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FEATURED PRODUCTS
Fall updates and products
It that time of year again when significant new products become available.
Here’s an overview of a few new products from some of the lines I stock. Many great
items haven’t changed since last year - details of these can be found in previous
Featured Product listings and through the links to the manufacturers web sites listed at
http://www.paulfreckeraudio.com/products.htm
NOW AVAILABLE
Tubes rule! Now in stock - a selection of PrimaLuna vacuum tube amplifiers. Hear the special qualities of classic vacuum tube design. Beautifully built, PrimaLuna amplifiers are a visual as well as an auditory statement. As an introductory special we have a very limited quantity of the Prologue One amplifiers available at very special pricing - call today for details.
Welcome the latest addition to the Paul Frecker Audio product range. Marantz is one of the oldest names in the audio industry - check out their current range of two channel components and AV receivers. The latest stereo amplifiers have built in phono stages for direct connection to high quality turntables; the AV receivers have all the latest features including Airplay and networking. All designed, of course, with an ear to sound quality in the Marantz tradition.
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ca.marantz.com
 
Now available - the Triton Three tower - smaller version of the stunning, rave reviewed Triton Two which launched Golden Ear spectacularly onto the audio scene. The TritonThree uses the same core driver technology, including the innovative HVFR tweeter. The built in subwoofers are powered by 800 watt digital amplifiers. This is a speaker that must be heard by anyone considering a purchase in the $2000 per pair price range.
www.goldenear.com
With the resurgence in interest in vinyl records and turntables comes a need for higher performance phono preamplifiers. Graham Slee makes some of the best sounding units available, and most models are now in stock, available for audition. Note specially the Era Gold V, high resolution performance for $699. If you have a good turntable setup and are ready to take your vinyl listening to the next level, be sure to hear this.
www.gspaudio.co.uk
ProJect has updated their classic Debut turntable to the Debut Carbon. The new version comes with a carbon fibre arm, and now features detachable audio cables for easy upgrading. Add improved motor isolation, a larger platter, and a cartridge upgraded to the Ortofon 2 Red, and they have a winner, all at the same price as the earlier Debut III in gloss finish. And, yes, the Debut Carbon comes in a range of striking glossy colors, all in stock. Get yours soon....
www.project-audio.com
Rega has been on a roll this past while - over the past couple of years they have been working on a major revision of their entire their turntable range. First up - the RP-1, with its non resonant platter and refined arm design, raised the performance standard for entry level audiophile turntables; now the brand new RP-8, with it innovative low mass/ high rigidity design takes Rega into new territory. Filling out the range, the latest version of the classic Rega turntable, the RP-3, introduces the new bracing technology for improved resolution, while the RP-6 builds on that with refinements in the platter and power supply and a range of gloss finishes. All in all, a winning line up from a company known for innovation and value in vinyl replay.
www.rega.co.uk
In recent years PS
Audio has been noted
for their power
conditioning and
distribution products.
While this continues to
be an area of strength,
their roots go back to
amplifier design. The
GCPH is a premium
quality phono
preamplifer - PS Audio
has always believed in
the importance of
power supplies in
audio, and this piece
is built more like a full
integrated amplifer
than a typical phono
preamp. Not a new
product introduction,
but certainly timely for the current interest in vinyl.
www.psaudio.com
PrimaLuna offers a range of beautifully built vacuum tube amplifiers - integrated designs as well as preamplifiers and power amplifiers. The special sonic qualities of tubes have been long admired by music lovers. The PrimaLuna range includes some surprisingly affordable models. Match these up to appropriate speakers, add a good turntable, and bask in the glow of classic audio - quality design is enduring! And, yes, they do work with modern digital sources too...
http://www.primaluna-usa.com
UK based Naim has always focused on the highest level of performance possible, with a minimalist approach to features. Their NAIT-5i integrated amplifier is something of a cult classic, delivering powerful, rhythmic, engaging sound from a small, well built, but unadorned chassis. At first blush its $1795 price and 50 watt power rating seem out of line, but then listen.....this is a taste of true high end sound, delivered in an entry level product to one of audio?s finest brands.
