Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Oppo officially announces BDP-93 Blu-ray player, shows off full specs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/oppo-officially-anounces-bdp-93-blu-ray-player-shows-off-full-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/oppo-officially-anounces-bdp-93-blu-ray-player-shows-off-full-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/oppo-officially-anounces-bdp-93-blu-ray-player-shows-off-full-s/#comments It hasn't been long since Oppo's well-received BDP-83 made its debut, but now it's gone, and the company has fleshed out details on the successor to the throne, the BDP-93. say hello to another universal player, now updated with Blu-ray 3D and streaming access to Netflix and Blockbuster over WiFi N. There's two HDMI 1.4a outputs in case your receiver isn't 3D passthrough ready, an eSATA port for playback from hard drives and two USB ports. Retail price? $499. If this is the player you've been waiting for you're probably already on the list, but if not click the source link for a full list of specs on Oppo's site and to register for notification when it goes on sale "soon."

[Thanks, Mike]

Oppo officially announces BDP-93 Blu-ray player, shows off full specs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dbdp-93blockbusterblu-rayblu-ray 3dblu-ray playerBlu-ray3dBlu-rayPlayerDVD AudioDvdAudiohdhdmi 1.4aHdmi1.4anetflixoppoplayersacdstreaminguniversal playerUniversalPlayerwifi nWifiNWed, 10 Nov 2010 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/new-pioneer-elite-g-clef-line-tempts-new-would-be-crop-of-audiop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/new-pioneer-elite-g-clef-line-tempts-new-would-be-crop-of-audiop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/new-pioneer-elite-g-clef-line-tempts-new-would-be-crop-of-audiop/#comments Pioneer has announced its new, suave-looking Elite G-Clef line, consisting of two integrated stereo amplifiers dubbed the SX-A6MK2 ($700) and SX-A9MK2 ($1,600), along with a pair of CD/SACD players, the PD-D9MK2-K ($1,500) and PD-D6MK2-K ($700). Despite retailing above the brand's new lower-priced receivers also bearing the Elite moniker, the inclusion 192kHz / 24-Bit Burr Brown and Wolfson D / A converters along with twin Mono Symmetrical construction in the amplifiers still positions the G-Clef components as a good value. That's intriguing considering features like SACD playback, Honeycomb Chassis design, Toroidal Transformers, and recreating digitally lost ultra-high harmonics are normally only the things notoriously picky, price-ignoring audiophiles drool over. So we can only surmise Pioneer is trying to breed an entirely new generation of future High-Fi addicts using the G-Clef line as shiny new lure, before iPods packed with 128kbps AAC files become the new sound dungeon the general population will never escape, let alone even notice.

Continue reading New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles

New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifieraudioBurr BrownBurrBrownCD PlayersDigital Audio ConvertersDigitalAudioConvertershdhigh fidelityHighFidelityhome audioHomeAudioIntegrated Stereo AmplifiersIntegratedStereoAmplifiersPD-D6MK2-KPD-D9MK2-KPioneer AudioPioneer ElitePioneer Elite G-ClefPioneer PD-D6MK2-KPioneer PD-D9MK2-KPioneer SX-A6MK2Pioneer SX-A9MK2PioneerEliteG-clefPioneerPd-d6mk2-kPioneerSx-a9mk2SACDSACD Playersstereo amplifierStereoAmplifierSX-A6MK2SX-A9MK2WolfsonSat, 07 Aug 2010 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony releases entry level SCD-XE800 SACD player in Japan, 10 years too late]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/sony-releases-entry-level-scd-xe800-sacd-player-in-japan-10-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/sony-releases-entry-level-scd-xe800-sacd-player-in-japan-10-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/sony-releases-entry-level-scd-xe800-sacd-player-in-japan-10-yea/#comments
Many of us at Engadget -- being the audio geeks that we are -- have rooted for SACD to take off as a format ever since its release in 1999. So we're more than happy to see Sony release the entry level priced SCD-XE800 SACD player. We'd being lying though if we didn't admit confusion over Sony's timing of this release, in what seems to be the twilight years of the cherished audiophile format's life. Even more befuddling perhaps is that this device isn't compatible with multi-channel SACD discs, which was one of the most attractive selling points the medium had going for it to begin with. So if this is some strange underhanded way of Sony alerting the world they're resuscitating the format, it looks like it was thought out over several bottles of sake. If we see a press release about a new Beta Max player coming down the pipe soon, we'll know for certain someone at the electronics giant has clearly lost their marbles.

