Sound Mag by 4Square Media

the new digital HI FI MAgazine: soundmag.com.au Inside

Bluesound We take a look at the new 24bit wireless

Issue:1 2015

audio system that is wowing critics

denon Denon Heos is the latest wireless audio

system to take on Sonos, we take a look

Martin logan This top end HI FI system gets a new lease of life, are the results are magical

Sennheiser This German company is the #1 headphone brand in the world & the new range is impressive

INSIDE: How to win a new Denon heos speaker

Bluesound wirelsess range

Editorial

Contents

Welcome to SoundMag, a vibrant and fresh portal into the wonderful, sometimes wacky and even zany world of Hi-Fi and audio-video.

MARTIN LOGAN

PHILIPS

SENNHEISER

Martin Logan is easily the most iconic electrostatic speaker in today’s competitive market place. Every model from the entry level to the flagship in Martin Logan’s range, looks terrific, sounds superb and has a fit and finish which is the envy of its rivals. Such is the global success of the brand it has now added a portfolio of products including wall and ceiling speakers, subwoofers and a series of more conventional speakers that look simply stunning.

European brand, Philips is one of the planets most recognizable brands and the name is a byword for innovation and reliability. Philips has always designed wonderful sounding headphones that were also ultra comfortable to wear. The A5 DJ Mix and A5 Pro Headphone models continue Philip’s quest for studio grade headphones that quality conscious music lovers would love to own, and more importantly are so modestly priced as to represent something of an audio bargain.

Along with its own range of coveted headphones and headphone amplifiers, Sennheiser distributes Arcam in Australia, a UK brand that has racked up a mountain load of awards for its nicely priced ranges of CD players, amplifiers, receivers, DACs, Speakers and music streaming products. It also handles Canadian brand Bryston which is no slouch surround sound processors, speakers, amplifiers, DACs and music streaming products and the Dynaudio range of audiophile quality speakers.

NAD & JAMO

Q ACCOUSTICS

Everyone knows what he or she can expect when they own any product built by legacy brands NAD, JAMO or Marantz. You could put on a blindfold and pick products by these brands at random and you’d end up with classy gear that you’d be proud to show your friends. HEOS is a much newer brand of music streaming models, but the pedigree is assured because the brand behind the range is none other than one of the hi-fi word’s most famous marques-Denon.

Q Acoustics is clinching the mantle for creating fine looking hi-fi, computer and surround sound speakers that are also beautifully built, have scads of musicality and are incredibly affordable for what they offer. Every model in its select range blends price, performance and build seamlessly. But we reckon its Concept 20 speaker is so good, it’s poised to go ballistic in the marketplace.

By Peter Familiari

CEO & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR David Richards dwr@4squaremedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR Peter Familiari peter@soundmag.com.au

TECHNICAL EDITOR Arthur Rappos

CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Everard Adrian Justins Ben Parker Michael Main Nicholas Familiari Jon Iverson Rab Turner Steve May

SALES Edward Cooper // 02 9002 5906 ecooper@4squaremedia.com

ACCOUNTS MANAGER Fahad Naeem fnaeem@4squaremedia.com

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Lee Huy Lam lee@4sqauremedia.com

DESIGN Paul Bosiger

PUBLISHED BY 4Square Media Pty Ltd Suite 102a 275 Alfred Street NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 CAN 100 767 600

SoundMag will be published quarterly and we have every intention of making it a bimonthly, because like you we believe you can’t have too much of a good thing. Each issue promises to be jam packed with reviews of all the latest and swankiest audio and video kit, but with a special focus on what the younger generation are buying: wireless streaming equipment. Let’s face it, traditional hi-fi has been marching up and down in the same spot for decades. Yes, there have been amazing improvements in the build and sound quality of most products. But all the revolutionary action is occurring not with hi-fi legacy gear. Turntables, CD and SACD players, amplifiers, speakers, cables and equipment racks are undoubtedly better and more affordable than ever before, but Gen Y frankly doesn’t give a toss-as yet. Much to the chagrin of the under valued, overworked and well under paid specialist audio video dealer, Gen Y see hi-fi as superfluous. We disagree. And being eternal optimists we’re hopeful Gen Y will move on from their quest for convenience and get over their addiction to park their fave music on a pesky, smartphone and graduate to an audiophile quality music server linked to audiophile quality speakers and amplifier. Right now, the younger music lovers globally are buying headphones in vast numbers and they’re also investing heavily into hi-res digital to analogue converters and multiroom, music streaming devices. The problem for the specialist channel is many of these buyers are heading to JB

Hi-FI and other large chain outlets to make their purchase. JB knows exactly what Gen Y wants. And that’s the reason it invested millions on its own Aussie music service. The music streaming revolution has a silver lining for specialist brands and retailers. Finally the pedigree brands led by the people associated with NAD and Denon have seen the music streaming future. Both have launched pedigree music streaming models under the brand names Bluesound and HEOS. Bluesound is unique. It’s the only extant hi-res music streaming range on the market. HEOS is not hi-res, but as our review shows it offers high quality sound. But here’s the thing: HEOS and Bluesound can showcase how good well-recorded music can sound in a way that’s attractive and convenient to Gen Y. What’s more, both are launch pads for hi-fi systems comprising superb speakers and a quality amplifier connected by decent cables. It may be ironic, but the storm clouds that gathered over the traditional audio landscape in the shape of the arrival of the CD in the mid 80’s, are now clearing. The sun shining on hi-fi is largely due to the increasing availability of hi-res music downloads and pedigree wireless streaming gear, and the horde of younger music lovers eager to experience what audiophile quality sound has to offer.

AVATION Whoever said there’s nothing new under the hi-fi sun has obviously not had a close encounter with any of Devialet’s audio masterpieces. The brand started a hi-fi revolution a few years ago with its category defying D-Premier amplifier. A hybrid amplifier, the slim D-Premier had looks that belonged to a work of art and a sound quality that was easily amongst the worlds best. These days Devialet has a comprehensive range of amplifiers, some with streaming features and to top it all off, a complete audio system called the Ensemble.

BLUESOUND Few Australian audio suppliers can equal the range of high calibre brands distributed by Convoy. We’ve dipped into a small part of its range and honed in on Bowers and Wilkins, Harman Kardon and Bluesound music streaming products. The UK’s Bowers and Wilkins are internationally renowned as the manufacturers of many of the world’s best selling speakers while US brand Harman Kardon’s has been building award winning receivers for decades. Bluesound is a pathfinder and the only high definition range of audio streaming products in the world.

DEC 2014

ISSUE 01

SAMSUNG Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung, blew us away with its current range of wireless streaming speakers, sound bars and home theatre systems. With their fresh styling they’ll look a treat in any living environment. The range is devilishly cleaver and crammed full of easy to use wireless and network features. Much of the range is dedicated to improve the sound of any widescreen TVs. Best of all, every new model is affordable.

YAMAHA Whoever pigeon holes Yamaha as a surround sound receiver maestro is bound to miss out on some of the world’s best hi-fi components. While it’s true Yamaha’s surround receivers have few rivals, the brand’s Aventage SACD players and stereo amplifiers and Soavo range of speakers are in the same league and have to be auditioned. As do Yamaha’s immense range of deeply talented sound bars which add a new dimension of surround sound to any decent large screen TV.

We hope you enjoy Sound Mag.

It could be yours

No fluff, no padding, just 25 words as to why you want to own the new Denon Heos wireless sound system.

Go to soundmag.com.au/comp and enter and you could be a winner*

*Conditions Apply

REVIEW/

BOWERS & WILKINS

Bowers & Wilkins B&W T7 Bluetooth Speaker Ranking: BY What Hi Fi Sound + Vision

REVIEW/

BOWERS & WILKINS Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t have a Bluetooth speaker in its broad range so the new B&W T7 portable, Bluetooth wireless speaker is a key product as Wireless Hi Fi is in big demand at mass retailers and specialist dealers.

Design and build

Features

Performance

The T7 speaker looks like a B&W product. Despite being a slight variation on a fairly familiar rectangular wireless speaker design, there’s a premium look and an obvious design flourish that helps set the speaker apart.

The Zeppelin iPod dock was one of the first great ‘hi-fi’ iPod docks, and the Zeppelin Air, A5 and A7 wireless AirPlay speakers led the way at one time or another in their respective price categories for Apple users wanting wireless music.

Around the back there’s a power socket, auxiliary input for non-Bluetooth devices, service port and a reboot button (we didn’t have to use it, thankfully). There’s no USB connection for charging your device as you find on some rivals, but we think that’s very much a bonus rather than a necessity.

Thankfully, we’re impressed. The B&W T7 sound is an easy, pleasurable listen that does a fine job of delivering highquality sound in a portable, relatively affordable package. Streaming lossless FLAC files from our aptX-enabled Sony Xperia Z3, music is detailed, nicely balanced and musical.

This is mainly thanks to the Micro Matrix design, which makes for a transparent frame around the main bulk of the speaker, creating a neat honeycomb effect. This Micro Matrix is designed to improve the sound by making a solid, resonance-free structure.

You can double-tap the play button to skip on a track, while a press of the power button reveals a set of LED lights on the side; these indicate how much juice the T7 has left in the tank.

Verdict

Now, the T7 wants to do the same for portable Bluetooth speakers, opening B&W up to a whole new audience of Android and other device users (and of course Apple as well).

At 950g, it’s light enough to be portable and fit in a bag no problem, but still feels more solid and robust than you might think when you first pick it up. The rubber trim around the top, bottom and sides make it easy to hold and offers a little protection.

B&W claims 18 hours of playback (75 per cent volume, rock music) – but suggests you should get noticeably longer, anything up to 40 hours, at lower volume and/or with speech radio. We enjoyed more than 24 hours music playback, no problem. The specs are solid, the features more than sufficient.

The B&W T7 is at the upper limits of what we’d expect most people would be prepared to pay for a compact portable wireless speaker. In fact, we’ve no doubt many people wouldn’t be prepared to pay $600. But if you value sound quality - as of course we do - and you’ve got the budget for it, this really is money well spent. The T7 looks the part, does everything you’d expect a Bluetooth speaker to do, and sounds comfortably better than any such product we’ve heard. Bowers & Wilkins has entered the market in style. Read more at www.whathifi.com/bw/t7/ review#xA65Tqm4DHq7gfjI.99

REVIEW/

MARTIN LOGAN

Martin Logan BalancedForce 212 subwoofer Ranking: By Jon Iverson

REVIEW/

MARTIN LOGAN In January of this year, I spotted ML’s two new BalancedForce designs at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. The BalancedForce 212s come with a pair of 12” cones. In a two-channel system, a pair of subs has three advantages over a singleton: they smooth out standing waves considerably, help keep intact directional cues and the soundstage, and make possible more dynamic headroom with less distortion, as each sub must handle only one channel. Some claim that the range of frequencies a subwoofer is asked to reproduce is too low to affect sound staging. But I’ve found that, even when the sub’s low-pass filter is set to 60–80Hz, the sound is still directional enough that, when I close my eyes, my ears can detect the physical location of each box (if not the actual soundwaves they produce, which are interacting with the room).

