Bel Canto Design, Ltd. • Minneapolis MN • USA • info@belcantodesign.comm

NEWS RELEASE 5/17/10 Davone Audio has premiered its latest loudspeaker design, the new RAY model, expanding their catalogue of designer-oriented products. 

Now accompanying the debut model, RITHM, the Ray is also based on a coaxial driver in a ported enclosure. In this case, the driver sports an 8" midwoofer coupled with a dome tweeter - ensuring the same level of amazing soundstaging and imaging, whilst bolstering performance in the lower registers authoritatively. Limited shipping of this model is said to begin from the factory sometime in July of this year. US retail price is TBA but thought to land between $6,500 and $7,500 / pair. Standard finish is a silk-finished walnut, carrying on the company's midcentury design ethos.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Sommovigo

The Signal Collection

678-528-8077

chris@thesignalcollection.com

NEWS RELEASE 5/17/10 Audio Plus Services, the distributor behind Focal Professional and Home Audio products in North America, announced today that Montreal's "Le Lab Mastering" studio recently mastered Celine Dion's new live album "Taking Chances" (SONY) and utilized the full power of Focal's Grande Utopia EM speakers. Le Lab Mastering is the second studio in the world to install Grande Utopia EM speakers, Focal's flagship product. The studio opened in July 2009, this is their first mastering project for Celine Dion.

The album was mastered by engineer Marc Theriault, and mixed by Denis Savage, who are also both live mix engineers that have worked with Dion for over 15 years and know her voice and the music in detail - Theriault is involved in mixing on-stage monitors and Dion's own in-ear mix, and Savage mixing 'front of house' sound.

"I love the Grande Utopia EM speakers," says mastering engineer Theriault. "They are very transparent. Physically you forget that there are speakers in the room! They are absolutely linear from 20Hz up to 40kHz. When you have vocals, it's really in front of you: you think there's a center speaker there. It's really impressive, you close your eyes and the speakers are gone! Everybody that has listened to them has said the same remark."

Le Lab features a host of top analog equipment including Dangerous Music, George Massenburg Labs, Shadow Hills, Millenia Media, Manley Labs, D.W. Fearn, Ampex and Studer tape decks, as well as an Oracle Delphi MK VI turntable for the vinyl enthusiast. "We do mostly analog mastering here at Le Lab," Theriault points out. "We have lots of analog gear, the Celine Dion project was converted to analog from 24/96 digital and then we mastered from that. The mix engineer, Denis Savage, gave me music stems and Celine Dion's vocal separately, so I had full control on her vocal, that way I could EQ the vocal without affecting the music. We used the Dangerous Music 2-Bus analog-summing amp to combine the all the stems."

"The Grande Utopia speakers can also deliver a serious amount of dynamics, which is a plus when you do 'live show' mastering, because you can have the live show level experience to start with. We come from the live music side of the business, so we like SPL. If a client wants to hear something louder, we can do it without any problem. It can play very loud and very clean, it doesn't saturate. I have played engineer Bob Katz's 24/96k recording of the Space Shuttle lift off, and it sounds like you're there. I can get the same SPL from our system as if you are watching the lift-off," explains Theriault.

Dion's new CD "Taking Chances" documents her record-breaking world tour with live versions of her greatest hits performed on stage, 25 songs in all, including an emotional finale of the ballad "My Heart Will Go On." The tracks on the CD were recorded during Boston and Montreal concerts in August 2008. The live recordings are also available as a DVD of the concert, and both are in either French or English. Besides the filmed event, the DVD also contains the 24-bit / 96kHz stereo versions of the songs, which is the "mastered" quality directly from Le Lab Mastering studios. Visit: http://www.celinedion.com

Contact Le Lab Mastering through M1207 in Montreal, Canada (514) 843-9000.

About Focal 

Since its foundation, Focal has grown to become one of the world's leading Hi-Fi and professional loudspeaker companies. Headquartered in Saint- Etienne, France, it is now internationally recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacture of drivers for Hi-Fi and professional loudspeakers. Focal is also a pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of for car-audio and pro-audio. The company's key strength is its complete integration and quality control of the loudspeaker manufacturing process, from the design of speaker driver units, cabinets and crossovers, to the assembly of the finished product. Focal maintains an intense, continual research program and development in speaker driver technologies. Five patents have been registered to Focal since 2003. Please visit: http://www.focal-fr.com and http://www.audioplusservices.com

About Audio Plus Services 

Established in 1979, Audio Plus Services is a leading North American importer and distributor of premium consumer and professional electronics brands. Based in Montreal with U.S facilities in Champlain, NY, Audio Plus has sales personnel located throughout the United States to professionally service their active roster of more than 300 specialty A/V dealers. Audio Plus specializes in products and services for the professional audio and performing musician markets, and the home theater and custom integration (CI) market - both residential and commercial - for North America. Visit the Audio Plus website at http://www.audioplusservices.com or call (800) 663-9352 for more information.

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 Resolution Audio Video, known for offering the largest selection of high-value, high-end audio and video products in the Northwest, will host a rare public evening with renowned audio pioneer and guru Nelson Pass on May 20, 7 PM, at its spacious Seattle showroom at 5459 Leary Ave. NW, two doors south of Market Street, in beautiful downtown Ballard. Admission is free.

Founder and chief of Pass Laboratories Nelson Pass is a legendary audio designer who has been creating innovative, great-sounding high-end products for more than 30 years. A holder of eight audio circuitry patents, he has "influenced an entire generation of designers," as audio magazine The Absolute Sound wrote in a profile, with ideas that "might seem like textbook orthodoxy today, but were radical at the time."

"Nelson Pass night will be an exceptional event," said Resolution Audio Video owner Larry Israel. "I've already had inquires from people planning on flying into Seattle to attend."

In product after product ("a string of innovative, often brilliant designs," as Stereophile magazine characterized them), Nelson Pass ingeniously realized a philosophy of design simplicity and extremely low distortion and noise, often combining the two in unique hybrid designs that brought listeners the best of both approaches. Pass' achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977.

He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products. He also developed and patented the highly regarded Super-Symmetry™ circuit, which improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier, achieving exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. Pass Labs, founded by Pass in 1991, markets the unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers resulting from Nelson Pass' designs and leadership. It does so throughout the world, including through Resolution Audio Video, which carries Pass Labs products. Recently, Pass Labs has begun to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.

Pass, himself, is somewhat shy in terms of personal appearances, making his evening at Resolution Audio Video a rare event. However, he is unusually generous in sharing his ideas and designs on www.passlabs.com the Pass Labs Web site. He is also a strong advocate for the do-it-yourself (DIY) audio community, and maintains www.passdiy.com, a DIY Web site packed with free schematics, information and plans. A rare exception among commercial product designers, Pass is also available online to individual audio hobbyists, "for which he is held in very high esteem" by the DIY community, according to Wikipedia.

Free parking is available 100 feet south of Resolution Audio Video at Olsen's parking lot. Attendees should park first, then ask for a parking pass once inside Resolution Audio Video.

About Resolution Audio Video

Resolution Audio Video offers the finest audio and video components from around the world, as well as the largest selection of high-value, high-end products in the Northwest. Resolution Audio Video is also known for going the extra mile to help clients through each phase of the purchase process, from choosing a product to getting it installed. As a result, it offers a broad array of customer services, including expert custom installation, TV and audio adjustments, room acoustic evaluation and correction, free in-home consultation, and free product delivery. Its 5,000 square-foot showroom at 5459 Leary Ave. NW in downtown Ballard in Seattle, Washington, is equipped with five large sound and Home Theater rooms allowing Resolution to easily demonstrate its products. For further information, visit www.resolutionaudiovideoseattle.com

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 The Cary Audio Design MS-1 is a technological first for our company. Previously only specializing in physical-media based digital source equipment such as CD and DVD players, we have entered into the world of hard drive based systems with the MS-1 leading the way. The MS-1 is an IP based device which was designed to be operated wirelessly with the use of an iPhone or iPod Touch. Through your internet connection and wireless router, the MS-1 is designed as a nearly hands free unit. CD's are loaded automatically by simply inserting them into the disc drive. Once the disc has been completely copied to the 1TB hard drive which is capable of storing roughly 2800 CD's in FLAC format, the unit ejects the disc letting you know it has completed the transfer. Then, through the use of its network connection, the MS-1 begins to search out the artist info, album art and song list for the disc from the internet archives. Once the unit has compiled all of the necessary data, the newly imported disc is automatically added to the music library and is then searchable within the custom application available from the iTunes store for your iPhone or iPod touch which is used to control the unit. An extremely efficient and fast hard drive allows your music to be played back at the highest level of quality over one of the MS-1's (x2) USB outputs.

By downloading the custom Cary Audio Design MS-1 application available from the iTunes store, you have complete wireless control of the MS-1 and its database. Simply launch the Cary Audio application and within seconds you can begin searching your entire music library with the swipe of a finger. With a few, simple screen touches, you can search you entire music collection by artist, album, song or genre. Never before has your music library been this easily accessible. Also included within the MS-1 is SHOUTcast™ internet radio capability. This gives you the ability to stream any one of thousands of internet radio stations made available through the SHOUTcast™ internet radio technology.

To take the performance of the MS-1 to the next level, the unit has been designed to be paired with the Xciter Series USB digital to analog converter. By outputting the raw digital audio stream of the MS-1's hard drive to the Xciter DAC over USB, you are ensuring the absolute highest level of data transfer and digital to analog conversion available from separates costing several times the price.

The new MS-1 Music Server is shipping on May 10, 2010.

Weight: 8 lbs
Dimensions: 3.25" H x 11" W x 12.5" D

Retail Price: $2,500.00.00

About Cary Audio Design

A manufacturer of high-end audio and video electronics, Cary Audio Design is known for delivering innovative, no-compromise high-end audio and audio video designs to owners worldwide. The Classic Series is an award-winning product line, receiving accolades from many influential audio enthusiast magazines. Visit www.caryaudio.com for complete product specifications and additional information.

