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High-End Audio Industry News
05 / 24 / 12
Symbol
Audio's flagship Modern Record Console pays homage to "all in one" console
hi-fi systems of the 1950's according to the company. This fine bench-made furniture uses solid American Walnut whilst a sculptural hand painted metal base constructed from
1/4" plate steel forms the base. Lifting the lid exposes the hand-built 15 wpc stereo tube amplifier and Pro-Ject RPM 5.1 turntable set into
painted steel plates. This console integrates traditional electronics look with modern wireless capabilities. The electronics are custom designed and built for Symbol Audio by experienced audio engineers and include a hand-wired tube amplifier that delivers a warm pure signal to the two
6.5" full range speakers. Tucked out of view into the steel base is a second dedicated amplifier and subwoofer designed to extend the low end frequency. The built-in turntable has a carbon fiber tonearm fitted with a Sumiko Blue Point #2 cartridge for playing vinyl. For streaming digital music, users simply switch the selector from turntable to Wi-Fi and stream from any digital source through the built-in wireless router. The unit seamlessly works with the iPhone, iPod, iPad or computer. Each piece is bench-made to order in the Hudson Valley USA. Dimensions are 66 x 18.25 x 34.75 (WxDxH in inches).
 Enjoy
the Music.com now offers you a very
advanced sneak peek at the July 2012 edition of The
Absolute Sound (Issue 224)! This edition of The Absolute
Sound features reviews of the Paradigm Shift A2 powered loudspeakers, Focal XS Book powered monitors, Rega RP3
turntable, plus Robert Harley explains what is — and what isn’t — high-resolution digital
audio while nationally syndicated talk-show host and best-selling author Dennis Prager explains why a high-end audio system is worth the price of admission....
and much
more! Within Robert Harley's editorial by Allen Taffel he writes, "Compared to ears, our eyes are rather weak instruments. They are not good at discriminating between fine variations in shade. They are dependent upon adequate light. A huge portion of people require corrective apparatus, even at a young age. On the other hand, ears are highly sensitive and are particularly adept at discriminating extremely small differences in pitch and timing. Indeed, our ability to localize sound sources is based on the latter." You can see the
complete table of contents and editorial of TAS by clicking
here.
 Enjoy the Music.com
has just posted Hi-Fi World's
Volume 22 Number 5 (July 2012) edition including the complete editorial and table of
contents. This issue includes reviews of the Q ACOUSTICS 2050i budget floorstander, Paradigm Shift A2 inexpensive active loudspeaker, XTZ CD100 MkII budget CD player, Grace M903 headphone amplifier, Isotek Solus Evo 3, Arcam Dr. Dock iPod dock, Ming DA MC805-A single-ended valve amplifier
and more! The
editorial titled Within This Issue by Noel Keywood says, "Some of the most extraordinary products in this issue are to be found in our High End Show report, from Munich, Germany. Just a short flight from the UK, Munich seemed far away in the products it had on show, as well as its clement weather! The High End Show is a big event well attended by manufacturers from around the world, so some of what we saw and were wowed by came from the Far East. But much it came from Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy." See the complete
July table of contents and editorial of
Hi-Fi World by clicking here.
05 / 23 / 12
Sonos,
a specialist since 2002 in high quality multi-room home audio distribution, is launching their new SUB
next month.
With a simple one-button setup, the new Sonos SUB allows users of amplified Sonos units to expand their system with an amplified subwoofer. The unit employs two
force-canceling drivers positioned face-to-face to increase output and sound quality down to
25 Hz. All filter settings, active equalization, and time alignment are done digitally through
DSP (Digital Signal Processing) circuitry for zero-loss audio quality. The built-in
Class D digital amplifier operates efficiently and at a cool temperature. The unit uses
Sonos' SonosNet proprietary wireless system, so users only need a power outlet for easy of positioning and setup. Sonos' new SUB works with the AMP/ZP120/ZP100; PLAY:5/ZonePlayer S:5; PLAY:3, though does not operate with the non-amplified Sonos CONNECT/ZP90/ZP80. Dimensions are 15.8 x 6.2 x 15 (HxDxW in inches) and weight is 36.3
lbs. Launching on mid-June, the SUB is available in a high-gloss black lacquer finish for $699 and a black matte version will be available in September 2012 for $599.
Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed
the Sonos system.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
As the fight for high-resolution digital
audio rages on between Sony's SACD format and that of DVD-Audio, as
those who attended the May 16th premiere of George Lucas' Star
Wars
Episode II Attack Of The Clones within the Century Cinema in California also enjoyed music in the DVD-Audio format. Warner
Music Group (WMG) in partnership with Century Theatres, 5.1 Entertainment,
and Dolby Laboratories are looking to help promote the industry standard
DVD-Audio format. Music tracks by Barenaked Ladies, Buena Vista Social
Club, Eric Clapton, Dishwalla, and The Corrs are just some of the sounds
enjoyed by the movie-going audience. "This
innovative effort to bring multi-channel music to pre-show programs is
consistent with our goal of offering audiences the best and most advanced
theatrical experience available from the moment they enter our
theaters," stated Nancy Klasky, Century's VP of marketing. Moviegoers
at 25 Century multiplexes, totaling 400 screens, will be hearing the
"big sound" of DVD-Audio surround music by the end of the year.