Size Martin Logan’s Descent subs had pairs of handles, but they were in awkward spots and tough to get your fingers around. Realizing this, ML has omitted handles from the BalancedForce models, but does include handholds under the top edges and on the bottom. About those woofers: Martin Logan says that they fire back to back—in what ML calls a BalancedForce configuration, operating in exact opposition “to nullify distortion causing cabinet vibrations and deliver pure bass energy.” And, in fact, the cabinets kept quite still as the cones madly moved prodigious amounts of air. The front of the BF212 has a high-gloss black finish; the top comes in black, white, Walnut, or Dark Cherry (custom finishes are also available). The woofers on each side are covered with black cloth on a frame that snaps magnetically into place and never rattled in use. The base is made of cast-aluminium, and is ribbed for strength.

Big Bottom Line Trying to recall what I did not like about Martin Logan’s BalancedForce 212, I come up almost empty. The clack, clack on turn-on is distracting, and the manual and PBK could do a better job of addressing systems set up for two stereo subwoofers. That said, the quick, tight BalancedForce design and complete range of adjustments, with the ability to make the BF212’s response flat in almost any environment, has yielded a product with few sonic faults. With contemporary music, and much jazz and classical, there was a tactile presence to the bottom end with the BF212s that is missing from the sounds of most large, floor standing speakers, let alone anything smaller. If you can swing the cost, run stereo subs that can be calibrated with a mike in your room. The BalancedForce 212s are so flexible that I can imagine them—used in almost any room, and with almost any speaker—restoring the tactile impact and low-end reach that other subs usually leave by the door. I’ve come to love what my two Descent i’s can do. But I’ve often had trouble tuning the system’s balance to that precise point where the bass is full but gets out of the way of everything else. This the BalancedForce 212s with PBK did quite well. Whether or not you have Martin Logan speakers to pair them with, I strongly, strongly recommend the BalancedForce 212. It’s definitely not a tubby thumper, and no imagination is needed, because nothing is missing. For the full review go to: http://www.stereophile.com/content/martinloganbalancedforce-212-subwoofer

REVIEW/

Cambridge Audio Aeromax 6 review

CAMBRIDGE

Ranking:

Cambridge Audio is a brand that runs hot and cold, now the UK Company believes it can take their performance to another level, in the shape of the Aeromax 6.

The front left and right speakers in that surround package are the Aero 6 floor standers, good speakers in their own right. But Cambridge Audio believes it can take their performance to another level, in the shape of the Aeromax 6. Not to be confused with a certain sports brand’s iconic footwear range, the Aeromax 6s improvements aren’t restricted to just a shiny new finish (although the gloss white and black options do certainly give them a classier look).

Build and design The Aeromax 6s are front-ported, giving you plenty of options for placement The Aeromax upgrade features a whole host of changes. One of the key design aspects of Aero is the use of Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) instead of traditional tweeters.

BMRs have a much wider operating frequency range than conventional drive units. In this case, the BMR drivers – the small, top-most drivers – handle treble and midrange. They cross over to the bass driver at 250Hz, where ears are less sensitive to the phase issues such circuits suffer from. The BMRs on the Aeromax 6s have been modified, with Cambridge claiming that the new drivers offer a more detailed and immersive sound.

Performance Just make sure you give the bolts and spikes on the plinth a good tighten before you start listening. A speaker’s stereo imaging can really help to draw the listener in, and the Aeromax 6s do that well.

There’s a fantastic sense of depth and breadth, with the piano and Smith’s vocal sounding wonderfully direct without coming across too forcefully. The 6s aren’t as forgiving as some rivals when it comes to poorly recorded music The way the 6s position the elements of a track is pretty exceptional – arguably unrivalled at this price.

Verdict You can hear a lot of potential in the Aeromax 6s. In our opinion they need just a couple of tweaks here and there to transform them into really serious contenders. Read more at http://www.whathifi. com/cambridge-audio/aeromax-6/ review#egHOtd4Kl7QBPQpd.99

Play Sam Smith’s I’m Not the Only One, close your eyes, sit back and you’re just drawn into the music.

REVIEW/

RAB TURNER

Wireless Sound Systems And The Specialist Retail Perspective By Rab Turner

Our man in retail, Rab Turner writes a fearless monthly column for SoundMag pulling no punches as he gives his unique insight into music streaming. As a specialist consumer electronics purveyor I know that I am expected to demonstrate enthusiasm for “new purveyance opportunities” however I confess I look at the plethora of wireless products with something akin to distaste.

So because the technology exists we are supposed to want it? The hunger that manufacturers and distributors display as they launch their new wi-fi-esque devices into an already saturated market is like a cuttlefish breeding swarm. One intuitively knows that only a minor percentage of them are going to survive to product maturity. The need to breed and feed in the consumer electronics marketplace is evidenced most harshly in the bottom end of the food chain of portable electronics. Product life cycles are reduced to the minimum permissible bell curve so as to provide the manufacturing food that the corporates desperately need to attempt to maintain their own continuing growth requirement. Honestly if these manufacturing consortiums were all able to meet their projected growth expectations over the next five years half of the planets mass would be converted into mobile devices. Even if human population were to proceed uncontracepted and economically unchecked there still not be enough consumers to support a decent profit in the consortiums. Note that the real clients of this system are not the end user consumers pulling the product but the 18

manufacturers pushing to fulfil their insatiable hunger for new markets … That being said … there is a ruling species in wireless multi room audio that has a possibly unassailable advantage and that is Sonos. Like it or loath it, it was there first, and it will still be here when the others have fallen by the wayside. It has followed the footsteps of its Apple role model by immediately going legal to its nearest most effective competitor in the new proliferation being the Australian designed brand Heos thus effectively curtailing that brands development time and resources in litigation when it should be actively marketing and debugging. Plus Sonos has one major use advantage over the other devices nibbling at its heels by virtue of forming its own network in a home to distribute the content rather than burdening the clients … usually marginal … Wi Fi network with further bandwidth demands. Sonos has broken that barrier of brand perception in consumerland so that it is now on the lips of all social strata even amongst people who have no actual idea of how it works or what it does. As such it is guaranteed a place in that elite club of brands that have risen to the top of the positional struggle and are now making hay while their sun shines. Customers up to a certain level generally like what it has to offer and it is an easy inclusion into a typical domestic environment without major house surgery or learning curves. Also it spells the same upside down which in this topsy turvy world is a particular advantage .

REVIEW/

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new 24bit high def Audio kid on the block who wants your attention

BLUESOUND

By David Richards Sound is entering a new era, in the past sound is all about Hi Fi and receivers and all the complex kit that was need to deliver high quality fidelity. Today, technology is changing the type of gear that sound enthusiasts want resulting in high end sound companies partnering with a new generation of technology companies that have the digital expertise to enhance a sound experience when the source content is digital. Going forward hi-definition sound is set to become the buzz word for enhanced high quality digital audio. 24 bit music players and new re mastered content is set to lift an audio experience to a new level and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be an audiophile to appreciate hi-definition sound. Along with the advancement in content has come a new generation of connectivity with Wi Fi and Bluetooth now being built into hardware including speakers and players. Four years ago Sonos created a new benchmark in the streaming world with their Sonos speakers, then came along the Sonos subwoofer followed by their soundbar. Now several new companies are emerging to take on the Company that pioneered the marriage of sound, technology, digital communication and software management.

REVIEW/

BLUESOUND Among them is Bluesound who via their Australian distributor Convoy is now delivering a 24-bit native, puredigital streaming music system that takes digital sound streaming to a new level. Bluesound is an alliance of audiophiles dedicated to delivering on the promise of wireless, digitally-perfect high-fidelity audio. The product is manufactured by Lenbrook which is the same company who manufacture NAD and PSB audio gear. Talk to Lenbrook executives and in particular the people working on the development of the Bluesound gear and they will tell you that they are designers, engineers, and passionate music lovers who have spent their lives in the audio industry. Both NAD and PSB pioneered hi-fi in the ’70s and very shortly a new range of NAD gear will be launched in Australia that features the Bluesound technology. What Bluesound came up with is an ecosystem consisting of four component players—the VAULT, the NODE, the POWERNODE, and the PULSE—plus a 2.1 speaker system called the Duo which ironically is made up of three pieces.

Control of Bluesound devices is app-based. Although the Vault is Ethernet only (100 megabits per second), the other three players also include built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity. Wired or wireless, each player connects to a home network allowing easy connectivity with the other players, internet streaming, and content providers, you can also access digital audio files stored on a NAS drive or attached storage devices. A USB port allows a user to attach an optional Bluetooth dongle or connect a flash drive or external hard drive. The Bluesound devices run a custom version of Linux called BluOS superscription. Networking on the software side is accomplished with Samba so there’s no quirky UPnP to deal with. The Vault, for example, can auto-discover network attached storage and as long as your metadata is good, it will be displayed through the Bluesound app which resides on iOS, Windows, OS X or Android devices. The Bluesound devices support “whole house streaming” and you can play the same or different music to each device. Bluesound suggests the total number of Wi-Fi-connected devices maxes out at eight but they’ve had success with more depending on the Wi-Fi network. If you mix ‘n match Wi-Fi and wired, the sky’s nearly the limit. Bluesound currently supports Rdio, TuneIn, Spotify connect, Juke, Deezer and WiMP they are working on adding other streaming sources. The Bluesound lineup’s clean industrial design is by designer David Farrage (DF-ID).

REVIEW/

BLUESOUND

The Bluesound product range includes the following:

The Bluesound gear will go on sale in Australia at specialist dealers which is the original stamping ground for Sonos. Dealers including Len Wallis Audio, Surround Sounds, Audio Solution, Todd’s Hifi and Quantum hifi that Sound Mag has spoken to claim that they “cannot wait” for the new Bluesound gear.

NODE ($649)

POWERNODE ($999)

VAULT ($1499)

PULSE ($999)

DUO ($1499)

The NODE functions as a networkattached DAC/streamer offering 100Mbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi inputs with Toslink and analogue RCA output so you can connect directly to your DAC or use the NODE’s 35-bit/384kHz internal DAC and connect to the line input in your hi-fi or powered speakers. There’s also a USB Type-A input for connecting USB storage devices. You can also access music from network-attached storage as well as stream from Internet sources.

The Bluesound POWERNODE adds a 50wpc Direct Digital amp to the NODE. This is trickle-down technology from NAD’s M2 Direct Digital amp. You have the same connections and functionality as the NODE plus pairs of speaker binding posts to connect your passive speakers. There’s also a subwoofer out if you so desire.

The VAULT houses 2TB of internal storage, a CD drive for auto-ripping (to FLAC or MP3 or both), Ethernet and USB Type-A inputs, and a Toslink output. The VAULT will recognise any network-attached shared storage device.

The PULSE is an all-in-one streaming powered speaker and houses a Direct Digital amp, 35-bit/384kHz DAC, 2x 2 1/4” full range drivers, 1x 5 1/4” bass driver, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and a Toslink output. Plug and play.

The DUO is a sub-satellite speaker system ideal for partnering with the POWERNODE. Both the PULSE and DUO were tuned by PSB’s Paul Barton and when you use the POWERNODE with the DUO you can select a custom EQ setting in the Bluesound app developed specifically for the Duo’s frequency response.