Sony releases entry level SCD-XE800 SACD player in Japan, 10 years too late originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudioAudiophileCDshdHome AudioMusicSACDSCD-XE800SonySony JapanSony SCD-XE800Sony SCD-XE800 SACD PlayerSonyScd-xe800SacdPlayerSuper Audio CD PlayerFri, 16 Jul 2010 22:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Denon's 2010 receivers, Blu-ray players are Control4, streaming & 3D ready]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/denons-2010-receivers-blu-ray-players-are-control4-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/denons-2010-receivers-blu-ray-players-are-control4-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/denons-2010-receivers-blu-ray-players-are-control4-streaming/#comments Right on time, Denon's dropped the details on its hardware for 2010 on us. Taking top honors are two Blu-ray players: the DBP-2011UDCI ($799, August, not pictured) and the DBP-1611UD ($399, June, pictured above) that are touted as "true universal players"; with DVD-Audio and SACD playback out of the box and Blu-ray 3D on the way in a fall firmware update the company's confident they'll play most any 5-inch optical media you may be able to get your hands on. If you're past discs don't worry, Netflix, DLNA and YouTube streaming is also part of the deal.

Those should pair well with any of the slew of receivers due up including the AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July), AVR-891 (SRP: $799, May), AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May), AVR-591 (SRP: $349, May) and the AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July); or the custom install-focused AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June), and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). All of the above bring HDMI 1.4a repeaters for 3D compatibility, onscreen displays through HDMI, and some include web browsers plus music streaming from Pandora or connected PCs. Check the press releases after the break for all the details including a few new headphone models, though we recommend taking it in just a bit at a time -- the threat of overdosing on this much info is high.

Gallery: Denon 2010 receivers, Blu-ray players & headphones

Continue reading Denon's 2010 receivers, Blu-ray players are Control4, streaming & 3D ready

Denon's 2010 receivers, Blu-ray players are Control4, streaming & 3D ready originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010avr-2311ciavr-3311ciavr-391avr-4311ciavr-591avr-791avr-891avr-991blu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dblu-rayp layerBlu-raypLayerdbp-1611uddbp-2011udcidenondlnadvd-audiohdmi 1.4aHdmi1.4anetflixpandorareceiversacduniversalwindows 7Windows7Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's $200 BDP-S470 is company's first 3D-ready Blu-ray player]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/sonys-200-bdp-s470-is-companys-first-3d-ready-blu-ray-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/sonys-200-bdp-s470-is-companys-first-3d-ready-blu-ray-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/sonys-200-bdp-s470-is-companys-first-3d-ready-blu-ray-player/#comments And the flood gates are now officially open. Just hours after Panasonic introduced its newest 3D Blu-ray recorders and players, along comes Sony to brag about its first 3D-ready standalone deck. The BDP-S470, which is slated to ship later this month for $200, arrives with the ability to handle BD, DVD, CD and even SACD, with a 3D Blu-ray upgrade (via firmware update) planned for this summer. You'll also find BD-Live support, BRAVIA Internet Video, a USB socket for playing back media stored elsewhere, 1080p DVD upscaling and TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. If you were planning to snag a BDP-S570 BD player or one of the BDV-E770W / BDV-E570 Blu-ray Disc home theater systems, you'll be elated to know that those systems will also get a gratis 3D update in just a few months, with exact pricing and release details tucked down there in the source. Time to pick up a pair of 3D Gunnar Optiks, don'tcha think?

Sony's $200 BDP-S470 is company's first 3D-ready Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d blu-ray3d blu-ray player3d blu-ray players3dBlu-ray3dBlu-rayPlayer3dBlu-rayPlayersamazonamazon Video On DemandAmazonVideoOnDemandBDP-S470BDP-S570BDV-E570BDV-E770Wblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerdvdGracenoteNetflixpandoras470sacdslackerSonyVideo On DemandVideoOnDemandyoutubeWed, 10 Feb 2010 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Oppo adds a cheaper Blu-ray player to its lineup with the $289 BDP-80]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/oppo-adds-a-second-cheaper-blu-ray-player-option-with-the-289/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/oppo-adds-a-second-cheaper-blu-ray-player-option-with-the-289/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/oppo-adds-a-second-cheaper-blu-ray-player-option-with-the-289/#comments After wisely avoiding being drowned out by the din of CES product launches Oppo has made official its new BDP-80 Blu-ray player. A lower priced version of the existing BDP-83 hardware (a comparison that should be familiar to owners of the company's DV-980H/DV-983H DVD players,) it still features BD-Live compatibility, DVD-Audio and SACD playback but drops the ABT2010 video processor, aluminum faceplate and some of the audio capabilities of its big brother. Other items sliced to get the price down to $289 from $499 are IR in/out, RS-232 control interfaces, and a backlit remote. Assuming one doesn't want to wait for the rebadged $2,500 Lexicon edition, it should be on sale "soon." Universal player fans looking to save a couple of bucks or bring their own video processor to the party can check Oppo's comparison page or the press release after the break.

