
The
Linn Pekin is a completely new, high performance Digitally Synthesized
AM/FM tuner. Linn claims the Pekin is capable of capturing signals
cleanly including those faint signals due to its two RF signal input
connections to aerial or cable feeds. Manual and automatic scan tuning, an
accurate signal strength meter and adjustable mute/scan threshold controls
deliver refined performance on strong and weak signals with pitch accurate
reproduction. Linn Pekin controls also provide 80 individual station
memory pre-sets. MSRP for the USA is $995.
Music Industry
News 10 Years Ago
Move
over MP3, Vorbis is here! To help further muddy up the free music and internet
format wars comes a new digital music encode/decode method by programmers in
Silicon Valley called Vorbis. On Tuesday they unveiled their beta version
of encode/decode of the new .ogg compressed music file format. With a
multitude of formats already available from large companies like Sony,
Microsoft, Lucent, Dolby and RealNetworks, there seems to be a big "power
play" to become the leading format of streaming media on the internet.
''The impetus is in part political,'' says Christopher Montgomery, the chief
developer of Vorbis. ''The people who are trying to control the online
distribution of music are now finally becoming friendly with the people who
are trying to control the technology. Frankly, that's an alliance that I don't
want to see happen.'' Currently, the popular formats are MP3, Windows Media
Audio (Microsoft), ATRAC-3 (Sony) and AAC (Fraunhofer and others) that are
available only through paid license agreement while Vorbis is releasing their
format under the GNU Public License. This is a "copyleft'' agreement just
like the popular Unix-like operating system Linux. This means the
encode/decode system is free and will always be without digital-rights
software. ''If we're locked into using somebody else's proprietary format,
that makes it difficult for us to provide the broadest user experience,'' says
Brian Zisk of iCast, which is funding the development of Vorbis. ''And if we
can give away the player without having to pay millions of dollars in
licensing fees, that makes our business more viable.'' With Vorbis, he says,
''You're not under anybody's thumb.'' Now comes the real question, how is the
sound quality? They claim it equals MP3 in its Beta format and will be
improved upon over time. ''The tests we've been doing are on a large
collection of very jaded ears,'' Montgomery says. ''We don't have the best
equipment -- the $6,000 headphones they have in formal ISO listening tests --
but we do have the best equipment that a reasonable person would buy."
File size is also said to be equal to MP3. Support for Vorbis has come rapidly
as a Winamp plug-in is being released with a Sonique plug-in coming shortly.
Mac users who love Panic will also be supporting Vorbis soon. Of course the
folks from Scour Exchange and Napster will support the new file format add
ever more support for this new music file format. Vorbis has a website to
support their cause at www.vorbis.com.
06 / 16 / 10
MartinLogan's
new Ethos ($6495 per pair) follows the company's longstanding use of combining a fast electrostatic panel with a normal dynamic
driver. The Ethos features advanced XStat electrostatic technology, proprietary digital signal processing and Vojtko crossover topology to allow this combination of drivers work together. MartinLogan's 9.2-inch wide by 44-inch tall XStat electrostatic transducer is joined by an 8-inch PoweredForce woofer and 8-inch passive radiator. MartinLogan engineers reduced the gauge thickness of Ethos's steel stators, which not only achieves the desired arc, but also increases the visual transparency of the panel. Housed within an aluminum AirFrame, the Ethos' XStat transducer utilizes radical Vacuum Bonding and MicroPerf technology. Like all MartinLogan's electrostats, the Ethos's dipole transducer radiates sound with equal intensity from the front and back, thus making it more challenging to mate in room with rear all reflections to be accounted for. A 24-bit Vojtko DSP engine and 200 Watt Class-D amplifier are also part of this
loudspeaker.