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 Bergmann Audio, a leading specialist in airbearing turntables and linear tracking airbearing tonearms, introduces into the U.S. market the exceptional Sindre Airbearing Turntable with Airbearing Tonearm.

The Sindre is a high-end, airbearing turntable with a linear tracking airbearing tonearm built using as few parts as possible in a simple, timeless design, in keeping with Bergmann's "less is more" philosophy. Its luminous, 8.8-pound acrylic platter floats on a thin film of air, and is centered by a steel spindle in a low-fiction, vibration-muffling polymer housing. The air supply is noiseless, and Sindre is extremely easy to operate and adjust.

Why Air?

Bergmann has found its airbearing technology to be superior to other bearing solutions in important ways. For example, the airbearing is frictionless, reducing bearing noise to a minimum and yielding exceptional speed stability. The airbearing tonearm also glides frictionless, its only contact with the turntable being through the stylus tip and the wire of the tonearm.

The bearings' unique friction-freedom expresses itself through an emotionally engaging musical reproduction in which nuances and details are natural parts of a transparent and vivid acoustic image, with an unexpectedly effective bass response.

The Sindre's air bearing consists of two aluminum discs between which a pumped air supply creates a thin, frictionless film of air. The belt-driven platter rests on a 7-lb. aluminum subplatter, and both reside atop a massive plinth comprising three layers of solid fiber board. The plinth stabilizes the tonearm, and rests on three adjustable spikes for easy leveling. The spikes provide the smallest contact surface possible to prevent substructure vibrations from reaching the turntable.

The tonearm is made of a very hard aluminum alloy. It consists of a long fixed air pipe with small vents that create a frictionless film of air on which the pipe gently floats. The arm tube is made of carbon fiber and mounted on this sliding pipe. The head shell, made with the same hard alloy as the rest of the tonearm, is parallel with the sliding pipe, which results in a perfect azimuth. The internal wire is twisted in one piece from clips to plugs to minimize soldering along the sensitive signal path. The tonearm includes an adjustment for the Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA), and another for horizontally adjusting the air pipe, which is independent of the plinth.

The Sindre Airbearing Turntable with Airbearing Tonearm is available now from authorized dealers at a suggested price of $21,000 (U.S. MSRP).

About Bergman

Bergmann Audio is a Danish manufacturer specializing in airbearing turntables and linear tracking airbearing tonearms. Every part is handcrafted in Denmark to optimize the airbearing principle, and achieve the exceptional sound and timeless designs for which Bergmann is known. For further technical information, visit www.aaudioimports.comcom.

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 Aaudio Imports, a leading supplier of world class high-end audio products, introduces into the U.S. market the revolutionary Aelius, a new high-performance push-pull hybrid monoblock power amplifier by Ypsilon of Greece, and the latest addition to Ypsilon's broad line of amplification products.

Capable of driving any loudspeaker, the Aelius is a remarkable product using an outstanding hybrid design that combines the sonic purity of single-ended triode (SET) amplification with the power of push-pull amplification, all with unmatched build quality.

SET amplifiers help instruments and voices retain their natural presence, making listeners feel they are hearing real music played by real people. Music flows in a way that happens only in live unamplified performances. Operating in Class A, where current flows independently of the audio signal, they deliver a sound that makes it easier to feel music's inherent drama and momentum.

SET amps are best at relatively low wattages, and with loudspeakers having very even impedance curves. Push-pull amplifiers tend to be better at low frequencies and operate better at higher power levels. However, their sound tends to be not as convincingly natural. Ypsilon's solution elegantly combines the two approaches in a way that avoids each one's limitations.

The Aelius delivers more power, drive and transparency than either style could independently, while retaining a sense of musical involvement and music's natural flow. With only two gain stages, tube input and rectification, and a metal–oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) output stage, the Aelius achieves all-valve SET amplification with significant power, enough gain, low distortion, and a sufficient output impedance. It provides a tonal palette of immense width, producing clear, undistorted music that brings listeners as close as possible to the actual music event.

The Aelius' monoblock configuration uses a Siemens C3g valve in the input stage and a 6CA4/EZ81 rectifier tube. It produces 220 watts/channel into 8 Ohm, 380 watts/channel into 4 ohms, and 500 watts/channel into 2 ohms for almost endless power

The Aelius can be integrated into any audio system, regardless of speaker impedance or cable length. It includes a balanced/unbalanced switch and an easily accessible ground/lift switch on the rear panel.el.

The Aelius Push-Pull Hybrid Monoblock Power Amplifier is available now from authorized Aaudio Imports dealers at a suggested price of $34,000/pair (U.S. MSRP).

About Audio Imports

Based in Parker, Colorado, Aaudio Imports is a leading supplier of truly world-class high-end audio products to top quality dealers. Its high-end manufacturers, selected from companies around the world, also stand out from the crowd, and include Acapella in Germany, Audiotop in Switzerland, Bergmann Audio in Denmark, Einstein Audio Components in Germany, Isoclean Power in Hong Kong, Lindemann and Millennium Audio in Germany, Stage III concepts in the U.S., Tidal Audio in Germany, Weizhi Precision in Taiwan, and Ypsilon Electronics in Greece. Aaudio Imports dealers are true music lovers, selected for their product knowledge, listening skills, and desire to seek out only the best for their customers. For further technical information, visit Aaudio Imports' Web site at www.aaudioimports.com.

About Ypsilon

Ypsilon Electronics, based in Greece, is a highly regarded designer and manufacturer of innovative amplifiers, preamplifiers, DACs, CD Transports and related components. Founded by veteran sound engineers, Ypsilon is dedicated to developing products whose reproduced audio is indistinguishable from live music. For further technical information, visit www.aaudioimports.com

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 Pass Laboratories, Inc., an audio innovator renowned for its unique high-performance products, has introduced the XP-25 Phono Preamp, an ultra high-quality, line-stage audio preamplifier with a unique dual-chassis. at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, beginning here today.

The XP-25 features new circuitry designs, a second chassis for a separate power supply, and a front panel with rotary switches to select gain, loading, and cartridge type. It's ideal for use with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, and presents in performance a new dimension of dynamics, inner detail and spectral richness with a very low noise floor and a more expansive soundstage than previous Pass Labs phono stages.

Developed by Nelson Pass' Co-designer Wayne Colburn, the XP-25 is a larger, higher performance sibling to Pass Labs' exceptional XP-15 Phono Preamp, which followed Pass Labs' award-winning X-ono phono-stage. The XP-25 also boasts adjustable gain, two separate inputs, a low-cut filter, mute, and resistive and capacitive loading on the front panel for easy access. Its twin chassis of brushed aluminum each measure 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 4 inches high, and total 55 pounds in weight.

The XP-25 Phono Preamp is available now from authorized Pass Labs dealers at a suggested price of $10,600 (U.S. MSRP). It can be seen with other outstanding Pass labs products at the Venetian Hotel, Suite 29-140, during CES.

About Pass Labs

Founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, Pass Laboratories, Inc. markets its unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers throughout the world. The company has been based in Foresthill, California, since its beginning, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world. Its critically acclaimed Aleph, X and XA-Series products have won numerous awards, and Founder and CEO Nelson Pass holds numerous audio patents. His achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977. He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products, and the Super-Symmetry™ circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. The company is now poised to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.

NEWS RELEASE 5/10/10 Denon, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment products, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010. In 100 years of significant and innovative "firsts," Denon has continuously brought passion, artistry and the best of technologies to discriminating customers around the world, always providing them with a superior home entertainment experience.

Denon Background: Legacy of Firsts

In Japan in 1910, an American trader named Frederick Whitney Horn established a company called Nippon Chikuonki Shoukai (Japan Recorders Corporation). With his Japanese partners, he released the company's first product: a single disc record and gramophone. The brand name "Denon" was born in the late 1930s and ever since has become synonymous with the development of groundbreaking technologies and products for consumer and professional use.

Noted Hirofumi Ichikawa, President Denon Brand Company: "Through creative passion and technical brilliance, Denon has delivered many groundbreaking firsts. We are now celebrating 100 years of history, and looking forward to the next 100 years. Denon has not only maintained focus through these years, but continues to be a driving force that helps revolutionize our industry. Our innovations have led to the development of entirely new product categories, with new ways of enjoying not only music, but movies as well, offering the best solutions for quality home entertainment. Denon does all of this with one simple and unwavering philosophy: to deliver exactly what the original artist intended, a superior audio and video experience."

Throughout its century of innovation, Denon has built a strong Legacy of Firsts, including introduction of the first professional disc recorder (1939), the first sales of stereo records and stereo systems in Japan (1951) and invention of the first PCM recorder (1970), which marked the basis of today's CD format. In 1982 Denon debuted another historical first – the first consumer-use CD player (DCD-2000). With the advent of home theater technologies, Denon again became the first to release a home cinema component supporting Dolby Digital/THX 5.1 decoding for enjoying the best in multi-channel content.

Underlying this Legacy of Firsts are three constants that have defined and differentiated Denon historically, and are a promise for the future: passion, artistry and technology.

Passion for Audio and Video

For Denon, the creation of audio and video products that can deliver the highest quality experience to consumers is a driving passion and the reason the company exists. Nowadays, as music has become more mobile and digital, quality becomes even more relevant. Denon is passionate about developing and leveraging technologies, so that in any format, customers can enjoy a purity of sound quality that will enhance their lives. Denon's solution, whether it's a simple Hi-Fi mini system or full home theater system, is to stir the listener's soul and make the experience real and alive. Products are designed to reproduce at home the same air, energy and emotion felt on the stage, in the studio or at the theater.

Artistry

Denon engineers and employees are musicians and music lovers. They dream and imagine and work across a broad canvas of tools and technologies to design the most innovative new products. They also strive to create products of beauty and desire to reflect the taste and sensibilities of the future owners, to perfectly add to their living rooms and lifestyles. Everybody at Denon is dedicated to the artistry and the creativity of the products. All are working together to imagine the future and how to improve Denon products and customer service.

