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Johnny gets Cellod in NYC
The ultimate reproduction!

July 1996

BASS The Final Frontier
Adventures with subwoofers

S o ny

Innity

Energy*

Yamaha*

Denon*

Arcam*

CAL Labs

Rotel*
Elegant, accurate speakers superbly built, beautifully musical

Germany

Connectors and cables of the highest quality USA
Pure tube ampliers simply stunning

Sumiko

Phono cartridges and accessories from only $85
Send for our free newsletter
Ph/Fax 0-7-Cnr Logan and Bonaly St Tokoroa
Ph/Fax 0-3-151 High Street Christchurch
Interconnect cables from $64.95. Award winning speaker cable from $2.95/m. Switchboxes from $75. Digit DAC$399. Vector remote preamp $699. Systemline Multiroom

Magnan

First class interconnects and speaker cables UK USA

Michell

Connectors, Tenderfeet, Turntables

In wall speakers

Turntables Pioneer Plinius Lambert Project Theta

Audiolab

M&K

Paradigm

Martin Logan
* not all brands available in Christch u rch
From Marantz KI-Signature dealers: Eastern Hi-Fi Newmarket and Wairau Park Smiths Sound Mt Eden Manawatu TV & Sound Palmerston North Absolute Audio and Vision Wellington The Top Hi-Fi Shop Christchurch
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

CAMBRIDGE ARRIVES

Cambridge Au d i o, a UK company that has been receiving rave reviews for their range of affordable components, is now available in New Zealand. The current range includes the A1 amplifier (pictured), CD4 CD player and DACMAGIC 2 D/A convertor. Peter Gilbert Limited 0-9-302 2271
ALPHA CRYSTAL FROM CELESTION
Continuing their long association with small monitor loudspe a kers, Celestion introduce the Kingston m odel. With an en cl o su re built from a den s e , acoustically inert po lym er material called Al pha Crystal, the Ki n gston is designed as an ultra high perform a n ce t wo - w ay loudspe a ker sys tem. The shape is ef fectively triangular, with curved sides. A 165mm Cobex woofer and 30mm aluminium dome tweeter make up the driver complement. Hi-Fi Marketing 0-9-415 9099
N E W PA R A D I G M S F R O M CA N A D A
There are several new models from Canadian spe a ker manufacturer, Paradigm. The Referen ce Speaker Systems range (pictured above) consist of four models from the Studio/20 at $1299 to the Studio/100 at $3495. All drive units are designed and manufactured by Paradigm. Paradigm have also released five su bwoofers. Two models the SB-90 ($499) and SB-110 ($599) are p a s s ive models requ i ring an ex ternal amplifier. Three models, ranging from $1099 to $1499 have between 110 and 130 watts of built-in amplification. Audio Technologies 0-9-478 2001. Deex Acoustic panels, designed for use inside loudspeakers, are distributed in NZ by Sound Creations. In stock are standard panels, foculpods and corner blocks. Sound Creations 0-9-849 8108. Jims Music Room have shifted. Their new ad d ress is 49 Grey Street, Tau ra n ga. The new store has allowed a larger dem onstra ti on room , as well as more room for both hi- and their CD range. More inform a ti on on the forthcoming Rega CD player is now ava i l a bl e. Ca ll ed the Rega Planet, the player should be available in October. Big Ears Audio 0-9-379 3801. NAD has alw ays had a good rep ut a ti on for their amplifiers and tuners. So when you put a 312 amp and 412 tuner in the same chassis, and call it a 712 receiver, it could be very good. The 712 is ra ted at 2x25 watts, fe a tu res six line inputs and includes a rem o te control, for $699. Hi-Fi Ma rketing 0-9-415 9099. Also new from NAD is the 711 AV receiver, said to be the first AV amp developed in-house by NAD (previous models were ventures with Onkyo). The 711s power output is 3x40 watts to the front and 2x15 watts to the rear. Hi-Fi Marketing 0-9-415 9099.

INCREDIBLE SOUND, AFFORDABLE PRICE FOR MUSIC AND MOVIES!

5 year

warranty

parts and labour

Now theres a Polk Audio speaker for everybody! Over 30 models available theres one here for you!
Polk Audio was founded in 1972 by Matthew Polk and George Klopher. Their dream was to make speakers with the performance of the worlds best and costliest speakers, but at a reasonable price. They did so by applying scientic principles to speaker design and by concentrating solely on the speaker business.Thats why Polk is still known as The Speaker Specialists. Today Polk are one of the worlds largest manufacturers of Home and Car loudspeakers and their research and development has yielded over 20 patents for advances in loudspeaker performance and value. Polk speakers have earned high praise from the worlds Hi-Fi press as well as dozens of awards for innovative, high quality design. If you are considering investing in a new pair of speakers or are looking at Home Theatre you really should audition a Polk Audio speaker system. From $399 right up to the $19,000 SRT Home Theatre systems, you wont nd a better speaker for your money. Distributed by
Matthew Polk Chairman, Polk Audio
Polk Audio RT16 just one of a superb range that includes Mini Monitor $399 LS50 Floorstanding $1999 RT3 Bookshelf $499 LS70 Floorstanding $2999 RT5 Bookshelf $699 LS90 Floorstanding $3999 RT7 Bookshelf $899 LSfx Surround Sound $1199 RT8 Floorstanding $999 AB410 In-Wall $399 RT10 Floorstanding $1299 AB610 In-Wall $599 RT12 Floorstanding $1699 AB505 In-Wall $699 RT16 Floorstanding $1999 AB705 In-Wall $899 RTfx Surround Sound $999 AB805 In-Wall $1399 M3 Surround Sound $599 AWM3 All Weather $699 RM2000 Satellite RM3000 Sat/Subwoofer RM5000 Sat/Subwoofer RM7000 Home Theatre CS150 Centre Speaker CS200 Centre Speaker CS250 Centre Speaker CS350 Centre Speaker PSW100 Subwoofer AWM5 Commercial SRT Home Theatre sys. $999 $1999 $2199 $2799 $399 $499 $599 $899 $1399 $999 $19000
Polk Loudspeakers are available from: Whangarei Hubands Retravision Auckland Eastern Hi-Fi, Link Drive and Newmarket Thames Advanced Audio Hamilton Lakeland TV and Stereo Tauranga Simister Retravision Whakatane The Electricity Centre Rotorua Eastern Hi-Fi New Plymouth Masons Appliances Palmerston North Manawatu TV and Sound Wellington Absolute Audio and Vision Nelson Tasman Energy Christchurch The Top Hi-Fi Shop Dunedin Good Hi-Fi Cromwell Gary Anderson Appliances

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Over the years I have tried around seven subwoofers with my system, never with much success. Only two of them produced the quality of bass I was seeking, but even these have the unfortu n a te abi l i ty to impose their voi ce on the all important midrange of my own spe a kers. In other words, they did not integrate with the rest of my system. For everything they added, they took twi ce as mu ch away. For example, hu m a n voi ces became indistinct, it was harder, if not impossible to hear the words being sung. L i kewise, instruments such piano and guitar lost clarity and attack up to about 440Hz (thats the A above middle C. Its also the pitch to which modern symphony orchestras tune their instruments.) When a REL Stadium su bwoofer arrived for review my hopes were not all that high that here at last was the answer. Designed by one Rich a rd E Lord, this 29Kg box measures 575x520x352mm (WxHxD) and is beautifully finished in Rosenut. It certainly looked the part but would they perform up to my expectations?

Quite Simply

NEW ZEALANDS FINEST AMPLIFICATION
An arrogant claim perhaps, but to our ears the Genesis, at a mere $1299, is by far the nest amplier available in New Zealand for the money. Its as simple as that. Call (025) for more information or an obligation free home trial

DIY Yes!

