Alpha Design Labs has just announced a dramatic price cut on its excellent H118 headphones. They are available now at the CANADA HiFi Shop for just $199 (down from the original price of $290). This is your chance to elevate your personal listening experience to a new level and a great introduction to Alpha Design Labs’ range of hifi products. Check out the product page for more details here and pick up your pair today! http://canadahifi.com/product/alpha-design-labs-adl-h118-headphones/
Bryston has just revealed four new additions to its popular line of BIT (Bryston Isolation Transformer) power conditioner products. Like the existing models, each new unit is designed as a complete power isolation unit that protects your equipment, while smoothing out the current running through your home theatre and home audio system.
The existing BIT 5, BIT 15 and BIT 20 models are now being joined by the:
A rack-mount version of each new model will also be available.
For more info, head over to www.bryston.com
With each passing year, consumer technology marches on, providing end users with higher resolutions (UltraHD/4K for TVs, lossless audio for music), faster Internet connections (Google [US] and Beanfield Metroconnect [Toronto, Canada] fibre-optic network), smarter cars (self-parking, active cruise control and safety systems, and real-time traffic-integrated GPS) and larger smartphones (along with the declining use of voice calls in certain demographics).
While most of these advances are evolutions on existing devices and methodologies with which we connect, interact, and go about our everyday lives, 2015 is poised to become the year where many entirely new devices, products, and services reach the mass marketplace. These products, which have previously been inaccessible due to their steep price or limited availability, have matured sufficiently to spawn consumer-oriented versions. These products include 3D printers, virtual and augmented reality, home automation, and a plethora of devices that rely on the Bluetooth v4.0 Low Energy wireless protocol.
Starting with something incredibly neat and tangible, 3D printers now cost about as much as a mid-tier laptop, making them accessible to many users. At Toronto’s central Reference Library, 3D printers and scanners are available for use at a lowly cost of $0.05/minute of printing (the average project takes 30 minutes to print and each user is limited to a maximum of 120 minutes). The Reference Library also runs classes to teach drafting skills, allowing anyone to learn how to draw and create their 3D projects. 3D printers are being used to print everything from biological tissue to custom-fit replacement prosthetics and new 3D printing consumables, previously limited to plastics and resins are being joined by materials such as wood fiber, magnetic, conductive, and even edible 3D printing materials (a chocolate 3D printer was shown off by Hershey at CES 2015). 3D printing is opening up incredible opportunities for new industrial designs and solutions that have been previously limited by the inability to mould various materials, as well allowing the creation of custom-fitted one-of-a-kind products for every consumer. A Stanford University professor is working on a large-enough 3D printing system that would pour concrete in precise molds, allowing the printing of buildings!
For consumers, one of the most affordable 3D printers, the Peachy Printer (www.peachyprinter.com), is homegrown, based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, successfully raised $651,091 CAD on Kickstarter, and retails for only $100 CAD. It uses a precise nozzle to drip resin to form your 3D structure, which is then solidified with a laser. Another more sophisticated Toronto, ON-based 3D printer manufacturer is called Poieo3D (www.poieo3d.com), currently accepting pre-orders for its $649 ($150 off the retail price) 3D printer which should be shipping this April. For those with excellent hand-eye coordination, 3Doodler (www.the3doodler.com) has a 3D-printing pen which melts plastic and allows the holder to literally draw directly in 3D space. Their second generation pen has various backer levels on Kickstarter and starts at only $50 USD for the pen and 25 rods of plastic resin. It is akin to using a glue gun but their specialized plastic resin immediately cools and hardens upon exiting the heated nozzle, freezing in the freeform state that the pen holder has directed the pen. From this low price, more expensive 3D printers get larger (allowing them to print larger projects), more precise (finer print resolution, measured in microns), faster (less time to print), and are able to use multiple materials simultaneously (such as different colours or different printing materials simultaneously).
Axiom’s latest product - High Power Computer Speakers- is out of the lab and ready for production. Based on the company’s popular bookshelf speakers, these full-range 75-watts-per-channel speakers are bigger, badder and more powerful than almost any computer speaker on the market today. This new series consists of three models - the M1 v4, M2 v4 and M3 v4.
If you’re used to common computer speakers (or the speakers in your monitor), prepare to be blown away! These speakers have up to 1400% more output. That means you’ll hear music and movies louder, cleaner and with more dynamics than ever before. Gamer? You won’t believe all the high-definition sounds you’ve been missing.
If you have a standard laptop or desktop computer, chances are you have a generic sound card that’s seated next to the power supply and other noisy electrical elements. These components can transmit sound that creates low-level distortion in your speakers. The Axiom High Power Computer Speakers feature a fully integrated DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) which connects to your speakers via USB. The result is pure, clean, distortion-free sound that you can turn up…and up…and up.
Prefer to run music from your Pono Player or smartphone? No problem - the control panel on the master speaker also features a 3.5mm mini stereo jack, so you can connect quickly and easily.
Take advantage of Axiom’s pre-order special!
Order today and you not only get the very first production run, you save 30%! Pre-orders end March 31st; speakers begin shipping in May. Click here for complete details and to place your pre-order.
