Len Wallis Audio HEADLINES Autumn 2017

The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio

Autumn 2017

‘Special Edition’ Superstars Marantz puts the highs back into hi-fi

Inakustik:

made in Germany Is this the missing link for your system?

VINYL MADE EASY!

Thorens’ semi-automatic TD 295 MK IV lenwallisaudio.com 1

(02) 9427 6755

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The Winning Streak CHALLENGE Improve a Marantz model in a series where almost every generation has received critical international acclaim and numerous awards.

SOLUTION Add a significantly upgraded amplifier stage, additional digital inputs and a superior 24bit/192kHz high current CS4398 DAC to the amplifier. Then pair it with an award-winning CD Player, upgrade the componentry and completely re-design the circuit layout.

RESULT The magnificent new PM6006 and CD6006 – the latest in a long line of award-winning Marantz 6000 series.

Visit www.marantz.com.au for more information

Available at

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Inside...

04 From the desk of Len

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06 The latest audio & AV news from the floor of CES in Las Vegas 08 New Thorens turntables make vinyl even easier...

09 Chord’s successful Hugo DAC goes to Mk2 10 Transport and DAC digital delights from PS Audio

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Meet OneAudio, a new Australian speaker brand

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Multiroom and ‘SE’ releases from Marantz

14 A Modern Classic Our custom installation team delivers another top-notch home cinema

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Discover how music can make you say ‘I love you’!

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MQA comes on stream with TIDAL Masters

19 Power with style – meet Peachtree’s nova300 amp 20 New releases loaded with Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom audio system 23 Professional calibration can transform your TV or projection quality 24 Devialet delivers the future of amplification

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26 Inakustik’s German-made cables and accessories 28 Bluesound brings the bass with a new Pulse Sub to go with its soundbar 29 Top tweaks & accessories to make your system sing!

64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066 Telephone 02 9427 6755 sales@lenwallisaudio.com.au TRADING HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday: 9 to 5.30 Thursday: 9 to 8; Saturday: 9 to 5; Sunday: closed THE LATEST IS ONLINE! – www.lenwallisaudio.com

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EDITORIAL

‘OneAudio’ evening at Len Wallis Audio with designer Brad Serhan from 6pm Thursday 23 March SEE PAGE 11 FOR DETAILS!

FROM THE DESK OF LEN

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ne of the most perplexing things about any industry is trying to remain true to what our goals should be – and in the case of Hi-Fi it is the reproduction of music. It is easy to get caught up in the technologies employed, the specifications and even the aesthetics. And yes, all of these things have a place, but they should not be allowed to cloud one’s judgement.

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Firstly let’s be clear that nothing in the audio chain can or will improve the sound of the piece of music you are listening to.

Bill Low of AudioQuest cables correctly points out that the best cables in the world are those that have the least impact on the sound, not the ones that impose their own sonic signature. The same applies to every link in your audio chain.

It is not what any component adds to the music but how little it takes away that is important. Unfortunately every piece of equipment that lies between

the initial performance and your ears will have its own sonic signature, and this is where it gets interesting. There are many instances where a technology can imprint its own character on what is being played – valve amplification is a classic example.

Despite the fact that valve amplification has a signature sound, it is a sound that is immensely pleasing to many people, and many valve devotees would not consider settling for anything else.

Then there is the question of knowing what you are listening for. There is little value in trying to find that elusive system that sounds just like the real thing if you don’t know what the real thing actually sounds like. There is no better way of knowing what a system should sound like than attending live music events.

I am surprised at the number of people who are Hi-Fi hobbyists who rarely attend a live performance. I am even more surprised by the number of people employed within the industry who never go to a concert! The very best system in the world will never recreate the power, the majesty and the emotional impact of a live concert – but the closer we get, the better the system.

Finally a word of advice – treat specifications with the disdain they deserve. There was a time when product specifications meant something, and I knew most of them off by heart. Today I would not know the specification of a single piece of equipment in the store – these days specifications can at best be used only as a guide. A client recently rightly chastised me for quoting the peak power rating of the Devialet Gold – a specification type I have been very critical of in the past. Unfortunately it is the only published figure I can find.

Trust your ears.

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Audio, AV and more hot from CES 2017 CES in Las Vegas is the greatest gadget show on earth. There are in the vicinity of 3,800 exhibitors representing over 20 product categories, 165,000 attendees and 5,600 press from 150 countries. While getting around the show may be a little uncomfortable at times, it is certainly the place to be if you want to see where the industry is heading.

The show reports indicate that this year was no different, with many companies announcing new models, and a number of them giving a peek into the future.

TV: There have been a few companies who have been sitting on the fence with

OLED TV. Panasonic and Sony (along with others) have announced OLED models in the past just to pull the plug again. It appears that these companies are beginning to feel comfortable with the technology (or that the technology has now sufficiently matured) as both the companies above have announced new OLED models for release this year.

Panasonic in particular received very favourable press for their new models.

The other pleasing report was that this year there was little reliance on gimmicks, with 3D being non-existent, and curved screens also being thin on the ground.

A number of TV companies premiered

Marantz new reference-class integrated amplifier, the PM-10, launched with the partnering SA-10 Super Audio CD/CD player.

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Focal’s ‘Utopia with Tournaire’ – the ultimate in jewel-encrusted headwear?

the idea of moving part of the necessary electronics off-board and into a connected soundbar. Many people use soundbars to augment the audio performance, so why not make use of this, allowing the thickness of the screen to be reduced even further.

Panasonic also unveiled the little brother to their DMP-UD900 4K Blu-ray player, called the DMP-UD700. We don’t have any details of pricing etc. – but we do expect to see this model during the first half of this year.

Also prominent at the show was voice control – primarily using Amazon’s Alexa – with everything from vacuum cleaners, clocks, TVs, DVRs and speakers on show featuring voice control. However it is Home Automation where this technology is really being taken seriously, with predictions that in the near future voiceLike /lenwallisaudio on Facebook

CES 2017, LAS VEGAS

Oppo Sonica DAC Our love affair with Oppo’s disc players is well documented, and as they transition to 4k players this will only strengthen.

Oppo have now released a new winner with the Sonica DAC, a high quality DAC and high resolution media streamer.

