Celebrating 10 Years Of
High-And Audio Industry News
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07 / 03 / 09
After many years of extensive in-house development and close collaboration with recording engineers and archivists from the BBC,
AMR (Abbingdon Music Research)
has finally released their PH-77 reference class phono equalizer. The PH-77 is the only phonograph source able to lay claim to exclusively feature a comprehensive catalogue of 22
equalization (EQ) curves: every LP record ever made may now be replayed using the one and only correct
equalization curve. To quote the AMR press release, "With unorthodox approaches to the circuit design, along with rare and primarily bespoke components, the AMR PH-77
phono equalizer paints a sonic picture that is so seductively vivid, beautiful and harmonically rich, it possesses an enthralling live performance-like quality that after listening, one is left struggling for superlatives." Together with 8 levels of gain; 64 steps of load; 3 inputs for flexibility in cartridge choice/matching and an onboard 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital converter, the PH-77 is an extremely
flexible reference phonostage. The circuit is a pure single-ended Class A zero negative feedback design. All low-level signal connections, including the cartridge, are coupled directly. Overall, only two coupling capacitors are employed: one is a custom-made silver foil capacitor that follows the
equalization block while the other is the same German-made film and foil capacitor used in the multiple award-winning AMR CD-77 CD-Processor. The circuit is designed to preserve absolute polarity at all gain levels and for all
equalization settings. Furthermore, the input stage was adopted from extreme low-noise circuitry used in quantum particle research. Along with only the highest quality of parts, the claimed resultant equivalent input noise of -145dBV (0.056uV) places the PH-77 in the highest echelon of the
quietest phonograph sources ever made.
Burning your digital disc collection to hard disc and running out of space?
The new LaCie 12big (starting at $5,490 for 6TB) is a standard 19-inch rack-mounted DAS, NAS, iSCSI, or FC SAN design that handles 12 hard drives and can hold from 6TB to a
staggering 60TB depending on hard drive size. Designed for corporate IT and post-production companies, this new unit features zero downtime with redundant hot-swappable elements. LaCie Advance Care Option included Mac, Windows and Linux environment ready all within an enterprise class 2U rack-mounted profile. SAN, DAS and NAS storage solutions that are designed to target the most demanding uses through their performance, customization, minimized downtime and ease-of-use. The range features multipathed 4x 4Gb/s fiber channel connections, dual Mini SAS connection (SFF-8088) or dual 1Gb/s Ethernet connection. Built with Enterprise Class SATA disks, the LaCie 12big Rack product range will ensure data is always available through the redundancy of power supplies, cooling units and a dual-controller option for the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre and the LaCie 12big Rack Serial. The range also offers multiple RAID levels for data protection, from RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 and 50, up to RAID 6. Additionally, the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre's Advanced Power Management feature and disk verify feature help ensure archived data is duly available if needed. The LaCie 12big Rack Fibre supports a dual Active/Active controllers option and allows up to six streams of 4:2:2 uncompressed HD video. As such, the LaCie 12big Rack Fibre enables video-intensive users to edit uncompressed video streams on storage networks; the LaCie 12big Rack Serial is able to achieve similar performance as direct attached storage. Alternatively, the LaCie 12big Rack Network supports link teaming (IEEE 802.3ad) of its dual gigabit connections, allowing users to host critical backups, file sharing or archiving.
07 / 02 / 09
April
Music's new Stello 500 series features a CD player and integrated
amplifier ($2495 and $2995 respectively). As the newest addition to the classic Stello 100 series, the 500 series CD player incorporates highly advanced circuitry to produce what the company claims is "an astounding level of sonic performance with no equal in its price range." Features include a fully customized CD mechanism, an easy-to-read display and luxurious industrial build quality. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs are included as are S/PDIF input/output and TosLink The new April Music Stello 500 series integrated amplifier delivers "audiophile" performance in an affordable and elegant package. It provides multiple inputs, one being balanced (XLR) with multiple others via unbalanced RCA connection. Both units have detachable IEC power cord for use with stock or aftermarket high-end power cables. All XLR and RCA connectors are gold plated and the loudspeaker binding posts on the April Music Stello 500 integrated amplifier are very high
quality. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Stello DA100 D/A converter and HP100 headphone amplifier,
which can be seen by clicking
here.
DAISy now offers their
GyrFalcon 8 reference CD transport mechanism, thereby retiring the company's popular L1210/65
module. The GyrFalcon 8 includes many refinements and add features while employing the same DSA High Level Interface for ease of
implementation to current designs. New features include support for mp3, WMA, HDCD, S/PDIF output, CPO (Copy-Protection Optimization), GyrFalcon Slim Metal Loader and GyrFalcon Slot. The new
transport mechanism also reads CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, I2S output, upsampling, and fast track access. The DSA protocol is a communication process used between the servo/decoding section and the user interface section of a CD player. It means that designers can easily connect the GyrFalcon 8 to any of your displays/user sections or use one of DAISy's display kits. As an optional possibility, high-end audio manufacturer may opt for the Slim Metal Loaders, which can both be combined with the GyrFalcon 8 in order to build high-end CD players. The DAISy GyrFalcon 8 can also be used for slot loading players within high-end audio
products.