Bryston
launches a new category in their lineup with their new BDP-1 high-resolution digital music player ($2100). As a companion to the company's award-winning BDA-1 DAC, the Bryston BDP-1's sole function is to give music aficionados the ability to enjoy their library of high-resolution digital music files with upwards of resolutions including 24-bit/192kHz. "The BDP-1's feature set is unique and we have found that it is most easily defined by clarifying what it does not do," stated Bryston's James Tanner. "The Bryston BDP-1 does not contain an internal DAC, a hard-drive, a streamer, a CD player/ripper, noisy fans or switching power supplies. The BDP-1 connects to an external DAC for playback through AES-EBU or BNC digital outputs. Quite simply, the BDP-1 is an ultra high-performance digital music player when connected to an external drive and DAC." The Linux-based BDP-1 has front mounted control buttons and a two-line display, making it a fully-functioning digital music player. Optionally, the BDP-1 can be connected to a home network using a router and Ethernet connection solely to enhance operability via network-enabled devices such as a computer, Apple iPhone or iPad, etc.
06 / 15 / 10
Enjoy the Music.com
now offers our midmonth update with two new articles now available.
Regular
Reading
Sound Practices
History Lessons
Article By Joe Roberts
VALVE Magazine
Dinkin' Around With Star Grounding
Tech tips and other unsolicited advice.
Article By Dan Schmalle
See the mid-June Review Magazine by clicking
here.
Weiss Engineering, founded by Daniel Weiss who joined Studer/Revox years ago in Switzerland and now offers his own award winning designs, has created their new DAC202 ($6670) for computer and digital audio
enthusiasts. The DAC202 is a reference class FireWire D/A Converter with a IR remote control for volume control, absolute phase and input source selection. The unit features decoding from 44.1 to 192 kHz at 24 bit rates, dual/single wire selection for 176.4 / 192 kHz sampling rate, an 'Insert Mode' allows to loop in a external digital audio device (i.e. an equalizer) via the AES/EBU I/O on the XLR connectors and digital inputs include AES/EBU, S/PDIF Toslink and
FireWire. Digital outputs include AES/EBU and FireWire while stereo analog output are balanced via XLR or unbalanced RCA. The front panel offers a 1/4" jack for headphone enthusiasts. If your system is only digital
sources, the Weiss DAC202 eliminated the nee for a preamplifier as it includes a level
control with four coarse settings via relays (analog domain) and fine setting via rotary encoder (digital domain). The level control can be defeated for the main output.
06 / 14 / 10
TBI Audio Systems
has just informed me of their new ISO-10PB Emperor passive audiophile quality subwoofer ($1800). The ISO-10P Emperor represents the first in a new large format series of high output subwoofers developed by TBI Audio Systems using Embedded Transmission Line Technology (ETL). According to the company, "The goal for any subwoofer is to deliver acoustic power to the room with critical damping over its bandwidth. In order to accomplish this the amplifier must deliver its power into constant load impedance. The subwoofer, almost without exception, has very high impedance peaks in its bandwidth resulting from resonance. The ported speaker has two resonances within its bandwidth and the sealed box has one both resulting in artificial bass sound. The only way to solve this problem is the elimination of resonance as a component of the transducers response." The Emperor addresses the necessary issues for audiophile quality bass extension via a flat impedance, impedance phase is constant, the isolated low mass driver is said to not react with room reflections and there is an ease of integration with all quality speakers. TBI Audio Systems' new ISO-10PB Emperor can handle up to 250 Watts, has a frequency
response from 15 to 250 Hz, a sensitivity of 93dB/W/m and presents an 8 Ohm load. Connection is via five-way gold plated binding posts, each unit includes brass spike feet, is available in black matte color, has dimension of 14 x 14 x 19 (WxDxH in inches) and weighs 40 lbs.
06 / 11 / 10
HDtracks is featuring the record label Everest, which was started by the legendary recording engineer and audio writer Bert
Whyte. Whyte started making records on 35mm three-track magnetic tape in the late 1950s and issued them on stereo LPs. This 35mm magnetic film tape could handle much higher levels than any standard 0.25 or 0.50 inch tape of its day, resulting in extremely low hiss levels. Everest had these 35mm recorders before Bob Fine and Mercury Records. In addition, Bert used custom made U47 tube microphones, the finest of its day and still sought out by engineers around the world for its amazing tube sound. Bert used three of them in a spaced array to capture the power of the orchestra and the space of the hall. Everest recordings are on every audio reviewers must listen list and can now be enjoyed in 24-bit/96kHz on
HDtracks.
