head units of the year over $500

Alpine CDA-117E $599

This unit is probably Alpines response to requests for a well-featured single-DIN unit at a reasonable price, but with more advanced sound quality tuning capabilities to satisfy sophisticated music fans and inveterate system tweakers like most of us? The CDA-117E handled our software tests with ease including above average radio reception likely due to the brand-new digital tuner. It also provided fast access and display of all full-range and compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files from CD and USB drives plus logical control of our iPod; although we initially
www.alpine.com.au found that some functions had changed from previous Alpine fare which required a quick check of the manual. You can pretty much option this unit up any way you want by adding fully-automated Imprint tuning, Bluetooth hands-free and Alpines power pack module. But out of the box the 117E already provides graphic or parametric equalisation and crossovers plus the piece-de-resistance for SQ enthusiasts digital time correction for all six channels. Add its 24-bit DAC and an un-tweaked output response as flat as the Nullabor for both speaker and RCA pre-outs and we had no qualms about the winner here.
Blaupunkt Bremen MP78 $999
Blaupunkt maybe a respected old brand but it is still very much at the forefront of car audio technology. Its premium Bremen CD tuner is also an excellent media player with USB, Bluetooth and iPod input, plus it suits the dash of many prestige
www.audioxtra.com.au vehicles. Its excellent SQ tuning capabilities complete with crossovers, time correction and even basic surround sound processing are further bonuses for music enthusiasts.

Pioneer DEH-P80RS $799

Enthusiasts will recognise this unit as one of the Pioneer Reference Series and its brushed aluminium design and simple controls reflect this positioning. But its also the sophisticated DSP with automatic EQ and speaker time alignment
www.pioneer.com.au together with its premium 24-Bit Burr Brown DAC, true digital crossovers, MOSFET power stage and 5-volt pre-outs that help to define the P80RS as a serious audiophile source unit.
multimedia head units of the year over $1000

Kenwood DNX5360NAV $2299

Kenwood have had an association with well-known GPS navigation manufacturer Garmin for some years, but in this case, the Garmin navigation circuitry is seamlessly integrated into their new AV unit rather than being a plug-in module. The resulting map detail on the Kenwoods 6-inch VGA high-resolution touchscreen looks exceptional, along with the units typical source icons and more detailed media displays. We were encouraged to find proper tactile controls for essential functions too, as pure touch screens can be quite difficult
www.kenwood.com.au to use while driving. And the huge range of illumination colours also appealed to us, which may sound trivial but can really help aftermarket units to look like they might actually belong in a vehicles dash. As expected at this level, features include inputs for iPod, Bluetooth, TV and camera plus a 24-Bit DAC and multiple outputs for rear seat LCD monitors and power amps. On test, Kenwoods DNX5360NAV did everything that we expected and more.

Alpine IVA-D511EBT $1899

Alpine seems to have featured consistently in multimedia since the category evolved over a decade ago and their new single-DIN motorised unit, complete with Bluetooth module, continues the tradition. Its hard controls plus 7-inch touch-screen provide an intuitive interface and we like that you can still see basic source info when the screen is retracted. The IVA-D511EBT is a serious sound quality unit too, with digital time correction, crossovers and equalisation all built-in.
Pioneer AVIC-F910BT $2499
Pioneers AVIC series has become a benchmark for easy-to-use navigation and logical audio-visual function in cars. The F910BT seems to provide the ideal mix of such features clear navigation with SUNA live updates and excellent graphics, plus DVD audio as well as video, SD, USB and full iPod control of course. Its Bluetooth system is Parrot-based and seems to work seamlessly too, and Pioneers MOSFET output stage sounds typically robust.
amplifiers of the year under $1000
ARC Audio KS125.4Mini $999
Designed by ARC Audio in conjunction with Nikola Engineering and Robert Zeff, the KAR Mini series of amplifiers hit our shores around a year ago now but are still arguably the best amplifiers available for under the $1000 mark. The KS125.4Mini is all about clean power, clever design and compact real estate. The four channel version of the range is a class H design offering 75 watts per

www.mobileaudiosolutions.com.au channel at 4 ohm (or 125 watts at 2 ohm) and incorporates such features as multiple protection circuits, boosters, crossovers, high and low level inputs in addition to a special auto turn on chip that actually detects head units connected to it rather than simply sensing signal line current. All this neatly wrapped in a small 294mm x 130mm x 43mm footprint. Worthy winner once again!

