Magnepan adds to speaker line
Recently added to its line of two-way Magneplanar speakers is Magnepan's MG-I. Its midrange/ bass radiating area is 500 square inches, the tweeter radiating area 85 square inches. Although minimum recommended power is 40 to 80 watts (16 to 19 dBW), the MG-I is said to be capable of handling up to 200 watts (23 dBW). Frequency response is rated at ±4 dB from 50 Hz to 16 kHz, impedance at 5 ohms at any frequency. The MG-I comes in an oak frame and is priced at $495 per pair. Also new is the MG-III, priced at $895 per pair.
Denon cartridge from American Audioport
Denon phono cartridges are for the first time available to the U.S. retail market, through American Audioport. The DL-103s, a moving-coil cartridge, has a modified Shibata stylus and is designed for high compliance and low tracking force. Typical frequency response is said to exceed 20 Hz to 45 kHz. Output is rated at 0.3 millivolt (for a 1-kHz groove velocity of 5 centimeters per second) into 40 ohms and channel separation at better than 25 dB at 1 kHz. The price is $180.
A domesticated power amp from BGW
The new Model 410 amplifier from BGW, intended for home rather than professional use, produces power rated at 200 watts (23 dBW) per side into an impedance of 8 ohms. Front-panel averaging output indicators consisting of ten-element LED displays are provided for left and right channels. Other features include a three-position (-20,-10, 0 dB) indicator-sensitivity switch, gain switches, and sophisticated protection circuitry for the speaker and the amplifier itself. Frequency response is rated 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0,-0.2 dB, with no more than 0.05% total harmonic distortion at any power level. The Model 410 costs $699.
Russound's new switching and patching center The SP-1 is a stereo control center designed to cope with multiple noise-reduction systems, graphic equalizers, and other signal-processing de vices. It plugs into a stereo system's tape-monitor in/out jacks; its own tape-jack array will handle up to four decks. Dubs can be made with or without noise reduction, equalization, or other out-boarded signal processing. The SP-1, with twelve patch cords and a 22-page booklet on patching techniques, retails for $149.95.
Garrard turntable features Delglide system
The Model GT-35 turntable incorporates Garrard's proprietary Delglide (named for its use of the self-lubricating plastic, Delrin 500), a system that controls all automatic functions and is said to be extremely smooth and precise in operation. The belt-driven GT-35 can be used in multiple or single-play format and is powered by a servo-controlled DC motor. It comes with its own lightweight tone arm and has an LED stroboscope and pitch controls. The turntable, in a rosewood base, costs $199.95.
"State-of-the-art" pickup from Micro-Acoustics
Micro-Acoustics' new top cartridge, the 530-mp, is designed for use in state-of-the-art systems. Its Micro-Point diamond stylus is an analogue thus, according to the company, has exceptional tracing and transient capabilities. The cartridge uses a direct-coupled electret transducing system with a built-in microcircuit.
Supplied with each unit is a graph showing its frequency-response curve. Rated response is 5 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 1 1/4 dB, with a tracking force range from 0.7 to 1.4 grams. The 530-mp sells for $200.
New paragraphic equalizer
Audio and Design Recording's Model E-950 equalizer combines parametric and graphic equalizer functions in one 19-inch rack-mount unit.
The system may be used as a 12-section mono or two 6-section stereo equalizers. The slide faders offer ± 14 dB of equalization. A knob beneath each fader permits its center frequency to be varied over a four octave range. Individual bandwidths are adjustable for a "Q" between 0.6 and 8.0. The equalizer features balanced inputs and outputs and will handle levels in excess of + 24 dBm. It costs $1,190.
Philips' two-way speaker
Model AH-475 is the third dynamic speaker from Philips High Fidelity Laboratories. This two-way model has a 1-inch dome tweeter and an 8-inch woofer. The speaker, with an 8-ohm rated impedance, is said to handle 40 watts (16 dBW) and has a rated frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz. The baffle panel is finished so that it may be used with or without the grille. The AH-475 comes in a walnut-grain vinyl enclosure and sells for less than $110.
New amp/preamp combination
Professional Systems Engineering is now marketing a matching preamp and power amp, designated Studio One and Studio Two, respectively. The preamp, a multiple-stage phono model of discrete Class A design, contains a switchable shelving equalizer. Total harmonic distortion is claimed to be 0.01% whether the equalizer is switched in or out. The Studio Two power amp is rated at 19 dBW (80 watts) with less than 0.04% THD into an 8-ohm load from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. It has dual power transformers and is an all-balanced discrete design. Each model can be rack-mounted and costs $495.
Transcriptors has new importer
R. Allen Waech & Associates is importing and distributing the Transcriptors Skeleton turntable. The recently improved turntable is housed in a glass enclosure and comes with the Transcriptors Vestigial tone arm.
Distance from the stylus to vertical pivot is only 1% inches, and the main arm moves only horizontally. Antiskating adjustment, while obtainable, is not advised. According to the company, wow is less than 0.05% and flutter is un-measurably low. Maximum tracking error is rated at 2.0 degrees. The Skeleton turntable, with tone arm, enclosure, and lid, costs approximately $400.
Nakamichi offers budget condenser mike.
Among the new mikes in the Nakamichi line is the CM-100, a lower-cost version of the company's successful CM-300. Since it can use all of the latter's capsules, the supplied cardioid capsule can be replaced at will by omnidirectional or supercardioid accessory elements. The CM-100 is said to have slightly less dynamic range than the CM-300 and is powered by a standard penlight cell instead of its predecessor's mercury battery. Besides this mike, which is priced at $70, other additions are the CM-700 condenser studio mike, the CM-50 miniature condenser with lavaliere clip, and the DM-500, a dynamic model.
Sonic Research markets Pixoff
A new record-cleaning system that doesn't use liquid or chemical additives is being introduced by Sonic Research. Pixoff, as the product is called, uses a roller that has removable layers of a specially formulated tape. The adhesive is strong and flexible enough to remove dirt deep in the grooves of a record as well as surface dust and dirt, but it will not cling to vinyl, according to Sonic Research. The price of Pixoff is $17.50; tape refills are available for $3.00.
GE's food for power-hungry portables
The General Electric line of rechargeable batteries for consumer applications includes a size for 9-volt applications as well as AA, C, and D sizes. These nickel-cadmium cells, which are rated to withstand up to 1,000 cycles of charging and discharging, are said to offer a consider able saving in cost over an equivalent number of conventional cells de spite the initially higher expense. A kit containing a 9-volt cell, charger, and charger module is available for $15.47. Similar systems using pairs of AA, C, and D cells are priced slightly lower.
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(High Fidelity, Oct. 1977)
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