The Latest
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 01 June 2019 01 June 2019
SoundStage! Australia’s High End Munich 2019 10 Favourite Exhibits
Once again this year saw High End Munich grow by percentage points indicating that high-end audio is indeed in a healthier state than some would have you think. Numbers across the board – exhibitors, trade visitors and overall attendance – increased by up to 8.6 percent which, when dealing with significant numbers to start with, translates to a substantial shot-in-the-arm for the industry at large. Also importantly, trade visitors came from all corners of the world – 72 countries in fact, according to a report sent to me by High End Munich organisers. And the spectrum of exhibitor offerings ranged across all the ‘disciplines’ of audio, as always. Once again, all those stats pointing to a firm indication of a healthy and resilient industry building further upon its oft-underestimated buoyancy.
Ortofon OM 5 Cartridges
The OM 5 series of cartridges from Ortofon is now expanding with the company announcing affordable additions to the highly-regarded range of Moving Magnet cartridges.
Ayon Spirit V Integrated Amplifier
An update of what Ayon calls “the legendary” Spirit III integrated amplifier, the new Spirit V is said to be not just a simple rework but a total re-engineering of its acclaimed predecessor.
McIntosh Laboratory C49 Preamplifier
In the wake of the activity at High End Munich 2019, McIntosh has announced the new C49, a new full-featured preamplifier with modular architecture technology for its digital features.
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- Written by Vedran Simunovic Vedran Simunovic
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 May 2019 15 May 2019
Microphase Audio Design SAT Mk.II Signature Loudspeakers
In my view, if you call yourself a normal human being you have to be crazy about something. Jean-Marie Liere is crazy about speakers, which also gives an additional meaning to the name of his company “Microphase Audio Design”. This diagnosis must have been accurate since Jean-Marie’s early days when he created the minuscule audio monitor speakers (“Microphase SAT” model) that attracted quite a following due to their great sound, their beauty and the quality of their build. Many years (and many speakers) later, the most recent product to come out of Jean-Marie’s design workshop is the “SAT MkII Signature” speaker that continues on this philosophy of small size and high quality.
Hulgich Audio Road Show Hits Sydney
Hulgich Audio has announced a two-pronged strategy to showcase the company’s flagship Duke loudspeakers for audio enthusiasts in Sydney.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Ed Comment Ed Comment
- Published: 09 May 2019 09 May 2019
SoundStage! Australia at High End Munich 2019 - At the Gates of Hi-Fi
I’ve been knock, knock, knockin’ on so many gates. Several at the various airports of course and, finally, at the exhibition palace, the MOC’s frantic ushering gateway to the biggest event on the audio calendar, Munich High End 2019.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 May 2019 01 May 2019
Sonus faber Electa Amator III Loudspeakers
You just know, in your brain and heart, when you are in the presence of pure beauty. Yes, some things are beautiful to varying degrees, provoking a spectrum of subjective quantifications. But true, pure beauty, as indescribable by mere language as it is, is universally known. On a basic instinctive level. And for me, after hastily unboxing the new Electa Amator III speakers from Italian audio artisan Sonus faber… well, my senses knew instinctively that I was looking at the purest of designs. Then, beyond emotions, solely intellectually, I wondered… Will this ethereal beauty merge with practical function to produce musical substance?
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 May 2019 01 May 2019
Crystal Cable Future Dream Interconnect and Speaker Cables
I dream of a future where audio thrives with vibrant and passionate young music lovers, where the high-end is inclusive and open and is free of cultural elitism. I imagine a future where the ranks of hobbyists, gear-heads and pure music lovers are united in sharing a singular passion: the art of music. This ideal audio world is not, in my opinion, a far-fetched fantasy but a scenario which presents a real opportunity… and may even be a prospective saviour. Back in reality, Crystal Cable’s über high-end Future Dream cables provide a small but important step to realising this altruistic ideal. Future Dream cables are luxury items, yes, in all the senses of the word, but they offer an important… glimmer. A spark to light the fire of advancement.
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- Written by News Editor News Editor
- Category: News News
- Published: 24 April 2019 24 April 2019
Bowers & Wilkins Announces New Formation Wireless Products
Bowers & Wilkins expands its product range with the new Formation line which expands the company’s wireless ‘life style’ products and culminates in the Formation Duo high quality active monitor.
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- Written by Peter Katsoolis Peter Katsoolis
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 22 April 2019 22 April 2019
Record Store Day 2019 at Len Wallis Audio
On 13 April 2019, Len Wallis Audio again hosted the holy trinity of Australian audio manufacturers, Döhmann Audio, Les Davis Audio, and Brigadier by Serhan+Swift to celebrate Record Store Day 2019. Record Store Day was originally conceived to celebrate local independent record stores and vinyl culture at a grass roots, community-based level. It has since grown to become an internationally observed, sometimes compulsive Valentine’s Day for records that, for some, is in conflict with RSD’s founding ethos.
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- Written by News Editor News Editor
- Category: News News
- Published: 17 April 2019 17 April 2019
Boulder Amplifiers' New 1161 Power Amplifier
Electronics specialist Boulder Amplifiers has announced the new entry-point 1161 power amplifier which has been designed to be a perfect match for the acclaimed 1110 preamplifier and 1021 Network Disc Player.