Build your own loudspeakers and get great performance at a great price. Axent Hi-Fi kits start from $190. They feature Axent computer optimised crossovers and drive units from Vifa, Philips or Axent.
Axent Advance Speakers Subwoofers Custom speaker design Repairs and restoration Home Theatre Systems Speaker books and software Crossover components Grille cloth and accessories
25 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland Ph 0-9-827 1220. Fax 0-9-826 0302

Quality

Where design innovation meets sonic excellence!
The Denition Never Changes
Exceptional both visually and sonically the Alto amplier successfully handles many different musical styles with ease. This charismatic amplier (and the matching CD player) are destined to be collectors pieces beyond 2000! Available now in both black and chrome nish. ALTO Amplier (black) $1299 ALTO Amplier (chrome) $1499 ALTO CD Player (black) $1299 ALTO CD Player (chrome) $1499
ALTO ampliers and CD players are available from: Auckland Eastern Hi-Fi Hamilton Lakeland TV and Stereo Tauranga Simister Retravision New Plymouth Masons Appliances Wellington Absolute Audio and Vision Christchurch The Top Hi-Fi Shop Dunedin Good Hi-Fi

Charles Thomson

E L E M E N T S

B E T T E R

S P E A K E R

D E S I G N

EXCLUSIVE PA RA D I GM DEALERS:

WHANGAREI

Hubands Retravision 0-9-430 0019

And the winner is

In the latest, world-acclaimed AudioVideo Internationals 17th annual Hi-Fi Grand Prix Awards, PARADIGM won Grand Prix awards for 1. Full-size speakers of the year PARADIGM Eclipse / Bipolars 2. Mid-size oorstanding speakers of the year PARADIGM Espirit / Bipolars 3. Sub/Sat speaker systems of the year PARADIGM Atom and SB110 4. Bookshelf speakers of the Year PARADIGM Titan 6. Rear surround speakers of the year PARADIGM ADP-150 dipoles 6. Subwoofer (12'' and over) of the year PARADIGM PS-1200 7. Special recognition award for centre channel speakers of the year category PARADIGM CC-300 centre channel speaker Since 1990 PARADIGM have won over 70 awards including numerous Sound & Vision Critics Choice awards, the USA Consumer Digest Best Buy awards, AudioVideo Internationals Product of the Year Grand Prix awards, Stereophile recommended components as well as being voted by USA retail watchdog Inside Track as the best price/value loudspeaker brand for an outstanding ve years in a row. and the winner is PARADIGM now showing at an audio outlet close to you.

D A R G AV I L L E

Hubands Retravision 0-9-439 7174

AUCKLAND

Hi-Fi Exclusive 0-9-Axent Audio 0-9-Innes Retravision 0-7-888 7458

M ATA M ATA THAMES

The Sound Shack 0-7-868 6768
TA U R A N G A H A M I LT O N
Guinness Appliances 0-7-The Listening Post 0800-34

W H A K ATA N E

Meilkes Lifestyle Centre 0-7-308 8069

ROTORUA

Meilkes Lifestyle Centre 0-7-345 7716

OPOTIKI

Meilkes Lifestyle Centre 0-7-315 6275

EDGECOMBE

Meilkes Lifestyle Centre 0-7-304 9514

K AW E R A U

Meilkes Lifestyle Centre 0-7-The Listening Post 0-7-886 4149

TOKOROA H AWK ES BAY

The Listening Post 0800-34

PAL M ER S TO N N OR T H

Leader & Watt 0-6-& 0-7-356 5123

WA N G A N U I

Leader & Watt 0-6-Computers R Us 0-6-757 4486
NE W P LY M O U T H LEVIN
The Sound Centre 0-6-Leader & Watt 0-6-368 3726

WELLINGTON

Amplier Consultants 04-The Listening Post 03-377 7299

CHRISTCHURCH TIMARU

Jims page

PLINIUS AMPLIFIERS Now New Zealands top Plinius shop for two consecutive years. We are proud of our association with this very successful New Zealand amplier manufacturer. If you are considering a new amplier let us show you that a Plinius will out-perform any other amplifier in their price range in every respect! You be the judge! Plinius models start with the 2100i integrated amplifier (pictured left) at $1599 and go up to the M12 preamplifier and the mighty SA-250 Class-A 250 watt power amplifier. Due shortly is a specialised phono preamplier call for more details. We have a full range in stock now and will arrange a professional demonstration wherever you live. Send for the latest reviews and information on new products. Listen and be touched by the music. Visit the Plinius web site at http://nz.com/webnz/audible/plinius.htm NEW STORE Weve opened a new store to 180 gram Vinyl serve you better. Found at 49 Send for our 180 gram catalogue of this amazing range of Grey Street in Tauranga, the larg e r reissued music. Titles from RCA Living Stereo, Verve, Decca, premises allows for a bigger, Analogue Productions, Mobile Fidelity, DCC and more. We purpose-designed listening room. have most titles in stock at all times and respond to orders Still NZs only record and hi- immediately, If youre a vinyl lover please support us so that specialist, Jims Music Room we can keep providing a full up-to-date range of the latest offers separate components from reissues. budget hi- upwards. S I LTECH CA B LES The Siltech Challenge compare Siltech Cables with any other cables! Siltech will outperform the competition in neutrality, resolution, warmth and overall We stock: musicality. Aerial Arcam Audiolab B&W Cyrus Dynavector Harman Kardon Kimber Kable Lambert Meridian Micromega Mission New Siltech mains cable. Youll Monster Cable NAD Plinius Quad Shahinian Siltech Sound be amazed at the difference Creations Tannoy. Wanted: Used turntables in good condition (available in custom lengths).

Jims Music Room

49 Grey Street Tauranga Freepost PO Box 13119 Tauranga Phone 0800 FOR HIFI Thats 4434

WHY SO GOOD

musical waveform with true accuracy and dynamics takes lots and lots of clean grunt. Within the Cello Referen ce Sys tem there is more than enough transducer and amplification available to fully present every subtle and dynamic element in any record i n g. And in using the Palette, t h ere is honest real world correcti on available for recorded faults such as overly close m i cing on perc u s s i on, some digital glare, lu m py bass and so forth. This means a Cello System can be analytical and mu s ical in the extreme! Having your cake and eating it, with ice cream, f u d ge sauce and cherries too!

THE REAL THING

Th a ts it, no splendiferous verbalisations. The real thing comes from the Cello Referen ce Sys tem. Si m p ly without trying or forcing your imagination, there really are people with instruments just a few metres away making real music. The musical message, the feel, the mood, the groove, whatever you sense is there in the musical offering comes through in an instinctively correct way. The gear quickly vanishes and the musicians naturally appear in your minds eye. The high-end promise fulled, wi t h o ut any hys teria or app a rent com p l ications. The honest to God, wonderful real thing. Its nice to know pioneer physicist Heinrich Hertz (as in 20Hz to 20kHz etc.) actually has a modern de s cendant in ML who has musical talent, great ears, business skill, and a stubborn do - i t - yo u rs elf, do-it-right perfectionism to realise the dream of truly realistic music reproduction.

THE GOAL

Was I just overwhelmed by what superficially could be taken as a typical American heavy horsepower, brute force approach? Not really, because real music m oves a lot of air, and reproducing any
I love my Bryston and Plinius electronics and my old Tannoys , but theyre re a lly just nice hi- toys and light-years from the Real Thing Cello. Lifes short, i s o l a te and insulate your listening room, forget the yacht, forget the Porsche, forget the big fancy OE. Get something that can give you and yo u rs splendid thrills and ch i lls every single day for years and years to come. Anybody want to buy a classic nice old Leica M-3?

John Paul

Note: The Ma rk Levinson brand name is now owned by Madrigal Audio Labora tories. Readers should note that there is no conn ecti on bet ween Mark Levi n s on produ ct s and Cello products.
THE SHORTEST PATH BETWEEN YOU AND THE MUSIC
Engineers have always known that the ideal connection to audio is a straight wire. Its common sense if youre trying to transmit audio or video signals, you want the electronics or loudspeakers to receive all of the information as accurately as possible. No attenuation or degradation of that signal is the ultimate goal. How to go about achieving this goal has become the subject of some debate. But one premise is now universally accepted the method of connection from one component to the other is absolutely critical. It can mean the difference between good sound and great sound, between a tainted picture and a awless one. For over a decade STRAIGHT WIRE has dedicated itself to the pursuit of the ultimate in cable technology. Each product is designed and manufactured to the highest possible standards. Unlike other companies that build a cable to t a certain price point, all Straight Wire products apply the fruits of out most extensive research. Whether youre considering a simple upgrade or assembling a no-compromise reference system, theres a Straight Wire product that will do the job better than any other cable you can buy.
S u b w o o f e r s Sound So Real Yo u C a n F e e l I t
Many subwoofers on the market exceed

Interconnects

Concerto $49/1m Harmony $69/1m Musicable $99/1m Flexconnect $149/1m Laserlink $199/1m Encore $299/1m Rhapsody $399/1m Maestro $699/1m Virtuoso (Gold or Platinum available by order)

Speaker Cables

Waveguide 1.5 $6/m Duo $8/m Waveguide 3 $10/m Flex4 $20/m Quartet $30/m Laser8 $40/m Sextet $50/m Octave $80/m Duet $120/m Rhapsody, Maestro and Virtuoso available by order.
distortion between 30Hz40Hz. Velodynes patented servo technology samples the physical movement of the cone 3600 times a second, resulting in the removal of the harmonic frequencies and allowing the fundamental frequency to be reproduced at less than 1% THD (total harmonic distortion). Available in Foundation and ULD series. The result is a clean, dynamic, detailed bass which will enhance any Home Theatre or Stereo System. For years audio manufacturers have fought for low distortion ampliers; why then introduce distortion into your hi- systems? Judge for yourself, listen to the midrange when auditioning a subwoofer (as the 1/3rd harmonic of 30Hz is +/ middle C) a low distortion Velodyne will not effect the midrange. The subwoofer frequencies 20Hz40Hz will add to the environment of sound and you should feel the bass!

