Cinenow : Articles

Quad L-ite Plus home cinema speaker system

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0200

Quad’s new baby is a compact 5.1 package aimed at delivering cinematic sound for home movies or music.

Quad L-ite Plus

Quad L-ite Plus is a home cinema speaker system which promises a full-scale cinematic sonic experience from its sleek, compact and stylish speakers, with a design that builds on the award-winning L-ite and L-ite2 packages.

Quad’s L-ite Plus consists of four satellite speakers for the front and rear, plus a matching centre speaker and a compact active subwoofer with driver technology developed from the company’s latest ʻL Classicʼ speaker range. Brand new elements include crossover electronics and smart, curvaceous cabinets.

Each of the five main speakers incorporates a long-throw mid/bass driver with 10cm cones made from Quadʼs proprietary bi-directional Kevlar weave. The drive units are mounted in newly designed cabinets with gently profiled smooth curves for both aesthetic and acoustic reasons.

The subʼs petite cabinet packs in two mechanically opposed bass drivers with 15cm Duo Tri-Lam cones. Combined with dual-wound voice coils and an integrated 200W RMS (450W peak) amplifier, they deliver a deep, taut and smooth bass with extremely low distortion. The harvest is a room-filling richly detailed cinematic sound, whether playing films or music, that belies the speakersʼ compact size.

The Quad L-ite Plus home cinema speaker system will be available from May in a choice of black, white, or ruby red high gloss lacquer finishes.

As well as being sold as a complete 5.1 package, the individual speakers can also be bought separately to create different configurations (2.1 or 7.1 systems). The Quad L-ite Plus Satellite will be £250 per pair, Quad L-ite Plus Centre £200, Quad L-ite Subwoofer £600, and the complete Quad L-ite Plus 5.1 speaker system (4xSatellites; 1xCentre; 1xSubwoofer) £1,200.

Denon expands its headphone range with the AH-D340 and AH-D321

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:22:00 +0200

Denon’s two new high performance on-ear headphones are specifically tailored for two different types of customer.

Denon AH-D340

If you’re after a studio-quality listening experience, Denon’s AH-D340 incorporates many features found in its bigger (and pricier) brother, the award-winning AH-D600. Such features include Denon’s 2-Axis glass fibre reinforced moulded ear cups, which provide 360-degree articulation for a custom fit, and Denon’s pentagon-shaped memory foam ear pads.

Tuned to a flat EQ, the AH-D340 headphones employ a non-tangle cable with in-line remote (for control of Apple iDevices) and microphone for clear phone conversations. A stylish carrying case with a karabiner is also included.

Denon AH-D321

Denon’s AH-D321 meanwhile includes a built-in control wheel and integrated microphone on the ear cup. These ‘phones are tailored to get the maximum effect from all bass-heavy music, particularly techno, trance, and drum ’n’ bass, according to Denon. They’re also equipped with the 2-Axis Ear Cup Design. The AH-D321 comes with a handy carrying pouch with karabiner, audio cable, and ¼ inch gold-plated adapter jack.

Both the AH-D340 and AH-D321 have their own apps for smartphones. Each application features a real-time spectrum analyser and offers a high-quality audio player with full customisation options for creating, storing, and sharing custom EQ curves and the AH-D340 app gives access to over 70,000 internet radio stations worldwide.

Denon’s AH-D340 headphones are priced at £179, while the AH-D321 retails at £129.

Philips updates its ActionFit headphone range

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:15:00 +0200

The new batch of four models designed for sports workouts includes Philips’ first headband variety – the ActionFit SHQ5200.

Philips ActionFit SHQ5200

Philips is updating its successful ActionFit sports headphone range with four new sweat-resistant, rainproof and lightweight models, specifically designed to accompany a gym workout or outdoor run without compromising on sound quality.

The SHQ5200 features a non-slip headband built with an innovative silicone grip for a comfortable, secure fit, thus preventing the side-slips and front-and-back pendulum effects often associated with a strenuous workout.

A moisture-wicking fabric covers the ear cushions, keeping the fitness fanatic comfortable, cool and dry. Easily detachable, the cushions can be washed after several uses and will come up as good as new.

