The Newsletter of Len Wallis Audio
Summer 2016/17
Super nova150 Peachtree’s amp for a new age
Devialet Goes Gold Come & hear the sound of innovation
A LEGEND REBORN Yamaha’s NS-5000 loudspeakers
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B E S T AV R E C E I V E R U N D E R $ 2 ,0 0 0
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Slim, sophisticated, and well connected 7.1 channels of Marantz sonic purity plus advanced network and control capabilities connect you to a world of stunning sound. Wired or wireless, your music and soundtracks come alive with authentic power and passion. Life-size sound and world-class quality in a compact AV Surround Receiver.
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Available at
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Inside... 04 From the desk of Len
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06 Yamaha delivers a new classic in the NS-5000, plus new receivers and more MusicCast! 08 Devialet goes for gold with its latest Phantom... 10 Rega spins out three new Planar turntables
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The art of networking
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HEOS goes high-res, plus PS Audio’s Direct Stream Junior DAC
14 A special speaker plus Secrets from Triangle 15
Peachtree and Musical Fidelity deliver new ideas
16 A Higher Power... Our team undertakes a huge theatre upgrade 18
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Power and passion from Marantz & Krell
19 Naim’s New Uniti range 20 Our secondhand department can help with products new and old! 21
Headphone news from B&W and Sennheiser
23 Blu-ray goes Ultra HD 24 Inakustic – German cables with a difference 26 Check out our Specials!
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28 Something collectable to decorate your music room or home theatre... 29 Accessories make the perfect audio gift – see our seasonal selection!
64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066 Telephone 02 9427 6755 sales@lenwallisaudio.com.au TRADING HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday: 9 to 5.30 Thursday: 9 to 8; Saturday: 9 to 5; Sunday: closed THE LATEST IS ONLINE! – www.lenwallisaudio.com
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EDITORIAL
FROM THE DESK OF LEN
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udio journalist Rod Easdown recently wrote a piece in The Sydney Morning Herald about the importance of the amplifier in your system, and how as the music played becomes more demanding, the greater the differences are between amps. While this may seem obvious to us within the industry, it did highlight the fact that many people take their choice of amplifier for granted. Rod pointed out that when playing music by an artist like Eva Cassidy the difference in amplifiers can be limited (but still apparent.) However play Shostakovich’s 5th (particularly at the volume level it deserves) and it is a completely different story. A piece like the 5th is dynamic and complex, with massed
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instruments all struggling to be heard. It is a beautiful, dynamic and involving piece of music, but it can be taxing on your system. However, your choice of amplifier can also depend on more than your musical preferences. The larger or the more absorbent your room is, the more power you will need to fill it. Likewise for the volume you play your music at. Many assume that a 100-watt amplifier will play twice as loud as one rated at 50 watts. In reality to double the volume output of an amplifier (10dB) you need to increase the RMS rating by as much as 10 times, although some argue that in reality a 6dB increase will achieve the desired result, an increase of RMS × 4. A much more important element in the power game is the speakers that you are using. All speakers present a resistance to the amplifier, referred to as efficiency and measured as the output of the
speaker at a distance of 1 meter with an input of 1 watt. The most ‘efficient’ speaker that we carry is 91dB, while the least efficient is 84dB. To gain the same output on the 84dB speaker that we are getting from the 91dB unit we would need to increase the rated power of the amplifier by more than 400% (i.e. if we are using a 100-watt amplifier with the more efficient speaker we would need a 400-watt amplifier to get the same output from the 84dB model). So the effect of using a speaker which is 3dB more efficient is the same as purchasing an amplifier of double the rated RMS rating. It is not an uncommon request for a system with a really powerful amplifier because the client likes to play their music loud. A more efficient and cost-effective solution would be to request a very efficient speaker!
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HEADPHONE SYSTEM OF THE YEAR
PEACHTREE nova150
KRELL iBIAS CLASS A AMPLIFIERS The radical new KRELL iBias power amplifiers combine the musicality of Class A with high energy efficiency. iBias technology eliminates crossover distortion producing the low level detail, subtlety and spatiality of traditional Class A designs with the almost limitless dynamics that are the hallmark of Krell’s sound.
TRIANGLE LOUDSPEAKERS Since its early beginnings in 1980, TRIANGLE has made research and technological innovation its priorities, with the ultimate aim of offering music lovers a natural sound of the highest quality. This constant improvement and innovation is what makes Triangle loudspeakers unique. Experience the Triangle Elara, Esprit EZ and Signature ranges, plus some exciting new products at this year’s Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show.
PEACHTREE AUDIO are back with the new nova150 integrated amplifier, their best sounding and most feature-rich product ever. Features include the latest Reference ESS Sabre DSD DAC, multiple digital inputs including lightning for Apple iOS, volume control bypass, a custom-designed headphone amplifier, an MM phono input, and an optional Wi-Fi module. Available in stunning new gloss ebony mocha and piano black finishes, and now 100% made in North America. Peachtree Audio 2.0 has arrived.
S TA X EARSPEAKER SYSTEM From their first electrostatic headphone in the 1960’s, to the release of the Lambda Earspeaker 20 years later, STAX have always been held in the highest regard. The new Stax SRS-3100 system gives music lovers on a budget an introduction to the soundstage, musicality and dynamics that Stax has always offered. The Stax SRS-5100 system combines the updated Lambda SR-L500 Earspeakers with the new balanced SRM353X driver for one of the best value head-fi systems available. Based on the flagship SR-009, the new SR-L700 Earspeakers offer exceptional dynamics, bass, and detail when paired with the matching SRM-007tII tube driver. Audition the Stax experience today.
MUSICAL FIDELITY N U - V I S TA C D P L AY E R
MUSICAL FIDELITY M6 ENCORE 225
The Nu-Vista CD is the perfect match for the Nu-Vista 800 integrated amplifier. The build quality and aesthetic design of both amp and CD are precisely matched, wholly designed with exactly the same sonic parameters and impeccable technical performance — very low distortion and low noise, excellent linearity and superlative phase response. A CD player and Digital hub, with two coax and two optical digital inputs, and balanced or single ended outputs. This is cutting-edge technical performance with the magic of Nu-Vistors.
