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NEWS RELEASE 6/28/08 Audience, LLC, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high-resolution capacitors, audio cables and power conditioning products, today announced the release of new Adept Response "T" ultra high resolution power conditioners. "Our highly acclaimed Adept Response high resolution power conditioners have been an industry staple for many high end audio/video enthusiasts over past years. Like every product we sell, the new aR-T (Teflon) line of ultra high-resolution power conditioners is the result of our giving our engineers the time and resources to make a truly advanced product. We feel that the new cost no object aR-T power conditioners are simply the most resolute and transparent conditioners ever engineered." Like the standard aR conditioners, these new products are offered in six and twelve outlet systems, MSRP $4600 and $8000 respectfully, in black or plain satin anodized aluminum. Audience, LLC was established in 1997. Since then, the company has become one of the most respected producers of audiophile grade cables, powerChords, Adept Response power conditioners, and Auricap and Aura-T capacitors. For further information, visit www.audience-av.com. NEWS RELEASE 6/28/08 Introducing the Artemis Labs SA-1 turntable, designed by Mr. Frank Schroder in Berlin. Retail at $7,800.00 USD without tonearm. The table is produce by Artemis Labs in Southern California.
The development of this turntable stems from Mr. Frank Schroder years of experience in the field of reproduction of vinyl records. Some of the features that set this turntable apart from other designs past and present are: The 15 lbs platter anodized aircraft grade aluminum, turned to an extremely tight tolerance in all directions. The platter's thickness is maintain from center to the outer rim to avoid variations in the mechanical impedance "seen" by the cartridge. Platter damped with proprietary paper/felt inlay, allowing for the use of different platter-record interfaces. The massive, 3Lbs bearing is of the non-inverted type, utilizing a large diameter, case hardened spindle and unusually long self lubricating phosphor bronze bushings. The clearance is kept very small, but the defined surface "roughness" of the spindle maintains an extremely stable oil film and creates drag at the same time. This turntable is driven by an extremely high quality Swiss DC motor for a combination of high torque and smooth rotation, transferring power via 1/4 magnetic tape to the outer rim of the platter. Unlike other turntable featuring a form of tape or belt drive, the tape is routed past a tensioning lever/pulley to reduce both slippage to zero and minimize the side thrust on the platter greatly. Residual motor vibrations cannot reach the platter directly, but are absorbed by the suspended pulley. To maintain absolute speed, there is no sensor based feedback loop, instead the current drawn by the motor is monitored and kept steady through a clever feed forward circuit designed by Mr. John Atwood. Wow and flutter is well below audibility, certainly on par with the best direct drive designs. The turntable can be set to both 33 rpm and 45 rpm, both individually adjustable via set screws in the power supply. Artemis Labs www.artemislabs.com NEWS RELEASE 6/28/08 Loiminchay Audio Speakers - The Perfect Fusion of Art and Science, The Chagall
"If I create from the heart, nearly everything
works; if from the head, almost nothing."
Loiminchay Audio hand-crafts luxurious, extreme performance, limited-edition speakers for connoisseurs. They're artist inspired and artisan crafted for a unique and exceptional appearance and a totally remarkable musical experience. They're designed in New York by owner Patrick Chu, a maker of world-famous luxury-quality Loiminchay pens, sought after by collectors around the world. Patrick celebrates the same artistic passion with his Loiminchay speaker systems. They're hand made by dedicated teams in his atelier in China. Each heavily-braced enclosure is painstakingly crafted, layer by layer, from beautifully formed Birch MultiPly laminate resulting in a sensually shaped, extremely nonresonant structure. The cabinets are bored out then finished inside and out with fully sixteen coats of the finest hand-polished lacquer for a lustrous cabinet so finely sealed that no air bubbles remain to potentially leak internal pressurized air. Loiminchay employ three people just to route the interior and driver holes, and even the baffles are hand-shaped in the laminate during fabrication. The top enclosure, available on its own as the Degas, is fabricated of beautifully sculpted 30mm/1.2-inch Birch MultiPly laminate with sturdy internal bracing and top-quality lamb's wool filling. The Chagall can be supplied with a 30mm/1.2-inch ceramic tweeter extending to 28kHz, while the sparkling diamond tweeter's response is out to 40kHz for unmatched texture and nuance in the upper frequencies. The high-performance 6.8-inch ceramic midrange driver has effortless speed, integrating superbly with the ceramic or diamond tweeters above and the bass below. The elegant bass module is fabricated from the same 30mm/1.2-inch Birch laminate, mounting a 220mm/8.6-inch woofer in a 1-inch thick concrete plinth wrapped with high-quality leather for a remarkably nonresonant driver platform with response down to a stygian 28Hz. Inside the voluptuously-shaped cabinet you'll find substantial bracing and premium lamb's wool. The Chagall