Acoustic treatment manufacturer GIK Acoustics has announced the launch of a new product series that is “changing the face of acoustic panels and bass traps”.

First introduced in the USA in late September, GIK Acoustics-Europe is proud to offer the GIK Acoustics Alpha Wood Series, a line of acoustic panels and bass traps with a wood face which has a mathematical sequence of slots for one-dimensional scattering / diffusion.

The Alpha Wood Series combines absorption with diffusion and enhances any room both aesthetically and acoustically with “superior quality, high-performing, and stylish room treatments”.


First in the series is the 4A Alpha Panel (see pic). The 4A Alpha Panel is constructed as a 595mm x 595mm x 100mm wood-framed panel filled with rigid rockwool absorption material (core made from 100% recycled materials, environmentally friendly without any formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde). The panel is then wrapped in fabric and finished with a beech veneer wood face which is designed for even, one-dimensional scattering. The wood face also allows low frequency waves to pass through to the rockwool panel for better low end absorption.

GIK Acoustics-Europe General Manager David Shevyn says, “We are thrilled to bring the Alpha Wood Series to our European customers. Not only is the Alpha Wood Series one of the most attractive product lines we’ve introduced, but they are twice as effective as similar products on the market that use foam. The Alpha Wood Series offers so many more, better colour choices and better results. The Alpha Series is truly a game changer for GIK Acoustics.”

 

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BluesFest Director Leo Green has confirmed that multi-million-selling singer and pianist Jamie Cullum has joined the bill for this year’s Prudential BluesFest and will perform at indigO2 on Sunday November 8th. Backed by his usual band plus a 12-piece big band, Cullum will draw on music from his extensive back catalogue, including from 2014’s Interlude.

Jamie Cullum:

“Having performed at the very first BluesFest in 2011, it’s great to be asked back and I’m looking forward to performing on the same bill as all of these incredible acts.”5F38651A-5B55-4401-9B42-03E615D0EA99

Cullum joins an impressive line-up for Prudential BluesFest 2015, which already boasts the likes ofGrammy-winning blues-rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band, a superstar double bill from Van Morrison and Tom Jones, British blues stars Jo Harman and Matt Schofield, the multi-million-selling Dave Matthews Band, and Prudential Proudly Presents The ABC Of Blues & Soul, which will see Mica Paris, Lisa Stansfield and Imelda May celebrating legendary female blues and soul vocalists accompanied by an orchestra.

This year’s event will also present a series of free daytime performances, making it one of London’s biggest’s free music festivals.

Prudential BluesFest 2015 takes place at The O2 from 6th – 8th November.

 

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London based dealer Sonata has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Goldmund, the Swiss luxury audio manufacturer.Gold;und1

Goldmund has taken 35 years of technological expertise and adapted it to launch a completely new range of wireless speakers, offering everything from a compact desktop system, design conscious lifestyle models, all the way up to the iconic limited edition Apologue Anniversary.

Every speaker has been engineered to include all the technological developments made by the Goldmund research team. This includes the implementation of their Proteus speaker modelling programme and Leonardo2 technology to create speakers that are “perfectly aligned for amplitude, phase and time within very powerful DSP filters”.Sonqtq8gold;und

Internal amplification using the very latest version of the Telos circuit, Alize D to A conversion, mechanical grounding and aluminium construction are also included in each product.

All Goldmund speakers can either play music directly from a computer using the Goldmund USB dongle or from other sources connected to a Goldmund ‘hub’ such as the Mimesis 11 or Talisman.

As a result of these shared technologies, the Goldmund range of speakers has an extremely consistent musical voice and quality. The only things that improve as you go up the range are the low frequency extension and maximum possible sound pressure levels.

Sonata is delighted to have been specifically chosen by Goldmund to represent their unique products in the UK and has recently exhibited the Prologos wireless speakers to great acclaim at this years’ London Design Festival.

UK Prices range from £5,000 to £400,000

 

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Sonus faber has introduced Il Cremonese, the latest creation from the Italian high end loudspeaker manufacturer which will join the Homage Collection in the Sonus faber catalogue. As the newest member of the Homage Collection, Il Cremonese shares many features of both form and function. A three-and-a-half way, floorstanding loudspeaker, Il Cremonese is the result of evolutionary product design, and the adaptation of technologies from the Lilium and other Sonus faber speaker projects. The name Il Cremonese is an homage to Antonio Stradivari, and one of his most famous violins, celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2015. First named after the original owner, and known since the 18th century as Joachim, Stradivari’s violin was renamed “Il Cremonese” in 1961 when it was selected as the first Stradivari to return to the city of Cremona as part of the permanent collection in the Museo del Violino. This is one of the most important instruments in the history of Italian violin making, thanks to its innovative design and proportions, the quality and the depth of sound, and the beautiful materials and finishes used to create it.Sf_Il Cremonese (6)

Many Sonus faber patents and technologies are implemented in Il Cremonese:

Stealth Reflex System – allowing for a reduction in the dimensions of the internal acoustic volume while providing distortion control, it utilises two orthogonal ports, one on the back for the midwoofer, and the other on the base, facing the floor, for the woofers and infrawoofers.

Z.V.T. (Zero Vibration Transmission) system – used for decoupling the speaker’s cabinet from the floor and the rest of the listening environment, this is implemented in a revolutionary way inside the floor spikes. This new system continues to use new, modern elastomers, and guarantees a further simplification in the construction and aesthetic lightness.

Upper and lower “Dampshelves” – two massive slabs of black brushed Avional, operating as mechanical energy dampers generated by Il Cremonese’s powerful drivers.

