Audioreview

Sennheiser unveils its HD700 high-end headphones

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:48:56 +0000

Las Vegas, January 10, 2012 –Sennheiser’s high-end world has plenty of excitement to offer. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the audio specialist is unveiling a set of new premium headphones, the HD 700. These fully open dynamic stereo headphones combine high-end sound with an innovative headphone design.

“The HD 700 features a perfect combination of outstanding acoustic properties and sophisticated product design,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management Sennheiser Consumer Electronics. “Its styling and material selection have been thought through down to the finest detail in order to fully exploit the sound potential of the acoustic unit.”

The ear cups are designed in such a way that the sound waves are directed to the ears at a slight angle. This results in an impressively natural listening experience. The ear cups themselves have a completely open design. This not only ensures a highly transparent sound but also clearly displays the “heart” of these exciting headphones: the 40 mm Duofol transducer. Its powerful neodymium magnet systems guarantee detailed, lifelike audio reproduction from 10 to 42,000 Hz.

Small details for a great sound
“To ensure that the acoustic properties of the headphones are not impaired by any partial vibrations, the transducer is mounted in a high-precision gauze made of stainless steel, as is the case in the HD 800 reference headphones,” explained Axel Grell, Senior Acoustic Engineer at Sennheiser. A new patent-pending feature is the special shape of the gauze, which continues the curved lines of the diaphragm. The resulting curvature reduces the volume of air beneath the diaphragm, thus guaranteeing even more precise control of the diaphragm motion and significantly lowering total harmonic distortion.

The Sennheiser HD 700 headphones include a ventilated magnet system (click on image for hi-res).

The endeavour to fully exploit the sound potential of the premium headphones led to a further small but effective innovation: a ventilated magnet system. The idea is actually quite simple. “The up and down motion of the diaphragm produces an air flow in the magnet system housing that causes the diaphragm to wobble slightly,” explained Axel Grell. “By positioning precisely defined holes in the housing directly under the magnets, we can cause the air to flow in a specific direction. This minimises the wobbling motion of the diaphragm.” And the result is impressive: with total harmonic distortion of less than 0.03 percent (at 1 kHz and 105 dB sound pressure level), the HD 700 offers brilliant trebles, precise bass reproduction and a crystal-clear sound. Dips in the bass level are effectively suppressed by the patent-pending multilayer design of the headband.

Designed to meet the highest demands
A sleek shape and the black-and-silver finish give the high-end headphones not only a luxuriously elegant but also a high-tech appearance. The ear cushions made of high-quality microfibre fabric guarantee excellent wearing comfort. “The HD 700 fulfils all the wishes of the most demanding music lovers, both in its visual appearance and its outstanding sound quality,” said Maurice Quarré. “Its warm, balanced and detailed sound turns classical music, jazz, rock or soul into a fascinating listening experience. High-end fans are bound to be delighted by these exciting new premium headphones.”

The new HD 700 will be available in shops from March and carries a street price of $999.95.

Technical Data:
Transducer principle:	dynamic, open
Ear coupling:	circumaural
Frequency response:	10 – 42,000 Hz
Nominal impedance:	150 ohms
Sound pressure level (SPL):	105 dB (1 kHz, 1 V)
Total harmonic distortion (THD):	< 0.03 % (1 kHz, 1 V)
Jack plug:	straight ¼”(6.3 mm) stereo
Weight without cable:	approx. 273 g
Cable length:	3 m

The Sennheiser Group, with its headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. The family-owned company, which was established in 1945, recorded sales of around €468 million in 2010. Sennheiser employs more than 2,100 people worldwide, and has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA. The company is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as by long-term trading partners in many other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones and monitor loudspeakers), and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres).

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website atwww.sennheiser.com.

MERIDIAN INTRODUCES NEW M6 LOUDSPEAKER

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

International CES, Las Vegas, January 10^th, 2012, Venetian Tower, Suites 30-235 and 30-236….. Meridian Audio has announced the introduction of its all-new M6 loudspeaker, an inspired approach to contemporary design from Meridian, which manifest the company’s original design ethos of creating the best sounding loudspeakers in a form that complements a customer’s home environment. Matched with the highly acclaimed Meridian Audio Core 200, M6 creates a complete discreet high-end audio system that is simple to use, easy to live with, and accessible to the whole family.

