Saturday, May 10, 2014

BAT VK3000SE integrated amplifier















































$8000

Balanced Audio Technology’s VK-3000SE integrated amplifier embodies simplicity without compromise. At last, audiophiles can get no-limits musical finesse and exceptional performance in one convenient package. Competitive with reference-level separates, the VK-3000SE provides a robust 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads and doubles this output into 4-ohm loads. Combine such ability with BAT’s vacuum-tube preamplifier section—based on the same reference 6H30 SuperTube used in the flagship REX II preamplifier—and you get sublime power matched with richly textured musicality. Sonically open, delicate, and smooth, the VK-3000SE allows any space to breathe with exquisite music.

The Balanced Audio Technology VK-3000SE integrated amplifier embodies simplicity without compromise. Whether it’s a studio apartment with skyline views or an expansive home with minimalist décor, even the most uncluttered living space should breathe with the life of exquisite music. Made to satisfy the world’s most discriminating music lovers, and providing effortless power in a truly compact package, the VK-3000SE delivers such splendor.

Effortless Power and Rich Textures

Certain to satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding audiophiles, the VK-3000SE will effortlessly serve as the nucleus of an ultra-high-end music system.  It provides a robust 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads and doubles this output into 4-ohm loads. Combine such ability with BAT’s vacuum-tube preamplifier section—based on the same reference 6H30 SuperTube used in the flagship REX II preamplifier—and you get sublime power matched with richly textured musicality.

Ultimate Flexibility, Optional Phono Card

Incredibly versatile, the VK-3000SE can be configured to meet almost any system need. A programmable user interface allows you to easily mate the VK-3000SE with a home-theater system. Change sources, switch polarity, or fade your music with just one touch—all from the included machined-aluminum remote control. Add in the optional phono module, and you’ll obtain superb reproduction of your vinyl collection from either moving-magnet or low-output moving-coil cartridges. Use the vacuum-tube preamplifier outputs to control an amplifier in a second room. Such extraordinary flexibility sets the VK-3000SE far apart from its peers.

Thoroughbred Design, Signature Look, Impeccable Pedigree

Many integrated amplifiers offer the benefit of convenience, but little else. The VK-3000SE is different by design. Its circuitry and build maintain the uncompromisingly high caliber found in Balanced Audio Technology’s flagship components. The output stage employs the symmetrical bipolar design used in BAT’s reference VK-6200 multichannel power amplifier. The preamplifier section uses the same 6H30 SuperTube Unistage design topology employed throughout BAT’s Special Edition tube preamplifiers—right down to the paper-in-oil signal capacitors. And the user interface offers the superb flexibility and ease of use that helped BAT set the industry standard. Even the included VK-R3 remote is machined from a solid block of aluminum. To literally cap it off, the VK-3000SE features a gorgeous aluminum top cover and side panels that add to its signature look. Inside and out, this integrated amplifier possesses an impeccable pedigree.

Superb Musicality, Breathtaking Performance

The VK-3000SE’s elegant design and technical prowess ultimately exist to serve the music. For any integrated amplifier, the crucial test is its sound, and the performance afforded by the VK-3000SE is breathtaking—and pure BAT.  “Open,” “delicate,” “smooth,” and “powerful” immediately come to mind when describing its sonic characteristics. We can say without hesitation that the VK-3000SE is competitive with reference-level separates. At last, musical finesse and superb performance are combined without compromise in one convenient package. We invite you to visit your BAT audio specialist to experience this revelation for yourself. Remember: All you need to do is listen.


VK-3000SE Amplifier specs

Number of Channels
2

Output Power at 8Ω/4Ω
150W / 300W

Frequency Response
2Hz to 180kHz

Inputs
2 XLR + 3 RCA

Input Impedance
100 kΩ minimum each phase

Volume control resolution
0.5db

Volume Control number of steps
140
 
Tube Complement
2 x 6H30

Preamplifier Outputs
1 XLR balanced output

Tape Output
1 RCA

Speaker Outputs
2 pair gold-plated binding posts

Remote Control
Standard

Options
Phono (MM/MC)
Color (black,silver/black)

Dimensions (WHD)
Inches 19" x 5.75" x 15.5"

Weight
50 lbs

Kaiser Kawero Brilliant Edition silver crossover






















Brilliant Edition is using Duelund silver parts

Existence Earth speakers






































Earth is using Voxativ fullrange driver.