Staggered Low Frequencies Emission Technology” system – used for the first time since “the Sonus faber” project, it optimises the performance of the integrated infrawoofers.

The driver cones are designed entirely in-house, the tweeter is the Sonus faber Arrow Point DAD (Damped Apex Dome), the midrange is a Sonus faber M18 XTR-04, the woofers are the Sonus faber W18XTR-12 (a scaled-down version of the Lilium woofers), and the W22XTR-16 infrawoofers are a new project from the Arcugnano factory. The crossover network utilizes the innovative “Paracross topology” for superior results.Sf_Il Cremonese (5)

Il Cremonese is characterised by an innovative cabinet with five sides, a “Rhomboidal diamond design” which optimises the structural solidity of the wooden cabinets with a diamond shape Inspired by the shape of Lilium, Il Cremonese introduces clean lines and a, minimal, and sharp design. Sonus faber say ‘This new and atypical form represents an evolution towards technological and visual innovation, simultaneously maintaining the historic milestones that marked the history of violin making, as well as the history of the Sonus faber brand itself.’

Lacquered walnut wood, tempered glass, leather and brushed black aluminium are the materials used and Il Cremonese is available in the classical Sonus faber finishes of RED and WALNUT.Sf_Il Cremonese (2)

Il Cremonese will be available to non-US Sonus faber dealers and distributors in November 2015, and to US and Canadian dealers in early 2016. The suggested retail price is € 31250 pair (VAT not included).

 

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Meridian has announced that two new edition DSP loudspeakers are now ready to order.

The £6,000.00 DSP5200.2 and £17,000.00 DSP7200.2 loudspeakers take Meridian’s proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to a new high, with a series of new and improved technological innovations that deliver superior performance in many areas, says the company’s latest press release.DSP7200.2 - Colour Select

Both new models house not just smart processing, but also amplification, creating a complete audio system in a loudspeaker. Just add a music source, such as a CD player or smartphone, and enjoy. And to create ‘multi-room Meridian style’ connect the company’s £499.00 Media Source 200, which enables wireless control of networked music libraries, as well as brings dedicated iOS apps and Sooloos zone-controlling desktop software.

The key features and benefits of the Meridian DSP5200.2 and DSP7200.2 are:

  • Advanced, high-efficiency composite dome tweeter.
  • DSP active advantage – self-contained audio system with no amplification equipment needed.
  • Centre elevation adjustment technology delivered with Horizontal Centre version.
  • Advanced listener controls including bass, treble tilt, listening axis, volume, time-compensated balance and absolute phase.
  • Outstanding performance – three powerful, built in 75W amplifiers with DSP provide a maximum output level of 116dB at 1m.
  • On-board DSP provides thermal and dynamic bass protection – enables high-level use for prolonged periods of time.
  • Features Meridian’s proprietary Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology.
  • Multiple installation applications in home and marine environments enabled by Meridian’s unique Design and Specification Service.image006 (1)

 

UK Confirmed Recommended Retail Prices

DSP5200.2: RRP £6000.00/DSP5200*HC.2: RRP £3250.00

DSP7200.2: RRP £17000.00/DSP7200*HC.2: RRP £9,000.00

The standard colours are black and white piano lacquer finishes.

Meridian Select bespoke colour service is available at a 5% upcharge.

*HC denotes Centre Channel Digital Active Loudspeaker

 

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In 1973, the Audio Research SP3 was hailed as ‘the best preamplifier available’. The Reference Series from Audio Research was first introduced in 1995 and say Audio Research, ‘Has been the ultimate representation of performance, musicality and power.’ The Reference 6 is the latest preamplifier from the brand.Audi_Research-ref-6-news1

The Reference 6 is a solution to a need which arose after the creation of the Reference SE Series amplifiers. According to Warren Gehl, who is responsible for sonic development of all Audio Research products, the new series of Reference amplifiers offer ‘a level of musical and dynamic capability only made apparent when using the flagship, two-chassis Reference 10 preamplifier. Both preamplifiers of the Reference Series need the ability to provide the full benefit of this new sonic landscape. Increasing the tube count to six in the analogue section, and advancements in the power supply improved both macro- and micro-dynamics and lowered distortion. The Reference 6 also offers better bass control, relaxed purity and more dimensionality. Further improvements include a more grainless presentation, greater transparency, better speed, and more continuity across the musical spectrum. Quite simply, the Reference 6 improves upon its predecessor in every way for a more palpable and immediate musical performance.’Audio_research_ref_6_news2

Numerous elements – transformers, capacitors, wiring – are designs exclusive to Audio Research and the Reference 6. A completely new chassis has allowed a more beautiful aesthetic, but also provides more structural rigidity to assist in the dissipation of electrical and mechanical interferences. Six premium 6H30 tubes are now used in the audio circuit (increased from four tubes in the Reference 5SE) to provide an even quieter background and increased dynamic range. The tube-regulated power supply is also a new design. New circuit boards, circuit designs, and larger power transformer have been implemented to provide robustness and serviceability. A new volume control with finer step gradation and higher performance completes the system.
The first Reference 6 units, available in natural anodized aluminium with acrylic cover, will begin shipping in November.

 

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Tellurium Q, the UK based cable manufacturer got in touch with Hifi Pig to tell us all about their latest Ultra Silver Power cables.
In their press release they say that the new power cables have “Even cleaner, more focused and more agile sound than the multi award wining Black power cable, with more precise bass definition and top end. Equipment sounds like there is more headroom and energy in the music”.Ultra Silver Power Cable 3

As ever Tellurium Q are keeping absolute details about the design of the cables very close to their chests but say “New cable architecture, including enhanced double layered screening, have allowed a leap forward in performance”.Ultra Silver Power Cable 1

The cable will get its first public outing will be at the Windsor show on the UK 23rd October, Wessex room 5 in a system with the complementary new Silver Diamond cables.