This allows users to easily manage a huge music library. You can also hang USB storage off the USB port, you can also stick a CD into the VAULT’s slot for playback.

REVIEW/

BLUESOUND The number and types of supported audio codecs is impressive (MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF), with native sampling rates ranging from 32 to 192 kilohertz along with bit depths of 16 and 24. All of the Bluesound players are compatible with Mac (OSX, but not AirPlay) and Windows (XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8) operating systems for music sharing and are, according to Bluesound, “purpose-built to stream full-rez 192-kHz/24-bit studio master recordings.” They all use super-fast ARM Cortex A8 processors and are controlled via Bluesound’s iOS and Android apps or Desktop App, but there are no dedicated Bluesound remote controls or keypads. A Bluesound system can start with any individual player on its own and can be expanded to include as many as 32 players—with a max limit of eight players connected via Wi-Fi. Players are available in either a high-gloss black or white finish. With the exception of the all-in-one Pulse, the players feature an unconventional industrial design overseen by David Farrage of DF-ID, who has also done work for Bluesound’s sister companies, NAD and PSB, as well as designs for the likes of Movado and Lamborghini. The Vault, the NODE, and the POWERNODE each resemble a glossy black (or white) cube-like box with two opposing corners rounded off and highlighted by a brushed aluminum strip running from the front corner to the back. Yes, I said, front corner, because the three aforementioned players are designed to sit with two sides of the player at 45degree angles to the front. It’s a cool look—although not very desktop or shelfspace efficient—and I’ve found that people either love it or, uh, don’t love it. The same goes for the high-gloss white finish. I happen to really like the design in black. Others have raved about the white. You’ll have to make your own decision.

REVIEW/

BLUESOUND

How to Be a Player While the players share the majority of features, there are some key differences. The Ethernet-only VAULT ($1499), for example, includes a built-in 2-terabyte hard drive along with a vertically oriented, slot-loading CD ripper. The VAULT uses a proprietary BluOS file-management system and rips CDs in FLAC, MP3, or both simultaneously and stores the files on the hard drive. This capability means you can put together a multiroom Bluesound streaming music system without a computer or a separate NAS drive, simply by ripping your existing CD collection to the VAULT.

REVIEW/

BLUESOUND All the players directly support multiple Internet streaming music services, including Tunein Radio, Rdio, Slacker Radio, WiMP, Qobuz, Deezer, and Juke (although the last four don’t offer AUS access yet). But thanks to its built-in hard drive, the VAULT can also download and store music files purchased from HighResAudio, which claims to be “the first commercial music download service for audiophiles worldwide offering only high-resolution 24-bit albums and songs at sampling rates from 88.2 kHz up to 384 kHz.” (Because HighResAudio is operated in Germany, not all of the titles in the service’s catalog are available for purchase in the AUS) The VAULT has optical digital and stereo analog audio outputs but doesn’t include a built-in amplifier. The sole control located on the VAULT is a round mute button on the top near the front that glows blue when on and red when off.

POWERNODE connects to your favourite pair of speakers for superb stereo sound almost anywhere in your home

The slightly smaller POWERNODE ($999) lacks the CD ripper and the internal hard drive found in the VAULT, but it includes a built-in 50 watts x 2 switching amp designed by NAD along with the attendant hefty binding posts and a single subwoofer pre-out. In addition to the mute button, the PowerNode has buttons for volume up and down. In contrast, the smallest of the three “cubist” Bluesound players, the Node ($649), doesn’t have an internal amp. Nor does it possess volume control buttons or a subwoofer output. Like the VAULT, though, the NODE includes a digital audio output and a set of RCA stereo analog outputs with the option of fixed or variable level, with the understanding that it will feed an existing audio system or conventional powered speaker set. It represents the lowest cost of entry for the system; one NODE and the Bluesound control app are all you need to get going. The PULSE ($999) is a self-contained player/speaker with the wide look of a traditional all-in-one powered speaker system. In addition to a scooped-out carrying handhold, the 6.1 KG PULSE has a backlit capacitance touchpanel on the top with controls for mute, volume up/down, and track forward/back. Inside is a total of 80 watts of switching amplification (again, courtesy of NAD) with a single 5.25-inch woofer flanked by a pair of 2.75-inch tweeters plus two forward-firing ports behind the full-front metal grille. The PULSE has audio outputs.

In case you’re wondering, none of the Bluesound players features an analog audio input. This is a digital audio system from the beginning until almost the end of the chain, where you might find the Duo ($1499) 2.1 speaker system. Designed by the eminent Paul Barton and his team at PSB, the Duo includes two modest size monitor speakers with 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeters and 4-inch woofers in sealed cabinets. The Duo’s weighty subwoofer (11 KG) uses an 8-inch front-firing woofer with a 2.5-inch down-firing port plus a 110-watt internal amp. Aside from the nicely matching aesthetics, there’s nothing proprietarily Bluesound-ish about the Duo that would prevent you from using the speakers with a non-Bluesound amplifier—or, for that matter, using the POWERNODE with speakers other than the Duo.

App, App, and Away It can’t be easy to design the hardware for a streaming digital music system. But from my experience with other examples on the market, it must be sheer hell to develop an intuitive, easy-to-use method of getting the system to play—whether by app or Web interface—what you want, where you want, and at the correct volume. (If you’d like to see the current state of the art, take a look at the apps and interfaces from Sonos and Kaleidescape.) Since Bluesound doesn’t offer a dedicated remote control, keypad, or touchscreen, the way the iOS and Android apps look and operate is extremely important. By the way, although you can access each player’s configuration screen via your computer (if you know the player’s IP address on your network), Bluesound does offer a way to control music playback from your computer via apps for windows and mac. The apps, don’t seem to be missing anything. It’s obvious that Bluesound spent a lot of effort designing the layout and the functionality of the iOS (with individual iPhone and iPad versions) and Android apps and Kindle fire. They have also just enhanced an app for Kindle Fire.

REVIEW/

SAMSUNG Samsung is a huge player in the consumer electronics industry, and its products have been steadily marching “up market” over recent years. Its TV offerings are achieving a very high standard and it is now bringing its wireless multiroom audio offerings up to the same level. The brand new range comprises the M3, M5 and M7 Multiroom triangular speakers, a stonking, trouser and skirt flapping 320 watt soundbar, and a 1330 watt Home Theatre System. Samsung’s Audio Visual division director, Brad Wright is pleased as punch about the new range and its ability to be a multiroom, wireless audio solution for heaps of people. ‘“Home audio has come a long way. It is no longer about simply listening to music from a single room, as Samsung believes that people are seeking a solution that is versatile enough to provide a great sound experience around the home and that can integrate with multiple sources whether it be a compatible smartphone or selected online streaming service,’’ he says.

SAMSUNG CREATES

‘The new Samsung Sound range is great for families and music enthusiasts who are looking for products that deliver a quality sound experience for the home and that is both easy to set up and control.’’ The recently released group of products below make extensive use of audio streaming, a very convenient technology we first became familiar with through Bluetooth hands-free phones in our cars through to streaming from our iPods and phones and convenient platforms like Apple TV. The novel twist is that Samsung has reintroduced the old fashioned and highly regarded “valve sound” along with the compatibility and connectedness of powered speakers, a TV Soundbar and Sub-Woofer combination and a full home theatre system. Samsung describes these products as providing “a complete ecosystem for playing music around the house”

“A MUSIC ECOSYSTEM” – WITH VALVES! By Peter Familiari

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SAMSUNG

Multiroom Link*

Powered speakers

This is the protocol that connects the speakers through Wi-Fi and a free downloadable App for Android and iOS devices that you can operate from your mobile phone or tablet. You can then nominate which speakers to play through. Music can be streamed either from your own material you have downloaded or via one of the many free or subscription music streaming services. An added benefit of the Multiroom Link system is that Samsung Smart TV’s and Blu-ray players can be linked in to become additional music hubs.

There are three choices of size. The $269 M3, $399 M5 and the larger $499 M7. They are triangular in shape and can fit into inconspicuous corners if that is your preference. They come in either black or white to blend appropriately. The speakers contain up to 5 drivers and can accept streaming in Hi Res 24 bit files. The M7 features a meaty 4 inch Woofer. The M5 and M7 are equipped with both Bluetooth and NFC to pair directly with your smartphone and deliver superior sound quality.

The link is also multi-channel, so you can listen to different programmes in different parts of the home at the same time. Multiroom Link accommodates Pandora, Spotify Connect, Tune In Radio and a variety of other services. * Wireless access to content requires a Wi-Fi network, compatible smartphone or tablet and Samsung Hub and multiroom speaker, each sold separately. App must be downloaded from Samsung Apps / Google Play. Data charges may apply. Usage may be subject to third party agreements. Samsung takes copyright seriously. Only share content that you own or have the right to share. For more information, visit [samsung.com.au]

Audio quality was high on Samsung’s list when it set out to design the wireless multiroom speakers^. They feature foam core woofers that are light and fast to respond to music’s peaks and troughs. The result is deep, informative bass and plenty of it. Midrange frequencies where vocals and most recorded music resides, is delivered by CNT pulp cone midrange drivers which work in tandem with silk dome tweeter on the M7 to generate crystalline mid frequencies and treble. ^ Each speaker must be connected to a mains power supply.

The Soundbar The $899 Series 7 Soundbar provides up to 320 watts of power and with its matching included Sub-Woofer delivers a big sound. Uniquely, it features a valve preamplifier matched with the latest digital audio technology, for a blend of both “warmth” and “power”. The Sub is rated at 160 watts and features an 8 inch cone. The Soundbar can be paired to Bluetooth devices, removing the need to use a remote control. It can be “woken up” with just one touch for high quality audio. It sits unobtrusively but elegantly beneath a compatible Samsung TV and can rest on either its broader or narrower edge, so that siting it beneath your large screen TV it’s ridiculously easy. Sound wise it is all that most would want for their domestic audio and AV needs. It connects wirelessly~ to Samsung Smart TV’s and the Soundbar and Sub-Woofer connect wirelessly to each other, making setup and placement ridiculously easy. ~ The Soundbar must be connected to a mains power supply. Wireless access to content requires a Wi-Fi network, compatible Samsung TV, each sold separately.

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SAMSUNG

Enthusiasts have known for decades that valves can create a sound that is natural and tonally pure. Moreover valve audio models are renowned for recreating the recording venue so accurately listeners hear the performers playing in a palpable 3D space. Valve audio products have also earned a reputation for reproducing a spacious sense of treble which has scads of smooth detail.

1 Home Theatre System The $1099 series 7 Home Theatre System (HT – H7750) presents a combined 1330 watts of power, also featuring that special tube preamplifier for old-fashioned warmth and presence, backed up by the punch of efficient digital audio power. Samsung partnered with DTS (a digital audio developer) to create DTS Neo, a virtual 9.1 channels of output to enhance the experience. The system features “Tall Boy” speakers with mid and high range drivers, connected wirelessly to the rear satellites, with a centre speaker and Sub-Woofer to achieve a virtual 9.1 channels of output, utilising only 6 speakers. The package includes not only that special amplifier but also a Blu-ray player, making a total of 7 pieces for a complete audio system obviously best utilised with an appropriate level Samsung television for the complete entertainment centre.

