Lets start 2008 with some great sounds. Its going to be an exciting year with new technologies, products and improvements made on proven components from our favorite designers.
In this newsletter youll discover...
Perreauxs new CD player - the ultra compact, high performance minimaliscious little SXCD.
Sonus Faber and Audio Analogue - Italians love design and it shows with both the soon-to-arrive Sonus faber Auditors and a new addition to our range - electronics from the appropriately named Audio Analogue.
Both models of Quad Electrostatics are now in-store - find out more about what many regard as the best loudspeaker available at any price.
New Tivoli models keep coming - now we have system choices from the Henry Kloss Radio team
Analogue update - Both Pro-ject and Ortofon find new ways to make vinyl sound even better. And both are remarkably affordable.
Arcam - one of the most respected names in audio returns to Totally Wired
Control4 - nothing is beyond control - and we know just the system to do it. And save power to boot!
Tangent Quattro internet radios - meet the future of broadcasting.
PERREAUX SXCD PLAYER
Minimalicious is the word used to describe the new Perreaux CD player – the Silhouette SXCD – in what can only be described as a glowing review. Its small, it very definitely minimalist with no display or front panel complication (it even loads from the side). But the sound is anything but abbreviated. A long time coming, this new Perreaux model is a welcome addition to our favourite Silhouette series and now we have had a few months in its company we can warmly recommend it as an addition to any Perreaux system and in fact suggest that it should be considered as a standalone component in many others.
What makes the Perreaux different is what makes it better. Displays generate electrical noise and eliminating the distracting digital display simply allows the player to sound better and cost less. Many high end players have a display-off feature which users find does improve sound. The SXCD is separated into two compact modules – one to house and spin the disc, the other to control and convert the sound. This delivers better electrical and mechanical isolation, very much in the same way as pre and power amplifier combinations are a step ahead of basic integrated designs.
The proof is very much in the pudding – and the SXCD is directly comparable and in fact better than many equivalently priced imported CD players. And it has a simple and effective upgrade path with the addition of the proven SXD2 Upsampling digital to analogue converter.
Weve got many good reasons to like the new Perreaux SXCD. Most of all the Perreaux is cool because its been completely designed and made here in New Zealand. If you like something both special and unique, then the new little Perreaux may be just what you are looking for.
SONUS FABER & AUDIO ANALOGUE
Are you passionate? The Italians are – and their audio components are all the better for it. Well leave the analytical, derivative and mass produced to others and tell you a little bit about some of our favourites.
Sonus faber put more soul into their smallest speaker than most companies can muster in their entire range. Resolutely handmade in relatively small quantities, by a family (in that special Italian sense), all Sonus faber speakers feature the finest european components nested in a carefully crafted cabinet of selected solid timber with not a veneer in sight. For Sonus faber there is one very simple principle – the loudspeaker is an instrument to play music. And like any other handcrafted instrument, it follows that the materials used and quality of craftsmanship will have a direct bearing on the sound produced. Sonus faber dont waste time fighting resonance (and by implication music), they simply employ it to further their pursuit of more enjoyable sound.
So youll understand, that the sound of any Sonus faber speaker will reflect this approach. Nothing else has quite the richness, especially when it comes to vocals and stringed instruments. You may well think that this would confine their talents to the realm of classical music - in fact, this richness and generosity of tone works wonders with just about any recording, making the previously mundane suddenly listenable and the well recorded simply sublime.
If we had to choose a single model that embodies all the Sonus faber qualities, without necessarily being the most costly option, the new Cremona Auditor M will be the one. At just under NZ$ 8,700 including stands, these are one of the newest models in the range, an all round improvement on the original Auditor, which in turn was derived from an extended family of high performance compact speakers – Electa Amator, Guaneri, Extrema and Signum. The product of both history and passion, these are speakers that really do shine on audition – even if they would sell quite happily on looks alone.
Audio Analogue are another family affair and a new addition to our range. Truly Italian in both their design and manufacture, they still present a completely modern face with components we have selected here – the lyrically entitled Paganini 192/24 CD player and Puccini Settanta integrated amplifier – both NZ$ 2,995 each.
