Marantz Reference

Marantz Reference

Sep 07, 2007

Marantz was showing some heavy metal: Its new line of reference components, which will only be available at select dealers. Shown here are the SA-11S2 SACD player ($6999.99), the SA-7S2 stereo control preamplifier ($7999.99), and the MA-9S2 monoblock power amplifiers ($7999.99 each).

Pioneer's Flagship Two-Chassis Receiver

Pioneer's Flagship Two-Chassis Receiver

Sep 07, 2007

Pioneer showed a number of interesting new products in two-channel electronics and speakers. but pride of place was ceded to their new flagship A/V receiver, the SC-09TX. This is almost, but not quite, a pair of separates with the 10-channel, ICE-powered class-D amp confined to a chassis separated from the rest of the digital and line-level electronics. The main 7 channels are rated at 200W, operated simultaneously. I thought it notable that the amplifier chassis is configured to be under the main chassis and that indicates that we’ve reached a point where the efficiency of class-D amps allows the power-hungry DSP and video processing to breathe out the top. Fans help, too. Every conceivable input and output is provided including 6 HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, accommodations for XM, Sirius, and iPod input, and a talented EtherNet link. I show you the back panel to impress you with the connectivity and the distinct chassis for the power amp. The front panel sports a 4" LCD for control and video previewing.

What's the point? AND, I thought

Forums
Amplification
Submitted by CECE on

that the special LOW power unuseable amps, with magical sonic virtues is what ya need. Actual power capacity and current abilty of a better amp, with the abilty to drive a speaker is unnecessary? Magic 10 Watts is all ya need. hmmm, I've been saying without WATTS and drivers to use it, there is no realism, there is no lifelike reproduction. Anyone who thinks some clock radio size amp will make it happen is mis directed. Now we have this, heavily promoted brand, trying to sell on both sides of the marketing sides? It's still low power for the money.

New Hi-Tech amp doesn't sound so good.

Forums
General Rants 'n' Raves
Submitted by cyclebrain on

I've been driving my Watt Puppies with an old NAD 2200 amp.
Big headroom, high current, out of phase channels in order to balance power supply load between plus and minus sides.
Built a new amp using Hypex class D modules that are being raved about. Spent about $1000 to build. At first listen the bass was weak and sloppy. Made some measurements and they were O.K.
Then measured the in room response and it checked O.K.
Then went and did some subjective listening again.
Still liked my old amp better.
Whats with this?
I spent $1000!

BoomBoxzilla

Forums
The Entry Level
Submitted by Leopold Dilg on

Hi all,

Well I'd given up on forums in this quest but I stumbled by your place here and read some threads and thought, what the hell, yeah they're audiophiles but maybe they will find it in their hearts to help a lowly music lover.

And I promise not to say I like mp3s, that has a tendency to make the crickets chirp even louder.

My musical evolution (maybe I'll be walking upright by the time it's over);

45s>LPs>8track>cassette>CD>digital

And Now For Something Completely Different

And Now For Something Completely Different

Sep 06, 2007

McIntosh has introduced a turntable. It has the classic black and blue faceplate, which looked a tad bizarre to these eyes. The platter is "polished, fully-balanced green tint," meaning glass, we presume. The tonearm and cartridge are custom-made by McIntosh. An isolated speed stabilizer drives the precision motor.

Holy Sapphire

Holy Sapphire

Sep 06, 2007

Dynaudio actually had a "production prototype" of its $16,500 Sapphire 30 30<SUP>th</SUP> anniversary loudspeaker at CEDIA, seen here photographed by Kal Rubinson. All of the drivers are "Evidence-grade," Michael Manoussellis told us. The drivers are Dynaudio's 1.1" (28mm) soft-dome tweeter, 5.5" (15cm) MSP-cone midrange, and two 8" MSP-cone woofers. The cabinet is faceted, hence the jewel reference. It's pretty dramatic looking. Now we're slavering to <I>hear</I> it.

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