Weighing in at a slender 99g, the SHQ5200 is one of the lightest headphones on the market. Kevlar-reinforced cable aids durability and offers protection from extreme environments, and the 40mm neodymium drivers provide the bass boost required to power the workout.

Importantly, from a safety angle, the open acoustic design of the SHQ5200 keeps the listener aware of what is happening all around, particularly when training outdoors, while still being able to enjoy the sounds.

The Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 is priced at £65. The SHQ4200 neck-band model is £40, the ActionFit SHQ3200 ear-hook headphones come in at £30, while the ActionFit SHQ1200 in-ear buds retail at £20.

Ruark Audio releases a limited edition R1 MkII

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:16:00 +0200

A retro matt pastel blue portable digital radio for spring and summer 2013.

Ruark Audio R1 MkII

Ruark Audio’s R1 MkII portable radio is designed to be as easy to use as an iPod and to produce remarkable room-filling sound from a surprisingly small box. As well as crystal clear DAB digital radio, the R1 MkII features a line input to enable portable audio devices such as an iPod to be connected, plus a line-out socket to connect to an existing hi-fi.

Ruark Audio has designed an optional rechargeable NiMH power pack, in place of traditional batteries, which attaches and integrates onto the back panel of the R1 MkII. The stylish ‘BackPack’ provides power for many hours of wireless listening and can be left permanently connected, as the power supply that comes with the R1 MkII acts as its day-to-day charger.

The R1 MkII is accessorised with a complimentary ‘CarryPack’ produced from hand-stitched tan-coloured leather to protect the radio, as well as lending a retro feel. Ruark Audio says it hopes the soft blue model will be used just as much outdoors, on the patio, the beach or a picnic, as in the home.

Useful features include an easy-to-read large format display that automatically adjusts to suit ambient light conditions, a multifunction dual alarm, ten station presets and an exclusive RotoDial control with soft illumination.

It’s available now through selected outlets including John Lewis, Selfridges, The Conran Shop, Heals and a range of quality specialist audio and design stores.

Bowers & Wilkins unveils the Z2 iPod dock

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:20:00 +0200

Combining versatility and convenience with premium performance.

Bowers & Wilkins Z2

Bowers & Wilkins’ new Z2 dock includes wireless streaming with AirPlay, and a Lightning connector for docking the latest generation of iPhones and iPods inside a design that fits almost anywhere.

Apple’s AirPlay wirelessly streams music from all iDevices straight to the Z2. It can also stream from iTunes on a networked Mac or PC – both high-quality, lossless audio files as well as MP3s. Users can play and control music wirelessly from anywhere in the room or, with more than one Z2, walk their music from room to room.

Custom drivers fabricated from stiff, light, glass fibre cones help to deliver a natural smoothly dispersing sound. The drivers are housed in a rigid glass-reinforced ABS enclosure promising detailed, controlled sound at all volumes.

Bowers & Wilkins employ the latest class D amplifiers, proprietary Digital Signal Processing and a low-noise power supply for a clean, clear audio signal for a big sound lacking in rattle or hum.

The Z2 also benefits from a feature incorporated into Bowers & Wilkins’ top of the range speakers in the form of dimples around the port on the rear smooth airflow, similar to the pattern on a golf ball. This Flowport promises a cleaner, clearer, richer bass response.

Setting up and managing the dock is made simple due to the free Bowers & Wilkins Control app, which walks the user through the simple connection steps and helps choose and manage settings, all wirelessly.

The Lightning connector works with iPhone 5, iPod touch (5th generation) and iPod nano (7th generation). AirPlay works with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion, or Mac and PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later.

Monster announces the NCredible N-Pulse

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:16:00 +0200

New over-ear headphone is specially designed for DJs and musicians alike.

NCredible N-Pulse

Monster has announced the introduction of its new NCredible range, the fruit of a partnership with Nick Cannon’s NCredible Entertainment. The range’s flagship is the NCredible N-Pulse, an over-ear headphone targeted at DJs and semi-professional musicians to deliver DJ-style sound quality.

