The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio
Summer 2016
The New Age of Wireless
Bluesound, Bose, HEOS, Sonos & Yamaha MusicCast
The new breed of wireless multiroom devices can play your favourite music sources throughout the home...
PLUS!
AVID TURNTABLES
B&W 800 Diamond The remaking of a legend
INSIDE: LWA Christmas Gift Guide! lenwallisaudio.com 1 /lenwallisaudio
Astell&Kern
The ultimate portable
Award-Winning Sound. Powerful Performance. Game-changing Design. NAD’S NeW D3020 Hybrid Digital Amplifier has already received numerous accolades for its sound quality, feature set and amazing value for money. The sound experts at What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision also recently awarded it five stars, saying the D3020 is unlike all other amps in its class. Their comments included: “A truly hybrid stereo amplifier, the D 3020 is an inviting prospect for anyone whose sole music system is a laptop or smartphone and has been too intimidated to join the world of hi-fi.” “It’s a delightful, toe-tapping performance that really communicates the essence of the song.” AvAilAble from len wAllis Audio
“It attempts to deliver the best possible performance it can, and that’s what makes the NAD such a likeable amplifier.” “Whether you’re looking for a budget way to play your digital music, or want to take that first plunge into hi-fi armed with just a smartphone, the D 3020 is the ideal machine to drive your tunes.”
Visit www.nad.com.au for more information
THE NAIM EVENT! Wed 18 November See p23 for details
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GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE!
Give a Len Wallis Audio Gift Voucher this Christmas and let them choose something they really want!
Inside... 04 Turntables – new spins on the classic format from Avid, Project and Rega 06 New Marantz receivers 08 Multi Room Wireless! The industry’s hottest category, featuring Bluesound, HEOS, Sonos and Yamaha’s MusicCast 14 Bluetooth goodies from Peachtree and B&W
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15 Flagship 4K televisions from Panasonic 16
Devialet have already redefined amplifier design. Now they have done the same with wireless speakers...
18 Bowers & Wilkins reimagines the legendary 800 Series Diamond
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20 Triangle’s Plaisir and Elara ranges extend the territory of this fine French speaker brand 23 Discover our in-house System of Spring! 24 Ruark’s classy compacts 26 Musical Fidelity’s state-of the-art CD player, and Krell’s Digital Vanguard 27 Astell&Kern’s ultimate portable players
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28 Axis, AudioQuest & Richter developments 29 Sunfire delivers impressive XTEQ subwoofers 30 Our Christmas Gift Guide with something to slip in an audiophile’s stocking...
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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TURNTABLES
A NEW SPIN Much has been made of the ‘resurgence’ of vinyl; however this is a technology that we have always continued to sell. For example we have sold Rega turntables since we opened in 1978. During the ensuing years there have been many manufacturers come and go, and in some cases old names have been resurrected by new owners. The High End Show in Munich this year was awash with new brands, some which will make the grade, and many of which will fade away. Here are some of the highlights of new and current models. 04
AVID One brand that appears to be going from strength to strength is Avid from the UK. This brand is a recent addition for us, but it has been around since the mid-1990s. This is a high-end product, and at this stage we are carrying three models (see right). Avid is a turntable manufacturer in the true sense of the word, and while they build a range of turntables, they leave it to specialists in other fields to build the tone-arms. The three models that we carry are a combination of Avid turntables with a selection of third-party arm manufacturers.
PROJECT ELEMENTAL This intriguing looking turntable is Project’s answer to anyone wishing to test the vinyl market while on a budget. It is a quality product, yet with clever engineering they have been able to price it in a category dominated by cheaply made plastic creations —
TURNTABLES
VOLVERE SP Many of the
Note: Our selection of tone-arms is not set in stone. We have access to a number of arms and these can be changed according to personal preference. None of the Avid turntables here are priced with cartridges, and this must be taken into consideration. Our cartridges of choice are Goldring (also from the UK) and Ortofon, but again choice is open to the individual.
advancements of flagship Avid turntables have filtered down to this model. It uses a twin belt drive system, the Tungsten carbide/sapphire bearing system has been improved, and it comes with a very high-grade external DSP signal-generating power supply. This model is displayed in-store with the very impressive SME 309 tone-arm. $10,900.
QUEEN BY REGA
DIVA II The Diva was originally the basic offering from Avid prior to the release of Ingenium (bel0w). This model was then upgraded to the MkII version. As with the Ingenium, we are offering this turntable with the Rega RB303 tone-arm. $4,295
INGENIUM This may the basic offering from Avid, but it is still a very impressive piece of engineering. Despite the lower cost, the Ingenium still carries the basic design parameters of the more expensive models. We offer the Ingenium with the Rega RB303 tone-arm for $2,499.
Project proudly states that the only plastic in this turntable is the stylus guard. It comes with a quality Ortofon cartridge, and is very easy to set up. The hidden secret to this table’s sonic success is a central gravity mass point, made from artificial stone and placed directly underneath the platter bearing. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
This absorbs unwanted rumble and motor vibration. This unit appears to deliver pure simplicity itself, while maintaining high quality audio standards. It received five stars from What Hi-Fi, and was named as the ‘Best Turntable under £200.’ The Project Elemental sells for $299.
Rega’s very limited production ‘Queen by Rega’ turntable coincides with the release of an 18-piece 180g vinyl boxset by the legendary rock band. The special turntable is fitted with a hand-built RB101 tonearm and Rega ‘carbon’ moving-magnet cartridge. The turntable features a Queen by Rega logo on the plinth, and a screen-printed Queen Crest platter based on Freddie Mercury’s original art work. There are only 2,000 of these turntables being produced, and we have been allocated the grand total of 4! They sell for $799.
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MARANTZ SR5010 7.2-channel 3-zone full 4K Ultra HD network receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Atmos. Rated at 100 watts/channel. Price $1,590.
NEW MARANTZ DEVELOPMENTS
SR7010 9.2-channel 3-zone full 4K Ultra HD network receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Atmos. Rated at 125 watts/channel. Price $3,970.
