Hifi Pig

The Airplay™ enabled A100 is a network-ready, 50w Class A/B amplifier that combines wireless streaming technologies with  audio system design to bridge the divide between a world of digital music and your hi-fi speakers so that it will play your music wherever you store it – on computer, smartphone, NAS drive or the cloud, or streamed directly from Internet radio stations.

After connecting to the Wi-Fi network, you’ll be able to navigate your music collections on your Mac or PC, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and stream uncompressed audio to your speakers in any room.  Away from a WiFi router, you can still play to the A100 from your iOS device using Airstream Direct.

The A100 also supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) streaming, allowing any third party DLNA app for iOS, Android and windows mobile to be used.

Front panel controls and the A100’s remote provide switching between all input sources whilst a front-mounted USB connection gives you easy for charging your mobile device and provides Wi-Fi sharing setup feature.
Features:
Multi-Zone wire-less integrated stereo amplifier
Compatible with Apple Airplay™
Airstream™ direct (connect directly to iOS devices without a router)
USB input for charging and Wi-Fi set up.
Simple connection to Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi sharing
2 x 50W  Class A/B amplifiers
Totally silent operation
High resolution DAC
Software upgrades over Internet via Wi-Fi
IR remote control handset
Stereo RCA analogue inputs
Stereo RCA pre/ sub-woofer outputs
S/PDIF (Digital) optical input
DLNA compatible
Vertical or horizontal orientation – Stand included
White or black finish options with contrasting glass side trims
Price £400

Italian high-end manufacturer Eam Lab built contacted Hifi Pig to tell us a little about their HA 360.2 amplifier.  

The Eam Lab 360.2, say the company, is an amplifier that “we have enclosed all the know-how gained in recent years and we were able to produce an extremely reliable amplifier with an exceptional price”.

The amp will deliver 360 Watts per channel into 4ohms with a THD of 0.005%. The amp contains proprietary protection circuits already used in some of the company’s other amplifiers.

 “The novelty is that the circuit HDCA, owned Eam Lab, is essentially a signal booster that processes the balanced signals and single-ended inputs and then amplifies the current signal”. Eam Lab say that with this circuit the amplifier will not have any problems interfacing with other sources, and is also able to linearize the frequency response and hold it within values ​​of + / – 0.5 dB up to 1Mhz.

Clones Audio, whose 25i amp we reviewed in April 2013, contacted Hifi Pig to tell us about there latest mono power amplifier, the 55pm.

The Clones Audio 55pm comes with a separate casing and power supply which they say “provides cleaner imaging and more extension on both ends of the audio spectrum as your speakers have the power they need to reproduce demanding frequencies and dynamic range”.

The amp offers 55W into 8ohms and 100W into 4ohms with an input impedance of 22k (unbalanced only). The units weigh 4.5kg each and come with a 5 year warranty.

EUR899/pair

Black Pearls whose integrated amplifier Hifi Pig reviewed last year have announced the introduction of their first CD player, the Virgo.

Virgo is a top loader CD player equipped with a USB audio interface. It features the Philips CD PRO 2 module, two PCM1794A in dual-mono configuration to convert the digital signal to analogue and a CS8421 upsampler to convert the 44.1KHz sampling rate of the audio CD to 96KHz before feeding it to the DAC chips.

Besides the sampling conversion Black Pearls say the upsampler “minimizes the jitter contained in the digital signal, resulting in a more detailed and open sound”.

The dual-mono design is also applied in the power supply section, where separate toroidal windings and voltage stabilizer circuits are used.

The USB audio interface is asynchronous and supports up to 192KHz/24 bits sampling rates.

Virgo will have both RCA and XLR (balanced) outputs.

Krell will introduce what they are calling the most revolutionary design in its history at CES 2014. Called the iBias the new tech’ will allow Class A operation but without the associated energy loss and heat.

The new range of amplifiers includes seven models with each being 3U high and having removable rack mounting ears with the model number of each amp indicating their power per channel into 8 ohms.