Paganini was an Italian violinist famed for his masterful performances and intensity. The Paganini CD player takes after him, playing CDs with verve and finesse, hitting every note and never letting the pace slip. As youd expect at this level, the digital to analogue conversion is an upsampling scheme, giving us resolution that was only possible at the extremely expensive end a few years ago. But while detail is one thing, its the listenability of this player that has got to us. This is something youll have to hear for yourself, but it only took a few seconds for us to realise the Paganini is a big step up from well proven players at the NZ$ 2,000 mark.
The Puccini Settanta integrated amplifier is both an ideal visual, and to our ears, sonic match with both the Paganini CD player and Sonus faber speakers. A few years ago, Sonus faber produced a remarkable integrated amplifier, the Musica. Audio Analogue have taken this equation further; the Puccini Settanta integrated is in fact the third iteration of this model, and easily the most accomplished. It stands at the very least equal to, and in our view better than most amplifiers, either integrated or pre/power to the NZ$ 5,000 mark. Why do we think this?
Firstly the design and construction are both highly refined and without compromise. You have ample inputs, including phono stage, remote control (and this is a seriously cool little item, a handheld teardrop of polished alloy). The central volume control is more sophisticated than conventional rotary device, being simply nudged either way to change level, this being indicated by a subtle series of blue leds. Input selection is automated – another nice touch. All this makes the Puccini rather seductive to live with, and the sound quality is almost a reflection of this simple, yet sophisticated design. This youll be able to judge for yourself, but if you value transparency and ease of musical reproduction, we think youll find what you are after. I should also point out there is no lack of power or bass extension either so the nominal 70 watt power rating should be taken as a very conservative indication of abilities.
Cremona, Paganini and Puccini. What else could this be other than an Italian system? Full of charm, smouldering good looks and an extended family that will make you welcome and amply fill all your appetites.
QUAD ESL 2805
For a while now weve espoused the new Quad Electrostatic Loudspeakers as the item to aspire to. In doing so weve even been accused of having limited aspirations on the basis of their paltry price. Most would agree however, that NZ$ 13–15,000 is a princely enough sum. Yet when compared to NZ$ 30,000, NZ$ 60,000 and even NZ$ 200,000 that can be spent on other speakers there is no doubt the Quad ESLs offer exceptional value on the performance for money ratio. The new ESLs were first released almost two years ago yet continue to receive critical acclaim. Deservedly so. There are few speakers as musical and engaging as these. They remain our favourite speakers and we share this view with a number of the more experienced and reputable hifi reviewers. The 2805 – the smaller of the two models share all the attributes of their larger brother but are more suited to smaller rooms and, for some their size appeals as being a little more domestically friendly. The rigid structure ensures precise detail and treble. The bass is deep and controlled but less extended than the larger 2905s which essentially go louder and lower – desirable for some but not for others. The Quad ESLS are sculptural looking and beautifully made. Are the Quad 2805 electrostatic loudspeakers for you? Simply put, if you are after an exquisite sound from your hifi, one that expertly captures the emotion of music, that effortlessly floats in space, without going to extremes in budget, youll love the ESL 2805s – NZ$13,000.
NEW FROM TIVOLI AUDIO
Yes, the Tivolians were tearing their hair out over all the people wanting to put their iPods with their radios. But rather than opening another bottle of chianti they designed the perfect answer. The iYiYiY (say aye, aye aye!), is the table top version of the iSongbook with a deeper cabinet for a richer sound and the docking station taking pride of place in the centre. Features include iPod cradle, (with fittings to suit different iPod models), that will charge up your iPod, front headphone jack, digital alarm clock and station pre-sets, wonderful stereo sound and remote control. Finished in either gloss Black or gloss White for NZ$ 699 inclusive.
