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Daniel-Hertz-Master-Class-announcement
購入はこちらのサイトから：http://www.danielhertz.com/index.php/master-class
Master Class
Daniel Hertz Master Class is a highly innovative music player for Mac that offers superior sound quality and unique features designed for people who want the most natural sound. For the first time in history, listeners can have the sound and feeling of the best analog master tapes from digital sources including CD and compressed music downloads.
The Player
The sound quality of music players varies. ITunes, Quicktime, and Windows Media Player all sound different. Master Class is designed to provide the most natural sound and faithful reproduction of recorded music. Master Class will open any music library, folder, or track in AIFF, WAV, AAC or MP3 at any standard resolution. To listen to music, just open a file and play. You can make playlists and save them.
A+
Master Class includes a technology called A+. With A+, the listening experience is much more like analog. Since the introduction of digital audio, many people have noted that, despite its convenience, the actual listening experience is not as enjoyable as analog formats like the LP and analog tape. A+ can be turned on and off by clicking a box in the GUI (graphic user interface). The change is very subtle and many people will not hear it immediately, but the listening experience is not the same. A+ offers the best of analog and the best of digital, for the first time, on Mac. Many listeners will use Master Class with only A+ switched on.
EQ (Equalization)
Master Class enables the listener to make tonal balance corrections from the most subtle to the most dramatic. In 1985, audio designer Mark Levinson created the legendary Cello Audio Palette, the world’s first sonically transparent tone control system. The Cello Audio Palette is today the most expensive and rare audio component, prized for its ability to fine tune the sound with no distortion or noise. Master Class offers the same capability in the digital domain, with some refinements and new and valuable features such as A+ and the ability to save presets and print files that capture the content with A+ and the EQ dialed in by the user.
Why EQ is important?
Content Every recording is optimized for sound in the mastering process. Since the tonal balance of playback systems used by mastering engineers vary in tonal balance, so do the recordings. It is established that mastering systems vary up to +/- 12dB in frequency response; therefore the recordings do as well. In practice, adjustments ranging from tenths of a dB up to 6dB are sufficient to optimize most good recordings, but many need more. Master Class provides up to +/- 12 dB adjustment at 6 frequencies, in 0.1dB steps.
Equipment
The human ear is extremely sensitive to small changes in frequency response. A few tenths of a dB change can be easily heard by many people. Many of the sonic differences provided by “high end audio” cables and other products are actually small changes in frequency response. Spending large amounts of money on such products is not the most efficient and intelligent way to improve the sound of a system. Master Class enables the listener to quickly optimize the sound in the most precise way, with the flexibility needed to achieve the best results.
Examples of ways in which frequency response can be altered in audio systems Most people do not understand the ways in which impedance, resistance, inductance, and capacitance affect frequency response. Every audio electronic component (active or passive) has an output impedance. Every audio amplifier has an input impedance and output impedance. Every speaker has an input impedance that varies with frequency. When one component is connected to another, the frequency response at the input and output might not be the same, due to interactions which are in many cases unavoidable. For example, vacuum tube amplifiers tend to have an output impedance high enough to create significant interactions with the load impedance of the speaker. People may think they prefer one amplifier to another, but in many cases, what they are preferring is the frequency response of one amp/speaker combination to another. The interconnect and speaker cables add another variable that creates sonic differences, many of which are frequency response related. Master Class provides the listener with the ability to optimize the frequency response of a given audio chain in 0.1 dB steps with no distortion or coloration. The user can store an overall system setting (or a number of them) to optimize the sound according to personal taste. Instead of changing equipment, just dial in the correction.
Room acoustics
Most living rooms are good environments for listening to music. A small overall system frequency response correction might improve the sound, but serious problems in room acoustics cannot be addressed with EQ. This is because reflections and resonances affect the time domain, not just amplitude. Master Class is not intended to correct major room acoustics issues.
FILE/SAVE AS
Once a recording has been fine tuned, it can be saved by using the “FILE/SAVE AS” command. Label the file and save it in your music library or a folder, and play it instead of the original file. An easy way is to add “MC” to the end of the file, so it reads, for example, Over the Rainbow MC.AIFF or Over the Rainbow MC.WAV. Then you can easily identify the MC files you have made from the originals.