Existence

Friday, May 9, 2014

Constellation Audio Inspiration Series preamplifier and amplifiers












Constellation Audio, the innovative manufacturer of high performance amplifiers, preamplifiers, and digital playback systems, is pleased to announce the debut of its new Inspiration Series preamplifier and amplifiers at the Munich High End Show in Munich Germany from May 15 – 18. Derived from the highly acclaimed Reference and Performance Series components which established Constellation Audio as a premiere electronics manufacturer, the Inspiration Series components bring the engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise of Constellation Audio to a new generation of listeners.

Drawing on their rich heritage, Inspiration offers listeners the best of Constellation Audio designs, performance which has been distilled to the essence, but not diluted. The amplifier and preamplifier are the first of the Inspiration Series components to be released, with an integrated amplifier, phono preamplifier, DAC, and media player to follow later this year.

Murali Murugasu, CEO of Constellation Audio, states that the Inspiration Series “are landmark components that offer a unique value proposition to the high end audio customer. Their ability to deliver such high performance at a relatively modest price is unmatched in our industry.”

According to Peter Madnick, VP of Engineering for Constellation Audio, the reasons for being able to bring the Inspiration Series of components to market are unique. “Because we do everything in-house, we are able to utilize many of the same circuit topologies found in our more sophisticated designs. The strong aesthetic family resemblance is achieved through using the same industrial design team (led by Alex Rasmussen of Neal Feay) which created the Reference and Performance Series products.”

Inspiration power amplifiers are available in both stereo and monaural configurations and are designated AMP 1.0 and MONO 1.0, while the preamplifier is called PREAMP 1.0.

The heart of the amplifiers’ design is our unique Balanced Bridged circuit topology, which combines multiple single-ended amplifier modules in a fully balanced design – the same design used in our Reference and Performance Series amplifiers. To assure a perfectly balanced signal, the AMP 1.0 and MONO 1.0 also incorporate the servo circuits in our Line Stage Gain Module to make certain that both halves of an incoming signal are perfectly balanced, no matter what the source.

With AMP 1.0 delivering a conservatively rated 200 wpc into 8 Ohms (400 wpc into 4 Ohms) and MONO 1.0 delivering twice that (into 8 and 4 Ohm loads respectively) per chassis, it is highly unlikely that anyone will exhaust the dynamic reserves of these powerful amplifiers.

From the Reference Series’ Altair II to the Performance Series’ Virgo II to the new Inspiration Series PREAMP 1.0, the lineage is unmistakable. Technologically, PREAMP 1.0 uses the same Line Stage Gain Module design in a fully balanced configuration as does its more costly siblings. To this, we incorporate such real world features as a home theater bypass, remote turn-on/turn-off capability, and an elegant machined-aluminum remote control. PREAMP 1.0 is equally suited to be the centerpiece of a great music system or as an integral part of a multi-channel home entertainment system. Either way, the user gets the benefits of Constellation Audio performance and design in an affordable package.

Constellation Audio will be demonstrating the new Inspiration Series at the Munich High End Show at:

Building: ATRIUM 4 First Floor, Room F-118


Specifications

AMP 1.0

Power Output: 200 W/ch. into 8 Ohms, 400 W/ch. into 4 Ohms @ 0.2% THD+N Bandwidth: 10Hz-80 KHz @ 0.5% THD+N
S/N ratio: >95dB, A-weighted
Inputs: Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced
Output: 1pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
Features: 12V trigger, USB control
Power consumption: @idle = 110W, @full power TBD
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 8.5” x 19”; 43.2 cm x 21.6 cm x 48.3 cm
Weight: 55 lbs.; 25 kg.

MONO 1.0
Power Output: 400 W/ch. into 8 Ohms, 800 W/ch. into 4 Ohms @ 0.2% THD+N Bandwidth 10Hz-80 KHz @ 0.5% THD+N
S/N ratio: >95dB, A-weighted
Inputs: Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced
Output: 2 pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
Features: 12V trigger, USB control
Power consumption: @idle = 110W, @full power TBD
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 8.5” x 19”; 43.2 cm x 21.6 cm x 48.3 cm
Weight: 60 lbs.; 27.2 kg.

PREAMP 1.0

Bandwidth: 10Hz-100 KHz @ 0.1% THD+N S/N ratio: >105dB, A-weighted
Output = 17 Volts RMS
Inputs: 3-XLR Balanced, 3-RCA Unbalanced Output: 2pr XLR & RCA/channel
Remote Control: Volume, Balance, Home Theater Bypass, Mute, Phase Features: internal power supply, 12V trigger, USB control
Power consumption @50W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 5.25” x 15”; 43.2 cm x 13.3 cm x 38.1 cm
Weight: 25 lbs.; 11.3 kg.

