Headlines – Summer 2023 by Len Wallis Audio

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The Newsletter of Len

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Spring 2021

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The Newsletter of Len

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evival Audio ils its debut

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2022

Naim & Focal Celebrate 10 Years

One of only 50 in the world and we have it in-store!

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Contents 05 Sonus Faber pays homage, Sonos moves on

“About as good as bookshelf speakers get,” says Len Wallis, the new Guarneri G5 from the Homage range are gorgeous to look at and listen to. Also, Sonos’ first portable speaker has been refreshed, making it even more versatile as an indoor/outdoor hybrid wireless speaker.

06 Bang & Olufsen marries portability with luxury

B&O has produced perhaps the most luxurious audio accompaniment for a picnic ever with its latest portable Bluetooth speaker – and it has the price to match.

08 Musical Fidelity’s been busy

From reborn classics to a new highperformance range, there’s plenty from the Musical Fidelity stable to talk about.

10 Rega & STAX birthday celebrations

Birthdays all around — Rega turns 50 in style as it upgrades one of its most legendary decks, while STAX has a promotion head-fi fans won’t want to miss.

11 Revival Audio & RTI releases

Revival follows up its acclaimed Atalnate models with more contemporary lookers, and RTI has released a controller designed to work within a Sonos ecosystem.

12 New all-in-one from reliable Ruark You can always bet on Ruark to make a tabletop music system that both looks and sounds the part, but the British brand has

somewhat outdone itself with its latest creation.

13 C Seed can make a statement

In the market for a large (very large) TV? Then you should know that Len Wallis Audio has been appointed as an agent for C Seed Entertainment Systems.

16 Pantheone Audio: an interior designer’s dream

Producing speakers an interior designer would approve of, Australian company Pantheone Audio has set out to show that design and sound can live harmoniously together.

17 Signature Bowers & Wilkins

There’s something at the lower and higher ends of B&W’s catalogue here — and both new launches are equally as exciting.

18 Barco & Bluesound launches

Len Wallis Audio is now a dealer for Barco, who according to Len make “arguably the finest domestic home theatre projectors on the market”. Meanwhile, Bluesound’s latest streamer is a budget bargain.

19 Yamaha is back!

Yamaha is back in the game after being a victim of some pandemic-related chip shortages, namely with four new featurepacked stereo receivers.

20 Sony projector promo

Ready to soup-up movie nights? Now’s a good time to buy one of Sony’s premium 4K projectors — you get a Blu-ray player and accessory bundle for free.

21 Newness from NAD

The Canadian brand has followed up its 50th-anniversary limited-edition amplifier release with a more mass-market variant — and that isn’t all that’s new from NAD.

22 Old meets new in custom install

Len Walis Audio recently undertook a custom installation project that saw the team give a 19th-century period terrace house technological awakening while preserving its heritage aesthetic.

26 Decks duo: Technics & Hana

Exciting news in the Technics camp: the legendary SL-1200 enters its fourth generation. And those who are looking for an exquisite MC cartridge should look no further than Japan’s Hana.

27 LG’s travelling TV

The future of portable entertainment has just rolled out of LG’s Innovation Lab, and it’s quite... businesslike.

28 All-important accessories

Give your hi-fi system the gift of maximum performance or another connectivity feature, with one of these affordable accessories, from record cleaners and isolation devices to DACs and Bluetooth receivers.

30 Bowers & Wilkins headphones

Bowers has taken its wireless noisecancelling headphones to the next level, both aesthetically and sonically, with the allnew Px7 S2e.

64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066 Telephone (02) 9427 6755

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Sonus Faber / Sonos

Sonus Faber

hey have been a long time coming, but we have finally received a pair of the Sonus Faber Guarneri G5 bookshelf speakers. These are about as good as bookshelf speakers get — and are priced accordingly, selling for $25,995 per pair, or $31,995 if you opt for the recommended stands as well. Naturally, the construction quality is superb, as we have come to expect from Sonus Faber. Thankfully they have performance to match — what more could you ask for? The other positive news from Sonus Faber is that it recently announced a price reduction on its Lumina and Sonetto ranges of loudspeakers, in some cases as much as 20%. Great speakers, and at competitive prices.

