Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On January - 31 - 2010ADD COMMENTS
LAS VEGAS–We don’t see many home theater AV receivers at CES, with home audio manufacturers generally waiting for their own line shows to release new product lines. However, most AV receivers don’t have Blu-ray players built-in.
Denon has announced the S-5BD AV receiver/Blu-ray Disc player combo unit at CES 2010, melding the two components into a sleek, glossy package. Here’s the initial info from the news release.
Key features of the Denon S-5BD:
Blu-ray player and AV receiver combo unit
5.1 AV receiver
2-zone, 2 source capability
3 HDMI 1.4 inputs
Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
SD card slot
$1,800 list price, available in March 2010
The S-5BD certainly has a slick design and it’s the first combo unit we’ve seen, but we can’t help but feel it will ultimately have limited appeal. The integrated Blu-ray player has a relatively bare-bones feature set since it lacks Wi-Fi and the streaming media services (like Netflix) available on competing models.
Finally, the integrated design really limits your upgrade options. With separate components, it’s easy to swap in a new Blu-ray player while you still try to squeeze some extra years out of your receiver. You could add a new Blu-ray player with the S-5BD (with its three HDMI inputs), but that’s defeating the point of the unit in the first place. The S-5BD might make sense in certain applications where there’s limited space or ease-of-use is a priority, but it’s probably not the best choice for buyers who value flexibility in their home theater setup.
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On January - 21 - 2010ADD COMMENTS
PrimaLuna is a Dutch-based company that released its first products, the ProLogue One and ProLogue Two integrated tube amplifiers in 2003. Then, in 2006, they released the ProLogue Three preamplifier, and ProLogue Five, Six, and Seven power amplifiers. Late in that same year, the PrimaLuna DiaLogue series hit the market, which had the ProLogue’s basic features, but with upgraded parts and additional capabilities. Here, we review the DiaLogue Seven, which is a monoblock power amplifier, capable of delivering 40 watts RMS in triode mode, and 70 watts RMS in ultra-linear mode (see The Design section for an explanation of what this means). The bottom line is that the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Seven monoblock is more than capable of delivering a clean, detailed, and lush sound (ah, those tubes are responsible for that).
The DiaLogue Seven is a push-pull tube amplifier (monoblock – one channel), using KT88’s in the output stage. The input and buffer stages are handled by two 12AX7’s and 12AU7’s respectively. The 12AX7 and 12AU7 are native dual-triodes, high and medium voltage gains respectively, while the KT88’s are pentodes (actually, called a beam pentode). In a triode, there is a cathode, grid, and anode. The cathode is heated, which forms a cloud of electrons, and the positively charged anode (it has a “plate voltage” applied to it) attracts the electrons from the cathode. The grid, which sits between the cathode and anode, is a screen in form, so that the electrons can pass through. The music signal is applied to the grid, and its varying voltage allows more or less electrons to flow between the cathode and anode. The music signal voltage applied to the grid is very small, and the plate voltage is very large. The voltage and current flowing from the plate to the output transformer is, therefore, higher than the voltage applied to the grid, and voila, the signal has been amplified.
Here is a diagram of a pentode. The numbers describe the parts of the tube: the cathode heater (1) has electrical current passing through it, which heats it directly, and then, this heat transfers to the cathode itself (2). By this method, you don’t get the heater voltage, which may be AC, introducing hum into the signal path. The control grid (4) is between the cathode (2) and anode (3), as are the screen grid (5) and suppressor grid (6). In the KT88, the suppressor grid is actually shaped like a tunnel, with electrodes on both sides, through which the electrons pass. The diagram shown here is “schematic” rather than illustrative of what the electrodes inside actually look like, or where the connecting pins are located.
Here is a screen shot of a 1959 Genalex specification sheet (KT88, Issue 2, March, 1959), showing the schematic of the KT88 that they manufactured (copyright, Genalex). In this case, the pin numbers are indicated, which show how to connect the tube in a circuit.