There are two mono amps (solo 550 and 375), two stereo amps (Duo 175 and 275) and a three channel amp (Trio 275). As well as the more traditional 2 channel fare Krell will also have the five channel Chorus 5200 and the seven channel Chorus 7200.

German based MBL whose 116F Radialstrahler loudspeakers we reviewed in 2012, have announced their latest “Noble Line” electronics at this years CES in Las Vegas.The range will include amps and digital products.

The New range of amps feature the second generation of the company’s Linear Analogue Switching Amplifier (LASA) technology which is independent of speaker load and “guarantees a low distortion signal that is independent of the frequency” –this basically means that the new amps can deliver up to 36 amps into any loudspeaker. They also contain Unity gain which effectively reduces the amplification by 8dB which MBL say decreases noise and distortion but increases dynamics and resolution.

The digital side of the Noble Line of products come with a wide array of inputs including DSD capability, a redesigned USB port that is optically insulated and self powered – asynchronous signals transmit at up to 24Bit/192kHz.

Like all MBL products the Noble Line will be made at the company’s facility just outside Berlin.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chord Electronics’ DAC 64, the company  has launched Hugo at CES 2014 – Hifi Pig reported the imminent launch and gave a sneaky peek in late November.

Chord say  Hugo is the world’s most advanced headphone amp/DAC, offering five digital inputs including A2DP aptX Bluetooth, plus advanced 384kHz PCM and DSD 128 playback for today’s high-resolution DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) music files.

The new Hugo, which can be used as both a portable headphone amp/DAC as well as a source component in a static system, brings the digital audio expertise of Rob Watts and Chord Electronics to headphone listening.

Hugo is ready to take advantage of today’s advanced studio-master-quality (DXD) music files and can decode sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM). Hugo also benefits from two advanced USB inputs: one driverless input for legacy USB devices and one asynchronous high- definition USB port for operation up to 384kHz. It also has two additional digital inputs, coaxial and optical.

The new Hugo also has A2DP Bluetooth capability and uses a custom-made module with the aptX codec to feed a digital signal directly into the DAC circuitry and in addition to 384kHz PCM files, the Hugo can also process DSD 128 data using the latest DSD-over-PCM standard (DoP). Whether using Mac OS or Windows OS, Chord Electronics’ own proprietary driver software is provided.

Hugo has a built-in battery-charging circuit, with a full charge reached in approximately two hours. Hugo takes no power over its USB input and only takes signal data, therefore, it is fully compatible with all iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Inputs

• Optical TOSLink 24-bit/192kHz-capable
• RCA coaxial input 24-bit/384kHz-capable
• Driverless USB input 16-bit/48kHz-capable (designed for tablets/phones)
• HD USB input 32-bit/384KHz and DSD128-capable (for computer/laptop playback; requires driver installation on Windows, others TBC)
• A2DP Bluetooth link