"You have to hear true, discrete surround sound music
to get it," said John Kellogg, Dolby's general manager of
multi-channel audio and music. "So we said, let's have more people
hear it. DVD-Audio can replicate the surround music experience that it
delivers in theaters, and we think once movie audiences hear DVD-Audio,
they'll want to bring it home." If we fast-forward to today (2012),
DVD-Audio is dead as SACD won the fight.
05 / 22 / 12
Accuphase
is celebrating the company's 40th anniversary by offering their new A-200 monaural power amplifier
(¥1,312,500). With a rated power output of upwards of 1600 watts @ 2 Ohms, this pure Class-A monoblock amplifier has both exterior sides
made of large heatsinks placed to the left and right of the enclosure. The Accuphase A-200 uses parallel circuit that operate independently, as the output current can be increased in size, with a result of low output impedance power. By utilizing a variety of engineering technologies and highest grade materials, this unit has a damping factor higher than 1000. The printed circuit board is made from a
specialized "fluorine resin glass cloth material" that has low dielectric constant and low loss. Signal traces are via copper foil surface, which
are then gold plated to ensure longstanding signal reliability and integrity.
05 / 21 / 12
Dolby Laboratories, founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, has advanced their signal quality by now allowing studios, authoring houses, and mastering facilities to further elevating playback performance of lossless audio on Blu-ray
disc. Blu-ray Discs
pre-mastered using Dolby TrueHD with advanced 96kHz upsampling coding solution enables facilities to integrate the benefits of 96 kHz playback quality audio into the final master while simultaneously reducing the incidence of digital artifacts introduced during the content-creation process. "Lossless audio is a key distinguishing feature of Blu-ray content. All things being equal, you cannot improve on the quality of lossless audio coding; however, you can improve on the quality of the source PCM content prior to lossless encoding, and this is precisely what we have achieved with our advanced 96kHz upsampling technology," said Craig Eggers, Director. Besides enabling optimum 96kHz
sampling rate upsampling, this technology features a unique apodizing filter that 'masks' the unwanted digital artifacts known as 'pre-ringing', which is introduced during the content-capture and content-creation process. The new Dolby TrueHD with advanced 96kHz upsampling is
claim by Dolby to "restores the natural tonality of the soundtrack." Dolby
TrueHD is a 100 percent lossless audio coding technology that reproduces movie and music playback in the home that is identical to the studio master. Supporting up to 7.1-channel playback of 24-bit/96kHx audio on Blu-ray Disc, Dolby TrueHD can reproduce sound in high definition.
 Reposted
as a reminder.... Sunshine, surf, and music are on tap as Enjoy the Music.com
once again helps to sponsor T.H.E. Home Entertainment Show
as it returns to Newport Beach, CA from June 1st through 3rd. This year's event will take place in two locations: the Newport Hilton and the adjacent Atrium
Hotel — both located across the street from the Orange County Airport. Open to the public,
this three-day event offers a wide variety for music lovers, gearheads, and
home theater plus audio enthusiasts of all levels. Show attendees will enjoy live musical performances from popular
jazz musicians Mike Garson, Tierney Sutton, Audra Lee, Paul Gormley, Dean Peer, and William Artope Jr.
A variety of educational seminars will be moderated by manufacturers and editors. Additional attractions include wine
tasting, a cigar bar, gourmet food trucks, a high-end car show and portraits of jazz artists by Merryl Jaye Studios. The phenomenal Magic Bus from Whitledge Designs,
a concert hall on wheels with a one-of-a-kind mobile audio system, will also be on
tap. Enjoy the Music.com's
daily live show coverage of T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2012 begins the
first day of the event.
Show Hours:
Friday, June 1 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 2 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 3 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
05 / 18 / 12
HDtracks
has just remastered and now offers Louis Armstrong's
What A Wonderful World in 24-bit/192kHz! This legendary jazz album from The Verve Music Group had recent mastering done by Kevin Reeves at Sterling Sound NYC. Using the original 1/4" analog masters from the ABC Records vault, the masters were played on a modified Studer A820 with Wolke Butterfly heads. The music was converted to digital at 24-bit/192khz resolution using the DCS 904 converter and Sterling’s proprietary mastering systems. As always, the most direct signal path was maintained throughout the mastering process. The album, highlighted with Louis Armstrong's expressive and emotive vocal styling, includes arguably one of the greatest songs ever written, "What A Wonderful World," a recording that would be inducted into the
Grammy Hall of Fame and continues to transcend countless generations of music lovers. Complete track listing includes:
1 What A Wonderful World
2 Cabaret (Single Version)
3 The Home Fire (Album Version)
4 Dream A Little Dream Of Me (Album Version)
5 Give Me Your Kisses (Album Version)
6 The Sunshine Of Love (Single Version)
7 Hello Brother (Single Version)
8 There Must Be A Way (Album Version)
9 Fantastic, That's You (Album Version)
10 I Guess I'll Get The Papers And Go Home (Album Version)
11 Hellzapoppin' (Single Version)
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
 On
May 16th Enjoy the Music.com reported that Napster
CEO Konrad Hilbers and founder Shawn Fanning resigned from the company is
the midst of financial and legal turmoil. Today we are here to report
that Bertelsmann AG
has officially acquired the file sharing service for $8 million. This
money is greatly needed to pay off creditors and to keep the service
afloat... for now. Other file sharing services such as KaZaA and Morpheus
have taken most of the audience Napster once achieved while the RIAA is
still pressing hard on Napster to pay royalties to major recording labels
due to Napster's previous activities. "We are
very pleased to have reached an agreement with Napster’s Board of
Directors," said Joel Klein, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, Inc.
