Munich Product Announcements

[MylesBAstor]

CONSTELLATION AUDIO TO DEMONSTRATE AWARD-WINNING REFERENCE SERIES ALTAIR II PREAMPLIFIER AND HERCULES II MONOBLOCS at MUNICH HIGH-END SHOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 22, 2016

Constellation Audio, the renowned manufacturer of high performance solid-state electronics, is pleased to announce that at CES 2016 they will be demonstrating their Reference Series Altair II preamplifier and Hercules II monobloc amplifiers. Altair II and Hercules II are the proud co- recipients of The Absolute Sound magazine’s 2015 “Overall Product of the Year Award.” Since Constellation Audio burst onto the audio scene six years ago with the original Altair preamplifier and Hercules amplifiers, they have continuously raised the standards for high performance solid-state electronics. The Constellation Audio dream team has applied their rigorous design and engineering research to create the Altair II and Hercules II as worthy successors to their original namesakes, products which by every parameter significantly raise the performance bar from their previous benchmark standards. The new Reference Series products redefine transparency and resolution on the preamplifier side while combining these virtues with the ultimate in both finesse and control on the amplifier side. The net result is a system that delivers uncompromised performance and musicality.

The engineering accomplishments of the Altair II are many, beginning with the separate triple- transformer power supply which is itself shielded by a machined aluminum chassis.

Construction of the completely dual-mono control center is highlighted by the use of a machined solid aluminum enclosure (called a raft) which is constructed with 8.2mm-thick walls. The raft is secured to a platform incorporating an isolating polymer sheet between sheets of stainless steel, and this platform is in turn mounted on an elastomeric suspension. The net result is complete mechanical and electromagnetic isolation. The inclusion of a home-theater bypass mode and the addition of a DB-9 connector for easy whole house interface add user convenience to the incomparable sonic performance of the Altair II.

Hercules II monoblocs begin with a solid foundation using two 3,000-Watt transformers housed in their own shielded, suspended enclosure. The shielding and suspension prevents electromagnetic noise or mechanical vibration from entering into the system. Using the 125- Watt fully balanced building block modules that have become a signature of Constellation Audio amplifier designs; the Hercules is configured using multiple modules in a single chassis to deliver 1,000 Watts into each mono chassis. Connection between the Altair II and Hercules II is optimized using the Constellation Direct interface which eliminates an extra (and potentially noisy) gain stage in the signal path. However, for those users of other preamplifiers, Hercules II is also equipped with balanced and single-ended inputs. Hercules II is able to combine the depth and delicacy prized in single-ended triode designs with seemingly unlimited power to deliver the perfect balance between the power needed for ultimate control and finesse.

To fully appreciate the many virtues of the Altair II and Hercules II combination requires assembling ancillary partners of a commensurate level. Source components will include the Constellation Audio Cygnus Media Server/DAC and a Continuum Audio Labs Obsidian turntable with Viper tonearm paired with a Constellation Audio phono stage. Finally, the system must include loudspeakers that are equal to the task. With their extraordinary dynamic range, resolution, and prodigious bass, the Martin-Logan Neoliths are the perfect complement to the Altair II and Hercules II.

DISPLAY LOCATION: The Constellation Audio Reference System will be on display at the MOC, Atrium 4, 1st Floor, Room F-118.

SPECIFICATIONS
Altair II

Bandwidth: 10Hz-200 KHz @ 0.5% Output = 17 Volts RMS
Inputs: 4-XLR Balanced, 4-RCA Unbalanced

Output: 2pr XLR & RCA/channel
Volume control resolution: 0.1, 0.5, or 1 dB; user-selectable Remote Control: Volume, Balance, Input, Mute, Phase Features: External power supply, 12V trigger, USB control, DB-9

Dimensions
Preamp: (W x H x D): 17.5” x 5.5” x 14.8”; 44.5 cm x 14 cm x 47.6 cm; Weight: 84
lbs.; 38.2 kg.

Power Supply: (W x H x D): 17.5” x 2.8” x 14.5”; 44.5 cm x 7.2 cm x 36.8 cm; Weight: 26.2 lbs.; 11.4 kg.