Monster and NCredible Entertainment developed the N-Pulse with the aim of combining outstanding performance at an affordable price. The N-Pulse incorporates a full-bodied sound with features including hinge joints specially developed for use at the decks, super-tough ear-cups made of brushed metal and detachable ControlTalk universal cable.

Monster claims that precision tuning is a key factor in all NCredible headphones, enabling them to pick up on and reproduce the subtle nuances that exist between different genres of music, from hip-hop to rock and pop to house. The ergonomics allows all models in the range to be comfortable to wear, even over several hours in a hot and sweaty club environment.

Internationally-renowned French DJ Monsieur Komplex is already a convert to the new headsets, praising the sound performance, handling and their “cool looks when you step up to the turntables”.

Available in two styles, midnight black and frost white, the NCredible N-Pulse headphones are priced at £180.

Yamaha launches the RX-V75 series of AV receivers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:07:00 +0200

Five new models build on the success of the RXV-73 series with audio upgrades based on last year’s UK Tuning project.

Yamaha RX-V775 AV receiver

The new series comprises the RX-V375, RX-V475, RX-V575, RX-V675 and RXV775. Like previous Yamaha receivers, all feature CinemaDSP processing. Both the RX-V675 and 775 benefit from DSP technology lending a virtual surround sound experience without the need for rear speakers. Different front speaker configurations like 3.1 and 7.1 can also be employed. All RX-V and RX-A receivers feature discrete amplification across the entire range.

Yamaha’s UK Tuning project last year identified a particular ‘UK sound’ and so the RX-V675 has been tuned specifically for the UK market. Models from the RX-V675 and above can take advantage of Virtual Dialogue Lift as well as Virtual Dialogue Level technologies, enhancing the dialogue within video content.

The RX-V475, an upgrade from the RX-V473, will now feature a rear USB port and a 5in 1out HDMI interface solution. The rear USB port will support Yamaha adapters such as the YWA-10 and the new YBA-11. MHL connectivity also features in receivers from the RX-V475 and above, supporting full 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound audio content.

The RX-V500D is another new addition to the RX-V family employing similar features to the other models in the RX-V range such as 4K pass through, Airplay, vTuner connectivity, as well as MHL, but enjoying the addition of a built in DAB Tuner. Up to 40 presets can be saved and selected either via the remote or using the Yamaha AVR App, free from the Apple App or Google Play Stores.

Yamaha will also fully support Bluetooth for the RX-V75 series with high quality aptX Bluetooth streaming. The YBA-11 is an optional Bluteooth receiver available with the RXV-75 series while the YWA-10 is a Wi-Fi network adaptor available for all the new models.

The RX-V375, RX-V475 and RX-V575 are available this month at £250, £350 and £450 respectively. The RX-V675 and RX-V775 follow in May at £500 and £650, whilst the RX-V500D is £400 and YBA-11 £50, both available from June.

Chord Electronics upgrades Standard Series power amps

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:57:00 +0200

Chord Electronics has announced that it has upgraded four of its Standard Series power amplifiers to MkII status, offering new design and performance levels.

Chord Electronics SPM 5000MkII

Drawing on technology in the company’s Reference Series of amplifiers, the four new models are the SPM 1200MkII, SPM 4000MkII, SPM 5000MkII and SPM 1400MkII.

The line-up includes three power amplifiers and a single mono amp. All four get new front and rear panels, while the SPM 1400MkII mono amp also gets heavy-duty, gold-plated speaker terminals as well as support for third-party power connectors.

On the inside, improvements include a new power control and sequencing board, with further refinements to the filter components and new driver circuits.

