bugstone

Here is the successor to the m903. m920 High Resolution Monitoring System Stereo analog inputs - balanced (+4dBu) XLR and unbalanced (-10dBv) RCA. Ultra low distortion 32-bit /384khz Sabre DAC accepts stereo digital input sources in AES3, S/PDIF, TOSLINK (optical) and USB formats with auto sample rate detection and digital de-emphasis filter User configurable DAC filter response for PCM and DSD playback USB for playback of up to 384kHz / 32 bit PCM as well as DSD64 and DSD128 playback via DoP AES and S/PDIF playback of up to 192kHZ / 24bit PCM as well as DSD64 playback via DoP New dual-stage wide lock range PLL for improved jitter rejection on non s-locked sources Third generation s-Lock™ dual stage PLL (phase lock loop) circuitry for the ultimate in low jitter clocking and sonic integrity Two sets of line level outputs provided via RCA (unbalanced) and ¼ TRS jacks (balanced) for connection to stereo monitors RCA line outputs can be configured for variable or fixed dac output mode for operation as a standalone digital to analog converter Front panel rotary encoder provides precision level control of both headphone and the line output levels. Level adjustments are made in 0.5dB steps within a 95dB range 0.05dB channel level matching to ensure true stereo balance at any monitoring level Large, white 7-segment display is used to show headphone and stereo main output levels New X-feed (crossfeed) simulates the acoustics of a loudspeaker listening environment which can significantly improve imaging while reducing listening fatigue when using headphones. This feature employs carefully designed signal cross-feed, filtering and delay circuits to simulate hrtf (head related transfer functions) High current transimpedance output amplifier design drives 8 ohm loads. The m920 was specifically designed with low impedance headphones in mind Only the highest quality 0.5% metal film resistors are used throughout and there are no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. Sealed gold contact relays are used for all signal switching Infrared remote control for level control, left/right balance, mute and more when using the optional remote control unit Apple IR remote control is supported with optional pairing USB firmware upgradability 5 Year transferable warranty on parts and labor Bugs

Nice to see things are finally getting better in the cell phone audio department. "The audio is wired to a new 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC" Samsung Galaxy S5 Announced | NextPowerUp Bugs

Apple announces iTunes 11: new UI, cloud integration, artist pages — Apple News, Tips and Reviews

Now you can transfer your entire vinyl collection to 384 kHz with this one unit. Rubicon Atomic AD/DA Preamp | Antelope Audio Bugs

It will be a few years before you get pure 192kHz recordings in pop music for one simple reason - most effects plug-ins used in mixing only go up to 96kHz now. Yes, there are some 192, basic effects like eq, compressors, and reverbs now. This is all you need for jazz and classical music. However, for pop music, all types of plug-ins are used. It will be at least three years before the full range of effect plug-ins are available in 192kHz. It makes the computer work a lot harder too. More powerful processors will be needed. Bugs

Neil Young, David Crosby and Tom Petty are in a video promoting better sound quality. I could not find the video itself; but, if anyone does please post the link. http://www.spinner.com/2012/01/24/neil-young-occupy-audio-new-crazy-horse-album/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Spinner+%28Spinner.com%29 Here is a clip of Neil Young talking about poor sound quality to MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677694/sundance-film-festival-neil-young.jhtml Bugs

Here is the third Thunderbolt converter. I heard it and it was tremendous! http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/namm-2012.php Bugs

Ok, here is the second thunderbolt converter. Again, it is oriented to pro audio; however, any audiophile/recording artist may want this. http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-product-alert/690008-ua-apollo-interface.html Bugs

MOTU has put out the first thunderbolt audio/video interface. Though, this is oriented towards pro audio/video, it is the first thunderbolt interface to be involved with ad/da conversion. http://www.motu.com/video-products/hdx-sdi/features/audio-io.html Bugs

Prism Sound is now using Thunderbolt interface with an adapter for it's converters. I think we will see the first true Thunderbolt interfaces at CES and NAMM next month. Here is from the Prism website: "We have successfully tested Orpheus with a Sonnet Thunderbolt to ExpressCard and ExpressCard to Firewire800 adaptor combination with Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2. It passed with flying colours and will allow Prism Sound FireWire interface users to maintain the same software control and functionality they are currently benefiting from through the FireWire 800 and 400 connection." http://www.prismsound.com/music_recording/studio_news.php?story=0259 Bugs

This is a very beautiful one. I heard it one morning and had to call the radio station to find out what it was. http://www.amazon.com/s/189-2358998-4295461?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link_code=qs&field-keywords=raga%20omar%20kyannam%20cd&sourceid=Mozilla-search This is indian music influenced and is about the best music I ever heard. Right up with the Brandenburg Concertos. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link_code=qs&field-keywords=shakti%20natural%20elements&sourceid=Mozilla-search Do yourself a favor and just get both! Bugs

I am not fully sure what the ramifications of this will be; but, it seems positive. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/10/28/apple_lossless_audio_codec_project_becomes_open_source.html Bugs

Sorry for not being more clear. I was referring to the ATC scm 25's not being big enough to fill the 16'x 25' room with full spectrum sound for gvr. I am sure that the scm 50's would fill the room better;but, at $14,750 they are more than twice the price of the sm9's. The scm 25's really are designed to be near fields. Focal did have their own room. All the other monitors I heard (Genelec 8260, ATC scm 25, Unity Audio Boulder, Barefoot mm27's) were on the floor booths. I do realize that my listening tests are not completely objective because of the difference in listening environments; however, I still believe I got a sense of the sonic signature of each speaker. They are all great speakers; but, I am clear on which one is the apple of my eye. Additionally, the Focal sm9's have eq dials in the back so you can tune it to the room. Bugs

I heard the Focal SM9 at AES in New York yesterday. That is the way to go. They were completely fantastic! They were so natural and musical sounding. The low end was superb. The ATC had an amazingly transparent mid range; but, not much bass. They will not fill up a big room in the way you want. Bugs

It looks like Macs might have optical Light Peak interfaces coming next year. http://www.netxt.com/cooperation-between-apple-and-intel-light-peak-fiber-interface-product-early-next-year-listing/ Bugs