New Pioneer A/V Amplifier VSA-AX1AH & VSA-1017AV

Pioneer has unveiled its 2 new A/V amplifiers, the VSA-1017AV and the VSA-AX1AH.
The 2 amplifiers are 7.1 channel with 1.3a HDMI port supporting Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Advanced MCACC and MP3. The facade offers an USB connector for connecting your DAP or else. These amplifiers are ready to read HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs and they come with an THX certification from Pioneer.
The VSA-1017AV delivers 7x100W (20Hz ~ 20kHz, 0.09%THD @ 8ohms) and the VSA-AX1AH delivers 7x110W and has an additional RS232C connector.

This 2 A/V amplifier will be out for July in Japan priced at $750.00 for the VSA-1017AV unit and $1,100.00 for the VSA-AX1AH.

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POA-A1HD the new monster amplifier from Denon

Denon Japan recently announced the introduction of its new 10-channel power amplifier that delivers 10x 300W or 5x 500W in bridged mode into 4Ω. Each channel is based on a similar mono block construction for an high quality sound reproduction.

The amplifier is certified THX ULTRA2, all channels are manually assignable by the user and you can connect your speakers via XLR or RCA connectors. The POA-A1HD adopts a gold finish and a sleek brushed aluminium design with only a few buttons and 3 assignable VU-meters on the front. The price has been announced for $9,000 USD and it will be launched on October 2007.

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Onkyo Integra DTC-9.8 pre-pro Amplifier

The new pre-pro amplifier from Onkyo is coming this month, the Integra DTC 9.8 is a pre-amplifier with image processing "HQV Reon-VX Video Processor" from class highest level, and audio processing (certified THX Ultra2). The amplifier fully supports HDMI ver.1.3a up to 4 inputs and it decodes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio. The unit measures 435x444.5x194mm and weighs 13.1Kg. The Integra DTC-9.8 will cost approximately $1,000 USD.

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Yamaha RX-Z11 11.2-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver

Yamaha is introducing on November for an undisclosed (but surely expensive) price a new 11.2-channel A/V receiver fully loaded of many features.

The RX-Z11 offers plenty of audio certification such as a Dolby TRUE HD, a Dolby Digital Plus, a DTS HD Master Audio, a Neural Surround THX Technologies and a THX Ultra2 Plus. This receiver gets 5x HDMI 1.3a inputs with the support of 1080p resolution and 2x USB ports (front and rear apnel) for connecting any USB memory devices, portable audio players or USB HDD (FAT32 format, up to 2TB) and the best is that you can connect the RX-Z11 to your PC and access the Internet Radio via LAN.

The amplifier stage is based on symmetrical layout and a new power circuit layout with Low-impedance designed for high quality sound is delivering a total of 1,180W (140W x 7 + 50W x 4) through the 11 discrete channels.

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Luxman High-end Pre-Amplifier C-800f

Luxman recently unveiled their latest C-800f Pre-amplifier unit featuring an high quality chassis structure.

The C-800f gets the complete noise-free volume and balance transmission circuit from its brother C-1000f with the LECUA (Luxman Electric Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) system and all channels use independent parallel circuits.

This pre-amp is better suited with the M-800A pure class-A power amplifier with its 6,600μF capacitor for preparing the powerful power source environment of the amplifier. The C-800f offers 3x Imbalanced inputs and 3x Balanced inputs with a THD of respectively 0.009% and 0.005%. A Remote control and a VFD display are also include.

The Luxman C-800f will be available on October, and the price has been set at approximately $9,000 USD for this masterpiece.

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Pioneer SC-LX90 High Fidelity Class-D AV Amplifier

Pioneer is going to introduce its new SC-LX90 (aka Elite SC-09TX for US market) AV amplifier in Japan this December for approximately $6,000 USD.

Made from the collaboration between the Bang & Olufsen and Pioneer's team, the SC-LX90 is the most powerful and advanced amplifier from Pioneer. It features an high efficiency class D amplifier delivering a continuous power output of 200Wx7ch (8Ω) and 140Wx10ch (8Ω).

