High-End Audio Industry News

05 / 31 / 13

  Today begins Enjoy the Music.com's live daily coverage of The Home Entertainment Show Newport Beach (T.H.E Show) 2013! Taking place from May 31st through June 2nd at the Hilton Hotel and Atrium Hotel Orange County Airport on MacArthur Blvd., this high-end audio event features hundreds of manufacturers from around the world. T.H.E. Show Newport Beach showcases ultra-rare tube amplifiers, large floorstanding speakers, pure digital high-end, small wireless speakers, headphones, CDs vinyl records and so much more! You can see last year's T.H.E. Show 2012 report by clicking here.

This Just In
Here is a copy/paste of the press release below:

New York Audio Show '14 - Sound news you've been waiting to hear View this email in your browser

SOUND NEWS YOU'VE BEEN WAITING TO HEAR
A NEW ALLIANCE - A NEW DATE
A GREAT SUCCESS

During the New York Audio Show 2013, held at the Palace Hotel in April, an important meeting took place between Chester Group and Salon Son & Image.

For the two family organisations, the primary objective was co-operation and to try and address and resolve show dates for next year, given that those already announced for the New York Show 2014 had now also been chosen by another organiser.

The second objective was to try and create a code of conduct to the future, via an Alliance that would be beneficial to the whole industry, the principles of which had already been discussed by these parties.

The outcome was the drafting of those objectives in the form of a 'Code of Conduct' to which both companies have now given their full support, a copy of which is available to anyone who is interested.

Thirdly, although Chester Group had already announced its dates for 2014 (25 - 27 April) this decision has now been reversed and they will now maintain their current slot which will be 11 - 13 April.

The main reason for moving to the end of April in the first place was to create a more reasonable gap between the Montreal Show and New York, but this move now puts the gap back to where it was... and as a result that created the 'kick start' for a new and unique cooperation. Sarah Tremblay of Salon Son & Image and Roy Bird of Chester Group agreed in principle to work more closely together so that new packages will be created for Exhibitors who wish to do both shows, in the form of preferential pricing plus and most importantly a joint venture with Drayage so that there is seamless conveyance of Exhibitors' wares between both shows, possibly handled on an exclusive basis.

This Alliance will also engage with other key and established Organisers who will be confirmed in the coming weeks, but which is also certain to include Richard Beers of T.H.E Shows.

Among these various organisers are well over 100 years of show experience, and each is entirely focussed on the best interests of the industry, which is why (and probably for the first time) these organisers, in the same marketplace, have chosen to work together in such a groundbreaking way.

2013 ATTENDANCE RISES
Total attendance for pre-booked and walk-in show attendees at the New York Audio Show 2013 over the 2 and a half days was up 32.5% from the 2012 show, which is a major achievement for a show in its second year and clearly indicates the huge potential for a 'class act' event in New York such as this. Overall brands were up 21%, Press passes were up an excellent 35%, which included many crossover titles, major newspapers and Radio. Trade passes were up 39%; Clubs and Groups 27% and there was a huge increase in two day and three day tickets of nearly 50%.

Other important announcements are to follow, and each and every one will be significant for the industry and its well-being. Finally Chester Group will be reinforcing and expanding its current team to improve all key aspects of next year's show.

05 / 30 / 13

  Antelope Audio will introduce their Zodiac Platinum DAC capable of DSD256 and 768kHz/64-bit oversampling rate at T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2013 as the newest member of their Integrity line of D/A converters. The new Antelope DAC brings a higher level of refinement with the widest DSD support, including the unique 256X mode and a sample rate of 768 kHz via a custom-built USB chip. The custom-designed Antelope USB chip compliments high fidelity by reducing clock jitter and pushing the envelope of the USB streaming with high sampling rates. Antelope Audio's Platinum bypasses internal digital filters built into the DAC chip by implementing a custom upsampler with carefully designed high-precision linear phase filters in the FPGA. Internally is their renowned 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking and the ultra-low jitter oven-controlled crystal oscillator. In addition, the Platinum is equipped with a 10 MHz input for the legendary Antelope 10M Rubidium atomic clock, providing extreme accuracy. The Zodiac Platinum has inherited the stepped relay volume control and the dual stage headphone drivers with impedance control from the Zodiac Gold. The Platinum also comes with an elegant remote control and has the option for external audiophile grade power supply Voltikus. There is a stepped relay volume control that is accurate to 0.05dB. In addition to the PC and Mac control panels available in the Zodiac Line, the Platinum also offers the comfort of the remote control from a mobile application, available for Android and iOS. Pricing is $4895 for the unit, with bundling of their Voltikus PSU it is priced at $5495. Naturally there is automatic internet-based device upgradability. Specifications are as follows:

Analog Inputs
XLR Balanced Analog Inputs on 1/4" TRS
RCA Unbalanced Analog Inputs on RCA
Analog Outputs
Two headphone outputs on 1/4" TRS
Trimmable balanced output on XLR 
Unbalanced output on RCA
Digital Inputs:
USB on standard B type connector
S/PDIF RCA coaxial and inputs
AES/EBU XLR input
Two optical TOSLINK inputs

Atomic / Word Clock Input
Digital Outputs
De-jittered AES/EBU XLR Output
Two de-jittered S/PDIF RCA Outputs