Technology

From the beginnings of compact disc to the rise of surround sound and now to mobility, streaming, and networking, Denon has not only evolved with technologies, but has been a leader and innovator that has developed and introduced these technologies to the world and made them accessible to consumers. Denon is proud of its products and wants its customers to be proud as well. Denon products begin as ideas. They are not just objects of metal that have been assembled, but rather, objects of care in which each detail has been labored over in order to perfect and optimize overall design and sound quality.

Become part of our Anniversary Celebration

Throughout the year Denon will celebrate its 100th anniversary at some of the world's most important exhibitions. This is a monumental point in Denon's history, so the company is inviting everyone to join in the celebration. To this end, Denon has launched a special Anniversary website, www.denon100.com, where people can learn all about the company's "Legacy of Firsts," and most importantly, the people whose passion for audio and video perfection drive everything Denon does. To further let our current and future Denon customers become a part of this celebration, Denon will release several limited-edition anniversary products later this year.

For further information on Denon's 100th anniversary and other Denon news, please visit:

http://www.denon100.com, http://usblog.denon.com and http://usa.denon.com.

NEWS RELEASE 4/26/10 Morel, a leading manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers, is pleased to introduce a new level of refinement in floor-standing loudspeakers with the company's most advanced home product to date–the fat lady.

The fat lady project represents a journey of discovery for Morel lasting more than three and half years. The goal of this project was to develop not only a true high-end loudspeaker, but to use that knowledge to introduce a new philosophy and direction for the company.

The fat lady cabinet is truly unique, borrowing technology from Formula 1 race cars in that it is fashioned from carbon fibre composite. The extreme flexibility of this material enabled the designers to produce the curves that served the acoustic sound quality objectives while giving the speaker its sensuous signature profile.

Void of straight lines, the curved cabinet resembles a musical instrument, enabling the fat lady to go without the use of internal damping prevalent in conventional speaker systems. By means of this calculated design, the fat lady cabinet is allowed to vibrate with the drive units and use this energy as part of the reproduced sound. The magic, however, is in how the cabinet radiates music with the drive units yet stops immediately when the drive unit stops so there are no delayed resonances. The result is a speaker system that is so transparent and natural that it sounds as if there were no cabinet at all.

The fat lady's drive unit line up consists of:

High frequencies are handled by a high-end Supreme™ tweeter featuring a 1.1" (28mm) hand-coated Acuflex™ soft dome, and fitted with an underhung voice coil.

Midrange frequencies are managed by a specifically designed 6" drive unit fitted with a 3-inch, underhung voice coil featuring Morel's EVC™ (External Voice Coil) technology, and a carbon fibre/Rohacell sandwich cone.

Bass is comprised of two 9" units, each fitted with a 3" External Voice Coil (EVC™) technology, and a carbon fibre/Rohacell sandwich cone.

The fat lady is a technical tour de force incorporating many innovative design solutions. It has already received favourable reviews in markets worldwide, and taken top honours for the 2009 CES Design and Engineering Innovation.

The true test of a loudspeaker is to listen to it. Auditioning the fat lady promises to be an exciting experience. As they say: "It's not over 'til the fat lady sings."

For more information, visit www.morelhifi.com or call +972 8 930 1161.

In the US call Morel America toll-free at 877-morel-11

Retail price per pair: $32,000 USD

NEWS RELEASE 4/26/10 Channel D, developers of innovative audio software solutions for Apple® Macintosh computers—including the acclaimed audiophile-quality Pure Vinyl software, a high-resolution vinyl transcription, archiving and editing program—recently introduced a new high-resolution digital audio playback software program for Apple iTunes®.

Pure Music, based on Channel D's acclaimed Pure Vinyl audio playback engine, automatically docks with Apple's free iTunes® digital jukebox software to handle music playback, using a high-resolution playback engine. iTunes acts as the database and playlist organizer; Pure Music leverages the user's familiarity of iTunes functions such as track selection, music library navigation, and more. When combined with a high-resolution sound card or DAC, Pure Music delivers dynamic and detailed audio playback.

The advantages of using Pure Music are:

Automatic sample rate switching (16 or 24 bits, 44.1 to 192 kHz)

Gapless track playback and Memory Play

Dithered Volume Control

64-bit Adjustable Subwoofer Crossover

According to Robert Robinson, Channel D's Director of Engineering, "Pure Music offers many benefits over iTunes alone. Foremost, iTunes plays all audio tracks at the sample rate detected when launched. If this were 44.1kHz (CD quality), then all high resolution audio tracks (up to 192kHz/24-bit, which can be purchased and downloaded on the Internet) would be downsampled and played in CD format, diminishing playback quality. On the other hand, Pure Music will automatically play high-resolution audio tracks at their native sample rate (if supported by the connected sound card or DAC). This capability was previously only available in costly ($995) audio playback software, but now is available with Pure Music for just $129.00."

Pure Music goes even further than previous player software, offering advanced features such as Memory Play, real-time high resolution upsampling of CD tracks, a 64-bit internal signal path, dithered volume control, subwoofer crossover, multichannel support, audio processing plug-ins, CoreAudio Hog Mode playback, high resolution audio streaming, precision signal metering, reverse play, and more. Pure Music natively plays all iTunes-supported audio formats, including but not limited to Apple Lossless, AIFF, Wave, AAC and MP3.

Pure Music is designed to accommodate changes in Apple's iTunes as that software continues to evolve. Through a proprietary high performance mechanism developed with the help of Channel D's 25 continuous years of in-house experience developing Macintosh software, Pure Music transparently monitors user commands to iTunes. This elegant design avoids needing to reverse engineer iTunes' library and playlist formats, insuring compatibility with future versions of iTunes. As far as the user is concerned, iTunes behaves normally via the Play/Pause, Skip, Shuffle, Volume controls, etc. and even via remote operation with an iPhone™ or iPod touch® using Apple's Remote application. However, the connection with iTunes stops there, because iTunes no longer plays the music.

All audio is rendered and played via Pure Music's low CPU overhead, audiophile quality 64-bit resolution playback engine. (Note: 64-bit resolution audio is an entirely different thing from the 64-bit memory addressing now available in Apple's OS X operating system.)

Robinson continues: "The many accolades from users in Internet forums regarding the audio playback quality of Pure Vinyl's Music Server feature has created a tremendous demand for the product. Accordingly, Pure Music was created to focus on the digital music playback features, for users not interested in the vinyl-oriented editing and recording features of Pure Vinyl."

Visitors to www.channld.com can download a free, 15-day, unrestricted demo program to try before purchase. System requirements: Mac OSX 10.5 or 10.6. The full program can be purchased on the site for $129.00.

About Channel D

Channel D has created and delivered popular and innovative audio software solutions for Apple Macintosh computers since 1997, when they introduced the acclaimed Mac the Scope audio signal analyzer software. For the past several years, Channel D has focused on products aimed at professional audio analysis and audio enthusiasts, including Waavebox (audio signal generator), AudioLeak (equivalent audio loudness analyzer), and Pure Vinyl, first released in 2006. Channel D's Seta (Italian for silk) phono preamplifier product line provides a solid anchor point for Channel D's end-to-end product strategy, linking analog vinyl playback with high resolution, transparently true to analog, up to 192kHz/24-bit digital audio.

Robert Robinson, founder of Channel D, was a research scientist and project manager at Bell Communications Research (originally part of AT&T Bell Laboratories) in New Jersey for over nine years. Included among his achievements there was designing and building one of the world's first electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopes, for examining the structure of matter at the atomic level, in the late 1980s at the forefront of what's now called nanotechnology. Dr. Robinson is responsible for product creation at Channel D.

NEWS RELEASE 4/26/10 Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, is building on its longtime commitment to professional custom integrators this year, expanding its highly successful CI Certification program, providing more back-end support services and debuting three new "CI class" A/V Receivers. The Denon CI receivers being announced today include, with expected SRP and availability listed in parenthesis: the AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June) and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). They will join Denon's AVR-4810CI (SRP: $2,999) and flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,500) in the company's acclaimed line of CI A/V receivers, as well as the company's advanced CI separates including the AVP-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) 12 Channel A/V Preamplifier and POA-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) Fully Balanced Power Amplifier.

Industry-Leading Initiative to Help Custom Integrators Best Serve Their Clients

Denon is launching more initiatives in support of professional integrators, and at its heart is the company's expanded CI Certification and training program, which includes a uniquely valuable CI Web information portal for certified integrators that now includes over 3,000 registered members and growing. Further reflecting its CI commitment, Denon is also announcing that integrators will now be able to benefit from a longer 3-year warranty with the new Denon receivers from the AVR-2311CI and up.

Noted Jeff Talmadge, Director, Product Development & Systems Integration, Denon Electronics: "Custom integrators are a top priority for Denon, and through our CI certification and training program, supported by our innovative products and comprehensive support services, we are 100% committed to helping our CI customers build their businesses and to helping grow the entire channel. As part of our effort to serve custom integrators with the added-value tools and services they need to succeed, all of our CI products have been designed from the ground up based on feedback from professional installers and the features and capabilities they've requested. Our focus is on creating solution-based, innovative and reliable products that custom integrators can depend on to perform year in and year out – and through our advanced training program to ensuring that all our CI customers fully understand how to maximize the benefits for their clients."

New A/V Receivers: Industry-Leading Control Capabilities and More

The company's three new CI receivers offer the advanced performance, reliability and ease-of-use that is vital to custom integrators. Responding to integrators demands for receivers that offer easier and more comprehensive connectivity and control, all three feature a host of leading-edge "connected home" capabilities made possible through Denon's partnerships with control manufacturers such as Crestron, AMX, Control4, Universal Remote Control and RTI. Notably, in a first-of-its-kind move for the company, Denon will be creating its own Crestron remote control modules, allowing installers to quickly and easily open a control interface and simply "drag and drop" the specific programming tools they need to create fully connected total home systems.

