Desktop High End and Combi-Receivers

It’s not too much of a stretch to predict that portable media players like the iPod are also inspiring a new generation of miniature high end. Still to be determined is whether this “desktopâ€? trend might represent a devaluation of what “audiophile qualityâ€? means. One thing is certain–TAS will continue to weigh in on this subject.

To that end, Kharma International (as high end as they come) is expanding the Matrix line of electronics by adding the Matrix preamp ($5000) a single-ended Class A unit that joins its MP150 switching monoblocks ($7800). Remote-control-equipped, the preamp includes four inputs, one balanced and three single-ended. Yet to come are a CD player, phonostage, and stereo amp. No dock or USB? Hopefully, soon.

Meanwhile, Arcam unwrapped two new entries in its successful Solo lineup, the Solo Mini ($999) a 25Wpc stereo CD-receiver with a front-panel interface for connecting personal music players via Arcam’s rDock or rLead. For cinephiles there was the Solo Movie 2.1 ($2499) a 50Wpc DVD-receiver–a two-channel version, natch, of the Solo 5.1.

 

Setting the desktop miniature/modular standard is the new Box Series from Austrian turntable maker Pro-Ject. The Box Series includes a Pre Box, Amp Box (30Wpc stereo or 35W mono flavors), and a Phono Box. Later this year, look for the Dock, Switch, DAC, and Tuner Boxes. Each will be priced in the $300–$400 range.

 

Everyone was abuzz about NAD’s budget BEE line. At its Hard Rock hotel suite NAD debuted the C 315BEE integrated stereo amplifier ($349) and C 515BEE CD player ($299). With 40Wpc of “honest� NAD output and short signal paths, the new 315BEE calls to mind the legendary 3020 of yesteryear. Partnered with the 515BEE, which boasts 24-bit/192kHz DACs, NAD may well be the place to BEE for budget-conscious audiophiles in ’08. Prior to entering the NAD suite I thought I’d crashed the wrong party when I saw the large posters for the new DVD/CD receivers, the VISO FIVE for surround and VISO TWO for two-channel ($1799 and $1299, respectively).

The curvaceous wrap-around front panel is a marked departure for NAD. On the video side both feature an HDMI video output, upscaling to 720p or 1080i, and a vivid on-screen display. There’s plenty of video connectivity, and a subwoofer output as well. An XM-ready input allows an XM satellite module to be easily connected for XM Radio reception, and a rear-panel data port accepts NAD’s optional new IPD-1 dock for connecting an iPod. NAD’s upscale Masters Series is joined by the M4 tuner ($1299), an AM/FM with XM-ready connectivity and a full complement of IR sensors and 12V triggers.

 

In a class all by itself is the Aura Note CD-receiver ($1850). Designed by noted British industrial designer Kenneth Grange, the Note is defiantly retro with chrome surfaces and a slide-away glass cover for the top-loading CD mechanism. However, don’t be fooled by the “Austin Powers meets Mission Impossible� styling. The Aura Note is a thoroughly modern machine sporting dual USB inputs for streaming audio from a PC or for recording sources directly to a memory stick. Power output is 50Wpc and it comes with a remote control.

 

YBA Design has largely been off the radar in the States in recent years but that could be about to change with the YS-201 Music Center ($4000 estimated). Like a Swiss Army knife, it’s easier to ask what it doesn’t do than try to list the things it does. Perhaps the most ambitious convergenceiver yet, it combines a 50Wpc MOSFET output amplifier section with a DVD/CD player, tuner, 500-gig music server, and a 1080p scaler with GUI via HDMI output. It can gather all music metadata via Ethernet and USB. Due this summer.

Next: Super Separates and Ascendant Integrated Amplification

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