S FROM THE DESK OF LEN

his newsletter marks the end of an era. From day one — 45 years ago — Len Wallis Audio has communicated with our clients in the written form. Initially, this was a single-page letter that was roneo’ed (how many of you can remember roneo machines?) and posted in handwritten

envelopes. As business grew, we progressed to printing on both sides of the page! This gradually morphed into the 32-page newsletter you see here before you, which has been our staple format for the past two decades. And this is the last edition. The decision to kill off our newsletter has not been an easy one. I have personally spent many a late night penning most of their content, accompanied by a fine bottle of Scotch on occasion. It has been fun and I will miss it. At the same time I recognise that times have changed. And the biggest challenge is time. Because there are months between newsletters, and from the time I write this

onos has updated its popular Move portable speaker. Selling for $799, the Move 2 features several improvements over its predecessor, including: • The addition of a second off-axis tweeter, effectively allowing it to output in stereo. • The battery life has been boosted from 10 hours to 24 hours. • Redesigned controls. • Music played on the Move 2 can now be synced to other speakers in your home. • You can connect an external physical source. • It is now IP56-rated for dust and water resistance. Plus, the Move 2 is available in Olive Green in addition to its traditional black and white finishes.

it will be some weeks before you read it, news can be old once it gets to you. We live in times of immediate knowledge. On many occasions, our clients learn about new product models and industry developments at the same time we do — or even before. We have been supplementing our printed publications with digital variants for a long time, and that is where our focus will be in the future. The newsletter itself will not disappear; it will live on as a digital version, being constantly updated. So, if you have enjoyed our newsletters and wish to stay up to date, please subscribe to our digital print at www.lenwallisaudio.com.

Bang & Olufsen

mproved Bluetooth performance and longer-lasting batteries have given rise to an increasing number of portable Bluetooth speakers, and one of the best new releases is the B&O Beosound A5. This two-way, four-speaker design is IP65rated, meaning it’s dustproof, water-resistant and durable. The speaker configuration provides 360 degrees of sound dispersion, and it supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast as well as Bluetooth 5.3. It has room optimisation, and even a Qi-certified wireless charger built into the top to ensure your device does not run out of charge at that crucial moment.

If you are in the market for a better-thanaverage portable wireless speaker solution, you should add the $1,950 Beosound A5 pictured above to your shopping list. Due for release on 30th October is another exciting product from B&O — the Beolab 8 compact speaker. Channeling the design of the popular Beolab 28, this versatile speaker is designed for a variety of environments and applications. They can be wall- or stand-mounted rear channels when teamed with B&O’s larger Beolab 18 or Beolab 28 models. Four could be used in conjunction with the Beosound Theatre soundbar. Or two could be set up as a stereo pair in a

two-channel configuration. A single Beolab 8 can even work as a standalone Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker. The initial release will be in a silver finish, with the black and gold finishes due to follow at a later stage. Pricing has not been confirmed at the time of writing, but it is anticipated that these will sell for just under $10,000 per pair, depending on the finish and stand option.

Musical Fidelity

— including the all-important front three channels — will be nowhere near 185 watts. All of these receivers have preamp outputs for all channels, allowing you to add a power amp if you desire. Adding one of the Musical Fidelity’s makes a very obvious difference — it’s night and day — and for a quality rig is a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

A1 integrated amplifier — the return of a classic

Musical Fidelity

It’s been a huge few months for Musical Fidelity. New products, new directions, and revisiting icons of old... NuVista amplification

Musical Fidelity has represented the benchmark for affordable audiophile products for many, many years. The brand has now entered the rarefied area of audiophile exotica with the release of its Nu-Vista amplifier range. Musical Fidelity has been using Nu-Vista valves in selected products for a decade but has now decided to take this technology to new levels with this high-performance range. And what a range this is! These are the best-sounding amplifiers we’ve heard in a very long time. There are four models in the range: Nu-Vista 800.2 This is loosely based on the Nu-Vista 800 amplifier that has been on the market for some years. As good as the old model was, this latest version represents a considerable leap forward. Despite only just hitting the market, the Nu-Vista 800.2 is the winner of the coveted ‘High-end Integrated Amplifier 2023-24’ EISA Award. The judges’ comments were: ‘This flagship integrated amp adopts the core form and function of its highly respected predecessor while showcasing performance and aesthetic improvements. Combining solid-state power amplification with nuvistor tube-based input and driver stages, Musical Fidelity’s hybrid offers a best-of-both-worlds

sound: smooth and musical with cavernous sound staging, but also gloriously aggressive and weighty when required. Driving ability also startles — this 2x330W-rated amp will handle any loudspeaker that crosses its path — while the reimagined front-panel display makes operation easy. The Nu-Vista 800.2 is a fantastic addition to Musical Fidelity’s topflight line-up and a must-hear for any musiclover.’ $22,000 Nu-Vista PRE A fully balanced pre-amplifier — again based on the 6S51N nuvistors in a discrete Class A amplifier buffer. The Nu-Vista PRE also comes with a dedicated external power supply. $40,000

