We had so much interest in our recent article about the launch of the i-box Trax, we thought we should give you more details on its big brother Max, which is also now available. Like Trax, Max has a similar distinctive design and offers Bluetooth connectivity as well as NFC pairing technology for smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers but packs a pair of 5cm full-range drivers, supplemented by a rear-ported 7.5cm low-frequency radiator for powerful bass, driven by a fully integrated, high-performance Class D amplifier that delivers 30 watts RMS.
Both Meridian co-founders, Bob Stuart and Allen Boothroyd welcomed Ted Martin as a VIP guest of honour at Meridian’s Huntingdon HQ on 17th December in an event held to celebrate the fact that Martins Hi-fi is Meridian’s longest serving retail partner. Ted Martin was given a detailed and extensive tour of the factory and was able to experience some stunning home-cinema demonstrations in Meridian’s dedicated Theatre.
CEDIA has announced the findings of its second extensive survey into the UK residential custom installation sector. The results show an industry anticipating healthy annual growth in turnover this year. As a member of CEDIA for 8 years, Cinenow.com has reproduced below the integral text of the summary of the CEDIA Survey, including some interesting figures, as we think this good news should be heard loud and clear! The complete market research report will be available in January and can be purchased directly from CEDIA.
Based on the mini-monitor concept of the popular Quad 9L, Quad has launched the 9AS compact two-way active speakers with a new design, featuring a new treble unit with associated waveguide front plate in addition to the classic Quad woven Kevlar bass unit, both driven by low distortion Class AB amplifiers via a sophisticated active crossover. Offering sonic accuracy required of near-field studio monitors, these speakers are small enough to sit on a desk or a shelf in the living room, while incorporating amplifier power output of 100 watts per speaker (peak rated at 200W per speaker) and a wide range of digital and analogue inputs.
The Cyrus Lyric 09 has won the prestigious French award, the 2013 Diapason D’or, for the Best All-In-One System of the year. The Lyric Series is their first range of all-in-one hi-fi products offering high quality music, using their renowned technology developed for their separates, that can be played from up to 14 different sources. The Lyric 09 is the flagship in the Series, with an up-sampling 32 bit digital to analogue converter and 170 watts per channel.
Cyrus, renowned for 30 years of award winning technology, has announced that they are changing their CD player line-up, with the release of a new integrated CD player, named CDi, to replace their two existing integrated CD players – the CD 6 SE₂ and CD 8 SE₂. The price point will sit between the two former models, but in terms of performance it looks to be the best CD player they have ever produced to date, as it will use a specially updated version of their proprietary Servo Evolution disc reading system in addition to having an advanced 32 bit DAC and a fully regulated power supply.
The new Dynaudio Sub 250 II, replacing the existing Sub 250, is the most compact sub-woofer in their range yet offers the high performance sound quality and real deep bass we are accustomed for the brand with the advantage of integrating in home theatres, stereo systems and sub-woofers/satellite systems where size is a key criteria. Available in various finishes, the Sub 250 II is equipped with a powerful 200 W amplifier and long-throw 24 cm woofer, a large 100 mm voice coil and the cone made from Dynaudio’s own MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) material.
If you want to be a trendsetter in the crowd with your headphones, Monster has recently added a colourful trio of new models to their DNA On-Ear headphone line, with yellow on neon orange, silver on neon green and rose gold, which brings to 12 the colour combinations. But wait, that’s not all, so you can really express yourself, you can go another step further in your personalization and choose from over 20 different DNA™ Custom Looks “skins”, made from premium vinyl that can be removed without leaving residue.
Tivoli Audio announces Albergo+, an ultra simple to use Bluetooth-equipped digital radio with high quality sound. Equipped with DAB, DAB+, AM, FM, and Bluetooth streaming technology, the Albergo+ offers the essential features including a digital clock, sleep timer, snooze button, and independent dual alarms. Initially conceived as a radio for the hotel sector, this may be just what you have been looking for in your guest room. There is also a matching Stereo Speaker to transform Albergo+ into a compact stereo sound system.