Presets
You can save presets with the SAVE PRESET command. For example, if you find that a certain preset is great for all classical recordings by RCA, you can make a preset labeled possibly RCA MC. Or a preset for vintage rock and roll might be labeled VINTAGE RR MC. You can save a preset for listening on headphones, and call it HP
MC. If you find a certain correction makes the best sound for your car, you can make files called CAR MC.
Learning to use Master Class
Play the demo file called Honeysuckle Rose by Jane Monheit. Do the following:
Move the 2kHz control up and down. Hear her voice become more aggressive as you increase, and become softer as you decrease. You will probably choose
a setting around -1 to -3.
Increase the 40Hz level so that the bass in more solid. Around +2 to +4dB
Increase the 20kHz level so that the cymbals are more audible. +2 to +6dB
Decrease the 5kHz level so the voice is less aggressive. -1 to -3dB.
The actual settings will vary depending on the performance of your system and your personal taste.
How do I use Master Class? How do I know what is accurate?
From listening, you know what amplifier and speakers you like best. When you buy audio equipment, you choose what sounds most natural and pleasing to you. Apply the same judgment with Master Class. Slowly adjust each control and choose the settings that sound most natural and pleasing to you, one by one. Check or uncheck the EQ box to turn your settings on and off. You can check or uncheck A+. Most people will leave A+ on all the time. Check or uncheck the BYPASS control to turn off both A+ and all EQ. It’s easy. Have fun! Master Class enables you to bring the music to life.
Why Mac only?
Many people are likely to ask this question. Mark Levinson says, “From my experience, Windows is not stable enough and has too many issues. Daniel Hertz is a small company and cannot provide a tech support line to help Windows users make things work. With Mac, it is plug and play. It just works.”
What about CD players?
CD players are inherently limited in many ways. The best recordings are mastered on Macs. The bitstream is fine, we just need to convert it to analog in the best way and allow the user to optimize the sound. Mark Levinson says, “With Master Class, you can download music files from iTunes and have sound quality that is equal to or superior to the most expensive high end audio CD and SACD players. “
Summary
Master Class is a highly engineered product with deep roots. Audio legend Mark Levinson is a professional musician, recording and mastering engineer, and audio equipment designer with 40 years experience in making music and reproducing it. In 1984, in collaboration with Dick Burwen and the Cello engineering team led by Tom Colangelo, Mark produced the Cello Audio Palette which introduced no- compromise EQ to the residential and professional audio worlds. Like the Cello Audio Palette, Master Class is a mastering-level product that goes beyond the limits of the conventional audio mindset. Master Class is a powerful tool that is easy to use. It is not a sound effect or gimmick. Rather, it is a no-compromise audio software that enables the listener to overcome limitations in quality of recorded content and equipment to have a superior listening experience with recorded music from all eras and genres in every digital format.
History of EQ
Of all the parameters that influence our perception of audio quality, frequency response is the most important. Every speaker, amplifier and electronic device is designed with circuits that optimize the frequency response. Every recording of music is optimized in the recording and mastering process for optimum tonal balance with EQ.
The first audio amplifiers produced in the 1940’s and 1950’s had tone controls. They were seen as necessary for obtaining the best sound from a wide variety of recordings.
Later, Mark Levinson introduced the idea of preamplifiers and amplifiers without tone controls to get the most pure and natural sound. An audio industry perception developed that considers tone controls (EQ) a source of distortion. True, typical tone controls often added unwanted coloration. But the reality is that without good tone controls, the listener is deprived of ways to get the best sound from the playback system and most refined listening experience.
In 1984, Mark Levinson collaborated with audio pioneer Dick Burwen to create the legendary Cello Audio Palette, the first and only analog equalizer with no distortion, noise, or unwanted sonic coloration. It was produced for 15 years straight with almost no changes. The Cello Audio Palette is now the most expensive and rare audio component on the used market, often fetching $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
Now, in 2014, Mark Levinson has designed audio software called Master Class. Master Class offers the same frequency response correction as the Cello Audio Palette plus powerful additional features. The differences are:
Instead of rotary controls with fixed steps, Master Class has 0.1dB resolution.
