Meridian M80 Entertainment System
Meridian are about to release the successor to the F80 enterainment system, the M80. This comprises of a CD/DVD player, DAB/FM/AM radio, and to complete the system, it comes with the i80 iPod dock. The stylish unit uses a 2.1 digital DSP based stereo system. It has two 3.5mm jack auxiliary inputs (one analogue, one analogue or digital), and one analogue or digital 3.5mm jack output, two assignable antenna sockets, a Mini-DIN aux in for the i80 dock, and S-Video and composite video outputs for connection to a TV. The M80 also has built in alarm/timer functions.
The Meridian M80 will be available in Ivory, Chestnut, and Obsidian finishes. Price will be £1500 and will be available mid September.
ONKYO THX SYSTEM PART 2: 3D!!
It doesn’t seem like 5 minutes ago since I was writing up about Onkyo’s new THX pre/power and Bluray player on these forums. But with the emergence of 3D and the ‘version of HDMI we’re not allowed to mention’, Onkyo had to update. So out goes the old pre/processor and Bluray player, and in comes the new. The PAMC5500 remains the same. We’re not on to 3D audio yet 
The BDPS808 Bluray player adds 3D playback over the old 807.
The 9.2 channel Networking THX Ultra 2 Plus PRSC5508 processor replaces the old 5507, and adds 3D pass through, and a new version of Audyssey’s existing DSX, we’re told.
The matching PAMC5500 9 channel THX Ultra 2 power amp remains the same, and uses Onkyo’s WRAT amplification technology.The 5500 has 220wpc on tap, and should be able to drive pretty much any speaker you care to throw at it.
As mentioned before, the PAMC5500 power amplifier remains the same.
The above photos are of the current PRSC5507 and BDPS807 – new images will be added when we get them. But let’s face it, they’ll look the same! More details will be posted when we have them.
Yamaha RXV1067 / 2067 / 3067 3D AV Receivers
RXV1067 £849
The RXV1067 is a 7 channel receiver capable of 95wpc, with assignable amplification for biamping. All the usual decoding capabilities of today’s receivers are present and there are no less than 8 HDMI inputs, and 2 outputs. The HDMI’s are 1.4a, CEC compatible (with Audio Return Channel), which can also be selected between even when the receiver is in standby. Instead of the usual 4 Scene choices on most Yamaha receivers, the 1067 gives even more with 12 Scene choices, all with variable parameters.
You have access to thousands of internet radio stations via it’s DNLA 1.5v certified internet connection, which also allows Receiver Management. Streaming of WAV/MP3/WMA/AAC/and FLAC 96/24 files is also possible, as well as Web Browser Control via PC or PDA. A front mounted USB port allows MP3 connection, and the 1067 is fully compatible with iPods and iPhones via it’s new optional YDS12 iPod dock. Wireless connction is also available via the optional YIDW10. The YBA10 also allows Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility.
There are 17 Cinema DSP programmes, Compressed Music Enhancer for compressed files, and also a Virtual Presence Speaker for using 3D DSP programmes without extra front speakers. Yamaha’s YPAO room EQ with multi-point measurement is present, as always.
A full 7.1 multi-channel input is provided, as well as a full set of 7.2 pre-outputs.
RXV2067 £1099
Like the RXV1067, the RXV2067 is also a 7 channel receiver capable of 130wpc, with assignable amplification for biamping, and is built around an H shaped cross member frame for added rigidity. It also uses a symmetrical power amplifier layout, as well as a new heat sink with anti-vibration and anti-thermal properties.
The video side adds an HQV ‘VDH1900′ video chip for SD and HD video, with variable parameters and 6 preset memories for ease of use. The Burr Brown DACs are built on Pre Ground circuitry.
A second remote control is provided with the 2067 for easy multi-zone control, and the main 2067 remote also adds a display. A third zone is catered for over the 2 zones of the RXV1067. An enhanced version of Yamaha’s YPAO room equalisation also gives the RXV2067 a bunk up over the RXV1067.
Again, a full 7.1 multi-channel input is provided, as well as a full set of 7.2 pre-outputs.