RRP: £1680

 

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Introduced at Hi-End Munich in 2013, aria are a family of music servers designed for people for whom a powerful and easy-to-use music library management tool is crucial.  “aria servers series are the only ones on the market to support an unlimited number of extended metadata fields for any music genre” the company’s most recent press release tells us. Users can sort and view their music collection in multiple ways such as: albums from the romantic (Period) for piano (Instrument), played by Maurizio Pollini (Soloist).

aria piccolo music server

aria piccolo, is a ripper, streamer, multi-room player and DLNA server which has been designed for budget conscious users and sets a new reference in price/performance ratio for an all-in-one system. It incorporates a fanless design with ultra-low power consumption, so it can always be keep on and ready to play your favorite music. aria piccolo is available in the two storage configurations: 2TB HDD or 1TB SSD, additional capacity can be provided with an external HDD or a NAS. The model can also be specified without DAC or with an internal DAC supporting up to 32bits-384KHz and DSD256.

New for the aria piccolo is the support for Bluetooth 4.0, wifi 802.11.ac and a new semi-custom computer board from intel with a new powerful Celeron processor.

Its external optional DVD-R drive allows fully automatic ripping, providing fast rips and error-free data retrieval. It has “the best metadata retrievals on the market, thanks to automatic access to three premium databases: Rovi, GD3 and SonataDB, and two additional open access databases: FreeDB and Musicbrainz”.  Its optional built-in DAC supports the latest technologies such as DSD256 and up to 32bits-384KHz PCM (DXD) formats provide high resolution audiophile sound quality”.

aria piccolo music server

aria piccolo music server

On the software side, aria mini brings the unique extended metadata fields capability of DigiBit’s music server product line, error-free ripping, bit perfect retrieval, gapless playback and support for the most common digital audio formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, MP3 and AAC.

aria piccolo can play different music programs in different rooms by streaming to Airplay™ and DLNA™ compatible devices. You may also listen your music collection with headphones streamed to your control device. Furthermore, you can stream your favorite internet radio or music services available on your device to the aria piccolo server.

The free multilanguage iOS and Android apps that controls aria are extremely easy to use and very powerful with unique music library views, playlists management, intelligent search engine and tagging capability. The wide varieties of search parameters alone are unlike any other system currently known.

aria piccolo will ship worldwide on December 1st.  Price: from $1,895 in USA and from 1.665€ in Europe (VAT not included) with 2TB HDD and DVD-R drive for ripping, the DAC option adds $450 or 417€ (VAT not included) .

 

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Voxtok, designing high-end HiFi connected devices and solutions, and DiDiT High-End, specialising in creating high quality audio products, have announced their technological partnership to combine their experience, passion and R&D. didit

Voxtok will focus on providing its current and next range of products based on its Voxtok Music services and advanced software for audio and TV, along with its expertise in designing powerful processing electronic boards for embedded systems.

DiDiT High-End will be responsible for adding their knowledge on high quality audio, novel electronic design as well as hardware design.

The combined expertise of Voxtok and DiDiT High-End enables the delivery of “beautiful and innovative” media streaming devices.

Since its CES Honoree Award at the beginning of the year, Voxtok has pushed its AudioCapsule product to higher levels at every stage says the recent press release: “a simple but beautiful improved interface that can be accessed through all connected devices including TVs, state of the art Cloud services for simple backup, seamless integration of streaming and online services”. Everything is integrated in the Voxtok’s  electronic design.

From the first day we met with Voxtok we knew we found our soul brothers. We share the same drive, passion and ideals to do things differently. Together we will continue our quest in improving the musical experience. Together we will reinvent audio all over again!” said Rients Steenbeek, CEO of DiDiT High-End.

DiDiT’s team members have been commercially involved in the audio and electronics industry for many years, both for ODM/OEM as well as DiDiT branded products. This collaboration will bring DiDiT High-End’s low distortion and low noise technologies to Voxtok products which also incorporate DC coupled and advanced balanced designs.

We are thrilled about this partnership with DiDiT High-End” said Joel REBOUL, CEO of Voxtok. “Our goal is to offer the best possible music experience, and this partnership will clearly make our products stand out by combining the quality of DiDiT High-End electronic design with Voxtok’s advanced technologies and music services.”

Voxtok will showcase its AudioCapsule and Voxtok Music products at Festival Son et Image this October and at CES 2016 in Las Vegas.

 

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Triangle, the French loudspeaker manufacturer are to launch a new range of loudspeakers named Elara. Details of the new loudspeakers are scant at the moment but we do have some photographs of the new range for you to have a look at.

What we do know is that there will be four different models in the Elara range including two floorstanding speakers, a centre speaker and a standmount loudspeaker.

The Floorstanding LN07 is a 2.5 way bass reflex design with a sensitivity of 91dB. It will have a frequency range of 42Hz to 22kHz and an impedence of 8Ohm. Dimensions are 1056 x 198 x 313 cm.

ln07-1

The LN05 will again be a 2.5 way, bass reflex floorstander with a sensitivity of 90dB but is slightly smaller than the LM07 with the dimensions 921 x 165 x 263 cm.ln05-1

The LN02 is the centre channel speaker aimed at AV set ups and is a 2 way, bass reflex loudspeaker with a sensitivity of 89dB. Frequency response is 65Hz to 22kHz.

ln02-2

 

The final model in the new range from Triangle is the LN01, a 2 way bass reflex standmount (bookshelf) loudspeaker with a frequency response of 56Hz to 22kHz. It measures 291 x 165 x 291 cm.

