The software consists of 17 different models of Orange amps and cabinets that work with IK’s AmpliTube 3 software. Orange is a long-time tube amplifier company that was founded in the 1960s in London, and they’re known for “their warm and luscious tube tone and characteristic crunch.” IK is the only company offering Orange certified products currently.

IK’s AmpliTube Orange software features seven amp heads, nine cabinets, and one combo unit. Each of these options offer a different kind of sound and style that will cater towards any rocker. IK says that “no matter what the genre, users will find plenty of killer amp tones in this collection to go with their music.”

All 17 Orange options are a la carte, and they can be mixed and matched in order to find that perfect sound that you’re looking for from your guitar. IK offers a “Try Before You Buy” feature, which will let you download a fully-functioning version of the software and try it out for 72 hours before purchasing it. After that, it’ll be up to whether 17 amplifiers and cabinets is worth $100.

The Major 50 FX headphones are made for big sound (obviously), and the technology inside has received a slight boost from the previous Marshall Major headphones. The new headphones come with gold trimmings on the outside. The outer ear caps are lined with gold, and the Marshall logo in the center of the caps are gold as well.

The headband is made of vinyl and features the inscription “London England 1962″, which is the birth place and birth year of the Marshall amplifier brand. On top of the gold trimming and inscriptions, the Major 50 FX headphones are Apple certified, and include an inline microphone and remote, so they’ll work seamlessly with Apple’s numerous products.

The headphones also come with a canvas carrying bag — perfect for on-the-go audiophiles. The Marshall Major 50 FX headphones are available right now at a cost of $170. That’s definitely not a bad price to pay for top-quality headphones. Plus, if you like bling (and who doesn’t), then it’s practically a two-for-one deal.

That’s because the new NXP audio system packs far more monitoring tech than previous versions. New circuits track speaker performance using adaptive excursion control, tracking how much the speakers cone is physically moving to make sure that it’s within design limits, while temperature monitoring keeps a metaphorical eye on the voice-coil to make sure it’s not overheating.

Thanks to all that, one of the biggest compromises usually involved in mobile speakers can be avoided. Usually, device manufacturers are forced to trim bass and cut maximum volume, just in case a particularly meaty bassline ruptures the speakers. The TFA9887, however, optimizes the audio signal based on the movement of the speaker, allowing its full capabilities to be utilized without ever driving it beyond its limits.

“An advanced clip avoidance algorithm monitors audio performance and prevents clipping, even when the power supply begins to sag. Bandwidth extension increases the low frequency response well below speaker resonance. And an intelligent DC-to-DC boost converter maximizes audio headroom from any supply level despite battery undervoltage. The TFA9887 automatically adapts to any changes in the speaker – including ageing, damage to the enclosure, and blocked speaker ports – helping to optimize performance and maintain the desired sound quality.” NXP Semiconductor

Bundled tools allow manufacturers to tweak their audio output to make best use of the processing tech. NXP is sampling the new audio chip and demo boards based upon it, though there’s no telling when it might end up in mobile devices on store shelves.

These headphones are basically Frankenstein’s monster of parts, with a near-black denim-like material covering the band between the phones, complete with padding, black metal bars holding the phones extending from a soft-plastic set of holders, and a slightly harder, yet just as matte black, set of backs for each phone, complete with the Marshall signature brand name popping out with clarity.

From there you’ve got a non-removable cord going down to a metal 3.5mm tip, the end of which is protected by what appears at first to be a fragile spring right near the end. This spring does work, regardless of how apprehensive you are about springs – its made of high-quality metal that does not stretch and stick like a lower-quality spring would. This is no toy.

The cord itself then is covered by a rubbery black plastic which has a lovely curl to it through the portion nearest the user – this feature is surprisingly helpful, as millions of landline phone users from the 80′s will tell you. Don’t worry about getting it curled up though, it’s just the right length and definitely not prone to doing so. The cord also has a microphone/control button combo which will be compatible with your Mac computer with iTunes and iPhone/iPad right out of the box – but feel free to make use of it in a host of ways if you’ve got the technical knowhow. The microphone is certainly decent, but not made to replace your smartphone’s advanced noise-cancellation abilities.

