British Cable manufacturer Black Rhodium has announced the launch of their ‘Salsa 1.2 mm’ loudspeaker cable. The 
new loudspeaker cable is based very closely on their popular Salsa cable with one difference – the insulation of the individual conductors has been increased from a thickness of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
The press release from Black Rhodium has the following to say: “The reason behind this change is that when two electrical conductors carry an electrical current, the magnetic field produced by the current in one conductor affects the resistance of the other conductor. This is known as the ‘Proximity Effect’. Because the loudspeaker load is reactive, the current and voltage in the speaker cable are not in phase and the modulation effect produces a ‘Transient Phase Distortion’ signal that distorts sound quality. By moving the conductors of Salsa 1.2mm further away from each other, the magnetic field (which reduces inversely proportionally to the distance) on the other cable is lowered and the ‘Transient Phase Distortion’ is less audible”
Specifications
Conductors: 19 x 0.3mm diameter (13 gauge) silver plated copper
Insulation: Silicone rubber type GPC
Outside diameter of cores: 4.5mm
Prices: Un-terminated £40.00 per metre, 3m pair terminated with gold plated 4mm plugs £330.00 and 3m pair terminated with rhodium plated 4mm plugs. £380.00
US Company Channel Islands Audio introduce their 24 bit/192k Transient MKII asynchronous USB converter.
The heart of the system is the company’s XMOS based circuit, utilizing extremely low-jitter clocks. Multiple digital outputs are available via isolated 75 ohm BNC (with included 75 ohm RCA adapter) and two individually buffered I2S outputs.
In addition to the digital outputs, Transient also provides Digital to Analog conversion. The conversion is done by a Wolfson circuit with a built-in high resolution volume control and 2V RMS output. A microprocessor circuit allows configuration for fixed (line level) output, or variable volume control, and also indicates the sampling frequency of the incoming signal.
The Transient is powered by the USB cable so you can plug into your computer audio and take it on the go. CI Audios VDC-5 MKII Upgrade Power Supply can be connected to the DC Input port for improved performance.
Price $699
The name Avid will be familiar to many of our readers and now the company have launched an additional two 
phonostages to their range. The first is the Pellere which bridges the gap between the Pulsare and Pulsus and is said to offer a new level of performance at this market price point.
The Pellere closely follows the design of the Pulsare, using the same internal high specification components, being fully balanced and offering both RCA and XLR connections. The same loading options as the Pulsare are offered but using external DIP switches similar to the Pulsus, conveniently located on the underside of the casework. Similar to the Pulsare an external purpose-designed regulated power supply is used.
Pellere is finished in the same distinctive casework as other Avid products and in keeping with all their products, all manufacturing and testing is done within the company’s new factory based near Huntingdon, UK. The Pellere is available now with a UK retail price of £2,500
In addition to the Pellere Avid have also launched the Pellar phono stage which becomes their entry-level phonostage. 
Designed from the knowledge gained with the Pulsus and sharing many components the Pellar incorporates an internal power supply and boasts rear mounted connections allowing for RCA input with RCA output.
The default resistance value is set to 47k, making it ideal for MM cartridge types. An additional set of RCA connectors allows the resistance values to be tailored to any desired value; so all MC cartridge types are accommodated too.
On the underside of the unit, unusual in this price region, gain settings are available for all MM, low output and high output MC types. Price is £600
DC Gold Audio has announced that they have acquired DynaStrand, the company that manufactures the Dynasty Challenge Interconnects and Emperor Challenge Speaker Cables.
DynaStrand was founded by Jed Hacker, the designer of the speaker cables and interconnects. With a background in broadcasting, Jed also has over fifteen years in the audio cable design industry. He was the primary designer for well-known speaker wire and cable companies before branching out on his own and forming DynaStrand.
DynaStrand speaker cables and interconnects are made with high purity oxygen-free copper and foam dielectric as the primary insulation and currently DynaStrand cables are being sold directly to the public.
The 50 Watt RMS, 50TNT monoblock amplifier is Ohio based Audio Power Lab’s latest product and was officially 
launched at the Capital Audiofest earlier in the summer. The company say the amplifier is the “ultimate marriage of astounding audio transparency and sophisticated physical design” and is hand-built by the company in Ohio .
The amplifier has taken over three years of work by a team of engineers and designers and the 50TNT is the newest addition to the company’s family of push-pull amplifiers utilizing directly heated triode output tubes, transformer coupling, zero negative feedback and pure Class A operation.
The amplifier features a tube complement of 2x572B, 2×5881, 2x12BH7 running in push pull configuration and weighs in at an impressive 27Kg.
Lampizator, the famed Polish manufacturer owned by the maverick genius Lucasz Fikus, has announced that they are to 
introduce a new monobloc tube amplifier for the European market only. The company are aiming the GM70s at people who would normally buy a stereo 300B amp, but with 30 WPC instead of 8 supplied by the impressive looking GM 70 triode valve.
