New Optoma In-Ear Headphones

06. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Optoma has expanded its range of in-ear headphones with its NuForce BE6 – a wireless model.

The BE6 “is the only Bluetooth® in-ear headphones to be fully crafted from aluminium”, and they feature Bluetooth with aptX® and AAC compatibility.BE6-100-1

The BE6 earphones can play music and take phone calls continuously for up to six hours and are equipped with an in-line remote control that can skip tracks, engage Siri or Google Voice and activate the Bluetooth pairing mode.  Each set of earphones is equipped with a carrying pouch, cable clip and silicone ear stabilizers for a secure fit during outdoor activities or sports.

Justin Halls, Head of Product Marketing at Optoma, said: “After comparing products on the market, we found that many had an uncomfortable fit as well as poor sound quality. We created the BE6 in-ear headphones to address these issues and design a product that is perfect for casual, on-the-go listening, yet maintains the sound quality traditionally achieved from wired headphones.”

 

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Cambridge G5 Wireless Speaker

06. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Cambridge Audio will seek to introduce new standards for audio performance, build quality and battery life to the premium Bluetooth speaker market with the introduction of the new G5 wireless speaker – available now, online and instore, priced at £229.

The G5 has an “elegant metal and leather exterior, superb sound quality and amazing battery life” says the company’s recent press release.header-gold

The use of a special stiff and inert composite material, extensive internal bracing and each driver mounted in its own dedicated sealed compartment ensures a “rattle free, crystal clear performance even at high volumes”.

Bluetooth (apt-X and AAC) allows using your phone or tablet, from apps or streaming. The unit is 121mm X 270mm x 55mm HxWxD and features 2 x 30mm mid/high drivers and a dedicated 60mm subwoofer plus two passive auxiliary bass radiators. Sound quality further benefits from Cambridge’s approach to volume control, where rather than simply cutting signal and creating ‘pumping’ or compression artefacts, the G5 has a different EQ setting for each and every volume step.

The G5 battery will last for 14 hours at the higher ‘Party’ Level (73db @ 1M) and well over 20 hours at the more normal ‘ambient’ level (70db) from a single battery charge. You can also charge your portable devices (phones, tablets etc.) via the G5 using the convenient USB port on the back of the product.

Available in champagne and white leather or gun metal and black leather, the G5 will beautifully fit into any environment, outside or inside, wherever you wish to take your music.

 

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New 10 Driver IEMS From Noble

01. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Noble Audio is launching a new aluminium-chassis 10-driver IEM: the Kaiser 10U aluminium (£999). Due to debut at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2015 (October 02nd – 04th) in Denver, Colorado, the K10U aluminium is a new universal-fit IEM using Noble’s 10-driver flagship configuration, as used in its top-performing IEMs and CIEMs.K10U_7 lean

 

Noble’s aluminium IEMs are no ordinary IEMs: they have been designed and manufactured in conjunction with experts in California whose clients include Louis Vuitton, Dior, Marc Newson and Holly Hunt. Despite this advanced level of engineering and construction, the new K10U aluminium will not see any price premium over its acrylic predecessor, remaining at just £999!

 

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Hifi Pig Extra September Edition is Out and it’s FREE

01. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

The latest of Hifi Pig Extra is out and ready for you to download…AND IT’S FREE. It’s a fab issue with loads of reviews, loads of music reviews, live music, great columnists, a great Readers’ Lives article that follows a father and son through their audiophile journey, Forever Changes by Love is the Classic Album and there’s a Behind The Brands Interview with Frederick Davies.HOOKERSFRONT

Download Now !

Take closer look at what’s in this month’s Hifi Pig Extra…  More »

Free Tidal With AURALiC Aries Mini

01. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

AURALiC is now significantly extending the potential user base for music streaming by introducing the all-in-one ARIES MINI.

The ARIES MINI offers wireless streaming, including Quad-Rate DSD/DXD, a built-in DAC, plus new connectivity to a much broader market of consumers  — the millions of music lovers with stereo & A/V receiver-based or powered speaker-based audio systems — not just Audiophiles. The highly compact unit, with its built-in DAC and analog/digital outputs, shares most software and hardware functions with the original ARIES, plus Bluetooth, at a fraction of the latter’s cost. ARIES+MINI_IMG_4257

Priced at only $549, the ARIES MINI also comes with a free one-year subscription to TIDAL HiFi’s® Lossless music library of 35 million tracks — a $240 value. [U.S. and Canada sales, only]

Music may live on a computer, on the Internet or in the Cloud — even an SSD/HDD installable inside the ARIES MINI. A USB input allows playing from HDDs and thumbdrives.

“The ARIES MINI begins a new and evolutionary era for the future of the audio industry,” said Xuanqian Wang, President and CEO of AURALIC LIMITED. “We intentionally set the retail price at an extremely affordable entry point to offer everyone an opportunity to enjoy the convenience and Studio Quality music that modern technology can bring to all. 

“Digital audio is changing very fast. The digital audio component is becoming a software-driven product, rather than a static piece of hardware out of a box. Manufactures can add new features, functionalities, ease of use and improve the sound quality by software updates — and it will be almost transparent and extremely beneficial for customers. In the future, you will no longer be buying a “box” or static piece of hardware. 