"We’re happy to see Napster move forward with Konrad Hilbers at the
helm. We are very committed to providing artists the best possible
distribution opportunities for their work, and to providing consumers more
choice and control. Creating new ways of doing business is never easy, but
Napster will be at the forefront of finding business models that respect
copyright, reward artists, and deliver entertainment value to consumers.
Peer to peer is a transforming technology and we’re proud to have Shawn
Fanning continue to work on its development." Fast forward to today
(May 18, 2012) and Napster co-founder Shawn Parker is about to make $70
million by selling only 14% of his major interest with Facebook,
which is IPO'ing today at 11am.
05 / 17 / 12
Washington DC's Capitol Audiofest
takes place from July 13th through 15th at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Rockville,
MD. The event plans to double their size in order to bring attendees more of everything! The rooms of this venue are oriented well for most any audio system and will
accommodate intimate up to large scale systems. The rooms are furnished with carpeted floors, solid
masonry walls and nine feet high ceilings throughout. The CAF 2012 will include quality audio ranging from the affordable to the exotic as well as vacuum tube and transistor equipment and analog and digital playback sources. Food and beverage are available from the hotel and many nearby restaurants and pubs.
05 / 16 / 12
Polskie Audio
was formed after a long stagnation in the audio industry. A group of Polish manufacturers, distributors and retailers begin to come out of the shadows; thus forming a portal to show they have a lot to offer in the audio industry. According to their website, "Polish brands are an excellent alternative to well-known and very expensive components of the audio path of foreign manufacturers, while not yielding to the quality and compete price." Polish manufacturers produce virtually all components of an audio system including amplifiers, speakers, stereos at tables, platforms, conditioners, cables, acoustic devices, etc. In addition to promoting Polish brands, the site caters to their readership with articles from the source. These articles are written by
Polskie Audio's editors to show the design and construction work to make the products unique and interesting.
05 / 15 / 12
NAD's new C 356DAC and C 375DAC integrated amplifiers (NAD C 356DAC ($900 and $1600 respectively) are enhanced versions of the
company's C 375BEE and C 356BEE integrated amplifiers with the MDC DAC add-on module factory
installed. The addition of NAD's asynchronous 24-bit/96kHz USB MDC DAC is said to help improve the sound of a Squeezebox or Sonos system, yet can also be directly connected a Mac or PC to stream HD music. The MDC DAC's optical TosLink S/PDIF input 'upgrades' the sound of Disc Players or Music Streamers while the Asynchronous USB device side input allows direct connection of a PC or MAC. NAD's C 375DAC delivers 150 watts per channel while the C 356DAC is rated at 80 watts per channel. Both power ratings use NAD's ultra-conservative full disclosure power. Both the C 375DAC and C 356DAC feature NAD's legendary PowerDrive circuit that delivers very high dynamic power and low impedance drive capability to, according to NAD, "accurately control loudspeakers, resulting in a musically detailed, coherent, and relaxed sound." Both unit have Modular Design Construction (MDC), making it easy to upgrade features and functionality. For
NAD owners that wish to add a phono module, the C 375DAC comes with a second slot for an optional inboard PP375 Phono Module. C 356DAC owners wishing phono preamp functionality may use an optional outboard PP 2i or PP 3i for the phono functions.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
 On May
14th Apple computers released a file
on their AppleCare
Knowledge Base explaining to users about the possibly illegal protected "music compact discs" that will not work within their
computers. Only days later Apple seems to have removed the file that contains advice on dealing with these protected music discs. To quote the Apple search engine "You may be unable to eject certain copy-protected audio discs, which resemble Compact Discs (CD) but technically are not. Some computers start up to a gray screen after a copy protected disc has been left in the computer." The file was last modified May 14, 2002,
goes under "Doc Number 106882", and explained to users the problems occurred with these protected music
discs and solutions in dealing with them. Methods of resolution included turning off the computer
while holding the mouse button during start up, to using a paper clip or other small pointy object to force the disc
drive to eject the disc. While these new protected music discs do not technically damage the computer, they could cause a loss of data
on currently opened files that have not been saved to a file.
05 / 14 / 12
Fono Acustica
has announced a new design of its award winning Armonico speaker cables. Truly handmade Thermo-treated
precious metal conductors are blended in proprietary ratios to achieve what the company
feels is the best music reproduction ability. Air-insulated dielectrics with ultra-effective shielding, large vibration-isolating tubing are supplemented with external anti-resonant African hardwood blocks to reduce structural and airborne vibrations. Termination is via custom made 24K gold plated spades with African hardwood. Each one is carefully hand soldered and each separate cable and resonance block have marking for for each signal
phase. No pricing was provided at press release time.
