Len Wallis Audio Headlines Spring 2013

The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio

Spring 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

Yamaha Aventage – Gen IV receivers PLUS: Panasonic Ultra HD Latest Marantz releases New Focal Chorus 700 Bose is back!

Rega ‘limited’ RP40 turntable Top home theatre options 1

lenwallisaudio.com.au

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I listen to my music pretty much 24/7.

But sometimes the world can be a noisy place. That’s why I wear these headphones. Because wherever I am, whatever’s going on around me,

what I hear

is up to me.

QuietComfort 20i ®

Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones

The first in-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose®. With revolutionary technology that lets you get totally immersed in your music — or stay connected to the outside world as you listen. So you’ll enjoy better sound every day, everywhere you go.

QC20.bose.com.au | 1800 173 371 © Bose Bos osse ose e Co C Corporation o orpo rrp rpo pora po rat ation a on o n 2013.

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Al All ll rrights ig igh ghts gh ts re res reserved. ese ese es errrv ved. d. d © Bose Corporation 2013. All rights reserved.

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EDITED BY GEOFF FORGIE

ANNOUNCEMENT! We recently took out yet another CEDIA Award, for Best Theatre Room $75,000-$150,000. Next year it could be your theatre room that wins! See the many ways to bring high-quality home theatre to your home on p18-21

CONTENTS 4

Yamaha Aventage Generation IV

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Yamaha’s release program is revving up on both stereo and surround fronts, with the new generation of Aventage receivers and a high-end super stereo amplifier

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Focal’s new Chorus Line The ‘V’ has vanished from the 700 line for a new look and improved performance, while a complete new 800VW line offers something really special

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Naim The key to Naim’s success is not just the clever streaming and digital conversion side of things, but also the astonishingly good amplifiers they insert into their products

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Life can be a Cabaret!

There are many different ways to create a home theatre space to suit your home and your desires! We look at a selection of our home theatre installations to inspire you with the many possibilities for home entertainment.

Magnum Dynalab Don’t neglect the joys of FM – Magnum Dynalab is still producing tuners that offer the ultimate FM performance

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Audio Physic What commenced with the German Classic 10 and 20 speaker ranges has evolved further, now including the Classic 30 and a whole set of new special colours

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Musical Fidelity The DAC has returned to importance with the rise of computer-based audio, and Musical Fidelity have new models for different budgets, including Bluetooth input

Krell The new S-550i steps up from the successful S-300i integrated amplifier, while Krell delivers a remarkably affordable high-end preamplifier in the Phantom III

Rega RP40 limited edition turntable A very special turntable celebrates the UK makers’ 40th anniversary – but stocks will be very limited!

Bose is back!

Bose are back at Len Wallis Audio after a gap of a couple of years, with home theatre systems and some remarkable new wireless speakers

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Marantz new releases A very full release schedule includes new surround sound receivers as well as some very interesting stereo products, some of which are definitely high-end gear...

Panasonic Ultra HD Bigscreen Panasonic have gone Ultra HD with their new 65”/ 165cm LED LCD screen offering four times the usual HD resolution and able to play 4K video at 50/60Hz

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Meridian Director DAC Following on from the very successful little Explorer DAC, Meridian have gone up a step with the larger Director

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Focal XS Book Wireless/Arcam Sonlink Neat streaming speakers from France’s Focal, and Arcam’s neat upgrade for your Sonos system

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Sennheiser headphone amplifiers High-end headphones deserve a dedicated amplifier to deliver their best, and Sennheiser have just the thing

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Specials!

Arcam AV receivers, Richter valves and AKG headphones

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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YAMAHA

YAMAHA AVENTAGE IV SURROUND RECEIVERS

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amaha’s release program is really revving up on both the stereo and surround fronts.

We’re now into the “030 series”, or generation 4 of the Yamaha premium Aventage surround receivers.

These have been a cut above the rest from the beginning, but they haven’t stopped adding improvements; they’re determined to keep them up there as a superior range.

This time around you’ll find things like ESS Sabre DACs in the top three models (as used in some other smart brands like Krell and Peachtree), while the lower models have the excellent Burr Brown DACs. AirPlay has already been added to what is an astonishing roll-call of features and quality design aspects carried forward from previous series. Now, as we go to press, there’s been an announcement that Spotify Connect will be available as a firmware upgrade for these receivers.

Owners will need to get a Premium account for $12/month, but a 30-day free trial is also mentioned.

The Total Purity Concept, which Yamaha has been cultivating for many years, encompasses high-drive amp technology, high purity pre-amplification, anti-vibration technology and independent pure power supplies. All models have fully discrete power amplifiers that help to minimise distortion. They also adopt independent pure power supplies, allowing dedicated power supplies for the analogue and digital circuitry to prevent digital noise from affecting analogue circuitry. The anti-vibe heatsinks

are designed to suppress vibration from transistors and sound pressure waves.

Independent power supplies for the DACs are designed to further eliminate noise.

Down to every detail, these AV receivers are designed with full emphasis on the highest possible sound quality.

Ready for the next leap in screen resolution, all the new series can handle 4k signals as well as 3D. MHL (Mobile HD Link) provides easy, direct connection of compatible mobile devices. Playback of up to 1080p video and multi-channel audio

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YAMAHA

from the phones is supported; the receiver also charges the connected phone.

While the full list of features for all five models is way too long for this article, you’ll find a more comprehensive page of details for each of them on our website. But in brief, it will include things like Intelligent Amp Assign for re-allocating drive to Zone 2 from channel 6 and 7 in a 7.1 surround system when required, dialogue enhancement, auto dynamic range adjustment, compressed music enhancer, and Edge Adaptive De-interlacing for smoother image reconstruction.

So what can you expect to get as you go up the range? It could be summarised as more inputs and outputs, even higher grade processing (although all have a high standard), more channels – 9 in the top units – and more power per channel to a maximum of 150w.

Once you get to the nine-channel level (RX-A2030 & 3030) it becomes possible to run a 7.1 theatre plus a Zone 2, or a 5.1 system and Zones 2 and 3. The top three models also have video outputs to a second zone, at up to HDMI level.

All models offer high quality surround sound processing to the level required for Blu-ray, namely Dolby True HD and DTSHD Master Audio. Audio playback of WAV

Pricing is presently as follows:

RX-A3030 $2699

YAMAHA’S SUPER STEREO INTEGRATED and FLAC files can be done at the 192kHz/24 bit level, with MP3 and WMA at up to 48kHz/320kbps.

The RX-A3030 also offers the potential for enhanced surround sound using HD3, or HD cubed. Cinema DSP HD3 literally takes the surround sound experience to new heights. By using four Cinema DSP engines with advanced 3D processing and four presence channels in an 11-channel configuration, it gives the sound an enhanced vertical dimension. Audiences are enveloped in a wide, high and dense sound field that delivers excitingly realistic surround sound.

In addition, a rear Virtual Presence Speaker function has been added to the usual front Virtual Presence Speaker, so you can enjoy CINEMA DSP HD3 programs using a 9-channel system (without rear presence speakers) with almost the same exhilarating sound as an 11-channel system.

RX-A730 $1199

RX-A830 $1499

Yamaha have a lot of new releases happening, but the one which has me very excited is the lovely retro stereo amplifier that’s on the way, probably arriving in October. We’ll go into more detail in the next edition of Headlines.

So here for the moment is a preview picture: the A-S3000 Integrated stereo amplifier. Rated at 100w x 2 into 8 ohms and 150w x 2 into 4 ohms.

Balanced inputs, plus Phono, MM and MC. Look at that front panel, and bathe in the glow of the golden VU meters. Why so many have abandoned the come-hither looks of such things is beyond me – blame the accountants I guess.

Companies like Accuphase and McIntosh have for a long time told the accountants to butt out, and they have prominent VU meters on their amps. Both have a solid following despite their very high prices.

That brings us to the critical part for many aspiring high-enders: what is this going to cost? At the time of writing we don’t know. We’ll have to wait to see the actual price, but we suspect it will be up there! You’d expect it to be lower than those brands mentioned above, but there are some very good integrated amplifiers available from Musical Fidelity, Krell and Electrocompaniet in the $4000$8000 price range, so setting the price will be an interesting exercise for Yamaha Australia.