The SC-LX90 gets a 5.1 inch color LCD display can be use as a monitor to show the video or the settings. It also supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD for Blu-ray and HD-DVD Disc video playback as well as Dolby Digital Plus and DTS Express, note that this amplifier gets the THX Ultra2 Plus certification.

Pioneer's SC-LX90 is also compatible with HDMI version 1.3 and USB terminals. It supports MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, MPEG-1/2/4 and WMV files for playback and image files by connecting to a Media server through an Ethernet connector.

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Yamaha A-S2000 Amplifier

Yamaha Japan announced for the mid-December its new A-S2000 amplifier matching with the CD-S2000 SACD/CD player presented in this news, however the Yamaha A-S200 won't be for everyone because it will cost a mere $1,800 USD.

Yamaha's latest amplifier get a retro design with its brushed aluminium faceplate, the natural wood inserts and the big knobs. It boasts a power output of 2x120 W / 8 Ω or 2x190 W / 4 Ω, thanks to the high-end electronic, built on a circuitry that separates and balances the path of the 2 audio channels for an optimum signal clarity it delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB.

The A-S2000 measures 435x137x465mm and weighs 22.7kg for a power consumption of 220W.

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Marantz SC-11S1 Reference Series Preamplifier

Marantz introduced a new preamplifier in the Reference Series, the SC-11S1 which comes this November on US market for $3199.99.

Based on the PM-11S1 and the SC-7S2 pre-amp section, the SC-11S1 features a fully balanced construction with a new linear control volume using a Wolfson WM8816 IC, a balanced input type headphone amplifier, 3 brand new ultra high speed HDAM-SA3 buffer modules and a reworked power supply design with a choke input system resulting in a THD of 0.002%.

It also offers mono, stereo or multi channel configuration with the Marantz F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System) for connecting several SC-11S1 preamplifier.

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New Accuphase E-350 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

The new Accuphase E-350 integrated stereo amplifier will replace the E-308 in the mid-November for approximately $3200.

This amplifier gets the AAVA-II volume control (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) from the E-450 model, with this system amplification and volume control are fully unified, and no variable resistors are used. The power amplifier section features the current feedback principle developed by Accuphase, as well as further improved "MCS+" circuit topology, for even better electrical characteristics. It delivers a rated output of 2x140W @ 4Ω, 2x120W @ 6Ω or 2x100W @ 8Ω and it incorporates all regular analog inputs/outputs.

The E-350 measures 465x422x171mm, weighs 21.7kg, and it comes along with a remote control (RC-200).

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Kenwood Kseries R-K1000-N Stereo Amplifier

Kenwood is coming out with 2 new models for its "Kseries" line, the DP-K1000-N CD player and a new amplifier R-K1000-N.

The receiver priced at $490 features the Supreme EX Technology, the "DPAC" (Digital Pulse Axis Control) system, an independent power supply circuit, an AM/FM tuner and the AUTO Room EQ function. The amplifier part delivers an output power of 40W + 40W (20Hz to 20kHz, 0.7%, 6 Ω) and a SNR of 120dB.

Also The R-K1000-N incorporates an analog stereo input (RCA), a phono input, a coaxial and an optical digital input. Its dimensions are 270x318x99mm, its weight is approximately 5.3 kg and it comes with 2 antennas, a remote control and a microphone for AUTO Room EQ.

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Axiom Audio released its first A1400-8 Power Amplifier

For over 25 years Axiom Audio has set the highest standards in loudspeaker design and performance. Axiom has raised the bar yet again with the release of its first ultra-high performance amplifier, the A1400-8.

This power amplifier distributes 1400 total watts of output power to any combination of one, two, three, four, and up to seven (or eight) channels! The A1400-8 provides power when and where it's needed to any given channel, as much as 1400 watts into 2 ohms, preventing compression or distortion of the music’s dynamics. That means your system will never sound "too loud" because you are listening to distortion instead of clean power, a typical problem with conventional receivers that distort and compress sound when they exceed their output capability.

