iFit Classic smartwatch review

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: GadgetyNews · Tags: ,

The iFit Classic combines a fitness tracker with the luxurious and timeless looks of an analogue watch.

The iFit Classic is not going to go toe-to-toe with the Tag Connected but I have had a number of positive comments about how it looks. Even better is the astonished faces of those that I then tell that it is tracking my steps and calorie intake.

I think that we’ve all become used to how smartwatches and fitness trackers tend to look, that’s one of the main reasons I was so happy to be given the chance to review the iFit Classic.

Read the review at GadgetyNews.

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Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones review

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: GadgetyNews · Tags: ,

Hesh 2 from Skullcandy are over-ear style headphones and, because no one likes getting tangled up in cables, Skullcandy have unleashed a wireless set, which I happen to have here to review.

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth headphones are what I would describe as being full-sized cans.

You have the option of running these fully wireless or wired – but are these mid-range priced headphones anything to get excited about?

Get the full review at GadgetyNews.com.

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Fugoo Bluetooth speaker review

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: GadgetyNews · Tags:

The Fugoo speaker has the ability to dress for any occasion thanks to a range of natty looking jackets. I have been sent the Fugoo Tough along with a Style jacket.

The Fugoo (named after Fugu, the rather risky Japanese puffer fish delicacy) is waterproof, mud-proof, drop-proof and shock-proof in its naked ‘Core-X’ format. So a tough Bluetooth speaker, that’s been done before right? Well, it’s not only tough but also adaptable thanks to its three jacket options – Style, Sport and Tough.

Read the review at GadgetyNews.com.

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Festival proof Griffin Survivor power bank

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: GadgetyNews · Tags:
Survivor-PowerBank

The new Griffin Survivor power bank has been designed to cope with the most challenging environments and, as anyone that has endured a weekend festival in the UK can attest, none come more challenging.

I have certainly done my time in tents at festivals – starting off at Monsters of Rock in the 80s and early 90s, numerous Glastonburys, all the UK Sonispheres, a couple of OzzFests, and a Lattitude.

Festivals these days tend to offer recharging lockers which is all well and good if you can do without your device whilst it’s incarcerated. But what happens if you get split up from your party? You know full well that rally point agreed upon whilst you were all still fresh (and sober) will have slipped everyone’s minds by then.

The smart kids will have packed a power bank. The really smart ones will have brought one that can put up with the rigors of rain, beer, muddy fields and impaired coordination.

Get the full story at GadgetyNews.

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New LDR Pre-amplifier Kickstarter Campaign

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

“Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the JAVA is sure to win the hearts and minds of audiophiles worldwide and bring music lovers closer to the music they love” say the company launching this new LDR pre-amplifier via Kickstarter.

Activated by light, the JAVA utilises LDR (light dependent resistor) technology in a unique circuit design. It works by varying current to alter the intensity of an internal LED, which in turn varies resistance to adjust the volume level, creating the purest possible path for the delicate audio signal.jqvq

The JAVA comes in three flavours :

JAVA SINGLE SHOT : With three pairs of unbalanced (RCA) inputs and a single pair of unbalanced outputs.

JAVA DOUBLE SHOT : It adds two further pairs of inputs and another pair of outputs, together with a headphone stage and remote volume control.
JAVA TRIPLE SHOT : The JAVA Triple Shot features a mix of two pairs of balanced inputs and three pairs of unbalanced inputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced outputs. Also included is the headphone stage and remote volume control found on the Double Shot.

If successful at the Kickstarter stage the pre-amplifier will be submitted for CE certification and – once approved – will be stamped accordingly, say the company.

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Billie Amp Launches On Kickstarter

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: , , ,

Introducing Billie, the stereo amplifier that combines  the precision of digital with the warmth of analogue sound in a Nordic minimalist aesthetic. An objet d’art designed with attention to detail inside and out, Billie brings back the transcendent ritual of listening, say the company launching it on Kickstarter.heaven_11_kickstarter

“Our goal is to go beyond soundbars and bluetooth speakers, back to how music was meant to be experienced.” says Itai Azerad, Heaven 11 cofounder and designer. “We believe that the stereo system is still the best way to experience that ‘live in the room’ feeling. We’re not about ‘multi-room’, we’re about ‘in the room’.”