The DiaLogue Seven adjusts the bias voltage on the control grid automatically, depending on the demands of the incoming signal. They call their version of this technique Adaptive AutoBias. The adjustment is on the order of a few milliamps, and is used to reduce distortion at high output levels. The process improves the sound quality, because there is now more current flowing that is routed to the output transformer (if this same amount of current were flowing at idle, it would be dissipated as heat, which wastes energy). The Adaptive AutoBias is only applied to the output tubes (the KT88’s). It also allows you to use different tubes, such as KT90 or 6550. A “Soft Start” feature slowly raises all of the voltages, including cathode heater and plate voltage, and this extends tube life.
The rear panel has one RCA input jack and four speaker binding posts, one for ground, and one each for 2, 4, and 8 ohms. All in all, the build quality of the DiaLogue Seven is superb. The chassis is very heavy at 64 pounds (many multi-channel power amplifiers weigh about this much, and the DiaLogue Seven “only” puts out 70 watts).
PrimaLuna’s products and sound were unfamiliar to me before this review. Now, they are familiar, and I like what I heard. If you are a tube-ophile, you also will like what you hear. If you are a purist, you will likely prefer the triode mode as I did, but there certainly was nothing wrong about the sound in ultra-linear mode. It was just “different”. This is not an inexpensive product by any means, but you get what you pay for, and in this case, you are paying for some great music listening.
Source: www.primaluna-usa.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On December - 19 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Yamaha’s RX-V2065 is an altogether different type of AV receiver from the iconic brand. Yamaha has seen its fortunes ebb and flow in the AV market, and this new model effectively tries to draw a line in the sand and start over.
The most obvious point of difference over previous models is its new GUI, designed to make setting up a complex receiver like this simpler than ever. But despite spending more than a fair amount of time using it, I’m left somewhat puzzled.
For example, access to the set-up functions is buried at the bottom of three or four pages of (admittedly pretty) source selection icons. The only feature you would not go into the menus for is source selection – it’s achievable through direct keys on the remote and the fascia…so why have pages and pages of source select icons heading up the menu? When you are into the features and functions area, it’s laid out in a disjointed format with lots of unlinked individual pages rather than traditional left to right flowing menus. I had to refer to the manual on several occasions just to find various functions and that is not a good sign for the average user.
I’m not getting the new cosmetics either. It looks feels less solid that Yamaha’s previous receivers at this price. I also feel rather guilty about the years, decades even, I have spent denigrating Yamaha’s ‘orange’ front panel display – because the new look involves a me-too blue display showing precious little useful info and a few red legends.
Behind this irksomeness however there are some very slick features. The provision of 5-in, 2-out HDMIs is brilliant particularly as one input is front mounted. The RX-V2605 is very much geared up to be a Network receiver with both Ethernet and USB inputs, a port for Yamaha’s optional Bluetooth receiver or iPod dock, and plenty of dedicated Network audio features. There is very simple connection to a PC-based home network, a compressed music enhancer and tricks like pulling photos from your PC to display onto you TV. And despite what I said about the GUI the network side of the RX-V2065’s business plan is pretty damn straightforward to set up and use.
Interestingly, unlike its direct Onkyo TX-NR807 competitor, it is bereft of Dolby ProLogic IIz. Yamaha instead using its long established Presence (height) channels at the front with bespoke processing for these channels. Equally like the Onkyo you will lose rear-back channel amplification to drive the fronts – but in the RX-V2065’s case that really isn’t worth it.
Heart of gold
However, despite my grumbles, this is an amp with a heart of gold. It’s smooth yet detailed, fast yet subtle, and never once gets you wincing at an over acerbic HF effect. It feels mature and sophisticated with a fabulous balance between spacious soundstage and accurate positioning of individual sounds.
Overall, the Yamaha RX-V2065 7.1 AV Receiver offers a well balanced all-round sound performance, and is as happy with all action block busters as it is with a Pixar masterpiece.
