Review of Lindell AMPX Power Amplifier

In his review of the Lindell AMPX power amplifier, John Marks writes in Stereophile,

I believe that the Lindell AMPX, despite its lowish nominal power, belongs in Class B of "Recommended Components." And remember, to be listed in Class B is not a slight, but high praise. Class A is reserved for "the best of the best, regardless of price or practicality." In my book, Class A is the province of the darTZeel NHB-108 and other amplifiers every bit as good; as nice as the AMPX is, it is not a drop-in replacement for the darTZeel. Class B is supposed to be the "next best thing [to Class A]," and I think that that is where the AMPX belongs. A great amp and an amazing bargain. I've shipped it to JA for measurement. Highest recommendation.

Read the full review on Stereophile.com

Classé Announces Class D Amplifier

Classé has announced the availability of a new Class D amplifier—a first for the company. The CA-D200 stereo amplifier will deliver 200wpc and carries a proprietary Classé-designed switch mode power supply and switching amplifier stages.


The Classé CA-D200 will be available this month for $4,000.

Review of Pass Labs x350.5 Stereo Amplifier

Commenting on his experience with the Pass Labs x350.5 stereo amplifier, Kirk Midtskog writes:

Considerably more than merely good sonic performance awaits X350.5 owners. It provides truly compelling listening sessions with your music collection—fatigue-free, imagination-inspiring, emotion-filled listening sessions. Its prodigious power, natural tonal balance, and liquidity impart a solid foundation to even the most demanding music while caressing delicate passages with a silky fine touch. I can’t think of a more powerful and non-fatiguing amp close to its asking price. Highly recommended.

Read the full review online >>

Review of Definitive Technology Incline Desktop Speakers

"These speakers have audiophile pedigree written all over them," writes reviewer Theo Nicolakis on Audioholics.com. He continues:

The Incline speakers are smart, stylish, and really great sounding. I enjoyed my time with them immensely. They keep a small footprint while delivering rich audio and exceptional bass response without the need for a sub. You can use them for both music and movie watching and, if the great bass response still isn’t as controlled or good enough for you, then you still have the option to add an external sub....The Inclines certainly won’t make you jettison your audio or home theater dedicated setup. Yet, for the Audiophile who wants a quality audio experience at his desk, the Definitive Technology Incline speakers are an easy top pick and should be at the top of your Christmas list.

Read the full review of the Definitive Technology Incline Desktop speakers at Audioholics.

NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold Loudspeaker Review

"I'll say it here and now", writes Harry Pearson in his review of the NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold speakers, "these are the most fluidly musical loudspeakers I have ever heard."  He goes on to write:

The NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold loudspeakers give you everything you could possibly want from a large “super” speaker. They are dynamic as hell and have a massive soundstage. They push enough air on loud passages to convince your insides that an actual orchestra of humans set up shop in your listening room.  But where the CGRG stands alone is the ability to properly, and thoroughly, reproduce all variations of music, including the smaller, the softer, and more delicate moments.

Read the full review online at HPSoundings.

Review of Wilson Audio Alexia Loudspeakers

In writing about the Wilson Audio Alexia loudspeakers, John Atkinson writes in Stereophile:

Yes, $48,500/pair makes the Alexia still an expensive loudspeaker. But its clarity, its uncolored, full-range balance, its flexibility in setup and optimization, and most of all its sheer musicality, are, if not unrivaled, rare. If I were to retire tomorrow, the Wilson Alexia would be the speaker I would buy to provide the musical accompaniment to that retirement.

Read the full review of the Wilson Audio Alexia loudspeakers at Stereophile.

Review of Goldenear Triton Seven Loudspeaker

In writing about the Goldenear Triton Seven loudspeaker, reviewer Chris Martens writes:

If you want to find out just how much high-end goodness $1399 can buy in a pair of loudspeakers, then you absolutely must audition the Triton Sevens. I consider this speaker a masterpiece of value-oriented audio engineering—one that sets a performance standard that will not easily be matched or surpassed.

Read the full review here at The Absolute Sound.

Review of KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speaker System

In his review of the KEF X300A Digital Speaker System, reviewer Neil Gader writes:

KEF’s versatile coincident driver, the Uni-Q, has been cast in a new role—a part, in my humble opinion, it has always been destined to play. It’s the X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speaker System. I’ve admired this unique transducer for some time but most recently when I evaluated the KEF LS50 (awarded a Golden Ear in Issue 235). I continue to feel it’s one of the most satisfying compact two-way speakers I’ve encountered in the last couple years. The speaker is not only visually arresting; it also boasts superb midrange sonics, full-bodied presence, and potent midbass punch. I always thought it could be the basis for an outstanding nearfield or portable monitor. And whaddya know—with the X300A KEF engineers have taken that next logical step and reimagined the LS50/Uni-Q for desktop duty and the world of computer media.