The fronts of each headphone have a prominent pillow for your ear. These rims are made to be comfortable enough for you to wear the headphones all day long – and indeed they are. The only reason I cannot leave the headphones on for extended periods is my above-average paranoia that someone is calling my name at all times: these headphones do noise cancellation quite well even though they aren’t over-ear, believe it or not.

Inside the phones you’ll find some interesting mesh rather than the traditional foam or un-named material substance. Because of this mesh, you’ll have just a TINY bit more of a clear line between the actual sound blasters and your eardrums. These headphones take the falsehood that the little bit of padding between the speaker and your ear in most headphones offer some protection and they toss it out the window. There are headphones that cost several times as much as this pair that offer metal blocks and other next-level protection for professional audio users, but these aren’t those.

That said, you can rest assured that you’ve got top-quality speakers in your ears when you toss on this Marshall model. Even at the lowest volume they can project, and even at the highest volume we could muster they presented well-tuned results. We amped up with these headphones on several devices: with a standard non-hacked MacBook, HTC Android smartphone (HTC One S), and a Marshall amplifier. As with any speaker system, we could blow these out if we really wanted to, but with essentially any device you’ve got on hand, these headphones will go up to 11.

The bass is thunderous, the highs sound like lovely pixies in the forest, and everything in between just plain sounds good. Marshall has not let us down with this total package that of course also includes several headphone jack converter tips and a lovely box as well. You might end up tossing the box out, truth be told, but know this: the design of the packaging here as well as the brand power on the phones is top-notch. The signature printed in shiny black in on the inside top bit of this set of headphones lets you know: they’re good enough to be Marshall brand approved.

Grab the Marshall Major Pitch Black Heaphones today from the [Marshall Headphones Online Store] for $120 USD. This is one of several color combinations you can pick up, and there’s a lovely “Minor” pair of earbuds up for sale there as well – check em out!

The folks at jimmarshall.co.uk have let us know that they’ll be setting up a site where people can leave their condolences – meanwhile we suggest you remind the world of your greatest Marshall memory on any and all social networks.

Marshall began his career all the way back in the 1940s in his own music store – having had requests from people like Pete Townsend of The Who to develop greater and more powerful guitar amps so that he could push on to a greater level of loud. Fast forward to Marshall Amplification in 1962 and you’ve got a legendary brand just starting is legacy. Since then the Marshall amp business has gone on strong and continues to grow today.

Have a peek at this fabulous video of Kerry King from Slayer demonstrating his custom-made Marshall amps and recognize how widely adopted the Marshall brand has become. And hear that fantastic quality!

And of course, strum out a few hard chords today for Jim!

NuForce says the sound card inside is audiophile grade. It will also support streaming devices like the AirPort Express as well. The amp bypasses the internal digital to analog converters inside your components for better sound. The Dia is made to work with all sorts of different setups. For instance, it can hook to your TV and then power a 2.1 speaker system and lots more.

It has two TOSLINK ports and a single RCA coaxial port for inputs. The outputs include a line out for subwoofer and speaker outputs. The frequency response of the device is 20 to 20kHz +- a decibel. NuForce ships the amp with a silicone stand and an IR remote control. The Dia is available now for $299.

The amp connects to the device via the charge and sync port and then it has a power supply that you plug into the wall. The device has a max sampling rate of 48kHz and a resolution of 24-bits. Outputs include analog RCA out and digital coaxial RCA 75-ohm output. The headphone output is a 3.5mm jack to drive headphones up to 300 ohms.

NuForce says that while the Apple lossless codec used for playback is designed to compress the tracks in original CD quality without loss, the music still only sounds as good as the DAC inside the devices. The iDo bypasses that Apple integrated DAC and extracts the music and the converts it to higher quality files. The iDo measures 6″ x 4.5″ x 1″ and is availed now for $249.

Each of these fancy docks costs between $85 and $90 and ships free anywhere in the USA through 12.15.2010. It’s the totally natural solution to all of your plug-in woes. No more woes will be yours when the creators Jim, Jancy, and Mike bestow upon you this sensual hunk of wood. Buy it for a gift, but if you do, buy two. Why? Your iPhone wont want to leave once it sits in this comfy seat. ALSO guess what’s coming next from these same people? A fabulous wooden iPad dock. Keep your eyes peeled.