HDtracks
has the legendary Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Tony Rice recording called The Pizza
Tapes. Enjoy the Music.com reviewer Steven Stone has this to
say about the recording, "This disc's material was originally available only as a bootleg through the Grateful Dead underground tape trader's network. Its title came from the fact that the "master" cassette was allegedly stolen from Jerry Garcia's kitchen table by a pizza delivery guy. The music came out of some studio sessions at David Grisman's Dawg studios with Jerry Garcia, Tony Rice, and David Grisman. In the liner notes David Grisman writes "After several years of being pissed off (about their illegal release), I decided to bury the hatchet with the pizza boy and make these tapes available in an "official" version". I, for one, am mighty glad he did. I've never heard Jerry Garcia's voice sound better. The material is primarily old traditional songs like "Shady Grove", "Man of Constant Sorrow", "Little Sadie", "Louis Collins", and "Rosalee McFall", mixed with a couple of country standards "Always Late" and "Long Black Veil". Just for variety Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and a pair of gospel numbers
are thrown in with a couple of loose jams plus some between song banter. The sound is wonderful.
It is warm and intimate like a late night around a crackling fire. It closely matches the exquisite sonics of first
Tone Poems album. On a good system it is almost like having everyone in the room with you."
06 / 10 / 10
The new AudioControl
Savoy G3 ($3000) seven channel amplifier employs Class-H design topology for increased efficiency and high
reliability. Producing 200 wpc (@ 8 Ohms) to each of the seven channels, the Savoy G3 can easily power virtually all audiophile multi-channel setups. Highlighted by refined Rose Gold lettering on a high gloss black display, the sleek front panel is also accentuated by "cool blue" LED indicators that compliment the exquisite cosmetics of the Savoy G3. AudioControl's Savoy G3 incorporates AudioControl's LightDrive Anti-Clipping Protection Circuit, which safely eliminates any possibility of speaker-damaging clipping and distortion, even in extreme conditions. Inputs and other features include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, Remote Power Control triggers and audiophile grade five-way binding posts to guarantee the optimum connection of speaker level signals.
06 / 09 / 10
NBS'
has a new Universal Phono Pre Amplifier ($30,000) that features a copper chassis an in total weighs 65 lbs. Encased in 0.25-inch solid copper, the phono pre amplifier is universal in several ways including auto-sensing voltage, as this enables the unit to operate anywhere in the world. The solid copper chassis provides exceptional shielding and grounding. A generous grounding post is provided adjacent to the inputs. Naturally both moving-coil input and the moving-magnet input can be connected simultaneously and selected from the front panel. Low 40dB and High 70dB moving coil gain can be selected from the front panel as can moving coil loading of Input loading of 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 Ohms (MM is industry standard 47K Ohms). The input selector also has a Mute position for noisy operations like cleaning the stylus or making connections to the inputs. Stereo balanced via XLR and unbalanced vi RCA outputs are provided and both can be used simultaneously. RIAA equalization is highly accurate and rated at +/- <0.08dB.
06 / 08 / 10
DIY
Hi-Fi Supply.com 's Crescendo is a high efficiency monitor that is made to mate with a variety of woofers to then offer full range
sound. Designed to partner low powered tube amplifier, the Crescendo system is a 2-piece system comprising of a two-way Crescendo "Monitor" and a stand/subwoofer enclosure. The Crescendo Monitor combines a horn loaded ribbon driver, that has a surface area of more than twice that of a
3-inch midrange dome yet has a tenth of the moving mass, with a cast frame 8-inch high efficiency cone driver to deliver 100dB/W/m with 70 Hz to 25 kHz (+/-3dB) bandwidth in-room. Due to the monitor being able to reach only 70 Hz (-3dB), most users will feel the need to add the Crescendo Subwoofer that uses a cast frame driver in Mass Loaded Transmission Line (MLTL) Enclosure tuned to 25 Hz and is driven active by the 500 watt Reckhorn A1000 Class D amplifier. As
paired, this combination is called the Crescendo Grande system and produces in-room bandwidth from 20 Hz to 25 kHz with a sensitivity of 100dB/W/m. The Crescendo Monitor time aligns the drivers and spaces the drivers extremely tightly by partially overlapping the HF horn over the frame and surround of the woofer. This keeps the acoustic centers of the two drivers in the vertical dimension closer together than the critical distance of one quarter of the wavelength well beyond the crossover frequency. The crossover is set at 550Hz with first order (6dB per octave)
Slopes. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the DIY Hi-Fi Supply "Billie" 300B SE amplifier kit
(click here)
and the company's Ladyday Signature 300B SET 91 (click
here).
