The Hi-Fi Annual Magazine 2009

Transcription

the HI-FI annual
Price $9.50
WELCOME
to “the HI-FI annual” – Australia’s most definitive publication on
everything Audio Visual and sponsored jointly by us and the world’s best brands. However, with so much
choice available, it is paramount to have expert and impartial advice as you negotiate the hi-fi jungle. As one
of the most experienced and trusted specialist retailers in hi-fi and home cinema, we are here to help.
With new technologies, viewing and listening experiences are constantly changing for the better. High
Definition television (HDTV), for instance is arguably the most exciting innovation in television since the advent
of colour in 1975. The quality of audio equipment is also reaching new heights with a huge resurgence in
the popularity of traditional stereo components. There has never been a better time to upgrade your existing
system or start with something completely new and different!
That’s where we can help. With many years of experience, our staff – who truly are experts – will help you
make the right choice, balancing your system with a great range of competitively priced, quality components.
We only stock products that deliver a level of performance that satisfies us in every way – we are all very
fussy when it comes to choosing what to recommend! We can therefore completely guarantee independent
advice. Our priority is truly in delivering you the best audio-visual experience. Our excellent demonstration
facilities and custom install services make us the number one audio visual retailer of choice.
What will the future in technology deliver? The only guarantee is that there will be new and exciting things!
But no matter what new technologies emerge, you can be sure that we will remain the place that will be at
the cutting edge in home entertainment.
THE EXPERTS IN HOME ENTERTAINMENT
CONTENTS
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www.starav.net
Introduction The Experts in Home
Entertainment.
Home Cinema
The Components that
make a great home
cinema system.
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Hi-Fi
From amplifiers to
speakers, we make
hi-fi excellence easy!
10 Making Your Choice
How our experts
create the ideal install.
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Custom Install
A home entertainment
sytem designed
uniquely for you.
14 Accessories
Remotes, brackets,
cables and more.
Suppliers
A guide to hi-fi and
home cinema brands.
www.starav.net
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C hoosin g the B est
I n T he B u siness
We are a part of the Star Audio Visual Association which is Australia’s largest independent specialist retailer group
of high-quality home entertainment solutions. Individually and collectively, we have a proud history and reputation
of satisfying customers with our professionalism and are recognised by all industry segments as a comprehensive
provider of home cinema/theatre, hi-fi and multi-room systems, offering an unparalleled combination of excellence
in both product knowledge and customer service.
This independence has many advantages for the discerning consumer. Rather than be compelled to ‘sell’
systems and components that are purchased in back room deals with emphasis usually only on price, we
carefully choose every item. This often entails many hours of auditioning (hi-fi components) or viewing (projection
and television). Additionally, we have an excellent reputation for the quality of our service, expertise and product
range. Our customers return time and time again, safe in the knowledge that our enthusiastic staff will tailor make
solutions to suit their needs.
Ahead of the field
n LEADER for quality brands. Our 100 percent inde-
pendent status means we can bring together the
finest components and systems under one roof.
n LEADER for quality staff. Our entire staff are hi-fi
and home cinema enthusiasts with a passion for
good products and a dedication to satisfying every
customer. Our company regularly invests in industry
training programs.
n LEADER for quality service. We treat our customers
as individuals and so solutions are designed for your
needs, not ours.
n LEADER for custom install. Few retailers have the experience of designing, installing and optimising multiroom audio visual systems in homes as we do. We
have many satisfied customers who are now enjoying
“full-house” entertainment and who can testify to our
high level of personal service.
Your view
Your staff demonstrated equipment without any pressure
to buy and made me feel at ease…they spent time with
me, clarified my objectives and provided an after-salesservice that exceeded my expectations.
Chris Grylls
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www.starav.net
www.starav.net
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Gettin g the M ost F rom
Y o u r H ome C inema S ystem
Home Cinema has evolved from a simple projector-and-screen set-up to a state-of-the-art way of enjoying TV, DVDs and multimedia.
We know the ins and outs of every component and our custom install service will tailor a system to suit you. Whether you’re replacing an
individual component or taking a first step into home cinema, expert advice is available.
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1. Television
High definition is revolutionising the way we watch TV. The
latest ranges are available in
store, and demonstrations
will make it clear just how
much depth and richness of
colour is available from both
plasma and LCD models.
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www.starav.net
2. DVD player/
recorder
3. AV receiver/
amplifier
The latest DVD players offer
picture-enhancing up-scaling
technologies. Blu-ray players
– the only way to experience
1080p High Definition – are
now major talking points with
a number of models available.
Some even allow recording &
playback in HD.
The AV receiver or processor/
power amplifier acts as a
control centre for the systems source components
and powers the speakers.
Our staff can help you choose
a model to suit your room,
needs and your budget.
4. Speakers
The right surround-sound
speakers or sub-woofers can
take your home cinema experience to a different level. Our
knowledgeable staff can offer
advice and demonstrations
to help you select speakers
which deliver the best possible audio experience.
5. Projectors and
screens
Staff can demonstrate a wide
range of DLP and LCD projectors and screens (fixed,
pull-down or motorised) —
the perfect way to build a real
cinematic experience for the
whole family to enjoy.
We recommend—
The Incredible Hulk
This movie has some great sounding action
scenes to test the best of surround systems, the
scene when they use the sound cannons at the
Hulk are forceful and a great test for any subwoofer. Happy viewing.
Ian Heyworth
www.starav.net
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Gettin g the M ost
F rom Yo u r H i -F i S ystem
Experience in the hi-fi business is key to getting the right system – and nobody knows more about getting the
most from music than we do. We not only stock the major brands, but also the small, boutique components. All
products are carefully chosen to deliver you exceptional performance at any given price. We will help you ‘create’
a system that superbly reflects your music preferences.
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1. CD player
2. Amplifier
3. Tuner
4. Turntable
5. Speakers
The latest models offer a
depth of sound unimaginable
just a few years ago – ask
in-store for a demonstration
of what some of the finest
players on the market can do
for your favourite discs.
The amplifier ensures your
sound sources are being
faithfully reproduced by the
speakers. We will help you
choose an amplifier that will
do justice to your CD player,
turntable or MP3 player.
We stock a number of quality
AM/FM tuners to suit your
budget. Staff can provide
advice on suitable aerials to
get the best from your tuner.
Vinyl is growing in popularity
once again, but to get the
best from the format you
need ancillary components
that can make the most of it.
We know which equipment
works best.
The right speakers bring a
system to life in the most
dramatic
way.
Whether
you’re looking for floor
standing, bookshelf models
or something more discreet,
we have the answer.
Your view
With your advice and patience, I now have an outstanding
sound system which I play often – classical musical when
I want to relax and something more contemporary when
friends come round. Thank you for your excellent service.
Aaron Taylor
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www.starav.net
www.starav.net
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M a k in g the
R i ght C hoice
When you buy a new home entertainment system, or upgrade individual components in an existing one, you’ll
want the resulting sound or picture to be of the highest possible quality. To achieve this, every part of the system
– from screens, speakers and receivers right through to cables and furniture – needs to work in partnership.
We stock only the highest–quality brands, to give you the best possible choice. Our staff understand how
every piece of equipment works and how it will interact with other components to best effect. Because we are
proudly independent, impartial advice will be based on what’s best for your needs.
Meeting your needs
Your consultation will focus on the kind of DVDs or CDs
being played on your system, where it is located, who will be
using it and anything else that has a bearing on the choice
of equipment to best suit your needs. This can also identify
potential problems that might hamper performance. For
example, if excessive light is affecting the picture quality of
your flatscreen TV, motorised blinds may be a cost-effective
way of improving performance.
Your view
Your staff instilled me with total confidence
throughout the entire project and communicated
something technically complex to someone who
is technically incompetent.
Phil McDonald
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www.starav.net
Similarly, if an existing audio system is lacking a full and
enveloping sonic performance, it may be corrected simply
by replacing just one or two components rather than starting
from scratch. No matter what, we will find a solution that
works for you.
www.starav.net
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D esign & C u stom I nstall
Do you want to enjoy your favourite music and movies throughout your home, even outside? This is no longer just
a dream. Everyone wants to maximise the capabilities of their home entertainment system and today it is both
easy and affordable. Our expert staff will work with you, your architect or builder to ensure your system is tailored
to your lifestyle, and is both acoustically and aesthetically pleasing.
Custom install can range from something as simple as mounting a flat screen TV on a wall to designing and
installing a full multi-room system with both audio and video throughout your home. It can take in home cinema
and hi-fi, as well as PC’s and other hardware. Plus, the system can be entirely new or include components you
already own. Whatever level of install you require, we will deliver.
How it works
Our custom install service takes in everything
for initial site visits to designing and planning
your system, through to project management
and installation to ensure you get the most
from your home entertainment system, while
minimising disruption. We consult with you
at every stage and, if required, will liaise with
builders and architects.
Your view
All my wife and I knew was that we wanted
to enjoy our home entertainment system
throughout our home. We didn’t want to see
any wires and it had to be easy to control.
Your staff were more than helpful and we
now have a system that is the envy of our
friends. Thankyou.
Paul Melilio
Multi-room systems
A multi-room system puts all your home cinema and/or hi-fi equipment in one place and gives you control at the
touch of a button. Put screens and speakers in as many rooms as you want and control what you listen to or
watch from one central hub. With hard-disk technology, you can store your entire DVD and CD collections in one
place and play different films or music tracks in different rooms at the same time. A single remote or touch panel
can control sound and vision in every room. Best of all, wireless technology means a multi-room audio system
can be installed with the minimum of disruption. We are experienced at installing both simple and complex multiroom systems, and ensuring they integrate with the look and feel of your home as well as being fully functional
and easy to operate.
“Call us to make an appointment with one
of our custom consultants. Don’t forget to
bring your house plans”
www.starav.net
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C hoosing T he
R i ght A ccessories
The quality of both the sound and vision your system produces is determined as much by it’s accessories as its
main components. That’s why it’s vital for you to give the same care and attention to selecting accessories as you
would any other part of your system. Accessories should not be an afterthought and can make a dramatic impact
to your home entertainment experience.
Equipment racks
and furniture
Arrange your home
cinema and hi-fi
equipment safely and
stylishly with a wide
range of furniture and
storage solutions. Our
range will compliment
your home, as well as
making sure your system works to its full
acoustic capabilities.
Automated lifts
and brackets
There are more ways
than ever to make a
screen fit perfectly
into your home, no
matter what your requirements - ceiling
mounts and drops,
lift mechanisms and
even moving panels
that cover the screen
when it’s not in use.
Universal
remote controls
With a programmable
universal remote control, every home cinema and hi-fi component can be operated
from one handheld
device. It can be optimised for your needs
and makes a real difference to your system’s useability.
Audio cables
High quality cables
make a very noticeable
difference to the
performance of a CD
player or turntable.
Budget cables (often
just freebies) simply
don’t deliver the full
dynamics of music.
Simple, easy and
affordable upgrade
for any system.
Video cables
Quality cabling is vital to ensure you get
the very best from
your projector or flat
panel display. The
bigger the screen or
the longer the cables
are, the more you will
notice weaknesses in
colour accuracy and
levels of detail.
Your view
I must admit that I was a bit worried when I looked at the list of
equipment I had chosen. How would I remember how everything
worked? But, your assurance that the universal remote control
would make operation simple and easy has proven absolutely true.
It is amazing and well worth the money!
George Lee
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www.starav.net
Headphones
High-end headhones
can offer the most
intimate and detailed
listening experience –
and your neighbours
might
appreciate
them too! We know
which headphones
suit both the kind of
music you listen to
and where you listen.
www.starav.net
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M A N U FA C T U R E R S
Meet some of the biggest brands in the hi-fi and home cinema business; more
than 40 of the world’s leading manufacturers show their latest innovations. The
icons opposite indicate which product types they provide.