[Via Koostik]

There’s also the NuForce Icon2, a larger version which will work as a preamp and has boosted power.  There are twin inputs and 24W x 2-channel amplification, while connectivity includes mini-stereo input, USB and RCA ports.  However, it needs an external PSU unlike the uDAC2, and so is more suited to desk-bound applications.

Both are available now, priced at 15,750 yen ($185) for the uDAC2 and 45,150 yen ($532) for the Icon2.

[via AVWatch]

The SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2 amps each split the left and right channel amplifiers and power supplies into entirely separate halves, with the former using Twin EL Transformers while the latter gets Twin Toroidal Transformers.  The A6MK2 packs 60W and the A9MK2 70W, with the latter having a USB input among its other connections for playing media directly from an iPod or other PMP.

As for the PD-D6MK2 and PD-D9MK2, they get Burr-Brown and Twin Wolfson D/A converters respectively together with 16-bit to 24-bit upscaling on the D9MK2.  All four Pioneer Elite G-Clef components will go on sale later this month; the SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2 will be priced at $700 and $1,500 respectively, while the two CD players, the PD-D6MK2 and PD-D9MK2, will be priced at $700 and $1,500 respectively.

Press Release:

New Pioneer Elite G-Clef Components are Pure High Fidelity

High-Design CD Players and Amplifiers Provide Music Lovers with AIR Studios-Certified Experience

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced new G-Clef components including luxury CD players and amplifiers that bring a professional-grade listening experience into the home or office. The high-style Elite G-Clef line includes two stereo amplifiers, SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2, and two CD players, PD-D6MK2 and PD-D9MK2, all engineered with the purest approach to audio component design. All models are offered at affordable price points, for audio enthusiasts looking for high-end sound without the extravagant cost often found in prestigious audiophile gear.

Each of the models is fine-tuned and certified by internationally-respected AIR Studio’s sound engineers to ensure the most accurate recreation of the original recording possible. To earn that certification, Pioneer hand-selected state of the art internal components that accurately deliver signals to create a dynamic two-channel hi-fi experience. The new, more efficient power supply circuitry is highly responsive to demanding musical content and is designed for superior heat resistance to guarantee a warm, analog-like sound.

“The new G-Clef series is a perfect example of product developed with meticulous attention to detail at every step in the process,” said Tim Vine-Lott, technical director, AIR Studios. “Pioneer and AIR Studios have worked together for ten years developing products down to the screws. We’re proud to put our stamp on products that exceed our requirements.”

Elite G-Clef CD/SACD Players

For the purest digital to analog conversion expected by discerning audiophiles, the PD-D6MK2 (SRP: $700) and the PD-D9MK2 (SRP: $1,500) CD/SACD players feature Burr-Brown and Twin Wolfson D/A converters, respectively. The Pioneer exclusive technology, Legato Link Conversion PRO, utilizes complex algorithms to recreate the ultra-high harmonics lost in the digital conversion process resulting in smooth, natural sound. Additionally, Hi-Bit technology increases the sound data length from 16-bit to 24-bit to provide clear, rich audio, even from compressed MP3 files.

Both models are finished in glossy black with blue LCD displays. The PD-D9MK2 features a Honeycomb Chassis design, which contains hexagon shaped imprints in the metal plates that help to dissipate vibrations and alleviate jitter. Additional weight and stability features help to shield optical components from ambient interference that could cause imprecise sound. The PD-D6MK2 features an aluminum front panel, while the PD-D9MK2 touts a rigid under-base construction, TAOC Hi-Carbon composite metal feet and a full aluminum casing.

Elite G-Clef Integrated Stereo Amplifiers

The Elite G-Clef amplifiers feature a Twin Mono Symmetrical construction design to maintain electrical isolation between both channels from input to output. The left and right channel amplifiers and high efficiency power supplies are totally independent and exact mirror images of each other. This construction is also designed to minimize the signal path of each circuit block, providing minimal distortion of signal quality and clear, equal channel separation for superior sonic fidelity.

