Marantz PM 6006

EISA AWARD Best Product 2016-2017

European Stereo System: 

Marantz PM6006 (and CD6006)

 The PM6006 is an upgraded successor of the multi-award-winning PM6005. We've retained the pre-amp and power-amp sections that exclusively feature discrete components - not a single IC in sight of the signal path. The PM6006 is upgraded for peak current at the amplifier stage, which makes it possible to refine the sound for you in much more detail.

You can connect this superb integrated amplifier directly to a vast range of digital sources and use its superior 24bit/192kHz high current CS4398 DAC to create an unbelievably high level of audio enjoyment with new media. The unit now includes 2 optical and 1 coaxial digital inputs (an additional optical input from the predecessor, PM6005), and the complete digital section is fully shielded by an extra metal housing to ensure that the digital stage has no effect on the analog signal.

All of the original features—such as five-line audio input including phono, two-pairs of gold-plated speaker connections with the convenience of bi-wiring, and a remote handset—are all still there. The lower impedance shielded Toroidal transformer, as well as customized components and unique Marantz HDAM modules care for powerful, dynamic and detailed original Marantz sound. In short, the new PM6006 is a new star with excellent genes.

Specofications:

Power Output (RMS):

45 W at 8 Ω

 60 W at 4 Ω

Frequency Response:  10 Hz - 70 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0.08 %

Damping Factor        :  100

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  MM 83 dB

Input Sensitivity        : 

Phono MM :  2.2 mV / 47 k Ω

High Level :  200 mV / 20 k Ω

Signal to Noise Ratio        High Level 102dB (2V input)

Power Consumption:  395 W

Standby Consumption:  0.3 W

Dimensions (W x D x H):  17.3" x 14.6" x 4.1"

Weight:  17.2 lbs

Marantz CD 6006

EISA AWARD Best Product 2016-2017

European Stereo System: 

MARANTZ CD6006 (and PM6006)

 The CD6006 is a fine-tuned version with even more specially selected components and new layout circuit compared to its CD6005 predecessor. We also added more rigid feet to further eliminate vibration. The oversized power supply feeds the digital and analog circuitry of the player, where the high-quality CS4398 DAC converts digital signals to analog, this is then 'pushed' to the gold-plated synch outputs by Marantz's own small signal amplifier, the HDAM-SA2.

The CD6006 is a match made in heaven for the music lover who wants nothing but the best performance at an attractive price, and it is also perfect for lovers of portable music, thanks to its iPod-digital connectivity. The CD6006 also features a newly developed, complex headphone amplifier with Headphone amp gain setting for a wider range of headphones. In addition, we have included a new remote that also controls the PM6006 amp.

Specifications:

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20 kHz

Dynamic Range:  100 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  110 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0.002%

Channel Separation:  98 dB

D/A Conversion        :  Multi-bit, Delta-Sigma

DAC IC:  CS4398

Digital Filter:  CS4398

Noise Shaper:  CS4398

Low Pass Filter stage:  HDAM

Output Buffer:  HDAM SA2

Headphone amp:  HDAM-SA2+Buffer

Power Consumption:  32 W

Standby Consumption:  0.3 W

Dimensions (W x D x H):  17.3" x 13.5" x 4.1"

Weight: 14.3 lbs

Bowers & Wilkins 802 D3

EISA AWARD Best Product 2016-2017

European High-End Loudspeaker:  

BOWERS & WILKINS 802 D3

  If you’re looking for stunning realism without the studio-sized footprint, the 802 D3 is the answer. It’s slim proportions make it a comfortable fit for both domestic spaces and recording environments. At home or in the studio, it will reveal depth and detail in music you never knew existed.

The 802 D3 delivers pristine, high-performance sound in any environment. Its Diamond tweeter partners with a Continuum cone to ensure revealing natural sound that will leave you speechless.

Continuum cone

The Continuum cone delivers pristine midrange performance by effectively negating the break-up behaviour that can adversely effect this all-important part of the spectrum.