is rated at 89dB/2m sensitivity with 100 watts of power handling with separate midrange and bass controls, bi-wire equipped with silver internal wiring, weighing about 150 lbs each in your listening room. Measuring Up "Measurements are very important but only part of the story," explains Patrick. "Everything makes a difference in the sound; the choice of drivers, the shape and density of the cabinet, how well it's braced, the quality and quantity of the lamb's wool stuffing, how the sound waves flow around the cabinet's exterior surfaces, and even which lacquer finish you choose! That's right, the Chagall in high gloss black piano lacquer sounds slightly different than one in MultiClear lacquer. That's why every pair's crossover is optimized for the best possible overall sound." A Full Measure It is said that Marc Chagall's inventive, colorful dreams floated lightly in the air; "Supernatural" said no less than Apollinaire of Chagall's ethereal canvasses. He engaged the viewer with form and color, light and dark, luminosity and detail. "My art is an extravagant art, a flaming vermilion, a blue soul flooding over my paintings," he declared. The Chagall is a dynamic, passionate performer in medium to fairly large rooms, a magnificent speaker to recreate the composers' own extravagant art for you! With the same imaging precision and upper frequency air as the stand-mounted Degas, the same unmatched midrange sonorities, the Chagall also makes stunning, powerful bass that delivers the sense of the original recording venue as well as pressurizing your listening room with rich and controlled low frequencies. With an enveloping sense of experiencing performers on stage, The Chagall rises to the musical and emotional occasion each and every time you listen. Their exotic, sculptural shapes reveal an extraordinary build quality, complemented by the deep natural luster of clear lacquer over Birch, or a deep, rich, lustrous piano lacquer finish. You can even order them custom-made in cherry. Loiminchay systems reproduce the precise to the passionate: Glenn Gould caressing his master's voice or Vladimir Horowitz in full expressive flight. Loiminchay effortlessly takes you to the very essence of the music. Experience the Passionate Art of Performance! Loiminchay · 46-39 Parsons Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11355 212.941.7488 · info@loiminchayaudio.com • www.loiminchayaudio.com NEWS RELEASE 6/18/08 Sunoko-Vent Raises Performance Even Further at Quadraspire Hi-Fi and AV Components Virtually Float For A Clearer and Cleaner Performance The new Sunoko-Vent table is based on Quadraspire's established and successful Q4 design that has attracted tens of thousands of customers since Quadraspire was founded in 1995. Quadraspire has an enviable reputation for blending functionality, unique style and acoustic design into their distinctive and extensive Q4 range of contemporary modular and expandable Hi-Fi and AV reference support and storage furniture with shelving and size options in wood, glass and acrylic. Headquartered in Bath, England, Quadraspire furniture is designed and manufactured in the UK and sold in the UK and to 16 export markets through distributors, specialist retailers and re-sellers.
The Sunoko-Vent is a beautiful table that continues the Quadraspire Q4 tradition of unique and distinctive styling, combining low-mass shelving with concave columns, giving audio and video components attractive reference-level support that raises performance. Incorporating the best features of Quadraspire's Q4 and Q4Reference table, the Sunoko-Vent can hold much heavier equipment of up to 120 kilos per shelf. Slotted shelves provide maximum ventilation, reduce mass and diffuse resonances. Each shelf can be decoupled to reduce resonance even further and the solid concave columns quickly dissipate vibrations to allow components to virtually float and deliver a clearer, cleaner musical performance. In keeping with all of Quadraspire's support solutions, Sunoko-Vent is a modular and upgradeable table, designed to easily accommodate changing needs by adding additional tiers as audio and video systems develop. The Sunoko-Vent table is available in three shelf sizes with six height options and in six attractive finishes. The smallest Sunoko-Vent table — the SVX, is designed to support standard sized hi-fi whilst the Sunoko-Vent SV2X is double width and can hold both Hi-Fi and AV components. For even larger components there is the Sunoko-Vent SVXL. Each Sunoko-Vent shelf is made from 25mm (1") thick real wood veneered mdf available in six different finishes — Oak, Maple, Cherry, Rosenut, Dark Oak and Black and comes with 32mm diameter aluminum columns available in six different heights: 100mm (4"), 140mm (5 1/2"), 180mm (7"), 216mm (8 1/2"), 256mm (10") and326mm (12 3/4"). Using the product builder on the Quadraspire website, customers can easily configure the Sunoko-Vent table and any other Q4 support and storage solution to their exact requirements, before placing an order with any of Quadraspire's local stockists. House of Linn Ltd - Promoting The Brands We Recommend And Sell
T: + (0) 44 161 766 4837
