North Star Designから、DSD対応DAC「 Impulso 」「 Excelsio 」「 Supremo 」登場！！！

カテゴリー海外ニュース速報 [World]

ツイート
2013年5月16日

North Star Designから、DSD対応DAC「 Impulso 」「 Excelsio 」「 Supremo 」登場！！！

海外ニュース速報 [World]

Supremo：　Extremo　後継モデル。384-32 DSD DAC
Excelsio：　USB dac 32　後継モデル。
Impulso：　新モデル。
＊Essensio、Essensio plus、Fluxioは継続。

Impulso

Supremo

Excelsio

ツイート
2013年5月15日

Gato Audio、DAC搭載プリメインアンプ「 DIA-250 」「 DIA-400 」を正式発表。

海外ニュース速報 [World]

DIA-250 Integrated Amplifier with DAC and digital inputs　　メーカーサイト
DIA-400 Integrated Amplifier with DAC and digital inputs　　メーカーサイト

[DIA-250]

The Gato Audio DIA-250 Integrated Amplifier with digital inputs is designed and built to a vision of combining technology, power, sonic performance, connectivity, versatility, stunning looks and compact design.

Class-D with smooth analogue music The DIA-250 amplifier offers a state of the art Class-D output stage with dedicated and optimized switch mode power supplies. The multiple stage power amplifier is built around proven technology from International Rectifier, optimized with a precision high frequency oscillator and PWM modulator. A pair of precision switching MOS-FET transistors, with super low on-resistance ensures the high frequency switching is done perfectly and with as little loss as possible. The output filters are made from quality PP capacitors and low DCR coils, converting the high power PWM signals back into detailed and smooth analogue music.

More than just an Amp The built-in D/A converter offers real high end performance, enabled by the use of a dedicated power supply, a balanced-drive Burr-Brown PCM1794 D/A converter, an optimized high bandwidth I/V converter, and an analogue stage with low-Q, low pass filters. All digital inputs are upsampled to 24bit/192kHz. This D/A converter will upgrade any digital source – such as wired or wireless streaming from your computer or CD drive – to a high end level of detail and musical performance.

Versatility and Connectivity We had our eye on versatility and connectivity when designing this amplifier. The DIA-250 offers not only a wide range of digital and analogue inputs, but also line outputs, a trigger signal for external power amplifiers, and a configurable home theater input. The HT input can turn the amplifier into a fixed level power amplifier for use in a surround setup, without compromising the sonic performance.

Features:
2x 250W@8ohm / 2x 500W@4ohm
Class D output stage
Built in 24bit/192kHz D/A converter with upsampling
Coax, optical and asynchronous USB digital input up to 24bit/192kHz
Accepts digital streaming directly from Apple iPad
Two unbalanced and one balanced inputs
Nonmagnetic enclosure
Direct function; enables use in home theater sytems

[DIA-400]

The Gato Audio DIA-400 Integrated Amplifier with digital inputs is designed and built to a vision of combining technology, power, sonic performance, connectivity, versatility, stunning looks and compact design.

Class-D with smooth analogue music The DIA-400 amplifier offers a state of the art Class-D output stage with dedicated and optimized switch mode power supplies. The multiple stage power amplifier is built around proven technology from International Rectifier, optimized with a precision high frequency oscillator and PWM modulator. A pair of precision switching MOS-FET transistors, with super low on-resistance ensures the high frequency switching is done perfectly and with as little loss as possible. The output filters are made from quality PP capacitors and low DCR coils, converting the high power PWM signals back into detailed and smooth analogue music.

Versatility and Connectivity We had our eye on versatility and connectivity when designing this amplifier. The DIA-400 offers not only a wide range of digital and analogue inputs, but also line outputs, a trigger signal for external power amplifiers, and a configurable home theater input. The HT input can turn the amplifier into a fixed level power amplifier for use in a surround setup, without compromising the sonic performance.

Features:
2x 400W@8ohm / 2x 800W@4ohm
Class D output stage Built in 24bit/192kHz D/A converter with upsampling
Coax, optical and asynchronous USB digital input up to 24bit/192kHz
Accepts digital streaming directly from Apple iPad
Two unbalanced and one balanced inputs
Nonmagnetic enclosure
Direct function; enables use in home theater sytems

ツイート
2013年5月15日

NuForce、AV Preamp-Processor 「 AVP-18 」を発売へ。

海外ニュース速報 [World]

NuForce AVP-18　MSRP $1,095

High-End All-Digital Preamp-Processor with Fully Customizable Features for Serious AV Enthusiasts .