Read the full review at The Absolute Sound online.

Review of Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblock Amplifiers

In reviewing the Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblock Amplifiers, Fred Crowder writes:

The speed of delivery for instruments and voices is stunning.  There is no hint of any distortion or noise.  Nothing in the musical presentation takes away from any other element.  The air, space, depth and apparent room ambience of the recording are palpable.  Each instrument has its own dynamic envelope which allows a pianissimo strike of a triangle to exist alongside a forte gong crash, with each instrument perfectly distinguished, each part of the musical whole, but also being appreciated as their own notes.  The amps rendered it effortlessly.   I cannot imagine that I would ever want more power.  The stage is three-dimensional, images are stable and placed believably on that stage, each surrounded by its own cushion of air.  Bass is powerful and at the same time taut, articulate and well controlled.  With my speakers, which each employ four 10-inch dynamic drivers to reproduce the range below 170 Hz —  there appears with these amps to be an extra half octave of extension at the bottom.  Noise is vanishingly low, grain is for all practical purposes non-existent.  Most importantly, these are musically natural and emotionally satisfying.

Read the full review of the Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblocks on the Dagogo.com audiophile review web site.

Review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable

In his review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable, reviewer Paul Seydor of The Absolute Sound writes:

There’s much to be said for a product that precisely defines its purpose and then proceeds to fulfill it to near perfection. The British designer Jon Palmer set out to make a high-end turntable that would be essentially plug-and-play without serious compromise in performance at a price that, though far from inexpensive, is by no means unreasonable in the world of high-end audio. The result is the Palmer 2.5 turntable, the domestic price $7995. Allow me to anticipate my conclusions by saying that in my judgment, Palmer has not only realized his brief, but made a turntable that I have no hesitation calling sonically, aesthetically, and functionally one of the most satisfying I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. It’s a design I could happily close up shop with tomorrow and enjoy thereafter without a moment’s regret or thought for something else.

Read the full review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable here.

Review of Bryston Mini T Loudspeakers

In his equipment report on the Bryston Mini T Loudspeakers, Ron Doering of The Absolute Sound writes:

Indeed, these are one of the few speakers I’ve experienced which do the trick of realistically putting a singer, guitarist, bassist, what have you, in the next room. Doing my laundry I could swear on a stack of TAS back issues that Ella Fitzgerald was right there next door in the listening room. Well of course “she” was, as that is where my stereo is, but my point is that it sounded as if a real person were singing in the other room. Try this and you’ll see what I mean (or not).

Read the full review of the Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker here.

SPECS & PRICING

Driver complement: One 8" ceramic-coated aluminum cone woofer, one 5.25" ceramic-coated aluminum cone midrange, one 1" titanium dome tweeter
Crossover frequencies: 160Hz and 2.3kHz
Loading: Bass-reflex
Frequency response: 37Hz–22kHz (+/-3dB)
Maximum SPL: 118dB
Min/Max recommended power: 10–250W
Sensitivity: 85dB (1 watt, 1 meter anechoic)
Impedance: 4 ohms nominal
Dimensions: 10.5" x 22.5" x 9.8"
Weight: 42 lbs. each
Price: $3195/pair in real wood veneer; $2695/pair in vinyl; $499/pair for custom stands although Bryston suggests any quality stand 18–24 inches in height

Top Tower Speakers For Under $3,000

Looking for a pair of tower speakers?  The Absolute Sound is promoting their "2013 Buyer's Guide: Floorstanding Loudspeakers Under $3,000".  From the $1298 PSB Image T6 that the TAS staff write:

"The PSB Image T6s offer a very high level of sonic performance for their price: bass to below 40Hz in-room, natural warmth a little further up (where floorstanders often dip), a largely neutral midrange, and a clean treble. The T6s play more loudly, with less of the distortion or compression expected from speakers of this size."

All the way up to the $2998 GoldenEar Triton Two where the TAS staff remark:

The Triton Two is a three-way, five-driver, dualpassive-radiator-equipped floorstander with a built-in powered subwoofer. Voiced from the top down, it handles high frequencies via a shockingly good ribbon, the all-important middle frequencies via dual ultra-wide-bandwidth midrange drivers, and the low end via a sophisticated subwoofer powered by a 1200-watt, DSP-controlled amplifier. The result is an elegant, full-range floorstander that sounds astonishingly refined, delivers spectacular 3-D imaging, and provides robust, full-bodied dynamics.

Click here to read the full buyer's guide.