Attractive as a sculpture in its own right, M6 has a circular footprint and pleasing lines. From its slim, soft shape and gentle taper to the use of non-reflective finishes, the first impression given by M6 is not that of a loudspeaker, however, M6 is the epitome of a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker, with all the features that make them unique.

M6 showcases a striking design approach in combination with unique Meridian technologies that allow a level of performance that is unsurpassed by traditional loudspeaker designs. The gently tapered column that creates the enclosure of each M6 is formed from a specially developed, barium-doped resin. Uniquely heavy and rigid, it is precision moulded into a complex form – impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing materials and techniques. The same cylindrical enclosure gives M6 its naturally wide dispersion pattern, filling the room with natural sound that can be enjoyed from any position. Its elegant form gives M6 a cylindrical acoustic radiation pattern, offering flexible placement options and a sound that does not significantly vary in volume as you move closer to or further away from the loudspeaker.

Acoustically inert, the cylindrical enclosure provides separate, isolated housings for the wide-range and the low-frequency drivers. There’s also a tuned porting system that further extends the loudspeaker’s low-frequency performance. And with the low-frequency driver mounted so that it plays downwards, bass reproduction is solid and floor-loaded, helping M6 blend effortlessly into the listening environment.

· Meridian M6 Loudspeaker Suggested USD Retail Price: $9,000/pair

· Available February 2012

Key Points for Editors

· M6 delivers true Meridian loudspeaker performance and remains faithful to Meridian’s original design principles by achieving this in a form that complements living space.

· M6 uses Meridian’s unique DSP and active technologies to create a loudspeaker that performs like a conventional speaker with eight times the physical volume.

· M6 offers true ease of placement making it easy to fit in to any room or home.

· With a Meridian Audio Core 200, M6 becomes a complete high-end audio system.

· British design and build.

Legendary Sound. Urban Style. The new HD 25 Amperior from Sennheiser

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Las Vegas, January 10, 2011 –Not prepared to make compromises? For all those who don’t want to decide between perfect sound and cool design,Sennheiser is now taking their star headphones from the club scene onto the streets. Based on the legendary HD 25 DJ headphones, the audio specialist is launching the HD 25 Amperior in an exciting aluminium finish. And to make sure that the headphones are ready for use at any time, they have been optimised for connection to an iPad, iPhone and iPod*, and are equipped with a microphone for easy telephoning. The unique combination offers the best of both worlds in terms of sound and design.

“The Sennheiser HD 25 is already a legend on the DJ scene. It has been one of the most popular monitoring headphones for over 20 years, and has become an essential piece of equipment in the world’s most famous clubs,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management Sennheiser Consumer Electronics. The success story is now being continued. “The HD 25 Amperior lets even the most demanding music fans experience club sound wherever they go. And the luxurious aluminium finish proves that professional sound and elegant design can absolutely go together,” Maurice Quarré continued.

Inspired by DJs
The rugged headphones can cope with an extremely high sound pressure level and offer professional-level sound. Powerful neodymium magnets provide natural, lifelike sound reproduction with a frequency response of 16 to 22,000 Hertz. The closed design reliably keeps out background noise, while the adjustable headband and low weight ensure a comfortable fit. The ear cups can be rotated for the classic DJ monitoring style: one-sided listening.

Designed for the street
The star of the club scene is now hitting the streets in its attractive new outfit. With its luxurious aluminium finish in silver or blue, it will become just as much a part of your life style as your music or your favourite shirt. The DJ headphones are equipped with a 3.5 millimetre stereo jack plug and the nominal impedance has been reduced to allow optimum connection to portable players. For those who want to control Apple products such as an iPad, iPhone or iPod directly, an additional cable with an integrated smart remote is included. This can be used not only to regulate the volume and select tracks but also to take phone calls and activate the voice control feature. “The HD 25 Amperior offers everything you need for a unique sound experience when you’re out and about. It’s the perfect combination of sound, style and functionality – without compromises,” Maurice Quarré explained.The new HD 25 Amperior will be available in shops beginning in March at a price of $349.95.