Named after Jazz Icon Billie Holliday, this amp plays ALL your music beautifully whether it’s from your phone, TV, Spotify or vinyl.heaven_11_kickstarter82

“We designed something for the pragmatic audiophile because we couldn’t find it out there. We built an affordable high-caliber amp that plays all of your music collection –  be it vinyl, Hi-Res digital, line or wireless.”

Combining the detailed soundstaging of digital to the round, analogue smoothness of tubes, Billie features ICEpower amplification by Bang & Olufsen (120W/4Ω), 32bit/384Kh DAC, AptX Bluetooth, RCA, vinyl and Toslink inputs. It comes with a custom-built tube preamp and a powerful headphone amp. The amp is to be manufactured in Montreal, Canada.

Moving away from the current trend of generic design and disposable materials, Billie’s shell is made of thick, machined aluminium. The cool minimalist casing details are balanced by warm, crafted hardwood knobs.

“Design is not just aesthetics, it’s how we use an object, what the object communicates to us and about us.  I believe a stereo’s design ought to be closer to an electric guitar than a cable box -what most stereos look like these days. An electric guitar is quite a functional tool, -not too many useless knobs on there- but it’s also such an intimate object, there’s a mystery about it, you gotta feel a connection, you gotta want to touch it.”

Billie is to be launched on Kickstarter mid-July at the special price of $595 US. After the campaign, the price will be $895/$995 US.

Heaven 11 Audio is a Montreal-based audio company  founded in 2015 by Itai Azerad and Andre Keilani, two award-winning product designers with a lifelong passion for music.
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North West Audio Show Latest News

10. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

The North West Audio Show takes place on the Sunday 26th June 2016, Cranage Hall AND Wychwood Park Cheshire. Tickets are free and you can claim yours here . 

Free entry, free parking, a day surrounded by the best in audio and all in the beautiful settings of Cranage Hall and Wychwood Park, Cheshire. They’ll also be laying on a FREE shuttle bus between the venues. 9.30 til 7pm. Hifi Pig is the official and only media partner for this great event and will be there to bring you all the news and will be having a bit of a surprise event in the bar at Cranage Hall at noon. Be there…it’ll be flipping ace!

Midland Audio Exchange will have the following in their room at this year’s North West Audio Show:2

Audio Research

Magico

Constellation audio

Tech das

Fuuga

Transparent Audio

Metronome Technologies

ReQuest Audio

Melco

Emm Labs

Their main system will include the following, all of which are making their UK debut:

1st uk show unveiling Magico S5 mII £39k

1st uk unveiling of Emm lab DA2 £25k DAC!

1st uk unveiling of Fuuga MC cartridge £7.5k

They also suggest there will be more surprises to be announced on the day.

iQ Speakers and Nord Amplifiers at North West Audio Show.

Nord Hypex NCore NC500 amps will be on show at the North West Audio Show and the importers urge visitors to come and hear why USA Audio Shark members are replacing expensive high end amps with their (from) £999 Nord Hypex amplifiers complete with discrete Voltage regulators and Op Amps.b58b715c-5c5f-45ce-95c2-76b8c54f76ef

They also build beautiful IPL Acoustic Speakers and have the Norwegian Abrahamsen Audio range in the UK.

Soundkaos will present their latest speaker LIBéRATION at the North West Audio Show.LIB_shop_4

After launching it at this year Munich High End show in May it will be the first outing in the UK. “Libération eliminates the box and with it, box colourations, port issues, nonlinear pressurisation of the drivers and attempts at choking half the speaker’s output with internal damping materials. LIB_shop_5

Unlike many other open baffles, Libération also eliminates the messy derriere by covering both front and rear in attractive phosphor-bronze mesh covers. The driver array combines two bespoke 8-inch Enviée widebanders with a Raal ribbon super tweeter and a massive 15” woofer to add scale and spatiality with real authority.”

The very latest audiophile quality mains power lead from IsoTek Systems will launch at the Audio Show Cranage Hall in the MCRU room.
The EVO3 Initium features OFC conductors and is factory terminated with copper mains plugs and IEC, 1.5 metres long and already positively reviewed by HiFi+ magazine who have now adopted the Initium as their standard power cable.
Kralk Audio, headed up by Alan Clark and based in West Yorkshire, will have on display at the show (in the Faraday Room) their new updated Kralk Audio DTLPS-1 Elite speakers, BC-30 Black Cats, and the BC-30-3.