HomeTheaterHiFi.com has just published its review of the Onkyo NR929 9.2 Receiver.  Reviewer Gabe Lowe writes, "If you think about it, 20 years is a very long time in the technology world. The fact that Onkyo continues to release excellent THX-certified A/V receivers demonstrates that the partnership continues to be strong, and valuable for both parties. The TX-NR929 is no exception. The performance is what I have now come to expect from Onkyo - excellent amplification, fantastic audio imaging, and superb video processing. The feature set continues to improve with every iteration as well, and not just by incorporating fringe things that 5% of the customer base will use. Instead, Onkyo adds extremely useful features such as Bluetooth, mobile application support, streaming services, and more. I continue to be impressed by Onkyo's A/V receivers, year in and year out. The TX-NR929 continues that tradition, and thus it is my pleasure to give it my enthusiastic recommendation."  Read the full review here.

Review: Pioneer SC-79 Receiver 9.1 Channels

Is Pioneer's $3,000 SC-79 Receiver worth it's price?  It features 9.1 Channels, 140 watts/channel, HDMI 1.4, and as a new feature: HDBaseT among many other features.  

"The Pioneer SC-79", writes Chris Heinonen on Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, "adds more features to what was already a feature packed receiver. The updated SABRE DACs sound very good when sent high-quality audio like a Blu-ray disc or HD Tracks download. Even with lower quality sources like Spotify over AirPlay it sounds fantastic and has plenty of power in reserve. With HDBaseT it now works well for those that want to use is in two rooms at once. With the extra amplifier channels available and HDBaseT you can easily use it for a main theater room, music in another room, and sending video and audio over HDBaseT to another."  Read the full review of the Pioneer SC-79 9.1 Channel AV Receiver here.

Review of Polk Audio LSiM703 Monitor Speakers

Polk Audio has been making high-quality products since 1972.  Over the last few years, the company has been stepping up its game at the high end of its product line, beginning with the LSiM707 floor standing speakers...", writes Andre Marc in TONEAudio Magazine.  "The $1,500-per-pair LSiM703 bookshelf speakers reviewed here capitalize on the same technology and driver advances as the larger 707s, but do so in a smaller package.  And like the $4,000-per-pair 707s, the 703s perform well beyond what their modest price tag suggests."  Read the full review here.

Review of NAD VISO 1 AP AirPlay Music System

In his review at Secrets of Home Theater, Chris Eberle writes about the NAD Viso 1 AirPlay Music System:

Its sound is far larger than one would expect from a box this small. The usability was first rate and it was super-easy to set up. There wasn't a single hitch during the several weeks I used it. Moving it to different locations in my home demonstrated a few different personalities. In the office, the sound was tight and detailed but somewhat small. Placing it in a corner really restricted its sonic capabilities. Once I moved it into either a large open room or a treated listening space, its true audiophile capabilities shone. It seemed to have no volume limit either. No matter how high I turned up the fun, there was no harshness or loss of detail. Thanks to some high-end amplifier technology, you'll never mistake the VISO for a boom box. Getting the same Direct Digital Amplifier design as the $6000 M2 in a $600 portable component is nothing short of incredible. Bass extension also exceeded my expectations greatly. While size does indeed matter when it comes to bass, NAD and Paul Barton have done a terrific job bending that rule in the extreme!

Read the full review at the Secrets of Home Theater and HiFi.

"Opera claims on its website that 'every single aspect of the [Callas] design was subjected to intense musical listening tests at Opera.'", writes John Marks in Stereophile.  "I can believe it—the Callas sounds like that kind of a speaker. So if you regret having missed the ASA Pro Monitor, here's that rare thing in life: a second chance. And the price hasn't even gone up."  Read the full review of the Opera Callas loudspeaker at Stereophile.

Review of Raidho Acoustics D-3 Loudspeaker

"For the price, you can purchase larger speakers that have a better published bass response, that could probably play louder in a very large room",  writes Anthony Kershaw about the Raidho Acoustics D-3 Loudspeaker for Audiophilia, "Don’t let that deter you from hearing these stunning loudspeakers. They are artisan in quality and the drivers are designed and implemented at the very highest technical and musical standard. If you match them to a reasonable room size and hook them up with real quality ancillaries, you’ll never need another speaker."  Read the full review at Audiophilia.

Review of Paradigm Reference Signature S8s

The Paradigm Reference Signature S8s are amazing speakers that don’t cost a small fortune.  They offer performance way beyond what you’d expect for $8,998 a pair.  Many of us know the Canadian company for its smaller speakers and great home-theater systems, but the Signature S8s have major audiophile cred.  Read the full review at TONEAudio Magazine.

Magico Announces the S3 Floorstanding Loudspeaker

November 4, 2013 - Magico, the leader in high performance loudspeaker design and manufacture, is proud to announce the expansion of its award winning SSeries with the addition of the S3. The S3 is a full range, floorstanding loudspeaker that offers cutting edge technology and unparalleled performance at its price. According to Magico CEO and chief designer Alon Wolf, “By drawing from our technological well and in-house manufacturing capabilities, we are now able to deliver a remarkable value proposition in the S3, one which will become a new benchmark in its category.”  The US Retail Price of the Magico S3 starts at $22,600/pr. Delivery will begin in December 2013.  Read the full release here.