It can be used as a traditional DAC to improve the audio performance from your computer via USB, as a high resolution media player decoding audio from connected USB storage devices, or even as a network streamer playing from DLNA servers and via AirPlay and Bluetooth.

The Sonica DAC handles high resolution files up to 24-bit/192kHz, and DSD up to 22.5792MHz. It features both RCA and Balanced outputs, plus a bypassable volume control, allowing you to use it as a basic but good quality pre-amplifier (connect it directly to a pair of Triangle LN-01A active speakers for a very compact yet high quality digital system). Control is via a dedicated app – which is available for both IOS and Android devices.

The Oppo Sonica DAC sells for $1,199.

Sonos gets friendly Panasonic at CES – new TVs, including OLED, and the DMP-UD700 4K Blu-ray player

controlled Home Automation will be mainstream. As the saying goes – it’s a brave new world out there – but we will still put this technology through its paces prior to recommending it.

There was a time when CES was the most important show for the Hi-Fi industry, but this has been whittled away over the years with the increasing popularity of shows such as the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, CEDIA and the Munich High End Show. This still does not deter companies from showcasing new and impending releases, including: • Naim, who were showing their much anticipated new Uniti range consisting of the Atom, Star, Nova and Core. We should begin to receive these models in the second quarter of this year.

• Marantz, showing for the first time their new SA-10 and PM-10 Reference products (left), which we will also be receiving within the next three months.

• Oppo showcased their new Sonica DAC (see panel above); • Chord showcased the Hugo2 (see p9); • And the big news was the release of MQA on Tidal (see p18).

CES would not be complete without the bizarre... but I don’t know what was more extreme at the Focal stand – the jewel-encrusted US$120,000 Utopia headphones (pictured opposite) or the US$12,000 stand to place them on. I am not sure that we will see any of these in Australia! Even more curious was the Bluetooth-enabled toaster, controlled by a smartphone app, ensuring you get the perfect browning every time. Or maybe the automatic floss dispenser which automatically dispenses a length of floss if it senses that it has not been used for seven days.

And we thought curved TVs were a gimmick!

Effective and reliable as the Sonos multiroom system has always been, the company has long resisted getting involved with third-party control, such as the various smart home systems and the growing number of consumer devices which accept spoken commands. But last year Sonos changed tack, announcing it would join with a growing ecosystem of partners, including Amazon, whose Alexa service has become so popular in the US, and platforms including Crestron, Lutron, Savant, Control4, and iPort.

Lutron was one company at CES demonstrating its new Sonos interaction, with their Caséta Wireless system of appcontrolled dimmers and remote controls soon to include the ability to link with and control a Sonos system from a simple wall-mounted or tabletop Pico Remote (pictured above). The ongoing integration between brands promises a new level of home control – though such products are not always simple to implement! Our custom installation team knows all the ropes, and can offer advice on how to enjoy such wonders in your own home.

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THORENS

Vinyl made friendly

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he rise and rise of vinyl shows no sign of abating, and we have just added a couple of new turntables to our stable.

Most turntables on the market today are relatively simple devices, by necessity.

The more mechanics you add to a turntable, the more it increases the chance of external noise being transferred to the stylus, smearing the sound. For this reason

most turntables are belt-driven, with manual operation.

However we realise that not everyone is comfortable with a manual turntable, and may wish for at least a minimum level of automation. Enter one of the most respected names in audio – Thorens.

We have recently added two Thorens turntable models to our range – both including automatic features.

Thorens TD 295 MK IV What makes this turntable unique is that it is promoted as a manual turntable, yet enjoys the physical benefits of a semi-automatic design. At the end of a record the turntable will stop, an operation initiated by an opto-sensor. Since there are no mechanical attachments involved, the TD 295 retains the sonic benefits of a manual design.

It is priced at $1,599 complete with an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge.

Thorens TD 190 A fully automatic turntable that comes complete with the highly respected Ortofon OM10 cartridge. Priced at $999.

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CHORD ELECTRONICS

❙ The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with highresolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2 x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.

Chord’s Hugo goes to Mk2

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ime flies – it is now three years since Chord launched their Hugo DAC, a product that went on to redefine the portable DAC/headphone amp segment – while proving itself to be an exceptional standalone DAC in its own right as well.

Chord have just announced Hugo 2, which will sell for $3,700.

The features of the new Hugo Mk2 model include: ❙ A newly designed precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium case, so Hugo 2 is distinct from its predecessor with its sharper, lower profile design and four spherical control buttons. The top-mounted volume-control sphere has been retained and made larger for more intuitive operation. The stylish new design and additional functionality has been introduced in anticipation of greater indoor use within both desktop and conventional home audio systems, despite Hugo 2’s obvious portability. ❙ The inclusion of a full-function remote control, adding further flexibility, while the practical line-level output mode of the original has also been retained.

❙ The latest FPGA and advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters have been implemented in the Hugo 2. Performance gains have been made in timing accuracy, noise reduction, headphone amp power and dynamic range. ❙ Hugo 2’s connections and switches now feature laser-ablated functionlettering for improved ease-of-use.

❙ A four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control. ❙ Battery playing time is around seven hours, with two modes of automatic charging now included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port: fast (1.8A) and slow (less than 1A). ❙ New digital DC servos have replaced the inline capacitors in the original output stages and reduce distortion further while improving the power-drive performance and capability of the output stage. An element of switch-on delay has resulted, but the performance benefits were felt to outweigh the disadvantage.

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PS AUDIO

PS Audio’s digital delights

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n our last edition of ‘Headlines’ we announced the release of the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior DAC – a high quality Roon-ready DSD DAC with a built-in streamer.

So how do you make this offer even more appealing? Simple – you offer a 20% discount. Until the end of March we will be offering the Direct Stream Junior

for $4,695 instead of the usual $5,895.

Also from PS Audio we have recently

DirectStream Memory Player

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t a time when the death of CD is being predicted by many (we believe it is still a long way off), it may seem a little odd for someone to release a highend CD transport which incorporates new technology. However, when you find out that it was eight years in research, plus another two in development, this PS Audio product makes a little more sense.