Continue reading Oppo adds a cheaper Blu-ray player to its lineup with the $289 BDP-80

Oppo adds a cheaper Blu-ray player to its lineup with the $289 BDP-80 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-rBDP-8010blu-rayBlu-ray playersBlu-rayPlayersdvd-audioopposacduniversal playerUniversalPlayerMon, 25 Jan 2010 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[McIntosh sneaks MVP881BR universal BD player into its lineup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/#commentsMcIntosh MVP881BR universal player You didn't really think that McIntosh would let its sister company, Denon, court all the well-heeled Blu-ray shoppers, did you? The company that has long stuck by blue lighting has added the MVP881BR universal Blu-ray player (Blu-ray, SACD, DVD-A, DVD and CD) to its lineup; a perfect match for the company's Blu-ray ready MX150AV controller. As you'd expect from McIntosh, the specs are top-notch without being tech-laden, with Profile 2.0, onboard lossless decoding, analog outputs and 32-bit DACs making the cut. No word on bitstreaming support, but we'd be shocked if the McIntosh unit went missing a checkmark that the Denon flagship deck hits -- in fact, given the engineering that was poured into the Denon, we'd be surprised if the McIntosh wasn't a variation (including chiclet buttons) on the DVD-A1UDCI. No pricing info, but if you make it past the McIntosh velvet rope, money's not a problem.

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McIntosh sneaks MVP881BR universal BD player into its lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerbluraycddvd-advd-audiohdmcintoshmvp881brotherssacduniversal blu-ray playerUniversalBlu-rayPlayerThu, 20 Aug 2009 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo keeps the SACD fires burning ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/#commentsOnkyo C-S5VL SACD player, A-5VL integrated amplifier
Sure, Blu-ray has its Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA formats to satisfy the audiophiles, but Onkyo has apparently decided that there are still enough US audiophiles to warrant the release of gear previously labeled "Japan-only." With Wolfson DACs and a thermally regulated data clock circuit (you know, to tame those nasty jitters), the $599 C-S5VL SACD deck is ready to tackle your small but irreplaceable library of discs. Pair it up with the $699 A-5VL integrated amp and transport yourself back to a time when you didn't worry about specs -- 40-Watts across two channels, Burr-Brown DACs, and a low-noise preamplifier section should make for a killer small room/office system; and if you're anything close to mainstream, a small room or office is exactly where music listening has been pushed to. Grab the "sweet spot" chair and indulge!

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Onkyo keeps the SACD fires burning originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-5vlamericaaudioc-s5vlhdintegrated ampintegrated amplifierIntegratedAmpIntegratedAmplifieronkyoonkyo a-5vlonkyo c-s5vlOnkyoA-5vlOnkyoC-s5vlother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareothersreceiverssacdusMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[OPPO's long-awaited BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player now shipping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/#comments
It's been a long (long!) time coming, but we're thrilled to finally be able to say that OPPO's multifaceted BDP-83 is shipping en masse to those willing to part with five bills (or $500, for those working without conversion tables). During our time with the player, we were duly impressed with most every aspect, and if you're still on the hunt for a Blu-ray player that can spin DVD-Audio and SACD on the side, you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than this. So, who's taking the plunge?

[Via High-Def Digest]

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OPPO's long-awaited BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDblu rayblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerbluraydvd-advd-audiohdnow shippingNowShippingOppoother formatsotherformatsotherssacdshipshippingshipsuniversal blu-ray playerUniversalBlu-rayPlayerTue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[OPPO's long-awaited BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player now shipping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/07/oppos-long-awaited-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/#comments
It's been a long (long!) time coming, but we're thrilled to finally be able to say that OPPO's multifaceted BDP-83 is shipping en masse to those willing to part with five bills (or $500, for those working without conversion tables). During our time with the player, we were duly impressed with most every aspect, and if you're still on the hunt for a Blu-ray player that can spin DVD-Audio and SACD on the side, you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than this. So, who's taking the plunge?

[Via High-Def Digest]

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OPPO's long-awaited BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerdvd-advd-audionow shippingNowShippingOpposacdshipshippingshipsuniversal blu-ray playerUniversalBlu-rayPlayerTue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Oppo BDP-83 pre-orders now open for all (in North America)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/oppo-bdp-83-pre-orders-now-open-for-all-in-north-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/oppo-bdp-83-pre-orders-now-open-for-all-in-north-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/oppo-bdp-83-pre-orders-now-open-for-all-in-north-america/#comments
Weren't on the invited pre-order list for the Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player? Our tipster Mike gave us the heads up that those not on the initial list can now go ahead and lay down $499 to pre-order one of the universal players, expected to ship sometime between July 1 - 3. All you have to do is check out our hands on or the comments from some previous owners to see why this fast loading, SACD & DVD-Audio playing box is so highly regarded already.