Review of the KEF R300 Bookshelf Speakers

The R300 is the larger of the two bookshelf models in the R Series.  And unlike its smaller sibling, the two-way R100, the R300 is a three-way bookshelf, which is not the most common of layouts for a stand-mounted speaker.  It is interesting to note that the smallest speaker in KEF’s Reference Series, the 201/2, is also a three-way stand-mounted model.  I’ve heard the Reference 201/2 on a number of occasions and have always been really impressed with its honest presentation of music.  I’m here to tell you that the R300 gets within a stone’s throw of the 201/2, doing so at a much more reasonable price; the R300s cost $1,800 per pair, compared to $6,000 for the 201/2s.  Read the full review at Tone Audio.

Review of Channel Islands Audio PLC-1 MKII Remote Passive Controller

Commenting on the Channel Islands Audio PLC-MKII Remote Passive Controller, reviewer Andre Marc at AVRev writes, "The PLC-1 MKII passive controller is a winner all the way in my book. It is hassle free, offers a transparent window to the sound of your sources, and will work with virtually any power amp and source with reasonable cable lengths. There are far more expensive and exotic choices for passive linestages, but I am not sure they offer more. At $899, the PLC-1 MKII is very reasonable, and, as a matter of fact, I am purchasing the review sample to integrate it into my main system permanently. Consider that a recommendation!"  Read the full review at AVRev.

Review of Tortuga Audio LDR1 Passive Preamp

An LDR is a combination of a photo resistor and an LED in a sealed package. Power is required to control the resistance level of an LDR. The external power supply is used solely to control brightness running through the LED. It is completely isolated from the audio signal. The signal from a source only passes through an LDR and a short length of copper wire. Sissener believes that the LDR and short length of wire do not have an audible affect upon the signal.

Tortuga Audio is the only company using a digitally controlled analog LDR. There is a microprocessor inside the preamp which controls the LDR. Tortuga Audio is one of a few which uses LDRs to control volume.  Read the full review at Audiophilia.

Review of the Vincent CD-S7 DAC CD Player

The CD-S7 DAC enables its owner to bypass the transport and access its DAC, using USB, Toslink, or coax input, but is restricted to 16/48KHZ format. There are four significant differences between the CD-S7 DAC and the CD-S6 — DAC chips/a pair of Burr Brown 24/192; tube complement/1 12AX7 and 2 6922; improved capacitors in the signal path; ability to function as both a CD player and DAC.  Read the full review here at Audiophilia.

Audience ClairAudient 1+1 Speaker now Shipping

At T.H.E Show, Audience showed off the $1,800/pair bi-pole ClairAudience 1+1 speaker.  The 1+1 is now shipping.

San Marcos, CA, October 28, 2013 - Audience today announced that it is now shipping its ClairAudient 1+1 loudspeaker. The ClairAudient 1+1 is a bi-pole (front- and rear-radiating) design that is compact, yet provides surprisingly expansive sound.

Recipient of Greatest Bargain and Best Sound (highest value) accolades at T.H.E. Show: Newport 2012 from The Absolute Sound when presented as a pre-release prototype, the ClairAudient 1+1 utilizes two of Audience's proprietary A3-S full-range drivers, one in the front and one rear along with two side-firing passive radiators in a crossoverless design, a configuration that yields exceptionally coherent and musically natural performance. The 1+1 is striking in appearance, with a high gloss black multi-angled enclosure accented by rosewood sides.

The Audience proprietary A3-S driver, although just 3 inches in diameter, delivers extremely flat frequency response from 50Hz to 22kHz (depending on room placement), eliminating the need for a separate woofer, midrange driver, tweeter, and crossover network. As a result the inherent problems of integrating multiple sonically dissimilar drivers and the accompanying phase distortions, loss of resolution and transient response degradation of a crossover network are completely avoided. The dual side-mounted passive radiators augment the output of the A-3S drivers and enable the 1+1 to deliver outstanding presence and dynamic contrast.

"By employing our A-3S driver in a bi-pole design with dual passive radiators, the 1+1 is able to provide an expanded soundstage, extended low-frequency response and offer increased power handling," said John McDonald, president of Audience. "Most importantly, the 1+1 attains a level of sonic purity and musical accuracy that removes all obstacles between the loudspeaker, the listener and the performance."

The 1+1 also utilizes Audience's unique SSIT SweetSpace TM Imaging Technology that provides an expanded listening area rather than the usual single listener sweet spot.

The A3-S driver features a large patented neodymium-magnet motor structure and voice coil that moves with a highly linear excursion. It utilizes an exclusive rigid lightweight anodized aluminum-magnesium alloy cone material with a curvilinear shape. The driver's concave dust cap is made of a proprietary material that is specially designed to control high-frequency cone breakup and provide optimum dispersion.