The easy-to-use and intuitive Encore 225 is the complete audio solution for keeping your music in one place. With a wide range of analogue and digital audio inputs, it also has an inbuilt CD player and upgradeable 2TB hard disk drive for storage – enough for over 5000 CD’s. It has network connectivity, and is compatible with most wireless network speakers, then delivers 225 watts per channel of superb Musical Fidelity power, plus a high quality headphone amplifier. It’s a complete and virtually futureproof hi-fi solution.
info@audiomarketing.com.au 02 9882 3877 www.audiomarketing.com.au www.audiomarketing.com.au
See us in Audio Suite 330 at the Australian
info@audiomarketing.com.au 9882 3877The Rialto Hi-Fi & AV Show,02 InterContinental Melbourne, October 21-October 23, 2016
YAMAHA
Yamaha’s new speakers were inspired by the NS-1000M (below), released in 1974 and remaining in production until 1996.
A Classic Reborn Yamaha NS-5000 loudspeakers
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here is no shortage of ‘Classics’ in this industry, but one of the most revered is the NS-1000M loudspeaker from Yamaha. Initially released in 1974 this speaker is still sought after by collectors and audiophiles alike. There have been persistent rumours that Yamaha would release an updated version of this speaker, and the rumours have proven true – the new NS-5000 is now on the market, albeit in very small numbers. In fact the production of this product is so limited
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that while we have a pair on display we do not hold stock. All NS-5000s sold will be supplied direct by Yamaha. The NS-5000 is almost identical in design to its predecessor, although there have been some changes in the materials used. For example the tweeter of Beryllium, a material which is very difficult to work with, has given way to a synthetic polymer called Zylon. Interestingly the sound comparison between the two models is very close, which may explain why a speaker designed 42 years ago still attracts so much interest. Like the NS-1000M
before them they have a very open and detailed character with superb imagery. In fact I was somewhat taken back by how good these speakers sounded, given that they are based on such an old design – they certainly give nothing away to more modern ‘innovations’. The NS-5000s sell for $19,900 a pair.
YAMAHA
NEW YAMAHA AV RECEIVERS
In our last newsletter we made mention of two of Yamaha’s latest Aventage 60 series Audio Visual receivers. We are pleased to announce that we have now received the full range of this series. The new models are:
• RX-A1060 – 7.2 110-watt/channel $2,099 • RX-A2060 – 9.2 140-watt/channel $2,499 • RX-A3060 – 11.2 150-watt/channel $2,999 (Power ratings are for two channels driven into 8 ohms.)
NEW
R-N402 STEREO RECEIVER
MusicCast Yamaha have expanded their MusicCast offering with four new products: • WX-010. This is now the smallest and least expensive speaker in the Yamaha MusicCast line-up. $249 • WXA-50. A compact 70-watt/channel 2.1 amplifier with Bluetooth and AirPlay (pictured below). Stream from or to this amplifier from any other MusicCast devices in your home. $699
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• WXC-50. A pre-amplifier version of the WXA-50. Connect this to any existing amplifier or receiver to convert it to MusicCast-enabled. $479. • YSP-2700 Soundbar. This is Yamaha’s third soundbar that is MusicCastenabled. $1,499. With the ever-increasing number of MusicCast-enabled Audio Visual and Hi-Fi components now on the market, Yamaha has one of the most compelling wireless multi-room offerings on the market. You can start with a system of whatever quality you like, be it a simple midi system through to a full dedicated Home Theatre, and then stream from this throughout the home to a wide variety of MusicCast products, all from one company.
Yamaha is one of the few companies to recognise that today’s two-channel devotees are utilising more than CD, vinyl and radio as a source. Their new R-N402 is a very good 100-watt/channel receiver in its own right, with all of the traditional inputs and functions. At the same time it supports: • Bluetooth and AirPlay wireless connectivity – and also Bluetooth output, so you can stream from the RN402 to any Bluetooth speakers or headphones. • Front-mounted USB input giving instant access to your stored music. • Network connectivity allowing access to Internet Radio and various streaming services. • Digital inputs for TV, Blu-ray etc. connectivity. • A control app for iOS and Android. • Most importantly it features MusicCast, offering multi-room wireless connectivity.
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DEVIALET
The Gold Standard
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here has been a distinct shortage of truly innovative companies in this industry during the last few decades. Certainly the internet has changed the methods of content delivery, but from there it has been business as usual.
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French company Devialet has really bucked the trend. Their ‘Expert’ range of amplifiers is a total departure from what has come before. The technology that goes into these models is unprecedented. However it is their wireless speakers, the Phantom series, which are attracting
most of the attention, and for good reason. This range represents a showcase of extraordinary engineering. Firstly this product looks nothing like anything that has preceded it – its appearance is more modern sculpture than audio component. Secondly the level Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
DEVIALET
response of 14Hz to 27kHz – very few high-end audio systems can boast that, and those that can are many multiples of the price of the Gold Phantom. Plus – for the technical minded – it has a distortion level of 0.0005%, effectively non-existent. As you would expect, this unit will play high-resolution music files along with everything else from MP3 up. Like all Phantom models, the Gold is wireless via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and
of power and performance achieved from a relatively small package is uncanny.
Going for Gold Devialet have just released the latest addition to the range – the Gold Phantom as pictured here in our main image. Externally it looks the same as its less expensive siblings, other than the gold-plated side panels. However the specifications are astounding. It has a peak rated power output of 4,500 watts (that’s correct – four thousand, five hundred) producing 108dB of sound pressure level. That is the equivalent of a rock concert! It also has a rated frequency
features both Ethernet and optical inputs. It is also possible to pair two Phantom Golds to make a stereo pair. The Devialet marketing department claims that the Gold is “The best sound in the world”. While we may not agree with this claim it is easily the best wireless speaker of its kind we know of – plus it is tons of fun. It is also a welcome departure from what we have come to expect from electronic companies. Even if it is out of curiosity, do drop in and have a listen to the Phantom Gold. You will enjoy the experience.