3 The Sound All these convenient and unique features would be mere embellishments if the performance were not up to scratch. Fortunately, the performance catapults this foray into a more ambitious audio sphere very successfully. The real “kicker” is the effect of that valve preamplifier. Samsung’s blending of the exotic appearance and historical resonance of valves with modern technology seems to work on a number of levels. It is something to impress friends, and most importantly, pays off with a sound quality that is more relaxed and satisfying, and less “mechanical”, than many competitors. There is much to be said for the economic power of the big companies. Their volumes have a beneficial impact in reducing unit costs, and they have the research, resources and warranty backup to inspire confidence when purchasing. Samsung Electronics Australia is a division of a huge Korean company and continues from strength to strength. Samsung Sound is a series of short videos and events inspired by Samsung’s innovative new range of audio products. Further information is available from the website: www.samsungsound.com.au.

2 Value For cutting edge technology, these Samsung releases represent keen value. The Home Theatre System has a recommended retail of $1,099. The Sound Bar package including Sub-Woofer is a competitive $899, and the M7, M5 and M3 speakers (in black or white) are at $499, $399 and $269 a pair respectively.

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SAMSUNG

Samsung Embraces Curves After releasing its best-selling curved TVs, Samsung has now followed up with the world’s first TV-matching Curved Soundbar. Designed to complement the sleek styling of Samsung’s Curved UHD TVs, the HW-H7501 Curved Soundbar will give consumers the matching and powerful sounding audio system they’ve been craving to go with their swish Samsung Curved TV. The new Curved Soundbar will be an eye arresting object of art and one that is tailor made to be mounted horizontally for owners of Samsung’s 55 or 65-inch Curved UHD TVs. And in a real bonus for décor conscious consumers, the new Curved Soundbar is not only perfect for wall mounting, it can also easily be installed under the TV – replacing the TV stand - without any requirement to drill separate holes into the wall. Samsung’s latest stunner has a slender width of just 42 mm and a curvature radius of 4,200mm, exactly the same curve profile of Samsung Curved UHD TVs. The Curved Soundbar extolls Samsung’s creativity and is an evolution of worldclass premium design. As you would expect, Samsung choose a chassis made of exquisitely brushed aluminium finish. It bespeaks Samsung’s established unique premium identity and it fulfils its mission as a perfect match for the company’s elite 55 and 65-inch TVs.

As befitting its leading edge design, the new Curved Soundbar carries a premium grade sound system designed to envelope listeners in an immersive sound experience. It’s also a joy to use. The Curved Soundbar supports 8.1 channels of sound and adds two speakers on both of its sides to deliver sound that seems to be coming from three directions creating more spatial detail and a copious surround sound field.

The new Curved Soundbar’s extensive range of user-friendly features can be controlled using their Samsung’s TVs remote and by connecting the Soundbar to the Samsung TV wirelessly via the brand’s ‘’TV SoundConnect’’ feature through Bluetooth technology. Price of the new Curved Soundbar will be announced soon.

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YAMAHA

Yamaha

packs big sound into top end speakers & sound bar

By Adrian Justins Yamaha has been through some lean times but the company seems to have ridden the storm and shows no sign of waining (at least in terms of its prodigious and ever-expanding product lineup).

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YAMAHA The company seems adept at embracing new developments whilst leveraging its rich 125-year-old musical heritage and expertise in working with traditional material such as wood as much as transistors and capacitors. One such example is the new Soavo (or NS-901) range, a stunning looking collection of full-range floorstanders and bookshelf speakers developed in collaboration with acclaimed designer Toshiyuki Kita. As well as a piano black gloss finish identical to that used on Yamaha grand pianos, the cabinets have an unusual trapezoid shape that reduces standing waves. The build quality is impeccable with three-way mitered joints and vertical ladder bracing. Newly developed drivers that utilise Yamaha’s A-PMD (Advanced Polymer-injected Mica Diaphragm) are used for the mid-range and woofer, with an aluminium tweeter and a heavy aluminum diecast tweeter plate that minimises unwanted resonances. The more affordable 700 series has slightly reduced power handling but borrows heavily from Soavo in many respects, eschewing parallel vertical and horizontal lines and introduces another aesthetic element derived from Yamaha’s musical DNA with a subwoofer port reminiscent of a guitar’s sound hole and a grille net shaped like the body of a guitar. A-PMD cones are also used for the drivers, which are light, rigid and sturdy and provide very fast response times. Both Soavo and the 700 ranges offer surround speakers and a subwoofer for multi-channel home cinema use.

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YAMAHA

Yamaha has been king of the soundbar market for a decade, and continues to adapt and innovate as required. The YSP-2500 is a high-end model with a shallow profile (it can slink as low as 51mm tall) compatible with many of today’s low-down TV screens. It supports 4K Ultra HD signals at 50/60Hz, has the ubiquitous wireless subwoofer and can wirelessly stream audio over Bluetooth. Using proven technology to bounce audio from its 16 mini drivers its home cinema performance should be beyond reproach and a premium remote handset, complemented by a slick iOS/ Android app should maintain Yamaha’s good track record of user-friendliness.

Audiophiles everywhere have much to celebrate, including the simple VU meter, which looks to be on its way back, featuring for example on Yamaha’s S2100 series. This is a much more affordable version of the acclaimed S3000 series of audiophile grade components and consists of the A-S2100 amp and CD-S2100 CD/SACD deck. Like its flagship stablemate, the A-S2100 is an example of floating and balanced topology in practice, which should remove any negative

impact of minute fluctuations or ground noise. Power is rated at a bountiful 160W/channel (albeit into a 4 ohm load), and the amp’s MOSFET amplification is arguably akin to valve amplification at less expense. The deck meanwhile boasts high grade construction, has separate power supplies for digital and analogue circuits and uses the impressive ES9016 SABRE32 chip for its DAC. USB, optical and coaxial inputs allow users to take advantage of the high-end DAC with other source components.

YSP-2500 Sound Bar 47

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YAMAHA

AVENTAGE At the other end of the seriousness scale Yamaha has launched a quintet of premium AV receivers under its Aventage label. These are built to enthusiast-level standards with the top of the range RXA3040 and RX-A2040 sporting an H-shaped cross member frame and a fifth central foot to help reduce vibrations. All models are equipped with 4K 50/60p compatibility, hires audio decoding, as well as supporting the latest Dolby Atmos format for a nextgeneration home theatre experience, Wi-Fi and Wireless Direct, which streams music directly from a smartphone or tablet in the absence of a wireless network and allows control of the receiver using the impressive AV Controller app. As ever, Yamaha offers a baffling array of DSP modes including DSP HD3 on the RX-A3040, which uses extra channels to create virtual higher and wider sound fields.

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MARTIN LOGAN

Martin Logan,

The World’s Finest Electrostatic Line Source Loudspeaker Just Got Better By Andrew Everard

Although US company MartinLogan is best-known for its electrostatic speakers – it’s been making them since the early 1980s , it now has a wide range of models, drawing on the original curvilinear line source (or CLS) technology and hybrid electrostatic technologies it introduced all those years ago.

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MARTIN LOGAN

MartinLogan The curvaceous Motion Series speakers use the company’s Folded Motion Tweeter, similar to the designs found in some very high end speakers and using a folded diaphragm to squeeze out air, in the same manner as the bellows of an accordion. It has eight times the driving area of a typical 25mm dome tweeter, and requires just over 10% of the movement of such a driver, giving a clear, fast and dynamic sound.

In the Motion 2 and 4 speakers, that tweeter is combined with a mid/bass driver in a curved cabinet designed for use on bookshelves, or wall-mounted using a bracket supplied, so you can ‘aim’ the sound just where you want it. The bass is tuned with Folded Motion Cascading Bass Port, which slows and controls air movement for tight, clean bass. The slimline enclosures are finished in high-gloss piano black with a perforated grille, and have simple push-terminals for speaker cables, also able to take standard banana plugs.

The matching Motion 6 and Motion 8 centre speakers and Motion FX surround speakers enable a complete Motion surround system to be assembled. And of course MartinLogan has subwoofers designed to match all its speakers from the compact Motion models to its big 60XT floorstanding speakers and ultra-slim SLM models, which can hang just 5cm deep on a wall.

The new BalancedForce 210 and 212 subwoofers use opposed aluminium bass drivers – 10in/25cm with an 850W amp in the 210 and 12in/30cm with dual 850W amps in the 212 to give powerful, controlled bass for music and movies alike, free from cabinet colorations due to the ‘self-cancelling’ effect of the backto-back drivers

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MARTIN LOGAN

Meanwhile the Dynamo 500 is compact, but packs a mighty punch thanks to a downward-firing 10in/25cm driver, twin bass-tuning ports and a 120W amplifier, while the larger Dynamo 500 ups the stakes with a 12in/30cm driver and 500W amplifier in a sealed cabinet for tight bass, and a couple of features to increase its room friendliness. The downwardfiring configuration can convert to front-firing in minutes. The 700 and 1000 series are MartinLogan’s wireless subwoofers, with a transmitter supplied to send signal from your amp or receiver to the sub. No more need for subwoofer cables running sound the room!

Wireless working is also at the heart of the company’s new Crescendo wireless speaker, a standalone tabletop speaker solution for music wherever you want it. It uses two Folded Motion tweeters and a hefty bass driver for a big, powerful sound, and can be used with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, USB (with iOS compatibility), analogue and optical digital solutions. It’s a complete sound solution, in one very sleek crescent-shaped housing.

But of course MartinLogan hasn’t forgotten its roots, and has an extensive range of electrostatic speakers in its range: its flagship, the mighty CLX Art, is quite simply the result of all the experience the company has gained in over 30 years of making panel speakers, and combines two 145cm-tall electrostatic transducers. The CLS XStat panel delivers the midband and treble, while lower frequencies are in the capable

hands of the company’s DualForce double diaphragm, triple stator lowfrequency driver, with the whole speaker framed in eco-friendly, selfdamping EcoSound material, made from bamboo and recycled fibres. It all adds up to design for which MartinLogan makes a very simple claim: ‘The world’s finest full-range electrostatic line source loudspeaker’. For more information, visit:

http://www.audioactive.com.au

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DYNAUDIO/ARCAM

Sennheiser

By Peter Familiari

Raises the Bar-Again Sennheiser’s standard setting HD 800 headphones and HDVD 800 Digital Headphone amplifier redefine what you can expect to hear from a state-of-the art model. Within seconds of setting the pair up in our listening room, we were hearing every last bit of detail from our signal sources that included CD, SACD, HiRes music files and the glorious sound of vinyl played back by the legendary Yamaha PX1 turntable. Colleagues in the reviewing game who are veterans of the industry listened to the Sennheiser HD 800 and HDVD 800, and were just as stunned by the sound quality as I was. The general consensus was the Sennheisers were delivering a pellucid midrange, taught informative bass and crystalline treble with consummate ease. Moreover the timing and dynamic range was also extraordinary. We all agreed that Master Tape quality was an apt description for the music making ability of the

Sennheiser HD 800 and HDVD 800. Listening to Alan Taylor’s Colour Of The Moon on CD imparted a wide-open view of the studio acoustic including the thwack of Taylors fingers on the his guitar’s fret board. Point is, Sennheiser’s HD 800 and HDVD 800 don’t favour a particular genre of music. Jazz, Acoustic, Punk, Classical are each handled with an evenhanded reproduction. A quality, which includes music, reproduced with abundant detail and immeasurably, low levels of distortion. When asked John Davies, Specialty Consumer Products Head Man for Sennheiser Australia how Sennheiser continues to conjure up these class leading products, his answer wasn’t surprising to those of us familiar with this elite brand’s pedigree.