Name
Arcam
Atlantic Technology
Audiolab
Audioquest
Boston Bryston
Cambridge Audio Creek Denon DVDO
Focal
Geneva
Integra
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Jamo KEF LP Morgan
Manley Laboratories
Marantz Meridian Metz
Mordaunt Short Musical Fidelity
NAD Nuvo
Optoma
Orpheus
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Ortofon
Parasound
Philips Pronto
Pioneer Polk Audio
Project
Rega
REL Acoustics
Rotel
Screen Technics
Sennheiser
Sim2
Sonique Audio
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Sonos
Subsonic Sunfire
Tannoy
The Chord Company
Thorens Tivoli Audio
Toshiba
Ultralift
WireWorld
Yamaha
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www.starav.net
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Bringing music & movies to life
Arcam first began building sound reproduction equipment in
1972, whilst its founders were still science and engineering
students at Cambridge University – more than a generation
building some of the finest high-fidelity products the world has
ever seen. As one of the few companies in the UK that can
develop products and technology platforms from the ground
up, Arcam is ideally placed to engineer state-of-the-art products
that push technological boundaries to the limit. This engineering
tradition, a company-wide commitment to quality and a longterm product support, has made Arcam one of the most trusted
names in the market.
So, whether it’s a two channel hi-fi system or a complete multichannel audio-visual system you’re after, Arcam offers the music
and movie lover a more complete range of high-performance
home entertainment solutions than any other high-end specialist
manufacturer.
Prestigious pairing
The Arcam DiVA range offers truly integrated video and audio
solutions, including the prestigious AVR350/DV137 home
cinema pairing.
With its ease of use and iPod connectivity, Arcam’s award
winning all-in-one music system, Solo, continues to receive
worldwide acclaim, while the Arcam FMJ series is a range
of strikingly attractive components aimed at the buyer who
demands superlative performance from their equipment.
Over the years, Arcam have applied the philosophy of simplicity
and integrity to everything they’ve made and have responded
enthusiastically to the challenges brought by the speed of new
technology development, but has never lost sight of what is
important to our customers. Discover how Arcam high-fidelity
home cinema brings music and movies to life, offering the best
possible combination of performance, design and value in the
marketplace.
●● High-performance two-channel & home cinema products
●●More than 30 years of experience
●●More awards for products than any other UK
manufacturer
●●Committed to quality and long-term product support
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www.absoluteaudiovision.com.au
Products
All-in-one Systems
DVD Players
Receivers
Surround Processors
CD Players
Tuners
Amplifiers
Power Amplifiers
www.absoluteaudiovision.com.au
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Precision Engineering for Home Entertainment
After 25 years, it’s easy to underestimate the impact the first
Audiolab products had on the market, but the original Audiolab
8000A shook up a cosy British audio industry: here was an
amplifier designed with the kind of facilities consumers wanted,
yet still able to deliver a sound to please audiophiles. Reflecting
on this, AVL Magazine (Aust.) reviewer Nic Tatham said: “Audiolab
harks back to 1983 when its legendary 8000A amplifier was
launched and proved to be one of the most versatile and
bombproof integrated amp designs known to man”
The founders of Audiolab, Philip Swift and Derek Scotland
were frustrated that really decent audio equipment cost so
much and was difficult to use, with most amplifiers being very
loudspeaker sensitive. So, they put together a design that would
solve this and went from a bedroom in Philip’s Cambridge house
to a 17,500 sq ft facility and in 2004, to a dedicated 400,000 sq
ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
The Audiolab philosophy
The Audiolab philosophy has always been to create wellengineered products that offer a high order of sound quality and
that are good value for money. They also had to be attractive
and reliable. This often meant starting from scratch in order to
engineer better products and finding ways of doing this costeffectively. In terms of quality and price, Audiolab were always
more BMW than Rolls Royce!
The development process involves an attempt to measure
performance and correlate this with perceived sound quality –
the intention being to develop an amplifier that is foolproof, fullyequipped and yet capable of high standards of performance.
As a result, Audiolab products appeal to a broad spectrum of
consumers.
●●Well designed and engineered
●●Easy to use and affordable product
●●Purist audio performance
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www.audiolab.co.uk
Products
Integrated stereo amplifiers
Tuner
CD player
A reputation for top quality sound
Founded in 1979, Boston Acoustics Inc. operates from their
modern facility in Peabody, Massachusetts, USA. They are a
renowned performance and value leader in the audio industry.
Boston designs, manufactures and markets high performance
audio systems for use in home stereo and audio-video systems
and custom built-in audio systems. Boston has a reputation for
top level sound quality but at moderate prices.
Products
Stereo speakers
Surround speakers
Subwoofers
Outdoor Speakers
In-ceiling speakers
In-wall speakers
Radios and ipod docks
Speakers, speakers and more speakers
Without doubt, most folk know Boston Acoustics as a
loudspeaker manufacturer. One of the current models is the
VS 336. With three fast OCCM woofers for serious bass punch,
an SWB tweeter for extended high-frequency response, and
a large OCCM midrange for exceptionally smooth transitions
between the two, the VS 336 has the power and the sensitivity
to faithfully reproduce any source material under any listening
conditions with both the power and the subtlety to bring any
form of home entertainment to life.
Today’s most exciting movies devote an entire audio channel
to bass, and the VS 210 reproduces it effortlessly. With a 10-inch
front-firing OCCM woofer, a matching OCCM passive radiator
and a proprietary 500-watt Class D amplifier, no bass note will
go unfelt – whether from assorted cinematic cataclysms or the
percussion section of symphony orchestra.
But, if you enjoy spending time on the patio, by the pool, or
under sail, Boston’s weatherproof Voyager speakers are just
what you need to enjoy the Boston sound. Every screw, gasket,
enclosure, binding post, and grille has been built to withstand
even the harshest conditions, and still deliver sound flawlessly.
Boston radio – the way it should be
A few years back Boston Acoustics entered into the radio
scene. Their Horizon Duo-i features a built-in iPod dock as well
as an AM/FM tuner, so you can listen to your favourite playlists
as well as your favourite radio stations. The high-performance
stereo speakers deliver clean, room-filling sound. Choose from
a variety of models.
●●High quality but at moderate prices
●●Extensive range of speakers for most applications
●●New and innovative products including AM/FM Radios
www.bostonacoustics.com
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Music for a generation
In a world where most things seem to need frequent upgrading,
repair or replacement - you may wonder how Canadian
manufacturer Bryston can offer a 20-year warranty on amplifiers.
The answer would quickly become apparent on a tour of
Bryston’s manufacturing facility.
No automated mass production here; no robotics, no moving
assembly lines. Every Bryston audio component is handcrafted
by people who take tremendous pride in building the very best.
This focus on quality literally represents the driving force behind
their entire approach to business. Bryston is the perfect blend of
highly advanced technology and devotion to old-world craft
It starts with exceptional design.
Bryston engineers are never constrained by design costs for
functionality. On the contrary, management challenge them
to create the finest products they can; to source and use the
best components; to move Bryston equipment ever-closer to
perfection, while maximising performance and reliability. In fact,
research and development are key to the ongoing success.
They’re constantly challenging themselves - and their suppliers
- to develop new materials, new processes and new circuitry...
new ways to reproduce superb sound.
The Bryston emphasis on quality - not quantity - is equally
evident at every step in the production cycle. Each component
is hand selected and installed, every wire is cut and bent by
hand, every connection is hand soldered. Bryston’s focus on
excellence just doesn’t allow for short-cuts that can introduce
later problems.
It simply makes good economic sense to produce the very
best products, resulting in extremely satisfied customers who
will become life-long advocates of the Bryston brand. Many
consider Bryston their final purchase.
●●Built to last with quality not quantity business ethos
●●20 year amplifier warranty —
excludes CD Player & Video Switcher
●●Obsessive attention to the smallest details
●●Highly advanced technology & devotion to
old-world craft
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www.bryston.com
Products
Integrated stereo amplifiers
Pre-amplifiers
Power amplifiers
CD player
Sharing your passion for music & movies
Cambridge Audio has been at the forefront of British hi-fi
for more than thirty five years. Since its inception in 1968,
Cambridge Audio has brought some of the most innovative
and technologically advanced products to market and the new
millennium has seen this continue with the highly-acclaimed
Azur range.
Understandably, Cambridge Audio has a philosophy of
using only the finest quality components and feature the latest
technological advancements. This commitment to engineering
excellence, combined with state of the art manufacturing facilities,
means every Cambridge Audio product offers the best possible
performance. Prior to launch, all designs undergo rigorous
evaluation involving meticulous listening and fine tuning.
The dedicated research and development facility in
London, England has more than 20 electronic engineers and
every member of the team – including sales, marketing and
manufacturing – share the same passion for hi-fi and home
cinema excellence. Cambridge have a reputation to always go
the extra mile, to make sure they only produce products that
they are proud enough to take home – and they do!
Products
A/V receivers
DVD players
Stereo amplifiers
CD players
AM/FM Tuner
Power amplifiers
Pre amplifiers
Loudspeakers
Multi-room products
Digital to Analogue Converters
Accessories
Ethical and environmental policy
As well as an unrivalled commitment to producing some of the
best products available, Cambridge Audio takes its responsibility
to the people behind the brand incredibly seriously. They believe
that the world has precious resources which must be preserved
for future generations.
Whichever model you choose, you can be sure it will feature
all the latest technology and offer the ultimate performance.
Cambridge Audio products are designed to stand the test of
time, offer supreme ease of use and represent extraordinary
value for money.
●●All products feature all the latest technology and offer
the ultimate combination of performance and value
●●Cambridge has always been an international
brand synonymous for offering style, leading edge
technology and supreme value
www.synergyaudio.com
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Making the most of your system
Most audio and cinema equipment is supplied with all the
connectors you need to get it working. So why spend more
money on replacement cables which do exactly the same
thing? The answer is quality. No matter how much you
spend, you will never see or hear just how good it really is by
connecting your equipment with low quality cables. The Chord
Company specialises in designing and producing high-quality
cables that will ensure you see and hear the very best sound
and picture that your system can possibly produce. Choosing
The Chord Company cables is one of the simplest, best-value
improvements you can make and over 20 years its outstanding
range of interconnect cables has emerged and grown making
the Chord interconnect and speaker cable range remarkably
consistent.
Matching your system’s performance
Chord works closely with leading hi-fi and home cinema
manufacturers to ensure that the interconnects and speakers
cables we produce perform consistently well, regardless of the
equipment they are connected to. No matter what the level of
equipment you choose, Chord produces interconnects and
speaker cables to match its performance. This is why so many
manufacturers, retailers, specialist hi-fi magazines and recording
studios use and recommend Chord cables. High performance
cables for: CD/DVD players and recorders; Satellite boxes;
Audio-video processors; MP3 players; Digital to analogue
converters; Amplifiers; Televisions & Projectors; Stereo speakers
& subwoofers; Home cinema systems.
●●Outstanding performance and value
●●Designed and manufactured in the UK
●●High level of customer satisfaction
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Products
Audio interconnect cables
Video interconnect cables
Speaker cable
A history of technical excellence
Now into its third decade, Creek Audio continues to be
acknowledged as one of the most recognisable names in the
British Hi-Fi industry and Mike Creek has been in the electronics
business all his working life. Having worked for a couple of
companies after leaving technical college, his ambition to
ultimately produce his own budget amplifier led him to establish
Creek Audio in 1982 and soon after the Creek CAS4040 was
launched on the UK market. Just a year or two later it made
its appearance in Australia. Praise for its sound quality was
tempered with disbelief that a fledgling British Hi-Fi company
could be successful taking on the established brands.
Products
Stereo integrated amplifiers
Stereo power amplifiers
CD players
FM/AM tuner
Turntables
Loudspeakers
Products with wide appeal
Mike gave serious thought to the rigours of designing exclusive
and exacting products and realised that the best way to do it
successfully was to get together an enviable design team.
When he purchased the Epos brand in 1999, his team of
engineers was broadened to include specialist loudspeaker
designers.
Currently Creek has two small but highly successful ranges of
two channel electronics – Evolution and Destiny. Both are award
winners the world over.
The recently released Epos Mi loudspeakers has provided the
market with a range of elegant yet dynamic models which blend
perfectly into any environment.
