High-End
Audio Industry News
11 / 30 / 05
It appears the world of peer-to-peer (P2P) may soon disappear due to legal
ramifications. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the
organization that promotes the interests of the international recording industry worldwide with membership comprising of over 1450 major and independent companies in more than 75 countries, announced the largest amount of legal actions that specifically target P2P networks including KaZaA. Over 2,100 new legal cases against individuals have been filed worldwide that encompass five new countries in Europe, Asia and South America. Add to that the fact of illegal file sharing in Sweden, Switzerland, Argentina, Hong Kong and Singapore are for the first time at risk of criminal penalties and payment of damages in an international campaign that has already seen thousands of people - the majority of them young men between the ages of 20 and 30 - pay sums of $3,000 or more for uploading copyrighted music. IFPI Chairman and CEO, John Kennedy, said "This is a significant escalation of our enforcement actions against people who are uploading and distributing copyrighted music on p2p networks. For the first time there will be financial and criminal sanctions for this activity in countries in South East Asia and Latin America... Today there is simply no excuse to steal music on the internet instead of buying music legally. There are 2 million tracks available on over 300 sites across the world where consumers can download safely and legally and buy, subscribe to or listen to online music at fantastic value." Of note is the recent
decision against P2P network Grokster that has, for all purposes, shut down the service with only a message basically saying "The United States Supreme Court unanimously confirmed that using this service to trade copyrighted material is illegal. Copying copyrighted motion picture and music files using unauthorized peer-to-peer services is illegal and is prosecuted by copyright owners."
11 / 29 / 05
USA's Texas has filed a lawsuit against music label BMG Sony for hiding "spyware" software on the company's music discs. So far Texas appears to be the first
State to file such a civil lawsuit against the major music label and is seeking penalties of $100,000 per violation under the state's Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware
Act. With tens of thousands of consumers able to file like-complaints, this could easily add up to millions of dollars in penalties for the music label.
Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, said in a statement after suing under the state's
anti-spyware law "Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers. Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received
spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime."
Read what Enjoy the Music.com® has been reporting on this issue, how to resolve it, and other detailed information to what even the likes of Microsoft refer to as 'malicious' code by
clicking here.
11 / 28 / 05
Audiophiles have received a Thanksgiving "thank you" note from
The Cable Company (and UsedCable.com)
for their help with the 2005 "Summer Against Hunger" Fundraiser. This
fundraiser supports relief and development efforts of the International Rescue
Committee and CARE that assist the poorest people in the most ravaged regions
of the world with basic human needs like food, shelter, clean water, and
medical attention. This year they have leveraged the "seed contributions" through matching funds of 3:1 from US AID for 1/3 of our program, and 7:1 from the European Community for the other 2/3. With all sales in, contributions to CARE and The International Rescue Committee were a little over $81,000 this year. Over the course of ten years, program totals including matching contributions approach $400,000. Robert Stein of The Cable
Company wishes to express his gratitude to the audiophile community for their support and wishes everyone the best for the holiday season!
11 / 23 / 05
Meridian
Audio's new G61 surround processor ($5,495) builds on the technology that went into Meridian's more costly flagship 861 surround
processor. A powerful DSP engine in excess of 500MIPS (million instructions per second) works in combination with 48-bit precision throughout to deliver digital to analog conversion. Incoming analog signals are converted to 24-bit, high-sample-rate digital data via
multi-bit Delta-Sigma converters and reclocked to minimize jitter. Digital decoding includes THX Ultra 2, AAC, MPEG, DTS, Dolby, Trifield and Ambisonic decoding. Separate user parameters allow for each source (such as DVD) is processed. The G61 includes two 6-channel S/PDIF digital inputs (coax), six stereo coax digital inputs and five Toslink optical inputs. In addition, there is a 6-channel analog input plus five stereo analog inputs. As for outputs, the Meridian G61 includes eight analog outputs for front, rear, center and sub connections, plus two additional outputs for other applications. Ten digital surround outputs are provided, including front, rear, side, center/sub and again include an additional configurable output pair. The G61 can be configured with a powerful Windows graphical set-up application, which allows access to all the unit's functions and configuration. However, the G61 can also be configured extensively from the front panel's comprehensive 'soft-key' based user interface.