Nu-Vista PAS A fully balanced stereo power amplifier rated at 300 watts per channel. Like the Nu-Vista PRE, the PAS comes with a dedicated external power supply. $43,000 Nu-Vista PAM This mono-block power amplifier design is rated at greater than 600 watts into eight ohms, with a current delivery of 150 amps peak to peak. I doubt there is a speaker in the world that this powerhouse will not make sing. $40,000 each

LS35A — yet another classic returns

The LS3/5A loudspeaker was originally designed during the mid-1970s in conjunction with the BBC as a near-field studio monitor. The midrange was extremely detailed and realistic and the soundstage and imaging were second to none. The LS3/5A quickly became sought after by music lovers worldwide, particularly for use in smaller listening environments. A number of

speaker manufacturers released versions of this model — all adhering strictly to the BBC design guidelines — and one of the go-to amplifiers to partner with these speakers at the time was Musical Fidelity’s A1 (pictured below). It only made sense, therefore, for Musical Fidelity to resurrect this iconic speaker in conjunction with the relaunch of the A1. $5,000/pair.

the best-sounding stereo power amps in the world, it was not surprising that the company turned its attention to multi-channel variants. These are serious power amplifiers, built to the same exacting standards, and with the same performance capabilities, as the company’s two-channel versions. There are four versions of this amplifier, all available in silver or black finishes:

M3x DAC

• • • •

Musical Fidelity has been making DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) for the hi-fi industry longer than any other company I can think of. The new M3x DAC is its new entry into what it calls ‘affordable high-end DACs’. While heavily influenced by its larger sibling, the M6x, the M3x is built around the Burr-Brown SRC4392 chip, which re-clocks all PCM audio signals and converts them to 24-bit/192kHz. It also supports native playback of DSD256. $2,700

M6x250 multi-channel power amplifier There is a worldwide resurgence in dedicated home theatres, and every one of them needs a multi-channel power amplifier (or two). Given that Musical Fidelity makes some of

M6x250.4/2: 2x 250W (4x 175W) $3,000 M6x250.5: 5x 250W $5,750 M6x250.7: 7x 250W $6,750 M6x250.11: 11x 250W $7,750

NOTE: A major failing with most home theatre receivers is the power amplification stage. These products house the preamplifier, the processing and power amplification in a single chassis, and in most cases utilise a single power transformer. Specifications are sketchy at best. For example, one of the better AV receivers we carry is rated at 185 watts per channel, but this is at 1kHz and with only one channel being driven. This is an 11-channel receiver, utilising a single transformer. Load this transformer with 11 channels of signal and the output you receive per channel

At the time of writing, we have not received this resurrected A1, but the excitement that this model has generated overseas has created high expectations. Some of you will recall the original A1, one of the industry’s classics. Like the original, the new A1 utilises pure Class A amplification and uses the chassis as a heat sink. It is, like its predecessor, a proudly analogue device, too, with no Bluetooth or digital inputs to speak of. In fact, the only concession to modern design is the addition of a remote control, albeit for volume and mute functions only. There are some technical improvements, though — including new output devices and a beefier power supply. The phono stage has also been upgraded. The output has remained the same, at 25 watts per channel RMS. This is low by today’s standards, but my memory of the earlier version of this amplifier is that it comfortably drove most loudspeakers to volumes that satisfied all but the most ardent of headbangers. We believe that the UK StereoNET review summed it up pretty well: “It is true ‘affordable esoterica’, then — offering performance in some respects that’s hard to beat at three, four or maybe five times the price.” A strong endorsement! I have always held that the original A1 was one of the most musically satisfying amplifiers I had ever heard, and we expect no less of the new version. $3,000