For your nearest dealer contact
PO Box 9174 Newmarket, Auckland or Fax 0-9-5248037

rising

PO Box 28-314, Auckland. Ph 0-9-Fax 0-9-302 2270
North Hi-Fi, Whangarei 0-9-Shore Hi-Fi, Auckland 0-9-North Hi-Fi, Whangarei 0-9-Shore Hi-Fi, Auckland 0-9-The Audio Consultant, Hamilton 0-7-Sound Advice, Hastings The Audio Consultant, Hamilton 0-7-Sound Advice, Hastings 0-6-The Real Music Co, Wellington 0-4-Living Sound, 0-6-The Real Music Co, Wellington 0-4-Living Sound, Nelson 0-3-The Top Hi-Fi Shop, Christchurch 0-3-Nelson 0-3-The Top Hi-Fi Shop, Christchurch 0-3-Express Sounds, Timaru 0-3-Sight & Sound, Dunedin 0-3-Express Sounds, Timaru 0-3-Sight & Sound, Dunedin 0-3-477 7071

AND NOW TO THE LEFT

A music lovers best friend
WE MUSTNT LOSE TOUCH WITH OUR HI-FI AS A SYSTEM
ike most of you, my own hi- system has not come about as a one-off purchase but as a carefully con s i dered, usually expensive , string of building blocks over some years. And like everyone, I have made blunders in my selection of components. Nevertheless, we all feel the urge to make changes to our hi-. The driving reasons or excuses that lead us to quit a CD player here , an amplifier or casset te deck t h ere, are of course nu m erous. Put simply though, we make changes because we wish to enjoy a better quality of sound than we presently have. Not wishing to remove any of the sport in the hunt for that right component (hopefully as your hi-fi moves from
A LT E R N AT I V E C H O I C E S
strength to strength), you would agree that a fair amount of h om ework is essen tial if we are to end up with the right ch oi ce for our wall et s , our ears and even the healthy future of our hi- systems. The homework I refer to usually invo lves hours of ph on e calls, retailer visits, conversations with friends and heaps and heaps of listening. Based loosely around the premise that we would all listen to more music if we had good systems to listen to it with Ive launched into a running commentary that should be useful next time we contemplate any oustings, re s hufflings or promotions among the ranks of our own hi- cabinet.
DETERMINE THE WEAKEST LINK
As The Sonic Glad i a tor will tell you
TH OSE PE RE NNIA L REA SONS F OR MA KI NG CH AN GES TO OU R SYSTEMS
We feel the need to upgrade because we want to hear (and own) a bet ter sound. Is it that we grow too used to our existing systems and their inherent sound? Quite often, we just feel the time has come for a change. We take steps to improve our hi-fi and there are endless examples of the steps we take (or the excuses we come up with) in getting that bet ter sound. See if any of the following justications ring any bells!

M O R E B E E F, A N YO N E
bet ter sound, su rely? If on ly it were that easy! Agreed, we hear obvious differences in sound through the spe a kers, but always consider the other components in the chain rst. Are we better off improving our source component (CD, turntable, tuner) or even amplier before looking at improvements speaker i m provem ents? Rem em ber, the spe a kers a re at the end of the chain. You may be surprised at just how much better they can sound with improvements further closer to source in the hi- chain.

JUMBO SPEAKERS

More power, I gotta have more power! And quite often this excuse is a valid one. For instance , you have a small amp in a large room. Or, a small amp driving ineff i c i ent speakers. Power is one thing, but unfortunately a lot of amps with heaps more grunt are weaklings in current delivery to the spe a kers and invariably sound ro u gh and re ady around the edges. I guess thats why some 60 watt power amplifiers cost $600 and others $6000. As we all know, but so often overlook, we should be thinking qu a l i ty not quantity.

SNAZZIER SPEAKERS

Recently, fellow writer and best buddy Sonic Gladiator auditioned a large pair of L a m bert floors t a n ders in his small i s h listening room. The verd i ct was n i ce spe a ker, but too big for the room!. Bigger spe a kers over his JPW Sonatas would sure fill his room better but although the Lamberts sounded much better, they were visibly and audibly overwhelming the Glad i a tors lounge. Remember, the speakers need to be matched to the room as much as they need to be matched with the systems other components.

GETTING LAZY?

( h es a phys i o t h erapist you see) were not really making progress until we can put our finger on the root of the problem. What applies to the human body equally applies to our conglomeration of electronic devices. In the hi- chain, we know this root as the weakest link. Our interest, our focus must lie in seeking out the weakest link in the sound system chain if we are to increase our mu s ical enlightenment. We could tackle this task with the simple and methodical process of elimination. My own personal background in hi-fi has taught me to start with the source. Any problems, a ny room for improvement, try at the beginning of the hi-fi chain. By this, I mean listening to each s o u rce com pon ent, in turn, and if nece ssary the comparison of our own compon ents with borrowed ones from fri ends or willing retailers. The realisation that our recently acqu i red CD player (at a steal, of course) is actu a lly a slow, l i feless and rather saggy messenger of all things musical, is only commendable if we actually admit that we bought a lemon! Were on the right side of the proverbial humble/pig-headed fence should we own up to this fact. How many of us have bought a socall ed steal from the paper, from a friend, f rom anywh ere, on ly to have the component taint, torment and damn well asphyxiate the music from your hi-! How many of us? Most, Id say. Having inve s tigated the cause of concern, with big ears and mu ch trep i d a ti on , now consider the remedial action.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

The most obvious difference in sound quality is often attributed solely to the changing of spe a kers. Better spe a kers,
Multi-disc CD players, who needs
If we can con f i dently point our finger at the cause then were a long way to effecting a positive change to our hi-fi. Quite of ten , however, the soluti on is not simply the replacement of one component, but two. A good friend of mine was recen t ly in this exact predicament. His existing amplier and spe a kers were both get ting a little long in the tooth and he sensed that either (or both) components were letting the side down. The main front end components of CD and turntable were of a higher quality

Miller & Kreisel

The new M&K subwoofer range is the result of 22 years experience in designing and manufacturing high quality subwoofers. With over six different models available M&K have a high performance subwoofer to suit every application and budget. M&K subwoofers have built-in high performance ampliers ensuring a dynamic powerful sound. Signal to the M&K subwoofers can be via either speaker or RCA input, allowing full compatibility with any system. All M&K subwoofers have built-in variable crossovers and adjustable level.
The Nakamichi AV1 Dolby Prologic Amp/Tuner upholds the Nakamichi tradition of uncompromising quality and performance with its musical brilliance and devastating home theatre. Clean powerful sound is ensured by 2x100 watts rms into the main speakers, 50 watts rms into the centre speaker and 2x30 watts rms into the rear speakers. Advanced Digital Signal Processing technology is used to signicantly improve separation among the surround channels, enhancing surround localisation, ambience and movement effects. The AV1 is fully featured with a learning remote, full pre-out facilities, variable bass boost and source direct for pure listening pleasure. AV1 Amp/Tuner.was $2950.now $2000 cash/chq MB3S CD player..was $1475.now $1300 cash/chq DR3 Tapedeck.was $1150.now $1000 cash/chq

M&K VX-7B $999

Cambridge Audio CD4

A budget compact disc player with CD sound way beyond its price. At the heart of the CD4 is a new Philips lter and digital-to-analogue convertor chip which uses a combination of bitstream and continuous calibration to optimise its performance. What Hi-Fi? described the CD4 as weighty, coherent and well-detailed sound and superb value and awarded the CD4 its coveted rating.

