Len Wallis Audio Headlines: Winter 2012

The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio

IN THIS ISSUE

Len Wallis Audio’s ‘Restructuring’ Sale PLUS: Peachtree gets serious Loewe’s Individual TVs Marantz special prices!

NAD‘s Master Series and much more...

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lenwallisaudio.com.au

Winter 2012

BEST SOUND! YEAR AFTER YEAR “This is a superb SACD player, one that will bring you many years of listening pleasure.”

Australian Hi-Fi, Oct 2011

CD Player Of The Year MARANTZ SA-KI PEARL LITE

Product Of The Year MARANTZ PM6004 & CD6004 “It balances refinement, insight and attack perfectly and has the composure to make instrumental stands easy to follow. It’s a truly terrific amp”

“This is a player that impresses in every single way: it’s build and finish could easily be from a player costing twice as much. It’s the complete budget player”

What Hi-Fi, Awards 2011

What Hi-Fi, Awards 2011

Best Network Player MARANTZ NA7004 “It is delightfully easy to operate and it integrates with both hi-fi systems and computer networks. AirPlay functionality makes this a simple streamer for the uninitiated. This is a product that virtually demands our recommendation” Hi-Fi Choice UK Apr 2011

THE BEST SOUND AND THE BEST WARRANTY! 3 YEARS WARRANTY!*

Experience the best sound ... from Marantz.

See these Award-Winners at Len Wallis Audio.

* WITH PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Distributed in Australia by QualiFi P/L – (03) 8542 1111 – info@marantz.com.au www.marantz.com.au

EDITED BY GEOFF FORGIE

CONTENTS

Special stock clearance now under way at Len Wallis Audio! See p4 for details...

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Huge Stock Clearance!

18

We’re reorganising at Len Wallis Audio – and our customers benefit from this HUGE stock clearance...

6

Focal Spirit headphones The sound is as close as the company can get to their amazing speakers – meet Focal’s first-ever headphones.

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10

16

26

Marantz specials!

Some special prices for some special gear, including the Melody Movie Blu-ray receiver, the NA7004 network streamer, best picture we could fit in the room...

28

Sonos gets a mod and a SUB A new mod for the Sonos ZP90 takes conversion to new heights, while a new SUB takes Sonos to new depths!

29

Vinyl cleaning A new and modestly-priced vinyl cleaning system takes home cleaning a step above the humble cleaning pad.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Vinyl continues its comeback, and Pro-Ject’s upgrade of the basic Debut turntable design includes a Carbon Tube tonearm and other advances remarkable at the price...

Musical Fidelity M1 Series update This range of high-end half-width components at affordable prices continues to expand, with the M1PWR power amp and an asynchronous DAC update.

Panasonic – new TVs, new projection The flagship VT50 plasma series has now arrived... has the company now surpassed Pioneer’s Kruo legacy?

17

25

Loewe Individual Compose televisions Nothing shows Loewe’s unique approach better than the highly customisable and stunning Individual LED-LCD TVs.

Smart overhaul for iconic home A big retrofit job for our custom installation team, updating lighting, security, audio-visual and access control systems in this iconic home.

Peachtree gets Grand Peachtree Audio is expanding its stylish and versatile range, adding pre-power combinations at high/medium level – the Nova Pre and Power, and new ‘Grand’ units.

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20

NAD Master Series NAD’s higher-end credentials have never been stronger, with the M2 digital amp and new M51 DAC. And don’t miss our specials on NAD’s mid-range products!

CEDIA Awards 2012 We were delighted to receive four wins and a Highly Commended for our custom installation work at this year’s CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards.

30

Digital amplification What started out as a low-profile niche market method of amplification is rapidly becoming mainstream.

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

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THE LEN WALLIS AUDIO ‘RESTRUCTURING’ SALE

Len Wallis writes: In the immortal words of Bob Dylan, BRAND MODEL and ‘The times they are a’changin’, this industry must surely top the list of industries that that are experiencing these changes. We are all about music, movies and convergence. All aspects of what we do are faced with monumental shifts in delivery and control. Most of this is due to the increasing influence of the internet.

But the changes do not stop here; the internet is also changing how we shop, where we shop, and what we pay. Like all changes, in the long run it eventually turns out for the better. I believe that we are on the cusp of a golden age of audio (and video). While the impact of highresolution internet downloads is slow to gain traction, I can still recall the early days of MP3 – it almost floundered until Apple decided they could turn it into a money

spinner. It is also a little ironic that vinyl is making a comeback at a time when we DESCRIPTION finally have an emerging format which can sound as good, or better, and which is less expensive, and a whole lot more accessible – and that is high resolution downloads.

There is a generation or two who are now very familiar and comfortable with accessing their music on-line. For the greater part it sounds pretty ordinary – but this is simply an exercise in exposure.

Most of us are content with what we have, until we discover something better.

Once we hear what is achievable, there will be no going back.

Delivery of goods is also changing.

While actual internet sales may still be relatively small in this industry, it has had a profound impact on pricing. The days of distributors and retailers demanding prices that are 40, 50 or 60% greater than those

BRAND

MODEL

DESCRIPTION

Acoustic Signature

Challenger

Australian Monitor

Install50

Berkeley Audio

overseas are well and truly over – the consumer is too educated. While distance SELL and limitedRRP population may mean that we cannot reach parity on all prices, we will need to come close if we are to survive.

For example, we are able to sell the fabulous Magnum Dynalab tuners at US prices – and the amazing NAD M51 DAC is actually $500 cheaper here than in the US. To remain competitive, retailers must become efficient – but at the same time not drop their standards of service. Over the next few months Len Wallis Audio will be restructuring, with significant changes to our showroom. In order to make room for this we will be holding a huge stock clearance over the next few months. So if you have been lusting after that special piece of AV, now is the time to talk to us. The list below is only a small portion of what we have on offer.

RRP

SELL

Turntable with arm

$3999

$2999

Monitor speakers

$660

$399

Alpha DAC Series 1

DAC (ex-demo)

$6999

$5499

Crestron

Adagio

Home theatre / multi room amplifier (ex-demo)

$10,456

$5900

ERA

Design 3

Bookshelf speakers

$699

$499 pr

Dusson Focal

Gecko Jamo Krell

Lehmannaudio Loewe

Marantz

4

Design 4

Bookshelf speakers

$999

$599 pr

Design 5 LCR

LCR speakers

$1099

$799 ea

Design 4 LCR

LCR speakers

$799

$499 ea

Sub 8

8” powered subwoofer

$1399

$799

T2i

Tabletop integrated amplifier

$999

$699

T6

Integrated amplifier (ex-demo)

$1499

$999

Profile SW908

13” subwoofer with 500 watt amplifier

$3999

$1999

SW1000

13” subwoofer with 600 watt amplifier

$5999

$3999

SR800

Rear channel speakers

$1499

$699 pr

GKR 854

Audio rack

$1099

$799

GKR-415

A/V rack

$699

$499

A500

On-wall speakers (ex-display)

$499

$299

Showcase 7

150 watt/per channel multi-channel (5) power amplifier

$8995

$4999

EVO600

Mono block power amps (pr)

$46,000

$36,000

202

Pre-amp

$22,299

$15,900

Black Cube

Phono stage (ex-demo)

$799

$599

Connect 42” Media

LCD TV

$7499

$4999

Individual 55 Compose

LCD TV

$8999

$6899

Individual 40 Compose

LCD TV (with floor stand)

$7989

$4699

Blu-Tech Vision Interactive

Blu-ray player

$1599

$599

Blu-Tech Vision 3D

Blu-ray player

$1199

$799

AV8003

Home theatre pre-amp processor

$4999

$1999

SC/SM-11S1

Pre and power amplifier

$13,989

$6999

PM15-S2

Integrated amplifier

$3499

$2699

NR1601

Home theatre receiver

$1399

$999

SA7001

SACD player

$1499

$799

SA15S2

SACD player

$2799

$1999

lenwallisaudio.com.au

THE LEN WALLIS AUDIO ‘RESTRUCTURING’ SALE Items include new, ex-demo and discontinued stock. All products come with original warranties.