Rega / STAX

Revival Audio / RTI

Revival Audio

o say that Revival Audio’s entry into the hi-fi market was spectacular would be an understatement. Its first two offerings, the Atalante 3 and Atalante 5, were instant hits, winning awards and beguiling

both reviewers and music lovers worldwide. Both models are bookshelf designs, though the Atalante 5 is considerably larger than most loudspeakers of the ‘bookshelf’ genre. Revival Audio has now followed these up with another two modestly priced (and more contemporary-looking) models. Sprint 3 A two-way bookshelf speaker with a 28mm soft dome tweeter and an 18cm Basalt Sandwich Construction (BSC) woofer. At this price point, they come up against another favourite of ours, the Triangle Titus. The Triangle has a little more

ega turns 50 this year, and it is celebrating the milestone with one of the best promotions we have seen in many years. We have become so accustomed to ‘Anniversary Specials’ representing little more than some cosmetic changes, a fancy badge and an inflated price tag that when a true bargain comes along, it is something to truly celebrate. This is the case for the Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition release. Sporting the recently released walnut finish, the Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition comes with the company’s Neo PSU Mk2

power supply plus the Exact moving-magnet cartridge. The drive system includes the optional Reference Drive Belt and a custom CNC’d aluminum drive pulley. And you still get the fancy badge! This amounts to $624 worth of upgrades, all for an additional $100 over the normal retail price. The Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition sells for $1,899. Production of the special anniversary deck will cease at the end of 2023. Our first shipment sold out prior to release, and we have almost sold out of the second shipment. Our next, and final, delivery will be in December.

STAX’s 85th-birthday promo!

STAX celebrates its 85th birthday this year, and to mark the occasion the company has released an 85th Anniversary bundle comprising the SR003Mk11 in-ear ‘earspeakers’ and SRM-D10 portable amplifier. This is one of the best portable headphone systems in the world and represents excellent value at this $2,250 price. Additionally, the bundle also includes an exclusive STAX jumper and an 85th-anniversary pin!

Rega has also announced that its Planar 6, 8 and 10 turntables are now available in a second, white finish; previously they were only available in black. And that’s not all! Rega has also repriced the System One, a combination system comprising its Planar 1 turntable, ultracompact iO amplifier and Kyte bookshelf speakers: it has been reduced from $2,599 to $1,999. The System One has always represented an excellent entry point into the world of hi-fi — relatively inexpensive, simple and, above all, sounding like a small hi-fi system should. It’s now even better value.

RTI

RTI has recently released a new driver for its RTI Control platform that seamlessly integrates with Sonos sound systems. Verified by the ‘Works with Sonos’ program, the new driver enables added control and automation of Sonos products within any RTI-controlled home.

‘sparkle’ than the Revival, but the Revival sounds fuller and a little more mellow. Which is better? Our suggestion would be to compare the two with music you know and make your own mind up. Either way, you are going to take home a very enjoyable loudspeaker. $1,750 Sprint 4 A 2.5-way floorstanding version of the Sprint 3, using two of the BSC drivers. This is a remarkably good speaker for the money — as highlighted by the importer of a competitive speaker range, who complained that the asking price was way too cheap! $3,200

EISA AWARDS

The EISA Awards are the most prestigious awards in our industry, and as usual many of the products that grace our shelves picked up awards. The Bluesound Powernode Edge was named the ‘Compact Streaming Amplifier’ of the 2023-2024 season. Bluesound’s sister company NAD collected the ‘Integrated Amplifier’ award for its retro-looking C 3050, too. Musical Fidelity collected the ‘High-End Integrated Amplifier’ gong for its new Nu-Vista 800.2 (no surprises there!), along with the ‘Home Theatre Power Amplifier’ award for its M6x 250.7, a 250watt, seven-channel power amplifier.

Ruark

C Seed

Ruark

Traditionally, the larger of Ruark’s table-top music systems have featured a CD player — but the new R410 breaks with tradition. This is very much a product of the modern day, while still paying homage to the best of yesteryear. Along with streaming features such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, UPnP, internet radio and HDMI ARC, the R410 also offers a phono input plus DAB+ and FM radio. Ruark R410: $2,599

C Seed

Len Wallis Audio has been appointed as an agent for C Seed Entertainment Systems – the company giving a new meaning to the term ‘Large Screen TV’. Initially renowned for producing outstanding large-screen outdoor TVs, C Seed has launched a range of indoor screens as well. These screens start at a modest 103 inches and go up to 221 inches for its fixed Blade MicroLED. However, it is still the company’s outdoor screens that are the showstoppers. Available from 137 through to 201 inches, these screens fold away into the garden/pool surroundings/yacht deck etc when not in use. They are designed to withstand the elements, and are based on MicroLED technology, giving you ultra-high resolution — viewable even on the sunniest of days. 12

Pantheone Audio

Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins Signature Series

One of the most iconic speaker ranges on the market is Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series, the 800 D4 range standing as the latest variant of the decades-spanning family. B&W has now introduced the 800 Signature Series, comprised of a refined, upgraded version of two of the current 800 models: the entry-level bookshelf 805 D4 and the top-of-the-range 801 D4. Both speakers are available in either Midnight Metallic Blue or California Burl Gloss finishes, but there is much more to the Signature Series than a beautiful finish. Both new speakers benefit from a number of upgrades: • The magnets on the bass drivers have been upgraded. • The top plate beneath the turbine head midrange enclosure has been upgraded with a new aluminum skeletal structure in a bid to reduce unwanted resonances. • The port has been upgraded (801 D4 only). • The tweeter grille mesh has been improved. • Most importantly, some significant upgrades have been made to the crossover.