RX-A1030 $1799

RX-A2030 $2199

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YAMAHA

MIGHT AND POWER

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he advantages of having a separate pre/processor and multi-channel power amplifier are related to either quality or power, or both, but also include the ability to mix and match different components, or to upgrade either without having to ditch the lot!

The only disadvantages would be the size (having to accommodate two large pieces) and the higher price. It makes sense for all brands to have a ‘pre & power’ option as a step up from their top surround receiver. It opens up avenues for upgrades beyond the initial purchase, with additional power amplifiers being a further step, if needed later.

The new Aventage flagship pair from Yamaha marks a return to highend separates, absent from their range for quite a while. The new pre-amp/ surround processor component CX-A5000 ($3499) has a feature list similar to the higher-model Aventage surround receivers (which is a very long list of modern techno-wizardry), but adds an extra layer of quality build standard. This includes balanced XLR connections in addition to the usual RCAs, multi-layer circuit boards and separate power supplies for analogue and digital circuitry. Yamaha have been working with balanced circuitry for

several years in their stereo range, but it hasn’t been an option in surround sound – in fact it has been difficult to get from anybody (except Marantz) unless you go way up market.

The 11-channel capabilities of this pre-amp can be used in differing roles.

It can control additional zones (2, 3, & 4) or can put them at the service of Cinema DSP HD3, which adds extra presence and height channels to more realistically recreate a large sound field such as you’d get in a larger venue.

The new 11-channel MX-A5000 Power Amplifier (also $3499) is a high fidelity, powerful and flexible design, allowing for switching to 5 x bi-amped channels. Each channel can be designated to run via the RCA or the XLR inputs. XLR is used in higher quality applications for its improved shielding from interference, and a perceptible increase in clarity and efficiency of signal transfer.

Among the design features of the power amplifier are that it’s a current feedback power amp with a three-stage Darlington circuit – noted for its superior phase properties and resistance to speaker impedance fluctuations. The power supply has been purpose-built with a high output, toroidal transformer. Also furnished with two 27,000μF block capacitors,

the MX-A5000 can deliver very robust power, with plenty of headroom.

Yamaha quote the power as 150w per channel, two channels driven.

Again Cinema DSP HD3, available in this equipment, takes the surround sound experience to new heights (see under the A3030, previous page).

In conclusion: Whether used together, or used with other brands, these two high-grade components can be highly recommended as premium products, but at a very reasonable price considering all the quality ingredients and design expertise that have gone into them. There comes a point when speaker upgrades demand amplifier upgrades to get the best out of them, and this is where the pre-power option comes into its own.

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www.marantz.com.au Distributed by QualiFi Pty Ltd

Available from

24 Lionel Rd Mt Waverley Vic 3149, (03) 8542 1122 sales@qualifi.com.au, www.qualifi.com.au

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FOCAL

FOCAL’S NEW CHORUS LINE from 89dB to 92dB. This means that all are relatively easy to drive with average sized amplifiers. They will, of course, show better performance as the amplifier quality goes up. Most have reasonably high power handling of 100w or more, but as always with speakers, sensible use is the only protection against damage.

The range includes everything you might want for a complete surround system, such as horizontal-format centre speaker, subwoofer, and wall-mountable rear effects.

The Chorus 700 series will give you an engaging “live” sound compared to any similarly priced competitors, with airy fine detail and the excitement that comes with feeling “you are there”. They are an ideal choice for those wanting highly competent and attractive speakers at a very reasonable prices, as follows (note: gloss black finishes will cost extra).

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he Chorus 700V range is being replaced by the Chorus 700 range. What? Well, it’s like this: the absence of the ‘V’ in this new model number flows from the redesigned grille, which no longer has the v-shaped waveguide built into it.

The updated styling features a smoother, curved treatment of the front edges, while retaining the trapezoidal cabinet crosssection (it’s narrower at the back than at the front, so the sides are not parallel)

which is aimed at reducing standing waves within the cabinet.

The model numbers and sizes will be the same as the previous range, starting at the 705 bookshelf and stepping up all the way to the 726 floorstander. All use a recent version of the Focal TVN2 25mm aluminium/magnesium-alloy inverteddome tweeter, with varying sizes and types of Polyglass woofers and midranges.

All are 8-ohm impedance, while efficiency is generally very good, ranging

Prices (standard timber-look finishes): • 705 $699/pair, 706 $899/pair, 714 $1399/pair, 716 $199/pair, 726 $2799/pair; • CC700 Centre $699; • SW700 Subwoofer $1399; • SR700 Surrounds $999/pair.

Chorus 800VW One of the big successes in a limited production loudspeaker of recent years was the Focal 826W, which at around $4500 was a real stunner, beating all comers. How did they do it? In brief they took the standard Chorus 826V and replaced all the drivers with more upmarket “W” sandwich cones as

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FOCAL

used in the 1000 Be series and the Utopias, with appropriate mods to the crossovers as well.

The improvement to the sound was amazing, but eventually the stocks ran down. In a move that we can only describe as bold, if not amazing, Focal are now offering the complete new 800VW range at similar prices to the old 800V range, but upgraded to Anniversary Special Edition standard. These are stellar performers at prices too good to refuse.

Further, we should advise that this may be your last opportunity to buy speakers using such high-grade drivers at these prices. In due course the 800 series will be replaced by the Aria range, which uses a newly developed “F” cone, made from woven flax fibres. The W cone is

tricky and expensive to produce, so we probably won’t see it again at this level, only in the higher ranges such as Electra 1000Be and Utopia.

Power handling, efficiency and impedance specifications throughout the range are impressive, with solid 8-ohm impedance, efficiency often over 91dB, and power handling beyond 200w.

As with the 700 series, the model numbers will remain similar, starting with the 806VW bookshelf at $1599/pair, and ranging up to the large floorstanding 836VW at $4799. As with the previous series there’ll be a centre channel, powered subwoofer and wall-mountable rear effects too.

All of the 800VW will be finished in Gloss Black.

Prices are: • Bookshelf speakers 806VW $1599/pair, 807VW $1999/pair; • Floorstanders 816VW $2999/pair, 826VW $3799/pair, 836VW $4799/pair; • Centre CC800VW $999; • Surrounds SR800VW $1999/pair; • Subwoofer SW800VW $1999.

FOCAL SIB & CUB

ASTONISHING VALUE IN THIS RE-ISSUED PACKAGE...

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he Sib & Cub3 (5.1) Surround Pack (now just $1299) replaces the very similar Sib & Cub2 package, which for years has been the best in its class. We have sold so many of these for the simple reason that, against all comers, they sound great while being compact and able to be adapted to benchtop, wall or ceiling-mount situations using the adjustable foot as a bracket.

Alternatively, they can also be mounted on the HIP floor stands – an optional extra.

They were always easily the best sounding system at the $1999 price point, having a winning combination of detail, presence and warmth, plus excellent bass from the Cub3. That applies even more so now, as the price has come down by over 30%. There aren’t a lot of changes in the new pack apart from that, except that the Cub3 now has line-level inputs but not speaker-level inputs.

So, jackpot! The price is now much lower, the quality remains high, making this the must-have choice for anybody now putting together a surround system for around the $2000 mark or a little over, to cover both the speakers and the surround receiver. There’s nothing around that will beat this combo for that sort of money, and even quite a bit higher.

Available in Black or White.

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MARANTZ 3

MARANTZ NEW RELEASES

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fter a mid-year pause, Marantz have a very full release program happening right now. It includes new surround sound receivers as well as some very interesting stereo products, some of which are definitely high-end gear.

1 But to start at the more affordable end, the new stereo integrated amplifier PM6005 (price to be advised) is remarkable for being the first of its type to sport digital inputs. This is an ongoing trend in the industry, and we’ll see more of it. The PM6005 is more than just an upgraded successor to the multi-award winning PM6004, because now you can connect it directly to a vast range of digital sources and use its superior DAC to take advantage of a high level of audio enjoyment with new media. The unit includes optical and coaxial digital inputs.

Marantz have retained the pre-amp and power-amp sections that exclusively feature discrete components – not a single IC in sight of the signal path.

