Audio Reference - Hi-Fi Equipment

12/10/2023

KARAN ACOUSTICS POWERa mono-blocks amplifier stand out review:

The new Master Collection POWERa monoblock continues this trajectory; a pair costs a cool NZ$185,000 (incl GST), for which you get an immense 2.1kW of power per side. The pinnacle of the company’s lineup, it’s a monstrous thing in the flesh – each measures 504x292x603mm (WxHxD) and weighs 105kg!

THE VERDICT
Karan’s new flagship monoblock power amplifier is astonishingly capable and raises the bar for the competition. It can push insane amounts of power into any loudspeaker, regardless of its sensitivity or load characteristics. It has great rhythmic alacrity, firecracker dynamics, and vast tracts of bass driving power, yet is precise, articulate and blessed with unerring accuracy. Whatever the sound pressure level the listener requests, the POWERa does not so much as blink, let alone break into a sweat.

That is why, despite the extremely high price, I firmly believe that this pair of monoblock power amplifiers represents true excellence – you certainly pay a lot, but you get a lot back! It’s for those seeking playback perfection, and the POWERa is a true endgame goal. If you seek the pinnacle of modern amplification perfection, then look no further – you’ve just found it...... StereoLux - Oct 2023

See full review:
https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/karan-acoustics-powera-mono-power-amplifiers-review

For POWERa info see:
https://www.karanacoustics.com/product/karan-acoustics-master-collection-powera-mono/

03/07/2023

ANTIPODES Oladra & K Series Product Updates 2023

Antipodes Audio is proud to announce their updated server/streamer line-up for 2023, with updates to existing flagship OLADRA and the K Series range.

Coupled with the release of the updated range is the Antipodes Audio Upgrade Program for all existing OLADRA and K Series owners, which brings their units up to the corresponding new model specification. An upgraded unit will be identical in all respects to the new models and receive a fresh warranty.

In April Antipodes also launched the new K22.
The K22 includes the main board used in the K21, plus the Reclocker used in the K50. When the K22 is teamed with a K41, the combination is equivalent to a two-box K50.

However unfortunately the popular entry level S Series has been discontinued due to Intel no longer making the CPUs required by these models, but we retain ample parts to support these models going forward.

24/06/2023

Selling my SGR - Model V Statement 3 level rack for the ultimate in high-end audio!

Price guide - RRP $23,995 - special sale price $11,995

Model V Statement is the ultimate expression of SGRs unrivalled expertise in reproducing the purest of sound for the most discerning music listener.
If you are serious about unlocking the full performance potential of your ultra-high-end turntable, optical disc transport or vacuum tube amplification, then our Model V Statement equipment rack is the unquestionably essential complement to your system.
The rack embodies all 6 elements of SGR Audio’s Multi-Layered Vibration Technology.
An equipment rack whose foundation is incredibly rigid and solidly coupled to the floor while supporting luxurious and highly effective shelves, ensuring both high and low frequency vibrational energy is quickly translated into heat before it can find its way back into the delicate signal path of your electromechanical components.

6 Key Features:
Achieve an unrivalled level of intimate detail and musical precision with our ultimate package of vibration control and elimination. Absorptive quartz-filled posts and constrained-layer construction, along with support from the effective silicon isolator and cross-brace combination, join the superior resonance control of the energy sink platforms to create the ultimate isolation solution. Eliminating vibrations to the highest degree, you’ll be enraptured by the inconceivable level of sonic clarity and purity

SoundStage review: "The Model V Statement Hi-Fi racks are a winner and are now staying as an essential component of our reference system".
See: https://www.soundstageaustralia.com/index.php/reviews/192-sgr-audio-model-v-statement-hifi-equipment-rack

Size: 680W x 530D x 690H mm
Internal clearance 225H mm
2x Carbon-fibre shelves - 470W x 430D mm (usable area)
1x Carbon-fibre top shelf - 635W x 430D mm (usable area)
Up to 60kg per level with additional silicon isolators.
4x Ball-race feet levellers

15/06/2023

A rare opportunity to add a world-class tube preamp to enhance your system.