Full details, along with pricing and availability will be published the second we have them.

 

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Arcam will be previewing their 2016 AVR range in Dallas this coming weekend, to coincide with the CEDIA 2015 Show. They will be showing (but not playing) samples at the Arcam Solo Event on Weds 4th November.

“These new AVR’s are quite simply, the highest performing AV receivers Arcam has ever made and some of the finest in the world” says the company’s latest press release.

The new Arcam AVRs are serious video & audiophile products that are equally at home with high-resolution surround or two-channel music.

ARCAM AVR850 £4200. The new champion AVR, top of Arcam’s range and with the power and performance of 7 channels of Class G Hi-Fi Amplification, combined with state-of-the-art 4k video and exceptional connectivity.

ARCAM AVR550 £2200. Most of the above, with a bit less power and Arcam’s finest conventional amplifiers. 

ARCAM SR250 £2500. A unique Stereo AV receiver. The power and performance of a High-end Class G Hi-Fi amplifier, with the connectivity of a world-class AV amp. Literally the best of both worlds for people who want great Hi-Fi and a new breed of Movie and TV sound.

Arcam of Cambridge: PREVIEW: SR250 unique stereo AV receiver. The power and performance of a Class G Hi-Fi amplifier. The connectivity of a word-class AV amp. Literally the best of both worlds.

Arcam of Cambridge: PREVIEW: SR250 unique stereo AV receiver. The power and performance of a Class G Hi-Fi amplifier. The connectivity of a word-class AV amp. Literally the best of both worlds.

All include:

  • 4K (UHD) video compatible including HD ULTRA upscaling
  • 7 x HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP2.2 – 3 HDMI outputs – ARC compatible
  • Auto setup with advanced  “Dirac Live for Arcam” room correction
  • Ethernet, RS232 and IR control for Custom Install
  • Free MusicLife iOS AV Streaming and Control app
  • Music networking including Spotify Connect
  • On board regulated power supply for rSeries digital input components

CLASS-G Amplifiers

The AVR850 and SR250 use Arcam’s u class G amplification, which allows the them to run in full class A for most of the time and then switch into class G for huge reserves of clean power. To hear what this delivers, just try a piece of music or a movie you thought you knew.

The 850 and 550 are 7.1 receivers and can implement Dolby Atmos brilliantly, in a typically used 5.1.2 channel cinema system. Arcam have chosen not to install and charge for multiple power channels that will probably never be used. For enthusiasts who want to implement full-fat 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos systems, Arcam will offer a matching 4 Channel Power amplifier in Spring 2016.

 

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The O2 will host its first ever blues festival next month as Prudential BluesFest arrives at the world’s number one music and entertainment venue for three days of incredible music featuring performances from over forty acts. Alongside a stellar line-up of ticketed evening shows, which include Grammy-winning blues-rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band, a superstar double bill from Van Morrison and Tom Jones, British blues stars Jo Harman and Matt Schofield, and the multi-million-selling Dave Matthews Band, this year’s event will also present a series of free daytime performances, making it one of London’s biggest’s free music festivals.Bluesfest Zelsh

Artists lined up to perform during the daytime include Georgie Fame, Marcus Bonfanti, Bernie Marsden, Chris Farlowe, Dr Feelgood, Jeremy Sassoon’s Ray Charles Project, Big Boy Bloater, The Bluejays, The Excitements, Ian Siegal Band, Laurence Jones, The Boom Band and many more. Full details below.

Also just announced is The ABC Of Blues & Soul, a celebration of legendary female blues and soul vocalists, which will open the festival at indigO2 on the evening of Friday November 6th. This is a ticketed show and will feature Mica Paris, Lisa Stansfield, and Imelda May backed by a full orchestra and performing classic hits from the likes of Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.

Bluesfest organisers have also just released some specially priced seats for the hugely anticipated Van Morrison and Tom Jones concert – fans will now be able to see this incredible double bill, which will see both artists performing full sets with their own bands, for only £45.

The festival is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2015 having gone from strength to strength since launching in 2011 with concerts at a range of small London venues including the 100 Club, Union Chapel and The Jazz Cafe.

Evening shows:

Friday November 6th: The ABC Of Blues & Soul feat. Imelda May, Lisa Stansfield and Mica Paris

Saturday November 7th: Dave Matthews Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jo Harman

Sunday November 8th: Tom Jones & Van Morrison, Matt Schofield

Free Daytime shows:

Saturday: Bernie Marsden, Laurence Jones, Big Joe Louis, Big Boy Bloater, The Boom Band, The Bluejays, The Excitements, Mudcats Blues Trio, Catfish, Paddy Milner, VerseChorusVerse, The Cold Heart Revue

Sunday: Chris Farlowe, Georgie Fame, Marcus Bonfanti, The Blues Band, Lauren Housley, Dr Feelgood, Ian Siegal Band, Jeremy Sassoon’s Ray Charles Project, Leftennant, Darrel Higham, Danny Toeman, Lisa Marini, Matt Woosey, Half Deaf Clatch, Mollie Marriott

Prudential BluesFest 2015 takes place at The O2 from 6th – 8th November.