Price: UK £1,200

Absolute Sounds, UK importer and distributor of hi-fi and home cinema equipment, got in touch with Hifi Pig to let us know what the brands they represent will be doing at this year’s CES.
Audio Research
The American company unveil their latest entry-level CD player, the CD6, which also serves as an outboard DAC. This will be demonstrated alongside their SP20 preamp and Reference 75 power amp, with speakers provided by Sonus faber (the Olympica III).
Constellation Audio
This recently formed audio electronics brand will demonstrate The Argo, Constellation’s first integrated amplifier together with the Cygnus media player.
Crystal Cable
Dutch company Crystal Cable, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2014. CES sees a special preview of forthcoming Crystal Cable products, including the Minissimo standmount speaker and The Cube, a compact integrated amp featuring the Light Drive system developed by sister company Siltech. Cables on show include the Absolute Dream, the world’s first 100 per cent monocrystal cable range.
Dan D’Agostino
Dan D’Agostino will launch the first integrated amp under his own name, the  Momentum Integrated,complete with D’Agsotino’s signature front-mounted meter – inspired by the styling of fine Swiss watches.
darTZeel
The only audio manufacturer permitted to use the prestigious ‘Swiss Made’ mark, darTZeel will unveil their LHC-208, described as a ‘danalogue’ integrated amplifier.
Devialet
New at CES 2014 is the flagship Devialet 500 combining two Devialet 240s in an intelligent dual-mono or bi-amp configuration, coupled together with proprietary software.
Krell
Legendary American high-end brand Krell is remaining secretive about the new products it’s set to unveil at CES, but you can bet your bottom dollar that something on the power amplifier front will be unveiled.
Magico
The latest member of the much-lauded Magico family of speakers is the S3 a midsize floorstander that slots between the entry-level S1 and their S5.
MartinLogan
Best known in the UK for its  hybrid electrostatic speakers, Kansas-based MartinLogan continues to expand its range with a tabletop speaker called Crescendo, which supports both Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth wireless streaming. Elsewhere, the company’s Motion Series of dynamic speakers continues to expand with the addition of the Motion 60 – the largest floorstander in the range, complete with MartinLogan’s Folded Motion Tweeter. Sonus faber
The full Olympica range is on show at CES 2014, alongside Sonus faber’s other speaker lines, while the new Homage Vox centre speaker takes part in a home cinema demo alongside the Amati Futura and Guarneri Evolution loudspeakers.
TechDAS
Designed and built in Japan, the TechDAS Air Force One turntable has a platter that floats on an air bearing, while adjustable air suspension “ensures a complete absence of interference from air- and floor-borne vibration”. A silent outboard vacuum pump clamps records flat against the platter, and there’s the facility to mount two different tonearms. TechDAS is unveiling the Air Force Two at CES, a more affordable deck forged upon the same engineering principals as Air Force One.
Theta Digital
US-based Theta Digital is showing off the latest Casablanca IV Music and Cinema Controller– a multichannel preamp/processor. A host of advanced features include a new 192kHz post processing board, Dirac Live 96K digital room correction and Theta’s proprietary Jitter Jail II anti-jitter technology.
Wilson Audio
Utah’s Wilson Audio is demonstrating the forthcoming Sasha Series 2 – the latest descendant of the legendary WATT/Puppy – in its suite at the Mirage Hotel. Among the other speakers on show are the new Mezzo CS, a low-profile design that’s the aimed at being the centre channel partner for the Sasha Series 2 in a home cinema context, together with the Duette Series 2 standmount speaker.

Audio-Technica began in Tokyo in 1962 and now they are debuting their new SonicFuel headphones at CES 2014.

“The Solid Bass range cranks up the bass so you get powerful sound for pop, rock and hip-hop while the SonicPro range is designed for ultimate audio performance in the recording studio, behind the decks or on the go. SonicSport headphones are designed for all sports, indoor or outdoor, rain or shine. They’re IPX5 lab certified waterproof and deliver a rugged, secure fit for music on the go or at the gym. With a comfortable design, the SonicSport range delivers audio excellence under pressure.

Finally, for the most demanding audiophiles, the High-Fidelity range of professional headphones will satisfy users of vinyl, high resolution music downloads and the latest high-definition music systems”.  Says the company’s press release.

Naim Audio has announced a preview of it new Reference pre and power amplifiers at CES Las Vegas today. They are Statement NAC S1 preamplifier and NAP S1 mono power amplifiers. The NAP S1 mono power amplifiers are each rated at 746 watts into 8 ohms, 1450 watts into 4 ohms and over 9000 watts burst power into 1 ohm.

Statement will commence shipping in July 2014. Prices are not yet confirmed but are expected to start at approximately $200,000.

Steve Sells (Naim Electronic Design Director) said “I’ve had the ambition to create the ultimate amplifier ever since I can remember. It’s a rare opportunity to start from scratch and design without compromise.”