Source: trendynetnews.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On December - 2 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Marantz has had a reputation for high-quality audio reproduction for over 50 years. Lately, their receivers have been a little short on features, but maintained the legendary sound. Times are changing and Marantz has adapted nicely to the new technologies available to the receiver maker. The release of the Marantz SR6004 receiver reviewed here is proving that. This new receiver has you covered on all the new codecs, Audyssey features, video scaling and even Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed to be the hub of a modern home theater and even an entire home, all for a retail price of $1,249.
The SR6004 comes with all the features you’d expect, like four-to-two HDMI 1.3 switching, three-to-one component and composite video input switching. A front panel input allows composite video and has the only S-Video jack on the receiver. Digital inputs abound, with four optical and two coaxial, as well as a USB input, and one optical digital output that can feed a digital recorder or another home theater elsewhere in the home. There are a 7.1 channel analog input, eight pairs of stereo analog inputs and a stereo analog output for one zone, as well as 7.1 channel preamp outputs. A two-prong IEC power socket with both a switched and un-switched power outlet for your other components round out the connectivity. Seven 110-watts-per-channel into eight ohms amplifiers can be set to run speakers in a host of different ways from a conventional 7.1 system, with or without front height channel connected for when you use Dolby Pro Logic IIz. If you only run five speakers, you can use the extra channel to bi-amplify your front speakers.
Control is handled by remote connections for syncing to other Marantz components, as well as a 12-volt trigger, an RS-232 port and IR inputs. Connectors for both Sirius and XM satellite radio are here, as well as AM and FM tuners with up to 60 presets and direct access via the remote. The coolest thing on this unit is Marantz’s new M-X Port terminal that plugs in the included RX101 Bluetooth and IR receiver. This allows remote IR detection should you hide your gear and will also sync to your iPhone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices and allow playback wirelessly on your home system. The RX101 has the capability of remembering up to eight Bluetooth devices, so the entire family can easily sync their iPhones and laptops on a single receiver.
The entire complement of Audyssey functions are here, including MultiEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which offers an added pair of front height channels to increase the surround experience. All analog video sources can be scaled up to 1080p or any other format and are converted to HDMI and each other, allowing only the highest-level connector to connect the receiver to your display. Nowadays, that will hopefully be HDMI. Two HDMI outputs are present and you can directly switch between the two of them with a button on the remote. I am very happy to see this addition, as switching between the two outputs on older Marantz receivers was deeply buried in the set-up menus. Now those with dual display systems can easily switch between them.
The front panel USB port is full 2.0 spec and allows direct connection to an iPod, iPhone, flash drive or hard disc drive with up to 700 folders and over 65,000 files. Clearly, this will handle even large libraries and massive storage devices. When connected via USB, iPods and iPhones transfer data digitally as LPCM and can reproduce true CD quality sound from uncompressed files. Should you not want to be tethered to your receiver, the Bluetooth adaptor will allow you to move about your house while listening. Full iPod control is available from the remote and, for larger storage devices, your display will allow you to easily navigate your music files.
Top all this off with Marantz’s new look for receivers and separates with the swooped-back side plates of the front fascia and the shallow depth cabinet, and this receiver not only looks great but can fit into places others can’t. The shallow depth also makes connections easier, thanks to the extra space. The only thing not present on this receiver is WiFi support for computer audio, but the included Bluetooth support is more useful, easier to set up and accomplishes the same goals.
Performance
The first thing I wanted to test was the Bluetooth connection, as I find this to be incredibly useful in today’s world. I started off with my Mac Book Air streaming 192 Kbps MP3 and AAC files and was very happy with the results. Whether I streaming The Cure’s cover of “Purple Haze” from Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (Reprice/WEA) to Cypress Hill’s self-titled album (Sony) and the track “How I Could Just Kill a Man,” the sound was good, with reasonable separation and solid bass. Connecting my iPhone was a snap and gave me in-hand control of everything on it, even from across the house. When I did step out of range, simply moving back a few feet resumed playback. The ability to stream from my or any of my friends’ iPhones or laptops made the experience far outweigh any limitations the compression took away from the music.
