Posted by: Chris Martens at 3:03 pm, September 13th, 2011

This is Part 1 of a four-part report on High-Performance Audio at CEDIA 2011, which highlights new products from: AKG, Anthem, Atlantic Technology, AudioQuest, Audio Research Corporation, Bryston, Canton, Cambridge Audio and Cary Audio.

Part 2 covers new products from: Definitive Technology, Focal, GoldenEar Technology, Harman/Kardon, Integra, JBL Synthesis, KEF, Klipsch, Labgruppen, and Lexicon. CLICK HERE to read Part 2.

Part 3 covers new products from: Linn, Mark Levinson, MartinLogan, Monitor Audio, NAD, Onkyo, Paradigm, and Paradigm Shift. CLICK HERE to read Part 3.

Part 4 covers new products from: Pioneer, Polk Audio, Pro-Ject, PSB, Rotel, Soundmatters, TAD (Technical Audio Devices), Totem Acoustic, Wadia Digital, Wharfedale, Wisdom Audio, and Yamaha. CLICK HERE to read Part 4.

Also check out David-Birch Jones’ mostly video-oriented CEDIA 2011—Highlights, which highlights new products and technologies from Sony, JVC, Pioneer Elite, THX/LG, Panasonic Business Solutions, Sim2, Screen Innovations, Epson, Runco, and Lexicon. CLICK HERE to read CEDIA 2011—Highlights.
 

High Performance Audio, CEDIA 2011—Part 1

AKG

www.akg.com

While not emphasizing new models at CEDIA, Harman’s AKG division focused its display on the firm’s Quincy Jones-endorsed range of headphones, including a specially styled Quincy Jones Signature K701 full-size over-the-ear headphone, and a range of smaller Jones-endorsed ‘phones, including at least one in-ear model.

Apparently, Jones’ favorite color is a distinctive lime green, which AKG calls “Quincy Green,” which figures prominently in the Jones models.

Anthem

www.anthemav.com

For the Canadian electronics manufacturer Anthem, the biggest news at CEDIA involved the unveiling of an all-new Statement-series monoblock power amplifier, known as the Statement M1 (estimated MSRP, $3500/each). The amp puts out a staggering 1000 watts per channel at 8 0hms, 2000 watts per channel at 4 Ohms, and greater than 2000 watts per channel at 2 Ohms, “depending on line voltage regulation.” Despite is terrific power output limits, the M1, which is based on Anthem’s own proprietary class D circuit topology, is only one rack space high, and is said to run very quietly without requiring the use of cooling fans. What is more, Anthem claims that the M1 offers sound quality as good as if not better than the firm’s famous class A/B linear amplifier designs, while further stating, “the M1 annihilates the perception that class D amplifiers aren’t suitable for hi-end systems.”

As accompanying photos will show, the M1 is very compact, features beautiful and well-organized internal component layout, and uses proven, passive “heat pipe’ technologies to enhance cooling capabilities. Anthem emphasizes that in the M1 (unlike some competing class D amplifier designs), frequency response is “load independent.” According to Anthem, “the difference in response between a 2-Ohm load and an open circuit is an astounding 0.1 dB,” while “between 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms there is no change in frequency response at all!” We’re looking forward to hearing the M1 in action.

Atlantic Technology

www.atlantictechnology.com

Self-powered soundbar-type speakers, per se, are nothing new, but soundbars that claim to deliver near full-range bass extension without a subwoofer (or bizarre EQ schemes) are, which is precisely what makes Atlantic’s new PowerBar 235 so special. The PowerBar 235 is the latest Atlantic product to feature the firm’s signature H-PAS enclosure technology, which was jointly developed by Atlantic and Solus/Clements loudspeakers. In terms of basic configuration, the 235 is a two channel soundbar with a built-in digital amplifier and DSP-driven surround sound decoder.