Steve was given the green light for Statement in 2010 and since then has worked tirelessly with Naim R&D to make it a reality. “It’s a massive project. To really push the boundaries of what we could achieve has required the efforts of teams from across Naim. Electronic, mechanical and industrial design engineers with combined experience totaling well over a hundred years have contributed to this project.”

Specifications

NAC S1 Preamplifier

Inputs: 3 X DIN, 3 X RCA, 2 X Balanced
Output: 1 X Balanced, 2 X Unbalanced
Weight: 61.5kg
Dimensions (mm): 940 x 270 x 412

NAP S1 Mono Power Amplifier

Inputs: 1 x XLR (each)
Outputs: binding posts for spade & 4mm banana
Weight: 101kg (each)
Dimensions (mm): 940 x 256 x 383 (each)

Germany‘s T+A, announced the launch of five new products at CES in Las Vegas. 

P 3000 HV – UK SRP £9,500 – is an analogue pre–amplifier that features include HV (High Voltage) design, 7 x unbalanced / 4 x balanced inputs, identical ‘double-mono’ circuit construction, significant internal shielding with each section housed within its own compartment, complete discrete design with no op-amps, totally linear and interference-free power supply with totally separate analogue and digital supplies (each with their own power input!), high-end headphone amplifier.

A 3000 HV – UK SRP £11,900 (Pictured) – is a Stereo/Mono Amplifier with more than 500 Watts output power per channel and an enormous ability to deliver current. Features include HV (High Voltage) design, single-ended or balanced input, identical ‘double-mono’ circuit construction, 10mm thick internal shielding between power supply and amplification circuitry to prevent interaction, 1000 Watts torroidal transformer sealed in an aluminium enclosure, zero-feedback design, Class A large signal stage, fully symmetrical current amplifier stage (fitted with MOSFET drivers and the latest “thermal tracking” bi-polar output transistors).

PS 3000 HV – UK SRP £7,900 – An additional power supply unit for A 3000 HV to increase output power and current capability.

Criterion TCD 610 W SE subwoofer – UK SRP £3,770 – The updated version of the TCD 610 W, the SE features 2 x new 26cm (10″) drive units. Powered by a new 1000 Watt amplifier with digital processing, the TCD 610 W SE can be automatically calibrated to any room using the included microphone.

CARUSO Blu – UK SRP £2,990 – The CARUSO Blu is an all–in–one complete stereo system in a compact form.  Compatible with BluRay, CD, DVD, Internet radio, Network music servers, USB storage media, Bluetooth music transfer from mobile devices, DAB+ andVHF radio, the CARUSO Blu can be used as either a stand alone audio system using its internal speakers or, via its pre-amplifier outputs, connected to active speakers.

British audio company, Damson, today announced their Headbones™, the company’s first offering in the wireless headphone category. They will also be on show at CES 2014.

The patent-pending Headbones™ is radically new design in that rather than blocking the ear canal with the standard in-ear buds, Damson’s Headbones™ rest on the temporal bone behind or in front of the ear, where they send audio vibrations through the skull to the cochlea. They avoid the use of a traditional “cone speaker” by replacing the magnetic coil with teeth (or incisors), allowing the sound to radiate through the surface the speaker is placed on.

These look ideal if you need to be aware of the sounds around you as well as being able to hear your tunes.

The advantage of the unique technology that Damson utilises also has serious positive implications for the hearing-impaired. By utilising IDF to send vibrations through the skull to the cochlea, Headbones™ bypass the outer ear, which allows people with some hearing impairments to be able to listen to music, by delivering the sounds directly to the inner ear.

Damson Headbones™ are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and users can expect up to eight hours of music-listening enjoyment from a single charge. When not in use, Headbones™ can be charged via a Micro USB. One version of the Headbones™ has the speaker sitting in front of the ear, while another, more discreet version, rests the speaker just behind the ear.