http://www.naimaudio.com
Attractive placement for a audio or video system complements both the room and the system components. BDI makes premium quality AV furniture in a wide range of styles and finishes. Models are available for audio and video systems, and come in both open style and enclosed designs.
http://www.bdiaudio.com
2010 is Denon’s 100th anniversary. The new line for 2010 features a range of 3D ready
receivers and BluRay players. I have several models of the receivers on hand from the
new xx11 series, offering the latest features. Prices reflect the high value of the
Canadian dollar and are very competitive with US pricing, while offering the advantages
of local support and full Canadian warranties. Denon has also produced a special
series of components for their 100th year - premium quality pieces designed with their
best technology - these are available by special order.
Denon AVR-3311 network receiver.
Harman/Kardon’s current receiver line also features 3D ready models. Good news for
those who purchased the AVR2600 or AVR3600 last year - the receivers themselves are
unchanged, and the 3D capability can be provided with a firmware update. The
Canadian dollar is helping here too - HK’s new receiver pricing is lower than last year.
HK AVR-3600 receiver
HK BDP-1 Blu-Ray player
Reduced from last year’s price.
 Mitsubishi HC-4000 DLP projector
Mitsubishi has upgraded their highly reviewed home theatre
optimized 1080P DLP projector. The HC 4000 improves on the
already fine native contrast ratio of last year’s HC3800 by using a
higher performance DC3 imaging chip. To sweeten this even more,
the new model is priced $100 lower than the previous model.
News from the audiophile world...
These companies are known for producing long lived designs which are infrequently
changed, so when new items arrive they are especially significant.
Arcam’s much anticipated high performance BluRay player has finally arrived! The
BDP-100 joins their top of the line FMJ series, and promises to bring a new level of
performance to the BluRay format, with a special emphasis on audio quality.
Arcam BDP-100 BluRay player
rCube
Arcam has now introduced their first iPOD docking system, the rCube. Available soon,
this brings Arcam sound quality to a new category. The first reviews in the UK press
have been great!
rDAC
Arcam has also introduced the rDAC. This very promising piece is the lowest priced
USB DAC to use an asynchronous connection, enabling audiophile quality sound from
computer audio over a USB connection. It also handles digital inputs from optical and
coaxial connections, and will be available with a wireless option making it a very flexible
unit.
Cambridge Audio has had great success with its 650BD BluRay this past year. It has
delivered on its promise to raise the bar in mid-priced players, featuring audiophile
sound, universal disc compatibility and fast loading in addition to Cambridge’s usual
premium build quality. The companion 650R receiver is also setting high standards -
with a primary emphasis on sound quality, this unit brings the Cambridge sound to the
newest high definition audio formats.
Cambridge Audio Azur 650BD BluRay player
New for Cambridge this year is the more budget oriented Topaz series, consisting of an
integrated amplifier, a CD player and an AM/FM stereo receiver. With the Azur series
firmly established as a class leader for sound and build quality, Cambridge set out to
bring the cost of entry level audiophile gear down a little in price without sacrificing the
core quality for which they have become known. The first reviews show they have
succeeded!
Topaz AM-10 amplifier
The AM-10 amplifier even has a nice phono stage built in - great for someone building a
good vinyl based system on a budget. Team this up with the new ProJect Essential
turntable and a pair of Cambridge’s S-30 speakers and you have a real winner.
ProJect has added the incredibly high value Essential turntable to the line. At just $299
complete with an Ortofon cartridge, good vinyl replay has never been this affordable.
Why settle for inferior sound when quality is this affordable? This is a significant addition
to the most comprehensive range of vinyl
replay components and accessories
available in one location in this region.
ProJect’s new Essential
-just the essentials, done right.
The new Rega RP-1 turntable will be available shortly. This new model builds on the
remarkable success of the P1, which set the standard in affordable turntables when it
was introduced a few years ago. The RP-1 is a refinement of the original design, now
with a choice of colors and a new platter material, offering even better performance.
Check back for more details on many of these items.
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