Wavecor, a highly respected manufacturer of drivers for manufacturers and DIY enthusiasts, is now selling their TW022WA01 and TW022WA02 compact 22 mm neodymium tweeters for applications where small size is
important yet requiring the highest level of performance. The design with 22 mm voice coil and wide surround caters for both applications that would normally require traditional 0.75-inch supertweeters and those where 1-inch tweeters would usually be used. In order to keep distortion and resonance frequency low the TW022WA01/02 are designed around an external neodymium ring magnet in order to allow for a larger internal volume than that of traditional neodymium tweeter. The dome shape and material choice allow for almost full output level to beyond 40 kHz. Am external ring neodymium magnet for lower resonance frequency and distortion while the precision-coated textile diaphragm aid in improving consistency and high-frequency extension. There is a vented voice coil former for reduced distortion and compression. The driver's copper-clad
aluminum voice coil wire provides a lower moving mass for improved efficiency and transient response. Build-in cavities under dome/edge to equalize pressure for lower distortion and lower resonance frequency. Gold plated terminals prevent oxidation and ensure long-term reliable connection. The only difference between the two models is that TW022WA02 is shipped with an optimized face plate attached while TW022WA01 comes without face plate, for direct mounting in the
enclosure.
06 / 07 / 10
Bel Canto, a company that has developed award-winning products for more than 15 years, is finally shipping their S125 and REF150S amplifiers, the 24/96 USB Light Link and coming soon is their new FM1 Tuner that will be released in
July. The e.One S125 and REF150S. The S125 features a powerhouse 117dB dynamic range, doubling its power into 4 ohm speakers. The custom input stage improves drive to the amplifier for lower noise and less distortion. Fully-regulated low-heat, ultra-efficient switch-mode power supplies and class-A analog output control circuitry make possible Bel Canto's eco-friendly compact designs. Bel Canto's higher output REF150 is fitted with greater power supply rectification and filtering for a substantial increase the power supply's energy storage. The 24/96 Light Link USB to ST high speed glass-fiber
converter provides for long digital cable runs without the worry of signal loss. ST High Speed Glass-Fiber decouples the computer from your audio system as well for zero change of ground loop/buzz problems. Lastly, the Bel Canto FM1 Tuner will be available in July and features 24-bit/48kHz digital outputs and digital IF analog FM tuner. The FM1 features patented analog FM receiver architecture, delivering superior RF performance and rejecting interference with digital IF processing. The FM1 includes advanced seek algorithms, stereo blend, auto-calibrated digital tuning, and FM stereo processing that allows precise pilot rejection and high selectivity. The advanced digital IF section operates at 24-bits and 96Ks/s data rate. Bel Canto's FM1 also incorporates a digital processor for the European Radio Data System (RDS) and the North American Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) for station identification and performance information displayed on the 8-digit alphanumeric
display. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Bel Canto e.One Dac3
(click here)
and Bel Canto S-300 (click
here).
Music Industry
News 10 Years Ago
Rip Off up to 7,000 songs! Lydstrøm's SongBank SL ($799.95) is soon to offer a machine that operates as not just a CD player, but also capable of "ripping" the songs onto its built-in hard
drive. This allows the unit to be a type of JukeBox with the capability of playing 7,000 songs. "The SongBank was designed by an audiophile for audiophiles," said Lydstrøm co-founder Ashwin Kochiyil Philips. "But I believe it can turn anyone into any audiophile because it makes it so easy to enjoy music." The SongBank stores the ripped music in a higher bit-rate than MP3 and uses the storage space of about one-quarter of the disc's normal playback time. The initial capacity is for about 7,000 songs can be increased by attaching more hard drives through the included USB port. The SongBank is also equipped with a 56K modem and an Ethernet card for future internet downloading of music. You can arrange the songs in order of title, artist, album, mood or
genre.