Hercules II Mono

Power Output: 1.1 kW into 8 Ohms, 1.5 kW into 4 Ohms, 2 kW into 2 Ohms Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100 KHz +1/-0.5 dB
Gain: 32dB

Inputs: XLR Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced Output: 2pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
Input Impedance: 10KΩ Unbalanced, 20KΩ Balanced Features: 12V trigger, USB control

Dimensions (W x H x D): 19” x 13” x 32”; 48.3 cm x 23 cm x 81.3 cm
Weight: 220 lbs.; 100 kg.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The US retail price of the Altair II is $78,000
The US retail price of the Hercules II Monos is $180,000/pr.
Altair II and Hercules II are in current delivery to US and worldwide markets. ABOUT CONSTELLATION AUDIO

Constellation Audio was formed for the purpose of bringing to discriminating listeners the highest performing audio products in their respective categories. To do this required assembling a “dream team” of the finest multi-disciplined designers and engineers in the business. Quality is assured by manufacturing all Constellation Audio products in our own factory in California. CONTACT

For additional information regarding Constellation Audio, please contact Irv Gross at [email protected] or at (860)-550-0601.

©2016 Constellation Audio

###

[MylesBAstor]

Swedish Analog Technologies

We will be at the Munich High End Show displaying the SAT Pickup Arm on the new TechDAS Air Force One PREMIUM! This is an upgraded version of their reference turntable with some exciting new features.

SAT is the arm of choice of TechDAS to demonstrate their most exclusive turntable model to date. We are proud to partner with TechDAS and expect to meet many of you there on Atrium4.2 F232a,b,c.



Hmmmm...AF1 Premium?

[JackD201]

Auto fill and level air suspension. I like! Anyone want to buy my AF1? LOL!

[MylesBAstor]

Wonder how Bob feels about the above claim?

[Ki Choi]

I would guess Christian is thinking about an upgrade to his AF1 already!

[MylesBAstor]

Subject: Munich High end 2016 invitation

Dear Mr./Mrs.,

We would be very pleased to welcome you at our stand at the next HighEnd exhibition in Munich, on May 5^th-8^th.
Hemiolia Records will be presenting their new titles and collection of Analog Master Tapes and an absolute preview , the first two titles of the new Hemiolia Master Cassette collection.

You will have the opportunity to enjoythe quality of our products in our stand, where you will listen Hemiolia Master tapes and Hemiolia Master cassette with high quality headphones.

We will be at stand F17, Halle 2 , at the High End Exhibition, and look forward to meeting you there.
Please send us an e-mail to [email protected] and we will be happy to set an appointment with you.

Best regards,
Claudio Valeri & Pietro Benini

[MylesBAstor]

New Raidho 4.1 speakers debuting at Munich!

[MylesBAstor]

ROON ENABLED MERGING NADAC PREVIEWS IN MUNICH

A new generation of integrated audiophile server will be demonstrated at HEM 2016

http://www.merging.com/uploads/assets/packs/NADAC_Marketing_Pack_Aug_2015.zip

Puidoux, Switzerland. May 2016: Merging Technologies is proud to announce that the result of a new partnership with Roon Labs will be on display on stand 3-L10/M07 and in the Special Sound Demonstration in Konferenzraum K1B at the HIGH END show in Munich. The concept of Roon’s ground breaking player program being offered in integrated solutions is not new; there being many existing partners with products available, but this will be the first time that the focus will shift to a complete turnkey and networked solution offering multichannel capability up to DSD256 and DXD.

The Merging NADAC was launched at the 2015 HIGH END to much acclaim and has been fortunate to have received several rave reviews for its amazing transparency and for the advantages of the RAVENNA/AES67 networked solution. A variety of player solutions including Merging’s own Emotion player can be used with an external computer but this concept is not the first choice for all users. The ‘single box’ solution with the software and the server combined with a DAC removes the need to have a computer in the living room. The ease with which the whole system can then be controlled by tablet or smart phone enhances the user experience significantly. Integration details such as direct control of the NADAC volume and mute from the Roon user interface also adds to the overall ergonomics by simplifying the control of the entire system from one single page on one single tablet.

Roon is well known to provide a superlative user experience with its friendly interface and the most comprehensive database available for the music lover seeking information on all aspects of his favorite track. Marrying Roon to the best sounding and most transparent DAC available and providing multichannel playback would be noteworthy enough but the addition of true networking advantages provides a degree of in-home flexibility that users could only dream about.

Merging also announced that this solution can be retrofitted to all Merging NADAC units already in the field and to any units shipping from now on, meaning early adopters can take advantage of the upgrade if they wish. Pricing and options for this solution, as well as cost for the upgrade of existing units and delivery date will be announced at Rocky Mountain.

