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Anthem chooses CEDIA to reveal 225 integrated amplifier
Anthem may not have the presence of, say, Sony at CEDIA this year, but at least it isn't wasting all of our time by unveiling a $1,500 SACD player. Our apologies to any of you we just offended (yes, all two of you), but seriously, we have a feeling true audiophiles will appreciate the 225 integrated amplifier much more. Designed with music aficionados in mind, this amp provides a phono preamp input that supports Moving Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM) applications and includes solid-state circuitry boards, seven total stereo audio inputs, a universal learning remote and an RS-232 port. The unit boasts 225-watts of pure, clean power per channel at 8-ohms, and while it will set you back $1,499, this $1.5k piece may actually be worth the price of entry.
Rotel debuting 15 Series of receivers, amplifiers and more
Rotel really only comes out to speak to the press once a year, and it always seems to happen right around the September time frame as CEDIA draws near. This year, the high-end brand will be introducing a smattering of new products in the newly created 15 Series. For starters, we've got the flagship RSX-1560 7.1-channel AV receiver, which offers up 100-watts of Class D power per channel, four HDMI 1.3 inputs, 1080p / 24Hz Faroudja video processing and assignable 12V triggers to boot. It'll also be trotting out the RSX-1550 AVR, the RSP-1570 surround processor / preamplifier, the potent RMB-1575 amp and a number of other home components detailed in the read link. The whole crew should be available by Q4, and if you're scouting the stratospheric price tags, they're down there in the PDF as well.
Cash in on old McIntosh gear with the Trade-UP program
Okay, it's not like we expect the typical McIntosh customer to exactly be clipping coupons, but the company is offering up some incentive to get owners to upgrade their gear. The new Trade-UP program credits owners 75-percent of the original MSRP as a trade-in on any working McIntosh amp, preamp, integrated amp or receiver, good towards the purchase of some of the company's newfangled gear. This is a limited time offer, so get to it. And if you're worried that any new McIntosh gear will look out of place, don't -- the same chrome, blue backlighting, analog meters and Olde English logos are still in use today. So yeah, this moves McIntosh ahead of our college textbooks, cars, most of our stocks and even our homes in terms of maintained value. Don't let anyone tell you you're wasting money on gear again. [Image courtesy The High Fidelity Museum]
Knoll preps eco-friendly amps, HDP460 projector for CEDIA
Next month's CEDIA show is interesting -- a lot of companies that cater to the custom install crowd introduce some interesting gear. Sure, a lot of it is pricey, but it's fun to look, right? Knoll is bringing a pair of products to the show; first up is the $8,500 HDP460 projector which we first heard about in March. The spec that gets our eye is the "D6500K color accuracy even with ambient light" -- this crowd definitely speaks our language. In another product category entirely, Knoll's GS8 (8-channels, $1,178) and GS12 (12-channels, $1,238) amplifiers with Eco-System circuits promise to keep your green lifestyle intact. The voltage rails only deliver current to channels actually in use; any of the channels that aren't delivering audio are actually turned "off," not simply muted or placed in a standby mode. When there's no audio flowing, the amplifier uses only 4-Watts. Sigh -- gone are the days of class A amplifiers that double as space heaters.
Onkyo reveals Integra DHC-9.9 AV receiver
It has been quite awhile since Onkyo's Integra branch delivered any new wares, but with IFA and CEDIA both just around the bend, it follows logic to see some fresh faces begin to emerge. What you're peering at above is the DHC-9.9, a potent AV receiver with 7.1-channel Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio support, HDMI 1.3a ports, an HQV processor, Ethernet jack, IR extender port and an RS-232 control socket. No telling when it'll head stateside, but those in Japan can add one to their home theater for ¥231,000 ($2,164).[Via ElectronicsInfoOnline, thanks Mike]
Onkyo's TX-SA706X 7.1 receiver is beastly, Mr. T approved
It's too early to tell if gold-colored components really are making a comeback, but you better believe Onkyo's at the forefront of the gilded parade. Shortly after pumping out the TX-SA606X in Japan (and the TX-SA606 in America), the TX-SA706X has arrived to take things one step further. This 7.1-channel receiver delivers a potent 200-watts of juice to each channel and includes five HDMI 1.3 inputs (alongside one output), a frequency response of 5Hz to 100,000Hz, Audyssey Dynamic EQ processing and built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Granted, such a monster of an AVR won't become your very own with putting a nice size dent in your wallet, but those in Japan can treat themselves on July 19th when it lands for ¥189,000 ($1,781).[Via HDTV Space] %Gallery-26352%
Marantz releases AV8003 processor and MM8003 amplifier separates in the US
Good things come to those who wait, and Marantz has finally released its AV8003 processor and MM8003 amp combo to the US market. The good news is that any sort of pricing mix-up with the Canadian release has been resolved: the AV8003 and MM8003 list at $2,599 and $2,399, respectively. The bad news is that we still can't afford to get into this gear. But if you can, by all means let us know how the well-matched pair is doing in your setup. With the four-in/two-out HDMI 1.3 arrangement, 1080p upscaling, support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and Audyssey tweaks pushing out eight channels of 140-Watt audio, we imagine you'll be smiling.