 

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Bryston has announced the introduction of four compact analogue solutions for vinyl enthusiasts—three phono stage preamplifiers and a matching outboard power supply. These new small form factor devices join the BUC-1 (a digital to digital converter outputting asynchronous USB) and the BOT-1 (CD ripper and player for the Bryston digital music players) also constructed in the same compact chassis. The new phono preamplifiers all feature Bryston’s 20-year warranty and are expected to become available from authorized Bryston dealers in December, 2015.TZJe1kNsedgiKFe_c4CblEaGh53Kdk3YpGqkbeMagMo

In addition to a sustained interest in analogue records and related gear, consumer feedback on the look and practicality of Bryston’s first two compact devices was highly positive. “We have spoken to so many consumers out there who bought a quality A/V receiver and would now like to start playing records—but they have no phono stage,” explained Bryston VP James Tanner. “This lineup of analogue solutions addresses every possible need, delivering audiophile performance designed to fit on just about any A/V rack or shelf,” added Tanner. Bryston is also considering a DAC, power amplifier and preamplifier to complete the small chassis product line. sgGxN6Jk-9AJMwd8AG9S5oCDBCqcrSRC7mBRL_av8_0

Completed prototypes of the new phono preamplifiers will be on display at 2015 CEDIA, Booth 7018.

Technicalities

The Bryston small enclosure phono preamplifiers include the model BP-2 MM (for moving magnet cartridges), the BP-2 MM/MC (for moving coil and moving magnet cartridges) and the TF-2 step-up transformer (for low-output moving coil cartridges). Both the MM and the MM/MC units require an outboard power supply called the PS-3, also constructed in a matching small chassis. Bryston customers who currently own a BP-26 preamplifier with the MPS-2 power supply can use the MPS-2 (instead of the PS-3) with either compact phono stage. The TF-2 requires no outboard power supply. The BP-2 MM has four settings (100-400 pF) to match the output of any moving magnet cartridge, and the TF-2 can be ordered with either 20dB of gain (for cartridges less than 45Ω) or 31dB of gain (for cartridges less than 5Ω).HhYiaYvy0D462LQd1jZbmyn7ItwK_mAcWZjg7jGtcZA

Target MSRP Pricing: BP-2 MM $800, BP-2 MM/MC $1750, TF-2 $1500, PS-3 $1000

 

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Cabasse is launching the compact Surf loudspeakers for use with its Stream AMP, creating a complete audio system.

The 29cm high Surf is designed for a full and dynamic performance in rooms up to 25 m2 (270sq ft), with a soundstage that is said to be “incredibly stable and filled with realism”. When partnered with the DSP adaptive capabilities of the Cabasse Stream AMP, this bookshelf speaker can reproduce low frequencies down to 65Hz to an upper limit of 23kHz.SURF BLACK PAIR

The DEAP (Digital Enhancement of Acoustic Performance) DSP capability of Stream AMP allows the user to specify which Cabasse speakers are being used when setting up Stream AMP with the Cabasse Stream CONTROL app. Inputting the the model and telling the system whether they are placed in corners, against the wall or in free space the DSP, developed from the system employed in the company’s flagship products, ensures the sound remains consistent and optimal.

The tweeter diaphragm utilised in Surf was created by Cabasse for the latest version of the 3-way co-axial TC23, which is fitted to the flagship La Sphère (one of the world’s best speakers we think here at Hifi Pig) and L’Océan.SURF WHITE FRONT VIEW WG

The 13cm (5 in) driver unit contains a high excursion woofer, which is specifically designed by Cabasse for maximum mechanical rigidity and low frequency use. The voice coil, mounted on Kapton, is perfectly ventilated and has high power handling and excellent acceleration capabilities, producing a tight, fast and dynamic bass.

The measuring protocols used during development of the product in the Cabasse anechoic chamber take into account listening on axis and through 360° for perfect control of the directivity and global power output in keeping with the Cabasse HDSE principle (Homogeneous Distribution of the Sonic Energy).

Christophe Cabasse, marketing and sales director says, “The Surf speaker brings a whole range of benefits to the users, because for such a compact speaker it is capable of producing a similar sound quality to that heard on much larger products.” Christophe continues, “The generous frequency range from this bookshelf speaker and the DSP capability of the Stream AMP allows the purest possible sound when streaming from the network or internet. And of course Surf is also the perfect compact bookshelf speaker for use with a traditional hi-fi system with simply astonishing reproduction for the size of cabinet.”

Available in glossy black or white, the Surf speaker is sure to fit in any environment at a price of £379.

 

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Quad continues to mark its 79th year with the arrival of Artera, their new range of high-performance audio electronics. First to arrive are the Artera Play and Artera Stereo; the Play is a CD player, DAC and preamplifier combined in a single chassis, while the Stereo is a power amplifier sporting Quad’s famous Current Dumping technology.4158_Artera_Play_and_Stereo_(black)

Quad gave its team of designers and engineers a specific brief for Artera: “combine the qualities that have made Quad one of Britain’s most revered hifi marques for many decades with fresh industrial design and the very latest high-performance audio technologies”. To this end, Quad enlisted the help of Rodney Mead, the man responsible for the styling of many classic Quad products in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, to brainstorm design concepts that would lead to Artera.

Artera have a textured aluminium front panel, thick glass top and CNC-routed heat sinks on either side. The housing provides a rugged structure that resists interference from external vibrations, and the Artera Play’s fascia incorporates a touch-sensitive control.

Quad Artera Play 

At the heart of the Artera Play nestles the ESS Sabre32 9018; a 32-bit, eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC. This is Quad’s first component to utilise the ESS Sabre DAC, and external digital sources can benefit from it via a range of digital inputs. These include USB, with support for PCM data up to 32-bit/384kHz and also DSD64/128/256.4162_Artera_Play_(black)

For CD replay, a new slot-loading mechanism buffers data from the disc before feeding it asynchronously (in order to minimise ‘jitter’) to the DAC section. Four digital filter options enable users to tailor the Artera Play’s sound, with both CDs and external digital sources, to suit personal taste and the nature of the source material.4161_Artera_Play_(rear)

The Artera Play’s preamp section boasts a balanced Class A output stage. Two coaxial and two optical inputs cater for external digital sources alongside the USB input, with a pair of RCA phono inputs handling analogue sources. Analogue outputs are supplied in both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR varieties; a pair of digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and a 12V trigger output complete a comprehensive array of connectivity options.