To compare the RX101 Bluetooth receiver to the USB, I used my iPhone. The USB input allows a true digital feed from the attached USB device to the receiver. I made two play lists of the same songs, one as AIFF files and one as MP3 and AAC files for easy comparison. I had to use my iPhone, as my iPod is an older model and only fourth-generation or newer models support the direct digital output. With my iPhone directly connected, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” from Annie Lennox’s Medusa (Arista) in AIFF offered the best sonics, and for critical listening was more open with better separation than the 192 kbps MP3 track. When I switched to the Bluetooth receiver, the differences between the two file formats was less, with both sounding closer to the MP3 track, though the AIFF still had a bit more open sound.
Turning to TV, I found the time for the SR6004 to switch between different HD resolutions acceptably. It took a second or two, but everything does these days, and the Marantz was certainly no slower than others I’ve used, and on par with anything else I have. Dolby Digital from my HD DVR was clear and open. When I watched Entourage (HBO), vocals were easily discernable and surround effects matched the screen image. Sons of Anarchy (FX) demonstrated solid bass from explosions, while keeping subtleties clear. Scaling from the component input was good and, with higher-resolution sources, seemingly identical to HDMI on my slightly dated Panasonic plasma. I tried the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and volume and went through the various levels. While they did improve the ability to perceive voices at lower volumes, they pushed the mid bass too much for my liking, so I defeated them.
spun up Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs (Chrysalis/Capitol) on vinyl and was pleased with the rich and open way it portrayed the title track, giving a spacious soundstage with well-positioned bells. The deep and driving guitar riffs of “Too Rolling Stoned” came across with power and energy that made the song a joy to hear. I loved this album as a young man and this set-up showed me why, in more detail than I remembered. The AM/FM tuner of the Marantz SR6004 worked well, tuning in even difficult stations and had more presets available than any terrestrial radio market will offer.
I loaded up X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) on Blu-ray and got all the life and energy I have come to expect from the new codecs. Every minute detail was crisply portrayed from the DTS HD MA track, while powerful explosions shook the room. The sound of sliding metal on metal when Wolverine’s new claws come out for the first time was perfect and sounded as though I was using my own kitchen knives. The smacking of flesh in the fight with Blob had great detail and Blob’s fall to the floor was palpable.
Low Points
The remote is well laid-out and functions perfectly, and even has great backlighting, but it feels kind of cheap. I know, I’m nitpicking, but it doesn’t seem quite up to the quality of the receiver. Four HDMI inputs is a good number, but those with multiple gaming platforms, players and possibly TV sources may need more. I love the addition of the remote button to switch HDMI outputs, but can also see the downside to this, as a child accidentally hitting this button could cause technical operating problems, but I don’t see how to overcome this, as those with dual display systems need immediate access to this feature. It is just something to be careful of if you don’t use it.
Conclusion
Marantz has hit one out of the park with the new SR6004 AV receiver. Not only does it have/support all the new uncompressed codecs, multi-zone control and Audyssey EQ features, it even has Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds front height channels to enhance the surround experience. It has compatibility for both satellite radio providers, a USB audio input that can access music stored on any type of USB capable storage and allows a true digital feed from fourth-generation or later iPods or iPhones for critical listening. What I like the best is the inclusion of the RX101 Bluetooth receiver that allows me, or any of my friends, to stream music from our iPhones or other Bluetooth devices to the system wirelessly while maintaining in-hand control. The included RX101 Bluetooth receiver allows total convenience with only a slight loss of sonic quality when compared to the USB input and can remember up to eight devices, so an entire family or group could easily connect to it.
Marantz has a long history of delivering great sound, often with a lack of features, but this new receiver breaks that mold. Sure, it sounds great. In fact, it sounds better than most of the competitors’ higher-priced models, but now Marantz is really baring its teeth and adding the coolest, most useful features. The SR6004 doesn’t offer WiFi for computer audio – it goes one better and adds a Bluetooth receiver, which allows more ease of use and flexibility than WiFi. To top it off, the RX101 Bluetooth receiver also doubles as a remote IR receiver, allowing the SR6004 to be hidden from view, yet still be easily accessed via the included remote.