McIntosh ships new products to dealers
If you and your sizable bankroll have been waiting ever so patiently for McIntosh's new gear to arrive at your local dealer, we envy you. Not just because you've got the scratch, but more importantly because your wait is over. McIntosh announced that its fully-balanced, 300-Watt MC2301 mono vacuum tube amp ($11,000) is at your dealer now. Expect a call from your sales rep, lucky dog! While you're at the store, maybe pick up a XCS1K center channel speaker ($17,500). The compliment of two 10-inch woofers, 32 2-inch mids and 20 0.75-inch tweets should be a great way to break in that new amp, right? Finally, McIntosh hasn't forgotten the two-channel enthusiasts out there (whom we suspect make up a sizable chunk of their clientele) -- also "on the shelves" are its 250-Watt MA7000 ($8,000) and 200-Watt MA6600 ($6,000) stereo integrated amplifiers, and the MCD301 SACD player. Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA it's not, but we'd wager a McIntosh setup built around these pieces sounds mighty fine!
Marantz to deliver new AV8003 processor and MM8003 amplifier next month, at least to Canada
The Marantz US website shows the AV8003 processor and accompanying MM8003 amplifier as "coming soon," but word is that these two will show up in June, at least for Canadian customers. We've already seen that Marantz has started its rollout in markets outside the US, but we've got to think that the appearance of these models in Canada presages imminent US availability. Don't be alarmed about the prices in the read link, which we assume are for the Canadian market. The US Marantz website still shows prices as $2600 and $2400 for the AV8003 and MM8003, respectively; still too rich for our blood, but we'll keep our fingers crossed that the teasing will end for those of you fortunate enough to consider this gear.[Via TVSnob]
Marantz showing off high-end SACD players, amplifiers and more
Though we're not exactly sure if Marantz will be a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings for much longer, the boutique brand is still planning to strut its stuff at the upcoming Audio Karma Fest in Michigan. Reportedly, the outfit will be showcasing a number of luxurious components from its Reference Series, include the $3,199 SC-11S1 preamplifier, $4,199 SM-11S1 power amplifier, $3,699 SA-11S2 SACD player and the all new $2,599.99 AV8003 Networking AV Preamp / Processor. For those lacking the requisite scratch, the slightly less magnificent SA8001 SACD player ($899.99) and PM7001 integrated amp ($599.99) will also be around. Word has it that all of the items will be demonstrated on Snell loudspeakers, which all in all should deliver a fairly blissful experience.
Mark Levinson's new No. 53 amp is 20 better than predecessor
When most of us think of "high end" gear, we picture shiny tech that we might be able to afford if we got lucky in Vegas. But there's a whole other level of expensive gadgetry that schleps like us can't even begin to fathom; ironically, the closest we ever get to this gear is in Vegas during CES. Case in point: Mark Levinson's new No. 53 monoblock amplifier. This replacement of the company's top of the line No. 33 amp introduces Interleaved Power Technology (IPT), its foray into the world of digital amplification. That's right -- the old saw about digital amps being inferior is giving way, albeit slowly. And in this case, at a unspeakably-high price point. So if you're sitting on a pair of No. 33s, best put them up on eBay in preparation for the No. 53's summer availability; this new model is said to outperform anything the marque has done before. Our friends at CE Pro were mightily impressed, but these babies might as well be milled out of a solid block of unobtanium for us (you know, to tame resonances).
Reuse an old Apple floppy drive as an amp
We love reading articles like this. Folks who use old gadgets for novel purposes make our geeky little hearts dance. Take as evidence the DIY iPod video projector and the iPod nano slide viewer. Today we came across a post from jeffkobi at Instructables describing how he turned a 5.25" floppy drive into an amplifier. After building a prototype with a Tupperware container, Jeff (can we call you Jeff?) put the guts of a Sonic Impact 5066 T-amp into the drive case (it fit quite nicely, actually), attached a volume knob and in/out ports, connected his iPod and was in business. A retro-amp that looks cool on any desk.Well done, Jeff!
Navigating your way through amplification stats
Picking a receiver for your rig is a tough job -- the bundling of switching, decoding and amplification functions is convenient for use, but not so much for shopping. If you turn to the audiophile world for guidance, you might end up with a bigger headache as discussion will quickly turn to "fat watts," imaging (lest you thought that was your display's job) and other esoterica. Those audiophiles mean well, but the advice can be overwhelming. Follow the link for a good intro to the stats you'll find on any amp/receiver fact tag: Watts, bandwidth (frequency range), impedance, channels driven and total harmonic distortion (THD). Hint: more Watts doesn't always mean a better amp. We'd add in taking a look at the power supply (toroids are generally better than E-I). In the best case, the dealer you work with will also have some way for you to try the amp/receiver with your speakers through either a return or in-home audition policy. Just like we advise for displays, use the specs to narrow down the list and then trust your own senses![Image courtesy NAD Electronics]
Video: Tesla guitar amp sparks the Great Radio Controversy
If you haven't already, Tesla Guitar is a must see video. It features a lethal Scopeboy modification of a Tesla coil for guitar amplification. Click on through for 250,000 volts of axe slinging distortion. Huzzah!