And now we have the very best Tivoli of all – the new Tivoli Music System is exactly what it sounds like – a complete one box solution with fantastic radio reception, sparkling CD performance, full features and a spacious rich room filling sound from high quality inbuilt speakers – including a down firing bass speaker. The Tivoli Music System is available in a number of great looking wood and colour finishes. Its perfect as a second system for offices, the bedroom or crib. And in fact the sound is really so good it could well be a replacement for many older systems out there. From NZ$ 1,495 to NZ$ 1,695 depending on finish option chosen.
ANALOGUE UPDATE
Pro-ject turntables continue their rapid evolution and refinement – the latest Xpression III at NZ$ 899 is a remarkable feat of both value for money engineering and the shameless appropriation of cool bits of technology. The Acrylic platter being previously a feature on much more costly turntables like the Well Tempered. The dark glossy plinth with spiked feet could almost sport a Thorens badge. And the carbon fibre tonearm could be sold separately in a box with Linn stamped on it for twice the price of the complete Pro-ject. Did we mention that it even now comes with the new Ortofon 2M Red cartridge as standard? And you have an upgrade path with the addition of the new Speedbox 2 and Phono Box from Pro-ject. Youd have to go a long way further upmarket to find a more comprehensively specified turntable and the sound will impress even the most serious analogue purist. I know I would have killed for this kind of performance 20 years ago and the present price makes it all the more remarkable.
Heres how to get the best of analogue onto your iPod – the new USB Phono stage from Pro-ject. Take the excellent little Phono Box 2, include high quality analogue to digital conversion and you have a USB feed running straight into your computer – for just NZ$ 299.
Part of the key to the Pro-jects sound quality is the new Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and these are now available for use on other turntables.
The new 2M cartridge range is developed together with the Danish designer MøllerJensen Design from Copenhagen, Denmark – the same designer who designed the award winning cartridge MC Jubilee and the Kontrapunkt series.
2M is designed for precise and accurate retrieval of the information in the record groove. The design is optimised for ease of mounting, with the cartridge weight and size intended fit the most common turntables at the market today.
All of the 2M cartridges feature diamonds which are polished to the highest standards in the industry. The 2M Red – NZ$ 179 – features a tipped elliptical diamond, while the 2M Blue – NZ$ 359 – features a nude elliptical diamond. The 2M series has interchangeable stylus allowing you to upgrade further in the future. Learn more here.
ARCAM
We are most pleased to announce the reintroduction of Arcam – one of the best known and highly regarded British brands – to both Dunedin and Totally Wired. The original Arcam amplifiers have proved to be extremely reliable and even units that are close to 20 years old, still sound great today. Thats the kind of heritage that breeds brand loyalty and serves as a great basis for modern products.
Todays Arcam is considerably more sophisticated, yet retains the easy listening character and simplicity of the original products. And rather than just amplifiers, Arcam now deals in complete systems.
The Arcam Solo is your introduction to the new face of Arcam – this is a complete system – CD player, tuner and amplifier all combined into one sleek and user friendly package – at just NZ$ 2,495 inclusive.
A natural speaker match for the Arcam are the new Quad L2 series speakers – our favourite model, the 11L has be subtly, but significantly improved - the same flawless finish and refined sound but now with more life and verve which suits the Arcam perfectly.
Put the two together and you have the best looking, most competent and cost effective small system at under NZ$ 3,500.
MAKING EVERYDAY EASY – CONTROL4
Intelligent home control is the new Control4 hallmark. Its a broad phrase. What does it mean? The broad aspect is that Control4 is an open platform meaning that it can control just about any electrical device in the home – and if it cant now it will soon be able to. Since the advent of the microchip technical complexity has turned into simplicity. The press of one button on a small device can achieve many things. Control4s new compact HC-300 can be the central brain of your home automation system which can do a lot or a little – your choice. It comes with Control4s intelligent remote control that can simply replace all those others you need to operate your home cinema system; or the HC-300 can efficiently operate sound, vision, lighting, heating and almost anything else that plugs in, throughout your entire home. You may like to start simple and build up to more. HC-300 is a small elegant design – practically featureless, but its a powerful controller thats extremely versatile. Plus, at just NZ$ 2,199 HC-300 is affordable.
