Search results for 'Cambridge Audio'

Absolute power corrupts they say, and when Reidun heard the first pair of this new ultimate Audio Research power amplifiers at the 2024 Munich Hi End audio show she was corrupted with lust for them at the same time as purified by their incarnation of music. The price of $89,000 is for each by the way ... Learn More

This is the recently released version of PS Audio's CD Transport. And what sets this unit apart from anything that PS Audio has done before and also anything that's been done before by any other HiFi company, is their galvanically isolated output stage. That means that the data is being transfered from the input stage to the output stage via a type of very focused short wave radio frequencies. Any vestiges of interference that inevitably occur when these stages are hardwired, are completely eliminated.

Input and output stages have their very own board and power supply to keep them completely separated as well. FPGAs (Field-Programable Gate Array; if you'd like to learn more about these very handy devices see Paul McGowan's video here) is utilised to ensure clocking and data buffering are spot on. 

The best way to use this unit and unleash its full potential is to use the I2S output or the HDMI out put to a DAC (like the PS Audio DirectStream) that can handle it. In this respect you can hear a complete Raw DSD file...and that truly is another experience. A DSD file is what makes an SACD an SACD. Instead of sampling at a determined fast rate (bit rate) the sine curve of the musical file, a DSD file samples the whole sine curve. These raw files are bigger and have to be compresesd to even push it out of a transport. But not with this unit and the I2S...full blown raw DSD files streaming into your speakers. Heaven.

Of course you can still use this unit without the I2S and it's still devastatingly good. A pair of BNC connectors will double a normal DSD output to make it DSD128 and this connection is particularly scintillating with a Chord Dave...

Read theaudiobeatnik review of the unit here (he uses the I2S connection with a non PS Audio Dac with superb results)

The PS Audio website has some extra reading on this unique product too

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The brand new Platinum PL200 3G sports significant improvements over and above the previous PL200. 

New driver designs have meant less distortion and better consistency, new crossovers go to help its consistency as well.

We have the PL100 3G and the big PL300 3G on display ready to listen to.

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Developed using all C-CAM driver systems derived from our critically acclaimed hi-fi speakers, the AWC265 comprises a stylish two-way 6 1/2” C-CAM bass driver. Optional Square Grill available. Learn More

The brand new Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 3G have just been unboxed last week. These are a seriously nice speaker. Solidly made with a classic Monitor Audio liveness transparency and fun!

Darren is our resident Monitor Audio fanatic having owned a pair himself. His verdict? - 'hmmm, very good!'

Don't trust Darren though, come in and listen for yourself! We're putting some good mileage on them running them in so they're ready for a good demo listening session.

These will be a very popular speaker, no doubt.

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2-Way outdoor IP55 rated satellite speaker, housing a single 5" C-CAM bass driver and a 1" C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter. Learn More

2-Way outdoor IP55 rated satellite speaker, housing a single 6 1/2" C-CAM bass driver and a 1" C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter. Learn More

The LS28 has been a favourite pre-amp of mine for a number of years trumped only by Audio Research's Ref 6SE. But that Ref 6SE stays put (generally) in our reference system. It's the LS28 that gets moved around, played and loved in a whole lot of combinations. It was sad to see our demo unit go but it's gone to a good home where it'll be appreciated.

The new LS28SE has the same musicality and relaxed engagement but even more clarity, focus and quickness. It's taking the expensive gold coupling caps from the REF 6SE and the same wiring and parts upgrades that the REF6SE went through.

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True 3-way design provides rich midrange detail, higher system output, greater power handling, and superior vocal intelligibility and sound localisation. Optimum imaging and set-up are established via the pivoting IDC, high frequency (+3 dB /0 dB / -3 dB) level adjustment, and boundary compensation (on / off) controls. Optional square grille can be used with model.

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True 3-way design provides rich midrange detail, higher system output, greater power handling, and superior vocal intelligibility and sound localisation. Optimum imaging and set-up are established via the pivoting IDC, high frequency (+3 dB /0 dB / -3 dB) level adjustment, and boundary compensation (on / off) controls.