Additionally, Denon's new CI-class receivers all feature Control4® Certification, ensuring compatibility and smooth integration with all Control4 IP-based home automation and entertainment systems. (Denon's existing AVP-A1HDCI, AVR-5308CI, AVR-4810CI, AVR-4310CI, AVR-3310CI and AVR-2310CI have also received Control4 certification.) Further reflecting the importance Denon places on leading-edge Web access, all the company's new receivers, as well as the company's continuing AVR-4810CI, AVR-4310CI and AVR-3310CI, are officially "Compatible with Windows 7," ensuring full compatibility with the updated 'Play To' functionality of the new Microsoft operating system.

Custom integrators will especially appreciate the Ethernet connectivity in AVR-3311CI and 4311CI models, which offer them IP control as well as the ability to efficiently conduct system setup and maintenance from a remote location – even allowing Denon's CI-certified custom integrators to potentially diagnose and fix a customer's problem from their office. Furthermore, responding to the growing consumer demand for ways to incorporate more personal content and content from Internet sources into their home entertainment systems, Denon's AVR-4311CI and AVR-3311CI receivers now allow users to stream both the free Pandora and Flickr services, as well as stream audio and photos directly from their PCs, choose from over 7,500 Internet radio stations and connect to the subscription-based Rhapsody and Napster music services.* Users can also stream and listen to music stored on a Windows PC, Mac and media server products or NAS devices supporting the DLNA standard.

Maximum compatibility with today's home entertainment source components is a priority in all Denon CI receivers, including the Apple iPod and the iPhone. For example, all three models feature iPod Digital Direct via USB, which is also 'Works with iPhone' certified.

Recognizing the demand for receivers capable of delivering audio and video to multiple zones within the home, all CI receivers feature at least two-zone, two-source capability, and the AVR-4311CI and AVR-3311CI both offer three-zone, three-source capability.** Other key custom-integration features included in all Denon CI receivers are RS-232 for 3rd Party control and assignable high current DC trigger outputs. Both models also offer Audyssey MultEQ Pro Calibration, providing custom integrators with the ultimate tool for tailoring the sound to the specific acoustical need of any room.

AVR-4311CI: Leading-Edge Features and Capabilities

Leading off Denon's new CI-class receiver line is the 9.2-channel AVR-4311CI. New features include the latest Audyssey MultEQ Room Correction system and Dolby Volume. The AVR-4311CI includes seven HDMI inputs and two parallel HDMI outputs, including a single front-panel HDMI input for added convenience. The highest resolution audio decoders are provided, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for the ultimate in audio fidelity. Analog and digital video sources are upconverted via Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing to HD quality (up to 1080p/24/60). All new CI models feature built-in HD Radio for dramatically improved fidelity. The AVR-4311CI also incorporates the advanced DENON Link 4th, featuring HDMI Clock Control – when using the HDMI interface for A/V output for Blu-ray playback in combination with Denon Link, Clock Jitter Control gives the Master Clock and Jitter reduction to be handled by the connected Denon A/V Receiver/Processor.

Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, today announced its new line of advanced audio/video receivers with ten state-of-the-art offerings. The lineup features five new affordable, fully featured priced models in the company's popular Retail Home Theater Series line, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, including the AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July), AVR-891 (SRP: $799, May), AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May), AVR-591 (SRP: $349, May) and the AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July). These join two new, more advanced 7-channel Models, the AVR-1911 (SRP: $599, June), and AVR-1611 (SRP: $399, June). Also announced are Denon's three new "CI-class" receivers (see separate release) geared toward custom integrators, including the AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June), and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). The new models will join Denon's AVR-4810CI (SRP: $2,999) and flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,500) in the company's renowned line of A/V receivers, as well as the company's advanced CI separates including the AVP-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) 12 Channel A/V Preamplifier and POA-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) Fully Balanced Power Amplifier.

Major Enhancements Throughout the Line

Among the significant enhancements made to all new Denon receivers is the inclusion of HDMI v1.4a Repeater Inputs with 3D (all mandated formats), Audio Return Channel and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) support. All models, except the AVR-391, feature analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby and dts, and many feature advanced multi-zone networking capabilities. Simple one-cable HDMI connections add to simplicity of use, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding on all models provides for the enhanced audio experience of front height channels. The new receivers are also engineered throughout to provide consumers with all the features and capabilities they need to enjoy maximum compatibility with today's home entertainment source components. For example, iPod connectivity is featured in all models throughout the line, with the AVR-1911, AVR-791 and higher models adding iPod Digital Direct via USB, which is also 'Works with iPhone' certified.

All models feature an updated easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) or On-Screen Display that make the steps of system setup, operation and displaying other important information much easier for the end user. Notably, the new models all feature on-screen display (OSD) or GUI overlay via the HDMI connection – eliminating the frustrating necessity of additional cable switching or programming interruptions when making adjustments, such as volume, while watching HD content. Further enhancing ease-of-use, all models feature Source/Quick Select Power On and Quick Select options on the front panel and remote control to give end users one button source, surround mode selection.

In keeping with Denon's commitment to eco-friendly engineering throughout its product line, the standby power of all new receivers is below 0.1 watts, helping eliminate unnecessary power usage.

Denon A/V Receivers: The Culmination of 100 Years of Innovation

The audio/video receiver is at the heart of Denon's ongoing mission to enhance and expand the home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers. Noted Phil Cohn, the company's Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing: "Denon's 100-year legacy has been distinguished by breakthrough technological innovation at virtually every stage of the evolution of home entertainment, particularly in our advanced audio/video receivers. This year's product line expresses our expertise and drive for innovation, giving people new ways to experience their entertainment, from a dramatically enhanced surround sound experience to interactive web access, multi-zone networking and more. Importantly, our receivers also give content creators inspiring ways to reach audiences with their artistic creations as they were intended to be experienced, including music, movies, games and more."

New Retail Home Theater Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance

Denon's Retail Home Theater Series line for 2010 provides discriminating consumers with a host of upgraded features and capabilities at affordable prices. The line now features three 7-channel models (AVR-791, AVR-891, AVR-991), as well as two 5-channel models (AVR-591, AVR-391). All five offer many of the same high-quality features and capabilities that distinguish Denon receivers in the marketplace, including some of those found in the company's CI models. Notably, the AVR-991 features Audyssey DSX with Front Height or Width Channels with Sirius Satellite Radio Ready capability, as well as being the least expensive Denon AVR with advanced networking that adds an RJ-45 Ethernet Port for third-party controllers, Mac/PC audio streaming, Internet Radio, Pandora, Flickr, a Web browser function and more. All models feature 24-bit/192-kHz Analog Devices DACs, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey MultEQ. All include analog-to-HDMI video conversion, while AVR-791 and higher feature 12-bit video processing and scaling from Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT).

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the new Retail Home Theater Series models allow for stunning delivery of today's most advanced high-definition audio programming. Model AVR-991 features Anchor Bay Technologies advanced video deinterlacing and upscaling, converting SD sources to HD. And thanks to the dedicated Denon iPod dock accessory control port on all models, users may connect and control their iPod/iPod Touch or iPhone using one of Denon's available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information.

AVR-1911 and AVR-1611: Multi-Zone Functionality, HD Radio and More

Denon's AVR-1911 AVR-1611 7-channel receivers represent the leading edge of today's revolution in home entertainment system building. Both offer full two-zone A/V distribution capabilities, allowing users to enjoy a movie in full surround sound in the living room while listening to music distributed to a den or bedroom.* The AVR-1911 adds the advanced capability of a built-in HD Radio tuner, as well as iPod Direct Connectivity via USB and the most advanced Anchor Bay Technologies video deinterlacing and upscaling chipset for converting SD sources to HD.

Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, is providing discriminating consumers the opportunity to enjoy an enriched Blu-ray experience with the addition of two new 3D-Ready Universal Blu-ray players to its lineup. The new models, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, include the DBP-2011UDCI (SRP: $799, Aug.) and the DBP-1611UD (SRP: $399, June) that will join Denon's DBP-4010UDCI (SRP: $1,999) and critically acclaimed DVD-A1UDCI (SRP: $4,499) Universal Blu-ray Disc Players in the company's line of Blu-ray components, which also includes the S-5BD BD/Receiver (SRP: $1,799), a single-component that combines a 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player.

3D-Readiness, Ultimate Quality Audio, True "Universal" Players

Denon's Blu-ray players represent the leading edge in performance and features for the fast-growing high-definition format. The "universal" Blu-ray models provide superior playback of virtually all 5-inch silver discs. To ensure total future-readiness, an upcoming firmware update is scheduled to be available in the fall for 3D capability in the new Blu-ray players. In addition to their ultimate-quality video reproduction, all Denon players reflect the company's longstanding heritage as an audio leader, offering impeccable high-resolution sonic playback, including DVD-Audio and SACD.

Exciting New Content Opportunities, More On-Board Memory

Both new Universal Denon Blu-ray players provide easy and straightforward access to the Internet, opening up new content and networking opportunities. For instance, both offer Netflix* and YouTube streaming and are DLNA 1.5-certified for audio/video/photo streaming with other DLNA certified products across a network. In addition to their many innovative interactivity features, including built-in BD Live and "Bonus View" functionality, they offer leading-edge Web access features with 1GB** of on-board memory for BD-Live playback and a USB connector for additional external memory for media and BD-Live content. The players are designed to enhance a consumer's total home entertainment experience with features such as Kodak Picture CD compatibility, as well as DivX HD+, MP3 and WMA playback (all via either recordable DVD/CD or external memory).

Noted Phil Cohn, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics: "As we celebrate our centennial this year, Denon is reaffirming our core principle to provide customers with the best possible options for elevating their home entertainment experience. With our new Universal Blu-ray products, we now offer consumers the best that this exciting new format has to offer, delivering all the audio and video power intended by content providers, as well as a greater level of interactivity and Internet access."

In the new Denon Blu-ray players, ultimate quality audio and video playback is assured. Notably, the new DBP-2011UDCI features inclusion of the very latest Anchor Bay Technologies decoding Engine and Scalar, as well as all-new Burr-Brown 32-Bit, 192-kHz Audio DACs on all channels for unprecedented high-definition audio playback. For ultimate-quality image resolution, both new players feature HDMI v1.4a outputs with 3D and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) capability and 36-Bit Deep Color. Further enhancing performance, they feature independent pathways for interlaced and progressive display, plus the DBP-2011UDCI has a full complement of advanced decoding circuitry, with decoding of all the latest HD audio formats from Dolby and dts.