Kralk_audio_lifestyle_1

Amplification will be by Yaqin in the form of the MS-845 Mono blocks.krqlk2

The Turntable will be the Classic Turntable Company’s CTC-301 with SME arm

isotek-initium-mains-power-cable

Sound Damped Steel has launched a new brand to its portfolio which is dedicated to enhancing the hifi experience.  The hifi enhancing products will be distributed under the Soundeck brand.Soundeckwithfeet

The Isoplatmat is now coated with a vinyl finish which is washable, it is available in black or silver. Vinyl is very sympathetic to the record surface so it isn’t necessary to use a soft mat as an interface with the record. They are now called Soundeck DP295 or DP285 (sp12 etc.) for platters with a perimeter lip.

Isofeet are now called Soundeck DF they are black 75mm rectangles or disks.

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High End Munich Penultimate Roundup

09. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: ,

High End is a BIG event and there is just so much to see, hear and report on that inevitably it’s impossible to cover everything we would like. So, in the penultimate report from High End Munich 2106 we’re going to look at some of the exhibits and stands that others may have bypassed or not given a second glance to because they weren’t in a huge room, with huge speakers and making a huge sound. More »

Musical Fidelity Announce Encore 225 All In One Player

09. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

The Encore 225 is a complete audio solution allowing you to keep all your music in one place. It accepts almost any conceivable analogue or digital audio source. It is also compatible with many network speakers, such as Sonos. There is a very clear, large, high resolution full colour display so you can see what’s going on.musical_fidelity_all _in_one

The Encore is easy and intuitive to use. It has 225 watts per channel and a huge range of facilities;

3 analog inputs, 4 digital inputs, 4 USB A connections (one of which has high current capacity

for charging phones and tablets), network connectivity, high quality headphone amplifier, fixed and variable line level outputs as well

as a digital output. The Encore has an inbuilt CD player and

upgradeable 1TB hard disk drive for storage – enough for over 2500 CDs.

The heart of the Encore is a powerful dual core 64 bit Intel CPU with 2GB of RAM.

SPECIFICATION

Amplifier

Power output: 225 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms THD (+ noise): <0.007 % typical 20Hz – 20 kHz Signal to Noise Ratio: >107dB ‘A’ – weighted Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz

Inputs

3 x Line Level RCA 300mV nominal 2V typical up to 7V rms

2 x optical S/PDIF 24 bit inputs up to 192kHz 2 x coax S/PDIF 24 bit inputs up to 192kHz

1 x USB 3.0 type ‘A’ connector

1 xUSB 3.0 type “B” connector (for future expansion) 3 x USB2.0 type ‘A’ connector (1 front, 2 rear) 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet connectormusical_fidelity_all_in_one_rear

Outputs

1x line level FIXED 2.0V @ 0dBFS (300mV rms nominal, >6V rms max)

1x line level PREAMP variable outputs (>6V rms max)

(Preamp gain, line input to PREAMP outputs is 4.5x (13dB) at maximum volume)

Headphone output suitable for headphones impedance 8 ohms to ∞.

(Headphone output features independent volume setting)

Speaker outputs 1 pair 4mm banana plugs per channel

1x optical S/PDIF 24-bit output up to 192kHz 1x coax S/PDIF 24-bit output up to 192kHz

Internal storage 2.5” 1 TB SATA II hard disk (included) or SSD (future upgradeable)

General

Dimensions – WxHxD (mm): 440 x 125 x 400 Weight (unpacked / packed): 16.6 kg/ 21.3 kg

Chord Electronics Appoints Ex-Naim Sales Manager

09. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

Chord Electronics has appointed ex-Naim Sales Manager Maurice Tryner as the company continues to grow and expand its product range into 2016/17​

Chord Electronics is welcoming one of the audio industry’s most experienced salesmen to the business this July. Maurice Tryner has been appointed as UK Sales Manager to help dealers with a number of exciting projects from the leading Kent-based audio manufacturer in 2016/17. Maurice brings a wealth of sales experience in specialist audio to Chord from previous Sales Manager roles with KEF and more recently, Naim Audio. Maurice has 27 years’ industry experience in total, having also held managerial roles with Audio Excellence and Music Matters. Maurice Tryner

Maurice joins Chord Electronics at a particularly exciting time, with a raft of new products in development designed to build upon Chord’s product. Maurice said: “I’m very excited to be joining Chord Electronics as UK Sales Manager. Its portfolio of award-winning products from Mojo to DAVE, all fully developed and built here in the UK, gives me a great opportunity to work at the cutting edge. I’m also delighted to be working with Chord’s designers and engineers whose passion clearly shows that they are all about the music.”