Optional square grille can be used with model.

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Suitable for ground level installation within the garden and around decking areas or mounted onto a tree, pole or garden fence, the new CLG160 speaker features a rigid polymer shell which ensures it is resilient to extreme weather conditions.

 

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Developed using all C-CAM driver systems derived from our critically acclaimed hi-fi speakers, the AWC280 comprises a stylish two-way 8” C-CAM bass driver. Optional Square Grill available Learn More

2-Way outdoor IP55 rated satellite speaker, housing a single 8" C-CAM bass driver and a 1" C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter. Learn More

The LS5/9 is based on a speaker design from the 70s developed by a group of BBC engineers for the BBC studios. The LS5/9f takes this design one step further.

Very similar to the LS5/9, this version employs a full length cabinet that extends the bass and the dynamics.

Still a very classic, easy listening sound. These are a delight to have around.

Cherry, Oak $10,999

Walnut, Rosewood $11,499

Ebony $11,999

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Every now and then one gets the privilege of being in custody of something that is a work of absolute beauty and performance ... having a pair of these on demonstration is the High Fidelity equivalent of a violinist being rendered with a Stradivarius by a patron.

Putting them into the Sonus faber Aida 2 system immediately bought the musicians into the room ... I have a particular opera recording that was sold in by Hartleys in Melbourne in 1957 that I procured in a lost corner of a curio store from a deceased estate. Playing this with these amplifiers Puccini and la Boheme were born again in the space ... time travel is a reality with a system like this ... yes we cried a little.

"Hi-Fi News" on the Ref160M. 

The official website for the Ref160M. 

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The PH9 phono preamplifier is a great pairing with most cartridge and turntable combinations.

A trio of 6H30 vacuum tubes are at the core of a simple and clear signal path to provide the most transparent preamplification possible.

Five different impedance settings allow for cartridge loading, which can be changed on the fly with the included metal remote. Cartridge impedance, tube hours, auto shutdown, and other features are included in the menu system.

The PH9 forms an integral part of our reference system and sits alongside the Audio Research Ref 6 preamp and 160M Monoblocks that power the Sonus Faber Aida 2s.

We currently run the exceptional Acoustic Signature Ascona Mk3 Turntable with this system.

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These come in two versions. A single damping device $129 or a triple layer version with a piece of specially chosen timber wedged in between a pair of damping devices $329. Designed to sit below an Isotek or equivalent power board. It is designed to absorb micro vibrations and give your system a lower noise flaw. Hear it for yourself. More information coming soon. Learn More

With a BBC heritage and exceptional build quality, these speakers are a warm hug of British HiFi nostalgia.

A bit like Harbeth in their soudn quality but giving tightness and articulation in the bass. These are a very easy to listen to speaker. 

We think they pair well with a glass of Port or Sherry and a Tweed Jacket!

For the Cherry and Oak finishes $9749

For Walnut, Rosewood $10,499 

For Ebony $10,999

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One of the most anticipated pairs of speakers of recent times. The promise of that "trickle down" Platinum range technology at a much more inclusive price point had a good chunk of potential MA newbies and Silver/older Gold upgraders very excited.

There's no doubting the potential of these speakers, give them a bit of consideration when setting up, choose the right amp and speaker cable and they are beyond what would be considered high-end esoterica just 10 years ago.

As a previous "Gold" owner (GR20s, equally giant-slaying in their day), I was more excited than most to hear these and they did not disappoint. I'm a massive fan of the MPD high frequency driver, an A.M.T./Heil driver always stands out to me but can dominate a speaker design if the rest of the drive units and crossover cant keep up. Its a balance that MA demonstrated with the current Platinum range and could easily have "dropped the ball" here trying to impliment the array into a cheaper package. To MA's credit they've done a fantastic job, the little C-Cam mid-range I think is the secret to this speaker working so well.

I urge you to come and hear these speakers play back a well recorded acoustic instrument or small ensemble to really get an idea of what a modern design can acheive when it comes to nuanced reproduction.

_________________________________________              Darren

 

 

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