Pantheone Audio

nder the pillars of ‘Art: Form: Sound’, Australian company Pantheone Audio has set out to show that design and sound can live harmoniously together. Pantheone’s first release, the Pantheone 1 (pictured right), is a daring and innovative piece of art, inspired by the Oculus within the Pantheon in Rome. Constructed from a fully molded resin cabinet, the speaker system features Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and an Aux input. It has two subwoofers, two four-inch midrange drivers, and four 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters, driven by four Class D amplifiers with DSP. The speaker can be voice-controlled via Alexa. This was recently followed up with the more affordable Obsidian (above), also constructed from a resin mold. Obsidian is a single-chassis stereo speaker utilising a single bass driver and two tweeters, again accessed via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and controlled via Alexa (or via Pantheone’s app). The Obsidian is also portable thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery offering 15 hours of battery life. Alongside the daring design is one other plus for this range: the price. Both speakers, despite their design and performance, are priced below much of their competition.

801 D4 Signature: $79,900/pair 805 D4 Signature: $19,900/pair

600 Series upgraded

B&W has also announced an upgrade for its everpopular 600 Series loudspeakers, officially called the 600 S3 Series. Several improvements have been implemented, including a new titanium dome tweeter. The tweeter also gets a new mounting plate, as well as an improved mesh cover courtesy of the Signature Series developments featured above. The cabinets have been redesigned too, bringing the tweeter and mid and bass drivers closer together to improve imaging. Internal cabinet bracing has also been improved, as have the speaker terminals and ports. And that’s not all: the crossovers and the motor assemblies on the drivers have also been advanced. Really, there isn’t much that hasn’t been overhauled! NOTE: As you would anticipate, the new range comes in at a slightly higher price than its predecessor. We are currently clearing the remaining old series at reduced prices, so if you are looking for a bargain — and who isn’t! — give us a call and check what we have left.

Pantheone 1: $3,950 Obsidian: $1,999

Barco / Bluesound

Promotion Yamaha

Bluesound Node X The Bluesound Node — regarded by many as the best-value hi-res music streamer on the market — has just turned 10 years old. To mark the occasion, the Canadian company has released the limited-edition Node X. Based on the current Node release in 2021, the new Node X features an upgraded DAC, improved headphone amplifier and adds a remote control. $1,299

R-N2000a network receiver.

Yamaha

amaha was hit hard by the aftermath of the Covid era and subsequent chip shortage. Many Yamaha components used bespoke chipsets, and while this sets it apart from most of its competitors, it also meant that the brand was put to the back of the line once manufacturing ramped up again, with the manufacturers giving preference to higher-demand mass-market designs. As a result, many models — and indeed some product categories — disappeared from Yamaha’s catalogue.

Barco projectors

This is now changing. Recently we have seen the return of Yamaha’s two-channel receivers, a category that has always been a strong point of the brand. They now have four models in the range... R-N2000a This marked Yamaha’s first new release and has been on the market for some months now. This is an excellent receiver, featuring Yamaha’s Parametric Room Acoustic Optimiser (YPAO), a highperformance DAC, HDMI ARC connectivity, FM and DAB+ radio, and MusicCast network streaming. Most importantly, it is built to the exacting standards of the company’s suburb Premium Hi-Fi series. $4,999 R-N1000a A scaled-down version of the R-N2000a above, but still featuring YPAO

R-N1000a network receiver

We are proud to announce that we are now dealers for Barco, who manufacturers arguably the finest domestic home theatre projectors on the market. The Barco range is considerable, with the base model selling for around $50,000. Designed to be the focal point of the very best domestic cinemas, Barco projectors deliver picture quality that is both immersive and aspirational. We currently have the brand’s Bragi CinemaScope in the showroom, so if you have an interest in viewing it, please call ahead and we will ensure it is set ›up and operational for your arrival.