DEVIALET EXPERT PRO At the time of writing the new Pro series of Expert amplifiers from Devialet had not hit the Australian market, but it is anticipated that we will see the first models during November. Devialet have taken quite an extraordinary product and improved on it, and lay claim to some outstanding specifications along the way. When was the last time someone claimed a THD figure of 0.0001%, or a Signal-to-Noise ratio of 133dB?
There will be four new models in total: • DEVIALET EXPERT 130PRO 2 x 130 watts. • DEVIALET EXPERT 220PRO 2 x 220 watts. • DEVIALET EXPERT 440PRO Dual mono configuration – 2 x 440 watts. • DEVIALET EXPERT 1000PRO Dual mono configuration – 2 x 1,000 watts.
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REGA
REGA PLANAR 3 $1249 excluding cartridge
Rega spins out new Planars
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en Wallis Audio celebrated its 38th year this year, and for every one of those years we have recommended and sold Rega turntables. This UK company, which started in 1973, must be relishing the general return to vinyl. In the last issue of Headlines we announced the arrival of the Rega Planar 3 (above). Since then Rega have followed this with two additional releases, the replacement of the RP1,
REGA PLANAR 1 $549 including cartridge.
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Rega FONO
REGA PLANAR 2 $849 including cartridge.
called the Planar 1, and between them, the new Planar 2. Having three models under the price of $1,250 makes this a very compelling range. And there is more to the new models than a simple lick of paint – the new range was two years in development, and almost every element of the old series has been re-developed.
Also new (at LWA at least) is Rega’s Fono moving magnet phono pre-amplifier. The demise of the Musical Fidelity V90 LPS meant that we needed a goodquality mid-priced replacement, and the Fono fits the bill perfectly. This unit has won the WHAT HI-FI? Phono Pre-amp of the Year – twice – and sells for $449.
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NETWORKING
Good Networking
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i-Fi sales may not be a category that you immediately associate with a Hi-Fi store, but the task of listening to music or watching video is rapidly changing. The end result is the same, but we are now dealing with technologies that we never considered to be part of this industry, and one of these technologies is networking – and in particular, Wi-Fi. A large percentage of the products and technologies that we recommend and install today are reliant on a rock-solid home network, yet this is something sadly overlooked or misunderstood in many homes. At Len Wallis Audio we spend an inordinate amount of our time troubleshooting and servicing installations utilising wireless technology (Sonos, HEOS, Bluesound etc.). This is time-consuming, and can be a source of annoyance and frustration for our clients. Yet I can guarantee you that in 99.99% of cases the problem has nothing to do with the product itself. It is, for example, extremely rare to find a faulty Sonos component. Rather these are network-related problems. We have been installing network systems for a couple of years now, but not the usual ‘garden’ variety many are familiar with. We install only commercial-grade systems, a necessity in today’s high demand world. They cost a
little more than solutions offered by the major outlets or your ISP provider, but they are robust, and they work. In the past you could get by with a low-cost off-the-shelf system – in most cases you were using your Wi-Fi simply to access your laptop. These days every home has multiple Wi-Fienabled devices, with various members of the household trying to access the network at the same time. More importantly we are demanding more from the network – streaming CD-quality music or highresolution video for example. Our choice of Wireless Access Points (WAP) is Ruckus, which is the most robust Wi-Fi solution we have used. Initially developed for commercial environments – in hotels, stadiums, universities etc. – their transition into the domestic arena was a natural progression. They were
recently commissioned to upgrade the wireless network for one of Sydney’s universities, and the project brief was that they needed to cope with 40,000 users, each with (on average) 2.7 wireless devices. If they can cope with this level of demand, managing your home is not going to be a problem! If you are unsure of the capabilities of your existing network we offer an in-home survey service. This costs $330, you get a professional analysis of your network and suggested upgrades if considered necessary. The $330 is refunded against the upgrade cost if you go ahead. Wi-Fi is a source of irritation for many of our clients, and the issue is only going to get worse as increased numbers of Wi-Fi-enabled devices find their way into your home. If you are looking for an upgrade for your audio or A/V system, it may make sense to include your network as part of that upgrade.
High-quality networking – Ruckus by name, but very much no ruckus in operation.
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HEOS – PS AUDIO
HEOS goes Hi-Res
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he future of wireless streaming is Hi-Resolution. We have had access to ‘all the music in the world’ for many years now, and consumers now want to listen to this at the best resolution possible. HEOS has upgraded two of their products to take advantage of this trend.
The HEOS 7 (above) is the largest of their wireless speakers, and hence the one that could benefit the most by moving to Hi-Resolution. The other model is the Link (pictured above right). This unit connects to your existing Hi-Fi system bringing all that HEOS has to offer to your existing Hi-Fi system.
This is a natural upgrade, as it is in this environment where the advantages of Hi-Resolution will be most obvious. The good news is that HEOS have not increased their prices on these new models, with the HEOS 7 HS selling for $999, and the Link HS for $599.
The Bridge 11 is PS Audio’s streamer, and a very high quality one at that. The Direct Stream Junior is also ROON ready. There are a number of streaming interfaces on the market at the moment, but ROON is rapidly becoming the industry
favourite – having been awarded ‘Product of the Year’ by Stereophile, Computer Audiophile and Digital Audio Review. Until the end of November PS Audio is offering a free 12-month ROON subscription with every Direct Stream Junior purchased. PS Audio’s Direct Stream Junior sells for $5,895 RRP.
PS Audio PS Audio have just released their Direct Stream Junior DAC, which could offer an ideal solution to many consumer requirements. Not only is this a very high performance DSD DAC, but it comes complete with their Bridge 11 built in.