11 / 22 / 05
The House Ear Institute
(HEI) , a private non-profit organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education, has redesigned their site and includes new
information. HEI focuses on hearing health, clinical trials, scientists and scientific studies, as well as news about the Institute's research findings. Audiophiles should especially be concerned as our joys of music rely on our hearing and understanding how we perceive sound. James D. Boswell, CEO of House Ear Institute, said "The House Ear Institute continues to evolve and advance as a world-renowned center for hearing research... and we felt the look and function of our Web site needed to reflect the same level of sophistication and innovation as our science."
11 / 21 / 05
United States importer Quest
For Sound has announced the new Opera Audio Consonance CD-120 Linear CD player plus the Reference 2.2 Linear tube output CD
player. Both models feature no upsampling and do not have any digital filtering. Decoding is conducted by a 16-bit/44.1kHz chip that send a signal to
J-FET/transistors made of analog filter without any op-amp. I/V conversion is handled by a passive device instead of an active one with the result said to be "a superb transient response without any over-shooting." Both models also have gold plated unbalanced (RCA) stereo output. The Reference 2.2 Linear tube output CD player includes a 6H30 tube output stage and sampling frequency manually selectable for 44.1kH or 88.2kHz.
11 / 18 / 05
In our ongoing effort to protect our readership by informing them of
risk imposed by Sony BMG digital music discs, we have been updating the
mid-November editorial "Is Your Computer Being Hijacked Due To Enjoying The Music?."
Recent information includes that several Web sites are directly programmed to
attack computers that have the malicious Sony BMG software, including those
who have installed Sony BMG's solution. Research has shown that the Sony BMG
software has compromised Unites States military and government computers,
thereby possibly causing devastating outcomes. Sony BMG has just released a
listing of their digital music discs that containing XCP Content Protection
Technology. They will also be releasing new versions of these titles without
the XCP software. They advise consumers to check the below list for both album
name and the item number on the spine of the digital disc. If the item number
is not listed below, Sony BMG claims the disc does not contain XCP content
protection.
Note: Two titles, Ricky Martin’s Life
and Peter Gallagher’s 7 Days in Memphis were released with a content
protection grid on the back of the CD packaging but XCP content protection
software was not actually included on the albums.
If you want to uninstall the Malware Sony BMG forced upon you,
right now on the Sony BMG site it says:
November 15th, 2005 - We currently are working
on a new tool to uninstall First4Internet XCP software. In the meantime, we
have temporarily suspended distribution of the existing uninstall tool for
this software. We encourage you to return to this site over the next few days.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
More information will be revealed within my December 1
editorial. Enjoy the Music.com®'s official
stance is to not play any Sony BMG protected discs. If your computer is
infected with the Sony BMG Malware/Spyware, you may want to wait for the
solution from Microsoft and use it when available. Please see our mid-November
editorial by clicking
here.
11 / 17 / 05
Danley Sound Labs
has launched their SH-100 ($1,270 passive, $2,270 powered version with DSP) and
the SH-50 ($3,925 passive, $5,595 powered version with DSP). The SH-50 is a high-output, fully horn-loaded three-way loudspeaker featuring two unique Danley Sound Labs technologies.
Specifically, tapped horn and synergy horn (both patent-pending designs). Said technologies claim to provide exceptional low-frequency pattern control, seamless
array ability for those who desire stacking the units, and low-frequency extension. The SH-50
(pictured) measures 28" x 28" x 22.5", has a sensitivity of 100dB/W/m, and generates up to 132dB SPL from 28Hz to 100Hz (-3dB). Utilizing an eight-inch coaxial driver, the SH-100 measures just 20.5" x 20.5" x 9" and offers a sensitivity of 95dB/W/m. generating at most 123dB.
Powered versions uses Class D amplification with 1600 watts for the SH-100 and
800 watts for the SH-50 plus they include DSP for further tuning of the sound
production.
11 / 16 / 05
We have been quite busy this month with show reports of both Head-Fi's Boston meet and the
High Fidelity Belgium show! Add to that our mid-month update to the
Enjoy the Music.com®'s Review Magazine where we go into great detail on the recent
Spyware, or shall we say malicious code, delivered by Sony to the unsuspecting music loving
public. This is a very serious issue where Sony has forced software to users of their protected music discs without any choice nor ability to easily remove it... until they were caught red-handed! Worse still, their software opens a wide door to virus writers! See the Mid-November update of our
Review Magazine by clicking here.