“That is perhaps the most important transition or “education” that consumers have to appreciate about what is going on in the audio industry today. And I’m referring not only to ‘Audiophiles’, but anyone who loves to listen to music. It’s the latter group that will drive our industry’s growth. We want both segments of the market to benefit from our work.”

Set-up is said to be extremely easy and uncomplicated, and with its built-in ESS Sabre DAC chip, analogue and digital outputs, and optional 2.5” hard drive slot for anyone who doesn’t want to invest in a dedicated DSD DAC and/or NAS drive, it represents an extremely simple way of adding high-resolution music, or accessing one’s own music library, for the millions of existing stereo and AV receiver-based audio systems.ARIES+MINI_IMG_4277

For those users wishing to access music stored on their PC/Mac or NAS, AURALiC’s iPad app uniquely offers simple, step-by-step setup directions. (iPhone app to come very soon.) The App also supports Songcast, a music distribution service that allows users to map computer’s sound to any Lightning-equipped system and to map sound between different Lightning systems in the house and streaming sound though AirPlay. AURALiC also added Bluetooth support to ARIES MINI, enabling it to access other streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora, and SoundCloud from mobile device or PC/Mac.

The ARIES MINI is an elegantly sleek, minimalist device, befitting its usage by the average music lover or “Lifestyle” customer, measuring a mere 5.3” W x 5.3” D and 1.1” H [13.5cm x 13.5cm x 2.8cm], and weights 1.1 lbs. [without HD]. Despite its very compact size, there is also internal space for music storage. This is user-installable, and AURALiC may also offer the ARIES MINI with a factory-installed SSD at additional cost.

It is available in both white and black finishes.

It is powered by AURALiC’s proprietary Tesla hardware platform that includes a Quad-Core ARM Coretex-A9 processor running at 1GHz, 512MB DDR3 onboard memory and 4GB internal storage. The Tesla platform has a calculation ability of 25,000 MIPS, more than enough to decode a vast spectrum of audio formats, including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA.

By using OpenHome structure which is adopted by U.K.-based streaming solution manufacturer Linn, the ARIES MINI, as well as all other Lightning based products, supports advanced functions such as on-device playlist that allow control software to turn off during play and complete supporting of multi-room, multiple control points — functions that are not part of the legacy standards of the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

The ARIES MINI is also compatible with other OpenHome and uPnP AV based control software such as Linn Kinsky and BubbleDS, although those software do not support most of Lightning DS App’s advanced functions such as the online streaming and hardware settings.

Outputs are: high quality analogue RCA jacks, Coaxial and TOSLINK, and USB 2.0 High-Speed for compatible DACs. Inputs are: RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, High-Speed USB 2.0, and Tri-Band WiFi.

The USB and analogue outputs can deliver PCM from 44.1 to 384 KHz at 16-, 24- and 32-bit resolutions as well as the latest Quad-Rate DSD and DXD for compatible USB DACs. The other digital outputs are limited to 192 KHz at 24-bit in maximum according to S/PDIF standard.

 

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Audeze “The King” Headphone Amp

01. October 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Audeze is introducing new products at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, October 2nd through the 4th at the Marriott Denver Tech Center, CanJam Booth C23.

It began when the Audeze team met the legendary electronics designer Bascom King in his design lab. Bascom has designed amplifiers for Infinity, Marantz, Constellation Audio, PS Audio and others. He demoed a prototype headphone amplifier that incorporated elements of all he’s learned over the years. “Even in prototype form it was The King was the best headphone amp we ever heard, and we’ve heard just about everything,” said Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram. “We were so excited that we signed Bascom on the spot to continue developing the new amplifier exclusively for Audeze. It sounds even better in its production form.”qudewe8the8king

The King is a two-stage hybrid design featuring a pair of twin triode tube inputs (E88CCs), a differential P-MOSFET driver and MOSFET output devices. It uses NPN MOSFET output devices delivering perfect device matching for faster response times, far better than typical PNP/NPN output designs. The King’s symmetrical circuits won’t ring at high frequencies keeping it very stable, it’s servo-DC-coupled, and will offer years of trouble-free, adjustment-free use.

“We also wanted to offer a great price to those Audeze fans who’ve supported us as a way of saying thanks,” explained Mark Cohen, VP Sales. “It is not just about money to manufacture the Bascom King amplifier, we’ve already paid for all the development. The big news is we can ship in about 8 weeks. Since R&D is already done there is no risk to the customer, they’re not buying an experiment,” he continued.

The retail price of The King is set at $3,995 USD. Audeze is offering it through Indiegogo for 30 days only at $2,950. But the first 10 buyers get an even better deal, only $2,750 with shipping beginning in December.

 

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Pass Labs New Integrated Amps

30. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Pass Laboratories, Inc. is demonstrating the most powerful of its two new integrated amplifiers, the INT-250 and INT-60, at the 2015 RMAF.

The INT-60 features the same power supply and output stages, along with the iconic glowing meter, as found on Pass Labs’ Point 8 amplifiers. The new model features Direct Access buttons for the four inputs on the faceplate, a digital level display, plus a Volume Control knob and Mute button. On the back are four line-level inputs, a line-level output, and two pairs of Furutech speaker binding posts.PQss8INT

The new INT-250 ups the wattage from the INT-150’s 150 watts to 250 watts per channel.