“Sennheiser has been engaged in the pursuit of perfect sound for over 60 years. It is a passion that drives every facet of the business, and there is no better example of this than the HD 800 headphone and the matched HDVD 800 amplifier,’’ he said.

‘’All over the world, the HD 800 / HDVD 800 is acclaimed as the benchmark for audio excellence in headphones; it is the standard that others aspire to.’’

‘’Designed to the most exacting standards that push the very boundaries of manufacturing, each set is hand-built in Germany and represents the pinnacle of headphone engineering.’’

Davies pointed to the painstaking detail with which Sennheiser fashions all of its products. A great example is the optional CH8005 cable that links the headphones and amp in a fully balanced connection mode to further lift performance.

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DYNAUDIO/ARCAM

DYNAUDIO IS AHEAD OF THE GAME

By Adrian Justins

You could never accuse legendary British hi-fi and AV manufacturer Arcam of failing to keep up with the changing tastes of forward thinking music lovers. With an ear still tuned to its audiophile heritage, the brand now offers a portfolio of products that provide various high-end DAC solutions for computers and portable devices, each built using premium quality components. For example, with its own infra red remote that can control iTunes and Spotify on PCs, Apple Macs and iDevices, theArcam irDAC offers a level of integration rarely found on external computer DACs. It’s also versatile in terms of connectivity with both a USB A input for iPods and an asynchronous USB B input, which critically bypasses a computer’s jitter-prone clock. Beneath the hood there’s a high-quality Burr Brown 1796 DAC and eight separately regulated power supplies. It can also handle 24-bit/192kHz audio. A detailed and cohesive performance has garnered it a number of awards, making the irDac arguably Arcam’s flagship R series product.

The airDAC is a wireless take on the irDAC, swapping some of the latter’s wired inputs for AirPlay. It has a dejittering design and supports files up to 24-bit/96kHz. It can even be used with a TV or disc spinner thanks to digital optical socketry, thereby providing iPhone and iPad owners plenty of versatility when it comes to feeding cutting-edge digital sources into their hi-fi setup.

Nobody who uses headphones to listen to hi-res audio on a computer should be without a USB headphone DAC. The Arcam rPAC is a smart but dinky unit compatible with files up to 24-bit/96kHz. A burly Burr-Brown PCM5102 DAC does the heavy-lifting, extracting every last bit of sonic goodness from incoming audio.

All of Arcam’s products are distributed by Sennheiser, who also handles Dynaudio. The highend Danish speaker company is carving a reputation as a pioneer in the active speaker market. Its revised Xeo range comprises two models, the Xeo 6 and Xeo 4, which deliver audiophile quality sonics from the convenience of a combined amplifier and speaker. Listening to these nextgen systems it’s easy to believe that the days of conventional separates are numbered. These second generation of Xeo speakers are easier to control than their forebears thanks to the addition of a simple control panel on their top, which provides visual feedback, complemented by a well designed remote control. A digital coaxial input has been added to the Xeo Transmitter, which, handily for laptop users, can be powered by USB (as well as from the mains). The transmitter/ hub can receive 24-bit/96kHz signals in most popular formats including WAV files, automatically

detecting incoming tracks and sending them in full CD resolution to the speakers at distances up to 100m away. The Xeo ecosystem is becoming increasingly flexible. Component additions include the Xeo Extender, which boosts wireless signals for multi-room set-ups (it operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), and the Xeo Link, a device that allows the Xeo system to add a subwoofer, headphone amplifier or any other analogue or digital component to a wireless Xeo system. Significantly, the Xeo system doesn’t trade convenience for quality. Both the bookshelf Xeo 4 and floorstanding Xeo 6 punch well above their weight, and are rapidly building an enviable reputation for sonic prowess. They’re also a snap to set-up. A Speaker Position EQ toggle will optimize the enclosures, depending on their proximity to walls, making it easier than ever to enjoy a perfect blend of precision, power and tonal balance.

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DYNAUDIO/ARCAM

Headphone Amplifier The HD 800 are so musically compelling, they easily earn the epithet, State Of The Art.

The HDVD 800 is also sonically and visually a state-of-the-art model. Having used it for several months with a range of mid and highend Sennheiser headphones, the overwhelming impression is of a balanced sound where no frequency is privileged over another.

By Adrian Justins They do this by being streets ahead of all rivals in their ability to replicate the basic acoustic conditions of natural hearing with consummate ease. Sennheiser has given the HD800s a vibrant and visually classy finish. Handling the HD800 imparts a feel of elegant and refined luxury. Pride of ownership is a natural compliment of these headphones which are crammed full of premium, top-of-the-shelf parts and materials. A precision material crafted from stainless steel encases even the speakers in the ear pads. The ear pads are also handcrafted from a high-quality microfiber fabric, which is ultra-comfortable, and a cinch to maintain. The same attention to detail has gone into the headband and headphone mounting. The metal headband is built for durability and comfort over long listening sessions and uses an inner damping element for minimal resonance.

Both are the result of developments made by the aerospace industry. Even the connections are cost-no-object designs and exploit the virtues of specially design, four-wire, high performance connections. The cables aren’t just any cable. It’s a specially tuned, symmetrical impedance matching cable with low capacitance. To cap off this groundbreaking model, Sennheiser has equipped the HD800 with the biggest transducer/speakers ever used by a headphone until now.

Allied to this is tonal neutrality where instruments and performers are playing in an acoustic space that has depth, height and width. The amount of detail captured by the HDVD 800 and its enormous measured and working dynamic range has to be heard to be appreciated. Sennheiser’s HDVD 800 Digital Headphone Amplifier is clearly a natural partner for the HD 800. But the point needs to be made that it will sound compelling with any quality headphone connected to it.

The HDVD 800 sound and feels top quality. Styling is exceptional and includes a glassed panel embedded in the amp’s aluminum chassis to give the proud owner a clear view of the amp’s high-quality interior.

Sennheiser’s mission when developing its high-end models sounds simple. The goal was to create products with virtually no distortion and that sounded like the real thing.

Coupled with the HD 800 headphones, both make for compelling, long listening sessions. For more info: www.sennheiser.com.au

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NAD

For original hi-fi hipsters, NAD was the go-to brand for affordable performance. Its iconic 3020 integrated amp was a budget Best Buy throughout the eighties and nineties. Today the brand’s Masters Series, distributed via QualiFi, have been conceived to service the luxury end of the market. These separates are not a cheap date.

NAD IS THE AUDIO MASTER By Steve May

The NAD Masters Series are exquisitely built, boasting a finish that befits their premium price tag. Interestingly though, beneath the hood this latest quartet to wear the badge are very different from first generation Masters Series products. The M12 is a stereo DAC preamplifier; think of it as the hub for your hi-resolution audio sources. Proprietary DirectDigital processing promises to make the most of every last bit of incoming sonic detail, and there’s a full roster of traditional digital and analogue inputs, both balanced and line level, including AES/ EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs. If you want to hook up a laptop there’s a 24-bit/192kHz asynchronous USB input, not to

mention an MC/MM phono stage for vinyl revivalists. Reassuringly expensive they may well be, but buyers can take some measure of confidence from the fact that a modular design construction (MDC) offers a level of futureproofing. One upgrade which looks to be an early musthave is a BluOS board which integrates the pre-amp into the Bluesound wireless multiroom ecosystem (the two companies share parentage). When BluOS enabled, the M12 is blessed with Wi-Fi and aptX Bluetooth. If you (literally) like the sound of the M12, but hanker after multichannel channel processing, there’s the M17. Cosmetically the same with an identical MDC design, this step-up is aimed at home cinema enthusiasts and dutifully employs all the popular cinema codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA) plus NAD’s own EARS post processing surround option for stereo sources. Rear-side connections on the M17 include balanced audio outputs for all seven channels,

plus copious video connectivity, including HDMI, component and legacy formats. Realising that different settings are best when optimised for music and movie sources, there are five independent AV presets to store level and control settings. Room calibration comes courtesy of Audyssey MultEQ. These preamps partner either the M22 Master Series stereo power amp, or the seven channel M27, as appropriate. Both use hybrid digital amplification technology. The former delivers a formidable 250W per channel, which dynamically, NAD says can stretch to 300W per channel in 8 ohms. Cut from the same cloth, the seven channel M27 is rated to deliver 180W p/c, but also boasts a dynamic peak of 300W. This should allow it to detonate high octane action movies with speed and efficiency, as well as create those all important immersive audio effects. For more information: www.nad.com.au

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MARANTZ

MARANTZ CREATES A NEW RENAISANCE By Steve May

The 24-bit audio renaissance has thrown new light on the Marantz AV receiver fleet. The line has long wrestled to escape the shadow of stablemate Denon, so dominated in home cinema sales, but with growing interest in high res content, these audio-centric offerings, tuned by legendary Marantz brand ambassador Ken Ishiwata, demand respectful evaluation.

Certainly, there’s some great functionality built-in to these Bluetooth-ready Wi-Fi boxes. Connect via a mobile device and the AVRs automatically power up. A dual purpose Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna keep things neat and tidy, while an enhanced setup assistant simplifies system hook-up. Up to eight BT devices can be paired in memory.

All these new season receivers are forward looking. They sport HDMI 2.0 inputs, for full compatibility with 4K UHD TV at 60Hz, with full chroma subsampling at 4:4:4. Interestingly, none of the receivers have HDCP 2.2 copy protection, not least because the relevant silicon is not yet widely available to manufacturers; however it’s unclear just how significant this omission is. We probably won’t know the ramifications until an assortment of 4K content sources become available. Another intriguing new feature on these AVRs is Eco mode. This aims to reduce power consumption by as much as 50 per cent, yet claims to have no impact on audio performance.