room correction, HDMI ARC connectivity and MusicCast. $2,299 R-N800a This receiver sells for the same price as its highly respected predecessor but builds on its spec sheet with many more features. $1,699 R-N600a The latest addition to the range. Rated at 80 watts per channel and retaining the high-performance DAC along with MusicCast streaming, this is a very wellpriced unit. $1,199 These new receivers represent a growing, and welcome, sub-set of our industry. In light of continued interest in streaming, they offer a very compelling and compact alternative to the larger, more traditional audio stack. Simply add a pair of speakers, and a turntable if you desire, and you have everything you need. The performance is vastly superior to the proliferation of Bluetooth/network speakers currently flooding the market. You still have terrestrial radio on board — something that is being overlooked at the moment. FM radio is still significantly better than DAB+, which in turn is better than network radio stations. Plus, you can connect your TV directly to the receiver, again providing better performance than most soundbars. Simplicity, elegance (OK, that may be in the eye of the beholder...) and performance — what more could you ask for?

Sony

NAD

ULTIMATE PROJECTOR PACKAGE NAD

C 3050 integrated amplifier

BONUS READY TO INSTALL ACCESSORY KIT

SONY BD700 BLU-RAY PLAYER CEILING AND PROJECTOR MOUNT

MONSTER 2 METRE HDMI CABLE

MONSTER 10 METRE OPTICAL HDMI CABLE

MONSTER 6-WAY SURGE PROTECTION BOARD

MONSTER SINGLE SURGE WALL BOARD

Promotion finishes on the 13th November 2023

Earlier this year NAD released the C 3050 LE (Limited Edition) amplifier to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. Only 1,972 of these were released worldwide, all of which were snapped up. NAD has since released a slightly scaled-down version of this amplifier, simply called the C3050 (pictured). This amplifier retains the vintage look of the LE version, but there is nothing old-fashioned under the hood. It is rated at 100 watts per channel and has a high-resolution DAC built-in, plus a subwoofer out, HDMI eARC input and aptX HD Bluetooth. There is also a dedicated headphone amplifier, a high-quality phono stage and A/B speaker connectivity. Like many NAD components, the C 3050 also features an MDC (Modular Design Construction) port, allowing you to add additional or future features — including NAD’s MDC2 module, which provides both Dirac Room Correction and BluOS streaming. The BluOS platform provides access to more than 20 popular streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal. BluOS supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and has MQA decoding and rendering capability for studio-quality streaming. The MDC2 BluOS-D also lets you play music from your personal library, as well as thousands of internet radio stations, through the C 3050 integrated amp. $2,399

C 389 Integrated amplifier

The C 389 is a little more contemporary in its design, yet just as featured-packed as the C 3050. The C 389 is rated at 130 watts per channel and features a high-performance DAC and phono stage, plus HDMI eARC connectivity, which essentially allows you to play your TV’s sound through your hi-fi system while controlling the volume from your TV remote. It also comes with two MDC2 expansion ports, allowing for upgrades as technology dictates — including the MDC2 module mentioned in the C 3050 spiel on this page. The C 389 sells for $2,799, or $3,299 with the MDC2 module fitted.

CS1 endpoint network streamer

There is now a plethora of streaming devices on the market with their own operating system — Aurender, Auralic, Bluesound, Sonos, Naim, MusicCast, HEOS are all

names gracing our shelves, with their associated kit ranging in price from the very affordable to the cost of a small luxury car. NAD already has a considerable number of streaming products in its range, courtesy of its sister company Bluesound, developers of the BluOS streaming platform. The NAD CS1 does not incorporate BluOS; instead it is simply an endpoint product designed to support third-party streaming platforms such as Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The CS1 will connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream directly from Apple, Google or Android devices instead of using a dedicated product app. DLNA support also allows playback of networked music files via a third-party app, and there’s Bluetooth, Roon compatibility and analogue and digital outputs on the menu too. All in all, a very simple, convenient and inexpensive way to access streaming. $599

Custom Install

Preserving the past, embracing the future

A 19th-century Sydney Home’s Technological Transformation

estled in one of Sydney’s most coveted neighbourhoods, a charming 19th-century terrace house established in 1790 has experienced a technological awakening. This substantial transformation began in 2019 when the homeowner, an ardent audiophile, engaged our team to fuse the past with the present. The goal? To modernise and upgrade the audio/visual and lighting control systems, as well as the HVAC, security and access control in a home where history resonates in every brick.

equipment that was never anticipated during the home’s original construction, and finding solutions for tricky cabling runs. A creative approach led us to construct a hidden wall to conceal the electrical board on the ground-floor hallway, complete with a mini bar fridge for that extra touch of functionality. After being relocated several times, the AV rack finally found its home in a second-floor cupboard, allowing for natural equipment cooling. Ultimately, the aim was to preserve the home’s heritage look, inside and out, down to the shiny brass details.