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NAD
NAD turns Blu
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model change from NAD is a relatively rare event – the current series was introduced in 2010. So when they do upgrade the range, you know it is for a good reason. And this time around it could be good reasons plural. Firstly the range was getting a little old, with little acknowledgement of current digital technologies. Secondly, sister company to NAD is the premium wireless streaming product Bluesound, and this range heralds the mating of the two brands. NAD forged their reputation by manufacturing high quality but well-priced amplifiers, and this range is no exception. Their top three integrated amplifiers have been replaced, with the main differences being the re-introduction of a phono stage, and the inclusion of a high quality DAC. They are also Wi-Fi and Bluetoothenabled, plus they are network connected. The larger two amplifiers utilise Modular Design Construction (MDC) allowing for the addition of upgrade modules, including 4K video HDMI switching, additional digital inputs, or of particular interest, the addition of a BluOS module. The BluOS module introduces
C388
C368
C338
their sister company Bluesound’s technology, enabling hi-res streaming. It will also allow you to add additional Bluesound devices in additional rooms in your home for whole of house streaming. The three amplifiers are: • C388: 2 x 150 watts/RMS – $2,299 • C368: 2 x 80 watts/RMS – $1,499 • C338: 2 x 50 watts/RMS – $999. Another addition is the C568 CD player (below) which is selling for $1,098.
C568
Sonos White SUB For Sonos owners who prefer their wireless multi-room audio speakers in white, the company has some good news: the Sonos SUB, previously available only in black, is also now available in white. The SUB can be combined with any of Sonos’
Of particular interest to us is the CI-720 (below). While it is branded NAD, it is not far removed from Bluesound’s Powernode2. This is a 60-watt/channel stereo amplifier and streamer in a very compact chassis – only 70mm wide. NAD have also released a larger chassis which will accommodate six CI-720s, enough to access and stream 24-bit hiresolution music in stereo to six zones of your home – all controlled from your smart device. Streaming services like TIDAL make this product a no-brainer. Now you have access to almost every piece of music ever recorded, at CD quality, independently streamed throughout your home.
SONOS White SUB $999
other wireless speakers – Play:1, Play:3 or Play:5 – to augment the bass, and works well in a home-theatre surround environment, where a Sonos Playbar is combined with a set of Play:1 speakers that serve as wireless back surrounds.
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TRIANGLE
Triangle – special release!
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riangle has just released a one-off special in time for Christmas. The Quartet Genese is based on an earlier model from their Signature range, and bears a strong resemblance to the current version of the Signature Delta model, which retails for $9,990. The Genese is a sizable speaker, measuring 1170mm high and weighing 33kg. This is a three-way design with a 25mm titanium horn tweeter, 1 x 16cm midrange, and twin 16cm bass drivers. It is a very efficient speaker allowing it to be used on high-quality low-power amplifiers. It has an impressive bass response, measuring down to 35Hz, and will handle 120 watts continuous or 240 watts peak. Colours offered are Gloss White and Gloss Black. While the Genese is not as refined as the current Delta, which we believe to be one of the best $10,000 speakers on the market, it comes close, and at $6,000 a pair this is an exceptional buy. But be warned there is only a very small quantity of these allocated for Australia.
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Secret Triangles! While Triangle are building quite a reputation for their Hi-Fi speakers, they have also entered the Custom Installation market with five models – their ‘Secret’ range. These share the same open lively characteristics that their traditional models have become renowned for.
• ICT4
90-watt in-ceiling with 4” bass driver $399pr
• ICT5
110-watt in-ceiling with 5” bass driver $499pr
• ICT7
140-watt in-ceiling with 7” bass driver $699pr
• ICT8
160-watt in-ceiling with 8” bass driver $899pr
• IWT7
140-watt in-wall with 6.5” bass driver $759pr
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PEACHTREE – MUSICAL FIDELITY
Peachtree nova
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RE-IMAGINING INTEGRATION
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n our last newsletter we announced the imminent arrival of a number of products that took far longer to materialise than we expected. This included the Peachtree nova150 integrated amplifier. Thankfully it has been worth the wait. Computer Audio was one of the first publications to review this product, and their (lengthy) conclusion was that: “Peachtree has packed a number of
great features into the nova150 that place it on a pedestal for the competition to attempt to dethrone. World class engineers, made in North America, reference grade DAC chip, unity gain: direct amp in, DyNEC, 111dB S/N, home theater bypass, true analog phono stage, dedicated headphone amplifier, and an absolutely gorgeous cabinet for (US)$1,599. The nova150 embodies the new Peachtree Audio 2.0 ethos with
Musical Fidelity Encore Another product we pre-announced was Musical Fidelity’s M6 Encore 225.
This product was held back until Musical Fidelity was confident that they had all
unmatched features and sound quality at an exceptional price. For those of you who thought previous Peachtree components were great, and for those of you interested in dipping your toe into the Peachtree waters, you must listen to the nova150 and the sound of Peachtree Audio 2.0.” Peachtree has been a trailblazer since the company’s inception, but we believe that this new series, starting with the 150, heralds a new era for them. This is one of the most versatile and best performing amplifiers we have seen at this pricepoint for decades. The Peachtree nova150 is $2599.
the bugs ironed out, and understandably so. This is a ground-breaking product for MF, and while other companies have released variations of this idea, no one has really succeeded in the market place. Yet in many ways this is an ideal product – particularly if you have downsized you living conditions, but still demand quality audio. A high quality amplifier, DAC, streamer, Hard-Drive and CD player all in one chassis – without compromising on quality. The M6 Encore 225 is $7,995.
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CUSTOM INSTALLATION
A Higher Power... An existing home theatre gets a comprehensive upgrade, including 4K projection and the new heights of Dolby Atmos.
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t Len Wallis Audio we are often asked to upgrade existing installations. This home theatre was just such a case, after the client had purchased a substantial residence which came with an existing dedicated home theatre room. The starting configuration for the room was already well established. It included a star-light ceiling, cabinetry, lighting control and even some acoustic panelling. Unfortunately as is often the case with the sale of a home, the original owners removed the majority of the electronics. But on the up side, this left a blank canvas for the new owner to do something exciting, building upon what
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was already in place to make a truly magical space.