05 / 28 / 13

  Audio Electronics by Cary Audio Lightning ($1295) digital to analog converter (DAC), as first seen worldwide on Enjoy the Music.com's RMAF 2012 report, is now shipping worldwide. The Lightning DAC is designed to provide high-end music reproduction from today's digital sources and includes Asynchronous Streamlength Class 2.0 USB audio technology. Other digital inputs include S/PDIF coaxial and TosLink optical inputs up to 24 bit/192 kHz. Custom-built power transformer and a high-current power supply are Faraday shielded to reduce noise and fully regulate it for best response and power delivery. The Class A audio output section is based on Cary Audio's designs for the best sound quality and is buffered plus features its own regulated power supply to isolate it from the digital section. A Wolfson WM8805 chipset is used as the input receiver for the two S/PDIF digital audio inputs while a XMOS USB chip does asynchronous processing of USB computer based music. DAC section is comprised of two ESS Sabre ES9023 24-bit/192kHz DAC chipsets. Weight of the Audio Electronics by Cary Audio Lightning is 13 lbs and dimensions are 13.5" X 14" X 2.5" (DxWxH).

05 / 27 / 13

  Synergistic Research proudly announced the launch of their new Galileo LE Interconnects, Speaker Cables, and Power Cords, which will all be available at the upcoming T.H.E. Show Newport 2013 in Newport Beach, California. Engineered to be the highest performance audio cables in the world from the company, regardless of price, Galileo LE embodies the latest SR technologies developed during the Galileo and Element research programs. Galileo LE cables are built from multiple handmade cable geometries running in parallel, with multiple Active EM Cells -- featuring pure silk dielectrics -- discretely conditioning individual conductors inside a carbon fiber chassis. All Galileo LE cables come standard with the Synergistic Research hand-made power supply for Active Shielding; The Galileo Mini Power Coupler (MPC). Pricing is as follows:

Galileo LE Interconnect (2 models): Source to Pre-Amplifier, and Pre-Amplifier to Power Amplifier. $7500/1m pair RCA, and $9500/1m pair XLR

Galileo LE Speaker Cable: $15,000/8 ft. pair (full range), and $16,500/8 ft. pair (Bi-Wire)

Galileo LE AC Power Cord (2 models): Galileo LE Digital and Galileo LE Analogue, $5600/5 ft.

05 / 24 / 13

SneakPeek
We have posted a special advanced sneak peek World Premiere review for our Facebook and Twitter fans! No worries if you haven't joined us as we we are giving everyone an advanced look at Enjoy the Music.com's new section called Dealer Perspective plus posted a new Lifestyle & Design article too! Our Facebook and Twitter friends get to see Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine June world premiere review of AVM Audio's Evolution PA 3.2 preamp/tuner, CD 3.2 digital player and MA 3.2S monoblock amplifiers! In his review Brett Rudolf says, "The AVM system represents one of the most amazing systems to have passed my walls in a very long time. The system's ability to resolve detail from both reference and mainstream mastered recordings is beyond reproach." Everyone can now visit the Review Magazine and see our new Dealer Perspective section with an article by Igor Kivritsky of Hi FI Centre. Our Lifestyle & Design section lets you check out the very cool Nervous Squirrel Pyramid Synthesizers (pictured). These babies produce far-out sounds for a retro-futuristic world! See the world premiere by joining us on Facebook and Twitter.

TGIFMUSIC
Let the music of your life, give life back to music... on CD and vinyl at Amazon.com! Also available in high rez digital at HDtracks too!

05 / 23 / 13

  Kimber Kable's new Select USB cables ensure high quality signal transfer through USB cables. Kimber Select series of cables uses a handcrafted process that does not allow any compromise in the design and construction. Each cable is painstakingly built by the company's artisan technicians in the USA, using only the finest materials for the cable’s components, including the bespoke USB plugs. A four wire braid incorporating large-gauge, vari-strand conductors is used for the 5VDC power feed and is geometrically isolated from the solid core signal conductors. RF isolation, DC resistance and signal integrity are all greatly improved through the braided design. Additional performance benefits are derived from careful use of different types of shielding - layers of aramid fibers, tinned copper and conductive carbon effectively shield better than a single material can. In keeping with the precision design of all Kimber's Select products, the termination of cables to connectors was given as much attention as the actual cable construction. Copper foil encapsulates all the conductors, the shielding and the connector as it is neatly inserted into an ebony headshell USB-A plug at one end and a similarly constructed USB-B at the other end. With copper, copper/silver hybrid and pure silver versions of the cables available, Kimber has catered for all requirements in high-end audio. In the KS-2416Cu model, solid core copper signal conductors are partnered with the VariStrand power conductors. The KS-2426HB, hybrid variant introduces solid core silver signal conductors alongside the copper. This produces an even greater level of detail from the recordings, which is particularly noticeable in the top end. Top-of-the-range KS-2436Ag cable features all solid core silver conductors within its construction and is claimed to extract the ultimate detail from the digitally stored music. Prices for the new Kimber Kable Select USB cables start at around $500 for a meter length.