We are pleased to now offer the ELAC Line 400 loudspeakers for purchase at the CANADA HiFi Shop. This sophisticated German-made speaker series offers extraordinary sound guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning listeners housed in gorgeous, meticulously finished cabinets - available in Gloss Walnut Wood, Gloss Black and Gloss White options. Perfect for both 2-channel and home theatre applications, the full line consists of four models: the BS 403 bookshelf, the FS 407 and FS 409 floor-standers, and the CC 400 centre channel. Each of the models features the highly acclaimed JET 5 ribbon tweeter designed for outstanding high frequency reproduction. A matching subwoofer called the SUB 2070 completes the range.
SPECIAL PROMO: Receive a free “TAVES Limited Edition” Kimber Kable interconnect with any purchase $300 and up (your choice of 0.5m or 1m). Orders over $1,000 receive two of these “TAVES Limited Edition” Kimber Kable interconnects. Explore the growing range of audio products today at www.canadahifi.com/shop. 
exaSound Audio Design has just unveiled a brand new e12 stereo digital–to–analog converter. Based on ESS Technology’s premium ES9018S SABRE32 Reference integrated digital–to–analog converter (DAC), the e12 is a stylish, small form factor component formulated to address the explosion of file–based high resolution audio playback in the home. The 8 channel, 32 bit ES9018 is configured in the e12 as a stereo converter, with four internal DAC channels per left/right side. By utilizing the channels in a parallel topology, conversion monotonicity is improved and noise is reduced.
The e12 was created to natively support DSD64 (1x), DSD128 (2x) and DSD256 (4x), along with a maximum PCM sampling rate of 384 kHz at 32 bits. Native support for DXD master files at 352.8 kHz or 8 times the Compact Disc standard, is also included. Though able to handle all contemporary high resolution formats, exceptional results are also obtained when the e12 is used with “Red Book,” CD–quality files.
As with all products in the exaSound family, the e12 is designed for modern, computer playback applications. These apps strive for high fidelity by automatically commanding a DAC to switch sample rate based on each song’s individual data, insuring “bit–perfect” exacting playback for any audio file. The native high sampling rate support also accommodates software up–sampling to 384 kHz or DSD256, for a more euphonious presentation.
Custom ASIO drivers, developed in–house for highest performance, offer complete control of the e12 from Windows or Mac OS. New software features in the driver include auto–power down, and a maximum volume limiter. The limiter allows the e12 to directly drive a power amplifier while protecting loudspeakers from damaging overloads.
A total of seven linear power conditioning stages insure that noise does not compromise transparency, while a tightly controlled, 0.13 ps master clock and triple oscillators architecture minimizes time–smearing jitter artifacts. Further noise immunity is provided by galvanic isolation between the proprietary asynchronous USB ZeroJitter™ Interface and the downstream audio conversion circuitry, eliminating ground loops while blocking interference generated by computer connections.
Company president George Klissarov and his design team fought to maintain the same great sound of their acclaimed e22 within a smaller and more affordable design. “By eliminating the display and simplifying the I/O, we have created a new product that can easily stand alongside our champion,” Klissarov said. “We retained all the essential aspects of the e12’s big brother, while significantly reducing the cost of superior and convenient music playback in your home.”
The e12 is available now for US$1999, directly from exaSound’s web site and from select dealers.
Apple has just revealed the company’s long awaited smartwatch called the Apple Watch. Apple says that the smartwatch features revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface, along with a beautiful design. The Apple Watch introduces a specially designed and engineered Digital Crown that provides an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate. The Digital Crown is Apple’s most revolutionary navigation tool since the iPod Click Wheel and iPhone Multi-Touch. The Apple Watch will enable you to communicate in new ways right from your wrist by sending and receiving messages, answering calls to your iPhone, and with Digital Touch, sending something as personal as your own heartbeat. The Watch also introduces comprehensive health and fitness apps that can help people lead healthier lives. It is available in three distinct collections—Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.
Apple Watch introduces a revolutionary design and iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. Apple Watch features the Digital Crown, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly, without obstructing the display. The Digital Crown also serves as the Home button and a convenient way to access Siri. The Retina display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access controls within apps. Apple Watch introduces the Taptic Engine and a built-in speaker that together discreetly enable an entirely new vocabulary of alerts and notifications you can both hear and feel. Apple custom-designed its own S1 SiP (System in Package) to miniaturize an entire computer architecture onto a single chip. Apple Watch also features Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 4.0 to pair seamlessly with your iPhone.
Apple Watch comes in three distinct collections—Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition—available in two different sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. The beautifully designed and durable enclosures are crafted from custom alloys of polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodized aluminum and 18-karat rose or yellow gold. Apple also created an entire range of watch straps: the high-performance elastomer Sport Band; the Milanese Loop in a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh; the Leather Loop in soft, quilted leather that conceals magnets for quick fastening and adjustment; the leather Modern Buckle, which closes with a solid metal clasp; the leather Classic Buckle; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet. Apple Watch comes with a unique charging system that combines Apple’s MagSafe technology with inductive charging for a quick connection that snaps into place.