The SX-A6MK2 (SRP: $700) features Twin EL Transformers and the SX-A9MK2 (SRP: $1,500)employs Twin Toroidal Transformers, which are highly efficient with very low magnetic leakage. Both components increase available power, prevent signal interference and virtually eliminate noise even at extremely low frequencies. The SX-A9MK2 model is also equipped with a USB input, allowing high-quality transmissions of higher bit-rate music files such as an MPEG or FLAC from any enthusiast’s digital music library.

“The new components were born out of partnership between Pioneer and AIR Studios sound engineers working hand in hand to produce the highest quality sound possible,” said Dave Bales, marketing and product planning, home
electronics division at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “G-Clef products are a culmination of all we’ve learned over a 70-year legacy in audio excellence.”

The Elite G-Clef CD/SACD players and amplifiers will be available in August, 2010.

The Mod1 speakers are Orb’s standard units, while the Mod2 doubles up on each side of the stereo pair with two balls on a neat desk-stand.  Each Mod1 stands around as tall as an upright CD, and Orb also offer two different subwoofers for those wanting more bass.

The basic Mod1 system – complete with amp – comes in at $299, or $359 if you want polished steel, antique copper or antique bronze finish speakers.  Upgrading to Mod2 speakers adds $149 or $209 respectively, while the two subwoofers add $299 or $598 respectively.  They’re all available now.

According to Pass Labs, their system improves signal matching by an order of magnitude over regular processes, lowering distortion and noise.  Connectivity includes two pairs of output connectors, a pair of binding post connectors for remote power control, an RCA input connector and an XLR balanced input connector.

You’ll need to be reasonably well-heeled in order to take advantage of Super-Symmetry, however: a single X260.5 Power Amp comes in at $11,000.  It’s available to buy now.

Press Release:

Pass Labs Introduces New X260.5 Power Amplifier

Powerful Mono-Block Design Boasts Low-Noise Super-Symmetry Circuit,
Explosive Dynamics, and Sweet, Clear, Highly Detailed Performance

CES 2010, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010 — Pass Laboratories, Inc., an audio innovator renowned for its unique high-performance products, has introduced the X260.5 Power Amplifier at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show. The X260.5 is a powerful 260-watt mono-block amplifier embodying the design technology and refinements of Pass Labs’ acclaimed X Series amplifiers, including extensions of its patented Super-Symmetry™ circuit.

The Super-Symmetry topology, developed by audio innovator and company founder Nelson Pass following 19 years of research, earned its patent in 1994. It improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier. To the extent that distortion and noise can be made to appear identical at the two output connections, the X260.5′s balanced output will not detect them.

In conventional amplifiers, under ideal conditions, ordinary matching techniques can achieve improvements by a factor of about 10. In the X260.5, Super-Symmetry lowers distortion and noise by an additional order of magnitude. It delivers the sweetness, staging, and detail of very simple circuitry up to kilowatt power levels and beyond.

The X260.5 also has the tremendous dynamic range needed to do justice to the high-resolution of the latest 24-bit digital recordings, and the elegance to retrieve the micro-dynamics the most sensitive loudspeakers now offer. The amplifier’s simple, powerful circuitry moves easily from total silence to explosive transients and back to silence without any information loss. Unlike conventional high-power amplifiers, it provides this power with a subtlety befitting the better tube amplifiers. The X260.5 performance is consistent across the audio spectrum, and unconditionally stable into all speaker loads.

In addition, the X260.5 incorporates certain refinements from the balanced single-ended Class A circuits of Pass Labs’ XA series amplifiers that significantly improves its performance while retaining its high power and reliability. The changes include improved power transformers and AC EMI filters, paralleled high-speed/soft recovery rectifiers, more paralleled power supply capacitors and supply RC filtering, refinements to the front-end input circuits, and the addition of single-ended Class A bias circuits for balanced single-ended Class A results at low power levels.

The X260.5′s thick aluminum front panel includes Pass labs’ distinctive meter as well as buttons and blue LED indicators for Power On, Off and Standby. The rear panel includes an IEC 320 AC power cord receptacle, a main power switch, two pairs of output connectors, a pair of binding post connectors for remote turn-on, one RCA input connector, and one XLR balanced input connector.