Plinth

The innovative plinth provides an incredibly solid base for the 800 Series Diamond. The spikes are ideally positioned below the cabinet, and ingenious engineering allows you to switch between castors and spikes with ease.

Solid body tweeter

The Diamond dome tweeter is housed in a solid piece of aluminium. This mechanically inert structure provides an incredibly rigid platform from which the tweeter can deliver crystal clear sound.

Matrix

Bracing is essential in keeping a speaker stable, so the character of instruments comes through cleanly. Developed using computer modelling and constructed from wood ply with metal reinforcement, Matrix offers the ultimate in bracing.

Technical Features: 

Diamond tweeter

Continuum cone FST™

Anti-Resonance plug

Turbine head

Aerofoil cone bass units

Flowport™

Optimised matrix

Solid body tweeter

System Description:  3-way vented-box system

Drive units: 

1x ø25mm (1") diamond dome high-frequency

1x ø150mm (6") Continuum cone FST™ midrange

2x ø200mm (8") Aerofoil cone bass units

Frequency Range:  14 Hz to 35 kHz

Frequency Response:  17 Hz to 28 kHz (±3 dB from reference axis)

Sensitivity:  90 dB (on axis at 2.83Vrms)

Harmonic Distortion:  2nd and 3rd harmonics (90 dB, 1m on axis)

Less than 1 % 80Hz - 20kHz

Less than 0.3% 100Hz - 20kHz

Nominal Impedance:  8Ω (minimum 3 Ω)

Recommended Amplifier Power:  50 W - 500 W into 8Ω on unclipped programme

Max. Recommended Cable Impedance:   0.1 Ω

Dimensions (H xW x D):  1212 x 390 x 583 mm (47.7" x 15.4" x 23")

Net weight:  94,5 kg (208 lb)

Finishes Cabinet:   Real wood veneers,  Rosenut  , Painted finish, Gloss Black, Satin White    

Grille:  Black or Grey

Elac Debut F6

EISA AWARD Best Product 2016-2017

European Loudspeaker

ELAC DEBUT F6

 The Debut F6 loudspeaker combines the advanced drivers of the B6 bookshelf in a floorstanding 3-way, bass-reflex design that takes Debut performance to the limit. With sound that rivals speakers costing many times more, the F6 shows that quality components and superior engineering are a winning combination every time. Combine a pair of F6 with a Debut powered subwoofer for a truly stunning two-channel audio system.

Custom-Designed Drivers with Aramid-Fiber Cones

Aramid fiber is employed in the woofers of all ELAC Debut passive speaker systems. Aramid fiber offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and improved damping characteristics over conventional paper or plastic drivers. This added strength means arriving at designs that achieve a broader bandwidth with smoother response.

Silk-Dome Tweeter with Deep-Spheroid Custom Waveguide

The waveguide surrounding the new ELAC high-frequency driver features a custom, deep spheroid profile to improve directivity control and shield the dome tweeter from cabinet diffraction modes inherent in traditional box enclosures.

Intricate Cossover

A custom multi-element crossover with high-grade components in each speaker ensures smooth transition between the drivers.

Robust Cabinets

Every ELAC enclosure is engineered for the long run with thick MDF outer walls and a luxurious textured vinyl finish. The cabinet of the F6 incorporates specially designed internal bracing to add stiffness and strength to the cabinet’s outer walls. This bracing greatly reduces cabinet vibration, which causes unwanted coloration to the sound. ELAC believes that the only parts of a speaker that should be moving are the speaker drivers themselves.

Superior Build Quality

Count the parts and look at them closely. These don’t look like the components that go in such competitively priced speakers, but rather, speakers that cost much more.

