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.