The DirectStream Memory Player (DMP) is a transport only, capable of reading Blu-ray audio, DVD-Audio, SACD, HRx,

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CD, all of the associated read/write formats, as well as stored data via its USB input. Much of the sonic appeal of the

received their new budget offering – the NuWave DSD DAC. With a retail price of $1,795 this is an extraordinary product, offering a performance level well beyond what a lot of its peers can achieve for the price. Stereophile reviewer Jim Austin (a self-confessed analogue lover) commented “...PS Audio’s NuWave DSD, whose sound possesses many of the virtues of my old-school analog rig – texture, vividness, corporeality, rhythmic assurance, surface noise (kidding!) – listening to more digital wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice”.

Plus – the NuWave DSD DAC has also been swept up in the same pricing schedule, being offered for $1,436 through to the end of March. Exceptional value.

DMP comes from the Digital Lens – first introduced in 1993, but greatly improved on here. The lens electrically isolates the mechanical transport/laser mechanism of optical disc readers, improving the audio quality to a degree few systems have yet achieved, and focuses audio data into a single, bit-perfect, timing-perfected stream to your DAC. At $8,295 this could not be considered to be a budget component. But, as PS Audio point out, it could be considered an investment. It is most likely the last transport you will ever need.

ONEAUDIO

OneAudio to rule them all?

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neAudio is an Australian company that we are going to hear a lot about in the future.

They have just released their first product, the Mu.1 speaker, but we are aware that they have other projects on the drawing board.

Some of our readers will be familiar with the name Brad Serhan – the founder of Orpheus Loudspeakers, who later sold

the company and pursued a career as a freelance designer for other speaker manufacturers. It was Brad Serhan along with John Riley who designed the fabulous little Axis VoiceBox ‘S’, a compact speaker that remains as one of our favourites.

In more recent times Brad has formed an alliance with a number of like-minded individuals, under the name Brigadiers Audio. And Brad, or to be more exact,

Brigadiers Audio, is the design team behind this initial offering from OneAudio – and it is an impressive debut. Like the Axis VoiceBox ‘S’, the Mu.1 is a very compact design, measuring 38cm high, 21cm wide and 30cm deep. It is a two-way bookshelf design, which despite its dimensions boasts a bass response down to 40Hz. This is an interesting speaker, and is likely to take many by surprise. The detailing and definition of individual notes is uncanny, notes no longer running into each other but occupying their own space, standing separate from one another yet continuing to work rhythmically together.

The music emerges from a darkness, with no hint of background noise – other than any imperfections from the source or electronics.

This is a speaker which will bring the best out of the associated equipment, and show up any failings. While this is a positive, it also means that attention must be given to the system as a whole.

We have partnered these with the Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated, the Yamaha A-S3000 integrated, the Devialet 400 Pro and the Marantz PM-14 mentioned on page 13, all with good results.

There is no shortage of good quality bookshelf speakers on the market, and we consider the Axis VoiceBox ‘S’ at $2,500 and the B&W 805 D3 at $7,500 to be outstanding examples of this. The OneAudio Mu.1 at $5,500 completes the trifecta.

MEET THE DESIGNER! Brad Serhan will be in-store from 6pm on Thursday 23rd March to demonstrate the OneAudio and to answer any questions that you may have. Brad will be here from 6pm through to 8pm.

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MARANTZ

MARANTZ GOES MULTIROOM

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onos-style wireless multi-room offerings are now big business.

While Sonos enjoyed 100% of this market for a decade we have recently witnessed the rise of higherresolution alternatives such as Bluesound, HEOS and Yamaha’s MusicCast. NAD have released a Bluesound module that can be added to a select number of their integrated amplifiers, and Yamaha have incorporated MusicCast into a myriad

of their products, ranging from their AV receivers to soundbars, midi systems and wireless speakers (see page 20).

Marantz have just released their new flagship Audio-Visual receiver, the SR7011, which has HEOS streaming on-board.

This is a substantial AV receiver, arguably the best that we carry, and a great choice for anyone who uses their system for both Home Theatre and music. Marantz have always treated musical reproduction

with respect, and this is evident with the SR7011. This is a timely release with the worldwide trend back to people rediscovering music.

SPECIAL OFFER

Until the end of March Marantz are offering a free HEOS:5 wireless speaker, valued at $689, with every SR7011 purchased. This is a great introduction to multiroom wireless streaming.

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MARANTZ

AND SOMETHING SPECIAL...

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arantz are also renowned for their ‘SE’ or Special Edition products – designs that showcase what the company is capable of, rather than building down to a price. I have always believed that this is the calibre of product that all manufacturers in this industry should aspire to – beautifully designed and engineered, superb performance, relatively affordable, and importantly a product that you would be proud to own for decades to come.

We have just added two ‘SE’ models to our range. The PM14S1 SE is a 95-watt/ channel integrated amplifier selling for $5,490, and the matching SA14S1 SE CD/SACD player sells for $4,990. While neither product could be considered as ‘budget’ they are a fraction of the cost of audiophile equivalents. They could also be considered to be an investment. On a

surprisingly regular basis we deliver vanloads of audio equipment to the recycling centre, much of it less than 10 years old and none of it worth selling even through our second-hand department. This will never be the case with the ‘SE’ products

mentioned here – in fact 40-year-old high-end Marantz products are very sought after – and sell for prices considerably greater than initially paid.

Marry any of Marantz’s ‘SE’ products with a good pair of speakers and you will have a high-quality system that will provide high-performance entertainment for decades to come.

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Full Dolby Atmos audio is delivered by Yamaha electronics, in-wall B&W CI Series speakers and Niles in-ceiling speakers for that extra height dimension!

A Modern Classic From the softest passages to the loudest action sequences, live concert music or gaming, sound reproduction is realised in exquisite high fidelity.

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newly constructed home brought the opportunity to incorporate a dedicated Home Theatre Room for this lucky Sydney owner. With a specific space set aside for the build, Len Wallis Audio was tasked with the challenge of designing and installing a room to mirror a commercial cinema experience.

It’s important to understand that a great home theatre is not made up of just one element, rather it is the fusion of a number of considerations that come together to create a special place.

This is one of the many reasons why it’s

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important to employ an expert to design and manage a home theatre build.

Taking the space into consideration and the requirements outlined by the owner, Senior Custom Sales Consultant Alberto Vangi set about designing the room. This starts with the preparation of a detailed plan of the room, which is created by our dedicated CAD draftsman, Shaun Peffer.

We start by looking at ways to ensure that natural light ingress is effectively controlled, with the objective of creating a suitably pitch-black room at any time of day to support the projector technology being used.