NEWS RELEASE 6/18/08 ULTRALINK/XLO PRODUCTS, INC., a manufacturer of premium audio/video cables and AC power products, announces a provocative new cable line called ARGENTUM ACOUSTICS®. Allen Sung, President of Ultralink/XLO, enthuses, "Our sleek, elegant black and silver Argentum cables are ‘accumulated knowledge' products, the best of all we've learned over more than ten years manufacturing cables, with engineering input from our own Roger Skoff, founder of XLO Electric." The attractive and beautifully-finished Argentum cables include the RCA/XLR MYTHOS™ interconnect, the MILLENIA™ AES/EBU digital datalink, the remarkable PROTEUS-12™ AC power cord, and the AUREUS-2™ speaker cable in single and biwire versions, all featuring lab-grade UPOCC copper conductors. The ARGENTO™ Digital, a high-frequency 75 Ohm coaxial cable, employs laboratory-grade silver conductors, and the complete line is available in popular lengths. Enduring Quality Argentum Acoustics® cables are manufactured with the very best materials, processes and dielectrics available, hand terminated with beautifully engineered, industrial designed connectors and an elegant black jacket. Conductors are 99.99997% laboratory-grade UPOCC (Ultra-Pure Ohno Continuous Cast) copper except for the silver Argento, and feature ultra-low capacitance DuPont™ Teflon™ insulation. Connectors are minimal mass and nonmagnetic ensuring low self-inductance and feature direct 24K gold-plated contacts. Speaker cables are terminated with interchangeable 8.0mm billet-cut spade lugs made from CDA alloy 101 (99.994% pure) copper and all are direct gold plated, with no intervening layer of nickel to spoil the sound. You can also choose quality Deltron-style banana plugs. All Argentum Acoustics® cables are cryogenically treated during the manufacturing process. Being and Nothingness In a nutshell, everyone says cables should be neutral and totally passive with zero effect on the sound. Argentum accepts that passing current through a conductor and its insulation (the dielectric) produces well-documented electrical phenomena, so we design our cables as the active components they really are. Current through a conductor and its insulator creates magnetic and electrostatic fields, plus the design must consider characteristic impedance, capacitance, resistance, inductive reactance, capacitive discharge effect, the dielectric constant and its dump rate.(Read the packed-with-information white paper here!) Engineering Truth Argentum follows the science, no off-world solutions, no magic, just solid engineering handsomely presented. Audio and video systems are immediately and appreciably better sounding, striking a high-value price/performance benchmark. Argentum Acoustics® cables are designed for high-end, two-channel systems and work extremely well in crossover video installations where sound is paramount. Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc., based in Ontario, California, is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance audio and video cables, interconnects and AC power management and surge protection products. In early 2002, Ultralink acquired XLO Electric Company, Inc. an audiophile reference brand of high-end cables and related products. Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc. is a member of PARA, CEDIA and the CEA. MSRP: $300 to $1000 Argentum Acoustics www.argentumacoustics.com NEWS RELEASE 6/18/08 The Hansen Audio THE WIZARD is designed to be the very best center channel loudspeaker that science and technology allows. It will be the standard against which all other center channel speakers will be judged. THE WIZARD is exquisite in form and sound, delicate and visceral, with perfect balance and harmony. THE WIZARD is a three-driver, 2-way center channel loudspeaker using the same technology and drivers developed for the acclaimed Hansen Audio flagship THE KING V2. The woofers are engineered, designed and manufactured by Hansen Audio to match perfectly with the High Precision tweeter made for Hansen Audio. This driver uses the exotic multi-layer composite sandwich cones mated to the powerful Hansen optimized geometry motor assembly. All Hansen Audio drivers incorporate Sound Wave Deformation Prevention technology. The elegant hybrid enclosure utilizes the Hansen Audio engineered Hansen Composite Matrix material, finished in the Hansen Audio Class "A" finish. The enclosure uses the same Sound Wave Diffraction Distortion Elimination technology developed for the reference model THE KING V2. All Hansen Audio speakers are meticulously hand-built in Canada, incorporating Hansen Audio designed and built drivers. This marriage of advanced scientific research, dedication to a philosophy of uncompromising quality, purity of sound, and gracefully elegant cabinets are at the heart and soul of Hansen Audio Speakers. THE WIZARD is designed sonically and visually, to last, and be enjoyed for many generations to come. While words can convey something of the craft and science that make our speakers the best of the best, only when listening can you fully appreciate how great they truly are. US RETAIL PRICE / $15000.00 EACH. Hansen Audio Inc. www.hansenaudio.com NEWS RELEASE 6/08/08 We are pleased to announce tmh audio is the exclusive US distributor of Sine Audio cables and power products. These products are designed by Hong Kong audiophiles and engineers to provide ultra high performance. The top "Kosmos" series is designed to be the absolute best cables… regardless of price! Inserting the Kosmos power cord is akin to upgrading from a 70's receiver to a state-of-the-art amplifier. Yes, it is simply the finest available. Features of the "Kosmos" Super Alloy Conductor
The listener will hear unmatched transparency, grainless purity and unrivaled resolution with controlled dynamics (no slow & mushy) – even the texture of a violin string!
