The Latest
REL Acoustics New 212/SX Subwoofer
With the aim to implement refinements to the highly-acclaimed and award-winning 212 sub-bass platform, REL Acoustics has announced the all-new 212/SX high output subwoofer system.
New Integrated Amplifier From Audia Flight
Audia Flight has unveiled the FLS 9, its newest integrated amplifier which carries-on the company’s thorough engineering and sophisticated design to a new entry-point.
New Australian Partnership For Q Acoustics, QED Cables & More
In a newly-established partnership, the Armour Home range of brands has found a new Australian home, joining BusiSoft AV’s ever-expanding product portfolio.
AURALiC Announces New G2.1 Digital Products
Following the universal acclaim bestowed upon AURALiC’s G2 series digital products, the company now follows the success story with the announcement of the evolutionary G2.1 update.
- Details
- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 June 2020 01 June 2020
Mark Levinson N° 526 Preamplifier with DAC & N° 534 Power Amplifier
It’s near-winter mid-May and the Blue Mountains are now splashed with hues of red and covered in brittle tree-fall. It’s conducive to calm, cosy music listening. In able assistance is the latest Mark Levinson pre/power combo in for review. I’m immersed in its analysis. Through that time, I ponder on the genesis of high-end audio, what products and personalities were responsible for its most forceful bloom in the early 1970s. Also in my thoughts are the joys of my own experiences with the brand and, just as joyfully, my many engaging conversations with Mark Levinson the man so many years ago now. Then, as I conclude an engaging four hour listening session, in as unexpected a way as fate could muster, a WhatsApp notice pops up on my iPhone. After so many years, the man himself, Mark Levinson is on the line…
- Details
- Written by Travis Kelly Travis Kelly
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 June 2020 01 June 2020
Fischer & Fischer SN/SL 370AMT Loudspeakers
It was with some trepidation that I awaited delivery of the Fischer & Fischer SN/SL 370AMT loudspeakers. While many old and new audio delicacies have graced my room (with many now tucked away in cupboards and corners, awaiting that day), I can honestly say I'd never had a pair of Rock speakers through the door. I say "Rock" with a capital "R", because I'm not referring to the musical genre, but rather to the construction of the cabinets. Yes folks, just when you thought this hobby couldn't get any more esoteric, along comes German boutique manufacturer Fischer & Fischer with a pair of floorstanding speakers made of slate! Half a billion year old slate in fact, although what acoustic benefits the age of the slate may impart remains unknown. But do read on…
Imminent Arrival of Monitor Audio’s New Bronze Series Loudspeakers
British loudspeaker specialist Monitor Audio has unveiled its new 6th generation Bronze Series speakers which are due to hit our shores by mid-June 2020.
Velodyne Acoustics Back in Australia
After a hiatus in this country, Oceanic Distribution is once again offering Velodyne Acoustics’ superb subwoofer products in Australia.
Marten Launches Parker Loudspeakers
Swedish loudspeaker specialist Marten has announced Parker, a new range of loudspeakers employing the company’s latest design technologies launching it in a new exciting direction.
ELROG’s New Australian Partnership
German valve manufacturing specialist ELROG, also known as Deutsche Elektronenröhren Manufaktur GmbH, has cemented a new local partnership agreement with Line Magnetic Australia.
Densen Breathes Oxygen
Electronics specialist Densen has announced Oxygen Module, a retrofitable module which brings streaming capabilities to the company’s past generations of integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers.
- Details
- Written by Vedran Simunovic Vedran Simunovic
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 May 2020 15 May 2020
Stax SRM-700S Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier
If I had one Hi-Fi story to pass on to the new generations, it would go something like this: “Dear young people, we live in a world full of magical devices. They let us do wonderful things and if our grand-grand-grandparents saw us they’d think we’re all wizards. But looks can be deceptive. Long ago people could only listen to the music with their own ears, but although these days we can play any song, sonata or symphony by just tapping on a screen, the real sound of a guitar, violin or any other instrument is a mystery to many of us. We hear reproduced approximation of the sound and we’re happy with it. We seldom hear “the real thing”, live and vibrant! The best example of this are the headphones you use. There are so many of them… earbuds, over-the-ear, wireless, noise-cancelling, what have you. Some are cheap, some cost quite a bit, some sound nice, some sound better, some are ugly, some look good… but 99% of them are not even close to the real thing!