The A1400-8 is now available in black or grey finish via the Axiom's website for $3,850.00 USD.

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Linn Majik-I Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Majik-I is a combined pre- and power amplifier housed in one compact unit. It sets a new performance benchmark for integrated amplifiers by marrying audio circuitry derived from Linn’s Klimax Kontrol with Chakra power amplification.

Selling for £1450, the Majik-I delivers a maximum of 2x100W, features six stereo source inputs, including one for a turntable, along with an input for a portable music player and a headphone socket on the front panel.

Linn’s Chakra amplification offers increased power, reliability and efficiency, less heat and lower distortion than other amplifier designs. Chakra amplification also deploys Linn’s proprietary hum and buzz-free Switch Mode Power Supply technology for superior mains noise isolation and efficiency to generate stable, clean power for the audio circuitry.

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Chord CPM 2650 & CPM 3350 Integrated Amplifier

The Chord CPM2650 and CPM3350 integrated amplifier are designed around the latest versions of the highly successful CPA2500 and SPM650 Pre and Power amplifier combinations.

The pre-amplifier can hold up to six input signals using the supplied remote handset or via the front panel controls. Two tape loops allow you to record one source whilst also listening to another and a separate switchable preamplifier output is available for bi-amping.

The CPM2650 amplifier boasts an output power of 2x 120W RMS @ 8Ω or 2x 170W RMS @ 4Ω and the CPM3350 delivers 2x 220W RMS @ 8Ω or 2x 360W RMS @ 4Ω. The electronic features ultra high frequency low ESR power supply for better efficiently than conventional designs. This gives the amp enormous reserves of instantly delivered, precisely controlled power which is more than capable of controlling even the most demanding loudspeakers. With the ability to select the pre outs and speaker outputs together or individually the flexibility of the unit allows it to be used as a pre-amp, on its own or with another power amp for bi-amping.

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Pioneer A-A6-J & A-A9-J Integrated Stereo Amplifier

The latest amplifier series from Pioneer includes 2 new models, the A-A6-J (2x 60W) and the A-A9-J (2x 70W). These high-end integrated stereo amplifiers are designed to deliver audio output that is as pure and precise to the original as possible.

Based on a dual mono symmetrical construction and powered by a pair of toroidal transformers which deliver stable current for powerful, clean sound reproduction, this series incorporates class-AB dual mono symmetrical amps (which operate in pure class-A mode in low power, eliminating switching and crossover distortion) rated at 60W or 70W under 4Ω, (20 – 20,000 Hz).

These amplifiers are equipped with gold plated terminals, including headphone output, and feature a Source Direct mode to avoid any sound signal interference. The A-A9-J has 2 additional USB inputs and includes the "Sound Retriever" technology.

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Pass Labs new XA.5 Series of Power Amplifiers

Pass Laboratories will introduce the XA.5 Series Power Amplifiers at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, next month in Las Vegas. Designed for audiophiles by lifelong audiophiles, the new amplifiers represent a peak in the evolution of Pass Labs amplifiers toward ever higher performance.

The XA.5 Series of power amplifiers consists of five models, the XA200.5, the XA160.5, the XA100.5, the XA60.5 and the XA30.5. All embody significant improvements on their classic Pass Labs predecessors, and all deliver the warmth, sweetness, depth and space that are the hallmarks of outstanding audio products. Working in a pure Class-A operation, the XA.5 amplifiers achieve their superb performance by incorporating all the refinements Pass Labs quietly introduced into its earlier models over the past several years.

All five XA.5 power amplifiers are available now from authorized Pass Labs dealers at the following suggested prices:
XA200.5 $31,000/pair (mono block)
XA160.5 $20,000/pair (mono block)
XA100.5 $15,000/pair (mono block)
XA60.5 $10,000/pair (mono block)
XA30.5 $5,000 each

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Yamaha RX-V3800 7.1-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V3800 is the latest high-end receiver from the RX-V series. Priced at $1,699.95 on the official Yamaha's store this 7.1-channel home theater receiver introducing the newest and best technologies from its predecessors.