Achieving balance After a visit to our Lane Cove Showroom the new owner fell in love with some big Focal Viva speakers from the Utopia range. These became the starting point of the whole system, and as our Senior Custom Consultant Jono Dorset says, any system should be well balanced in regards to the equipment. “It’s only as good as its weakest link,” says Jono. “So designing around these Viva fronts gave us scope to get creative in specifications to provide something uniquely tailored to the brief”.
Working closely with the client, Jono specified a matching Focal Utopia centre channel, with Focal Diablo bookshelf speakers on stands as the logical choice for rear speaker duties. The room’s existing raised plinth provided the perfect height platform for rear speaker placement. For the bottom end, the client already had an existing Sunfire HRS12 subwoofer so an additional HRS12 was added to ensure even bass dispersion across all listening positions in the room. With Dolby Atmos surround being the goal for audio delivery, there’s now that extra height dimension to consider. “The existing ceiling speakers were simply not going to provide the Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
CUSTOM INSTALLATION
performance required to complement the Focal front-end,” says Jono. “To ensure a superb Atmos surround experience, a pair of SpeakerCraft AIM10 10-inch in-ceiling speakers was chosen. These have the output and power handling to complement the specification.” Top-of-the-range Rotel power amplifiers drive the speakers, with an RMB1585 providing 5 x 200 watts for ceiling speakers, rears and centre, an RB1590 providing 350 watts to each of the front speakers. So there’s plenty of power in reserve when it’s needed! The Class-A/B Rotels have a customdesigned ventilation system, using superquiet fans that run from a thermostat
and fan speed controller. When the cabinet reaches 28 degrees the fans slowly begin extracting heat into the ceiling space. Processing is handled by a Marantz AV8802A, chosen as an excellent futureproofing solution given it offers not only Atmos but both HDMI 2.0 and HDCP2.2 connectivity — so it can easily manage 4K content as it becomes more common. The projector is also true 4K, the impressive Sony VPL-VW520ES projector throwing onto the existing 120-inch wide 16:9 ratio screen. High-quality AudioQuest cabling ensures the best possible fidelity throughout the system. The revised layout also presented the challenge of seamlessly integrating
the new larger componentry. But after extensive cabinet modification and expert installation by our team, it’s impossible to guess that this wasn’t an original design custom-built for this space. And the resulting performance of this room is nothing short of stunning. “With our calibration completed, the system proved capable of highly articulate audio performances even at levels in excess of 105dB!”, says Jono. So whether you’re thinking about an entirely new home theatre or an effective upgrade (perhaps to Atmos!) for your existing system, come in and have a chat with us about what amazing results we might achieve together.
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MARANTZ – KRELL
Marantz in stereo & surround
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arantz is one of the few companies who have successfully moved into the Home Theatre component market, yet continue to produce a very fine range of two-channel product. Their recent release of the PM6006 integrated amplifier and CD6006 CD player (above) are testament to their abilities in stereo. Almost on release both products
received a five-star rating from the UK’s WHAT HI-FI? magazine. They are both excellent performers, and well built – the type of product you could comfortably buy and know they will stand the test of time. Marantz are also in the process up upgrading their A/V receivers, which includes the NR1607 (pictured below). This is the seventh generation of this multi-award winning slimline receiver from
Marantz. Despite measuring just over 10cm high this seven-channel receiver features 5.2.1 Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and supports 4K Ultra HD video. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in. It is Hi-Res audio capable, handling files up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as SACD-quality DSD2.8MHz and Double DSD 5.6MHz. It has ‘dual zone’ capability, twin subwoofer outlets, and built-in Audyssey room calibration (via a supplied microphone). All channels feature discrete components in the output stage, and will handle 4-ohm speakers (and that is something that you don’t see very often). Despite its compact size this is a lot of receiver for $1,280. Marantz has also upgraded their SR5010 (now SR5011) and SR6010 (SR6011) AV receivers. Now in store.
Krell’s dynamic Duo 300
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his is not a new release for Krell, but it is the first time that we have had this model on the floor. The Duo 300 is, as the name implies, a 300-watt/channel stereo power amplifier. Krell has represented the benchmark in amplifier design for decades now, and the current series is no exception. It is a few years since Krell introduced their iBias
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circuitry, which allowed them to return to their Class ‘A’ roots while still building (relatively) efficient amplifiers. In the golden days of Class A technology a 300-watt amplifier was unheard of – it would have been too large, consuming too much power and running too hot. iBias has allowed Krell to develop a high power dynamic powerhouse which still runs in Class A mode.
And if you think this is an achievement, we also have a pair of 750-watt mono-blocks on the floor utilising the same technology. The Duo 300 sells for $16,995. Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
NAIM AUDIO
Naim’s New Uniti N aim’s compact and very popular all-in-one, the Uniti Qute, has been upgraded to the Uniti Atom (pictured above). The Uniti Atom is the same size as its predecessor, measuring only 207mm in width. However the capabilities of this neat powerhouse are impressive indeed. It includes: • Google Cast for Audio – the Uniti Atom is one of the first audio products to incorporate this new technology from Google; • Tidal – our favourite streaming service,
• • •
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with all the music you need available to stream in CD quality; AirPlay – stream music from your iDevice or from iTunes / Apple Music; Spotify Connect – the world’s most popular streaming service; Bluetooth (with aptX HD) – stream from your Bluetooth device in CD quality (or better); Internet Radio; UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) – stream your stored music from a PC, MAC or network attached storage; Digital input – connect any external
digital device, including any recent model TV; • Analogue outputs – connect an external power amplifier or subwoofer; • an upgraded headphone amplifier. Along with the above, Naim have upgraded their streaming platform, incorporated a new improved DAC, improved their amplification and even integrated a new volume control based on their Statement amplifier. The display panel is larger, the remote control has been improved, and there is a new App.
