|
Audio -
Separates
|
|
Written by Michael Lankton
|
|
Monday, 25 May 2009 |
 Klipsch has owned the Aragon and Acurus brands of electronics since 2001 when they bought out Mondial. On April 27 it was announced that the rights to both brand names had been acquired by Indy Audio Labs, a hi-fi startup launched in late 2008.
Klipsch had ceased production of the Aragon line of electronics separates in 2005. Indy Audio Labs, formed by two former Klipsch engineers Rick Santiago and Ted Moore, will be announcing new product under both brand names in early 1010. The Aragon line will remain their high end solid state separates collection, and the Acurus line will feature value oriented electronics. In the meantime, Indy Audio Labs will support existing Aragon hardware.
It's nice to see another mid-fi separates contender (re)entering the ring after such a long, dry spell of inactivity in that sector. With no new product from the likes of ATI, Adcom, Sherbourn and Audio Refinement, here's hoping that the new Aragon and Acurus lines offer discriminating hi-fi enthusiasts on a budget quality equipment with modern features. Looking forward to more announcements on these lines, and they'll be on the front page of AV Enthusiast when they come. |
|
|
Audio -
Loudspeakers
|
|
Written by Michael Lankton
|
|
Monday, 04 May 2009 |
 Tannoy has quietly added the Definition line of loudspeakers. The updated series now consists of two floorstanding models and a bookshelf.
The new models in the Definition line return Tannoy to their roots, as all three models use Tannoy's dual concentric design with no additional tweeter. The Tannoy Definition DC8 bookshelf utilizes a single 8" Tannoy dual concentric driver, comprised of a treated paper cone with rubber surround, and Tannoy's 1" titanium tweeter mounted in their tulip waveguide. The 88dB Tannoy Definition DC8T goes down to 42Hz, and will handle up to a 175 watt power source. The 40" floorstanding Tannoy Definition DC8T ups the ante by adding a second 8", and plumbs down to 33Hz at 89dB with amplifiers up to 200 watts. The 44" Tannoy Definition DC10T gets down to 30 Hz at 92dB with amplifiers up to 250 watts. All three models are rear ported, and come in high gloss black, cherry or dark walnut. Notable are the curved enclosures of these units are constructed with plywood instead of MDF, so these cabinets are bound to be very rigid.
No pricing info yet on the new Tannoy Definitions. These are good looking loudspeakers, somewhat reminiscent of Wharfedale's Opus series. I happen to use Tannoy loudspeakers, and I can't praise them enough. If you have a dealer near you, go listen to a set of these new Definitions, or one of Tannoy's other lines. Tannoy may not be one of the manufacturers you have in mind for your new loudspeaker purchase, but they will be after you go audition a pair. |
|
|
Blu Ray and HD DVD -
BluRay
|
|
Written by Michael Lankton
|
|
Thursday, 23 April 2009 |
 Better late than never. Warner Bros. has put up a web page announcing a trade-in program that will allow HD DVD owners to get a bit of a break on upgrading the HD DVD titles in their libraries to the Blu Ray versions of the same title.
HD DVD owners looking to move to Blu Ray can mark the titles they want to convert on the site, mail in the HD DVD cover inserts, and for $4.95 plus shipping Warner will send them Blu Ray versions of those titles. Sixteen months after Warner ended the format war, this program may be a little late in coming. However, those still in possession of their HD DVD collection with an interest in going Blu may find this program an attractive incentive.
Ah, the halcyon days of the format war. Chalk me up on the losing side of that one. A year into Blu Ray ownership, I have no big gripes against the format. It's caught up to where HD DVD was during the format war, and extra storage capacity certainly isn't a detriment.My HD DVD collection is long gone, but if you're still hanging on to yours the Warner offer may be of interest. |
|
|
|