Heritage meets high performance

Light up with Lutron

Modernising a heritage home is never a simple task, especially when solid brick walls and concrete foundations leave little room for concealing contemporary technology. Our challenges included hiding electrical and AV

Polished brass wall plates characterise this historic home, and Lutron’s highperformance lighting system beautifully maintains this aesthetic. From integrating restored vintage light fixtures to enhancing control and dimming capabilities, Lutron

Custom Install

Custom xoxoxox Install

Home at your fingertips: the Savant controller

Integrating various aspects of home control, the Savant system provided amplification and controllers to manage AV, HVAC, lighting, blinds and the fireplace. The technology was even cleverly used for rainfall detection to automatically close attic windows, as well as motion detection to automatically switch TVs to art mode.

easily outshone the previous lighting setup with style.

Sound of elegance: Bowers & Wilkins audio system Our client’s love for music translated into a desire for quality sound. We achieved a harmony of auditory pleasure throughout the home using in-ceiling speakers and bookshelf speakers from B&W.

A robust network

Building a solid Wi-Fi network in a house constructed with solid brick was no small feat. Our solution included a substantial CAT6A network, tested and qualified for modern and future networking needs.

A masterful fusion

This ambitious project has been a triumph in preserving the original heritage character while implementing modern conveniences. By working closely with a professional lighting designer and utilising false walls and hidden compartments, we’ve maintained the integrity of the home’s historic charm. This 19th-century house is now a living testament to how heritage can blend seamlessly with high-tech luxury, and we are proud to have been part of this grand transformation.

Technics / Hana

Technics

Technics has announced an update to its popular SL-1200GR and SL-1210GR direct-drive turntables, due for release around the end of October. This fourth-generation model incorporates the company’s new Delta Sigma Drive motor, which, in addition to reducing high harmonics, suppresses vibrations from the motor — a further improvement on what was already a strong point for the brand. Technics has also introduced a new low-noise power supply. There are few turntables in the market built to the exacting standards of these Technics decks, particularly at these price points. The SL-1200GR2 (silver) and SL-1210GR2 (black) each cost $3,299

The TV that travels: a glimpse into LG’s briefcase TV

Hana moving-coil cartridges

asao Okada-san has been researching phono cartridge design and technology since the mid-60s and opened the Excel Sound Corporation factory in Japan in 1970. Following the renewed interest in vinyl playback, Okada-san developed the Hana moving-coil cartridge range in 2015. These Hana cartridges are all hand-assembled and each individually tested in the Excel factory. This is a gorgeous range of cartridges, ranging in price from $855 through to $6,600. We currently carry the SL model with a nude Shibata cut diamond at $1,195, as well as the ML model with a micro-line cut nude

diamond at $1,995. There are also highoutput versions of both cartridges available if your system does not have provision for a moving-coil cartridge. Explainer: A ‘nude’ diamond indicates that the entire styli is a diamond and is fastened to the cartridge cantilever. The alternative, referred to as a ‘bonded’ or ‘tipped’ diamond, is when a metal shank is attached to the cantilever, and the diamond is then bonded to this shaft.

ancy the idea of a swanky briefcase that turns into a TV? Well, the future of portable entertainment has just rolled out of LG’s Innovation Lab. Imagine this: you’re headed to a business conference, briefcase in hand, but instead of paperwork tucked inside there is a 27inch TV. Indeed it’s not a prop from a James Bond film; it’s LG’s latest brainchild — the StanbyME Go. Dressed in a unique briefcase design, this piece is not just about looks. The StanbyME Go boasts a built-in battery, a 20W fourchannel speaker system, and a screen with a 1080p resolution. Want to watch a movie on your camping trip or play a game during a beach outing? This quirky device has you covered. It runs on LG’s proprietary webOS software and can sync with both iOS and Android devices. Open it up and voila — you’ve got a colossal tablet. With a nifty arm attached, it can be propped up horizontally or vertically and at varying angles. Finished bingewatching your favourite series? Just close

the lid and it’s a discreet briefcase again. However, before you imagine yourself sprinting through airports with it, keep in mind that it weighs close to 14kg. Still, it’s

the ideal companion for travelling corporate hotshots or Esports pros on the move. LG hasn’t spilled the beans about its availability Down Under just yet, but watch this space!

