Archives for 2003

Martinlogan Announces Clarity, an Innovative New Electrostatic Loudspeaker

January 5, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

MartinLogan has announced the introduction of the Clarity hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker system. The new speaker model is available this month with a suggested retail price of $2,695 per pair (U.S.).

Clarity incorporates a myriad of design innovations, including a Generation 2 stat panel, MicroPerf™ stator, a high-resolution aluminum woofer and a NAC™ (natural ambience compensation) driver.

In addition, the Clarity integrates MartinLogan’s first low-voltage DC power supply. With a footprint of less than one square foot and a selection of home-friendly cabinet finishes Clarity fills a critical marketplace niche.

MartinLogan ESL (“the world’s most accurate transducer”) has advanced to a new level in the new model. The Clarity’s Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSpar™ and MicroPerf™ stator technology provides astounding output and detail from MartinLogan’s smallest full-range ESL transducer.

ClearSpar™ technology enhances Clarity’s transparent look and increases both efficiency and dynamics. The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer, maximizing efficiency of the Clarity’s small ESL transducer.

NAC (natural ambience compensation) maximizes off-axis high-frequency dispersion, assuring listeners of a perfect performance no matter where they’re seated or standing. A true audiophile solution, the NAC is parallel to the signal path and features an on/off switch to adjust for listener preference.

The discretely sized Clarity features a state-of-the-art aluminum woofer and bass reflex design that delivers an extended frequency response and accurate low-end capable of sustained low frequencies.

Designed with the upscale family home theater buyer in mind, the Clarity fulfills extensive space and style considerations. To enhance visual integration with any home environment, the Clarity’s sculptural, modern curvilinear design is available in three standard palettes (natural cherry, dark mahogany and black). The Clarity will surpass all preconceptions of loudspeakers, sonically and aesthetically, at this price point.

“I challenged MartinLogan’s world-class design and engineering team to build a high-performance entry-level electrostatic loudspeaker that is sonically and aesthetically superior and more versatile than anything on the market. In addition, I challenged them to design a loudspeaker that will fit into anyone’s home-not just the audiophile’s dedicated listening room. The Clarity exceeds all expectations,” said Gayle Sanders, MartinLogan president and founder.

MartinLogan’s breakthrough hybrid speaker engineering maintains controlled dispersion and outstanding dynamic range while minimizing room interaction. The Clarity expands its high frequency response and flawless precision with advanced crossover topology and audiophile grade components. To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and broaden ease of installation, especially for custom installers, the Clarity features a low-voltage DC power supply.

The Clarity leverages all of MartinLogan’s engineering, design and manufacturing prowess-delivering staggering value in this compact CLS hybrid. Available with cherry and black wood veneer options, the Clarity is supplied with MartinLogan’s proprietary ETC™ spikes for maximum bass performance and toolless binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management.

Key Features and Benefits

Generation 2 MicroPerf Stat Panel: efficient output from clarity’s small stat panel.
NAC (Natural Ambience Compensation): extends accurate sound to off-axis listeners
Low Voltage Power Supply: broadens ease of installation
Bass Reflex Aluminum Woofer: delivers an extended, accurate low-end
Cabinet Finish Options: cabinets available in three standard palettes.

Specifications

Frequency response: 46-22,000 Hz, +/- 3 dB
Dispersion: Horizontal 30 degrees, Vertical 26″ (66cm) line source with a NAC™ enhanced sound field
Sensitivity: 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter
Impedance: 6 ohms, 1.1 ohms @ 20kHz
Crossover Frequency: 450 Hz
Components: Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils
NAC driver: 1″ (2.5cm) soft dome
Woofer type: 8″ (20.3cm) high excursion, high rigidity aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format; bass reflex
Power Handling: 200 watts/channel
Weight: 31 lbs. each (14.1 kg)
Size: 10.2″ W × 12.25″ D × 53″ H (25.9cm W × 31.1cm D × 134.6 cm H)

MartinLogan Web Site

Barix Introduces Ethernet Network MP3 Player to U.S. Through Grid Connect

January 5, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Swiss networked-audio specialist manufacturer Barix has announced U.S. availability of Exstreamer, an Ethernet network MP3 player that allows users to enjoy MP3 files and digital audio on their home stereo and entertainment systems.