Secondly, we make careful determinations on seating positions and the size of the screen, based on mirroring specific commercial viewing formulas.

Thirdly, we focus on sound design using the latest in surround sound configuration and physical acoustic controls to enhance audio reproduction.

The big picture When it comes to screens, most think that the biggest possible screen will be best. But while a large screen is certainly desirable, we also need to balance screen size against recommended viewing parameters. In this design we calculated that a 138-inch cinemascope screen Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook

CUSTOM INSTALLATION (2.35:1) would be the optimal size. In this project we used a Stewart Filmscreen, which is a ‘go-to’ for us. This brand has long been regarded as the de facto global standard in projection screens to obtain the highest quality image from the projector and source material.

For image projection, we specified Sony’s latest native 4K HDR projector.

Based on our extensive experiences, the Sony has been a proven performer in the field, with excellent quality images across a wide range of content sources including digital TV, 4K UHD Blu-ray, DVD, Blu-ray, Apple TV, international TV and even gaming consoles.

Exquisite fidelity Of course the stunning 138-inch 2.35:1 image is only half the story. To bring it to life requires a quality sound design to match and this particular configuration is very special.

We start with Yamaha’s top-of-the-line Aventage separates — the MX-A5000 11-channel power amplifier and CXA5100 AV preamplifier, featuring 11.2

Dolby Atmos capability, and with all pre-amp channels connected to the power amplification using balanced XLR cables.

Alberto chose a speaker complement of Bowers & Wilkins 3-way 683 S2 front speakers and HT Custom Centre Channel, plus four side Bowers & Wilkins in-wall speakers (two on each side of the room) and two rear in-wall speakers.

Four Niles CM8HD directional in-ceiling over-head speakers allow the owners to take advantage of the Dolby Atmos capabilities, and finally four 12-inch HRS Sunfire active subwoofers were selected, with two at the front and two at the rear to manage bottom-end duties.

The result is spectacular, achieving an overall balance of sound and pure impact that never fails to impress. From the softest passages to the loudest action sequences, live concert music or gaming, sound reproduction is realised in exquisite high fidelity.

The final part of this build is to ensure that it is easy to use in operation. To make this possible, we employed an RTI interface system using an iPad specially

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION

The visuals are provided by Sony’s latest native 4K HDR projector, a proven performer in the field, illuminating a 138-inch Stewart Filmscreen.

This seven-seater home cinema is operated with delightful simplicity from an iPad with RTI Controls software.

programmed as the control device.

This touch-screen technology is second nature to anyone familiar with a modern smartphone, and takes the hard work out of having to deal with multiple devices.

For example to play an Ultra HD disc,

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the matching icon is simply selected with a single touch on the home screen of the iPad — while behind the scenes the program instantly powers up the Sony projector and the Yamaha amplification, setting the preamplifier to the required

input and switching on the UHD Blu-ray player, leaving the client to simply insert the disc to be played.

At the completion of the project, the client has been overwhelmingly positive with the results achieved. In what could be regarded as a classic yet modern home theatre room, we have created an immersive and integrated entertainment space that has added substantial value to the home, and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

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MUSIC

MUSICAL FIDELITY

Music & Mood

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ver the years there has been a lot written about the positive benefits of listening to music. Does playing Mozart to babies make them smarter?

Many believe so. Music, and in particular rhythmic chanting, has been associated with a relaxed state of mind by all cultures throughout the ages. Various studies have linked exposure to music to a reduction in depression, an aid to weight loss, an elevation in mood, a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep patterns, the ability to ease pain – the list goes on.

Daniel Levitin, author of ‘This is your brain on music’, recently conducted a study in conjunction with Sonos and Apple. This worldwide study, which involved 30,000 people, yielded some extraordinary results.

During the study the households involved did not play or listen to any music out loud for a seven-day period. This was followed by a week of music, with the choice of music being left completely up to them. The behavioural differences of those involved over the two weeks was quite extraordinary.

During the week when music was being played, the average distance between household members decreased by 12%, and

Musical Fidelity have reduced the pricing on their superb Nu-Vista series products.

The 300-watt/channel Nu-Vista 800 amplifier has been reduced to $15,995 down from $17,995, and the matching Nu-Vista CD player has been reduced to $12,995 down from $14,995.

N.B. We still consider the Nu-Vista 800 amplifier (pictured above) to be one of the industry’s all-time best-sounding amplifiers – simply excellent!

on average people spent 4.5 more hours together with music than without.

With music, people were: 33% more likely to cook together and 80% more likely to invite people around.

15% more likely to laugh together.

18% more likely to say ‘I love you’.

24% less irritable.

25% more inspired.

22% more active.

TRIANGLE GOES ACTIVE

There was a 16% improvement in overall positiveness, and surprisingly, household chores were 80% easier to complete.

Even more extraordinary is that 58% of those involved found that food tasted better when music was being played (a note to restauranteurs reading this – this is assuming that the music is not overpowering and that patrons can still comfortably hold a conversation).

We are living in an age where access to music – of all genres – has never been easier and more affordable. The sheer pleasure of listening to a piece of music on a good system is obvious, but it is also evident that the benefits go far beyond the instant gratification that music provides.

Triangle continues to make inroads into the Australian market, particularly with their extremely good range of bookshelf speakers. One model that has done very well for them is the $999 Elara LN01 – beautifully finished with a sound belying both its price and size.

Triangle have now taken this one step further with the release of an active version – i.e. an LN01 with in-built 50-watt amplifiers. They feature aptX Bluetooth plus RCA, optical and Phono inputs — yes, you can connect a turntable direct to the speakers. They also feature a sub-out.

These are an ideal product for small apartments, or as high-end computer monitors. Great sound, compact, well-made and affordable at $1,199.

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TIDAL & MQA

MQA comes on stream

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hile the industry has been talking about MQA for the last year or so, we have been hearing it tossed around a lot more over the last few months. High resolution audio clearly provides fantastic sonic reproduction – but accessing it has been problematic. MQA promised to change that, and we are finally starting to see its acceptance.

TIDAL began streaming a select number of albums in MQA last month, and its library keeps growing. The addition of a good chunk of David Bowie’s catalogue was timed nicely with the anniversary of his passing, and a little high-res ‘Young Americans’ reminds you of his greatest.