Price: INT-60 ($9,000) and INT-250 ($12,000)

The INT-250 can be seen in Tower Room 1021 during the 2015 RMAF.

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Aurender USB to SPDIF Converter

30. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Aurender introduces the new UC100 as an accessory for Aurender Music Server models that only provide a USB digital output.

It is a USB Asynchronous Audio 2.0 to SPDIF converter developed to allow for the interface of current (and earlier) Aurender servers N100 / N100H / X100L to DACs that do not provide a USB input.Aurender_spdif_converter

Additionally, the UC100 can allow Aurender Music Servers to interface with active loudspeaker systems that incorporate built-in amplifiers, DSP and DACs. In this application running a Coaxial cable to the loudspeakers from the UC100 is required.

The UC100’s input is High-Speed USB 2.0; output is SPDIF (Coaxial RCA 75 Ohms). Supported word lengths: Up to 24-bit; Supported sampling rates: Up to 192 Khz. Supported DSD: DSD64 supported with DoP.

The machined aluminium case measures 5.7” L x 1.18” H x 2.12 W. Suggested Retail Price is $499.00. Availability: November.

 

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Aurender Introduces N10 Caching Music Server/ Player

30. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Aurender introduces the N10 Caching Music Server/Player. Designed to be used with high performance digital-to-analogue converters, the Aurender N10 is the only Music Player to support on-the-fly precision DSD to PCM on SPDIF and AES/EBU outputs with user-selectable choice of 88.2 or 176.4 output sampling rate says the company’s press release so you can enjoy DSD files even if your DAC isn’t capable of native DSD playback.Qurender8nezs2

There’s 4TB of (2TB x 2) internal hard disk space and a 240GB solid-state drive cache for playback.

The Aurender N10 is equipped with various SPDIF outputs (BNC, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical) and one dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output. For network connectivity and file transfers, the N10 comes with one a Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 data ports.Qurender_dsd

More advanced Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) for the greatest jitter reduction. OCXOs are among the most accurate and stable clocks in use today, and are orders of magnitude more accurate and stable than commonly used ordinary crystal oscillators usually found in computers the company say. Temperature changes cause crystal oscillations to fluctuate, which can lead to jitter in the digital audio signal. Moreover, ordinary crystals are much less stable and lose accuracy over time. In OCXO clocks, a very stable, high-grade crystal oscillator is enclosed in a compartment and kept at a constant temperature to prevent jitter from temperature fluctuations. In conjunction with the OCXO is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based All-Digital Phase-Locked Loop system precisely times the digital data transmission reducing jitter to near immeasurable levels.

Aurender’s Conductor App turns an iPad or Android (Lite Version) into a versatile user interface for Aurender Music Server/Players. All settings and functions of the Aurender Server/Music Player can be accessed through the Settings menu, and the Aurender App comes with extensive features to make managing, viewing and playing high-resolution music collections — including TIDAL.

Sending a Remote Support Request through the Aurender App allows the company’s engineers to quickly diagnose and fix problems over the Internet.

Available in silver or black finishes, the N10 measures 16.93” W x 3.27” H x 13.9” D. Available now, the N10’s Suggest Retail Price is $7,999.

 

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Naim Adds TIDAL And Offers a 90 Day Free Trial

30. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

Naim announced today, that following an extensive beta test, it is releasing Firmware updates on October 6th enabling TIDAL lossless streaming together with a host of other new features and improvements.

Streamer Firmware Version 4.3 will enable native support for TIDAL on Naim’s all-in-one players, network players and streaming preamplifiers.Naim_tidal_news

Mu-so Firmware Version 1.3 will enable native support for TIDAL on Mu-so wireless music systems alongside support for gapless playback, Seek2Time via the Naim app, a new alarm clock feature and multiroom master capability.

A necessary update to the Naim App for iOS and Android will be released to coincide with these new firmware updates.

 

A free 90-day TIDAL trial will allow all Naim owners to experience the convenience and quality of lossless streaming.

Using the Naim App for iOS and Android devices, the user will now be able to select TIDAL as an input from the home screen. This will then give full access to the TIDAL library of millions of songs in lossless CD quality.

Full release information

Firmware Version 4.3
Compatible with: UnitiQute*, UnitiQute 2, NaimUniti*, NaimUniti 2, SuperUniti, NDS, NDX*, ND5 XS, NAC-N 272, NAC-N 172 XS
 – Available to download from Naim website

What’s new?

  • Support for TIDAL lossless streaming service
  • Update to clock and alarm feature – user now has the option to set product to adjust for DST (Daylight 
Saving Time) automatically or manually
  • Improvements to IGMP protocol to enhance product discovery
  • Other minor bug fixes and performance improvements

Firmware Version 1.3
Compatible with: Mu-so
Release date: 22/09/2015 at 11am (BST) – Available from Naim app for iOS and Android

What’s new? 