BRAND

MODEL

DESCRIPTION

RRP

SELL

Meridian

G68

A/V surround processor

$17,549

$9999

Music Hall Musical Fidelity

DSP5000

Active DSP speakers

$14,550

$7999

DSP5500

Active DSP speakers

$35,199

$15,999

G-06

CD player

poa

poa

MMF-5.1SE

Belt-drive turntable (ex demo)

$1499

$1099

MMF-2.1LE

Belt-drive turntable (ex demo)

$699

$499

X10V-3

Line conditioner

$499

$389

X-Ray

CD Player with external power supply

$2999

$1499

X-Ray/X-T100/Triple X

Amplifier, CD player and power supply combination

$5498

$2699

550K Super Charger

Mono block power amp

$2999

$2499

V-Can Mk1

Headphone amplifier

$249

$199

X-LPS V8

Phono amplifier

$759

$599

A1 FPB

Twin-box pre-amplifier

$3995

$2899

O3HD

Media server (ex-demo)

$1599

$1299

O4HD

Media server (ex-demo)

$3299

$2399

O6HD

Media server (ex-demo)

$6499

$4999

iDac

Digital-to-analogue converter

$1199

$999

Music Box

Small form-factor integrated amplifier

$899

$699

Plessis

S1

Integrated amplifier

$1499

$999

Richter

Legend Rear

Home theatre rear channel speakers

$699

$299 pr

Pro-Ject

Debut3

Belt-drive turntable (ex-demo)

$499

$299

Sennheiser

HD 595

Headphones

$399

$249

HD 650

Headphones

$949

$499

Olive

Peachtree

SpeakerCraft

Soundstyle

Tantra

RS 180

Wireless headphones

$549

$399

RS 170

Wireless headphones

$449

$329

Roots 350

Bookshelf speakers

$449

$299

Roots 450

Bookshelf speakers

$649

$399

Roots 650

Bookshelf speakers

$849

$599

Roots Centre

Centre speaker

$399

$299

Roots 208

10” Subwoofer

$999

$749

Roots 308

12” Subwoofer

$1199

$899

Vital V10

Subwoofer

$899

$649

Vital V12

Subwoofer

$1199

$849

SLS One

On-wall speakers

$599 ea

$299 ea

SLS Two

On-wall speakers

$799 ea

$399 ea

WG3

Audio rack

$599

$499

Z030

A/V rack

$695

$495

ST310

A/V rack

$1195

$795

ST105

Audio rack

$1195

$795

MD2AV

A/V rack

$595

$499

Tantra1

Two-way bookshelf speakers

$498

$399

Tantra3

Three-way bookshelf speakers

$1398

$899

Tantra4

Three-way floorstanding speakers

$1998

$1199

Tantra5

Three-way floorstanding speakers

$2500

$1399

CinemaStick

Soundbar

$999

$699

Tantra6 LCR

Hi-End in-wall speakers

$1799

$999

Tantra6 Centre

Centre speaker

$1999

$1099

Tantra8 LCR

Hi-End in-wall speakers

$4599 ea

$2599 ea

Tantra Di-Pole

Hi-End in-wall surround speakers

$4199/pr

$2499/pr

Townsend

Sink 2-4

Audiophile equipment shelving system

$2999

$1499

Wadia

151

DAC/amp

$1499

$999

Yamaha

TX497

AM/FM tuner, now discontinued

$399

$199

lenwallisaudio.com.au

5

FOCAL

Newsletter Winter 2012

THE SPIRIT WILL MOVE YOU – AND MOVE WITH YOU FOCAL ‘SPIRIT ONE’ HEADPHONES ($299)

W

e’ve noticed for some time that headphones are growing in popularity, and that higher quality is in demand. Focal noticed as well, and they have just released their first foray into this product – although being a loudspeaker company makes it an obvious extension to the core business.

What they’ve done with the Focal Spirit One is… well, rather a lot of things.

Firstly, the sound is as close as they can get to the sound of their amazing loudspeakers, which means correctly balanced from treble to mids to bass (6Hz-22kHz), no loss of fine details, a large soundstage, and very efficient (32 ohms impedance, 104dB sensitivity), with a view to working well from portable devices. Distortion is less than 0.3% at 1kHz, 100dB. Lightness (225g) and comfort were also a priority, and these are “circumaural”, with generous pads to distribute the pressure over a wide area around the ears. Aluminium construction of the cans and headband (with proper padding, of course) achieves lightness, durability, and enables some fancy joints to be used to maximize contouring around a variety of head shapes!

The 1.2m cable connects to the left side, and comes with large and small plug options plus aircraft adaptor. Built into the cable is an Apple remote control section in a slim tubular aluminium casing, which gives you control over the mostused play functions, and also has a small microphone to enable calls if you’re using these with your iPhone.

Accessories don’t end there. You get a rigid case and a soft bag to carry the Spirit One around in.

Of course, these being the latest child from Focal’s design team, the guys who came up with the Utopia III EM speakers,

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you’d expect some technicalities to creep into the conversation, and they do: “The 40mm mylar/titanium diaphragm is loaded by a very sophisticated earpiece made up of five tuned cavities that have enabled us literally to sculpt the bandwidth in the bass while taking account of the characteristics of headphone listening response.”

I do like a good long sentence.

But wait, there’s more: “The result is an animated and tight bass with no delay, but capable of descending to 6Hz and broaching the threshold of infrasound.

Focal tradition also means that the midrange and treble have undergone the most attentive research to ensure a sound that is fine, full and detailed, and therefore characteristic of the brand’s speakers. The Spirit One is quite simply Focal sound made portable.”

Easy to say, but that takes quite a bit of doing.

Once again Focal have presented us all with a clearly superior product at far lower a cost that you’d expect. We expect the Spirit One will indeed be going places – in fact, many places!

lenwallisaudio.com.au

ALL NEW THE 800 SERIES DIAMOND - NEW PRICING, NOW

BETTER

VALUE

THAN

EVER.

Experience the 2012 800 Series Diamond range at an authorised Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond dealer. For more information call Australian Distributor Convoy International on 1800 817 787 or visit www.ehifi.com.au.

NAD

Newsletter Winter 2012

NAD MASTER SERIES A

well-proven recipe for success is to invest in research and development, produce exemplary products that you can sell at a premium price, and then over time allow some of that technology to ‘trickle down*’ to the more affordable ranges. NAD are best known for their competitively priced and high performance amplifiers and CD players, but they are no strangers to the upper levels of the audiophile world, where cutting edge designs achieve fame for their superb performance.

Their Master Series has rightly earned acclaim for such advanced products as the Digital M2 Integrated Amplifier ($6999). The M2 just last year was given the “Editor’s Award” by high-end magazine The Absolute Sound. This followed on from it being awarded “Product of The Year” in 2010, also by TAS. With its incredibly fast responses, low distortion and plentiful power (250w x 2),

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the M2 is a Direct Digital Feedback design using XLR AES/EBU digital plus coaxial and optical inputs. There are also balanced XLR analogue inputs, and a set of unbalanced RCA inputs.

Robert Harley, reviewing the M2 said: “The M2 was the antithesis of smeared, congested, or confused. Instead, it laid out with exquisite resolution everything that was happening in the music.

Moreover, it did this in a completely natural and organic way, with no trace of the analytical.”

He was comparing it to his reference DAC/amplifier system at around $50k, and found it performed amazingly well at a tenth of the cost. The M2 delivers a vivid and strikingly present image while maintaining a jet black, super-low noise floor as its background. And there’s no lack of bass.

“The M2’s bass was simply great — extended, rich, warm, powerful, and muscular. The bottom end was rich and densely saturated in tone color, wonderfully nuanced and articulate, and very fast and dynamic. I greatly enjoyed the M2’s combination of weight and agility on acoustic and electric bass, particularly with virtuoso players — Stanley Clarke’s acoustic bass on ‘The Rite of Strings’ with Al DiMiola and Jean-Luc Ponty, for example.”

He concludes with: “NAD’s M2 is a triumph on many levels, not the least of which is that it points toward a new direction in amplifier design and system architecture. I predict that years from now audiophiles will look back on the M2 as the progenitor of the next generation of audio.” *Note: NAD have already released a “trickle-down” product, the C390DD at $2999.

NAD

NAD M51 DAC The NAD M51 DAC ($1499) draws on the same Direct Digital Feedback technology as the M2, to bring you its super-fast processing (108MHz) and sampling rate of 844kHz. It converts incoming PCM data to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and in that process reduces jitter to negligible amounts. The accuracy and lack of noise and distortion is achieved through all controls being in the digital domain.