Wolfson Microelectronics just introduced their WM5110, the industry's first quad core High Definition (HD) Audio Processor System-on-a-Chip (SoC). This new highly-integrated, low power HD Audio Processor with advanced DSP feature set is designed to deliver HD Audio performance of 24-bit/192kHz for smartphones, tablet computers and portable multimedia devices. The WM5110 provides 110dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and a fast 600 MIPS of processing power, while only requiring 3mW DAC to headphone power consumption, making it the most powerful and efficient HD Audio Processor on the market. Coming complete with its own Software Development Kit, and with enough MIPS and memory to run Wolfson's suite of sound enhancing and noise reduction software, customers' own software or third party software, OEMs can easily create a unique audio signature that will help differentiate their product in the marketplace, delivering a truly platform agnostic and future-proof system. The WM5110 also features what the company feels is class-leading earpiece and stereo headphone Ambient Noise Cancellation (ANC), Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), and both transmit-path (Tx) and receive-path (Rx) noise reduction, resulting in 32dB and 20dB noise reduction respectively. These features combine to provide a reduction in background noise of up to 90%, and an improved user experience for both the caller and listener. Duncan Macadie, Product Line Manager for Audio Hubs at Wolfson Microelectronics, said "Handheld product OEMs are facing an ever-increasing struggle to differentiate their products in the global marketplace; the challenge of enabling their products to handle more and more audio-demanding use cases, whilst managing growing cost pressures and time-to-market expectations, is enormous. Consumers expect exceptional quality voice calls, conferencing, audio playback and capture, as well as extended battery life. The WM5110 HD Audio Processor provides ten times the processing capability of our previous generation of products. It caters for the needs of both OEMs and consumers, providing the best HD Audio performance on the market today, and enables the clear differentiation that OEMs need to stand out in the global marketplace at a competitive cost."

05 / 22 / 13

  HDtracks is celebrating Memorial Day by giving you 10% off your high resolution music downloads including Daft Punk Random Access Memories and Joni Mitchell's Blue. Daft Punk is an electronic music pair consisting of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is known for combining elements of house, funk, electro and synthpop. Daft Punk is one of the biggest electronic music acts today. Daft Punk's exciting new album Random Access Memories is available in 88kHz/24-bit and marks their highly anticipated fourth studio album. The influential French duo is one of music's biggest electronic acts today. They are joined by collaborators including Nile Rodgers, Chilly Gonzales, Giorgio Moroder, Julian Casablancas, Pharrell Williams, Paul Williams, Todd Edwards, Panda Bear and DJ Falcon. Random Access Memories finds the band in peak form, producing unreal sonic landscapes and unforgettable beats. Joni Mitchell's legendary album Blue is available in 192kHz/24-bit. The recording is a commercial and critical success, reaching the Top Twenty in the United States and the U.K. It marks the very best of Mitchell's traditional singer-songwriter period. The work highlights Mitchell's expressive vocal range and sophisticated arrangements. It features the standouts "All I Want," "My Old Man," "Blue," "California" and "A Case Of You." To save 10% on your entire order at HDtracks use the code memorialday10 before May 28, 2013 at 11:59 PM PT. This code cam be applied to multiple orders too! Please note that once you apply a code to your order additional items cannot be added to your cart, thus you'll need to start a new order and use the same code to receive your 10% off.

Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
American Technology Corporation (ATC) have shown the results of their new HyperSonic Sound (HSS) driver. Unlike normal driver technology that is over 75 years old, this new driver "uses a property of air known as "non-linearity". A normal sound wave (like someone talking) is a small pressure wave that travels through the air. As the pressure goes up and down, the "non-linear" nature of the air itself causes the sound wave to be changed slightly. If you change a sound wave, new sounds (frequencies) are formed within the wave. Therefore, if we know how the air affects the sound waves, we can predict exactly what new frequencies (sounds) will be added into the sound wave by the air itself. An ultrasonic (beyond the range of human hearing) sound wave can be sent into the air with sufficient volume to cause the air to create these new frequencies. Since we cannot hear the ultrasonic sound, we only hear the new sounds that are formed by the non-linear action of the air." The advantages of HSS is that it projects sound in an extremely focused way. Therefore a single driver can be positioned to allow for music in a very small section of a large room without affecting to the sound levels in others space. The "beam" of sound can allow for discrete communication in a room, within retail stores to educate buyers, or in government conference halls to project different languages to the appropriate delegates. Think of this new technology like a planar loudspeaker with an extremely focused sound "beam". Major electronic brands are looking at licensing the technology that took the past seven years and $44 million to develop.

05 / 21 / 13

  Your guide to T.H.E. Show Newport Beach... and yes Enjoy the Music.com is sponsoring a very special, professionally modified 800HP/800TQ AT THE WHEELS Bentley Continental GT with speeds of 0-60 in 3.4 second and top speed well over 200 mph!

The Complete Guide To T.H.E. Show Newport Beach
MAY 31 - JUNE 2

Our 3rd Annual The Show Newport explodes with delights so extraordinary and entertaining that one must experience it for themselves. With over 450 worldwide manufacturers of fine audio enticing you to enjoy and appreciate their achievements, our fine audio show will be complemented with lots, lots more becoming a true California Event of a Lifetime.