Apple Watch is an extremely accurate timepiece that’s also customizable for personal expression. Apple Watch comes with 11 watch faces ranging from traditional analog faces to new faces like the dynamic Timelapse face; the Astronomy face with its interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon and planets; and the Solar face, a contemporary sundial. Apple Watch can be personalized in appearance and capability with additional information such as upcoming events, moonphases or your activity level, enabling millions of possible configurations.
Taking advantage of its location on your wrist, Apple Watch provides timely information that can be viewed at a glance. Smart Replies and dictation let you respond quickly to messages, and with Handoff, you can start a message on your Apple Watch and continue where you left off on your iPhone. Swipe up from the watch face for Glances that quickly show you information you care about, such as your current location, stocks or your next meeting. Pressing the side button brings up Friends, a view of your favorite people, so you can contact them quickly and easily. Digital Touch allows you to send a sketch, a gentle tap, an audio message through Walkie Talkie or even your own heartbeat. Apple Watch lets you interact quickly and conveniently with the world around you, so you can pay for coffee using Apple Pay,* board a plane with a Passbook boarding pass, control your Apple TV or get directions.
Apple Watch includes a groundbreaking Activity app designed to help motivate you to be more active throughout the day, and an all-new Workout app designed to provide the metrics you need during dedicated workout sessions. Apple Watch uses the accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from your iPhone to provide a comprehensive picture of your daily activity. The Activity app measures three separate aspects of movement: calories burned, brisk activity and how often you stand up during the day. The Workout app provides goal-setting and pacing during popular session-based workouts, such as running and cycling. The companion Fitness app on iPhone collects your activity data so you can see your activity history in greater detail. Apple Watch uses this history to suggest personal, realistic goals, reward fitness milestones and keep you motivated.
Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349 (US). Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.
* Apple Pay is only available in the US.
Smartwatch maker Cogito is demonstrating once again that not all smartwatches are created equally. The Cogito Classic and Cogito POP are smartwatches that combine the refinement of a classic timepiece with the cutting edge of today’s technology - and now also include an innovative Activity feature.
At their core these smartwatches allow you to streamline and sort important alerts (freeing you from constantly checking your phone), display callers and information on a classic watch face, answer or mute calls. They are also water-resistant up to 10 ATM.
And now they help wearers develop healthy and life-changing habits through the monitoring of daily activity. With the easy-to-use Activity Monitor, users gain the ability to track their steps, track distance walked or run, track total calories (including calories expended while resting), track activity level (rest, light activity, very active) and receive inactivity reminders to remind them to move!
Plus, they can do this without the hassle of constantly carrying their phone. Perfect for every day hassle-free activity monitoring and keeping up-to-date with what’s going on at the office while at the beach, out to lunch, or taking a break from that phone.
The Cogito watches are priced from $129.95 - $179.95. For more info, please check out www.cogitowatch.com
Just a reminder to all of our readers, that we’ll be giving away a Sonos Blue Note PLAY:1 Limited Edition Speaker, to celebrate the launch of this brand new speaker! To put your name in the draw, simply join the monthly CANADA HiFi / TAVES Newsletter at www.canadahifi.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter.
The Blue Note PLAY:1 is Sonos’ first-ever limited edition speaker, designed to pay tribute to jazz legends, their art, and a record label founded on creating a timeless experience with music that captures the energy and emotion of a live performance. Crafted with a custom colour developed through hand-painting techniques and strategic use of robots, the speaker’s finish features a vertical fade from dark navy to cerulean blue, reflecting the deep bass to the richly detailed highs and lows that people know and love about the PLAY:1.
The Blue Note PLAY:1 comes with the Blue Note on Sonos radio station built into the main menu in the Sonos app, powered by TuneIn. Enjoy a year of Blue Note programming with three curated channels within the station:
You can enjoy the Born in Blue and Blue Note 101 channels on your Sonos at home today and also on your other devices via TuneIn.
The Blue Note PLAY:1 is available now exclusively on Sonos.com for $280 CAD. The production of this speaker is limited to 4,100 units.
To qualify for this giveaway please sign up for the CANADA HiFi / TAVES Newsletter at http://canadahifi.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/. This giveaway is valid until March 19th and open to all Canadian residents (with the exception of Quebec). A winner will be announced a few days after March 19th.
Bryston has just announced that it has become the international distributor for Target Audio Products who manufactures high quality loudspeaker stands. It’s no secret that bookshelf speakers perform best when paired with high quality, robust speaker stands.
In 1981, Target pioneered the concept of high mass, high rigidity stands. Weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kg) per stand, today’s Target products are manufactured completely in North America and represent the finest quality, best sounding stands available for loudspeakers of all price categories. Each stand is constructed of hot-rolled steel and is finished in a rugged yet attractive powdercoat ensuring years of durability.
Like Bryston, Target manufactures top-quality products based on the science of sound without dubious claims of uncertain merit. Both brands are based in Ontario, Canada which ensures a streamlined quality control and distribution strategy
Target offers 4 lines of increasingly robust stands each available in heights ranging from 20 inches to 28 inches designed for compatibility with virtually all shelf and stand-mount loudspeakers.
For more info, please visit www.bryston.com