Alpine PDX-F6 $999

The brand new PDX amp series has been substantially upgraded to provide higher levels of audio performance in an even more compact Class-D design. Alpine claims their new F6 provides 150 watts into 4 channels at 0.003% THD+N with a signal to noise ratio of 95dB (the new F4 is 4x100 watts and $699). After
www.alpine.com.au some golden-eared criticisms of previous models, we couldnt really fault the build quality or sonic performance of the latest models. Ditto for their matching mono subwoofer versions. The new PDX series are less blingy but their austere looks promise serious performance. Hot off the factory floor and excellent.

Focal FPS 2160 $649

Focal enjoyed immense success with the Power series of amplifiers a success similarly enjoyed by the entry level SOLID series. Naturally, the next move for the large French company was to look at new amplification products incorporating the technology of the former while retaining the price of the latter. The resulting
www.focalaustralia.com.au FPS range of amplifiers is clean sounding and neatly designed, pleasing to the eye and the ear. The pick of the bunch is the FPS 2160, offering 2 x 105 watts at 4 ohm (or 2 x 180 at 2 ohm) with impressive technical specifications to match. French class, oui, oui.
speakersof the year under $1000 speaker of the year under $1000

Alpine SPX-17PRO $999

This is the latest iteration of Alpines premium Status and SPX speaker series that were originally developed with respected Danish manufacturer, Scanspeak. The new mid-woofers aluminium frame, compact u-yoke neodymium motor, titanium VC bobbin and curved pulp fibreglass cone is advanced stuff and indicates serious SQ intent. A new 1.25-inch version of the highly-regarded ring-radiator

www.alpine.com.au tweeter, an advanced crossover network that allows detailed fine-tuning to suit most vehicle cabins plus this systems reasonable pricing all combined to more than confirm that impression during our detailed auditions. From delicate vocals through large orchestration to heavy metal the SPX-17PROs were sublime and thoroughly shook some preconceptions.

Crescendo Opus 8.6 $699

Although relatively unknown so far as main stream audio brands are concerned, Crescendo produces quality speakers. This year the standouts are the Opus 8.6 and although theyre a wrung lower than the flagship Opus 9.6, they borrow much of their technology. The 6.5-inch midrange includes a light but firm polypropylene cone, hardened former and retainer cap and strong magnet structure. This is all housed within a cast aluminium basket. The 1-inch tweeters feature a coated soft dome. The Opus 8.6 set comes with impressive crossovers too, offering adjustments for levels and Q, and feature components sourced from Denmark and the USA. Overall a very warm and dynamic sounding component set.

HC Focal 165 V30 $529

The Polyglass range are the biggest seller for Focal, so when it came to making a special one-off run of 30th anniversary components, the core design was based on this range. The 165V30 component set highlights beautifully Focals ability to create a wonderful sounding split without decimating the bank account. The midrange driver includes a variable thickness cone, strong cast frame and very clean motor design. The tweeters are an enhanced version of the units used in the Polyglass series. Focal has also paid particular attention to the crossover, starting with the basic Polyglass crossover and swapping out the componentry for higher quality equivalents. Put simply; you get a much better all-round component set at a similar price pont. Cant go wrong can you?
subwoofers of the year - SQ
Seas Lotus Reference SW250 $890
With all the praise currently being heaped on the Seas Lotus Reference components youd expect the subwoofers to be pretty good too, right? Well we just cannot begin to describe the performance characteristics of this range of subwoofers. Seas spent an incredible amount of time, money and research when developing subwoofers to match its award winning component sets, utilising lessons learnt from well over a quarter of a century of audio experience. Although the 12-inch SW300 is a stunning subwoofer, interior space restrictions in many of todays cars will result in the 10-inch SW250 being a more likely contender. The SW250 sees various new technologies implemented into the design, from its specially engineered meniscus alloy cone with natural surround to the extremely strong high temperature alloy former and cast basket, the SW250 offers precise and realistic subsonic reproduction beyond any other subwoofer on the market. www.seaslotus.com.au

Alpine SWX-1243D $699

Speakers and subwoofers from other than the US or Europe can struggle for respect in our local market, so it may be worth pointing out that the intense R&D and patents behind these subs actually came from Alpines engineers in L.A. Their Type-X subs have also been rated amongst the worlds Top 10 for musical accuracy, and given the relatively small enclosures needed and their modest pricing, the latest 12-incher is on our list as a serious contender too.