The NuForce AVP-18 all-digital HT preamp/processor offers dedicated AV enthusiasts true, 24/192 digital audio performance and superb HD video at an amazing price. With four HDMI inputs, two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, the AVP-18 easily accommodates the most complex system configurations.

Supported digital audio formats include:
■ PCM Audio 44.1kHz – 192kHz
■ iDTS-HD Master Audio
■ DTS Neo:6
■ Dolby TrueHD
■ Dolby Pro Logic Iix
■ Dolby Pro Logic Iiz

In order to focus on the purest possible digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), the AVP-18 accepts only digital sources, thus permitting the DAC and following analog stages to include the same innovative technology utilized in several of NuForce’s high-end audio DACs. In addition, the AVP-18 offers audiophile-grade analog circuitry throughout, along with a high-precision 8-channel analog volume control and superior-quality RCA output connectors, all of which contribute to the AVP-18’s pristine clarity. Unlike many similar processors, switching between HDMI inputs on the AVP-18 is smooth and precise. The HDMI output and all four HDMI inputs are fully HDMI 1.4 compliant with 3-D, CEC and SRC support. For the last word in flexibility, the AVP-18 also accepts an ARC input from your TV. Indeed, the AVP-18 is so feature-packed we can’t list everything here. (For further information, please see Features section below.) While casual users will find initial setup a breeze, the AVP-18 still provides the demanding audiophile all of the controls necessary to customize performance to the highest levels of precision. To get started, connect your digital sources, plug in the calibration microphone (included), and activate the automatic multi-channel room correction software to adjust for the inevitable acoustic anomalies typical of most rooms. Once done and with all settings now stored in memory, you can start enjoying the latest HD audio and video media with the assurance that you are experiencing the kind of accurate, transparent and musical sound upon which NuForce’s reputation rests. While the AVP-18’s automatic calibration routine makes getting started simple and straightforward, the serious audiophile still has the opportunity to seek perfection by way of an advanced array of calibration options including:

■ Quadruple-bass-management settings
■ Eleven programmable, fully parametric equalizers per channel
■ Adjustable speaker crossover points, slopes and alignment types
■ Front channel bi-amplification capability

With the AVP-18 as its cornerstone, you’ll have the ideal foundation for building the ultimate audiophile HT system. Add one of our highly acclaimed MCH Series multi-channel amplifiers, a full compliment of our award winning Reference Series mono-block amplifiers, or some combination thereof and you’ll find yourself immersed in a universe of true audiophile cinema and sound. Features include:

■ Fully HDMI 1.4 compliant
■ Supports the latest HD audio decoding; including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Master, DTS Hi Res, etc.
■ HD audio decoding compatible with Dolby Digital (EX), DTS, DTS ES (D6.1, M6.1), DTS 96/24 or 192K 7.1 CH PCM
■ Matrix decoding functions such as Dolby Pro Logic, DTS Neo:6
■ Intelligent room acoustics analysis:
■ Automated or manual room acoustics/speaker equalization option
■ Powerful quadruple bass management for individual adjustment of front, center, surround, and rear speakers
■ Digital crossover filters with selectable slopes for bi-amplification of speakers
■ Eleven programmable, fully parametric equalizers per channel
■ Four (4) HDMI inputs and one (1) HDMI output employing high-speed switching technology
■ Supports HDMI 1080P, YUV, RGB, DVI, HD audio, and 8 CH LPCM
■ 3D video playback compatibility
■ HDMI CEC control
■ HDMI ARC audio return
■ Video input compatibility: HDMI/DVI, 480P, 576P, 720P50, 720P60, 1080i 50, 1080i 60, 1080P 50, 1080P 60, 1080P 24

メーカーサイト

ツイート
2013年5月14日

B&Wから、Maseratiとの提携を記念して「 805 Maserati Edition 」登場！！！805 Diamondの限定バージョン。

海外ニュース速報 [World]

日本では5月23日発表予定？
「805 Diamond 」と「 P5 」にMaserati Editionが限定登場とのことです。

Bowers & Wilkins innovation meets Maserati style in this superb high performance loudspeaker. The 805 is the stand-mounted model in our flagship 800 Series Diamond speaker range, the choice of famous recording studios and revered by serious audio enthusiasts for their stunningly realistic sound quality. This limited edition model reflects the opulent yet understated design of a Maserati car interior, featuring luxury black Maserati leather, birdseye maple real wood veneer and Maserati’s Trident on the integrated stand.