Roon’s CEO, Enno Vandermeer commented; “We have admired the innovation and devotion to excellence that Merging has demonstrated with their entry into the audiophile market. This dovetails with our objective to be at the top of the performance table as well as having the best user experience.” On Merging’s behalf, Head of Software Engineering and NADAC Product Manager, Dominique Brulhart stated; “We have carefully evaluated the trends and needs of today’s audiophile and it is clear that a Roon enabled DAC is a very elegant solution. We are delighted to be working with our friends there to maximize all the advantages that we can both offer. Customers can still choose other player solutions with our technology, as well as other DACs with Roon, but we think this combination will be hard to beat.”

-ends-


Merging Technologies SA is a Swiss manufacturer with 25 years of experience in developing groundbreaking, professional Audio and Video products for a wide range of entertainment and media industries. With a dedicated user base in the elite end of the music, film, television, mastering and performances industries, Merging is committed to developing product ranges with unrivalled quality and flexibility, no matter what the application. Merging builds tools for people who want more from their systems, have an inherent need to push boundaries, and believe that quality always comes first.
For more information please see: www.nadac.merging.com

RAVENNA is a solution for real-time distribution of audio and other media content in IP-based network environments. Utilizing standardized network protocols and technologies, RAVENNA can operate on existing network infrastructures. RAVENNA is designed to meet the strict requirements of the professional audio market featuring low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability and is fully AES67 compatible. With a capacity of nearly 8 x MADI streams over a single Gigabit Ethernet link, it is also the first and only Layer-3 based IP audio protocol with full support for high-channel count DXD and DSD signals.

While primarily targeting the professional broadcast market, RAVENNA is also suitable for deployment in other professional audio market segments like live sound, install market and recording. Possible fields of application include (but are not limited to) in-house signal distribution in broadcasting houses, theatres, concert halls and other fixed installations, flexible setups at venues and live events, OB van support, inter-facility links across WAN connections and in production & recording applications. These capabilities make RAVENNA highly suitable for domestic audiophile and home cinema applications. http://ravenna.alcnetworx.com

For more information on AES67 and its adoption for interoperability, consult the Media Networking Alliance website http://medianetworkingalliance.com

[MylesBAstor]

[MylesBAstor]

[Socrates]

A "new" Ortofon SPU#1 MC--no further info as yet?

Soc

[MylesBAstor]

A "new" Ortofon SPU#1 MC--no further info as yet?

Soc

Not yet.

[MylesBAstor]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Munich HIGHEND Show: Halle 4 Booth R10 Mytek Shipping Record Quantities of New Brooklyn MQA DAC; New Upscale Manhattan II MQA DAC Ships in August 2016 Both models, each offering high quality Phono Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier, on display at Munich’s 2016 HIGHEND Show

Munich HIGHEND, May 5th, 2016 — Mytek Digital , the second MQA licensee after Meridian to ship an Audiophile DAC with MQA™ technology, will be showcasing the MQA-capable Brooklyn DAC, and showing an advanced prototype of the more upscale MQA-capable Manhattan II DAC to be shipping in August 2016. MQA is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master quality audio in a file that’s small enough to stream or download. And because it’s fully authenticated, the listener can be sure they are hearing exactly what the artist recorded and approved in the studio.

Both the US$1,995 Brooklyn and US$5,995 Manhattan II DACs decode all MQA files, in addition to all other formats, including PCM 384k/32bit and DSD256. Both Mytek models each uniquely include a very high quality Phono Preamplifier and Headphone Amplifier for added convenience and less “Audiophile Clutter”, cabling and expense. The new reference-level MQA-capable Manhattan II, to be announced at the Munich HIGHEND Show, will use the same digital engine (micro, USB, MQA) as Brooklyn, but will be offering superior performance because of more chassis space and best available component parts (new motherboard with latest Sabre chip, 7x size dual Linear Power Supplies: oversized 50VA analog, 50VA digital), better analog attenuators, etc. The Manhattan II will be available in three finishes: Silver, Black and Gold. MSRP: $5,995 US/Worldwide or €5,995 (VAT incl.) in EU. Current Manhattan owners will be offered an upgrade to Manhattan II for $995. Upgrade requires replacement of the motherboard, and can be performed by Mytek’s Brooklyn, NY office, Mytek EU Office in Warsaw and importing dealers in Asia and Japan. (Details to come.)