That’s because specially-selected single components not only outperform ICs in quality, they also make it possible to refine the sound in much more detail, resulting

in more clarity and transparency. They have also retained the lower-impedance shielded toroidal transformer, as well as the customised main capacitors. And of course all of the original features – such as five-line audio inputs including phono, two-pairs of gold-plated speaker connections with the option of bi-wiring, and a remote handset – are all still there.

The DAC is the 24bit/192kHz highcurrent CS4398, already proven in many Premium Range products. The complete digital section is fully shielded by an extra metal housing to ensure that it has no effect on the analogue signal.

2 The matching CD6005 (price TBA) is based on the CD6004 (“Best CD player under £500” as per “WHAT HI-FI SOUND AND VISION?”) and is a fine-tuned version with even more specially selected components and a beefed-up chassis. It uses a CS4398 DAC, Marantz’s own small signal amplifier, the HDAM-SA2, and has a remote with amplifier controls added. As well as being economical with power, the CD6005 has USB for iPod digital connection.

3 Building on the strengths of the SR7007, the new SR7008 ($3290, above) extends the number of channels from

seven to nine. That’s right, this new receiver can drive nine separate speakers, each with 200W of pure power. And because this is supported by Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X 9.1 you are guaranteed the ultimate experience in surround sound. Audyssey processing extends to MultEQ XT32, LFC and Audyssey Pro, so you get an even more accurate calibration and feel that every seat in the room is a ‘sweet spot’ for audio. It supports Apple Lossless, gapless playback and FLAC HD 192/24 network streaming; you also get the best (including metadata) from music services such as Spotify and last.fm, or from AirPlay audio streaming.

The SR7008 delivers awesome speaker control thanks to the use of current feedback technology, HDAM preamplification and, of course, the 200W for each of the nine channels. Video signals are treated with extra care via advanced video processing, while the 6+1 HDMI inputs and 2+1 outputs (dual output for main zone & Multi Zone output) all support 3D 4k pass-through and 4k scaling video. The front digital connectivity (HDMI & USB) makes it particularly friendly for mobile, tablet, iPad/iPhone, camera and camcorder. The front panel opens up to reveal an additional two-line display.

And to get it all up and running effortlessly, there’s also a full Setup Assistant.

The slimline surround receiver NR1604 (7x90w, $1150) continues to offer a welcome alternative for customers for whom the “one-brand package” is not good enough, while the full-sized surround receiver is a bit daunting sizewise. This model offers similar features to the full-size models but at a cheaper rate and in a smaller chassis, with networking, AirPlay and plenty of HDMI inputs.

For that other area, or for those not requiring surround, the stereo receiver CR610 ($TBA) offers a host of features, including Wi-Fi networking, AirPlay, full support of most digital audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, 192/24 FLAC, ALAC and WAV), and Mobile App Control. It even has an inbuilt CD player, and AM/FM tuner.

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Premium Stereo Components 5 The NA-11S1 Premium Network Audio player ($5690) is the most advanced nextgeneration player that Marantz have produced, building higher than the NA7004 to deliver new media on the highest of levels by utilising the increasingly available high-resolution downloads. The NA11S1 recreates ‘studio master’ quality right in your living room Part of its secret is the High Current Audiophile D/A converter DSD1792, as well as Marantz’s original DSP and Digital Filter PEC777, a high-end algorithm previously used only in professional recording studios – they call it Marantz Musical Mastering. The USB-B port works in asynchronous mode and supports not only 192kHz / 24bits but also DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz for maximised versatility. You can play FLAC HD 192/24 files, WAV 192/24 files, Internet Radio and Streaming Services support via Ethernet, and AirPlay music streaming from iTunes or iDevices – as well as many other file types. It is also DLNA 1.5 certified, so Android integration is easy, and the USB-A port on the front panel also makes playback from an iPod/iPhone/iPad or USB device just as simple.

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The SA-11S3 CD/SACD player ($7890) and PM-11S3 Integrated Amplifier ($8490) are updated old friends from the Marantz Premium range. The SA-11S3 has a new disc mechanism and upgraded DSD1792 DAC, while the PM-11S3 is a high-current design (100w into 8 ohms, 200w into 4 ohms) with all the best componentry Marantz can muster.

Both of these stereo components have been given Editor’s Choice Awards by ‘Hifi News’ magazine in February 2013. The citation reads “It is impossible not to be charmed by this pair, which at £7200 certainly fall into the high-end category. I’d defy anyone not to show respect for the silky, detailed, punchy performance, while its behaviour with modern digital is exemplary for finesse and plain old listenability.”

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Marantz remain one of the most trusted and reliable brands when it comes to stereo audio and AV surround sound equipment.

Their history of delivering excellent performance at either the affordable entry level or the high-end is second to none.

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BOSE

BOSE IS BACK!

changes in the amplifiers and Acoustimass modules which are a little harder to verify from Bose’s user manuals.

Set-up, as has been the case for some years, is not too hard, having been largely automated. But now these systems are even smarter, and recognise when you’re connecting a Blu-ray player, for example, and find the control codes for it. They also do their test-tone routine to assess your room’s acoustic and adjust the system’s output to suit it. A special headset is included for this purpose.

Bluetooth Speakers

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ow that our shop restructure is completed (famous last words, it never really finishes!), we’re pleased to say that Bose are back at Len Wallis Audio after a gap of a couple of years. During that time there have been some developments and refining of familiar product lines, but the key ones remain their 5.1 Surround Sound ‘V-systems’, their Bluetooth portable speakers, SoundDock10 iPod dock (now also with Bluetooth) and Solo TV speaker, all of which should have arrived by the time this Headlines issue hits the street. Other products will follow, but here’s an outline of the ones mentioned.

5.1 Surround Systems The V25 Home Theatre System ($3999) uses four Direct/Reflecting speakers, a SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile speaker II

horizontal format centre speaker, and an Acoustimass Bass Module. The console has a similar set of inputs to the T20 (see panel opposite) — up to six input components, of which three can be via HDMI, two by component video, and one more HDMI, USB or standard A/V input on the front of the console — but adds AM/FM tuner and an iPod dock. The V25 and V35 also have an information display panel to show things like Source, Volume, Station Tuned.

The V35 Home Theatre System ($4999, pictured above) builds the quality audio further by using the Jewel Cubes and centre speaker in lieu of the Direct/ Reflecting cubes of the other two systems.

Its feature set is similar to the V25, although there may be other specification SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile speaker II - Leather

The convenience of being able to send your music from your handheld device or computer wirelessly is one part of the Bluetooth phenomenon. The other, of course, is that it’s a standard system and doesn’t depend on having the right dock or adaptor! Bose have several very good powered speakers that use this method, although they also have Aux inputs.

The Bose SoundLink II Bluetooth powered speaker ($399) is an updated version with improved drivers and processing. It has four tweeters and generates bass via two passive radiators which face each other to cancel out vibrations. There’s also a special edition with nicer leather cover, for $479.

You can connect to it directly via the 3.5mm aux input, but the Bluetooth wireless input will probably be the favoured way. Battery power will give 3-8 hours usage, depending on the volume it is played at. The magnetic cover folds back to form a basic stand when in use, and when closed it will turn off the speaker.

SoundDock 10 Bluetooth

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It delivers a clean sound with good bass for its size. Being only approximately the size of a hardback book, it would be small enough to pack for a trip away, but large enough to do an excellent job.

The Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth ($249) is a truly amazing small powered speaker. It absolutely belies its size with the powerful sound it can pump out, including lots of bass. It comes with a small charger-base, and the speaker itself is almost small enough to go in a coat pocket! Definitely a contender for the most powerful tiny speaker, this would be so easy to take pretty much anywhere.

It has a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connection, as well as the Bluetooth facility, although these days the latter is probably favoured by most people.

The range of the Bluetooth is approximately nine metres, while the battery life can be up to 7 hours, depending on the volume of playback.

The Mini pumps out amazingly solid sound and is bound to be very popular, particularly with travellers, as it takes up next to no space. But it’s a useful addition for around the home, too.