SR6010 7.2-channel 3-zone full 4K Ultra HD network receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Atmos. Rated at 110 watts/channel. Price $2,150.
A SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF AUDIO It is not just Marantz’s A/V receivers that are being upgraded. We have also received the replacement for
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The lifecycle of some of the ranges that we carry appear to be getting shorter. Marantz are in the throes of releasing a new range, prompted by the development of Dolby Atmos surround. All of the existing (at the time of writing) surround Audio/Visual receivers are in the process of being replaced, with the new range including the four receiver models shown here, and more...
the very successful M-CR610, called the M-CR611. This is an all-in-one mid-sized component offering CD, FM/DAB+ radio,
NR1606 Slimline 7.2-channel 3-zone full 4K Ultra HD network receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Atmos. Rated at 50 watts/channel. Price $1,280.
amplifier and a network connection. It will handle hi-res audio files (up to 24bit/192kHz files), but also has built-in Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth and AirPlay connectivity. Its four channels of amplification allow you to run two pair of speakers (with individual volume control on each) or alternatively you can bi-amp your speakers. There is a control App for both iOS and Android devices, plus a well laid-out physical remote. The optical digital input will allow the connection of your digital
TV, and the unit comes with Spotify (and we are confident that other streaming services will follow.) This is really the Swiss Army Knife of audio. The only thing it lacks is a hard drive, but it does an excellent job of accessing any music that you have stored on any devices connected to the network. Team it with a good pair of speakers of your choice and you have a compact, versatile and very well-priced system. The M-CR611 sells for $1,250. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
BLUESOUND IS THE SOUND OF HIGH-RES STREAMING IN EVERY ROOM.
NODE | Amplify your total music experience. Connect your existing stereo system to the world of streaming HiFidelity audio, and access cloud music services and internet radio. Hear every detail of the world’s most accurate 24-bit/192kHz studio master recordings in lossless FLAC format.
BLUESOUND IS THE PREMIUM WIRELESS HIGH RESOLUTION MULTI-ROOM HIFI SYSTEM DISCOVER LIVING HIFI AND THE ALL-NEW GEN 2 PRODUCT FAMILY AT BLUESOUND.COM For more information call Australian Distributor Convoy International on 02 9666 0700 or visit convoy.com.au
/bluesoundau
WIRELESS MULTIROOM
Multi Room Wireless Without doubt, Multi Room Wireless is the hottest, and one of the most important, categories of this industry, and there has been a lot of activity in recent months. There are five main players in this category — Sonos, HEOS, Bluesound, Bose, and now
LEN WALLIS WRITES: This year marks my 45th year in this industry, and while I have witnessed numerous changes during this time, there have only been a few defining moments. The Compact Cassette tape was already starting to gain traction by the time I entered this industry in 1970. It changed things in three ways — firstly by allowing consumers to assemble their own play-lists, secondly by being the first ‘pirate friendly’ audio format (even though it had been preceded by reelto-reel and 8-track recorders), and most
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Yamaha. All have something unique to offer, and depending on your requirements, one of these will be ideal. We carry all five brands – we are the wireless streaming experts!
importantly, it was the first truly portable recordable audio format. The introduction of the CD in 1982/83 also coincided with the emergence of VCRs and Dolby Pro-Logic, with the subsequent introduction of Home Theatre. It heralded a period of rapid change in the industry, a period where sound quality of recorded music became (for many) a secondary consideration. The release of iTunes in 2001 was a pivotal turning point for the industry. While audio quality took a back-seat to convenience, iTunes had a far reaching
impact. It has created the expectation of access to music at all times, and it exposed a wide-ranging selection of musical genres to many who may never have had an interest in the past.
A New Shift It now appears that we may be on the cusp of another seismic shift. This time it does not coincide with the release of any new technology or component, but is more a ‘coming together’ of existing formats. Streaming music sites such as Spotify etc. have been with us for many Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
WIRELESS MULTIROOM
PLAY:5 UPGRADE.
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Sonos does not rush into
onos owned this category for close on a decade, but suddenly they face competition from almost every electronics manufacturer in the industry. At the same time they have been able to achieve something that no other company has been able to do – they have recently dropped their prices by around 19%, at a time when everyone else is reacting to the falling A$ by introducing price rises. Sonos owns this market for good reason – it is reliable, it is well supported, it is easy to operate, and most importantly, it is relatively inexpensive. And they have just strengthened their trump card, taking on the opposition with both new product and new software.
new products lightly – the original Play:5 speaker has been around for almost 10 years. The design of the new Play:5 is a great improvement on the older version, but more importantly it also offers a far superior performance and is also easier to use – volume can be controlled from the speaker itself, and you can even swipe for next/previous track.
TRUEPLAY. If you were to ask people what part of their audio ecosystem would have the biggest impact on performance, I am sure that in most cases you would not get “the room the system is in” as the answer. But in most cases it would be the correct answer. Take any system from one environment, place it in another and it will sound different. Sonos have recognised this and released Trueplay. With this program you use your iPhone or iPad (iOS devices only at this stage) to measure how sound reflects off walls, furnishings etc. and it then adjusts the speaker’s character to suit that environment. Simple, ingenious and effective.
years, and products that capitalise on this technology, such as Sonos, are also not new. However there is an evolutionary process taking place, and suddenly a technology which has been definitely low-fi up to now has stepped up to potentially eclipse what we have in the past accepted as hi-fi. The music streaming service Tidal (and others) can stream at CD quality — there is no longer any excuse for compromising performance in terms of sound quality. Other companies are offering even higher streaming rates,
with classical site ClassicOnline HD (a division of Naxos) streaming up to 24bit/192kHz. High-Resolution downloads (better than CD quality) have been with us for some time, even if some of the most popular sites are still difficult to access in Australia. Over the last few years we have seen an enormous resurgence in DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) technology along with high performance streamers, Hard Drive devices, and wireless multi-room distribution systems capable of handling these High-Resolution files.