Capping the success of Creek and Epos, Mike designed the
Australian AktiMate incorporating technologies from both the
Creek and Epos stables. This active pair of speakers (with iPod
dock) has taken out three major awards in Australia in its first
year of release.
●●All products have a sim ple uncluttered design brief
●●Are designed for people who love music
●●Minimalist in operation.
www.epoz.com.au
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The First Name in Digital Audio
Denon has truly dominated the home cinema market for many
years, with a range of cutting edge yet affordable products. With
many of its A/V receivers being best-sellers both in Australia and
around the world, Denon is one of the best places to start when
looking at a surround sound system.
The current range includes seven models which range in price
from under $800 to around $5,000 for the high-end brigade.
Not only do these offer the world’s finest video processing, but
have extremely high-quality in-built amplifiers to drive the most
demanding speakers. Take for example the Denon AVR-2809.
This sophisticated receiver delivers 115 high-current Watts to
as many as seven speakers, enveloping you in detailed, lifelike
sound. It’s packed with advanced features, like flexible digital
video switching and 1080p upconversion via HDMI, decoding
for the latest surround sound formats and versatile multi-room
entertainment options.
Comprehensive Range
But, the Denon story does not finish with receivers. Denon DVD
players win industry awards on a regular basis. The DVD-1740
dvd was the 2009 Australian “Sound & Image” magazines’
Product of the Year award and yet it costs less than $400!
Traditional Stereo products are also well catered for with a
superb range of amplifiers, receivers, cd players, tuners and
turntables.
Also surprising is the range of micro hi-fi systems and high
quality accessory items. Outstanding is the Denon DM-37 which
offers true Hi-Fi performance along with all the latest features in
a unique small package that has to be heard to be believed. The
DM37 has had rave reviews from the experts including a 5-star
recommendation from “What Hi-Fi” magazine.
●●Hi-Fi and home cinemas systems and components
●●Nearly 100 years of experience
●●Cutting-edge technology
26
www.denon.com.au
Products
DVD & Blu-ray players
A/V receivers
DVD cinema systems
Mini hi-fi systems
Micro hi-fi systems
Stereo amplifiers
CD players
Turntables
Headphones
Accessories
www.denon.com.au
27
Innovation is the key to Focal sound
Since its foundation nearly 30 years ago, Focal has grown
to become one of the world’s most respected loudspeaker
manufacturers. Based in Saint-Etienne in France, they are
recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture
of specialist loudspeakers. A key strength is their complete
integration and quality control of the manufacturing process,
from the design of drivers, cabinets and crossovers, to the
assembly of the finished product in France.
Focal maintains a continual, intense programme of research
and development and numerous patents have been registered.
They have developed a research and production system that
enables them to continually improve products, and develop new
unique technologies. Every loudspeaker also features furniturequality cabinets developed by a Parisian design house and
manufactured locally.
Original solutions and choices…
Chorus 800 V proves that it is possible to deliver a loudspeaker
that is uncompromising on sound quality, but still sensitive to
room aesthetics. Featuring major, high-end innovations that
integrate with exclusive Focal technologies, with Chorus 800 V,
luxury finally becomes affordable.
Dôme is compact and versatile and radiates technology,
pleasure and beauty. Forged in cast aluminium, high-gloss piano
black or white lacquer finish, Dôme is a bold contemporary
statement that is both simple and sophisticated. Dôme is
capable of incredible, lush, detailed sound with or without its
subwoofer.
The Focal Electra 1000 Be series has received universal
acclaim worldwide since its release. They incorporate aspects
of design and technology pioneered in the flagship Utopia Be
series, including the astounding detail and clarity of the Beryllium
tweeter. The Electra 1000 Be series are strikingly modern
looking, beautifully built and deliver almost faultless sound in
terms of tonality, harmonics and rhythm.
●●Made in France
●●Innovation and design
●●Faithful reproduction of music
●●World leader in loudspeaker manufacture
28
www.audiomarketing.com.au
Products
Bookshelf speakers
Floor standing speakers
Satellite speaker systems
Subwoofers and centre speakers
In-ceiling and in-wall custom solutions
Outstanding craftsmanship and design
Denmark is world-renowned for its exquisite design. For
centuries, Danes have consistently demonstrated a natural
aptitude for architecture, construction and design – from wind
turbines and bridges, from furniture to even the Sydney opera
house. At the same time, Danish audio companies like Jamo
have also established a global reputation as specialists in high
quality sound reproduction.
So what is good sound? There is no simple answer to that
question. Listening to sound is a highly subjective experience.
However, Jamo have spent 40 years developing groundbreaking
audio products that reflect a commitment to outstanding
technology, craftsmanship and design. They have continually
strived to find and perfect the sound quality of every product.
Products
Surround sound speakers
Floorstanding speakers
Subwoofers
In-ceiling speakers
In-wall speakers
Outdoor speakers
Accessories
Proud Danish traditions
Jamo have an inherent desire to ensure that all products maintain
the proud Danish traditions of beautiful, yet highly functional,
design. This is reflected in simple, timeless creations and the use
of only the highest quality materials. Jamo products effortlessly
combine durability, functionality and aesthetics – just as world
renowned Danish furniture classics do.
Jamo has also received recognition in the music world for
creating products with a uniquely ‘Danish sound’ – a balance
that can best be described as open, clear and coherent and
musical – so true to life that you feel as though you are a part.
The Jamo mission is to bring completely unique and memorable
sonic experiences into your own home. Whether you want
music in the kitchen, the living room or even on the terrace, and
regardless of whether you want a stereo or surround system, we
know that we have a sound solution for your needs.
Therefore, the Jamo promise is: Danish Sound Design.
●●Global reputation as specialists in high quality sound
●●Develop and test every speaker system in their own labs
●●Created products with a uniquely ‘Danish sound’
www.qualifi.com.au
29
Innovators in sound
KEF was founded in 1961 by Raymond Cooke MBE (1925–
1995), a former BBC electrical engineer, widely acknowledged
not merely as a visionary engineer, but also a deeply practical
man keen to experiment with new materials and technologies
in order to create products with superior acoustic quality. From
its beginnings, KEF was destined to become a company with a
flair for the unusual.
A manufacturer of high-performance speakers for home
cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications, KEF is a
professional outfit from top to bottom. The four cornerstones
of KEF’s success have been quality, honesty, dedication and
innovation.
Experience true sound
profound emotional responses it’s possible to experience.
Take for example the KEF XQ Series. What makes the XQ
Series special is the ability to reproduce original sound with
such depth and clarity that it makes the very essence of that
experience come alive. Whether it’s exhilaration, awe or mellow
relaxation, you feel more. KEF’s patented Uni-Q® ‘point source’
driver array has been further enhanced by the addition of an
ingenious ‘tangerine’ waveguide that produces a sweeter sound
and disperses it even more widely throughout the room. Every
element of the design has been meticulously engineered, with all
models magnetically shielded and perfectly timbre-matched.
In addition to KEF XQ, there are four other series to choose
from including high-end Muon; Refererence; Q and C series.
There are also some special innovative and stylish products to
suit the lifestyle category of dvd systems including ‘wireless’
speakers.
●●Nearly 50 years’ experience in developing highperformance speakers
●●Purpose built speakers for flush mounting into
walls and ceilings
●●Reference Series, based on the concept of
benchmark audio precision
30
www2.kef.com
Products
DVD instant home cinema systems
Hi-Fi stereo loudspeakers
Reference Series loudspeakers
Home cinema systems Powered subwoofers
In-wall & In-ceiling loudspeakers
Worth staying home for
LP Morgan has always believed that the key to the big screen
entertainment experience at home is a great screen.
Of course, the quality of the projector and other components
helps, but if you are wanting a great movie experience then your
screen choice really matters.
And what about taking that one step further and watching
movies in their original aspect ratio, with all of the detail and
richness the director intended?
To get the real movie experience you need LP Morgan
CineTheatre. Seeing a movie in CineTheatre is simply stunning.
You’ll feel immersed in the movie, rather than just watching it.
Most new release movies are produced in a format called
Cinemascope 2.35:1, whereas most projection screens today
are made in conventional wide screen 16:9.
If you watch a 2.35:1 movie at home on a conventional wide
screen the movie will be 25% smaller, with black bars above
and below.
CineTheatre Screens give you the full picture, and are as good
to look at as the movies they show. Complementing your décor,
you can choose from flat, curved or motorised CineTheatre
screens.
LP Morgan is Australian owned and proudly Australian
made. Over the past decade they have developed an enviable
reputation for products that are fabulous to look at as well as
technically superior.
LP Morgan – worth staying home for.
Products
16:9 Roller Screens
16:9 Frame Screens
CineTheatre Frame Screens
Dipper Motorised Projector Mount
Flipper Motorised Projector Mount
Skyhooks
Here’s a comparison
of the two formats:
16:9
Image Area
2.35:1
Image Area
www.lpmorgan.com.au
31
Amplifiers with ‘out-of-this-world’ performance
Manley has been around since the late 1980’s and they make
high-fidelity vacuum tube amplifiers and preamplifiers. It is the
people whose years of dedication, service and expertise who
make the difference.
Between 1996 and 1999 when the modern form of Manley
Labs began to take shape. Almost all the existing products were
updated while new designs like the Stingray, the Voxbox and
the Massive Passive saw a doubling of sales volume and helped
turn Manley Labs into the powerhouse of production it is today.
People started to really notice.... but hell, this is all old news.
The new news…
“First” is exciting. “Best” is the real goal. “Affordable” is
honest business. “Most Expensive” is for others, not Manley!
They describe products in basic terms with valid scientific and
engineering data, only occasionally indulging in a little “audiophilia
nervosa”: high purity wire, gold contacts, good layout, hand
soldering and wiring, overkill power supplies, silver solder, 1%
metal film resistors, film & foil capacitors, selected tubes, solid
chassis, etc. Manley do this scientifically and sincerely: for the
music, for you.
Tube amplifiers with ‘real world’ power
Manley Laboratories make a solid range of amplifiers, but
there’s an aesthetic dimension to the Manley Stingray that
transcends high-end audio and borders on modern sculpture
which is why we feature it in these pages. Still, the Stingray is by
no means an exercise in gimmickry. Form has clearly followed
function at every step in the design process, the ultimate goal
of which was to fashion a vacuum-tube integrated amplifier
with real-world power that defined the outer limits of high-end
performance in a functional, affordable, bare-bones package...
with a touch of style.
●●Handcrafted in Los Angeles, USA
●●In-house machine shop, printed circuit board
manufacture, audio transformer winding,
engraving and silk-screening facilities
32
www.manleyaudio.com.au
Products
Stereo pre-amplifiers
Best sound ... year after year
The heritage of Marantz dates back to 1953. The driving
philosophy in product design has always involved staying true
to its maxim ‘because music matters’. Countless international
awards and reviews attest to the superior sound quality of
Marantz.
Music is part of our lives. Even in today’s changing times where
Audio meets Vision, music is the defining ingredient. It brings
emotion to vision and puts the passion into our experiences. So,
the realistic reproduction of music is the essential premise. True
hi-fi is about being able to reproduce the magic of a performance.
It’s about experiencing music just as the artist intended.
Even in the cinema, it is music that delivers the ecstasy and
agony of a film’s story. Perfect specifications and technical
accomplishment count for nothing unless a product can
unlock the power, the excitement and the emotion of music.
The Marantz heritage of technical excellence means creating
components with the ability to communicate the scale, timbre,
pitch and dynamics – in fact, the very essence – of a recording.
Products
CD players
SACD players
Stereo amplifiers
AM/FM tuner
DVD players
A/V receivers
Docking station for iPod
Universal remote controls
Music Matters
Music is enchanting, and Marantz have ensured that the carrier
– their components – of the music looks and feels as good as
it sounds. Every component Marantz produce is technically
and cosmetically designed to complement the lifestyle of the
listener. They pride themselves on applying these principles
to all products. Each and every Marantz home entertainment
components is capable of reproducing the purest, most realistic
music in your home.
If you treasure human emotions, then you will appreciate this
latest range of products from Marantz. Why? Because music
matters.