The great thing is that TIDAL offered this at no additional cost to those currently on the ‘Hi Fi’ subscription plan.

But what is MQA, and what does it mean to you?

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Stored or streamed Master Quality Authenticated is an end-toend technology that brings the potential for “better than CD” audio with a file compression that can easily be stored or streamed. You don’t need huge harddrives or massive downloads to get highresolution audio any more. By utilising the original master tape recordings, the technology takes that huge “master quality” audio file and folds it in on itself, creating a compact useable file.

The great thing about MQA is that the ‘folded’ file is readable on any of your existing devices. If your phone only handles FLAC or Apple Lossless level files, it will still be able to read the MQA file and give you better quality, albeit not as good as equipment with the correct decoding processes.

To get the absolute best out of MQA, you require a DAC with the ability to

do MQA decoding. With one of these devices, the MQA file is fully unfolded and the fine nuances of the master audio recording are heard. In fact, MQA files are also digitally signed by the artist/producer, so you can be sure that the master recording you are hearing is exactly how the artist wanted it.

How to hear MQA As of publication, MQA is only available through TIDAL’s computer desktop app (see http://tidal.com/au/masters) and we have a couple of USB DACs that can make the most of the opportunity. The Meridian Explorer2 USB DAC is available now – it was designed primarily as a headphone companion but works just as well on your hi-fi. If you have purchased or were thinking of an AudioQuest DragonFly (see page 29), a downloadable upgrade for MQA should be available any day now.

Multi-room audio system Bluesound have also recently updated their systems to enable MQA streaming from TIDAL. This truly is a game-changer, and brings high-resolution audio to every room in your home at the swipe of your touch screen. The Pulse series of speakers are the only multi-room brand we have heard to offer the clarity to take full advantage of this technology.

The science around MQA is fascinating as it focuses more on the timing of the music rather than the frequency. You can find out more on their website at www.mqa.co.uk.

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PEACHTREE AUDIO

Peachtree’s nova integrated amplifiers all share the same socketry and appearance (here in the beautiful gloss ebony finish) while their numbering indicates their different power capabilities.

New nova ignites

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his has been a while coming (and in fact at the time of writing still has not arrived). However the release of the Peachtree nova300 has been highly anticipated.

This is firstly due to the success of the smaller nova150, their 150-watt integrated amplifier released mid-last year.

Secondly there has been a groundswell of favourable reviews and comments since it hit the overseas markets.

Influential online publication Computer Audiophile commented “The Nova 300 is the homecoming king, the captain of the team and the senior class, rolled up into one item. Power, control and finesse. This is the nova you want”.

John Darko stated “I doubt that there’s a loudspeaker on the planet that this Peachtree won’t drive with sure-footed authority. Peachtree’s own nova150 aside, I also doubt that there’s an integrated amplifier out there with as much functionality for as few dollars.”

This is a real-world amplifier, catering for the digital demands of the modern world, including built-in 32-bit reference DACs capable of ‘Double DSD’ resolution.

At the same time it has an analogue auxiliary input, plus a phono input.

Despite its relatively compact size the nova300 is rated at 300 watts per channel and, almost as a bonus, it’s one of the most attractive amplifiers on the market.

PEACHTREE SPEAKERS REDUCED IN PRICE There have been a number of changes at Peachtree Audio – including moving production out of China to Canada. Part of the revamp is that they will no longer be producing speakers, which is a pity – we have a soft spot for their models.

As a result we have witnessed a reduction in the asking price:

DESIGN 5 – now $999 down from $1,299

DESIGN 4 – now $699 down from $999

Both of these are compact in size, but both offer a level of performance belying their size and price (even at the old prices). These both offer exceptional value, but stock is limited, so call to avoid disappointment.

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YAMAHA

NEW FROM YAMAHA Yamaha MCR–N470

KEY FEATURES OF THE UNIT INCLUDE:

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• MusicCast for audio enjoyment in every room • Support for internet radio and various music streaming services • Aluminium front panel with hairline finish • High performance speaker with VCCS (Vibration Control Cabinet Structure) technology • Supports 192kHz/24-bit High Resolution Music (FLAC/WAV/AIFF) • Bluetooth for wireless music streaming • Supports Bluetooth output for pairing MCR-N470 and other Bluetooth equipped products • AirPlay music streaming from Mac, PC, iPod, iPhone, iPad • Control app for easy operations (MusicCast Controller) • Front USB terminal for playback of USB memory (mass storage class).

amaha’s new MCR-N470 is now available, offering a wide range of sources and functions from CD, USB and radio to the latest versions of Wi-Fi, MusicCast, AirPlay and Bluetooth. It’s not only convenient, it

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delivers a high sound quality, along with support for MusicCast wireless multiroom operation (see opposite), so that by adding other MusicCast compatible components, you expand your musical enjoyment even further. The MCR-N470 is priced at $699.

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YAMAHA

MusicCast wireless multiroom Yamaha’s MusicCast is a new revolution in network audio. Use all your MusicCast products together or separately – it’s completely up to you.

Control it all from one app, designed to be intuitive, quick and simple to use. Use a soundbar, a wireless speaker, an AV receiver, HiFi audio – whatever suits you best — then mix and match to expand your MusicCast system as time goes on. The MusicCast system brings everything to everywhere for everyone.

Yamaha ISX-18D

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ecorate your living space and enjoy your music with the feature-packed ISX-18D. Both stylish and compact, the ISX18D can be placed like a work of art to beautify any interior on a shelf or a wall.

It includes a DAB+ digital radio tuner, giving you access to a large selection of radio stations with high sound quality and automatic tuning – so you are presented with a list of all the available stations to choose from. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, making wireless operation more convenient than ever. You can even stream music from the ISX-18D to Bluetooth headphones for private listening or to Bluetooth speakers.

And again there’s Yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room audio system, allowing easy

access to a wide range of music sources.

The ISX-18D is the stylish way to expand your musical world.

The ISX-18D is priced at $499.

NS-5000 loudspeakers: now in store!

Yamaha’s much-anticipated flagship NS-5000 speakers, which we covered in the last edition, are now in store and ready for auditioning! Following in the footsteps of the legendary NS-1000M design, this is a new benchmark in Yamaha speaker performance. The NS-5000 echoes the core design principles and philosophies of the iconic NS-1000M, yet encapsulates a bold new direction in speaker technology.