Consumers continue to enjoy vast amounts of music, but there is now a demand that this music be presented at an acceptable level of reproduction. People are again listening to music rather than being content to have it simply as the background of their lives. Access to music has never been greater, but now quality is also important (as shown by the remarkable return to vinyl), and we are seeing a return to consumers seeking out high performance electronics. A bonus is that quality equipment has never been better value! Long may it continue!
Please note: Due to the volatility of the A$, prices throughout our newsletter are currently subject to change at short notice.
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WHY IS THE QUALITY OF YOUR WI-FI SO IMPORTANT?
WIRELESS MULTIROOM
The days of cheaply sourced Wi-Fi networks should be behind us. Len Wallis Audio has been working in the network space for a considerable time, and today we offer only enterprise (commercial) grade solutions. Our brand of choice is Ruckus, one of the most robust, high performance products on the market. The networks that we offer and install are unashamedly more expensive than the usual high street solution, but they work. One service that we offer is a Wi-Fi survey, where we come out and do a Wi-Fi audit of your home. This gives us (and you) an overview of any current shortcomings of any existing network, plus it will give us the information necessary to design and quote on a network specifically for your environment. The cost of the survey is $330, but this amount is then deducted from the cost of the network if you proceed with our design.
HEOS HOME CINEMA. This is Heos’s long-awaited soundbar offering, which come with a wireless subwoofer. The combination sells for $1,499.
HEOS 1. This is now the smallest speaker offering from this Australian devised range. We are constantly amazed at the performance that Heos – and others – can achieve from such small packages. Selling at $349.
HEOS
Heos have released a number of new products in the last couple of months.
HEOS DRIVE. This is a complete multi-room system in one chassis, consisting of four separate zones and eight channels of amplification. Run the speaker cables from four areas of the home (this can include the outdoors) back to this device and you have four independent zones of music. It is simple and convenient. Priced at $3,490.
HEOS ‘GO PACK’. This is a rechargeable battery pack that converts the Heos 1 into a portable wireless speaker. It also has an inbuilt Bluetooth receiver, and given the splashproof design of the Heos 1, this is a very versatile product.
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WIRELESS MULTIROOM
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Bluesound
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his brand captured the attention of the industry when released around a year ago – with very good reason. The Bluesound range (a division of NAD) introduced a number of aspects not usually associated with other brands – the most significant being the ability to handle highresolution (up to 24bit/192kHz) files. The other factor was the introduction of the Vault, a 2TB hard drive which also doubled as a streamer. Bluesound are in the process of releasing some additional products to their range, and also updates to some of the existing models.
NEW MODELS FROM BLUESOUND INCLUDE:
1. PULSE FLEX. This is
2. NODE2. The Node2
3. POWERNODE2.
now the smallest speaker in the Bluesound stable, but don’t be fooled by its size. This small two-way design will still handle High-Resolution files, it has Bluetooth capability, USB and auxiliary inputs, a headphone output and an optional battery pack allowing you to take it anywhere with you. $699.
is Bluesound’s addon streaming device, creating a bridge between the digital world of streaming and any existing audio system. The Node2 has a very different design to the initial unit – it is much easier to place, and now comes in two colours, black or white. $999.
Essentially a Node2 with a built-in amplifier. Simply connect a pair of speakers, plug it into the power, and you are on-line. $1,599.
VAULT2. The Vault is perhaps the one product that set Bluesound aside from the opposition. The new Vault is a departure from its predecessor in many areas, the most obvious being again its new appearance. We still believe that this is one of the most versatile products in the industry. Simply rip your existing CD collection to the in-built 2TB hard-drive and then control it via one of the best Apps in the industry on your tablet or smartphone. It also connects to the internet allowing access to internet radio, or streaming services such as Spotify or Tidal. Also available in black or white. $2,199
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WIRELESS MULTIROOM
WX-030 SpEakER. This is the smallest
IT May nOT bE HI-FI…bUT! The Yamaha ISX-803 Lifestyle is one of the best buys in audio. The previous model, which did not include DAB+ radio, sold for $999 – yet despite the battered A$, the ISX-803 sells for $799. This unit this must be one of the best sounding players in its price range; it really is enjoyable, and puts many of its contemporises to shame. It is also attractive, and easy to place. Almost as a bonus the ISX-803’s list of functions is impressive to say the least: • a built-in CD player, something missing from an increasing number of compact systems today; • aptX Bluetooth; • FM and DAB+ digital radio; • a USB input; • alarm; • four colour choices – White, Black, Deep Blue and ‘Brick’.
Frame ISX-80 Speaker. This very attractive MusicCast speaker can be either table-top mounted, or mounted on the wall. It comes in White, Purple and Black, and sells for $699.
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speaker in the MusicCast stable, but still offers great sound for those smaller environments (e.g. kitchen, bedroom etc.). They are compact, well built, available in black or white, and sell for $349.
Yamaha MusicCast
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ithout doubt, Yamaha’s MusicCast is one of the major product releases of the year. Yamaha have not only (re)entered the wireless streaming category – in some ways they have redefined it. Almost without exception wireless solutions have been standalone products that can be attached to existing hi-fi or home theatre systems, though NAD do have modules that can be added to a select number of amplifiers turning them into Bluesound-enabled devices, and there is talk that HEOS technology will be added to Marantz products in the future. However it is Yamaha who have stepped up and incorporated their streaming service into their existing range of products. Yamaha initially released MusicCast back in 2003 – way ahead of its time. Its success was hampered by the fact that online streaming services and smart devices (therefore control apps) did not
R-n602 REcEIvER. As mentioned on the right, all Aventage Home Theatre receivers now have MusicCast embedded. Recognising that not all homes will have a Home Theatre as part of their entertainment area, they have also released a new two-channel (stereo) receiver with MusicCast. At the same time this is a new-world product, not only having traditional analogue inputs (including turntable), but also connecting to your home network with built-in WiFi, plus it is both Bluetooth and AirPlay enabled, has a USB port, and has optical inputs in case you wish to connect devices such as your digital TV. It is rated at 105 watts/channel, and sells for $999.
ySp-1600 SOUndbaR. Yamaha was the first company to commercially manufacture soundbars, and have led the field ever since. The YSP-1600 boasts eight speakers, and comes with a subwoofer. Once again this is excellent value at $999.
