海外ニュース速報 [World]
New tonearm: Thales EASY
Introducing their new tonearm: the Thales EASY, the Swiss company THALES TONARM expands its portfolio by producing a new model with a very high level of performance but also at a very competitive price. As expected, the inventor of the Thales tonearm (Micha Huber) has developed a tonearm with variable offset angle, based on a newly developed and highly innovative geometry.
The clever arrangement of six bearing points creates three null points for the horizontal tracking error, plus a zero point for the variable offset angle as well, which is a really novel for a tonearm design. This means the cartridge is guided along the ideal tracing line like that of a parallel tracking tonearm. This reduces side forces tremendously and is audible when listening to the EASY.
The EASY is a very compact and highly integrated design and provides a musical experience that was never possible at this price point before. The EASY was developed and manufactured based on Thales’s knowledge and expertise in producing their reference tonearm; the THALES SIMPLICITY, which has become the bench mark for more than 200 clients around the world.
Spindle to Pivot 230mm (EMT/Ortofon standard)
Effective length: 220mm
Effective mass: 10gm
Max. tracking error: ±0,4° (trad. 9“ tonearm: 2,2°)
Max. offset angle: ±12° (trad. 9“ tonearm: 23°)
Cartridge weight 5g – 20g
Output connection 5-pin-DIN (integrated)
プレスリリース
国内ニュース速報 [Japan]
\2,800,000（pair・税別）
GIYA G4 Specifications .
Specification
Configuration: 4-way 5-driver system
Cabinet: Glass reinforced balsa cored sandwich composite
Finish: Multi component high gloss automotive
HF: D26 26mm alloy dome unit with Tapered Tube loading, catenary dome profile, radially polarised super flux magnet structure & isolating compliant mount
MID: D50 50mm alloy dome unit with Tapered Tube loading, catenary dome profile, radially polarized magnet structure & isolating compliant mount
Lower MID: C125S C100S alloy cone unit with Tapered Tube loading, short-coil long-gap motor design, 50mm CCA ribbon coil on highly vented former, highly aligned chassis
LF: Two C125L alloy cone unit with short-coil long-gap motor design, 50mm copper ribbon coils on highly vented formers, highly aligned chassis, radial magnet structures & reaction cancelling compliant mount structure & reaction cancelling compliant mount
Bass loading: Exponentially tapered tube enhanced bass reflex
Sensitivity: 86dB @ 2.83Vrms and 1.0 meter on axis
Impedance (Ohm): 6 nominal, 4 minimum, low reactance
Frequency range – 6 dB points: 36 – 36,000 Hz
First D26 Break Up mode: 44,000 Hz
Frequency response (Hz): 39 – 33,000 +/- 2 dB on reference axis
Harmonic distortion: (2nd and 3rd) < 0.5% over frequency range
Crossover frequencies (Hz): 250, 1000, 4000
Power handling (music program) watts rms: 400
Dimensions (H, W, D) mm: 1011, 300, 460
Net weight (kg): 32
Shipping dimensions (H, W, D) mm: (kg): 1200, 675, 530
Shipping mass (kg): 95 per pair
海外ニュース速報 [World]
PS Audio DirectStream DAC
2014年3月1日正式発表
$5,995
PerfectWave DACからのアップグレードも可能。
プレスリリース
February 27, 2014
PS Audio, manufacturer of fine audio equipment for over 40 years, is proud to introduce the revolutionary new DirectStream DAC.
DirectStream is the result of lead designer Ted Smith’s decade-long obsession with DSD, the first in a field of one: a DAC so radical that it will show how most other DACs on the market are…well, broken. How so?
The back-story: In 1981, music was reproduced exclusively on analog-based turntables and tape decks. Although there are inherent limitations in their media, records and tape have benefitted from a century of development. Despite the very listenable music coming through those grooves, the audio world wanted more: greater dynamic range, lower noise, extended frequency response.