Not only do both the new Denon models feature the capability to stream content from the Internet, they join all other players in the company's Universal Blu-ray lineup that are able to utilize their onboard Ethernet ports for BD-Live and firmware update access. Designed as an ideal solution for custom installation, the DBP-2011UDCI includes an RS-232 port for third-party controllers.

For more information, visit http://usa.denon.com. For Denon 100th Anniversary and other news, visit http://www.denon100.com and http://usblog.denon.com

NEWS RELEASE 3/16/10 Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc., an innovative and prolific manufacturer of award-winning audio and video interconnects, cables and AC power products, shows their completely updated Signature-3™ and Reference-3™ interconnects and cable lines at this year's Salon Son & Image in Montreal, March 25th through the 28th.

What Are You Doing? As Little As Possible!
Cables are everywhere in an audio/video system; without quality cable engineering and manufacture most of the performance stays locked up inside your components. Relying on a jumble of different cables to tone-control a system is equally unsound. Cables should just… get out of the way. And there's the rub; it's extraordinarily difficult to make cables that sound like nothing at all.

But XLO is in an excellent position to get closer to… the sound of nothing. "We control the manufacturing of our own product, just as we've done for more than 15 years," enthuses XLO's president Allen Sung, "giving us 100 percent quality control backed with a lifetime warranty. We have the capacity, machining and engineering expertise to work the conductor and dielectric materials. We design and produce all our specialist connectors. The product is of such quality that it's supplied OEM to a surprising number of other brands."

Reference-3 and Signature-3 interconnect and speaker cables are custom-drawn 99.99998% ("Six Nines") pure Laboratory Grade copper. Signature-3's higher specification calls for UPOCC 6N copper (Ultra Pure Ohno Continuous Casting process). Proprietary Field-Balanced™ winding – how each signal-bearing conductor is arrayed relative to the others – is optimized for the interactive relationship between current-controlled electromagnetic fields formed around a cable's conductors, and the electrostatic fields formed around its insulation when an audio or digital/video signal passes.

Reference-3 and Signature-3 are designed with to minimize capacitive discharge effects. As current passes through insulated conductors capacitance effects store signal energy in the surrounding dielectric material that's either turned into heat or quickly released out of phase back into the signal path as soon as the polarity changes leading to signal cancellations, reduced low-level detail, smearing, and out-of-phase artifacts causing spurious sound or picture distortions!

XLO reduces stored energy with low-mass dielectrics and the best materials with the minimum dielectric constant and the fastest "dump rate" – the faster the energy returns or dumps from the dielectric, the less distortion you hear.

Even our hand-terminated connectors are direct-plated 24k gold with no shiny but poor-sounding nickel substrate: Nickel is ferrous and becomes magnetized when passing signal current. The magnetic field is modulated by the electrical signal and the connector retains a residual magnetic charge. Making our own connectors also allows XLO to ensure constant impedance from one end to the other.

XLO is Your Cable Solutions Company!
Retail prices start at $290 for Reference-3 half meter audio pair and
$590 for Signature-3 half meter audio pair.

About XLO
Ultralink/XLO Products Inc., headquartered in Ontario, California is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance audio and video cables and UltraPower™ AC power products, Canada's market share leader in the field. In early 2002 Ultralink Products Inc. acquired XLO Electric Co., Inc. a well-known brand of audiophile reference cables and interconnects. Ultralink also introduced the elegant "Engineering Truth" Argentum Acoustics™ line of cables and accessories. Ultralink is a member of PARA, CEDIA and the CEA. For more information on Ultralink/XLO and their product brands call (909) 947-6960 or find them at www.ultralinkproducts.com or learn more about XLO at www.xloelectric.com and Argentum Acoustics at www.argentumacoustics.com.

ULTRALINK/XLO PRODUCTS, INC. 1951 South Lynx Avenue Ontario, California, U.S.A. 91761 Tel: (909) 947-6960 Fax: (909) 947-6970 Web: www.ultralinkproducts.com 

NEWS RELEASE 3/16/10 Benchmark Media Systems, Inc is celebrating its 25^th anniversary. Benchmark is a leading provider of high-precision audio equipment to recording studios, broadcasters, sound reinforcement contractors, and audiophiles.

Benchmark was founded by Allen H. Burdick in 1985 when "he saw the need for high-performance audio components in broadcast signal chains," says Rory Rall, Benchmark's longtime sales manager. "The first set of audio distribution and microphone pre-amplifier products quickly gained recognition in the industry and earned many accolades." Benchmark's broadcasting equipment is currently used by CNN, ABC, NBC, NPR, and many others. Rall explains that "the metaphorical tree of Benchmark's history has its roots in broadcasting, its trunk in professional recording, and its branches in hi-fi."

By the late 90's, recording professionals began to discover Benchmark's digital converters and microphone pre-amplifiers. Applications engineer Elias Gwinn remarks, "Benchmark's position in the music recording industry was solidified after developing innovative digital clock systems that were immune to jitter and its resulting distortion - a significant issue in digital conversion." Benchmark's digital converters, such as the DAC1, were first embraced by mastering engineers. This spread into recording studios where tracking and mixing engineers also began using Benchmark converters. Shortly there after, the DAC1 gained popularity among audiophiles. Benchmark's products have been recognized internationally with many pro-audio and hi-fi awards.

"Looking toward the future, Benchmark is focused on delivering products to both professional and audiophile markets," says John Siau, VP of Benchmark Media Systems. "We will continue to provide the highest quality audio equipment to those who create and enjoy top-quality recordings. We plan to integrate our tradition of high-precision audio with the newest technologies. It is our goal to assure that music is translated as truthfully as possible, whether people are creating in the studio or listening via computers, portable music players, smart phones, Blu-Ray, DVD, or digital television. All of our products are designed and manufactured in Syracuse, New York USA. We are strongly committed to keeping these operations in Central New York."

About Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

Benchmark Media Systems, Inc is a privately-held manufacturer of precision audio electronics located in Syracuse, NY USA. Benchmark has provided leading-edge performance to recording studios, broadcasters, sound reinforcement contractors, and hi-fi enthusiasts since 1985. To learn more about Benchmark visit http://www.benchmarkmedia.com for more information.

NEWS RELEASE 3/6/10 The Lotus Group has been granted worldwide rights of distribution for the remarkable SMc VRE-1 preamplifier which will now be sold through dealers.

The VRE-1 is a revolutionary design that is the result of five years of intensive research and development.

Unrivaled transparency and neutrality; incredible dynamic expression

A true "window onto the performance."

www.lotusgroupusa.com

NEWS RELEASE 3/6/10 Marantz America, a world leader of advanced home entertainment solutions, today announced that consumers who purchase one of its high-performance Blu-ray players, including models UD9004 (SRP: $5,999.99), UD8004 ($2,299.99), BD7004 (SRP: $799.99) or BD5004 ($549.99), from an authorized Marantz retailer from now until March 31 are eligible to receive a free ROKUâ HD Digital Video Player via mail-in rebate. The popular ROKU HD player allows users to stream and enjoy a wide range of Internet media services in superb high-definition video and audio, including Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, Major League Baseball and much more. Customer rebate redemption forms are available at www.us.marantz.com.

Noted Kevin Zarow, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Marantz America, Inc: "In addition to their unprecedented capabilities to provide high-definition video and audio programming, one of the most exciting attributes of today's Blu-ray players is their ability to give users an easy-access bridge to a multitude of video and audio Internet entertainment services. Marantz engineers have made it a priority in our Blu-ray players to ensure that our customers remain at the cutting edge of this Internet media revolution. Now, by offering people the opportunity to receive a free ROKU HD player with their Marantz Blu-ray purchase, we are significantly adding value while also bringing attention to the 'entertainment expanding' capability of our high-performance Blu-ray players."

About Marantz
Marantz America is committed to upholding the tradition of technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation's premier independent audio/video specialty retailers. Additional information is available at www.us.marantz.com and www.facebook.com/marantzamerica. Marantz America is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.

NEWS RELEASE 3/6/10 KT Audio Imports proud to introduce LA AUDIO to North America. LA Audio Electronic Co, Ltd established in the year of 1988, major in development and production of Tube Amplifier.

Hardwired is the main reason of the famous high quality LA Audio product. LA Audio keep the development on track many years, finally invent the exclusive output transformer. The output transformer is the key factor of ambisonics, which could make the Tube Amplifier perform the original sounds perfectly. Thus, within the melodic sounds and dignified outlook, the tube amplifier.

We have strong developing team, unstoppable creation. Make the ancient Tube become the art of melody. Now our company LA Audio with our coherent concept of management "Reputation" "Service" "Promise" sincerely looking for cooperator to create more business opportunity.

P-845 single-ended directly heated power-amplifier

MSRP: $8500 per pairs

P-300 Mono block Tube Amplifier

MSRP: $5000

A-655R Integrated Vacuum Tube Amplifier With remote control

MSRP: $4500

A-3300R Integrated Vacuum Tube Amplifier With remote control

MSRP: $4000

PRE-11 vacuum tube pre amplifier with Remote Control

MSRP: $4000

PRO-2 Vacuum Tube CD player

MSRP: $2399

KT Audio Imports
(714) 553-6474
info@ktaudioimports.com
www.ktaudioimports.com

NEWS RELEASE 3/6/10 BluePort Jazz Downloads Now Available From House of Linn. www.houseoflinn.com

The superb BluePort Jazz Catalogue of CD recordings is now available for FLAC download from the House of Linn website. This series of recordings accurately convey the sound, spirit, ambience and intimacy of live jazz club performances and studio sessions, meticulously recorded and engineered in venues throughout LA and NYC by BluePort engineer Jim Merod.