06 / 04 / 10
Online high resolution music site HDtracks.com is offering the December 1983 recording by Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan titled
In Session at 24-bit/96kHz FLAC! In Session is the only known recording of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan performing together. The 2009 remaster presented by Stax Records stands as a fitting tribute to the genius of two of the greatest musicians ever to have played the blues on electric guitar. Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan obviously shared a mutual admiration, but it simply wasn't in either one's makeup to: a) be intimidated or b) take a backseat to anyone. Other musical
artists on the album include Tony Llorens on piano/organ, Gus Thornton on bass and Michael Llorens on drums. Albert King was clearly the most influential blues guitar stylist from the mid-1960s on. At the In Session taping, 60-year-old Albert ruled over the proceedings like a benevolent father, retaining control while allowing his 29-year-old guest loads of solo space in which to display his awesome command of the electric guitar. Stevie avoided flaunting his prowess, however, and instead delivered some of the most deliciously restrained playing of his career, laying back when his mentor dictated, turning up the heat only when Albert deemed it appropriate. The interplay between the two blues masters is uncannily empathetic, and Albert's fans will find special pleasure in hearing him play rhythm parts at such
length.
Also available on
HDtracks.com
is the legendary album Relaxin' With The Miles Davis Quintet. In every way this recording is a true jazz lover's masterpiece. When trumpeter Miles Davis (1926-1991) had formed the band in 1955, his colleagues tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones were not considered jazz-world
A-listers. And before conquering his narcotics addiction earlier in the Fifties, Davis had seen his once-promising career go into eclipse. By 1956, however, his sound, especially when muted, was an achingly personal counterpart to the vocals of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Relaxin’ (plus its Prestige companions, Miles, Cookin’, Workin’, and Steamin’) reestablished Davis, and elevated his quintet as the gold standard of small groups. With its accent on bright tempos, from medium-bounce to crisply up, Relaxin’ remains one of Davis’s sunniest outings, a prime example of one of the outstanding ensembles of the 20th century reaching the summit of their artistry.
06 / 03 / 10
Enjoy the Music.com has
just published our Lone
Star Audio Fest 2010 show report! This Dallas show was held at the Embassy Suites Dallas Park
Central from May 14 through 16. Our report spans 4 pages with over 50 photos
and is not to missed! According to the show
promoter, "There has been a need of a common place for fellow audio
enthusiast to meet in our region. And Dallas seemed like the logical place
that is central to several surrounding states and cities for us to meet.
Therefore, LSAF was born with the hope of bringing our community closer
together. LSAF 2010 is the fourth annual meeting, with the desire to expand
attendance and continue our festival into future years." There was no
registration cost for exhibitors and no admission price for attendees. Your relationship is entirely between you and the
hotel. Everyone is basically just all agreeing to meet there. See Enjoy
the Music.com's Lone Star Audio Fest 2010 report by clicking
here.
06 / 02 / 10
Enjoy the Music.com reported on the
early showing of this in April, yet now Coincident Speaker Technology
has begun full manufacturing of their Pure Reference Extreme loudspeakers
($26,000 for square top monitor, $26800 for the version shown here). Using the same drivers, internal wiring, crossover network and binding posts as their Pure Reference, what separates them is that the new Extreme use completely separates enclosures for the uppermost frequencies. An Accuton Ceramic tweeter is mated with an Accuton 6.5-inch Ceramic midrange. For bass duties a pair of 12-inch
Nomex fiber cone are used. The woofers are housed within their own cabinetry, as this is said to aid in reducing unwanted vibrations while enhancing overall
rigidity. Another benefit is that the woofers are now separated by 13 inches in the new Extreme model versus only 9
within the Pure Reference. Frequency response is from 20 Hz to 27 kHz, impedance is 8 Ohms (6 Ohm minimum) with an overall sensitivity of
94dB/W/m. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Coincident Speaker Technology Frankenstein Mk II
monoblock amplifier (click
here), Statement Line Stage (click
here), plus we have World Premiere reviews of the Coincident Total Victory IV
(click
here) and Super Victory (click
here).