  • Support for TIDAL streaming service
  • Support for full Multiroom capability – Mu-so may now be the ‘Master’ streamer
  • Alarm clock feature added with choice of automatic or manual DST (Daylight Saving Time) setting
  • Gapless playback support
  • Seek2Time to search through tracks using scroll bar on the Naim App
  • Support for high-res HLS format used by BBC Radio stations
  • Support for playback of 32bit audio files
  • Other minor bug fixes and performance improvements

Owners of early UnitiQute, Naim Uniti or NDX units where the owners has not chosen to upgrade to the 24/192 streaming board will need to upgrade to be able to take advantage of TIDAL streaming.

 

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Russ Andrews Enters USA Market

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

After a successful soft launch in November 2014, Russ Andrews USA, online supplier of hi-fi and home theatre accessories, is using the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest to unveil its full product line and customer offering as it expands its business in the important USA hi-fi market.RA-100

Situated in room 2009 and in the Lobby area of the hotel, Russ Andrews will be displaying its range of products, including power cables, power conditioners, accessories and Kimber Kable. The company’s senior management team of Russ Andrews – chairman, Rohan Andrews – president Russ Andrews USA and John Armer – managing director Russ Andrews UK, will be present and look forward to introducing themselves to the US audiophile customers and journalist community.

The Russ Andrews philosophy is very much centred on the importance of getting the system infrastructure right in order to get the maximum performance benefit from the equipment. As such Russ Andrews will be demonstrating this throughout the show by upgrading a simple, low cost hi-fi system. Purchased on ebay for around $500, the Arcam CD and amplifier and Focal speakers will be enhanced by the addition of $1093 of Russ Andrews and Kimber products (2 x RA-100 power cables, 1 pair of Kimber Timbre interconnects and Kimber 4PR speaker cable) to clearly demonstrate why it is so important to pay attention to the power supply and cables used.

Rohan Andrews says, “I am very pleased to announce that Russ Andrews USA will be exhibiting at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest and would like to invite you to visit our room, meet the team, experience the Russ Andrews range of products and be the first to get a sneak preview of a new range of cables co-developed by Russ Andrews and Kimber Kable. We all look forward to seeing you in Denver.”

 

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sOTM sDP-1000EX DAC/Preamplifier

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: , ,

sDP-1000EX from sOTM Audio is a high-end D/A converter and pre-amplifier with a USB audio function which supports DSD playback and has a battery power supply. 

USB audio uses an asynchronous mode to connect the digital audio source device such as a PC. It can playback a 32 bit/192KHz PCM signal (maximum) and DSD signal. In addition, the sound quality from the input source can be improved by the specially designed high performance clock and 32 bit up-sampler circuit.

All audio circuit parts including the DAC and preamplifier volume control are fully balanced circuits.  Not a single coupling capacitor is used in the audio signal path.sDP-1000_Front-e1418872157602

It has two battery packs installed, with one battery providing power whilst the other charges and switches between these functions automatically, so there is no additional work needed once it’s connected to a power supply for charging the battery. The sDP-1000EX will work continuously via battery power only.sDP-1000_Rear-e1418872178836

Features

SB input

USB specification 2.0 or higher

USB audio class 2.0

32bit/192KHz PCM & DSD playback

Native ASIO support

Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU input

Max bit-depth : 24bit

Sampling rate : 32KHz, 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz, 176.4KHz, 192KHz

Impedance

Coaxial, BNC : 75Ω

AES/EBU : 110Ω

Balanced input

Max input voltage : 4 Vrms

Input impedance : > 10kΩ

Frequency range : 20~20KHz @ ±0.1dB

Unbalanced input

Max input voltage : 4 Vrms

Input impedance : > 10kΩ

Frequency range : 20~20KHz @ ±0.1dB

Balanced output

Output voltage at 0dB : 3.8 Vrms ±5%

Output impedance : 47Ω ±5%

Frequency range : 20~20KHz @ ±0.1dB

THD : < 0.003% @ 1KHz, 0dB

Unbalanced output

Output voltage at 0dB : 3.8 Vrms ±5%

Output impedance : 47Ω ±5%

Frequency range : 20~20KHz @ ±0.1dB

THD : < 0.003% @ 1KHz, 0dB

Volume control

Setting range : -75 ~ +10dB, 0.5dB step

 

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Bryston To Offer Target Stands

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Originally founded in 1981, Target Audio is a newly formed company now based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Target pioneered the concept of high mass, high rigidity loudspeaker stands. Weighing up to 39 pounds (18 kgs.) per stand, Target products are manufactured in North America and each stand is constructed of hot-rolled steel, bolts securely together and is finished in a rugged yet attractive powder coat.TaRGET_speaker_stands

Target offers four lines of increasingly robust stands designed for compatibility with virtually all shelf and stand-mount loudspeakers — the FS Series (Firm Stand), the HS Series (Heavy Stand), the HR Series (High Rigidity) and the MR Series (Maximum Rigidity) — each series offered in 20, 24 and 28-inch heights. Black is the standard finish with White offered on a special order basis. Each stand includes threaded spikes and pads that isolate the speaker from the top plate. All Target stands can be filled with dry media such as sand or metal shot for superior resonance damping. Target stands are backed by a three year warranty.