Sine Kosmos Kosmos features:
Coliseum and Cassio product series using pure silver conductors (w/copper ground) will also include:
The SAF-60 Cryo Silver AC conditioner - simply the finest AC conditioner available! SAF-60 features:
All parts deep cryoed More info at http://tmhaudio.com/Sine.htm NEWS RELEASE 6/08/08 Linn Records announces two amazing new SACD collections; our 10 disc Jazz collection or our 10 disc Classical collection. More than 50% off - available throughout June 2008. This is a great opportunity to try some new albums for a fantastic price. This is a collection that will broaden your SACD collection or provide a great starting point for new collectors. We have also made it easier to purchase both collections with a new Complete Collection. This limited edition promotion includes: SACD Classic Albums Collection - Jazz
"A fantastic collection
of 10
Jazz SACDs specially chosen from Linn's extensive Jazz music
catalogue encompassing the finest UK talent including mood-setting vocalists and
exciting instrumentalists. Enjoy new signing
Judith Owen's
own self-penned songs, the peerless delivery of chansonnier
Barb Jungr,
the richness and unparalleled tone of
Willard White
and the delicate ambience of
Haftor Medboe
Group. Featuring a veritable who's who of UK jazz, including the
legendary vocalists
Carol Kidd
and
Claire Martin,
as well as world-class guitarist
Martin Taylor,
this collection is a must-have. "A terrific collection of 10 classical SACDs specially chosen from Linn's award-winning classical catalogue, featuring bestselling artists and critically acclaimed albums of popular and specialist repertoire. Discover the rich choral sound of Cappella Nova, the passion and technical mastery of pianist Artur Pizarro, the beautiful and sumptuous voice of soprano Emma Bell and much, much more. Enjoy diverse repertoire such as Dvorak, Nielsen, Barber, Beethoven and Vivaldi by esteemed performers such as conductor/violinist Joseph Swensen and organist Dame Gillian Weir. All Linn Records SACDs are hybrid discs meaning that if you do not yet have a surround sound system you can still benefit from the best sound on any CD player. This offer is only available at www.linnrecords.com until 30th June 2008, while stocks last. NEWS RELEASE 5/29/08 Spectron Audio is proud to introduce its new flagship switching power amplifier, the Musician III Signature Edition Mk. 2. This amplifier represents the latest step in the evolutionary development of the ground-breaking Musician III technology first introduced four years ago. The new Mk. 2 model features an improved input stage and re-designed, simplified output stage. It incorporates numerous upgraded parts throughout, including totally re-engineered power switching modules, new audiophile-quality hook-up wire, and custom-designed capacitors in the sonically crucial reconstruction filter. The design team believe that they achieved timbral texture representation and realism comparable only to the experience of a live concert. "We are confident that our new flagship compares favorably to the finest power amplifiers, whether tube or solid-state, available today," said John Ulrick, Spectron's founder, CEO and chief designer. "We are especially proud that in a time of upwardly spiraling costs for parts, materials and labor, as well as a historically weak dollar, our made-in-the-USA flagship remains an extraordinary value among high-powered amplifiers." Ulrick also noted that the Musician III SE Mk. 2 is ideally suited to being deployed as fully balanced monoblock amplifiers which can deliver staggering 7000 watts (and hold it for an extraordinary 500 msec) assuring that no matter what the speaker load, the amplifier will deliver the full dynamics of the original recording undistorted. "A pair of our amplifiers, retailing at a little more than $14,000, is still less expensive than many much less powerful high-end amps," Ulrick said. "Already, more than half of our customers are ordering the monoblock setup, and we expect our new amplifier to continue and increase that trend." All Spectron products are manufactured at the company's facility in Chatsworth, CA. MSRP of the Musician III Signature Edition Mk. 2 is $7,195, a modest increase over the previous version's $6,495. An upgrade from Signature to Signature Mk. 2 is available, at a cost of $695 plus shipping to and from the factory. The Musician III Signature Edition Mk. 2 is available immediately. Interested parties should contact Spectron at Info@spectronaudio.com NEWS RELEASE 5/22/08 Aaudio Imports, U.S. Distributor of Acapella, Raidho (loudspeakers), Accustic Arts, Einstein and Lindemann (electronics), Audiotop, Isoclean, Millennium (accessories), unveils a new dynamic website: www.aaudioimports.com Celebrating the 10th Anniversary as the U.S. Distributor of top loudspeaker and electronic brands from Europe and Asia, Brian Ackerman, president of Aaudio Imports, is also unveiling a one-million-dollar, 2,000ft2 , state-of-the-art showroom in Parker Colorado, strategically adorned with Golden Acoustics sound room décor. NEWS RELEASE 5/22/08 HDtracks.com, the new high-resolution digital music store founded by audiophile record label Chesky Records, today announced the limited availability of a free album download that encourages all listeners to "hear the HDtracks difference." "The HDtracks Ultimate Download Experience," free to visitors to www.HDtracks.com who register with only an email address, offers eight spectacular audiophile-quality recordings across different genres, all hand-picked to prove just how great music downloads can sound. Those who download The Ultimate Download Experience will also receive a promotional code for 20% off their next HDtracks purchase. HDtracks is unique among digital music stores for its combination of CD-quality music files unencumbered by digital rights management (DRM)*, the ability to download in any of three file types to match most playback devices, and a reliable, easy-to-use interface that makes browsing and downloading a pleasure. The site features thousands of artists representing 60 of the world's best independent record labels, and all albums are priced at $11.98 and come complete with PDF liner notes (a first among digital music sites). Tracks may be downloaded as CD-quality uncompressed AIFF files or lossless FLAC files, or MP3 files ripped at 320 kilobits-per-second (kbps)—some 2½-times the rate of typical music-store downloads. Ultra-high-resolution 96kH z/24-bit downloads are planned as well. "Musicians and sound engineers create incredible performances and amazing, lifelike recordings, only to have people download their work at 128 kbps from the popular music stores," said HDtracks co-founder David Chesky. "This completely destroys the nuance of the recording and often introduces