●●Stereo amplifiers, CD and SACD players
●●A/V home cinema receivers and DVD players
●●More than 50 years’ experience in music
reproduction
www.marantz.com.au
33
Pushing technology to the edge
Mordaunt-Short has been designing and manufacturing
loudspeakers since 1967. Naturally in those 40 + years, they
have seen a great many changes in the way speakers have
been made. Back then, most manufacturers strived to offer
a well-made, good sounding product, whereas today a large
proportion of product is made purely to price. Mordaunt Short
has resolutely maintained a leading position by not deviating
from their original vision and consistently responding to - and
frequently introducing - new technologies and materials.
However, one factor has remained more important to their
success and has guaranteed the continued satisfaction of their
customers: a passion for music. The design team certainly relish
pushing technology to the edge but refuse to release a new
model simply because it’s innovative or technically superb.
No loudspeaker leaves the factory until it has passed the
one test that really matters: its musical performance has to put
smiles on the faces of everyone in the listening room!
What the experts say
Mordaunt Short speakers enjoy rave reviews. Here are some
excerpts..
Performance 6 — “We feel privileged to have even heard
these speakers... the sheer quantity of detail unearthed is
extraordinary: previously unimagined atmospherics are exposed
without fuss and marshaled with the deftest of touches.”
What Hi-Fi? Ultimate Guide to High End Entertainment September 2008
Mezzo 1— “I have little hesitation declaring that this is an ideal
home cinema package for a buyer with audiophile sensibilities...
a serious system for lovers of both music and movies.”
Home Cinema Choice September 2008
And here in Australia, the Mordaunt-Short Avant MS916i was
announced in October 2008 as the “Stereo Speakers of the
Year up to $2500” by Sound & Image Magazine
●●Mordaunt Short only manufacture the
finest loudspeakers
●●Extremely comprehensive range
●●All products have a 5 year warranty
34
www.qualifi.com.au
Products
Bookshelf speakers
Powered subwoofers
Subwoofer satellite systems
Home cinema systems
Custom in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
One man’s vision
Musical Fidelity exists because of one man’s passion for music
and hi-fi. That man is Antony Michaelson. A classically trained
clarinetist, his love of music has driven his burning desire to make
hi-fi which really sounds like music. Finding the performance of
most so-called ‘high end’ equipment disappointing, he was
determined to build hi-fi which would reproduce the source
material with musical fidelity, thus the name of the company he
founded in 1982.
Products
CD players
Phono pre amplifiers
Headphone amplifiers
Integrated amplifiers
Pre and power amplifiers
Digital to analogue converters
A hi-fi company with unusual values…
The themes underlying Musical Fidelity’s progress have been
value for money, sonic excellence and beauty of design and
build. They have been a consistent innovator in the UK market,
introducing adventurous aesthetics and incredible sonic
performance, all at a fair price.
In 1985 Musical Fidelity released the A1 integrated amplifier.
This amplifier offered 20W per channel of Class A performance.
Packaged in beautiful, futuristic casework it received ecstatic
reviews from around the world. Widely regarded as the ultimate
in musicality it went on to sell nearly 200,000 units, making it
legendary in high-end budget audio components. Recently, the
A1 returned. Whilst still keeping the sonic virtues of the original
Class A design, it has also been brought up to date with the
addition of a USB audio input, an attractive display, full remote
control and improved technical performance, including a
doubling in power output.
To partner the new A1 amplifier, Musical Fidelity have
also released the new A1 CD Pro CD player. Using the best
mechanism in the world from Philips – the top-loading CD Pro 2
– the A1 CD Pro uses a state of the art 24-bit 192K up-sampling
DAC, filter and output to give exquisite sound and the highest
level of performance for the price.
●●Consistent value for money
●●Innovators from the very first product
●●Adventurous aesthetics and incredible sonic
performance
●●Musical Fidelity remains committed to their
audiophile ideals
www.audiomarketing.com.au
35
Powered by passion
In 1972, at a meeting in Europe, eight people representing
companies in the USA, UK, France, Switzerland and Germany
formed a Hi-Fi company soon to be known as NAD. What made
this event so unique was that all were already involved in the
sales and marketing of Hi-Fi equipment – but just as importantly
were also music lovers.
Developed by music lovers for music lovers
NAD audio visual components are developed by music lovers
for music lovers. It is not the company’s policy to impress
potential customers with figures that look good solely on paper.
NAD engineers understand that technical specifications tell only
half the story. Far too often there is a large discrepancy between
specifications in the brochure and ‘real-world’ performance.
By studying actual listening in realistic environments and the
interaction between components, NAD products achieve a
level of performance far beyond that which the specifications
suggest.
Performance and ease of use
NAD has always maintained that a product should be simple
and intuitive to use. There are many products from other brands
laden with knobs, buttons and lights, most of which are seldom,
if ever, used but which do cost money to include. Leaving out
those unnecessary features and concentrating on those which
are truly useful allows money to be spent where it really counts
– on the inside.
NAD Electronics is essentially still the same company it was in
the beginning. The secret to this success is simple; throughout
the years NAD has remained loyal to its founding principles
which have become traditional NAD hallmarks. NAD products
sound good, are easy to use, provide truly useful features and
offer great value for money.
●●Products developed by music lovers for music lovers
●●Simple, uncluttered and yet functional design
●●All amplifiers and receivers use high-current design
principles
36
www.nad.com.au
Products
Stereo receiver
Stereo pre & power amplifiers
Multi-channel power amplifiers
Surround sound receivers
DVD players
CD players
AM/FM tuner
Turntable
Accessories
www.nad.com.au
37
The emotion quotient
In the 1960’s Orpheus Designer Brad Serhan’s great uncle
was head technician of a company that imported Quad valve
amplifiers and speakers. This association was the catalyst
for Brad’s interest in music and hi-fi. Whilst studying electrical
engineering at university, hi fi tweaking with fellow students
provided Brad with a passion for loudspeaker design. In 1980
this passion culminated in Brad’s first loudspeaker project, a 3
way bass reflex design. In 1984 Brad Serhan founded ‘Orpheus
Loudspeakers’. The company’s first model was the Dolomite. It
proved to be pivotal in the evolution of Orpheus.
The company’s commitment to excellence along with its years
of experience in designing high quality and high performance
audio equipment has led to the growth of a substantial following
in Australia. This is true for the consumer range as well as for
the company’s commercial studio and reference equipment.
Orpheus Audio professional users in Australia include ABC Radio
and TV, Studio 301 (formerly EMI Studios, Sydney), Channel 10
and Channel 7 TV Studios. Orpheus also sells through a very
select dealer network in Australia comprising 20 of the best hi-fi
stores in the country.
Top sound and incredible Aurora 3
The Orpheus Aurora 3 stereo/home cinema twin 6” floor
standing loudspeaker was first produced in 1998 and has been
their most popular selling loudspeaker – and received an ‘Audio
& Video Lifestyle’ Award for Best Loudspeaker in 1999. Ten
years on and the latest version continues to receive accolades
from hi-fi journalists and more importantly consumers – the real
test of success! It is now joined by the more compact Aurora
2 and bookshelf Aurora 1, both testament to quality Australian
design.
Orpheus Loudspeakers - You’ll never look back!
●●Australian designed speakers for the music and purist
●●Suitable for music and home cinema systems
●●High quality and high performance
38
www.orpheusaudio.com.au
Products
Bookshelf speakers
Centre & Rear speakers
The envy of most competitors
Since 1981 the Parasound name has been synonymous with
rock-solid reliability, amazing sound quality and unequalled
value. So, it’s no accident that Parasound receives unanimous
critical acclaim. Founder and President Richard Schram employs
the finest designers in the audio industry, whose insights and
experience result in products that delight customers and are
the envy of most competitors. Many of the biggest hit movies
and albums are made using Parasound equipment. The sound
designers and mixing engineers for Lucasfilm, Pixar, Sony
Pictures, Universal Pictures, Skywalker Sound, use the same
models you can buy.
Products
Stereo and mono power amplifiers
Surround processors
Multi-channel power amplifiers
AM/FM Tuner
John Curl…no less than a legend
Another secret is designer John Curl. Knowledgeable
audiophiles and audio designers alike consider John Curl,
Parasound’s analog design consultant since 1989, to be no
less than a legend. The audio components he’s designed
have become cherished collectors items. Building on this
reputation, Parasound have created an ambitious new line of
components, HALO by Parasound. John’s exciting designs
for the Parasound Halo series power amps have won them
unprecedented accolades from reviewers and more importantly,
from customers, world-wide.
Better ways to decode and process digital signals
Since 1997 Parasound’s surround controllers have been
designed in Finland by a remarkably talented group of young
engineers. Their fresh thinking and rigorous design criteria have
created better ways to decode and process digital signals.
They’ve won over scores of hard-core analog enthusiasts who
consider Parasound surround controllers on a par with some of
the most esoteric analog products. We are extremely confident
that you’ll appreciate the efforts of all members of the Parasound
design team and the products they make and for many years to
come.
●●Parasound products used by Lucasfilm
●●Employs the finest designers in the audio industry
●●Refinement, performance, and distinctive design
●●Commitment to quality in all product lines
www.networkav.com.au
39
Per fect for m and function
The year was 1937 and Pioneer’s founder, Nozomu Matsumoto,
successfully develops the A-8 dynamic speaker. From there, the
rest as they say is history. Never just a follower, but truly living
up to their name . . . Pioneer! Now, let Pioneer introduce you
to a host of top-grade audio visual performers, each setting
high standards in its individual discipline. This range raises the
curtain on a new, intensive and high-definition world of home
entertainment – letting you discover life is more intense in HD.
Top of the table is the exciting range of Kuro plasma and LCD
televisions. Kuro is the benchmark by which all vision products
are judged. The new Kuro plasma is just 64mm thick and has
introduced a whole new range of possibilities and deliver the
maximum in terms of image quality, processing quality and ease
of use. Each model offers a sleek and stylish design, with a host
of new technologies to give unrivalled picture quality. No matter
what you are watching – free-to-air SD or HD TV, DVD, Blu-ray
or next generation gaming – the picture quality is so brilliant that
it will take your breath away.
The power of cinema
Great pictures need great sound! There’s nothing like bringing
the power of the cinema into your living room with a big-screen
Pioneer TV. But a film cannot become an ‘experience’, without
outstanding audio support. With Pioneer it’s easy. Expertly
crafted multi-channel A/V receivers and speaker systems
recreate stunningly powerful sounds, while the perfect image is
delivered by state-of-the-art DVD and Blu-ray players that leave
no wish unfulfilled.
●●Plasma and LCD TVs with breathtaking image depth
and intensity
●●A/V receivers to drive sound and image to superb
levels of clarity
●●HDD/DVD recorders with more than enough room for
the best in entertainment
●●An entire range of products to complete your audiovisual experience
40
www.pioneer.com.au
Products
Plasma & LCD TVs
A/V receivers
Blu-ray players
DVD players
HDD/DVD recorders
Hi-Fi Components
www.pioneer.com.au
41
Reproducing music faithfully
Rega’s philosophy is to make high quality products at sensible
prices, as a means of reproducing music as faithfully as
possible. Rega is committed to the design and development of
new and existing products, both in hi-fi and other areas that will
perpetuate Rega’s values of quality and value for money.
Turntables
Since 1973 Rega has been at the forefront of stereo sound
reproduction in the home. Rega started out making turntables for
the replay of those large black vinyl discs and still manufactures
a full range of turntables & cartridges (including 78 rpm) which
are considered by many to be the best in the world.
CD Players
“The early bird catches the bird” – proverb
“The second mouse gets the cheese” – fact
Rega were proud to be the last major hi-fi company to
produce a CD player. Accustomed to the pure sound of black
vinyl they were initially unimpressed by the sound produced by
those little silver discs. Eventually Rega found a way to produce
a CD player that sounded like music. Beloved by all who heard
it, the original Planet is still sought after by those in the know.
Rega’s current CD players (with the famous Star Trek Enterprise
lid) are considered to be some of the best sounding players
available.
