Burmester, a German-based manufacturer founded in 1977, by Dieter Burmester, is noted for meticulous craftmanship, innovative designs, and exceptional sound quality. In July of 1977 (7/77) Dieter Burmester built the very first Burmester component, the Burmester 777 preamplifier as a one-off product for his own use as both a music lover and professional musician. Soon after, others wanted 777's for themselves, and Burmester Audiosysteme was born.
Burmester 218 Stereo Amplifier and 909 MK5 Monoblock Amplifiers in Pearl Audio's Reference Room
Klipsch was founded in 1947 Hope, Arkansas which is where their high-end Klipsch Heritage loudspeakers are still manufactured today. Founder Paul Klispch designed and hand-built the original prototype Klipschorn speakers with the intention of bringing the excitement of a powerful live-concert loudspeaker into his living room. