Len Wallis Audio Winter 2010 by nextmedia Pty Ltd

HEADLINES The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio

IN THIS ISSUE

Loewe ‘Reference’ System Philips Cinema 21:9 TV InFocus SP8602 projector New NAD pricing Apple’s iPad and much more... lenwallisaudio.com.au

Winter 2010

KI Pearl. 30 Years in the making.

K EN I S H IW A T A ’ S

3 0 TH A NNI V ER S A R Y LIMI T ED ED I T I O N For more than 30 years Ken Ishiwata has been intimately exploring all newly-designed Marantz Amplifiers and CD Players. Only after his approval are they introduced to the world so that other lovers of music can experience the moment. To mark this 30th anniversary, Ken has created a special KI Signature limited edition ‘Pearl System’: an exquisite integrated amplifier and superb SACD player. Pearls are the traditional gift for a 30th anniversary. So it’s a fitting tribute to Ken Ishiwata, who has made it his personal labour of love to listen, improve and then listen and improve, again and again.

Limited Offer! Receive your FREE KI Pearl Box Set while stocks last! Comprises KI Book & SACD. Conditions apply.

It is this same single-minded devotion that has driven the design and development of the Pearls. They are unique. They resonate Marantz quality in sound and appearance. And they are destined to become a true milestone in Hi-Fi history. Enjoy.

Distributed in Australia by QualiFi Pty Ltd • (03) 8542 1111 • info@marantz.com.au • www.marantz.com.au

AVAILABLE FROM

QLF480

CONTENTS

Len Wallis Newsletter WINTER 2010 4

B&W’s MM1 computer speakers Bowers & Wilkins shows it can do small as well as big, with new desktop loudspeakers and beautiful P5 headphones

Focal’s ‘Stella’ Performer The Stella EM is number two in the fine Focal Utopia range

‘Loewe’ at First Sight Drop-dead TV styling meets ‘Reference’ Electrostatic speakers

JVC Projector ‘Stop Press’ Take advantage of a remarkable price drop on the DLA-HD550

O Solo Neo... Arcam’s latest all-in-one stereo receiver adds streaming action

Peachtree iDecco Amplifier High-class DAC and amplifier for the modern age

Use the Force! Discover the power of PS Audio’s power conditioners

Soundstyle Equipment Racks The finishing touch to keep your kit tidy and tasteful

Philips Cinema 21:9 TV Fullscreen movie presentation — without the black bars

InFocus — Back By Popular Demand The new SP8602 is impressive — and we have a trade-in offer!

Panasonic goes 3D The big buzz of 3D is backed by excellent plasma performance

Cutting Edge Lifestyle Our custom installation team creates multiple entertainment areas to complement this stunning home’s open living

Capturing the Sound Sennheiser’s audiophile HD650 headphones

Swinging People of Lava Inventive Scandinavian ways to mount your flatscreen

New from NAD Fresh players, reduced pricing and some special systems

Staff Focus The Len Wallis Audio team gets extra-curricular

The iPad — is it a game-changer? Apple’s device may come up trumps on system control

Return of the DAC Bryston’s BDA-1 is a don’t-miss digital-to-analogue converter

Accessories round-up Power protection, cables, cone isolation and more... 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: 10 to 4 www.lenwallisaudio.com.au

Bowers & Wilkins

Newsletter Winter 2010

B&W SCALES DOWN MM-1 computer speakerS & P5 PERSONAL HEADPHONES

fter the great work done by B&W in producing the Zeppelin and Zeppelin Mini, it was to be expected that they’d get around to doing some pretty magical things with computer speakers. The new B&W MM-1s fulfil that promise, delivering amazing sound for their size. The styling is out of the same stable as the iPod docks, although more conventionally square in appearance. The simple black sock with polished metal girth strap (incorporating volume control, although there’s a small remote as well) is elegant and unlikely to clash with the mostly black computers of all sizes around these days. The sound quality derives from the genuine two-way design, featuring a miniature Nautilus-style “tubed” tweeter plus a mid-bass driver. Inside the MM-1 is a DAC which ensures the supply of high quality audio signals rather than relying on the DAC in your computer. There’s a bonus, too, in the 3.5mm headphone socket which allows you to tap into a better sound than when you connect headphones directly to the computer. The end result is fantastic sound, and they’re capable of playing very loud without distortion. Quality in a small package is just what’s required for this application, and B&W has done it to perfection with the $699 MM-1 speakers.

And P5 headphones… B&W are famous for loudspeakers of all sorts, but headphones are a new product for them. It stands to reason that they can venture into this area, given their accumulated expertise in everything down to iPod docks like the Zeppelin and mini Zep. We were understandably excited at

the prospect of the Mobile P5 headphones from B&W, which would not just sound good but which (due to their closed design) do noise isolation as well. The P5s are designed for mobile use, being light, and they incorporate the latest

connections to suit iPods. There are two leads supplied, one with an inline remote control for iPod/iPhone. The appearance is pure luxury, like brushed metal, genuine leather earpads (magnetically attached), and a leather-covered headband. As The Times Online said: “Made almost entirely from metal and sheep leather, not only do they look great, in an understated, retro-chic manner, they are so comfortable that slipping them on makes you want to emit an audible “ooh”. These are the cans to pluck from the glove compartment of an Aston Martin, or out of a Dunhill bag.” The sound from the P5 headphones is natural, not over-emphasised in any area. They sound relaxed and smooth but with good upper detail, live midrange and deep bass — just what you’d expect from B&W. We can see these becoming very popular whether used at home or on the move. They are available for $499.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

FOCAL

Focal’s ‘Stella’ Performer

n the last issue I wrote that the Maestro was second only to the Grande EM in capability. I was right in a sense, as it was the next best thing in the country at that time, but wrong in that the Stella EM is actually number two in the Utopia range. It has just arrived as I write this, and the comparison between the Maestro at $69,000 and the Stella EM at $129,000 is a hot issue. Just how much better a performance do you get for nearly double the money? I was bowled over by the Maestro – it was simply the best speaker in its size/ class that I have heard, particularly without much running in. Most of the staff agree, and the first pair sold very quickly, backing our judgement. The 3-way Stella EM is not twice as big as the Maestro, nor does it have as many bass drivers. What it does have in common with the Grande EM that the other models do not, is the EM bit: the electro-magnetic assistance to the bass driver, making it much more efficient than is possible with ordinary “passive” magnet structures. As with all the Utopia 3 range, it has the benefit of completely redesigned cabinetry, which allocates individual enclosures to each driver, and angles them to achieve perfect alignment. These enclosures have been designed, manufactured and braced to be as close to totally nonresonant as possible after extensive computer analysis and mapping of ‘vibe’ effects. So, how’s the performance? Specifications only tell you so much, but they are impressive (see below). In the end it’s all about the scale of the

impression you get. I love the Maestro because it has no trouble encompassing a pretty full frequency range with ease and with the combination of warmth plus detail that suits my ear. It is not at all clinical, which was my only gripe with the original Utopia range. The Stella, with its two midrange and EM woofer, moves the virtual goalposts up closer to the Olympian plane inhabited by very few speakers — such as the Grande EM. At this level there is incredible aplomb, a confidence that the speaker can give you all that any recording has to offer and suspend it in a vast soundstage. But yes, for this closer approach to Olympus you do have to pay quite a bit more — that’s just the way it is, and always has been. FOCAL STELLA EM SPECIFICATIONS • Frequency response: 22Hz-40kHz with a -6dB point of 18Hz • Efficiency: 94dB • Nominal Impedance: 8ohms (minimum 2.8 ohms) • Drivers: Pure Beryllium Tweeter, 2 x Power Flower 165mm W-Sandwich Midrange, 330mm W-Sandwich EM woofer • Recommended Amplifier Power: 50-1000W • Dimensions: 1558 x 553 x 830mm (hwd) • Weight: 165kg

LOEWE

Newsletter Winter 2010

It’s Loewe at First Sight

rom first sight, the Loewe (rhymes with server) range is indeed beautiful. For the same sorts of reasons that we all love European cars and various European electrical and electronic products, the Loewe TVs are instantly attractive, with their drop-dead gorgeous styling. If that was all there was, you might get over it. But as they say, there’s more, much more. Styling is important to many of us, but so are sound and picture quality. Loewe have put a lot of effort into both, and they use proprietary video and audio processing to stay ahead of the game. Even the inbuilt speakers sound better than most TV speakers, using unique labyrinth designs to get the most performance out of small enclosures. But Loewe also have a range of add-on speaker/subwoofer solutions available, such as the “L” slim columns and the intelligent soundbar.

Then there are the layers of customising you can do with the many sub-menus, and the inbuilt recorders and Loewe’s separate Blu-ray players which integrate seamlessly. The software which runs the show is periodically updated to add improvements, and you can re-load your set’s operating system over time, so there’s no “inbuilt obsolescence”. When you have a line of products which are already so advanced on all fronts, it stands to reason that their topof-the-line model is going to be something really special, and so it is with the Reference. This is a superlative TV system which incorporates all the best technology available, from the brilliant full-HD screen to the superb electrostatic speaker system. Needless to say, the styling is nothing short of stunning. Loewe TVs have found their way into design museums before, and the Reference is an instant classic of modern design.

The very slim 52”/132cm screen is completely behind a large non-reflecting black glass panel, giving it a sheer, frameless appearance. The glass also acts as a light filter and contributes to the superb picture quality, which is of course 1920x1080, uses 200Hz predictive frame technology and can handle 24p motion picture display. Below this is a dark section housing the CRX Sound system then below that a decorative polished aluminium panel. The viewing angle is a huge 178 degrees. While the inbuilt audio is superior to that found on most TV sets, and includes surround processing for Dolby Digital and DTS, you can also add speaker systems which give you extended frequency coverage and true 5.1 digital surround sound with subwoofer. The Reference can be used with various Loewe speakers up to and including the Reference Electrostatic models.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

JVC

STOP PRESS: Just before we go to print there was a price drop on the excellent JVC full-HD projector DLA-HD550, now down from $6499 to $4999. This makes it extremely attractive to anyone who might have previously thought this sort of quality was just outside their price range. JVC have built an enviable reputation for superlative performance from their DLA (Digital Light Amplification) series. Our advice is to get one before they change their mind!

The Complete Loewe Reference System In fact, we expect that this TV will most often be bought as a complete system, with the slimline, amazing sounding Reference Electrostatic speakers, Subwoofer and Media Centre, all set up on the dedicated stand and floor panel to assist cable management and overall presentation — as per the illustrations! Recording of television programs is handled by the inbuilt 500GB hard drive recorder. Network access to your music, pictures and video sources stored elsewhere can also be achieved through the Reference Media Centre, via wired or wireless connections. The Reference System as a total solution delivers not just magnificent images and sound, but gives you complete control over your library of stored media. For those more ad hoc

day-to-day needs, USB inputs allow direct connection of digital material on memory sticks, so if someone drops by with their latest photos on one of these, you can have them up on display quickly. All of the facilities are accessed via the Loewe menu system, which has multiple layers of controls for all purposes. Onboard indexes and instruction manuals can assist you without having to search for the book. We hope by the time you’re reading this to have the Reference on show, complete with the Reference Electrostatic speakers, Subwoofer and Media Centre. We are very excited to have such an advanced and stylish TV system to head our line-up. A visit to the store is, more than ever, a must!

JVC DLA-HD550 features: • 30,000:1 native contrast ratio • Brightness of 1,000 lumens highly efficient lamp (lamp life: approx. 3000 hours in Normal mode) • Clear Motion Drive • Inverse telecine (reverse 2-3 pulldown) • Screen Adjustment Mode • User-customisable gamma control for free control of gradation expression • High-performance 2x zoom lens with motorised focus featuring a large diameter all-glass lens system with 17 elements in 15 groups including ED lenses • 3-step lens aperture for brightness adjustment • Wide electronic lens shift function of ±80% vertical and ±34% horizontal adjustments • V-stretch mode compatible with cinemascope screen • Automatic lens cover protects the lens against dust and scratches • Two HDMI inputs with CEC support • Quiet operation: only 19db (Normal mode)

ARCAM

Newsletter Winter 2010

“O Solo Neo…”

e get a lot of requests for something of high quality that does everything. It’s a tall order, since most systems which do everything are closer to entry-level or minisystem format. Fortunately there’s a new model arriving which fits the bill. Nothing else combines so many functions into one piece with high-quality audio performance as the Solo Neo from Arcam. They’ve added more goodies to what was already a very attractive Solo music centre, while keeping the price even lower at $2498. What you get is an excellent 50W per channel stereo amplifier, tuner (yes, you can have DAB+/FM or AM/FM), CD player, wireless streaming (for stored music or internet radio), USB input for digital sources, and there’s an optional iPod connection which enables control via the Arcam remote.

The amplifier section is able to wring superb performance from a large range of speakers, so you are not going to be too limited there. Since it is a compact system, most people will probably opt for a compact speaker solution, either bookshelf monitors or a subwoofer/satellite combo that maximises sound while being minimal in appearance. But rest assured there are also floorstanding speakers that will match perfectly with the Solo Neo to produce an exciting result. To top it off, there are plenty of connections available for anything else you might want to play back through the Arcam system: • Inputs: Audio Line level x 4 plus one 3.5mm Aux on front panel. Ethernet, USB, RS232, Remote Control • Outputs: Pre-out, Digital Optical, Tape out, Zone 2, 12v Trigger, Remote

lenwallisaudio.com.au

PEACHTREE AUDIO

Peachtree Audio’s iDecco Amplifier

e are now deeply into the digital age, with increasing numbers of people storing their music on computer hard drives or attached NAS drives, or specialised servers. So while it is no surprise that amplifiers are evolving to accept direct and multiple digital feeds, it is amazing just how good the first examples are. There’s so much to Peachtree Audio’s $1499 iDecco that it’s hard to categorise it as more an amplifier or a high-class digital -to-analogue converter (DAC), since it is both these things, and more.

Let’s start with the ESS Sabre 24/96 DAC, which re-clocks and upsamples data from sources (CD, iPod, Sonos, computer) and reduces jitter (timing errors) while improving the perceived resolution. In short, it improves the sound of everything you plug into it. The iDecco can deliver an astounding 118dB signal-to-noise ratio, greatly extending dynamic range and your overall music experience with virtually all digital sources. The integrated 40W amplifier is a multi-faceted device too. There’s a class A valve pre-amp section, which you can take

out to another power amp via pre-outs. Next to the pre-outs, which are volume controlled, of course, there is also a pair of analogue record outs. There are optical, coaxial and USB inputs for digital sources, and one stereo analogue input. Then there’s the iPod dock, which taps into the direct digital output of your iPod to ensure the best signal transfer and subsequent conversion by the ESS Sabre DAC. And when you plug in your headphones you’ll be connecting to a class A valve headphone amp instead of the lower order chip amps used in a lot of gear.

PS AUDIO POWER STATION

Newsletter Winter 2010

Use The Force!

lectrical engineers will shake their heads and say that power conditioners cannot improve the sound you hear from your system, and that speaker cables and interconnects are all the same. They would be aghast that we might offer you an Audioquest USB cable on the pretext that it improves the sound from a digital source. We can honestly say, however, that we have heard all these things improve the sound of the equipment we use on a daily basis! Power conditioners do give you a cleaner result, perceived as more signal to noise or a lowering of the noise floor. We have in the past carried several types, from the passive line balancing units through to the Thor Power Station, and now the

most sophisticated device we have seen, the PS Audio PowerPlay IPC9000. This one crosses another line and becomes part of the suite of smart devices found in the modern home. It’s no longer just about the audio gear, as good as the results there may be. It’s now also an energy management and over-arching power control device for a whole range of modern appliances. The IPC9000 ($2499) is an internetconnected, programmable power station which can be controlled from anywhere via the net. It can schedule power-down times for individual items on a daily basis or for vacations, do automatic or oncommand remote reboots, and log events — plus email you about them!

Of course its power conditioning and spike protection aspect are at the cutting edge as well. It doesn’t just remove the noisy detritus from the mains, but also regenerates the AC waveform to improve the supply to your prime componentry, making it perform to the best possible level. PS Audio have a simpler model, the AV5000 ($1499), which has none of the remote access capabilities but still gives 10-zone power conditioning and protection. As if that wasn’t enough already, you can also add an optional UPS 1500 (uninterruptible power supply battery) for $1499 to carry things for several hours after a mains power blackout!

SOUNDSTYLE

Soundstyle Equipment Racks

rganising your stereo and video equipment into tasteful modern furniture is the finishing touch it needs in order to be tidy — in fact beautiful — and accessible. The new models from Soundstyle are now in, and they are as follows:

ST560: Steel and glass, in silver or black. This can be purchased as a three-shelf version for $799, or with an additional small shelf module for an extra $299 or a taller shelf module (see dimensions) for $399. Comes with adjustable heavy duty floor spikes. Dimensions Three-shelf model: 315 x 560 x 590mm (hwd). Small shelf add-on module: 170 x 550 x 500mm. Large shelf module: 290 x 550 x 500mm.

ST310: 1060mm wide three-shelf in steel and glass, black only. Rigid welded frame. Ideal for sitting a screen above your other a/v gear, or to accommodate six or more electronic components in a low line unit. Has cable management panel at the rear, and comes with spikes and floor protection discs, 8mm glass shelves. Competitively priced at $1199. Dimensions: 600 x 1060 x 450mm (hwd).

ST515: Three- or four-shelf, in light oak or walnut, with black shelves. $799 for the three-shelf version and $149 for the extra shelf if required. Dimensions:� 800 x 515 x 400mm (hwd).

ST105: Five-shelf steel and glass, in black only. This has a very rigid welded frame with heavyduty 8mm glass shelves, heavy-duty adjustable floor spikes with floor protection discs, and a cable management panel at the rear. Also competitively priced at $1199. Dimensions: 840 x 660 x 400mm (hwd).

PHILIPS

Newsletter Winter 2010

Highlighted, Wide and Handsome

ere is a product firmly aimed at the committed videophile. It does not seem that long ago that we moved up from the old 4:3 TV screen format to the now familiar 16:9 widescreen. This solved the top and bottom ‘black bar’ issue for many of the movies we watched on DVD, plus any recent TV productions. However it was not long before a growing number of film companies began releasing movies in

true 2.39:1 format, as it was shown in the theatres. This is particularly so for Blu-ray releases. Welcome back to the black bars. Philips have taken the plunge and released their 56” 56PFL9954H LCD screen. This 21:9 format screen is designed to display DVD and Blu-ray movies as they were intended — full screen width (just like the theatres) without the black bars. The reason we believe that this screen will only appeal to the true videophile is

that its value rests with DVD and Blu-ray movies only. Free-to-air and pay TV sources will at best normally only show in the 16:9 format. In fact if you are intending to watch TV on this screen you will need to add a set-top-box or similar — the Philips, in true monitor style, comes without a tuner. However if you watch a lot of DVD or Blu-ray movies and only a limited amount of conventional TV, this could be the screen for you. There is also more to this screen than its shape. The most obvious feature is ‘Ambilight’, a subtle lighting system behind the screen that reflects off the wall behind the unit, giving the illusion that the screen is floating. From a technical aspect this screen is also impressive. It boasts a 1 millisecond response rate, and has 2560 x 1080 resolution. It uses edge-lit LED lighting and 200Hz picture smoothing. The dynamic contrast ratio is 80,000:1. It is priced at $5999.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

INFOCUS

INFOCUS: Back by popular demand…

he most popular projection brand we have ever carried is InFocus. We had a very strong relationship with this company for many years, which only lapsed as they took their eye off the domestic market in favour of their commercial offerings. Well now they are back with a new model, the SP8602, which has been designed specifically for the home theatre market. This is an excellent unit. InFocus have always produced value for money, and this is exceptional. We have only recently received our first unit, but straight out of the box we are impressed. It will be interesting to see how good it gets with a few more hours on it.

While I have never been a great promoter of stated ‘specifications’ (they are fudged far too frequently), the InFocus nevertheless stacks up well: • 1920 x 1080p resolution • 1300 lumens. • DLP Darkchip technology • 30,000:1 maximum contrast • Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processing. The warranty, although a little convoluted, is also very impressive. It comes with a five-year parts and labour warranty, except for the DLP engine which is five years parts only, and a one-year (unlimited hour) warranty on the lamp. This is the best

warranty that I know of for any projector in this market. One other attractive feature of this projector is that you can purchase different colour tops, so that when mounted on the ceiling you have a choice of black, white or timber finish. The InFocus SP8602 sells for $5,699.

Upgrade! we As mentioned above the past, in s ocu InF d rie car have units. For and sold hundreds of offering are s ocu InF e tim rt a sho u have yo If m. gra an upgrade pro jector, pro s ocu InF g stin exi an or model, irrespective of its age 0 we will offer you $1,00 2. 60 SP8 the on trade-in

 A N EW 

Australia’s favourite just surpassed itself INTRODUCING THE

Australia’s bestselling hi fi speaker now brings you even greater listening pleasure. The Wizard Series IV debuts Richter’s brand new proprietary drivers, delivering amazing precision while keeping that famous Richter warmth. The Wizards will also please your eyes with their classic yet contemporary looks – perfect for hi-fi stereo or anchoring your home theatre acoustics, without breaking the bank. It’s another milestone from Richter, the only brand to win 26 industry and government awards, twice-named ‘Australian Manufacturer of the Year.’ “The brand has developed a solid reputation, especially for subwoofers… its Wizard model is the biggest-selling Australian speaker in history” – Rod Easdown, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Introducing the Legend Series IV. All models, from the bookshelf Merlins to the mighty Dragons, feature proprietary ribbon tweeters providing ultra-extended response, excellent phase behaviour and the warm, natural open reproduction normally associated with products twice the asking price. In combination with our triple-layer composite cone woofer technology, the overall performance is lightning-fast with ultra-low intermodulation and harmonic distortion, resulting in output that is totally faithful to the original source. [Not pictured: Richter’s Hydra rear effect speakers and our prizewinning subwoofers, the Krakatoa and Thor.] Australian Jarrah model shown – also available in Black Tasmanian Oak real wood finish

(02) 99 811 844

For (much) more information and your nearest dealer, call info@richter.com.au www.richter.com.au Richter Acoustics Pty Ltd, 45/176 South Creek Rd, Dee Why NSW 2099

SK2280

PRO

986 U D LY A U ST R AL IAN SI NCE 1

PANASONIC

3D – Coming At You… 3

D is the big buzz this year, and Panasonic are in there with a superb line-up of screens, neat electronic shutter glasses and a matching Blu-ray player. By the time this is published we should have the new TH-P50VT20A 50”/127cm, with larger sizes (54”, 58”, 65”) to arrive in August. At the time of writing only a select few people have seen them at the special demonstration Panasonic put on for the industry. Our General Manager Trevor Rooney was one of that happy few. His initial impressions were as follows: “My heart beat faster as I stepped forward. ‘I’m ready’, I said. I grabbed the glasses, an active shutter design with builtin battery. You simply place them on your eyes and then press the button on the frame, within five seconds they sync with the screen and then the magic begins. One word — ‘STUNNING…….’ “The picture was perfect in terms of colour, contrast and depth, and I could feel myself swaying as the sequence

moved from side to side. We watched a beach volleyball sequence and then a white-water rafting piece and I just could not believe how good it looked.” And that’s not all. The good news just keeps on coming. Even when you are watching these new generation screens in 2D, the picture quality on the Panasonics will be beyond anything you’ve seen previously, with upgrades to the performance over previous models. With a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, 24p Cinematic Playback and a raft of connections, the new VT20AS series will please everyone. There are 4 x HDMI inputs, 2 x USB, 1 x LAN, VieraLinks of course, and VieraCast (IPTV). We’ll advise pricing as stock comes in, via our website.

Full-HD 3D Blu-ray Player Panasonic’s DMP-BDT300 player is the next piece of the 3D jigsaw puzzle. Once you have your screen and can access

3D source material you’ll be wanting a compatible 3D player. As well as 3D it has BD Live, and will play BD-R, DivX, DVD, JPEG, CD, CD-R/RW and MP3. There are also two HDMI outputs — this will help if your screen can do 3D but your surround receiver does not pass it through, so the second output can just take the soundtrack to the receiver. There’s an SD card slot, and LAN connections too.

Other New Blu-ray Players We have received the new DMP-BD65 and 85, which follow in the footsteps of some very good value Panasonic players, the DMP-BD60 and 80. The new ones, in addition to doing a very good job on picture quality, can also access some internet video via VieraCast. They both upscale video from DVD, and will even do a presentable job on CD sound. The BD-85 comes with better processors and the option to use wireless connection to the internet.

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Newsletter Winter 2010

Cutting L

en Wallis Audio worked closely with Phillip Mathieson from architectural firm BKH (Burley Katon & Haliday) and Ken Wyse from Northern Building to install state-of-the-art automated Crestron and C-Bus systems in a home that was distinguished in design, form and function. The Project Manager, Alberto Vangi, realised that to deliver the standard of technological excellence required would take all the best that Crestron and C-Bus have to offer. The objective: an extended control throughout the house via programmed interfaces that were clear and simple for anyone to follow.

The master panel of the house is a 15”/38cm high-res Crestron/C-Bus automation system with the intelligence to control gates, garage door, motorised blinds, air-con, floor heating, heated towel rails, exhaust fans, pond pumps, patio heaters and all of the internal and external lighting. There is also an option to program in scheduled events, which play a big role in the energy management of the house. Lighting can be controlled with portable handheld Crestron panels and by the stylish stainless steel C-Bus Reflection key switches, which complement the minimalist architecture and decor. You

can set the entire mood of the home for a party, dining or a ‘relax’ mode. In the master bedroom, the Reflection switches have a useful ‘goodnight’ mode which enables turning off all internal house lights when the owners go to bed at night. The air conditioning for the home is also controlled via C-Bus. If the owners are out for the day then they can schedule the air-conditioning to automate suitably in their absence. Located outside of the house are a number of C-Bus infrascans. These units will detect intruders at night and, when sensing an intruder, C-Bus turns all of the external lights on.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Lifestyle

Edge

The Ness M1 security system has an interface to the C-Bus and Crestron, allowing all the systems to work seamlessly together. When the home owner is leaving he simply presses the ‘arm’ button on the security keypad; this arms the security and activates C-Bus to start a shut-down procedure of the house by turning off lighting, air-conditioning and heated towel rails to conserve energy. Upon the owner’s return the monitoring company is notified and C-Bus starts a ‘welcome home’ scene which reinstates the C-Bus lighting, air-conditioning and so on. There is also a totally keyless access control to all external gates and external

Creating a state-of-the-art experience

house doors. Extra codes can be provided to friends or trades people as required, for specific entrances. The NEC phone system in the house can (i) communicate to the front gate; (ii) open the gate; and (iii) work within the house as an intercom system. Unlike many front-gate intercom systems, this one has a thermostatic heater to stop the camera lens fogging in cold or wet weather. The high resolution colour camera gives the perfect picture of

guests at the front gate, and the stainless steel finish is superb. The Crestron system can be accessed via the internet from anywhere in the world. This also includes updating of software and firmware remotely. If you’re worried about the security of this, there’s no need — it uses a highly encrypted remote network connection. The main media room, the living room, naturally became the primary area for family entertainment. A 65”/165cm

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Panasonic Professional Series plasma screen was used. Add Focal Beryllium Limited Edition speakers, combined with a Velodyne digital subwoofer, and you have an audio/video experience of the highest standard. Powering the 7.1 speaker array to that standard are the superb Marantz 8003 pre-amp processor and multichannel power amplifier. This state-ofthe-art system also offers a great amount of sophistication, with audio and video calibration settings to optimise the high definition material from the Blu-ray, Foxtel IQ and TiVo digital TV recorder. For access to a huge music and video library, a Sonos music system and Apple TV were installed. Together this system allows media content, photos and a whole world of other media applications. Further features provided by Len Wallis Audio include a handheld 5.7-inch colour portable touch-screen Creston controller

Newsletter Winter 2010

to make life simpler and more convenient. A Sharp 32” LCD TV was installed in the kitchen. A Thor power unit was also installed to protect the A/V system from power surges. Once you move through the dining room, kitchen and outdoor terrace, in each area among the open-plan living there are pairs of SpeakerCraft’s fully directional AIM in-ceiling speakers. These are connected to the Sonos music library and can be controlled via an Apple iPhone or iPod touch, or from the Sonos touchscreen controller itself. On the lower level off the children’s bedrooms is a comfortable rumpus room which has a 50”/127cm Pioneer reference plasma screen. Once again, an exciting surround sound environment was created using Marantz amplification plus SpeakerCraft in-ceiling speakers and Velodyne subwoofer. Foxtel IQ2, TiVo, and

a Sony PS3 gaming console (capable of media transfer, and controlled via Crestron) adds to the fun. Looking out over fabulous water views (like the living rooms), the upstairs master bedroom has an integrated system connecting to the Crestron control. A 42”/106cm Sharp LCD TV on a Vogel wall mount blends in with the polished concrete interior walls. The master en-suite enjoys a set of SpeakerCraft moisture-resistant ceiling speakers connected to the Sonos music library. Having multiple entertaining areas, sweeping views, with state-of-the-art technology, it was easy to fall in love with this home. It offers a great open feel, brilliant architecture, clean modern interiors, first-class build quality and, now, cutting-edge audio visuals, making it one of a kind. The full equipment list is overleaf...

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Custom Sales Consultant: Alberto Vangi Project Manager: Paul Ponticello Crestron Programmer: Trevor Livingstone EBM systems & C-Bus Designers: Lee Vaughan and Ben Neale Audio Visual Installers: Craig Leydon and Mikhail Magpayo Audio-Visual 1 x Panasonic TH-65VX100 65-inch professional commercial monitor 1 x Panasonic TYST65VX100 table stand 1 x Pioneer PDPLX-509 50-inch plasma TV 1 x Sharp LC-32D77X 32-inch LCD TV 1 x Sharp LC-42D77X 42-inch LCD TV 1 x Vogel’s PFC900 ceiling mount pole 1 x Focal Beryllium 1008Be front main speakers (pair) 1 x Focal Beryllium CC1008Be centre speaker 2 x Focal IC908 ceiling speakers (pair) 1 x Velodyne DD-12 digital active subwoofer 1 x Velodyne SPL-1000U 10-inch subwoofer 5 x SpeakerCraft AIM7-Five ceiling speakers (pair) 2 x SpeakerCraft AIM7-Two ceiling speakers (pair) 1 x SpeakerCraft AIM8-Five ceiling speakers (pair) 1 x Marantz AV8003 digital surround sound pre-amplifier 1 x Marantz MM8003 7-channel power amplifier 1 x Marantz SR-6003 surround sound amplifier 1 x Marantz SR-8003 surround sound amplifier 1 x Sony BDP-S5000ES Reference Blu-ray player 3 x TiVo High Definition TV set-top boxes with media transfer and 200 gig hard drive 3 x Sonos ZP-90 ZonePlayer pre-amplifiers 4 x Sonos ZP-120 ZonePlayer power amplifiers 1 x Apple TV 1 x Thor PS10 Thor power conditioner 1 x Linksys SR2024 1 Gigabyte switcher Control 1 x Crestron TPS-15LW 15 inch colour touch screen 3 x Crestron TPS-6X 5.7 inch colour touch panels 3 x Crestron CENI-HPRFGW high powered gateways 1 x Crestron AV2 processor 2 x Crestron CP2E processor

Newsletter Winter 2010

Lighting/C-Bus 6 x 5750WPL Infrascans Ext 4 x L5512RVF 12-channel relay 5 x L5512RVFP 12-channel relay 11 x L5501RBCP relay shutter 5 x L5508D1A 8-channel dimmer 4 x L5508D1AP 8-channel dimmer 1 x L5504D2A 4-channel 2 Amp dimmer 1 x 5500PACA Pascal Auto Controller 1 x 5500PC Interface PC Din 4 x R5061NL 1K S/Steel Reflection switch 7 x R5062VNL 2K S/Steel Reflection switch 5 x R5063NL 3K S/Steel Reflection switch 16 x R5064VNL 4K S/Steel Reflection switch 8 x R5066NL 6K Reflection switch 7 x R5068NL 8K Reflection switch 3 x C5032NL,WE 2K Classic switch Security - Ness Pty Ltd 1 x M1 main processor 10 x Dual Technology PIR sensors 1 x Cbus M1 interface 3 x M1 security keypads Wired for future security cameras Intercom 1 x Custom-made polished stainless steel colour camera with thermal heater 1 x Custom-made polished stainless steel intercom and keypad Access control 3 x Presco Keypads with custom-made stainless steel cover plates Controlled via a DL processor Phone system NEC Topaz with • 4 x 22 button fixed handsets • 2 x Cordless handsets • 1 x Interface to custom door station

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Sennheiser

CapturE THE SOUND WITH SENNHEISER – and save $400!

t is acknowledged in many quarters that the Sennheiser HD800 is the best dynamic headphone on the market. Prior to this, the best that Sennheiser had to offer was the HD650 — also a substantial offering. As good as the HD800 is, there is a lot of similarity between it and the HD650. The audiophile HD650 was the ultimate in open, dynamic headphone design. Developed from the award-winning HD600 (pictured below), the HD650s feature improved materials for even better sound reproduction. They captivate the listener with their expressiveness and emotion while maintaining absolute precision and lifelike reproduction. I guess it is to be expected that at $899 — the RRP of the HD650 — it would be an exceptionally good product. We have just secured a number of these phones that we are offering for $499. This now represents exceptional value.

Sennheiser HD650 features: • Systems with narrow tolerances (±1dB), hand-picked in pairs • Highly optimised magnet systems for minimum harmonic and intermodulation distortion • High-quality titanium/ silver finish • A specially developed damping element, made from fine acoustic metal mesh, ensures a precise damping over the entire diaphragm surface, highly constant in all climates • Specially modulated connecting cable (detachable) made from highly conductive OFC copper, Kevlar-reinforced, with very low handling noise, i.e. low structureborne sound sensitivity • Extremely lightweight aluminium voice coils ensure excellent transient response • Gold plated ¼” jack plug with adaptor lead to 3.5 mm jack plug • 2-year warranty

PEOPLE OF LAVA

Newsletter Winter 2010

Swinging People of Lava

ava has been in the news a lot lately, disrupting Iceland and the whole of Europe’s airlines. People Of Lava, on the other hand, are an inventive Scandinavian company whose MMotion wall brackets are getting everyone excited. Why? Firstly, they really swing — through a whole 180 degrees, so you can see your TV from just about anywhere. Secondly, there’s the pricing, which is very reasonable. With open-plan living rooms these days there is often a demand for the TV to be visible from the dining area or the kitchen. Achieving this requires some swing adjustment in the wall bracket — and in some cases it requires a lot of swing. With the amount of swing available here, you can swing the set right around corners! The cost of a bracket to do this large amount of swing used to be up to or beyond $1000. Now we can offer you the small Mmotion bracket for screens up to 37”/94cm at $449, and the large (from 42”/106cm up to a maximum of 55”/139cm) for $499. (Note: Care should be taken with installation, however, since the weight has to be born by a smaller area than with some other brackets.)

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NAD

Latest Technology

NAD – NEW Pricing & New Players

AD built their reputation on simple, no-frills appearance, great performance and attractive pricing, dating right back to the 3020 in the late 1970s. Two generations of hi-fi fanciers have enjoyed the benefits of this enterprising company — it’s almost certainly in part a father-and-son thing, but word of mouth has had friends and relatives seeking it out too. The past two years have seen many updates by the genius chief designer Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, hence the now common suffix BEE on their model numbers. Performance is better than ever, and

NAD C565BEE CD player Was $1099… Now $899!

currency fluctuations have once again worked in favour of the buyer. On 1st April 2010 NAD announced price reductions on a lot of their stereo components. You can now buy most of them for 10%-20% less than they were, but with exchange rates on the move again, who knows how long this will last? There’s never been a better time to grab some new NAD stereo gear. A few examples — the C355BEE amplifier has come down from $1099 to $899, the C565BEE CD player is likewise down from $1099 to $899, and the big C375BEE 150W x 2 integrated amplifier has dropped from $2199 to $1699.

NAD C355BEE amplifier Was $1099… Now $899!

The NAD T577 ($999, above) is a fantastic BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray player which can handle DVD, DVDR/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, JPEG and DivX, to mention just a few. But it has an additional trick up its sleeve. You can access video, photos and music via Ethernet cable or wirelessly from your stored libraries. This means that any room you put this player in has a way of bringing video and music to that room without the need for any additional streaming hardware — or to put it another way, for no extra charge. It has USB input too! The T557 Blu-ray player comes in cheaper at $799, and also offers a lot of the same features, but not the video streaming.

Whatever your needs, there are NAD products available to fill them at a very competitive price. We’ve made up a couple of hot special A/V packages too, using NAD electronics and Focal loudspeakers — see details on p24 of this newsletter (overleaf).

NAD C375BEE amplifier Was $2199… Now $1699!

NAD

Newsletter Winter 2010

NAD – CHECK OUR Special Packages Home Theatre Performance Pack

eiver NAD T737 surround rec yer pla y -ra Blu 57 T5 D NA akers spe g Focal 714V floorstandin aker spe el nn cha tre Focal CC700V cen r ofe wo sub 0V 70 Focal SW ects speakers Focal SR700V rear eff 999 Was $7035, now $4

This is a seriously good system at a low price. It will deliver a big sound which is also very accurate, and this is the thing which lets down a lot of surround systems — they create a lot of noise but lose the “reality”. NAD’s T557 Blu-ray player is as per the T577 but without the streaming or multichannel analogue outputs. Meanwhile the Focal 714V floorstanders are excellent music speakers on their own, with well-balanced treble, midrange and bass. When used with the other 700V speakers they are supplemented perfectly, forming a complete system which can resolve all the small details in a soundtrack but then deliver the big moments with force and coherence.

e Super Home Theatr Pack nce ma Perfor er

eiv NAD T775 surround rec yer NAD T557 Blu-ray pla akers spe g din Focal 726V floorstan el nn cha tre cen 0V Focal CC70 r ofe wo sub 0V 70 SW Focal ects speakers Focal SR700V rear eff 490 Was $11,494, now $8

This is a truly high performance system at a super competitive price! Moving up to the NAD T775 receiver and Focal 726V front speakers makes this system (as you’d expect!) even more convincing in terms of sheer dynamics and a wealth of ambience created by having larger speakers — which don’t just have more bass, but also more ability to create a larger soundstage,

powered by a high current amplifier. Everything will sound as it should, and you’ll hear and experience a greater sense of “being there”. Again, when you are just playing music in stereo, the 726V floorstanders will deliver a truly satisfying result, being a great combination of full range and excellent treble and midrange presence.

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TECTION SMART PROTECTION SMART PROTECTION SMART PROTECTI

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Staff Focus: Summit To Talk About

ur staff members have a variety of recreational pastimes, and we hope to bring you more news about them over time. This month the prize for initiative in one’s own time goes jointly to Kiet Lequang and Tony Breen. These guys really enjoy bushwalking and mountaineering, and travel all over the world to do it. It was particularly pleasing to have them take photos on various summits flying the Len Wallis flag, quite literally! Kiet (left) went to the top of the 3,143m Mount Fansipan in Vietnam, the “roof of Indochina”, during his recent holidays, while the picture of Tony shows him freezing the flag at high altitude base camp on the ‘Golden Peak’ of Spantik in Pakistan (7027m). We look forward to the flag being flown on all of the Seven Peaks in due course. Go to it, boys!

APPLE iPAD

iPad — is it a game-changer?

am sure that there has never been a release of a piece of electronics that has sparked as much interest and controversy as the recent iPad release from Apple. On the whole the consumer reaction has been positive, but it continues to receive critical comments from many within the industry. To be honest I have been fascinated by many of the comments and the criticism. Yes, it appears that the iPad has some obvious failings, but given what I believe this product is all about, these failings are certainly not critical. It also appears that most people passing comment on the iPad expected it to be either an iPhone on steroids or a stripped-down MacBook. My expectation has always been that this would be a stand-alone product. Because of its design (and heritage) it would inevitably share features of the two other product categories, but I don’t believe that Apple ever intended it to ‘be’ either category. We cannot ignore Apple’s ability to create both market categories and demand. While the success of the iPod has been phenomenal, many people have forgotten that MP3 players had been around for years before Apple took an interest, and it was a struggling category. Similarly the iPhone not only reached market dominance in only a few years, it changed the entire philosophy of mobile phoning, raising the bar to an exceedingly high level (which consequently spawned challengers such as HTC), and creating an industry where the ‘phone’ is now only one of the attractions of the mobile phone industry. Have no doubt, what Apple has done with the iPod and the iPhone, they will do with the iPad. The potential for the iPad, and the product category that Apple will create,

is enormous. Obviously Len Wallis Audio views it in relation to the services that we offer, but its usefulness will go way beyond what LWA can do with it. For us it has an immediate application for multiroom audio/visual distribution and for Home Automation. The success and consumer acceptance of both of these concepts depends on convenience, interface and price. The iPad potentially come up trumps on all counts. The one criticism that I do have issue with is price — many critics have commented that the iPad is overpriced. Give me a break please! One of the first companies to jump on board with an iPad app was Crestron, arguably the best Home Automation company in the world. Their app will turn the 9.7” iPad into a Crestron touch screen controller for way less than $1,000. The 8.4” Crestron equivalent will cost you a cool $6,600. The ability of the iPad to control anything from Sonos systems to Olive’s multi-room audio distribution system to remotely controlling your entire Home Automation system, including security, will make it one of the most valuable, yet least expensive, products that we offer. And, of course, still doing all the other cool things that the iPad does. Possibly the best and most balanced critique of the iPad I have seen has come from Michael Greeson of the Diffusion Group, a consumer technology research company based in the US. This is available on our website.* Ultimately, Apple’s iPad will advance the tablet PC market in

the same way the iPhone advanced the mobile phone market: both in terms of functionality and mainstream appeal. Thanks to Apple’s entry into this market space, the value proposition for web tablets will rapidly become less about the hardware and more about the applications it enables — precisely as it should be. As I have said on several occasions, vendors and service providers must cease talking to consumers about “the technology” and show them what it will do… for them as individual human beings. After that, consumers will be much more likely to buy into the vision espoused by tech leviathans. Yes, it will take several years before mainstream consumers buy into this vision, but let there be no doubt that the introduction of Apple’s iPad — an easy-to-use, app-driven platform with loads of useful home applications — will be the first step toward a revolution in in-home computing. * Go to http://blog.lenwallisaudio.com.au/ new-systems/apple-ipad-a-positive-view

BRYSTON

Newsletter Winter 2010

Return of the DAC

ith the advent of higher resolution digital music and the general acceptance of stored music, DACs are suddenly big business. Musical Fidelity has long manufactured good inexpensive DACs — the only drawback of their $499 V-DAC is that most people cannot believe it is as good as it is for the price. At the other end of the scale we are big, big fans of the $6,999 Alpha DAC from Berkeley. At the same time we have been hearing great things about the $3,249 Bryston. Stereophile’s review concluded “The BDA1 reproduced the music’s warmth and fullness with none of the irritating edginess I’ve heard from earlier standalone DACs.” Computer Audiophile was even more lavish — “The Bryston BDA-1 external DAC is an incredible bargain at only $1995 (US price). The sound quality, build quality, and feature set are equal to or better than other DACs I’ve heard at twice the price. That’s not a review cliche, that’s the honest truth.” A short listen to the BDA-1 has confirmed everything that we have heard, and the unit now graces our shelves. Bryston sums the unit up perfectly on their website. Here’s an edited sample (there’s a longer extract on our website too, under New Products).

STATE-OF-THE-ART The Bryston BDA-1 is a state-of-the-art external Stereo DAC using fully discrete Class-A proprietary Bryston analog circuits, two independent linear power supplies and dual Crystal CS-4398 DAC chips. The BDA-1 features an impressive array of inputs for USB, COAX, OPTICAL, AES-EBU and BNC equipped digital devices. For audio outputs, the BDA-1 offers both balanced XLR as well as unbalanced RCA stereo connectors on the rear panel. The BDA-1 is RS-232 software upgradeable, making it the most flexible high performance DAC on the market. JITTER REDUCTION Bryston delivers superb sonic performance by re-sampling and re-clocking the digital input in order to reduce jitter. The result, a significant reduction in jitter (1/1000 of a nano-second). But it isn’t enough to just get the bits right; those bits have to be converted back into music with the same timing reference as when the music was first digitised. The input signal of the BDA-1 is re-clocked and re-sampled to reduce any possibility of jitter affecting the sound quality. Even the input receiver and the sample rate converter serve to further reduce jitter. OPTIONAL UPSAMPLING The SYNCHRONOUS upsampling circuit converts the digital signal from one sample rate and bit depth to another. In the BDA-1, the sample rate is increased from the input sample frequency (32K, 48K, or 96K upsamples to 192K and 44.1K or 88.2K to 176.4K). The 16 bits of depth is increased to 24 bits. The upsampling process doesn’t add anything new, but does put the data in a form which can better be translated by the DAC, which was designed for higher sample rates and bit depths.

A unique feature of the Bryston BDA-1 External DAC is the ability to disengage the upsampling feature. You can compare an upsampled signal with a non-upsampled signal simply by engaging a switch on the front panel. CLASS-A ANALOG STAGE The most critical part of the circuit design in the Bryston BDA-1 is the DAC’s analog outputs — connected directly to a pair of proprietary Bryston Class A discrete operational amplifiers rather than the typical IC chips employed in most other products. These exotic amplifiers make a huge difference in transparency, resolution and dynamic performance. The use of discrete devices allows the design of a circuit that exactly matches the needs of the DAC, whereas the use of general-purpose integrated circuits always involves compromises. Discrete devices allow engineers to generate more output power since the heat from the output driver transistors is physically separated from other sensitive components. HAND ASSEMBLED WITH CARE Bryston hand-assembles and individually tests each and every product manufactured. We exclusively use only the finest components, 1% metal-film resistors, 0.1% polystyrene capacitors, and hand selected and matched transistors in order to reduce noise and distortion to the absolute minimum. Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz -.1dB Signal to noise: Audio Precision AP2700 analyser FFT measurement 140dB unweighted THD plus noise: -.002% IMD: -.002% Jitter: below the measurement capability of the AP2700 analyser Output level: 2.3V unbalanced, 4.6V balanced Shipping weight: 8.2kg Warranty: Five years — a generation of music!

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Does everything you wouldn’t expect from a television. An HDTV set, networked like a computer. That’s the Loewe Connect. Connect your digital camera or MP3 player, access your PC via LAN or WLAN. Discover what only you and Loewe can do: at www.loewe-au.com

ACCESSORIES

Newsletter Winter 2010

purchase, provided the item is returned in new condition with all packaging. Pricing is similar to a good pair of interconnects, from around $450.

Thor Power Protection

DanA Power Cables While the bulk of the population thinks that a power cable is just that, audio people know that every cable in your system can be improved. For many years there has been, around the world, a thriving market in replacement power cables. However, the relatively small size of the Australian market has made it difficult for many of the overseas manufacturers to justify the trouble and expense of getting local approval, which involves paying for stringent testing to ensure that standards are being met. DanA is a local company with considerable expertise in audio products from amplifiers and speakers down to accessories such as the timber and carbonfibre isolation stands you may have seen in the store in recent years. They also do interconnects and a range of power cables. The power cables can be optioned for solid silver, silver plated or copper conductors, various standards of plug, and even cryogenically treated materials. They can be made up in various lengths too. As with all our products, you can purchase these on our 14-day trial basis. If it doesn’t improve your sound we’ll refund your money or credit it to another

There are marvellous Power Stations available these days that do power filtration and voltage regulation in addition to the spike protection function. The only snag, for some, is that they cost anywhere from $1500-2500. But don’t despair. Thor have some very good “entry level” devices which anyone can afford, and should afford in view of the high incidence of power and lightning related failures we see every year. The Thor Smart Filter ($149, right) incorporates all the following in a seven outlet power board chassis: • Resettable safety 10 amp circuit breaker • Extra Large Metal Oxide Protection Varistors • LED Control Resistors • Safety Bleeder Resistors • Safety Fuse • High Voltage Capacitors for Filtration • Status LED • Rectification Diodes • Protection on all three conductors

• Ultra-fast DC/Comms gear protection circuit • RJ45 connector, internet ready • In addition there’s a free connected equipment warranty of $100,000, plus the board itself carries a six-year replacement warranty. The larger Green Board ($249, below) has all of the above, then eight outlets, with four being separately switchable for things you do not want to leave in standby mode. There are two USB chargers on the remote switch too.

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ACCESSORIES

From The Musical Fidelity Stable… Anti-vibration or isolation platforms are a proven way to improve the performance of your hi-fi gear. Detail, particularly subtle ambient detail, location of performers on the soundstage, bass definition and the texture of individual instruments should be improved by the use of well-designed devices. The beneficial effects of some accessories have been discovered by accident, or trial and error, while others are the result of engineering studies. Musical Fidelity have an enviable record of design excellence in sound gear. They have also turned their attention to isolation, and the Stable-1 is the result. In accordance

with current thinking they have used rubber columns, each protruding from the bottom of a silver housing (one at each corner), to absorb vibrations of either seismic or airborne origin, as well as presumably damping vibrations emanating from the equipment itself — cutting out a potential vibrational

feedback loop. The overall dimensions of the non-resonant base-board are 610 x 400mm (width x depth), with a usable top space of 450 x 360mm inside the four corner column housings. These were going for $499, but we are offering a limited number for $299, so be quick!

Losing The Vibe We’ve seen a multitude of vibration isolation devices over the several decades in the hi-fi business. They range from the esoteric and extravagant down to the simple and cheap. While we are happy to cater to all points on this scale — they all have something to offer — it is always a pleasure to be able to present what is, at least on the surface, a simple and cheap solution. It’s also a solution which has received a lot of favourable reviews to date from some pretty choosy hi-fi reviewers. Amazingly they have been around since 1998, but not everyone is aware of them. Some say they’re too cheap! Vibrapods have been designed with a cunning approach to soaking up the internal vibes that all sorts of players generate with their motors and transport mechanisms, as well as those coming up through the furniture from

other things. The Vibrapods ($9.90 each, pictured above right) are replacement feet which can be attached to or simply sat under your various components. The structure is a bit like a doughnut, with external walls of whatever thickness suits the weight of the component, to give more or less resilience. There are five models to accommodate different weights of gear, from 2.5 to 25kg. Note: some deformation or bulging of the sidewalls when under load is normal!

Send In The Cones Alternatively, there are the Vibrapod Cones ($11.90 each, above left) which suit heavier items such as amplifiers and speakers, being weight tolerant up to 25kg. Some reviewers have pointed out that the improvements differ from Vibrapod to Cone, and that in some cases you might want to use both, stacked. Given the price, no problem!