Selling on behalf, an Ayon Audio Auris II Signature XLR preamp, presented in excellent condition c/w original box etc.

Price guide: RRP $20,995 - special sale price only $9,995

This is Ayon's top-of-line Auris Signature XLR fully balanced version, it is a modular preamp that represents the highest standard of preamp based on 6H30 design.

A full-featured class A single-ended & true balanced triode vacuum tube stereo preamplifier. Pure vacuum tube-circuit design with single gain stage and incorporates only one coupling capacitor at its output stage.

It offers a holographic soundstage previously unavailable at this price class.

The performance of the Auris is outstanding, transparent and vivid in its presentation. There is a huge space of the recording environment reproduced with uncanny realism. The purist 6H30 circuit topology is using zero dB negative feedback, no buffers and no followers or op amps are used anywhere in the signal path.

Excellence in engineering, a special tube rectified power supply and super premium components selection provides a special magic to the reproduction of music.

16/05/2023

GIGAWATT, considered the market leader releases New model top-of-line PowerMaster power conditioner at MHES

Here are the key features of PowerMaster:
-New design, excellent and durable materials and components highest precision CNC machining.
-Ultra rigid chassis, made of milled aluminium plates – great stability and EMI/RFI Shielding
-Front window made of 9H scratch resistant Ceramic Glass.
-Internal antivibration platform sustained by shock absorbers – extremal isolation of mechanical vibration and resonance for filtering electronic elements.
-Main PCB - ultra durable, 4OZ Heavy-Copper with extremal cross-section thick copper layers – a powerful conducting and minimising conduction losses
-New circuit architecture - ensures stable flow and handling of high currents of 100A continuously! (up to 500A at peak)
-New distribution bars with extremal cross-section 85QMM
-Power compensation batteries with Power Factor Correction Function
-Ground noise filtering system - eliminating interference from earthing
-Multipoint PCB terminals – ultra lower electrical resistance (less than 200 μOhm), very high ampacity for continuous and peak currents (up to 300A!) and extraordinarily strong mechanical connection between terminal and PCB
-Larger non-magnetic, screws for connectors, allowing a tightening torque of 2.5Nm - reliable, strong electrical internal connection.
-New, precise TRUE-RMS voltmeter (measurement accuracy

10/05/2023

AUDIO SOLUTION'S NEW FIGARO MkII to be released at MHES:

Yesterday Audio Solutions unveiled their new Figaro MK2 speakers. Figaro has been reborn.
1) The visual change is quite significant, it became much more modern. New Figaro is not only a visual face-lift. Despite the MkI being a ground-breaking speaker but after five years we would like to improve and launched a major update for this remarkable model.
2) A new Outrigger system with spike support for more stability and a minimal footprint.
3) New dedicated Bass drivers compared to previous mid-bass units for better Sonic response and articulation.
4) Updated Mini-Horn for a wider working range, especially in the very top band of the frequency.
5) Crossovers updated with thicker wire air-coils and a new PCB layout.
6) We still use WBT Next-Gen binding posts but larger models are now Bi-wire.
7) The most important and biggest update is in the cabinet structure. Previously we used a Self-Locking cabinet which was a breakthrough design at the time. Since then we developed a completely different approach called Cabinet-In-a-Cabinet (CIC) system which does not bind the cabinet to one monolithically structure but rather has some plasticity between different mass and density surfaces which converts vibration energy to heat in the junction between two surfaces. We 1st introduced this unique concept in our higher-end Virtuoso series in May 2019.
The new Figaro Mk2 features this fully functional Cabinet-In-a-Cabinet (CIC) enclosure taken directly from the much more expensive Virtuoso to offer a unique, genuine high-end speaker but at an accessible price.

Technical parameters, pricing and the new speakers will be exhibited at Munich high-end show:

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

18/04/2023

AUDIO SOLUTIONS release NEW Overture Mk 3 series including NEW model 0306F speakers.

NEW Mk3 Overture upgrade series:
MK3 series is a third-generation entry-level speaker and is changing older MK2 versions Third series Overture introduces completely new looks compared to its predecessor. These rather drastic visual changes mark completely reworked speakers - a cabinet, drivers and crossover structure. We proudly present Overture – the ultimate marriage of art and technology.

