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Happenings in the world of hi-fi and home theatre
November 2003
Allbury Holdings Ltd to issue prospectus to raise funds to finance expansion plans
 |
| Allbury Holdings owner Steve Allbury, in one of the Eastern Hi-Fi stores |
In a first for New Zealand’s hi-fi industry, Allbury Holdings Ltd announced today that it would issue a private prospectus to raise $4,000,000 to fund the expansion plans of its subsidiaries Eastern Hi-Fi, Avalon Audio and Pacific Audio. The group is one of the country's largest specialist Audio-Visual import/wholesale/retail companies and has been operating since 1975.
The group’s retail arm, Eastern Hi-Fi, currently has six stores, three in Auckland and one each in Tauranga, Rotorua and Napier.The import/wholesale companies of Avalon Audio and Pacific have the exclusive distribution rights to 12 internationally recognized brands of Audio-Visual electronics, loudspeakers and associated lines, including Arcam, AudioQuest, Denon, Kef, Musical Fidelity, Polk Audio, Straight Wire and Tannoy.
The prospectus proposes that the company will raise $2,000,000 through the sale of shares and a further $2,000,000 by way of convertible notes.
The funds raised in this issue will be used to fund the expansion of both the retail stores and its importing brand portfolio. It is also anticipated that the group will form a new finance company to fund consumer retail purchases in its stores in the near future.
AudioEnz understands that Allbury Holdings Ltd may list of the NZSE's AX board next year. For more information visit the Allbury Holdings web site.
Slinkylinks goes deep
The 'Fundamental' subwoofer cable has come out of Slinkylinks development
of pro-audio cable for studio recording. Like the original Slinkylinks
interconnects and speaker cables, pure silver conductors and a unique
air dielectric configuration are used to deliver
complete bass notes that are full, deep with shuddering tightness. These
cables are carefully hand built in New Zealand to deliver absolutely the
best performance possible from any powered subwoofer.
Slinkylinks' Fundamental cables are optimised for lower frequencies. To best deliver the accuracy of bass notes Slinkylinks use a thicker grade pure silver conductor. The thicker conductor, while aiding the magnitude of bass notes, also promotes a more durable cable. The Fundamental cables also utilise a new nylon weave outer finish. The result is a product that is both more flexible and durable to aid discrete home installations. The Eichmann 'Bullet Plug' RCA termination provides an exceptionally robust connection
Available in factory terminated and tested lengths from 2m to 5m and priced from NZ$300 including GST.
Bass control for Image speakers
Image will now provide acoustic filter plugs for Image floorstanding
models 414, 416, 418 and Reference. They will be supplied as part of
'the speaker
package' that also includes the exclusive Image brass spikes.
For some time Image been aware that some customers have a problem with what is commonly described as "too much bass", and this is not unique to Image speakers. Simply, any speaker that produces bass energy at low frequencies can create a problem by exciting room resonances that boost certain frequencies within that room.
Also, if a speaker by necessity is placed too close to the wall behind, there can be problems when that speaker has lower frequencies reinforced by the more than desired close proximity.
Understanding that some Image customers just can't provide the rear wall distance, for whatever reason, we are now supplying all floorstanding models from Image 414 up, with acoustic filter plugs that are simply inserted into the rear port to reduce the port efficiency.
Two lengths are supplied. The shorter one will reduce the bass port output by a small but noticeable amount and should be adequate for most situations. The longer one will reduce the output considerably, but may optimise the room and customers requirements. It is personal choice, can be removed or replaced, and is totally free with every pair of those models from now.
For
those customers who have already purchased the Image 414, 416, 418 or
Reference models, we can supply the four filter plugs for $30 incl.
GST, posted free anywhere in NZ. Available from Image Loudspeakers, 21
Eric Patton Way Mt Wellington, Auckland.