“Operating in a differential mode with double precision, the M51 has state-of-the-art specifications for low noise and freedom from distortion.

The extreme headroom afforded by the 35-bit architecture allows for a DSP-based volume control that does not reduce resolution. Even with 24-bit high definition signals, the output can be attenuated by 66dB (very, very quiet) before bit truncation begins.

“The incredible precision of the M51’s processing engine gives music a vibrancy and transient accuracy that must be heard to be appreciated. The conversion process from PCM to PWM completely eliminates any jitter present on the incoming signal; again, offering state-of-the-art performance in this most important parameter.

“Due to the very high clock speed and mathematical precision of our reconstruction filters, the resulting audio signal is totally free of digital artifacts like ringing. A Pure Class A analogue stage with very low output impedance provides the perfect interface to your favourite amplifier. Also, both balanced and single-ended outputs are available.”

C 375BEE Amplifier ($1699 now $1399) Before giving it a Best Buy Award, the UK magazine HiFi Choice tested the C 375BEE with B&W DM803S speakers, which are large, expensive and no pushover to drive. It passed that test with flying colours. NAD sum it up as follows: “The C 375BEE is far more than a bigger C 355BEE — in fact, it is much closer in spec to the M3 Integrated Amplifier from NAD’s high-end Masters Series. It also incorporates an updated version of NAD’s “Building Block” concept to make the addition of the PP375 phono module and other affordable future upgrades possible. Attention to the most minute detail is evident everywhere, from the heavy gauge steel chassis to the sophisticated power

supplies and copper buss bars channelling almost absurd amounts of current to the custom gold plated speaker binding posts. The C 375BEE boasts many upgrades and refinements taken directly from the highly acclaimed NAD Masters Series M3 Amplifier. These include application of Bjørn Erik Edvardsen’s innovative and patented Distortion Cancelling Circuit in the output stage and BEE Clamp in the power supply.

An improved tone control circuit and revised PCB layout has reduced distortion and noise to unprecedented levels. Taken together, these improvements mark a sharp upturn in performance that simply must be heard to be fully appreciated!”

C 545BEE CD Player ($599 now $479) Besides the new more refined cosmetics, the circuit layout and component choices on the C 545BEE CD player have been extensively updated from the previous C 542. The cumulative effect of these changes is dramatic, improving low frequency slam and extension, while maintaining the pace and timing for which the C 542 was so lavishly praised.

Image depth and scale are further enhanced while retaining the timbral accuracy and lucid harmonic structure of its predecessors.

FEATURES: CD, CD-R and CD-RW compatible; MP3 and WMA decoding; NAD CD-8 Full Function Remote Control; Burr Brown 24 bit Digital to Analogue Converter; Coaxial Digital Output; Optical Digital Output; Low Output Impedance; Toroidal Power supply with Separate Power Regulators for Analogue and Digital Sections; VFL Display with CD text; Selectable Track, Time and Repeat; Repeat Mode for Single Track or Entire CD; Program Play up to 40 Tracks; Random Play; External IR Input; 12V Trigger Input; <1 watt Standby consumption.

Having seven inputs, the M51 operates as a de-facto digital pre-amp, including volume control (also in the digital domain).

This is a significant value-add to what is already a remarkable modern DAC.

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PEACHTREE AUDIO

Newsletter Winter 2012

PEACHTREE PRE/POWERS

P

eachtree were early into what is now consolidating as a category: digital amplifiers. Continuing to expand their range of digital amplification (see also p30), they have this year added a pre-amplifier and power amplifier to their familiar “Nova” series, while at the same time adding a new premium line, the Grand Pre and Grand Integrated. Here’s an overview of each of these products, with more detail available on our website.

Grand Pre ($3349) The preamplifier stage is designed to maintain the quality of the digital-toanalog conversion through a short signal path, avoiding noise and signal loss. A dual mono gain control is used, measuring .025db channel to channel – creating pinpoint imaging for a virtually threedimensional soundstage. The preamp’s wide dynamics and black backgrounds are created by discrete Class A output stages with up to 18V output.

The Grand Pre employs a Bascom King hybrid tube design, using two musically legendary 12AX7s. The tube buffer will smooth the harsh digital edge found in poor recordings and compressed audio.

The Peachtree USB is the highest quality connection possible for your computer. It is 24/192 capable (but can handle many sampling rates) and uses the latest in asynchronous I2S communication.

Asynchronous operation allows the Grand Pre’s internal high-precision clock to control the flow of data coming from the

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computer. This method lowers incoming jitter so the Sabre32 DAC has fewer timing errors to re-clock. Most DACs on the market were developed to accept lowjitter devices like a good CD player.

The heart of the Grand Pre is the top-of-the-line ESS Sabre32 ES9018 Reference DAC, specialised for computers or other sources that deliver high levels of timing errors. The Sabre32 DAC’s patented jitter-reduction circuit re-clocks the digital signal to less than one picosecond before passing it through its high-resolution processor.

The Grand Pre can be teamed up with the power amplifier of your choice, and the HT Aux throughput also helps it integrate into a theatre setup, if required.

It is in the forefront of modern trends in high quality audio reproduction.

Grand Integrated ($4799) The on-board 400 watt per channel Class D amplifier was voiced to work in perfect harmony, and to highlight the sonic signature of the (inbuilt) Grand Pre. This combination creates a sound that is nothing short of awesome. The added

ability to drive the most demanding speakers makes the Grand Integrated an easy choice for the discerning music lover who demands the dynamic range and SPL that only big power can deliver.

The ESS Sabre32 9018 Digital-toAnalog Converter is widely recognised as the world’s best 32-bit DAC, specially designed for jitter-prone sources using Hyperstream Reclocking, a patented Time Domain Jitter Eliminator that knocks down all incoming jitter to almost immeasurable levels.

The 24/192 asynchronous USB input furthers the efforts of the ESS Sabre DAC. Asynchronous communication allows a high-precision clock inside the Grand Integrated to control the flow of information from computer to DAC. This further keeps jitter at bay by not relying on the less precise audio clock in the computer.

The Bascom King Tube Buffer uses two musically legendary 12AU7s to smooth the harsh digital edge found in poor recordings and compressed audio. The headphone amp signal is run through the valve stage, so you can plug in your favourite set of cans and enjoy that smooth valve sound in solitude. A valve bypass button, found on the remote control, allows for solid state or hybrid valve listening modes.

Home Theatre Bypass makes it possible to have a high-performance stereo system work in conjunction with your home theatre, using the Grand as front left and right channel drive.

This amp is 90% energy efficient, with very little heat output and very low THD. Power output increases to a staggering 650 watts per channel into 4 ohms for astounding dynamics.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

PEACHTREE AUDIO Peachtree Audio Pre/Powers arriving July/August 2012

Nova Pre ($999) While having a lower specification than the Grand, the Nova Pre uses an exceptionally good DAC in the ESS Sabre 9023, handling signals via optical up to 24/96, and via coaxial or its asynchronous USB connection at up to 24/192 standard.

The switchable valve stage (6N1P) in the pre-amp (or headphone amp) circuit enhances audio quality from all sources, but can be bypassed if you prefer the solid state sound signature.

The Nova Pre can be teamed up with the 220 Power (see below), or any other power amplifier you choose to use. Having it available as a separate component enables the flexibility to mix and match while preserving the benefits of the Peachtree approach to digital audio.

Inputs include optical, 2 x coaxial, asynchronous USB, and one analogue AUX. There are two analogue pre-outs to connect to one or two power amplifiers,

or one amplifier and one active subwoofer.

It comes with a remote control, and can be in Rosewood, Gloss Black or Cherry.

220 Power ($1599) The 220 Power amplifier is conservatively rated at 220w x 2 into 8 ohms, or 400w x 2 into 4 ohms. It is a modern Class D amplifier with the ability to drive most speakers, and to produce both fine detail and earth-shaking bass where required, and where the speaker can actually do it!

It’s an ideal match for the Nova Pre (above), but can be used with any preamp — or with any of the Peachtree integrated amps which have pre-out if you want to upgrade for more power

– which most of us do! It has two sets of inputs, one of balanced XLR inputs, which will give a livelier and cleaner sound than the other set of unbalanced RCA inputs.