In this magnificent speaker Bowers & Wilkins innovations combined with the style of a luxury car Maserati. Mounted on stand 805-I refers to the flagship 800 Series Diamond, which is set in the most famous recording studios and highly regarded for serious audio enthusiasts striking realism of sound. 805 Maserati Edition implements the same audiophile-level technology and has the same great sound as the usual 805 Diamond, but it is made of materials that reflect the establishment of partnerships between the Bowers & Wilkins and Maserati.

Produced a limited edition of 805 Maserati Edition reflect the rich, but at the same time restrained trim cars Maserati – with a luxurious black leather from Maserati on the front, natural maple veneer pattern “bird’s eye” and with a brand Maserati trident on the stand. Stand is an integral part of the 805 Maserati Edition, and finished in exactly the same veneer. Maserati logo on the base plate – a tribute to cooperate. Buy column can only be with the stand.

Advanced performance 805 Maserati Edition general public agreed with the holding of events in the tour “Seven Notes» – «Seven Note». First speaker was introduced on May 9 China’s press and appeared on a Chinese website Bowers & Wilkins. Then all of Japan – the 23rd of May and finally to all the other sites 805th will be the 6th of June, to coincide with the «Seven Note» in Los Angeles.

The site Bowers & Wilkins speakers 805 Maserati Edition will be assigned to a separate page as long as it is not officially available for sale at the end of 2013.

ツイート
2013年5月11日

AcousticArtsから、モノラルパワーアンプ「 Mono II 」登場！！！

海外ニュース速報 [World]

AcousticArts MONO II

ツイート
2013年5月11日

Gato Audioから、新製品続々登場！！！

海外ニュース速報 [World]

FM-8　new top of the range speaker
DIA-250　 Class-D Integrated Amplifiers with 24bit/192kHz D/A Converter
DIA-400　Class-D Integrated Amplifiers with 24bit/192kHz D/A Converter
PRD-3　Preamplifier with 24bit/192kHz D/A Converter

ツイート
2013年5月11日

AcousticArtsから、「 UNCOMPRESSED WORLD VOL. 4 audiophile solo piano 」登場！！！

海外ニュース速報 [World]

UNCOMPRESSED WORLD VOL. 4

A complete compilation dedicated to a single instrument? Would that work? These were our initial thoughts at the beginning of 2012 as we started work on “Uncompressed World Vol. IV”.

And: which solo instrument should we even take? Well here we agreed quite quickly on the piano. The question of whether one can dedicate a complete compilation just to solo piano is yes, you can. In fact it works really well. This is because no two pianos are the same, whether Steinway, Grotrian-Steinweg, Bösendorfer, or Yamaha. Each manufacturer of pianos has its own philosophy. Further differences are the various interpretations of the players and the recording technology used by the recording engineer. In any case, experts describe the recording of a piano as the ultimate discipline in studio miking. The background here is that a grand piano has a very wide frequency range (with resonant frequencies of the strings in the range of 27.5 to 4200 Hz and with harmonic waves up to 12 kHz) and also a very wide dynamic range. Another decisive point is whether the instrument is situated alone in a large concert hall or fills the space of a small recording studio. Where are the microphones positioned during the recording? Classical recordings in particular place the microphones a large distance away from the instrument. The resulting acoustic pattern is indirect, with a great deal of space present. Others place the microphones very close to the source where the sound is generated. The result is an intimate sound which includes all the ambient noise. The hammer and pedal are clearly audible.

And you might find it hard to believe, but canned piano music has found its way into our compilation. Sampled sound, played on a midi keyboard, and edited on a laptop. Our recommendation: before reading the booklet, first of all listen carefully to the CD, track by track. Try to find out which track was not played with a “real” piano. We wish you lots of fun during the search and even more fun with the audio journey through the Uncompressed World of the audiophile solo piano.