11 / 14 / 05
Microsoft
has officially placed Sony BMG's protected music disc software as an offender and it shall be
eradicated within Microsoft's update of the company's Malicious Software Removal
Tool. Windows Update allows users to keep their software current and secure, as such Sony BMG's
"Malware," or as some call it "Spyware," shall be removed by the Microsoft
update due to the high security risk Sony's product forces onto unsuspecting consumers. See November
11th Industry News release below for more details as to Sony's BMG's apparent abuse of forcing consumers to have
highly insecure and offensive software within their machines without the
consumer's knowledge or
consent.
11 / 10 to 11 / 13
Enjoy the Music.com®
will be reporting live from High
Fidelity Belgium 2005. This is their largest show to date and
will take place on November 12th and 13th with over 50
presentations and 10 static shows. Both stereo hi-fi and home cinema products
will be showcased in the over 1,700 m² of demonstration space spread between
to hotels. Entrance fee is a mere €3. Venues are the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Brussels Airport and four star Courtyardhotel in Evere near Brussels. A free
bus will gladly transport show attendees between the two venues. Show
organizers audioforum.be are
finding great support from distributors, importers and manufacturers from
around the world to insure the show is a success. Unlike most other show
websites, Belgium has wisely chosen to provide their website in no less than
four languages (Dutch, English, French and German), making their show a true
international experience. See our show coverage by clicking
here.
11 / 09 / 05
Enjoy the
Music.com® . This allows thousands of audiophile sites the opportunity to benefit from
over a century of combined knowledge and experience. The search engine efficiently scans thousands of pages to find the best matches and lists them in relevance. Important excerpt of each page also appears so users can quickly find the information they require. Steven R. Rochlin, editor of
Enjoy the Music.com® , said "Over the past decade many audiophiles have come to appreciate our offering hi-fi definitions, music descriptions, and an immense record of manufacturer links... With
Enjoy the Music.com® ranking at the very top of virtually all popular mainstream search engines, it is a natural extension for us to provide a specially developed search engine for the audiophile community." Complete press release can be seen by
clicking here.
November 20th marks
the 2005 Tri-State Gotham Audio Society Audio Flea Market is for those looking
to buy and sell books, equipment, digital discs, magazines vinyl records, etc.
This is an audio only event for both Northeast societies and individuals. Any member of an established audio
society receives a special discount for admission or exhibit space in Manhattan at 202
East 77th Street, on the 2nd floor. For additional information
please contact the Gotham Audio Society at
(212) 629-1933.
11 / 08 / 05
NAD's new Master Series
is the company's statement product line and features their M55 DVD/SACD player
($1,799) with top quality playback for both audio and
video. Videophiles will appreciate that DVD-Video can be watched in normal interlaced mode, or in progressive scan mode while HDMI supports HDCP encryption. On th audio side, DVD-Audio and SACD decoding take place on board with bass management availability. DVD-Audio uses high resolution 24 bit PCM signals and MLP 'lossless' compression while SACD (super audio compact disc) uses the DSD (direct
stream digital) technique. The list of features include playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, SACD SVCD, WMA, HDMI Output for HD video and audio, Faroudja DCDi circuit for 480i (DVD standard), video up-conversion to 420p, 720p or 1080i, 12 bit 54mHz video DAC for analog video, digital audio output via SPDIF (coax) and TosLink (optical), and 24-bit/192kHz DAC.
11 / 07 / 05
Gemme
Audio's new Concerti 108 ($4,700 with chrome feet being a $300 option) marks the company's first venture in their True Horn
series. With a single full range Fostex FE108EZ driver, the Concerti 108 does not require a crossover and offers high sensitivity for ease of driving with low wattage amplification. The True Horn construction with the aid of CNC
machining provides a horn section that follows a continuously smooth expanding curve topology instead of a succession of expanding square cavities. It is said to ensure a constant expansion while minimizing turbulences in the pathway, resulting in a superior reproduction of mid to low frequencies. The 1-inch thick MDF cabinet is coated by acrylic and offered in a high gloss mirror finish outside and inside, with rocklike density. Frequency
response is from 42Hz to 23kHz (-6dB) with a 93dB/W/m sensitivity at 8 ohms.