audible distortion. Our free "Ultimate Download Experience" album should prove to listeners once-and-for all that they can hear the difference between a CD-quality or high bit-rate file and a conventional download, even on an iPod." About HDtracks Founded by David and Norman Chesky of the respected audiophile-record label Chesky Records, HDtracks is a high-quality music download service offering a diverse catalog of independent music from around the world. HDtracks does not believe in DRM, and as a result, offers a selection of unencrypted files that play on any computer or portable device. HDtracks recognizes that while there are significant benefits to accessing music at the touch of a button in today's computer age, preserving sound quality and the visceral experience of the live music performance should remain a priority. The HDtracks mission is to deliver the whole package: world-class music, unrivaled sound, files that play in any environment, and liner notes that enhance appreciation of the artist and album. NEWS RELEASE 5/04/08 The Signal Collection, LLC (formerly Signals-SuperFi, LLC) announces that it has added German loudspeaker manufacturer Lansche Audio to its collection of exotic high performance audio gear. Lansche Audio is best known for its inimitable "Corona" plasma tweeter, which is utilized in their only production model loudspeaker at this time: No. 4.1, a modestly apportioned three-way loudspeaker of immodest performance. At only 43.3" tall, the No. 4.1 exploits a bandwidth of 20Hz through 150kHz at 99dB sensitivity (1w/1m/8 Ohms), and is able to sustain up to 115dB. While the specialized active bass section allows for tuning the loudspeaker's performance to best suit room and position, the most interesting accomplishment of the Lansche is their unique plasma tweeter. With a bandwidth of 1,500 Hz through 150,000 Hz (crossover at 2,500 Hz), the Lansche Corona tweeter is unique in the field. With such a vast bandwidth of phase-perfect performance, the Corona tweeter is the cornerstone of what may be the highest-precision loudspeaker in the world. "This virtually massless tweeter is one of the more compelling inventions in the audio world," shared Chris Sommovigo of The Signal Collection. "It starts and stops on a dime, and its reveals more information from within the music than I ever knew was there. When I heard this loudspeaker for the first time, I knew that it belonged as a part of our stable of high performance audio gear." "Lightening in a Bottle" The Corona Ion tweeter utilizes two highly-energized electrodes to produce an arc of high voltage electricity, superheating the air in precisely the same manner as lightening does, thus creating a "plasma ball" about 8mm in diameter. An A/C signal then modulates this miniature lightening bolt which, in turn, moves the air between the electrodes - expanding and contracting the flame of the plasma-ball much the same way a conventional tweeter might vibrate in reaction to the musical signal it receives. The plasma-tweeter then launches its ultra-wideband signal through a specially designed spherical horn. The result is phase-perfect performance, increased levels of detail and nuance, truly natural decay times, and lightening-fast dynamics. The No. 4.1 also utilizes a specially-developed midrange driver. Thanks to a hard, almost motionless suspension, the powerful Neodymium magnet, and it's ultralight coated Omniex membrane, this driver is able to match seamlessly to the lower registers of the plasma tweeter to provide a perfect compliment with respect to its resonance and distortion behavior. If the Corona tweeter is the heart of the No. 4.1, this unique wideband midrange driver is its soul. Slated to sell for $55,595.00/pair, the No. 4.1 not only offers exotic technology and hyper-performance attributes, it is also manufactured with extreme care with particular attention paid to its luxuriously lacquered real wood veneers and its elegantly sculptured lines. Like a fine musical instrument, the No. 4.1 radiates music visually as well as audibly. First North American public performances of this loudspeaker will take place at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, October 10th through 12th, 2008 - Denver, CO.
The Signal Collection, LLC NEWS RELEASE 5/04/08 – NSR Sonic Research Releases the Production Model D3 Sonata I am writing this from my laptop as I sit in front of the newly finished production models of the NSR Sonic Research D3 Sonata's at the home and shop of NSR's CEO John Tabernacki, in Dyer, Indiana. The specific D3s I am listening to are destined to go to The Stereo Time's Frank Alles for a full review there, and employ the premium crossover option. Having successfully executed all the refinements he wanted to do since the prototypes were shown at both last year's RMAF in October and this year's CES in January, the production D3 Sonata is now available, and with two different crossover options. The base version, using what is referred to as the Remarkable Crossover, will retail for $5995, while the D3s employing the upgraded version, the Reference Crossover will sell for $1000 more, at $6995. I'll let you explore the NSR site for the comparisons. The D3s with the Reference Crossover option employ Goertz foil inductors on the upper proportion drivers, use all Duelund caps and resistors, and boast an Erse perfect lay coil (crossed over at 220 Hz/6 dB per octave) on the Usher 8 inch in the lower APL. They use Audience Auric cable on the tweeter and a custom made, hand-polished, multi-strand copper wire on the other drivers; 14 gauge on the 6 inch drivers and 12 gauge on the 8" APL woofer. High purity, lead free silver solder is used throughout. You will be happy to learn that the production model is much more musical than the prototypes—by some large margin—and the protos managed to capture virtually everyone's attention. They now have significantly more transparency and air, yet are still full of vivid detail, yet in a more sophisticated, layered and engaging way. Bottom end reproduction, one of the most compelling attributes of the D3 even in its prototypical version, is even more articulate, with improved definition and even slightly greater depth. This was no small feat, especially in light of the fact that the bass performance of the original proto models was consistently accepted as remarkable. This production model exhibited no blurring or homogenization of complex bass lines. In fact, listen to the "The Invasion," track six on the Seven Years In Tibet Soundtrack. At roughly 2:30 or so into the cut, there are a series of genuinely thunderous drum whacks. This D3 not only captures and accurately recreates their tone and pitch; they kick you in the chest with the pressure… VERY impressive for such a small footprint, and in