Quad Artera Stereo 

This compact yet potent power amp sports the latest iteration of Quad’s famous Current Dumping topology, first introduced in the Quad 405 – one of the most lauded British audio components of all time and still the only amp design to have earned a Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement.

Current Dumping is essentially a method of marrying Class A amplification with the greater efficiency of Class AB. A high-quality, low-power Class A amplifier provides the signal quality, while a high-power current dumping section delivers the muscle to keep the speakers under control. These two amp circuits are combined via a network to impose the finesse of the Class A output onto the power of the current dumper.4171_Artera_Stereo_(black)

The Artera Stereo’s power output is conservatively rated at 140W per channel into eight ohms and 250W into four ohms, ensuring any speakers – including Quad’s classic ESL electrostatic designs – can be driven with ease. Connectivity options comprise single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs, a 12V trigger input and high-quality speaker binding posts.4168_Artera_Stereo_(rear)

Speaking about the inspiration behind Quad’s new Artera range, Peter Comeau, Director of Acoustic Design at Quad’s parent company IAG, commented:

“The traditional spirit of Quad has always been to cater for the latest developments in music storage and playback, whilst continually striving to meet the standards inherent in the company’s motto, ‘the closest approach to the original sound’. Thus, the Artera series of components includes full digital and analogue playback capabilities with the resolution and accuracy to replay all current and future high-resolution audio sources with the most musical presentation.

“However, today’s consumers are often bewildered and confused by the multiplicity of inputs and controls on modern hi-fi equipment. At Quad, we have never believed that you have to be a ‘hi-fi geek’ to be able to play music at the highest performance level. Artera therefore simplifies the user interface, leaving an uncluttered appearance that is welcoming to all users as well as looking beautiful in the home.”

The Artera Play and Artera Stereo are available now, with a choice of black or silver front panels and RRPs of £1,399.95 and £1,499.95 respectively.

 

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Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned British audio brand, introduced the original Zeppelin integrated speaker dock seven years ago. Keeping the recognisable silhouette, but with every element of the speaker redesigned, the are now introducing the Zeppelin Wireless. For Zeppelin Wireless the material and shape of the subwoofer has been altered with a larger 6-1/2” driver and an ultra-long voice coil to allow deep bass to be played at volume, while decoupled double-dome tweeters and FST midrange drivers produce clean, dynamic audio. A new reinforced cabinet has been designed with a front fascia 50% thicker than the previous version. Specially designed glass-fibre ribs strengthen the cabinet in order to produce sound that is free from vibration.B&W_zpplnwrlss_logodetail_FIN

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is twice as powerful as its predecessor and all inputs are upsampled to 24bit/192kHz resolution. Zeppelin Wireless includes Airplay, Bluetooth aptX and Spotify Connect. Control App has also been updated and is available via iOS, Android, Mac and PC.B&W__zppwrlss_frnt

The new Zeppelin Wireless is priced at USD $699.99 (in Canada $799.99) and is available online immediately and in retail locations by Oct. 15th.

 

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Bryston has announced today the introduction of the BDA-3 digital to analogue converter (DAC), the company’s highest resolution DAC to date. Target MSRP for the BDA-3 is $3495 USD with a delivery date to authorised dealers of November 1st, 2015. BDA3-1a

The Bryston BDA-3 is different from prior Bryston DAC’s in that it adds DSD playback. The BDA-3 can decode up to DSD-256 through the asynchronous USB inputs and has the capability to accept SACD input via HDMI. For maximum flexibility, the BDA-3 has ten discreet inputs including four 2-channel HDMI, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. It also includes Bryston’s network module, which facilitates control via TCP/IP and RS-232.BDA3-2a

The Bryston BDA-3 utilizes a brand new decoding chipset that can decode up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM music and up to DSDx4 natively. Each format is processed in its native resolution. Additionally, Bryston’s re-clocking circuit reduces jitter to “nearly immeasurable levels”. Bryston’s proprietary analogue section is completely free of integrated circuits (ICs).BDA3-rear 29

“High performance and versatility were the benchmarks that we established for the BDA-3 when we began working on the design,” commented Bryston CEO Chris Russell. “We wanted to create the ultimate DAC for traditional audiophiles as well as those enthusiasts using a computer-based system. The USB and HDMI interfaces deliver the extremely high bit rate that consumers demand while ensuring compatibility with high-performance computer-based music playback systems and combination stereo and multi-channel theater systems. With our vast array of available inputs, the BDA-3 is compatible with just about any digital source, enabling enthusiasts with older SACD or universal players to benefit from the performance of this advanced new DAC,” Russell concluded.

 

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Hifi Pig saw this dem’ at Munich and were really impressed with the measured bump. However our video was terrible and this new corporate video from Townshend is much clearer at explaining dem and what it is supposed to do to kit.
Obviously we can’t comment on whether the claimed improvements in sound quality are correct, but rest assured we will be reviewing them very shortly for Hifi Pig.

 

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The first Gold Note Audio Rack is called GALILEO in honour to the Florentine genius born in the middle of 1500, probably the most illuminated physician, mathematician, astronomer and engineer of the 2° Millennium.image-7

GALILEO Rack design combines several different details derived from Gold Note turntables, the Bellagio Conquest and the Mediterraneo and designed to offer both dampening and a beautiful unique design.image-10

The rack’s anti-seismic design of the shelves, made of a triple layer solid Italian walnut wood interfaced with a 3mm stainless steel layer held together by 16 stainless bolts giving a total thickness of 45mm and weighing 25 kilos per module.