The heavy hitter of the group, however, is the SoundDock10 Bluetooth ($799), with its extra size, inbuilt subwoofer and lots of power. This has as much clout as many shelf stereo systems, with powerful, lifelike sound and generous tonal range delivered by Bose’s Waveguide speaker technology. It can operate wirelessly linked with the included Bluetooth dock, or from a directly docked iPod or iPhone, which will then charge as it plays.

Soundbars are very popular these days, and Bose has a relatively compact one called the Solo TV sound system, priced at $549 including remote control (pictured

left). It’s designed to sit under the TV, being a good size for TVs up to around 37”-42” (94-106cm). It measures 76×527×311mm (hwd) so the pedestal stand will sit on it quite happily. Inputs are optical digital, coaxial digital and analogue stereo, making it compatible with most TVs. Bose describe the sound as follows: “All the sound you hear is made possible by advanced Bose speaker array technology. It reproduces a wide range of sound evenly throughout the room from a compact

enclosure. And with proprietary digital signal processing, that sound is adjusted and optimised at any volume level. So when you’re watching your show, there’s no need to tweak the volume when a quiet moment suddenly becomes explosive.”

This is a nice solution for those who want improved sound and ease of use for smaller to medium-sized TVs. Having its own remote for volume adjustment, and no complicated operating instructions required, will make it popular with a lot of people. It also comes in well below the price of many other soundbar products.

LIFESTYLE® T20 HOME THEATRE SYSTEM

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he T20 Home Theatre System ($2999) uses four Direct/ Reflecting (double cube style) speakers, a horizontalformat centre-channel speaker and an Acoustimass Bass Module. The console includes connections for up to six input components, of which three can be via HDMI, two by component video, and one more HDMI, USB or standard A/V input on the front of the console.

Unfortunately Bose decided not to include a radio tuner in this model, although they did for the V25 and V35 systems.

As with Bose’s other systems, set-up has been largely automated, with the latest version smart enough to recognise what you’re connecting and set up

control codes without user assistance.

Test-tone routines using a special included headset analyse your room’s acoustic and tailor the system to perform at its very best.

• Guided setup and simplified use with easy-to-follow onscreen messages • Vivid surround sound adds excitement to movies and gaming • Easily connect up to 6 of your HD video sources and control them all with a single remote • Video upscaling to 1080p over HDMI • Customised sound to fit your room, for a consistent, high-quality performance • Available with Direct/Reflecting speakers

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KRELL

KRELL S-550i INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

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uilding on the success of the award winning S-300i integrated amplifier, which at $3499 brought Krell quality to a much wider audience, the S-550i ($7999) boasts sound quality and power output capable of driving any loudspeaker to its maximum performance. Delivering 275 watts of stereo output, the S-550i is a power source for virtually any speaker on the market while occupying a fraction of the space typically required for a system delivering this sound quality. The S-550i is outfitted with balanced and singleended inputs, iPod dock, and Theatre Throughput mode. (Developed by Krell, Theatre Throughput simplifies integration into home theatre systems.)

For custom integration applications, 12 volt triggers, RS-232 connectivity and rack mount ears are included. Operational parameters can be customised via the menu system that is accessible from the front panel or the included brushed aluminium remote control.

The preamplifier section features circuit concepts from Krell’s flagship Phantom preamplifier. Krell Current Mode provides unequalled bandwidth for the most revealing playback of today’s high resolution music sources. Direct-coupled circuitry eliminates impact-robbing capacitors from the signal path and an

elegant, custom-machined level control adjusts volume. Discrete circuitry, in a balanced topology, is afforded its own power supply regulation. All signal gain is realised using surface-mount technology featuring proprietary current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs, and negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamplifier, nor is it necessary, with open-loop distortion typically less than 0.003%. The volume control uses a balanced resistor ladder, so that bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting.

In its power amplifier section, the S-550i packs a massive 1750 watt transformer and 68,000μF of capacitance into an elegant 5-inch-high chassis.

This power supply feeds classic Krell circuitry throughout the topology using only discrete circuitry. As with all Krell amplifiers, the S-550i design is an ideal voltage source – that is, the S-550i doubles its power output when a speaker’s impedance is halved. For the

S-550i, the results are 275 watts into 8 ohms and 550 watts into 4 ohms.

This capability is essential for realistic reproduction of a recording’s dynamic content. Most amplifiers can’t deliver this power doubling, leaving music sounding compressed and lifeless.

Inputs: one set XLR, three sets RCA line level, iPod, RS232, 12v trigger in/out.

Phantom III pre-amp You could have been forgiven for thinking, when contemplating the highly regarded Phantom pre-amp at $24,599 or the Phantom II at $16,999, that you didn’t have a ghost of a chance of owning one.

But here’s the Phantom III at $7799 to give you fresh hope of entering the first circle of audio equipment owners.

The Phantom III is the first Krell preamplifier to offer either an optional digital input module ($2299) or a headphone output. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

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KRELL

It’s a dual monaural design with the left and right channels afforded their own power supply regulation and individual circuit boards. All signal gain is executed with surface-mount technology using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Featuring 700kHz bandwidth in a zero-feedback balanced Krell Current Mode design, the Phantom III shares the same design philosophy as its bigger brother, the flagship Phantom preamplifier.

As in the S-550i above, negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%.

The volume control is realised with a balanced resistor ladder – bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting. The headphone circuitry is identical to the main circuitry, offering private listening with the same performance as speaker playback.

The optional digital module supports up to 24-bit/192kHz LPCM. All digital signals are fed to an ESS Sabre DAC and then sent to Krell’s Current Mode, discrete, balanced analogue circuitry.

Being a modular design, the optional digital converter module is easily added at any time.

Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 95 VA transformer and 40,000µF of capacitance, giving it the ability to respond quickly to musical demands. The large power supply improves noise rejection and renders the Phantom III impervious to all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations.

A new eco-friendly standby mode reduces power consumption to 2W Inputs: two sets of balanced XLR stereo, three sets of RCA stereo, plus RS232. Outputs: one set each of XLR and RCA, plus two 12v triggers to turn on power amps.

Available in silver or black finish.

KRELL ‘CONNECT’ STREAMER

S

treaming is the big growth area in hi-fi these days, and everyone is developing products for it. Krell haven’t rushed into this area, but now have a high-end product that can sit happily with their amplifier products – or those from any other high-end producers you like!

Streaming is all about increasing your access to a range of music, either from your own stored music library, or from online sources. The Krell Connect ($3599) is the ultimate in high-resolution audio streaming technology. From FLAC to WAV, Apple Lossless, MP-4a, MP3 and WMA, the Connect plays back up to 192kHz/24-bit audio plus Internet radio, all to Krell’s highest fidelity standards.

The Wi-Fi-equipped Connect is available in two forms: digital only, or with a built-in Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) module. The DAC-equipped Connect has a 32-bit ESS Sabre chipset with discrete, direct-coupled analogue circuitry outputting via RCA or balanced audio outputs. The digital-only version has both coax and Toslink optical outputs.

Extensive audio libraries are easy to navigate via the Connect’s built-in 3.5inch QVGA LCD screen. Alternately, fullfeatured iOS and Android apps offer full control from anywhere in the home.

In addition to playback of FLAC and WAV files up to 192kHz/24-bit, the

Connect also streams Ogg, WMA, and MP3. Unlike some music streamers, gapless playback is possible, allowing for no breaks between album tracks.

Live concert albums, for example, can then be enjoyed as a properly seamless, uninterrupted experience.

Internet radio gets the same conversion as the high-resolution files (on DACequipped models), providing the best possible sound quality from online streaming content.

SPECIFICATIONS • Up to 192kHz/24-bit playback • 3.5-inch QVGA (320x240) LCD Display • Internet radio UPnP/DLNA-compliant • iOS and Android apps for control.

IR Remote optional.

• V-Tuner equipped • Wi-Fi and USB, plus Toslink optical and coax digital inputs (DAC model only) • Rack mountable • Supported formats: FLAC, Ogg, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, MP-4a, MP3 The DAC Optional Extra: You can add an ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC to provide an analogue output stage; this costs $1599 and adds both single-ended and balanced (XLR) stereo outputs.