Chord’s International Sales Manager Colin Pratt added: “I am delighted to welcome Maurice to Chord Electronics at this exciting time. His 27 years of sales experience will help continue the company’s solid growth going forward and having worked with Maurice previously, I’m very happy to be working with him again. Maurice will be using his vast sales experience to help cement Chord Electronics’ position as the UK’s leading technology-driven high-end audio manufacturer.

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Roksan Announce blak Series Components

08. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: , , ,

Roksan Audio is adding the blak series of components to its portfolio. The blak series is being introduced as an entirely new design for Roksan – both in terms of sound performance and visual appeal. Featuring a robust, industrial design the blak series is the audiophile solution for those seeking “superlative performance and features within a ‘statement product’ aesthetic, but without the esoteric high-end audio price tag” say the London company’s recent press release.

Handmade in the UK and at a specialised facility in Germany, the range is initially launching with an integrated amplifier and a CD player. These will be followed over time a comprehensive range of products that will offer the same performance-for-cost ratio.

Like the K3 range before it, all blak products will be available in three finishes – Anthracite, Charcoal and Opium – and all will be supplied with a stylish and intuitive system remote.

blak Integrated Amplifier

The blak Integrated Amplifier combines a high-end amplifier with a highly-specified USB DAC, a Bluetooth receiver and a dedicated headphone amplifier; all in one sleek chassis.charcoalblakamp1

The amplifier section of the blak Integrated Amplifier uses hand- selected audiophile components throughout its circuitry, including high- quality relays. The chosen transformers are also tuned to ensure the best sound quality and current power available. This sophisticated internal design allows the amplifier to deliver > 150W (8Ω) output.

The blak Integrated Amplifier boasts sufficient inputs to cater for almost any high-end audio system. Alongside three RCA pairs, there’s also a balanced XLR pair input for superior source devices. There’s  also a Moving Magnet-compatible phono stage inside.

For ease of use, the blak Integrated Amplifier supports wireless music playback via its built-in aptX® Bluetooth module. This allows for up-to CD-quality wireless streaming from compatible laptops and smart devices. For more advanced digital media, the amplifier also boasts a USB (Type-B) digital  input for playback from a computer or laptop. The DAC allows for playback of audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz (PCM) or DSD128, offering an exceptional high-resolution performance.blakampback

Finally, whereas many other products include headphone inputs as an “extra”, Roksan have gone one step further with blak. Here the headphone amplifier sits within its own dedicated section, with an independent power supply and toggle switch.

Operation of the blak Integrated Amplifier is effortlessly simple either via the supplied system remote or through the front panel. The large, clear to read (yet dimmable) LED display shows the selected input and the over-sized volume knob has a visual indicator around its circumference to indicate the volume level.

SRP £2,750.00

blak CD Player

Internally the blak CD Player uses a totally isolated disc mechanism to eliminate vibration. Once extracted from the disc, the digital signal is managed by a DAC chip-set for bit-perfect conversion and an advanced digital clock for optimal performance.Roksan-blak-CD-Char-Left

For connecting to an external DAC there are three digital outputs available (S/PDIF, Optical or AES/EBU), or for connecting straight to an amplifier – like the blak Integrated Amplifier – there’s the choice of either unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR outputs. Once connected, the whole player is controlled with the supplied system remote or via the front panel; additional handy information is displayed on the dimmable  LED display during playback.Roksan-blak-CD-Rear

SRP £2,500.00

The blak CD Player is available now in Anthracite, Charcoal or Opium finish.