The Rega System
These days Rega make amplifiers, speakers, tuners and even
cables to complement their CD players and turntables. This
means a complete Rega system is available for those who value
good sound in the home.
●●Elicit Integrated Amplifier – the beginning of a new
wave of Rega amplifiers
●●P3-24 Turntable – product of the year wherever you
look (now available in 5 high gloss colours)
●●Fono Mini MM phono preamp – upgrade your old
amplifier and bring your turntable to life
42
Products
Turntables
Cartridges
Phono preamps
Tonearms
CD players
Amplifiers
Loudspeakers
Interconnects & speaker cables
Projection screens and accessories
Screen Technics was founded in 1990 by Greg Donovan with
an aim to design and manufacture quality projection screens
and associated AV products. It is the largest projection screen
company in Australia and offers a complete line of projection
screens as well as lifting devices for projectors and plasma TVs.
Their products are to be found in home cinemas, boardrooms,
theme parks, educational facilities and commercial cinemas.
Products
Projection Screens
Motorised Roller Blind Systems
Interfit Projector and Plasma/ LCD lifts
Connect Motor Control Systems
Peerless Audiovisual Mounts
What sort of screen do you need?
There are two basic types of projection screens. Fixed frame or
picture frame style screens are the best possible option due to
the fact that they are perfectly flat. However, they are suitable
for a dedicated wall space only, but are the premium choice for
dedicated home cinema rooms.
Roll down style screens can be manually operated or supplied
with a motorised option. With the benefit that the screen retracts
out of way when not in use, making them ideal for multipurpose
rooms eg: family room, as they are less likely to get damaged.
Customised installation to suit your needs
The extensive range of home cinema screens come in the
widescreen (16:9) format which matches current television
broadcasts and DVDs produced in this format. Screen Technics
also produce video (4:3) and (16:10) format screens which are
perfect for data applications. Custom sizes are available on
request, such as extra black drop and specific screen or case
sizes, including heavy duty screens for larger sizes. Screen
Technics the ideal choice for a home cinema installation with
special requirements.
Whatever your home cinema projection screen requirements,
Screen Technics offers style, design and quality at unbelievable
prices when compared with similar imported products. The
extensive range of projection screens have exceptional build
quality and a wide array of superb features as standard, with a
choice of optional extras for a small additional charge.
●●Australia’s premier manufacturer of Screens and AV
Lifting Devices
●●Designed and engineered to world’s best standards
●●Ability to offer custom solutions
●●Certified Quality Assurance AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000
www.screentechnics.com.au
43
Projection per fection
SIM2 is a name highly regarded amongst the ranks of serious
home theatre enthusiasts. Rightly famed for their stunning
image quality, SIM2 video projectors are regular winners of
‘best picture’ awards and are the choice of notable Hollywood
directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and David Lynch.
A passion for home theatre perfection
Based near Venice in Italy, SIM2 focuses on one thing only –
video projection. Innovation is the key to their success. With a
swag of world-firsts, SIM2 has always been at the leading edge
of projection technology.
Their product range includes ultimate high end machines
designed for no-compromise home theatres but also offers a
wide choice of models to suit even budget conscious movie
lovers. Every model offers the pristine video quality SIM2 is
renowned for.
A notable product is the Sim2 D80E projector which was
awarded the ‘Best Projector over $8,000’ at the Australian
2009 Sound and Image awards. The judges said: “A clever
output-modulated lamp is key to this projector’s remarkable
performance with excellent black levels, realistic colours and
long lamp life…”
SIM2 Multimedia design engineers pay particular attention
to ensure that their projectors are an attractive addition to your
home. You will immediately notice the elegant design, which
is certain to complement your décor. Furthermore, all SIM2
projectors offer relaxed ease-of-use via remote control and the
comprehensive warranty ensures peace of mind.
●●Italian specialist video projection company
●●Passionate about perfection in video
●●Innovative technology meets stylish design
●●Products to suit all budgets from ultimate
performance to cost-effective brilliance
44
www.sim2.com.au
Products
Home cinema projectors
The sound of a better tomor row
Sonique, based in Adelaide is a manufacturer of very high quality
loudspeakers. Managing Director and head of the Design team
is Steve Lund. His ‘passion for sound quality’ commenced with
Duntech (USA) in 1980 and as production manager for 12 years
they produced some of the best and most expensive speakers
in the world at that time. During this time the hitherto dormant
seed of Sonique germinated and he set his mind to the business
of creating speaker systems capable of superb and accurate
sound reproduction across a wide market. The opportunity to
travel on business allowed him to listen to best the rest of the
world has to offer and continually update his listening repertoire,
“educate his ears” and, equally, share his personal experiences
in sound. He would then return to Australia and strive to do
everything better and smarter.
Products
Floor standing Hi-Fi speakers
Home Cinema speakers
Bookshelf speakers
Subwoofers
Custom in-wall & in-ceiling speakers
Sonique Diamond’s – speakers for music and home
cinema sound
The Sonique Diamond series is the latest product range to come
from this powerhouse of design. There are three stunning and
very stylish models available in a choice of ‘real’ timber veneers
– 550; 650 and 750. Everyone who listens to the Diamonds
is amazed by the sound quality and of course Steve believes
“it provides the ideal combination of speakers for music
reproduction and home cinema sound applications.”
Steve appreciates the positive feedback and also values
constructive input. “Ultimately,” he says, “every hour of every
day someone, somewhere in the world, is appreciating the very
special sound created by speakers made by a small talented
group of very passionate designers in Adelaide, Australia. That
brings a smile to my face.”
●●Designed and manufactured in SA
●●One of this country’s major players
●●Quality, performance and style
www.soniqueaudio.com.au
45
Any media. Anywhere. Anytime.
Sonos is the first wireless, multi-room digital music system that
lets you simply and easily play your favourite tunes from any
room in your home. Pick up the wireless Sonos Controller and
make a selection from the palm of your hand. Pick a room, pick
a song and simply hit play. It’s that easy.
Have instant access to all your computer-stored digital music,
plus enjoy internet radio and on-line audio subscription services
such as Rhapsody. Even music from your CD or MP3 player can
be accessed. It works just like magic!
A multi-room system that’s flawless, flexible and fun.
Expand the system into any room or even outdoors! When you’re
ready to expand your wireless, multi-room digital music system,
simply add more zone players and controllers as needed – up to
32 different zones which is enough for even the largest home. If
you already have an amplifier or powered speakers then all you
need is the ZonePlayer 90, which has no internal amplifier but
includes optical and coaxial outputs, making it an ideal choice
for a home cinema connection or to an existing hi-fi system.
Who Loves Sonos
The people who own it, design it, review it and sell it, that’s
who. Sonos has passionate customers, fanatical employees
and enthusiastic reviewers who have two things in common:
they love Sonos and telling the world all about it. We are in that
group. And as the Seattle Times said…“There are other great
devices for streaming digital music from a PC to a stereo.....but
with its full-featured remote and dedicated network, the Sonos
is in a different class.” We couldn’t put it better!
●●Built-in wireless system
●●Multi-room synchronous playback
●●Expandable design, up to 32 rooms
●●Familiar, simple user interface
46
www.playback.com.au
Products
Digital wireless music systems
www.playback.com.au
47
Innovative and popular Australian brand
Definitely one of the more innovative and popular loudspeakers
are the Australian made and designed speaker systems from
SuBsonic. The company originally started making subwoofers
– thus the name SuBsonic – under contract in 1994. But,
let’s go back a couple of steps. While working with another
speaker manufacturer part-time, SuBsonic owner Duncan Best
completed a degree in accounting. While this was a great way
to ensure that he could understand the finer points of running
a business, this was not where Duncan’s passions lay. Duncan
quickly enrolled in further education, taking on very involved
subjects in Electronics and audio design, thus allowing him to
pursue his dream – the making of good loudspeakers.
In researching the competition, it seemed to him that no one
was addressing the problem that has plagued speaker owners
for years and that is that people’s houses are not always ideal
listening environments. Customers often invest a lot of money
on good audio equipment only to be disappointed when
they take the equipment home due to their less than perfect
listening environment. Duncan truly believes that his range of
speakers which includes floor-standing and subwoofer/satellite
combinations goes a long, long way to solving these issues.
The SuBsonic philosophy…push the boundaries
SuBsonic continues to push the boundaries of Australian
loudspeaker technology and pricing. To get brand awareness,
he marketed his products at prices well below the competition.
This tactic – obviously something he learnt in accountancy – has
proved to be so successful that the larger volumes coupled with
low operating costs have allowed him to maintain price points
which are absolutely amazing. SuBsonic delivers a high quality
product with a very satisfying audio experience and at great
value for your dollar.
●●100% Australian designed
●●High Australian-made content
●●Timber veneer finish on some models
●●Extremely competitive prices
48
www.subsonic.com.au
Products
Satellite speakers
Surround sound speaker packages
Active subwoofers
www.subsonic.com.au
49
The brand on many prestigious installs
The history of Tannoy goes back over 80 years, commencing
shortly after the start of broadcasting in London in 1926.The
initial commercial interest of the company was in the world of
public address, making a range of microphones, loudspeakers
and amplifiers. As one of the largest European loudspeaker
manufacturers, they have developed a huge range of sound
reinforcement products; equipment for sporting complexes,
defence industry projects and of course Tannoy is famous world
wide for its hi-fi loudspeakers. Tannoy is the brand name on
many prestigious sound installations around the world including
The Sydney Opera House.
A funky, fun speaker package
So you may be surprised to see speakers from such a serious
outfit as Tannoy show up in a funky, fun package like the Arena
system. The thing that sets this system apart is its use of a pointsource Dual Concentric™ driver configuration. This means that
the speaker’s midrange driver and tweeter are both positioned
on the same axis — an arrangement that enhances imaging by
locking sounds to a precise point in space. Along with unique
style, the Arena system has excellent build quality and versatile
installation options and comes in a number of colours.
A new dimension
Looking for high-end performance speakers? The Tannoy
TD10 utilises a 254mm (10”) Tannoy Dual Concentric™ drive
unit featuring a new cone material and twin-roll surround
providing enhanced midrange performance and tight, fast bass
with tremendous low frequency extension. The cone material
is manufactured from a composite of several different fibres
which have been carefully chosen to obtain a light but very
stiff structure providing exceptional control of bass transients.
The multi-faceted trapezoidal design of the cabinet, with its
sloping top panel, reduces internal standing waves to minimise
colouration.
●●Serious loudspeaker manufacturer
●●Unique Tannoy Dual Concentric™ drive units
●●Wide choice for both music purists and surround
sound enthusiasts
50
www.syntec.com.au
Products
Bookshelf speakers
Subwoofers
Surround sound speaker systems
Automated audio visual solutions
Ultralift Australia is proudly one of the world’s premier
manufacturers of motorised lifting devices for audiovisual
equipment. Designs are taken to the leading edge with the
highest quality innovative products available. Ultralift’s products
are recognised as the most compact and smoothest running
available on the market.
The extensive product range available includes motorised lifts
and mounts for projectors, plasma screens and LCD monitors.
In addition to the standard products available, Ultralift’s
experienced in-house design team offers custom devices to
suit your specific requirements. Applications include corporate
boardrooms, home cinemas, university auditoriums, lecture
theatres, luxury boat installations and commercial sites.
Products
LCD and plasma panel lifts
LCD and plasma swivels
LCD and plasma ceiling tilts
Motorised wall mounts
Motorised rolling art
The Phoenix compact flat panel TV lift
Ultralift Australia’s ‘Phoenix’ LCD or plasma TV lift gives you
unlimited applications for your flat panel screen. The compact
design allows you to hide your television into sideboards and
cabinets providing the ultimate in style, security and protection.
Ultralift Australia’s renowned ‘Phoenix’ lift incorporates super
smooth, quiet operation and compact design.
The Gallery turns your flat screen into art
Ultralift Australia’s ‘Gallery’ rolling art transforms your flat screen
into a piece of artwork. Your flat-screen is concealed away
behind your choice of canvas artwork, allowing flexibility in your
interior design and the added benefit of concealing it out of sight
of would-be thieves. The compact design has a smooth and
quiet retractable motion, with easy remote control operation.