Specifications

Speaker Type:  3-way, bass reflex

Tweeter:  1 x 1" cloth dome

Midrange:  1 x 6.5" woven aramid-fiber cone

Woofer:  2 x 6.5" woven aramid-fiber cone

Crossover Frequency:  100 / 3,000 Hz

Frequency Response:  39 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity:  87 dB at 2.83 v/1m

Recommended Amplifier Power:  30 to 150 wpc

Nominal/Peak Power Handling:  80 / 150 wpc

Nominal Impedance:  6  Ω; minimum 5.4 Ω

Binding Posts:  5-way metal

Magnetic Shielding:  No

Cabinet Finishes:  Black brushed vinyl

Accessories Included:  Removable fabric grille

Dimensions (H x W x D):  1092 x 216 x 254 mm (43" x 8,5" x 10")

Net weight (each):   21.2 kg (46.7 lb)

EISA 2012-2013 Audiolab M-DAC

European D/AConventer 2012 - 2013:  Audiolab M-DAC

 The new age of USB computer audio has rekindled the flame of the outboard D/A converter (DAC). Among this new breed of USB DACs few are as simple to implement or as versatile in use as Audiolab’s fabulous little M-DAC. It works directly with virtually all PCs and Macs without special USB drivers while its bold display shows a wealth of information about the incoming music data. An onboard volume control lets the M-DAC do the job of a preamp just as the choice of seven digital filters allows fine-tuning of its sound. And what a sound – powerful, insightful and delicate, it cuts to the heart of the music while remaining faithful to its soul. This is a very high performance product that’s perfect for both the computer audio novice and seasoned enthusiast alike.

Specification

Model:  M-DAC

General description:  Digital-to-analogue converter

DAC:  ESS Sabre32 9018 chip

Resolution:  32 bits

Maximum Sampling Frequency:  84.672MHz

Digital input:  2 x 24-bit/192kHz coaxial ,2 x 24-bit/96kHz Toslink optical, 1 x 24-bit/96kHz USB

Digital output:  1 x coaxial, 1x Toslink optical

Output voltage:  RCA: 2.25V RMS,XLR: 4.5V RMS

Total Harmonic Distortion:  RCA: <0 .002=".002" p="p" xlr:="xlr:">

Frequency response:  20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)

Dynamic range:  RCA: >115dB;XLR: >122dB

Crosstalk:  RCA: <-120dB;  XLR: <-130dB

Power requirements:  220--230V /100-120V (50 ~ 60Hz)

Dimensions (H x W x D):  59 x 250 x252mm

Colour:   Black, Silver

EISA 2012-2013 Cambridge Audio Azur 851C - 851A

European Two-ChannelSystem 2012 - 2013: Cambridge Audio Azur 851C - 851A

 When is a CD player more than a CD player? When it’s designed to be an outboard D/A converter complete with integral CD drive. This is Cambridge Audio’s Azur 851C, its best player to date and one that combines its most sophisticated DAC design with USB and legacy digital audio inputs. The partnering 851A amplifier is just as slick, employing the latest version of the company’s proprietary Class XD technology to comfortably exceed its 120W specification. So while the 851C DAC/player brings a quiet composure to the party, the 851A is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a muscular amp that grips the speakers and serves up tight, powerful and extended bass. In the 851C and 851A you’re getting cutting-edge technology for substantially less than high-end prices. Add the best speakers you can afford and this two-channel system will deliver a taste of hi-fi heaven.

 

 Detailed Specifications 851A

Power Output:  120W RMS into 8 Ω/ 200W RMS into 4 Ω

THD (unweighted):  < 0.001% 1 kHz at 80% of rated power; < 0.01% 20 Hz - 20 kHz at 80% of rated power

Audio Inputs:  2 sets of balanced XLR, 8 further RCA inputs

Audio Outputs:  Preamp output, Record output

Frequency Response:  10 Hz - 50 kHz  ±1 dB

S/N Ratio (ref 1W/8 Ω):  > 93 dB

Input Impedances

Inputs 1 and 2 (balanced):  20 kΩ

Inputs 1-7 (unbalanced):  20 kΩ

Rec Input:  20 kΩ

Power Amp Damping Factor:  > 110 at 1 kHz

Max. Power Consumption:  800 W

Minimum Power Consumption:  70 W Active (no signal)

Standby Power Consumption:   <0 .5w=".5w" p="p">

Controls:  Shelving type

Max bass boost/cut  ±10 dB at 10 Hz

Max treble boost/cut ±7.5 dB at 20 kHz

Dimensions (H x W x D):  115 x 430 x 385 mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 15.2”)

Weight:  15.0 kg (33 lbs)

Detailed Specifications 851 C

D/A Converter:  Dual Analog Devices AD1955 24 bit DACs

Digital Filter:

Analog Devices Black Fin ADSP-BF532 32 bit DSP performing 2nd;

Generation ATF2 up-sampling to 24-bit/384 kHz;

Linear Phase, Minimum phase or Steep modes.