By Steve May

Leading this rejuvenated Marantz charge is the SR7009. A beautifully turned out nine channel amplifier, it offers seven HDMI inputs and is capable of 11.2 channel processing with 13.2 pre-outs. If you really want to surround yourself with a forest of floorstanders, you can! Channel power output is rated at 200W. The feature specification is similarly generous. Most

significantly, it’s Dolby Atmos compatible. The new 3D sound format may only be available on a handful of Blu-ray releases, including Transformers Age of Extinction and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but it’s been a hot topic with home cinephiles since its introduction. Bringing new levels of sonic immersion courtesy of a dedicated height channel, as well as more refined image placement, Dolby Atmos has been hailed as the biggest thing to hit home theatre since Dolby Digital 5.1. What’s more, Soundmag has heard that the SR7009 is also in line for a firmware upgrade which will make it compatible with rival next generation sound format Auro-3D. This will be an optional charged upgrade, but gives a unique claim to fame over many rival receivers. We expect details on Auro-3D software to be released in the coming months. The SR7009 also offers native streaming support for DSD 2.8MHz and AIFF audio files, along with more common codecs and wrappers. For optimum clarity, it

also boasts the brand’s latest clock jitter remastering wizardry, as well as auto calibration in the form of Audyssey XT32. If you’re not sold on the benefits of Dolby Atmos, then the Marantz SR6009 could be a great alternative buy. It shares much in common with its bigger brother, including audiophile grade components and sound tuning, but is a seven channel design with a rated power output of 185w per channel; this just pips Marantz’ entry-level receiver, the SR5009, which in turn is rated at 150w per channel. Those looking for that distinctive, almost analogue, Marantz sound, might also want to audition the brand’s slimline NR1605 AVR. This Bluetooth Wi-Fi model also supports 4K 60Hz HDMI 2.0 pass, and has excellent file support, including DSD 2.8MHz, but has none of the bulk of its bigger brothers. Distribution is via QualiFi. For more information: www.marantz.com.au

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HEOS IS HERE

DENON HEOS

By Peter Familiari

Over the last month our house has been HEOS’ED – and everyone is thrilled.

Over the last month our house has been HEOS’ED – and everyone is thrilled. If you haven’t heard about the HEOS way of using your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (or just about any other Wi-Fi enabled portable device), here’s the rundown. Denon, an illustrious Japanese audio-video brand has been building high quality Hi-Fi and Home Cinema models for longer than any of us can remember. Point is, and hundreds of reviews and dozens of awards attest to this, Denon seldom fails to hit the mark build or sound wise with its products. So when the whisper went around the audio circles that Denon was turning its deft design talents towards a range of easyto-use and great sounding wireless audio systems, champagne corks began popping. Reason being that while any garden variety outfit can muster up wireless audio gear, most is are forgettable when it comes to sound. Denon, bats in audio’s premier league. Its wireless audio products were

always bound for greatness-and after long listening sessions with the HEOS range, it’s fair to say they are. The five HEOS models comprise the following three wireless speakers: HEOS 3 $449, HEOS 5 $599 and HEOS 7 $899. Each speaker will stream wirelessly from Android and Apple compatible devices. And each is really a complete audio system with its own built-in speakers and powerful, Class D digital amplifiers. Denon also ranges the $549 HEOS Link that adds HEOS multi-room functionality to any existing audio system. There’s also the $799 HEOS AMP which will hardwire to any pair of stereo speakers while accepting music sent wirelessly to it from a horde of portable devices. We’ve been using Denon’s HEOS 7 wireless speaker and the HEOS Amp and have to say it was a cinch to set up and the user interface is about the nicest and easiest on the planet. For more information: www.heos.com.au

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JAMO

JAMO’S CONCERT SERIES

FILLS THE HOUSE By Peter Familiari

Not sure if illustrious industrial designer, Kieron Dunk had PAF on his creative agenda when he thought about how the new Jamo Concert Series should look. Point is, the final result is a range of swish Danish speakers with simple, flowing contours that will look as fresh in your home as a vase of newly picked sunflowers.

Partner Acceptance Factor (PAF) aside, the Concert Series is also a testament to a manufacturing know-how that Jamo has refined to a high art over the last 40-years. The elegant cabinetry whispers ‘’designer flair’’ and will no doubt inspire pride of ownership and quite a few conversations with any visitor that sees them in your home. You can comfortably tell one and all, your Jamo Concert Series speakers sound just as good as the styling indicates they should. Good sound doesn’t happen by chance. Jamo is a master of wringing class-leading performances from just about every speaker it builds. To get this level of sonic prowess requires a rigid speaker cabinet filled internally with expensive, hi-tech parts.

Jamo can rightly boast how the new range uses advanced Hybrid Composition Conical Cones (HCC) chosen for the ability to provide the stiffness and strength of aluminum or titanium. The material also has the fast dynamic response and smoothness of wood fibre that has self-dampening resonances at high frequencies to give listeners a smooth midrange performance. The Concert Series models compliment this sumptuous mid-range and taut bass with crystalline treble using redesigned silk dome high frequency. The Concert Series is a comprehensive range of speakers comprising elegant floor standers, svelte stand mount and centre channel and rear speaker models as well as several powerful subwoofers. Pricing is attractive and the majority in a range of 15 models is priced from $790 to $2000. The flagship models are priced at $5490 and $6490. For more information: www.jamo.com.au

FEATURE/

KLIPSCH

By Adrian Justins

KLIPSCH COVERS ALL THE BASES Sales of wireless speaker systems are predicted to rise by over 70 per cent by 2016 compared with 2012, and few AV and speaker manufacturers dare ignore such a potentially lucrative sector, especially at the high end.

FEATURE/

KLIPSCH

Stadium music system Klipsch truly announces itself in this sector with the Stadium music system, which offers a colossal 400W of amplification in a unit with a footprint not much bigger than a briefcase. As a premium product, the AUD$2,999 Stadium unsurprisingly covers all the streaming bases with AirPlay as well as aptX-quality Bluetooth, plus a raft of digital and analogue inputs. It eschews a display window, which looks neat but means you depend on using a control app

for status information. Acoustic tech comprises two horn-loaded linear travel suspension tweeters, aluminium diaphragm midrange drivers with Faraday rings, which reduce distortion, and dual, horizontally-opposed, long-throw subwoofers with Tractrix ports. The question is can the Stadium’s generous bass response blend coherently with its insanely overpowered stereo speakers, especially with the inherently narrow stereo image?

RF-7 Floorstanding Speaker Titanium tweeters with linear travel suspension are also to be found on the mid-range Reference RF-7 floorstanders, somewhat less ostentatious in appearance than the Palladium series, and much more affordable at AUD$5,998 a pair. Now in its fifth generation, Reference II speakers have re-engineered drivers and a new crossover system, plus of course, Tractrix horn technology, which delivers Klipsch’s trademark sound of high output from less energy, reduced distortion and a large soundstage with well-defined imaging.

P-37F Floorstanding Speaker The latest addition to Klipsch’s ultra high-end Palladium series is the P37F, which is the least tall of its premium floorstanders but will set you back AUD$13,598 for a pair. Like its stablemates, the P37F has a distinctive design with zebra-grain Linia wood veneers that stand out like, well, a zebra in your front room. The spec includes a Tractrix horn for extended high-frequency response and a second 90º by 60º acoustically dampened Tractrix horn coupled to the midrange driver. Three low-frequency drivers employ 7-inch hybrid cone woofers, powered by a unique three-part neodymium magnet structure with dual stabilizing rings that reduce nonlinear flux.

FEATURE/

KLIPSCH

Cornwall III Panasonic has just revived Technics and Klipsch has also turned back the clock with its Cornwall III, a full-range model which saw first active service from 1959 to 1990 and has been reborn with improved drivers but remains faithful cosmetically to the original. Built by hand, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available to order for the sum of AUD$7,398 per pair.

KL-7800 In-Wall Speaker

KL-7502 In-Ceiling When it comes to in-wall speakers aesthetics play a much smaller role and performance is paramount so Klipsch has secured THX certification for its range of architectural speakers. With an 8-inch aluminium woofer and 1-inch titanium dome compression driver mated to a square Tractrix horn, the AUD$1,729 KL-7800-THX

should work well with multi-channel movies and music, playing up to reference levels in rooms of 85m3. Two vertically-stacked Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters optimise the AUD$1,229 KS7800-THX for surround sound work. Inceiling models in the range comprise the identically priced KL-7502-THX and KS-7502-THX. They both feature

dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers with damping characteristics that aim to deliver consistent bass response regardless of the installation or ceiling air space and the KS model doubles up on the high frequency drivers to deliver a broader soundstage. The price of the KL-7502 and KS-7502 model is $1,649.

REVIEW/

PHILIPS

Backs A Winning Headphone By Peter Familari

When five-time Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best DJ winner, Armin van Buuren pooled his talents with Electronics Icon Philips, the result was bound to be headphones like no other. Everything about the latest Philips, A5 professional headphones suggests this is a model built to meet and surpass the standards and expectations of professional DJs and other industry pros. But the best thing about them is that Philips has made them available to anyone aspiring to the same headphone standards.

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PHILIPS

Mixing With The Best: Philips M1X-Dj

The heart of the A5 Pro Headphones is located where the comfy ear pads meet the wearer’s head. Inside each earpiece is a classy, high-powered 500mm neodymium driver built to deliver a pacey, rhythmic, distortion free sound quality that is also immensely detailed and as crystal clear as the water in a mountain stream.

Comfort is also assured over the long term with the A5s. The ear pad materials have been carefully chosen so that they feel snug over the long haul, but they also contribute to the A5’s great sound quality. So they feature deluxe, breathable, non-sweat ear pads that adjust to fit any wear shape while they also act as a perfect seal to keep bass sounds nice and taut and ambient noise out.

There’s no better match for Philips’ outstanding A5 Pro headphones than the brand’s own natty M1X-Dj, wireless streaming sound system.

Comfort allied to practicality are qualities high on professional DJs’ wish lists. The Philips A5 pros deliver both with earpieces that can swivel through 90 degrees for comfortable one-ear listening during track mixing.

After you’ve finished your session, the Philips A5 Pro headphones can be folded away for convenient portability and smart storage.

The studio can be a daunting environment for headphones. So Philips ensured the A5 Pro model is sturdy and robust thanks to a hard anodized finish allied to a strong but light aluminum structure.

The $499..95 Philips A5 Pro Headphones have outstanding technical specifications with a frequency response of 1024,000Hz and an impedance of 16Ohm. Moreover they’re a cinch to drive thanks to a sensitivity of 105 db.

This beautifully styled and finished model allows even the novice to mix sounds like a DJ and play from any device and share tunes and titles.

DJs also want the kind of headphones that can keep the sound in and external noise out. The A5 Pro’s closed-back design does exactly that.

Toting it all up, it’s not hard to agree the Philips A5 Pro Headphones are the model discerning pro DJs reach for when they want a class-leading headphone.

The deeply talented M1X-Dj will also leave your friends gob smacked as they watch you easily and simply creating incredible sets and streaming songs wirelessly using its built-in Lightening connector/Bluetooth technology.

Cables are usually the forgotten feature of any headphone. Not so the A5 Pro, which opts for freedom of movement using a practical 1.3meyre long cable, which has a coiled section, that expands to 4.7metres.

For more info: www.philips.com.au

The M1X-Dj is bristling with features

and along with Bluetooth it has wOOx technology tailored to deliver floorshaking bass without a hint of distortion. And what’s more, the acoustically tuned coaxial drivers deliver a huge, roomfilling amount of sound. Another well thought out feature is the Mix’s reversible control panel that protects the unit while you’re travelling. The M1X-Dj is also flexible when it comes to power and will run off AC or D cell batteries.

