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Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Crystal Cable The Cube and Siltech
200 watt integrated amplifier with LightDrive system, 5 analog inputs.
Siltech Triple Crown interconnect
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Naim Statement
New preamplifier/power amplifier system launched at CES 2014 trade show, will go on sale later this year.
Is quoting the power output of an amplifier in horsepower a statement of serious intent? If so, that’s just what British audio company Naim Audio is setting out to do: its new Statement amplifier, announced today at the CES 2014 trade show in Las Vegas and due on sale later this year, will deliver 746W (or one horsepower) per channel!
Configured as a preamplifier, the NAC S1, and two NAP S1 mono power amplifiers, the system is expected to sell 'from around $200,000' – or about £140,000 – when it starts shipping in July.
Ten-year project
It’s the result of a ten-year project led by the company’s Electronic Design Director, Steve Sells, and has been under serious development for the past three years, during which the Naim team has been working on the design and construction of the amplifier.
Unlike Naim’s existing amplification, the NAC S1/NAP S1 system has a vertical layout, with the power supplies in the base of each unit's 94cm-tall tower, suspended on an A-frame and coupled to the floor using spikes. The audio electronics are in the rest of each enclosure, with an illuminated 'acrylic divide' minimising electromagnetic radiation between the two sections.
And thre rest of the build is also on the massive scale: the preamp weighs 61.5kg, and the power amplifiers 101kg each.
In the preamplifier, the switching for the inputs – on a choice of three DIN sockets, three pairs of RCA phonos or two sets of balanced sockets – is mounted on a brass frame, suspended on leaf-springs to decouple it from vibration, and covered by an inert metallic cage to keep electromagnetic interference at bay.
The signal is then converted into balanced form before being passed up through the ‘acrylic divide’ to the main analogue boards, themselves mounted on mass-loaded suspension.
The NAC S1 uses Naim’s new Dual Volume Control, using a chip system while changing volume, then immediately switching back to a resistor based stepped attenuator with 100 volume positions, for the cleanest possible sound.
As in other Naim high-end products, the use of a heavy brass plate mounted on springs decouples the main audio section, and Naim Discrete Regulator power supplies for each section of the preamplifier are similarly suspended.
Massive power
The NAP S1 monobloc power amplifier, which connects to the preamp using balanced interconnects, has massive power capability: beyond that 746W into 8ohms, it’s capable of delivering 1450W into 4ohms, or over 9000W of burst power into 1 ohm.
It’s a bridged design, with a three-stage topology: voltage gain, an ultra-fast error-cancellation system and finally a unity gain high current output amplifier, ensuring that each section is optimised for its function within the whole signal path.
Each amplifier uses a 4000VA toroidal transformer, specially designed versions of Naim’s Discrete Regulators and new output transistors using aluminium nitride for enhanced thermal conductivity and a Nano diamond paste between transistor and heatsink.
All this heat management is employed in the quest for thermal stability, and thus maximum linearity: the heatsinks themselves, machined from solid metal, form an essential part of the visual impact of the new amplifiers.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
BSC S5 Stereo and M5 Mono amplifiers
Driven by the success of the BSC-60s and BSC-100m Class A amplifiers, The S5 Stereo and M5 monaural amplifiers redefine the standard set by their predecessors and become the new Reference in class A amplification.
S5
The S5, 80 watt class A stereo power amplifier shares every feature the M5 offers in a single chassis, and manufactured to the same exacting standards. This 80 Watt per channel Class A Stereo amplifier is built around a split 1,450 VA custom toroidal transformer and over 54,000 microfarads of filter capacitance per channel. The S5 amplifier can double its 8 ohm rated output power into 4 (160W), 2 (320W) and 1 ohm where it produces close too 640 Watts continuously both channels driven.
The S5 is a dual mono design comprised of two discrete driver boards as well as isolated output stages and protection circuitry.
The output stage for each channel utilizes 2 massive internally mounted heat sink towers designed to cool the six 230V, 17A, 200W output devices. The towers are optimized to disperse the heat of the 80 watts of pure Class A power over a large thermal area resulting in a reduced chassis temperature. The S5 also incorporates the front panel bias switch to quickly reduce the Class A bias to 50% or approximately 38W high bias class A/B mode and further to a very low power ECO mode.
The S5 also boasts aluminum chassis, custom machined anodized front panels and solid brass machined gold plated output binding posts. BSC products have a 5 year warranty for parts and labor.
BSC products have a 5 year warranty for parts and labor.
S5 Specifications
Output power:
75 Watts into 8 ohms, 150 watts into 4 ohms, 300 watts into 2 ohms, 600 watts into 1 ohm both channels driven
Output Impedance:
< .17 ohms at 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Gain:
24.3 dB
Input Impedance:
48K Balanced via XLR connector, 20K single ended via RCA connector
Input sensitivity:
1.35V rms Balanced or Single ended
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- .25 dB
Power consumption:
Stand by Mode < 2 Watts, Idle: 700 W, Maximum: 1500 W
Inputs:
2 single-ended via RCA connector, 2 balanced via XLR connector
Outputs:
2 pair custom designed gold plated binding posts .25", 6.4 mm spade terminal width
Dimensions:
16.5 in. W x 10.87 in. H x 20.75 in. D
419.1 mm W x 276.1 mm H x 527 mm D
M5
The M5 is not only a more powerful amplifier, but the evolution of a concept.