Analogue Filter:  2 Pole Fully Differential Linear Phase Bessel filter

Digital Input 1:  S/PDIF 75 Ω or Toslink optical

Digital Input 2:  S/PDIF 75 Ω or Toslink optical

AES/EBU Input:  XLR balanced 110 Ω per phase

USB Audio Input:  USB Type B conforming to Audio profile 1.0 or USB Audio profile 2.0 (user 1.0 or USB Audio profile 2.0 (user selectable)

Analogue Audio Outputs:  Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue audio outputs

Compatibility:

USB 1.0 16-24 bit, 32-96 kHz;

USB 2.0 16-24 bit, 32-192 kHz;

Toslink 16-24 bit, 32-96 kHz;

S/PDIF and AES/EBU 16-24 bits 32-192 kHz;

CD playback is intrinsically limited to 16-bits 44.1 kHz

Standby Power Consumption:  <0 .5=".5" p="p" w="w">

Dimensions (H x W x D):  115 x 430 x 360 mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 14.7”)

Weight:   10kg (22lbs)

EISA 2012-2013 Dali Epicon 8

European High-EndAudio 2012 - 2013: Dali Epicon 8

 Danish loudspeaker brand DALI is no stranger to the high-end and this latest addition to the EPICON range is appropriately ‘epic’. The statuesque EPICON 8 stands 1.26m tall and features a dedicated wood-fibre coned midrange driver sited above a novel hybrid tweeter module and augmented by two bass drivers. Key innovations include the use of a non-conductive powder material in the magnet system, called soft magnetic compound (SMC), claimed to reduce distortion over a wide dynamic range. The EPICON 8’s enclosure is formed of six layers of MDF and is finished in a choice of gloss black and real wood veneers. Its sound is equally impressive, at once bold and intimate, its broad soundstage peppered with musical detail, filling the largest of rooms with ease.

 

Speaker Type:  Front

Frequency Range:   35 - 30.000 Hz ±3 dB

Sensitivity (2,83 V/1 m):  89 dB

Nominal Impedance:  4 Ω

Maximum SPL:  112 dB

Recommended Amplifier Power:  50 - 500 W

Crossover Frequency:  550 / 3.100 / 15.000 Hz

High Frequency Drivers:

1 x 10 x 55 mm Ribbon;

1 x 29 mm Soft Textile Dome

Midrange Driver:  1 x 6½ Wood Fibre Cone

Low Frequency Driver:  2 x 8 Wood Fibre Cone

Enclosure Type:  Bass Reflex

Bass Reflex Tuning Frequency:  28,0 Hz

Connection Inputs:  Bi-amping (active crossover) and Bi Wire

Magnetic Shielding:  No

Recommended Placement:  Floor

Recommended Distance From Wall:  >35 cm

Max. Dimensions Incl. Base And Grille (HxWxD):  1262 x 353 x 497 mm

Dimensions, Cabinaet  Body (HxWxD):  1225 x 264 x 485 mm

Weight:  47,5 kg

EISA 2012-2013 Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

European Turntable2012 -2013:  Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

 Despite its name, the Debut is not Pro-Ject’s first turntable but one of a series that has formed the backbone of this hugely successful brand. In its latest guise, the Debut includes a one-piece chassis, available in seven gloss finishes, with a belt-driven alloy platter. The motor benefits from an improved suspension but the most distinctive feature of this deck is its new carbon-fibre tonearm, derived from Pro-Ject’s popular 9cc model. The sound of this turntable combination is as mature as the design itself, with a dynamic, foot-tapping quality reminiscent of far costlier models. Voices are also portrayed with an insightful clarity and weight. If you are curious about the vinyl revival, then Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon is the ideal place to start spinning those LPs.