Philips made the M1X-Dj the model everyone can use and built-in intuitive controls and functions. It has a top quality scratch wheel and cross faders along with instrument grade knobs and sliders and seamless djay 2 app integration. You can also expand the $549.95 M1X-Dj thanks to an audio out connection that invites external speakers and amplifiers. For more info: www.philips.com.au

REVIEW/

By Andrew Everard

BOWERS & WILKINS

Bowers & Wilkins Gear Gets Performance Hike

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BOWERS & WILKINS

So why has Bowers & Wilkins updated its entire CM range when it only launched the last of the old line-up, the CM10, in 2013? Product manager Andy Kerr explains that, while working on the latest 600 Series products, launched earlier this year, they realised that the CM models were going to need a performance hike, so well were the new 600s turning out. The new CMs have a slew of technology trickled down from elsewhere in the company’s catalogue: the tweeters use the company’s Decoupled Double Dome tweeter, with a stiffening ring around the edge of the main dome, plus an isolator to decouple the entire assembly from the main enclosure. They also incorporate B&W’s renowned Nautilus tapered tube loading to control the energy from the rear of the driver. In the CM6 S2 and CM10 S2, this assembly is mounted in a free-standing pod atop the cabinet, derived from B&W 800 Diamond speakers. All tweeters feature a new integrated grille mesh to protect them from accidental damage.

The midrange and bass drivers use B&W’s distinctive yellow Kevlar cones and have anti-resonance phase plugs at their centre to improve higher-frequency response control dispersion, while the midrange units use the company’s Fixed Suspension Transducer technology to create a ‘surroundless’ design, minimising colouration and improving transparency. High-quality components developed for the speakers by German specialists Mundorf are used in the crossovers – the two originally worked together on crossovers for the 800 Series. The result is a range with power, focus and serious dynamics all the way from the entry-level CM1 S2 to the very hefty CM10 S2, which also features 800-Series style drawbar fixing of its FST midrange. It’s one of three floorstanders in the range, starting with the ultra-compact, yet big-sounding CM8 S2.

The standmount line-up starts with the CM1 S2, the descendant of the speaker behind the whole CM thing, and goes up the ultra-refined CM6 S2. Two centre speakers, the CM Centre S2 and the larger CM Centre 2 S2, and a retuned subwoofer, the ASW10CM S2, complete the line-up. The entire range exudes quality, starting with critically-braced cabinet work in a choice of three flawless finishes: Gloss Black or Satin White paint as well as ever-popular Rosenut veneer. Details such as brushed aluminium highlights and magnetically-attached grille covers complete the seamless, elegant look for which CM has become known.

soundbar and its compact companion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a wireless, powered subwoofer .

@harmankardonanz 84

REVIEW/

HARMAN KARDON

By Peter Familari

Harman Kardon The Wireless Streaming Maestro

With numerous new wireless audio products being released almost weekly, this year promises to be the year wireless multi-room goes mainstream. Not all these new products are built equal and some are just plain underwhelming. Not so with American Audio Legacy brand, Harman Kardon. With more than half a century of continuous hi-fidelity

corporate know how and a long list of audio patents, when Harman does wireless, it not only works it sounds amazingly good. Nova, Esquire, Onyx and Nova are Harman Kardon wireless streaming models that redefine the genre thanks to intelligent design, flawless performance and their elegant, fresh up-to-the minute styling.

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HARMAN KARDON

Harman Kardon’s Esquire

Is No Dandy

The appellation Esquire is as English as a cottage garden, Trafalgar Square or, Cricket. Applied to people, Esquire denotes the rank just below the knightly. Used by Harman, a brand as American as apple pie and cream, Esquire signifies a spanking new portable wireless audio system so novel, it will redefine the way you travel.

can commence to stream your prized music collection from anywhere on your network to a Harman Kardon speaker in any part of your house. The free app makes setting up a doddle and allows control of those features you need to access for a total wireless control experience.

If you’re a music loving road warrior, Esquire is a brand new approach to conferencing while you’re on the move. This is a Bluetooth endowed complete, portable wireless audio system primed for high-quality conference calls or enjoying music while you’re travelling.

A 10-hour rechargeable Lithium-ion battery will make sure you won’t be shortchanged when you’re on the move.

Esquire has built-in customtuned microphones and unique noise-cancelling technology for breathtakingly clear calls from your Android or Apple smartphone or iPad. Getting an Android or Apple smartphone or other device working wirelessly with Esquire is as easy as downloading Harman Kardon’s Remote app and after you’ve done that you

Along with the great sound produced by dual drivers powered by an a powerful, ultra low distortion, digital amplifier, Harman Kardon wanted the Esquire to impart the look and feel of elegant lucky enough to use it. To that objective went a rich leather panel and classy metallic finish. Materials which make Esquire light but firmly rigid and so robust it will withstand energetic use and abuse likely to be meted out by busy road warriors who will

doubtless fling, rather than place Esquire gently in their vehicles. To complete the experience of sheer luxury and great sound, Harman Kardon ensures pride of ownership by bundling a 3-port USB adaptor, USB cable, beautiful carrying pouch and a Quick Start Guide with every Esquire. Esquire also features an auxillary 3.5mm input just incase you don’t have the ability to connect wirelessly. Housed in its carry pouch, the $349.95 Esquire weighs about one kilo and is just 14.7cm high, 14.7cm wide. For more information: www.convoy.com.au

By Peter Familari

REVIEW/

HARMAN KARDON

Harman Kardon Nova Is Ahead Of The Game By Peter Familari

Take a deep breath, a long look and then an extended listen to the $399.95 Nova Wireless Stereo Speaker System and like us you’ll walk away thanking the audio gods for the experience. Nova is that good. Nova is that novel. So says anyone who has connected Nova to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet, television or smartphone and heard the midrange realism, treble detail, informative bass and sheer rhythmic drive of the music stored on any of these devices. Talk about cutting edge design and styling! Nova’s see-through turbine enclosure that highlights the drivers inside was built to showcase Harman Kardon’s legendary audio innovations. Everything about the Nova speaks of an unrivalled attention to quality sound and the use of expensive, exotic materials. ‘’The new Harman Kardon Nova wireless stereo speaker system signals the next generation of hi-fi without wires,’’ says Sohan Karunaratne,

Marketing Director for the Australian distributor, Convoy International. ‘’Trust Harman to deliver a product which flawlessly combines serious audio reproduction with a unique sensuous, sculptured enclosure so artistic it will blend beautifully into the modern home, apartment or office.’’ Inside the striking looking Nova enclosure Harman Kardon has put performance-tuned 2.5-inch drivers and 1.25-inch tweeters, proprietary Digital Signal processing and digital amplification to create a sound where the listener can pinpoint each performer and instrument. The new Nova is also compatible with just about any device it’s connected to. Offering a choice of analog and optical inputs makes it a natural choice for use with Roku, HDTV and Apple systems and its quick NFC setup makes it so easy to stream music wirelessly from Android or Apple devices via Bluetooth. For more info: www.convoy.com.au

REVIEW/

HARMAN KARDON

First Of Its Kind: Harman Kardon Onyx By Peter Familari

Hold the headlines! The world’s first fullrange wireless streaming speaker housed in an eye-grabbing compact, curved enclosure is here and it’s called the Harman Kardon Onyx.

leading edge Digital Signal Processing technology. The sound that arrives at your ears will have thunderous, informative bass, inviting midrange warmth and treble which has a crystalline purity.

This genre defining sound system maybe compact but it’s also capable of delivering a powerful yet delicately detailed sound from music stored on your network or portable devices of various kinds.

Headphone listening will also be a joy thanks to a 3.5mm connection. Also nice is a USB port that simplifies setting up and charges smartphones and other portable devices while your music keeps on playing.

Yours may be stored onboard an Apple or Android smartphone tablet or desktop PC. It matters little to the Onyx, which is so useful and versatile thanks to its ability to connect wirelessly almost anywhere via Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA or through its stereo input connection. Once it’s paired wirelessly, your ears will be treated to a wall of sound produced by four channels of digital amplification and delivered through four perfectly matched speakers. And to make that humongous, detailed sound even better, Harman has given the Onyx model dual passive radiators and

Install the Harman Kardon app and this allows fast ‘n’ easy iPhone, iPod, tablet or Android smartphone connectivity to the Onyx. Bluetooth setting up is a breeze using NFC which requires a single tap. Wi-Fi network connects with AirPlay for Apple, DLNA for Windows, Android and other devices in Harman Kardon’s world famous ecosystem. The Onyx is available in black or white finish and its built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery will play for six continuous hours. RRP is $699. For more info: www.convoy.com.au

REVIEW/

HARMAN KARDON

Aura Surround

Let The

You

By Peter Familari

Aura by name, atmospheric by nature. That’s Harman Kardon’s elite Aura wireless home audio system. While most wireless audio systems are drab affairs, the Aura is visually striking and unlike any audio system on the market. The novel design is distinguished by its dome-shaped, transparent polycarbonate enclosure. Inside the dome, a reflex port flows downwards where it meets the rear end of a huge 11.5cm bass driver. Externally a clothed grill covers the bottom end of the enclosure where six, that’s right, six 4cm midrange/high frequency drivers reside. Acoustically, when the Aura is powered up the design elicits an all-encompassing surround sound. And as with Harman’s other pedigree wireless streaming models, Aura is amazingly versatile and has built-in Bluetooth, Apple Airplay and DNLA audio streaming technology.

These make the $549 Aura a destination hub for just about any wireless media device such as laptops, smartphones, MP3 players and tablets. Harman Kardon’s free remote app moreover ensures you can stream entire music collections from anywhere on your network to a Harman Kardon speaker placed just about in any location of your house. The app also allows for stress free setup and control of product specific features for full wireless control. Aura has both auxiliary and optical input connections, features a 360-degree transparent LED-illuminated waveguide dome and is equipped with Harman Kardon digital sound processing which delivers a full range of perfectly-blended, omni-directional sound. For more info: www.convoy.com.au

REVIEW/

DEVIALET

French Made Amplifier

That Can Be Software Upgraded By Andrew Everard

Devialet 250 From just one amplifier model – the D-Premier, launched five years ago – the French-made Devialet amplifier range has expanded and developed into no fewer than eight models. All are packed with the latest technology; all are software-upgradable to add new features; and all come in sleek black chrome casework, with control via matching handsets or iOS/Android apps. The Devialet 200 is one step up from the entry-level 120, and has an enhanced phono stage for use with turntables, line and digital inputs, and Devialet’s high-resolution AIR (Asynchronous Intelligent Route) streaming from computers, smartphones and tablets, and the company’s Speaker Active Matching, or SAM, enabling the output of the amp to be matched to the speakers in use for optimal sound. At the heart of the amplifier is the French company’s Analogue Digital Hybrid design, allowing this sleek design to deliver a massive 200W per channel, or be converted into a 400W mono amplifier. Use it with the 200 Slave amplifier – essentially a 200 without the wireless capability – and you can set up a simple four-channel system for biamplifying suitable speakers, or create the Devialet 400, a 400W per channel dual-mono amplifier.