The patent-pending A3-S surround has a unique "S" shape that allows the driver to provide large excursions without impacting the movement of the cone, enabling the driver to behave more like an ideal pistonic (back and forth) radiator. The driver's patent-pending basket (frame) provides rigid support and eliminates sonically degrading resonances. Other refinements include large pole-piece vents for efficient heat dissipation, a spider (the circular piece that holds the driver's voice coil in place) that allows unrestricted cone movement and many additional enhancements.

The loudspeaker is built using the highest-quality components including the company's custom-made mono crystal Auric internal wiring. Like all Audience audio components and loudspeakers the ClairAudient 1+1 is designed, engineered and handcrafted in the United States. 

The Audience ClairAudient 1+1 loudspeaker is currently available at a suggested retail price of $1,800 per pair.

About Audience

Audience was formed in November 1997 by John McDonald and the late Richard Smith, as a design and production company focused on building the best possible audio and video equipment. To pass the Audience test, each product must truly make a significant contribution to the reproduction of audio and/or video. Audience offers loudspeakers, electronics, cables, power conditioners, high-resolution capacitors and the Auric Illuminator optical disk resolution enhancement.

Audience's commitment is to develop the very best products possible, and the company is committed to unexcelled customer service and product support. All Audience cables have an unconditional lifetime warranty and power conditioners have a ten-year warranty. For more information visit www.audience-av.com.

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 Speakers Review

The market for sub-$1,000 speakers continues to get hotter.  Combining modern design tools and talented engineers with manufacturing in Asia allows more great-sounding loudspeakers to occupy this price range.  Products from Definitive Technology always come up at the top of friends’ and reviewers’ lists.  The SM 65 speakers reviewed here retail for just $900 a pair.  Read the full review of the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 Speakers at ToneAudio.

Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp Review

Bryston has always been known for making high-quality, high-value electronics.  The company has now addressed the continuing growth in the personal audio (i.e. headphone) world, with its new BHA-1 headphone amplifier.  It’s instantly apparent that Bryston has done its homework on this one.  In addition to coming with Bryston’s industry-leading 20-year warranty, the BHA-1 feels like a product you’d want to keep forever the minute you take it out of the box.  Read the Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp Review at TONEAudio.

Transparent Audio Opens Online store for Direct to Consumer Purchasing

Transparent Audio has opened an online store, offering customers online access to its HDMI cables, speaker cables, power cords, surge protectors and more. Transparent says select products will only be available through Transparent dealers.

You can read more about Transparent Audio's new online store initiative at CEPro.

Review: Lamm Industries ML3 Signature monoblock power amplifier

How good do the $139,490/pair Lamm Industries ML3 Signature Monoblock Power Amplifiers sound?   Michel Fremmer of Stereophile takes the amps for a spin and declares, "Cost and value for money aside, the Lamm Industries ML3 Signature is among a handful of the most pleasurable-sounding amplifiers I've ever heard. They produced magic with every listen, without glossing over or homogenizing the faults of poor recordings. While sounding as good as they probably ever will, those recordings still sounded bad-but great recordings were flat-out overwhelming."  

Are they really that good?  Judge for yourself and read Michael Fremmer's full review in Stereophile.  

Sony has introduced a range of high-resolution audio products targeted at both the casual consumer and the audiophile alike. The eight products include two hi-res music players, a DAC for PC audio, two speakers and three headphones.

The eight new products that Sony has launched are:

Sony HAP-Z1ES 1TB High Res Music Player

Sony HAP-Z1ES 1TB Hi-Res HDD Music Player

• Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats 
• Built-in 1TB hard drive with expandable storage 
• Front panel LCD and HDD Audio Remote mobile app (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback 
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF 
• DSD Re-mastering Engine upscale music files to DSD(5.6) quality 
• DSEE restores missing data from compressed files 
• HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are added on computer 
• Available Fall 2013 for $1,999 in silver

Sony HAP-S1 Hi-Res Music Player System

• Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats 
• Built-in 500GB hard drive with expandable storage 
• Front panel LCD and Mobile apps (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback 
• 2-channel Class AB amplifier (40 Watts x 2) 
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF 
• DSD Re-mastering Engine upscale music files to DSD(5.6) quality 
• DSEE restores missing data from compressed files 
• HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are added on computer 
• Available Fall 2013 for $999 in black or silver

Sony UDA-1 USB Hi-Res DAC System for PC Audio

• Allows enjoyment of Hi-Res music as well as conventional compressed music restored by DSEE technology 
• 2-channel 20 amplifier (20 Watts x 2) 
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF  Compatible with virtually every PC music player application, including iTunes, Windows Media Player, KORG Audio Gate, and Media Go 
• USB connectivity to PC (USB-A x 1 and USB-B x 1) 
• Multiple connection terminals include Optical in, Coax in, and Analog RCA in, with RCA analog out and Headphone out 
• Available Fall 2013 for $799 in black or silver