The X260.5 Power Amplifier is available now from authorized dealers at a suggested price of $11,000 per pair (U.S. MSRP). It can be seen with other outstanding Pass Labs products at the Venetian Hotel, Suite 29-140, during CES.

About Pass Labs
Founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, Pass Laboratories, Inc. markets its unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers throughout the world. The company has been based in Foresthill, California since its beginning, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world. Its critically acclaimed Aleph, X and XA-Series products have won numerous awards, and Founder and CEO Nelson Pass holds numerous audio patents. His achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977. He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products, and the Super-Symmetry(TM) circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. The company is now poised to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.

There’s Dolby Digital DTS and AAC support, and a total of three optical digital inputs and a single analog input.  The amp has an output for a powered subwoofer, and comes with a color-matching remote control.

Both the speakers and amp are available in black or white (FT1 being the black version, FT2 the white); while ideal for wall-mounting, Victor JVC also throw in some speaker stands.  The black FT1 speakers and amp will be available from late October, priced at the equivalent of $220 and $260 respectively, while the white FT2 speakers and amp will follow in late November for the same amounts.

[via CrunchGear]

In terms of amplification it seems the E1 is pretty much the same as Fiio’s existing range – such as the E5 – only rather than plugging into any PMP or audio source via a 3.5mm jack (and offering a 3.5mm socket for your headphones) it offers a more streamlined Apple fit.  Of course, the flip-side of streamlined is that you’ll only be able to use the E1 with an Apple product; there’s no using it to boost a lackluster laptop output, say.

No official pricing for the Fiio E1, but according to the guys at MP4 Nation who scored this early sample it’s expected to drop for around $30.  They’re in the process of testing sound quality, but already have mixed feelings about build-quality, particularly the very clicky buttons on the remote.

That’s because Knoll’s Eco-System amps can shut off unused channels or the full system, which according to the company adds up to hundreds of dollars in saved energy bills over a year, and an idle power draw of under 2W compared to the 40-80W of a standard amp.  As a handy benefit of this selective shut-down, the GSZ44 and GSZ67 channels left active can actually use some of the freed-up rail voltage to boost their own output.

As for the hardware itself, the GSZ67 has a12-channel class A/B amplifier with 50W per channel at 8 ohms and 70W per channel at 4 ohms, while the smaller GSZ44 has an 8-channel class A/B amplifier producing 30W per channel at 8 ohms and 35W per channel at 4 ohms.  The former comes with six multiroom keypads, the latter with four, and both systems can be daisy-chained together for expansion.

Available now, the GSZ67 has an MRSP of $2,199 while the GSZ44 has an MRSP of $999.  Crested Grebe sold separately.

Press Release:

Eco-system™ packages from Knoll Systems combine energy-friendly amps and fingertip control keypads for the whole house entertainment that is green.

Their all new GSZ44 and GSZ67 controller-amplifiers with keypads provide stellar entertainment quality with energy-conscious ingenuity.

Atlanta, GA – CEDIA 2009 – Knoll Systems award winning amplifier technology, called Eco-System™, is available in two different packages to enable this innovative green technology to be available to a broader market. The GSZ44 and GSZ67 systems are powered by the award–winning Eco-System amplifier that shuts off the amplifier (or channels within the amplifier – depending on what’s being used or not) to save power with no turn-on artifacts. The GSZ series also offers two different type keypads in the four most popular colors to fit into any décor.

The GSZ67 has a12-channel class A/B amplifier that produces 50 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 70 watts per channel at 4 ohms. The smaller GSZ44 has an 8-channel class A/B amplifier that produces 30 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 35 watts per channel at 4 ohms. While offering unparalleled reliability, power and sound quality these GSZ systems offer the Knoll exclusive Eco-System™ circuit. This patent-pending circuit determines which of the 8 or 12 stereo channels (in pairs) are in use and delivers power only to those channels needing it. The channels that are “off” are truly off, not in “standby” or “mute”. As an added bit of ingenuity, the circuit enables the active channels to share more rail voltage resulting in more reserve power for the stereo channels in use.