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10/3/2013 12:47:34 PM

Mystique ad concept 04_Layout 1 1/10/13 1:02 PM Page 1

= Digital sound: clear but cool

[affordably]

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RING REAL VALVE WARMTH back into your listening experience with Richter’s first amplifier, aptly named Mystique.

The makers of Australia’s most awarded and much loved speaker systems have extended their philosophy of musicality and affordability to develop this beautiful valve amplifier, which features conventional, USB and minijack inputs so it works with all your favourite music sources.

= Valve sound: warm and clear

• Solid single-piece casing • High-current low-noise ring-type power transformers • Independent filter circuits for left and right channels.

• Czech-made JJ12AX7 vacuum tubes (first stage output) • Psvane 6L6G power tubes • Highest quality components including Vishay HQ-grade resistors, Nichicon capacitors and an Alps volume control • All circuit boards, input and speaker terminals are gold electro-plated.

A bonus if you listen to digital music files is the Mystique’s superior digital-to-analogue (DAC) conversion which flawlessly translates your music into warm, articulate valve sound. The 24-bit 192 kHz circuitry, with its own independent power supply, radically out-performs the typical wi-fi DAC. You won’t believe you are listening to the same playlist!

At only $1799 RRP, Richter’s Mystique is the ‘steal’ of the decade. Visit a Richter retailer and enjoy the warm, enveloping sound. Team the Mystique with Richter’s stunning, perfectly matched speakers for a revolutionary listening experience!

with USB/DAC input

by

PRO

U D LY

AUSTRALIAN SINCE

6 19 8

(02) 4962 1594

For (much) more information and your nearest dealer, call info@richter.com.au www.richter.com.au Richter Acoustics Pty Ltd, PO Box 578, Hamilton NSW 2303

HIFI Clients.indd 3

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10/2/2013 12:04:34 PM

NAIM

13

SPECIAL NAIM EVENING IN STORE 13 NOVEMBER

channel digital audio source such as a games console or satellite box – any device with a digital output – via one of its five S/PDIF digital inputs. The DAC-V1 can also be combined with the Naim UnitiServe hard-disk server and its matching power amplifier, the NAP 100, to create a compact high-end music system.

NAIM DEVELOPS...

H

ere’s a company that has seen the future of hi-fi, developed the products to serve it up to us, and gone on a rampage of selling like hot cakes!

The keys to Naim’s success are not just in the clever streaming and digital conversion side of things, but also the astonishingly good amplifiers they insert into their products. The various Uniti models offer state-of-the-art streaming and D/A conversion, then they amplify so well that your speakers will sound as if they’d had an overhaul or an upgrade.

Even a relatively modest rating Naim amplifier will amaze you with the power and clarity it delivers.

We are all getting used to the fact that digitally stored and downloaded music has evolved to a higher quality plane than the early examples offered. Early MP3 music was rightly derided for losing the life and depth it should have, sacrificed to fit more music onto small devices. The current scene is quite different, particularly in home-based systems, but even in mobile and wireless forms.

Naim’s mix of products goes across all the necessary elements: DACs, Hard Drives, Tuners, CD Players, Amplifiers and Streamers. Uniti models can include the amplifier, the streamer and DAB+/ FM radio, and in some cases a CD player as well, all in the one unit. If you prefer,

you can construct a system from all the separate parts, or add any of the Naim elements to an existing system.

The latest additions to the Naim range are the DAC-V1 DAC (pictured above) and the NAP 100 power amplifier (below).

The DAC-V1 The DAC-V1 ($2300) is an asynchronous USB digital-to-analogue converter with multiple digital S/PDIF inputs, precision volume control and a high-quality headphone amplifier. It will produce stunning sound quality from your computer and transform it into a highquality, high-resolution music hub.

Connect the DAC-V1 to your PC, Mac or laptop via a standard A-to-B USB cable and the quality of your music will be defined not by the limitations of the computer hardware, but by the quality of the data itself. And with the DAC-V1 that can be incredibly high, up to 24-bit/ 384kHz resolution.

While the DAC-V1 is perfectly suited to being positioned on a desk near a computer, it is also highly versatile. It can integrate seamlessly into a traditional hi-fi system or be used with any two-

NAP 100 The NAP 100 ($1500) is a classic expression of traditional Naim power amplifier engineering. Offering 50 watts per channel at 8 ohms, and 75 watts at 4 ohms, the NAP 100 is a dual-mono design based on the circuit topology found in the SuperUniti reference allin-one player. While its dimensions are conveniently compact – just 20cm wide – its performance is seriously dynamic and expansive. Combine the NAP 100 with its partner, the DAC-V1, and either a computer or UnitiServe, for example, to create a thoroughly modern system bursting with Naim rhythm and clarity.

Naim’s recent firmware upgrade has also enhanced multi-room operations, so you can control what’s playing in any of the rooms or synchronise them all to play the same program.

From the UnitiQute at $2000 (amp/ DAC/tuner/network player) up to the SuperUniti at $5500, there are a number of solutions which just need you to add speakers! We recommend a full tour of the Naim products on our website www.lenwallisaudio.com.au

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10/3/2013 12:48:24 PM

CUSTOM INSTALLLATION

LIFE..

CAN BE A CABARET

M

odern “cinemaplex” cinemas tend to be decorator-free zones, quite unlike the classic cinemas of bygone times. In the 1930s, the cinemas like Sydney’s State Theatre were set up as virtual palaces, an escape into a luxurious world, a place to lift the spirits of a population ground down by the rather straightened circumstances of the time.

With the growth of home theatre rooms, the full gamut of styling and décor can be experienced, from minimal to opulent, from proscenium stage grandeur to everything-in-thewalls-and-concealed. There have been so many of these special rooms done in the past ten years or more that we’d like to show you some of the variety of approaches that have been taken. These usually reflect the taste and style of the owners, but also incorporate technical solutions that only those in the profession are fully across. They deliver the goods, both as functional places and as statements of style.

Having a look at these may help to crystallise your own thoughts about the sort of theatre that would best suit you. Come in and talk to our specialists about planning for and constructing your theatre – as you can see from the following, it can be quite unique, and will be an ongoing pleasure to use.

Here’s a real gem.

Beautifully crafted, totally reminiscent of the cinemas of old, ornate, charming, but thoroughly modern in the equipment producing the pictures and sound.

This one is owned by a big fan of KinoCQ magazine, a quarterly which focuses on the golden age of cinema!

A house in the country, a retreat from city crowds, complete with log fire and all-around rural views. But on command the TV pops up from under the floor, and in-ceiling speakers provide the soundtrack for a good evening’s viewing.

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At first glance this is a lounge with a plasma screen on the wall, but concealed behind the panels are two racks full of electronics (the whole home’s entertainment runs off these) and the top quality front speakers for the surround sound system. The bar off to one side behind the louvre doors is a nice touch too!

A traditional theatre with sumptuous leather chairs, enough for family and guests, and warm timber panelling.

An inviting room to spend time in, watching some high definition entertainment of your choosing.

The control system is set into the arm of the main chair, and this controls not just the audio and video, but lighting and air conditioning too.

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION A light and airy apartment with lots of white walls and timber treatments shows how well integrated a theatre can be. The speakers are hidden in the false wall with the screen, rear effects in the ceiling, and subwoofer in the cabinetry adjacent to the seats. This approach packs in a lot of capability with almost no impact on the ambience.

A sunroom/reading room, for living by day, but can be curtained off for theatre, with everything concealed behind the fabriccovered false wall. A triumph of integration, with a lovely touch of traditional furnishings.

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CUSTOM INSTALLATION

Like a bicycle built for two, this theatre is minimalist, but caters for the comfort of the owners perfectly.

The seating is slender but supportive (and reclining), the lighting variable and atmospheric, and the bar at the back of the room sparkles with waiting cocktail glasses – as does the special starlight ceiling.

A room perfect for entertaining and parties, with a theatre “alcove” at one end. Once again the theatre is integrated, with little visible equipment, into a room with many stylish touches.

ANNOUNCEMENT! We recently took out yet another CEDIA Award, for Best Theatre Room $75,000-$150,000. Next year it could be your theatre room that wins!