Accessories

IsoAcoustics The GAIA speaker isolation devices from IsoAcoustics will improve the performance of any loudspeaker or subwoofer. They replace the existing feet or spikes, isolating the speaker from the surface it is sitting on as much as possible. There are three models...

GAIA 1 Designed for speakers or subwoofers weighing up to 100kg. $1,099/pack 4 GAIA 2 For speakers or subwoofers up to 55kg. $499/pack 4 GAIA 3 For speakers or subwoofers up to 32kg. $349/pack 4

IsoTek power cables

Chord Mojo 2

DAC

Chord claims that the British designed and built Mojo 2 is ‘the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world today’. It may just be right, but even if it isn’t, this is an exceptional product — good enough to give many more expensive desktop DACs a run for their money. $899

Les Davis Audio 3D-2

Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic record restoration system

Most power cables that come with hi-fi components are inadequate. They are not built to maintain the electrical integrity to the standard required, and most act as an aerial to EMI/RFI. We recognise that this part of our industry is controversial, with many dismissing it as snake oil. For that reason we are happy to offer a money-back guarantee on all IsoTek power cables. If you purchase one and are not convinced, simply send it back for a refund. One word of warning, though: returns almost never happen, but it does lead to our clients purchasing additional cables for their system! The range is extensive, so please give us a call to discuss what we believe would be the best option for your system.

The Les Davis Audio 3D-2 vibration isolation pads have been a favourite of ours for some years now. Simply put, they involve the process of having a viscoelastic (meaning ‘flexible’) material pressed between two layers of a more sturdy material, which ultimately regulates the vibration output of the target component. Unassuming and inexpensive, but they work. $129/pack 8

There are a number of motorised record cleaners on the market, but none do the job that the Kirmuss does for the price. This cleaner is so good that we (and many others) advocate that you even clean brand new records prior to their first play. $2,800

Project Vinyl Clean

Sometimes the simplest of ideas work — and this is a good example. There is no shortage of vinyl cleaners available, but one of the persistent problems is how to actually remove dust from the record once you have moved/dislodged it. $19

Ortofon DS-3

If you are a serious about your vinyl, we’d point you to the Ortofon DS-3, a highprecision digital stylus pressure gauge. $269

Audio Engine B1 Bluetooth music receiver

FLUX-Sonic stylus cleaner

The performance characteristics of Bluetooth have long been regarded as second rate — and with good reason. Initially, Bluetooth streamed music at around 328kb/s, resulting in an audio performance worse than MP3. However, this is now changing. The Audio Engine B1 streams at 2.1Mb/s, allowing you to stream 24-bit audio to any system. $279

This ultrasonic stylus cleaner is without doubt the best styli cleaner we have seen. The amount of gunk that can accumulate on your styli is surprising, and it will have an impact of the music you are listening to. The FLUX-Sonic does an amazing job of removing it. $279

Flux Brush – the new record cleaner from Flux To say that the FLUX-Sonic ultrasonic stylus cleaner (which we covered in our last newsletter) was a hit would be an understatement — it was necessary to urgently fly another shipment in from Germany (have you seen the prices of airfreight lately?!) We also took that opportunity to try out its record cleaner, the Flux Brush. Historically, the best record brushes have been based either on the carbon fibre design (which does a great job of lifting

dirt out of the groove but then presents the issue of getting it off the record) or the velvet pad type (which is great for getting the dirt off the record but has difficulty getting into the grooves). The Flux Brush uses both technologies. The carbon fibre brush runs down the centre spine of the cleaner, with the velvet pads sitting on either side of it. The carbon fibres lift the dirt from the groove, and the velvet removes it from the record. Brilliant! $99

Spinclean

The Spin Clean is a manual yet simple way to rinse stubborn dust and grime from your records. Just mix some Spin Clean washer fluid in the basin with distilled water, pop in the soft brushes, and you can spin your records clean in mere moments. Spin Clean gets rid of the dirt and grime trapped in the grooves that dry brushes and spray-cleaning just can’t get at, and it does both sides of your record at once. $149

Bowers & Wilkins

B&W Px7 S2e headphones

Bowers & Wilkins’ Px7S2 wireless headphones have also had a minor revamp, with the design undergoing a subtle upgrade and advanced DSP resulting in better audio, ANC and call performance. B&W has also added a new ‘Forest Green’ finish and — good news — the price has not changed. $599

B&W Px8 headphones 

No changes here other than the addition of a new colour — Royal Burgandy. Very swish!

Headlines – Summer 2023

Articles inside

Sonus Faber