No wonder that when, in 1982, Sony and Philips announced they had achieved “Perfect Sound Forever”, music lovers around the world waited in eager anticipation of analog’s promise finally fulfilled.
The launch of the PCM-based Compact Disc would set in motion a 30-year war amongst Audiophiles, decimate the analog format, cover up subtle musical details for decades and turn the music and audio industries upside down –and not necessarily in a good way.
It might not have ever been a problem if Sony and Philips had waited another decade, and passed over the classic PCM delivery system. It turns out the processing of the CD and its higher-resolution siblings is fundamentally flawed, and has been from the beginning.
Most modern DACs are broken: music’s details have been more faithfully recorded than we ever suspected, and the cover-up of those recorded details has been with us for more than 30 years. Happily, the missing musical information is still buried deep within our audio libraries waiting to be revealed.
The problem is the PCM decoding process itself: whether a classic ladder-DAC or more modern multi-bit Sigma-Delta type, PCM processors universally mask some of the subtle cues in music, and no amount of upgrading, expenditure, tweaking or improvement can fix this fundamentally-flawed system.
In order to extract everything hidden in PCM recordings, a completely new processing method is needed.
An end to the 30-year PCM cover-up: PS Audio is proud to end the cover-up, and finally, with the revolutionary DirectStream DAC, reveal all the missing information buried within PCM-based digital recordings.
Put DSD into DirectStream, you get DSD. Put PCM into DirectStream, you get DSD.
DirectStream converts all digital inputs, including PCM, to pure 1-bit DSD, in an elegantly-simple path. In the process, the PCM feed becomes more linear, less edgy, and never-before-heard musical details are released from all digital audio recordings. Billions of CDs and high-resolution downloads worldwide will gain new life, and be saved from obsolescence — and recycling bins or landfills.
Its secret is in its simplicity: Take a look at this comparison diagram (click to enlarge): on the top is a block diagram of one of the best PCM-based processors in the world, the ESS Sabre DAC. Look at that cluttered, circuitous path then look at the pure simplicity of the DirectStream. The PCM processor’s tendency to mask music’s subtle details is largely due to its complex needs, multiple clocks, power supplies and limitations inherent in ICs.
It’;s not enough to just convert PCM to DSD: Converting PCM to DSD can be an easy exercise using any number of computer software programs or IC solutions. Converting PCM to DSD properly, and in such a way as to reveal missing details in the music, is a serious technical challenge.
DirectStream utilizes 66-bit fixed-point FIR filters, eliminates headroom issues common to PCM, flattens noise response in the 20-100kHz region, uses coefficients optimized for best sound rather than faster processing speed and optimizes hardware-specific operations not possible in software.
Method: Unlike other processors available today, DirectStream unifies all inputs (PCM or DSD) at 10 x DSD, then uses a true single-bit double-rate DSD core engine. True DSD core engines (compared to the standard multibit Sigma-Delta converters followed by random lower quality multibit converters) offer advantages in simplicity, linearity, and in analog-like overload characteristics that avoid PCM’s hard clipping potential and a PCM processor’s propensity to mask subtle details.
Construction: Instead of being based upon a packaged PCM-based DAC chip, with all of its inherent compromises and limitations, DirectStream utilizes an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). An FPGA is capable of dissipating large amounts of heat, enabling intensive levels of signal-processing that are impossible to achieve with an off-the-shelf chip.
Further information of lead designer Ted Smith’s seven-year journey leading to DirectStream, as well as complete details of DirectStream’s design and features, download the DirectStream White Paper. Videos of Ted’s discussions of his design process as well as the entire Gus Skinas interview can be found here.
PS Audio’s DirectStream is a totally new approach to processing digital signals. By means of its radical architecture and construction, it is able to offer state-of-the-art digital performance and previously masked musical details from all formats, at an affordable price. DirectStream will change viewpoints regarding ultimate sound-quality while simultaneously offering greater value than any contender for state-of-the-art.