Built upon the tradition of ‘Natural Sound’ for which all Yamaha speakers have been developed, the NS-5000 not only meets the lofty expectations that come with being Yamaha’s top-of-the-line speaker, but surpasses them. The NS-5000 is priced at $19,999 for the pair.

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AustrAliA’s A A’s No.1 Guide AudiO tO A t udiO & AV www.AVHub.com.au

BUYING GUIDE

2017 AwArD-wINNErs Now INclUDED!

Vol.30#02 Feb/MAr 2017 A$9.99 NZ$10.99

L Y N I V Y S A E E D A M audio-technica’s bluetooth bargain

klipsch’s turntable & speaker pac ppackage kage

E L A l a id S t N O masters !

W NO

sony’s usb high-res deck

BenQ’s Ult ra HD projector rEvIEwED

make sure you’re hearing high-res PlUs! soundbars · Headphones · Ultra HD Blu-ray reviews

IMAGE CALIBRATION

Tuned to perfection so a professional calibration can replicate the original production characteristics as closely as possible. Just as when we view a piece of art at a gallery in person, you’ll be watching your content with all colour and detail presented just as the creator or director intended you to see it.

A professional calibration can deliver the following benefits and more: • a sharper, clearer picture; • detail revealed that was previously missing from the picture; • realistic colours and flesh tones; • increased life for your display; • decreased likelihood of ‘phosphor burn’; • decreased power consumption for your display.

Can’t you just do this for yourself? The truth is that all TVs and projectors, no matter what their level of quality, benefit greatly from professional calibrating to achieve the most immersive experience. In

each professional calibration, the viewing environment is carefully considered, along with the colour of the walls, the projection surface, the amount of ambient light in the room, and viewing distances.

All these factors can affect the image, and can’t be accounted for in factory settings. Professional calibrations use a number of light measurement factors and professional colour calibration software to tune your device to the 709 standard.

Book your calibration with us Len Wallis Audio uses the expert calibration services of AVICAL AUSTRALIA. We recommend that these services are best performed after four weeks of normal viewing – 100-150 hours for televisions and 20-30 hours for projectors, to allow devices to ‘burn in’ and settle.

AVICAL AUSTRALIA are based in Melbourne and are available in Sydney for bookings every 6 weeks. To schedule your booking and discuss pricing, contact us and we will take care of the rest.

After a calibration, what will I see?

BEFORE

AFTER

Uncalibrated image issues may include: • Missing detail in bright areas of picture • Crushed detail in dark areas of picture • Unnatural oversaturated colour • Unnatural skin tones • Sharpness too high • Picture too cool.

Corrected picture settings and Advanced White point and RGB colour corrections can reveal: • Detail previously missing • Natural skin tones • Natural colours • Sharper, clearer, true to life image.

*Images are a typical example only. Comparative results may vary.

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ave you purchased a new television or had a home projector installed?

If you’ve had your new visual device home for a few weeks and have been trying it out with your favourite content, you might be wondering – what can I do to make it look better?

There are lots of setting options buried in the menus of modern devices, including Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Colour, Dynamic Range, Greyscale and CMS. It’s an extensive list – and that’s not to forget that all these parameters also relate to one another as well as to how the image is presented.

Typically we tend to adjust for overly bright and saturated pictures, and this is how the brain has been conditioned from viewing devices in store – often under super-bright commercial lighting. Brash high colour and overtly contrasted images create maximum impact, but this also means devices are effectively ‘running rich’ rather than being more effectively ‘tuned’.

An audio equivalent might be turning up the bass and treble on an amplifier for maximum drama – great for impressing friends, but only for a few moments!

Even straight out the box using the manufacturer’s default settings such as ‘Dynamic’ or ‘Movie’ will not deliver correct calibrations for viewing in private residences, nor are they true to original content production intentions. There is a correct visual international standard recommended for colour processing, known as the Rec.709 colour gamut. This is a standard to which professional film and video content world-wide (Blu-ray, DVD, etc.) is mastered. Viewing a screen mastered to these settings will dramatically improve your viewing experience.

In fact, modern displays are purposely designed to be calibrated to this standard,

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DEVIALET

130 PRO

The future of amplification has landed…

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evialet’s new Expert ‘Pro’ 130, 220 and 440 hybrid amplifiers are now available in store, replacing the previous Expert range. If you aren’t fully familiar with the Devialet Expert amps, a brief overview is to think of them as a complete highend hi-fi system compressed, without compromise, into a classy darkened-chromed slab of timeless futuristic design, with a chassis milled from a single aluminium block.

Of course it’s not just about good looks. Inside there is a network streamer, DAC, amplifiers, a phono stage and much more. One of the most compelling features is in configurability, allowing you not only to adjust with absolute precision settings for each source but to define active source outputs on the amp itself.

Building on their quest for zero distortion, Devialet have done a full hardware reboot with 100% reworked internals for the

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‘Pro’ series – and we do mean a full re-work, not just a software upgrade. Inside you’ll find a new Class A amplifier with reduced harmonic distortion and lower power demands, a new Class D amplifier with 25% more effective power transmission, a new version of the ADH Intelligence algorithm, and a new ‘magic wire’ D/A converter, aptly named due to the super-short signal path that joins DAC chip to loudspeaker output.

There are five new patents on the technology now, on top of the multiple ones lodged from the first series.

Devialet claims “explosive dynamics, absolute silence and complete transparency.”

Our experience so far reveals results nothing short of astonishing – as such, no written description we can provide is going to do these chrome slabs of technological advancement fair justice. You’re just going to have to come and audition them in person! – and be prepared to be amazed.

The Expert 130 Pro includes all Devialet exclusive technologies as well as major innovations developed for the new Expert Pro range, including distortion-free stereo performance and an architecture designed to develop towards new uses.

THD+N: 0.0005% (130W / 6Ω) THD: 0.00025% (10W / 6Ω) Price: $9,900

220 PRO Like the 130, the 220 includes all Devialet exclusive technologies as well as major innovations, but is also able to be linked to a second device to create an Expert 440 Pro. The Expert 220 Pro is the best solution to develop towards the extreme performance of the Dual-Mono configuration.