Technical Data:
Transducer principle	Dynamic, closed
Ear coupling	Supra-aural
Frequency response:	16 – 22,000 Hz
Impedance:	18 ohms
Max. sound pressure level:	120 dB (1kHz)
Total harmonic distortion (THD):	<0.3% (1kHz / 100dB)
Weight (without cable):	190 g
Cable length:	1.2 m headphone cable and 0.9 m additional detachable cable with integrated remote control

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website atwww.sennheiser.com.

Furutech / Alpha Design Labs Launches Three New Products Esprit DAC Digital Preamplifier, Stride Portable Headphone Amplifier, and iD-30P Series iDock Cables

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:23:38 +0000

Alpha Design Labs Launches Three New Products at CES, the Venetian, Suite 30-215
Esprit DAC Digital Preamplifier, Stride Portable Headphone Amplifier, and iD-30P Series iDock Cables

1/7/2012 • Tokyo, Japan • Furutech Co., Ltd., manufacturer of analog and digital audio and video cable plus a wide range of accessories, debuts several new products at CES, the ADL (Alpha Design Labs) Esprit DAC Digital Preamplifier, Stride Portable Headphone Amplifier, and the iD-30P Series iDock Cables. ADL creates quality products built to Furutech’s Pure Transmission standards at surprisingly affordable prices.

As the great jazz composer Sun Ra says, “Space is the place,” and audio enthusiasts all over the globe know that to be true. Most of us live in tight quarters and there’s little room for large, energy-depleting components. Plus a growing number of enthusiasts are using their computers to store and play music. But audiophiles and music lovers still want what they want, better sound and more convenience.

Last year Furutech introduced the popular ADL GT40 USB DAC/Analog Recorder. It’s the analog cousin of the more highly specified Esprit, a compact USB DAC/Preamplifier with digital as well as analog inputs. Completely control an analog, digital or computer-based system with superior sound while recording vinyl or any other analog or digital source to hard disk! The exceptional headphone amplifier drives 32 to 600 ohm ‘phones with aplomb. Read more about the ADL Esprit here.

The Stride, a Hip Younger Brother to the ADL Cruise Headphone Amp
It’s the age of personal, portable electronics; everyone carries their music with them. Accessories reflect your personal style. The Stride’s Black or Silver aluminum body is somewhat more low-key than the ADL Cruise’s mirror-polished stainless-steel and gorgeous carbon fiber body. But it still delivers thrilling sound when listening to low-bit-rate downloads or high resolution music files. Just connect your computer to the Stride with one of our matching ADL Formula 2 USB cables or the new i-D35SP analog stereo cables. When you’re on the road plug your music player’s analog headphone output into the line input of the Cruise and open the player’s volume to maximum and use the volume control on the Stride.

The sound of both is vivid, captivating, palpable and unheard of in this price category. The ADL Esprit and Stride Headphone Amp brings Furutech’s signature smooth, detailed clarity to music wherever you are! Read more about the ADL Stride here.

The iD-30P Series of Personal Audio Cables
You’ll need high-performance cables to connect to iDocks, headphone amps, home audio and even car systems. And there’s no better sounding (or hip-looking) cables than the iD30P series that comes in three versions to make every important connection you need.

The iD-30P series are no ordinary cables; they’ve engineered and produced with Furutech’s Pure Transmission technology and feature silver-plated α (Alpha) OCC conductor (28AWG) for minimal transmission loss and 24k gold-plated USB A-type or 3.5mm stereo connector straight or angled. The cable achieves top-grade noise isolation using double-layer shielding – aluminum foil and tinned copper – in a RoHS-compliant sheath. The main conductors are treated with Furutech’s α (Alpha) Process – a deep cryogenic and demagnetizing process. The result is outstanding, wideband, colorful and engaging sound.Read more about the ADL iD-30P iDock cables here.

ADL by Furutech, the best in high performance, high value audio!
See you at the Venetian 30-215!

www.adl-av.com • ADL product enquiries email: service@adl-av.com • Furutech Co., Ltd. Tokyo Japan

Paradigm SHIFT DeliversThree New Earbuds for High-End Audio Quality Sound with Hip, Comfortable Designs and Sport Ear Hooks

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:17:18 +0000

New earbuds and sport ear hooks can be purchased using new shopping cart function available on the Paradigm SHIFT website or from dealers nationwide.