WIRELESS MULTIROOM
YAMAHA’S AVENTAGE
NX-N500 MONITORS. One of the disadvantages of most wireless streaming devices is that their freestanding speakers are universally low-fi, with the only obvious exception being the Mu-so offering from Naim. Well you can add another contender here. The NX-N500s are loosely based on the legendary NS-10s (which are used in almost every recording studio around the world), with the addition of built-in amplification. For secondary rooms where you still demand performance these are ideal. They are tremendously versatile, and at $999 the pair they offer extraordinary value — certainly one of best buys in the industry.
exist at the time, two of the technologies that make the concept so popular today. This new release is far from a token stab at this very popular category. The roll-out of products will continue over time, but the initial release consists of 23 MusicCast products (compared to eight from Sonos, the dominant brand). One compelling feature of their range is the fact that the technology is embedded in the company’s home theatre range of A/V receivers (see right), and in one of their two-channel receivers. MCR-N670 MICRO-SYSTEM. Due later in the year, this is a small all-inone system including CD, FM radio, Internet radio, phono input plus all the usual (for this series at least) Bluetooth, AirPlay, etc. functionality. The system sells for $1,299.
Rival offerings allow you two options. Either put together a system comprising only of that brand (an option which in the majority of cases is definitely low-fi), or add the product to an existing Hi-Fi system, an option that works, but can be unnecessarily complex. With the Yamaha solution your primary audio system forms the basis of your wireless multi-room system, offering all the attributes of the technology, without compromising performance. For additional areas of the house you simple add additional speakers, systems, or even use existing Bluetooth speakers that you may already own. The width and breath of the Yamaha offering is simply too large to cover here in full, but some of the main points are: • MusicCast will stream High-Resolution files up to 192kHz, including DSD files; • Any source can be streamed throughout your home – even vinyl; • All MusicCast devices will also accept Bluetooth and AirPlay; • Each device also operates as a Bluetooth sender, meaning you can stream to existing Bluetooth speakers that you may already own.
It has been a big couple of months for Yamaha. Not only have they been busy with their MusicCast release, they have also released the sixth generation of their superb Aventage A/V receivers. The Aventage range is Yamaha’s premium A/V receiver range, and surprisingly the Aventage prices are only a modest premium over their traditional range. Yamaha rule the A/V market – with good reason. Along with all the usual attributes – in-built MusicCast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4K compatibility, and from the RX-A850 up, Dolby Atmos, Yamaha have once again produced the most versatile, and best value, range of Home Theatre receivers on the Australian market. There are, as in the past, five models in this line-up, ranging from the RX-A750 at $1,399 through to the 150 watt-per-channel powerhouse, the RX-A3050 at $2,899. Yamaha have also released an Atmos-enabled replacement for the CX-A5000 A/V processor, called the CX-A5100. We still contend that the CX/MX pre/ processor-power amp combination from Yamaha is one of the bargains of the industry, despite its price. In addition to the receivers mentioned above Yamaha has also released two lower priced units in the Aventage range which will be available for a limited period only. We understand that there will only be a single production run of these models. The two models are priced at $799 (RX-A550) and $1,199 (RX-A710). The RX-A710 is the first slimline Aventage receiver to be produced, and is ideal for anyone requiring a quality receiver, but where space is a limitation.
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BLUETOOTH
A boost for Bluetooth
We realise that Yamaha, with the MusicCast range (previous pages), are not the first company to build Bluetooth transmission into their components, but they are possibly the first to really create an environment where the technology can be fully exploited. There is no better example than the ability to utilise Bluetooth headphones simply, and without fuss, with their systems.
PEACHTREE DEEPBLUE2 BLUETOOTH SPEAKER Yamaha’s MusicCast system can link any brand of Bluetooth speaker to an existing MusicCast ‘room’. But while there are hundreds of Bluetooth speakers on the market, and some are very good, most are very bad! Even among the very good offerings Peachtree’s deepblue2 shines – this is a very substantial speaker with impressive sound, impeccable build, and a surprising $799 price tag (many of its competitors are priced close to $1,000). We have been watching reviews on this product and its predecessor come in from overseas, and they have all been glowing, to say the least:
“The best sounding Bluetooth speaker we have ever heard, period” Hi-Fi+
“Almost too good to be true” CNET
“…after testing somewhere between 100 and 200 Bluetooth speakers, I can say the deepblue2 is my favorite…” about.com
“I truly don’t understand why the deepblue2 sounds so good – and frankly, I’m not sure I care. Take my word for it – it just does. Get one.” Part-Time Audiophile
B&W P5 WIRELESS HEADPHONES A good choice of headphone for Bluetooth pairing with Yamaha’s system or other Bluetooth transmitters would be the B&W P5 Wireless. This is a very impressive headphone based on their well received P5. And interestingly it is the team responsible for the tuning of the legendary 800 Series of loudspeakers (see p18-19) that worked on the tuning of these headphones. The P5 Wireless has a 17-hour battery life between charges, and can be recharged via the supplied USB cable. Priced at $599.
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PANASONIC
Flagship Ultra High Definition Panasonic’s TH-55/65CX800A Series televisions
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e’ve recently taken on the new Flagship Ultra High Definition CX800A Series from Panasonic, and this has to be one of the most accomplished 4K sets available on the Australian market in terms of picture quality and ease of use. The first thing you’ll notice with these new panels is that Panasonic has used the Firefox OS interface to make
The new Panasonic UHD televisions have more dynamic range processing, aiming among other things to stop colours from becoming washed out under conditions of high ambient light.
them as easy to use as possible – this is especially effective when you want to take advantage of online streaming services and the almost endless smart devices that have become part of our everyday lives. The new interface allows you to easily switch between any type of content source, be it free-to-air, YouTube, a hard drive or any other type of input, all from one main screen that contains all of these sources as shortcuts.
