AudioEnz news
April 2004
Klipsch introduce RW subwoofers
Klipsch Audio Technologies has announced three new powered subwoofers in its Reference Series, the RW-8, RW-10, and RW-12. These models are said to produce deeper, stronger, cleaner bass than the KSW subwoofers they replace, yet at comparable or lower prices and from smaller enclosure footprints.
The key technology with the RW Series is the corner port. The duct angles diagonally across the interior of the box, with the exterior port near the intersection of the subwoofer's front and bottom, and the internal opening near the opposite corner, toward the upper rear. This allows the duct to be as long as possible without curves or folds, minimizing turbulence that can cause port noise and distortion. It also allows the enclosure to be tuned to a lower frequency than would otherwise be possible (yielding deeper bass from smaller cabinets), and the port to be made larger (reducing distortion and compression). Prices start at $899 for the RW-8, $1199 for the RW-10 and $1499 for the RW-12.
For your nearest Klipsch dealer
Cambridge Audio launch Azur home theatre
Matching the appearance of the Azur stereo range, Cambridge launch two components for home theatre. The 540R home theatre receiver offers 80 watts with all channels driven and 100 watts in stereo. Component video inputs and output is included along with video switching.
The 540D DVD player six 54Mhz/12-bit video DACs for improved video quality, both PAL and NTSC progressive scan and also plays back DVD-Audio discs.
Available in silver or black, the Cambridge Audio Azur 540R home theatre receiver sells for $1199, while the 540D DVD player sells for $899.
For your nearest Cambridge Audio dealer
Sony’s new Cineza projector
The Sony VPLHS20 is the latest LCD projector from Sony. A widescreen projector, the HS20 boasts a rated brightness of 1400 ANSI Lumens a contrast ratio of 1300:1 and a DVI input. The HS2 is $6999.
Paradigm create a new Reference
The Paradigm Reference Studio Series v3 is the new version of Paradigm’s top loudspeakers. The range comprises four stereo or front speakers, two centre speakers and a surround speaker.
The Studio 20v3 ($1499) and Studio 40v3 ($$1999) are two bookshelf or stand-mount models. Both feature a 25mm aluminium tweeter and 170mm MLP woofer, with the 40 adding an additional 170mm polypropylene woofer for additional bass output.
Two floorstanding models are in the range. The Studio 60 ($2999) features a 25mm aluminium tweeter and 170mm MLP woofer, with an additional 170mm polypropylene woofer in a cabinet just over a metre high. The top of the line is the Studio 100v3. A true three-way speaker, in addition to the 25mm tweeter and MLP midrange driver, the 100 includes three 170mm polypropylene woofers. The Studio 100 sells for $4499.
The CC-470v3 centre channel ($1199) has two 170mm MLP woofers with a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter. The new model, the CC-570 centre speaker ($1599) includes a dedicated 10mm midrange driver, with two woofers.
For your nearest Paradigm dealer
NAD’s audiophile AV receivers
NAD introduces two new A/V Receivers, the T773, and T763 A/V Receivers. The new top-of-the-line model, the T773 is the manufacturer’s first A/V Receiver to include seven-channels of internal amplification, NAD’s most powerful A/V Receiver to date. This new model provides 110wpc of continuous power with all seven channels driven simultaneously at rated distortion into 4 or 8 ohms. The T763 is equipped with six channels of amplification for rated continuous power of 100wpc.
The T773, and T763 offer the widest array of surround formats with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES, DTS NEO:6 decoding along with 7.1 Matrix, Dolby ProLogic II and the proprietary NAD EARS circuitry for creating natural surround sound from any format input, 7.1, 6.1, 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, digital or analog. Also included is a "Stereo Enhanced" mode that uses no processing, but allows the stereo signal to be sent to any or all of the selected 7.1 channels depending on listener preference. Plus there is an analog bypass mode for stereo purists.
The NAD T773 is $3999 and the NAD T763 is $2799
For your nearest NAD dealer
Open your ears and say Ah!