Las Vegas, NV – International CES 2011 – January 10-13 – Venetian 30-336 – Paradigm SHIFT^™ by Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, announces three new earbuds engineered in the company’s Canadian factory as well as a pair of Sport Ear Hooks manufactured in-house. With 30 years of sound research, development and manufacturing behind it, the Paradigm brand is synonymous with high quality audio at a value price. Paradigm SHIFT follows the same objective, creating high-quality earbuds that replicate the sound of their high-end speaker lines.

Unlike most other speaker and headphone manufacturers, Paradigm has its own audio research and development facility, complete with a 36,000-cubic-foot anechoic chamber for taking accurate sound measurements. The company also has multiple double blind listening rooms used to test every product. Specifically for earbuds and personal audio products, Paradigm SHIFT employs an advanced head and torso “manikin” that acts as a human simulator, measuring the sonic properties while helping with ergonomic design and frequency response adjustments. The SHIFT team has affectionately named their manikin, Angelina. Paradigm applies the same stringent sonic testing and quality control on SHIFT earbuds as on its flagship Paradigm Reference speakers. SHIFT earbuds are critically tuned to Paradigm’s three main speaker lines: Monitor, Studio and Signature. Models are stepped in the depth and degree of bass offered.

Designed for portable personal audio, PC and gaming, the E1, E2m and E3m earbuds were built for comfort without sacrificing performance. Bass performance is enhanced by a rigid connection between the tip and actual earbud, lessening the loss of low frequencies. All three are available in black and white finishes and feature an air tight seal for superb noise isolation, three sizes of tips for ears of all sizes, a tangle-resistant 1.2 meter cord and a padded travel case/pouch for protection. The E2m and E3m models also feature an in-line remote and microphone that allow users to pause and play music as well as answer and disconnect telephone calls with one click. Available as an optional accessory (sold separately) is a pair of Sport Ear Hooks in a one-piece, comfy-curve molded polymer designed and manufactured in-house. Made for Paradigm SHIFT earbuds, new sport ear hooks sit snug around your ear even during the most intense physical activity.

“We’ve taken every possible step to ensure the new Paradigm SHIFT earbuds stand out in the over-crowded, over-hyped world of personal audio,” said Mark Aling director of marketing for Paradigm SHIFT. “We feel earbuds should sound as good as they look. Considering the depth of research and expertise put into performance, aesthetics and comfort, Paradigm SHIFT will quickly earn its place as an elite brand, inspiring a new generation of audio enthusiasts.”

Paradigm SHIFT earbuds are available from select dealers throughout North America and also direct from the Paradigm SHIFT website:www.paradigm.com/shift, from the new shopping cart function. Music lovers can find SHIFT products at local audio / video specialty stores by using theParadigm dealer locator and contacting the closest representative. Sport Ear Hooks will be available soon through the same distribution channels.

SPECIFICATIONS

E1 – Critically tuned to Paradigm’s Monitor Series 7 speakers.

Drivers: 8-mm super-neodymium

Sensitivity: 103 dB

Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 18 kHz

US FMV is $49.99/ea

E2m – Critically tuned to Paradigm’s high-end Reference Studio speakers, the E2m are a two-piece sealed construction.

Drivers: 8-mm super neodymium

Sensitivity: 104 dB

Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 19 kHz

US FMV is $99.99/ea

E3m – Critically tuned to Paradigm’s ultimate high-end Reference Signature speakers, the E3mare crafted from one-piece CNC precision-machined aluminum.

Drivers: 8-mm super-neodymium

Sensitivity: 105 dB

Frequency Response: 8 Hz – 19 kHz

US FMV is $129.99/ea

MartinLogan Motion® SLM Offers Low-Profile Power

adam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:13:34 +0000

The slimmest MartinLogan speaker ever features a multitude of install options and will change the perception of what is possible from a low-profile speaker.

Las Vegas, NV – International CES 2012 – January 10-13 – Venetian 30-335 – MartinLogan, the world’s leader in electrostatic speaker technology, proudly announces the slender Motion SLM, a wall-hanging or free standing LCR speaker that is powerful enough to stand alone and detailed enough to be used in conjunction with floor standing MartinLogan speakers. The newest from MartinLogan’s award-winning Motion Series line, the Motion SLM features dual four-inch, ultra-slim fiber cone woofers and dual four-inch high-velocity passive bass radiators, paired with a Folded Motion™ tweeter – all in an ultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs.