 Reference Fidelity Components, the UK manufacturer of high fidelity audio and mains cables, has extended its range to include a bespoke cable making
service. The company's Fidelity series of budget interconnects and high-end Reference series has seen an increasing demand by audiophiles for cables that meet their personal specifications. All the company’s cables are hand-made in small quantities using the very finest genuine Cardas and Furutech branded products and each component’s soldered joints are made to exceptional standards using only Cardas Quad Eutectic silver solder.
"Above all," says the company representative, "Reference Fidelity Components aim to take the mystique and pseudo-science out of buying high quality
hi-fi cables and interconnect preferring to use solid scientific theory and engineering practice to achieve sonic excellence." Prices start at £45.
05 / 11 / 12
Wyred 4 Sound is now shipping their new W4S μDAC 24-bit/192kHz unit ($399) that measures a mere 3.5" x 3.5" x 1.25". The
W4S μDAC has two S/PDIF inputs, one via TosLink and the other on RCA coax, which support 24-bit/192 kHz signals as well as an asynchronous USB input for computer streaming. For DAC duties, the ESS chipset is taken full advantage of inside this tiny
device. The case is made with machined aircraft-grade aluminum. The case's
curvy W4S logo doubles as a lock light (lights up blue when the DAC is locked onto a signal). Power is fed directly through USB when streaming from a computer.
For power when using the W4S μDAC S/PDIF inputs, a USB cable is plugged into
a power outlet using the supplied adapter.
 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."
05 / 10 / 12
 Germany's
High End Society
has released the final attendance report for their recent High End 2012
high-end audio and video show. An increasing number of visitors totaled
14,671, with an additional 4427 trade visitors from throughout the world. The visitor numbers
do not include the journalists and do not include the 2052 exhibitor IDs issued. The High End has developed into a global platform for exhibitors and continues to increase the number of exhibitors and attendees across the board. A total of 366 exhibitors, with 52% of them international, presented a wide product range at the High End 2012 event. Compared to the previous year, the number of exhibiting companies increased this year by approximately 9%. The proportion of foreign exhibitors also grew by 11%, so that foreign exhibitors from 33 different
counties made up 52% of the total number of exhibitors. The high End Society is a member of the FKM = Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe - und Ausstellungszahlen (Society for Voluntary Control of Trade Fair and Exhibition Statistics). This means that all numbers must be disclosed in detail, checked and certified by Ernst & Young.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
 Audiophiles looking for top-quality digital amplifiers at sane prices might rejoice as Carver's Professional division has announced their new ZR Series of stereo
amplification. By employing high-speed spread spectrum switching within the amplification stage (switches operating between 200kHz and 1.5MHz, with the average speed around 700kHz), this technique eliminates the need to use Brick-Wall type filtering that can be detrimental to the critical audio signal. Carver claims the artifacts of their switching amplifier can be eliminated by a second order filter at 90kHz. The benefits of digital amplification include an operational efficiency (near 75% for the ZR series) while the unit operates at cool temperatures. The Carver ZR500 is a 1-rack-space package with a power rating of 95 watts while the ZR1000 is a 2-rack-space package with power rated at 225 watts per channel (both rated into an 8 ohm load). The ZR1600 is also a 2-rack-space package, yet with a power output of 350 watts per
channel. And fast-forward to 2012 and we have designer Bob Carver now
offering vacuum tube amplifiers, with Enjoy the Music.com giving
the world its first
review of Bob Carver's new Cherry 180 tube monoblock power amplifier.
05 / 09 / 12
Bowers & Wilkins, Britain's leading exporter of loudspeakers, has launched their P3 headphones ($299). Custom drive units and specially designed ear pad fabric for improved acoustics and comfort are just some of the highlights. Construction is said to be rugged yet lightweight for this foldable design that is available in white or black finishes. The P3's driver diaphragms feature terminals that have been positioned to ensure uniform airflow, resulting in more linear movement and less distortion. Coupled with the use of ultra-linear neodymium magnets and precision damping this ensures smoother motion and therefore a more accurate, natural sound. The ear pad fabric has been designed especially for P3 to improve the sound quality, but it is also very comfortable, allowing users to listen for longer. B&W's P3 headphones come with a hard carry case and a choice of cables: one with a remote/microphone attachment that works seamlessly with your iPhone; and another that ensures compatibility with all other mobile phones and MP3 players. Swapping cables is easy, and simply involves popping off the replaceable ear pads.
05 / 08 / 12
Sunshine, surf, and music are on tap as Enjoy the Music.com
once again helps to sponsor T.H.E. Home Entertainment Show
as it returns to Newport Beach, CA from June 1st through 3rd. This year's event will take place in two locations: the Newport Hilton and the adjacent Atrium
Hotel — both located across the street from the Orange County Airport. Open to the public,
this three-day event offers a wide variety for music lovers, gearheads, and
home theater plus audio enthusiasts of all levels. Show attendees will enjoy live musical performances from popular
jazz musicians Mike Garson, Tierney Sutton, Audra Lee, Paul Gormley, Dean Peer, and William Artope Jr.