Pricing and Availability

The US retail price of the AMP 1.0 is $10,000, the MONO 1.0 is $20,000/pr., and the PREAMP 1.0 is $9,000. Deliveries worldwide will begin in June 2014.

Hifi & Art FBA 003 and 001 mono































Hifi & Art is also called Petrik Audio Specialities

003 - Power output - 140 watt class AB, 70 watt class A
001 - Power output - 100 watt class AB, 50 watt class A

1,2 Farad of Capacitors

Size - 003 - 57x23x36 cm, 001 - 57x18x36 cm
Weight - 003 - 58 kg, 001 - 40 kg

Hifi & Art Silver Monster 1


















































































Power output - 120 watt class AB, 50 watt class A
Vishay resistors volume control

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Durand The Kairos tonearm


































































$6450

The Kairos™ is Durand Tonearms newest model. It will be introduced for the first time at the 2014 High-End Audio show in Munich (Germany), then will be presented to the US customers at T.H.E. Show at Newport Beach (May 30-June 1, 2014).

The Kairos™ offers all the adjustments needed to explore its full potential: VTA is adjusted with a convenient threaded collar which raises or lowers the whole bearing assembly; the VTF can be modified in fine increments; and, as in the case with the Talea™, the azimuth can be very easily adjusted on-the-fly, by turning a screw located under the main plate. Anti-skating is of course available, and can be defeated with a simple operation.

For the first time in our tonearms, we offer with the Kairos™ the option to use your own cable if you feel inclined to, and we introduce a unique feature to that effect: a DIN plug integrated in the base of the arm, to minimize the transmission of vibrations to the phono cable. The arm is sold without cable, but we offer separately a dedicated phono cable (DIN-RCA or DIN-XLR), developed specially for the Kairos™.

Faithful to our usual design philosophy, the Kairos™ is based on the simplest design and the greatest attention to the types of materials involved in the assembly, so as to guarantee maximum quality of reproduction. For the very first time in our products, the armwand is made of a specially developed blend of composite materials. The result of a long period of development, we are delighted to offer this technology, and are confident in the tonearm’s abilities to deliver far beyond its price point.


Specifications:

Effective length: 263 mm (10.35”)

Pivot-spindle distance: 247.37 mm (Loefgren A geometry).

Overhang: 15.66 mm

Offset angle: 20.81 degrees.

Cartridge mount: 1/2”

Mounting on the plinth/armboard is done with 2 x 10-24 (or M4) screws (for metal armboards) or 4 x #8 wood screws (for wood armboards).
Weight of the whole assembly: ca. 1.1 lbs (.770 kg)

Bearing: Unipivot, Swiss-made non-corrosive, non-magnetic stainless steel pivot in a sapphire jewel. The center of mass of the tonearm is in the same plane as the bearing, thus ensuring an ideal dynamic balance, without the need for the outrigger weights commonly found on other unipivot systems

VTA: fine adjustment with a threaded collar. Maximum range: 15 mm.

Azimuth: adjustable on the fly.

Anti-skating mechanism can be disabled if desired

Counterweights: 130 g, 95 g, 60 g; with additional fine adjust weight to allow adjustment of VTF in small increments (typically +/- 0.1 g). The Kairos™ is a medium mass tonearm, and the combination of counterweights provided with it allows use of most cartridges currently available. The Kairos™ has been successfully tested with cartridges from 5 to 15 grams, with compliance from 8 to 20 µm/Mn

DIN connector inside the arm base.

Jig to set the pivot-to-spindle distance provided; no need for a ruler, the jig places the tonearm exactly in the right position
Arc protractor included

Like the Telos™ and the Talea™, the Kairos™ is a medium-mass tonearm that can be used with most modern cartridges on the market.

dc10audio Gottenburg Odin






















$180,000

Large horn loudspeaker incorporating many acoustic innovations while using an absolute no-compromise approach to the components, construction, and design. The Gottenburg Odin's sonic abilities are virtually limitless.