If you have the matching Nova Pre or another pre-amp which outputs balanced XLR signals, it is recommended that they be used. Otherwise, the “normal” RCAs do a fine job. Speaker binding posts (1 set) are high quality 5-way models. There’s a trigger-in, so the power amp can be turned on by the pre-amp if you prefer.

It’s available in the same timber finishes as the Nova pre: Rosewood, Gloss Black, Cherry.

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PEACHTREE AUDIO

Newsletter Winter 2012

New! Arriving August 2012

Peachtree Decco 65 Peachtree introduced the original 40w x 2 Decco amplifier as a lower-cost entry to the new world of digital amplifiers.

This trend is accelerating as more people discover that their stored music is not only convenient, but that it sounds a hell of a lot better when played back on good gear like Peachtree. The new Decco 65 is a 65w x 2 channel amplifier using mainly digital inputs (only one analogue Aux) and delivering superior sound via an updated DAC as well as the extra definition delivered power-wise.

What Makes It Good?

The ESS Sabre 9023 Digital to Analog Converter is widely recognised as the world’s best DAC when dealing with hostile-to-audio digital components like computers and streamers. Jitter is all but eliminated, leaving a beautifully timed digital stream as a base. The art of this DAC comes in with the hundreds

12

of additional parts and multiple power supplies designed around the ESS chip that work in unison to produce the Peachtree sonic signature.

The 24/96 asynchronous USB input provides the best possible processing from this port and furthers the efforts of the ESS Sabre DAC. Asynchronous communication allows a high precision clock inside the Decco65 to control the timing of the bitstream from the computer to the DAC. USB implementation is one of the more difficult tasks in the real world of computer audio.

Galvanic Isolation: Typically reserved for more expensive DAC circuits, galvanic isolation prevents electrical noise from entering the DAC board on all grounded digital inputs. Any contamination due to the switching power supply, multiple ground points, and high speed processing is isolated from the DAC so nothing but pure 1s and 0s reach the DAC circuit.

The ‘Tube Buffer’ uses a stereo triode 6N1P to smooth the harsh digital edge found in poor recordings and compressed audio. It can be switched on or off from the remote control to match your preference at any given time. We find it especially good for Pandora, MOG, Spotify and most cloud-based listening.

The amplifier section of the Decco 65 uses the same Class D technology found in the latest premium amplifiers from the company. This high performance design has the ability to drive 65 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 95 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with a very natural sound. Its combination of low distortion, high bandwidth, and energy efficiency makes it the ideal partner to the Decco 65 digital front end and hybrid tube amp. The headphone output runs through the valve stage, so you can enjoy that smooth valve sound in solitude, while cutting out the speakers so as not to disturb the household.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

True 2.1 audio system: ultra compact, integrated subwoofer, wireless transmission... Simple and stunning.

www.focal.com Focal is distributed by Audio Marketing – T: 02 9882 3877 – F: 02 9882 3944 – E: info@audiomarketing.com.au – W: www.audiomarketing.com.au

Photos L’Atelier Sylvain Madelon - Saint-Etienne.

Focal creates Bird, a new line of loudspeakers and 2.1 systems, a new concept that comes up to music lovers’ expectations and perfectly matches modern devices. A line that was imagined for people who want to go back to the essence of music, the simplicity of use, the sound quality, without forgetting modernity thanks to wireless transmission with iPhone®, iPod®, iPad®. Bird, "the Freedom of Sound"!

LOEWE

Newsletter Winter 2012

LOEWE TV W

hile the Reference is the top product in Loewe’s range, nothing epitomises their approach more than the Individual Compose range, so named for its ability to adapt to so many differing configurations in terms of mountings, ancillary equipment for sound, and those small touches like interchangeable side colour strips for a touch of chromatic brilliance even when switched off.

Those very slim, elegant lines contain a very fast 400Hz screen (Full HD) which is LED-backlit LCD and can track fast-moving images beautifully, and is 3D capable.

An inbuilt Loewe DR+ (500GB) recorder makes capture, storage and replay of TV

14

programs easy and efficient, running off the TV’s remote control. And the recorder means that Live TV can be paused, rewound and re-watched any time.

For simulated surround, a Loewe Soundbar can be added, and there are pedestal stands of various heights to suit your room and positioning. Or use the close-fitting wall mounts to achieve a super-flat wall installation. Screen sizes are 55”, 46”, 40”, and 32”.

Loewe Connect: For those wishing to mix in as much networked content as possible, the Loewe Connect series offers an exciting line-up of capabilities. You can enjoy all the usual free-to-air TV and radio,

lenwallisaudio.com.au

LOEWE

plus Internet Radio, Online Video Content (Browser), Streamed programs from your local network, Photos, Music, you name it. The suite of features varies according to model/size, but the 40”/101cm model features 200Hz speed, DR+ inbuilt recorder (500GB), and inbuilt DVB Radio.

The screen is again a LED-backlit LCD, full HD and 3D capable. Other sizes are 32”/81cm and the 26”/66cm, although the 26” has a much reduced feature set.

Once again there’s a mixture of floor, table and wall mounting options.

Loewe Art: While a TV on the wall may not always be showing a work of art, the Loewe Art series will always look attractive, and deliver a winning combination of European style, technological excellence and the best price-for-size of all the Loewe models.

In addition, they have room in the frame for a very good set of speakers, so sound quality is way ahead of most modern brands, who for the most part have abandoned good sound in favour of ever-slimmer surround framing.

Screen specifications are similar to the Connect series but without as comprehensive a set of connections for importing program material. Once again it’s a Full HD LED backlit LCD, 3D compatible on the two larger sizes (40” and 46”), DR+ recorder (500GB except for the 32” which is 250GB), DVB radio inbuilt, 200Hz speed in the two larger units, 100Hz in the two smaller ones.

Screen sizes are 46”/40”/37”/32”.

Pricing will depend on final configuration and accessories, but in general terms the Art series fall into the $2999-$4999 range, then Connect $3999-4999, and the Individual Compose ranges from $4499-$8499.

15

PANASONIC

PANASONIC TVs FOR 2012

P

anasonic’s 2012 offerings have a lot to them. The vast majority will be 3D-capable, and at the higher level there’ll be the ability to browse the web using a smartphone app so you don’t have to use a dodgy on-screen alpha-numeric pad and pointer. After all, when we talk “Smart TV”, the browsing capability is important, and needs to be as easy to use as possible. Built-in Wi-Fi is being added to the mix as well for the top three series (VT, GT and ST) which offers an extra way to bring program material to your screen as well as easing the installation aspect: one less wire you have to worry about if you move the TV! There’s a mixture of LCD (LED backlit) and plasmas, and sizes ranging up to 65”/165cm; however our focus remains primarily on the higher performing plasma series. The look is, of course, neat and slim with as little frame as possible, promising a very good look when mounted on a similarly slim wall bracket.

Top of the range will be the VT50 series plasmas, replacing the VT35 from last year. Videophiles have, for the past year or so, been arguing over when

16

Panasonic would actually overtake (rather than equal) the high image standards that were established by the Pioneer Kuro, and the pundits reckon that 2012 is it, with the VT50 series.

With the new Infinite Black Ultra Panel, Panasonic are not just stepping up, they’re stepping through 24,576 graduations to achieve the best dark detail ever. Lower reflection off the front glass is also featured, along with DLNA to ease the passage of recorded and networked program material around the home. Response times are also improved, so fast action doesn’t suffer.

Although release information has been around for some months, the stock was not expected until mid-year, so we’ve held off with the publicity until now. The ST series have just started to arrive, and the VT50 should be in stock by the time you read this.

The Flagship Viera Plasma VT50 series has just two sizes, starting with the 55”/140cm at $3799, then the 65”/165cm at $5999.

The GT and ST series will have four sizes: 50”/55”/60”/65”, but only the

lower two series, UT and XT, will have a 42”/106cm option. It’s been obvious for a while now that the demand for 42”/106cm screens has been dropping, as people move upwards to the larger sizes with each new screen they purchase.

And why not? The viewing distance isn’t a problem in most rooms.

The new Panasonic Smart Viera series should be on your list to check out now.

lenwallisaudio.com.au

PRO-JECT

Newsletter Winter 2012

CARBON FINGERPRINT

P

ro-Ject have been very active in the good entry-level turntable market, while they also have some much higher-spec offerings. What weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at here is some blending, with the basic Debut design upgraded in several ways, but most noticeably the arm.