The Galileo shelf dimension is 700x650mm and can handle 100kilos units each.

Galileo is offered with solid, finely machined aluminium hourglass feet with giant interfacing Bronze inserts.

The foot is recessed 10mm into the wooden shelf and they are coupled to each other with a 30x48mm giant Bronze threaded insert.

Galileo is a fully modular design audio rack allowing any custom design system starting from a single shelf rack.

 

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CanJam 2015 had visitors vote for their favourite products of the show, for the first time, in six categories. The planar magnetic Oppo PM-3 was voted best portable headphone of the show, the open-back AKG K812 won best home headphone. The brand-new Lehmann Audio Linear D, which had its premier at CanJam Europe, was awarded best headphone amplifier. Mobile DACs Chord Hugo and Oppo HA-2 share laurels for best source. AudioQuest’s new JitterBug USB noise filter dominated the category “best accessories” while Shure impressed visitors of CanJam Europe 2015 as best exhibitor overall.CanJam_Siegel_BestofShow

Approximately 1,400 visitors attended CanJam Europe 2015 on September 26th and 27th to try and compare literally hundreds of headphones, sources, amps and other accessories and to partake in seminars and workshops. Compared to the 1,100 visitors in 2014, this means growth of 27 percent. A total of 112 brands exhibited at CanJam Europe 2015, up from exactly 80 in 2014 (+40 percent). To meet growing demand, the exhibition floor grew to 2,000 sqm.

“Visitors’ and exhibitors’ feedback to the show is downright positive,” stresses Juliane Thümmel of organizing company Kommunikation mit Strategie. “The constant growth is proof that even such a special-interest topic deserves its own event.” CanJam Europe doesn’t just grow in numbers each year, but also in its international appeal. As proven by the fact that visitors came from as far away as the UK in the West to Romania in the East, from Sweden in the North to Italy in the South; exhibitors flew in from as far away as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and the USA.
“We’re looking forward each year to CanJam Europe, because there’s no other show where manufacturers, retailers, competitors and enthusiasts meet on such a level playing field to experience personal audio gear, exchange news and ideas and make new contacts.”, Marco Rämisch of earphone manufacturer “InEar” says. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Jürgen Buxbaum of German university Hochschule Niederrhein adds: “The respect and acceptance that we experienced at CanJam Europe for our university project from both business insiders and enthusiasts has blown us away. We have picked up many new ideas from excellent discussions which will help us turn our prototype into a mass-produced headphone, that will look as good as it will sound.”
Planning for the 2016 event is already under way.

 

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In the belief that “ the joy of music is only found in ‘Real-Sound’”, SPEC have been developing and marketing high-end audio products with the wish of “communicating and sharing the sensations and also the excitement of their “Real-Sound” music with their customers”.

Established on 6 January 2010 they are based in Tokyo with Syuzou Ishimi at the helm as the SPEC President.RSP-501EX_perspective

Nu Nu Distribution got in touch to tell us that they are now distributing the RSP-501 “Real-Sound” Processor which they say will help bring out the full potential of your amplifier and speakers, delivering realistic sound full of musicality.

“When the music is playing back on any audio systems, generally the counter-electromotive force always occurs in the voice coil of the speaker unit, due to the changes in amplifier output over time. And this counter-electromotive current returns to the amp via the speaker cord, which can make it difficult to drive the speaker in accordance with the input current”. The RSP-501EX aims to absorb some counter-electromotive current and reduce the fluctuations in speaker impedance characteristics, particularly in the mid to high ranges. And NuNu say this can help make it possible to drive the speaker more faithfully, helping to improve the sound resolution and the start-up also reproduces opposing natural resonances. Above all they say that you may find the deep, rich and fascinating tonal characters you have never experienced with RSP-501EX from your favourite audio system.RSP-501EX_pear

The unit is suitable for speakers with an impedence of 10 Ohms or lower and amps with an output of 1kW or lower. Each package contains two units, a polishing cloth and the instruction manual.

Price is £495 including VAT with NuNu adding that the effects of the RSP-501EX   will differ depending on your speaker system and the amplifier used with it.

 

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B &O are saying they like to think of the BeoLab 90 “as the future of sound”.

The BeoLab 90 celebrates 90years of the company and will cost a whopping £54 000  if reports are correct. They have an eye-watering 8200 watts per speaker (supplied by 14 channels of ICEpower amps….plus another 4 Class D amps) and  weigh in at a back-breaking 137 kilos each with the solid aluminium structure accounting  for 65 kilos of this.beolab90

Each speaker has 18 speaker drivers and the company’s mission was to “Create the perfect sound for the home, no matter what the circumstances”.

BeoLab 90 will include the company’s Active Room Compensation technology where they say “the sound will not be affected by resonances in your room and boundary effects from your walls, nor by your furniture, the placement of the speakers or where you’re placed” with the listener controlling the width and direction of the sound with Beam Width Technology…all from the remote or app, with users being able to save presets.