In terms of picture quality, Panasonic states that these new models are some 35 per cent brighter compared to the last generation. In addition colours have been enhanced with the introduction of a wider gamut, as well as the inclusion of 3D lookup tables in a bid to manage the colour output more precisely. There are also enhancements to the handling of black gradations in dark and bright scenes, and there is more dynamic range processing in bright scenes, aiming to stop colours from becoming washed out – this last feature is especially noticeable in our showroom where often we have quite bright sunlight coming in, yet these new panels stay rich, vibrant and watchable even under these difficult conditions.
This has to be one of the most accomplished 4K sets available on the Australian market...
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DEVIALET
These are more than amplifiers – being in fact integrated amps, DAC, wireless streamer, A/D converters and electronic crossover...
DEVIALET A NEW APPROACH
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t appears that the French are on a bit of an audio roll. Two of the world’s most respected speaker brands – Triangle and Focal – hail from their shores. Now they have unleashed one of the most exciting and innovative electronics companies we have seen in decades. The brand Devialet has already redefined amplifier design with their ‘Expert’ range (pictured above). Now they have done the same with their wireless speakers. To say that the Devialet Phantom (pictured right) is a little out of the ordinary would be an understatement. But the concept works, with a capital ‘W’. This is a product that is unashamedly aiming at the top end of the market, pushing the envelope to see how far they can take it, with scant regard for what has come before them. At the same time, and in spite of the fact that this is possibly
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the most expensive commercially viable product of its genre, the Phantom still represents value for money.
Devialet Expert This range of amplifiers not only looks unlike anything that has come before them, but the internal design is just as unique. Devialet has broken new ground with almost every aspect of their amplifiers, in ways that are far too extensive to cover in this publication.
Devialet has already redefined amplifier design. Now they have done the same with wireless speakers.
Firstly these are more than amplifiers – being in fact integrated amps, DAC, wireless streamer, A/D converters and electronic crossover. The complete device is software driven, leading to a surprising degree of flexibility. For instance any RCA socket can be reconfigured as an input or output. You can then designate if it is to be a digital or analogue socket, and if analogue whether it should be line-level or a phono input, which can then be matched exactly to your cartridge. The power amplifier stage can also be configured to match your speakers, using a technology called Speaker Active Matching (SAM). The most popular amplifier in the range, the 200, which is rated at 200 watts RMS per channel, can be turned into a 400 watt/channel mono-block amplifier with the addition of the 200c. There is only one button on the amp, with all the controls being housed on their
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DEVIALET
the most advanced, flexible, and technically sophisticated audio product I’ve reviewed. It may look like a lifestyle product, but underneath... is a serious piece of audiophile hardware. It’s a compelling package that just happens to sound great too.”
Devialet Phantom rather unique remote control. There is even the option of mounting the amplifier on the wall like a piece of art! While we could fill pages covering the technological advancements that this range has brought to the table, it is important that we mention the most important aspect – the sound. Thankfully Devialet have paid just as much attention to this factor – the product is superb, and can hold its head high in the most esteemed company. Robert Harley from The Absolute Sound summed up his review on the 200 with: “The Devialet 200/400 is, by a wide margin,
This is a fun product! Forget the fact that it is by far the best performing product in its category – it is the most refreshing piece of kit we have seen in decades. This product is sheer theatre! The fact that it sounds so damn good is almost a bonus. The hype is helped along by some outrageous claims from Devialet, including that the product could replace a US$50,000 system. Obviously we disagree, but this is not taking much away from the Phantom. Josh Valcarcel from wired.com took this claim to task and concluded that it was understandably an exaggeration,
yet added “But the disparity isn’t a chasm; it more like a small gap”. A big claim for a product that sells for AU$3,590. There are two Phantoms – the ‘Phantom’ ($2,990) and the ‘Silver Phantom’ ($3,590). The only difference is the power – the Phantom has 750 watts of peak power, producing 99dBSPL at 1 metre, while the Silver Phantom has an astounding 3000 watts of peak power, producing 105dBSPL at 1 metre (that’s nightclub levels!). They both have a frequency response from 16Hz through to 25Hz. The built-in DACs are specified at 24bit/192kHz, and they have Optical, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. With the addition of their optional Dialog device you can add a second Phantom to make a stereo pair, or you can scatter Phantoms throughout the house as a multi-room system. It will also allow access to streaming services, including Tidal. A decade ago Sonos trail-blazed a new direction for this industry. With the introduction of the Phantom, along with other highend products such as the Naim Mu-so, this category has now matured.
Devialet Phantom – the most refreshing piece of kit we have seen in decades. This product is sheer theatre!
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17
BOWERS & WILKINS
The remaking of a legend Bowers & Wilkins reimagines the 800 Series Diamond Speakers.
S
ome 35 years ago, Bowers & Wilkins hit a high note with the introduction of its now iconic 801 loudspeaker – a design which went on to become a respected sonic benchmark in recording studios and music lovers homes around the world. Several incarnations of the 800 Series followed over the years to come, impressing industry critics and high-end audio lovers alike.