Lossless FLAC file of these impeccable album recordings can be previewed and downloaded from the House of Linn website for playback through Linn DS players and other digital streaming players.

http://www.houseoflinn.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm/houseoflinn/_283655/1/Blueport%2520Jazz%2520ALBUMS

The sound quality captured "on location" is so good that the performers, and the energetic, often delicate, music appear with all the tactile immediacy of 'state of the art' hi-resolution capture. Originating from 24/96 two-track digital, these recordings faithfully realize Jim's uniquely optimal microphone set up and cable choices. Jazz legend ART FARMER has attested to Jim's uncanny "on stage" sound. Herbie Hancock has praised Jim's recording of his work with saxophonist/composer extraordinaire Wayne Shorter. And Grammy Award winning jazz orchestra leader MARIA SCHNEIDER has lauded his live recordings of her large ensemble in New York venues.

For lovers of live jazz recordings as a "you are there" high-fidelity event in the home, BluePort Jazz recordings are exceptional and genuinely unique, capturing rare performances by some of the world's most respected jazz musicians. This is an ongoing catalogue of remarkable moments in jazz history. House of Linn is proud to collaborate with BluePort's jazz world.

For further information go to:

http://www.houseoflinn.com/mall/infopageviewer.cfm/houseoflinn/New

NEWS RELEASE 3/6/10 New Zealand hi fi amplifier manufacturer Perreaux is proud to announce the launch of the éloquence CDt compact disc transport.

A CD transport behaves exactly like a normal CD player - but instead of the audio output being an analogue signal, it outputs the digital data from the disc and requires an external digital-to-analogue converter (DAC).

The CDt is the perfect partner for the éloquence 150i or 250i integrated amplifiers, and is designed to complement and seamlessly integrate with their onboard 24-bit/192kHz upsampling DAC.

"As a dedicated CD platform, the éloquence CDt captures the heart and soul of the 16-bit/44.1kHz CD format," says Perreaux Managing Director, Martin van Rooyen, "revealing the full potential of the humble compact disc."

The CDt features transformer coupled BNC and RCA outputs, as well as an optical TOSLINK output, to transmit the 16-bit/44.1kHz SPDIF digital signal. Separate digital interface transmitters ensure each digital output is optimized to keep interface induced jitter at a minimum.

The custom-designed toroid power transformer and regulated power supplies, along with judicious power supply filtering, keeps unwanted noise from affecting sensitive clock signals and minimizes noise related jitter.

The éloquence CDt is smart-home ready with full control via the RS232 serial port, trigger input & output and infrared (IR) input & output on the rear of the unit.

Solid construction and build-quality has always been a Perreaux hallmark, the éloquence CDt is no exception; the robust chassis design, 18mm thick milled aluminum front panel and unique surface finish exudes luxury and quality that will last a lifetime.

The éloquence CDt has a MSRP of $4,495 and is available now from hi fi dealers throughout the country.

For further information on the éloquence CDt, contact Fidelis Distribution or visit
http://www.perreaux.com/products/eloquence/cdt_-_compact_disc_transport/.

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 STEREOLAB™ announces BLACK CAT CABLE™, a subdivision created within the Stereolab organization, intending to deliver maximum performance for a minimum price.

The first product onto the Black Cat line will be a pure, 75 Ohm digital cable called Veloce - after the Italian word for "fast"

"It's derived from my $250 (Stereovox) XV-2 design, which we discontinued after introducing the XV-Ultra late last year under the new brand marque Stereolab," said Sommovigo, designer for Stereolab cables. "As an entry-level digital cable, it's yet another giant slayer - a tightly controlled 75 Ohm Digital Cable Extraordinaire!"

Sommovigo, who is best known for his digital cable designs beginning with the Illuminati cables of the 1990's, has also designed a fair selection of digital, analog and phono cables over the past 18 years, both under his own corporate monikers as well as for other companies.

"Once we've established Veloce in the market, we're planning to introduce some Black Cat power cords, loudspeaker cables, and interconnects. All of these will share technology derived from our more advanced Stereolab cables, only in 'lite' form."

 The Veloce digital cable is slated to retail for $123.00 USD for 1.23 meters, and will not be available in any other length.

Black Cat Cable will be introduced through a "hybrid-retail" sales model in the USA, being available for direct sale at Black Cat Cable's web site, as well as from their exclusive retailer, The Cable Company. As a result of this new sales model, which operates on very abbreviated margins, Veloce is priced much lower than it would have been through traditional industry sales models.

"We chose The Cable Company because of our long standing relationship with Robert Stein. We go back together over 15 years, when The Cable Company was a retailer for Illuminati digital cables. The Cable Company is like family," shared Chris.

The Veloce digital cable comes with a 60-Day Money Back Guarantee. When purchased from The Cable Company, customers also have the option to try the cable before they buy it through the use of their Cable Lending Library.

Stereolab have also made an arrangement with The Cable Company to provide for a 100% trade-in value for Veloce when upgrading to the Stereolab XV-Ultra digital cable. Users will have the option of trading up during their first 365 days of ownership of the Veloce cable, truly extending the value of the offer.

"It doesn't matter if you've purchased the Veloce direct from the Black Cat site or from The Cable Company," stated Sommovigo. "The 60 Day MBG and the offer to upgrade to the category-busting XV-Ultra is the same thanks to The Cable Company's exclusive Stereolab upgrade offer."

Veloce is due to be released to the market in early April. Interested parties will be advised of the release via Black Cat Cable's website's newsletter. 

For more information, please visit: www.BlackCatCable.com 

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 U.S. loudspeaker company THIEL Audio (www.thielaudio.com), has announced that their flagship CS3.7 speakers and SS2 subwoofers will be the featured loudspeakers for AIX Records' ultra high-performance HD audio/video presentation during AXPONA's inaugural Audio Expo event March 5-7, 2010, in Jacksonville, Florida. THIEL Loudspeakers, Oppo, Boulder Amplifiers, DH Labs, Wolf Cinema, and Stewart Filmscreen have all contributed components to help showcase AIX's awarding-winning tracks in a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

AXPONA is a new organization whose mission is to further the faithful reproduction of music. The AXPONA event is being held at the Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel in downtown Jacksonville, and the HD surround sound demo featuring THIEL speakers will be in the hotel's Port Ballroom. "I've always been very impressed by the engineering, accuracy of sound and craftsmanship of THIEL products and am thrilled that they are part of system that AIX Records has assembled at the AXPONA event," said Mark Waldrep, Ph.D. AIX Records.

The THIEL CS3.7 is a floor-standing 3-way speaker using drivers and other innovations developed by legendary loudspeaker designer, Jim Thiel. Most notably, the CS3.7 features a coaxially mounted midrange/tweeter array that employs a 5-inch ribbed midrange diaphragm that eliminates audible resonances while simultaneously reducing diffraction and reflection of energy from the very high output 1-inch tweeter. The CS3.7 is designed and hand-built at THIEL's factory in Lexington, Kentucky.

The SS2 subwoofer uses THIEL's heralded SmartSub® technology that compensates for room placement limitations, delivering the most natural response possible. The two long-throw 10"drivers are powered by an internal 1000 watt high efficiency switching mode amplifier with thermal overload protection.

"THIEL is excited for the opportunity to showcase our products at an event that is dedicated to great music and the finest recordings and playback systems available," reported Ken Dawkins, Vice President of North American sales for THIEL. "Both AXPONA and AIX Records have dedicated tremendous resources to help spread the word about high performance audio—THIEL is very pleased to support such an initiative," said Dawkins.

THIEL Audio Products Company is a privately-held engineering-driven organization that performs research, design, and manufacturing of loudspeakers for the highest quality home music and video sound reproduction. Our products incorporate a variety of technological advancements in driver design, acoustical construction techniques, and crossover design. All our work is directed toward one end: to provide the most realistic sound reproduction possible. THIEL's product range includes surface-mount speakers, in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, customized flat-panel video display speakers, subwoofers, bookshelf and theater speakers as well as THIEL's world famous floor-standing speakers. Prices range from $990 (each) for the SCS4, PowerPlane® and HigherPlane® to the flagship CS3.7 at $12,900 per pair. (www.thielaudio.com)

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com), delivering unprecedented value to the audiophile marketplace, has announced the introduction of a premium quality HDMI cable, the HD-24L. The HD-24L boasts high performance features such as silver-coated 24-gauge signal conductors and triple shielding all at prices substantially lower than competitive products.

High Performance at Affordable Prices

Pangea HD-24L HDMI cable technology incorporates silver-coated copper conductors that provide superior video signal clarity and transfer, even in long cable runs. Additionally, the quality of the copper conductors is two grades above what is typically found in cables anywhere near the HD-24L's selling price. Pangea HD-24L is triple-shielded for maximum RFI and EMI rejection, and it employs advanced nitrogen gas-injected dielectric wire insulation along with type A HDMI connectors featuring corrosion-resistant gold-plated contacts and a two-shot custom designed molded connector body. Cable lengths above 3-meters have a CL-3 rated PVC cover for in-wall installation and all lengths less than 4-meters feature a durable braided jacketing that protects the cable's exterior from damage.

Technical Data

Pangea HD-24L is a high-speed HDMI cable: 340-MHz (10.2-Gbps) category 2-certified for HD signals up to 1080p and higher. It supports 10-bit, 12-bit & 16-bit deep color depths for stunning rendering of over one billion colors in unprecedented detail - plus "x.v.Color™" which removes current color space limitations and enables the display of any color viewable to the human eye. The ultra-wide bandwidth specification supports Tru 24 fps, and 120 Hz refresh rate.

On the audio side, Pangea supports high-bandwidth uncompressed digital audio and all currently available compressed formats such as SACD, DVD-Audio, Dolby Digital and DTS, plus adds additional support for new lossless compressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio™ and other formats.* Pangea supports 192 kHz/24-bit audio signal transfer and is fully compatible with Blu-Ray DVD player, HDTV and other high-resolution video devices.