Technical Information

blak Integrated Amplifier

Inputs: 3 x RCA (pair)

1 x XLR (pair)

1 x MM Phono RCA (pair)

1 x aptX® Bluetooth (wireless) 1 x USB Type-B

Phono Stage:  MM Input

Gain:   76.75dB @ 1kHz

Impedance:     47kΩ Capacitance:     150pF

Line-Level Input Impedance:            24kΩ (XLR) 40kΩ (RCA)

Gain (at 1kHz, 8Ω):   37dB

THD: (at 1W, 8Ω, 5kHz):      <0.02%

THD: (at 12W, 8Ω, 5kHz):    <0.035%

Power Output (at 1kHz):       150W (8Ω) 230W (4Ω)

Frequency Response (at -3dB, 8Ω, 12W):    <20Hz – >80kHz Channel Balance (at 1kHz, 8Ω):  Better than 0.3dB

Cross-Talk (at 1kHz, 8Ω):      <-104dB

Signal-Noise Ratio (at 1kHz, 8Ω):    >76dB

blak CD Player

Outputs:          3 x Digital (Coaxial, Optical, XLR) 2 x Analogue Pairs (RCA or XLR)

Peak Output:  2.5V

THD (at 1kHz, 0dB): <0.001%

Linearity at 1kHz:      >89dB

Jitter:   <135ps

Signal-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted):    >108dB

Stop-band rejection:   >100dB

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PMC Launch twenty5 Series At High End

08. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: , ,

PMC launched the twenty5 series to mark the company’s 25th anniversary at High End.

The five strong twenty5 series features a multitude of innovations, including a key development that has been achieved as a result of the research into aerodynamics that was originally conducted PMC’s flagship studio monitors, the QB1 – the reference loudspeaker of the world famous Capitol Studios, LA.  In keeping with all PMC products, the foundation of the twenty5 series is Advanced Transmission Line bass loading, which has been improved and enhanced with the new aerodynamically designed Laminair vent technology. More »

Gryphon Launch €220 000 Kodo and €20 000 Mojo S Speakers

08. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: , ,

Always a bit of a highlight at High-End is Gryphon Audio’s room. Owner Flemming Rasmussen always has something new to show us and this year was no exception. We missed the press launch due to a prior engagement but were graciously allowed to sit in with Gryphon distributors for their launch of the Kodo Reference Loudspeaker system. More »

Unboxing the Audio Hungary Qualiton A20i Valve Amplifier

07. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi Reviews, Unboxings · Tags: , , , ,

Audio Hungary are a relatively new name to Hifi Pig and we first met them at this year’s High End show in Munich where they had their wares on display. This, the Qualiton A20i, is their entry level integrated amplifier. It is very compact, runs 2 x 20 Watts of Class A power and is based on classic push-pull topology.

It arrived, with little help from DPD, in a sturdy double (and surprisingly heavy) boxing, with the amp inside being very well packed indeed. The first thing out the box was the remote…wow, that’s heavy and really rather beautiful! Off with the valve cover to expose the tubes and the gleaming chrome body-work and that’s it all unboxed. More »

Cyrus Kickstarter For SoundKey

07. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Cyrus Audio is launching its first Kickstarter campaign on 1st July, with the aim of raising £50,000 to develop the SoundKey, a micro-sized DAC designed to get the best musical performance out of mobile phones.DAC headphones 3

Aimed firmly at music lovers who use their mobile phones as the primary source, the SoundKey bypasses the low quality internal circuits of the phone and takes the digital music signal directly to its own DACs and amps. With just 50mA current draw from the phone it won’t run the batteries down too quickly.

Simon Freethy, managing director of Cyrus, says, “There’s a whole new generation of music lovers who just don’t know how good the music on their phones can sound, as it’s let down by the low quality DACs and amplifiers employed in the phone. The Cyrus engineers, using their 30 years experience building products that provide a better music experience, have come up with a world-beating solution in the diminutive SoundKey.” He continues, “It will significantly enhance the enjoyment of content from phones and we are so excited by it that we want to invite consumers to be part of this revolution. Join us at our dedicated SoundKey microsite and register your interest to be one of the first backers and among the first to own one of these really cool products.”

Kickstarter pledge levels will be announced shortly and Early Bird and VIP packages will be available that reward the first people who get behind the product.