“We recognized an opportunity to work with a manufacturer of quality products with a factory based right here in Ontario, Canada—and there seemed to be a natural synergy, especially with Bryston offering the Mini A and Mini T loudspeakers that work superbly with these rugged Target stands,” explained James Tanner, VP of sales at Bryston. “We are looking at expanding the Target offerings in the near future to include equipment stands and other accessories that will provide A/V speciality retailers with a comprehensive lineup of premium solutions for their customers.”

 

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Synergistic Research Atmosphere Power Cords

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Synergistic Research is launching their new Atmosphere Series Power Cords at next weeks Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver Colorado.Syn_atmosphere

The Californian company’s Atmosphere Series AC Cords Feature:
Active / UEF Shielding with built in power supplies so no MPC’s and no additional wires
UEF AC Conditioner in Level 2 and Level 3 variants
World’s First use of Graphene in an AC Cord. Graphine is a room temperature super conductor with 8 million times the conductive density of copper
Custom UEF Calibration- Gold
New Active Shield Filter- Red
Plug and Play like standard non-Active AC cords
Level 3 Analogue, Digital, and High Current variants
All the company’s Atmosphere Series Power Cords are hand Made in the company’s California Factory

 

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VPI Prime Turntable

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

VPI wanted to get back to their roots with the Prime and to create a table that offers quality hi-end sound while taking advantage of improvements in technology. The Prime has been designed to have a curvier and more attractive appearance than other turntables and yet has the footprint to accommodate a 10 inch 3D printed tone arm.VPI_Turntable_Prime

The Prime is said to be a doddle to use… press the start button, move the tone arm into position by hand and then lower the needle with the special lever. The needle will then softly drop into the groove and the performance will begin. The attention to detail in the construction of the Prime ensures that the operation and playback is as beautifully smooth as you would expect from a super table.VPI_2

The 3D printed arm represents a step forward for Prime says the company’s press release, as the improved technology and increased volume in printing and supply allowed VPI to create the tone arm that they wanted and at a lower than usual price.

The Prime is the first solo performance design by Mat Weisfeld (the son of VPI’s founders and all round nice guy) and is equipped with an ultra-low noise 500RPM motor, the 3D tonearm and isolation feet and record clamp – all tooled especially for the Prime.

RRP: £3,750

Features 

  • 10 inch 3D arm
  • VTA Tower for VTA/SRA on the
  • Classic 20 pound platter and
  • Outboard 300 RPM motor
  • New “Prime” feet which offer improved isolation and better mechanical grounding.
  • Stainless Steel/Delrin record
  • The Prime is also available as a package with the SDS, Synchronous Drive System.

Tech Spec

 The Turntable: 

  • Chassis made of black textured vinyl over MDF with an 11 gauge steel plate bonded to the underside.
  • Four solid Delrin corner assemblies designed for isolation and mechanical grounding.
  • A 300 rpm 24 pole AC synchronous motor capable of high torque and quiet operation installed in a separate aluminium and steel machined
  • Inverted bearing – hardened stainless steel shaft, 60 Rockwell chrome hardened ball, spinning in a phosphor bronze bushing and sitting on a PEEK thrust disc.
  • 20 pound damped platter machined from 6061 aluminium to +/- .001” in a 39” circumference
  • Motor pulley has an accuracy of +/- .0005”
  • Wow and flutter: >.1%
  • Speed Accuracy: >.03%
  • Rumble: >85db down
  • Overall Dims 21 3/8″ x 15 3/4″
  • Footprint is 19 1/2″ x 13 3/4″
  • 54 lbs packing

The Tonearm: 

  • Pivot to spindle: 258mm
  • Effective length: 4m
  • Overhang: 4mm
  • Offset angle: 19.98
  • Average RMS distortion: 311%
  • Internal wiring: premium Discovery wire, optional Nordost
  • New design 3d printed one piece body for the ultimate in resonance
  • Full length copper shielding tube
  • Adjustable side weights for finer azimuth
  • Built in “Easy lift” finger
  • Offset stainless steel counterweight for
  • Easy setting of VTA/SRA in thousandths of an inch, calibrated and
  • Adjustable anti-skate.

Available Upgrades: 

  • Periphery Ring clamp
  • HR-X Centre Weight
  • Synchronous Drive System (SDS)
  • Single Motor Flywheel (must be used with SDS).

 

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Studio Connections Platinum Digital Interconnects

29. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

“Would you like to hear the human voice reproduced as clear and as present as when  it was recorded, and delivered with the same emotion and intimacy with which it was sung? Well now you can” or so says the latest press release from Studio Connections about their newly launched Platinum Digital interconnects.Studio_conncetions

Award-winning, top mastering engineer, Matt Colton of Alchemy Mastering, London, said, “Studio Connections cable provides a clear step forward in both the analogue  and digital domain from anything else I have heard. The degree of realism and connection to the music that is achieved by using these cables is incredible.”

He went on to say, “On one recording, just by changing the cable runs, all of a sudden it sounded like the drummer was in the room with us.”

Studio Connections Platinum Digital cable is said to deliver audio data virtually free of timing distortion, to allow full stereo image projection and a more natural character in voice and instruments.

Platinum Interconnects are hand-made in the UK and available as AES with balance XLR connectors, SPDIF with RCA connectors with both versions using high purity, oxygen free copper (99.999) and Studio Connections Triple dielectric system. They have a capacitance of (Hot to cold) 12.5pF/m and an oval cross section, 18mm maximum width, 8mm breadth.