NEW top-of-line Overture model 0306F:
Features:
A 3-way design floor-standing speaker equipped with a customised silk dome tweeter,
Three-way speaker system. Highly braced, unique all new sectional-box-in-a-box cabinet inspired by award-winning Virtuoso series speakers.
A silk dome tweeter loaded with famous mini-horn. High-flow bass reflex port with highly rounded fl**ge.
1x ER cone mid-band driver and 2x ER cone woofers inspired by our popular Figaro series speakers.

Overture 0306F specs:
Sensitivity : 91.5 dB @ 2.83V 1m
Nominal power handling : 250 W rms
Maximum unclipped power handling : 500 W;
Impedance : nominal 4,0 ohms
Crossover frequency : 500 Hz; 3000 Hz
Frequency response (in-room environment) : 29-26000 Hz
Drivers :
2,5 cm silk dome tweeter,
1x 15.2cm (6") ER paper cone mid range driver
2x 23cm (9") ER paper cone bass drivers
Phase-linear crossover with extra thick copper PCB and high-grade coreless copper coils.
Dimensions : 1150H x 301W x 507D mm
Weight : 70 kg each
Shipping weight : 75 kg/106 lbs each
Completely reworked massive binding posts and set of spikes.

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

23/01/2023

HiFi+ ANNUAL AWARDS 2022 - HIGHLY COMMENDED (cost no object)

KARAN ACOUSTIC Master Collection - PHONOa
Price @ RRP NZ$55,995

The latest in the revised pinnacle-product line from electronics experts Karan Acoustics – is the synthesis and expression of Milan Karan’s 30 years as an audio electronics designer.

This is the ideal combination of expertise and modernity; producing products that build upon decades of painstaking testing, but produce sound quality that would be virtually impossible at even the turn of the century, thanks to improved circuit design tools and infinitely improved componentry.

The two-box PHONOa builds on the strengths of previous Karan phono stages, with refinements in every aspect of product design, including new circuit board designs made with new levels of isolation and grounding, sophisticated casework and even special PCB stand-offs and Critical Mass Systems feet to keep resonance to new low levels.

In our test, Alan Sircom felt that “It’s almost surprising how good the Karan Master Collection PHONOa sounds, or – perhaps more accurately – how good your records and your cartridge sound when played through the Master Collection PHONOa.” And said that, “This is like direct-injecting vinyl into your ears, and it’s a captivating experience.” Alan also noted that, “Images are precise, stable and perfectly dimensioned. Dynamic range is in the ‘jump out of your seat’ level when called upon, but subtle and full of texture.” He concluded by declaring the PHONOa to be, “tonally perfect, dynamically unparalleled and producing a soundstage that is only constrained by the record before it and the system afterwards. This is how music should sound through the very best of the best.”

This is like direct-injecting vinyl into your ears, and it’s a captivating{experience.

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

23/01/2023

KARAN ACOUSTICS - Master Collection LINEb Preamplifier
Winner of:
Hi-Fi+ Preamplifier of the Year 2021
SoundStage! Hi-Fi Product of the Year 2021

LINEb Preamp @ RRP NZ$41,995 incl GST
LINEa Preamp @ RRP NZ$59,995 incl GST

Our new amplifiers have once again confirmed their quality, so that our new model LINEb preamplifier from the Master Collection series received the prestigious “Preamplifier of the Year 2021” award from the well-known British magazine hifi +.

The magazine “SoundStage” awarded our new model LINEb preamplifier with title “Product of the Year”, which made us very happy and proud.

Can we also remind you, our top preamplifier, LINEa received award “Preamplifier of the Year 2020” too.

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

23/01/2023

HiI-Fi+ ANNUAL AWARDS 2022 WINNER - POWER AMPLIFIER

KARAN ACOUSTICS - Master Collection POWERa Mono amps.
Power output: 2.1kW into 8Ω, 3.6kW into 4Ω, 6kW into 2Ω
Price @ RRP NZ$150,000/pr incl GST

Karan Acoustics has long made big, powerful and heavy mono power amplifiers, but in the Master Collection POWERa Mono, the company simply eclipses all that has gone before. The specification sheet of the Master Collection POWERa Mono reads like a Who’s Who of the best in amplifier design; Sanken bipolar transistors, treated as completely separate ‘polarity halves’ that have their own independent mains transformer and accompanying power supply.