Your goal is just to eliminate a few remote controls? Multiple IR and serial outputs and intelligent video sensing make controlling the entire theatre easy. Marked connections and included cables make for uncomplicated set-up. A user wizard guides you through installation and on-screen navigation provides intuitive operation. The remote works on radio frequency so doesnt need line of sight – something, having lived with it for a while, weve found to be a treat to have.
Displaying photos on your TV can be done through a number of ways but via a USB stick on the HC-300 controller is the best weve come across in terms of super sharp picture quality.
If youre keen on modern day living and want to achieve a level of Jetson lifestyle HC-300 is your passport to this world. Add customised programming, touch screens, wireless light dimmers, internet connection and youre George!
This is where our expertise comes into action. Theres a bit involved in home automation. We work with you to plan your system,one that is energy and time efficient, easily operated to your desired level, and achieves your goals. Hence the smart home concept. Of course we mustnt forget that the quality of the sound and picture you experience in your home should be captivating. We have the music and visual systems to do this. This is where a Totally Wired home system is of real value to your lifestyle.
To sum up HC-300 is a home theatre controller with on-screen graphics and intelligent remote control, or the hub for an entire automated home.
Control4s HC-300 – NZ$ 2,199
LIGHTING CONTROL
Did you know household lighting accounts for around 20% of total power usage? Studies suggest that half of that is wasted by inefficient lighting sources or just people forgetting to switch lights off. The cost of this wastage increases continually.
You may want to save power to help conserve our resources and environment. Or you could just want to save money. With Control4 can help you do this by automating your lights so they come on when you need them and go off when they you dont. Control4 Dimmers are a great way to save energy – Dimming your lights by 25% (hardly noticeable to the human eye) reduces electricity consumption by 20% and quadruples the life of your bulbs. Ambient light sensors allow Control4 to automatically adjust the lighting levels on your Control4 dimmer so you never use more light than you need but always have enough.
Just how significant can the savings be? With Control4 managing a typical 3 bedroom home, around 400 kg of CO2 emissions could be eliminated each year – that would be like not driving your car for a month. And thats got to be worth considering.
Find out more by downloading the Control4 Green Brochure.
TANGENT QUATTRO INTERNET RADIOS
So youre sitting in your living room, listening to a radio station in Armenia. You think about a switch to a station in America, but decide to listen in on your true favourite from Austria. And you do it all within a matter of seconds. Youre listening to internet radio, and the possibilities are almost endless. Tangent Quattro is the first internet-capable member of the Tangent audio family. Connecting to several thousands of internet radio stations without ever turning on your PC, it is as simple as it is pleasurable. You can navigate stations by country or genre using the simple front panel controls and LCD screen. And even stream music from your PC.
The original Quattro was wireless only but we have the latest version which has both the ethernet LAN connection (much better and more reliable) as well as wireless in both forms – WiFi and the good old fashioned FM reception of local radio stations. And you can even plug it into your system, listen through headphones or plug an iPod in.
You will require a broadband connection but outside of that the Quattro is about as simple to use as it can be. It is true that the Tangents do look suspiciously like a Tivoli – And we still think that the Tivoli is the superior and original item for standard radio reception but it looks like we are still some months from having an Internet radio from Tivoli. So if you want to get into the world of IP radio today – we have the answer with the Tanget Quattro at just NZ$ 599.
WWF Update
A big thank you to all our clients who have helped with our WWF and Hectors Dolphin projects, especially over christmas. With every instore Tivoli purchase we included a big high quality canvas bag with the WWF Panda logo proudly printed on the side and for every component or system purchase over NZ$ 500 the was a Hectors Dolphin adoption package to put under the christmas tree – all the proceeds from these have gone straight back to the World Wide Fund for Nature which has made for a significant donation. This means a lot to us personally and it will make a significant difference – you have done a good thing!
Best regards from Sharon & John at Totally Wired
The Terrace Houses
217 Stuart Street
Dunedin 9016
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John Ransley and Sharon Guytonbeck are the principals behind Totally Wired. It’s our own business and we take pride in building something worthwhile.
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