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Then in 2005 Bowers & Wilkins really upped the ante, investing heavily in research and development. The result was the introduction of a groundbreaking new ‘Diamond’ tweeter which set a new standard for design and sonic capability – one that other manufacturers have been attempting to match for years. Snap forward to the present day and Bowers & Wilkins, ever the innovators, have taken the market by surprise again with the reveal of their latest generation 800 Diamond Series range – known as the D3. It’s important to note that this is no cosmetic facelift, with the company advising that this latest generation is effectively a ground-up redesign. In fact some seven years of research and development have gone into the new series, with the company stating that virtually all of the components differ from those in the previous generation of speakers – the exception being the diamond tweeter (one of the few parts that they admit they couldn’t improve upon), albeit it all now housed in a new solid body aluminium assembly. Elsewhere, B&W is claiming significant improvements to the cabinet, with
something they call a reverse-wrap design that sees the front and sides forming a continuous curve backed by a spine of solid aluminium – an arrangement claimed to improve sonic dispersion and reduce cabinet reflection. Inside, a criss-cross of interlocking panels form a matrix bracing that keeps the 800 Series Diamond speakers rigid. The MDF of previous generations has been ousted in favour of thicker birch plywood with metal reinforcements at key stress points. Larger members of the new Series feature a weighty (35kg!) resonanceresistant plinth made from a solid block of aluminium, with castors for ease of movement and integrated floor spikes that can be lowered or raised as desired. The instantly-recognisable yellow Kevlar cone of the midrange drive unit of old has been swapped for a proprietary composite ‘Continuum’ cone, reported to result in vastly improved acoustic clarity and sonic performance. The driver is housed in a new Turbine head enclosure constructed from solid aluminium with internal radial fin bracing, and a slimmer profile than previous 800 Series head units. Bass performance has been given a boost courtesy of the distortion-killing Aerofoil cone. Using computer modelling, the company says that its engineers have managed to vary the thickness of the cone for precise, life-like lower end and improved pistonic behaviour. The new D3 Series comprises four floor-standing speaker models, a standmount speaker and two home theatre centre-channel units. Australian pricing is still to be revealed for the new series (see our website for the latest information) but we expect to see some increases given the substantial investment the company have put into R&D on this project and the lower Australian dollar which is pushing prices up across all imports. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
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TRIANGLE
Avec Plaisir (et Elara) NEW TRIANGLE MODELS
In our last issue of ‘Headlines’ we mentioned that we had become a dealer for Triangle loudspeakers from France. Since then we have received another two ranges, which completes their line-up. These two ranges, the Elara and Plaisir series, fill out the lower end of their catalogue.
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TRIANGLE
PLAISIR This is Triangle’s ‘budget’ range – three models, each available in Black or White. We have the Plaisir combination set up in our Home Theatre room, and it is surprising how good this pairing sounds given that the pack sells under $3,000. Combine this with a quality receiver such as the Yamaha RX-A750 and you have a very good, and very well priced, Home Theatre system. LYMNA
A two-way bookshelf speaker. $899/pair.
ALECTIS The matching centre channel for the two speakers left. $549.
KARI
A floor-standing 2-way design. $1,499/pair.
ELARA This series is destined to become a high-demand item around the globe. It uses very simple design, done well and very competitively priced. This is minimalist design aesthetic for speakers at its best – clean lines, no visible screws and a high quality gloss finish. The range consists of four models, all which are available in either Gloss Black or Gloss White.
LN02 2-way bass reflex centre speaker $799
LN01
2-way bass reflex bookshelf speakers $999
LN07
3-way bass reflex floor-standing speakers $2,599
LN05
2.5-way bass reflex floor-standing speakers $1,999
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Coming soon to your authorised Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond dealer. For more information call Australian Distributor Convoy International on 02 9666 0700 or visit convoy.com.au BowersWilkinsAu
SYSTEM OF THE MONTH / NAIM EVENT
WEDNESDAY
18 NOV
NAIM SPECIAL SHOWCASE NIGHT! We invite you to come and meet special guest Doug Graham from Naim, and distributor Chris Murphy at this exclusive Naim event! We’ll showcase the new NAP300 Power Amplifier from Naim’s revitalised core range of separate power amplifiers, now with Statement transistors and DR (Discrete Regulator) technology. You’ll also experience the NAC-N 272 streaming preamplifier, new Super Lumina high-end cables, and Naim Ovator S-400 loudspeakers.
Of course our usual excellent finger-food and drinks will be available for those in attendance on the night. If you can make it to this special event please phone (02 9427 6755) or email (meenak@ lenwallisaudio.com.au) and leave your name and contact details if you would like to attend. Wednesday 18 November – 6.30pm Len Wallis Audio Showroom, 64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.
SYSTEM OF THE MONTH: Naim/Triangle
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or our ‘System of the Month’ this issue we are taking an easy path – by taking inspiration from What Hi-Fi? in the UK. They recently featured (and raved about) a system comprising the Naim CD5si CD player, the matching Nait 5si amplifier and a pair of Triangle Titus EZ speakers. Interestingly this was a somewhat old-fashioned system in that it is CD based, rather than the more contemporary streaming technology (or the very modern – yet very retro – vinyl revival). To say the least, they were very, very impressed. We have taken a slightly different approach, and instead of using the separate amp and CD, we have opted for the Naim UnitiLite B, an all in-one solution that Naim does so well, offering CD, amplification, streaming, radio and Bluetooth. Like What Hi-Fi? we have
paired this with the Titus EZ speakers. While it may appear to be odd to pair a $1,400 pair of speakers with $4,800 worth of electronics, this is simply an example of how a well-designed speaker has the ability to reflect the quality of the electronics driving them. This is a high-quality, compact, and very well-built combination of two brands that work extremely well together. What Hi-Fi? certainly appeared to believe this being the case, concluding “The premium quality components are worth every penny, but it’s their infectious enthusiasm and superb rhythmic precision that you’ll love listening to for hours on end”. This system has a retail price in Australia of $5,849. Until end-December we are offering the combination for $4,995. If you are in the market for a compact, simple to use, yet high quality and very
enjoyable CD/Streaming based system, it is hard to go past this combination. P.S: What Hi-Fi? is not the only publication to discover the beguiling Triangle Titus EZ. Online publication ‘Hi-Fi Pig’ stated “I can’t recommend these speakers enough”, while TechRadar concluded “… overall performance is dynamic and full of enthusiasm”. But it is Australian Hi-Fi who, in their last edition, have undertaken the most extensive review that we know of. To say that they were impressed would be an understatement. The concluding few lines was “……they’ll still outperform any other similarly-priced speakers I’ve heard, which makes them outstanding value for money in the bargain”. If you would like to read the complete version of this detailed review, it is online in full at www.avhub.com.au/titusEZ
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RUARK AUDIO
Ruark R1 Mk3
Classy Compact Performance
R
uark Audio’s R1 is now in its third generation and is, we think, one of the most accomplished and cleverly designed compact shelf or bedside radio/streaming devices available. This an elegant and simplistic device, just 13cm wide x 13.5 cm deep at the base – it’s designed to be placed in even the smallest of spaces. On top of the unit you’ll find a single control knob which is used to navigate to just about every function there is on the radio, including the volume. There is an easy to read LED display, and today’s requirements are catered for with Bluetooth audio streaming as well as DAB+ and FM radio tuners, a line input and a headphone line out. In terms of sound quality it’s quite remarkable what Ruark have been able to achieve here – think Sonos Play:1 sound quality. With Christmas just around the corner, Ruark’s quality design, ease of use, three different colour finishes (black, white or walnut) make it a seriously hot gift item this season for that special someone. The Ruark R1 is priced at $449.