All this configuration – and much more – is carried out using inexpensive SD memory cards: you set them up using a computer and insert the card into a slot in the back of the amplifier (which is the same way future upgrades will be made possible). Or the amps can be supplied pre-configured to your needs. The same is possible with the Devialet 250 integrated amplifier: as standard it comes as a 250W per channel stereo amplifier, but it can be reconfigured in an instant into an 800W mono amplifier. Add the 250 Slave amplifier, and you have a two-box amplifier capable of 800W per channel, or you can buy the complete package as the Devialet 800, preconfigured and ready to go straight from the box. These new-generation amplifiers are redefining common perceptions of high-end audio: whereas once ‘serious audio’ meant a stack of huge boxes, now an amplifier need only be 5cm tall, easy to set-up and use, and not much bigger than an LP sleeve – there’s even a wall-mounting kit should you want to free up all your shelf-space. Innovative and stylish, these are amplifiers designed to stay ahead of the game as digital music extends and develops – truly an investment for the future.

REVIEW/

SONOS

Put simply (and Sonos is as easy as wireless, multi-room audio gets), Sonos is best understood as an-easy-to use and install, music distribution system that will change the way you think about recorded music or listen to Internet radio or dip into an online music service. And there is no downside to the Sonos solution for wireless, multi-room audio. Nothing has to be hard wired and even the most tech averse novice can install a Sonos system.

SONOS THE GAME CHANGER Fact: Sonos was the first multi-room, wireless hi-fi system of its kind and without question it changed the way we listen to music in our homes.

Before Sonos, if we wanted to share music in other parts of the household, it often meant hard wiring a pair of speakers for each room where we wanted sound. Moreover, unless you wanted to fork out cash for an extra amplifier, CD player or Radio tuner for each of these rooms, you had to use the main hi-fi system as the signal source.

The Sonos revolution changed all this. In just several years the Sonos way of playing all your music in just about every room of your house or even outside of it say, dad’s den or a garage, has taken the world by storm. It gets even better when you also realize you can control all of this music in all of the rooms using your own smart Apple or Android devices.

By Peter Familiari

Rating:

Without raising a sweat you’ll have the Sonos gear up and running in minutes rather than hours. Once it’s up and running you can kick back and start sending music stored on your PC, tablet or smartphone to your spanking new Sonos system throughout your entire home. And if your garage or external studio is within wireless range, you can enjoy music there the Sonos way, as well. And there’s another bonus: Sonos is designed as an elegant, simple and effective way for anyone to organize an entire music library and synchronizes it by allowing you to access music stored on any device connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Recently Sonos has made all of the above even easier by developing and releasing a major software upgrade called Sonos 5.1. The upgrade allows you to install and run Sonos gear on an existing Wi-Fi network without any hard wiring being required. All the Sonos music systems share the brand’s approach to sound, which means each is musically enjoyable and musically satisfying. Sonos wireless sound starts at a low $299, which is the price of its ultra-sleek and beautifully made PLAY:1 wireless speaker model.

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SONOS

SONOS PLAY:1

SONOS PLAY:3

SONOS PLAY:5

SONOS PLAYBAR

The PLAY:1 may be the most affordable of the Sonos music system range but it offers all Sonos offers wireless streaming experience without any glitches as well as support for Spotify, Pandora, Rdio, Amazon cloud Player, and many other online music services. And of course you can always double the already musically satisfying performance by adding a second PLAY:1 wireless, bookshelf speaker. Finishes include while with a silver grill or black with a graphite grill. The PLAY:1 can be controlled by Android or iOS, Mac or PC devices with the Sonos Controller apps. PLAY:1 can be used as a pair of wireless rear speakers in a home cinema system equipped with a SONOS PLAYBAR and subwoofer called the SUB.

The $449 Sonos PLAY:3 is fast earning a reputation as one of the best sounding ways of getting into portable, wireless, multi-room audio.

Priced at $599 the PLAY:5 is Sonos’ top-of-the range powered, wireless, multi-room speaker/music system, and like the other two in the range has its own built-in amplifier.

The $999 SONOS PLAYBAR is the brand’s unique response to the plethora of sound bars now unleashed into the marketplace by most AV manufacturers.

Like the rest of Sonos’ speaker models, this one has rock-solid and reliable wireless connectivity. The largest of Sonos’ three-model speaker range, the extra size yields an audible improvement in the amount of sound it can generate.

But unlike the majority of sound bars, the PLAYBAR is typically Sonos and plays back all the music you want to stream wirelessly to it and which is probably stored in your Apple or Android smartphone, PC or tablet. Alternatively if you are into Internet radio or music services the likes of Soptify and Napster, PLAYBAR has most of the bases covered.

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The PLAY:3 Is quite compact but it is amazingly versatile. Far a start it can be linked wirelessly to a second PLAY:3 to create Stereo sound and even better, for low, low bass it can be linked wirelessly to Sonos’ self-powered subwoofer that costs $999. And yes, you can group as many PLAY:3s as you want and put one in each room of your house if you so desire to create multiple listening zones. The PLAY:3 Supports android, iOS, Mac and Windows. It also supports Google Play Music, Soptify, Pandora and many more music services. The PLAY:3 music system can be linked to four other PLAY:3s and Sonos PLAYBAR and matching Sub-woofer for home cinema, surround sound.

You can pair another PLAY:5 Speaker for stereo zone and you can use multiple PLAY:5s in other rooms of your home. Also handy is the PLAY:5 analogue input connection that allows the flexibility of connecting sources such as a CD player or any turntable with a phono preamplifier. Sonos hasn’t ignored home cinema or improving the sound of large screen TVs. The company ranges a sound bar and subwoofer that will link wirelessly to any of Sonos music systems to create a 2.1 or 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound system.

SONOS SUB PLAYBAR connects to TVs using a digital optical cable and it connects wirelessly to the matching sub-woofer called the SUB. In use, the PLAYBAR will link wirelessly to a quintet of PLAY:1, 3, or 5 music systems for a stonking, surround sound system. PLAYBAR connects wirelessly to your home router using Sonos’ upgraded software called Sonos 5.1. Sonos also ranges a nicely priced $60 PLAYBAR wall-mounting bracket. PALYBAR has an ear pleasing sound quality thanks to a detailed treble, inviting midrange and even with, the SUB, a reasonable amount of bass.

The natural partner to the SONOS PLAYBAR, the SUB adds weight, dimension and scale to music and movie soundtracks. Surprisingly so given its modest size. A lot of technology has gone into the SUB’s bass performance starting with two ultra high-tech force-cancelling speakers facing each other. Thanks to its compact size, there’s no need to worry about the cabinet storing vibrations that could find there way to the drivers and degrading the sound. Setting up is also a doodle. There’s no wiring required. Simply press one button and follower the steps on your controlling device equipped with the Sonos app. Within minutes audio settings tune the sub, flawlessly so it matches the PLAYBAR and Sonos music system speakers. The SUB isn’t room fussy and can be placed anywhere in a room.

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Q ACOUSTICS

2020i A compact, two-driver model, the 2020i is a redesign of the best-selling original model called the 2020, with the new ‘i’ model designating the updated, new model. Q Acoustics haven’t just lightly tweaked the new ‘i’ version, but instead have given it a proper working over, with a new tweeter, and new cone materials for the bass-midrange driver which now has an ultra-light, rigid carbon fibre/ coated paper cone, replacing the previous mica and paper composition of the original cone material.

Add in a new crossover and a clever way to shock absorb the tweeter from cabinet vibrations, and the resultant 2020i is one ‘pacey’ sounding, musically satisfying and refined speaker. Pay a little more, and you get what could potentially be a game-changing model called the C20, or Concept 20. Priced affordably at $659 plus $489 for the matching C20S stands, the stands match the speaker styling and are specially designed to deliver the best sound out of the Concept 20 speakers.

THE

BIG

By Peter Familiari

Rating:

Paired with the C20 speaker stands that boast a Gelcore layer in its top plate to seriously optimise performance, the result isn’t just visually striking but is also resonance-free to wow you with its sonic performance.

All the articles I’ve read - and they come from right across the planet - hone in precisely on Q Acoustics’ winning formula. For those that don’t know the brand, it is a nicely judge blend of fresh styling, superb sound, great build quality and unbeatable value for money.

Unsurprisingly, Q Acoustics describe the C20 as ‘special’, and even a cursory listen elicits the musical neutrality, the immense detail, the vivacity and the knowledge that hearing is believing.

It’s a formula that has music lovers queuing up to snare Q Acoustics speakers for their audio or home cinema systems - or both! 102

One model that keeps on churning big numbers just happens to be the brand’s much-loved 2020i, priced at a smile-inducing $399 for the graphite/walnut finish, and $499 for gloss black or gloss white finishes.

As with the smaller bookshelf, the flood stander delivers an enviable level of sound quality thanks to some cleverly astute engineering. This includes the previously mentioned anti-resonance Gelcore cabinet material, a patented new cabinet adhesive, pedigree drive units and a very sophisticated crossover network. Adding a big sound to a big plasma or LCD widescreen TV is also within the Q Acoustics mandate - but it’s not just any solution that is being offered. Typical of Q Acoustics quality is the QA 7000i 5.1 speaker pack with its own matching sub-woofer. It’s predictably big on sound quality but low on price at $1798, with speaker standard for the QA 7000 satellite speakers costing just $249.

C20 speakers are special because they incorporate the revolutionary ‘Gelcore Construction’. This means that, for the very first time, music lovers can enjoy genuine ‘high end’ sonic performance at a very affordable price.

You can’t pick up an audio magazine or read an online audio review without someone lavishing the highest praise for Q Acoustic’s speakers. Either way, as hi-fi, surround sound or audio computer speakers, the point is that Q Acoustics have a decent range to choose from.

Priced at $1899, it’s available in gloss black or white, just like the C20.

For those that have large rooms but want all the quality provided by the C20, Q Acoustics has added a floor stander called the C40, or Concept 40.

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Q ACOUSTICS

QA 7000i Available in the modern decor-friendly colours of gloss black or white, the QA 7000i comprises of five superbly styled satellite speakers augmented by a powered subwoofer. Power handling is 15-100 watts, with each satellite using two 3-inch drivers. The satellites can be stand or wall-mounted. The powerful subwoofer generates both trouser flapping and skirt raising amounts of bass, with a 10-inch driver powered by a built-in 150-watt amplifier. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have room or a preference for six speakers in your TV viewing room, but still desire a Q Acoustics value-for-money setup, then donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic, as there is a solution! The answer is the QA M4 2.1 channel Bluetooth soundbar that costs $799.

QA M4 Designed to fit in a TV rack or to be wallmounted, the QA M4 is a high-fidelity soundbar with a built-in high-performance subwoofer. It links to any TV using a single cable. In addition, it is capable of Bluetooth aptX lossless wireless audio reception, so music from smartphones, tablets or other Bluetooth devices can be effortlessly streamed to the QA M4. With both analogue and optical inputs, it also suits CD, Blu-ray and portable music players for the ultimate in connected versatility. Q Acoustics: it really does mean quality assured!

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Brands represented in THIS publication: Arcam Audio Active Avation Bluesound Bowers + Wilkins Brytson Dynaudio Harman Kardon

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