fact, unrivaled in my experience at this price and size. Lower mids have taken on an ever so slightly more detail, with notably creamer texture. This band is rendered with a more refined, less hi-fi sounding, more musical manifestation overall. Texture and tonal color present them no problem whatsoever, revealing them to be one of the more musically engaging products I have had the privilege of hearing at this price point. Treble has no vestige of glare, yet the topmost octave is full of detail and texture. No, it's not a ScanSpeak Revelator, but to be completely honest, I don't really miss it here. This tweeter is a wonderfully synergistic match for the rest of the driver complement. Overall, the production model represents a significant step toward musicality over the protos. But don't think this newfound "sophistication" has taken anything away from their ability to "rock!" They do that even better than ever. Can you say "impact?" Well, even if you can't, the D3 sure as hell can! I'm VERY taken with them. Keep your ears and eyes on this company and its products. You WILL be hearing more about both, I'll wager on it. NEWS RELEASE 5/04/08 HDtracks, founded by David and Norman Chesky of the audiophile record label Chesky Records, today announces the launch of its ambitious audiophile-quality music download Web site (www.hdtracks.com) that offers music enthusiasts high-resolution recordings from a distinguished and diverse stable of thousands of artists, including Smokey Robinson, Joe Jackson, Bob James, Buddy Guy, Nina Simone, Earl Wild, Zubin Mehta, The Kinks, Of Montreal, Yo La Tengo and Jerry Garcia, from 60 independent labels around the world. Music can be downloaded in high definition uncompressed AIFF or lossless FLAC format files for playback on home audio systems, including PCs, Macs or music servers, or as 320kbps mp3 files that far exceed the quality of standard mp3 files for playback on iPods and other portables. HDtracks offers an intriguing alternative for the current "iTunes" music buyer. In addition to offering consumers entire albums at value-pricing ($11.98), complete with PDF-file downloads of album cover art and full liner notes, it is the first site to provide nothing but high-definition, DRM-free downloads for both PCs and Macs playable on any home or portable device. The site also offers thousands of music titles from diverse genres (including blues, classical, country, folk, gospel, jazz, latin, new age, pop, R&B, rock, soundtracks and world music) that are often overlooked by music sites designed to be "everything for everybody." (Editor's Note: A complete list of independent record labels associated with HDtracks is attached.) "HDtracks is like the cool Greenwich Village record store of yesteryear, where you can always discover something different and worthwhile that you'd never find anywhere else," said site co-founder Norman Chesky. "And by focusing on the sale of complete albums and giving music enthusiasts the ability to download cover art and liner notes, we're also restoring key components of the music experience not enjoyed since the days of vinyl, and not offered by any other music site." High definition music files deliver greater audio detail and realism than the standard compressed 128 kbps mp3 files commonly heard by the average iPod and mp3 player user. By preserving more of the original digital information in the recording, the AIFF, FLAC and 320 kbps mp3 files offered by HDtracks retain more of the original audio performance. In offering all three of these formats as an option for any download, HDtracks gives buyers the ultimate flexibility for playback.
Furthermore, in the coming months HDtracks will offer select titles in ultra-high resolution 96kHz/24-bit files that provide DVD-Audio sound quality for music enthusiasts who seek the very finest audio quality available. "Serious efforts have been made throughout history to deliver a pristine live-music experience, from the design of concert halls with perfect acoustics to the building of precious hand-made instruments, to the years of work put in by performers to perfect their craft," said site co-founder David Chesky. "We offer the best alternative to those music enthusiasts who will not compromise and accept recorded music that is compressed, flat, lifeless, and represents a mere fraction of the original performance." Not surprisingly, accomplished musicians frustrated by how typical downloads diminish the quality of their work have responded favorably to HDtracks. "At last!," declared nine-time Grammy winner Paquito D'Rivera. "With the invention of HDtracks, music lovers can not only enjoy CD quality, but also liner notes and photographs of their favorite artists. The future is here!" Legendary concert pianist Earl Wild noted that HDtracks "is the only music download site that retains the exact experience of my audiophile-recording CDs. Anyone particular about sound quality should feel comfortable using this site exclusively." Renown flugelhorn master Chuck Mangione simply said, "I love the way my recordings sound!" NEWS RELEASE 4/28/08 It is with pleasure that, about a month after the introduction of our new interconnect The WATERFALL Hybrid, we can announce two more new interconnects in our program: The TIDE Hybrid and The WAVE. The TIDE Hybrid is a balanced high quality interconnect, based on silver coated O.F.C. conductors and a combined screening made of our patented Linear Structured Carbon® and a dense metal braid. The extremely thick jacket, made of our own plasticizer and Halogen free insulation material, Hulliflex® warrants a very strong mechanical and chemical protection. The high flexibility and ruggedness makes this interconnect also extremely suitable as a musical instruments cable. The WAVE is produced as a tribute to 20 years of van den Hul GreenCare. It has a solid core coaxial built with optimal screening protection against RF and HF spurious signals. Despite this it still is reasonably flexible. The exact 75 Ohm impedance also makes it ideal for A.V. and SPDIF applications. It comes in a olive green Hulliflex® jacket and is available in all our standard lengths. For more information, please look at the enclosed press releases. A.J. van den Hul b.v. - The Netherlands NEWS RELEASE 4/25/08 tmh audio is honored to announce the US distribution of Bow Technologie products from Denmark. The first products will be the ZZ-Eight Reference CD player and ZZ-One Reference Integrated Amplifier. The original Bow ZZ-Eight was recognized as THE reference CD player in the late 90's. After a major redesign in 2007, the latest v2008 model is simply incomparable! These are truly reference level products in a timeless, contemporary chassis that is beautiful and functional with impeccable construction quality. ZZ-Eight Sonics?