HCA2200

250 watts per channel 8 ohms 400 watts per channel 4 ohms 800 watts per channel bridged 8 ohms

only $4699

Other Parasound ampliers available now include HCA600 60w+60w $999 HCA1000 110w+110w THX $1499 HCA1200 205w+205w THX $2499 HCA806 6x80w multich $3199 HCA1206 6x135w THX $4999 HCA2003 3x200w THX $4199
Stereo Pre-ampliers and Processors

Cambridge Audio A1

A budget integrated amplier that has received top marks in reviews. A 30 watt per channel amplier, the A1 incorporates audiophile features such as metal lm resistors, a toroidal transformer and switching designed to shorten signal paths. What Hi-Fi? praised the A1 for its remarkable weight, sweetness and authority and said that the A1 is strong and effortless and a bargain before awarding the A1 its coveted rating.
Parasound pre-ampliers are all built around the philosophy that less is more. We keep the signal path as clean as possible, without any capacitors from input to output, and leave all the other extraneous bells and whistles to the other guys! PHP850 budget audiophile $999 PLD1100 audiophile remote $2199 PLD2000 balanced audiophile $4999 PSP1000 Dolby Prologic $1999 PSP1500 THX/digital ready TBA

CBD2000

Belt Drive Transport
Digital has never sounded more analog and less digital than with Parasounds patented belt drive CD transport. Jitter is virtually eliminated with the silky smooth belt drive mechanism coupled with a massive 34 lb disc clamp. Built by CEC, known for making the worlds best CD transport. Other Parasound Digital products CDP1000 audiophile CD player $1199 CDC1500 audiophile 5-disc changer $1499 DAC1100 HDCD D/A Convertor $2699 DAC2000 HDCD D/A Convertor $4499

The original

In the past I have subscribed to In ternet forums such as rec.hi_end.audio, and have became engro s s ed in some of the rhetoric and debate between the at earthers and the technocrats. This particular forum was well modera ted, and the debate was l ively and pretty mu ch en tertaining. Perhaps a couple of con troversial viewpoints such as expre s s ed in this forum to kick start things might be reve a l i n g. A suitable topic might be Mpingo disks?? The use of optical D/A interconnects vs coaxial?? Bi-wiring vs the OCOS (linear impedance) philosophy, also anything around the subjective vs objective state of audio. I think the music reviews are a mu s t. I enjoyed re ading them , and have made a number of worthwhile inve s tments based on reviews from AudioVideo. I am a rm believer in the philosophy of a designer leading to a particular sonic sign a tu re for a com pon en t. It would be nice to see profiles on some of the participants in the NZ Audio scene and understand they way they view music. This could also be ex ten ded to performers. Obvi o u s ly this idea depends on the co operation of the subject to speak to an interviewer, but I think most would be pleased to help local initiatives. As part of trying to broaden my musical understanding I would like to hear more about specic music categories, performers, history etc. Perhaps features on specic genres of music with recommended a discography might be considered. From an component point of view, I lean towards valve equipm ent for pers onal preferen ce , and run full ra n ge dynamic spe a kers. As I am now into the territory where a com ponent upgrade costs $5K or more I would like to see information on room/speaker interface , twe aks, capacitor / va lve/PS and other upgrade s. Also the availability high end gear is obviously a key area. I believe (within re a s on) con troversial op i n i ons will be good for the magazine as for most sensible people, controversy promotes reection. As for good music stores, Wellington only has Allans, and perhaps Roy Parsons for classical lovers. Murray Price

WEAKNESS FOR HI-FI

Dynamic Coil

Cartridges

Optim $599 P77 $479 K3 $289 K2 $199 K1 $139

Diamond styli

Optim S $499 PS77 $359 KS3 $239 KS2 $159 KS1 $119
Retipping service available
When Music is your Passion
As a pers on with a personal weakness for hi-fi I am del i gh ted to see AudioVideo back in circulati on under the new name of AudioEnz. I have re ad your magazine since 1989 (wh en I moved to New Zealand), and possess almost a complete collection at home. I always used AudioVideo as a reference for shopping. I got my L a m berts on ly after re ading the review and of co u rse listening to them in my own lounge. I used the same cri teria years later for the rest of my system. I even remember ringing you on your mobile number asking for some advice! I believe the magazine should concentra te on audio. Please leave hom e - t h e a tre to someone else! Jazz CD reviews will also a key addition. Actually, they are essential to me. I do en j oy equ i pm ent (including fancy stuff) revi ews. On this matter let me congratulate your writers (Lloyd Macomber, Charles Thomson, John Paul and yourself) for the excellent quality of the articles published in the past. I am sure the trend will continue in AudioEnz. Manuel Pedreschi Have your say. Send your letters to PO Box 100-554, Auckland 10, or e-mail to editor@audvid.co.nz, or fax to 0-9-478 6303

ME240 integrated amplier $2100 Best Buy 95 Australian Hi-Fi magazine Power ampliers
ME ME ME ME 200 80w x 80w 40 amps 550 80w x 80w 40 amps 750 120w x 120w 40 amps 850 120w x 120w 70amps $1600 $2500 $4500 $6500

Pre Ampliers

ME 14 CD, tuner, auxiliary $1800 ME 24 CD, tuner, aux 1+2, tape, video $2000 ME 25 (ME 24 with phono) $2300 Trade and dealer enquiries welcome
6 Hastings Street, Napier Phone 0-6-835 2234. Fax 0-6-23

Z E A L A N D S

H I G H

F I D E L I T Y

M A G A Z I N E

Move over Superman

Sonics here!

May 1996

Players

New Zealands

Jims page
PLINIUS AMPLIFIERS Now New Zealands top Plinius shop for two consecutive years. We are proud of our association with this very successful New Zealand amplier manufacturer. If you are considering a new amplier let us show you that a Plinius will out-perform any other amplifier in their price range in every respect! You be the judge! We have a full range in stock now and will arrange a professional demonstration wherever you live. Send for the latest reviews and information on new products. Listen and be touched by the music. Visit the Plinius web site at http://nz.com/webnz/audible/plinius.htm 180 gram Vinyl Send for our 180 gram catalogue of this amazing range of reissued music. Titles from RCA Living Stereo, Verve, Decca, Analogue Productions, Mobile Fidelity, DCC and more. We have most titles in stock at all times and respond to orders immediately, If youre a vinyl lover please support us so that we can keep providing a full up-to-date range of the latest reissues. We stock:
Aerial Arcam Audiolab B&W Cyrus Dynavector Harman Kardon Kimber Kable Lambert Meridian Micromega Mission Monster Cable NAD Plinius Quad Shahinian Siltech Sound Creations Tannoy. Wanted: Used turntables in good condition
AERIAL ACOUSTICS Jims Music Room has been appointed New Zealands exclusive distributor of the Aerial Loudspeaker range. Designed and built in Boston, USA by Michael Kelly, these highly regarded speakers will amaze. if youre thinking of buying a new set of loudspeakers give them a careful audition. Reviews available from Fi, Stereophile and The Absolute Sound. S I LTECH CA B LES The Siltech Challenge compare Siltech Cables with any other cables! Siltech will outperform the competition in neutrality, resolution, warmth and overall musicality. New Siltech mains cable. Youll be amazed at the difference (available in custom lengths).

Jims Music Room

76b Grey Street Tauranga Freepost PO Box 13119 Tauranga Phone 0800 FOR HIFI Thats 4434
Home of Hi-Fi and Good Music
Contact us today and join our mailing list - youll love our style!