Given today’s energy-conscious consumers, the most timely benefit of the Eco-System™ circuit is the electrical savings that the owner gets over what a comparable class A/B amplifier would cost to operate. The typical home owner will enjoy a savings of hundred dollars or more per year in electrical costs and that can be multiplied when taking into account the increased costs of air conditioning to extract unwanted heat produced by a typical multi-channel amplifier. Comparable amplifiers without the Eco-System™ circuit would use about 14 times (40 – 80 watts) the amount of power while idling in standby. By comparison the GSZ44 with Eco-System™ uses under 2 watts while idling!

According to Knoll Systems VP of Marketing and Sales, Richard Hanson, “These Eco-System multi-room audio systems are perfectly timed for today’s marketplace. Homeowners that want multi-room audio as a part of the everyday lifestyle want great sound. The 8 and 12-channel Eco-System amps sound fabulous, thanks to Kevin Knoll’s years of experience and design savvy. But these same customers also want to be responsible and only put in systems that are energy-efficient at the same time. These Eco-Systems let the homeowner fill their homes with great sound, while showing their appreciation for energy conservation. It’s the perfect entertainment match for today’s economy.”

The GSZ 44 comes complete with four keypads, a controller amplifier and is also expandable by daisy chaining two or more together to make larger systems. The complete package retails at only $999. It offers twice the power and a tenth the energy consumption of its competitors.

The GSZ67 comes complete with 6 keypads, a controller amplifier and also expands by daisy-chaining two or more together to handle larger applications. The GSZ67 system has a suggested retail of $2199.

The new GSZ systems are aiming to be record breaking product for Knoll Systems by virtue of their Eco-System™ technology, ease of installation and affordable cost. Knoll’s experience with the custom installation channel also means that these new systems offer unparalleled reliability, power and sound quality.

For nearly 10 years Knoll multi-channel amplifiers have sold around the world because of their legendary reliability and unparalleled sound quality. The GSZ Series takes the next logical step by being eco-friendly as well.

In a demonstration for Electronic House, a Crestron engineer played classic track “Hotel California” through the Procise PSPHD and a $50 set of Radio Shack speakers, enough for article author Julie Jacobson to be “in heaven”.  When they switched to “real” speakers the audio reportedly “made the guitars come to life.”

The Procise PSPHD can be used in 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 mode, with the system automatically adjusting its bass settings accordingly.  In fact, according to Feldstein the whole system uses brand new technology which Crestron licensed from the inventor; “It’s analog quality with a digital amp” he explained, “I’ve always been against digital amplifiers but I’ve been trying to make it fail and I can’t.”

Crestron is yet to announce availability or pricing details for the Procise PSPHD 7.3, nor the surround sound processor’s full specifications.

Electrostatic drivers are the key elements here, promising far lower distortion than standard dynamic drivers.  Unfortunately you can’t just plug them into your iPod; they require special electronics, such as the WES amp; the up-side is a system that can reveal unheard detail in even familiar tracks.

“Keith Richards’ guitar wizardry lights up “Sway” like never before, and I’m hearing a sense of depth and space around Charlie Watts’ drum kit for the first time. I feel like I’m hearing a band live in the studio, not a recording. Quiet details, such as subtle reverberation in the mix are newly audible … Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black uncorked heretofore unheard details of the brash electric guitars contrasting against lush orchestral strings. And Amy cooing in my ears like never before tops off the experience” Steve Guttenberg, Home Entertainment

Of course, when an self-confessed audio-addict says “tiny fraction”, that might not mean the same thing to budget-minded you and I.  In fact, the WooAudio WES amp comes in at $4,990 (just $4,500 if you pre-order) and the Stax headphones at $2,410.  WooAudio expect to begin shipping each hand-built WES from October this year.

[via Crave]

Rather than doing that by giving you electric shocks until you go back and re-rip all your CDs at twice the bit-rate, the Sound Jacket “eliminates the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting, and reveals hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression.”  We’re not entirely sure how it re-discovers that detail, to be honest, but from the sound of it a lot of the credit has to go to the fact that the Sound Jacket works as a micro-amplifier.

If, then, you’re dissatisfied by the sound output of your iPod nano 4G (and many people do find it’s too weak to drive more serious headphones) then the Radiopaq iPod Sound Jacket may be for you.  At £69.99 ($113), though, it’s an expensive way to boost sound.