The amplifiers are single ended from input to output and operate in pure class A mode with zero feedback. There are no solid state parts in audio circuits and the power supplies are unregulated and over-specified for the task. The GM70s boast a separate transformer for each task with a total of three per side. Signal paths have been kept to an absolute minimum with just 2 inches of silver wire from RCA to pot, 2 inches of silver wire from pot to first tube, one inch to second tube and a hop across one capacitor to main tube without additional wiring.
Specification:
Dimensions WHD : 450 x 140 (250) x 600 mm
Weight: net 30 kg per each mono
Power: 30 WPC single ended class A
Power Tube: GM70 triode graphite version
Driver: doubled 6N6P
Input tube 6N1P
Input impedance: 47 K
Output impedance (speakers recommended) 8 Ohm
Volume: Stepped input potentiometer ALPS
Power transformers total capacity: 700 VA
Rectification: two separate tube rectifiers for HV
Inputs: One single ended RCA
Price 4000€ per pair plus 23% VAT with a special edition available for 5500€ plus 23% VAT
Whilst not strictly hifi in its purest sense this little box of tricks may appeal to those music lovers that want to have a 
discrete music source in their kitchen, bedroom or perhaps desktop. The Crystal Avoustics Blubox is a Bluetooth-controlled wireless desktop stereo speaker, designed to generate a “room-filling sound” that you can control from a handheld device.
discrete music source in their kitchen, bedroom or perhaps desktop. The Crystal Avoustics Blubox is a Bluetooth-controlled wireless desktop stereo speaker, designed to generate a “room-filling sound” that you can control from a handheld device.The Bluebox carries an internal 2 x 15W amplifier. This amp drives two 76mm drivers, which deliver “a substantial sound in conjunction with a bass reflex port, which helps to provide a deep and punchy low-end performance”.
A 3.5mm mini-jack connection allows you to connect any external audio source to the Bluebox.
The Bluebox is also AVRCP compatible, so you can use its buttons to control the playback functions of your handheld device. And as well as being user-friendly, the Bluebox is also said to be “room-friendly”, with a neatly angled, 15-degree inclination to its front fascia.
Price £64.99.
Naim has launched its new entry-level CD player the CD5si. The CD5si is said to be a step forward in performance from 
its predecessor the CD5i with improvements to several key areas which “significantly improve sound quality.”
The new CD5si design includes the Burr Brown PCM 1793 DAC, which is similar in performance and architecture to the DAC used in Naim’s network players such as the NDX but is more optimised for the fixed sampling rate of CD (rather than the many sampling rates from streamed music). A new higher precision clock supports the new DAC, reducing jitter even further. The analogue output filter has also been improved.
A new high-performance transport mechanism has been fitted to the CD5si giving improved consistency and longevity. The new mechanism is mounted in Naim’s unique improved swing drawer tray giving it a low resonance, stable platform in which to operate. The internal power supply voltage has also been increased, to improve the linearity of the output signal.
After having a long lasting and unhealthy lusting for Decware amplifiers, news that the American company was to 
produce a flagship pair of KT88 mono amps caused a flutter of excitement at Hifi Pig headquarters.
The Zen Torii monoblocs are designed to be your final amplifier purchase and are made to order by the company, so expect a substantial waiting time, but they do come with a lifetime warranty.
- 60 watt class-A monoblocks.
- 2 Transformer Balanced XLR Inputs – selectable.
- 1 Single-ended RCA input.
- Input level control.
- Ultra cool bias adjustment – no tools required and can be done on-the-fly.
- Large Simpson Meters – let you maintain perfect tube matching without effort.
- Exotic parts – cost no object design.
- KT88 Ultra-linear output stage.
Price is around $5500
US cable manufacturer Sablon Audio have announced the arrival of their new baby – the Petit Corona power cord. 
Weighing in at 7 AWG, Petit Corona has been designed to bring Sablon’s sonic achievements at a lower price point to a wider audience. Key design features include “noise reducing crystals, cryogenic treatment, customized iec connector, external grounding and a high degree of flexibility”. Sablon claim the Petite corona is “at least the equal of its Robusto sibling, but with a more neutral presentation to enable it to sing in a wide variety of systems.” Priced at $495 shipped worldwide.
At the other end of the product range, Gran Corona is now fitted with a modified Oyaide C-004 IEC connector. A retro-fit service is available for earlier cables.
At CEDIA 2012, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group is showcasing its Mark Levinson 40th Anniversary № 52 Reference 
Dual-Monaural Preamplifier.