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
Record your own HDCD compliant CDs? You bet! Philips
just announced their plans in offering an all new CD-R lineup for the
Christmas season. Starting in September their plans are to offer lower
priced yet fully featured units which will include not only the ability to
record with the HDCD coding, they will also include CD Text, sampling rate
conversion, automatic recording level control, their upper line model slated
as the CDR950 will be the company’s first CD-R with programmable auto
fade-in/out feature. Pricing should be around $499 to $599 depending on
model and features.
07 / 01 / 09
Enjoy the Music.com's
July editions of our Review
Magazine and DIY
Audio Magazine are now online! Within this
month's Review Magazine we feature three world premiere review of
high-end audio gear not to be missed plus a revisit of zero oversampling
DACs.
Daily News: Audiophile news updated each weekday!
Viewpoint
Toys n' Tweaks I Love Plus Anniversaries!
Audiophile tweaks, a cool boombox... and we begin our 14th year online!
World Premiere!
Audiolics Anonymous Chapter 117
TelWire HC Cords Plus More On The Black Ravioli Risers
Audiophile
Equipment Reviews
World Premiere!
Audiomods Rega RB250-251 Arm Conversions
Rega arm owners or wannabees take note...also available in DIY!
World Premiere!
Rythmik Audio F12SE Subwoofer
These guys are indeed on to something.
Neko Audio D100 Digital To Analog Converter
The Cat Is Out Of The Bag
Woo Audio 2 SE Triode-OTL Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier
The beauty lies in our striving and not the actual catch.
Book Review: Get Better Sound By Jim Smith
Do you want maximum enjoyment from the gear you already have?
Flashback: Dick Olsher Tackles Digital Zen
A Quartet of Zero Oversampling Digital to Analog Converters.
Scott Nixon Audio Tube Dac+
47 Laboratory model 4715 DAC
Audio Note UK DAC1.1x-II Signature
Altmann Micro Machines Attraction DAC
Music
Reviews
Brilliant concert recordings of Shostakovich and Mahler
from Bernard Haitink and the Chicago Symphony.
Maria By The Orchestra La Scintilla
With Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo soprano) and Adam Fischer as Conductor
Plus Arias by Giovanni Pacini
Revelatory Schoenberg and Sibelius Violin Concertos from Hilary Hahn.
Jazz, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, Etc.
Chuck Berry Berry On Top: St. Louis To Liverpool
Gretchen Peters and Tom Russell One to the Heart, One to the Head
Rhythm Angels: Celeste Krens and Rebecca Folsom Girls Like Us
Special Consensus Signs
Various Bluegrass, Blues And Jazz Albums
Rock, Alternative, Etc
The Autonomous Region Forbidden City
Reggie Calloway Bring Back The Love
Jason Ricci And New Blood Done With The Devil
See the July 2009 Review Magazine by clicking
here.
P-amp Ver. 1.0 Headphone Amplifier
Article By Grey Rollins
Introduction To The Art And Science Of Open Baffle Speaker Building
Article By Darrel Hawthorne Of Hawthorne Audio
Flesh And Blood The Reichert 300B
Article By Herb Reichert
Sound Practices Magazine
The Feral Eye 2A3 Amplifier Article By Herb Reichert Schematic By New York Triode Mafia
VALVE Magazine
The Venerable Dynaco Stereo 70 By Dan Schmalle
See the Summer
2009 edition of the DIY Magazine by clicking
here.
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
It took about two years to get it right, yet the folks at Headroom
have finally released their tiny tot cigarette pack sized AirHead headphone
amplifier. In fact the folks at Headroom feel their little $179 AirHead gives
about 80 percent of the performance of their $449 Supreme! The AirHead can
operate for approximately 15 hours on a set of two "AA" batteries.
A high quality 1/8" to 1/8" stereo cord is supplied for hooking it
up to your portable CD/DAT/MP3/etc player. In fact Headroom is right now
offering a free $50 AirBag or Brick with direct purchase of their AirHead
unit. If we fast-forward to July 2009, Headroom is one of the leading online
retailers of headphone amplification devices. They are now also offering
headphones, loudspeakers, DACs, etc. From the company's inception to today,
Headroom has earned many awards from leading audiophile magazines throughout
the world while offering great customer service. It is always interesting to
look back at Enjoy the Music.com's 10 Years Ago news articles and see
which companies have come and gone. Headroom is one of those companies that
has steadily grown over the years and still flourishes today.