The Audio Palette has a signal to noise ratio of 110dB. Master Class adds essentially zero noise.
The Audio Palette must be adjusted manually for each recording every time it is played. Master Class can retain unlimited numbers of presets and will also print new files with all corrections captured, in AIFF and WAV formats.
Master Class is available at a price most people can afford.
Master Class is installed on an Apple computer, so the user has an integrated solution for downloading, storing, and playing recordings in all formats from MP3 to 24 bits with a click of the mouse.
Master Class takes up no additional space, consumes no electricity, is not subject to aging and never needs repairs.
The Cello Audio Palette operates in the analog domain. Master Class operates in the digital domain. For reproduction of all digital recordings, Master Class is inserted into the digital signal throughpath, the most transparent and elegant way to modify the signal.
The sonic signature of PCM digital audio is undesirable but until now listeners have had no way to eliminate it. Master Class, with A+, offers a real solution that cannot be achieved with a device working in the analog domain.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
$3,000
WADIA DIGITAL INTRODUCES NEW DECODING COMPUTER FOR CES 2014
Wadia 321 Combines the Brand’s Reputation for Technological Excellence with Sleek New Design
LAS VEGAS, NV – January 7, 2014 – Wadia Digital, the leader in high-performance digital audio, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Wadia 321 digital two-channel decoding computer for CES 2014. Founded in 1988 at the height of the compact disc era, Wadia Digital’s technological sophistication and innovation quickly established the brand as a leader in the revolutionary space. The brand’s early recognition of digital audio as a musically responsive, evolving and engaging format has shaped the way that high performance digital audio has grown over the past two decades. Today, Wadia Digital offers complete audio solutions that combine the exceptional quality that audiophiles have come to expect with a new, more polished aesthetic.
“We are thrilled to announce the debut of the Wadia 321 Decoding Computer,” says Charlie Randall, President of Wadia Digital. “It is a perfect example of our commitment to the production of beautiful audio solutions that integrate the best of technology, industrial design, and usability.” WADIA 321 DECODING COMPUTER – technological expertise meets flawless design
The Wadia 321 digital two-channel decoding computer integrates Wadia’s superior technical performance with sleek, industrial design. The Wadia 321 has two optical, two co-axial and one high speed USB digital input, allowing music from all sources to be reproduced with the extreme precision and elegance audiophiles expect from Wadia Digital. The truly exceptional sound quality is facilitated by the variable balanced and unbalanced audio outputs, offering premium noise rejection for optimal performance. The clean glass top panel, cast aluminum construction and fiber optic light diffuser panel illumination of the chassis add aesthetic beauty and an extremely comprehensive user interface to the superior sound quality of the Wadia 321, resulting in a complete solution component for the most discerning customer. About Wadia Digital, Inc.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
＊既に昨年のCES2013にて発表済みです。
New Mark Levinson № 585 Integrated Amplifier was just released at CES 2014. The № 585 is designed to deliver ultimate-quality music reproduction from analog and digital sources, including computers and music servers. The model combines a host of engineering advancements with complete ease of use and Mark Levinson’s striking, next-generation industrial design.
The Mark Levinson № 585 integrated amplifier combines exceptional versatility with high 200 watts per channel power output (into 8 ohms, 350 watts into 4 ohms) and offers six digital inputs including USB, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU XLR, to accommodate a wide variety of digital music sources, including 32-bit/192kHz computer audio and DSD over PCM via USB. The № 585 incorporates exclusive HARMAN Signal Doctor processing, which employs proprietary signal-enhancement techniques to provide the best-possible sound quality from compressed digital audio sources. “Our new № 585 integrated amplifier is created for audiophiles and music lovers who desire an all in one component that delivers musical performance equal to the finest separate components yet is space-saving and easy to use,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “Recognizing that a growing number of listeners are using computer-based audio and music servers as primary music sources, the № 585 offers a broad array of digital as well as analog connections and includes a built-in 32-bit/192kHz D/A converter to provide high-resolution digital audio playback.”