*Note: Other supported audio formats include: PCM (2/5/7*-channel), AC-3, E-AC-3, MPEG1-layerI, MPEG1-layerII, MP3, MPEG2, AAC LC, HE-AAC, HE-AAC v2, DST (as used in SACD), DSD (as used in SACD), ATRAC, WMA pro, & MLP (as used in DVD-Audio)

Pangea HD-24L HDMI cables are available now through authorized dealers and through their exclusive online/catalog retailer (www.audioadvisor.com). HD-24L cables range in price and size—from the 0.5 meter cable with a MAP of $17.99 to the 15 meter cable with a MAP of $169.99.

All dealer inquiries, please contact: www.wsdistributing.com

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com), delivering unprecedented value to the audiophile marketplace, has announced the introduction of Pangea Audio's HD-24PC HDMI cable, featuring a high-purity silver coating over audiophile-grade PCOCC (99.99999% pure) OHNO-cast copper conductors (a patented casting process developed by professor Ohno of the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan), which are typically ten-times more expensive than standard copper conductors. Thanks to this premium combination, you'll enjoy fantastic video signal clarity and audio transfer for the ultimate movie playback experience.

Triple-Shielded Cables Employ 4% Silver Coating and Gold-Plated Contacts

Pangea HD-24PC 24-gauge cable is triple-shielded for maximum RF and EMI rejection, and it uses advanced nitrogen gas-injected dielectric wire insulation along with gold-plated type A HDMI connectors featuring corrosion-resistant gold-plated contacts and a two-shot custom designed molded connector body. The 4% silver coating provides the best possible video signal transmission and overall detail, and the OHNO-cast copper conductors are the best solution for clear audio reproduction.

High Speed 340 MHz, 10.2 Gbps Cable

Pangea HD-24PC high-speed HDMI cable is 340-MHz (10.2-Gbps) category 2-certified for HD signals up to 1080p and higher. It supports 10-bit, 12-bit & 16-bit Deep Color depths for stunning rendering of over one billion colors in unprecedented detail - plus "x.v.Color™" which removes current color space limitations and enables the display of any color viewable to the human eye. The ultra-wide bandwidth specification supports Tru 24 fps, and 120 Hz refresh rate.

Supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio

On the audio side, Pangea supports high-bandwidth uncompressed digital audio and all currently available compressed formats such as SACD, DVD-Audio, Dolby Digital and DTS, plus adds additional support for new lossless compressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio™ and other formats.*

Pangea supports 192 kHz/24-bit audio signal transfer and is fully compatible with Blu-Ray DVD player, HDTV and other high-resolution video devices.

Lengths Above 3.0M are CL-3 Rated

HD-24PC cable lengths above 3.0M have a CL-3 rated PVC cover for in-wall installation. Lengths less than 4.0M have a braided jacket covering that protects the cable cover from damage, scuffing, and cracking for extended cable life.

*Note: Other supported audio formats include: PCM (2/5/7*-channel), AC-3, E-AC-3, MPEG1-layerI, MPEG1-layerII, MP3, MPEG2, AAC LC, HE-AAC, HE-AAC v2, DST (as used in SACD), DSD (as used in SACD), ATRAC, WMA pro, & MLP (as used in DVD-Audio)

Pangea HD-24PC HDMI cables are available now through authorized dealers and through their exclusive online/catalog retailer (www.audioadvisor.com). HD-24PC cables range in price and size—from the 0.6 meter with a MAP of $39.99 to the 15 meter with a MAP of $249.99.

All dealer inquiries, please contact: www.wsdistributing.com

HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC

About Pangea Audio: Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com) is dedicated to bringing the world fine audio at sensible prices. Pangea products are based on the designs of engineer Jay Victor, holder of approximately 40 patents for cable geometry and connector design. Victor was instrumental in developing literally hundreds of audio products over approximately five years for prestigious brands. His prior background includes 12 years of intensive engineering work on such devices as x-ray cables and wire harnesses, proprietary connector design, and scientific test instrument design. All Pangea Audio cable designs are engineered and evaluated using sophisticated test instruments. However, all final design decisions are made only after intensive listening tests and comparisons with reference designs.

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 Audioengine, devoted to audiophile-quality sound and easy-to-use products at affordable prices, today announced groundbreaking price reductions for the Audioengine W1 Premium Wireless Audio Adapter and the Audioengine W2 Premium Wireless Adapter for iPod.

New Suggested Retail Pricing

The Audioengine W1 (AW1) Premium Wireless Audio Adapter now retails for $99 per set.

The Audioengine W2 (AW2) Premium Wireless Audio Adapter for iPod is now $119 per set.

About the Audioengine W1

Play all your music wirelessly from any audio device or computer to your Audioengine powered speakers, stereo receiver, or powered subwoofer. W1 provides CD-quality stereo sound with no reduction in audio quality and has a 100-foot range without dropouts, static, delays or interference.

At a new lower price of $99, the W1 wireless audio adapter is the first 16-bit, CD-quality wireless product to break the $100 price point. And with its built-in USB audio capability it can also be used as an inexpensive but high-quality wireless USB DAC.

Visit www.audioengineusa.com/w1_home.php for reviews, awards, and more product information.

About the Audioengine W2

Send music wirelessly from your iPod to to any music system. W2 provides CD-quality stereo sound without any reduction in audio quality or added compression.

Visit www.audioengineusa.com/aw2_home.php for a list of compatible iPods, reviews, awards and more product info.

Affordable Multi-Room Audio

For a fraction of the cost of a Sonos system you can have great-sounding wireless music around your house using your existing gear, including your iPod. Hop between multiple Receivers or daisy chain up to 8 Audioengine W1 Sender/Receiver sets to stream music to all music systems around your house. Both the AW1 and AW2 use the same Receiver, which is unobtrusive and easily fits on the back of any stereo system.

Availability

Both products are available for immediate delivery from an authorized Audioengine reseller or online direct from www.audioengineusa.com

About Audioengine

Audioengine designs and builds innovative audio products with all your music in mind. Great sound, simple setup, and truly useful features at affordable prices are what Audioengine is about. Our powered speakers and wireless products have received dozens of reviews and awards from computer audio enthusiasts as well as demanding audiophiles. For more information about Audioengine and our products visit us at: www.audioengineusa.com

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/10 Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com), delivering unprecedented value to the audiophile marketplace, has announced the introduction of a premium quality audio/video AC power cable called the AC-14. The Pangea Audio AC-14 power cable is specifically designed for audio/video source components such as preamplifiers, CD players, DVD/Blu-Ray players, DAC's, and other line-level electronics. These devices do not require the same large amount of current as receivers, power amplifiers, or AC line conditioners. The AC-14 provides more than enough current to source components while offering multiple shielding and other features that facilitate extremely clean and noise-free power. The AC-14 delivers superb performance and is priced well below competitive products.

The AC-14 employs 14-awg 99.99% purity oxygen-free copper and a two-way multi-gauge geometry with isolated bass conductors optimized for A/V source components. Counter-spiraled conductors offer superior noise rejection, while the triple shielding provides RFI and EMI rejection while optimizing the isolation of sensitive source components.

The AC-14's superior flexibility means easier installation and reduced physical stress on the chassis of the connected device. The AC-14 also uses rugged 24k gold-plated contacts that deliver superior electrical contact while resisting oxidation. Special two-shot molded connector bodies protect vital contact points for maximum current delivery and long life.

Pangea AC-14 power cables are available now through authorized dealers and through their exclusive online/catalog retailer (www.audioadvisor.com). AC-14 cables range in price and size—from the 0.6 meter cable (MAP $19.99) to the 4 meter cable (MAP $59.99).

All dealer inquiries, please contact: www.wsdistributing.com

About Pangea Audio: Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com) is dedicated to bringing the world fine audio at sensible prices. Pangea products are based on the designs of engineer Jay Victor, holder of approximately 40 patents for cable geometry and connector design. Victor was instrumental in developing literally hundreds of audio products over approximately five years for prestigious brands. His prior background includes 12 years of intensive engineering work on such devices as x-ray cables and wire harnesses, proprietary connector design, and scientific test instrument design. All Pangea Audio cable designs are engineered and evaluated using sophisticated test instruments. However, all final design decisions are made only after intensive listening tests and comparisons with reference designs.

NEWS RELEASE 2/13/10 Pangea Audio, delivering unprecedented value to the audiophile marketplace, has announced the introduction of a premium quality high current AC power cable called the AC-9. The Pangea Audio AC-9 has been designed specifically to deliver the high current required by audiophile devices such as power amplifiers, powered subwoofers and high-current-demanding AC line conditioners. The AC-9's combination of superior materials, advanced geometry, and noise-fighting shields helps to deliver the best possible performance from connected components at a cost far below competitive products.

Because of their high-current requirements, power amplifiers benefit from heavier gauge conductors than those available in most traditional power cables. Although the AC-9 uses large-diameter conductors, it has also been designed to offer greater flexibility than other heavy-duty power cables, presenting less strain on the device's chassis while also being easier to work with in confined spaces.

When More is Actually Less

Until now, upgrade power cable products have been designed according to a 'more is better' philosophy, leading manufacturers to increase the diameter of the conductor and the thickness of the insulation in an attempt to improve performance, but at the expense of flexibility. The resulting thick, noncompliant cables put a severe strain on the chassis of connected components. Heavy, inflexible cables can also reduce the effectiveness of component isolation and suspension systems. Because power amplifiers do benefit from heavier gauge conductors, the AC-9 is thicker than its smaller sibling, the AC-14. However, it is only as thick as it needs to be for maximum performance, and it is still more flexible than competitive products.

Pangea AC-9 power cables are available now through authorized dealers and through their exclusive online/catalog retailer (www.audioadvisor.com). AC-9 cables range in price and size—from the 0.6 meter cable (MAP $39.99) to the 3.0 meter cable (MAP $99.99).

About Pangea Audio: Pangea Audio (www.pangeaaudio.com) is dedicated to bringing the world fine audio at sensible prices. Pangea products are based on the designs of engineer Jay Victor, holder of approximately 40 patents for cable geometry and connector design. Victor was instrumental in developing literally hundreds of audio products over approximately five years for prestigious brands. His prior background includes 12 years of intensive engineering work on such devices as x-ray cables and wire harnesses, proprietary connector design, and scientific test instrument design. All Pangea Audio cable designs are engineered and evaluated using sophisticated test instruments. However, all final design decisions are made only after intensive listening tests and comparisons with reference designs.