06 / 30 / 09
Because i am on a Dynaco reminiscing phase, Triode
Electronics offers a complete ST35 kit ($499) for those who want to experience the joys of building and hearing the joys of what this 17 wpc stereo amplifier design has to
offer. The kit includes everything you need, except a soldering gun an solder, to build a working amplifier. Detailed step-by-step instructions make it easy to build over a weekend and if you should need help, troubleshooting is supported through the forums at diytube.com. The kits includes Triode Electronics' reproduction of the Dynaco Z565 output transformer as used on the Dynaco ST35 and SCA35 amplifiers, except that the output taps are 4 and 8 Ohms rather than the original 8 and 16 Ohms and are brand new production made in Chicago, USA. Frequency response is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz response at 17.5 watt output. The chassis is the same size as an
ST70 and has ample room for stashing upgrades underneath. For those who want to build
the 35 wpc stereo Dynaco ST70, Triode Electronics sells an upgraded version in
kit form that is complete with everything needed sans tubes ($575). So what is special about the Dynaco upgrade boards? The object of
the upgrade boards is to provide a replacement for the original boards that would result in a perceptible improvement in sound quality and overall performance. These boards emulate the simple but highly effective (due to the short signal path and single gain stage) original Dynaco circuit, yet with lower hum, noise, distortion and a wider voltage swing across heavier loads than a 7199, 6GH8, 6BL8/ECF80, 6U8/ECF82, or 6AN8, are capable of. The manual includes information on adapting the amplifier to different output and board tubes, adjusting resistor and capacitor values if desired, plus a comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide. What is new is that the
latest version version of the EF86 board has been slightly revised to accept 6922, 6DJ8, 7308, and 6CG7 in the phase inverter position as well as 12AU7, 12BH7, and ECC99 that were previously supported. Of course the company's 6AU6 version of the board is also available but does not support 6922, 6DJ8, 7308, or
6CG7. Enjoy he Music.com's partner magazine VALVE features a nice
article on the ST 70, which can be seen by clicking
here.
Ultimate Ears
UE 4 Pro custom earphones ($399 plus $50 for custom fitting) is the newest monitors from
this company to feature a dual-armature design with superior audio engineering. The UE 4 Pro Custom are highly durable and built to withstand the wear and tear from audiophiles to musicians who performing on stage. Each pair of the new custom monitors comes with a protective carrying case that is personalized with your name. Input sensitivity is 108dB @ 1mw, frequency response is from 20 Hz to 15 kHz, noise isolation is 26dB, and impedance is 17.5 Ohms at 1 kHz. For those who want more, Ultimate Ears' Custom UE 11 Pro combines a quad armature speaker configuration with a three-way crossover. The UE 11 Pro ($950) features a dual driver subwoofer that tightly and fully details the lows, a dedicated driver for the midrange and a tweeter to produce an overall frequency response from 10Hz to 16.5
kHz. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5pro (click
here) and UE-10 Pro custom fit monitors (click
here).
06 / 29 / 09
Longtime loudspeaker manufacturer Reference
3A now offers upgrades implemented on their loudspeaker models. New CCC
(Continuous Cast pure Copper) internal wiring with clear Teflon dielectric of appropriate thickness of the wire is used for each driver. This consists of 0.6mm for tweeter 0.8mm diameter for full range (plus 1.2 mm for bass unit
depending on model). New mechanical grounding of the drivers drains spurious vibration energy from the driver frames. Also new is a copper shorting ring
said to improve linearity in driver voice coil magnetic gap. Other upgrades include soft brass screws and phenolic washers used to fasten and isolate drivers to reduce interactive driver/frame resonances and isolates drivers from the cabinets. New larger and height adjustable brass cones and brass floor pads are an upgrade to the previous aluminum alloy or steel isolation cones. Special five-way binding posts with gold plated tellurium copper conductors provide higher conductivity than the commonly used brass for further improved clarity. Lastly, all connectors, internal wiring and metal driver parts are now cryogenically
treated. In related news, Reference 3A is also offering
interconnect, speaker and AC power cables made with Continuous-cast, mono-crystal, solid-core pure copper conductors (CCC) and copper connectors are used in the making and all materials are cryogenically treated. Eichmann, Furutech and custom copper speaker connectors are used to terminate our cables. In standard lengths, the 3-foot/pr interconnects, 5-foot AC cords and 8-foot/pr loudspeaker cables will retail at around
$300. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Reference 3A MM De Capo-i
monitor (click here),
the Reference 3A Veena speaker (click
here) and Reference 3A Grand Veena floorstanding speaker (click
here).
Paradigm's
new Reference Hybrid Millenia 10 and 20 ($379 and $529 respectively) partially
recess into the wall to create ultra-thin profiles to achieve a form factor
that protrudes less than an inch and a half from the wall. Audiophiles and videophiles looking for Paradigm sound quality yet taking up less space into their room may enjoy the speaker's pre-attached glass-reinforced injection-molded polymer (GRIP) bracket is optimized to exploit maximum wall area for a complete absence of vibration, even when performing at maximum output. Like all Paradigm Reference Millenia speakers, the Hybrids' high-frequency drivers exhibit timbral clarity and transparency. The Reference Hybrid Millenia 10 is a three driver two-way
design while the Reference Hybrid Millenia 20 is a 5-driver, 2.5-way design. High-frequency drive units feature S-PAL
(Aatin anodized Pure-Aluminum) domes mounted on rigid high-pressure die-cast aluminum chassis. Paradigm's MLP (Mica-Loaded Polymer) midrange and bass cones have HTD (Heat Transfer and Dissipation) system to reduce unwanted temperatures from
negatively affecting the sound quality. Over designed Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber
(NBR) surrounds and Nomex spiders help round out this design. Enjoy the
Music.com has reviewed the Paradigm Mini Monitor v.6 (click
here).