A variety of educational seminars will be moderated by manufacturers and editors. Additional attractions include wine
tasting, a cigar bar, gourmet food trucks, a high-end car show and portraits of jazz artists by Merryl Jaye Studios. The phenomenal Magic Bus from Whitledge Designs,
a concert hall on wheels with a one-of-a-kind mobile audio system, will also be on
tap. Enjoy the Music.com's
daily live show coverage of T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2012 begins the
first day of the event. Show details include:
The Newport Hilton Hotel
Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA
Atrium Hotel
Orange County Airport
18700 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA
Daily Pass: $15
Weekend Pass: $35
Show Hours:
Friday, June 1 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 2 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 3 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
 The following statement was issued by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro in response to a federal court order forcing consumer electronics manufacturer SonicBlue to develop and install new software in consumers' personal video recorders
(PVRs) that would collect all information about what shows the users
watch, record or send to a select and limited group. SonicBlue would then be forced to provide the information to the studios suing the company for allegedly contributing to copyright infringement:
"The court's order is highly troubling. It forces SonicBlue to violate the trust of its customers and commit an incredible invasion of privacy. By court order, SonicBlue would be forced to spy on consumers and record every 'click' of their remote control, noting how they watch and record television shows. The data collection would include monitoring if the user chooses to skip commercials, watch the same program more than once or delete a program.
While the order mandates the data be collected on an 'anonymous' basis, it does require SonicBlue to track individual users. Furthermore, it does not allow for users to 'opt out' of the data collection.
We also are concerned with the concept that a court can impose an order forcing consumer electronics manufacturers' to conduct surveillance activities on consumers. If the order stands, it will have a chilling effect on technological innovation and consumers' buying habits.
Through lawsuits, proposed legislation, and the power of their influence, the
studios' agenda remains clear: to curtail home recording and fair use rights in the name of preserving intellectual property.
Our industry continues to seek and fight for an approach to copy protection that balances legitimate concerns about piracy and preserving intellectual property with established home recording and fair use
rights."
05 / 03 to
05 / 06
See our daily live High End
2012 Munich audiophile show coverage.
05 / 02 / 12
The Lone
Star Audio Fest (LSAF) is to be held May 4th through 6th, 2012, at the
Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central hotel in Texas. Any and all audio
enthusiast and manufacturers are welcome to exhibit. manufacturers can
simply book a guest room directly with the hotel. Show up. Set up your
exhibit in your room. (Yes, it’s really that easy.) For attendees,
simply show up and enjoy the LSAF free, with no hassles, no registration
or ticket required. Enjoy the Music.com's
show coverage of the LSAF 2012 will appear online shortly after
the event.
05 / 01 / 12
Enjoy the
Music.com's May Review Magazine
is now available and features two new show reports, many world premiere
equipment reviews and much more! We also announce our Facebook and Twitter
pages so you can get updates fast and easy. See the May issue
by clicking
here.
Daily News: Audiophile news updated each weekday!
BAS Speaker
Data: Believe It Or Not???
Article By Frederick J. Ampel of Technology Visions
Sound Practices
Fashion Is The Devil!
Article By Joe Roberts
VALVE Magazine
Triode Amplifier Operating Points
Article By Paul Joppa
Coming Soon!
Munich High End Show Report 2012
High End Society Show Coverage
Report By Steven R. Rochlin
New York Audio & AV Show 2012 Report
Coverage By Steven R. Rochlin
Salon Son & Image 2012
Montreal high-end audio show report.
Event Coverage By Rick Becker
In This Issue...
More show reports plus Twitter, Facebook and a surprise coming soon!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 150
More Computer Audio Talk.
Article By Dr. Bill Gaw World Premiere!
Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 149
Classé Audio CT-SSP Pre-Pro with new HDMI update.
Article By Dr. Bill Gaw 
High Resolution Audio
Is the future really low resolution?
Article By Ryan Mintz of Core Audio Technology World 
World Premiere!
Coincident Speaker Technology 211PP Dragon Mk II Monoblock Amplifiers
Double your pleasure!
Review By Phil Gold
World Premiere!
EgglestonWorks Isabel Signature Speaker
Able to reproduce sound with a realism that, at times, is downright scary!
Review By Tom Lyle
World Premiere!
Bob Carver Cherry 180 Tube Monoblock Amplifier
One of the most significant tube amplifiers of the past 60 years!
Review By Dick Olsher
Flashback Review
Gryphon Audio Atilla Integrated, Scorpio CD Player And Mojo Speakers.
System synergy that sounds spectacular!
Review By Steven R. Rochlin
World Premiere!
Classé Audio CT-2300 Two-Channel Amplifier
A powerful seductive amplifier from our neighbors up North in Canada.
Review By Anthony Nicosia
World Premiere!
Talon Hawk 2 Speaker
Amazing sounding two-way speaker with modern styling.
Review By Tom Lyle
Audio Networking
A potpourri of computer network audio findings, including updates on the Naim
UnitiServe, gigabit switches, CAT
5/6 cable and ripping issues.
Review By Martin Colloms
Flashback Review
Music Hall dac25.3
Inspiring a refreshing case of downgraditis.
Review By Clarke Robinson
Flashback Review
Melody Valve HiFi Pure Black 101 Preamplifier
Setting a new standard few can match at this price.
Review By Ron Nagle
World
Premiere!
Audioengine D2 24-Bit Wireless DAC
Fits well with the needs of a 21st Century audiophile.
Review By Tom Lyle
Six Budget USB DACS Put To The Test!