The new Debut Carbon ($449) has been designed to set new standards in this category for the coming decade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfectly timed, as analogue today is again a respected source, while the demand for good turntables is growing again.

The most obvious improvement is the inclusion of a Carbon Tube for the tonearm, which increases stiffness and decreases unwanted resonance. Normally this material is extensively used in highend tonearms, but â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because of cost

reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was never used in products at lower price levels.

Together with other improvements like an increase in platter size and weight to realise even smoother rotation, and new design in motor suspension, the overall sound quality is greatly improved.

The Debut Carbon comes ďŹ tted with an Ortofon OM 10 pick-up cartridge, giving a strong signal combined with excellent ďŹ ne detail retrieval.

SPECIFICATIONS Speed: 33, 45 (manual speed change) Drive: principle belt drive Platter: 300mm metal with felt mat Mains bearing: stainless steel Wow & ďŹ&#x201A;utter: +/- 0,10% Speed drift: +/- 0,80%

Other features: Increased platter TJ[F XJUI NPSF XFJHIU t 1SFDJTJPO belt drive with synchronous motor t 'FMU NBU t /FX TPSCPUIBOF NPUPS TVTQFOTJPO t .BHOFUJD DBSUSJEHF options from Ortofon t %JNFOTJPOT Y Y NN 8Y)Y% MJE DMPTFE

t 8FJHIU LH OFU t $PMPVST 5IF %FCVU $BSCPO JT PGGFSFE JO IJHI HMPTT CMBDL PS TIJOZ SFE HSFFO CMVF ZFMMPX TJMWFS PS XIJUF BT OP BEEFE DPTU PQUJPO Signal to noise: E# Tonearm: NN w $BSCPO Effective arm length: NN Effective arm mass: H Overhang: NN Tracking force: N/ Included accessories: 3$" DBCMF MJE

17

CEDIA AWARDS

Newsletter Winter 2012

CEDIA AWARDS 2012 T

he Annual CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) Awards were handed out at the recent CEDIA Expo in Brisbane.

Len Wallis Audio scored four wins and a runner-up award (or a “Highly Commended” as they say) for our custom installation work. This tally has only been

18

exceeded once, several years ago, and again that was by… Len Wallis Audio.

It is little wonder that we remain the go-to company for so many of Sydney’s luxury home projects, where architects and owners seek the best in both Home Entertainment and Smart Home Management solutions. Advanced

lenwallisaudio.com.au

CEDIA AWARDS

technology and sensitivity to interior design come together to produce an enjoyable and enviable lifestyle.

From initial concept through detailed design to professional installation and set-to-work, this is the team you need on your side.

This year LWA won in all the following categories (and the values are just for their part of each project, not the total build): t #FTU *OUFHSBUFE )PNF *OTUBMMBUJPO PWFS L t #FTU *OUFHSBUFE )PNF *OTUBMMBUJPO L L t #FTU )PNF 5IFBUSF PWFS L t #FTU %SFTTFE 3FTJEFOUJBM 4ZTUFN BOE t A)JHIMZ $PNNFOEFE GPS #FTU .FEJB 3PPN PWFS L You can see more of our projects at http://lenwallisaudio.com/ custom-installations/gallery

19

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Newsletter Winter 2012

ICONIC SYDNEY HOME GETS SMART OVERHAUL

T

o look at this beautiful and unique home from the outside, you would imagine that it had been built with all of the latest lifestyle systems you would ever need. Well, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be wrong.

Unfortunately the technology side of things had been left way behind in the original design.

When our clients bought the home from the previous owners, they saw the need, and indeed the value, in updating technology throughout. They gave us at Len Wallis Audio a call to help them do so.

20

The Lighting, Security, Audio Visual and Access Control systems were all in desperate need of updating, and additionally we were asked to install motorised curtains and blinds, and a state-of-the-art home theatre system.

All of these components were to be integrated and controlled via a master control system. In this case the excellent Crestron system was the ideal choice.

Retro-ďŹ tting a system of this scope was never going to be easy, but at Len Wallis Audio we enjoy a challenge!

All of the lighting was upgraded from the existing traditional switch-based system to a C-Bus lighting control system, providing the owner with complete control of lighting quantity and quality throughout the home.

The beautiful C-Bus Saturn range keypads were used throughout to control the lighting. Additionally, movement sensors were strategically placed around the home for functionality, ease of use and energy saving. These can sense movement within a room turning the lights on, but

lenwallisaudio.com.au

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

more importantly in terms of energy use, they can detect when someone isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the room, and will turn the lights off.

Many of the changes were designed and implemented with energy efďŹ ciency in mind. This was particularly important because of the quantity of glass in the home. Using the Crestron control system, the motorised curtains can be scheduled in line with the sunrise and sunset, whilst on/off control over the air conditioning, temperature sensors, and automated louvers are all used to moderate the house temperature.

Updating the security system was paramount, to compensate for ďŹ&#x201A;aws in the original system, and to allow for integration into the new lighting control system. This means that when

21

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

22

Newsletter Winter 2012

lenwallisaudio.com.au

CUSTOM INSTALLATION

the owners set the alarm system on their way out, the lights will turn off automatically behind them.

The clients now have also have the ability to monitor their home’s security cameras whilst away from home, whether they’re at work or anywhere in the world!

The original, rather-dated home theatre system in this home was transformed into a deluxe, modern state-of-the-art home movie theatre, with a full anamorphic (widescreen) projection system.

With all of the three front speakers located behind the 150” projection screen, the room has that “real cinema’ feel. The projector itself (the awesome JVC 3D HD model) is installed within a motorised lift, so that when it’s not in use it conceals itself within the ceiling.

Again, the theatre is fully controlled by the Creston control system, so that at the touch of a button, the projection descends out of the ceiling and starts up, the amp and Blu-ray player all kick in, and the movie is ready to go!

The surround sound system is now a 7.2-channel set-up, with B&W 800 Series speakers. As you can imagine, it sounds amazing!

Proving that nothing is impossible, we were able to bring this home forward into the 21st century. It now has the lifestyle systems in place that you would expect when you see this uniquely styled building.

As a result, this year this project was nominated for the CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards, in the category for Best Integrated Home Installation AUD$250,000-$500,000.

23

WE’LL GO EAR-TO-EAR WITH ANYONE.

CRANK IT UP!

NAD VISO 1 Wireless Digital Music System The recently released VISO 1 has already received a host of accolades:

“It sounds massive, for starters: even in one of our biggest listening rooms, it can muster bass to humble its rivals....”

WHAT HI-FI “Singers sound like they’re in the room; you can hear the breath of a sax player; each instrument in a group or orchestra has its own identity.”

MacWorld Australia “In a word, glorious.…this the best-sounding iPod speaker system I’ve ever heard… “ Here’s How - Canada

For more info & where to buy

www.nad.com.au 1300 13 44 00

MUSICAL FIDELITY

Newsletter Winter 2012

M1 PWR Power Amp ($1499)

DIAL M1 FOR MUSIC

M

usical Fidelity’s M1 Series has built up into a complete portfolio of high-end components at affordable prices, and in neat half-width chassis. They use high-grade components, and the finish is excellent, in the style of the company’s larger M components — the M3, M6, and so on.

The latest additions to the range, listed below, are the M1 DAC-A and the M1 PWR Power Amplifier.

M1 DAC-A ($799) This is just like the previous M1 DAC, almost indistinguishable physically, except that it now incorporates asynchronous USB input circuits and upgraded power supplies to give better results than ever, particularly improving the results with computer-sourced music.

Musical Fidelity’s summary still applies: “The M1 DAC-A will lock on to any SP-DIF signal at 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz. The input sampling frequency is displayed on the front panel.

The M1 DAC upsamples to 24-bit at 192kHz. This is genuine, true upsampling.

The M1’s technical performance is, pretty well, as good as any at any price. We know this sounds like an incredible claim but it’s true. Musical Fidelity’s state-ofthe-art circuit design and PCB layout with the use of top quality digital components

gives state-of-the-art performance.

There’s no secret or mystery about this.