[Thanks, Mike]

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Oppo BDP-83 pre-orders now open for all (in North America) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdp-83bdp83blu rayblu-raybluraydvd-audiohdoppootherssacduniversal playerUniversalPlayerTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Marantz UD9004 SACD / Blu-ray player combo priced & dated]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/marantz-ud9004-sacd-blu-ray-player-combo-priced-and-dated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/marantz-ud9004-sacd-blu-ray-player-combo-priced-and-dated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/marantz-ud9004-sacd-blu-ray-player-combo-priced-and-dated/#comments
Finally, here's a peek at the Marantz UD9004 Blu-ray / SACD player announced a couple of months ago. Besides posing for the cameras, it has a release date and price now available, due in Japan next month at a cool 577,500 yen ($5,894 U.S.) As mentioned, all that doesn't buy DVD-Audio support, but 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta chipset, BD-Live, and RS-232 are present and accounted for those with the requisite taste and pocketbooks.

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Marantz UD9004 SACD / Blu-ray player combo priced & dated originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-liveblu rayblu-rayblurayhdmarantzrealtars-232sacdud9004Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/#commentsEmpire Suite of the Carlyle HotelWhile our typical hotel coverage involves HDTVs and/or special programming, we'll make an exception for the Marantz/DALI audio setup getting dropped into the Empire Suite of Manhattan's Carlyle hotel. We won't make any guesses about what the rack rate is for the duplex suite in the swank hotel, but it's got to be cheaper than the audio system, which combines four MA-9S2 mono amps, an SC-7S2 preamp and SA-7S1 SACD deck from Marantz's Reference lineup with a pair of DALI MEGALINE III speakers. All told, that's about $47,000 of Marantz gear and another cool $60,000 for the speakers, all to deliver good old two-channel. Might we suggest staying in and ordering room service?

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Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifierdalihdhotelMA-9S2manhattanmarantzmegaline iiiMegalineIiinew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityother hardwareotherhardwareotherspreampSA-7S1sacdSC-7S2speakersFri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo outs audio-centric components in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/onkyo-outs-audio-centric-components-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/onkyo-outs-audio-centric-components-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/onkyo-outs-audio-centric-components-in-japan/#commentsOnkyo HTX-11X HTIB system
Onkyo just loves to make new product announcements in batches, and the latest press volley is no exception. Planned for release next month in Japan are the 2.1-channel HTX-11X system, CR-D2LTD CD mini-system with matched D-112EXLTD bookshelf speakers, A-5VL Class D integrated amplifier, and C-S5VL thin SACD deck. Even if the model names don't exactly roll off the tongue, the machine translations tell you most of what you need to know. Here's a quick rundown: the HTX-11X matches up the stereo pair of bookshelf speakers with the amplifier buried in the subwoofer cabinet to the tune of 35-Watts to the sub itself and 17-Watts across each of the 5 remaining taps; if you're putting together something for your executive office, the CR-D2LTD mini-system paired up with the D-112EXLTD speakers will handle your CDs and FM radio; and audiophiles looking to roll their own might find something to like in the 80-mm thin C-S5VL SACD deck and 40-Watt A-5VL Class D integrated amplifier. If you're planning on doing some shopping in Akihabara soon, go past the break for pretty pics and hit the links for the full details.

Read - HTX-11X HTIB system
Read - CR-D2LTD mini-system, D-112EXLTD speakers
Read - A-5VL integrated amplifier, C-S5VL SACD player

Continue reading Onkyo outs audio-centric components in Japan

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Onkyo outs audio-centric components in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-5vlaudioc-s5vlcr-d2ltdd-112exltdhdhtibhtx-11xintegrated amplifierIntegratedAmplifierjapanminisystemonkyoother hardwareotherhardwareothersreceiverssacdspeakersTue, 26 May 2009 19:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Oppo BDP-83 completes second round of testing, pre-order invites going out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/oppo-bdp-83-completes-second-round-of-testing-pre-order-invites/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/oppo-bdp-83-completes-second-round-of-testing-pre-order-invites/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/oppo-bdp-83-completes-second-round-of-testing-pre-order-invites/#comments
On the list for the Oppo BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player? With responses from the second round of beta testers showing over 90% approving of release to the general public, our tipster reports those invited to pre-order should already have their emails giving an opportunity to complete their $499 purchase and get one shipped home later this month. While we double check our spam filters just in case, you can check Oppo's site or the accompanying AVS Forum thread for more details on exactly what people love, really love, or are still experiencing glitches with this BD / DVD / SACD and DVD-Audio playing powerhouse.