This is a great receiver. It’s so easy to use and so practical, while sounding incredible. It offers relevant usable features not found elsewhere with great sound, all at a mid-fi price. This is the receiver I am recommending to anyone who asks me. The Marantz SR6004 is the most useable, feature-packed receiver, offering incredible sonics at a real-world price point. This is the one to check out if you are in the market for a new receiver, but get your own: I’m keeping this one.
Source: us.marantz.com & hometheaterreview.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On November - 25 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
ELAN Home Systems, a leading manufacturer of award-winning Multi-Room audio/video and home control systems, announced ELAN D12 and ELAN D16 Multi-Channel Amplifiers that the company believed is bringing high end digital efficiency and power to its popular D-Family of Multi-Channel Amplifiers. The company is now shipping the D12 Amplifier, first in a new class of high efficiency amplifiers to be followed by the D16 Amplifier in March 2010. “The only thing these products have in common with their predecessors is the number of binding posts on the back panels. These green, powerful, self-correcting amplifiers are what our Dealers have been asking for – and our design team delivered in a big way,” said Bob Farinelli, ELAN’s President and Chief Technology Officer.
Utilizing state–of-the-art technology from Texas Instruments (TI), these products have been engineered from the ground up to establish a new benchmark in reliability, flexibility and performance. The digital design behind each amplifier, provides cool power at an 85%-90% efficiency rating, and simultaneously delivers 115 watts at 4 ohms into 12 channels on the ELAN D12 and 75 watts at 4 ohms into 16 channels on the ELAN D16.
ELAN engineers worked closely with TI in developing the D12’s and the D16’s cool-running, digital amplifier technology. TI’s state-of-the-art analog-to-digital modulation was coupled with 8X oversampling and 5th order noise shaping to ensure highly reliable and sonically pure designs. The result of this collaboration is an all-new platform that is equally robust and efficient. This new design enables “green-friendly,” low-power standby consumption while at the same time provides nearly instant turn-on for predictable operation. In addition, at just over 5-inches tall, the D12 and D16 are up to 40% slimmer than many competitive amplifiers.
“Our compact, high-efficiency design coupled with sleek new front panel aesthetics excites not only the energy friendly, but the design conscious as well,” said Mr. Farinelli. “Add front-panel readouts and stand-alone IR for remote volume control applications and the D12 is without a doubt the installer’s best choice for delivering high-impact music in multi-room installations. With four more channels, the D16 is the perfect solution for larger installations where entertaining or business use would require more coverage at normal listening levels.”
While the ELAN’s D12 and D16 amplifiers are small in stature, they are big on sonic power. The D12 will drive up to six stereo pairs of speakers, 12 mono speakers or any combination of the two. The D16 expands coverage with eight stereo pairs of speakers, 16 mono speakers or any combination of the two. With stability down to 4 ohms, two 8 ohm ELAN speakers can be connected to each channel without the need for impedance-matching volume controls. Plus each channel can be configured for mono, stereo, bussed mono or bussed stereo. The need for extra patch cables and Y-cords has been eliminated by equipping two universal stereo buss inputs with buffered outputs.
The D12 and D16 feature an IR control system that allows the volume for each stereo pair to be independently adjusted using a remote control in each room. Combine this with the stereo buss feature, and both the D12 and the D16 can be used with an inexpensive stereo receiver to provide a moderately priced, high quality whole house music distribution system with independent volume control in up to six rooms.
ELAN’s industry-leading, patent-pending ACE™ (Automatic Clip Eliminator™) technology is also a key feature of both amplifiers. This microprocessor-controlled, dynamic leveling circuit eliminates clipping without the typical audio degradation of traditional compressor-based clipping circuits. Sophisticated Digital Signal Processing controls constantly monitor the temperature and power output for each of its individual channels and continuously work in the background to maintain crystal clear sound at any volume.
“With its best-of-breed feature set, ELAN’s installer-friendly design and a strong backlog of preorders, there is every indication these amps will become a specialty dealer favorite,” added Mr. Farinelli.