Dynaudio E1200 $1599

While the heart of DynAudio has always been its stunning component speakers many people overlook the fact it also offers some of the worlds best sounding subwoofers. The E1200 has been designed to complement the Esotar2 range of components and thanks to such engineering elements as a rigid MSP cone diaphragm and its enormous 75 mm diameter aluminium voice coil, it faithfully delivers the lowest midbass notes and right down to the deepest subsonic frequencies accurately and just as the artist intended.

innovations of the year

Alpine PXE-H660 $699
Unlike the audio industry, vehicle manufacturers dont necessarily comply with established standards for their factory-fitted entertainment systems. And with these components increasingly embedded, this is presenting big problems for aftermarket brands trying to provide discerning consumers with superior sound and options in newer vehicles. To retain the factory dash cosmetics and functionality the only real option is to pick up the signals that went to original speakers, to clean, filter and adjust them for more accurate sound and then to feed them to proper amps, speakers and subs. Sounds easy but its not, due to the widely varying signal levels and the
www.alpine.com.au response peaks and dips that car manufacturers build in to limit blown speakers and warranty claims. Alpine have been wrestling with this challenge for a long time now, and their latest PXE-H660 factory system interface is as simple and logical as weve used. In effect, up to five distorted input channels are returned as seven equalised, time-corrected channels to suit each vehicles cabin. Basic set-up can be done with the remote control, although we recommend that an experienced workshop does the precise, PC-based tuning. The PXE-H660 builds upon its predecesor and is an important advance in OE system integration.

Directed Electronics VI Monitor $799
The VI Monitor is a dash mounted 3.5-inch TFT touch screen device that plugs into your vehicles OBDII port and replaces a whole cluster of gauges. Although its primary function is monitoring the engine, it also offers all manner of diagnostic services and data correlation. It can tell you what each vehicle fault code represents, it analyses your driving, offering figures on acceleration, braking and cornering. It can even tell you how much power you have via its virtual dyno. For the more serious racers it can also log up to 500 driving hours meaning you can analyse every aspect of the cars performance, including actual lap times, once youre back at the pits.
Pioneer NDBC20PA Camera $399
Pioneer may well be known for its sound and image products but that doesnt exclude it from developing other helpful devices. The NDBC20PA is a reverse camera that not only shows whats behind you in high resolution colour but also provides a detailed parking guide. Basically, once set up, it can show you multiple viewing angles including from above and can also tell you when and where to turn the wheel in order to park safely. Not just your average reverse camera here.

UKW/TV-Arbeitskreis der AGDX e.V.

http://www.ukwtv.de

AKUT January 2009
This issue of AKUT summarizes the contents of REFLEXION 221. REFLEXION is the members journal of the UKW/TV-Arbeitskreis der AGDX (published in German). For more information please refer to http://www.ukwtv.de
Equipment review: FM Analyzer PIRA75 (pages 10-16)
The PIRA75 is an FM Broadcast Analyzer designed for the analysis of FM transmission signals at 87.5-108 MHz. The DDS circuit provides the following data for the radio signal: frequency deviation, modulation index, deviation from RDS and pilot subcarriers, Fast Fourier-Transform of the baseband, RDS information. The data are shown on an LCD display and can be transferred to any PC via an RS232 interface. The PIRA75 reception circuitry is relatively simple (IF bandwidth 280 kHz), but it might be attached to a more sophisticated receiver. Its price is around 150.
Equipment experience report: Blaupunkt Bremen MP78 (page 17)
The car radio MP78 has been introduced in 2008. It has an excellent reception circuitry, with the Digital Directional Antenna (DDA) feature, although its operation is slightly less user-friendly than for the MP74. The RDS PS name and the frequency are displayed simultaneously. The price is between 500 and 600.
DVB-T reception experience (pages 19-21)
Jan Lschen describes his experience with DVB-T tropo-skip reception over the last 3 years. Smaller distances are covered, compared to the era of analogue TV. A welldesigned antenna setup helps to pull in interesting signals.
Radio station history (pages 22-48)
Radio Matterhorn (Zermatt) has been in operation between 1983 and 1994 on 96.0 MHz (0.05 to 0.11 kW). Today the frequency is used for temporary transmissions (Iischers Radio). Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) in Munich has celebrated its 60th anniversary. REFLEXION gives an account of the changes of broadcasting techniques and programming. Michael Strassmann presents a historic overview of the VHF-FM transmitter sites of Blgarsko Radio in Bulgaria, including the former transmitters in the OIRT band.
Highlights from Radioforum (pages 49-60)
Recent discussion threads at http://forum.mysnip.de/list.php?8773 : ERF Radio on FM (Wetzlar) DVB-T Hamburg, change from VHF to UHF BFBS R2 in Germany to be closed DAB trials planned in Saxonia Dismantling of radio communication towers at Berlin-Frohnau and Hhbeck

Further items

Introduction of the Japan V-UHF DX Circle (JVUDXC) (pages 7-9) Wave propagation statsistics for 2008 (pages 61-65) Table of contents for the 2008 issues of REFLEXION (pages 95-100)