[Thanks, Jesse]

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Oppo BDP-83 completes second round of testing, pre-order invites going out originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One reason we keep a place in our hearts for high-end audio is that there is still room for a single designer's vision, and this is no more apparent than in components with designer initials etched right into the faceplate. Right in line with NAD's stereo components wearing Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's initials, Marantz has issued the KI (Ken Ishiwata) Pearl stereo SACD player (model SA-KI) and matching integrated amplifier (model PM-KI). As with any signature gear, top-notch build is expected, and the Marantz KI Pearls don't disappoint; toroidal transformers, copper plated chassis and hand-picked components make the grade. Of course, you also expect high prices, and the KI Pearl pieces also deliver on that front -- the limited run of 500 pieces (each) of the SACD player and integrated amp will go for £2,499 ($3,769) each, and no US availability or pricing has been released yet. Painful, yes, but you might take some small comfort in knowing this is exactly the kind of gear that will appreciate in value. Audio geeks can go past the break for more glamor shots.

Continue reading Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved

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Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haven't nabbed one of OPPO's well put together BDP-83 Blu-ray players yet? Those who signed up early and got on the invitation list should be getting their hands on one very soon for $499 with an expected ship date of May 4. Everyone else? Read through our first impressions again (high build quality, fast loads, great audio decoding and easy to use menus) and wait for a wider release.

[Thanks, Dhomas]

Gallery: OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player hands-on

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OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray players shipping to invited customers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're not sure about how well the SACD (Super Audio CD) format is doing in Japan, but if it's anything like it is here in the US, then the iPod input on Pioneer Japan's PDX-Z10 SACD player will be a welcome addition to those audiophiles who actually want a wide selection of content. To be fair, the PDX-Z10 packs a fair bit of audio utility into its sleek chassis, with a 2x50-Watt amp, USB input, and an ethernet port for DLNA access to media stored around your local network. The PDX-Z10 is set for a late May release, but the ¥150,000 ($1500) pricetag is going to relegate this piece of gear to the executive offices. Again, we're not intimately familiar with the Japanese market, but we're scratching our heads over how Pioneer could shutter the Kuro displays, but keep a light on for SACD.

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Pioneer gives its PDX-Z10 SACD player an iPod boost originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We were fortunate enough to get one of OPPO's new universal Blu-ray players (the BDP-83) in for the weekend, and while we were cordially asked to withhold a "full review" due to the beta firmware loaded on, we were allowed to pass along less formal informational pieces. Right from the start, we adored the solid build quality and the simplistic styling. After firing it up and going through the basic setup process (which was very well laid out, might we add), we were presented with an OPPO Blu-ray screen that was just begging for us to insert a movie. And so we did. Follow us past the break for a rundown of our initial impressions.

Continue reading OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player first impressions

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OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player first impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We can definitely see where this is headed. Hot on the heels of Denon's DVD-A1UD and OPPO's BDP-83 comes yet another Blu-ray player that does just a pinch more than handle audio CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. Unveiled as a prototype over in Munich, the Marantz UD9004 is just one format shy (it's lacking DVD-Audio support) of being a complete "universal" Blu-ray player. Said device, which is slated to get official sometime in 2009, is built upon the $6,500 SA-7S1 SACD player (pictured) and features a 10-bit Silicon Optix chipset, 14-bit video DAC, an SD card reader, RS-232 control interface, support for BD-Live and an Ethernet port. Outside of that, details are nonexistent, but we'll definitely be keeping an ear to the ground for more.

[Via Slashgear]

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Marantz unveils high-end UD9004 Blu-ray / SACD player originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We can definitely see where this is headed. Hot on the heels of Denon's DVD-A1UD and OPPO's BDP-83 comes yet another Blu-ray player that does just a pinch more than handle audio CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. Unveiled as a prototype over in Munich, the Marantz UD9004 is just one format shy (it's lacking DVD-Audio support) of being a complete "universal" Blu-ray player. Said device, which is slated to get official sometime in 2009, is built upon the $6,500 SA-7S1 SACD player (pictured) and features a 10-bit Silicon Optix chipset, 14-bit video DAC, an SD card reader, RS-232 control interface, support for BD-Live and an Ethernet port. Outside of that, details are nonexistent, but we'll definitely be keeping an ear to the ground for more.

[Via Slashgear]

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Marantz unveils high-end UD9004 Blu-ray / SACD player originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here she is -- the world's very first universal Blu-ray player. Oh sure, we may have heard of Denon's absurdly expensive DVD-A1UD first, but that bad boy just got delayed for a second time over in Japan. OPPO, on the other hand, has managed to push out a few hundred of these BDP-83 decks to brave beta testers across America, and we were fortunate enough to score one. The player came boxed in what was far and away the most elaborate packaging we'd seen for a BD player -- particularly one that's priced at just $499 for the beta users (an MSRP for production units has yet to be finalized).

All the goods you want are here, including Blu-ray Profile 2.0 support, internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats, SACD playback and the promise of DVD-Audio compatibility in the future. Upon unboxing the unit, we were pleased with the rigid chassis and felt the design was simple yet classy. The remote seemed accommodating enough, and the port selection 'round back was admirable. We're planning to fire it up this weekend to see just how far along this beta firmware is, but 'til then, hit the gallery below to have a look at what's sure to become a favorite amongst well informed home theater aficionados.