In conclusion, the benefits of having your own theatre room are numerous, and there’s plenty of scope to make a personal statement. Len Wallis Audio will make it happen for you, with the look that you want, and with all the latest in technology.

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10/3/2013 12:51:36 PM

PANASONIC

ULTRA HD BIG SCREEN FROM PANASONIC

P

anasonic has a new 65”/165cm LED LCD screen that is superlative in every respect. It’s not just 4k (four times normal HD) resolution, it’s also set up to take 50-60 frame rates through the HDMI 2.0 input or Display Port 1.2a. The Viera TH-L65WT600A (price not yet finalised, expected to be around $7k) has “virtually unlimited” Contrast Ratio, and the backlighting refresh screams along at 2000Hz to provide “incredibly high motion sharpness, even in fast action scenes”.

Picture quality is further helped along by 4K Intelligent Frame Creation frame rate conversion technology; the ability to visually optimise each object in a scene independently, regardless of the direction of movement; Local Dimming Pro circuit and the unique Gamma Area Control, which as a team, allow for more details to be visible in bright or dark areas of the overall picture. Another compatibility is with CalMAN calibration software, to achieve perfect colour neutrality.

The appearance of sub-4K video is enhanced by the TV’s 4K Hexa-Processing Engine. This feature extrapolates data missing from the lower-resolution signal, upgrading and bringing it closer in quality to that of Ultra HD. And that’s not all. Being right up-todate it’s designed for doing more than displaying content from your local cable company’s set-top box or Broadcast. It has its own built-in HTML5 web browser,

allowing it to display 4K web pages.

It also features an “industry-first” 4K H.264 (MPEG4) decoder, which lets it play back 4K video files via USB, SD card, or directly from the internet.

Various members of the household can access their own personalised pre-set Home Screens, which are designed to provide “quick and easy” access to content from their favourite providers – both broadcast and internet. Note: While the WT600 will come with this feature pre-installed, it will also be available as a download to other VIERA sets by the time you read this.

A built-in LAN lets users access multimedia content from the TV throughout the house, on other devices.

Additionally, its twin HD tuners allow users to record one program while watching another one live, or to view two programs at once – one on the TV, and one transmitted via LAN to a tablet or other device.

Finally, users can control the WT600 by voice. This is done through a microphone on the TV’s touchpad controller, or via the Panasonic TV Remote 2 App on a mobile device.

Truly, this is a television tour-de-force, and shows that Panasonic haven’t rested on previous successes, and continue to push their envelope.

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REGA

achievable specification offering improved stereo imaging, balance and detail.

A new silicon drive belt is exclusive to the RP40, derived from Rega’s development work on their ultimate turntable, the Naiad (expected later this year). These belts are manufactured on a new tool to guarantee a stable diameter over the full circumference of the belt offering improved speed stability whilst reducing flutter. A custom TT-PSU will be included which will be hand-tuned to each individual motor before fitting to the deck (a level of fine tuning only found on the RP8 and previously the Planar 9 turntable).

REGA RP40 – LIMITED EDITION

T

o celebrate Rega’s 40th anniversary, the Rega design team has developed the limitededition RP40 turntable (price approx. $2k incl. cartridge) based on the multi-award winning RP3. The RP40 Anniversary Edition will be available in a strictly limited quantity supplied on a

first-come first-served basis and will be exclusively available during 2013 only, as there is very limited stock – allocations are starting in October. We invite you to pre-order this turntable to avoid disappointment. The RP40 will be supplied with a special edition white Elys40 cartridge, carefully tested to the highest

This will maximise the efficiency of the anti-vibration circuit whilst still offering the convenience of electronic speed change. Most importantly, the new turntable looks absolutely fantastic, and like the famous Planar 25 (released in 1999 to celebrate the 25th anniversary) it is destined to become an instant classic.

Rega Research now employs some 80 people, and founder Roy Gandy has always emphasised that it’s their skills, dedication, and teamwork that have made the company successful. Don’t miss out on this piece of history.

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10/3/2013 12:53:13 PM

MAGNUM DYNALAB

MAGNUM DYNALAB’S MD 107T

W

ith all the excitement these days about digital storage and streaming, as well as DAB+ in the radio world, we tend to forget what a great medium for musical enjoyment good old FM radio is.

Magnum Dynalab are still producing analogue FM tuners for a good reason.

The best sound from this medium is obtained via a properly calibrated tuner

which uses high quality components and allows precise tuning, with no digital tuning circuits involved.

The Flagship MD 107T Triode Tube Tuner ($5399, replacing the 106T) uses two of their own specially produced “Cryovalve” Reference 6922 valves for low-level signal amplification, and a Magic Eye tuning valve to assist in fine tuning, the old way! The front panel has large VU-type meters for signal strength and multipath distortion – the latter being useful for antenna orientation. Frequency is displayed digitally. The right-hand large knob is for tuning, while the left-hand one is used if the tuner has had the optional DAC function added: it then becomes a source selector.

This is an FM tuner which will be at home in any high-end system. For sheer musical enjoyment, as well as pride of ownership in a piece of superb

engineering, you can do no better. As the company itself says: “Consistent with our design philosophy to separate the analog RF section and the audio section, the MD 107 FM Tuner treats the incoming RF signal with special care. The analogue front-end of this tuner is 100% in-house designed and manufactured, using five stages of RF filtration with precise hand-matched components in the critical areas. A key component in any FM tuner, the front end is of most importance to maximizing sensitivity and selectivity while minimizing distortion, ensuring the signal sent to the audio section is as pure as possible.

There is no other company world-wide that still manufacturers their own frontend, nor is there a company that we can count on to deliver an RF front end worthy of inclusion in our tuners.”

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10/3/2013 12:55:25 PM

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10/2/2013 4:02:58 PM

AUDIO PHYSIC

AUDIO PHYSIC

O

n the surface, your German car or German speaker might resemble those of any other country. They have same number of wheels or woofers, similar containers, colours and sizes. But if they really were just another product, their success would be harder to explain. In the final analysis, Europeans have a flair for styling, and for applied technology.

Audio Physic’s products are excellent examples of what makes many German products so desirable. They don’t just look fabulous, different and intriguing, they also perform to a very high standard. The Classic range offers several sizes of highperformance floor-standing speaker, and a range of finishes that have to be seen up close to be fully appreciated. They are priced from a very reasonable $3100 per pair for the Classic 10.

What commenced with the Classic 10 and Classic 20 (main image) has evolved further, now including the Classic 30 (inset) and a whole set of new and special colours in their unique gloss glass finishes.

To recap those models, their specifications are as follows:

CLASSIC 10 • Bass reflex construction integrated into the sandwich construction • WBT nextgen™ terminals • 2½-way design

• Standard Finishes ($3100) – Cherry/Walnut/Oak Natural/ Ash black • Glass Finishes ($3500) – Glass White High Gloss/ Glass Black High Gloss • Special Glass Finishes ($3800) – Oyster White/Light Ivory/Grey Brown/White Alu/ Purple Red/Caramel Brown/ Fluo Green/Blue Lagoon • Sensitivity 89dB, Frequency range 38Hz-30kHz, Weight 16kg, Height 1055mm, Width 170mm, Depth 240mm.

CLASSIC 20 • Bass reflex construction integrated into the sandwich construction • WBT nextgen™ terminals • 3-way design • Standard Finishes ($4000) – Cherry/Walnut/Oak Natural/ Ash black • Glass Finish ($4600) – Glass White High Gloss/ Glass Black High Gloss • Special Glass Finishes ($4700) – Oyster White/Light Ivory/Grey Brown/White Alu/ Purple Red/Caramel Brown/ Fluo Green/Blue Lagoon • Sensitivity 89dB, Frequency

range 34Hz-30kHz, Weight 18kg, Height 1055mm, Width 170mm, Depth 290mm.

CLASSIC 30 • Bass reflex construction integrated into the sandwich construction • WBT nextgen™ terminals • 3-way design • Standard Finishes ($6600) – Cherry/Walnut/Oak Natural/Ash black • Glass Finish ($7100) – Glass White High Gloss/ Glass Black High Gloss • Special Glass Finishes ($7700) – Oyster White/Light Ivory/Grey Brown/White Alu/ Purple Red/Caramel Brown/ Fluo Green/Blue Lagoon • Sensitivity 89dB, Frequency range 31Hz-30kHz, Weight 27kg, Height 1055mm, Width 170mm, Depth 410mm.