The ZZ-Eight easily outperforms the $65k digital front end we used at CES2008 where we introduced the amazing Delta Sigma int amp & Manger 109-AG Silver loudspeaker to raves. The ZZ-Eight also surpasses other digital front ends…regardless of price. Yes, it is that good! ZZ-Eight Reference CD Player
ZZ-Eight Reference Features:
ZZ-One Reference Integrated Amplifier
ZZ-One Reference Features:
We are testing various relatively affordable AC power cords that offer very high performance to best mate to these extraordinary products. We plan to offer as an option or simply recommend. Expect a final decision in next 2 weeks – stay tuned! The Bow ZZ-Eight is simply the finest digital source available in a timeless, contemporary chassis. The ZZ-One is a reference level product with 75 watts of the "Bow liquid midrange". Extraordinary. Best Regards,
Jim Ricketts/tmh audio NEWS RELEASE 4/25/08 Ultralink/XLO, a manufacturer of premium audio/video cables and AC power products, signals its rapid growth by selecting Mary Cardas as General Manager for U.S. operations in Ontario, CA. Mary, the most wired audiophile in the business, brings more than 15 years of experience to the fray. Moving back in time, Mary was the North American Sales Manager for NHT, the Western Regional Sales Manager for Sunfire, National Sales Manager with Theta Digital, as well as International Sales Manager for AudioQuest. Mary started her career as Managing Director of Cardas Audio, another manufacturer of premier cable and wire founded by proud father George Cardas. Mary's done it all: Sales, distribution, marketing, strategic planning, customer service, and sales training. Mary, never one to split hairs, declares, "I'm really looking forward to working with Ultralink/XLO. Lily and Allen Sung lead a terrific team including Sales Director Randy Bingham and PR man Jonathan Scull who will concentrate on XLO and our exciting new cable line to be introduced soon. Jim Noyd continues on with parent brand Ultralink. We're going keep the company growing with fresh, inventive products, improved operations and customer relations. Stay tuned, it's going to get hot!" Allen Sung, President of Ultralink/XLO, enthuses: "Mary brings with her a complete toolkit of business skills allowing us to establish ULTRALINK™ and XLO™ as the brand names in high-end, high-definition audio and video." Mary Cardas begins on May 1st at the Ontario, CA office: (909) 947-6960 mary@ultralinkproducts.com NEWS RELEASE 4/25/08 Westside Music and Cinema is proud to be selected as the North American distributors for Karan Acoustics. Manufactured in Belgrade, Serbia since 1986, Karan Acoustics has gained a worldwide reputation as a manufacturer of some of the finest solid state two channel components in the world. All products are hand crafted using carefully selected components of the highest quality. Amplifiers range from 180 to 1200 watts and all feature dual mono technology, fully balanced circuits, and extremely fast, DC coupled and pure class A driven topologies. The KAL I 180 integrated is considered by many to be the finest integrated solid state made. Preamplifiers include the KA L and KA L reference linestages and the Ph2 phonostage. Westside Music and Cinema was founded in 2003 by two long time audiophiles and is based in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Product and dealer inquiries are welcome. NEWS RELEASE 4/25/08 Tonian Labs' coplink and decoplink resonators designed to work under CD players, amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers, where all the energy is transferred to a single point. This way the whole system will resonate on a single point at one frequency for more focus in the reproduced music." A set of 3 sells for $495.
NEWS RELEASE 3/3/08 The SQ84-V2 Integrated Amp & Headphone Amp w/Remote Volume NOW with REMOTE VOLUME and 2 INPUTS. The SQ-84-V2 is a push-pull in triode mode class AB integrated amplifier. It uses little global feedback. The 4 6V6 output tubes are self biased . 2- 6F2 / 6U8 act as input stage and drive stage at the same time and provided voltage gain and drives the 6V6 output tubes (one matched pair per channel). The 6V6s are transformer-coupled to the load. The SQ-84-V2 also has a headphone Jack switch that automatically disconnects the speakers and turns the unit into a wonderful tube headphone amp... List Price--$1249.00
Quest For Sound – 2307-R Bristol Pike NEWS RELEASE 2/23/08 Audiomagus is proud to introduce the new KingRex UD-01 USB DAC. This exciting high-end performance desktop DAC turns your MAC or PC into a high-end audio source.