Inputs

Analogue (Master speaker)

Digital (Master speaker)

  • Power Link
  • RCA
  • XLR (fully balanced)
  • USB Audio (24 bit / 192 kHz)
  • S/P-DIF (24 bit / 192 kHz)
  • TOSLINK (24 bit / 96 kHz)

Wireless (Master and Slave speaker)

Digital (Master and Slave speaker)

  • Wireless Power Link (24 bit / 48 kHz)
  • WiSA (24 bit / 96 kHz)
  • Digital Power Link (24 bit / 192 kHz)

Speaker drivers

Tweeter 7 x Scan-Speak Illuminator 30 mm

Midrange 7 x Scan-Speak Illuminator 86 mm

Woofer 3 x Scan-Speak Discovery 212 mm

Front Woofer 1 x Scan-Speak Revelator 260 mm

Amplifiers (custom designed for BeoLab 90)

For tweeters 7 x Bang & Olufsen ICEpower AM300-X

For midranges 7 x Bang & Olufsen ICEpower AM300-X

For woofers 3 x Heliox AM1000-1

For front woofer 1 x Heliox AM1000-1

Digital Signal Processor

DSP type

2 x Analog Devices ADSP-21489 – 450 MHz

Sampling rate

192 kHz fixed

These will be available from the 17th of November 2015

 

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Now on sale in the UK – Gibson Innovations presents the Philips BM5, the first product on the new Izzy multi-room platform.

Izzy combines the easy connection of Bluetooth with the robust networking and audio quality of Wi-Fi all at the push of a single button.

Just connect to one speaker via Bluetooth, and Izzylink will do the rest – no Wi-Fi router connection or passwords required. Izzy will automatically find and connect to all Izzy products in the home, so you can stream throughout, from room-to-room.

Philips Izzy allows you to listen to all the music from your favorite apps – with no restrictions – from any smartphone or tablet.

Philips Izzy BM5 BM5_speaker

The compact multi-room Philips Izzy BM5 speaker has a simple user interface, attractive design and is available in two different colors.

The BM5 connects easily to your playback device using a Bluetooth connection and is equipped with two 2.5” full-range drivers and  integrated bass port.

Each individual speaker can be used either alone or paired with up to four other Izzy speakers by pressing the ‘Group’ button. No apps and no passwords are needed, so the BM5s can be used straight out of the box.

Further products featuring the Izzylink technology will follow including the BM50 CD+ flat micro allowing consumers to steam radio and CD through their other Izzy speakers.

The Philips Izzy BM5 is priced at £99.99

 

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Bryston has announced today the introduction of the Model T Cinema reference home theatre in-wall loudspeaker. By leveraging key design cues from the flagship Model T floor-standing loudspeaker, Bryston has developed what they are saying is a “highly capable architectural speaker system for dedicated home theatre rooms”.MT-Inwall 1

In order to achieve the desired performance goals from an in-wall speaker system, Bryston employed seven drivers in a three-way configuration capable of up to 120dB of output without dynamic compression. Bryston has placed the drivers on a robust baffle slightly forward of the wall’s surface, enabling the Model T Cinema to deliver a “more realistic soundstage, precise imaging and superb dynamic capabilities”.

“The Model T Cinema is a sealed design featuring an inert 1 ½-inch thick front baffle and solid ¾-inch back-boxes to ensure superb midrange and high-frequency detail along with unwavering control in the bass region while minimizing transmission of sound into other rooms,” explained Bryston’s James Tanner. “Our engineering team is working on compatible products such as an in-wall Cinema center, surrounds and subwoofers, providing theater designers and professional integrators with a complete in-wall system only available through authorized Bryston dealers,” said Tanner. All Bryston Cinema loudspeakers are covered by the company’s 20-year warranty.

 

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Amplifier Technologies Inc, has added a new series of amplifiers designed by their president and chief engineer, Morris Kessler.  The 4000 series amplifiers, available with 2 to 7 channels, share the design philosophy and circuit sophistication of ATI’s award-winning 6000 Series amps with power output reduced to 200W RMS per channel at 8 ohms and 300 W RMS at 4 ohms. This “signature series” comes complete with a facsimile of Kessler’s signature on the main panel. Beyond Kessler’s personal identification, these amplifiers share these key features with the 6000 Series Signature amps:

1. Fully balanced, differential amplifier design with two output stages per channel but with only a single input stage.  The advantages of balanced designs are retained and noise is further reduced by 50%.

2. Current feedback instead of the more common voltage feedback because ATI feel that current feedback amplifiers are faster with virtually unlimited slew rate and are better able to reproduce today’s best music and film.

3.Thermaltrak output devices:  Unlike traditional designs where external diodes attached to the heat sink track the amplifiers operating conditions to adjust bias, Thermaltrak devices have the diodes in the same package as the transistors so bias is optimised in real-time.

4. Dual DC servos per channel to control DC offset.

5. Dual toroidal transformers with independent secondary windings.  Electrically, each amplifier channel has its own transformer. 

All the amplifiers in the 4000 series are rated at 200 Watts RMS from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more that 0.03% THD at 8 ohms with all channels driven and 300 Watts RMS at 4 ohms under the same conditions.  Signal-to-noise ratio is typically 126 dB referenced to full output so each amplifier in the series is capable of playing back the full dynamic range available on today’s lossless recordings.at4000_ATI_Signature

Pricing:                                                               MSRP

AT4002 Stereo Signature Amplifier                       $2,995.00

AT4003 3-channel Signature Amplifier                   $3,595.00

AT4004 4-channel Signature Amplifier                   $4,195.00

AT4005 5-channel Signature Amplifier                   $4,795.00

AT4006 6-channel Signature Amplifier                   $5,395.00

AT4007 7-channel Signature Amplifier                   $5,995.00

All ATI amplifiers are available in standard (17”) and rack-mount (19”) chassis with domestic (117V) of Export (220 to 240V) chassis and are covered by ATI’s 7-year transferable warranty. Dimensions (H, W, D):  7 7/8” x 17 ¼” x 17” (200 x 438 x 432 mm); Handles protrude 1 ¾ (44.5 mm); Add 1 ¼” (32 mm) for input/output jacks.

 

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