Audio Physic produce a range of superb speakers, of which these are but a sample. At any time we usually have floor stock of these and several other models available to audition.

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10/3/2013 12:58:57 PM

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MUSICAL FIDELITY DACs V-DAC II

M

usical Fidelity have been making high-class DACs ever since the Digilog back in 1989. In the early days of CD, adding an upmarket DAC gave you a big lift in performance, just as it does now – but back then it was coming off a lower base, to say the least! Since the advent of reliably good and even highdefinition digital music being shunted around the home (and even around the world) before being reconstructed in your hi-fi system, DACs have been going from strength to strength, with an amazing range of high quality DACs now being available at all sorts of prices.

Musical Fidelity cover the lower to middle price points with some excellent products, starting with the small V-DAC II, which for $399 even has an asynchronous buffer stage to ensure that computersourced music via USB comes through sounding good, and these days it can be very good indeed.

All of the Musical Fidelity DACs offer several inputs, usually coaxial, optical and USB. The new M1S DAC ($1599) takes utility to a whole new level by doing that and more. It’s a DAC, an Analogue-to-Digital Converter, a Headphone Amplifier, and a Pre-amplifier.

As well, it accepts Bluetooth input, with exceptional sound quality.

As Musical Fidelity say: “The Bluetooth input is interesting and innovative.

Normal Bluetooth implementations are not high quality. Musical Fidelity’s Bluetooth aptX 48kHz is different to all the others. We take the I2 bus (computer language) straight from the Bluetooth receiver module to the upsampling circuitry, bypassing all other electronics.

M1S DAC

This elegantly simple (but complex to implement) circuit design yields exceptional results. We are not saying it is equal to 24bit 96kHz or 192kHz but because of its unique and innovative circuitry the results are exceptional.”

There are other digital inputs: two coaxials, one XLR (AES/EBU), one optical (TOSlink), one USB (asynchronous). Then for good measure there are two analogue inputs which can be converted to digital by the ADC section. The digital outputs are coaxial and optical, and then there’s the pre-out analogue stereo, which are single-ended RCAs. Of course there’s a headphone socket on the front. Finally, the unit also has 12 volt trigger in and out on the back panel.

At a higher price, the M6 DAC ($3499) employs fully differential balanced DACs in a sophisticated dual mono PCB layout.

A fully stabilised, universal precision regulated digital power supply is deployed and results in an extremely quiet electrical supply that allows music to be delivered without distortion or distraction by unwanted mains power artifacts. All inputs are asynchronously re-clocked and upsampled to 192kHz allowing the very highest conversion accuracy without any intrusive digital filtering which so often affects music in digital systems.

The M6 DAC’s technical performance is truly outstanding, with an incredibly low THD at just 0.0012%. Frequency response measurements reveal a clean and clear path for music which is far wider than the audio spectrum at all sampling frequencies. At 192kHz sampling it extends to a staggering 90kHz. The USB input is truly asynchronous up to 192kHz sampling rates and acts as a USB

M6 DAC

“host” to a wide array of computer music sources. Again the Bluetooth system uses aptX and its internal upsampling DAC to achieve technical and sonic performance that is outstanding for a Bluetooth connection.

Musical Fidelity comments: “As you would expect from our DAC design heritage, all other digital inputs are equally blessed with class-leading performance from both a technical and sound quality perspective. The analogue outputs have not been overlooked during our nocompromise design process. Both singleended (RCA Phono) and balanced (XLR) outputs have high current capacity and very low output impedance delivering maximum compatibility with partnering equipment and astounding sound quality.

Throughout the M6 DAC we use the new LME 49720 operational amplifier IC from Texas Instruments. This new state of the art device gives ultra low distortion and amazing linearity.

“The M6 DAC has a neutral analoguelike sound quality. The 192kHz truly asynchronous upsampling and reclocking eliminate all digital artifacts revealing a sound quality that is both delicate and clean while also offering an astonishingly deep and fast bass. Imaging is breathtaking left to right, back to front and even vertically. The M6 DAC projects a beautiful wide sound stage where performers are positioned with pinpoint accuracy giving outstanding insight into the music. Put simply the M6 DAC delivers music exactly as it was recorded… as the artists intended you to hear it.”

For full specifications see our website www.lenwallisaudio.com.au

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10/3/2013 12:59:39 PM

MERIDIAN

MERIDIAN ‘DIRECTOR’ DAC

F

ollowing on from the very successful little Explorer DAC, Meridian have gone up a step with the new and slightly larger Director DAC ($799).

They say they’ve put all their experience in digital processing over 30 years into this one, and that it incorporates their advanced upsampling and apodising technologies which can make digital recordings sound better than when they were originally made.

It’s designed to connect to your computer via USB, or to any other digital source via optical or coaxial (3.5mm) digital, then to your audio system via the analogue RCA (L+R) output sockets.

Connections are at one end, while the other shows input and sampling rate (44.1/88.2/192) via small LEDs.

While the internal layout and overall shape is similar to the Explorer, the larger size allows for full-sized USB and RCA sockets, and larger componentry. While still a portable device, it’s intended as a more full-on DAC for home use, delivering fixed-level line out rather than the variable (for headphone use) ones on the Explorer.

From ‘Computer Audiophile’, one of the most reliable websites for digital audio: “The Director features what the company calls its Proprietary Resolution Enhancement technologies, mainly an Apodising filter and upsampling algorithms. The USB and coaxial S/PDIF inputs both handle 24 bit audio at sample rates up through 192kHz. According to Meridian, ‘Standard (44.1/48kHz) digital signals are upsampled to 88.2/96kHz sampling and Meridian’s unique Apodising upsampling filter can actually fix faults in the original recording.’

Several of the Director’s internal components are of the same ilk as Meridian’s flagship 800 Series products.

For example the two

oscillators, easily seen protruding vertically from the main board like silver towers, a dedicated linear regulator, capacitors, and resistors in the DAC output filter, and the 2v RMS gold plated RCA connectors are all the same or similar to the 800 Series components. The Director uses a linear power supply for its analogue components and the Crystal Semiconductors / Cirrus Logic CS4353 DAC. The portable Explorer uses the TI PCM5102 DAC but shares many design elements such as audio grade capacitors, linear regulators, and linear power supplies. Many of these elements stem from what the company calls Meridian DNA.” The Director is highly recommended as a high quality, reasonably priced and easilymoved-around DAC which will be useful for a variety of sources. Tonally it’s on the smooth and comfortable side of the line rather than the ultra-detailed side, which is in keeping with Meridian’s house sound in amplifiers and other components.

Note: Power is via USB when using the USB input, but when using coax/optical there’s a separate power supply (included) which powers via the USB socket.

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10/3/2013 1:00:12 PM

FOCAL / ARCAM

FOCAL XS BOOK WIRELESS SPEAKERS

T

he XS Book powered speakers (above) have met with approval owing to their unique integration of slim (book-shaped) design, inbuilt power and superb sound. Now Focal have added their excellent Bluetooth capacity to the XS Books to make them the XS Book Wireless (below) – and all at the same price of $499/pair.

Powered speakers you can sit next to your computer monitor, or play your iPod through, are a dime a dozen. But most of them fail to produce sound you’d want to live with. Focal are well recognised for their extensive range of domestic passive speakers; they also manufacture some very classy powered speakers for professional studio applications. Drawing on this multi-faceted expertise they came up with a superb compact powered speaker, the XS Book – so named because of its slim design. Each XS Book speaker is a twoway design, with a ported enclosure. The

Right speaker is the active one, housing the amplifier (2 x 20w) and having two inputs: one ‘high level’, which in this case means line level (via 2 x RCA sockets) from full-sized components (such as CD player, Tuner, Hard Drive Media Server or Record Out from amplifier), while the second one is ‘low level’ via 3.5mm jack intended for portable sources. The Right speaker takes mains power, and outputs to the passive Left speaker via a speaker lead with an RCA plug on either end. The volume control is on the top of the Right speaker.