SPECIFICATIONS:

dc10audio's unique infinite horn configuration

Drivers: 31.5" (80 cm) wide-band woofer + 7” (17.8 cm) full-range driver set in co-axial horn arrangement; top mounted mystery horn super tweeter with AlNiCo motor

Bronze alloy horns and other bronze components by Santa Fe’s Laird Hovland (choice of gold satin patina, bronze satin patina, or hand-polished deep copper) ***

Exclusive dual front mounted tonewood external & internal resonators

Finest internal components available by Duelund of Denmark

Many wood/inlay options (See wood choices page)

Bandwidth: 15 Hz-50,000 Hz

Sensitivity: estimated 102 dB

Overall size: 70” (178 cm) high x 35” (89 cm) wide x 21.5” (55 cm) deep

Weight: 510 lbs (231 kg) each

Info

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Goebel Lacorde Statement



































































Pictures by Hifistatement


Interconnect - €2500 1,2m, each additional 40cm €700
Speaker - €10000 3m, each additional 50cm €700

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Gryphon Kalliope - pictures

























































.

Accuphase A-36

















































Y 410,000

Totaldac d1-twelve dac






















€28500, with server option €29500

The d1-twelve is composed of two monoblocs and a specialized reclocker, so it is a 3 box system just like the d1-monobloc. This time the d1-twelve uses 6 discrete resistor R2R ladders per channel, so a total of 12 ladders for the system and in other words roughly 600 Vishay Foil resistors per system (400 resistors for the d1-monobloc), probably unique in the world.

So many DACs in parallel allow to lower the noise and the impedance, so much that an output stage is not required, so there is no tube nor transistor nor any other active components in the output stage. No feedback as well. Please talk to Totaldac to optimise this special output to your preamplifier or amplifier being unbalanced or even balanced.

The d1-twelve has been designed for the most resolving speakers, so the most difficult to satisfy, to get the largest amount of information and at the same time a sweetness never heard before. So the d1-twelve will be found in systems with the best triode amplifiers, the best high efficiency speakers, the best wideband drivers, ceramic drivers... usually the domains of the best analog sources.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Viard Audio Platinum HD



















































































A modular architecture in the service of music, VIARD AUDIO DESIGN presents a whole new concept Cable Speakers, HD PLATINUM, an absolute reference Designed for Hi-Fi systems prestige, the result of a long process of development around a notebook even more ambitious than its famous Silver Series HD loads: From mono wiring Bi wiring, through active or passive multi-amplification, all combinations are now made possible thanks to an exclusive system "heads" interchangeable, to finally find the optimal connection which sublimate listening.

More than cable, HD PLATINUM is a real project, whose design has left nothing to chance: the careful selection of the most suitable materials according to their systematic validation by very advanced plays, performed on the world's most prestigious materials. Each parameter has been optimized:
transmission lines of separate bass and treble, each boasting the most suitable frequencies transmitted style.

Specs

POSSIBILITIES: Mono or bi-wiring after the head used
POWER HANDLING: 3kw / 8 Ohm
OPTIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE: 2-8 Ohms
SCREEN: 65 BDB
AEROSPACE CONNECTORS: springs beryllium copper contacts
DESIGN: Network of specific drivers installation "star ground"
FINISH: White imitation leather (other colors on request).
@ 20 ° C / 1 kHz

All our cables are made in standard lengths of 1.00m and 1.50m for the interconnects and 2.00m/2.50m/3.00m for Speaker cables, we can make other lengths on request. Regarding the connection of Speaker cables, we offer a choice between the standard forks or bananas, or even forks at one end and bananas on the other.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Ypsilon Electronics Phaethon integrated amplifier



































































For the first time an integrated uses an Ypsilon handmade transformer attenuator in the preamplifier section with technology deriving from the multi award winner PST-100 MK II preamplifier.

The output stage offers the flavor of pure single ended designs with push pull power. Phaethon utilizes only three active gain stages two of them with low noise valves (i.e. 5687 and 6H30) in single ended class A fashion, for the input and driver stage.

There are separate power supplies for the tube, output stage utilizing 5 power supply in house handmade inductors, RC for all functions and visible HQ LCD display.

High Fidelity Cables Ultimate Reference Guide AC Conditioner





































$16900

Ultimate Wave version - $12900

Power conditioner featuring our patented Magentic Conduction technology. With 8 outlets feed all your components with clean power. No power flow restrictions or dampened dynamics like traditional power conditioners.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Silbatone L-101 Line Preamplifier













Back in the 1980s, the ideal audio component was considered to be equivalent to a “straight wire with gain.” At Silbatone, we know this is not enough. In the case of our L-101 Line amplifier, comparing it with a direct connection from a digital source shows that it is the direct connection that is missing something crucial to musical understanding and appreciation that our preamplifier provides. Our goal is to produce preamplifiers that make musical experience better in every way—both more vivid and more realistic, making an important contribution to listening pleasure rather than adding noise and electronic colorations to the signal as so many current designs.