Exstreamer is now available online through Barix’s U.S. Master distributor, Grid Connect, selling for $149 (US). At has been available direct from Barix in Europe for several months.

The Mac- and PC-compatible Exstreamer distributes high-quality audio throughout the home from PCs, the Internet and digital audio servers. The device can be controlled from anywhere on the network using a standard Web browser.

With open, well-documented software interfaces, the device is easily integrated with additional consumer, commercial and professional audio applications.

In February 2003, Barix also will introduce Exstreamer Wireless in the U.S. The $249 (US) device, already shipping in Europe, streams digital audio and MP3 files throughout the home via wireless 802.11B networks.

“The Exstreamer product line is the most cost-effective, user-friendly and innovative way to manage and enjoy digital audio via any home or commercial network,” said Barix founder and CEO, Johannes Rietschel. “This represents the next generation of digital audio products that provide perfect sound and universal connectivity.”

“Exstreamer and Extreamer Wireless provide our partners and customers the solution to the challenge of connecting audio devices affordably and with best quality to common network infrastructure, whether for consumer, professional audio or commerial applications”, Mr. Richtel claims.

“The Exstreamer can be used for home audio applications, enabling you to listen to your favorite songs on your home stereo or even in the bathtub. In commercial, retail and security markets, the Exstreamer can provide music-on-hold, background music, security announcements and also be used in a variety of other networked audio applications “, he adds.

Barix Web Site

Grid Connect Web Site

Filed Under: Pro Audio

Kenwood and Good Guys Offer L.A. Auto Show Visitors 30-Day Free Trial of Sirius Satellite Radio

January 4, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

L.A. Auto Show visitors who stop by the Good Guys exhibit booth January 4 – 12 can obtain a coupon entitling them to a 30-day free trial of Sirius Satellite Radio service when they buy a Kenwood Sirius-ready receiver, or Kenwood Sirius-ready FM Adapter, Sirius antenna, and get the system installed by Good Guys before March 1, 2003.

Sirius broadcasts 100 channels of the best music and entertainment coast-to-coast. The new sales promotion, dubbed the “Sirius Free Ride Deal” offers consumers the chance to sample the Sirius service for one month without obligation.

All visitors to the Auto Show, running January 4-12 at the L.A. Convention Center, can qualify for the Kenwood Sirius Free Ride Deal promotion simply by visiting Good Guys’ booth and receiving the Sirius upgrade coupon. When customers purchase their new Kenwood receiver or FM Adapter and antenna from Good Guys and have it installed between January 12 and March 1, they can use their coupons to receive a Kenwood Sirius tuner at no extra cost.

“This is a terrific, risk-free way for people to test out Sirius and experience what they’re missing,” said Dan Navarro, director of merchandising for mobile and wireless, Good Guys. “There’s only so much you tell from a showroom demonstration. After you have the Sirius service and drive around with this amazing product for a few weeks, we think you’ll be hard pressed to go without it.”

“Once listeners experience the superior programming, signal coverage, and sound quality of Sirius, they won’t want to go back to ordinary radio,” said Sally House, director of marketing for Kenwood.

Sirius broadcasts 60 channels of 100% commercial-free music, as well as 40 channels of sports, news, and entertainment, all in clear, quality digital format. To initiate service, buyers simply need to have Good Guys activate the service when the equipment is installed. Once activated, listeners will enjoy all Sirius programming free for the next 30 days. Should they decide to continue their subscription, users will then be charged a $15 activation fee and $12.95 per month. Those deciding not to continue must notify Sirius to cancel the service.

Kenwood USA Web Site

Good Guys Web Site

Sirius Satellite Radio Web Site

Filed Under: Car

Arturia Announces the Release of Its Cutting-Edge Emulation of the Legendary Modular System 3C

January 2, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Announced and shown for the first time at Winter NAMM, the new Arturia Modular System is a faithful reproduction of one of the most legendary synthesizers of all time: the Moog Modular.

The Modular System is based on a new set of algorithms created by Arturia’s engineers, which they are calling TAE® (True Analog Emulation). It brings a superior quality of sound when reproducing analog circuits. In particular, TAE avoids any sort of aliasing; it also emulates the typical instability of hardware oscillators and brings the warm sound of the vintage synthesizers.

In addition to the replication of all the functions of the original, the Modular System comes loaded with more than 400 presets made by a selection of the most famous sound designers.