Sony SS-HA1 Hi-Res Speaker

• Wide Dispersion (WD) W-Super Tweeter complements high band energy for high resolution music sources 
• Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) fiber for supremely light and extraordinarily rigid woofer cones, producing exception musical transients that are clear and with minimal distortion  Baffle shape for diffraction effect reduction 
• Rigid aluminum body for optimized sound 
•  Available Fall 2013 for $599 / pair in black

Sony SS-HA3 Hi-Res Speaker

Sony SS-HA3 Hi-Res Speaker

• Wide Dispersion (WD) W-Super Tweeter complements high band energy for high resolution music sources 
• Baffle shape for diffraction effect reduction 
• Rigid aluminum body for optimized sound 
• Available Fall 2013 for $349 / pair in black

Sony MDR-10R Headphones 

• High resolution capable, featuring 40mm driver units that deliver a balanced, highly accurate reproduction of today’s up-front vocals, mid-range details, as well as rich, powerful lows and extended highs 
• High-definition HD driver assures ultra-wideband audio performance extending from 5Hz to 40kHz matching today’s high resolution music sources 
• Designed for hours of comfortable listening, with pressure-relieving ear cushions that provide a supportive, wrap-around feel, as well as a highly effective acoustic seal, further reinforcing the headphones’ powerful sub-bass reproduction 
• Detachable cable provides an innovative design that eliminates friction between cable surfaces and reduces the source of frustrating tangles. A smartphone cable with microphone and remote is also included, to easily switch from music to calls. 
• Available in October for $199.99 in black and white

Sony MDR-10RBT Headphones

• High resolution capable (with wired connection), this Bluetooth® headset brings the same innovative sound processing technologies to music lovers who demand the ultimate in sound quality without wires 
• Incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the new MDR-10RBT eliminates the cumbersome process of pairing and connecting. Users can simply tap an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to the MDR-10RBT Bluetooth® headset to instantly stream high-quality music or crystal-clear phone calls via Bluetooth 
• Stream music wirelessly from iPhones® and iPads® as well as Android™ smartphones and tablets that are not NFC equipped 
• Support AptX and AAC codecs to ensure higher quality sound while streaming wirelessly 
• Up to 18 hours of battery life between charges, though can also be used as standard headphones without the battery 
• Available in November for $249.99 in black

Sony XBA-H3 Ear Bud Headphones

• High resolution capable, featuring dedicated high-definition hybrid three-way driver unit (16mm dynamic driver unit and two Balanced Armature driver units) for music enjoyment throughout all frequencies 
• Driver unit delivers radiant highs and deep, bellowing bass, including even the most subtle musical nuances 
• Rigid, yet responsive Liquid Crystal Polymer Film diaphragm provides the needed rigidity and internal loss for balanced and highly accurate sound reproduction 
• Smartphone cable with microphone and remote is also included, to easily switch from music to calls 
• Available in December for $349.99

Leon Speakers and Salamander Designs Partner for cabinets with built-in speakers

For many audiophiles, Salamander and Leon are both well-known names.  Salamander for their audiophile and home theater cabinetry and Leon for their architectural speakers.  The two have now partnered to bring a unique offering: audiophile speakers pre-built into a cabinet. Salamander and Leon formally unveiled an integrated loudspeaker accessory engineered to fit any of the Synergy and Chameleon cabinets. Co-developed by Leon Speakers, Salamander's new integrated solution elegantly conceals a high performance loudspeaker behind attractive cloth grills within the A/V cabinet, eliminating the need for bulky in-room speakers and unsightly wiring. MSRP's start at $999 and product availability is September, 2013. 

In addition to being custom tailored for each cabinet, the Salamander integrated speaker solutions also come equipped with sturdy brackets that facilitate up-and-down rotation of the loudspeaker to optimize performance for any room or seating solution. Single-wide cabinet bays accommodate a center channel speaker, while double and triple-wide bays offer an LCR (left-center-right) speaker. "We wanted to deliver a solution that looks good and sounds good," explained Salamander president Sal Carrabba. "It seemed completely natural for us to work with Leon on this project-they are a market leader in customizable speakers and a highly respected innovative domestic brand like Salamander," Carrabba added. 

In addition to being custom tailored for each cabinet, the Salamander integrated speaker solutions also come equipped with sturdy brackets that facilitate up-and-down rotation of the loudspeaker to optimize performance for any room or seating solution. Single-wide cabinet bays accommodate a center channel speaker, while double and triple-wide bays offer an LCR (left-center-right) speaker. "We wanted to deliver a solution that looks good and sounds good," explained Salamander president Sal Carrabba. "It seemed completely natural for us to work with Leon on this project-they are a market leader in customizable speakers and a highly respected innovative domestic brand like Salamander," Carrabba added. 