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
Federal appeals court ruled earlier this
week that the Diamond Multimedia Rio, which plays MP3 files, is a legal product.
This now paves the road for many other companies to join in on the high-demand
MP3 playback device market! Of course as expected the losing Recording
Industry Association of America (RIAA) played down the win. Of course if
the RIAA won and shot down MP3, you just know they would now be singing to the
high mountains. Fortunately the RIAA rightfully lost and now manufactures
will soon be in full swing releasing their own MP3 players. Thompson and
others are already planning their own MP3 playback device(s). Sony, on the
other hand, has said they have no interest in the MP3 hardware or marketing MP3
software at this time and will be streaming media using the new Microsoft
Windows Media Player file format. In a statement made on the RIAA website
about the loss of the lawsuit "We’re obviously disappointed we lost in
the Appeals Court. The court appears to have concluded that, despite
Congressional intent, the Audio Home Recording Act has limited application in a
world of convergent technologies. We filed this lawsuit because unchecked
piracy on the Internet threatens the development of a legitimate marketplace for
online music, a marketplace that consumers want. Fortunately, the shared
interest in such a marketplace has overtaken the lawsuit; the technology and
music industries have already come together, in voluntary initiatives like the
Secure Digital Music Initiative, to create a secure environment in which
consumers can access the music they love in new ways." Still,
there is a joint venture to offer digital music online using the Secure Digital
Music Initiative (SDMI). SDMI will create a secure environment in
delivering digitized audio on the web and is being supported by many
manufacturers including Diamond Multimedia.
06 / 26 / 09
Just learned that Logitech
is about to update their Squeezebox line with the new Squeezebox Touch (approximately $300). This unit will have Wi-Fi, USB, handle a plethora of file types while they have upped the anti to handle 24-bit/96kHz audio files. The unit will have a color touchscreen and can be a wireless multimedia hub for NAS drives
plus the usual online music streaming capability. Word on the street is that it will have a 4.3-inch 24-bit color touchscreen and handle AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, FLAC, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WMA Lossless and others. A built-in USB port will handle external hard drives and thumbdrives. Outputs will include analog RCA stereo, S/PDIF coax and optical digital outputs plus a headphone
jack. Wireless interface will be 802.11g wireless and support 802.11b. Logitech will enable easy one-touch setup (with compatible WPS-supporting routers). For those
security conscience, the unit will support WPA Personal, WPA-2AES and 64/128-bit WEP encryption Ethernet
interface. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 network music player
(click here)
and the Bolder Cable modified Slim Devices Squeezebox 2 (click
here).
After some months of being away, loudspeaker manufacturer
NHT (Now Hear This) has been reborn as a direct-to-consumer
retailer. This new action has also fundamentally changed the way NHT markets their brand. As a result,
consumers will be saving 30 percent on NHT products from their original suggested retail. Add to that, the company has redirected their resources as new product development will showcase a much broader assortment of applications. Some NHT products can still be purchased through retails chains at the moment. Those seeking a great deal right now may choose the NHT Xd system, which once sold for $7200 is now offered direct online for only $2999 plus
shipping. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the NHT M-00 active loudspeakers and matching S-00 subwoofer
(click here).
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
The exclusive brands serve as the linchpin to the development of
CoolAudio.com's local affiliate dealer/installer channel to service customers
nationwide. Their website is being developed by IXL ("IIXL" NASDAQ),
will offer both real-time online and telephone technical support with trained
audio/video experts seven days a week. "The home
theatre experience seems to be relatively uncharted territory for the majority
of consumers,'' added Marco Protano, CoolAudio.com's President. "Our
new e-retailing model is designed to eliminate the widespread frustrations of
today's often ill-informed, under-serviced, audio and video equipment buyers.
In sharp contrast, our goal is to demystify the audio/video experience by
bringing uniformity and understanding to the audio and video retail
environment.'' Where are they now in June 2009 you ask. It appears they are long
gone as is their website development firm IXL. Hmm, anyone remember AudioCafe
and eTown?
06 / 25 / 09
Now shipping, the NaimUniti's
($3750) innovative engineering team has created extreme audio in one sleek chassis, which means high performance with minimal wiring and space
requirements. This new all-in-one package includes an integrated amplifier, CD Player, FM tuner, internet radio, digital-to-analog converter, music file player, network stream player and n-Link interconnect for Apple iPod dock ($150). The range of audio files handled effortlessly by this new player include MP3, Windows Media , AAC, Apple Lossless (from an iPod), FLAC and WAV formats. NaimUniti's high performance audio quality coupled with its remarkable digital media capability sets this system apart from any other all-in-one audio product. Inside the NaimUniti is a powerful integrated amplifier derived from the Nait 5i features 50 wpc with 10 inputs. This allows consumers to hook up multiple digital sources such as media servers, set-top boxes, DVD players/recorders, satellite systems, gaming consoles, and more. Furthermore, the system's iPod interface is extra powerful, thanks to the specially designed iPod n-Link cable. Once connected the NaitUniti system takes control and immediately displays content on the front control panel. It even charges the iPod battery when
connected. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Naim Stageline phonostage
(click here), Naim's N-Sat small loudspeakers
(click here) and
the complete Naim X Series system (click
here).