PS Audio’s DirectStream isn’t just another new DAC. It’s a whole new process for decoding digital audio.
Release: The PS Audio’s DirectStream DAC will be announced March 1, 2014. Shipments to dealers and distributors will begin in April, 2014. A limited number of units are available for review at the present time.
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $5995 in the United States. Pricing in overseas markets will vary.
Upgrades: PS Audio provides an aggressive upgrade program for all PerfectWave DAC owners to convert their existing units to the new DirectStream standard.
About PS Audio: Founded by Paul McGowan and Stan Warren in 1973, PS Audio has a long history of offering innovative designs at affordable prices. PS has been an industry-leader in the fields of power-regeneration, phono preamplifiers, DACs and transports. PS Audio’s administration, engineering and manufacturing facilities are all located in Boulder, Colorado, and all core products are fully made in the USA.
海外ニュース速報 [World]
The pinnacle of the legendary twenty series, the twenty.26 features the same traits as its siblings – finesse, delicacy and musicality – but with an added ability to convey huge dynamic impact and the sheer scale of a musical performance, it can engulf the largest room. This exceptional, well thought out design will excel with a vast array of amplification due to its ease of drive and well-tempered balance, and its transparency ensures that users improving other elements of their signal path will appreciate the full benefit of their upgrades. This is a model that takes every musical style in its stride, and delivers the greatest level of overall clarity of any of the twenty series, or indeed of any speaker in this class.
Available Finishes: Walnut, Amarone, Diamond Black, Oak
Crossover Frequency: 380Hz & 3.8kHz
Dimensions: H 1062mm 41.8” (+25mm spikes) x W 190mm 7.5” x D 439mm 17.3” (+16mm grille)
Drive Units: LF PMC twenty series, lightweight doped 7”/177mm cone with cast alloy chassis, MF PMC 50mm twenty series dome mid-range, HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty series, SONOLEX™ Soft dome, Ferrofluid cooled
Effective ATL™ Length: 3.3m 11ft
Frequency Response: 27Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Input Connectors: 3 pairs 4mm sockets (Tri-amp or Tri-wire)
Recommended Amp Power: 50 – 300W
Sensitivity: 86dB 1W 1m
Weight: 22.5kg 49 lbs
国内ニュース速報 [Japan]