They cost £1,350 per metre (XLR or RCA)

 

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Prism Sound’s Mic to Monitor UK 2015 Lectures

28. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

GIK Acoustics has announced that General Manager David Shevyn will participate in Prism Sound’s upcoming Mic to Monitor UK 2015 lecture events.M2M_UK_Event

This respected free seminar series brings together renowned audio manufacturers to deliver an evening of thought-provoking discussion and debate. Targeted at music production students, hobbyists and professionals, Mic to Monitor UK 2015 aims to dispel the many myths surrounding the recording process and deliver key insights into modern recording and mastering techniques.

GIK Acoustics-Europe’s general manager, David Shevyn, will present a discussion on the importance of room treatments and the basics of room setup. Mr. Shevyn will also answer audience questions on room acoustics.

GIK Acoustics will present at Mic to Monitor UK 2015 events:

  • October 1st: Huddersfield University
  • October 6th: Birmingham Conservatoire
  • October 8th: University of Westminster, London
  • October 15th: Leeds Beckett University
  • October 22nd: SSR Manchester
  • October 27th: LIPA Liverpool

The free seminars will also include presentations from Prism Sound as well as representatives from pro audio brands DPA Microphones, SADiE, and PMC Speakers.

Availability to Prism Sound’s Mic to Monitor UK 2015 tour is limited and seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Attendees are also eligible for a chance to win a recording and production package worth over £8,832!

 

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Dave Sturt Announces Dreams And Absurdities Album Release

28. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Dave Sturt (Bass player with Gong, Bill Nelson, Jade Warrior and Cipher) has a new album out at the end of October titled ‘Dreams and Absurdities’ on Esoteric Antenna. DAVE-STURT-dreams-and-absurdities-news
There are guest appearances by Steve Hillage, Bill Nelson, Daevid Allen, Jon Field, Kavus Torabi, Theo Travis and Fabio Golfetti.

The press release says that “Dreams and Absurdities is an instrumental delight – ambient, eclectic, emotional and psychedelic…so I’m sure it will be right up my street.

Expect a review on Hifi Pig shortly.

 

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Cambridge Audio Air 100 V2 and Air 200 V2

28. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

London based Cambridge Audio are launching the second generation of their hugely successful Minx Air wireless speakers. The Air 100 V2 and Air 200 V2 offer an improved, more rhythmic and musical sound they say, plus the addition of Spotify Connect and an update to the contemporary design. The updates build on their predecessors’ performance and ability to play music from just about any phone, tablet or computer_Users_julia_AppData_Local_Temp_{6de869aa-f3b1-4a97-a6ea-72b796d5dff1}_Image2

New to the V2 models are bespoke, Cambridge developed and patented 4th generation BMR drivers – also found in the £1000 flagship Cambridge Aeromax 6 floor standing speaker – specially designed to produce a rich, smooth and wide, room-filling sound from a single product.

The use of an acoustically dampened, rigid cabinet eliminates vibration and distortion, maintaining clarity and detail. Whilst a custom-developed Class-D digital amplifier and a bass port hidden in the carry handle offers a performance that belies the relatively compact size of the speaker.

The new 4th generation BMR drivers and an updated EQ offer a significant performance upgrade to the original Minx Air speakers, maintaining the power, depth and detail of the original model but adding a warmer and more natural musical performance – a sound now synonymous with Cambridge Audio products. 

The original Minx Air products featured a wealth of connectivity options including Apple Airplay, Apt-X Bluetooth and Internet Radio. The addition of Spotify Connect in the V2 models allows all Spotify Premium users effortless control of their Spotify music and playlists directly from the native Spotify App. Spotify Connect also allows users to continue to use their phone or tablet for calls or games away from the Minx Air V2 products, without interrupting the music.

Apple’s Airplay allows the Air V2 products to simply stream from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, as well as computers with iTunes. Alternatively, high quality Apt-X Bluetooth offers streaming of up to CD quality music from any Bluetooth enabled phone, tablet or computer, for playback from popular services like BBC iPlayer Radio, YouTube and Last.fm._Users_julia_AppData_Local_Temp_{6de869aa-f3b1-4a97-a6ea-72b796d5dff1}_Image3

Internet radio is also available at the touch of a preset button or by using the free Air App. Available for Apple or Android, the app lets users search and enjoy 20,000 stations from around the world. The Air App also offers volume adjustment, bass control and access to a range of EQ settings to tailor Air V2’s sound for any room.

Both Minx Air V2 systems also have good old-fashioned analogue sockets on the back (3.5mm aux-in and an RCA input) so you can hook up your TV or Blu-ray player.

Available in both white and black and with a new premium matt finish, they are sure to look the part in any living space.

The smaller Air 100 V2 uses a pair of 4” 4th generation BMR drivers and 100W amplification for a room filling performance with plenty of punch. The larger cabinet of the Air 200 V2, however, houses a pair of 2.25” 4th generation BMR drivers and a 6.5” subwoofer. This, combined with 200W amplification, enables the Air 200 V2 to fill even very large rooms.

Prices are £299.95 and £399.95.