BUILT TO SERVE Naim have also upgraded their storage device, Uniti Serve, replacing it with the Uniti Core (pictured left). This device allows you to rip CDs to an external NAS drive or, with the addition of an internal hard-drive, you can store up to 100,000 tracks internally. This is an excellent companion to the Uniti Atom above.
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SECONDHAND HI-FI
Second-hand Treasure Trove!
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echnology changes. Your needs change. So if you’re considering changing your existing system – or at least part of it – what do you do with equipment that you already own, but no longer have a use for? Simple, we will trade it against your new purchase. There are numerous reasons why people trade back equipment, the most common being customers moving up to higher performance systems. It may be that technology has leapfrogged the existing kit, or that long-term customers are looking for more compact systems when they downsize to a smaller home.
Whatever the reason it’s a great way to divest yourself of components that would otherwise be stored away in a cupboard, or end up in the council pick-up – plus it reduces the financial outlay required to make the change. The other advantage of this service is that it offers a tremendous opportunity to pick up some quality ‘pre-loved’ Hi-Fi and AV gear at seriously discounted prices. At any time we carry over a hundred secondhand items, including speakers, turntables, amplifiers, cables, headphones and much more. One of the most interesting aspects of our second-hand section is that it’s constantly turning over, so you never know what you may find.
For example at the time of writing we have a Rega Apollo R CD player, as new in original packaging for $590, a saving of $500, plus a Plinius SA103 power amp, also in mint condition, for $5,500, a saving of $3,500. And for peace of mind, all of our trade-ins are test-bench checked for performance, and carry a three-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence. Even if you have equipment destined for the tip and have no need for new kit, please don’t throw it away. We can take this off your hands, test/service it, and then sell it with the funds going to Variety – the Children’s Charity. We hate seeing equipment being thrown out when it could go to a good home/cause.
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BOWERS & WILKINS - SENNHEISER
Headphones latest
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t $649 the Bowers and Wilkins P7 headphones were generally considered to offer good value. The price has recently been dropped to $499, making them a bargain. Great performance, well made and comfortable, that is a lot of headphone for the money. We have also recently received the wireless version of the P7 (above centre), and at $599 these also offer great value. They have also just released their P9 Signature headphones (above left) to mark the company’s 50th anniversary. These headphones were engineered by the same team responsible for 800 D3 speakers, beautifully crafted with the fit and finish being reminiscent of a luxury European motor car. They are comfortable to wear and their performance is superb. The P9 headphones are available for $1399. Another recent addition to our headphone range is the upgrade to the Sennheiser HD 800, the HD 800 S. The ‘S’ version comes with an additional XLR-4 balanced cable for use with the growing
number of headphone amplifiers offering a balanced socket. However the key difference is in the sound, mainly through the implementation of their ‘absorber technology’, initially developed for their in-ear IE800’s. This technology preserves the audibility of very high frequency sounds by eliminating a phenomenon known as the “masking effect”, where the human ear struggles to hear some frequencies when lower frequencies of a higher volume occur at the same time. By absorbing resonance, Sennheiser’s patented absorber technology prevents unwanted peaks and allows all frequency components – even the finest nuances – in the music material to become audible. The new model is a very attractive matt black finish, instead of the silver finish of its less expensive sibling. While the difference in price between the two models is significant at $600, we believe that the difference in performance warrants the difference, and have taken the decision to carry only the 800 S as a stock line in the future.
Sennheiser Promotion Also from Sennheiser is a promotion they are running from October through to the end of December. Purchase a pair of Momentum headphones during that period and claim a $100 cashback for the over-ear model, or $75 for the onear. This is a great promotion, helped along by the fact that the Momentum series is a favourite of ours anyway.
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FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED TIME, TRADE IN ANY AV RECEIVER AND GET UP TO $500 OFF WHEN YOU PURCHASE A QUALIFYING AVENTAGE AV RECEIVER. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. SEE AU.YAMAHA.COM FOR MORE INFO.
TRADE IN ANY AV RECEIVER TO QUALIFY FOR THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS. RX-A3060
$500 OFF
RX-A2060
$400 OFF
RX-A1060
$300 OFF
RX-A860
$250 OFF
RX-A760
$150 OFF
RX-AS710
$125 OFF
PANASONIC – OPPO
Blu-ray goes 4K
U
ltra-high definition UHD (or 4K) televisions have been around for a few years now, and while they clearly produce a superior picture, that image is only maximised with the use of UHD content. Getting that content into your home has been difficult, especially for those of us who live in Australia with many online services restricted to North America and Europe. This all changed this year as the first UHD Blu-ray players have hit the market… with more models promising to arrive very soon, including OPPO’s much anticipated UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player.
Panasonic’s 4K Blu-ray player The best of the players which have reached us already is the Panasonic DMPUB900GNK. In our last newsletter we ran over the basics of HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, and this player combines HDR information with making the most of the LED dimming features of the latest TVs. This ensures you get the best colour reproduction available, with the ability to ensure clarity within the brightly coloured sections of the image while maintaining the details in dark areas. We had the opportunity to check out Panasonic’s UB900 against the other 4K player currently on the market in a side-by-side comparison in the store a couple of months ago when the unit
was first released. The differences were significant. As one of the few players to have THX certification, the Panasonic’s ability to transmit crisper images was clear, and when coupled with its superior ability to display colour with HDR, the results were amazing. On top of all this, Panasonic were committed to making this unit their highest quality audio player. With a commitment to build quality and technology to handle even DSD and ALAC music files, the UB900 will slot nicely into your system without the need for an additional CD player. So many of our regular customers jumped on board at our recommendation that Panasonic quickly ran out of stock within Australia; even our display model didn’t last long, with customers chomping at the bit to get one. Fortunately, Panasonic assures us that stock levels will start to meet demand in the coming month and you can be assured we will do our best to have one for you to make your television or home cinema look better than ever before.