Cabasse's new Altura MC Series
floorstanding loudspeakers Iroise 3 and Egea 3 ($3450 and $3050 respectively) incorporate the company's proprietary Spatially Coherent System (SCS)
technology. Audiophiles benefit from the advantages of Cabasse's single point source emission coaxial drivers and wide-range tweeters. Cabasse's careful design and
development of their new version of the BC13 benefits from 20 years expertise in this type of midrange/tweeter combination. The BC13 was developed from the TC23, which is a three-way single point driver and included in the company's flagship La Sphère. This new version of
the BC13 has been optimized for even better performance when used as a two-way unit. The bandwidth is larger and the efficiency and the power
handling are improved thanks to the use of new magnets offering a 30 percent increase in magnetic force. Woofers for this new line of loudspeakers include the Duocell cones that are 7-inhces for the Egea 3 and are based on Rohacell foam. Weighing in at 77 and 66 pounds, respectively for the Iroise 3 and Egea 3, both models are available in Golden Cherry wood finish, Santos wood finish and Gloss
black. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Cabasse Bahia loudspeakers (click
here).
06 / 24 / 09
Pacific
Valve's new Fathom DAC ($299) involved careful design and engineering combined with several hours of listening
tests. The company felt that they did not feel it was correct to bring a DAC to market until they addressed various issues as experienced with other DACs. For USB, the design must have an
I2S conversion because Pacific valve felt this was the best way to go about it. The Fathom addresses various issues with an
I2S USB interface, an advanced circuit topology and improved power supply regulation. The digital conversion process starts with a DIR 9001 receiver that is re-clocked by a
1 PPM, 12 MHz TCXO. The rest of the circuit uses top of the line Rubycon caps and high
voltage low tolerance resistors. The power supply uses a 10W sealed transformer for low vibration, a high grade IEC plug, and a high-end voltage
regulator. Digital receiver is the DIR9001, DAC chips are eight Philips TDA-1543, with digital input being
S/PDIF coaxial, optical and USB.
ACF Sound & Music Expo marks the joining of forces to offer industry professionals and the general public an audio/video and music exhibition unique in
Belgium. Both events are aiming to reach a wider public and offer a large-scale exhibition worthy of the capital of Europe. To be held from October 15 through 18 at the Tour & Taxis in Brussels, attendees can experience new technologies, audio and home studios as well as numerous concerts and workshops. The philosophy of Sound & Music Expos is to enable visitors to learn about music, deepen their musical knowledge, acquire equipment and discover what's happening in the music industry in an interactive
environment.
HDtracks has featured recording label Water Lily Acoustics that is based in Santa Barbara,
California. Water Lily Acoustics is an American label renowned for their recordings of Indian classical music and cross-cultural collaborations of musicians from the world over. It was founded by producer Kavichandran Alexander. Not one to be swayed by modern catch phrases like digital or analog, nor discouraged by the prospect of bringing together the idioms of completely unlike cultures, Alexander's productions have consistently regarded integrity and fidelity their highest priorities. In 1993, the Water Lily Acoustics album A Meeting by the River featuring Ry Cooder and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.
06 / 23/ 09
A new codec, called apt-X, is a high-performance audio compression scheme for high-definition
audio. This virtually lossless audio codec exhibits low-latency and uses less computer resources than other codecs. apt-X Lossless, the latest addition to the apt-X series of audio compression solutions for consumer, professional and broadcast applications, offers up to 96 kHz sampling rates and sample resolutions up to 24 bits. Other features and benefits include a highly scalable and dynamically adaptive coding mechanism; mastering-grade audio; low coding delay; low computational complexity, run-time overhead and device power consumption. Furthermore, for applications in communications links that are occasionally subject to stringent bandwidth constraints, apt-X Lossless can operate in a special hybrid mode, dynamically incorporating "near lossless" coding to seamlessly mitigate against audio degradation. From a system integration stand-point, apt-X Lossless is easy to port across multiple hardware and software platforms. Applications in high-definition audio for apt-X Lossless include wireless audio peripherals for media players; digital wireless microphones; music storage and archiving; audio consoles; digital audio routers; broadcast audio distribution between production, network and transmission sites. From beginning to end, the high-definition audio quality is maintained, retaining audio frequencies up to 20 kHz and a dynamic range of at least 120 dB. Depending on the settings of other scalable parameters, apt-X Lossless can encode a 48 kHz 16-bit stereo audio stream using only 10 MIPS on a modern RISC processor with signal processing extensions. The corresponding decoder represents only 6 MIPS on the same platform. User metadata and special synchronization data can be incorporated into the compressed format at configurable rates. Available starting July 2009, apt-X Lossless is implemented as C and C++ code, and has been verified on x86 processors, ARM 9E and ARM Cortex M3, Texas Instruments C64xx, and others TBA.