Price TBC

Air Audio Distribution contacted Hifi Pig to tell us they’ve been appointed sole UK and Ireland Distributors by MS HD Power to offer their range of electrical components and products.

MS HD Power specialise in mains power products and accessories for the audio market, Air Audio Distribution are launching their range of UK 13A mains plugs and IEC plugs, patented designs that have been sold into the Hong Kong and Singapore markets for some years.

The UK 13A plug has been designed specifically to offer a great solution for use with audio/visual products and will accept cables up to 16mm dia. whilst the wire clamps internally accept up to 4mm dia. The IEC plugs are designed with the same cable size specifications.

Both plug types have a wire clamping design that ensures a secure and air tight joint between plug pin and wire, are manufactured from a nylon material and all UK plug products are compliant with BS-1363.

The plug electrical parts are manufactured from high quality copper and high spring rate phosphor bronze materials and the plugs can be bought with polished un-plated pins, or (all electrical parts) plated with silver, 24K Gold or Rhodium over silver. 

The polished un-plated plugs retail at £29.95, the Rhodium plated plugs (pictured) being the most expensive at £59.95.  

Focal got in touch with Hifi Pig to let us know what they’ll be doing at CES 2014.

Dimension: Focal will be revealing its Dimension sound bar. With five patented ultra-flat speaker drivers covering a very wide bandwidth. Being less than 3in depth (65mm), Dimension can be placed in front of the screen or mounted to a wall. When combined with Dimension Sub, the optional ultra-flat subwoofer on which your screen can stand, Dimension delivers 5.1 sound over six channels with a total power of 450W. Recommended retail price: Dimension ($1399) / Dimension Sub ($499) / Dimension + Dimension Sub ($1699) – Available third quarter of 2014

Grande Utopia EM: This third generation of the iconic loudspeaker launched in 2008 will be exhibited at CES this year. Recommended retail price (pair): $200000

Stella Utopia EM: The little sister of Grande Utopia EM, Stella Utopia EM measures 61in (1.55m) and weighs 584lbs (165kg). During the CES 2014, Focal will be demonstrated with brand New Naim electronics. Recommended retail price: $100 000

Aria and Easya: Various models of the Aria 900 range will be showcased at the CES in Las Vegas for the first time. The Aria range uses ecological Flax cones, made in France. Recommended retail price: from $3000 (Aria 906) to $10 000 (Aria 948). Easya loudspeakers are a “post-docking” product providing wireless audio thanks to the 2.5 way floor-standing amplified loudspeakers (85W RMS). Recommended retail price: £2 799.

McIntosh will announce the launch of three new products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show – MB100 media bridge, MHA100 headphone amplifier and MXA70 integrated audio system. No photographs are available as yet.

MB100 media bridge  

The MB100 media bridge allows streaming from Pandora© to SiriusXM© to Spotify© and more. The MB100 also allows guests to stream music directly from their wireless devices and features cloud access for backup and synchronization across multiple systems.  The TuneBridge™ icon will find the original album from just one track and Spotify can serve up the entire album in seconds. It has a solid state 64GB drive housing the OS with an additional 1TB hard drive for file storage. Controlled via an iOS/Android app, web browser, TV UI and/or front-panel display, the MB100 looks like a great digital hub.

MHA100 headphone amplifier 

The new MHA100 is McIntosh’s first dedicated headphone amplifier which features four digital inputs, while the headphone section uses McIntosh-designed and hand-wound impedance matching Autoformers.  The MHA100 is more compact than previous McIntosh amps, making it more desktop-friendly and it also features a 50-watt stereo speaker output.

MXA70 integrated audio system (pictured)

Featuring a compact yet fully functional 50-watt stereo amplifier and a pair of two-way desktop speakers, the MXA70 is an all in one system. The speakers feature drivers housed cast aluminium cabinets and there are connections for a powered subwoofer available. The MXA70 also includes the same dedicated headphone amplifier found in the new MHA100.