OPPO’s 4K Blu-ray player We have yet to receive this player from OPPO, and I know it is not wise to cover a product which has not arrived as yet, but the release of OPPO’s 4K player has been long anticipated by videophiles worldwide. Due for release before Christmas, the UDP-203 (pictured below) took a few people – us included – by surprise. Most thought that OPPO would release a new 4K player priced above the existing BDP105D. Instead OPPO have upgraded their two basic players, the BDP-103AU and BDP-103D, with a single 4K version. With the obvious exception of the new native 4K disc playback and HDR compatibility, OPPO customers will find many similarities from the BDP series to the UDP model. DVD-A and SACD disc support, multi-channel analogue outputs, and 2-channel DSD256 rounds out a concise audio offering. Twin HDMI outputs are included (2.0 for 4K video, and a 1.4 audio-only – to enable backwards compatibility with older AV receivers). The Darbee processor from the 103D is not included, as Darbee have yet to develop a 4K version. Unlike the earlier versions, the UDP-203 has built-in Wi-Fi, a gigabit Ethernet port and USB 3.0. At the time of writing, pricing was still to be confirmed.
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INAKUSTIK
One of Inakustik’s German-made Reference cables, showing the high levels of design and construction.
Inakustik – made in Germany
W
e would be one of the first to acknowledge that the last thing we really need is another brand of cable. However the Inakustik brand out of Germany was just too good to pass up. This is a great combination of quality manufacturing and performance. All of Inakustik’s speaker cables and their higher performance interconnects (Reference and Excellence series) are manufactured in Germany. The workmanship and technology in their high-end cables is outstanding. While their high-end attracts a premium price, there are a lot of cables competing in the same space which do not match up in terms of performance or construction quality. At the same time they also market speaker cables costing less than $10/mtr (and yes, they are still manufactured in Germany!). Inakustik have been manufacturing cables since 1977, but have somehow flown under the radar in Australia. It is only now that they are starting to appear in our market, offering a very extensive range – which includes a very fine line of accessories. You will hear more from this company in the future.
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Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 Event Evening Many thanks to everyone who attended our special event on the 21st of September to introduce the highly anticipated Bowers & Wilkins Flagship 800 D3 Loudspeaker! Many thanks also to Convoy International (distributors of the Bowers & Wilkins Speaker range in Australia) and Brand Manager Mr John Martin for all his help. At the moment in the showroom we have the entire 800 Series D3 range of loudspeakers including the 802, 803, 804 and 805 as well as the 800 D3 so do come in to the showroom for a listen.
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ANY TUNE. ANY ROOM. WIRELESSLY. HEOS is a family of wireless music players that allow you to fill every room with music and control it all effortlessly from your Apple or Android device. Plug in, connect to WiFi and play. Easy.
www.heos.com.au ANY ROOM OR EVERY ROOM
MULTIROOM PORTABLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
HEOS 1
SPECIALS
LWA SPECIALS! OUTDOOR SPEAKERS We have a number of outdoor speakers that we are looking to move on, and with summer here this is the ideal opportunity! • SpeakerCraft Ruckus 5 Rock speakers in Grey Granite finish RRP $599, our price $399pr • PatioTunes PTL-100 rock speakers RRP $299, our price $149pr • PatioTunes PTP-100 Planter speaker RRP $299, our price $99ea • Proficient AW650 wall mount speaker RRP $1149, our price $599
• Proficient AW525 wall mount speaker RRP $599, our price $399 • Proficient AW400 wall mount speaker RRP $449, our price $299 • SpeakerCraft OE5DT (Dual Tweeter) wall mount speaker. Designed for small outdoor areas. RRP $499/, our price $299 each.
FURMAN ELITE-16 PFEI POWER SOURCE Power conditioners are increasingly a popular inclusion for many systems as the advantages of feeding your system both a clean and a stable power supply are becoming more readily known. We have been a big fan of the Thor PS10 for years, and we were recently
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lucky enough to pick up a very good buy from one of the best in the industry – Furman. Not only is this one of the best conditioners in its class but it has a total of 12 AC outlets, an unusually high number. They are also split into three banks of four, ranging from low demand sensitive
equipment such as CD players, DACs etc. through to more demanding components such as power amplifiers where they can develop over 80 amps of charge. The RRP of the Elite-16 PFEi is $2,200 – but we currently have a limited quantity for sale at $1,585.
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SPECIALS & NEW ARRIVALS!
MUSICAL FIDELITY SPECIALS! HEADPHONE COMBO: MF200B + V90BHA
MUSICAL FIDELITY MERLIN
Balanced headphones are becoming more commonplace. Musical Fidelity have taken the unusual (but obvious) step of producing a balanced version of their MF200 headphones and pairing them to a specially developed balanced version of their V90 Headphone amplifier. Simple idea, great outcome. RRP $899. Sell $550.
A very competent compact system featuring a 50-watt/channel amplifier with Bluetooth, a high quality headphone stage, phono input, high performance DAC and speakers. Sound+Image’s 2016 ‘System Solution of the Year’. RRP $1,299. Limited stock $899.
NEW ARRIVAL!
NEW ARRIVAL! Bowers & Wilkins T7 Wireless Speaker $549
Q: Do we need another wireless speaker? A: When it sounds this good — YES WE DO!
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COLLECTABLES
Special Frames At Len Wallis Audio we are sometimes in the fortunate position to present some very bespoke and collectable items for sale, and this is one such occasion! 1
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We are currently in possession of some very rare and collectible Movie Posters and Memorabilia Pictures that are all signed and autographed. The items you see here 4
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are offered as one-offs, available on first-come, first-in basis. The prices listed are provided via dealer valuations from Antiquities of California, Pier 39 The Embarcadero, San Francisco. All pieces are personally signed (contact us for more details) and come with dealer Certificates of Authenticity.