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You Spin Me Right Round – Turntables At High End Part 2

07. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: , , ,

The vinyl revolution shows no signs of retreating behind the barricades and here in our second look at vinyl at high end Munich 2016 we see a number of innovative and pricey vinyl spinners…and some not to expensive of course. Part 1 can be found here. Sperling Audio, Rega, AMG, Acoustic Solid, Clearaudio, Trans Rotor, WE Audio Systems, Well Tempered Lab, Audio Deva, Pro-Ject, SPEC Corporation, Acoustic Signature, Gpinto, Kuzma, Sibatech, Acoustical Systems More »

JoSound High End Interview

07. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: , ,

JoSound are based in Jersey and make rather distinctive single driver loudspeakers and we’ve been lucky enough to review their Cartouche and Ra models over the last few years.  Hifi Pig met up for a chat with Joe Jouhal from JoSound at the end of this years High End in Munich where he was demonstrating his latest Horus loudspeakers. More »

New AV Receivers From Denon

06. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

Denon has announced three new Network AV Receivers in the company’s X Series line, the AVR-X3300W, AVR-X2300W and AVR-X1300W. These three new units build upon Denon’s X Series AV Receiver models, now in their 4th generation.

AVR-X1300W:

Seven discrete amplifier channels each providing 145 watts, Dolby Atmos and it is ready for DTS:X that can create an immersive sound field around the listener no matter the number of speakers installed (free DTS:X update scheduled for later in 2016). Users can also choose between Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixers (via update) to create 3D sound from both legacy Dolby or DTS material. de_avrx1300w_e2_e1c_bk_st_001_lo

The AVR-X1300W comes with built-in Bluetooth for music streaming from a smartphone, and even Wi-Fi to easily connect to a home network. Once connected, the AVR-X1300W opens up playback options, including Apple AirPlay, network attached storage devices (NAS), Internet Radio and Spotify Connect (where available; subscriptions required). High Resolution audio files like FLAC, AIFF or DSD (up to 5.6MHz) are also supported. A front USB port can be used to connect either USB storage devices, or an iDevice to playback music and charge at the same time.

The AVR-X1300W is loaded with a host of features including compatibility with the latest HDMI 2.0a specification, as well as HDCP 2.2 on all inputs, required for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content. In total 6 HDMI inputs, of which one is located at the front panel, are plenty enough to connect modern HDMI devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles or set-top-boxes. The AVR further supports full rate 4K Ultra HD including full resolution 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling pass-through, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020.

AVR-X2300W:

The AVR-X2300W shares the same values and features of its younger brother but the power amplifiers are 150 watts per channel With in total 8 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, this AVR is ready to handle most likely every HDMI device ever used at home. The video processor section can upcale all HDMI sources like DVDs to 1080p or even 4k Ultra HD resolution. The AVR-X2300W is also certified by the Imaging Science Foundation for video quality, and is equipped with the full suite of ISFccc advanced video calibration controls. A more extensive array of inputs, control options and a second zone cinch pre-out make the AVR-X2300W a truly versatile AV control centre. de_avrx2300w_e2-e1c_bk_st_001_lo

AVR-X3300W:

With 180 watts per channel, the new AVR-X3300W is by far the strongest among the strong X Series newcomers. The video engine is another upgrade, as it can upconvert and transcode even old analogue sources to up to 4k Ultra HD 50/60 Hz resolution. The dual HDMI outputs support different program sources, so you can enjoy a surround movie in the main room and a separate stereo program with video from a different source in the second room. A 7.2ch pre-out section, an RS232 port and flexible amp assignment options will satisfy even demanding custom installers in regards to multi-zone listening and home automation. de_avrx3300w_e2-e1c_bk_st_001_lo

To keep control of all features, there is a new Denon 2016 AVR Remote App available for iOS and Android devices, and for the Kindle Fire. With the exclusive Denon Setup Assistant along with the Quick Start Guide, setting up a Denon AV Receiver is quick and easy. Audyssey MultEQ XT (even MultEQ XT32 for the AVR-X3300W) automatic room acoustic measurement and correction system matches the installed speakers to the individual room’s acoustics. Audyssey Dynamic Volume offers real-time volume adjustment, while Audyssey Dynamic EQ improves a system’s surround sound effects at low volume levels.

The AVR-X3300W will be available in August, while the AVR-X2300W and AVR-X1300W will be launched already in June.

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TEAC Add New Flagship Turntable To Range

06. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: , ,

 

TEAC’s best-selling range of analogue turntables has now been joined by the TN-570, a new flagship model that aims to deliver the highest audio fidelity yet, the brands latest press release tells us.TN-570-View-12 (1)

The TN-570 belt-driven turntable combines a clear acrylic platter, an AT100E Moving Magnet cartridge, an all-new, height-adjustable S-shaped tonearm, all mounted on a dual-layer composite black marble/high-density MDF base.