Based around a 1,450 VA custom toroidal transformer and over 108,000 microfarads of filter capacitance, this amplifier can deliver thunderous power output. The M5 amplifier doubles its 8 ohm rated output power into 4 (280W), 2 (560W) and 1 ohm where it produces over 1120 Watts continuously. The M5 has two redesigned ultra-quiet toroidal transformers coupled to one high current and two fully regulated power supplies. The second transformer is designed for the soft turn-on and other low level circuits to allow the M5 to be activated either by a 12 volt trigger source or the front panel switch. The M5 draws less than 2 watts in standby mode.
The newly designed driver section of the amplifier is based around a discrete, complimentary and DC coupled circuit transferred onto a 4 layer circuit board. The signal paths are gold plated 2oz copper kept short and also curved, optimized to pass critical signals through the least amount of circuitry. All the components meet or exceed military standards and are over specified to promote long life expectancy. All external signal connections between circuit boards and output connections are wired with reference level Transparent Audio cable.
The new output stage is comprised of 4 massive internally mounted heat-sink towers designed to cool the twelve 230V, 17A, 200W output devices. All power signal routing traces are curved and constructed of gold plated 3oz copper. The towers are optimized to disperse the heat of the 140 watts pure Class A power over a wide cross section reducing the overall chassis temperature. The M5 also allows the user to quickly reduce the Class A bias on the amplifier to a half power approximately a 63W high bias class A/B mode and further to a very low power ECO mode via the front panel rotary switch. Bias flexibility allows control over your power demand in different listening situations, but does not limit the amplifiers output power potential.
The M5 has several layers of protection circuitry outside of the signal path designed to protect your amplifier and surrounding equipment where possible. Protection reacts to short circuit, excessive DC offset, over current, and excessive temperature states should they occur.
The M5 external chassis is comprised of ½” thick machined 6061 aluminum. Each panel is affixed to the 1/8” aluminum sub-chassis with stainless steel fasteners. Every part is custom machined for BSC from the multi-part bias knob assembly to the solid brass machined gold plated output binding posts.
BSC products have a 5 year warranty for parts and labor.
M5 Specifications
Output power:
140 Watts into 8 ohms, 280 watts into 4 ohms, 560 watts into 2 ohms, 1120 watts into 1 ohm
Output Impedance:
< 0.12 ohms at 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Gain:
27.5 dB
Input Impedance:
48K Balanced via XLR connector, 20K single ended via RCA connector
Input sensitivity:
1.35V rms Balanced or Single ended
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- .25 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:
< 0.065% at 20Hz to 1kHz, < .58% at 10K, < 1.8% at 20K at 135 Watt output 8 ohms
Signal-to-noise:
> 106.5 dB, unweighted, > 116.5 dB, "A"-weighted, 135 W, 8 Ohms
Power consumption:
Stand by Mode < 2 Watts, Idle: 800 W, Maximum: 1500 W
External Chassis top temperature:
< 58° C, 136° F at 100% Bias
Inputs:
1 single-ended via RCA connector, 1 balanced via XLR connector
Outputs:
1 pair custom designed gold plated binding posts .25", 6.4 mm spade terminal width
Dimensions:
16.5 in. W x 10.87 in. H x 20.75 in. D
419.1 mm W x 276.1 mm H x 527 mm D
Weight:
Unit Only - 125 lb, 56.70 kg
dc10audio L'Instrument Grande Voix
The Instrument series will set a new standard in dynamic realism. From airy violins to the thunder of the deepest bass, sound is delivered with speed, accuracy, and nimble posture. The Instrument is a symphony much greater than its parts and operates as a whole without truncation, using the organic power of the horn to correct the limitations of the antiquated cone/panel transducer. It is beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to listen to.
The Instrument Grande Voix will move your emotions with its sonic strength and tender nuance.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Dual solid heirloom Maple horns (20” and 13.5”)
Massive 18-inch bass driver
8-inch wide-range driver with alnico magnet
Exclusive horn-loaded tweeter doubling as bass-reflex port (special textile dome tweeter with oversized alnico magnet)
Dual resonators (instruments): External resonator in vintage Tiger Maple; internal resonator in Vintage Port Orford Cedar
3-layer cabinet finished in solid 1/2-inch wood; no veneer
dc10audio pure copper, solid core internal wiring
Duelund CAST copper foil capacitors
Duelund CAST copper foil inductors
Frequency response: 19 Hz-25,000 Hz (+/-3db)
Sensitivity: estimated 102 dB
Impedance: 6 ohms
Overall size: 57" high x 34" wide x 20" deep each
Weight: 375 lbs each
Price for pair: $82,000
Grande Voix with CAST silver foil option: $142,000
ReQuest Audio The Beast Luxury Music Server
ReQuest Audio Switzerland has created the ultimate Luxury Music Server for the discerning listener, providing specialised High End distributors and dealers the ultimate solution for their clients.