The RX-V3800 features 3D CINEMA DSP, latest HDMI 1.3a specification support, upscaling to 1080p, full support for high definition audio formats signals (Dolby TRUE HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD Master Audio...), adaptive DRC and adaptive DSP level, YPAO Auto Setup with "Quick Start", multi-zone custom installation support and Network Receiver functions. It delivers an awesome power of 980W (140W x 7) and utilizes Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs. The unit is also iPod compatible via the optional Yamaha YDS-10 docking station.

Moreover the RX-V3800 shows off the Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) name given by Yamaha for its best products.

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Jamo Introduces DMR 45 All-in-one Receiver

The new Jamo DMR 45 digital all-in-one receiver easily lets users create enveloping 5.1-channel surround sound performance using only two speakers and a subwoofer with the Dolby Virtual Surround technology.

This compact 2.1-channel virtual surround receiver delivers 75 watts of power to each speaker and is equipped with an LFE (low frequency effects) output for subwoofer. Additionally, the DMR 45 has a HDMI (1.2a) all-digital interface and built-in video upscaling up to 720p/1080i video resolution, enhances standard DVD-quality on modern flat-screen TVs. The system features an advanced Dolby Digital Decoder and supports a wide range of standard formats, such as DivX, Xvid, WMA, MP3 and JPEG. Also the Jamo DMR 45 integrates a radio tuner with 40 AM/FM presets and a front-panel USB port.

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McIntosh MC1.2KW Power Amplifier offers 1.2KW of Power

The new MC1.2KW Power Amplifier from McIntosh joins a legendary family of monoblock designs, bringing a massive design to a robust 1,200W platform that boasts 200 amps peak output current capability.

A massive regulated power supply guarantees power to spare and the ability to drive any loudspeaker without regard to impedance or efficiency. The MC1.2KW delivers full rated output power (1,200 watts), into 2, 4, and 8 ohm loads. Proprietary Sentry Monitor technology provides fuse-free automatic short circuit protection and Power Guard prevents loudspeaker-damaging clipping.

And for a frightening $11,000 this mono block features a giant wattmeter on the front panel which provides accelerated peak-pausing response to ensure recognition of musical transients and fiber-optic illumination guarantees a lifetime of trouble-free performance.

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McIntosh MA7000 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The new MA7000 stereo integrated amplifier is the largest and, at 250W per channel into 8, 4, and 2 ohms, the most powerful integrated amplifier McIntosh has ever offered.

It features an ultra-low distortion preamplifier section supports two balanced and four single-ended line-level inputs plus an ultra low-noise, high-gain phono stage that provides enough gain to accommodate medium to high-output MC cartridges in addition to MM cartridges. The amplifier includes two sets of switchable, balanced preamplifier outputs for easy system expansion. Also a 5-band equalizer on the front panel guarantees the range of adjustment necessary to extract the maximum sound quality from a wide variety of audio sources and software along with two wattmeters which provide visual recognition of amplifier status for an additional measure of protection.

The McIntosh MA7000 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $7000.

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Genesis Announces the Reference-series Amplifiers

Genesis recently announced the availability of the Reference-series amplifiers. Better than the previous M60 valve amplifiers according to Genesis, this series still has the musicality and tonal colors of a tube amplifier but the control and dynamics of solid-state. The Reference-series features a simple and sleek design able to hold high-current and wide-bandwidth speakers whatever its impedance. In addition, the new amplifiers had to be capable of driving any model in the Genesis range, from the Genesis 7.1 petite to the towering flagship - the Genesis 1.1.

The Genesis Reference amplifier is custom-configured and built to order. A basic version stereo power amplifier with 180W per channel will retail for $3,600 and Statement-level monoblock power amplifiers are $19,000 for a 360W pair.

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