FRONT PIECE

Welcome
AudioEnz is published by AudioVideo Publications Limited, PO Box 100-554, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland 10. Ph 0-9-479 7843. Fax 0-9-478 6303. e-mail editor@audvid.co.nz. Editor is Mike Jones All contents are copyright to AudioVideo Publications Limited 1996.
to the rst issue of AudioEnz. So let me tell you about AudioEnz what it is and what you can expect from AudioEnz in the future. Many of you will have read AudioVideo magazine, the hi- magazine I had published since the last months of 1986. Well, all good things must come to an end (except the use of cliches, perhaps?) and, as it became nancially unviable, the nal AudioVideo was published in August 1995. So here we are at the end of May with a new hi- magazine. AudioEnz is not AudioVideo, nor is it like any other hi- magazine Ive ever come across. The basis of AudioEnz is fun. Music is fun its enjoyable to listen to. I believe that hi- too should be fun, but very often its a poohfaced, ultra-serious activity. AudioEnz writers denitely dont take themselves seriously they only take their music seriously. You wont nd normal hi- reviews in AudioEnz. I read a lot of hi- magazines, and nd less and less of interest to read as each issue comes out. Heres a review of a boring black box, followed by another review of a boring black box ad nauseam. Instead, in AudioEnz you will nd plenty of comment and opinions on hi- and related (and some unrelated!) subjects, but in a much more interesting commentary system. Have a read of this issue and the next (due July 20) and tell me what you think. Im very interested in what you want (and dont want to see) in AudioEnz. Should we embrace home theatre, or avoid it altogether, concentrating on music. Do you want to see coverage of some of the esoterica available? How about tube ampliers? Tweaks? Budget wonders? Give me opinion (contact details are at left) And speaking of opinions, what are the best record stores out there. The hi- hobby is fuelled by the purchase of music, but the quality of record stores uctuates wildly. Lets put together a listing of the good record stores around the country, so we all can know where we can shop with condence. Give us your thoughts by letter, fax or e-mail (addresses are to the left) and well publish the results in the July issue. In the meantime, enjoy your music. Mike Jones Editor

SHAHINIAN. Not

another re-invention of the wheel is how the importer describes this 200mm squ a re co lumn with a diamond shaped baffle. Denco Audio 0-3-379 0743. RUNCO have produ ced profe s s i on al video projector systems for over decade. Their new CinemaPro 750 is de s i gn ed to bring their state-of-theart engineering and rugged construction of projectors into the home. Denco Audio 0-3-379 0743. SUNFIRE is the name of a series of amplifier developed by Bob Carver. In addition to the stereo amplifier that has ga i n ed some po s i tive pre s s overseas, Su n f i re have now released a ve-ch a n n el power amplier with 200 watts per channel. Denco Audio 0-3-379 0743. CALIFORNIA AUDIO LABS have announced a new version of their Icon compact disc player. The Icon MkII HDCD incorpora tes the Pacic Microsonics HDCD lter for decoding HDCD discs and handselected Burr- Brown 1702 20-bit D/A processors. Oceania Audio 0-9849 3114. No ted tube amplifier manufactu rer VTL have released a new range of amplifiers. The MB125 are 125 watt triode swi tch a ble monobl ock s (55 watts in triode)There are also the MB175 Signature, MB450 Signatu re and MB550 Signatu re, all switch a ble to lower-powered triode mode. The MB250 Signature is a 250 watt pure triode monoblock. Top model of the new amps is the Wotan MB1250 Signatu re - 1250 watts triode swi tchable monoblocks (600 watts in triode). PQ Imports 0-7886 4149. New Zealand amplier manufacturer PERREAUX h ave a new range of amplifiers due out real soon now. The SM6 pre a m p l i f i er is a balanced line level remote controlled preamp. The Model 175, Model 250 and Model 350 are stereo power amplifiers with the rated watts (8 ohms) indicated by the model number. 09-623 1244.

NEW CHRISTCHURCH STORE

KENS SIGNATURE
Ken Is h iwata is the tweak-king behind much of Ma rantzs su ccess with CD players and amplifiers over recent ye a rs. Ma rantz are now introducing a Si gnature s eries of produ cts, i n cluding the Ma rantz CD-63SE KISignature. Based on the standard CD-63SE, the Si gn a tu re inclu des a hefty toroidal mains transformer with high purity copper windings, a stren g t h en ed, copper- p l a ted chassis and an improved output stage. Marantz New Zealand 0-9-849 7813
The Listening Post have opened a store in Chri s tchurch Ma n n ed by Ian and Paul, their ad d ress is 151 Hi gh Street, with phone and fax number 0-3-377 7299. Theyre open 10am-5.30pm wee k d ays, with late night (till 7pm) Fri d ay, and 10am2.30pm Saturday.

the 207 indisputably the most elegant looking CD player around. My sentiments exactly. These elegant looks have been passed on down to pretty much the entire Meridian family of electronic components. Im taken by the mirror bl ack perspex top and the bl end of co l o u red function but tons, their shape, and the mix of transparent gl a s s - l i ke material with the almost innocuous grey metal casing, typ ical, s ay of the current 508 player. Aside from the striking features is the sense of solidity, of ruggedness and purpose that each of these products exude in sheer weight and robust construction. Like the writer of eight years ago I find favour in these Meridians, for they are so very, very elegant. However, with the good come the not so good and, wh ere would we be without a paddle? Up the Creek! Indeed the Creek CD60. A player of some musical reward yet a player cumbersome in its use and appeara n ce. The frog green display panel did little for the a t , l i feless fascia planted
The Good: The Aura Evolution 100 amplier (above) and the classic Rega Planar 3 turntable
in front of a metal casing sturdy in constru ction but su s pect in nish wh et h er or not this metalwork should in fact house a meter box rather than a music making device.

TUNERS

NAD, in their Monitor Series range from around 1990, produ ced a disti n ctive generic design range and its success, I feel, was largely due to the use of one key element the colour red. From this range the NAD 4300 AM/FM Tuner sticks in my mind as a well proportioned, clearly labelled and logically laid out radio receiver. Add to the judicious use of red (in lines, logo and key but tons) the circular station dial at one end and you have one pleasing product design. From a few years earlier, A&R Cambridge introduced the original Alpha
Jamo Home THX-One Loudspeaker system is a striking, affordable, room-saving THX-licensed home theatre system from Europes largest loudspeaker manufacturer
Electronic Industries Associations Innovations 95 Award
Authentic cinema sound in your home With the Jamo Home THX Speaker System you experience an authentic recreation of the sound held on the movie dubbing stage. The sound in your own home theatre will give you the same thrill as only the very best cinemas are able to deliver. What you get from the Jamo Home THX Speaker Systems is not only a THX certication. You also benet from Jamos renowned reliability, sound and value for money, from one of the worlds largest speaker manufacturers. Audition the Lucaslm Home THX Speaker System from Jamo. Its sound will work wonders for your favourite lms. For more information, please contact
PO Box 28-314, Auckland. Ph 0-9-302 2271. Fax 0-9-302 2270
Jamos THX Speaker System: LCR One, Sub One and Surround One
Tuner. Ap a rt from its good sound, this produ ct has never impre s s ed me ae s t h etically. In fact, the front panel is as pasty f aced , insipid and pseu do soph i s ticated as m a ny English gentlemen I have met (I guess for this reason alone it was a success in its homeland!). And how feeble the construction? Very feeble I say.

AMPLIFIERS

Quality
The Denition Never Changes
Dynaco CDV-1 Vacuum Tube CD Player $year warranty
Dynaco solid-state ampliers from $12992100 Valve amps from $3495$4200 Preamps from $1199$1995
Distributed and serviced by Feedback Enterprises Ltd 6 Ashbury Street, Stoke, Nelson Ph/Fax 0-3-or Ph/Fax 0-3-547 6012

Dealer enquiries welcome

CD3 the naim of the game
for Audiophile CDs and LPs

POPE MUSIC

and others Call anytime phone 0-9-fax 09-373 7446
North Hi-Fi, Whangarei 0-9-Shore Hi-Fi, Auckland 0-9-The Audio Consultant, Hamilton 0-7-Sound Advice, Hastings 0-6-The Real Music Co, Wellington 0-4-Living Sound, Nelson 0-3-The Top Hi-Fi Shop, Christchurch 0-3-Express Sounds, Timaru 0-3-Sight & Sound, Dunedin 0-3-477 7071

THE SAGACIOUS AUDIOPHILE

Digits and us

MORE THAN JUST A FINGER

aving been a contributor to Au d i o Vi d e o magazine for more ye a rs than I care to rem em ber, its demise left a considerable gap in my life. What was I going to do with my spare time? It didnt take long before the tweaking bug bit and there I was inch i n g my spe a kers around the lounge to confirm they were indeed in the correct position, conducting trials comparing balanced and unbalanced interconnects, brands of speaker cables and so on. During this time I re - d i s covered albums not played for many a ye a r. Each listening session was like renewing old friendships. I was listening to music for sheer pleasure, cert a i n ly not con cerning myself with how to describe what I was hearing to readers of Au d i o Vi d e o. Pretty selsh, huh? So what ch a n ged this new-found attitude of mine? Digits! Now here is one hell of an admission from an analogue devotee. Certainly my system is fed a diet of 7580% CD to around 20% LP, but when time is available, analogue is my source of choice. I am not knocking CD. Indeed my collection gives me a great deal of pleasure and you sure cant beat the convenien ce
angle. But to my ears, a well recorded LP produces that bit (no pun intended) more in areas of natural sound, space and involvement.