Hands-on with Denon's super-separates
If the idea of a receiver is just too lowbrow for you, check out Denon's processor/amplifier separates, the AVP/POA-A1HDCI ('AVP' for the processor, 'POA' for the amp). Six HDMI 1.3 inputs, two parallel HDMI outputs and Silicon Optix Realta video processing are some processor highlights; the amp packs in 10 channels at 150-watts. While you're at it, why settle for a Blu-ray player when you can get a dedicated transport? That back panel picture of the DVD-2500BTCI is no prototype unit -- all you get is a power cord, HDMI output, and RS-232. Spin those bits off the Blu-ray disc and send them on to the AVP-A1HDCI for decoding. Pricing is securely in the "if you have to ask..." category: $7k for the AVP-A1HDCI, $7k for the POA-A1HDCI and $1200 for the DVD-2500BTCI.%Gallery-13251%
Hands-on with Marantz's new AV8003 and MM8003 processor / amp pair
If the idea of a receiver is just too lowbrow for you, Marantz is introducing their new AV8003 and MM8003 processor / amplifier pair. It's a nice couple: HDMI 1.3a (four in, two out), Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, DeepColor and Audyssey to get things dialed in; the amp kicks out eight channels at 150-Watts. Both available Q2 2008, prices to be determined.%Gallery-13234%
Pass Labs reveals $6500 INT-150 integrated amplifier
Looking for a touch of class in your next stereo amplifier? If so, you needn't look much further than Pass Laboratories, which is readying a high-end integrated amp for release at CES. The INT-150 will become the firm's first integrated amplifier, and it's based heavily on the X-150.5 Stereo Amplifier. The device is rated at 150-watts-per-channel into 8-ohms or 300-watts into 4-ohms, and it can handle four RCA inputs / two balanced XLR inputs. Heck, you'll even get a remote made from machined aluminum to match the unit itself, but really, what else would you expect when laying down $6,500? Check out one more angle and a shot of the rear after the jump.
Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock
We've no qualms with a manufacturer thinking outside of the box in order to differentiate its iPod docking station from the myriad competitors, but Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti takes it one step beyond customization. This Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock sports a design that SNL's Nuni and Noony are sure to adore, and features a total output of 40-watts RMS, a frequency response of 22Hz - 22kHz, signal-to-noise ratio of 67dB, four-channel input selector (phono / CD / aux / iPod), a headphone jack and a dedicated subwoofer output. Additionally, this thing includes video out and a remote control, and while it will run you a stiff €233 ($341), your collection of industrial metal will be totally in love.[Via Technabob]
NAT Audio's Magma is one beastly tube amplifier
We've seen all sorts of fanciful tube amplifiers over the years, but none have intimidated us quite like NAT Audio's Magma. This brute is the self-proclaimed "most powerful single-ended tube amplifier on the market," and it can churn out 160-watts at 4- and 8-ohms with a frequency response of 10Hz to 100kHz. Additionally, this thing weighs in at 88-pounds, measures 11.8- x 25.2- x 14.2-inches and relies on a 6N1P-EV, a 6N30P-DR and a Eimac 450TH tube to get the job done. If you're craving more specs on this Class A monster, we've got 'em: an input impedance of 100-kohms, input sensitivity of 2.7V RMS for full power output, gain of 22.5 dB at 8-ohms and a pricetag of $55,000 per pair. Check out a few more angles after the jump, won'tcha?[Via AudioJunkies, thanks Lukas]
Flickr find: Homemade iPhone Amplifier
The iPhone has a tiny speaker that distorts at high volume. To listen to music without headphones or external speakers, you'll need an amplifier. If you're a cheapskate with disdain for hygiene, check out this homemade version, rigged up by camh. The benefits include: Security. No one will walk off with an iPhone that's been stuffed inside this thing. Eco-friendly. Instead of putting a used, tattered roll of toilet paper into the trash, it goes on your desk. Economical. Enjoy a memorable audio experience at a fraction of the cost of decent headphones. John Williams via a 5 inch cardboard tube stays with you. Chick magnet. Nothing says "I have expendable cash" like an iPhone...in a roll of Charmin. Enjoy your enhanced iPhone.Update: Erica Sadun tested her own TP iPhone Amp against a cone made of stiff paper and a non-enhanced iPhone with a Radio Shack sound level meter (part 33-2055) at both the 60 and 70 dB base settings. Here are the results:At 4 feet line of sight, there was no difference at all between any of them. They all measured pretty much the same 65 dB for the same segment of song played at the highest volume.At 2 feet line of sight (yes, she used a ruler and tape markers), the same procedure yielded: No enhancement: 68 dB Toilet paper: 70 db Stiff cardboard cone around iPhone: 75 db A final test with no enhancement and the iPhone turned 45 degrees away from the sensor at the same 2 feet distance yielded 65 dB.Now you know.