“We are excited to offer the № 52 to music lovers and audio connoisseurs worldwide,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management for HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “The № 52 embodies the uncompromising technological innovation, superlative sound, unmatched build quality and striking design that has made Mark Levinson synonymous with ultimate-performance audio for 40 years. We designed the № 52 to deliver the highest level of sonic accuracy and musical involvement.”
The № 52 is an all-analog, dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible. It provides a comprehensive complement of inputs including three balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, and a dedicated phono input that is selectable for moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through full-range subwoofer output or a record output.
The Mark Levinson № 52 offers a unity gain SSP (surround sound processor) output that provides the ability to integrate the audio sources that are connected to it into a home theater system, while maintaining independent stereo operation for music sources. The № 52 provides extensive control and system interface connectivity via Ethernet, Mark Levinson’s proprietary ML Net, 12V trigger and IR control ports. In addition, a USB port facilitates possible future software upgrades. The № 52 is supplied with a remote control that can also be used to operate other Mark Levinson components.
Its control section features mirror-imaged DC power supplies and AC regeneration circuits for a clean and stable power delivery and signal purity. Individual left and right DC umbilical cords are used to connect to the audio sections in the second chassis, and control signals are delivered via a third cable to keep them isolated. The audio chassis is laid out in a mirror image, left/right configuration with isolated and independent circuit boards for the volume, main and auxiliary signal paths, and extensive shielding for critical components. The chassis is constructed from heavy aluminum extrusions and plates.
The Mark Levinson № 52 Reference Dual Monaural Preamplifier will be available in January 2013.
Meridian Audio has introduced a new range of Digital Active In-wall Loudspeaker models, initially consisting of two 
full-range loudspeakers and a subwoofer. The first models in the new range include the DSP520, the DSP630 plus an in-wall subwoofer, the DSW600.
The sonic inspiration for the in-walls was Meridian’s development work on the unique M6 loudspeaker released earlier in 2012. This tall, conical loudspeaker features a 140mm bass driver and an 85mm wide-range driver, and the same drivers are used in the in-wall systems, giving the DSP520 a comparable performance and sound to the M6, while the larger unit provides even more impressive performance with higher sound pressure levels and extended bass. The subwoofer is designed to directly complement the full range loudspeakers and integrate with them to form a ‘super-speaker’.
Key Points
The loudspeaker array is built into self-contained enclosure that mounts into back-box.
All aspects of the design including baffle and grille have been developed for maximum dispersion and listening area plus minimum unwanted diffraction.
When combined with the Media Source 200, the In-wall loudspeakers provide an elegant Digital Media System zone.
Price TBC
Meridian Audio has announced the introduction of its all-new Media Source 200, a compact audio endpoint for Meridian’s
Digital Media System. “It also provides a simple solution for adding additional rooms to an existing Meridian Digital Media System”.
Media Source 200 can access any of the facilities of the connected system, including playing back selections from the media library, internet radio, and Rhapsody (where available). The Media Source 200 is simple to use and can be operated from a Meridian Control 15, or wirelessly from the free iPhone or iPad app – or any other available system controller.
Built and hand-assembled in Meridian’s Cambridgeshire factory, the Media Source 200 is a new compact industrial design with an aluminium enclosure which can be mounted behind a DSP loudspeaker, including Meridian’s new line of in-wall models.
Bel Canto introduces three new Asynchronous USB Link Converters; the entry-level mLink the uLink, and top-of-
the-line REFLink. These new USB Link Converters isolate the music signal – and clocks – from the harsh, noisy electrical environments of computers and music servers.
The new Bel Canto Link Converters take the USB output of your computer and deliver ultra-low jitter S/PDIF for your favorite DAC. All three USB Link Converters feature native MAC USB 2.0 compatibility, a custom Windows USB 2 dirver and operate at 16- or 24-bits at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz on a proprietary 500MHz DSP Core.
The REFLink is a full AC-powered e.One chassis using the same LNS (Low Noise Supply) as the DAC2.5. “As lowered noise allows clocks to dominate the sound, the LNS dramatically lowers line noise with multiple stages of isolated power that drive individual sections of the circuit.” The output clocks and line-drivers are powered by a separate low-noise power supply.
The ST Fiber output allows high speed transfer for anyone with a Bel Canto 3.5VB Mk II or you can run SPDIF on BNC or AES/EBU to any other DAC. The REFLink features Dual Ultra-Low Phase-Noise Clocks and triple galvanic isolation. The adjustable display shows the incoming sample rate.