CHECK OUT THE STARS OF THE SHOW PARTICIPATING IN OUR EXCITING AUDIO SEMINARS at the Hilton FRIDAY-SUNDAY, many repeated twice for your convenience:

John Atkinson Richard Vandersteen Andrew Jones Kevin Voecks Jim White Steve McCormack Bruno Putzeys Jim Sorenson Tyll Hertsens Michael Mercer Alex Rosson George Cardas Michael Goodman Robert Harley Anthony Grimani Michael Fremer Jim Kaplan Abey Fonn Scott Hicks Dr. David Robinson Andreas Koch Jonathan John Thompson Tom Caulfield Cookie Marenco Jim Merod Steve Silberman Marcel James David Weinhart David Clark Neil Gader Steve Rochlin Jacob Heilbrunn
Produced by The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society

THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE AT THE HILTON HOTEL, 18800 MacArthur Blvd., IN THE GRAND LOBBY ON FRIDAY, MAY 31, 10:30AM! First the trumpet will sound! Look for the gigantic golden scissors! Come for the Ribbon Cutting and get into THE SHOW early! John Atkinson, Robert Harley, David Robinson, and Michael Fremer will cut the golden ribbon! Please be on time and get into the show early!! Photography welcomed!

ENJOY Live entertainment every day and evening of THE SHOW. No cover charges! Featured Grammy Nominated Jazz Artists and Mike Garson's Jazz Quintet begin about 6:30pm Friday and Saturday on the Hilton Main Stage! Featuring Tierney Sutton on vocals Friday Night and Nnenna Freelon Saturday night. Superb Guest artists appear every day poolside at the Atrium from 1-6pm. Check your show guide! Just glorious! Non-stop fun.

KING OF TUBES VISITS THE SHOW NEWPORT

Stereophile's named The King of Tubes, E.A.R. President Tim de Paravicini, will be at The Show Newport!

Tim won our highest Society honor, the 2012 Founders Award. Come meet one of the very greatest audio designers in the world today in our Society Hospitality Suite, Hilton 531, on SATURDAY, June 1, 4-6pm!!! Open to all. 

Refreshments and adult beverages will be served. Bring your camera. Autographs welcome. Your questions about audio design will be answered by the renowned British Guru in person.

OUR Society Hospitality Suite at the Hilton, 531, will be open during show hours for all members and visitors. Come on by for an adult beverage and refreshments!!! We will have $5 discount coupons for many of the software vendors as a gift for you!

TAKE A LOOK ALL LP FANS

In addition to Acoustic Sounds, Eastwind Import, Reference Recordings and other Vinyl dealers at the MARKETPLACE at the Hilton – the "Record Collector" Vinyl Ballroom at the Atrium Hotel has over 3000 sq. ft. packed with LP dealers. There are so many vendors, they spill over to the poolside at the Atrium.

Impulse Records; The Record Truck; McQuillian; The Beatle Man, Ruben Padilla; Kings of Spin; Hannyl vinyl Products; Mytek Sound; Super Keith; and HighEndAudioNut and many, many more. Biggest display of LPs in SHOW history! More LPs than stars in the sky!

PLENTY OF NEW CDS AND SACDS AS WELL AS HI-REZ MEDIA available at THE SHOW NEWPORT this year. More than ever before! Check both hotels! Even Audiogon is in the Atrium lobby selling HI-REZ goodies and more!

Announcing Fantastic Food Trucks at THE SHOW:

LOBSTA TRUCK - lobsta rolls
THE FLIP TRUCK - OC's best sliders
TAMARINDO - Gourmet Mexican with a Cali Twist 
CHOMP CHOMP -Singapore's Rebel street food 
ROLLING SUSHI VAN - Freshest Sushi on the streets 
CALIFORNIA GRILL - California fusion foods
BACON MANIA - All Bacon all the time
MANGIA RISTORANTE on WHEELS - Italian food fare with a BadAss side
DOGZILLA TRUCK - They serve these amazing Asian style hotdogs. Sounds crazy but they are a big OC favorite

ALL food trucks are right Between the hotels just for us to Enjoy!! Take your food to the Atrium pool and enjoy live entertainment all day every day! This is audiophile heaven.

EXTREME CARS SCHEDULED FOR THE SHOW NEWPORT!!
On the tennis court at the Hilton:

GTM – one of the fastest cars on earth
Tesla – new S electric sedan– hot!
Saleen S7
Mercedes SLS
Audi R8
Porsche Carrera GT
Mercedes SL
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 458
Ferrari 430
Bentley Mulsanne
Lamborghini Aventador
Bentley GT
Mercedes S 63
Callaway Corvette
BAC Mono
Smart Gullwing

NEW THIS YEAR!
Be sure to visit the premier of the Headphonium! 2000 sq. ft. of headphones, DACs, and personal listening organized by our own Michael Mercer, VP Personal Listening. This is a first for Newport and just about every headphone manufacturer is here. Go to the Atrium and enjoy to the max!! You won't believe your ears. Try them all!!!!!

WINE TASTING EXHIBITION AT THE SHOW NEWPORT

Wines featured from these California vintners include:

Calina Chardonnay 
La Crema Pinot Gris 
Carmel Road Pinot Noir 
Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon 
Regal Wine Company
Jackson Family Wines
and more!
Stop by for a taste or a glass!! Yum!! At the Hilton!

The Havana Cigar Company of Orange County will present our major imported cigar show this year. They will provide an extraordinary experience for us all featuring the very finest of imported cigars presented by lovely ladies to elegantly serve attendees their special cigar selections. At the Hilton. WOW! If you love a great cigar, you will really enjoy our show this year!! These folks are The Best!