Add a Bluetooth adaptor...

With Bluetooth becoming so useful a standard for sending wirelessly to your music system from any portable device or computer which has it, you may wish to add Bluetooth to an existing system. There’s no shortage of adaptors to achieve this, but not all adaptors are equal! Focal’s APTX ($169) is a universal Bluetooth adaptor which can be used with the Bird or any other music system having an appropriate spare input (any line-level input using two RCA jacks). The unit comes with a small power supply, but once connected to an input your system can then wirelessly receive music from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

It uses the aptX codec, with its ability to reproduce near-CD quality sound, and is very small at 60x56x14mm. If direct connection isn’t physically possible, a stereo extension lead is supplied.

ARCAM SONLINK This is a great example of form following function, and of coming up with a smart improvement to an already highly successful product and thereby guaranteeing that it will be much in demand! In this case, the function is to improve the Digital to Analogue conversion of the Sonos CONNECT (ZP90), so the form flows from that of the CONNECT. The Arcam Sonlink ($299) has exactly the right-shaped footprint to sit under the Sonos CONNECT and has a short, fixed coaxial digital lead to take signal from the back of the CONNECT. From the back of the Sonlink, the converted signal goes via analogue L+R to the amplifier, so setup couldn’t be simpler. It’s a set and forget job, except that you’ll be enjoying your music more as it comes through in better shape than before. See below for the range of sampling rates supported, up to 192kHz. SPECIFICATIONS: • DAC: TI PCM5102 • Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz, ±0.1dB • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: 0.002% • Signal-to-noise ratio (A –Weighted): 106dB (24-bit) • Line output level: 2.15Vrms • Supported sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz • Bit depth support: 16-bit, 24-bit • Power requirements: 0.7W max (PSU supplied)

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10/3/2013 1:00:35 PM

SENNHEISER / ARCAM SPECIAL!

ARCAM AVR400 SPECIAL! Was $3499, down to $1999!

SENNHEISER HDVD 800

H

eadphone users have never had it so good!

There are some fabulous headphones on the market today, including the Sennheiser HD800. But to get these high-end headphones to produce their best quality sound, a dedicated amplifier is required. This applies to a lot of moderately priced headphones as well, but the subject of this piece is definitely high-end!

The Sennheiser HDVD 800 headphone amp ($2399) is able to connect with digital sources via coaxial, optical, USB or AES-EBU (XLR) and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital/analogue converter (DAC) that converts digital audio data into analogue signals with a resolution of 24 bits and a sampling rate of up to 192kHz. In addition to the balanced (XLR) stereo analogue inputs,

the HDVD 800 also has unbalanced analogue stereo inputs (RCA); incoming signals are balanced before further processing takes place. The analogue “out” sockets are balanced XLR only.

The front panel features an input selector, volume control and two sets of two headphone outputs: one pair for the conventional 6.3mm stereo jacks, and the other for balanced L+R, which you can use if you have an appropriate cable adaptor.

For any further fine tuning of output levels you require, there’s also a small Gain adjusting screw on the back panel.

To show off the quality ingredients which have gone into this very fine headphone amplifier, Sennheiser’s designers have put a window in the top of the HDVD 800, so you can look at the topography within!

The AVR400 sounds precise, detailed and natural – more like an upmarket hi-fi separate amp in sound quality than the uniformly disappointing noise served up by common AV amps. Its clarity and poise on vocals will draw in all who listen.

The AVR400 has a rich feature list, including compatibility with all the latest audio decoding formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTSHD Master Audio. In addition it offers wide compatibility with music files stored on USB or network audio devices. The included DAB/FM/ AM tuner allows access to a host of terrestrial radio stations while its in-built Internet radio receiver extends this reach to thousands of web based radio stations from around the world.

Another special feature: the AVR400 has a huge toroidal transformer that gives it enough current to tame even the most difficult of speaker loads. The amplifier has a lively sound that means it can hold on to complicated rhythms with real verve and attack.

The AVR400’s video performance is exemplary regardless of source. Full upscaling and cross conversion is carried out by a high performance Torino video processor that supports all resolutions up to and including 1080p/60 plus support for 24fps and 3DTV pass-through. The resulting picture quality is outstanding, offering breath-taking clarity and supremely realistic colour rendition.

• • • • • • •

High performance 7.1-channel AV receiver HDMI 1.4a-compliant with ARC/CEC support 3D compatible video path High performance video conversion / scaling 7x 90W power amplifiers Toroid based power supply Audio streaming from network or USB music files • Professional grade jitter reduction • Automated setup • Audiophile performance levels with music and movies

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10/3/2013 1:02:27 PM

RICHTER / AKG SPECIALS!

RICHTER MYSTIQUE VALVE AMPLIFIER: SPECIAL KIMBER CABLE OFFER We are in a hybridised world where the modern sits happily with the retro.

Playing back music from a spinning disc of vinyl using a vibrating stylus has not faded from the scene, despite having been around in its present form since the 1950s. Similarly, valves have been around from the dawn of the radio era, going on a hundred years ago. But despite being based on hundred-year-old technologies they are still so much in evidence these days that they must have something special going for them!

What is it? Bands have never lost their love of valves in guitar amps, and audiophiles are quite in love with valves for their musical character. There’s something about the combination of fast attack and softer edges on the harmonics and distortion that gives valves a magic that has ensured not just that they’ve survived, but the number of brands on the market has increased.

The Richter Mystique ($1795) is part old, part new. It’s a valve amp with a USB/DAC input as well as the four linelevel analogue stereo inputs. Having an onboard DAC, it can accept digital audio from your computer or other devices with USB audio out, such as iPhone/iPod/iPad. On the front panel it has a headphone socket, source selector, volume control and, above the on/off button, a lovely retro VU meter to give a visible indication of power output.

At the back there are the inputs (4 line level and USB), plus speaker binding posts for both 4-ohm and 8-ohm speakers. As with some other brands, you may find that the 4-ohm connections work best regardless!

The valves used are as follows: each channel has a 12AX7/ECC835 and a 12AU7 in the preamp/driver stage, while the power for each channel is by two 6L6G, for a stated wattage of up 30w per channel. This may drop at certain frequencies to around 15w/channel, but that’s normal. While this may seem a bit low, it’s typical of small valve amplifiers. This means that efficient speakers should be used, so the Mystique will run more easily with speakers approaching or exceeding 90dB sensitivity.

Richter described their approach as follows: “We started with solid single piece casing and high current low noise ‘Ring’ type power transformer, then used independant filtering circuits for the left and right channels. All component parts are of the highest quality, featuring ‘Vishay’ HQ grade resistors, ‘Nichicon’ capacitors and an ‘Alps’ volume control.

All circuit boards, input and speaker terminals are gold electro plated.

The super high-end 24bit 192kHz USB DAC comes with its own independent power supply.”

As a promotional offer they are going to include high-quality speaker leads and interconnects with each amplifier sold, for a limited period.

The bonus cables are: • 2 x 2.5m lengths of Kimber 4TC Speaker Cable, terminated with banana plugs, and • 1 x 1m Kimber Tonik Interconnect Cable.

AKG K550 SPECIAL Praised as closed-back headphones that sound as good as open-backed ones, the AKG K550 do a great job on audio as well as providing the isolation from surrounding noises that the closed-back design enables.

AKG are renowned for getting great top-end detail and spaciousness into their products, and while the high-end K701/702 are deemed by some people to be a bit lighter in the bass than they want, the K550s are definitely more bassy and warmer in sound.

At present you can get both a good price on the K550 (was $469, down to $399!) and a free bonus pair of the little but capable sporty K316, perfect for anyone on the move, with their over-the-ear hooks.

SPECIFICATIONS • Type: Dynamic, closed-back • Frequency Range: 12Hz-28kHz • Sensitivity: 114dB • Impedance: 32 ohms • Colour: Matt Black • Weight: 305g • Cable: 2.82m

This package has a total retail value of $410, including termination costs. Starting now, it will end on 15/11/2013, and the bonus items are redeemed from Richter themselves rather than the retailer.

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10/3/2013 1:02:54 PM

S3000_AVShow2

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