Click here for Image dealers
Philips has launched a new DVD recorder
The Philips DVDR75 allows up
to 6 hours of recording from videotapes as well as directly from a
TV. The
S-Video Input feature means that even analogue video can be recorded at
a higher quality level from s-video equipped VCRs. All analogue input is
digitally encoded in two-channel Dolby Digital.
Navigating through disc content is easy using the Index Picture Screen function, which lets users see what has been recorded on a disk, find a particular recording, or see which disk has space for new recording. The DVDR75 creates a DVD menu on every DVD+RW/+R disk that gives an instant overview of disk content.
Connecting to digital camcorders and PCs that have digital video editing is simple with the iLINK Digital Video input. iLINK (also known as Firewire) allows home videos to be copied in their original digital picture quality.
Philips DVDR75 is available from late November from all leading electronic retailers. RRP$1299.95.
Upgrade your Wadia
Wadia is pleased to announce that we are now accepting orders for the
Special Edition Upgrade available for the Wadia 861 CD Player.
The Special Edition Upgrade for the Wadia 861 CD Player features the
installation of a new mechanism that embodies markedly improved engineering
precision
(1.6 mm) on all surfaces, including the surface onto which the disk is
pressed. The Special Edition Wadia 861 CD Player uses a newly-designed
aluminium and brass hybrid turntable that provides significant sound
reduction during disk rotation. The turntable has been stained green
to absorb undesired
diffused reflections. These features contribute greatly to the sonic
improvement.
To provide robust support for this newly developed turntable,
the Wadia 861se uses a composite bridge composed of machined aluminium
with a maximum
thickness of 20 mm, and carbon-tool steel with a thickness of 5 mm.
Finally, a software update completes the enhancements to the Special
Edition Wadia
861CD Player. This upgrade costs $3495 and is done in New Zealand.
Click here for Wadia dealers
ProAc’s latest Response
Cabinet size is the only feature the Response D38 has in common with
the highly regarded Response 3.8 loudspeaker. Internally, everything
has changes.
A new generation of extremely sensitive drive units has been introduced.
Two new 165mm polypropylene coated bass-midrange units, sit either side
of a radical new 25mm soft dome tweeter. The D38 stands 1244mm high on
its plinth with conical feet, and retails for $14995.
Click here for ProAc dealers
ProAc’s D25
The original cabinet dimensions of the Response 2.5 have been retained
in the new D25, but there the similarity ends. The cabinets themselves,
handcrafted and finished in real wood veneers, are extremely rigid and
heavily damped as before, but the introduction of a large flared port
beneath the plinths give better interaction with the listening room.
New drivers
and crossover complete the picture of the $9995 D25.
Click here for ProAc dealers
Eichmann Technologies new Banana Plug
From the designers of the innovative 'Bullet Plug' RCA connector comes
the Eichmann 'Bayonet Plug' - a 4mm banana plug that has been intelligentlydesigned
to provide improved quality over existing plugs.
Conventional banana plugs use the conductive element of the plug to provide
a frictional fit within the socket of the amplifier or speaker. The disadvantage
of this approach is that conductive performance is compromised in favour
of the mechanical means of connection - for example, the mass of metal
- usually poorly conductive brass - used in conventional banana plugs
can degrade performance due to skin effects. While locking and split
pin arrangements
can induce eddy current distortion where the musical signal is conveyed
through multiple contact points. Conventional banana plugs are often
overly large, place mechanical strain on connectors and risk short circuit
with
ineffective or even no insulation.
The Eichmann Bayonet plug overcomes
these performance limitations by providing an electrical conductor whose
conductive element is machined
from a single
piece of highly conductive Tellurium Copper. The unique shape is designed
for minimal skin effect problems. And a snug fit is ensured by a non-conductive
pressure insert. The result is a new plug that will improve the performance
of any speaker cable. The Eichmann Bayonet Plug is also easy to fit and
insulated for safety.