1 Gladiator $1,869 2 Braveheart $1,187 3 Alien $1,125 4 The Avengers $3,118 5 Saturday Night Fever $3,119 6 AC/DC Back In Black $1,868
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7 Michael Jackson Thriller $4,994 8 The Rat Pack $7,494 9 Apollo 11 $8,743 10 Director’s Cut vintage film can $4,994 11 Star Trek $7,494
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ACCESSORIES
Accessories for
Christmas! Pro-Ject Cork it Replacement cork turntable mats are an excellent and cost-effective way to tune the sound of your turntable and get the best out of it. Available in a 300mm size (12”) diameter, the ‘Cork it’ works by dampening resonances more effectively than standard felt mats and corrects the overdampening and resultant isolation effect you can get from a rubber mat. The result? Less dust build-up and static, elimination of audible ‘click’ noises during playback, allowing for faithful musical detail to make its way to the soundstage. Price $29.
Good, good, good, good Vibra...pods Unwanted vibrations in your system are never welcome and can sonically compromise musical playback. Vibrapods can fix this by replacing your existing equipment feet (which are often fairly basic) and start soaking up those unwanted vibrations right away. The improvements they can deliver might well be the most cost-effective HiFi tweak on the market today. There are five models to cover differing weights of equipment, from 1kg up to 13kg, so you can get the one that’s right for your gear! Priced from $39.95 for a set of four.
AudioQuest JitterBug AudioQuest’s JitterBug is a digital music necessity. This dual-function USB and data filter simply has no peer in the market and is amazingly effective. It can dramatically reduce the noise and ringing afflicting both the data and power lines on USB ports. Simply inserting the versatile JitterBug
Get into the groove with the Spin Clean Record Washer Mk2 Attention vinyl fans! The Spin Clean Record Cleaning System is one
into the USB input of any computer, laptop, DAC, receiver, streamer, car, or smartphone significantly minimises jitter and packet errors, thereby restoring music’s warmth, dimensions, depth, resolution, dynamics and clarity. Everyone should have at least one of these. Price $79.
of the easiest and most affordable solutions for cleaning your records and ensuring the cleanliness of your turntable. Unlike some other record cleaning methods, the Spin Clean Record Washer MK II enables you to clean both sides of your record at once, allowing your albums and singles to sound as they were intended, offering high fidelity sound. This is the record cleaning solution you’ve been looking for! So get the grime out of your grooves and pick one up today! Price $149.
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ACCESSORIES
AudioQuest DragonFly Red & Black While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Two new options do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please. DragonFly Black RRP $160 DragonFly Red RRP $320
Les Davis 3D(2) Discs
Meet the man behind the brand at Len Wallis Audio!
On Thursday November 24th, Les Davis will be in-store from 6 to 8pm to demonstrate and talk about this product. This will be a rare opportunity to hear the story behind the 3D(2) discs from the man himself. No need to book, simply arrive between those times.
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In a nutshell this product provides “viscoelastic layer damping for audio equipment” – quite a mouthful! At LWA we all wonder how these little silver discs work, and were certainly sceptical at first. However we have all heard the effect that they have, and it is impressive. The technology used is a proven one, called Constrained Layer Damping (CLD), used most notably in the aerospace industry. It involves sandwiching a viscoelastic material between two layers of a stiffer material, here in a disc form. Place two of these under each foot of all audio components that generate and/or store mechanical and electrical energy, including your laptop if it is part of your system. (I kid you not.) The pack sells for $88.00, and contains enough discs for two pieces of equipment. Plus we are happy to back this product – if it does not work bring the pack back for a full refund.
ACCESSORIES
Darbee DVP-5000S Oppo Blu-ray players are renowned for their superb image reproduction, and in the two current top models this is due to the inclusion of the Darbee image enhancement circuitry (as indicated by the ‘D’ in the model numbers). You can add similar improvements to any video source with the simple addition of a Darbee stand-alone processor, the DVP-5000S. This smallish box sits between your source and screen with its simple HDMI in and HDMI out connections. The most comprehensive coverage of this product we have seen was by Home Theatre Hi-Fi (http://hometheaterhifi.com/ reviews/video-accessory/video-processors/ darbeevision-dvp-5000s-video-processorreview/) and if you are interested in learning more about this product we would suggest that you go online to read their findings. Some of the comments are: “What I witnessed however was nothing short of breathtaking. When properly configured, the tiny Darblet processor (the forerunner to the DVP5000S) added obvious image depth, increased perceived resolution, and did so without crushing detail or creating unwanted artifacts. What they’d done frankly astounded me. “Darbee is the first, and still one of the only technologies that truly enhances quality without any downsides.” This is an inexpensive upgrade that works, and we are prepared to back it with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not convinced. The DV-5000S sells for $369.
Magnum Dynalab ST2 antenna FM is still a very viable source of quality listening. Many people are unaware that FM offers a marked improvement over Digital Radio (DAB+), which is in turn a huge improvement over AM. The best FM tuners come from Magnum Dynalab in Canada, so it is hardly surprising that they make
one of the best FM antennas as well. This ST-2 concentrates its reception ‘focus’ only on the horizontal plane providing a stronger signal to the tuner, without flutter and fading. It is also less susceptible to multipath interference, a problem in heavily built-up areas. The ST-2 sells for $169.
PLUS... BOWERS & WILKINS GIFT OFFER!
50th
ANNIVERSARY
GIFT WITH PURCHASE
SPEND $2000 OR MORE TO RECEIVE A FREE GIFT FROM THE LATEST RANGE OF BOWERS & WILKINS PRODUCTS.
• Purchase any qualifying* Bowers & Wilkins Audio product Like /lenwallisaudio on Facebook
• Choose a Bonus B&W product, absolutely FREE • Bonus gifts include a superb selection of Headphones,
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Once in a generation, an icon makes its mark. With an enviable history for producing audio equipment that has shaped the way we listen to music, Yamaha introduces a landmark speaker to usher in a new generation of sound. Introducing the NS-5000 - a nod to the past with cutting-edge technology and design that embraces the future. Discover more at au.yamaha.com