It's now readily agreed that uncompressed music files played from a hard disk are superior to music from a CD player. The KingRex UD-01 USB DAC is designed specifically to get the most out of you computer as an audio source. This tiny audio powerhouse is built around the Burr Brown PCM 2702E DAC chip and a large internal buffer to store audio packets. The Burr-Brown OPA2604 low pass filter acts as the output stage preamp and removes residual digital garbage. Combined with the Texas TL072 DC servo and low noise JFET op amps, the result is a more analogue sounding stream.
www.audio-magus.com NEWS RELEASE 2/13/08 NSR Sonic Research is now officially taking orders for their D-1Reference and Sonata D-3 Loudspeaker, the newest member in their line which comes in several automotive finishes and crossover options. The Reference Xover incorporates Duelund graphite resistors, Mundorf silver oil capacitors (or Duelund VSF capacitors) and the superb Solen Super Litz inductors. "All versions are equipped with Cardas' best binding posts, "point to point wired, and very high parts quality even in its standard form." We are actively seeking Dealers to show case this exciting new Loudspeaker. NEWS RELEASE 2/3/08 Cable Research Lab Announces Audition And Upgrade Policies Audiophiles can audition CRL cables before buying and upgrade their existing CRL cables through two new policies. (www.CableResearchLab.com) introduces two new policies available now from its online store. Customers can listen to CRL cables before buying through the company's new audition policy. For the price of shipping (non-refundable) and a refundable 10% deposit, U.S. customers can audition their choice of standard length CRL interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords for up to 14 days. Cable Research Lab customers can also take advantage of CRL's new upgrade policy. Owners of CRL interconnects and speaker cables now have the opportunity to upgrade their cables within twelve months of purchase. Customers will be able to trade-up to a higher priced cable and apply 100% of their previous purchase price towards the purchase price of higher priced cables of equal lengths or longer. Chip Winston, President of Cable Research Lab wanted to provide more ways for customers to hear CRL products while buying direct from the manufacturer's website. "The CRL line has been enhanced over its ancestors, and I want to allow more listeners to hear CRL for themselves before buying. By offering both an audition policy and an upgrade policy, Cable Research Lab customers will be confident in their purchasing decisions" said Winston. Cable Research Lab products can also be heard at trade shows this year. "I was delighted to exhibit with the fine products from deHavilland Electric Amplifier Co. and Sonist Speakers" said Winston. "Our recent exhibit together at T.H.E. Show 2008 in Las Vegas was a great opportunity to have CRL cables heard." For additional information, or to order direct, visit www.cableresearchlab.com Contact: Chip Winston,
President NEWS RELEASE 2/3/08 Luxman Corporation, one of the longest-established & most distinguished names in high-end audio, has just added to its in the 80th Anniversary Commemoration model family, a new pair siblings with the introduction of the C-600f stereo control amplifier and M-600A stereo Pure Class A amplifier, to audiophiles and music lovers in North America, exclusively through On A Higher Note, LLC, one of the nation's premier hi-end audio distributor.
"We are very excited about offering Luxman's most affordable amplification in their reference line of luxury audio products," explained Philip O'Hanlon, President of Southern California-based On A Higher Note, LLC. "Luxman's C-600f is probably the only high end audio preamplifier that offers tone controls, adjustable from the remote control – ideal for listening to stunning performances such as Carlos Kleiber's performance of the Brahms Fourth Symphony. This legendary 1980 performance has long been praised for its performance, though criticized for its sonics. The massed violins play in the highest register and if played back at a realistic level, the violin's brightness and glare can be unpleasant. From the comfort of your listening chair, you can reduce the treble intensity and relax & enjoy this remarkable performance. For normal recordings, the tone controls can be disengaged from the audio circuit. "The B-1000f 80th Anniversary Commemoration Monoblocks have won almost every high-end audio award in Japan. Most of their technology is now available in the M-600A at almost a sixth of the price of its big brother." The M-600A Pure Class A stereo amplifier is rated at 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 120 watts continuous into 2 ohms. I heard this amplifier at Luxman's listening room in Yokohama drive Wilson Watt Puppys and B&W 800 Nautilus to terrific effect. There is a gorgeous liquidity to the midrange and heft & body in the bass." Luxman's C-600f and M-600A will retail for $8500 each and will be available through an exclusive network of specialty high-end audio retailers in all major metropolitan areas. In the interim, audiophiles & music lovers are invited to call On A Higher Note or go to their local dealers to inquire about forthcoming music seminars and private auditions. About On A Higher Note, LLC On A Higher Note, LLC is a premier distributor of high-end audio components in the United States whose mission is to distribute products from the world's finest high-end audio manufacturers through the most credible service oriented retailers within North America. Visit http://www.onahighernote.com for more information. About Luxman Japan Since 1925, Luxman has crafted audio products with custom designed and manufactured parts in Japan, building rich and natural sounding products for music lovers unwilling to settle for anything less than the best. Visit http://www.luxman.co.jp or http://www.luxman.us.
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