The first audio server ever, that was developed to be perfect to the last detail. A result of combining knowledge and experience in High-End manufacturing and passion for music. Operation and control of features and settings are adjusted on the build in 7” High Definition Touchscreen using software developed specifically for this purpose.
The Beast can be fully used and operated without access to the internet. No computer is needed and the unit can be used as soon as you take it out of the box. The server comes with its dedicated integrated ripping station and special ripping software.
The Operating System, Control Software and library software are all Linux based and written by our own engineers and have been optimized over the last 12 years. For the metadata, the server is connected to the Licensed Data base library from GRACENOTE.
This impressive piece of high-end technology has a stable and zero resonance chassis fully made out of high-grade aluminum.
Each of the main components of the server has its own dedicated sealed enclosure to prevent any interference and guarantees a perfect protection from distortions. Wire paths are optimized and are located inside sealed enclosures.
The Beast is available with internal storage of 0.96 TB or 1.92TB SSD. When adding a NAS drive to the system it is possible to add as much external storage as needed. Our own special software allows you to decide whether new media files are stored internally or externally. That means high-end recordings can be stored on the internal SSD and the lower quality files on an external storage (NAS only).
By adding a ReQuest Film Player, The Beast can be used for video play-back and storage (NAS recommended). The Beast can rip and store both DVD and BLU-RAY formats.
The Beast can be fully integrated into a custom installation system through a serial port or over IP. For all available control systems (CRESTRON/AMX/CONTROL4/KNX…) 2-way interfaces are available. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and control the server.
Our user friendly web browser Interface allows easy editing of Metadata and can be used to configure The Beast. The built-in interface allows to control the server from any mobile device or Computer (browser must support HTM5).
Another unique service is our own online support system - ARQ LINK. Over the years we have developed a reporting system to monitor our products. The daily reporting from each BEAST guarantees a perfect support and unmatched customer service.
Arq-Link allows each client to login from anywhere in the world to his BEAST and add Music (even uploading music) or editing data on the server. THE BEAST’s many unique functions can be customized for each individual user.
It is possible to synchronize multiple iTunes libraries in both ways (export and import), this way iTunes may be used as an editing software.
The server will encode each media into lossless formats such as WAV or FLAC and simultaneously it can encode a MP3 file for syncing and streaming purposes. The server will always play the lossless file.
The MP3 files can be streamed to any mobile device inside the network or even via the internet. The same thing can be done with movies.
The Beast can synchronize music in full format with customer’s other BEASTs or ReQuest Audio products in different locations. Each location then becomes a backup of the Master BEAST. When adding music or editing a playlist on the Master BEAST, each other BEAST/ReQuest device of the same owner will have the same data in minutes.
High class manufactured in Switzerland
Power Supply:
High End Power supply with own Power Plant for perfect Sinus / Distortion -160dB
Power stabilizer
Heat controlled regulation for the DAC board. No drifting of the low DC Voltages
All DC Voltage fully isolated to each other
Special wire for all DC voltages
Fully shielded Power supply
Digital / Analog Board:
Developed high-end USB Interface (joint venture with MSB Technology)
Developed high-end DAC (joint venture with MSB Technology)
The DAC board plays all available formats. Also all 4 different DSD formats.
High-Standard clock system – optional FEMTO 140 or FEMTO GALAXY clock available.
Different Filters adjustable via Touchscreen
Analog Output’s :
Balanced XLR analog Output
Unbalanced RCA analog Output
When the optional analog Volume control is installed it is possible to adjust the (maximum) volume.
When no Volume control is installed it is possible to adjust the output gain, thus perfectly matching
any PreAmp. These settings can be adjusted on the Touch Screen.
Digital Output’s:
RCA
AES/EBU
BNC
PRO i2S
Optical
Clock Output’s:
256x / 512x professional clock
Word Clock out
Input ‘s :
Balanced XLR Analog Input (pass through or controllable over the optional analog Diamond Volume control.
Trigger :
Contact closer / Relay
Active Trigger for ON / OFF and Standby (Standby function works for MSB Amplifier Amp’s only)
Audio Format’s :
DSD all 4 different formats
WAV / FLAC
44.1 / 88.2 / 96 / 174.4 / 192 / 384
16bit / 24bit / 32 bit
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
APL SDT-M Digital Transport
The SDT-M reads from SDHC memory cards, up to 64GB.
It can process DSDIFF/DFF files, up to DSD256 rate, or uncompressed WAV files, up to 384kHz.
There is a RJ-45 connector on the back providing either PCM or DSD data/clock lines, as well as Coaxial S/PDIF output up to 192kHz/24bit.
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