Now available in packs of 4 for NZ$85 from Totally Wired - phone 0800
909 101 - www.totallywired.co.nz
Linn's universal solution
The Unidisk 2.1 player from Linn is a
universal
source component designed to deliver reference standard video and pitch
accurate audio performance. Based around Linn’s Silver Disc Engine
universal decoding technology, Unidisk 2.1 supports SACD, DVD-Video and
DVD-Audio for flexibility in any audio-visual application. The Unidisk
2.1 is $14,995.
Click here for Linn dealers
Pacific
Audio secures Russound Products
Pacific Audio Ltd, the New Zealand distributors for Polk Audio, Tannoy,
Muscial Fidelity and Straightwire have announced their appointment as
the Russound Distributor for this country.
Russound is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Audio/Visual
Custom Installation equipment for use in multi-room home entertainment
systems.
The company designs and manufactures an extensive range of multi-room
distribution amplifiers, in-wall volume controls and speakers and infra-red
remote extension
equipment.
Linn’s Accurate loudspeakers
The Akurate system consists of four distinct acoustically matched loudspeakers
that can be simply configured for high performance stereo and multichannel
music or home theatre applications.
The Akurate system has been designed to do full justice to the latest high-definition sound and vision formats, such as Super Audio CD. The system also combines the latest in Linn technology and high quality materials.
The full-range
models within the AKURATE system, the 242, 225 and 212 loudspeakers,
feature Linn’s new 3K Driver Array* technology that creates a consistent
single point sound source and improves high frequency response. All components
used in the 3K Driver Array are tolerance matched to ensure sonic consistency
throughout. Sandwich cone 6 1/2 inch bass drive units deliver pure musical
bass and the
highly braced internal cabinet construction ensures the best possible
performance from the advanced drive unit design. These full range loudspeakers
are
stand mountable and come with invisible, flush fitting
grilles.
In addition to three full-range models, the AKURATE system also includes
the 221 - a bass extension loudspeaker that deploys servo-controlled
amplification. The 8 inch bass unit is constantly monitored and regulated
to maintain
accurate and musical bass in any listening environment. All models are
available in a choice of attractive finishes - Maple, Cherry, Rosenut
and Black Ash.
Click here for Linn dealers
The Bostonian radio
The new Recepter Radio has tuner performance found only in the most advanced
component receivers costing many times its price. Its ability to pull
in weak FM stations separates it from conventional radios, and its high
selectivity
allows it to separate closely spaced stations clearly.
The key to the Radio’s sound is its Bostondesigned wide-range driver.
Optimized specifically for the Radio, it’s combined with an actively-equalized
amplifier that uses proprietary Boston BassTrac® circuitry for full,
satisfying bass even at low volume. The result is a unit that delivers
smooth, natural response and room-filling sound that belies its small
size. This outstanding audio performance is coupled with a highly sensitive
AM/FM
tuner with a 20 preset-station memory for clear, distortion-free reception.
The Radio also has two independent wake-up alarms. Either alarm can be set to music, buzzer, or both. A large, easy-to-read LCD display clearly presents the station, clock, and alarm/sleep status, while a built-in sleep function lets the Radio play for up to 60 minutes before turning off automatically.
The Radio is easy to use and set: Times and stations can be quickly selected by turning a knob rather than repeatedly pressing buttons. And once you have stored your favorite stations in memory, the tuning knob can be set to tune in only those stations. The Receptor sells for $499.
DTS reaches 200 million
DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc) has reached another landmark in its
consumer electronics business: more than 200 million consumer electronics
products containing DTS-licensed technology or intellectual property
have been sold worldwide.
Unit sales of consumer electronics products with DTS technology or intellectual property reached 3,000 units in its first year of availability, and reached 100 million units as of August 2002. DTS-licensed products include DVD players, receivers, amplifiers, pre-amps, video game consoles, car audio processors and head units, PC-based software decoders and 5.1-channel speaker systems for the PC. More than 200 consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide license DTS technology today.
Boston’s VR tower range
Boston Acoustic’s new VR speakers are 93dB efficient - approximately
4dB more efficient than the models they replace. This means that the
speakers will go louder with less power, for dynamic music and movie
reproduction.