The Gallery also features automatic sensing canvas retraction
when the flat screen is turned on. The ‘Gallery’ rolling art can be
integrated into home automation control systems. The above
are just two of the amazing and unique products from Ultralift.
Visit their website to discover a whole new world of exciting and
truly amazing products.
●●High quality innovative products
●●Ultralift is a wholly Australian owned and
operated company
www.ultraliftaustralia.com.au
51
Toshiba high definition – pure intensity
Toshiba, a name synonymous with audio-visual excellence,
produces more than just commodities; it creates ways for you to
experience sound and television the way it was intended to be.
Just when many thought HDTV had reached its peak, Toshiba
launch the new range of REGZA Full High Definition LCD TVs
which once again push the boundaries. With high-speed picture
scanning and class-leading motion reproduction technology
make this the perfect big screen TV for sports fans and home
cinema enthusiasts alike – both who want to get right into the
heart of the action, not watch from the sidelines!
The ultimate in home entertainment
Toshiba REGZA Full High Definition LCD TV panels hold the
exact number of pixels (1920 x 1080) to allow pixel-to-pixel
reproduction of 1080i/1080p HD contents. Standard definition
contents can also be enriched to fit the HD resolution, resulting
in finer images on screen. Utilises advanced histogram image
processing to monitor the brightness level of each video frame
and automatically adjusts the backlight intensity based on the
image content. The result is a considerably deeper black level
for increased detail and depth to create superior lifelike images,
even in low light environments.
ClearFrame 100Hz Anti-Blur Technology
This advanced system – available on selected models – virtually
eliminates motion blur without decreasing image brightness,
or adding flicker. Images are now crisp and clear regardless of
image motion. ClearFrame doubles the displayed frame rate to
100 frames per second or 100 Hz. ClearFrame utilises superior
Motion Vector Frame Interpolation (MVFI) technology. Utilising
the power of the Meta Brain processor, MVFI creates new
frames, inserting them between the original frames.
●●100Hz models available for super-smooth picture
motion
●●Active internal scaling reproduces SD broadcasts in
stunning high resolution
●●DVD players feature built-in video scaler to ply
standard discs in high-resolution
52
www.regza.com.au
Products
LCD televisions
DVD players
www.regza.com.au
53
A history of musical excellence
Yamaha’s involvement with sound began with the production of
their first reed organ in 1887 and today Yamaha is the world’s
leading producer of pianos and other musical instruments.
Yamaha are also well respected for manufacturing quality audio
visual products. The background is most informative.
Superior Natural Sound
Yamaha introduced their first hi-fi (high fidelity) turntable in
1954, becoming the first company to actually use the term hi-fi.
Thereafter, Yamaha was one of the first to offer mass-produced,
high quality audio, introducing many legendary components. One
of the most renowned is the NS-1000M speakers. Produced in
1974, these speakers are still considered as legendary when it
comes to superior natural sound reproduction.
The development of the modern audio amplifier began in
the 1960s with the introduction of full-transistor amplifiers and
even now has a superb but select range of high quality stereo
components. The recent release of the A-S2000 amplifier
and the CD-S2000 CD player has created great excitement
among hi-fi enthusiasts; incorporating completely new design
philosophies which achieve superior audio fidelity and offer a
superior hi-fi solution for music enthusiasts.
The A-S2000 amplifier incorporates fully balanced
transmission from input to output stages. Four floating power
supplies are used – two for each channel, ensuring the negative
and positive signals are completely symmetrical. Recognition
of this superb product came with the 2009 Sound and Image
Award for “Stereo Amplifier of The Year over $2,000” thus further
enhancing Yamaha’s reputation.
Yamaha’s CD-S2000 SACD/CD player is the ideal match.
Immediately after the data is read from the CD, the CD-S2000
converts this to a fully balanced analogue signal thus retaining
integrity for supremely accurate reproduction. Both the products
realise the highest quality analogue sound.
●●Established in 1887
●●Synonymous with quality products
●●Complete and comprehensive range
54
www.yamahamusic.com.au
Produc ts
Hi-Fi Components
Audio Visual Receivers
Blu-ray and DVD Players
Home Cinema Systems
Loudspeakers
Subwoofers
55
More than just a pretty face
Yamaha audio components have long been recognised as the
standard bearers of fine quality. With the development of Digital
Sound Field Processing in 1986, a new era in home entertainment
began. All of their acoustic and audio expertise is now engineered
into LSIs (Large Scale Integrated Circuits) that they design and
manufacture themselves. These powerful chips are expanding
and enhancing entertainment possibilities in the exciting field of
home cinema. Yamaha have also introduced state-of-the-art
video components, and now offer everything necessary for the
finest in music and movie enjoyment at home.
Exceptional Audio Visual Receivers
Yamaha embraced the early Dolby surround sound concepts
and really made the market their own in the late 1980’s with
legendary products like the DSP-1 – a revolutionary amplifier
that pushed the boundaries and influenced surround sound
manufacturing, for many years to come.
Today, Yamaha audio visual receivers are just as innovative
and include everything that the home cinema enthusiast dreams
about. Plenty of power for demanding audio presence; an
abundance of features; models to suit all market segments, all
combined with bullet proof construction techniques making for a
long and enjoyable home entertainment experience.
Elegantly Complements Flat-panel TV
Do you want surround sound but don’t have space for all the
speakers? Yamaha’s unique range of digital sound projectors
provides a true multi-channel home cinema system – all in one
unit. They deliver sound from five channels, just as a conventional
surround sound system does. The single box can be positioned
in the front or corners of a room and the thin design is an elegant
match for flat-panel televisions. There is no need to find locations
for multiple speakers or to run cables across the room!
Blu-ray Magic
If you want to get the most out of your full HD TV, then you need
a Blu-ray player. Treat yourself to outstanding picture and sound
quality with a Yamaha Blu-ray player. It boasts an advanced
video processor for true-to-life images with smooth motion and
precise colours. It can also output Blu-ray video at 24 frames per
second when you connect it to a compatible HDTV.
56
Products
Hi-Fi components
Audio visual receivers
Blu-ray and dvd players
Home cinema systems
Loudspeakers
Subwoofers
57
Complete multi-channel speaker systems
Experience the difference
According to Atlantic Technology President Peter Tribeman, the
goal of a home theatre is not to put you in the movie theatre; it
is to put you in the movie! Now, as home entertainment systems
transition to multi-channel sound, which encompasses home
theatre, music surround and more, the concept of “virtually”
putting you in the action is even more important. Since Atlantic
started their corporate journey in 1989 this focus has been their
guiding principal. Since then they are proud to say that they have
become one of the most highly regarded companies specialising
in designing complete high performance multi-channel speaker
systems. In fact, they are considered by many to rank right up
there with the very top surround sound speaker experts.
By engineering innovative audio products at affordable prices,
they have received dozens of industry accolades together with
numerous spectacular reviews. And beyond performance,
Peter and his team work exceptionally hard to ensure that
their speakers integrate easily and attractively into your home
while they’re delivering consistently great movie and music
reproduction.
In 2008, Atlantic Technology received Home Theatre
Magazine’s 2008 Critic’s Choice award for their 626 in-wall
speaker. At CEDIA, Home Theatre Magazine’s 2008 RAVE
Award was given for the System 8200e/642eSB home theatre
speaker system as the best speaker system tested over the
past year and there are numerous other awards that you can
read about on their web site.
Audioquest, a maker of very high quality audio and video cables,
was not so much founded as it was evolved. When Bill Low
created Audioquest in 1980 it was really just a small variation of
the audio activities he had started in 1972 while still at college.
For some time, Bill had appreciated the advantages of using
better than average cable and in 1977 bought a spool of 12awg
lamp cord – considered amazing back then! In 1978, he and
another small retailer ordered some custom-made twisted pair
‘litz’ speaker cable which he now embarrassingly refers to as
“original recipe” as it didn’t use very good copper. However, as
a starting point it was really very good and outperformed the top
cable at that time.
Today, Audioquest make more than 14 different types of
speaker cable; more than 8 different types of audio interconnects;
plus a variety of video cables including 5 types of HDMI cables
and all available in different lengths. High quality accessories and
plugs complement the range.
●●Home Theater Magazine: 2008 Critic’s
Choice Award
●●Home Theater Magazine: 2008 RAVE Award
●●Custom Retailer Magazine: EXC!TE Award
●●Custom Retailer Magazine: EXC!TE Award
●●Electronics House Magazine: Product of
the Year Award
58
www.networkav.com.au
Products
Surround sound speakers
Subwoofers
In-wall speakers
Premium LCR speakers
Products
High-performance cables
Success revolves around performance
Bill Low and his team have continued to refine their understanding
of the mechanisms that cause variations in cable performance.
There has been a logical and rational progression leading up
to today’s extremely coherent line of audio, video and digital
cables. For many years, Audioquest has been the largest cable
supplier to the high-end specialist market. This success has
been possible because the foundation of the company directly
revolves around the performance of the product – which is
always a challenge. However, to Bill, this is the only reasonable
way to do business and the only acceptable way to combine
his passion for music (and all things high performance), with his
need to make a living.
●●High performance cable manufacturer
●●No compromise approach
●●Audiophile quality products
●●Comprehensive range
www.audioquest.com
Video processors for video purists
One awesome sound system
Are you confused about video processing – you’re not alone.
If you don’t think you’re confused, you probably should be. All
devices that pass video signals – dvd players; blu-ray players;
a/v receivers; flat panel tv’s; projectors – have in-built processors.
The problem is that they are not of universal equal quality and
are usually not calibrated correctly even on top-of-the-range
components! It is a major factor in why some products look
better than others. But, good stand alone video processors
cost a fortune! They don’t any more!
It goes without saying that the iPod is driving growth and literally
reshaping the audio industry. Geneva Labs based in Switzerland
has taken the concept to unbelievable heights…and sizes! So
to say the Geneva Lab Model XL is merely the largest of the
one-piece iPod-compatible speaker systems would be unjust. It
is the wildest flight of fancy the iPod has yet inspired! Plugging
your iPod will give you a distinct feeling that something more
powerful than yourself is about to take-off.
The Model XL is a 600mm cube which superficially resembles
a subwoofer, right down to the single painted aluminium speaker
grille on the front, but you’ll find not one driver but six. They
include pairs of tweeters, woofers and subwoofers, with 100
Watts of amplification lurking behind each driver! It doesn’t have
the surround capability or the connectivity of a home cinema
system. Instead, it has carved out a new niche for itself as a nofuss 2.1-channel device that produces a big, mellow sound and
supports both background and foreground listening and in an
inspired show of versatility, Geneva has added a CD slot, an FM
tuner and two analogue inputs, so you can plug in any stereo
source you like.
There is also the Geneva Model L and Model M, designed
for those who want the same iPod connectivity but in a more
compact design.
The solution
DVDO, the industry leader in video processing systems has a
number of great products. The new and bargain priced video
processor and A/V hub, DVDO EDGE™ has already received
two prestigious awards – Custom Retailer magazine Excite!
Award for product innovation and also named one of the “Top
Ten Coolest Products” at by the New York Times Company’s
About.com website.
DVDO Director Baptiste Marmorat
says… “After seeing a uniformly
enthusiastic response at CEDIA Expo,
from the press and dealers alike, we
…..believe that EDGE will effectively
create a new product category as the
first affordable high performance video
processor, and should make HDTV viewing easier and better for
millions of viewers worldwide.”
●●VP50: HD video processing to any output resolutions
between VGA and 1080p
●●DVDO VS-4: a high-performance 4:1 HDMI switcher
Products
High-definition video processors
HDMI switcher
Products
Sound systems
Passion and simplicity
Geneva is passionate about designing and engineering high
quality products for a contemporary life-style. The design
philosophy is based on the view that the most important attribute
is that it should sound great, be easy to use and also have
minimalist features, adding only those functions essential to a
good experience. So do not be misled by the external simplicity
- the inside contains the very latest audio technologies.