Slim enough to complement the thinnest wall-mounted HD displays and even projection screens, the Motion SLM steps in where underpowered, unnatural sounding TV speakers fall short. The secret to the Motion SLM’s larger-than-its-size performance is the dual ultra-slim fiber cone woofers and high-velocity passive bass radiators, which provide maximum controlled low-end bass extension from an ultra-slim profile combined with the advanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter. The high-gloss black SLM cabinet is only 1.45-inches thin, for a total wall protrusion of 1.83-inches when used with magnetic grille and included wall mount bracket.

The advanced resolution Folded Motion™ tweeter features lightning-fast transient response and a surface area eight-times that of a typical 1″ dome tweeter, for clear, highly dynamic and precise sound. MartinLogan’s dedicated in-house engineers carefully crafted the Motion Series as an affordable and compact product line that seamlessly blends the exquisite Folded Motion transducers with powerful, compact bass technology. The result is a smooth, refined sound with stunning dynamic range and jaw-dropping clarity.

Designed for maximum placement flexibility, the MartinLogan Motion SLM can be placed just about anywhere for your convenience. With keyhole slots on the speaker’s back panel that attach easily to the included wall bracket, you can have the SLM wall-mounted and playing in a matter of minutes. If on-wall mounting is not appealing, each speaker also comes with a curved black-glass base that allows it to sit vertically on a shelf or in an equipment cabinet.

Thinking of going horizontal? The Folded Motion tweeter has an 80° x 80° dispersion pattern, which allows the Motion SLM to sound exactly the same in a horizontal or vertical orientation, making them ideal for Left-Center-Right (LCR) applications. Each MartinLogan’s Motion SLM includes “kick-stand” brackets that attach to the back of the cabinet, allowing them to free-stand for horizontal center channel applications. Additionally, the logo on the grille is magnetic and can move and rotate to the proper atheistically pleasing location in any orientation.

The Motion SLM speaker is priced at $499.95 each and is shipping worldwide to MartinLogan dealers.

For more information on the new Motion SLM from MartinLogan, please visit their website at: www.martinlogan.com/motion.

###

About MartinLogan, Ltd.

Since 1983, MartinLogan has handcrafted high performance electrostatic speakers. Their award-winning designs, advanced technologies, and outstanding customer service have long made MartinLogan’s amazingly detailed speakers a must have for home theater and music lovers around the world. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, MartinLogan’s dedicated in-house design and engineering team carefully creates each speaker to provide unparalleled sound reproduction along with industry leading aesthetics.

Antelope Audio to Demonstrate its Zodiac Line of High End Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) at T.H.E. Show Home Entertainment Convention in Las Vegas

adam — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:36:46 +0000

Antelope Audio’s Zodiac line will be featured at T.H.E Show in Las Vegas

Zodiac D/A Converters (DACs) are Perfectly Suited for Home Listening Environments, Utilizing the Same Technologies Used by World-Famous Mastering Engineers

Antelope Audio will demonstrate its audiophile-grade digital to analog converters at T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, January 9th, 2012 — Antelope Audiowill demonstrate its audiophile-grade digital to analog converters (DACs) at T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas between Tuesday, January 10th and Friday, January 6th at The Flamingo Hotel, room 4044.

Antelope Audio’s high-end Zodiac D/A converters (DACs) are based on the company’s proprietary clocking and conversion technologies developed for world’s top mastering professionals and sound engineers in the music, film and television industries. Antelope brings to audiophiles’ home environment the highest audio quality available only at the leading and most technically demanding sound studios around the globe.

During T.H.E. Show, music lovers will have the opportunity to experience the pristine sound quality of all three models – Zodiac, Zodiac+ and Zodiac Gold. All of them utilize Antelope’s famous Oven Controlled Clock and Acoustically Focused Clocking as well as the custom USB chip, which allows audio streaming of up to 384 kHz.