The speakers feature new, high-efficiency VR tweeters, and custom built midrange and bass drivers. The VRHO (High-Output) tweeter has a significantly larger motor structure than the original VR tweeter resulting in more high-frequency output and power handling. Like the original VR tweeter, the new VRHO tweeter features a 25mm aluminum dome and our patented AMD™. There are three models in the VR Tower range, the VR1 (2-way), VR2 (3-way, $1999) and VR3 (3-way, $2999).
A matching centre channel, the VRC sells for $999. Unusually for a centre channel, the VCR is a three-way loudspeaker. The asymmetrical alignment of the tweeter and midrange is said to provide superior horizontal dispersion and less “lobing” than typical center channel speakers.
Kef’s smaller KHT
The sleek silver-finished KHT1005 comprises four satellites (HTS1001), a centre channel speaker (HTC1001) - all closed box design - and a beautifully matched powered sub-woofer. In die-cast aluminium enclosures, the satellites and centre speaker incorporate the smallest ever (75 mm) brand-new KEF UNI-Q® array for excellent dispersion and, as the centre speaker has an identical array, perfect timbre match across all 5 channels.
Extended bandwidth is achieved through the use of a new 15 mm aluminium HF unit. Optional wall mounting brackets are available, as well as optional stands with cable management facility.
The PSW1000.2 powered
sub-woofer, with a 100 watt on-board amplifier and a 200 mm (8 inch)
long-throw down firing driver, embraces a new
slot port
design and has the addition of a ground lift switch, a 12dB/24dB
slope option and a cinema/music facility. It also has variable frequency,
phase and level adjustment, line level inputs and high pass outputs.
The KHT
1005 package is $1899
Click here for Kef dealers
Denon goes silver
Most of the Denon AV receiver range are now available in silver,
as well as black and gold. Models include the AVR-1604, 1804, 2803
and
3803.
The AVR-1404 is only available in silver.
Click here for Denon dealers
Denon goes universal
Denon have released a newuniversal disc player, which can play
CD, DVD, DVD-A and SACD discs. The DVD-2200 ($1999) is endowed
with PureProgressiveTM technology to unleash the full impact of DVD-Video
picture quality. The
DVD-2200 also uses a
12-bit, 108-MHz video D/A converter to faithfully preserve
the delicate low-level signals often lost during D/A conversion.
With these advanced
video image technologies, the DVD-2200 will reproduce with
the highest resolution, DVD images on Progressive-compliant monitors
and projectors.
For sound, it is high quality audio D/A conversion and Digital
Bass Management that will bring out the best of not only Super
Audio CD
and DVD-Audio
discs.
Click here for Denon dealers
Acoustic Energy returns
UK loudspeaker brand Acoustic
Energy has been absent from New Zealand for
several years. It returns in 2003, courtesy of importers Baigent & Daughters.
Included
in the AE range are the Aegis Evo loudspeakers (pictured). The Evo
range consists of the Evo 1, a compact stand-mount model; the Evo 3,
a slim three-way floorstander; the Evo Centre, tonally matched to partner
either the Evo 1 or 3; the Evo Sub, a 220mm pulp cone woofer driven by
a 150 watt amplifier; and the Compact, a two-way multi-purpose speaker.
Click here for Acoustic Energy dealers
Denon’s universal player
Looking for one machine for all of your digital discs? Then try the Denon
DVD-1400. Like all DVD players it also plays CDs, but the 1400 will
also play SACD and DVD-A high resolution audio discs.
Video playback
is well catered for with the 1400. The player will accept VideoCD,
DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs and comes with both RGB scart and
component video outputs. The DVD-1400 boasts 24-bit, 192kHz audio D/A
converters and built-in bass management for SACD and DVD-A sources.
A Pure Direct Mode turns off the video circuitry and front panel display
for better sound. The DVD-1400 retails for $1299.
