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AudioEnz news

September 2004

REL’s new subs

Welsh hi-fi subwoofer manufacturer REL have released two new subwoofers, both featuring full action remote microprocessor control of all setup parameters and a blue LED display on the sub itself.

There are many similar features with the REL Stampede (pictured, $2199) and Strata 5 ($2999). Both subs can be connected to high level and low level sources simultaneously, have REL’s ABC filtering adjustment from 16Hz to 99Hz, have variable slam/depth controls and include a Neutrik Speakon connection for the high level input.

The Stampede includes a 100W discrete mosfet amplifier driving a downward-firing 200mm woofer, while the Strata 5 includes a 150W amplifier driving a 250mm woofer.

For your nearest REL dealer.

Perreaux’s second headphone amplifier

Replacing the earlier SXH1 (reviewed in 2003) is the new Perreaux SXH2 ($899). Changes over the older model internal circuit improvements and a larger volume control that is much more user-friendly.

The SXH2 has an internal power supply (no “wall warts” necessary) and provisions for two sets of headphones and is available now.

Epson updates entry home theatre projector

Epson’s EMP-TW10H projector is an update of the original EMP-TW10, but by modifying optical mechanics, EPSON has increased the projector's brightness by 200 ANSI lumens to 1,200 ANSI. The contrast ratio has also been increased to achieve a maximum 800:1 from 700:1, producing sharper, more colourful images that are optimised for movie viewing. The EMP-TW10H features a 1.54x optical zoom lens that allows users more flexibility in positioning the projector in a variety of room sizes and can project an 80-inch image from only six feet away.

The EMP-TW10H has an estimated lamp life of 3000 hours, plus a replacement lamp cost of $400, less than many other projectors. The Epson EMP-TW10H retails for $2499.

For your nearest Epson dealer

Klipsch’s Cinema 6

A smaller and more affordable home theatre speaker system was the aim in creating the Klipsch Cinema 6 system. With four RSX-3 monitors, an RCX-3 center channel and an RW-8 powered subwoofer, this unobtrusive system will fit into small and medium sized rooms. The system is available with either black or silver satellites. The Klipsch Cinema 6 system sells for $2499 with the RW-8 subwoofer, or $1699 without.

For your nearest Klipsch dealer

Da-Lite release portable home theatre screen

Gilkon, the distributor of Da-Lite screens, have announced the Da-Lite Theatre-Lite portable screen. Unlike tripod-based portable screens, the Theatre-Lite is contained in a lightweight metal alloy case that has flip out feet. The screen raises up from the case into the viewing position. The Theatre-Lite is available in 60” and 80” sizes.

Naim adds X

Naim Audio have revised three of their long-running products, with the new products having a “X” added to their names.

The CD5x is a revision of Naim’s successful CD5 compact disc player. Improvements over the original CD5 include: an improved CD transport mechanism (Philips VAM1202/12); a new, improved CD tray PCB; a new analogue output stage on a separate PCB; switchable DIN or Phono outputs; a new dedicated large toroidal transformer for stiffer power supply; a PMD200 Digital Filter and HDCD decoder – this has the key advantage of re-dithering the digital words after processing them; 24-bit dual mono Burr Brown DACS as used in the CDX2 and CDS3; an RC5 socket for easy external remote control without line of sight; an optional RS232 connector for external system control. The CD5x is $5000.

Naim’s entry preamp has also been x-ed. The NAC112x ($2500) improvements over the original NAC 112 include: a new main board design for improved performance; a new display PCB using SMT (Surface Mount Technology) for lower noise; two switchable DIN or Phono inputs; an RC5 socket for easy external remote control without line of sight; an optional RS232 connector for external system control; and a new rear panel layout for ease of use on a Fraim. The NAC112x can be powered from the supply provided by the NAP150x and can be upgraded by adding a FlatCap 2 or HiCap power supply.

The heart of the NAP150x ($3000) power amplifier’s circuit is a version of the world class NAP 500 with a substantial and very quiet power supply using a custom designed and manufactured toroidal transformer. Improvements over the original NAP 150 include: a new toroidal transformer for improved regulation; separate transformer windings for CH1 and CH2 and Pre-amp (the NAP150 combined CH1 and CH2’s windings); an up-rated pre-amp power supply to improve the performance of the preamp.

For your nearest Naim dealer

PMC adds a +

PMC announces the launch of the FB1+, TB2+ and DB1+.The + upgrade has significantly improved the performance of the DB1, TB2 and FB1 monitors with the introduction of the high performance 27mm fabric soft dome HF unit incorporated in the design of the more costly PMC passive monitor systems. The HF upgrade is accompanied by associated improvements to the crossover design, with re-engineering of the acoustic damping in the TB2& FB1 models.

These improvements not only improve the acoustic characteristics of the monitors, providing dramatically lower distortion, better controlled vertical and off-axis dispersion, better stereo imagery and higher power handling capabilities, but also provide the new + models with the same sonic ‘imprint’ of the larger PMC systems.

Current owners of DB1, TB2 or FB1 can also benefit, as upgrade kits including the hand selected and matched components are available through the PMC dealer network.

Sound Creations adds Manhattan

Hi-fi furniture manufacturer Sound Creations has added a new range of audio and TV racks and speakers stands to their range, called Manhattan. The hi-fi racks feature glass shelving of 460mm x 412mm. The TV racks are available with a depth of 400mm or 500mm. Cable channels are availiable at extra cost for either rack.