5 / 28 / 99
Linn now offers two new
products. The Ikemi ($3595) and Genki ($1,700) CD players (the Ikemi replaces the
Linn Karik and the Genki replaces the Linn Mimik). The Ikemi uses Linn's low jitter
"2-D" digital signal processing with Delta-Sigma digital processing in the DAC
stage and is also HDCD capable. Some of the ultra-fi technologies from their
critically acclaimed CD12 are used in this unit as well. Other features of the Ikemi
include precision-machined drawer and advanced disc transport, their proprietary Brilliant
silent power supply technology and Remote-In / Remote-Out for connection to Linn Knekt
Multi-Room System™. Optional RS232 communications module can be used for
software upgrades and connection to home entertainment and automation systems.
Balanced via XLR and single-ended via RCA connectors serve for analog audio outputs and
standard SPDIF 75 ohm and TosLink digital audio connections for use with external D-A
converters.
The new
Genki is a cost-effective alternative which offers high-quality, value for the dollar
music reproduction. The Genki offers a direct connection into many of Linn's component
systems. A new multi-function display and in an LK-style case, the Genki is designed so it
can be connected directly to a power amplifier and loudspeakers for a compact CD system or
be connected in the conventional way to a preamplifier. This versatile and flexible
high quality source product has both fixed and variable volume control outputs that enable
it to operate as part of a simple two room system. Connected to a conventional hi-fi
system in one room, yet it can also supply a second room via its direct independent local
volume control to another system! Analog outputs are via two pairs of single-ended RCA
jacks, SPDIF 75 ohm digital output is also included. Digital to analog conversion is
via Delta-Sigma at 24-bit resolution with HDCD® decoding.
Dolby
Digital has more than ten licensees working to implement Dolby Digital encoders
for the consumer market! The three approved implementations are Matsushita MN67735,
Motorola DSP56362, and Pioneer DSP56303. These encoders can be used for re-writeable
DVD (DVD-RW) in which DVD recorder can used as a new type of "digital VCR".
Of course other uses for re-writeable DVD can range from computer data backup to a
new line of digital camcorders!
NXT, known for their flat speaker technology, has shown
their newest technology called SoundVu. SoundVu is a complimentary technology to the
NXT panels as it uses ultra-thin film technology which is claimed to be totally
transparent and can be used on substrate polycarbonate plastics to laminated and toughened
glass! In normal human English this means the speaker can be part of a TV or
computer screen and act as a speaker.
Death of analog in the recording studio? Maybe not, though Studer
has reportedly claimed to be ending their manufacturer of the A827 analog tape machine. Joe Bean of Studer says they plan on making only 100 more A827 analog machines with
60 of them allotted to the USA. Anyone who has entered a recording studio or two
knows they will see an analog Studer of some vintage somewhere inside. Alas, demand
for new analog Studer machines is at an all time low as more studios are moving into
digital recording and storage via hard disc, MO-Drive or other methods.
Analogue Devices now offers a new chip with enables
192kHz sampling rate! Their AD1853 offers proprietary data conversion with multi-bit
sigma-delta converter core.The AD1853 is fully backward compatible with current CD and DVD
technology.
5 / 25 / 99
Thompson
has announced their new LYRA "Digital Handheld Jukebox". Like the popular Rio by Diamond, the new LYRA branded under Thompson's
RCA label will deliver digitally stored music from a solid-state compact flash card.
Unlike the Rio, the new LYRA features upgradability via internal software that can be
changed to support future formats! A built-in LCD panel can show file names while
the unit itself plays the popular .mp3 and RealAudio files standard.
Speaking of RealAudio, their parent
company RealNetworks has release their new RealJukebox! Their new jukebox is
combined with the CDDB Disc recognition Service which
can identify over 350,000 CD titles. When you put a CD into your system and use the
new RealNetworks Jukebox, via the internet it can search the CDDB data base and load the
disc name and track titles automatically! CDDB's DRS claims to be the largest online
CD information source in the world. In adding value to the RealJukebox, RealNetworks
has released over 60 artist's music including George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars,
Public Enemy and Julian Lennon.
As first seen world-wide on the Enjoy the Music Milan Show
report, just hitting the American shores is their new Audio Note Zero system. The Audio Note DAC
Zero ($699) uses a 24-bit/96 kHz DAC-Zero processor. The analog uses a single 6111WA
miniature valve which is claimed to last approximately 100,000 hours! The matching
transport ($799) as seen on top includes a wireless remote control and offers a 75 ohm
digital output. Matching structure is the M-Zero line level pre-amp. The M Zero
preamplifier ($599) as seen in the middle also uses the 6111 WA tube and offers four
inputs plus a tape out. Two sets of preamplifier output are included for
bi-amplification. The bottom pieces are the P Zero monoblock power amplifiers
($1,199 pair) uses two ECL882 tubes per unit for a total output of 8 watts.
4 / 29 / 99
Thomson, the manufacturer of RCA, Proscan, and Thomson branded appliances,
now have a 20% equity in MP3 software by MusicMatch Inc. This obviously signals that
a major electronics manufacturer is looking to fully support the MP3 format in their
widely available products. "We think that this whole industry is going to
undergo a quick change that will shift the way we listen to music," said Dave Arland,
spokesman for Thomson's U.S.-based subsidiary Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc.
"MP3-playing car audio, stereos, and TV set-tops are all possibilities."
Dave Arland continues "Everyone, including Thomson, is working towards finding a way
to let people pay for music. We want a consumer-friendly approach. The
executive vice president of Thomson Audio and Communications SBU stated "We are
confident this alliance between our companies will help maintain acceptance of MP3 as a
popular standard."
4 / 27 / 99
Designed for the
professional audio market, Ashly now
offers a four channel 24-bit digital equalizer. At a pricing around $2,000, the
Protea Digital Equalizer is a 28-band, 1/3 octave unit which can be controlled from the
front panel, a wired remote, or from a Windows 95/98 computer via RS232! A large 240
by 64 fluorescent backlit display gives visual confirmation of your settings.
Speaking of settings, there are 128 preset location to store your favorite curves.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