Chord Electronics SPM 1200MkII £8,220
Output power: 2 x 350W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2 x 620W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2 x 750W RMS into 2 Ohms • Output connections: 8x gold-plated WBT output connectors • Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2 x RCA phono single-ended • Dimensions: 420 x 140×355mm (WxHxD) • Weight: 18 kg

Chord Electronics SPM 1400MkII mono £9,090
Output power: 480W RMS into 8 Ohms; 800W RMS into 4 Ohms; 1,000W RMS into 2 Ohms • Output connections: 4x gold-plated WBT output connectors • Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended inputs • Dimensions: 420 x 140×355mm (WxHxD) • Weight: 18kg

Chord Electronics SPM 4000MkII £12,540
Output power: 2 x 480W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2 x 750W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2 x 950W RMS into 2 Ohms • Output connections: 8x gold-plated WBT output connectors • Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended • Dimensions: 420 x 310×355mm (WxHxD) • Weight: 45 kg

Chord Electronics SPM 5000MkII £15,000
Output power: 2 x 560W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2 x 1,020W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2 x 950W RMS into 2 Ohms • Output connections: 4x gold-plated WBT output connectors • Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended • Dimensions: 480 x 400×310mm (WxHxD) • Weight: 45 kg

PMC boosts production of its twenty series loudspeakers

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:25:00 +0200

Customers are upgrading from iseries models to the new twenty series.

PMC twenty 24

The sustained success of PMC’s five-model twenty series, where sales have outstripped the two-way models in the iseries, has prompted the UK-based company to retire the DB1i, GB1i, TB2i and FB1i.

PMC’s customers were choosing to upgrade to the higher performing twenty series and, in discontinuing the iseries, the company says it has freed the greater production capacity required to meet the growing consumer demand.

Since the launch of the twenty series three years ago, at the company’s 20th anniversary conference, the loudspeakers have received praise from distributors, retailers, critics and, vitally, music-loving consumers. Two Loudspeaker of the Year accolades and a Standmount Speaker of the Year award followed a number of five-star, five-globe, ‘outstanding product’ and ‘recommended’ badges.

PMC managing director Miles Roberts said: “The performance and styling of the twenty series have overshadowed the DB1i, GB1i, TB2i and FB1i, and our customers recognise this and are choosing to buy the new models. The two-way iseries products have been stunning performers for us since they were first produced, but sadly now is the right time to retire them from the portfolio.”

Featuring PMC’s innovative ATL technology and an uncompromising commitment to cabinet quality, the twenty series brings professional, studio-quality sound nearer to the home setting.

Panasonic denies reports it’s to pull out of plasma TVs

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:46:00 +0200

Japanese electronics giant claims there is still a future for plasma TV despite reports from Japanese press.

Panasonic has declared that it intends to continue production of plasma TVs despite speculation that it is to cease to do so.

The announcement of extensive losses from Panasonic’s TV division (an estimated £1.5bn in 2012) and the closure of its plasma TV manufacturing plant in Shanghai earlier this year led to furious speculation in the Japanese press that the company might pull out of plasma entirely as soon as next year.

But announcing his midterm management plan, company president Kazuhiro Tsuga has said that he intends to turn TV’s losses around and bring them back into profit over the next three years, though he admitted there may be some restructuring to focus on ‘solutions’ rather than ‘products’.

This has been taken to mean that Panasonic may be looking to partner with other companies to produce end products rather than manufacturing from start to finish itself.

A statement by the company says that “The content of the report regarding our Plasma Display Panel (PDP) business is not something announced by Panasonic. In regard to the PDP business, Panasonic will continue to deliver value added products, proposing new ways for our customers to enjoy their TVs. This includes taking advantage of PDP features such as the touch pen function as well as the big screen and high picture quality.

“In addition, for non-TV use, we are expanding our Business to Business (B2B) opportunities for the PDP business with products such as the Interactive Plasma Display.

“Regarding the growth strategy for the TV business, we are looking into a variety of options, but nothing has been decided at the moment. Regarding new products for 2013, in follow up to our global announcement in January 2013 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the US, we are holding subsequent local product launch events worldwide. Panasonic has been enforcing global business, aiming to sell value added products with better design and high picture quality that meet the needs of our global customers.

“There will be no change of service support for PDPs, and our dealers should have no concerns about continuing to sell Panasonic PDPs.”

Panasonic’s enhanced Smart VIERA Plasma HDTV Line-up for 2013

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:28:00 +0100

Panasonic’s enhanced Smart VIERA Plasma HDTV Line-up for 2013
Development focuses on picture quality, ease of operation, networking, sleek design, and eco functions.