Key Features
D12 – High power output, 115W x 12 into 4 Ohms (75W x 12 into 8 Ohms) all channels driven.
D16 – Power output, 75W x 16 into 4 Ohms (50W x 16 into 8 Ohms) all channels driven
Texas Instruments Class-D topology with 8X oversampling and 5th order noise shaping
Cool-running, high-efficiency output
Low-power standby with instant turn-on
Thermal and short circuit protection with ACE™ anti-clipping
Software lockable gain settings for increased speaker protection
IR volume control for stand-alone use
Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Source: elanhomesystems.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On November - 20 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Boulder, CO-based Boulder Amplifiers announces the release of their new model 1008 Phono Preamplifier ($12,000), which a company press release describes as “the junior sibling to Boulder’s $33,500 2008 Phono Preamplifier, widely acknowledged as the world’s finest phono stage my no small margin.” Boulder emphasizes that the 1008 borrows many technical features from its bigger brother, making the 1008 “a brilliant performer at nearly 1/3 the price of the 2008.”
Below, we present verbatim a list of the 1008’s technical highlights as described in the Boulder press release:
Multiple Equalization Curves
Just as in the 2008, the 1008 features three additional EQ curves in addition to the standard RIAA curve, each selectable via a front panel button: FFRR, Columbia, and EMI. These equalization curves enable correct and accurate playback of LP records made prior to 1954. An option on the 2008, these EQ curves are included as standard in the 1008.
Simple, Single Chassis Design
All electronics and features are contained within a single, beautifully machined aluminum chassis.
+6 dB Greater Gain for MC Cartridges
Research into the thermal properties of electronics has resulted in greater gain for low output moving coil cartridges with no increase in the noise floor of the gain circuit.
985 Gain Stage
The 1008 uses the 985 gain stage, a discrete initial gain stage for significantly reduced distortion and noise. All 985 circuitry is housed in a massive aluminum housing and then potted in a proprietary epoxy resin for thermal stability and increased reliability.
Fully Balanced, Dual Mono Construction
Inputs and outputs are high quality, fully balanced connections and all audio circuitry is dual mono for total isolation of left and right channels.
Dual Inputs and Outputs
Two inputs per channel are available for connecting multiple tonearms, each with customizable “personality cards” which can be tailored for optimal loading of specific phono cartridges.
Additional Features
Other features include a switchable 20 Hz low cut filter, selectable true mono mode for monaural recordings played on a stereo cartridge and extensive magnetic shielding of the main power transformer to eliminate noise in the audio stages.
Source : boulderamp.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On November - 18 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Pass Laboratories, Inc., an audio innovator renowned for its unique high-performance products, will introduce the INT-30A Integrated Amplifier at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, in January. The no-nonsense, user-friendly amplifier delivers outstanding performance and a high level of user satisfaction, exposing today’s audiophile products to a broader spectrum of demanding consumers.
The INT-30A is Pass Labs’ second integrated amplifier, a 30-watt Class A version of its INT-150 Integrated Amplifier, and based on the XA30.5 Stereo Amplifier. It combines the space-saving benefits of an integrated amplifier with the sonic performance of Pass Labs’ superb XA.5 Series of Class A amps, which includes Pass’ patented Super-Symmetry™ circuit.
The INT-30A is rated at 30 watts-per-channel into 8 ohms, and 60 watts into 4 ohms. It boasts an excellent dynamic range and fast response. Designed to bridge the gap between high-end audiophile components and simple, user-friendly audio products, it moves easily from a black background to explosive transients, presenting recorded materials with a sense of realism and authenticity. Regardless of loudspeaker load, the INT-30A performs with stability and authority, delivering clean, expansive sound at an affordable price.
The Super-Symmetry topology developed by audio innovator Nelson Pass improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier. To the extent that distortion and noise can be made to appear identical at the two output connections, the INT-30A’s balanced output will not detected them. In conventional amplifiers, under ideal conditions, ordinary matching techniques can achieve improvements by a factor of about 10. In the INT-30A, Super-Symmetry lowers distortion and noise by an additional order of magnitude.