We use top quality digital components in carefully designed circuit configurations which are subtly implemented on brilliant PCB layouts. Unsurprisingly the result is state-of-the-art performance. It’s just that the price is competitive so many people find it hard to believe. The M1 DAC has vanishingly low distortion, typically less than 0.005% across the band. Frequency response is ruler flat. Jitter is extremely low. The noise ratio is outstanding, one of the quietest DACs in the world regardless of price. Looking at the M1 DAC’s total measurements and comparing them to any DAC up to ten times its price you will see that, on balance, the M1 DAC is equal to or better than any.”

It was on the cards that there would be an M1 power amplifier coming along, as both the CLiC Media Server and the HPA Headphone amp can act as pre-amps.

And here it is!

At 60w x 2 into 8 ohms, or 120w x 2 into 4 ohms, this is an amplifier with a solid current capability, and it can be bridged into mono for 100w/200w into 8/4 ohms respectively.

“As with the rest of the M1 range, distortion rates are markedly low, at 0.05%. The M1 PWR’s technical performance continues to impress with superb phase integrity, frequency response and signal-to-noise measurements.

“Alongside its standard stereo input and twin speaker outputs, the M1 PWR also features a 12V trigger in/out and ‘loop out’ signal sockets – allowing amps to be daisy-chained and biamp your speakers.

“At 22cm wide, 10cm tall and 30cm deep, the M1 PWR is exactly the same size as the M1 CLiC, for which it is a perfect partner. Along with the other same-width M1 range, they allow you to build a compact hi-fi system – able to handle both traditional and modern music sources – that surpasses the performance of far larger, pricier alternatives.”

Other M1 components: x M1 CLiC Media Server ($1999); x M1 HPA Headphone Amp ($899); x M1 ViNL MM/MC Phono Amp ($1199); x M1 CDT CD Transport ($999).

25

MARANTZ

Newsletter Winter 2012

MARANTZ SPECIALS! Melody Movie ER803 ($1599, now $999) The Melody Movie is a high-quality Blu-ray receiver, and much more. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it entertains in so many ways. In addition to playing Blu-ray discs, it plays CDs and DVDs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with all the ďŹ nest of details faithfully reproduced. You can also transfer music from your iPod, or even your mobile phone or PC via the optional Bluetooth connection RX101.

Stereo FM/AM? No problem! The Melody Movie is also a tuner. But most importantly, whatever the source, it delivers excellent sound. It is a 2.1-channel receiver, so you may want to connect just two loudspeakers directly, or also have a subwoofer. As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect, BD picture quality is great, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see better picture quality also from DVDs, since Melody Movie up-scales them to 1080p.

Sound is treated right by a Class D digital ampliďŹ er that delivers 2x 70W, with an advanced smart signal processing system. Another smart aspect: with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dolby Virtual Speakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; setting you can experience all-enveloping surround sound from just two speakers. This is big, big entertainment from a very compact and well-designed box.

MELODY MOVIE FEATURES: Stylish and solid high gloss black DBCJOFU t Y 8BUUT 3.4 PIN t 1MBZT #MV SBZ %JTD %7% BOE $% t .1 8." DPNQBUJCMF t 4UFSFP '. ".

XJUI 3%4 t #% -JWF t 7JEFP TDBMJOH VQ UP Q t )%.* B t (SBQIJD 6TFS *OUFSGBDF t 4UFSFP EPXO NJY t J1PE J1IPOF DPNQBUJCMF t . 9QPSU t %PMCZ 7JSUVBM 4QFBLFS BOE %PMCZ )FBEQIPOF t 4VCXPPGFS 0VU t 3FNPUF

26

NA7004 ($1120, now $899) The NA7004 was early into the new tuner-streamer-DAC market, and as the market saw more entrants arriving, the competition on price hotted up. It is still one of the best around, and at this new low price itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the competition that will be feeling the heat.

The NA7004 is your ideal connection to your favourite music, no matter where it comes from â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from your PC, external hard disk, or as an FM, DAB or DAB+ radio station broadcast in your country, or even on the other side of the world via Internet radio or an online music service. The NA7004 connects to them all.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it incorporates technology based on the DLNA1.5 standard for audio streaming. This functionality can also be found in other products, but here it is much more directed to music lovers and audiophiles, because Marantz has done everything to ensure top-quality audio: rigid cabinet structure, strong power supply, audio output stage applying the famous HDAM-SA2, and ďŹ ne-tuning by customised components.

It is even ideal for people with no network in the home. Simply hook-up the NA7004 via USB connector to your PC and your computer will recognise the NA7004 as an external sound card, the most direct way to enjoy excellent quality.

And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more: digital inputs, iPod-digital-compatible USB, and optional

Bluetooth reception. Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AirPlay was an optional extra, but is now free with this model, adding another convenient way to play music from portable devices on your system wirelessly. The NA7004 is versatile in the extreme, but amazingly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also extremely easy to operate.

HiFi Choice summed it up: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is B QSPEVDU UIBU WJSUVBMMZ EFNBOET PVS SFDPNNFOEBUJPO w Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a bit cheaper, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for sure!

NA7004 FEATURES: W5VOFS *OUFSOFU SBEJP t 4VQQPSUT /BQTUFS t 4USFBNJOH NVTJD GSPN 1$ PS "QQMF QSPEVDUT WJB PQUJPOBM "JS1MBZ t %"$ .PEF EJHJUBM JOQVUT BOE 64# UZQF # t %"# #BOE *** BOE %"#

t 4UFSFP '. UVOFS t )JHI RVBMJUZ % " DPOWFSUFS $4 t %JTDSFUF TZNNFUSJD DJSDVJU BSDIJUFDUVSF t )%". 4" DJSDVJUSZ t J1PE J1IPOF DPNQBUJCMF t . 91PSU t 3FNPUF CVT t 34 D t 3FNPUF $POUSPM t $PMPVS #MBDL

SA7001 CD/SACD player ($1499, now $799) The SA7001 was an imposing player when released some years back, and still a superb piece of audio gear.

Gramophone Magazine had a lot to say about it, and these are edited highlights: i*OJUJBM JNQSFTTJPOT BSF PG RVBMJUZ build and control layout and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a EFm OJUF TFOTF UIBU UIJT JT B QMBZFS EFTJHOFE UP QFSGPSN 6OEFS UIF MJE JT EJHJUBM UP BOBMPHVF DPOWFSTJPO GSPN $JSSVT -PHJD JO UIF GPSN PG UIF $4 i4VQFS %"$w BOE UIF GBNJMJBS .BSBOU[ )ZQFS %ZOBNJD "NQMJm FS .PEVMFT PS )%".T VTFE JO UIF PVUQVU TUBHF i.BSBOU[ QSFTFOUBUJPO IBT MPOH CFFO BCPVU TQBDF BOE UISFF EJNFOTJPOBMJUZ XJUI WPJDFT BOE JOTUSVNFOUT UIBU IBOH JO UIF BJS CFUXFFO BOE CFZPOE UIF TQFBLFST BOE UIF 4" EPFT KVTU UIBU XJUI OP TFOTF PG BSUJm DF 8IFO B TPMPJTU CF UIFZ WPDBM PS JOTUSVNFOUBM JT SFDPSEFE XFMM B

lenwallisaudio.com.au

MARANTZ thrilling sense of them standing before you, fully formed and solid, not as a two-dimensional cut-out in an audio version of a Victorian cardboard theatre.â&#x20AC;?

SA7001 FEATURES: Disc formats: SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, $% 5FYU t %JHJUBM UP BOBMPHVF conversion: Cirrus Logic CS4397 multibit Delta/Sigma, combining DSD conversion for SACD and PCM for CD t %JHJUBM PVUQVUT 0QUJDBM BOE FMFDUSJDBM EJHJUBM GSPN $% t "OBMPHVF PVUQVUT 4UFSFP PO QIPOP TPDLFUT IFBEQIPOFT t 0UIFS DPOOFDUJPOT .BSBOU[ % #VT SFNPUF DPOUSPM t "DDFTTPSJFT TVQQMJFE SFNPUF IBOETFU t %JNFOTJPOT 8Y)Y%

440x113x335mm.