Press Release:

Radiopaq Expands Intelligent Audio Range with iPod Sound Jacket

…Dramatically enhance the audio quality of your MP3s with a brand new iPod accessory…

Issue Date 7 July 2009: Visionary audio brand Radiopaq, creator of the acclaimed internet radio search engine radiopaq.com, has today expanded its Intelligent Audio product range with the launch of the Sound Jacket. Designed for use with the 4th generation iPod Nano, the Sound Jacket utilises Radiopaq’s Intelligent Audio technology to significantly improve the audio quality of MP3 music tracks.

The file compression process used in the creation of MP3 files means that audio can often sound flat or distorted, far removed from the artists’ originally intended sound. However, the Radiopaq Sound Jacket counteracts this by dynamically enhancing the audible performance of any MP3 track, improving sound quality by up to 60%.

In essence, the Sound Jacket acts like a Graphic Equalizer (EQ), but one that automatically adjusts itself continuously to best suit the music that is being played. This eliminates the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting, and reveals hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression.

Compatible with either headphones or a standard iPod compatible dock, the Sound Jacket offers a number of audio improvements including:
Extra warmth and bass when needed, not just rumble
An expanded sound stage, making tracks ‘come alive’
Low distortion and wide volume range thanks to the Sound Jacket’s built in micro amp

In addition the Sound Jacket boasts a super slim and lightweight design and doesn’t require any charging itself, receiving its power direct from the iPod. This equates to over twelve hours of continuous listening.

Prash Vadgama, Radiopaq President, commented: “The Sound Jacket marks an evolution in personal audio technology. The iPod has become virtually ubiquitous with many people only ever listening to music that has been converted into the MP3 format. This has resulted in listeners becoming used to the inferior, compressed quality and not realising they’re missing out on the full audio experience as intended by the musician. The Sound Jacket seeks to reverse this trend and allow people to enjoy music as it should be, rich and warm with an expanded sound stage. You won’t believe what your ears have been missing.”

The Sound Jacket retails for £69.99 inc. VAT and is available from Amazon and from Radiopaq.com.

For further information please visit www.radiopaq.com.

Both Media Controllers have three HDMI inputs, Dolby TrueHD support and offer control of up to six AV components.  Yamaha are also offering a full system, the neoHD System 2.1 YMC-S21, which includes the (non-WiFi) YMC-500, stereo speakers and an active subwoofer.

The Yamaha neoHD Media Controllers, the YMC-500 and YMC-700, are priced at $599.95 and $799.95 respectively; the neoHD System 2.1 YMC-S21 is priced at $799.95.  All three are available now.

[via Home Theater in a Box Review]

Compatible with Windows and Mac systems, the Carat-Topaz DAC boasts 24-Bit 192kHz sampling, a 0.0004-percent signal to noise ratio and capacitors, resistors and oscillators sourced from so many different countries that the end result is better traveled than I am.  According to StyleAudio, many of their high-end features from more expensive ranges have been filtered down into the Carat-Topaz.

The StyleAudio Carat-Topaz headphone DAC is available now, priced at €395 ($502).  That makes it very much a luxury item, when you look at other – well rated – headphone amps already on the market.

[via GenerationMP3]

More photos and detailed specs of the iBasso Cobra D10 after the cut

That flexibility makes the Cobra D10 ideal both for those wanting extra audio quality from their PMP – or to drive power-hungry headphones on the move – or laptop users keen to improve their own mobile music performance.  As with other models in iBasso’s range, the opamps are interchangeable.

• Power Source：Built-in 4.2V 470mAh Li-polymer Batteries or external power supply
• Frequency Response: 17Hz~20 KHz -0.5dB (DAC) 17Hz~100 KHz -0.5dB (AMP)
• Signal to Noise Ratio：97dB (DAC), 104dB (Amp)
• Crosstalk: 93dB (DAC) 101dB (AMP)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.006%@1kHz/0dB(DAC) 0.005%@1kHz/0dB (AMP)
• Output power：Up to 100mW+100mW into 32Ω
• Gain: 3dB/10dB (AMP)
• Battery Life: 20Hours or 30Hours if amp only.
• Battery Charge Time: 6 Hours
• External Power supply: 5V DC
• Recommended Headphone Impedance: 8~300Ω
• Case dimension: 2.2W x 4.1L x 0.8H (inch) 55W x 104L x 21H (mm)
• Weight: 168g or 5.9oz

The iBasso Cobra D10 will be priced at $275.  It will come with an AC adapter, leather case USB cable and a selection of different opamps.