THE DIGIT IN OUR LIVES

Just what effect has the humble digit had on our way of life? In this instance I refer to any numeral from 09, not this words other meaning, nger or toe. One of the Oxford dicti on a rys reference to digital states of sound repre s en ted by digI was listening to music its or in similar disfor sheer pleasure, c rete form, to improve quality. certainly not concerning While many co u l d argue against the myself with how to latter, the is no doubt digital describe what I was recordings stored on CD have suchearing to readers. ce s s f u lly invaded our listening Pretty selsh, huh? rooms.

A DIGITAL LOUDSPEAKER?

which could take adva n t a ge of CDs wi der dynamic range. The distinguished team at Meridian were among this gro u p. They had been working in the digital domain for some time and their CD players have received world-wide acclaim from day one. I rem ember one reviewer de s c ri bi n g an early Meridian model as the rst musical CD player to come on the market. High praise indeed considering the controversy raging at the time over perfect sound.

MERIDIAN DSP 5000

A digital loudspe a ker! Whos kidding who? Ma ny of us rem em ber the flood of digital speakers that hit the market not l ong after CD arrived in 1983. You k n ew they were digital spe a kers because the badge on the front told you so. What a have! Except for this badge on the front shouting digital, most of these spe a kers were no different from the same, su pposedly non digital models on sale a week earlier. The way we hear sound hadnt ch a n ged overn i ght with the advent of CD. Twelve years on and our brains have still not evolved to the stage wh ere they can interpret a stream of digital code and make music out of it. Ma nufacturers, or their advertising agents, were soon bought i n to line and some changed their marketing hype to Digital Re ady. Whatever that meant. More honest s pe a ker designers however, made a genuine ef fort to produ ce speakers
No, the Meridian DSP 5000 does produce an a u d i ble (but meaningless to our ears) stream of digits. At first glance they a ppear to be a conventional, floor standing speaker of compact dimensions, with familiar drive units located behind the grille. There any similarities with convention end. Contained inside each cabinet are three power amplifiers, one each for treble, midrange and bass. Nothing new in that Meridian and others have been dabbling with active speakers for ye a rs. The differen ce here is that these spe a kers also contain a digital to analogue converter and a computer in each cabinet. Also included on the front, top of each cabinet is an illum i n a ted display (digital of co u rse) to tell you what settings have been given to the computer for various functions. Users of rem o te con trol units (another digital devi ce) will immed i a tely think of su ch functions as vo lu m e , balance, trebl e , bass, i n p ut sel ecti on , track sel ecti on etc as being those parameters which can be controlled from the listening position. Indeed the Meridians are remote controllable in these are a s , of ten with bet ter re sults than their competitors eg bass and treble. Instead of the course cut and boost applied by most pre amplifier contro l s , here the sound is gently altered in keeping with the way our hearing works. Result,

ICON mk11

California Audio Labs
Analog performance to please the most critical listener
Now incorporating the Pacic Microsonics HDCD FIR Filter and hand-selected Burr-Brown 1702 20-Bit processors
Available from: Listening Post 0-7-Soundpower Hi-Fi 0-9-Absolute Audio & Vision 0-4-Feedback Audio 0-3-548 4068
For more information on the Icon 11 and the California Audio Labs range contact Oceania Audio Ltd, PO Box 41-085 Auckland. Phone 0-9-849 3114. Fax 0-9-849 3307

in Auckland!

Axent Audios Advance range of loudspeakers feature high-denition, high power-handling mineral-lled polycone drive units. All crossovers are computer optimised, acoustic fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, and each pair of cabinets are matched using Axents Compumatch program ensuring a superior soundstage and imaging. All cabinets exhibit impressive bass performance and are nished in New Zealand Rimu
Home Theatre Systems Subwoofers Custom speaker design Repairs and restoration DIY Speaker kits Speaker books and software Crossover components Grille cloth and accessories
Shore Hi-Fi are Aucklands exclusive Naim stockist. Come in and see the Naim range of CD players, ampliers, tuners and speakers, along with the very best of European and Japanese hi- and television.
Our brands include: Naim, Arcam, Micromega, Epos, Royd,TDL, Ruark, Loewe, Rotel, Shahinian, Harman Kardon, REL and more!
25 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland Ph 0-9-827 1220. Fax 0-9-826 0302
1 Byron Avenue,Takapuna Ph 0-9-486 4494. Fax 0-9-486 4495

EUPHONIC EUPHORIA

DIY-not?
O F C O U R S E I T S O U N D S G R E AT I M A D E I T !
othing is simple any more , but if you simply want something done right, do it yo u rself. Can do it yo u rs elf (DIY) audio equ i pment projects really surpass the performance and sophistication of all the slick computer-aided designed or pri cey exotic flash stuff? Probably not. Its not high end where the home designer builder comes into his own superiority, but smack in the budget pri ce ranges or areas where a little extra ingenuity and some fiddling around provides a product or improvement that probably cant otherwise be found at any price. Its good clean (and dirty) great fun and usually not too costly. Its not than any of us are really smarter or more clever than experien ced design engineers with powerful com p uter simulati on routines and other serious produ ct development gear set-ups. No, its just that virtually everything you might purchase is built to a finely trimmed pri ce. Profit equals production co s t - c utting which
takes its inevitable toll on the ultimate performance that might be attained. A major spe a ker manufacturer on ce told Mr Editor that, at the s h a rp end (under $600/pair) of the market one additional cabinet screw or not meant financial failure or succe s s !. Maybe that was bean-counter anxiety exaggeration, but would you worry abo ut how many screws it takes to tigh ten up a bu d get box floppy back panel?

HORRIBLE! SPEW!

F i n n em ore , Pre s i dent of the Audio Society, said lift it up off the floor plinth since it was all disappearing i n to my thick carpet and over stuffed furniture which probably compensated for tonnes of the original cabi n et indu ced nasties. A couple of days of hard FM interstation noise started the caps forming and soon the midrange and highs started clearing up. Then Robert McAdam came to the rescue with a stout single pedestal stand. Now they started sounding much better!

T H AT G O O D ?

Am a z i n gly differen t , mu ch better than I actually hoped at this stage, but my judgement was tainted by serious wishfullness and anxiety. So when Robert casually said they sound like planars, kind of ESL or Maggie like , quite detailed and smooth, I probably breathed the biggest sigh of relief since I lost my virginity. Normal installation tweaks followed and either everyone is too po l i te , or else dishonest as hell because I seem to regularly get favo u rable unsolicited opinions about those big old spe a kers f rom both knowledgeable boffins and non-hobbyist visitors.

