High-End Audio Industry News

12 / 31 / 99

  B&W Loudspeakers will be offering their new Nautilus SCM1 on-wall mounting loudspeaker. Combining the same components as found in the award winning Nautilus 8O5, SCM1 is a small wall-mountable unit designed for both the music lover and also AV audiophiles. "The SCM1's design is unique in its ability to reproduce-fully-the demanding dynamic range of the best modem recordings. And at only 4 1/2 inches deep, the possible uses for the SCM1 are numerous. They're a natural for a complete 5.1 surround system (plus subwoofer) or just as rear-channel speakers." Says Chris Browder, B&W's Executive V.P. "They would also be an ideal match with wall-mounted plasma screens and we even envision them being used in a simple two channel system. Wherever a shallow profile is preferred or space constraints require it, the SCM1 is a perfect fit for those that don't want a compromise in performance." The Nautilus 800 Series tweeter is employed in the SCM1 while the bass/midrange driver is an "improved" version of the original 6 1/2" B&W woven-Kevlar unit. The bass/midrange enclosure employs a curved sides/rear surface geometry forming a broad U-shape; formed with heat and high pressure, the thick laminated panels yield significant anti-vibration advantages. B&W's Matrix internal bracing is also employed. Cabinet finishes include real wood veneers such as Black Ash, Natural Cherrywood and Red Cherrywood. MSRP $1,100 each with availability set for February 2000.

 

12 / 27 / 99

  Sadly, i must report that Curtis Mayfield has passed away at age 57. Born on June 3, 1942 in Chicago Illinois, his great voice brought much pleasure to many over the years. While his music did not really cross over into becoming a huge pop success, his legacy is vast and includes providing the ever cool voice for the movie Superfly. From funk to soul, his talents and versatility was awe inspiring as songs such as "Gypsy Woman," "It's All Right," "People Get Ready," "Freddie's Dead," and "Superfly" are merely the most famous of his many hit records. Curtis was also one of the first to bring to the forefront and discuss openly about African-American pride and community struggle in his compositions. Mayfield was paralyzed in a 1990 accident in which he was struck by a rig that toppled while he was on stage performing in Brooklyn. He has been wheelchair bound ever since. While the man himself will be missed greatly, like other great artists, he has left behind a wonderful collection of music for many generations to enjoy.

 

12 / 18 / 99

  It saddens me to report that the great Grover Washington Jr. (age 56) died suddenly Friday while taping a television appearance for CBS' "The Saturday Early Show". His Grammy Award saxophonist stylings ranged from funk to jazz and pop. Possibly best-known for his  album Winelight where he garnished two Grammy awards for the single "Just the Two of Us" in 1981. His diversity allowed him to join in playing with such artists as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and pianist Herbie Hancock to name a few. His unique and versatile sax artistry will be missed by many.

 

12 / 14 / 99

  Although DVD has been hacked, Enjoy the Music.com just got word that Pioneer Japan announced it would continue with their plans of releasing their  two models of DVD-Audio players in Japan later this month as it had announced Oct.4. Their models DV-S10A  (approx. $1,940) and DV-AX10 (approx. $4,854) universal players will be available in Japan late December as scheduled. The  DV-S10A offer Super Audio CD (SACD) read capability whereas the DV-S10A plays DVD-Audio only and normal DVD-Video.

 

12 / 13 / 99

  As first reported by Enjoy the Music.com, the RCA Lyra portable MP3 player offers versatility due to it's upgrade ability. Now the RCA Lyra's versatility is being used as it will soon soon offer support for the MusicMatch Jukebox software, play Microsoft Windows Media music and also offer USB connections for faster loading of music files. Two models are available now through Thomson Direct on the LyraZone Web site. The Lyra RD2201 (32MB memory card) which has a suggested retail price of $199.99 and the Lyra RD2204 (64MB memory card) which has a suggested retail price of $249.99.

 

12 / 12 / 99

  NAD Electronics is now offering a $100 certificate towards the purchase of their NAD L40 CD Receiver ($599) or the NAD Music System ($799) which consist of their L40 plus a pair of PSB Alpha Mini speakers and a pair of 5-foot Phoenix Gold speaker cables. Grab your certificate right now on NAD's Web site. Hurry as this offer expires on December 31, 1999.

 

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