M2Tech, a company with a core business is the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative products, has announced their new Young 384/32 USB DAC
and Vaughan 384/32 Reference USB DAC. The Young 384/32 USB DAC features a brushed aluminum case and grilled front panel with state-of-the-art DAC inside. The DAC section handles sampling frequencies of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8* and 384* kHz (* USB only). Bit resolution is up to 32 for USB and only 24 for other inputs. Digital inputs include USB (B-type female), S/PDIF (RCA and 75 Ohms BNC), AES/EBU (XLR) and Toslink. Output is via stereo RCA. M2 Tech's new Vaughan 384/32 Reference USB DAC offers the same support of digital to analog conversion and has inputs including USB (B-type female), S/PDIF (2 x RCA and 2 x 75 Ohms BNC, dual AES for 384kHz), AES/EBU (2 x XLR dual AES for 384kHz), Toslink (2 x for dual AES), ST (2 x for dual AES), straight I2S and external master clock outputs. Stereo analog outputs include unbalanced RCA and balanced on XRL plus headphone. The M2Tech Vaughan features eight D/A IC's -- four per channel in mono mode -- and digital dithered volume control that will allow for using the Vaughan as a preamplifier. The headphone output is made with a discrete components amplifier.
Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the M2Tech hiFace 24-bit/192kHz USB digital
audio interface (click
here).
06 / 01 / 10
Enjoy the
Music.com's June edition of our Review
Magazine includes new audiophile equipment reviews and
articles plus music reviews. We have three special world premiere
equipment reviews within Superior
Audio!
World Premiere
Luxman CL-88 Vacuum Tube Control Line Amplifier
Prepare to be awakened!
Review By Anthony Nicosia
World Premiere
PrimaLuna DiaLogue Six Monoblock Power Amplifiers
Worth every penny of their asking price.
Review By Tom Lyle
World Premiere
Von Schweikert Audio UniField 2 Speakers
Marching to a different drummer.
Review By Ron Nagle
Moscode 402 Au Stereo Amplifier
This is what I love about tubed components.
Review By Ron Nagle
Harmonic Resolution Systems
SXR Equipment Rack With M3 Isolation Bases
Applying extraordinary engineering and design to equipment racks.
Review By Jules Coleman
See the June Superior Audio magazine
by clicking
here.
Viewpoint
Status Check
Taking a pulse on the industry
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 128
Pure Power PP2000 Regenerator
Article By Dr. Bill Gaw
AA Chapter 68
Spring Has Sprung
Article By Bill Gaw
The Nearfield
Tale Of Two Monitors
Article By Steven Stone
Show Reports
AKFEST 2010 Show Report (Audio Karma Fest)
Coverage By Wayne Zufall
Salon Son & Image 2010 Report
Montreal High-End Audio Event
Show Coverage By Rick Becker
AXPONA 2010
Audio Expo North America
Audiophile Equipment Reviews
World Premiere
Audiophile i-Fi Chair
Audiophile Gift or Gimmick?
Review By Scott Faller
The Soundsmith System
Denon DL-103 and DL-103 Gold Cartridge
Plus The MCP- 2 Moving Coil Phono Preamplifier
Setting a new benchmark for value.
Review By Ron Nagle
New Adventures In High Efficiency
Sound Quest SQ-84 Review
Review By Scott Faller
Trend Audio's Unbelievable $119 TA-10.1 Class-T Amplifier
Good things come in small packages.
Review By A. Colin Flood
Merlin TSM-MME Monitor
The sound of thought.
Review By Todd Warnke
Music Reviews
Classical Music
British pianist Paul Lewis offers a subtle and penetrating traversal of
Beethoven's complete piano sonatas, in excellent sound.
Review By Wayne Donnelly
A fine William Schuman symphony cycle is completed.
Review By Joe Milicia
The Mono Maven explains why even fervent audiophiles should be
grabbing up pre-stereo records.
Review By Leonard Norwitz
The Mono Maven
Surveying RCA Mono LPs
Review By Leonard Norwitz
See the June Review Magazine by clicking
here.
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2010
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High-Performance Audio Reviews