Clive Meakins checks out some USB equipped DACs and how to get the best out of them. USB DAC shootout featuring JPLAY and the Rega DAC, Beresford TC-7520 (modified + Burson Buffer), Halide Design DAC HD, JKDAC and MK3 JKDAC32.
Review By Clive Meakins
The Kaboominator!
Big bass in your place.
Article By Jeff Poth
Going the Extra Mile With Coupling Capacitors
Article By Clive Meakins
Classical Music
Resonances: With Mozart, Berg, Liszt And Bartok.
Review By Joe Milicia
Guillaume Lekeu
Review By Max Westler
Jean Sibelius
Review By Max Westler
Test Tracks 4: Three Reference Recordings
Review By A. Colin Flood
Jazz / Bluegrass / Etc Music
Jeremy Kittel Chasing Sparks
Suzi Ragsdale Best Regards - Less of the Same
Various Bluegrass, Blues And Jazz Albums
Reviews By Steven Stone
Rock, Techno, House, etc.
Radiohead TKOLRMX 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Review By Claude Lemaire
The Project_Pale Our Inventions and How They Fail Us
Roy Rogers Split Decision
Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
See the May Review Magazine by clicking
here.
04 / 30 / 12
Germany's High End Society's Munich
High End 2012 event will take place from May 3rd to 6th, 2012, at the
M.O.C. in
Munich. This highly successful European specialist trade fair sets the tone in Europe. The entire range of high-tech products are under a single roof. From tubes and hornspeakers to ribbons and solid-state to pure digital or turntables, the High End 2012 integrates all technologies that transport music. A wide variety of lectures will be held to educate and
answer attendee's questions. Enjoy the Music.com's live
coverage of High End 2012 will begin the first day of the event.
 JPS Labs
Superconductor+ Series of cables, the company's benchmark for over 15 years, is now
fully retired and a new model takes over well into the next decade. JPS Labs just introduced their Superconductor V loudspeaker cable ($1749 for a 6 foot pair). The cable's white, silver, and chrome modern design is large in girth (12 mm/ 0.5" OD) yet lightweight and flexible. The rhodium plated custom made banana connectors each have either a clear or a blue Swarovski crystal marking polarity. Each cable comes in a crystal clear package to show off its visual beauty. According to JPS Labs, the new cables offers "excellent sense of space, micro detail without brightness". This loudspeaker cable is available as a bi-wire (3.9 mm2/11.5 AWG x 4) or as a Single (7.8 mm2/8.5 AWG x 2) for standard two wire configuration. JPS Lab's Superconductor V will be making
its world debut at the High End 2012 show in Munich,
Germany.
04 / 27 / 12
HDtracks
is offering 15% off their high resolution digital music downloads!
You may choose from HDtracks' deep collection of high-resolution downloads,
even those from our HDtracks Classic 50 from exciting major labels like
Universal Music Group, ABKCO, Concord Music Group (Verve, Fantasy), Warner
Music Group, Deutsche Grammophon, plus major independent labels such as 2L and
Bar None, covering all of the genres that HDtracks offers. From classic and
alt-rock, to jazz, classical, world, blues and more, you'll enjoy huge savings
across our entire catalog through this limited-time offer. Simply use code legends15
to receive 15% off your entire purchase. This one time use code will expire at
11:59PM PST on Monday, April 30th 2012.
 The
new P14 mono-hybrid power amplifier
(€9999 per pair) by
Audio Exklusiv is based on the basic concept of the company's hybrid power amplifier
P11. The P14 is a typical A/B circuit, yet with more power than the P 11. Rated at producing 300 wpc @ 4 Ohms, the hybrid-circuit uses carefully selected gold pin E88CC dual triode for
initial gain stage and 6N6 for driver duties. The source-follower is built up by special transistors which show tube-similar sound characteristics. In addition to a complex power supply with two 500 Watt transformers and a RC-filter as well as the special selected components, special patented measures for resonance elimination are applied.
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Wilson Audio Specialties
introduces the 7th iteration of its venerable WATT/Puppy system that's been available in various incarnations for the last 16 years. The new System 7 will debut at the Home Entertainment Event in NYC, May 30 thru June 2, 2002. According to the company's press release, the changes from the WATT/Puppy 6 are as follows: strategic use of a new cabinet material in conjunction with the existing "X" material for reduced enclosure resonance and a lowered noise floor; an upgraded Puppy woofer; crossover changes especially in the area of phase delay tuning for greater transient speed and decay; and subtle cosmetic changes to refine the overall visual integration between the monitor head and subwoofer base.
04 / 26 / 12
EgglestonWorks
just announced its plans for the 2012 High
End Show in Munich Germany. The company will be unveiling and showcasing several new models. Current production models including the The Andra III ($24,900/pair) and The Isabel Signature ($6,000/pair) will be joined by new models including the world debut of the Isabel Signature ($6500/pair). The Andra III will also be on active demonstration in their suite. Rogue Audio will feature a comprehensive sampling of their comprehensive line of tube electronics, and JPS Labs will be supplying all cabling for the demo. Company President and designer Jim Thompson says the company is extremely excited to be showing for the first time in Munich and
said, "The Munich show has gained such importance that we had to get involved. By having our line physically present, visitors to our suite get a chance lot see, touch and listen to a wide variety of what EgglestonWorks is currently producing. We see this as a great opportunity to meet new dealers and distributors and show them the products that we
make." You can see Enjoy the Music.com's May 2012 world premiere review of the EgglestonWorks Isabel Signature Speaker
by clicking here.