 

Specifications

Speed:  33 and 45 (manual change)

Drive System:  Belt drive

Platter:  300 mm metal with felt mat

Mains Bearing:  Stainless steel

Wow and Flutter:  ±0,10%

Speed Drift:  ±0,80%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  -68 dB

Tonearm:  8,6" Carbon

Effective Arm Length:  218,5 mm

Effective Arm Mass:  6,0 g

Overhang:  18,5 mm

Tracking Force:  10 - 30 mN

Power:  110-120 or 230-240 Volt 50/60 Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D):  415 x 118 x 320 mm

Weight:  5,6 kg

EISA 2012-2013 KEF LS 50

European Loudspeaker2012 - 2013:  KEF LS50

 To casual viewers the LS50 will look like a minimalist, single-driver loudspeaker but in reality it’s more sophisticated. In fact, this single driver is one of KEF’s famous two-way Uni-Q units with its tweeter mounted at the acoustic centre of the mid/woofer. This latest iteration, coloured rose gold, features a cone formed of a special magnesium/aluminium alloy and benefits from a longer ‘throw’ to improve bass performance. The cabinet is not only beautifully finished but is sturdily constructed with constrained layer damping between its walls, internal cross-brace and front baffle. As promised, the LS50 delivers a remarkably big sound with vivid imaging and a tremendous bass weight that belies its compact dimensions. Shut your eyes and you’ll believe you are listening to a far bigger loudspeaker.

Specifications

Type:  Two-way bass reflex

Drive Units:  Uni-Q Driver Array

HF : 25 mm (1") vented aluminium dome

MF : 130 mm (5¼") magnesium/aluminium alloy

Frequency Range (-6 dB):  47 Hz - 45 kHz

Frequency Response (±3 dB):  79 Hz - 28 kHz

Crossover Frequency:  2,2 kHz

Amplifier Requirements:  25 - 100 W

Sensitivity (2,83 V/1 m):  85 dB

Harmonic Distortion (2an & 3rd harmonics):

Max. Output:  106 dB

Nominal Impedance:  8Ω (min. 3,2 Ω)

Dimension (H x W x D):  302 x 200 x 278 mm

Weight:  7,2 kg

Finish:  High gloss piano black cabinet

EISA 2012-213 Dynaudio Xeo

European WirelessHi-Fi 2012 - 2013: Dynaudio Xeo

 Hi-fi without cables? If this is your domestic dream then Dynaudio has the solution with its Xeo wireless audio system. If Wi-Fi is traditionally associated with lo-fi then Xeo looks to set a higher standard with its bespoke transmitter capable of streaming music, up to 16-bit/48kHz resolution, to its Xeo 3 standmount and Xeo 5 floorstanding loudspeakers. Both speakers include two 50W amplifiers for their bass and treble drivers while the partnering Xeo transmitter features analogue, USB and Toslink optical digital inputs for compatibility with a wide range of hi-fi sources. Not only does Xeo support multiple sources but it will also stream out to three independent speaker zones, spreading its lively and dynamic sound quality throughout your home.

 Technical Specifications Transmitter

Transmitter signal frequency:  2.4 GHz

Wireless signal resolution / sample rate:  16 bit / 48 kHz

Frequency response:  20 Hz – 22 kHz

Typical input voltage:

RCA : 1 Vrms,

Minijack : 250 mVrms

Input impedance: 

RCA : 11.4 kΩ,

Minijack : 8.2 kΩ

Dimensions (W x H x L):  120 x 32 x 90 mm (4.7 x 1.3 x 3.5 inch)

Weight:  0.148 kg

Power Supply:

Adaptor: 100 – 240 V

Micro USB: 5 V / min. 500 mA

 Technical Specifications Xeo 3

Frequency response:  48 Hz – 22 kHz

Power consumption:  4 – 76 W

Power consumption standby:  0.6 W (network active)

Power rating:  Woofer: 50 W, Tweeter: 50 W

Dimensions (W x H x L):  170 x 281 x 246/262 mm, (6.7 x 11.1 x 9.7/10.3 inch)

Weight:  6.4 kg

Power supply:  100 – 230 V

Finishes:

White or Black Piano Lacquer

Satin White or Black Lacquer

Technical Specifications Xeo 5

Frequency response:  36 Hz – 22 kHz

Power consumption:  4 – 76 W

Power consumption standby:  0.6 W (network active)

Power rating:  Woofer: 50 W, Tweeter: 50 W

Dimensions (W x H x L):  170 x 922 x 260/275 mm, (6.7 x 36.3 x 10.2/10.8 inch)

Weight:  16.7 kg

Power supply:  100 – 230 V

Finishes:

White or Black Piano Lacquer

Satin White or Black Lacquer

EISA 2012-2013 Pioneer N-50

European StreamingProduct 2012 - 2013:  Pioneer N-50

 Network-enabled hi-fi separates are evolving at a fiercesome pace but Pioneer’s N-50 is sufficiently ahead of the pack that it sets the standard in its class. Its 2.4in colour LCD screen squeezes in a lot of information, including a thumbnail of the album cover and details of the file type and sampling frequency. The N-50 is also a lot heavier than its slim profile suggests thanks to its multiple power supplies and reinforced chassis. But most important of all, its DLNA-compliant Ethernet connection will handle the highest resolution 24-bit/192kHz media with other connections to support legacy digital products, USB audio and external

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapters. Musically, it serves up a soundstage you can walk into – guitars sound slinky and cymbals positively sizzle as the N-50 weaves its digital magic.

Audio Features

192khz 24 bit Bit Asynchronous USB DAC

DAC Only Mode (Coax and Optical)

Advanced Sound RetrieverTM

Sound Retriever Air (For Bluetooth)

Auto Level Control

Hi-Bit 32 Conversion

Gold Connectors

Made for iPod, iPhone Certified with USB connection

Other Features

iPhone or Android Control Application

Bluetooth® Ready (Requires AS-BT200)

Wireless LAN Ready (Requires AS-WL300)

Twin EL Transformers

2.5” Full-Color LCD Display

FM Tuner

Armored Chassis Construction (16 lbs)

High-Quality Remote

2-year Elite Warranty

Audio Formats Supp orted

WAV 192khz 24-bit

FLAC 192khz 24-bit

MP3 320kbps

WMA 320kbps

AAC 320kbps

Ogg Vorbis 320kbps

Product Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.12 x 3.89 x 12.99 inches

Weight:  16.1 lbs

EISA 2012-2013 Sennheiser HD 700

European Hi-FiHeadphone 2012 - 2013:  Sennheiser HD 700

 Sennheiser has been at the forefront of headphone development for decades, experience reflected in the engineering of its new HD 700 model. Instantly recognisable by its elegant and very modern aesthetic, this open circumaural design incorporates a wealth of materials technology. The soft velour ear pads are supported on a silicone-damped headband while the efficiency of the internal drivers is enhanced by its ventilated magnet system. Very comfortable to wear, the HD 700 maintains Sennheiser’s tradition for a tremendously detailed performance, assisted here by its proprietary angled baffles. Moreover, this model’s sound possesses a welcome richness, its naturally warm aspect encouraging long spells of listening.

Specifications

Frequency response:  10-42,000 Hz

Ear coupling:  Around-the-ear

Transducer principle:  Dynamic, open-aire

Nominal Impedance:  150Ωs

Sound Pressure Level:  105 dB (1 kHz, 1 V)

Total Harmonic Distortion:  <0 .03=".03" p="p">

Jack plug:  ¼ inch (6.3mm) straight

Weight:  9.6 ounces (without cable)

Cable length:  9.8 feet

Weight:  15.75 lbs (master carton)