Gallery: OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player hands-on

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OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here she is -- the world's very first universal Blu-ray player. Oh sure, we may have heard of Denon's absurdly expensive DVD-A1UD first, but that bad boy just got delayed for a second time over in Japan. OPPO, on the other hand, has managed to push out a few hundred of these BDP-83 decks to brave beta testers across America, and we were fortunate enough to score one. The player came boxed in what was far and away the most elaborate packaging we'd seen for a BD player -- particularly one that's priced at just $499 for the beta users (an MSRP for production units has yet to be finalized).

All the goods you want are here, including Blu-ray Profile 2.0 support, internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats, SACD playback and the promise of DVD-Audio compatibility in the future. Upon unboxing the unit, we were pleased with the rigid chassis and felt the design was simple yet classy. The remote seemed accommodating enough, and the port selection 'round back was admirable. We're planning to fire it up this weekend to see just how far along this beta firmware is, but 'til then, hit the gallery below to have a look at what's sure to become a favorite amongst well informed home theater aficionados.

Gallery: OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player hands-on

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OPPO BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hope you weren't planning on scoring one of Denon's mighty pricey DVD-A1UD universal BD players anytime soon, 'cause it just got delayed. Again. After surfacing to much fanfare late last year, the all-in-one player has since been tangled in setbacks. The latest excuse has something to do with "taking time to optimize the playback," but we're not exactly sure why that testing will take until October to complete. Believe it or not, it will have been 10 full months from announcement to ship date if the new launch window stays put -- meanwhile, OPPO's taking full advantage of the situation here in America with its BDP-83.

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Denon Japan delays DVD-A1UD universal BD player till October originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have you been waiting for Denon's DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player to fill that gaping hole in your equipment rack left when sold your SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray decks on eBay? Be prepared to wait a little longer than expected -- the Japanese launch, originally set for January, has been moved out by a couple of months due to a "delay in the launch of production." That means the February US release is right out, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the European availability slip from its March date either. It looks like sister company Marantz's BD8002 will have to serve D&M Holdings' kilobuck Blu-ray player market for a while longer. Hit the link for the bad news, made worse by machine translation.

[Via Electronista]

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Denon delays Japanese delivery of its DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray deck originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Denon's format-lovin' DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player has already notched prices and release dates for Japan and America, and now those in the UK can start counting their pounds as they await a launch of their own. The beefed-up deck -- which handles Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, SACDs and DVD-Audio discs -- is slated to go on sale this March in the UK for a stiff £3,299 ($4,808), and to-be buyers can go ahead and start thinking about whether they prefer silver or black.

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Denon's DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player gets priced / dated for UK: £3,299 in March originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lookie, lookie -- we just might have a winner on our hands here. While Denon just announced the world's first universal Blu-ray player at $3,800, the highly respected Oppo is looking to trump said offering with a low-cost version of its own. The heretofore elusive BDP-83 has finally been detailed, as consumers who signed up to know more have received an email (posted in full after the break) with oodles of delicious information. For starters, the player will indeed be fully universal -- a Profile 2.0 BD deck with SACD, DVD and DVD-Audio support -- and for SACD playback, it will support DSD over HDMI and DSD-to-analog without any PCM conversion. As of now, the unit is currently undergoing "an extensive and thorough beta test program," and Oppo is considering opening up an "Early Adoption Program" later this month to give a limited number to mere mortals for feedback. Obviously, there's no finalized date for release, but the anticipated price will hover between $499 and $599.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Oppo coughs up BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player details

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Oppo coughs up BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player details originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, there's good news and bad news. The good? Denon's US version of the DVD-A1UD (coined the DVD-A1UDCI) is priced considerably lower than the yen-to-dollar conversion led us to believe. The bad news? It's still $3,800. For those that that missed it, Denon's calling this the world's first universal Blu-ray player, and folks looking for a premiere unit to handle Blu-ray, DVD, SACD and DVD-Audio can satisfy their every desire in February 2009. Better hope that Christmas bonus comes through.