Panasonic Smart VIERA ZT60

Panasonic’s Smart VIERA Plasma range for 2013 is designed to provide a bespoke TV experience, allowing customisation of up to eleven favourite apps, as well as advanced networking features, increased connectivity, re-mastered picture quality and sharp design.

With screen sizes ranging from 42in to 65in, Panasonic has added twelve models to the new VIERA plasma team, which lines up as follows; the flagship Smart VIERA ZT60 Series, the VT60, GT60, ST60, and X60 series.

Panasonic has raised its bar for plasma picture quality, with the 2013 neoPlasmas promising the company’s highest contrasts and deepest blacks yet. New Red Phosphor promises improved colour reproduction, and a 3000Hz Focused Field Drive (FFD) helps deliver super-crisp motion.

The flagship ZT60 series feature a Studio Master Panel, a new High Contrast Pro filter, and a Hexa Processing Engine (also found in the VT60).

Innovations for 2013 include: ‘My Home Screen’, Face Recognition, Swipe & Share 2.0 (a connectivity enhancement that transforms the TV into a hub for streaming and sharing photo and video content seamlessly with smartphone and tablet), two new voice functions – Voice Interaction and Voice Guidance and the optional Touch Pen.

Each new Smart VIERA HDTV is kitted with an enhanced VIERA Connect platform, Twin HD Tuner, and the VT60 model also features Panasonic’s first-ever built-in camera.

Panasonic’s 2013 plasma line-up also boasts an arsenal of energy saving features and functions to help reduce environmental impact. For example, the ZT60 Series display panel is completely free of mercury and lead. These include Intelligent Auto Standby and an Eco Mode, which adjusts picture brightness according to the brightness levels in the room.

Samsung announces new products for 2013

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:27:00 +0100

Smart TV, Ultra HD, and premium LED TVs form the core of Samsung’s offering, with some innovative sound products too.

Samsung Ultra HD TV S9

Samsung’s latest Smart TVs promise an easier and more intuitive way to find online content with a redesigned Smart Hub in tandem with Samsung’s enhanced Motion Control. S-Recommendation with Voice Interaction technology means consumers can quickly and easily locate content across various services including broadcast TV, premium VOD, apps, social content and items stored on personal devices.

The screen of the Samsung Ultra HD TV S9 almost appears to float within its frame and juxtaposes its minimalist concept with a large 85in display. The state-of-the-art UHD TV S9 offers four times the resolution available on existing Full HD. It also includes Samsung’s up-scaling engine which can convert HD or Full-HD to UHD-level picture quality. Rounding off the package are 120-watt speakers seamlessly constructed into the S9’s frame.

The Samsung F8500 LED Smart TV is targeted at the luxury market with an Intelligent Viewing feature that automatically adjusts picture quality depending on the content. Along with the F7000 and F8000, the F8500 is also equipped with a quad-core processor for ease of toggling between apps, online services and on-air TV.

Also coming are the Samsung F6200 Smart LED TV, the F6400 Smart & 3D LED TV; the F6500, F6510 and F6800 Series, offering the same feature set in three design choices; and the F7000 & F8000, featuring ultra-slim bezels and stylish designs.

Samsung’s 2013 AV line-up promises rich, pure sounds with up-to-the-minute connectivity and usability. Samsung’s HW-F751 Soundbar sees what Samsung claims is the world’s first integration of a valve amplifier in a soundbar. It also claims to be the world’s first to connect with a TV wirelessly, and to double as a wireless speaker for smartphones or tablets. Available in silver or black, it comes with slim metal design and separate, wireless subwoofer to match any Samsung Smart TVs.

Additionally, Samsung’s DA-F61 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker features built-in technology for a smoother, more transparent listening experience, one-touch simple pairing for smartphones using NFC, and SoundShare, which lets you stream audio from select Samsung Smart TVs to the speaker without wires.

Samsung’s 2013 TV and AV line-up will be available in the UK from retailers and online in the first half of 2013. S-Recommendation with Voice Interaction will be available in the UK from March.