●●Incredible iPod performance —
not mass produced low-cost units
●●Piano lacquered cabinets
●●Superb CD listening
●●The most awesome iPod dock!
●●FM radio
www.genevalab.com.au
59
A premium line of a/v components
The mission is unique: In addition to building components that
home cinema enthusiasts love, Integra have gone out to design
and create components that set new standards for system
integration, upgrade capability and multi-zone expansion.
So to say that Integra is just a premium audio video line is an
understatement.
The passion with what reaches your eyes and ears begins
in the minds of the Integra people – engineers and designers
who are more than just good at what they do – they are
fanatics. They have been provided with the absolute finest parts
and materials, the most sophisticated test and measurement
equipment available and ISO 9001 certified facilities that are
second to none.
It doesn’t stop there. Integra is backed with all the support
and technical resources of a parent company – Onkyo – with an
unparalleled track record of audio engineering excellence that
spans more than half a century. The end results are a company
and a product line that has never had any intention of being the
biggest. Just the best.
Exquisite engineering. Practical functionality.
Integra receivers, processors and amplifiers
are among the most technologically
advanced in the industry. For example,
the DTR-9.9 is certainly no exception.
With the latest in technology from ISF,
Audyssey and THX combined with HDMI
1.3a, Ethernet and RS-232 capabilities,
video upconversion and scaling, as well
as the most user-friendly on-screen
menus and ample connectivity and
switching, this is a surround sound
receiver you need to consider. It integrates
easily and nothing is simpler to control. With a product like this,
you can trust that sonic performance is more than equal to the
task.
●●Integra has a full 5 year parts & labour warranty
●●Integra have a full range of complementary a/v
products which are all in the “premium” category
60
www.integrahometheather.com
Products
Surround sound receivers
Power amplifier
DVD players
CD player
The true meaning of high performance
Bob Stuart studied Psychoacoustics, Electronic Engineering and
Management at Imperial College, London. A passion for music
soon led him to specialise in audio design. Allen Boothroyd
trained as a mechanical engineer. Brought together by a shared
love of music, their professional partnership was born of their
desire to better hear it. Since founding the company in 1977,
both have remained at the heart of their respective disciplines:
Bob heading all technological developments; Allen leading the
design team.
The results have been some of the most highly-praised audio
equipment in the world, setting many a high-performance audio
standard. As well as innumerable international awards for their
components’ performance and technology, Meridian’s founders
have the British Design Council Award for Outstanding British
Products an unbeaten three times. Based in Cambridgeshire,
as they have been from the company’s inception, every Meridian
piece is still conceived, engineered, and built in the UK. Keeping
production low volume and high quality ensures the most
outstanding results and speaks volumes of Allen and Bob’s
unswerving commitment to making the best.
Products
Surround sound processors
Video processors
DVD players
CD player
Pre-amplifiers
Amplifiers
Tuner
Loudspeakers
Compact System
A winning partnership
Meridian designs, engineers and manufactures state-of-the-art
audio and video home entertainment systems. Audio equipment
of such high quality that if a microphone can detect it, the system
can reproduce it. Video components so advanced they offer a
uniquely realistic cinema experience.
With groundbreaking developments in high performance
audio and visual technology, Meridian pursues its desire to lose
as little as possible from the original source. The result: richer,
more detailed reproduction where information is processed
beyond the range of the human ear and to the limits of the
human eye. Discover Meridian and discover the true meaning
of high performance.
●●High-end products of outstanding
performance
●●Unswerving commitment to perfection
●●Advanced technical know-how
www.meridian.co.uk
Innovative and with a guaranteed future
Metz is a German manufacturer of prestigious LCD televisions.
They have been making televisions for around 70 years and were
the first company to develop 100Hz technology – so they know
what they are doing! Core competence in the field of electronics
technology form the basis for the sound reputation built up by
Metz throughout the world. Innovative ideas and outstanding
quality ensure that the company has successfully risen to market
challenges with a series of interesting Metz television solutions.
When choosing your new “widescreen-television” you require
qualified advice and care – even after the sale – which is why
Metz TV sets are distributed exclusively via the proprietor-led
specialist retailer – in other words us!
The technological competence is expressed in the versatile
new Metz range, comprising LCD flat-panel TVs. In addition
to technical know-how and selective distribution, user-friendly
control is another key feature. By integrating appropriate
modules additional set top boxes are no longer required. The
modular chassis design, which is virtually unique worldwide,
allows Metz TV sets to offer future-proof, individual solutions
tailored to end users and also integrated digital and analog
reception. By means of a plug-in slot system, similar to that
used in computers, the TV is optimised for local reception
conditions, thus delivering an absolutely brilliant picture.
●●Made in Germany
●●First company to develop 100Hz technology.
●●Modular chassis design
●●3-Year warranty
Products
LCD Televisions
Superior design and engineering
In 1924, the Davitt & Hanser Music Company opened with a
passion for the art of music that was evident in all aspects of
its business. In the following generations, the company grew
into one of the most trusted names in the manufacture and
distribution of all things related to music. Today, NuVo provides
superior design, engineering, distribution, and customer
support from its corporate offices in Hebron, Kentucky, USA.
NuVo systems are designed with the consumer in mind, with a
user-friendly control panel. Plus, every NuVo system is shipped
complete, so installation really is a snap.
Products
Whole House Music Systems
MP-3 Music Servers
Dual DAB+/FM tuners
Wired and wireless iPod docks
NuVo – an affordable option for multi-room music
There are many options for home audio systems available
to you. Many display homes are built with expensive highend home audio systems pre-installed. There are also less
expensive options, but generally speaking, these are limited in
their capabilities and don’t deliver the same quality sound of the
high-end systems. Today, there’s NuVo – an affordable option for
superior home audio.
The answer is simple. NuVo brings the elegance, style,
power and superior sound of expensive customisable systems
into a price range that makes it easy for your family to enjoy.
NuVo brings the advanced technology of superior home sound
together with the simplicity of user-friendly design, all at a price
that is easy to live with. In 2006, NuVo introduced
the Grand Concerto Suite encompassing a more
robust Concerto amplifier and audio source
components including the M3 Music Server and
the T2 Dual Tuners. In 2008, NuVo introduces first
ENERGY STAR compliance (USA) Whole Home
Audio System...it’s award winning... it’s green...it’s
all good. That’s why they like to say NuVo is The
Sound of LiVing.
●●Consumer orientated products
●●Advanced, elegant design
●●User friendly and superior sound
●●Award-winning “green” design
www.metz.de/en
www.nuvotechnologies.com
61
The DLP display exper ts
Optoma is a world leading designer and manufacturer
of award-winning projectors for Business, Education,
Professional Audio/Video and Home Entertainment, with
comprehensive ranges to exceed the expectations of every
user.
Optoma’s innovative products are carefully
crafted to deliver crystal clear images of
unrivalled quality by incorporating the
latest DLP® technology from Texas
Instruments’, together with advanced
optical engineering expertise and
dedication to superb product quality.
Optoma has a special approach
to customer service. Full product and
technical support are available through
our extensive network of resellers and
distributors. Optoma provides high level
support for resellers to access specialists who
assist with advice on the best implementation of
the products in your installation.
Products
DLP Projectors
Setting the world standard
Ortofon is a Danish company that formed in 1918, initially they
pioneered the synthesis of sound and image and then went on
to develop and manufacture broadcasting equipment. In 1948
the company developed the world’s first moving coil cartridge
(mono and then stereo in 1959) for turntables, their total number
of different models of pick-ups now exceeds 300. Today, they
continue to set the world standard for high fidelity cartridges
and are used extensively by professionals and for archival
purposes. This is a result of significant design experience and
great technological know-how.
Products
Turntable cartridges
Ortofon Winfeld moving coil (MC) cartridge
Ortofon’s flagship MC, the Winfeld is arguably the best MC in
the world. This cartridge is a must for dedicated vinyl lovers.
Boasting a frequency range of 10-80,000 Hz, the Winfeld is
equipped with Replicant 100 Stylus (the finest in the world).
The generator is housed in a unique alloy body that offers zero
resonance and also features Ortofon’s WRD & FSE patented
systems. The Winfeld is available at a fraction of the price of
other boutique pick-ups.
Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge
In addition to moving coil cartridges, Ortofon also offer a line
of exceptional moving magnet cartridges and other analogue
products. The flagship 2M Black - Hi-Fi World 2007 awards
winner – utilises the finest ever stylus to appear on a MM
cartridge – the legendary Shibata, a profile never before seen
on a cartridge costing comparatively so little. Featuring a heavily
upgraded generator and a proprietary body material, 2M Black
is exceedingly fast, detailed and supremely musical.
Acoustics, materials technology and electronics are key
competences in Ortofon’s technological prowess and with such
an extensive and in-depth choice; we can help you choose the
right Ortofon cartridge for your turntable.
●●Danish specialist cartridge manufacturer.
●●Huge range from budget to esoteric.
●●Moving Coil & Moving Magnet designs.
●●Tonearms and accessories.
62
www.ambertech.com.au
www.speakerbits.com.au
Designed by installers, made by Philips
Listen to the difference
Tired of having 4, 5 or more remotes to control your system?
Who hasn’t frantically been searching for the remote control
when their favourite show is about to start? And when you
finally do track it down, it’s usually always the wrong one. In
this age of emerging wireless communications, the number of
remote controls is growing rapidly…
Therefore, Philips has designed a family of universal remote
controls – Pronto – which offers a convenient single solution for
controlling audio and video products, and home automation. Its
touch screen LCD display allows you to customise the remote
to accommodate for your way of interacting with your A/V
entertainment system.
The original Philips Pronto single-handedly created a new
class of programmable touch screen remote controls for intuitive
operation. Today, the concept has evolved into an integrated
control solution for conventional surround sound, multimedia
content and lighting. With a combination of infrared control* and
WiFi® wireless control, Pronto provides true multi-room control.
For example, the vertically aligned TSU9400 handles like a
classic remote control – but with more functionality. Besides
controlling your audio-video equipment, the control panel can
also receive system feedback telling you whether the lights are
on or off, whether the temperature is set right, or even what the
weather is going to be like.
Provide your family with a personalised control solution for
their single or multi-room home entertainment system.
Polk Audio is an award-winning designer and manufacturer
of high performance audio products. Founded in 1972
by three Johns Hopkins University (USA) graduates, Polk
Audio holds over 55 patents for advances in audio design
and technology. Polk’s products include loudspeakers and
electronic components for home, motor car and marine
applications, including the world’s first audiophile-grade
active IP-addressable loudspeaker and the first THX Ultra2
Certified in-ceiling loudspeaker.
“Matthew Polk started out as an audiophile and remains
one today. He is one of the few CEOs that I have met who
can hear, and who really cares about how his product
sounds, not just how it sells.” Widescreen Review
Polk believes that a program of basic educational support
for their customers excites and inspires the enjoyment of
all aspects of audio and video entertainment. So they work
hard to provide you with the information you’ll need to get
the most out of today’s AV technology.
●●A convenient single solution for controlling audio
and video products
●●Simplify home automation by controlling lights,
temperature and security
www.pronto.philips.com
Products
Touch screen, programmable remote controls
Products
Bookshelf speakers
Home Cinema speaker systems
Subwoofers
In-ceiling and In-wall speakers
iPod and radio music systems
Outdoor speakers
Just a bunch of perfectly normal audiophiles
Walk the halls of Polk Audio’s Baltimore headquarters,
and you’ll meet sales people, engineers and technicians
who also happen to be musicians, audiophiles, home
theatre mavens, tube-equipment fanatics and rare vinyl
LP collectors. Everyone brings something exciting to his or
her job, because for all the people at Polk Audio, designing
audio equipment is not just a job, it’s a passion…and they
wouldn’t have it any other way.
●●Designer and manufacturer of high performance
audio products.
●●Audio fashions come and go, but Polk Audio just
keeps on producing great speakers.
●●Original goal of building true high-performance
speakers still remains.
www.polkaudio.com
63
Engineered by exper ts
Pro-Ject Audio Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers
of record players, with a range of models designed to satisfy all
levels of expectation and budget. Their products are the result
of an exemplary co-operation within a rapidly uniting Europe.