Specifications
- Input: High Speed USB type-B receptacle
- Output:
- Coaxial SPDIF on BNC 75Ω
- Balanced AES on XLR 110Ω
- LightLink ST Fiber
- Supported sampling rates:
- 44.1kHz
- 48kHz
- 88.2kHz
- 96kHz
- 176.4kHz
- 192kHz
- Supported word lengths: up to 24-bit
- Dimensions: 8.5” W x12.5” D x 3.5” H (216mm x 318mm x 88mm)
- Weight : 14lbs (6.5kg)
The Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show (TAVES) will return for a bigger, better performance at the King Edward 
Hotel in downtown Toronto from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30. TAVES 2012, presented by Porsche, will bring nearly 70 exhibitors and over 280 brands together for this exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new products in the industry. Some of the brands represented include Porsche, Burmester, Paradigm, Anthem Electronics, Bryston, Marantz, LG Electronics, MK Sound, Totem Acoustic, Cambridge Audio, NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers. Consumer electronics manufacturers, distributors and retailers from around the globe will be on hand to demonstrate their products. There will also be plenty of products for purchase at the show like headphones, earphones, headphones amps/DACs, CDs, records, concert Blu-rays, tablet and smartphone accessories, and more.
TAVES 2012 will host an expanded number of general interest and interactive seminars for both consumer and industry professionals. All the seminars are free of charge with show admission and will be presented by leading industry experts. This year, TAVES is pleased to welcome two very special guest speakers. North America’s leading tech expert, Marc Saltzman will discuss digital music download formats. Other seminar topics will include: TV Buyer Guide, TV/Projector Calibration, AV Receiver setup, Audio Streaming, The Future of Music Entertainment, System Optimization and Setup, as well as Basic Turntable Setup and Usage Tips.
Visitors will be able to experience and test out cutting-edge audio and video equipment at the show in the “home-like” environments of the King Edward Hotel rooms. Some of the show highlights include a chance to jump inside the 2012 Porsche Carrera S and experience the exclusive Burmester audio system, an elite $500,000 Burmester sound system (Saturday only), countless 2-channel and designer friendly audio systems, a state-of-the-art MK Sound/LG home theatre, LG’s mirror and glass TVs, a large headphone/earphone display area and much more!
AudioApps was set up in order to create a line of innovative mobile apps geared towards the home studio and pro audio markets. They have announced that their first- app, developed in conjunction with Genelec, is now on sale in the iTunes store … all for the princely sum of 99 cents.
Called “SpeakerAngle,” it’s the world’s first digital tool for accurately measuring and matching the angling (“toe-in”) of any make or model speakers in any stereo or surround sound system. Looks an interesting bit of kit and i’m sure we’ll try it out very soon.
Unique Acoustics is a new German loudspeaker manufacturer whose debut model “The Antique” is certainly a bit of a 
looker and is sure to catch the eye of audiophiles looking for a premium class product.
The Antique standmount loudspeaker is a little unusual in its construction in that it uses an enclosure based on the Onken design. The Company says that this offers a “powerful and fully fledged low frequency register whilst making it possible to hear the most subtle shades of sound.”
The driver used in the Unique Acoustics Antique is a modified Audio Nirvana MFD-8 with paper cone, cast casing and a modified magnet. Using the one drive makes a crossover completely unnecessary and the drivers are connected to the speaker terminals by precious metals of the companies own design
The unique Omni Horn system, made of solid wood is a key feature of the design and the cabinet is further enhanced by a system of internal reflectors and air guides, stabilizing and anti-vibrating systems and and the BSS ball supports.
The Bass Ultraflex-Plus cabinet is said to be “a successful compromise between the open box and phase reverse horn designs and the Omni Horn system allows the use of a small-size loudspeakers whilst preserving higher sound levels. The special assembly technology of the Antique model is predominantly done by hand and acoustically neutral materials (solid Makore wood, effective compounds and high quality steel fasteners) are used throughout.
The Antique model is produced in a limited quantity. The assembler’s personal signature, the serial number and the date of production are engraved on each unit cabinet.
Technical features:
Recommended amplifier power — 10–15 watts/channel
Frequency range — 46 Hz–30 KHz
Sensitivity — 93 dB
Nominal impedance — 8 Ohms
Size — 10, 6 x 10, 6 x 12, 8 in
Price €6250 for the loudspeakers and €3000 for the matching stands.
G Point-Audio has today announced that they have been appointed exclusive representative for Ukrainian artisan 
loudspeaker manufacturer Contrast Audio. The announcement broadens the range of products available from G Point and reaffirms their philosophy of “offering the best sound quality money can buy”.
Contrast Audio are a manufacturer with 10 years experience in the design and manufacture of acoustic systems based on their own highly linear drivers. All their loudspeakers are built on the principle of minimum crossover interference (first order filter), which gives “high sensitivity and accurate sound”. The drivers use only natural materials (paper cone, paper coil of magnetic system, wooden phase corrector, etc.).
There are five models in the Contrast Audio, plus a range of interconnects and loudspeaker cables which match those used in the speakers themselves.
The finish of the loudspeakers is said to be exemplary with five piano lacquer colours available as standard and any colour available on request.