Those attending CEDIA can see the new cabinets at CEDIA Booth 3620

Kaleidescape Announces the Cinema One movie server

Kaleidescape has announced the Cinema One movie server its first product designed for retail distribution. The $3,995 server provides storage and instant access to up to 100 high-definition Blu-ray or 600 DVD-quality movies. Until now, the company made products that were available only through custom installers.

The Cinema One server is covered by a three-year limited warranty and available on kaleidescape.com as well as through retailers, including Magnolia Design Centers.

You can read more about the Cinema One movie server at Home Theater.

HDMI 2.0 Specification announced with 32 channel audio and 4k (2160p/UltraHD) video support

The 2.0 Specification for HDMI has now been formally announced.  The new HDMI 2.0 specification will support 18Gbps, 4k/2160p video, 32 channels of audio (including simultaneous audio to as many as four different people), 21:9 aspect ratio support, and dual video streams to multiple users on the same display.

You can read more about the HDMI 2.0 Specification at Audioholics.

MartinLogan, the world’s leader in electrostatic speaker technology, proudly announces the slender Motion SLM XL, a step-up larger version of the original Motion SLM. The newest from MartinLogan’s award-winning Motion Series line, the Motion SLM XL features dual four-inch, ultra-slim fiber cone woofers and quad four-inch high-velocity passive bass radiators, paired with a Folded Motion^™ tweeter – all in an ultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs.

Read the full release on the Martin Logan Motion SLM.

Revel begins shipping Ultima2 Series Rhythm2 Powered subwoofer with built-in DSP and Room EQ

NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN’s Revel is now shipping its new top-of-the-line Ultima2 Series Rhythm2 powered subwoofer, featuring an 18-inch woofer, a massive 2,000 watts of amplifier power and built-in DSP room equalization to deliver the ultimate in low-frequency reproduction in music and home theater systems.

“People expect the very best from Revel Ultima and our Rhythm2 was designed to exceed their expectations,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “Although it can deliver prodigious amounts of undistorted deep bass, that’s only part of Rhythm2’s capabilities. Its built-in digital room EQ provides high-resolution EQ and true digital delay, which allows the Rhythm2 to be calibrated to achieve ideal integration in a two-channel or surround sound system.”

Measuring 24.6 inches high by 27.9 inches wide by 28 inches deep, the Revel Rhythm2 employs an 18-inch aluminum cast-frame front-firing woofer with a 4-inch diameter by 1.75-inch long Xmax voice coil, and a high-power neodymium-magnet motor system with a symmetrical magnetic field configuration that reduces distortion and dynamic compression to a minimum. The Rhythm2’s 2,000-watt amplifier (RMS; 4,000 watts peak) provides power to drive the woofer to maximum levels without strain and deliver authoritative bass down to below 20 Hz. The Rhythm2 features a sophisticated multi-band DSP-based protection algorithm that allows up to twice its massive amplifier power to reach the transducer, when compared to traditional self-protection circuits. This provides unprecedented dynamic capability-- regardless of whether the signal is dynamic or continuous in nature.

The Rhythm2’s DSP parametric equalization takes its sonic accuracy in a “2.1 stereo” or multichannel system to a level not possible with conventional subwoofers. Every room has frequency response dips and peaks, especially below 300 Hz, that can detract from a subwoofer’s (or loudspeaker’s) performance. The Rhythm2’s built-in DSP compensates for these room-related irregularities by applying a corresponding inverse target EQ curve to achieve more accurate in-room low-frequency response.

The Rhythm2 offers a full complement of controls and connections including a fully configurable electronic crossover with adjustable delay, volume, line- level inputs, a USB input to connect a PC or Mac and more. The subwoofer is designed to provide a seamless sonic blend with other Revel Ultima2 Series loudspeakers and is finished in high-gloss piano black and mahogany to perfectly match other Revel Ultima2 Series loudspeakers in appearance as well as sound quality.

The Revel Rhythm2 powered subwoofer is currently available at a suggested retail price of $10,000.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

Source: http://www.revelspeakers.com/News/Story/125

Integra Debuts Mid-Range Network A/V Processor & Receiver Supporting HDBaseT

Integra DHC-60.5 preamp processor font panel

Integra, the leading brand of audio-video components specifically engineered for custom installation, has introduced its new mid-range THX Certified AV preamp processor and A/V receiver, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5. Both are the first Integra products to support HDBaseT technology, which allows HD audio/video signals to be transmitted over much longer distances and uses cables that are much more commonly available, less expensive, and easier to field terminate and install in customized lengths than HDMI.

By incorporating HDBaseT technology, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5 are optimized for whole-home distribution and can connect to compatible entertainment devices through a single CAT5e/6 cable. HDBaseT is the only technology that enables long-reach wired connectivity up to 328 feet (100 meters) for uncompressed full HD multimedia content including 3D and 2K/4K Ultra HD making it ideal for the custom integration specialists. The HDBaseT port can be assigned for use in either the main zone or a second zone, while the HDMI output is used exclusively for the main zone.