BROOKLYN SPECIFICATIONS: The currently-available Brooklyn DAC is a reference USB DAC with MQA decoder, 384k PCM and DSD256, line and analog phono preamplifier and a reference headphone amplifier. It integrates digital streaming/ playback and vinyl analog playback for reference listening on headphones and speakers. • Conversion: Up to 384k, 32bit PCM, native DSD up to DSD256, DXD, 130dB Dynamic Range. MQA Hi-Res Decoder: built in certified hardware MQA™ decoder • Digital Inputs: USB2 Class2 (OSX, Linux driverless, all formats), AES/EBU (PCM up to 192k, up to DSD64 DOP), 2x S/PDIF (PCM up to 192k, up to DSD64 DOP), Toslink/ADAT 2x S/PDIF (PCM up to 192k, up to DSD64 DOP), SDIF3 DSD up to DSD256 • Clock: Mytek Femtoclock Generator™, 0.82ps internal jitter, Wordclock Input and Output (allows stacking multiple units for multichannel operation, includes mch DSD and MQA) • Analog Outputs: RCA, balanced XLR, simultaneous, 50 Ohm impedance. • Headphone Outputs: Reference High Current, High transient Headphone Amp, 500mA, 6 Watts, 0 Ohm out impedance. Dual headphone jacks, designed to drive hard to drive headphone. Balanced operation available with optional Mytek 1/4".4 pin XLR adapter. • Built-in Attenuator: 1dB steps, choice of analog attenuator, 32-bit digital attenuator, or purist relay bypass. • Built-in Analog Preamp: Line level input or hi-end Phono M/M (47kOhm), M/C input (90 Ohm), relay switchable, relay controlled. • Audio Interface Function: All digital inputs can be routed into computer via USB2. Allows connection of external digital sources such as CD Players and digitizing ADCs. • Remote: Included, universal remote capable • Firmware: Upgradable via USB Control panel • Worldwide Power Supply • Optional DC/Battery Power input: 12VDC • Dimensions: Width = 8.5” x 8.5” x 1.74” (216 x 216 x 44mm) • Finishes: Silver or Black • Weight: 4 lbs, 2kg • Warranty: 2 years

[Ki Choi]

I had the hots for the Manhattan and planned on getting one but now they have new Manhattan II already! Procrastination works once again!

[MylesBAstor]

Booth / Stand	Brand	Contact	What’s new
Hall 3 M05	Neat Acoustics	Bob Surgeoner	Iota ALPHA, a low-down floor-standing loudspeaker. The prototype was the hit of the ‘Bristol Show’
A4.1 E119	Focal & Naim	Laurene Breas	New Sopra Model, Naim records and Naim DR NAP500
A4.2 E224	Mission	Tim Chang	New LX Series designed by a celebrated team new to Mission
Hall 1, B08/C09	Keith Monks	Jon Monks	Jon will be showing the, still work in progress, microLight Record Cleaning Machine as well as the Classic and the discovery One
A4.1 F112	Fink Team	Karl-Heinz Fink	A development project combining all the team’s expertise in a high end loudspeaker, being used by Marantz for their demo

Apologies if you receive any duplications Outlook 2016 and my Mac are not playing nicely together.

[MylesBAstor]

KHARMA and UHA
IN MUNICH 2016!
MOC - Atrium 4.2 Room F227

You're Invited to Experience The
NEW Kharma Enigma Veyron-2 System

and
The UHA Phase12-OPS Tape Deck

The Munich High End
Audio Show 2016
Kharma International invites attendees of Munich High End 2016 to experience a new Dutch Masterpiece for a new age-
the Enigma Veyron.


As part of the continuing program to develop the world's most technically advanced and aesthetically beautiful audio products, Kharma International is proud to introduce at Munich's High End 2016 the Enigma Veyron EV-2, part of the most extreme and extraordinary line of ultra-performance loudspeakers in the world today.

Inside the EV-2's elegant yet massive Bulletwood cabinet lies the next evolution in dynamic driver systems. The speaker features a triple array of 1" and 2" diamond tweeters and a double compliment of our own woofers- the Kharma Omega-F 7" and 11" drivers. We name the Omega-F after the 1855 discovery of Eddy currents by Leon Foucault, and our desire to eliminate the deleterious effects he described. In short, Kharma has employed a completely new and unique motor system that has eliminated the need for iron as a focusing element.

This revolutionary motor is precisely located in a complete carbon chassis, and powers an ultra-stiff light carbon cone. Even the voice coil former is made of carbon fibre. It's an all-out electrical and mechanical assault that results in a device that acts faster with less distortion. Vastly increased resolution across the drivers entire bandwidth allowing for better transients, less coloration, and a more refined, complex harmonic structure.

The job of isolating the massive EV-2 from its environment is an equally massive task. The no-limit solution to this challenge is a spike disc suspension system incorporating Carborundum balls sitting on a diamond surface. Minimal contact area is guaranteed through the extremely hard surfaces.

The Enigma Veyron program was only possible given Kharma's long history in building world class audio products that consistently pushes technological boundaries. However, what has emerged with the Enigma Veyron loudspeakers and their newly developed technologies has taken even Kharma beyond their imagination.