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Denon prices DVD-A1UDCI universal Blu-ray player for US market: $3,800 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay, so Denon wares aren't exactly "cheap," but you can't knock it for trying to innovate. Despite that fact that about eight people on this Earth still care about their beloved SACD / DVD-Audio collections, Denon has developed a Blu-ray player specifically for them. The DVD-A1UD is hailed as the world's first universal BD deck, and it features a black (shown after the break) or silver motif, SD / SDHC card slot, DivX support, HDMI 1.3, 1080p60 / 1080p24 output, internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD, 7.1-channel analog outputs, Denon LINK and all sorts of sophisticated pixel / audio restoration technologies. Better still, users who buy in can look forward to a Profile 2.0 update in the near future. Not surprisingly, the decked-out player will ship in Japan next month for a patently astounding ¥546,000 ($5,860), so you'll probably be stuck dreaming about it unless your ship rolls in.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Denon's DVD-A1UD: world's first universal (SACD / DVD-A) Blu-ray player

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Denon's DVD-A1UD: world's first universal (SACD / DVD-A) Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay, so Denon wares aren't exactly "cheap," but you can't knock it for trying to innovate. Despite that fact that about eight people on this Earth still care about their beloved SACD / DVD-Audio collections, Denon has developed a Blu-ray player specifically for them. The DVD-A1UD is hailed as the world's first universal BD deck, and it features a black (shown after the break) or silver motif, SD / SDHC card slot, DivX support, HDMI 1.3, 1080p60 / 1080p24 output, internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD, 7.1-channel analog outputs, Denon LINK and all sorts of sophisticated pixel / audio restoration technologies. Better still, users who buy in can look forward to a Profile 2.0 update in the near future. Not surprisingly, the decked-out player will ship in Japan next month for a patently astounding ¥546,000 ($5,860), so you'll probably be stuck dreaming about it unless your ship rolls in.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Denon's DVD-A1UD: world's first universal (SACD / DVD-A) Blu-ray player

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Denon's DVD-A1UD: world's first universal (SACD / DVD-A) Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Got a good marketing hook? Great, give it a nice thick slather across some related bits of your consumer electronics and prepare to rake in the cash. With MD and SACD formats not exactly dominating the audio masses, Sony's back with a new format by the name Blu-spec CD. It takes advantage of (you guessed it) Sony's Blu-ray Disc technology to press new high-quality discs while somehow maintaining compatibility with regular ol' red-laser CD players. How? No idea, really -- it's some kind of secret, proprietary Sony magic hidden deep inside of Google's Japanese-to-English language translator. Perhaps an English press release will be issued later in the day. It does seem that Sony will kick out about 60 Blu-spec CD classics (Miles Davis' Kind of Blue for example) in December ranging in prices from ¥2,500 (about $25) to ¥4,200 ($42). Ouch.

[Via Impress]

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Sony turns CDs blue with new Blu-spec CD standard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Got a good marketing hook? Great, give it a nice thick slather across some related bits of your consumer electronics and prepare to rake in the cash. With MD and SACD formats not exactly dominating the audio masses, Sony's back with a new format by the name Blu-spec CD. It takes advantage of (you guessed it) Sony's Blu-ray Disc technology to press new high-quality discs while somehow maintaining compatibility with regular ol' red-laser CD players. How? No idea, really -- it's some kind of secret, proprietary Sony magic hidden deep inside of Google's Japanese-to-English language translator. Perhaps an English press release will be issued later in the day. It does seem that Sony will kick out about 60 Blu-spec CD classics (Miles Davis' Kind of Blue for example) in December ranging in prices from ¥2,500 (about $25) to ¥4,200 ($42). Ouch.

P.S. That weeping CD logo above is our Photoshoppery, not Sony's.

[Via Impress]

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Sony turns CDs blue with new Blu-spec CD standard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman International is comprised of a great many companies, so it's no surprise that it took two CEDIA booths to hold 'em all. We took our trusty camera through the both of 'em to check out the latest from the likes of Infinity, JBL, H/K and Mark Levinson, and we spotted JBL's fresh LS Series, Infinity's wireless subwoofers / Prelude Forty and a $15,000 SACD player from Levinson that made Sony's new $1,500 SCD-XA5400ES look dirt cheap. Have a walk around, the gallery's right down there.

Gallery: Harman International CEDIA 2008 booth tour

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Harman International CEDIA 2008 booth tour originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A $1,500 SACD player? In 2008? Long after the never-very-popular format peaked? Thanks, Sony -- we can only imagine how lopsided the gallery visit-to-purchase ratio will be on this one.

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Sony's high-end SCD-XA5400ES SACD player eyes-on at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A $1,500 SACD player? In 2008? Long after the never-very-popular format peaked? Thanks, Sony -- we can only imagine how lopsided the gallery visit-to-purchase ratio will be on this one.

Gallery: Sony's high-end SCD-XA5400ES SACD player eyes-on at CEDIA

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Sony's high-end SCD-XA5400ES SACD player eyes-on at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We have to admit, that headline makes us a little bit giddy, and Sony seems to be betting there's enough folks giddy enough to throw down their credit card to snag its new high-end SACD player, which has just made its debut in Japan. In addition to making a bold statement of non-conformity in your A/V rack, the SCD-XA5400ES is particularly notable for its inclusion of an HDMI output, which nicely complements the usual digital optical, coax, and analog audio options. According to Sony, you can also expect nearly zero distortion from the twin R-core transformer and D/A system, which is independent from the general processing chipset. What's more, unlike many such product announcements, while this one made its debut in Japan, it's already available for pre-order from at least one US retailer (JR.com), although there's no promised release date just yet (it lands in Japan in October).