Ruark R4 Mk3
Stylish All-In-One
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T
he R4 Mk3 is the big brother to the R1. Offering the same aesthetic design style, it has a more traditional music centre functionality. As such, it features an improved multi-format CD player, alarm, DAB+ and FM tuners, auxiliary inputs,
aptX Bluetooth receiver and USB playback port, combined with a dynamic 2.1 audiograde amplifier and speaker system. Set-up and programme information is displayed with impressive clarity for any viewpoint thanks to the OLED display, while the latest integrated RotoDial controller manages functions directly from the unit or via the dedicated infrared remote. As an all-in-one, it’s a the perfect solution for those who want the convenience of an easy-to-move compact package with simple plugand-play functionality, but one nevertheless able to fill your room with superb playback that will still satisfy the most demanding listeners. The Ruark R4 is priced at $1,499. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
KRELL / MUSICAL FIDELITY
Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista CD Player
A
few editions ago in Headlines we featured the highly-acclaimed Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista integrated amplifier. We are now excited to confirm we will be stocking the perfect match to this in the form of the Nu-Vista CD player. The MF team have designed this player with the same attention to detail and technical performance as the integrated amp – which is to say they’ve managed to achieve incredible technical performance results. Of course that’s all well and good, but how does a $16k CD player sound? Expect an exquisite, warm, full sound stage that is all at once convincing and enveloping. In MF’s own words it is utterly neutral and faithful to what’s on the disc but transmits it with a delicacy of sensibility and firmness of musical communication that is a joy to hear. When the Nu-Vista 800 and Nu-Vista CD player are used together, the sonic
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playback is something very special. This is really is the ultimate expression of what Antony Michaelson and his team are able to achieve, and you really owe it to
yourself to come and have a listen to the combination in person. The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista CD player sells for $15,999.
KRELL’S DIGITAL VANGUARD The Krell Vanguard integrated stereo amplifier has now been with us for some time, but the digital version of this (above) is a new addition. Krell have discontinued the very popular KAS series of amplifiers, which is unfortunate – while they were a compromise on their higher-end designs they were still very high quality units, and very good value. This means that the Vanguard, in its two guises, is now the entry point for Krell. Talk about starting at the top of the performance chain! The Digital Vanguard is rated at 200 watts/channel into 8 ohms, and 400 watts into 4. It is surprisingly compact for an amplifier of this quality
– partly due to the use of two silent thermostatically controlled fans. The preamplifier section is a balanced fully discrete design, based on their top-of-the-line Illusion stand-alone pre-amplifiers. It has Theatre Throughput allowing the unit to be used in a Home Theatre environment without sacrificing two-channel performance, and there are enough inputs to handle all but the most complex of a modern installation – it features four analogue inputs, including one balanced, plus USB, HDMI, co-axial and optical digital inputs, and it even has Bluetooth connectivity. The Digital Vanguard sells for $9,495.
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ASTELL&KERN
improvement on it larger siblings. Possibly the greatest advantages of this new model are size (it is only 6.9mm deep) and the price of $799. At the other end of the scale is the new AK380 (pictured left). This is an incredible piece of engineering. It is capable of handling 32bit/384kHz files, has advanced jitter reduction, and handles DSD playback. Build quality is superb – manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminium. Of necessity it is larger than its less expensive siblings, hardly surprising given the technology inside. Much has been made of the fact that this unit was designed with the professional audio market in mind (it even has balanced outputs), but the reality is that this is arguably the best performing portable player on the domestic market, and a very good and competitively priced streamer/DAC to boot. Astell&Kern have also added an amplifier dock, a charging cradle, also with balanced outputs, and an external CD-ROM driver for ripping music to the player without the need for a computer as companion pieces for this unit. The AK380 sells for $5,599.
Astell&Kern’s premium portables
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his must be counted as one of the audio success stories of recent years, and you must admit that the company has plenty of gumption even thinking that the concept would be viable. During the last decade this industry has been fed a real smorgasbord of fastfood music, where the goal was quantity, delivered as cheaply as possible, with scant consideration given to quality. Astell&Kern have unapologetically taken this format and turned it into a high performance medium – and charged accordingly. Their portable players have found a very large fan base in recent
times, with good reason – it is the best product in its (rapidly increasing) category. Much of this enthusiasm is generated by the fact that while their players take on the guise of portable players, they can also be used as high quality media servers as well, giving you high performance music both at home and on the go. Astell&Kern have recently released two new products, one above and one below their existing product line-up. The new baby of the range is aptly called the AK Jr (pictured right). Despite its (relative) low price there are a number of performance innovations in this unit, with some of the new specs being an
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RICHTER / AXIS / AUDIOQUEST
RICHTER SPECIAL!
Richter has made two newsworthy announcements in the last couple of months. Firstly for all new purchases Richter has increased their warranty period from 5 to 10 years on speakers and from 2 to 5 years on subwoofers (via on-line registration). If ever there was a declaration of confidence in the reliability of their product this is it. Secondly Richter has also announced an offer where until the end of December they will supply a pair of Audio-Technica headphones with every pair of bookshelf or floor-standing speakers purchased. The model of headphones varies according to the speakers purchased, but they range from the M50x, valued at $249, to the M20x at $89. Cheekily they do state that once you hear the quality of the speakers you may not be able to bring yourself to use headphones! But it is a good offer nevertheless.
Axis Voice-Box S
Another speaker making a name for itself around the globe (it was designed here in Australia) is the Axis Voicebox S. Axis has just released a matching speaker stand, and also released a white version of the speaker (below). This is a beautifully finished product, and it looks stunning in white.