IMPORTANT Dates & Show Hours 

Ribbon Cutting Friday, May 31 - 10:30 am HILTON LOBBY

Friday, May 31, 2013 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, June 1, 2013 10:00am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:00am - 6:00 pm

T.H.E. Show Locations:

Hilton Hotel: Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, California 92612, United States
Tel: 1-949-833-9999 

Atrium Hotel: Orange County Airport
18700 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, California 92612, United States 
Tel: 1-949-833-2770 (Enter either hotel lobby to get badges)

Have your tickets?
FOR ADVANCE TICKETS: click this link. 
***Join the Society and get a FREE 3 day VIP Pass! Discounts for current members, too.
Pick your badges up in either hotel lobby when you arrive!

PLENTY of $5 parking at the Hilton, Atrium, and all overflow lots. Come one, come all! Richard Beers has thought of everything to make our show truly magnificent and convenient.

THE SHOW NEWPORT: truly fantastic fun for all!

05 / 20 / 13

CONTEST: Wear Cool Stuff – Win Free Goodies
Friday was the soft launch of Enjoy the Music.com’s new swag that includes t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, beer mug, iPhone case, etc. With hundreds in dollars of shirts already sold, we want to keep the ball rolling with a new contest. All you have to do is wear one of the Enjoy the Music.com swag t-shirts at the upcoming T.H.E. Show Newport Beach event. When Steven R. Rochlin of Enjoy the Music.com sees you wearing the t-shirt you’ll win a great audiophile prize! So come check out our swag and show the world your love for music. Buy our swag right now at this link.

05 / 17 / 13

  HDtracks now offers Rush's entire Mercury catalog in high resolution audio! HDtracks is proud to celebrate the legacy of Canadian rock trio Rush with three separate five-album sets which together spans their entire historic Mercury Records recording career. Topped only by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Rush remains at the #3 spot for the most consecutive Gold/Platinum studio albums by a rock band certified by the RIAA. In 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Each Sector contains five of their fifteen Mercury albums in chronological order. In addition, each Sector includes a booklet with unpublished photos and original album lyrics. Check it out and got Rush in high resolution 24-bit/96kHz right now on HDtracks at this link.

TGIFMUSIC
To seek the sacred river Alph; to walk the caves of ice. Enjoy the music below and come join the discussion on drumming via Enjoy the Music.com's Facebook page.

For I have dined on honeydew And drunk the milk of Paradise.

05 / 16 / 13

  The all-new Gato Audio DIA-250 and DIA-400 (from €3250 on up) Class-D integrated amplifiers are designed and built to a vision of combining "technology, power, sonic performance, connectivity, versatility, and stunning looks all within a compact design". Both amplifiers feature built-in D/A converters with electrical, optical and USB inputs. High quality analogue input is via unbalanced RCA connectors or balanced XLR connectors. For output, both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs are provided. The DIA-250 produces 250 watts per channel into 8 Ohm load while the DIA-400 is rated at 400 watts, with output doubling into 4 Ohm loads. The Gato Audio DIA-400 has a dedicated power supply, a balanced-drive Burr-Brown PCM1794 D/A converter, an optimized high bandwidth I/V converter, and an analogue stage with low-Q, low pass filters. All digital inputs are upsampled to 24-bit/192kHz. Digital inputs include S/PDIF coax, TosLink optical and asynchronous USB. The DIA-250 and DIA-400 are available June 2013 and Gato Audio offers three different design variants: High gloss black, white and walnut.

Thorens launches two models alongside their award-winning TD 309 turntable; the TD 206 and TD 209 (€998) entry-level units. Both models are set at a considerably lower price point than their senior sibling and aimed at newcomers seeking highest build and sound quality. Aiding the many vinyl newcomers, both turntables are quick and easy to setup and the company says "a spinning record is a matter of minutes". Both models come with a preinstalled Thorens TP 90 tonearm complete with a high-quality MM cartridge, interconnects and even a spirit level and a stylus balance. The TD 206 and TD 209 share a number of features with the TD 309 including the drive unit and the bearing damping. The TD 209 also takes styling cues from the uniquely shaped TD 309 whereas the TD 206 follows classic rectangular designs and includes a dust cover. Both models employ a two-part aluminum/acrylic platter and the TP90 tonearm has Japanese precision bearings and adjustable VTA, azimuth and overhang. Available from June in red, white or black, the servo-controlled, silent-running DC motor with adjustable belt tension ensures optimal drive force and speed stability.

05 / 15 / 13

  The Lone Star Audio Fest (LSAF) 2013 was held May 3rd through 5th and to quote the show promoters feel that "It felt like a plateau had been reached. LSAF was once a small gathering of passionate enthusiasts (and still is). But it has now reached a size that attracts a larger audience. Most of the audio press was there, and a large number of exhibitors were there to wow them with their wares. As always, the DIYers and kits companies were in full force, as were many high-end boutique manufacturers and dealers." Manufacturers simply booked a guest room directly with the hotel. Show up, then they set up their exhibit within the room. Yes, it really was easy! Attendees simply showed up and enjoyed the LSAF 2013 for free. No hassles and no registration or ticket required. For this year's coverage we decided to do things different at Enjoy the Music.com. We felt it was time to hear from manufacturers / exhibitors themselves! Thus they can give show impressions, room results, goals, etc. See Enjoy the Music.com's

05 / 14 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com just posted the May edition of Hi-Fi+ (Issue 99)! This issue includes equipment reviews of the Krell Phantom II/Evolution 402e line preamp and power amp, conrad-johnson LP125SA value power amplifier, Elac FS407 floorstanding loudspeakers, Electrocompaniet EC1-6DS network audio streamer/amplifier, Guru Junior standmount loudspeakers, Roksan Xerxes 20Plus complete turntable system and much more! Within Alan Sircom's editorial he says, "In the meantime, we are still very keen to read your views on the audio world since our issue one, and we'll print the best of them in our 100th issue next month. What's changed, and what's stayed the same in your audio world since the last century? Have you embraced a downloaded future, or have you set your watch back with vinyl and valves? And where do you think audio will be in 15 years time?" You can see the complete table of contents and editorial of Hi-Fi+ by clicking here.