The front panel of the INT-30A includes a fluorescent display showing the operational status, a large volume dial, on/off button and blue LED indicators for Mute and Stand-by Power, four input selection buttons, and a receiver for the signal from the IR remote.
The INT-30A’s rear panel includes XLR and RCA connections for single-ended or balanced inputs, XLR or RCA preamplifier outputs, right and left channel speaker connectors, a five-way binding post for use as a signal ground connector, an IEC 520 AC power inlet module for the supplied IEC polarized power cord, a main power switch, and a fuse holder. The speaker outputs are equipped with heavy-duty, international safety-rated, five-way binding posts.
In appearance, the INT-30A resembles the X150.5, without the meter. The faceplate is machined from thick aluminum stock, then anodized instrument-gray. The satisfyingly solid remote is also carved from machined aluminum, and visually matches the front of the amplifier.
The INT-30A Integrated Amplifier is available now from authorized dealers at a suggested price of $7,150 (U.S. MSRP). It can be seen with other outstanding Pass Labs products at the Venetian Hotel, Suite 29-140, during CES.
Source : passlabs.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On November - 2 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
JVC Victor in Japan announced that its ultra-compact home theater speaker systems, the SP-FT AX slim speaker of the FT-thin 4-channel amplifier delivers. All units are only 31mm thick. The JVC Victor SP-FT-110 speakers provide 23 Hz-kHz frequency response and 8 ohms impedance. The FT-amplifier AX features 20Wx4 output power, and the decoding of Dolby Digital, DTS, AAC audio codecs can.
This JVC Home Theater system consists of 2 unit speakers (SP-FT) and 1 unit amplifier (AX-FT) are all made quite thin with a thickness of only about 1.2-inch.
The JVC Home Theater series can be purchased separately with estimate price about ¥24,000 ($267) for the amplifier and ¥20,000 ($223) for the speakers, This JVC home theater will be available in two colors. The black one will be available in Japan later this month and the willowy white will be showing up next month.
Source: akihabaranews.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On October - 25 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
click to enlarge
The SC-09TX from Pioneer is the flagship A/V receiver in the Pioneer Elite line. It sports a unique look and is the only Pioneer receiver that currently features a front LCD display. Pioneer’s SC-09TX “Susano” receiver offers a robust feature set for both video and audio enthusiasts.
Pushed as the top of the Pioneer Elite receivers, the SC-09TX includes Qdeo video processing for all six of its HDMI inputs. The receiver also has five component inputs, four for S-video, and eight for composite. Video processing features include HDMI x.v. Color, a component video converter, and support for videos straight from an iPod. Curiously, HDMI signals receive no video processing, and pass through unaltered.
The Pioneer SC-09TX is a 10 channel receiver and is able to be set in a variety of configurations, including standard 5.1 and 7.1 setups. Each channel boasts a 200 watt output at 8 ohms. Among the audio inputs are 4 coaxial digital ins, 4 optical digital ins, a 7.1 channel analog in, 12 stereo analog ins as well as support for iPods, Sirius radio and XM radio.
The SC-09TX supports all current high definition audio formats including THX Ultra 2 Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and features sound tuning by Air Studios sound engineers. The built in Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) system allows for a quick and simple way to adjust the receiver to fit a room, and is able to be used in a basic mode, or an advanced mode for more experienced users.
Click the thubmnail below for full image view
The addition of a LCD screen to the Pioneer Susano receiver makes navigating set up menus more pleasant, but a standard LED display is much less distracting and simple to read from across a room. The LCD screen is also able to display the programming that the receiver is set to send to a television, but unfortunately will not display any of the HDMI inputs.
The Pioneer SC-09TX “Susano” A/V receiver is available now and can be found for prices ranging from $4,000 and $5,000.
Source: avrev.com
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LAS VEGAS–We don’t see many home theater AV receivers at CES, with home audio manufacturers generally waiting for their own line shows to release new product lines. However, most AV receivers don’t have Blu-ray players built-in.