DHC-60.5 Preamp/processor rear panel

"The addition of HDBaseT in these two new models help address an issue many in the custom installation market deal with; providing HD quality over long distances," said Keith Haas, Director of Sales. "Implementing technologies like HDBaseT allows us to continue to provide products people have come to expect from the market leader. With this addition along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unparalleled streaming service options, THX Certified sound quality, ISF Certified Calibration Control, and ongoing support upgrades, our customers get new value added on a regular basis."

The new DHC-60.5 7.2 channel network A/V preamp processor is THX Ultra2 Plus Certified and the ideal companion to the DTA-70.1 THX Ultra2 certified amplifier. The DHC-60.5 also includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and full support for the new 4K Ultra HD video displays using either the 4K pass-through feature or up-scaling for conventional SD and HD video sources via a Marvel QDEO processor. There are connections for nine HDMI inputs and one output, plus HDBaseT, along with 7.2 multichannel balanced XLR pre-outs (with front-channel bi-amp capability) and two-channel balanced XLR audio inputs.

Meanwhile, the DTR-60.5 is a 9.2 channel, THX Select2 Plus network A/V receiver that boasts 135 watts per channel of power.

The DTR-60.5 supports an abundant package of connectivity options including 9-in/1-out HDMI, the aforementioned HDBaseT port, and 11.2 multichannel pre-outs to support full DTS Neo:X™ up-mixing for surround-sound playback. If preferred, the unit can be configured to assign four of the nine available channels to drive audio in Zone 2 and Zone 3 simultaneously. There is a full package of surround processing including Dolby Pro-Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX, plus Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room set-up processing. Amplification comes courtesy of proprietary WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and discrete Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, a combination that preserves a distinctively musical sound even at high volumes.

Both models provide management of the main and multi-zone entertainment via the Integra Remote app for Apple and Android devices, which encompass the selection of online streaming services, internet radio channels, and network audio files. The network connection provides Internet radio and streaming music services include the new addition of TuneIn Radio along with the bevy of services offered in previous generation models such as Spotify, Pandora®, SlackerTM, Rhapsody®, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio®, AUPEO!, and Last.fm.

They also support the playback of high definition music files in FLAC, DSD, ALAC, HD 24/96 and HD 24/192 formats from HD music download services.

In addition to having the power to steer high-res movie soundtracks at theater-reference volumes, the receiver is loaded with high-end features to optimize two-channel performance. Pre-processing incorporates three 192kHz/24-bit TI Burr-Brown DACs (with one stereo DAC per front channel in Differential DAC mode). Audiophiles wishing to bi-amp their front speakers can find performance increases from the proprietary Digital Processing Crossover Network, which splits the audio signal very precisely into separate high- and low-frequency signals, feeding them to the appropriate speaker drivers. This all but eliminates frequency overlap at the crossover point for a more transparent stereo image.

The Integra DHC-60.5 AV preamp processor and the DTR-60.5 A/V receivers will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,000 and $2,300 respectively.

Review: Bowers & Wilkins 804 Diamond loudspeaker

The B&W 804 Diamond heralds much of the technology as its larger 802 and 800 diamond siblings. How does it fare?  Read the full review of the B&W 804 Diamond here. 

Review: Panasonic DMP-BDT230 Blu-ray Player

The Panasonic DMP-BDT230 Blu-ray Player is up against some stiff competition with the Oppo BDP-103 and BDP-105 that set the industry standard. Does Panasonic's DMP-BDT230 make the grade?  Read the full review at Home Theater HiFi and find out. 

KEF M500 Headphone Review

Audiophile British speaker maker, KEF, has launched a new pair of on-ear headphones, the M500.  The $300 headphones aren't cheap but convey the best of the KEF heritage.  In a review of the M500s, NY Times Columnist Gregory Schmidt writes, "Sound through the headphones is vivid and full. On-ear headphones usually don’t offer a good seal, but these do a remarkable job of blocking noise. And they are comfortable."  Read the full review of the KEF M500 headphones here.

Revel Performa 3 Review: F206 Full range and M106 Monitor Speakers

Reviews of Revel's new Performa 3 line of speakers are in and they are getting spectacular feedback.  In The Absolute Sound, Neil Gader writes:

The Performa3 F206 and M106 are segment- defining loudspeakers. And by emphasizing the sonic totality of the listening experience, they have more than exceeded my already lofty expectations. I’m often told that there are no bargains anymore in the high end. Well, naysayers haven’t met the F206 and M106. So seek them out. Revel has just given “value-level” a fresh kick in the pants.

Read the full review of the Revel Performa 3 F206 and M106 speakers.