The Home Entertainment Show Newport Beach (T.H.E Show) 2013 marks their third year of this southern California event. Taking place from May 31st through June 2nd at the Hilton Hotel and Atrium Hotel Orange County Airport on MacArthur Blvd., T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2013 show coverage by Enjoy the Music.com will begin the first day of the event! This high-end audio event will feature hundreds of manufacturers from around the world. T.H.E. Show Newport Beach showcases ultra-rare tube amplifiers, large floorstanding speakers, pure digital high-end, small wireless speakers, headphones, CDs vinyl records and so much more! The Home Entertainment Show in Newport Beach will have nonstop entertainment for all! Concerts included with the entry fee will be held Friday & Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. Mike Garson, jazz legend and pianist for David Bowie, among many others, will perform joined by Tierney Sutton (Friday) and six-time Grammy nominee, Nnenna Freelon (Saturday). The Atrium Hotel courtyard will offer continuous live entertainment during the day — poolside will be the place to be. In the evening there will be DJ entertainment at the Poolside Bar. Show attendees benefited from a variety of educational seminars on timely audio/video topics moderated by manufacturers and editors. Additional attractions included wine tasting, a cigar bar, gourmet food trucks plus a high-end car show. Enjoy the Music.com's daily live coverage will begin the first day of this event. You can see our T.H.E. Show 2012 report by clicking here.

05 / 13 / 13

  Would like to thank everyone in Munich for being so very kind and generous. Your unwavering enthusiasm and support for Enjoy the Music.com is very, very much appreciated. It was great to meet so many fans of Enjoy the Music.com too! It was a truly impressive show and will post more High End 2013 Munich show coverage tomorrow as have slept only 22 hours in the past 5 days so would appreciate a 'day off' today. And with that said, enjoy the music.

05 / 09   to  05 / 12

  Enjoy the Music.com's lucky thirteenth year covering Germany's Munich High End Show by the High End Society begins Thursday! The High End Show is the international key exhibition in Europe for the high-quality consumer electronics industry. The High End will take place for the 32nd time in succession; and for the 10th time at the M.O.C. Munich. This makes the High End the oldest specialist exhibition in its field in Europe, now seen throughout the world as the central and most established hub of the industry. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, suppliers and retailers from all over the world meet in Munich every year. This year, more than 350 exhibitors with about 900 brands from all over the world will presented their products and services. A wide variety of lectures will be held to educate and answer attendee's questions. This event will be held at Munich's M.O.C. and will be open from May 9th through 12th, 2013. Enjoy the Music.com's daily live coverage of High End 2013 Munich will begin the first day of this event.

05 / 08 / 13

  According to Science Daily, scientists at Princeton University have taken advantage of modern 3D printing technology tools and have engineered a functional ear that can "hear" frequencies far beyond that of the normal human being. The 3D printing of cells and nanoparticles were joined with cell culture to a small coil antenna with cartilage, thus creating what scientists have decided to call a 'bionic ear'. "In general, there are mechanical and thermal challenges with interfacing electronic materials with biological materials," said Michael McAlpine, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton and the lead researcher. "Previously, researchers have suggested some strategies to tailor the electronics so that this merger is less awkward. That typically happens between a 2D sheet of electronics and a surface of the tissue. However, our work suggests a new approach -- to build and grow the biology up with the electronics synergistically and in a 3D interwoven format." They go on by also saying, "The design and implementation of bionic organs and devices that enhance human capabilities, known as cybernetics, has been an area of increasing scientific interest," the researchers wrote in the article which appears in the scholarly journal Nano Letters. "This field has the potential to generate customized replacement parts for the human body, or even create organs containing capabilities beyond what human biology ordinarily provides."

05 / 07 / 13

  Wilson Audio's new Duette Series-2 stand mounted speaker replaces the original model released in 2006. The tweeter's performance has been enhanced by the inclusion of the rear wave chamber from Wilson's Convergent Synergy Tweeter whilst the rear tweeter baffle is borrowed from the Alexia version of Wilson's CST design. The wave chamber substantially reduces chamber-born diffraction and, in total, this new design is said that by reducing these artifacts it greatly lowers the noise floor. The result for the listener is higher treble resolution. Details are claimed to "naturally emerge from a grainless, black background". Wilson Audio's Duette Series-2 features an all new cabinet, with a primary goal to greatly enhance the time-domain performance of Duette. The front baffle is angled at approximately 10° to align the tweeter and the woofer. Additionally, the main body of the cabinet is now built entirely out of Wilson Audio's proprietary composite, X-material, including the internal bracing. The baffle is built from Wilson Audio's newest composite, S-material. This combination has proven by the company to yield "the best combination of resonance control and beautiful tonality". The Duette is fully optimized for vertical placement only, eschewing the need for the Magnepods imbedded in the enclosure. Receptacles in the bottom of the Series-2 take a specially designed diode foot, and facilitate its attachment to the new dedicated stand. The New Series-2 Dedicated Stand seamlessly integrates the separate Wilson Audio Duette Series-2 Novel crossover, plus it provides captive dressing for the wire umbilical. Greater attention has been paid to the draining of resonances away from the Duette, so Wilson Audio bolted the Duette Series-2 directly to the stand. No pricing has been announced at this time.