 WADAX
of Spain, a designer of advanced digital audio electronics, has announces the
Munich High End Show's debut of the Hermes digital streaming module for the PRE 1 universal digital preamplifier ($4300). The Hermes ClearStream is a recording and playback streamer that combines digital file management with the D/A conversion stage. All file management is synchronously clocked with the D/A master clock. With this protocol, according to the company, the best possible CD content for the PRE 1 is the Hermes streamed from a bit perfect source i.e. hard disk or solid-state storage. WADAX's Hermes can playback files from 44.1 to 192 kHz, 16 to 32 bits. Note: 32 bits is only available when the source is the Wadax musIC chip in the PRE 1. The unit can record at 96 kHz and 24 to 128 bits, though note that 128 bits is only available when an analog input source is coded via musIC chip. The Hermes plug-in module can be added at anytime to the PRE 1.
04 / 25 / 12
Oracle
Audio's new Paris USB DAC 250
($3500) allows data flux transfer of 480Mbits per second, which enable the
unit to play any high resolution audio format including 24-bit/192kHz WAV
native files and any PCM studio master with no compression or downgrade
resolution to let them work. Through the high-speed USB port the DAC
can run virtually any computer player system including iTunes, Window
Media player, Foobar2000 as many others. Simply to install the drivers
available from the Oracle Audio web site in the Firmware download section.
Oracle Audio's The Paris USB DAC 250 features four S/PDIF RCA 75 Ohm
inputs, one TosLink optical and one AES/EBU via XLR 110 Ohm. Digital
outputs can be switched On/Off to preserve the best audio purity if not
used. The Oracle Audio Paris USB DAC 250 features an analog to digital
converter which enables the unit to record analogue audio signal into the
computer through RCA connectors. The unit can record in 24 bit high
definition from any analog source. Using any dedicated recording computer
program the data transfer can be managed simply. Typically all the
computers support as default a recording program to start working with the
Oracle Audio Paris USB DAC function. The Paris USB DAC 250 features a
volume control offering the flexibility to act as a preamplifier for
connecting directly to a power amplifier or an active speakers system. The
Volume control is stepping up & down can be controlled via remote or
front panel keyboard.
04 / 24 / 12
Audience's
new power conditioning filter section for its Adept Response AC power conditioners is now
available. The optional filter section, designated by an "S" at the end of the model number, offers improved sonic performance and is available on the Adept Response standard, model T and model TS power conditioners. The new S filter section can be ordered as part of a new Adept Response power conditioner or retrofitted into an existing unit. Adept Response units are available in either 120
Volt or 220-240 Volt configurations. The Audience Adept Response power conditioner S input filter upgrade is said to add a new dimension to their already superior filtering system according to the company. This filter section consists of a new large-core balun transformer implemented with the same OCC (Ohno) wire used to make the award winning Audience Au24 powerChord. The result is a "more effective filtering over a broader frequency spectrum, down into the critical
20 to 30 kHz range. By lowering the noise floor, more low level information is
revealed."
Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
 Old
School meets New Wave as the Panasonic's B-flat CQ-TX5500D (approximately
$800) double DIN in dash automobile CD player is the world's first to
employ a vacuum tube, yet also play MP3 CD-Rom discs.
Old
School meets New Wave as the Panasonic's B-flat CQ-TX5500D (approximately
$800) double DIN in dash automobile CD player is the world's first to
employ a vacuum tube, yet also play MP3 CD-Rom discs. Employing a tube in the pre-amplification stage, the B-flat produces 16 watts (nominal) into 4 channels (45 watts per channel peak). An
auxiliary input allows for flexibility of additional source components such as a portable
cassette player or MiniDisc. Overall dimensions are 178mm x 100mm x 160mm while the unit weighs in at 2.3Kg. The CQ-TX5500 includes and AM/FM radio, allows for choosing folders on an MP3 CD-Rom, track selection on audio CD discs, and provides for single button random playback and repeat. A wireless remote control is also available. Visual
features include the ability to view the tube while "old school" backlit analog UV meters show power output. Playback abilities include MPEG-1 Layer 3 (32kbs-256kbs), MPEG-2 Layer 3LSF (16kbs-160kbs). CD
playback frequency response is from 5Hz to 20kHz. No date set for availability
within the USA.
04 / 23 / 12
 Enjoy
the Music.com has just posted the number
6 issue 1 of HIFICRITIC magazine. This edition of
HIFICRITIC includes reviews of the Audio Research Reference 5 SE preamplifier, budget streaming with Cambridge Audio’s NP30 streamer Audio
networking with the Naim UnitiServe and other computer network audio matters, Genelec 8050A studio monitors, turntables from Rega, Pro-Ject and Hanss come under scrutiny.