The № 585 provides a subwoofer output with a selectable 80Hz high-pass filter for use in a properly implemented 2.1-channel system, and includes Ethernet, RS-232, IR and 12V trigger ports to facilitate its use audio/video installations with integrated systems control.
The № 585 is engineered for ultimate audio quality in every respect. It employs discrete analog circuitry throughout, optimized for maximum sonic purity as evidenced by its symmetrical, clean interior design with no visible wires or cabling. Its high-current Class AB power amplifier section utilizes a robust 900VA custom toroidal analog power supply and SMPS digital power supply and is capable of driving even the most demanding exotic loudspeaker loads with ease.
Though sophisticated in its capabilities, the Mark Levinson № 585 is simplicity itself to operate via its two front-panel knobs and six function buttons or using its included remote control. The № 585 is as stunning in appearance as it is in performance – its next-generation industrial design blends iconic Mark Levinson historical elements with an angular, modern contemporary look. The № 585’s substantial extruded and machined aluminum front panel has a two-tone brushed black and textured silver finish, accented by the company’s iconic red panel display and LED indicators.
The № 585 is built entirely without compromise to the highest standards, with a heavy-gauge chassis and casework, audiophile-grade internal components, premium rear-panel connectors, custom-machined knobs, controls and structural components and many additional refinements.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
[youtube width=”670″ height=”542.3″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6o-R8Qp5Ps[/youtube]
特設サイト：http://www.naimaudio.com/statement
New preamplifier/power amplifier system launched at CES 2014 trade show, will go on sale later this year
Tue 7th January 2014
Naim’s new NAC S1 and NAP S1 amplifiers Naim’s new NAC S1 and NAP S1 amplifiers
Close-up shows NAC S1 preamplifier flanked by NAP S1 power amps Close-up shows NAC S1 preamplifier flanked by NAP S1 power amps
Illuminated ‘acrylic divide’ separates audio electronics and power supplies Illuminated ‘acrylic divide’ separates audio electronics and power supplies
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.
Naim’s Steve Sells says of the NAC S1/NAP S1 that ‘I’ve had the ambition to create the ultimate amplifier since I can remember: Naim electronic, mechanical and industrial design engineers with combined experience totalling well over 100 years have contributed to this project.’
海外ニュース速報 [World]
McINTOSH INTRODUCES THREE NEW HOME AUDIO PRODUCTS AT CES 2014
Las Vegas, NV, January 7, 2014 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 65 years, is proud to announce the launch of three new products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show – MB100 Media Bridge, MHA100 Headphone Amplifier and MXA70 Integrated Audio System. Handcrafted at McIntosh’s Binghamton, NY factory, each product combines the best-in-class audio performance of the legendary McIntosh Reference System with the latest in technological development.
“Following the great success of the McIntosh McAire Integrated Audio System and the D100 Digital Preamplifier, we are thrilled to continue expanding our offerings in the digital and personal music arenas,” noted McIntosh President Charlie Randall. “The MB100 Media Bridge allows unfettered access to even the most comprehensive musical library, while the MXA70 Integrated Audio System and MHA100 Headphone Amp deliver unparalleled sound quality for the ultimate personal listening experience.”