RXV3067 £1499
The RXV3067 is also a 7 channel receiver which boosts the power output considerably over it’s little brothers to 200wpc, and is built around an H shaped cross member frame with double bottom construction for added rigidity.
The RXV3067 adds the use of an extra high capacity block capacitor. It’s Burr Brown DSD1796 DAC’s use their own Pure Gound circuit.
The RXV3067 adds the capability of 4 zones, controllable via the supplied second remote control.
A full 7.1 multi-channel input is provided, as well as a full set of 7.2 pre-outputs. With an external power amplifier, the amount of channels can be expanded to 11.2.
All three AV receivers will be launched during September/October. Photos will be added when I can get them off my PDF’s, as my laptop won’t read them!
Monitor Audio Bronze BX – On Demo
The whole range benefits from new C-CAM bass/midrange drivers, which sport an improved voice coil design and more agile motor assembly.
New crossovers have been used with new PCB layouts using shorter signal paths.
HiVE II reflex ports are also used throughout the range, which were originally designed for their Platinum series.
All drivers are single bolted through to the back of the cabinet, bringing their construction in line with the rest of Monitor Audio’s hi-fi speaker ranges.
Performance is supposed to much closer to the old Silver series rather than the current Bronze series.
Magnetic grilles clean up the look of the new Bronze range, which consists of:
Quad Elite Series
Quad are releasing a new ‘Elite’ series for 2010. Building on the strengths of the 99 series, the Elite series has received updated internal components, higher specification transformers, multi-layer circuit boards, cast allot casework, along with the most advanced software. The new range consists of the following:
ELITE CDS
A CD player using 24/96 Crystal DACs. Remote controlled.
ELITE CDP
The CDS with a built in digital pre-amp, with 3 optical and 3 coaxial digital inputs. Remote controlled.
ELITE PRE-AMP
Dedicated pre-amp with 3 audio inputs, 1 tape loop, and 1 MM/MC phono input. Remote controlled.
ELITE STEREO
Stereo power amplifier capable of 90wpc continuous into 8ohms, and 120wpc into 4ohms.
ELITE MONO
Monoblock power amplifier capable of 150w into 8ohms, and 220w into 4ohms.
ELITE FM
FM tuner. Don’t ask me why.
3D TV NOW ON DEMO IN STORE!!
We are pleased to announce that Frank harvey Hi-Fi now have 3D TV on demonstration in store!
We have the Panasonic TXP50VT20 50″ plasma on demo with the DMPBDT300 3D Bluray player in our ground floor Bose room along with the new Bose Unify Lifetsyle V25 and V35 systems.
Initial impressions are positive. We can’t imagine plasmas getting any better as far as quality is concerned, whether 2D or 3D. The supplied 3D disc produces some stunning images, and certain parts are so lifelike you can almost feel the textures.
Feel free to pop in and have a look for yourself away from the usual big electrical stores where TV’s will be fed by split links – experience the best from one of the finest plasma TV’s currently available, fed directly from the Bluray player.
Photos to follow.
Marantz AV7005 / MM7055 AV Pre/Power
Later this year, Marantz will be releasing a new AV pre/power. The AV7005 and MM7055 will be a visual cross between the current AV8003/MM8003 and their Premium product range, with their nifty little circular front panel display.
The AV7005 will have 6 HDMI inputs, with 2 HDMI outputs, all ready for 3D. It will include full HD audio processing with Pro-Logic IIz, and have Audyssey MultiEQ XT with Audyssey DSX room EQ processing. It will be fully DNLA 1.5 compliant, and incorporate an internet radio, with full suppoer for vTuner and Napster. It will also have a full 7.2 XLR output. It’ll even include a phono stage!
Price will be a very reasonable £1699.
The MM7055 5 channel power amplifier which can be connected to the AV7005 via XLR. It is 140w per channel. It will have a power meter display on the front, presumably in their Premium style.
Price will be £1099.
An MM7025 2 channel power amplifier will be available to add to the above to make the system 7 channel.
Price will be £729.
All will be available October 2010.
