The Latest
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 July 2022 01 July 2022
Wilson Audio Lōkē Subwoofer
Wilson Audio subwoofers. Yes, envision those… edifices and you’ll be manifesting monoliths worthy of Clarke and Kubrick. In this context, a different influence on the human psyche, an alternate generative force… music can evolve the species. You could say the first Wilson Audio subwoofer was the WAMM companion piece, a monumental supporting pillar for the famed design. More recently, the Subsonic and Thor’s Hammer surpassed even the original’s grandeur. Both are examples of an elevated ambition, the Subsonic hinting at intense energy and Thor’s Hammer at legendary might. If you can call it downsizing, the smaller-scale yet unquestionably powerful WATCH Dog offers a more room-compliant alternative. All are passive designs coupled to bespoke crossovers or controllers and requiring high quality external amplification. Now, Wilson Audio Special Application Engineering, a sub-division responsible for a growing stable of complimentary products, has produced Lōkē, Wilson Audio’s newest low-registers transducer... fully downsized.
Musical Fidelity Announces the New MX-Steam Streamer
With the new “Technically Correct” MX-Stream, Musical Fidelity launches its first all-out assault on the streaming space.
Rotel Unveils New Diamond Series Components
In a significant effort to launch with an upmarket celebratory line to commemorate its 60th Anniversary, Japanese electronics specialist Rotel announces the new Diamond Series components.
Linn Announces New Arko Tonearm and Kendo Cartridge
As the universe of the Linn LP12 – and its various iterations – expands with a variety of mix-and-match accessories and upgrades, Linn strengthens the armoury with the new pairing of Arko tonearm and Kendo cartridge.
McIntosh Laboratory Announces New MR-89 AM/FM Tuner
In a strong statement that pronounces the humble radio is still a powerful medium for news, current affairs and of course music, McIntosh Laboratory has unveiled the MR-89, its new flagship AM/FM Tuner.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 13 June 2022 13 June 2022
The Grand Reopening of Audio Connection, Sydney
There are refurbishments and there are transformations. The new Audio Connection has undergone a serious transmutation. Like an amalgamation fusing ample reserves of experience, business smarts and bold chutzpah to deliver a powerful new narrative… a world-class audio haven, now profoundly rejuvenated. Yes, the words ‘Grand Opening’ are super-appropriate.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 11 June 2022 11 June 2022
Crystal Cable Launches Future Dream 22 at Sound Gallery
In a coincident function to the StereoNET Hi-Fi Show Melbourne 2022, premier high-end audio store Sound Gallery held an after-hours event celebrating the recent launch of Crystal Cables’ new Future Dream 22 line. In person on the night were company principals Gabi and Edwin van der Kley Rynveld. Shown above are Sound Gallery hosts Kama and John Ong, now in tulpenmanie, as Gabi van der Kley Rynveld presents reproductions of the Dutch icons.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 07 June 2022 07 June 2022
StereoNET Hi-Fi Show Melbourne 2022 – Part 2
The eager crowds at the ticket booth were of similar healthy girth on the three mornings of the show. First thing too. Patiently they waited while the ushering and checking of tickets saw them off into the hotel’s belly. Now, the show report continues on to Part 2...
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 06 June 2022 06 June 2022
StereoNET Hi-Fi Show Melbourne 2022 – Part 1
Yes, there’s something in the air… It’s the scent of warming circuitry and oscillating cones. Audio shows are back in business and punters are pumped for a ravenous gorge. After ‘the pan-bug’, for this writer it all started again at Mecca-Munich 2022. Actually, the rebirthed audio show phenomenon is spawning around the globe, even down to very small localised events peppering the calendar. Here in Australia, we’re off the starting block with the return of our own event. Ergo, the reanimation of the StereoNET show which launched in Melbourne for 2022 (energetic talks are already underway for Sydney in 2023). The venue was once again the Pullman/Mercure hotel complex. Entering the hotel lobby saw a monolithic Krix horn-loaded commercial cinema speaker of gargantuan scale. Promising… So were the three-day show’s Friday morning crowds which slowly, but steadily, snaked a line past Check-Point-Charlie at the two-hotel borderline.
- Details
- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 June 2022 01 June 2022
ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
As in any hobby, or an endeavour of any type, there’s an inherent human propensity to form tribes. Those associations can offer a sense of community and a collective understanding of a shared journey with a common destination. I’m taking this explicatory trope to an extreme, I know, but when it comes to amplification, there are two main tribes: those who favour valves and those who prefer solid state amplification. But what about a design which, at least on paper, aims to stamp a firm foothold on both camps? The ModWright Instruments’ latest integrated, the KWH 225i has the potential to satiate the warring impulses of the most ardent of tribal extremists.
- Details
- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 27 May 2022 27 May 2022
SoundStage! Australia’s 10 Favourite Exhibits at High End Munich 2022
F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “… Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you.” Barring the welcome navigation freedoms of the trade days – due to reduced press and industry representation from Asia – the consumer days’ throngs were a strong post-pandemic renaissance statement – High End Munich is back, unchanged like it never went away.
SoundStage! Australia at High End Munich 2022 - The Return of the King
Here’s one word: Wow! Different times, same channel and after an absence of three drought-filled anxious years – Munich High End 2022 has launched… And it’s shouting to the audio world “We’re back baby!” Yes, Hail to the king.