TEAC TN-570 – KEY FEATURES

  •     Belt-drive turntable with electronic speed change
    ·      New static-balanced S-type tonearm
    ·      Clear acrylic platter
    ·      Dual-Layer composite artificial black marble/high density MDF plinth
    ·      Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (P.R.S3)
    ·      Built-in phono stage (moving magnet)
    ·      Optical digital output (192kHz/24-bit max) and USB output (48kHz/16-bit) for transferring music from vinyl records to your Mac or PC
    ·      Supplied AT-100E moving magnet (MM) cartridge

The new S-shaped tonearm features a light alloy universal headshell (to allow easy cartridge swapping) and is height adjustable, to compensate for cartridges that are greater in height than usual.  In another break from the norm, speed selection between 33 1/3rd and 45 RPM speeds is achieved electronically, rather than requiring the platter to be physically removed in order to move the belt.TN-570-Rear-view-14

TEAC has also developed a ingenious Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (using an optical sensor) to deliver a rotation precision that’s almost the same as you’d get with a direct-drive.

And the same goes for the combination of a clear 16mm acrylic platter and massive Dual Layer composite artificial marble ‘Onyx Emperador’/MDF base (secured on a honeycomb structure bottom cover). The materials have been chosen, after extensive listening, for their ability to help minimise unwanted resonance.!

Maximizing the TEAC TN-570’s versatility, a built-in MM phono stage is also included, along with an optical output (up to 192kHz/24-bit) and USB output (48kHz/16-bit), allowing owners to convert their vinyl to the latest digital formats (a version of the TN-570 without the digital output stage – called the TN-550 – will also be available in certain markets).
Price (only in black, available now)

TN-570 – £749

TN-550 – £599

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New CD Player with DAB and FM Tuner From TEAC

06. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: ,

TEAC has launched a compact disc player with a built-in DAB/RDS FM* tuner.

TEAC PD-301DAB – KEY FEATURES

  •     Precision slot-in CD drive mechanism with quick-loading and automatic playback
    ·      Supports CD-DA, MP3 and WMA files on CD-ROM/R/RW discs
    ·      Front USB Port for WAV, AAC, MP3 and WMA playback
    ·      Built-in tuner supports DAB/RDS FM broadcasts
    ·     215mm wide and 61mm high, easy to accommodateteac_cd_dab

One of the most compact CD players available (it measures just 215 x 61 x 232mm), the PD-301 is the latest addition to the Reference 301 series of hi-fi components. A perfect partner for the AI-301DA amplifier, the player features a quick-loading slot-in drive that will also decode home-made discs encoded with MP3 and WMA content.
For those who also want to play back WAV or AAC files there’s a USB slot on the front panel for thumb drives. If your stored songs are accompanied by ID3 tags the song and artists names are shown on the player’s own display (MP3, WMA and AAC files only).
The PD-301DAB features a built-in digital-to-audio decoder (the Burr-Brown PCM5142, to be exact) but it also sports coaxial and digital outputs if, at a later stage, you decide you want to use the player as a digital transport partnered by an external DAC (the Reference UD-301 has built-in 192kHz up-conversion).
As mentioned, one of this player’s headline features is that it boasts a DAB/RDS FM tuner*, complete with 20 presets, ideal if you need to add radio listening to your hi-fi system but don’t want to invest in a separate tuner.
The PD-301DAB’s tuner section also offers upgrading potential. DAB/RDS FM signals received by the unit can be sent as digital signals (using the optical/coaxial outputs) from the player to an external DAC (44.1kHz/16-bit resolution) if you want to enjoy higher performance in the future.
*Both DAB/RDS FM and RDS FM-only versions of the PD-301 are available for purchase in the UK.
Price (both models available in either black or silver, available now)

PD-301DAB with DAB/RDS FM tuner – £349

PD-301 with RDS FM tuner – £299

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Audio-Philia Opens In Edinburgh

05. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags:

There was good news for Scotland’s audiophile community as Edinburgh-based Audio-philia opened for business on 14 May.