In his editorial, Paul Messenger says, "I must
first apologise for the late appearance of your magazine. Ironically, the same
thing happened exactly a year ago. Next year maybe I’ll have the good sense
not to upgrade my computer halfway through the schedule. I could come up with
more excuses, but that’s boring, so I’ll just apologise, promise to try
and do better next time, and set myself a proper deadline to do just that. It
ought not to be too difficult, as my close association with Hi-Fi
Choice magazine (covering some 30 of the past 34 years) was
terminated following the magazine’s recent purchase by an organisation with
the unlikely name of My Hobby Store (which also now owns Hi-Fi
News)." You can see the
complete table of contents and editorial of HIFICRITIC by clicking
here.
Enjoy the Music.com
has just posted Hi-Fi World's
Volume 22 Number 4 (June 2012) edition including the complete editorial and table of
contents. This issue includes reviews of the PMC Twenty.24 speaker, Spendor S3/5R2, Chord Electronics Red Reference Mk iii CD player, Yamaha RX-A3010 AV receiver, Sennheiser HD700 headphones, Tellrium Q power amplifier, Paul Rigby talks to music on vinyl in their factory in
Holland
and more! The
editorial titled Within This Issue by Noel Keywood says, "No one produces new loudspeakers faster than Martin Logan it would seem, so we have yet another new model in this issue, the amazing £9500 Montis on p12. We never miss a Martin Logan, because these hybrid electrostatics are all but unique and have their own astonishing sound. I hope you enjoy reading about them. Dare I admit their Theos has just arrived at our offices for review soon!" See the complete
June table of contents and editorial of
Hi-Fi World by clicking here.
04 / 20 / 12
To celebrate National High 5 Day, yesterday Enjoy the Music.com chose the perfect moment to launch our Facebook and Twitter social media
strategy. Site updates including live show reports, newly posted high-end audio equipment reviews and other updates can now easily be followed by giving
Enjoy the Music.com your High 5. Twitter and Facebook users can easily find us @ EnjoyTheMusic5.
 "As we celebrate High 5 Day, it brings me joy to finally launch
Enjoy the Music.com's social media sites on Twitter and Facebook," said Senior Editor and Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "Combined with our highly popular Android and Windows Phone 7 app initiative, plus custom Internet Web site browser, I am thrilled that within minutes of launch to already be receiving a High 5 from many people worldwide! As an added bonus, there is a link to a very special world premiere review of the much-anticipated Bob Carver Cherry 180 tube monoblock amplifier for those who visit EnjoyTheMusic5 at either Twitter or Facebook."
Come High 5 Enjoy the Music.com @ Twitter and Facebook:
Twitter.com/EnjoyTheMusic5
Facebook.com/EnjoyTheMusic5
04 / 19 / 12
April
Sound's Phono G-1 ($12,500) is a direct-coupled two-stage phono preamplifier with
permalloy output transformers by In Tact audio. The G-1 attempts to simplify the audio path to its minimum so as to present the information that is on the records with as little physical or electrical obstruction. The unit has a separate, external power supply that is vacuum tube regulated and has double regulated filaments. April Sound's G-1 is a stand-alone phonostage that offers highly accurate RIAA equalization and 45 dB of gain, which works with any high output MC or MM cartridge. The two stage direct coupled passive RIAA filtering network is made with 80% nickel output transformers
by Dave Slagle. Frequency response is from 10 Hz to 40 kHz (+-1dB). There are two sets of inputs in parallel to offer different loading options. April Sound also offers step up transformers custom wound for any specific cartridge parameters in either high purity copper or silver by In Tact
Audio.
 Antelope
Audio's new Rubicon ADC/DAC is touting to be the "World's First Atomic AD/DA
Preamp". Offering 384 kHz converter, phono stage preamplifier and headphone amplifier with an integrated atomic clock, the Antelope Audio Rubicon integrates the world renowned 10M Rubidium atomic clock. This unit will be presented to the public during the
Munich High End Show 2012, which will be covered live by
Enjoy the Music.com from May 3rd through 6th. Rubicon is the first DAC to integrate a Rubidium atomic clock, which is 100,000 times more stable than a traditional crystal oscillator. Coupled with Antelope’s 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking technology, the Rubidium is said to achieve a breakthrough in jitter management. The transformer-based, ultra-low noise, discrete JFET phono preamplifier is of very high quality. In addition to the 384 kHz USB streaming, Rubicon offers extended flexibility via implementation of DLNA capability. The DLNA streaming gives users the opportunity to wirelessly push audio files from their smart phone, PC or NAS (Network-attached storage) server and play the content through the high-sample rate DAC. A gold-plated stepped relay volume attenuator is matched to 0.05dB for all volume levels. Inputs are one Phono, three analog via RCA, a high input RCA and balanced XLR; whilst for analog output there is both balanced via XLR and unbalanced via RCA. There is also a Word Clock Input, Ethernet port, USB, and digital outputs.
 Enjoy the Music.com has just posted
part 5 of our Salon Son & Image de
Montreal 2012 show coverage! This completes
our extensive show report from Montréal by Rick Becker. Organized by Les Nouvelles Éditions
Alcyon, this event was held at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Montreal. Attendees
had access to a wide range of high-end products plus expert
information. A special Canada Pavilion showcased the expertise and know-how of Canadians, with featured products ranging from headsets, speakers, amplifiers, and CD players to turntables, digital audio converters for computers, cables, and much more. You can see
part 5 of Rick Becker's coverage of the Salon Son & Image de Montreal
2012 at this link.
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