Dared's new DV-6C is a
configurable six-channel hybrid integrated power amplifier combines a tube preamplifier with solid-state output
amplification. The tube stage is said to add warm and rich harmonics while the solid-state power output provides accuracy and resolution. Preamplification is via three 12AX7 Class A single-ended triode and the six channels output of 65 watts each may also be driven in 5.1, 5.0, 3.0, 2.1 and 2-channel mode selectable through front panel and remote control. Various channels are adjustable including the Subwoof (-60dB to 60dB) while the Front, Center and Surround channels are also adjustable (-12dB to 12dB). Overall frequency
response is from 20 Hz to 22 kHz, distortion is <1 percent @ 40 watts and SNR is
>80dB. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Dared MP-5 vacuum tube
amplifier, which can be seen by clicking
here.
06 / 22 / 09
Available now is Van den
Hul's The Wave audio and video interconnect ($199 for 0.8 meter length). The Wave is not just any coax cable as it takes advantage of the company's 25 years of experience. This
cable is a triple shielded interconnect designed to outperform its price class with superior qualities. The Wave starts with a generous 0.9 mm central conductor made of thick silver coated, high purity, matched crystal, oxygen free copper. It then adds a robust triple
screen while the outer and inner layers are made of the same high quality material used in the central conductor. This unique design is said to "achieve first-rate interference suppression and highly linear conductivity. The Wave delivers impeccable transmission quality, large natural bandwidth and excellent noise rejection resulting in outstanding transparency, full bodied and clearly defined sound and a lively and precise rhythm." Van den Hul's The Wave is a 75 Ohm cable making it
suited for a wide variety of audio as well as video applications. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Van den Hul The Frog MC
phono cartridge, which can be seen by clicking
here.
Denon
has introduced their new DCD-510AE CD player and PMA-510AE integrated amplifier (£249.99 and £229.99 respectively) that
furthers the company's high value profile yet holds some state-of-the-art technology. The PMA-510AE
stereo integrated amplifier employs a high current (HC) single-push-pull circuit that produces a wide dynamic range to aid in supporting high-grade audio sources. The main transformer is augmented with separate power supplies for analog and digital circuits. The
vibration resistant design of the unit also has direct mechanical ground construction to
avoid RFI/EMI noise. The Denon PMA-510AE also includes an MM phonostage and front headphone jack. Denon's new DCD-510AE CD player handles MP3, WMA and of course standard CDs. High precision 24-bit/192kHz DAC upsamples the digital
data while the reduced-resistant design with direct mechanical ground construction keeps out unwanted noise. The original Denon CD mechanism has a central assembly drawer unit. The company very carefully
designed the internal circuitry to preserve audio signal purity and ensure a short signal path. Both units include a remote control and an
aluminum front panel that is available in silver or black. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed
Denon's 2900 combination player (click
here) and the DVD-5900 universal player with Underwood/Parts ConneXion Level 2
mods (click here).
The
Grammy Foundations' Grant Program has awarded $150,000 in grants awarded to 11 recipients across the United
States. Funds will be given to help facilitate a range of research, archiving and preservation projects on a variety of subjects including surveying recently discovered audio materials that potentially represent as many as 1,200 unique recordings of musical compositions by Bob Wills And His Texas Playboys; improving access to culturally and historically significant Native American and Latin American sound recordings; and testing whether music decreases pain and stress caused by medically necessary procedures such as the heel-stick blood draw in critically-ill premature infants. Preservation planning grants were awarded to the Bob Wills Heritage Foundation, Elliott Leib, Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center, and William James Association. Preservation implementation grants were awarded to the Bob Moog Memorial Foundation for Electronic Music, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive, and University of Southern California, Santa Barbara. Research grants were awarded to the Institute for Music & Brain Science and Northwestern University. To date, the Grammy Foundation Grant Program has awarded $5.4 million to more than 250 noteworthy projects. The deadline each year for submitting grant applications is October 1 and grant applications are available
now. Enjoy the Music.com has attended plus reported on four Grammy Award
shows (click here).
06 / 19 / 09
Earphone and in ear monitor company Phiaton, founded in 1959 and now has expanded their headquarters in Korea to operations in Japan, Indonesia and China with a global workforce of more than 12,000 people, manufacturers many components found in top quality
units. Now the company is directly offering their PS 500 headphones ($299) with titanium driver and handmade housing made with genuine leather for maximum comfort for extended listening. Features include optimized airflow that is said to deliver concert hall sound quality from the 40mm titanium vaporized diaphragm. The rear enclosure and closed-ear design aids in noise reduction. The Phiaton PS 500 has an impedance of 32 Ohms, a sensitivity of 102 dB and can handle up to 2000 mW of power. The PS 500
weighs 9.1 oz without cord. For in ear monitor (IEM) fans, Phiaton's PS 200 (pictured, $249) is an ultra lightweight design and part of the company's Primal Series. These sound isolating earphones include soft silicon tips and included are three sizes to ensure proper fit. Dual balanced armature drivers with passive crossover network highlight this design, while the unique rearmost section has interesting rotary-like fins. Impedance is 39 Ohms, sensitivity is 95 dB and maximum input power is 30
mW.