SA-15S2 CD/SACD Player ($2780, now $1999) The SA-15S2 is a current model. These are gold in colour and not the LE version.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the high end of Marantzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s player line-up, and uses the Crystal high-precision Super Audio D/A converter CS4398, to faithfully recreate the full magniďŹ cence of the SACD format. It also provides reference-quality CD reproduction, and proves that CD player integration need not degrade audio quality. The SA-15S2 even goes one step further, making it possible to integrate MP3 and WMA playback without sacriďŹ cing sound quality on CD. It includes a zero-impedance matching coupler for best signal-to-noise ratio, as well as dedicated top-grade headphone circuitry with a fast Current Feedback topology. The D/A converter is equipped with an ultra-high precision clock to eliminate jitter distortion. The SA-15S2 includes a built in-current feedback topology with HDAM-SA2 modules, providing high bandwidth and fast signal handling for pure audiophile playback regardless of format. A Zero-ImpedanceMatching-Joint brings signal-to-noise ratio to its best. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply exquisite.

SA-15S2 FEATURES: 1SFNJVN 4VQFS "VEJP $% QMBZFS GPS 4VQFS "VEJP $% TUFSFP $% $% 3 38 .1 8." t 9ZSPO %JTD 5SBZ BOE 1SFDJTJPO 4VQFS "VEJP $% ESJWF 4"$%. t "MVNJOJVN TIJFMEJOH GPS NFDIBOJTN MJLF 4" 4 t 5PSPJEBM USBOTGPSNFS t 0QUJDBM EJHJUBM JOQVU t 0QFSBUJPO BT % " $POWFSUFS t 'JMUFS 4FMFDUJPO GPS $% BOE 4"$% t )JHI RVBMJUZ BVEJP %"$ $4 t )%".

4" DJSDVJUSZ

DPOTUSVDUJPO t )%". 4" /FX )%". 4" DJSDVJUSZ t $POTUBOU DVSSFOU GFFECBDL QIPOP &2 t 1PXFS "NQ EJSFDU t .. .$ 1IPOP JOQVU t "MVNJOVN UPQ DPWFS

PM-15S2 Integrated AmpliďŹ er ($3490, now $2699)

SC-11S1 and SM-11S1 Stereo Pre/ Power Amps ($13,989 now $6999)

This beautiful ampliďŹ er offers full Current Feedback ampliďŹ cation, adapting HDAMSA2s and HDAM-SA3s for dynamic sound and perfect stereo imaging with extended resolution. Within its slender cabinet it includes a Toroidal transformer, WBT speaker terminals, and symmetrical circuit architecture with system block shielding.

Power output is 2x 90W, 8 ohms.

Independent left and right heatsinks eliminate cross-channel interference. New high precision volume control is provided

by Micro Analog Systems MAS6116. Vinyl fans will appreciate the new Constant Current Feedback MM/MC phono preampliďŹ er coming from the PM-11S2. With rigid double layer chassis construction, aluminium front and side panels, and an additional bottom plate to minimize external noise it is really solid. It all adds up to extraordinary high quality stereo sound, and by chaining up to four units with our ďŹ&#x201A;oating control bus FCBS, it even can delivers a spectacular multi-channel experience. These are gold in colour and not the LE version.

In gold ďŹ nish, these are magniďŹ cent items from Marantzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premium line, and will be sold together at this amazing price. The SC-11S1 Pre-amp has two sets of XLR balanced inputs, and one set of XLR pre-outs plus a set of single-ended RCA. The other inputs are RCA connections for Phono, CD, Line 1&2, Tape 1&2, with two for Rec Out as well.

The power ampliďŹ er SM-11S1 likewise sports both single-ended RCA inputs and XLR balanced inputs. It also has two sets of speaker outputs, so that two sets of speakers can be run either separately or together.

The power ampliďŹ er is rated at 100w x 2 into 8 ohms, 200w x 2 into 4 ohms, and can be bridged for a massive mono 400w into 8 ohms! The design derives from Marantzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reference Series MA-9S2, and uses only very high quality audio components throughout.

The power amp can also be triggered from the pre ampâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12v trigger output.

Great speakers deserve to have ampliďŹ cation of this calibre, but even lesser ones will be greatly enhanced by such ďŹ ne driving forces. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never hear what your speakers are really capable of unless you hear them driven by a truly great ampliďŹ er.

We have but one pair of these, new, to sell at this price.

PM-15S2 FEATURES 1SFNJVN JOUFHSBUFE BNQMJm FS Y 8 BU PIN Y 8 BU PIN

t /FX IJHI BDDVSBDZ MJOFBS DPOUSPM WPMVNF t 5PSPJEBM USBOTGPSNFS t 'VMM EJTDSFUF TUBHF QPXFS BNQMJm FS

27

SONOS

Newsletter Winter 2012

NEW FROM SONOS Cullen Mod Connect/ZP90 As you’d probably be aware, the Connect (or ZP90) is a digital wireless transceiver that is capable of bringing all your music sources into any existing music system with an auxiliary input. These sources will usually be your hard-drive music library such as iTunes, but can also be Internet Radio, online libraries, or any source directly attached to any other zone (which might be a CD player or a DAB+ or AM/ FM radio, for example).

You could say that the Connect turns any existing system into an independent Zone, controllable by the Sonos controller.

(Note: you may also need a Bridge, formerly Zonebridge, to connect to your router if you are not directly connecting this unit to the local network via ethernet cable, or if you have no other connected Sonos units already in the home.)

This “new version” of the Connect has been modified to improve sound quality, using Rick Cullen’s modifications – this is achieved by re-clocking the digital data and upsampling it and thereby both reducing jitter markedly and offering higher resolution. This, of course, results in smoother texture in the high frequencies, better definition overall, and more spacious soundstage – in short a more complete and improved rendition of everything! Provided you’re using a good

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DAC, and feeding it from the coaxial (not the optical) output of the Cullen ZP90, you’re going to get extremely good sound, comparable to many top CD players. These units are factory set to 192kHz, so are at the forefront of current technology, and are priced at $1099. This is an ideal enhancement to every existing Sonos system, not just new ones, delivering excellent value sonically plus freeing up an existing standard model Connect/ZP90 to use in another zone.

How good the DAC you use, and indeed how good the entire system is, remains a variable. This will depend on your requirements for quality overall.

But the objective of the Cullen Mod Connect (ZP90) is that it no longer can be accused of being the weak link in the chain. This has been achieved.

Sonos SUB The next product to be released by Sonos is the wireless subwoofer, called SUB, priced at $999. It will have plenty of applications as an add-on to the large existing base of installed systems, as well as being an attractive part of a starter system. The revolutionary design, using two woofers facing each other across a large open port, enables a number of

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placement options, even laying it down flat. Add it to any system where you are using the Connect:Amp and a pair of speakers which could do with some more bass – often the case since the Connect:Amp is regularly used with in-ceiling speakers or bookshelf speakers.

The subwoofer will create a more lifesized sound wherever you use it. Add one to any single (or pair) of the powered speakers Play:5 and Play:3 for the same leap in capability.

Once connected to power, the Sonos SUB will be able to be added to your Sonos group – set-up is quick and painless, as usual with their products. Ease of use and modifications/additions from time to time are made simple by Sonos’ attention to detail, with set-up prompts appearing on your hand-held controller.

It’ll be up and running in minutes.

Here’s Sonos’s summary: “Whether Beethoven’s thunderous 5th or the pounding bassline of the latest four-onthe-floor obsession, the new SUB will fill any room with thick layers of bottomless sound that let you hear and feel the weight of every chord, kick, splash and roll.

“Place it anywhere in a room, plug it into a power source, press a button and follow some simple prompts on your controller. The SUB wirelessly connects with your other Sonos components for a flawlessly optimized, whole-room listening experience. Within minutes of taking it out of the box, you won’t just hear the difference the SUB makes – you’ll feel it with every bone in your body.

“Whether standing up or lying down, the SUB’s unique design and wireless signal allows you to place it anywhere in the room – even lying flat under a couch –without any loss in sound or performance.

“The SUB works with all Sonos amplified components: CONNECT:AMP; PLAY:5; PLAY:3. It does not work with the non-amplified Sonos CONNECT. It is available in a high-gloss black lacquer finish. A slightly cheaper black matte version will be available in September 2012.”

SPIN CLEAN LPs

I

t’s nothing short of amazing how long the LP has been around, and that it still holds a place dear to many of us, despite requiring a bit of maintenance and careful set-up to get the best out of it.