 

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Denon AVR-X6200W AV Amp

28. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

Denon has launched a new “premium” Network AV Receiver. Born from the company’s new 2015 AVR X Series with “Blockbusting 3D Sound”, the new AVR-X6200W has a pricetag of £1,799.

It comes with Dolby and is ready for the brand new immersive surround sound format DTS:X as well, and can be upgraded to Auro-3D.de_avrX6200w_e2_sp_st_bg001_cl_hi8JPEG

All new Denon AVRs this year are equipped as standard with the latest HDMI version including full 4K Ultra HD support and HDCP 2.2 capability on all HDMI inputs for future-proofness. The AVR-X6200W is expected to be available in October 2015 at authorised Denon retailers.

The AVR-X6200W has a 9 channel amplifier with 205 watts per channel packed in a discrete monolithic amplifier design with custom made DHCT (Denon High Current Transistors). It also features Denon’s own D.D.S.C.-HD (Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit High Definition) circuit with AL24 Processing Plus, supported by the use of high quality D/A Converters.

Denon Link HD Connection is provided for jitter-free transmission from a supporting Denon Blu-ray Player. Thanks to its 11.2 channel processing capability, the AVR-X6200W offers huge flexibility and adding an additional 2-channel power amplifier for example, it can run a unique Dolby Atmos experience up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 configurations. Through a free-of-charge firmware update later in 2015, brand new DTS:X and DTS Neural:X upmixer will be added, so can Auro-3D sound processing engine be added for another 3D sound experience (a fee is charged). The nine amplifier channels can be used to either experience one of the new 3D sound formats, or to bring the same or different audio signal to a second or third zone in the home. Thanks to a 13.2ch pre-out section, an RS232 port and flexible amp assignment options, the AVR-X6200W takes good care about custom installers in regards to multi-zone listening and home automation.de_avrx6200w_e2_sp_re_bg001_hiJPG

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Pro ready) room equalization program including Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, Sub EQ HT and LFC (Low Frequency Containment), to perfectly tailor the sound to the owner’s room characteristics and personal taste.

With in total 8 HDMI 2.0a inputs (including one on the front) and 3 outputs, the AVR’s video section is ready to take over full control of literally all modern devices such as Blu-ray players, media players, video cameras and more at the same time. Of course it includes full compatibility with the latest HDCP 2.2 specification required for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content. The AVR-X6200W further supports full rate 4K Ultra HD video along with 4:4:4 Pure Colour sub-sampling, HDR and BT.2020 pass-through. And if that is not enough, the powerful video processor to upconvert standard definition and high definition video sources to full rate 4K Ultra HD resolution.

Thanks to the three HDMI outputs, you can enjoy a surround movie in the main room and a separate stereo program with video from a different source in the second room. The AVR-X6200W is also certified by the Imaging Science Foundation for video quality, and is equipped with the full suite of ISFccc advanced video calibration controls.de_avrx6200w_bk_ot_bg003_hiJPG

The AVR-X6200W comes with built-in Bluetooth for music streaming from a smartphone, and Wi-Fi to easily connect to a home network. Once connected, the AVR opens up the home to unlimited music source and playback options, including Apple AirPlay, network attached storage devices (NAS), Internet Radio and Spotify Connect (where available; subscription required). High Resolution audio files like FLAC, AIFF or DSD are also supported.

The AVR-X6200W will be available in an elegant Premium Silver and Black colour finish with a SRP of £1,799.

 

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Wadia Announce Di322 Digital Audio Decoder

24. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

The di322 digital audio decoder from Wadia adds expanded support for high fidelity DSD files to the Wadia line. Via the USB input, the di322 supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 music files. PCM files with sampling rates up to 32-bit/384kHz (including DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz formats) can also be played through the USB input. With the addition of DSD support, digital music lovers can experience and enjoy some of the latest high resolution music. Its 2 optical and 2 coaxial inputs accept music with resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the DIN input will allow future Wadia models to connect to the di322 at high performance levels. A pair of variable balanced and unbalanced audio outputs connects the di322 to your amplifier. A high power headphone jack addition is useful for those times when you want a more intimate listening experience. A modern design with a glass top panel and aluminium construction adds to its aesthetic beauty. The di322 can be combined with other Wadia units such as the m330 media server and a315 or a340 amplifiers for a complete system solution.

Wadia_di322_news_240915_A

Technical Specification

Frequency Response
+/-0.5dB from 4Hz to 20,000Hz, +0.5/-3dB from 4Hz to 68,000Hz (Source dependent)
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002%
Variable Output Level
0 – 4.0Vrms Unbalanced, 0- 8.0Vrms Balanced
Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
110dB
Dynamic Range
100dB
Output Impedance
600 ohms (Unbalanced and Balanced)
Headphone Load Impedance
20 to 600 ohmsWadia_di322_news_240915_B

Digital Input Signal Format
Coaxial and Optical Inputs – SPDIF (PCM)USB Input – PCM, DSD
Digital Input Sample Rate
Coaxial and Optical: 32kHz, 44.1kHz to 192kHz, 24-Bit
USB: 32kHz, 44.1kHz to 384kHz, 32-Bit (PCM), DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
Digital Inputs
Coaxial 1 and 2: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms, Optical 1 and 2: -15dbm to -21dbm (TOS Link), USB: USB Type B Connector
Power Requirements
100-240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 Watts, Standby: Less than 0.5 watt
Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-7/8 inches (45.4cm), Height is 3-3/8 inches (8.6cm) including feet, Depth is 20 inches (50.8cm) including cables
Weight
25 pounds (11.4 kg)

Available to order from Wadia dealers now with a suggested retail price for the di322 of $3,500 USD (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded).