「Balanced-Link」と「Speaker-Link」はCH Precision製品の性能を存分に引き 出すために開発された高品質ケーブルです。デンマークのハイエンドオーディオ ケーブルメーカー、Argento Audio(アルジェント・オーディオ）の全面協力を得 て製造されたフルカスタムメイドで、導体の素材はすべてピュアカッパーで統一 されています。 また、コネクター端子のカラーはCH Precision製品と同じガンメタリック。そこ に精密に描かれた「ＣＨ」のロゴがCH Precision独特の精緻な音を予感させます。
□ブランド名：CH Precision(シーエイチプレシジョン）
□製品名：Balanced-Link(バランスド・リンク）
□カテゴリー：アクセサリー（インターコネクトケーブル）
□価格：別紙参照
□発売開始日：2014年2月
□ブランド名：CH Precision(シーエイチプレシジョン）
□製品名：Speaker-Link(スピーカー・リンク）
□カテゴリー：アクセサリー（スピーカーケーブル）
□価格：別紙参照
□発売開始日：2014年2月
Price List
■XLR インターコネクトケーブル
Balanced-Link/pair
1.0m：\280,000
1.5m：\310,000
2.0m：\340,000
3.0m：\400,000
+0.5m：\ 30,000
■スピーカーケーブル
Speaker-Link/pair
1.0m：\280,000
1.5m：\310,000
2.0m：\340,000
3.0m：\400,000
+0.5m：\ 30,000
■圧倒的なS/N比
CH Preicision製品の卓越した空間再現能力を余すことなく伝えるため、外来ノイズを徹底的に寄
せ付けない構造と、振動によるカラーレーションを発生させない適切な素材の選択が驚異的な
S/Nを実現しています。
■導体
導体にはアニール処理が施された、電気伝導率の極めて高い無酸素銅を使用。国際アニール銅
標準(IACS)に対して101%の伝導率を持ち、銅の規格の中でも最も高いクオリティを誇ります。
パワーアンプA1の内部ワイヤーには同じ導体が使用されています。
■コネクタ
スイス製高精度CNCマシーンで美しく精密加工されたコネクタはCH Precision製品と同様のガン
メタリックカラーで統一されています。導体とコネクタの接続には、ハンダを一切使わず超高圧で
圧着するArgento Audioの特許技術を採用。これによりコネクタと導体がまさしくひとつながりの
長い導体となることで、ケーブル全体で低い抵抗値を実現しています。また、各端子は、純銅の上
に純銀メッキを施すことで酸化などによる表面の劣化を防いでいます。
■誘導体
誘導体には超軽量の多孔質繊維を採用。これは実質空気でできており、通常のテフロンやポリエ
チレンを誘導体に用いたものに比べて振動の問題はほとんどなく、音にカラーレーションを与え
ることが一切ありません
国内ニュース速報 [Japan]
Rockport Technologiesが、国内に再登場です。
代理店は太陽インターナショナル。
2014年3月1日 取り扱い開始。
メーカーサイト：http://rockporttechnologies.com
代理店サイト：http://www.taiyo-international.com
Avior \4,850,000
Avior（アヴィオール）は、ロックポートファミリーの中でも最新の製品です。ハイパフォーマンスと視覚的エレガンスが凝縮された中型モデルですが、迫真のダイナミックレンジ、広い帯域を備えています。
最新ジェネレーションのカスタムメイドカーボンファイバーサンドイッチ構造のコーンドライバーは、ロックポートによってゼロから設計されたものです。ミッドレンジ、ウーファーとも革命的な新しいカーボンファイバーファブリックをコーン振動板に使用し、コーン自体の堅さ(変形を拒絶する堅さ)と質量の比率を大きく取ることが出来ました。完璧なピストン運動を保証します。ドライバーコーンは斬新な外観で、ウルトラリニア、ハイパワーモーターシステムと言うことができます。その結果、歪み成分は大きく低減され、再生能力が高まり、ダイナミックレンジが大幅に拡大されました。
ベリリウムトゥイーター（スキャンスピーク社製）は「アヴィオール」に表現力の高さを加え、超高域の空気感をもたらすことが出来ました。質感が豊かで高解像度である中音域と、威厳がありながらかつ俊敏な動きをする低音域とが、完璧にブレンドしています。
キャビネットは強靱化され、さらに共振対策が施された3層構造となっています。ソリッドなフロントバッフルは15cm厚。さらにバッフルは厚みが変化しており、優雅にカーブを描いてサイドパネルに同化し、バッフル上部もカーブしてトップパネルと一体化しています。
このように一体となることで、単に優雅で美しい形状を作っているのみならず、たぐいまれな剛性と非共振構造をもたらしているのです。エンクロージュアの形状とバッフル面のカーブが、回折効果を低減させています。特徴的な外観、特に若干後に反り立ったような形状と、ピアノブラックフィニッシュが、「アヴィオール」の存在を際立たせています。
Specifications
トゥイーター： 2.5cm ベリリウムドーム x 1
ミッドレンジ： 15cm カーボンファイバーサンドイッチ構造 x 1
ウーファー： 22.5cm カーボンファイバーサンドイッチ構造 x 2
周波数特性： 25Hz – 30kHz,-3dB
公称インピーダンス： 4Ω
出力音圧レベル： 89.5dB SPL/2.83v
推奨アンプ： 出力50W以上
寸法： W381 x H1180 x D622 mm（スピーカー本体）
重量： 99.8 kg