Audio-philia’s story started in a little Italian town when 8 year old Carlo Marengo was given a small radio by his mother.  That radio, a free gift with a packet of washing powder, sparked Carlo’s interest in music and audio reproduction.DSC_3662

After training as a chef, and despite the long hours that this profession demands, Carlo’s passion for audio remained undiminished and when he moved to Edinburgh, he studied for an HND in audio-visual technology while carrying on his culinary career.  Shortly after completing his qualification, Carlo founded Audio-philia as an on-line business specialising in the sale of second-hand audio equipment.

Acquiring premises in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most attractive areas, owner and director Carlo has transformed Audio-philia into a premium hifi dealership, offering a wide range of audio products from around the world, extending the choice available to music lovers in and around Scotland’s capital city.  Visitors will also find a carefully-selected collection of CDs and vinyl from some of the best jazz and classical music labels.DSC_3776

Italy is renowned for style, hospitality and excellent coffee and Carlo has brought all of these to his beautiful new shop.  As a chef, Carlo knows the importance of combining the right ingredients to achieve the highest levels of quality and flavour and he brings these skills into play in providing a bespoke service for his customers.  Taking time to get to know his clients’ requirements, he works with them to blend components that will maximise quality at a given price point.  Whether you are looking for a whole new system or to upgrade your existing kit, Carlo will work with you to achieve the sound you desire.

As well as being Scotland’s only dealer in Elac and Lyngdorf products, Audio-philia’s brands include Brodmann, ART, Pro-Ject, Exposure, Benchmark and Fostex.

Audio-philia will soon be launching their website – watch this space – but for now you can find them at 95 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh.

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Triangle Elara LN01 Loudspeakers

02. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi Reviews, Loudspeakers. · Tags: , ,

A quality loudspeaker for just € 390? Lionel Payne, in his first review for Hifi Pig, takes a listen to the Triangle Elara LN01 Loudspeakers  More »

Enough Is Enough…Or Is It?

02. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Birds Eye View, Comment · Tags:

Linette searches for audio Nirvana but pops another audiophile rock in the pipe instead. 

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Here Comes The Summer

02. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Album Reviews · Tags:

Summer is here, in the upper half of the hemisphere, at least. Time to bare some flesh – that’s enough, thank you – slap on the factor 30, pour a long drink, lie back and relax as John Scott provides the perfect summer playlist.   More »

Bryston Introduce BLP-1 Turntable

01. June 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: Hifi News · Tags: , ,

Bryston has announced the introduction of the BLP-1 turntable, a belt drive design housed within a mass-loaded chassis engineered with critical features and innovations to please vinyl enthusiasts. The Bryston BLP-1 will become available through Bryston dealers beginning July, 2016 with an MSRP of $3995 including tonearm and custom Bryston power supply. bryston_turntable_vinyl

“Each feature of the BLP-1 represents an effort to deliver remarkably accurate vinyl playback by holding precise speed stability while minimizing resonances” says the company’s latest press release. The BLP-1’s 33 ⅓ / 45 RPM low speed / high torque motor is driven by a proprietary Bryston-designed and manufactured pulse width modulation (PWM) power supply called the BTP-1 (included with turntable). The 35mm thick Delrin® platter with integrated record mat is mated to a hardened carbon steel spindle and ultra-hard bronze modular bearing system polished to 0.02mm tolerance. The unique vented plinth is said to both eliminate platter turbulence and prevent unwanted vibrations from reaching the bearing. The seven-segment titanium tonearm features tungsten steel bearings and an arm tube integrated to the headshell. The Bryston BLP-1 also comes with a removable tonearm cable, adjustable brushed aluminum feet and a hinged high-mass dustcover to complete the package.

“As we set out to design the newest Bryston phono preamplifier models BMC and BMM, the wide bandwidth and low distortion of our new gain stages reminded us of how breathtaking and fresh high- resolution vinyl playback could be,” explained Bryston’s James Tanner. “With the BLP-1, we have created a turntable that represents premium performance to supplement our lineup. Going forward, it is our objective to identify an array of cartridges that will ideally match our turntable and phono stages (impedance, loading, capacitance, gain requirements etc.) to provide customers with the predictability of a plug-and-play solution if so desired. Of course, dealers and enthusiasts will also have the option to select their cartridge of choice independent of our recommendations,” stated Tanner.

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