Music Industry News 10 Years Ago
Linn's new Unidisk 1.1 universal digital disc player (announced first to the world by Enjoy the Music.com within our Industry News page on December 9^th, 2002) is now in final production version. Said to be the world's first 'true convergence' pitch accurate source component and unites a comprehensive range of disc formats, the Linn Unidisk 1.1 is an integrated universal digital disc player delivering very highest sonic and video standards plus offers universal disc recognition and precise processing for all major optical digital disc formats (CD, SACD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, etc). The Unidisk 1.1 player automatically recognizes all major Audio and AV optical disc formats, uniquely configuring audio and video playback almost instantly. Video outputs include Progressive Scan, Interlaced, Component and DVI incorporating HDCP encryption. For added versatility all video outputs carry a constant signal, enabling concurrent use of several video playback devices. On the audio side, both single ended 0RCA) and balanced (LXR) analogue outputs access stereo and multi-channel audio playback, with S/PDIF and optical digital audio outputs streaming CD and DVD related data. On-screen graphics plus a user-friendly fascia with simple direct control of the large digital display and a comprehensive luminous remote handset make operating the Linn Unidisk 1.1 simple and intuitive. Additionally, an RS232 control interface and can integrate seamlessly with Linn's Knekt multi-room system. The Unidick 1.1 is available in black and sliver finishes. Pricing is as follows:

UK Retail £6,500 (inc. VAT) 
US Retail $11,000 (ex. Tax) 
Canadian Retail CAN $16,750 (ex. Tax) 
Europe €8,500 (ex. Tax) 
Sweden SEK 98,750 (inc. Tax) 
Norway NOK 78,500 (inc. Tax) 
Denmark DKK 79,500 (inc. Tax)

05 / 03 / 13

  HDtracks now has Bob Marley & The Wailers album Kaya in 96kHz/24-bit and Van Halen's self-titled album in 192kHz/24-bit. Bob Marley & The Wailers Kaya is the band's 1978 masterpiece by this reggae legend. This irresistible classic features all of Marley's exhilarating spirituality. With The Wailers, the album includes the classic cuts "Is This Love," "Sun Is Shining," "Time Will Tell," "Satisfy My Soul" and "Smile Jamaica.". Van Halen's self-titled album from 1978 is considered one of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Van Halen's monumental classic remains one of rock music's greatest debuts and is widely regarded as an album that revolutionized rock n' roll. It has sold over ten million copies worldwide, earning Diamond status by the RIAA. It features the massive hit singles, "Runnin' With The Devil," "Eruption" and "You Really Got Me." Get these and many other great high resolution digital music downloads by clicking here.

Audion Super Sterling 120 ($4175) is the world's first single-ended KT120 amplifier. According to United States importer True Audiophile, "Every designer said it couldn't be done. This tube wasn't designed for it and on and on. After a year we did it and the sound is amazing. The sweetness of the EL34 with twice the punch of the KT88. A perfect marriage. Pure Class A. The price is an introductory price so get your amp at a great price while it lasts." The Audion Super Sterling 120 uses Tungsol KT120 pentode tubes, supported by a pair of 6H23N, and thus produces 24 watts into an 8 Ohm load and has been designed to work with lower efficiency loudspeakers from approx 86dB/W/m on up. Transformers and chokes are design and handmade by Audion including capacitors that have been manufactured to Audion's exacting specifications. Chassis are finished in-house and include powder coating and electroplating to ensure high quality. Frequency response is up to 40 kHz, SNR is better than 85dB/ Warranty is 2 years, with 6 months for tubes and an optional remote control is scheduled to be available soon, plus coming soon are PSE and PP versions.

05 / 02 / 13

  Multi-award earning and longstanding USA company Kimber Kable has announced their new KS2400 Select series USB cables ($433 for 0.5 meter length on up). All Kimber Kable Select series cables are carefully handcrafted at the company's factory in in Ogden Utah. Like other Select series cables, the new KS2400 is available in all copper, hybrid with copper and silver, or all silver wiring. Each cable is made using a specially engineered braided geometry, innovative shielding, and are terminated with beautiful ebony wood ends. Feature of the construction including VariStrand power conductors, solid core signal conductors wrapped in a special braided geometry, and dual layer frequency optimized shielding. Retail pricing for 0.5 meter length is KS-2416-CU (copper) $432.50, KS-2426-HB copper/silver hybrid $582.50 and KS-2436-AG all silver is $800.

Teresonic's new Clarison Digital is a new line of high-end digital cables designed for high-end digital audio systems. They have two S/PDIF (75 Ohm) digital cables, which are the Clarison Digital RCA cable and Clarison Digital BNC cable ($395 for 1.5 meter length for each).. Also new is Teresonic's fully balanced AES (110 Ohm) Clarison Digital XLR cable ($445 for 1.5 meter). Other lengths can be special ordered @ $95 more per 0.5 meter. The fully shielded Clarison Digital cables via S/PDIF and AES connections are specifically designed for use in high-end audio digital systems. Clarison Digital cables feature pure OFC Litz wire, which consists of multiple strands each individually silver plated. A military-grade shielding provides triple signal protection from electric, magnetic, and mechanical interferences. As digital cables are more demanding than analog cables requiring higher bandwidth; thus all Teresonic cables are designed and tested at over 200 MHz to accommodate rapid transitions in digital signal and to minimize jitter and other distortions.