For more than 50 years record players have been built at ProJect’s manufacturing facility in Litovel, situated to the east of
Prague, with design work now undertaken in Vienna. Today the
Pro-Ject range also includes various hi fi components for the
desktop.
Pro-Ject products exhibit sonic performance beyond
all expectations normally associated with their price,
they are simple to use and virtually maintenance
free, offering extraordinary value for money
combined with aesthetics and build quality
normally associated with products twice their
price.
Outstanding sound
From the budget-conscious and multi-awardwinning Debut, the range satisfies every need.
These turntables are visually stunning as well as
sonically outstanding. The RPM10 now tops the range
and has already received superb reviews in Hi-Fi News, HiFi World and What Hi-Fi? Pro-Ject is, once again, set to provide
the very best products available in today’s world of hi-fi. It’s true.
Music really is analogue. Similarly their desktop amplifiers, DACs
and tuners offer musical integrity.
●●Carbon-fibre tonearms – on affordable models
●●European manufacture –
ensuring ultra-high build quality
●●Modern visuals – it’s your hi-fi,
why shouldn’t it look good?
●●Reliability combined with superb after-sales
support
●●Sonic perfection at a price that really
brings a smile
●●Pride in ownership
64
www.project-audio.com
Products
Turntables
Phono pre-amplifiers
Desktop Amplifiers
Desktop USB DACs
iPod Interfaces
Honesty, per for mance and value
For nearly five decades, home audio electronics
manufacturer Rotel has been known worldwide for
creating components that deliver serious audio and
video performance at affordable prices. However, there
is one word that sums up Rotel perfectly...”honesty”.
All Rotel products are designed from the ground up
with one goal in mind – to offer the best performance
for the best value. This is achievable by combining
Far Eastern manufacturing know-how with UK design
prowess. Each product is based around Rotel’s
“Balanced Design Concept’ – a process of using the
best sound components in the key areas of the design.
It sounds simple, but this process takes many hours of
the development team’s time, auditioning components
and making sure that the right parts are used in the
most effective areas.
Exciting new 15 Series
The recent launch of the Rotel 15 Series has delivered
a broad range of home cinema and custom-installation
electronics which will surely attract and satisfy
customers and is sure to enhance Rotel’s already highly
regarded reputation.
Rotel’s representative Doug Henderson, says “
This is Rotel’s most important intro in many years and
while these new models incorporate a lot of the latest
advanced technologies and include some important
refinements of Rotel’s unique amplifier design, the one
thing they do not alter is our company’s commitment
to musical performance above all else. These new
models were conceived for the listener who truly
and passionately cares about sound quality, first and
foremost.”
Products
AM/FM tuners
Surround sound processors
Multi channel power amplifiers
CD players
DVD players
●●Developed in the UK & USA
●●All products conceived with Rotel’s ‘Balanced
Design Concept’ in mind
●●Honest approach to all products
●●Exceptional sound, no exceptions
www.rotel.com
Award-winning acoustics
REL Acoustics is the UK’s premiere sub-bass system
manufacturer. For over 12 years, the evolving range of REL
products has delighted audiophiles and “cinephiles” around the
world, adding rich, deep and powerful bass to both stereo music
and multi-channel home cinema systems. REL’s philosophy has
always been to add genuine sub-bass to any audio system and
REL products are renowned for their high fidelity, extended lowfrequency reproduction. Winning specialist magazine awards in
both the hi-fi and home cinema press for over a decade, every
REL sub-bass system offers both LFE input for AV systems
and speaker level input to capitalise on users’ high-fidelity
amplification.
Eye-catching design
The new T-series and R-series sub-bass systems add to new
levels of performance and design to REL’s product lineage.
The affordable T-series packs the biggest bass punch possible
from super-compact enclosures through the innovative use of
active and passive driver arrays and high-current amplifiers.
The R-series is REL’s most accomplished mid-priced sub-bass
system to date. Advanced materials, high-tech amplification,
sumptuous industrial design and REL’s know-how have been
crafted into a series of eye-catching sub-bass systems with the
fastest, tightest and most accurate bass reproduction.
●●More than a decade leading the systems market
with innovative, award-winning products
●●Every product offers depth, precision and power
to complement both two-channel stereo and home
cinema systems
●●Flexible system configuration includes low-level
LFE input and high-level speaker inputs throughout
the range
●●Cutting-edge design ensures REL sub-bass
systems look as good as they sound
Products
Subwoofers
The headphone specialist
Sennheiser is a world-leading headphone specialist, producing
nearly 100 models of headphone with an impressive sound to
suit every situation and musical style. This year, they will introduce
more new products than any other headphone manufacturer –
the number of patents pending bear testimony to the company’s
quest for continuous innovation. The numerous awards won by
its products have given Sennheiser a reputation as a driving
force behind technological advance.
Products
Portable
Travel
Hi-fi
Wireless
DJ and studio
PC gaming
Ranges for sport, style and street
For those who like to listen to music while engaging in their
favourite sporting activities, Sennheiser’s new range of seven
‘Sport’ headphones fit securely with maximum comfort and are
unaffected by rain, sweat or low temperatures. Whether you’re
down in the gym, or jogging in the park, Sennheiser offers a
model for virtually every taste and every wearing style – including
backband, flexi-headband, twist-to-fit and with lanyard.
But if that’s too strenuous, the new ‘Style’ range form
Sennheiser combines elegance with a metallic finish for portable
music players and multimedia devices. Ideal for relaxing at
home to music, the wearer styles include earphones with a
newly developed securing mechanism (twist-to-fit), earbow
headphones, and flexi headband.
Whether in the gym, at home or out an about in the street,
Sennheiser’s research has produced a stylish range of
headphones that feel, sound and look good, offering a
massive performance upgrade over standard supplied
headphones.
●●Unique design and high-quality materials
●●Innovative holding systems ensure a
comfortable, secure fit
●●Large range of practical accessories
●●Powerful bass response
●●Two-year warranty
www.syntec.com.au
65
Power ful small subwoofers
Robert W. (Bob) Carver is an American designer of high
quality audio equipment. Educated as a physicist and
engineer, he found an interest in audio equipment at a very
young age. He applied his talent to producing numerous
innovative high fidelity designs and is known for designing
the Phase Linear 700 and at 350 Watts RMS per channel it
was the most powerful consumer audio amplifier available in
1972. He went on to found the Carver Corporation in 1979
and Sunfire in 1994 where he became the man perhaps
best known for making small subwoofers popular.
Choosing the right subwoofer
Subwoofers are perhaps the hardest speaker in an AV
system for consumers to evaluate. This is due in part to the
fact that the best performing subwoofer isn’t necessarily
the one that creates the lowest bass response or that
rattles the rafters with the greatest fury, but rather the one
that best blends with your entire system.
Bob Carver offers his newest solution to the problem with
the Sunfire HRS Series – a bass lover’s reason to celebrate!
Featuring an obsessive attention to component selection,
High Back-emf woofer design and innovative acoustic
tailoring called Frequency Filtration Design which greatly
improves sonic accuracy.
●●Sunfire is in the business of delivering very
powerful products
●●HRS Series speakers feature long-throw,
ultra-low mass woofers
Products
Subwoofers
Power Amplifiers
Over 100 years of audio excellence
Hermann Thorens established his family business in St.-Croix,
Switzerland in 1883, with the purpose of manufacturing musical
boxes and movements. In 1903, they made their first Edison type
gramophone and for the next 50 years a number of associated
items. In 1957 they introduced the TD124 hi-fi record player or
turntable. Destined to become a classic, the success of this
player had an enormous effect at Thorens, shaping the future
direction for the company into that of a worldwide manufacturer
of high quality turntables and tone-arms. Today they still
manufacture in Germany an incredible range of hi-fi turntables –
from budget through to esoteric.
Products
Turntables
Thorens precision at an affordable price
The TD170 clearly demonstrates that playing your records
doesn’t have to involve tweaking or time consuming adjustments. Bring your favourite music to life with the ease of pressing a button. Despite the straight forward exterior, there is real
technology under the hood, where it belongs. A Thorens precision belt drive system and an electronically controlled DC motor
system provide stable speed control including 33, 45 and 78
speeds! A proprietary low noise bearing system provides exceptional sonic performance and long life. The TD170 includes an in
built phono stage and Ortofon OMB-10 MM cartridge, making it
exceptional value for German precision.
Thorens TD160HD
The TD160HD features all the brilliance of Thorens legacy of
manufacturing suspension turntables and brings it to the fore
with twenty-first century technology. A winner of awards and
accolades the TD160HD uses polymer suspension dampening
to eliminate resonance. The many innovations such as the 2kg
acrylic platter, the three plinth-mounting spikes instead of four
and the remarkable cork platter mats supplied with the turntable
are welcome improvements. Available with a choice of tonearms or pre-drilled to suit, the TD160HD offers a listening experience not achieved by others in or near its price range.
●●100 Year history
●●Manual and fully automatic models
●●Made in Germany
66
www.sunfire.com
www.speakerbits.com.au
Classic sounding radio
Tivoli Audio was created for one purpose - to bring beautifully
designed, simple-to-use, high quality audio products to
consumers and all at a fair price. The company was founded
by Tom DeVesto, a highly respected innovator in the audio
industry whose decades-long career includes responsibility for
the development of some of the best selling and most innovative
hi-fi products available.
When audio legend Henry Kloss decided to, in collaboration
with Tom, re-invent the radio and bring back the classic sound
of the 50’s – when radio was king – a Pandora’s Box was
unleashed. The result was the Model One which proved that
folk just wanted a simple good sounding radio. Available since
the late 1990’s, it still continues to sell at unbelievable levels.
Its success has now led to a series of other complementary
products.
The ideal radio
So, when the team of engineers set out to create the next
generation of home audio, they began with a simple question:
What would the ideal radio do? The new Tivoli Audio NetWorks
radio is the answer to that question. Taking advantage of
broadcasting over the Internet, NetWorks delivers crystal-clear
reception of any radio station, near or far, with no need for a
computer. It also allows access to music stored on PCs from any
room in the house through a wireless or Ethernet connection.
NetWorks features Tivoli Audio-quality sound as a stand-alone
unit, but can be expanded with a stereo speaker, CD player, or
subwoofer.
Tivoli Audio products represent a level of sound quality and
fit and finish which is unequalled in their price range. Every
Tivoli Audio product is manufactured in their own factory, which
affords exceptional quality control. Words cannot fully convey
the experience of living with - and listening to – a Tivoli Audio
radio.
Products
Radios — powered
Radios — dual power
Music systems
Internet radios
Advanced cable solutions
WireWorld has created one of the largest and most versatile
ranges of cables in the audio-visual industry using unique
patented advance technologies. The company has allocated
vast resources to research and development to ensure that
their products offer cutting edge performance. Their dedicated
team of production engineers use advanced manufacturing
techniques, guaranteeing that all WireWorld products offer
exceptional value for money.
Products
Upgrade cables for Plasma/ LCD TV
Digital, audio and video interconnects
Loudspeaker cables
HDMI and DVI cables
Composite video cables
Optical cables
Commitment to innovation
WireWorld was the first company in the world to launch
high-performance HDMI and DVI cables and it continues to
demonstrate innovation, class and commitments to advanced
technology by developing a range of HDTV-specific products
capable of working with 1080p signals. WireWorld now offers
four different grade of HDMI/DVI cables to suit all budgets and
systems.
Home cinema installations are made easy with WireWorld’s
new Insta-Wire speaker cable (Horizon, Stream, Lunar and
Orbit). Easy to run through solid walls, it sounds dynamic and
clear- even in long runs. It’s also remarkable easy to strip and
terminate.
●●Analogue audio and video
interconnect including iPod cable
●●Virtually instant assembly without tools
●●Extremely high quality audio performance
●●Huge choice of models and colours
www.tivoliaudio.com.au
www.wireworldcable.com
67

The Hi-Fi Annual Magazine 2009

Transcription

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