Click here for Denon dealers
Kick
butt!
Ever wanted to feel the earth move while watching those explosions on
screen? The ButtKicker is a small, linear motor, which reacts to an audio
signal
sent by an amplifier. It is similar to a loudspeaker, but instead of moving
a cone, and transferring sound waves through the air, it attaches to seats
and floors, and sends low frequency sound directly into the listener's
body. AudioEnz has covered tactile transducers several times (just
type “tactile” into
our search engine to find these articles).
There’s also an amplifier
designed specifically for driving the Buttkicker tactile transducers. Called
The ButtKicker Amplifier, it supplies up to
1100 watts into four ohms to control the ButtKicker. Baigent & Daughters.
Click here for Buttkicker dealers
The new Plinius pre/power
The Plinius M8 is a new and exciting preamplifier utilising a new chassis
and circuit topology resulting in a very competitively priced control
unit
capable of state of the art performance. The power supply has been
developed to provide an extremely low impedance, allowing the audio
circuitry to deliver its best.
Several aspects of previous Plinius preamplifiers have been continued in the M8 including low noise, low distortion J FET input circuitry and the very best of discrete componentry.
The M8 will allow the connection of up to five source components including both balanced and single ended connection for CD. A Processor Loop allows full integration with a home theatre system. Balanced output facilities are available for those requiring this standard of connection to a power amplifier.
The chassis of the M8 and P8 power amps have been fashioned from robust materials including a forged and anodised fascia of gratifying solidity. The fascia and accents are available in either silver or black to match with other ancillary equipment.
Although
the entry-level Plinius power amplifier, Plinius claims that the P8 has
a level of sophistication rarely found in such
a cost-effective
product.
The
Odeon power supply has been mirrored in a smaller more cost effective
way and
the new circuit uses faster driver devices with separate input
and driver stage power supply regulation. This has delivered
an amplifier
capable
of true high-end performance.
The large toroidal transformer will allow the P8 to deliver power levels in excess of 200 watts per channel into 8 Ohms. Difficult speaker loads are driven with ease to the most satisfying levels, while maintaining control and finesse.
The ideal partner for the P8 is the Plinius M8 Preamplifier. These stable mates will combine to perform at the highest level. The P8 is also highly suited to multiple custom installation use.
Eurolife – a new Auckland store
What must be one of the larger hi-fi stores has recently opened in Mt
Wellington, Auckland. Eurolife’s hi-fi and home theatre store
is upstairs from their existing home and kitchen appliances store at
14 George Burke Drive, Mt Wellington. Eurolife stocks products from
Acoustic Energy, AEG, Atlantic Technology, Audio Control, B&K,
ButtKicker, Definitive Technology, Lennox, Marantz, Maxcable, Pro-Luxe
headphones, Richard Gray and Vutec, along with furniture from Alphason
Designs, Plateau and Schroers & Schroers. Eurolife's phone number
is 09-259 1111.
The new Plinius integrateds
Plinius say that their new 9200 captures the finesse, authority
and subtlety of the best separates and combines them without compromise
in
an elegant
enclosure.
With some 200 Watts per Channel available, the Plinius 9200 will drive
the most ambitious of loudspeakers to satisfying levels while remaining
composed and dignified.
The Plinius 9200 , based on the Plinius Odeon Amplifier Module physically separates the control and power sections for absolute performance, and by housing them in the same chassis removes the requirement for expensive interconnecting cables.
The 9200 includes a quality phono stage to allow enthusiasts to extract the very best performance from their record collections. The on board Processor Loop allows direct connection and control from an external Home Theatre Processor.
Eastern Hi-Fi store opens in Napier
Hi-Fi
retailer Eastern Hi-Fi have opened their sixth store in Napier. Located
at 81 Carlyle Street, Napier, the store stocks Denon, Chario, Straight
Wire, AudioQuest, Arcam, Polk, Kef and Musical Fidelity. The phone
number is 06 835 1861.
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