Morten Lindberg the founder of Lindberg Lyd and the music label 2L, and several times Grammy Award nominee says “The Zodiac Gold is now our preferred DAC for proof listening of our 352.8kHz/24bit stereo master files.”

“The best way to experience Antelope Audio is to listen to our products first hand,” explained Marcel James, director of sales for Antelope Audio. “At T.H.E. Show, we will be reaching a very focused contingent of discerning audiophiles, who are keen to take the home listening experience to the next level. With our unique clocking and conversion technology, they can achieve that goal.”

Zodiac DACs: Unprecedented detail and clarity
The Antelope Audio Zodiacs help audiophile consumers and home listeners experience a new level of detail, sound clarity and warmth. Featuring a plug and play interface that connects seamlessly to a Mac, PC or just about any other digital media source, the Zodiacs deliver up to 384 kHz resolution audio, dramatically improving the listening experience on both loudspeakers and headphones. Antelope’s proprietary clocking technology, which is shielded from other electronic components to maintain a consistent temperature, is at the core of the Antelope sound and results in astounding accuracy, dynamics and stereo placement of the audio.

The Zodiacs are also particularly attractive to audio consumers who use headphones, being designed for precise monitoring with a wide range of headphone impedance. Ultra linear, dual stage headphone amplifiers, which are controlled by a dedicated volume knob, deliver smooth sound at both high and low levels.

To learn more about T.H.E. Show or to register, please visithttp://www.theshowlasvegas.com.

About Antelope Audio
Antelope Audio is the brainchild of Igor Levin, renowned creator of the legendary AardSync and a number of innovations in digital audio and synchronization technology. In 2004, Igor created Antelope Audio, with the goal to take audio recording and music appreciation to the next level. The company is dedicated to helping people achieve high-quality audio both in recording studios and the home environment.

Antelope Audio pioneered the adoption of the Atomic clocking in Audio Master Clocks. The proprietary 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology, together with the unique Oven Control, are considered to be the gold standard for professional recording and mastering studios.

Antelope Audio has two product lines. The Integrity Line is the line of USB DACs, targeting both audiophiles and professionals. Isochrone Line offers professional master clocks and sync generators for audio and video applications. For more information, visit our website at www.antelopeaudio.com.

High-end sound without cables: Sennheiser presents RS220 digital wireless headphones

adam — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:33:48 +0000

High-end sound without cables: Sennheiser presents RS 220 digital wireless headphones

Old Lyme, Conn., January 9, 2012 –High-end audio fans attach great importance to loss-free transmission of the sound signal between the source and the ears. In the past, wireless audio transmission has come up against its limits. Now however, audio specialistSennheiser is opening up a new class of wireless listening with the new RS 220 wireless headphones. The digital wireless headphones have a full, detailed sound while offering total freedom of movement.

Headphone development is driven by the challenge of reproducing sound that is as lifelike and direct as possible. Up until now, cabled headphones had a far better audio quality than wireless headphones. But now, the RS 220 from Sennheiser is setting new standards. “With these digital wireless headphones, we have succeeded for the first time in combining wireless music enjoyment with high-end quality,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management at Sennheiser Consumer Electronics, describing the new RS 220.

Superior wireless listening pleasure
Many years of experience in the field of wireless transmission and audio technology have gone into the development of the new digital headphones. Dynamic transducers with powerful neodymium magnets ensure clear, lifelike audio reproduction with a frequency response of 19 to 21,000 hertz. The maximum sound pressure level of the open, circumaural headphones is 106 decibels. In the RS 220, the transmitter sends the audio signals to the headphones without compression via a stable 2.4 GHz connection using the so-called Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technique. “This is a frequency spreading process in which the output signal is spread to a width of 22 MHz by means of a specified bit sequence. If interference occurs at one point within this frequency range, the output signal experiences no interference as the data is transmitted with redundancy, in other words several times. As a result, only a minimal and inaudible part of the whole information is affected and the overall sound quality is not influenced,” explained Axel Grell, Senior Acoustical Engineer at Sennheiser. The headphones have a range of up to 100 metres without the need for the transmitter and receiver to be in the same room. A further advantage of the transmission process is the low latency and thus minimum delay of the audio signal.

The RS 220 offers a variety of connection possibilities (click on image for hi-res).