Dutch manufacturer Ah! Are now available in New Zealand through Frontline Audio. Best known for their valve-output CD players (AudioEnz reviewed the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb in March 2002) there are three CD models available. The CD4000 Super sells for $1335 comes standard with ac noisekiller, supercrystal, Tjoeb feet, digital output, De Mat, tube dampers and an upgraded AC Direkt power cord. The Ultra model at $NZ1699 adds top quality Burr Brown op amps, and Siemens E288CC tubes. The range-topping model, the Reference, has the Tjo-upsampling device for “the ultimate tweak statement from Ah!”. This costs $NZ2199. The upsampling board can be purchased for any of the other Njoe Tjoeb CD 4000 models for $550. It takes just 10min to install; no soldering is required. Contact Peter at Frontline Audio peterl@iconz.co.nz, 09- 630 0045 or 021-185 3717.
NAD Debuts New A/V Tuner Preamplifier and 7-Channel Amplifier Combination
The T973 Multi-channel Amp and T163 7.1 Surround Tuner/Preamp offer an abundance of connectivity options with custom integration simplicity.
The T163 offers the widest array of surround formats including Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES Discrete and Matix, DTS NEO:6 decoding along with 7.1 Matrix, Dolby ProLogic II and the proprietary NAD EARS circuitry for creating natural surround sound from any format input, 7.1, 6.1, 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, digital or analog.
The NAD T973 Seven Channel Amplifier employs monoblock construction to deliver a tremendously powerful 140wpc of continuous power with all seven (7) channels driven simultaneously at rated distortion into 4 or 8 ohms. Dynamic power is even more impressive, with an unprecedented 220 watts into 2 ohms!
The T163 tuner-preamp sells for $2499 with the T973 power amplifier selling for $3999.
For your nearest NAD dealer
Rotel's "Euro" surround preceiver
Pat of Rotel's Euro Series, the RSDX-02 is a surround-sound receiver with a built-in DVD player that can also handleDVD-A (audio), CD’s, CDR’sand MP3. All movie surround formats are supported including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-LogicII, DTS, DTS-ES, and DTS Neo6. With Dolby Pro Logic II, DTSNeo 6, or All Channel Stereo you can receive 5 channel surround sound from any stereo source.The RSDX-02 is rated at 80watts RMS per channel while the tuner section provides 30 FM and 15 AM presets. The RSXD sells for $2699.
PMC's New Zealand distribution
Wellington-based Sandman Ltd are the New Zealand distributors of the PMC speaker range. PMC (or Professional Monitoring Company) was established several years ago to develop loudspeakers for the professional (studio) and domestic (hi-fi) markets. PMC are strong proponents of transmission line bass loading in their speaker ranges. Sandman Ltd have the DB1, TB2, FB1 and OB1 models in stock, along with the relevant centre speakers.
Pioneer’s universal DVD adds Firewire and HDMI
The Pioneer DVS969AVI is Pioneer’s high-end DVD player retailing for $1999. As well as video DVD, the 969 plays SACD and DVD-A discs. The 969 features a FireWire (also known as ILink or IEEE 1394) digital connection, for relaying the high resolution digital signals from DVD-A and SACD to a FireWire-equipped Pioneer receiver. The 969 features 216Mhz/14-bit video D/A converters, progressive scan for both PAL and NTSC DVDs and a HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal.
Eichmann debuts mk2 power cable
The Eichmann eXpress Power-MK2 AC cable “is really power supply component cunningly disguised as a cable,” says New Zealand distributor, Totally Wired. John Ransley of Totally Wired points out that the Eichmann cable is a serious upgrade that doesn’t involve any internal modification of your equipment. The Eichmann eXpress Power-MK2 AC cable retails for $495. By using Eichmann's 'Power Strip' ($69), up to six components can share the benefit of a single eXpress AC lead. Totally Wired can be contacted on 0800 909 101 or totallywired@compuserve.com
Creek and Epos in New Zealand
Sonarlex Ltd has been appointed the Creek and Epos distributor for New Zealand. Sonarlex say that they have most Creek and Epos products intheir warehouse and are currently negotiating with dealers to become stockists. All Creek and Epos product come with a locally supported 5-year warranty. Sonarlex can be contacted at PO Box 38-505, Wellington Mail Centre; telephone 025-278 2498 or email: sonarlex@attglobal.net
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