Kharma is named for the notion that the tremendous effort and energy we put in to all that we design and build is something tangible that can be experienced in ownership. Celebrate with us the transcendent result of applying nearly 35 years of design experience to proprietary technologies and no-limit, exotic materials. Be a part of what will be one of the most talked about events in audio for 2016, and experience the latest Dutch Masterpiece from Kharma.

www.kharma.com

This will be the first time UHA has shown the UHA Tape Decks at the High End Audio Show in Munich. We are excited to be at the show with Kharma and look forward to meeting audiophiles from Europe and the world! Please stop by and introduce yourself to Greg Beron in the MOC, Atrium 4.2 room F227


The UHA Legendary
After Hours Analog Tape Events:
We are sorry to announce that UHA will not host The Legendary UHA After Hours Analog Tape Events at the Munich High End Show. This is not allowed in the MOC venue.

[allenh]

I would love to hear this setup one day. I wonder if Greg will have this at CAF or the NYAS later this year...

[MylesBAstor]

May 5-8, 2016

The Progression Mono Amplifiers will make their European consumer trade show debut at this year's Munich High End Show at the MOC exhibition center. Please join us at the Audio Reference booth, Room D111, Atrium 3. Audio Reference is our German distributor and does a great job at the show as seen by the photo below from last year's event.

[MylesBAstor]

[I remember the old $15,000 Orpheus Headphones and tube electronics. If this new headphone set-up is anything similar....]

Sennheiser Shapes the Future of Audio at HIGH END 2016, inviting visitors
to experience HE 1 and AMBEO 3D Audio Technology

Munich, Germany, May 4, 2016 – Sennheiser will be showcasing the latest innovations in audio technology at HIGH END 2016, held at Munich’s MOC fairgrounds between May 5 and 8. Reflecting Sennheiser’s vision to Shape the Future of Audio, the audio specialist’s booth will feature a Sound Experience Room where visitors will have the rare opportunity to listen to the world’s best headphones - the new Sennheiser HE 1, the successor to the legendary Orpheus. The Sound Experience Room will also offer a chance to discover AMBEO, Sennheiser’s new immersive audio technology which promises the ultimate in audio capture, mixing, processing and reproduction. Offering insight into the development and the unique technology behind HE 1 and AMBEO, Sennheiser will provide expert talks on HIGH END’s ‘technology stage’. The audio specialist will also present highlights in its high-end range, including the recent HD 800 S, the closed audiophile model HD 630VB and the legendary IE 800.


Sennheiser’s Sound Experience Room at HIGH END 2016 will provide a rare opportunity to experience the Sennheiser HE 1, the new electrostatic reference headphone system that promises an unprecedented audio experience. The HE 1 combines a unique amplifier concept with carefully selected materials and highest-quality craftsmanship. With a frequency response that extends beyond the range of human hearing and the lowest total harmonic distortion that has ever been measured in an audio reproduction system, it is a milestone product in Sennheiser history.

“We are very excited to be presenting the era-defining Sennheiser HE 1 at HIGH END, a product with which we opened up a new chapter in audio excellence,” said Axel Grell, Head of Portfolio Management Audiophile at Sennheiser. “Here in Munich we are showcasing the HE 1 to some of the world’s most discerning audiophiles – with a promise to redefine their very understanding of what sound can be.”



Sennheiser will also present an opportunity to experience its new AMBEO 3D audio technology firsthand in the Sound Experience Room, where it will be possible to listen to original 9.1 recordings and remixes of legacy music in the 9.1 format. To make this experience truly personal, visitors are also invited to bring their own stereo sound material on CD or on an iPhone featuring a Lightning connector. The sound material will be upmixed via Sennheiser’s proprietary upmix algorithm and replayed in stunning 9.1 sound quality.

Bringing unique insight to the HIGH END ‘technology stage’

Axel Grell, Head of Portfolio Management Audiophile, and expert tonmeister Gregor Zielinsky, Senior Manager Research & Innovation at Sennheiser, will give two expert talks at HIGH END’s ‘technology stage’ (Hall 3, Booth K 08). Held on Friday, May 6 from 11:00-11:55 a.m. and on Saturday, May 7 from 10:30 to 11:25 a.m., the presentation will provide insights into the development and unique technology behind the the Sennheiser HE 1 and the audio specialist’s groundbreaking AMBEO 3D audio technology.

About HIGH END

HIGH END is the major trade show for high-quality entertainment electronics in Europe. In 2016, the fair is held between May 5 and 8 at Munich’s MOC.