BOTTOM LINE

follow the tune, the texture, the tempo, and its never tiring.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE

How did it sound? Boy, was I surprised. It seemed the whole works died! It seemed like there was a huge loss of efficiency and dynamics and the mids and highs sounded thick and dirty. All that knu ckle busting work, right down the gurgler! But, calm down, me old boyo! Dont try c ut ting your wrists with that du lled wool felt knife, at least not yet. Call your trusted gurus and ask them what they think is happening. Robert McAdam from Sound Creations said the fancy Chatteroux capacitors take a long time to become properly formed, hence the loss of dynamics and mid-upper grunge. Ru s s ell
Overall the costs were, $1100 for the original used mint pair. Then $125 for Axents Brian Hart to delicately replace the rotted foam surrounds whilst keeping the original braced paper cones. This was defi n i tely a job for an experienced specialist with all the fancy solvents, glues, tools and k n ow how. Any DIY of this type will be much more costly than air shipping in small single pack a ge s , so trust me dont even think about it. The perfect Sound Creation custom stands were $300. And about $250 for MDF and composite sheets, wadding, odd wood bits, felt, glues, c ro s s over components, bro ken saw blades, bro ken screwdrivers etc. And probably close to two hu n d red hours, mostly fun, mucking a round pounding my knuckles to oblivion. But Ive got a $1800 spe a ker pair that consistently lets me en j oy all kinds of music. It doesnt reach the extremes, or s h ow everything wrong in the record i n g and probably misses a bit of wh a ts happening, but they alw ays musically satisfy me. The gear disappears and you simply

Frankly this listenability is probably due to the inherently correct ef f i c i ent air coupling of the mid-h/f con centric horn driver which is perfectly voiced to the nonplastic sounding paper/wool com po s i ti on cone all sharing a single magnet system. That Ive tediously somewhat tamed a raucous enclosure only lets the original excellen ce that was there all along shine through. Ta n n oy obviously knew about this when they started their DMT stuff and I simply had a great time nding out about this for myself. That I took the hard way made it seem more of a profound discovery than a simple application of k n own principles. But it was all good fun which has left me with a nice little personally satisfying ach i evem ent that is qu i te va lu a ble to me and is probably worth bugger-all in the Trade and Exchange. But thats hobbyist economics. Its all for the fun, not the money. DIY is really how our great little hobby, and all the neatest stuff we lust after, started out. So drop us a note if youve got a thought or question about anything DIYing and well knock it about Ive got excellent knuckles.

John Paul

Where design innovation meets sonic excellence!
Exceptional both visually and sonically the Alto amplier successfully handles many different musical styles with ease. This charismatic amplier (and the matching CD player) are destined to be collectors pieces beyond 2000! Available now in both black and chrome nish. ALTO Amplier (black) $1299 ALTO Amplier (chrome) $1499 ALTO CD Player (black) $1299 ALTO CD Player (chrome) $1499
ALTO ampliers and CD players are available from: Auckland Eastern Hi-Fi Hamilton Lakeland TV and Stereo Tauranga Simister Retravision New Plymouth Masons Appliances Wellington Absolute Audio and Vision Christchurch The Top Hi-Fi Shop Dunedin Good Hi-Fi
Remarkable engineering. Unsurpassed clarity. Exceptional value. Parasound high-current ampliers combine innovative circuit design and audiophile-grade components for unparalleled high delity sound. Whether you need a two-channel amp for your listening room, or a multi-channel amp for your Home Theatre, media room or remote zone, there is a Parasound amplier that will provide a strong, high current foundation that can drive any speaker. All Parasound ampliers employ independent power supplies for each channel, fully complementary class A/AB1 circuit topology with JFET input transistors, high current/high speed output transistors, direct DC servo, and rear panel gain controls. Gold plated binding posts, tiffany-style RCA jacks, and rack mounting are standard on all models.

HCA2200

250 watts per channel 8 ohms 400 watts per channel 4 ohms 800 watts per channel bridged 8 ohms

only $4699

Other Parasound ampliers available now include HCA600 60w+60w $999 HCA1000 110w+110w THX $1499 HCA1200 205w+205w THX $2499 HCA806 6x80w multich $3199 HCA1206 6x135w THX $4999 HCA2003 3x200w THX $4199

Distributed by

Pacic Audio
PO Box 9171, Auckland. Phone 0-9-524 8032. Fax 0-9-524 8037
Stereo Pre-ampliers and Processors
Parasound pre-ampliers are all built around the philosophy that less is more. We keep the signal path as clean as possible, without any capacitors from input to output, and leave all the other extraneous bells and whistles to the other guys! PHP850 budget audiophile $999 PLD1100 audiophile remote $2199 PLD2000 balanced audiophile $4999 PSP1000 Dolby Prologic $1999 PSP1500 THX/digital ready TBA
THE SHORTEST PATH BETWEEN YOU AND THE MUSIC
Engineers have always known that the ideal connection to audio is a straight wire. Its common sense if youre trying to transmit audio or video signals, you want the electronics or loudspeakers to receive all of the information as accurately as possible. No attenuation or degradation of that signal is the ultimate goal. How to go about achieving this goal has become the subject of some debate. But one premise is now universally accepted the method of connection from one component to the other is absolutely critical. It can mean the difference between good sound and great sound, between a tainted picture and a awless one. For over a decade STRAIGHT WIRE has dedicated itself to the pursuit of the ultimate in cable technology. Each product is designed and manufactured to the highest possible standards. Unlike other companies that build a cable to t a certain price point, all Straight Wire products apply the fruits of out most extensive research. Whether youre considering a simple upgrade or assembling a no-compromise reference system, theres a Straight Wire product that will do the job better than any other cable you can buy.

CBD2000

Belt Drive Transport
Digital has never sounded more analog and less digital than with Parasounds patented belt drive CD transport. Jitter is virtually eliminated with the silky smooth belt drive mechanism coupled with a massive 34 lb disc clamp. Built by CEC, known for making the worlds best CD transport. Other Parasound Digital products CDP1000 audiophile CD player $1199 CDC1500 audiophile 5-disc changer $1499 DAC1100 HDCD D/A Convertor $2699 DAC2000 HDCD D/A Convertor $4499

Interconnects

Concerto $49/1m Harmony $69/1m Musicable $99/1m Flexconnect $149/1m Laserlink $199/1m Encore $299/1m Rhapsody $399/1m Maestro $699/1m Virtuoso (Gold or Platinum available by order)

Speaker Cables

Waveguide 1.5 $6/m Duo $8/m Waveguide 3 $10/m Flex4 $20/m Quartet $30/m Laser8 $40/m Sextet $50/m Octave $80/m Duet $120/m Rhapsody, Maestro and Virtuoso available by order.

2YEARWarranty

Available from
Auckland Eastern Hi-Fi Tauranga Simister Retravision Rotorua Eastern Hi-Fi New Plymouth Masons Appliances Palmerston North Manawatu TV and Sound Wellington Absolute Audio and Vision Dunedin Good Hi-Fi

Parts and Labour

For your nearest dealer contact
PO Box 9174 Newmarket, Auckland or Fax 0-9-5248037
O U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G S
New Zealands top CD players
O U R FAV O U R I T E S P L U S T H E D E A L E R S P I C K S
here has never been a better time to buy a qu a l i ty CD player. The ra n ge of great sounding CD players ava i lable in New Zealand has grown over recent ye a rs, while the pri ce for good sound has dropped. To put together this list I polled the Au d i o En z writing team for their suggestions and threw in a couple of my own. All of the CD players pictured here can be heartily recommended at their prices. But they all sound different, so I urge you to auditi on a player that interests you and discuss your requirements and your existing hi-fi system with a good dealer. Dont buy solely on the recom m endati on of any magazine not even this one! Mike Jones

MERIDIAN 8 / 3 $5000

Meridians top single-box CD player is a treat, of fering the com bination of lively, yet smooth, fati g u e - f ree sound. The elegant looks and solid con s truction add to an alluring package.
M A R A N T Z C D - and C D - S E $699/$999
The Marantz combination nds constant recommendation from dealers and with good reason. Their inviting sound has invited the CD players into many hi- systems.
We asked seven of New Zealands top hi- retailers what their CD recommendations were and why
Phil McIsaac Smiths Sound, Auckland recommended the Marantz CD-46 ($499) as the ideal budget CD player. Its a little cracker good sound head and shoulders above others in its price range. Going up in price to around a grand, Phil recommends two CD players. The r s t , the Denon 1015, offers solid driving bass and 3D imaging. The other great $1000 CD player Phil warmly recommends is the Marantz CD-63SE with its very open soundstage and good detail. Phil sells lots of Arcam CD players and is enamoured with the Arcam Alpha 6 player ($2199), describing it as a good all round musical performer. A particular favourite with Phil is the Denon DCD-3000 ($2500), which Phil describes as very musical, good pace rhythm and timing and as his all-time favourite. John Ransley Totally W i re d , Dunedin doesnt mince his words, offering up three recommendations. The Meridian 508/3 ($5000) is the best CD player by a long shot; it annihilates everything else. Johns other top-end CD player is the Linn Karik ($5500) which is a reliable, beautiful piece of engineering. The Micromega Stage 1 ($1600) is gleefully described as a lthy French CD player. John likes its French flair and character, it different operating system and the upgrading path built into the Stage CD players. Dean Franklin Soundline Audio, Auckland had just taken delivery of the Accuphase DP-55 ($6500) and couldnt stop singing its virtues of its smooth sound and fantastic midrange. Other recommendations were for the Meridian 508/3 ($5000) and the upgradable Micromega Stage 2 ($1899). Jeetan Parbu Absolute Audio, Wellington loves the Marantz CD-63SE ($999), stating that not only is it built like an audiophile player but also that the 63SE competes up to around $2000 in the CD market. Further up in price, Jeetan likes the California Audio Lab Alpha/Delta transport and convertor ($4890) which he describes as very affordable for a high-end CD player. Jeetan likes

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PO Box 570, Tokoroa, Facsimile 0-7-886 6851. Toll Free Order Line Hamilton Tokoroa Hawkes Bay Christchurch

is back on the block

ST Series Hi-Fi Ampliers
THX Home Theatre Ampliers
Balancing Art and Science for Musical Integrity
Now available from Smiths Sound, 587 Mt Eden Road, Auckland Audio and Vision, 52 High Street, Auckland
20 Year Transferable Warranty A Generation of Music
Now distributed by: Syntec International. PO Box 68-180, Auckland. Ph/Fax 0-9-358-2525.