The fuse market finds a new entry as London-based
Abbingdon Music Research (AMR)
launches their range of Gold Fuses that are premium replacement fuses for all electronic
products. According to AMR, "Traditionally, one of the weakest points in any typical component is the fuse. This is because standard electrical fuses do not take into account the needs of a high quality audio or video
system...". AMR's Gold Fuse was developed after lengthy testing and auditioning and is said to bring "fuller body, better definition and detail plus educed
distortion, extended dynamic range and more. The internal silver alloy fuse wire is of the non-spiral variety and is a low inductance design. A special non-magnetic, shock resistant anti-resonant ceramic body is mated to gold-plated
end caps. Values currently available include 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 Ampere, with further values to follow
shortly.
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
Oh those crazy dot com days prove that selling music online is not
as easy at it may seem. Ailing streaming media software company Liquid Audio is going for an IPO. Their planned IPO of 3.6 million common shares is about 21 percent of the company. Initial stock pricing should be between $10 and $12 according to our sources. This might be the very last breath of air for Liquid Audio as many companies are finding their encoding software not as easy to implement, or the Liquid Audio decoders as widely used as RealNetworks RealPlayer which holds over
75 percent of the streaming media market. Meanwhile Rounder Records has selected Liquid Audio for their on-line music distribution. Liquid Audio is on the move as Tower Records will be using the Liquid Distribution system to sell "CD-Quality" downloads from the
Internet. The new service for Tower's on-line sales is called DigitalTower.com. Liquid Distribution has also been selected by Alligator Records, Sub Pop, Vanguard, and Mammoth to sell their music on-line as
well. As of June 2009: Liquid Audio went public years ago and was subsequently acquired by Anderson Media in
2003 of California and now appears to operate under the name Liquid
Media.
06 / 18 / 09
Bassocontinuo Audio
Systems, an Italian manufacturer of stands and equipment
supports, offers their Tabla loudspeaker platform (575€). Internally, this unit employs an inert material
of marble granules that allows the loudspeaker to 'float'. Each Tabla is wrapped in a special
anti-scratching black or white paint, to minimize the probable scratch during the positioning of the loudspeaker. To avoid any problem, the company suggests users to place a base disk between the spikes of the loudspeaker and the Tabla unit. Each Bassocontinuo Audio Systems' Tabla measures 330 x 430 (WxD in mm) for the center platform, while overall dimensions are 460 x 510. The
company can custom manufacturer various other sizes at the customer's request. Bassocontinuo also has an extensive line of equipment racks offered in a very wide variety of colors and finished including black, grey, white, Birch, Walnut, and Wenge.
Antique Sound Lab
Line One stereo preamplifier ($350) is a very compact tube with four line level inputs and two sets of
outputs. This no fill high-value unit has a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-1dB) and a distortion of 0.5 percent at 1V output. Signal-to-noise ratio is 79dB, input impedance is 100k Ohm and output impedance is 1
kOhm. The unit provides a full gain output of 2 Volts via a 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube and supporting circuitry. This little unit is a mere 8 x 9.5 x 2 (WxDxH in inches) and weighs 3.5 lbs. For those seeking a purely passive stereo preamplifier, the Antique Sound Labs' Passive TX-1 DT preamplifier ($750) uses unique auto former/switch voltage divider control unit. Non-resistive volume level controls, dual monophonic operation with four sets of inputs and one tape monitor loop is included. This design aids in driving long line-level interconnects. Both Antique Sound
Lab units have RCA jacks for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy the Music.com
has reviewed the Antique Sound Lab AQ1003 DT EL34-based stereo integrated
amplifier (click here),
the Flora EX DT line preamplifier (click
here) and their Monsoon DT MKII monoblock tube amplifiers (click
here).
Outlaw
Audio just announced their new ECS-10 powered subwoofer ($849). There is a great deal of significance to the model number as this product marks the company's tenth anniversary celebration. As such, the subwoofer has a 10-inch drive unit within the 14-inch cubed enclosure. Thanks to a 1,000 watt RMS/2,000 watt peak amplifier, a long throw 10-inch woofer with a 22
pound magnet structure, the Outlaw Audio ECS-10 delivers subwoofer sound down to
23 Hz.
The unit has line-level inputs and outputs, loudspeaker inputs, adjustable
volume output and phase adjustment. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed
the Outlaw Audio Model 950 home theater preamplifier/processor (click
here) and the company's LFM-1 powered subwoofer (click
here).