The surface noise was always the thing that we most wanted to fix, and the methods of cleaning and de-staticing that have been marketed over the years are countless. There has been nothing inbetween the cheap cleaning pads of various sorts and the top-line cleaning machines (which can be up around $1000) – until now. The Spin-Clean Record Washer Mk2 ($135) is now available, and has received acclaim from audiophile magazines like The Absolute Sound and Stereophile, among others.

It is essentially a narrow tank to contain clean water and a small quantity of special cleaning fluid.

Two rollers support the 12” LP (with alternate positions for other sizes) and two brushes in the middle do the cleaning while you rotate the record three times clockwise and three times more, anti-clockwise.

The Spin-Clean fluid is applied directly onto the brushes, and as the record rotates the brushes get the dirt and other matter out of the grooves and it goes into the water. Then, due to the chemical action of the cleaning fluid, it sinks to the bottom of the tank. This means it doesn’t re-attach to the LP, and

you can use the same mixture for more LPs. Each batch of water/fluid additive is said to be good for up to 50 LPs. Your initial batch will be enough for 700 cleans! The fluid contains no alkalines, soap solutions or phosphates, and is bio-degradeable.

Each LP has to be wiped dry with one of the reusable lint-free cloths provided. The process is also claimed to reduce static. No residue is left on the record. The strength of the concept is its simplicity, as it does the job at minimal cost, and more thoroughly than other cheap methods.

Will your LPs be completely silent-surfaced after cleaning? That depends on the state of the vinyl itself, and what damage might be present in the grooves. But you can be sure that noise caused by dirt will be greatly reduced if not eliminated. Only a very hardened-on adhesion (those things that cause backtracks) might remain after the bath treatment.

Spare rollers, brushes, drying cloths and refills can all be purchased separately as follow-on buys as you use the initial supplies up. The starter kit includes the washer basin and lid, two rollers, two brushes, 4oz. Cleaning Fluid concentrate, and two reusable drying cloths.

In summary, every home blessed with a record collection needs this beaut little device. Our only issue to date has been getting enough stock!

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DIGITAL AMPLIFICATION

Newsletter Winter 2012

DIGITAL AMPLIFIERS ARE FAST BREEDERS...

W

e’ve been mentioning digital amplifiers quite a bit recently, because what started out as a low-profile niche market thing is rapidly becoming mainstream, and will continue to push aside conventional amplifiers as we progress to more and more digital transfers of program material instead of physical media. It’s not that you can’t go on using your analogue amps and connections, but the march of progress is relentless, and higher-resolution audio and video both end up requiring not just optical or coaxial digital inputs, but even higher capacity via HDMI, not to mention asynchronously linked USB. There are three main aspects we talk about regarding digital amplifiers: (i) the amplification itself, often referred to as Class D, although there are sub-classes of which some are more “digital” than others;

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(ii) the connections or inputs, which can be those mentioned above; and (iii) the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) which has to be there at some point, since the output to the speakers and headphones is still analogue. One of the variables is the DAC itself, and another is how much signal processing is done in the digital domain to get as low a noise floor as possible before kicking it into analogue and out via the speaker connections.

While digital inputs on surround sound receivers have been obligatory for over a decade, it is only relatively recently that they started to become important in stereo systems. This is a flow-on from the growth in hard-drive storage and streaming of musical content as opposed to the use of the main physical medium, CD. Pundits agree that there will not be another disc-based format for either music

or video, and that CD and Blu-ray are the end of the line, with SACD and DVD-A being merely branch lines that failed to do the numbers, good as they were.

Of the four main transfer types (leaving wireless aside for now), the USB connection was the poor relation qualitywise until the advent over the last couple of years of new re-clocking technologies.

These asynchronous links re-process the data stream on the way through, buffering and re-clocking to a low-jitter, high standard of presentation before the DAC does its conversion. Most new DACs coming onto the market now have to have this as part of their make-up if they are to cut the digital mustard in the new environment. What new environment?

Well, the one where resolution is now even higher than anything that went before… dare I say better than analogue?

Apart from the obvious convenience of digital storage, organisation and replay of your music, the other big news of recent years is higher resolution or HD music. This will not usually be issued on physical discs, but will be downloaded and replayed from your hard drive. There are already sites online selling tracks and albums in this format, both new recordings and reprocessed earlier ones. It’s no coincidence that Linn now will produce no further CD players, but will sell you a server and the HD tracks to go with it.

Peachtree have been making Class D amplifiers with coaxial, optical and USB inputs for some years now. They have been upgrading their onboard DACs over time, and have also had a spread of power capabilities, from 40w x 2 upwards. This year, however, things got a whole lot more serious as they went to the next level and released separate pre and power amplifiers, ranging up to 220w x 2 and even 400w x 2 in the Grand Integrated (see page 11). It’s no surprise that DACs go on improving, but traditionally it has been a big ask to deliver higher power

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at reasonable cost. This has been made possible by digital amplification.

How did this sneak up on us, I hear you ask? Aren’t digital amps something that are just good for subwoofers or budget products?

A little bit of history might help explain. Back in 2000, Sharp brought to market a $US15,000 digital amplifier called the SM-SX100. Stereophile probably thought it would be a bit of fun to have the “king of analogue” (Michael Fremer) do the review of it, and his review is well worth reading in full. (It is online at www. stereophile.com/integratedamps/253.)

He loved the amplifier, finding it in no way digital, and in every way pleasing.

There were things in the way of its acceptance back then, not least of all the price, but also Sharp are not a specialist high-end name to conjure with. They are a mass-market company. And right through the 1990s and into the noughties, the old “digital is bad” refrain rang out loud and clear throughout the audiophile world. Yet Sharp had demonstrated convincingly that digital amplifier technology was good, operating at the SACD level of processing, namely a 2.8MHz sampling rate.

Even so, the next groundbreaking product didn’t achieve notoriety until 2010/2011, when NAD’s M2 Digital Integrated amplifier started to win over the top ranking magazine reviewers.

It scored a Product of The Year award from The Absolute Sound plus an Editor’s Award. Robert Harley, another respected reviewer, had the $US6000 M2 in his system where normally he’d have over $US50,000 worth of gear (with bits like Berkeley Alpha DAC, Pass Labs Amps) and found it just fine. While it fell marginally short of his reference system he said it certainly wasn’t anything like the cost margin! He was convinced it represented the future of amplification. (http:// nadelectronics.com/articles/TASReviews-the-M2-Digital-Amplifier-)

The M2 grew from years of research and development involving NAD and semiconductor company Diodes Zetex, with results that went significantly beyond the groundwork of the Sharp team, which had worked with the best available technology from ten years earlier and made a good thing with it. In both cases the careful handling of the signals, combined with higher resolution processing and direct conversion from digital to power output, have paid off in speed, accuracy, and low noise floor.

NAD have taken the technology down to a lower price point now with the C 390DD Integrated Amplifier ($2999), a move which will bring the virtues of their design approach to bear directly on the mass market, at least in so far as quality

stereo music remains a very healthy sub-sector of the total A/V market.

At the same time, Peachtree have stepped up a notch with their offerings, and are about to hit the market with not just the Grand Pre and Grand Integrated in the $4k area, but the Nova Pre ($999) and the 220 Power ($1599), which will be ready to roll-out soon. This is a real departure for a company that until recently concentrated on the more affordable integrated amp area, and is proof when taken with NAD’s moves, that the specialist hi-fi market is headed in that direction.

The only remaining question is what the bigger players will do with this. We will have to wait and see how companies like Marantz and Yamaha respond, and when.

But there’s no longer any ‘if’ about it.

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Yamaha’s New ‘73 Series Receivers YOUR HOME ENTERTAINMENT HUB

Yamaha’s AV Controller app is available as a free download for iOS and Android devices

iP Phone h

Wireless Control

With network connectivity serving as a key focus of the range*, Yamaha’s new ’73 Series transcends conventional AV receiver functionality - now serving as a hub for all your home entertainment.

Multi Zone

Featured on the RX-V473 network receiver and above, Yamaha’s AV Controller app provides simple, wireless control using an iOS or Android device. Additionally, stream music wirelessly from an iTunes library or Apple device using AirPlay.

*Network connectivity features on all ‘73 Series receivers excluding the RX-V373.

/YamahaAVau

For more information, scan the QR code or go to au.yamaha.com

Control