NEWS RELEASE 2/13/10 The SC-602 dual-mono amplifier, available from Velodyne Acoustics, controls up to two SC-600 Series in-wall, in-floor or in-ceiling subwoofers. The two-unit high, rack-mount SC-602 is the newest addition to the SC-600 Series which includes the SC-600 IW (In-Wall) and SC-600 IF/IC (In-Floor/In-Ceiling) subwoofers and the single-sub SC-600 amplifier. The SC-600 Series are affordable, easy-to-use subwoofer systems designed for the custom installation market.

Using two Class D amplifiers with 400 watts peak power each and 200 watts RMS each, the SC-602 comes complete with a one-touch, five-band Auto-EQ room bass correction system and IR remote with customized listening presets for movies, R&B/rock, jazz/classical and games. Subwoofer volume, phase and night mode can also be adjusted via the remote control. The SC-602 amplifier is easily connected to one or two subwoofers with conventional speaker wire and includes RS-232 control (Crestron certified), 12V trigger and an IR repeater jack.

"With the SC-602, a custom installer can now specify a dual-sub solution for $1699," said Doug Smith, national sales director for Velodyne. "Set up is as easy as cut, plug and play using the SC-602 with one or two SC-600 IWs, and the use of dual subs dramatically improves the bass response in any room."

The companion SC-600 IW subwoofer installs easily, as a single or in pairs, in either new construction or retrofit applications due to its one-piece sealed enclosure. A unique triple vector design, with two active 6.5" long-throw drivers and two custom passive radiators firing at 45 degree angles, maximizes excursion within the wall cavity and reduces wall vibration by 50%.

One or two SC-600 IF/IC subwoofers can be concealed in the floor, ceiling, riser, closet or other enclosures. The 12" driver mounted in a slot-loaded, bass-reflex cabinet minimizes distortion and maximizes both bass output and impact.

About Velodyne

Velodyne Acoustics, Inc., founded in 1983, is universally recognized as the leading manufacturer of high-performance, low distortion powered subwoofers at all price levels. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, the company's technically innovative audio products are available through a select group of authorized dealers, custom installers, and distributors worldwide. For more information visit www.velodyne.com.

NEWS RELEASE 2/13/10 Aperion Audio, a consumer direct maker of award-winning home theater speaker systems, introduces the Aperion Home Audio Link (HAL), a wireless adapter which streams any audio format wirelessly from a computer, iPod, MP3 music player or mobile device to a variety of audio systems. By adding more HAL Receiver units the music can be distributed to up to three rooms. HAL is simple to use, utilizes a robust wireless link, and delivers high quality sound at an affordable price.

Many music libraries are stored on computers, MP3 players, and other mobile devices which are restricted to small, built-in speakers. By using Aperion's HAL, music lovers can hear great sound wherever they want in the home, on the type of sound system they prefer. The Aperion HAL gives users a choice, setting the music free and enabling it to be heard on the best audio system available, such as a home theater speaker system. HAL can also be used to wirelessly connect a powered subwoofer.

To hear music from a laptop computer, for example, the user simply plugs the matchbox sized HAL Send unit into a computer's USB port, connects the HAL Receive unit into an AV receiver, plugs in the power adapter and the system links automatically. Unlike many wireless products on the market today, HAL does not require a Wi-Fi network or software installation. The HAL gives new meaning to the phrase "plug and play".

"Our customers have been asking our Home Theater Gurus for advice on wireless audio systems; we set out to find a reliable technology that we could advocate," said Mike Hopkins, Aperion Audio's Product Development Manager. "We created HAL to give consumers the opportunity to listen to all of their music or favorite internet radio stations wirelessly on their preferred sound systems and we've been able to do it simply with an elegant, affordable solution."

Pricing and Availability:

The Aperion HAL system is priced at $149. To enjoy distributed music throughout the home, consumers can purchase additional HAL Receive units for $70 each. The system is available for pre-order now at AperionAudio.com and ships January 28, 2010.

The Aperion Audio Experience:

Aperion was the first in their industry to provide free shipping both ways with their Risk Free 30-Day In-Home Audition™. Aperion's "Home Theater Gurus" are available to assist those shopping for audio systems from initial research through lifetime technical support. The "Gurus" are home theater experts, focused only on making sure the customer is able to enjoy a lifetime of great sound.

About Aperion Audio:

Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Aperion Audio is an award-winning direct-to-consumer audio products manufacturer for smart shoppers who are frustrated with the retail experience and offers a completely Risk-Free 30-Day In-Home Audition™. The company's primary storefront, AperionAudio.com, is a fun and informative home audio shopping destination which is supported by "Home Theater Gurus" who supply generous support before and after the sale. At AperionAudio.com, everyone from the newbie to the audiophile is able to find the information they need to research and select an exceptional home theater speaker system or upgrade for their home audio environment. For more information, visit www.AperionAudio.com or call 888-880-8992

NEWS RELEASE 2/3/10 he Signal Collection, LLC (TSC), a specialty distributor of fine audio equipment and manufacturer of highly-regarded audiophile cables, announces today that it will no longer be using the "STEREOVOX" moniker due to issues surrounding that trademark, and has adopted use of the name Stereolab™ in its place.

Under the Stereolab umbrella, TSC will continue to manufacture audiophile cables designed by Chris Sommovigo under several categories:

The Studio: A "performance first" approach using tubular copper, Mil-Spec silver-plated copper, and low-density PTFE dielectrics.

The Reference: State of the Art cable designs that employ custom silver and silver-plated copper conductors in low density PTFE dielectrics.

TOMBO: Limited-Edition, artisan-grade cables.

The Dragon: No-holds-barred reference cables for the ultra-reference system.

Please visit: www.Stereolab-HiFi.com for product information.

NEWS RELEASE 2/3/10 Jaton Factory Direct Price Special Sale

Jaton's incredible prices are about to get even better. For a limited time only music lovers of all over the U.S. States will be able to buy their favorite Jaton's amplifiers, pre-amplifiers and speakers for nothing less than the factory direct price.

To find out more about the incredible saving available in this sale, users will need to contact their local dealer for details. If no dealers are available in their area, users will need to contact Jaton directly and we will redirect them to the closest dealer available to them. Inventory is limited and this sale will be on first come first served bases until all units last.

We know times are tough, and Jaton is working directly with its dealers to better support customers to get more value for the money without the need to buy our products from internet auctions without the manufactures warranty. So if you are looking to buy something for yourself or for someone you care, don't wait! This is time to enjoy and share your love for music from the quality and great priced products that only Jaton has to offer.

Email us at sales_av@jaton.com or call us at 510-933-8888 ext. 118

For more information of this program and locate your nearby dealer.

NEWS RELEASE 1/30/10 ZVOX, the company that pioneered the concept of all-in-one home theater systems, has introduced three models featuring both optical and coaxial digital inputs as well as traditional analog inputs: the ZVOX 575 HSD, $749.99; the ZVOX 550 HSD, $449.99; and the ZVOX 430 HSD, $449.99.

"Recently, several TV manufacturers introduced new models that do not include traditional analog audio output jacks, so the only way to get sound from the TV to your ZVOX sound bar is with a digital connection" says ZVOX founder Tom Hannaher. "Since we strongly believe that the consumer prefers to use the TV as the input switching center rather than the sound system, it makes sense for us to offer ZVOX systems with digital inputs."

Each new model includes analog, optical digital and coaxial digital inputs, as well as Dolby Digital® decoding circuitry. The 575 HSD and 550 HSD are both "Z-Base systems," designed so that the consumer can place a TV directly on top of the sound system. The 430 HSD is a slim, wall-mountable sound bar. All three systems use real wood (MDF) cabinets and include built-in powered subwoofers and ZVOX's acclaimed PhaseCue™ virtual surround sound system. ZVOX products have received Editor's Choice Awards from Sound & Vision, Home Theater and E-Gear magazines. The ZVOX 575 was named a "Best Audio Product of 2009" by Steve Guttenberg of CNET.

About ZVOX Audio

ZVOX Audio is a collaboration of long-time industry veterans Tom Hannaher and Winslow Burhoe. Tom worked in marketing at Best Buy, Advent Corporation, Tweeter and Cambridge SoundWorks. Winslow worked at AR, KLH, Genesis, Nuance and Boston Acoustics – and was founder of EPI Loudspeakers. ZVOX Audio is dedicated to designing and manufacturing audio products that combine high sound quality, compact size, simplicity of use, and affordability.

NEWS RELEASE 1/12/10 2010 will be an exciting year for new state-of-the-art products from tmh audio!

New Audio Frontiers — world reference level tubes from Italy

Delta Sigma — new v2 "North Pole" 3Mhz amplifiers (a new, even higher level of reference!)

State-of-the-art DAC with USB interface and 3Mhz analog circuitry

Ultra-high performance Euro loudspeakers featuring AMT "ribbons" & advanced mid-bass drivers for ESL-like purity... and more!

Silver-ribbon speaker cables & interconnects

...and these are just a few of our favorite things coming in 2010!

New Audio Frontiers - A new reference level of tubes from Italy. Simply, the finest 300B amplifier I've ever heard!

Supreme 300B - Special Edition

"Besides naturalness and neutrality characteristics we would expect from such type of amp, here we also experience a not so common meteoric sound, not to mention an extraordinary transient response. We also appreciate here undistorted dynamic peaks in spite of modest power output (merits go to over sized power supply cir­cuit)."

"But what really strikes me and leave me enthusiastic is the sound stage, so life real. I would tend to give merits in this case to the push pull tube configuration, not forgetting, at the same time those interstage transformers."

"Needless to say that the most moving experiences will come when listening to voice, which will allow us appreciate timbral accuracy and neutrality along with stun­ning physical sound presence."

http://www.tmhaudio.com