Sony Digital Cinema has unveiled the new SRX-R510P, a compellingly-priced addition to its market-leading 4K digital projector line-up, offering the Sony 4K experience to cost-conscious independent cinema owners and smaller theatres with screens up to 10m wide. Having experienced recently a demo of the Sony SRX-515P] , we believe that following the evolution of these technologies, particularly 4K and 3D, by the leaders in the professional market is an interesting strategy for those wanting to look into the crystal ball and anticipate what could be coming in the future, especially for high-end Home Theatre installations.
Arcam is offering, for our UK readers only unfortunately, a £500 saving on their purchase of the FJM BDP300 Blu-ray player for a trade in of any Arcam disc player, and for those non-Arcam owners a saving of £400 in exchange for ANY!!! old disc player to move up to Arcam quality performance for both movie and music playback.
Renown for its horn-based technology that we often find in exclusive, high-end Home Theatre installations, Klipsch is making its foray into the highly competitive portable Bluetooth speaker market with the launch of GiG, the brand’s smallest Bluetooth® wireless speaker and latest addition to the Klipsch Music Center Series that is designed to take the concert anywhere. The GiG ultra-portable system packs over 65 years of Klipsch premium audio engineering know-how into a tiny package, with optional colours, that will go with you everywhere.
The Meridian West London Boutique, set to officially open at the end of January 2014, is located in the heart of the Chelsea Design Quarter and will feature the complete range of Meridian Audio’s award-winning systems, including DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, Meridian Reference Series and Meridian Streaming Systems. A technical and design consultation area as well as a state-of-the-art home cinema theatre for one-to-one demonstrations complete the Boutique layout.
In-ear sweat proof sports headphones have been around for several years now but if you want more comfort and added durability, yet washable and wireless, while enjoying high levels of audio performance with intense sub-bass for an energy kick, then the Monster iSport Freedom may be just what you are looking for. And Monster has just announced it has appointed Kimberly Wyatt, Sky 1’s Got to Dance judge and ex-Pussycat Doll, to become the new face of the complete Monster iSport range.
The German premium manufacturer Loewe has launched, but for a limited time only, two Special Editions of its exclusive Reference ID smart TV line in 24-carat Gold and Oceanic Walnut. These ultra high-end models follow in the concept of tailor-made personalization which is a key feature of this award winning range. An extensive selection of surface colours and materials are available to allow customers to create their own custom Loewe Reference ID home entertainment system to blend in perfectly with their décor, while also offering cutting-edge picture quality as well as a high-end sound system and state-of-the-art smart TV functions.
After showcasing their new line of products at Munich High-End this spring, the French company Devialet has announced its flagship model, the Devialet 500, is now available. Building on the exceptional success of the D-Premier that was launched in 2010 and that has since won over 20 Awards including the EISA Best Product High-End Audio 2010-2011, Devialet second product generation line-up includes the Devialet 110, 170, 240 and now the Devialet 500, which combines two Devialet 240 and boasts 2×240 watts in stereo mode or, with just one click, an ultimate 500 watt mono-block with extra power and enhanced performance.
If you are looking for a sound-bar that packs enough punch not to need a sub-woofer then the Roth Sub Zero II may be just what you have been waiting for as, for the price, it is possibility the best “sound per pound” on the market today. The Sub Zero II has two built-in Ultra-Bass passive drivers, 2 high performance bass drivers and 2 full-range drivers, allowing full frequency range audio in a single discrete unit.
Enjoy your music they way you prefer with the Panasonic SC-PMX9 micro hi-fi system which offers multiple possibilities with DLNA, AirPlay and Bluetooth capabilities as well as the more convention options using the integrated CD player, USB port, DAB+ Digital Radio, or via the iPod/iPhone dock. The stylish aluminum front panel and piano-like finished speakers give a refined appearance, while the 3-way bass-reflex speaker system combined with a full digital Class D amplifier has plenty of power, with 120 watts output. Its qualities won the Panasonic SC-PMX9 the EISA award for the Compact Hi-Fi System 2013-2014.