In other words, two mains cables for each amplifier! Include new levels of reservoir capacitance, a built-in (defeatable) power conditioner and a 2.15kW per channel output, and this is clearly an amplifier that will confidently drive any loudspeaker load without breaking into a sweat. Even the new, more curvaceous chassis and feet are designed to reduce resonance.

In our test, Alan Sircom said, “It’s a scintillating performance, showing you not only what the devices up-stream and down are capable of, but also pointing out just where other amplifiers get it so very wrong” He also felt that, “this is the antidote to all those other amplifiers that push sound at you; initially impressive but ultimately wearing.” Adding that, “in this case” the treble sparkles and the midrange is clear and quicksilver fast.” Also, it “resets your musical and audio levels each time you play a track; you get that ‘fi rst time I heard it’ feeling over and over again.” Alan concluded the review, saying, “the Master Collection POWERa Mono is the best balance of performance in terms of sheer power output and the quality of that power.” and final

This is the antidote to all those other amplifiers that push sound at you; initially impressive but ultimately wearing.

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

06/01/2023

MAGICO SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE TO POPULAR S3 SPEAKERS.

The NEW Magico S3 shatters the boundaries of performance for a speaker in its class.

The knowledge distilled and technological advances gained in
Magico's flagship M9 development have been applied to their new S3 which reaps the rewards of those monumental efforts.

With new state-of-the-art R&D capabilities, Magico set out to redesign the S3 Mk II loudspeaker to achieve audible improvements in every parameter.

With new enclosure, drivers, and coupling system, the S3 accomplishes far more than the initial design brief. The technologies and construction techniques leveraged in the new S3 achieve a purity of sound and measured performance that surpassed our expectations.

The new S3 M-Cast finish will feature a softer more lustrous texture (similar to M-Series black finish)
The new S3 M-Coat will continue as a high gloss painted finish with up to six colour options.

Pricing:
NEW S3 M-Cast @ RRP NZ$86,995/pr
NEW S3 M-Coat @ RRP NZ$99,995/pr

SPECS:
Drivers:
1x 1.1" MB5FP Diamond Coated Beryllium Dome
1x 5" Gen 8 Midrange driver
2x 9" Gen 8 Bass drivers
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Frequency Response:: 24 Hz - 50 kHz
Dimensions: 1120H x 430W x 300D mm
Weight: 101 kg ea

For more detailed information on new S3 see:
https://www.magicoaudio.com/s-series-s3

Welcome to Audio Reference - one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of best-of-class home audio equipment.

04/12/2022

HiFi+ ANNUAL AWARDS 2022
Highly Recommended Mid priced floorstand speakers - Franco Serblin's ACCORDO ESSENCE @ NZ$24,995/pr

"The Accordo Essence is a truly unique proposition. They look stunning, curvaceous and fabulously constructed in real wood".

Franco Serblin (1939–2013) was one of the great Italian speaker designers who devoted his life to making some of the world’s finest speakers, first with Sonus faber and – after he sold that company in 2006 – with the brand that carries his name and his legacy carried on by his son-in-law, Massimiliano.

“The Accordo Essences provide a very alluring sound.” Said Rafael Todes in his review, “Nothing ugly, nothing shrill or out of place, just a sheer aesthetic beauty to the sound. The drive units show how well chosen they are, as there are no ‘sonic leaps’ between them, just one long mellow continuum of sound. The bass is articulate, clear and powerful and goes down surprisingly deep for a speaker with a narrowish baffle.” He felt that, “The Accordo Essence is a truly unique proposition. They look stunning, curvaceous and fabulously constructed in real wood that is guaranteed to assuage the most anti-audio partners!”, and “They seem to extract the best from a piece of music without being overly analytical, and they appeal to the true music lover who just wants to enjoy their music.” .... reviewed in Issue 203.

Accordo Essences link see:
https://www.francoserblin.it/en/projects/a