11 / 04 / 05
The genius behind Simply Physics
, Rick Roberts, has launched a new Web site and new products. Longtime audiophile know of Simply Physics with their ToneCones, Isodrive CD clamp, DarkStar turntables, linear tracking air bearing tonearm, exotic equipment stands, etc. Many
Simply Physics products were standard issue on various high-end audio products from Apogee, Eggleston, Sound Anchor, etc. The company's latest offering includes a highly advanced LP record clamping system called the Differential Fusion 2 (DF-2 for short, $495). When placed over the spindle of a turntable, the DF-2 insured positive vinyl contact to the platter. A special collet system is actuated by turning the upper section clockwise, thereby locking the unit to the spindle.
Once secured, it then increments the outer edge of the lower clamp downward against the record label surface. An added benefit is the lowering of resonances, thereby lowering the
chance of signal contamination as the needle reads the vinyl record's groove.
11 / 03 / 05
Will you be suffering a computer virus due to Sony BMG's choice of using copy-protection
technology? Sony BMG has partnered with security company
First 4 Internet in hopes that their music discs could not be copied. The problem is that with Sony BMG using such technology they have opened up the proverbial 'Pandora's Box' as the same code to protect the music discs can be adapted for virus writers to hide malicious software on hard drives of computers that have played one of
Sony BMG's discs. Furthermore, the code is such that antivirus programs do not recognize the code as a virus. First 4 Internet says they will be sending a patch to antivirus companies that will eliminate the copy-protection software's ability to hide. "We want to make sure we allay any unnecessary concerns," said Mathew Gilliat-Smith, CEO of First 4 Internet. "We think this is a pro-active step and common sense." Longstanding antivirus and security company F-Secure had this to say: "For now it is theoretical, or academic, but it is concerning," said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer. "There's no risk right now that we know of, but I wouldn't keep this on my machine." To add to the
Sony BMG trouble, the patch distributed through the company's site will not be able to remove the
code. It will simply expose it, thereby still allowing virus writers the opportunity
to infect machines that have played one of Sony BMG music discs. Over two million music discs
with the First4Internet protection have been sold since March 2005 within the United States.
Mark
Russinovich, the person who
originally discovered and publicized this virus problem with Sony BMG discs, said "While I believe in the media industry's right to use copy protection mechanisms to prevent illegal copying, I don't think that we've found the right balance of fair use and copy protection, yet. This is a clear case of Sony taking DRM too far."
11 / 02 / 05
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the trade group representing members who create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States, are hoping to see the beginning of efforts to curb pirating of recordings in
China. It is widely reported that China harbors the world's highest rate of criminal activity in this
regard as a Special 301 Report believes that "China's inadequate IPR enforcement is resulting in infringement levels of approximately 90 percent or above for virtually every form of intellectual property" according to the United States Government. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it has forwarded a number of questions to the Chinese government in an attempt to better understand China's response to its piracy crisis. The RIAA is now reporting, "Without question, the Chinese market remains the most closed market in the world. This is a direct result of official policies restricting our market access and a failure by the Chinese government to successfully address piracy. Without a meaningful commercial presence, we simply cannot serve as an effective force against the theft of our products. While Chinese laws have recently been modified and improved, the enforcement of criminal law remains virtually nonexistent. The result: a complete lack of deterrence."
Pirated materials easily purchased in China include not only music titles, but
also movies and computer software.
11 / 01 / 05
November marks Enjoy the Music.com®'s Best Of 2005 Blue Note
Equipment Awards! Our staff has carefully chosen the very best products
reviewed during 2005 and decided on a very interesting mix of gear. New issues
of both our Review Magazine
and Superior Audio
are now online with the Review Magazine covering Art Audio Carissa
amplifier, Shure E4c versus Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5pro earphones, Stereovox
Studio cables & Manley Labs Skipjack, and Wavelength Audio Brick USB DAC. Superior
Audio now features a review of Lamm Industries' Model L2 preamplifier plus
the WAVAC MD-805m monoblocks and deHavilland's Mercury 2 preamplifier. See the
November issue of our Review Magazine by clicking
here and Superior Audio by clicking
here.
Enjoy the Music.com® is now
offering free Industry News and special event news syndication to Web site
publishers. We have gladly provided virtually daily information concerning
industry events for nearly a decade and are now making this content available
free so that readers from all around the world can benefit from our over a
century of combined expertise. It is easy to include our free syndication and
will e-mail special code so that Web sites can deliver fresh news and
information virtually everyday. For further information regarding syndication
please click
here.
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High-Performance Audio Reviews