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Rick Danko – Stage Fright

23. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

Rick Danko was a supremely accomplished vocalist, bass player and sometime mandolin and guitar player with The Band. His voice blended brilliantly with that of Levon Helm and Richard Manuel to produce one of the most influential and emotive of sounds in the history of rock and roll.Danko

Like Helm and Manuel, Danko is no longer with us, but the man and his music is celebrated on a 1,000 Copy limited edition 4CD set of live recordings from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Some recordings are solo, others feature Manuel and Paul Butterfield. The sets have some warm and intimate readings of Band favourites such as Stage Fright, Chest Fever, King Harvest (Has Surely Come), It Makes No Difference, Unfaithful Servant, Blind Willie McTell and many others, as well as a raft of Blues, Country and rock and roll favourites.

The recordings can’t help but be tinged with a bittersweet quality; Danko never really reaped the rewards that his talent deserved. The set consists of sound desk recordings which have been digitally remastered. Out November 20th

North West Audio Show 2016 Two Venue Announcement

23. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Following the success of the 2015 North West Audio Show we are pleased to announce The Show will be held over two great venues in 2016 – Hifi Pig is the official and exclusive media partner for this show.

The venues will be Wychwood Hall and Cranage Hall and once again the organisers have strived to keep everything free for visitors. This means FREE PARKING, FREE ENTRY and even a FREE SHUTTLE BUS between the two venues which will run hourly.

Visitors to last year’s show will know how great a venue Cranage Hall is but for those that don’t it is a superb hotel and conference venue, hidden away in 20 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens in the heart of Cheshire’s stunning countryside.

The hotel effortlessly combines a modern conference centre, training and events venue with an idyllic location for a wedding, family break or weekend away in Cheshire.CranageExteriorIG_1SML-2000x629

Wychwood Park offers light and airy accommodation with a vibrant atmosphere, all packaged in contemporary style.

The Park is surrounded by a beautiful PGA European-tour standard golf course with wonderful views of the undulating Cheshire countryside, enough to keep even the most traditional golfer beaming with pleasure. Wychwood Park is a short distance from junction 16 of the M6 and has fast rail links to Manchester, Birmingham and London.ZYCH1

Make a date for your diary now and book your FREE ticket  for 9.30am until 7pm  at Wychwood Hall & Cranage Hall on Sunday 26th June 2016.

 

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McIntosh C47 Preamp Announced

23. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

McIntosh Laboratory has launched the new C47, a flexible 12-input digital preamp that combines contemporary technology with the core values of the brand. The C47 has been designed to offer huge flexibility with both digital and analogue source components.

It offers a high-quality built-in phono stage for the direct connection of turntables, an advanced headphone stage with McIntosh’s proprietary Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®), plus four digital inputs.

The C47 is compatible with the latest high-resolution audio formats via its USB input, including DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 along with DXD 352.8kHz; its twin optical and single coaxial inputs can decode at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. For optimum SACD playback, the C47 preamp can also connect digitally to McIntosh’s recently launched  MCT450  SACD/CD transport via its ‘MCT input’, creating a secure, custom DSD connection.

For analogue sources, the C47 includes two balanced and three unbalanced (fully assignable) inputs, plus Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs. All inputs are available all of the time – even those that have been assigned to individual devices, giving genuine flexibility of configuration.

With such a wide variety of source component connectivity, the C47 sensibly offers bass and treble tone controls for fine tuning. Further features include the aforementioned Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®), which brings an added dimension to headphone listening, while the C47’s Home Theatre Pass Through feature permits seamless integration into multichannel A/V systems.

The C47 incorporates classic McIntosh design cues, including a black glass front panel, an illuminated logo and brushed-aluminium end caps. It combines McIntosh’s contemporary solid-state preamplifier circuitry with a full complement of inputs and is perfectly suited to exploiting the full potential of today’s digital devices, while delivering the legendary McIntosh sound quality. Like all McIntosh products, the C47 is handcrafted in the Binghamton factory (New York) and boasts classic 1950s styling with contemporary features and technology.

 

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Harbeth 40.2 Loudspeaker Launch Event

23. September 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

KJ West One say they are delighted to be hosting the UK launch of Harbeth’s “best-ever loudspeaker”. The Monitor 40.2 will be unveiled by designer Alan Shaw in the New Cavendish Street store on Saturday 24 October.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Harbeth owner and designer, and listen to the loudspeaker and are encouraged to bring along their favourite recordings for use on the day.Hqrbeth40lqunch

« In the M40.2, Harbeth has produced the biggest leap forward in sonic supremacy since the brand was formed in 1977. With improved efficiency, a more transparent and engaging sound, the M40.2 takes the Harbeth experience to a new level in a wider range of listening environments. Probably the closest you will come to ‘being there’ » says the company’s recent press release.

 

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