05 / 01 / 13

  Enjoy the Music.com has a huge May high-end audio Review Magazine now online with five World Premiere reviews! We have added more to our Salon Son & Image Montreal report and naturally have live coverage of the Chester Group New York Audio Show 2013. Add to that, we have launched a new section called 'Lifestyle & Design' that features some stunning new items! Music reviews, think pieces and more are now available within our May Review Magazine as seen by clicking here.

 
Regular Reading
Daily News: Audiophile news updated each weekday!

BAS Speaker
Cartridge Brushes And Skating Force
Stanton Magnetics replies to a reader BAS Speaker.

Sound Practices
Casual Reactions
Article By Herb Reichert

VALVE Magazine
Triophoni: Triode Triumph
Article By Dan Schmalle

Show Reports
Munich High End Show Report 2013 High End Society

The Chester Group New York Audio Show 2013 Report

Viewpoint
In This Issue...
Huge issue with five World Premieres, two show reports, new Lifestyle & Design section plus much more!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

From The Editor's Desk...
What do you love about music?
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Video Celebration
The Making Of... Pink Floyd
The Making Of Dark Side Of The Moon

The Making Of... Alive! By Kiss
Documentary Featuring Engineer / Producer Eddie Kramer

Lifestyle & Design
Lamborghini's Aventador LP 720-4
Lambo's 50th anniversary edition V12 coupe.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

MB&F And Reuge MusicMachine Music Box
Stunning sight meets sensational sound!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Patek Philippe 5200G 8-Day And 5307P Minute Repeater
Impressive new grand complication timepieces from Patek Philippe.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

Superior Audio
World Premiere!
VPI Industries Classic 3 Turntable
One powerhouse turntable / tonearm combo!
Reviewed By Anthony Nicosia

World Premiere!
Wells Audio Innamorata Stereo Amplifier
The best power amplifier you've never heard of?
Review By Wayne Donnelly

World Premiere!
Avantgarde Acoustic Uno Fino Loudspeakers
Stunning microdynamics and an ability to convey the smallest variations without hyper-detailness.
Review By Wojtek Pacula

Copland CTA 506 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier
Hearing music's sadness -- the longing sigh -- as the music's essence tugs at your emotions.
Review By Ron Nagle

Audiophile Equipment Reviews
World Premiere!
VPI Scout 1.1 Turntable
Simply put, one of the best values in audio today!
Review By Alfred Fredel

World Premiere!
Napa Acoustic NA 208 H Headphone Amplifier
Presenting the music at a bargain basement $299 price.
Review By Alfred Fredel

April Music Stello U3 Digital Converter
One of the greatest bargains in computer audio!
Review By Dick Olsher

ifi iPhono, iDAC And iUSBPower iFi For Everyone!
Can the lucrative ultra high-end company AMR succeed at making bargain-priced equipment under their iFi brand too?
Review By Clive Meakins

PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium CD Player / DAC
A fantastic piece of vacuum tubed digital gear!
Review By Tom Lyle

Partner Magazine Reviews
The Absolute Sound
Sonus faber Venere Model 2.5 Loudspeaker 
A Tiny Goddess Grows Up 
Review By Neil Gader

PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Integrated Tube Amplifier
A Tube Benchmark
Review By Dick Olsher

Hi-Fi+
Cyrus Stream X2 Digital Streamer
There is a lot to like about the Stream X2.
Revuew By Jason Kennedy 

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor SM 45 Loudspeakers 
Providing giant helpings of musical richness.
Review By Chris Martens

Hi-Fi World
Naim NAC-N 172 XS Preamplifier
the NAP 155 XS lacks the transparency I need to hear subtle differences
Article By Rafael Todes & Jon Myles

Timestep T-01MC Moving Coil Phonostage
Tony Bolton tries out a new phono stage for Moving Coil cartridges.
Review By Tony Bolton

HIFICRITIC
Headphone Shootout!
We review the Bowers & Wilkins P5, Grado PS1000, Grado SR80i, and Grado SR325i.
Review By Martin Colloms

Cypriot Phono Stage
Valves Galore: Some of the components seem to use valves as a token gesture. Not so with this one!
Review By Chris Bryant

DIY Audio
Bent Audio AVC-1 Modular Remote Control Autoformer Preamplifier
Oodles of resolution, excellent imaging and spatial effects!
Review By Clive Meakins
Resistors
Article By Grey Rollins

Music Reviews
Classical Music
Johannes Brahms
Handel Variations opus 24, Two Rhapsodies opus 79, Six Piano Pieces opus 118 and Four Piano Pieces opus 119
Review By Phil Gold

From Sony, a historically important reissue of Paul Hindemith's music played by the great Glenn Gould.
Review By Joe Milicia

Carl Orff Carmina Burana
London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Review By Phil Gold

A brilliantly recorded and interpreted Shostakovich 10th Symphony on the bargain Naxos label.
Review By Max Westler

Rock, Techno, House, etc.
Atoms For Peace Amok
Two 140 gram LP @ 45 rpm
Review By Claude Lemaire

See the May Review Magazine by clicking here.