News

Simaudio, Ltd. has proudly introduced its MOON limited edition (LE) series audio components, a "reference level" music system which consists of the MOON Nova LE CD player and MOON i-5 LE dual-mono integrated amplifier (75Wpc/8 ohms). The company will produce only 250 units of each model per year. They feature polished chrome accents, thick brushed-and-anodized silver faceplates, and custom two-meter Cardas power cords. The MOON Nova LE CD player is priced at $3500; the MOON i-5 integrated amplifier is $3200.

Simaudio has also launched its MOON limited edition "Balanced Differential Music System," made up of the MOON Eclipse LE CD player, the MOON P-5 LE dual-mono preamplifier, and the MOON W-5 LE dual-mono power amplifier (200Wpc/8 ohms). Production will be limited to 250 units of each model this year. Prices: MOON Eclipse LE CD player, $7200; MOON W-5 LE power amplifier, $6000; MOON P-5 LE preamplifier, $5200. The new products should be available by the end of January.

Linn Products, Ltd. has announced its Chakra, a "new high-efficiency, ultra-linear power amplification audio circuit topology," using monolithic (single-chip) circuits to contain all required audio circuitry within a few square millimeters of silicon. The company claims the technique makes for the shortest possible signal path, reducing unwanted interference and enabling amplifiers to operate at higher speeds. Linn spent more than five years researching the technique, according to a recent announcement.

The first product to benefit from this revised topology is a new higher performance version of the Klimax Chakra 500 Twin. Improvements are said to include better sonic performance, cooler running temperature, better accuracy, higher and reliability. The Chakra 500 Twin resembles its predecessor but improves upon it in every respect, Linn claims.

NAD has debuted 17 new products, including the T 163 A/V tuner preamplifier, the T 973 7-channel power amplifier, the S170i surround sound preamp/processor, the C 162 stereo preamplifier, the C 272 power amplifier, and the C422 FM/AM tuner. NAD believes that "two-channel audio will always have a place in whole-house entertainment installations," and is therefore introducing two new class-A integrated stereo amps, the C 372 and C 352, as well as two new CD players, the C 542 and C 521BEE. New NAD power amplifiers and A/V receivers adhere to the conservative Full Disclosure Power rating wherein all channels are driven simultaneously, at full bandwidth of 20Hz–20kHz, with less than 0.08% THD at 4 and 8 ohms.

The T 973 7-channel power amplifier delivers 140Wpc of continuous power with all seven channels driven. It sells for $1999. The T163 A/V tuner/preamplifier offers the latest 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1 digital surround formats with conversion of the decoded digital bitstream using high-performance 24-bit/92kHz DACs on all channels. The $1499 T 163 features multi-zone output, three 12V triggers, and a learning remote.

NAD's new A/V receivers span four new models: the T 773, T763, T753, and T 743. The T 773 is NAD's first full seven-channel receiver, delivering 110Wpc. The T 763 is rated at 100Wpc x6, the T 753 puts out 70Wpc x6, and the T 743 delivers 50Wpc x5. The T 773 and T 763 come with an RS-232 port for controllability and future software upgrades. The T 773, T 763, and T 753 have built-in second zone capability with independent source, and volume and separate ZR-2 mini remote controls. They also have pre-out/main in for all channels. Prices on the T 773, T 763, T 753, T 743: $1799, $1399, $999, and $699, respectively.

NAD's upgraded S170i A/V Surround Sound preamp/processor is now THX Ultra 2 certified, offering many digital formats including 7.1 channel decoding schemes, THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital EX, and DTS ES. The S170i combines ultra-high-speed DSP processing employing the latest generation Motorola DSP with fully 24-bit/96kHz-capable D/A converters for all eight channels. The bass management crossover frequency can be adjusted in 10Hz increments from 40Hz to 200Hz (except in THX mode, where 80Hz is specified). The S170i is fully upgradeable, has a solid heavy-gauge, sandblasted aluminum chassis, and comes with a learning remote to control up to eight devices. Retail price will be $3499.

NAD's C 162 stereo preamplifier offers six line-level inputs (including tape in/outs) and MM/MC phono capability. A modular FET amp operating in class-A is used for both line input and output stages. Two line-level preamp outputs are provided for bi-amping, with one pre-out offering adjustable gain—making the C 162 capable of driving several power amps in parallel. The C 162 sells for $599. The C 272 power amplifier delivers 160Wpc of continuous power with both channels driven at rated distortion into 4 or 8 ohms. The bridgeable amp is capable of 300W in mono mode. Price is $699. NAD also has two new integrated amps, the 150Wpc C 372 and the 80WpcC 352. The C 372 is also bridgeable, delivering 350W in mono. Suggested retail prices for the C372 and C 352 are $899 and $599 respectively.

The company's new CD players have separate power regulators for the digital and analog sections, isolating the two electrically for reduced RF interference. The C 542 employs 24-bit Burr-Brown DACs, while the C 521 BEE (the initials are those of Bjorn Erik Edvardsen) is equipped with 20-bit high resolution Burr-Brown S-D DACs. The C 542 will sell for $499; the C 521 BEE for $299.