MB100 Media Bridge – the world’s music library at your fingertips
The MB100 Media Bridge is the only product that allows streaming from everyone’s favorite music streaming services – from Pandora® to SiriusXM® to Spotify® and beyond – with true McIntosh fidelity. In addition to on-board streaming services, the MB100 allows guests to stream music directly from their wireless devices. The MB100 also features cloud access for backup and synchronization across multiple systems. It’s this access to the world’s music library combined with your personal music collection that delivers a truly unique listening experience. Instantly create a Pandora station from a track in your library with a single touch of the TuneBridge™ icon. Or did you hear a new track on Pandora and you want to find the original album? No problem – by using TuneBridge, Spotify can serve up the entire album in seconds. Its cutting edge solid state 64GB drive houses the OS for rapid response and improved durability, with an additional 1TB hard drive for file storage. Controlled via an iOS/Android app, web browser, TV UI and/or the user-friendly front-panel display, the MB100 is the perfect supplement system for anyone with a vast digital media collection. McIntosh MB100
MHA100 Headphone Amplifier – personal listening meets
McIntosh sound
The new MHA100 is McIntosh’s first dedicated headphone amplifier. Although many McIntosh models have headphone drive capabilities, MHA100 has been created to take full advantage of unique McIntosh technologies that will yield the best possible listening experience when using headphones. The MHA100 features four digital inputs to allow playback of files in a wide variety of formats, while the headphone section uses McIntosh-designed and hand-wound impedance matching Autoformers to deliver full McIntosh power into any set of headphones. As a testament to the system’s flexibility and McIntosh ingenuity, the MHA100 is more compact than previous McIntosh amps, making it more desktop friendly and a perfect addition to any headphone enthusiast’s existing system. It also features a 50-watt stereo speaker output for when you want to enjoy your desktop speakers. McIntosh MHA100
MXA70 Integrated Audio System – a compact solution for the ultimate personal listening experience
A perfect counterpart to the MHA100, the MXA70 is made for audiophiles that are looking for an all-in-one premium quality audio solution. Featuring a compact yet fully functional 50-watt stereo amplifier and a pair of specially designed 2-way desktop speakers, the MXA70 provides the most optimal sound quality whether you are entertaining a small group or seeking a more individual listening experience. The speakers, finished in a luxurious, high gloss piano black, feature select driver elements housed in custom cast aluminum cabinetry and achieve an unusually rich and full sized level of performance for their size. For an even larger sound, connections for a powered subwoofer are available. For those times when you want to enjoy your music more intimately, the MXA70 includes the same dedicated headphone amplifier found in the new MHA100 that takes advantage of unique McIntosh technologies to yield the best possible personal listening experience.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
Meridian will be showing an exciting array of products and innovations at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, January 7–10, situated at the Venetian Towers in Suite 30-335.
2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of Meridian’s first digital loudspeaker
– in fact the first digital loudspeaker in the world – the D600, in 1989. From the very beginning, Meridian loudspeakers had been Active – they included the amplifiers and line-level crossovers inside the cabinet. But Meridian had taken the leap into digital audio technology with the introduction of the Compact Disc several years earlier, and it had been evident that an all-digital signal path to the loudspeaker was the future.
At CES 2014 Meridian will display iconic Meridian products showing the development of Meridian’s world-leading digital loudspeaker technology from the D600 to the present day.
Summary of Meridian Products on Show at CES 2014:
Special Edition (SE) Loudspeakers
Honouring the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first digital loudspeaker, 2014 will see Meridian launch a new Special Edition series of DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, featuring a beryllium domed tweeter, new electronics and driver clamp rings to deliver the highest-performing Meridian DSP Digital Active Loudspeaker available. Meridian will be previewing the new models at CES and Special Edition DSP8000, DSP7200 and DSP5200 (all on display) will be announced.
G55 and G57 Power Amplifiers
To extend the flexibility of Meridian Digital Theatre and stereo components, Meridian is re-introducing 5- and 2-channel amplifiers, enabling their surround controllers like the new G65 (which will also be on show) to drive third-party passive loudspeakers. The G65 is specifically designed to operate with the HD621 HDMI Processor, which separates out high-definition video and audio, increasing the quality of both. The launch of the G65 marks the 20th anniversary of the Meridian 565, the world’s first Digital Surround Controller.
Personal Audio Products
Meridian will be exhibiting the latest in its expanding line of personal audio products, including the recently-launched Prime Headphone Amplifier and new Prime Power Supply.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
Sharp SD-WH1000U： $4,000
Sharp Wireless Bridge： $600
・Blu-ray player certified by the WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio)
・SD-WH1000U can play Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, and SACDs
・WiSA technology delivers up to 7.1 channels of 24-bit/96kHz uncompressed audio.
・1080p video wirelessly
・3×HDMI inputs, 2×USB ports, 1×Ethernet port for online content.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
＊既にMunichオーディオショウ等にて発表済みです。
NAGRA
・Worked with Andreas Koch.
・The circuits of the Nagra HD DAC use the DSD 2X version of the format
・Sampling frequency reaches 5.6 MHz and the internal calculations use 72 bit precision.
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