Choice of several connection possibilities
The sound quality of a set of headphones is decisively dependent, among other things, on the connection between the audio source and the headphones. As the data between the transmitter and receiver is transmitted wirelessly in theRS 220, the feeding of the data from the audio source to the transmitter is particularly important. For this reason, the headphone system has an analogue, a coaxial digital and an optical digital input. Discerning users can decide themselves on the type and quality of the audio signal being fed in. Sensor buttons on the transmitter or directly on the headphones enable users to switch back and forth between the sources.

Lifelike sound experience
An important means of creating a musical effect is the transition between quiet and loud passages, as can be heard for example in Ravel’s Bolero. Conventional digital data transmission sometimes reduces this dynamic range, as an optimum signal volume for the entire data package is often assigned to the information when the analogue signal is converted into a digital data package. To preserve the original dynamics of a piece of music, the RS 220 completely dispenses with the automatic level control function. The data of the digital sources is transmitted unchanged, and the user can manually adjust the reference volume for the analogue inputs. As a result, the system comes very close to the audiophile ideal: a lifelike sound experience.

Maximum comfort
Operating the RS 220 is extremely easy. An on/off switch, controls for selecting the audio source and tracks, as well as a volume control are directly integrated into the headphones. There is also a control to individually adjust the volume balance between right and left. Setting up the wireless headphones for the first time is equally easy. Simply connect the transmitter to the audio or video device using the chosen connector, put on the headphones and switch on. The headphones come with rechargeable batteries that guarantee up to eight hours of listening enjoyment and which can be conveniently recharged while still in the headphones. As an added feature, the transmitter can also be used to supply a second optional set of headphones – for shared listening pleasure. The RS 220 will be available in late January and carries a street price of $599.95.

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website atwww.sennheiser.com.

XLO Debuts UltraPLUS™ Cables

adam — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:54:44 +0000

1/6/2012 • Ultralink/XLO Products, an innovative and prolific manufacturer of award-winning audio and video interconnects, cables, power products and accessories, is excited to introduce a new cable line called UltraPLUS.

UltraPLUS cables – at dealers in March – are updated replacements for the original and popular Ultra™ Series and were modeled on the popular Reference™ cables using XLO’s effective “exoskeleton” Field Balanced™ Winding Geometry with all-PTFE dielectrics, core structures and jacketing.

UltraPLUS incorporates many of the innovations and technologies that made XLO famous, a new benchmark in quality, affordable, high-performance cables. Rather than 6N – six-nines – laboratory-grade copper UltraPlus is composed of single-filament, solid-core PC-OCC – Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Cast wire – with an attractive black and purple jacket. XLO significantly improved the already low self-inductance of the hand-terminated 24k direct gold-plated RCA or proprietary XLR connectors. You’ll hear more deeply and feel more connected to music than ever before! And everyone will appreciate their competitive pricing.

Pick up an XLO UltraPLUS cable and take a close look at its winding geometry. These Integrated Field-Balanced™ surface/diving winding techniques minimizes frequency-related phase-shift by reducing the thickness of each conductor grouping plus the diameter of each individual wire within the bundle to no more than twice the penetration depth – the depth within a wire that signal passes. In this way all frequencies pass through the entire thickness of the wire avoiding the signal-layer stratification effect.

Also notice what XLO calls the controlled “quasi-random” surface/diving winding of each wire bundle. It ensures no wire has what can be called a “normal” position within the grouping thus avoiding any “normal” phase-shift characteristics. Topologically speaking the cable has no surface or center and so frequency-related phase shift is effectively canceled allowing XLO cables to work better with a greater number of components.

UltraPLUS cables include Single-Ended and Balanced interconnects, Speaker cables, a Phono cable (available late Q1 2012), Coaxial Digital, AES/EBU Digital, Prices start at $150 for a half-meter single-ended interconnect.

Try them and you’ll agree… they sound like nothing at all!