MIKE ON THE PODIUM

Boy do I have a deal for you!
HOW NOT TO BUY LOUDSPEAKERS
f you wanted a new pair of spe a kers, would you buy them off the back of a truck? Dont laugh in the last few months several hu n d red people have done just that. Bel i eving that they ve been of fered a bargain, buyers have reportedly paid anywhere up to $1500 for a pair of cheap spe a ker boxes va lu ed by audio experts at around $400$450. For several months Ive been hearing abo ut salesmen cruising the streets, looking for punters likely to want a pair of spe a kers designed to appeal to the rock hard crowd. By repute, claims were made that the spe a kers were worth $2000 or more , and

WHO ARE SOUND LAB?

hi-. For example, there are well over fty brands of loudspeakers ava i l a ble prob ably a higher ratio of spe a kers to population than anywhere else in the world. The vast majority are imported and distributed by well established rms. They support the brands in terms of promotion, stock availability (so you can actually hear the product), and back up. If something goes wrong with your spe a kers, there are s p a re parts available and the expertise to repair the speakers. These speakers are on-sold to ret a i l ers, either the chain stores or hi-fi specialists. At these retailers you can see and audition the spe a kers of your choice. By doing so, you can ascertain whether the speakers are appropriate for your musical needs.
FIFTE EN MI NUTES OF FAME
expert witness. I watched as Axen ts Graham Bowers ran the speakers through Axents measurement regime and, while the results were being computed, we took the spe a kers apart. The results were not inspiring. The cabinet was constructed of thin chipboard, with no bracing. This means that the cabi n et would be prone to vibra te along with the music, altering the sound considerably. The drive units were cheap den i tely not what Id expect from nine years in the hi-fi industry to find in a spe a ker reputably worth $2000, or even $1000.

We understand that Sound Lab New Zealand Limited was registered in May 1995, with all shares owned by one Elizabeth Norris. There are two company directors Robert Duran, who appears to run the company; and Robert Murdoch, based in Hawaii. If youd like to get hold of Sound Labs, they are based at 35a Neil Park Drive , East Tamaki, Auckland. Their phone number is 0-9-273 7554. that they were being used in nightclubs and recording studios. At first I found it hard to believe. But as the reports kept coming in first from Auckland, then Wellington, and now Chri s tchurch the magnitude of this began to set in. These spe a kers have been sold under two brand names Aco u s tics and Linear Phase. The importer is Sound Labs, b a s ed in Auckland. Selling speakers from the back of a van or tru ck is not a new ph enom en on overseas. Its been know in the USA for several ye a rs , parti c u l a rly around univers i ty campuses. A recent migrant from Australia told me that the same thing was happening across the Tasman a couple of years ago. (Interestingly, one of the brand names used in Australia is the same as one of the brand names used in New Zealand).

SPEAKER BACKGROUND

Recen t ly the television consumer programme Fair Go investigated this practice. I was invited along to Aucklands Axent Au d i o, a drive unit and spe a ker testing specialist, to observe the measuring and dismantling of a pair of Linear Phase spe a kers, and to be interviewed as an
Fair Gos Raewyn Rasch: Dont buy them!
Frequency response of the tested Linear Phase 8812/8 speaker
New Zealand is well served in terms of
I asked a mem ber of the hi-fi indu s try familiar with driver manufacture what the ex-factory cost for the drive units wo u l d be. The estimate was around $10 per speaker, ex-factory. The measurements carried out by Axent Audio were no more inspiring. From around 700Hz upwards, the frequ ency responses which ideally should be at were a series of peaks and troughs. The loudspeakers were rated at a sensitivity of 92dB and had a rated power handling of 250 watts. The first is an important factor. The higher the sensitivity, the less power needed to reach a certain volume level. A speaker with a sensitivity of 92dB needs only half the power to re ach the same vo lume level as a spe a ker with a sensitivity of 89dB. According to Axen ts measurements, the Linear Phase spe a ker under test re ached a sensitivity of 88.3dB from 250Hz to 1kHz, with the sensitivity over other frequency bands being lower still. This means that the spe a ker will requ i re twi ce as mu ch power as a tru ly 92dB sensitive loudspe a ker to reach the same vo lume level.
S u b w o o f e r s Sound So Real Yo u C a n F e e l I t
Many subwoofers on the market exceed
A Tradition Of Excellence
distortion between 30Hz40Hz. Velodynes patented servo technology samples the physical movement of the cone 3600 times a second, resulting in the removal of the harmonic frequencies and allowing the fundamental frequency to be reproduced at less than 1% THD (total harmonic distortion). Available in Foundation and ULD series. The result is a clean, dynamic, detailed bass which will enhance any Home Theatre or Stereo System. For years audio manufacturers have fought for low distortion ampliers; why then introduce distortion into your hi- systems? Judge for yourself, listen to the midrange when auditioning a subwoofer (as the 1/3rd harmonic of 30Hz is +/ middle C) a low distortion Velodyne will not effect the midrange. The subwoofer frequencies 20Hz40Hz will add to the environment of sound and you should feel the bass!

Please send me the following back issues of AudioVideo. I enclose $3 for each issue

Name Address

B R I T I S H D E S I G N E D A N D B U I L T C D P L AY E R S , A M P L I F I E R S , T U N E R S A N D H O M E T H E AT R E A M P L I F I E R S S O E X T R A O R D I N A R Y T H AT T H E Y E V E N S O U N D G O O D O N PA P E R
ARCAM ALPHA ONE CD PLAYER $1199
For: Condent and mature sound with no lack of attack Against: Nothing the Arcam is a perfect match and hard to fault. Verdict: What Hi-Fi?

ARCAM XETA ONE $3999

But though the Xeta matches the Delta 290 amp for sound quality when you run a CD through it, its on Pro-Logic sound quality that its likely to be judged. The Xeta has an exceptionally clean, crisp sound A wide range of movies from The Abyss to The Patriot Games went through the video during this test and the Arcam displayed excellent channel steering, easily intelligible dialogue and no shortage of serious bass weight. Verdict: Sound Build Facilities Value What Hi-Fi? March 95 Best Home Cinema Amplier British Hi-Fi Awards 1995
ARCAM ALPHA 5 PLUS CD PLAYER $1799
Best CD Player under 500. The British Hi-Fi Awards 1995 For: Better bass, improved treble over old Alpha 5 Against: Nothing Verdict: What Hi-Fi?
ARCAM DELTA 270 CD PLAYER $2999
For: A skilled balance between smoothness and punch. Well built Against: Not much apart from cost Verdict: What Hi-Fi?
ARCAM ALPHA 5+ AMPLIFIER $999
The Alpha 5s excellent clarity and middle and low frequencies meant that the cello was able to cut through the densest texture at the same time it was beautifully smooth and free from grain and glare. Audiophile
ARCAM ALPHA 6+ AMPLIFIER $1299
The extra power output of the Alpha 6 is quite small nut it does sound gutsier than the 5 at any volume level. Its extra resolution makes it consistently more detailed and articulate, enhancing the feeling of power and projection. Audiophile
ARCAM DELTA 290 AMPLIFIER $1799
The Arcam is a true high-end product and a legitimate rival rival of the ClassB ranked Acurus A-100, offering a much cleaner midrange and a more neutral tonal balance in the truest testimony to its easy superiority, the Arcam was the one I chose to listen to when I just wanted to listen to my fave recordings. Stereophile