The L-101 is a marvel in circuit simplicity.  Asilver wire input transformer allows for balanced or unbalanced inputs. A 64 step relay-switched silver wire nickel core autoformer provides adjustable gain trim to establish proper system sensitivity.  A Western Electric 262B small signal triode is the primary active device in the signal path, configured in a novel “zero volt in, zero volt out” structure which is directly coupled, requiring no signal capacitors at input or output. The 262B is directly coupled to a buffer using select 8416 triodes driving silver wire output transformers, providing balanced and unbalanced connections. Bandwidth is 10hz-200khz with a remarkable musical presentation.

The L-101 power supply is double-regulated, with a remarkably low noise floor and featuring an extremely fast buffer optimized for audio performance sidestepping the sonic footprint that lesser regulator designs impose on musical sound.  Noiseless, smooth, and natural music is our goal and sophisticated power supply approaches are essential  resources for getting there.

As dedicated preamplifier specialists, Silbatone has been leading the way in low level amplification for some years but we feel that a new level of performance has been discovered with our L-101 Line Preamplifier. Those seeking the best possible line amplification need look no further!

Silbatone SQ-101 Phono Stage















Silbatone is proud of our legacy of achievement in RIAA amplifier design, including several reference- grade models in which EQ is realized using a silver wired LCR network. This year, Sibatone introduces the global audio market’s first very first LR EQ phono preamplifer, The Silbatone SQ-101.

Due to novel design and careful implementation, it is now possible to eliminate not only capacitors but also resistors from the signal path, while providing precise phono equalization! Each channel of the SQ-101′s simple yet sophisticated design consists of a custom-wound silver input transformer, a pair of triode-wired German Post D3a tubes, two EQ inductors, and a 8416 triode employed as output buffer. The sound of the SQ-101 is the sound of silver litz wiring and great tubes with very little else in the way.

The SQ-101 is fully deserving of a place on the same shelf as our Silbatone reference preamplifiers. The musical presentation is fresh, direct, and detailed, while retaining all of the coloratura and emotional impact that musical performance requires, an engaging sound that is guaranteed to please all vinyl enthusiasts.

Silbatone RP-300 Amplifier




































While not the most fancy or exotic amplifiers Silbatone has produced, the JI-300 and R-300 series  have always been among our favorites due to the unexcelled musical performance of a single Western Electric 300B in a well-optimized circuit.  It is tremendous fun to explore the world of tubes, but it is always nice to come home to the 300B.

RP300The RP-300 Amplifier takes our house recipe one step further, with results that surprised  and delighted us. A new current feedback driver topology  using a silver-wired interstage transformer, a select NOS 12AY7/6021, and a Bendix 6900 is directly-coupled all the way through to the 300B grid. Low distortion with big drive! There are no caps, only silver litz wire, in the signal path. The output transformer is a monster version of our semi-silver foil output, built on an insanely large EI-114 75% nickel core.  The power supply was also enhanced with an even bigger, low resistance transformer for maximum current delivery on demand.

When we first auditioned this recent chapter in Silbatone 300B amplifier development, we were shocked by the sense of massive power the 300B power stage developed! Bass is fast, detailed, and very deep. The amp presented all of the harmonic rightness and quality of timbre that we expect from a 300B, with even more dynamic control and resolution. From the first few notes, we knew that we had entered a revolutionary new phase of our long love affair with this classic Western Electric tube.

The Silbatone RP-300  Amplifier will be a revelation for newcomers to the 300B and old hands alike. If you want to experience the highest level of performance available anywhere in a medium-power single triode amp, you must audition the RP-300!

Bespoke Audio Company Signature Preamplifier










£9000

We’ve been designing and building award-winning pre-amplifiers for many years now, so inevitably, our début product is our signature linestage.

Choose one of our suggested configurations or let us work with you to create something which satisfies your every desire. The decision is yours.

Every aspect of your pre-amplifier can be customised to your specification, from the number and type of connections, to the size and style of the engraving.

Tailored to perfectly suit its purpose: to seamlessly integrate your system and enhance your listening experience.

Specs

Stereo Inputs - Six
Stereo Outputs - Two
Auxiliary Input/Output - One
46 discrete steps over a 67.5dB range in 1.5dB increments
Remote control of level
Extensive range of finish options and colours