ツイート
2013年5月11日

Bel Canto、「 Black 」製品詳細を公開。

海外ニュース速報 [World]

Bel Canto Black – C1 Controller

The C1 Controller is not quite what you expect it to be, given that the e.One series of DACs which can function as pre-amplifiers and have been marketed as such since their launch. Where the e.One series DACs are digital to analogue converters, the C1 is a digital to digital device, offering input selection of digital sources, and a digital output in AES/EBU or ST-Fiber format. Why, will become clearer shortly.

In essence, the C1 is an ultra low noise digital source controller featuring:

・Free running Ultra-Low Phase Noise Master Clock core: Less than 30 Femtoseconds RMS phase noise from 100 Hz to 1MHz: 30fS = 0.03 Picoseconds
・Asynchronous Interfaces for USB, UPNP Ethernet and Standard Digital inputs
・Custom Optimised, 64 bit Modular Audio Processor Core-DSD processing and Multiple FIR filters
・32 bit digital Volume Control
・Dual Ultra Low Phase Noise Clocks
・25fS Phase Noise from 100Hz-1MHz1.0G Operations Per Second Custom DSP core with
・Proprietary FIR Apodising filters for optimum time domain response
・DSD 64 DoP support

In total there are 8 digital inputs on offer:

・AES/EBU
・2 x SPDIF
・2 x ST Fiber
・TOSLINK (Optical)
・USB 2.0 Asynchronous Interface
・UPNP/DLNA Asynchronous Ethernet Network Player

In addition to the multitude of digital inputs, the C1 also offers a single analogue input for a legacy device such as a reel to reel tape recorder or cassette deck etc. The incoming signal is converted to 24bit/192kHz digital for output. This analogue input can also function as a home theatre bypass.

Control of the C1 can be performed via a top mounted encoder/switch control wheel, IR remote control or via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The front display is comprised of 12 x large RED dot matrix display.

Weighing in at a hefty 20kg and with dimensions of 48cm x 11cm x 30cm, this is Bel Canto’s first full sized component in many years. Now, all of this is great, but what do you connect the C1 to?

Bel Canto Black – MPD1 Mono Power DAC

As you can see from the product name, with the MPD1, Bel Canto have moved the digital to analogue conversion away from the source selection, and used the ‘shortest path to analogue’ principle of conversion and put the converter right inside the box with the power amp.

The asynchronous interfaces of the MPD1 accept either AES/EBU or ST-Fiber connections, perfectly matching the C1’s outputs naturally. Once again Bel Canto’s ultra low phase noise clocks are in use. We only have a few specifications of the DAC, and what we do know is that it offers over 127db of dynamic range with distortion less than 0.001%.

・Switch selectable St Fiber or AES Digital Input
・Channel A(L)/B(R) select switch
・BLE Control Interface
・Ultra-Low Phase Noise Master Oscillator
・25fS Phase Jitter from 100Hz-1MHz
・Parallel/Mono DAC architecture
・Custom Discrete Low Noise-High Speed I/V and output amplifiers/250mA drive
・Zero TC Ultra High Precision Caddock Blade resistors
・15dB Gain

With the e.One series of amplifiers, Bel Canto used the B&O ICEPower Class D modules as their base, with the Black series they have moved away from the B&O modules and now using custom nCore modules with 1200 watts of power per channel into 2 ohms. That last spec is important, because for the first time you can use Bel Canto power amplifiers with speakers that dip below 3 ohms, something the B&O modules do not like to do!

・Ultra-low noise and distortion
・THD+Noise: 0.0006% typical
・128 dB Dynamic Range
・30uVrms output noise
・All Discrete Circuitry
・12dB gain
・Dual WBT Nextgen Output Terminals
・High Current Power Delivery
・300 watts 8 ohms, 600 watts 4 ohms, 1200 watts 2 ohms
・>40A peak current
・Weight: 27kg

The Black series is a completely new approach to digital audio and as we said earlier is a cost no object product line, and as such, if you have to ask, you can not afford it! Pricing has yet to be set in concrete, but from what we have been told, expect it to cost in the vicinity of a fully spec’d Mercedes A250 for the complete setup!