06 / 17 / 09
DIY enthusiasts and high-end audio loudspeaker manufacturer may enjoy the new
Wavecor FR070WA01/02 full range or SW070WA01/02 subwoofer
driver. Wavecor's 'Balanced Drive' product line are said to produce symmetry yielding, thus resulting in much lower even order harmonic distortion than traditional designs. Built in die cast aluminum baskets, the Balanced Drive line marks Wavecor taking another step up-market. All members of the Balanced Drive product line feature a new optimized motor structure, while the design ensures perfect motor alignment. The 2.75-inch transducers of the FR070WA01 are 4 Ohm (FR070WA02 is 8 Ohm) and were designed especially for high quality multimedia and lifestyle loudspeakers. With a frequency
response from 150 Hz to 30 kHz, dual neodymium magnet structure ensures high efficiency and magnetically shielding. A copper cap on center pole reduces voice coil inductance and minimizes variations in voice coil inductance as a function of voice coil position. The black anodized aluminum cone ensures for better heat transfer while the vented polymer chassis provides lower air flow for speed reducing audible distortion. Wavecor's 7-inch transducers WF182BD01 is 4 Ohms (WF182BD02 for 8 Ohm) were designed as high performance bass and midrange units for monitors and high-end loudspeakers. With a
relatively smooth frequency response from 60 Hz to around 3 kHz, the 'Balanced Drive motor structure for optimal drive force symmetry resulting in largely reduced even order harmonic distortion. A copper cap on center pole reduces voice coil inductance and minimizes variations in voice coil inductance as a function of voice coil position. The black Nomex cone is mounted to a rigid die cast aluminum chassis with extensive venting. Wavecore chose to use a
Conex spider for better durability under extreme conditions and gold plated terminals to ensure long-term trouble free
connection.
Arslab
loudspeakers is the house brand and offered by World
Audio Distribution, with a design goal to produce an extremely flat frequency
response and offer excellent transparency. Careful consideration was given to every aspect of the engineering. The box design in particular rivals enclosures at five times their price. The top-of-the-range AC 3 is a Type 3-way, reflex loaded design and has a frequency response from 40 Hz to 20 kHz (±3dB). Sensitivity is 88dB/W/m and it presents a 6 Ohms load. Dimensions are 9.54 x 44.5 x 15.8 (WxHxD in inches). Other
loudspeakers offered by Arslab include the AC1 small monitor, AC Center channel and SC SUB subwoofer. The subwoofer has a 150 watt amplifier with both RCA and loudspeaker binding posts inputs and outputs. Frequency response is from 28 to 200 Hz (±3
dB). Adjustments include variable level output, phase adjustment and low pass
frequency. All Arslab loudspeakers are available in black ask, cherry,
mahogany and wenge wood colors.
06 / 16 / 09
Audyssey Laboratories, established in 2002 as a research-based company to find sound equalization solutions for the professional and consumer audio marketplace, now offers their Audyssey Sub
Equalizer ($799). As the latest in a series of professional room calibration tools in the company's product lineup, the Sub Equalizer uses the award-winning MultEQ XT technology to correct the most difficult problem in home theater sound: low frequency distortion caused by room acoustics. Audyssey's Sub Equalizer solves acoustical problems in both frequency and time domains by utilizing MultEQ XT, which measures the entire listening area in the time domain and uses thousands of correction points to create a high-resolution equalization solution. Line level (RCA) inputs and outputs are provided for on the rear of the unit. On the front is a USD port for communication with a PC while a mini-XLR jack if for the calibration
microphone.
Audio Expo North America
(AXPONA) is a brand new event/trade show, which will be held in March 2010 in Jacksonville,
Florida. As the first event of its kind held on the East coast in three years, the show will focus on high-end playback equipment, products, and the media that support them. The industries top manufactures, retailers, and the consumer will all have a chance to mingle while observing live demonstrations of the equipment and software. The purpose of this type of show is to introduce new and innovative products in an informal and informative setting. Top names in the industry will be speaking in scheduled seminars on topics as varied as high resolution downloads to analog tape and vinyl record albums. Many of the producers of the latest recorded playback material will be in attendance to speak about innovations in media and availability through retail outlets as well as downloadable formats. Retailers from the area and other major markets will also be displaying alongside manufactures and distributors, so as to offer a format that caters to industry insiders and retail consumers alike.
Audio
Industry News 10 Years Ago
EveAnna Manley
acquires Manley
Laboratories, as David Manley resigned as
President and assigned his total shares in the company to EveAnna as part of
an agreement signed on June 10, 1999. EveAnna Manley has officially
assumed the duties of President, CEO and sole owner. Manley Laboratories,
Inc., founded in 1993 by David and EveAnna Manley, manufactures vacuum tube
high fidelity and professional studio products under the Manley and Langevin
brand names. New products released during this time by EveAnna Manley's design
team headed by Craig 'Hutch' Hutchison and assisted by Baltazar Hernandez
include the 1998 TEC award winner, the Manley VOXBOX, The Stingray Integrated
Amplifier, and the 1999 Studio Sound Industry Recognition Award winner and
1999 TEC award nominee Manley Massive Passive Stereo Equalizer. The success of
these innovative products distributed by over 100 dealers worldwide have
contributed greatly to the 75 percent growth the company has experienced under
EveAnna Manley's leadership.
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