THD+N: 0.0005% (220W / 6Ω) THD: 0.00025% (10W / 6Ω) Price: $13,900

440 PRO All the features of the 130/220 but with a Dual-Mono configuration allowing for distortion divided by 2 compared to the stereo system set-up. The result is more power for each channel and an extreme variety of connectors for the most demanding acoustic architectures.

Price: $25,900 Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook

Magical Merlins

LOUDSPEAKERS OF THE YEAR UNDER $1000

Small speakers that have all the sound and magical musical quality of BIG speakers Designed by one of Australia’s most renowned speaker designers – Brad Serhan, the Richter Merlin V Series is the latest version of one of Australia’s most successful loudspeakers ever.

A brand new design the Merlin V Series incorporates a proprietary 25mm soft-dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet, and a 105-mm composite paper-cone bass/midrange driver. Also incorporated is a totally newly designed

crossover that retains Richter’s famed massive air-cored inductors and Bennic polypropylene (and bipolar electrolytic) capacitors – and all in a beautifully styled and finished decor friendly cabinet.

This is no small speaker sound – listen for yourself by visiting your nearest Richter dealer or find out more by visiting us online.

The Richter Merlin V Series Loudspeaker musically magical.

“Serhan has specialised in designing small speakers for more than thirty years so I shouldn’t have been surprised at how good the Merlin V’s sounded, but in fact I was totally surprised… they fully blew me away.”

Australian Hi Fi magazine 2016

For your nearest Legend Dealer visit www.richter.com.au or email info@richter.com.au

INAKUSTIK

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INAKUSTIK

Premium Performance

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very once in a while a product range comes along which takes us by surprise – and the cable brand Inakustik is such a product.

There are a number of things that set this range apart.

Firstly the product is extremely well manufactured, and it is exceptionally competitive, yet the vast majority of the range is manufactured in Germany.

Most importantly the performance is everything that you would expect from a product of this calibre — and beyond.

The range is extremely comprehensive, with speaker cables selling for $7.00/mtr through to the top-of-the-range Reference LS-1603 which sells

for $2,999 for a 3mtr pair. The concept of packaging 3mtr speaker cable pairs is something that Inakustik actively promotes, with four Reference models on the market ranging from $995/ pair through to the LS-1603.

The same diversity applies to interconnects, with RCA cables from $59 to $1,000, and a range of HDMI cables starting at $19 each through to $250. However it is their XLR cables that offer some of the best value. Although hardware manufacturers are finally waking up to the value of using XLR connections, there are not a lot of cable manufacturers following suit. Inakustik offers a great range starting at $99 a pair.

INAKUSTIK ACCESSORIES Inakustik manufactures more than cable – they have a very good range of accessories as well, including isolation devices, record sleeves and slip covers, and an excellent test CD.

Record slipcovers

Excellenz Bolide Absorbers isolation devices

Manufactured from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) that prevents electrostatic charge build-up on your records. $59 for 50.

$139 for a set of 4

Record sleeve covers Premium Pic Maxi spikes

Outer covers to protect your record sleeves.

Complete with double sided tape to attach to the underside of your component or speakers. $69 for a set of 4.

Reference Sound Check CD Premium Doublette isolation devices This sandwich design consists of metal discs and rubber to dampen vibration to components. $69 for a set of 4.

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14 high quality tracks recorded utilising highdefinition mastering process RESO-Mastering and HQCD (HiQualityCD) production. This is an excellent CD to bring out the best in your system. $36.95.

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BLUESOUND - NAD

NAD C338 Integrated Amplifier

Blue movies… and music

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luesound have added to their multi-room streaming range with the addition of a subwoofer – the Pulse Sub. At this time the Pulse Sub is a partner for the Pulse Soundbar (which is one of the best soundbars on the market), but we understand that a future software update will allow the Sub to be wirelessly partnered with any Bluesound

component. This subwoofer is a little unusual – it is very compact, and can be positioned either standing up or on its back, allowing it to be hidden away under furniture etc. This is the ideal solution for anyone with limited space, or who simply does not want their living environment dominated by a large black box. Price is $999.

MQA & Roon-friendly

Bluesound was also the first (and we understand still the only) high-resolution multi-room music system to sign up to the Roon music management software. Roon is rapidly becoming the software of choice for music lovers the world over. One of the main criticisms of digital music has been the lack of information on artists etc. for downloaded music – Roon is information heavy, far beyond what would have been possible to include on a LP cover in days gone by.

Bluesound has also stolen the march on most of the industry by being one of the first to sign up to MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) music, which is made all the more appealing now that TIDAL is streaming in MQA (see page 18). As one of the drawcards of Bluesound has been its ability to handle high-res music files, this only serves to strengthen its appeal.

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It has been a while coming, but NAD may have created another classic with their C338 integrated amplifier. It seems that small wellpriced integrated amplifiers are what NAD does best – and this is no exception. The C338 sells for $999, a very competitive part of the market place. It is rated at 50 watts/channel RMS, however the power supply is capable of delivering 300 watts of instantaneous power to allow for short-term transients.

Its connectivity also offers great appeal. Firstly it has a phono input – a feature starting to reappear on many amplifiers. It has built-in Bluetooth, plus it features Wi-Fi and network streaming, supporting Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Internet Radio, and is able to receive as an UPnP client. It features a dedicated headphone amplifier, and line out connections for a sub-woofer. It has two optical and two co-axial digital inputs – and is one of the few amplifiers on the market to support Google Cast. Finally there is a control App for your smart devices.

This amplifier is the ideal starter for a compact well-priced system.

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ACCESSORIES & ESSENTIALS

LWA’s TOP TWEAKS AND ACCESSORIES Getting the most out of your system doesn’t mean you have spend big – here are our top tweaks and accessories to help get more enjoyment out of your system!

ST2 Antenna

FM is still a very viable source of quality listening. Many people are unaware that FM can offer a marked improvement over Digital Radio (DAB+), which is in turn a huge improvement over AM. The best FM tuners come from Magnum Dynalab in Canada, so it is hardly surprising that they make one of the best FM antennas as well.

The ST-2 concentrates its reception ‘focus’ only on the horizontal plane, providing a stronger signal to the tuner to avoid flutter and fading. It is also less susceptible to multipath interference, often a problem in heavily built-up areas.

The ST-2 sells for $219.