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Sony debuts $1,500 SACD player with HDMI output originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We have to admit, that headline makes us a little bit giddy, and Sony seems to be betting there's enough folks giddy enough to throw down their credit card to snag its new high-end SACD player, which has just made its debut in Japan. In addition to making a bold statement of non-conformity in your A/V rack, the SCD-XA5400ES is particularly notable for its inclusion of an HDMI output, which nicely complements the usual digital optical, coax, and analog audio options. According to Sony, you can also expect nearly zero distortion from the twin R-core transformer and D/A system, which is independent from the general processing chipset. What's more, unlike many such product announcements, while this one made its debut in Japan, it's already available for pre-order from at least one US retailer (JR.com), although there's no promised release date just yet (it lands in Japan in October).

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Sony debuts $1,500 SACD player with HDMI output originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdmisacdsacd playSacdPlayscd-xa5400essonyWed, 27 Aug 2008 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Blu-ray audio discs take off, or flounder aimlessly à la DVD-A / SACD?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/08/will-blu-ray-audio-discs-take-off-or-flounder-aimlessly-a-la-dv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/08/will-blu-ray-audio-discs-take-off-or-flounder-aimlessly-a-la-dv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/08/will-blu-ray-audio-discs-take-off-or-flounder-aimlessly-a-la-dv/#comments
For those burned by either DVD-Audio, SACD or HD DVD (or, heaven forbid, any combination of the three), you're probably taking a rather defensive approach to Blu-ray audio. Now that said format is the sole king of high-definition media (in the physical realm, anyway), it's just a matter of time before firms start pushing out full-fledged audio discs while trumpeting the incredulous sound quality. After all, with 50GB of space, you can fit an awful lot of high-resolution audio on there. We've already seen the first BD record released and we already know that Neil Young's entire archive will soon be loosed on the format, but are the puzzle pieces aligned for Blu-ray audio to take off? From our standpoint, we're still hesitant to say yes. With CD players still dominating dashboards and BD drives still a long ways from being commonplace in computers, BD audio is apt to remain a niche good for years to come. Even still, do you think it has what it takes to overcome?

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Will Blu-ray audio discs take off, or flounder aimlessly à la DVD-A / SACD? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioblu rayblu-rayblu-ray audioBlu-rayAudiobluraycddolby truehdDolbyTruehddts-hddts-hd madts-hd master audiodts-hdmaDts-hdMasterAudiodtshddvd-advd-audiohdlpcmmusicsacdTue, 08 Jul 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[McIntosh ships new products to dealers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/10/mcintosh-ships-new-products-to-dealers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/10/mcintosh-ships-new-products-to-dealers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/10/mcintosh-ships-new-products-to-dealers/#commentsMcIntosh logoIf you and your sizable bankroll have been waiting ever so patiently for McIntosh's new gear to arrive at your local dealer, we envy you. Not just because you've got the scratch, but more importantly because your wait is over. McIntosh announced that its fully-balanced, 300-Watt MC2301 mono vacuum tube amp ($11,000) is at your dealer now. Expect a call from your sales rep, lucky dog! While you're at the store, maybe pick up a XCS1K center channel speaker ($17,500). The compliment of two 10-inch woofers, 32 2-inch mids and 20 0.75-inch tweets should be a great way to break in that new amp, right? Finally, McIntosh hasn't forgotten the two-channel enthusiasts out there (whom we suspect make up a sizable chunk of their clientele) -- also "on the shelves" are its 250-Watt MA7000 ($8,000) and 200-Watt MA6600 ($6,000) stereo integrated amplifiers, and the MCD301 SACD player. Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA it's not, but we'd wager a McIntosh setup built around these pieces sounds mighty fine!

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McIntosh ships new products to dealers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Though we're not exactly sure if Marantz will be a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings for much longer, the boutique brand is still planning to strut its stuff at the upcoming Audio Karma Fest in Michigan. Reportedly, the outfit will be showcasing a number of luxurious components from its Reference Series, include the $3,199 SC-11S1 preamplifier, $4,199 SM-11S1 power amplifier, $3,699 SA-11S2 SACD player and the all new $2,599.99 AV8003 Networking AV Preamp / Processor. For those lacking the requisite scratch, the slightly less magnificent SA8001 SACD player ($899.99) and PM7001 integrated amp ($599.99) will also be around. Word has it that all of the items will be demonstrated on Snell loudspeakers, which all in all should deliver a fairly blissful experience.

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Marantz showing off high-end SACD players, amplifiers and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 May 2008 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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