[via GenerationMP3]

Inside the box there’s a pair of OP275 dual opamps, each driving a pair of 5902 output tubes for each channel.  Although power output is modest, at just 1.25W per channel, it’s really all about matching the warmth of those vacuum tubes to the output from an iPod: volume control is done by the PMP itself, with the amp gain tweaked to work best with an iPod’s headphone socket.  Meanwhile the speakers are custom made with a 2-inch full-range driver, bottoming out at 120Hz.

Mr Redmer Sr. is now considering making a matching subwoofer to go with the system.  I’ll leave the final judgement up to Peter, though: “sounds as clear, crisp, and detailed as small tube-driven speakers can sound, and blows my Altec Lansing portable iPod stereo out of the water.”

You also get a microphone input, suitable for Skyping, but also musical use thanks to 44.1kHz and 48kHz native sampling rates.  Switchable gain lets you drive power-hungry or more efficient headphones and speakers, and you’ll eke extra runtime out of your PMP by not overly forcing its headphone output.

The whole thing is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery good for up to 13 hours of use from a 2.5 hour charge.  Nuforce even throw in a stretchy silicone band, so you can strap the amp to your iPod (or your arm, if you have a thin arm and don’t mind minor circulation reduction).  It’s available now, priced at $99.

[via Red Ferret Journal]

Well recognized from its transferable 20-year, no question ask warranty with state of the art audio design and sound quality mono blocks; Bryston is no stranger to the most-demanding audiophiles, especially the built like a tank ST and SST series amplifiers. Coming this CES 2009, the Canadian will update its best seller with the availability of SST² “Squared” series based on the design and research from its fully balanced powerhouse 28B-SST Pro.

Current SST line up ranges from a 2B SST to 28B-SST mono block with ability to pump out no-BS 100W and up to 1000w driven into dual channel or multichannel-design. The “Squared” SST series will feature the line-up offering as well as same pricing with additional new features below:

Power supply circuit board—No point-to-point wiring in the new SST Squared design, with all components plugging directly into the power supply circuit board

Output chokes—New output chokes that extend the high-frequency bandwidth at 20 kHz

Soft-start circuitry—Power gets ramped up gradually so there’s not as much strain on the AC supply using a micro-controller

Push-style power switch—Replaces the membrane switch on previous models, for better functionality and durability

Simplified circuit topology—A reduced circuit board count and less point-to-point wiring for greater efficiency and sonic clarity

Power supply transformer design—So you get instantaneous current and less noise

Digital amp is not a stranger to space-constrained electronic devices; diminutive in size, it also runs cool and doesn’t run up your power bills. Manufactures have came out with Class D “Icepower” digital amps that are matching the performance of many audiophile components without the need of giant heatsinks like Class A amplifier. Conveniently, with little twist in driver circuitry, it fits nicely onto a flat panel TVs.

The development of Sanyo digital amp covering a trio of hybrid IC chips with capability to deliver Class D power of 100w, 200w and 300w with dual-channel driven into 8 ohm impendence. The 300w model is said to have 90% power conversion efficiency. The product is also compatible with HD audio playback due to a higher Pulse width modulation carrier frequency of 768khz.

Shipment of engineering samples is said to begin from March 2009. It will cost you 1,000 yen ($10.50) each.

That makes it 30-percent more powerful than its E3 predecessor, despite only being 26g and having a rechargeable battery good for 20hrs use. The original E3 did well in reviews, only being gently critiqued for emphasizing bass at the expense of some treble, but the first previews of the E5 suggest it has a far more neutral sound.

It also has onboard volume controls, which were missed on the E3.  The Fiio E5 should be available now, priced at under $20.

[via GenerationMP3]