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AUDIOQUEST JITTERBUG This is an intriguing product to say the least, and to be honest when it was announced most of us were not sure what AudioQuest was trying to achieve. However, as it turns out, this is an effective and very inexpensive solution to a problem that has beset digital music since day one. All digital equipment generates a significant amount of noise. Computers also contribute a sizable amount of RFI and EMI pollution into the signal paths. These can increase jitter and packet errors, and in many cases contribute to the harshness that some people find, and are irritated by, in their musical reproduction. The Jitterbug is simply a filter, connecting to the USB port of your computer, DAC etc. which significantly reduces these noises, improving dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution. In the recent review by influential online publication ToneAudio they commented ‘Every time I thought the JitterBug wasn’t contributing to the sound of my system, it only took removing it for about 30 seconds for the harshness to return’. Interestingly enough they also found significant improvements when using the unit in their car system! The Jitterbug sells for $79. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
SUNFIRE
Sunfire Subwoofers
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e have been recommending Sunfire subwoofers for some time now, and our only criticism has been that they did not produce a range that satisfied the needs of those requiring a subwoofer of higher performance levels. Our wishes have been answered with the release of the extraordinary ‘XT’ series. There are two important aspects of this series. The first is their size – despite their power and performance the cabinet dimensions are not much greater than
the drivers themselves. The second (and obviously the more important) consideration is performance. There is much more to a subwoofer than power and frequency response – in fact both of these attributes are easily achieved. Where most subwoofers fall apart is definition – XTEQ10: The smaller of the two XT series that we carry – as the model number suggests this utilises a 10” bass driver, plus a 10” side firing passive radiator. It’s rated down to 18Hz, and is driven with a 2,700-watt amplifier. $2,999
XTEQ12: Utilising a 12” bass driver and a 12” passive radiator, this sub has a low-frequency response of 16Hz, and is powered by a 3,000-watt amplifier. This is an extraordinary subwoofer, and at $3,499 offers exceptional value.
when listening to the lower notes of a double bass, for instance, you still want to hear the distinction in the notes being played, rather than all notes appearing as mono-tone. You also need control. To produce a lot of bass you need to move a lot of air, which means that the driver in the sub must move a long way. This is the easy part (relatively speaking at least!). If you want that note to sound as tight and controlled as intended, it is also necessary to stop the drivers’ movement in a controlled manner. You may be surprised how seldom this is achieved, and if a manufacturer can get this right, it will also do a better job of reproducing the bass effects (bomb blasts, car crashes etc.) in modern day movies. Note: As the design of both of these subwoofers uses side-firing drivers and passive radiators, they are not suitable for housing inside cabinets, and must be freestanding.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Oppo HA-2
Len’s sack is stuffed with gifts for avid audiophiles and music fans alike! Visit us online for more ideas and special offers – www.lenwallisaudio.com
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The HA-2 is an elegant yet sophisticated portable headphone amplifier with built-in rechargeable battery. Engineered to enhance music playback from mobile phones and portable music players, it features hybrid-class AB amplification and also a USB DAC that supports 384kHz PCM and DSD256, so the HA-2 offers high-performance digital-to-analogue conversion for Apple’s iPhone/iPod products, a wide range of Android devices, PC/Mac computers. Price $449.
Chord Mojo Guaranteed to lift performance of any headphone set-up whether on the train or in the office. Designed with the smartphone user in mind, it can work with any music file from 44.1kHz up to 768kHz and DoP DSD files (DSD 64 to 256). Mojo can decode a wide range of formats, too: PCM, WAV, AAC, AIFF, MP3 and FLAC files. It has a full recall-memory for both input selection and previous volume set level. We’ve heard it could even be used as a high fidelity in-car rig! Price $899.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Meridian Explorer² DAC
Vibrapods Vibrapods soak up the internal vibrations that all kinds of source players generate with their motors and transport mechanisms, as well as those coming up through the furniture from other things. The Vibrapods work as either replacement feet for your hi-fi components which can be attached (after removing the original screwed-on feet) or can go under your existing component’s feet. Price $39.95 for four. Vibrapod Cones are an alternative to the Vibrapods, or can be used in concert with them by placing the cone inside the pod for double isolation! The Cones also suit heavier items such as amplifiers and speakers, being weight tolerant up to 25kg. Price $44.80 for four.
Explorer² replaces a computer’s audio outputs with a USBpowered DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) featuring over 30 years of Meridian’s digital expertise in high-quality audio circuitry. Explorer² includes digital clocking derived from Meridian’s award-winning Reference Series components, for precise timing of digital signals. Price $399.
Meridian’s sleek mobile DAC connects to USB at one end and your headphones at the other, delivering high quality audio.
Record Doctor V A record cleaner is a must for all vinyl fans, old or new! Record Doctor V has a vacuum motor and vacuum cleaning strip – the same principle as used in commercial 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. Price $365. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
AudioQuest Jitterbug All computing devices – laptops, smartphones, Network Attached Storage devices (NAS drives), media servers, etc. – inherently generate a significant amount of noise and parasitic resonances. JitterBug’s dual-circuitry measurably reduces unwanted noise currents and parasitic resonances. It also reduces jitter and packet errors. That means clearer and more compelling sound, music, dialogue and a better audio experience. Price $79.
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NX-N500 Network Powered Speaker Available in Black, White or Light Walnut
Inheriting all the precision of the classic NS-10M Studio Monitor, the STUDIO is a modern powered speaker which boasts performance and functionality beyond its class. Encompassing a USB DAC that supports high-resolution formats including DSD and FLAC, music streaming services, hi-res network streaming, AirPlay and Bluetooth, the STUDIO is a powerful addition to Yamaha’s revolutionary MusicCast multi-room system, making it possible to play connected sources including CDs and even vinyl. Discover more at au.yamaha.com
R-N602 MusicCast Network Receiver
WX-030 MusicCast Wireless Speaker
New
fb.com/yamahaavau @yamahaavau
New
YSP-1600 MusicCast Sound Bar
New