CEntrance Ships “Audiophile Desktop” Bundle

adam — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:45:27 +0000

Las Vegas, NV – January 10, 2012 – At the 2012 CES show in Las Vegas, CEntrance, Inc. begins shipping its new Audiophile Desktop(tm) product bundle. The system packs a stereo pair of “MasterClass(tm) 2504″ desktop 2-way coaxial speakers and the “DACmini(tm) PX” desktop amplifier and DAC. The bundle also includes a travel case with custom foam cushioning as well as speaker and USB cables. The Audiophile Desktop system was designed from the ground up to bring Hi-Fi sound straight to the desktop for today’s Internet-connected consumers. The DAC, amp and speakers are closely matched and properly voiced to work in concert. The Audiophile Desktop bundle provides a complete digital audio listening solution for a street price of $2,000 USD and is available for ordering now.

“Today’s networked users, who spend their day at the desk, are forced to listen to inferior audio quality piped through standard computer speakers. That’s no fun. We pioneered the Audiophile Desktop concept to free your music from consumer-grade sound, offering mastering-level audio quality in a compact, desktop-friendly format,” states Michael Goodman, Managing Director of CEntrance. “We have tuned this system for performance and it offers better results than ad-hoc collections of components from several manufacturers. We’re confident that the new Audiophile Desktop System will turn some heads and ears.”

The recently released, powered DACmini PX follows in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed DACmini CX, which has garnered glowing reviews from top magazines and websites internationally with its unique “musicality and sonic detail.” Combined with stylish, compact design, it offers an array of useful features, such as analog and digital inputs and 192kHz / 24-bit capability. The new ‘MasterClass 2504′ near field speakers boldly define ‘mastering-quality’ sound for the listener’s immediate environment.

While professional musicians have long embraced ‘near-field’ monitors as a standard way to listen during music production and mastering process, the Hi-Fi community’s link to smaller ‘bookshelf’ and ‘computer’ speakers typically falls short of sonic expectations. CEntrance, whose roots are in the Pro Audio community, is changing that with its new system of sonically balanced components. These components include features such as patented ‘Co-planar’ transducer technology (tweeter and bass driver working surface located on the same vertical plane), all-wood speaker construction, an integrated amp with volume control and on-board custom-designed digital 25-watt amplifier. All of this is built with the utmost care for technical integrity and quiet, interference-free performance.

Each MasterClass 2504 speaker features a full-range two-way 4-inch transducer, a carefully tuned bass-reflex cavity, a musical cross-over circuit with custom frequency-shaping components and 25 watts of power-handling capability. The speakers are finished in black piano lacquer to match the black anodized finish of the DACmini PX.

DACmini PX is a compact DAC with built-in Class A headphone and Class D speaker amplifier designed to perfectly complement the MasterClass 2504 speakers. It’s a preamp and digital to analog converter with multiple I/O options including: USB, optical, coax S/PDIF, analog input and output, and a front-mounted 1/4-inch connector for professional headphones. It features a proprietary JitterGuard(tm) jitter elimination system, and plug-and-play driverless USB connection on Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Galvanically-isolated, gold-plated RCA connectors provide analog input and output. The extended range volume control is matched to the MasterClass speakers and also accommodates a wide array of headphones, from IEMs to professional high-impedance models.

The DACmini PX’s form-factor matches the classic Apple “Mac mini” computer footprint, creating a perfect platform for an audiophile-level music server on your desktop. Using the S/PDIF inputs the DAC features 192kHz 24-bit conversion quality. For the USB connection using ASIO, a free, downloadable CEntrance ‘Universal Diver’ is available from CEntrance.

The Audiophile Desktop bundle is available for ordering now at a street price of $2,000 USD.

Come meet CEntrance at CES 2012 and experience the Audiophile Desktop for yourself. We are located at the entrance to T.H.E. SHOW at the Flamingo Hotel, see: http://www.theshowlasvegas.com

CEntrance is expanding its dealer network. To inquire, please call +1 (847) 581-0500 or e-mail at sales@centrance.com.

About CEntrance, Inc.
Founded in 2000, CEntrance develops innovative audio entertainment products and licenses its technology to industry leading brands, such as Playback Designs, Bel Canto, Benchmark, PS Audio, and Lavry. Our portable recording and playback solutions have earned enthusiastic endorsements from artists such as Harry Shearer, Nathan East and Will Lee, and mastering engineers Bob Katz, Brian Gardner and sound designer Frank Serafine, among many others. CEntrance is headquartered in Chicago and distributes its products worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.CEntrance.com