AudioQuest DragonFly Red & Black While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version — one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.

DragonFly Black priced at $160.

DragonFly Red priced at $320.

AudioQuest JitterBug AudioQuest’s JitterBug is a digital music necessity. This dual-function USB and data filter simply has no peer in the market and is amazingly effective.

It can dramatically reduce the noise and ringing afflicting both the data and power lines on USB ports. Simply inserting the versatile JitterBug into the USB input of any computer, laptop, DAC, receiver, streamer, car or smartphone significantly minimises jitter and packet errors, thereby restoring music’s warmth, dimensions, depth, resolution, dynamics and clarity.

Everyone should have at least one of these.

Priced at $79.

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ACCESSORIES & ESSENTIALS

Darbee DVP-5000S

Oppo Blu-ray players are renowned for their superb image reproduction, and in some of its top models this is due to the inclusion of the Darbee image enhancement circuitry (as indicated by the ‘D’ in the model number).

You can add similar improvements to any video source with the simple addition of a Darbee stand-alone processor, the DVP-5000S. This smallish box sits between your source and screen connected through its simple HDMI in and HDMI out sockets.

The most comprehensive coverage of this product we have seen was by Home Theatre Hi-Fi (http://hometheaterhifi.com/ reviews/video-accessory/video-processors/ darbeevision-dvp-5000s-video-processorreview/) and if you are interested in learning more about this product I would suggest that you go online to read their findings. Some of the comments are: “What I witnessed however was nothing short of breathtaking. When properly configured, the tiny Darblet processor (the forerunner to the DVP5000S) added obvious image depth, increased perceived resolution, and did so without crushing detail or creating unwanted artifacts. What they’d done frankly astounded me.”

“Darbee is the first, and still one of the only technologies that truly enhances quality without any downsides.”

This is an inexpensive upgrade that works, and we are prepared to back it with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not convinced. The DV-5000S sells for $369.

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Les Davis 3D(2) Discs In a nutshell this product provides “viscoelastic layer damping for audio equipment” – quite a mouthful! At LWA we all wonder how these little silver discs work, and were certainly sceptical at first. However we have all heard the effect that they have, and it is impressive. The technology used is a proven one, called Constrained Layer Damping (CLD), used most notably in the aerospace industry. It involves sandwiching a viscoelastic material between two

layers of a stiffer material.

Place two of these under each foot of all audio components that generate and/or store mechanical and electrical energy, including your lap-top if it is part of your system.

(We kid you not.)

The pack sells for $88, and contains enough discs for two pieces of equipment. Plus we are happy to back this product – if it does not work bring the pack back for a full refund.

Good, good, good Vibra...pods

Peachtree BT1 Bluetooth receiver

Unwanted vibrations in your system are never welcome and can sonically compromise musical playback. Vibrapods can fix this by replacing your existing equipment feet (which are often fairly basic) and start soaking up those unwanted vibrations right away. The improvements they can deliver might well be the most cost-effective HiFi tweak on the market today.

There are five models to cover differing weights of equipment from 1kg up to 13kg so you can get the one that’s right for your gear! Priced from $39.95 for a set of four.

The Peachtree BT1 Bluetooth Receiver is the easiest way to stream music from your phone or tablet to your stereo or home theatre system. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, you can enjoy all of your favourite apps like Spotify, Pandora, Tune-In radio and many others wirelessly.

Simply connect the BT1 to an available optical or ‘aux’ input on your stereo (using BT1’s included cables) and within minutes you’ll be streaming music from your Bluetoothenabled smartphone or tablet.

Priced at $220.

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ACCESSORIES & ESSENTIALS

GET INTO THE GROOVE

NAD PP2 e Phono Preamplifier NAD’s PP 2e Phono Preamplifier offers superb performance in a clean and simple package, perfect for the budget-conscious audiophile wanting to use a turntable with the many stereo amplifiers and AV receivers today that have either eliminated the phono input or included a low quality circuit for attaching your turntable. The PP 2e’s moving coil/ moving magnet input selector provides for different cartridge options, while an Auto Power Down feature saves energy by automatically powering off the PP 2e when not in use. The PP 2e is incredibly easy-to-use and is guaranteed to bring years of enjoyment to any lover of vinyl LPs, breathing life back into the vinyl you love. Priced at $329.

Record Doctor V

If you care about your records (and let’s face it, if you didn’t you wouldn’t be reading this), the Record Doctor Series V will keep them in tip-top condition, free of dust and grime.

How does it work? The Record Doctor V has a vacuum motor and vacuum cleaning strip – the same principle as commercial-based machines.

It also features a precision roller bearing to make records spin easily, and a handy storage tank for the easy removal of spent record cleaning fluids.

Of course the Record Doctor V comes complete with a fluid applicator bottle, applicator brush, and illustrated cleaning instructions.

Priced at $365.

Spin Clean Record Washer Mk2 Another option for vinyl fans — the Spin Clean Record Cleaning System is one of the easiest and most affordable solutions for cleaning your records, and it’s highly effective. Unlike other record cleaning methods, the Spin Clean Record Washer MK II enables you to clean both sides of your record at once, helping your albums and singles to sound as they were intended to, offering the highest possible fidelity – while also ensuring the cleanliness of your turntable. If you’ve been looking for a well-priced and effective solution for cleaning your vinyl records, then look no further. Pick one up today and get the grime out of your grooves!

Priced at $149.

Pro-Ject Cork it Replacement cork turntable mats are an excellent and cost-effective way to tune the sound of your turntable and get the best out of it. Available in a 300mm size (12”) diameter, it works by dampening resonances more effectively than standard felt mats or correcting the over-dampening and resultant isolation effect you can get from a rubber mat. Priced at $29.

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Once in a generation, an icon makes its mark.

With an enviable history for producing audio equipment that has shaped the way we listen to music, Yamaha introduces a landmark speaker to usher in a new generation of sound.

Introducing the NS-5000 - a nod to the past with cutting-edge technology and design that embraces the future. au.yamaha.com

Available for audition at the following locations:

BRISBANE

CANBERRA

MELBOURNE

NEWCASTLE

PERTH

SYDNEY

Living Sound+Vision

DW Music

Big Picture People

Audio Junction

West Coast Hi-Fi

Len Wallis Audio

(Knox City Ozone)

(Malaga)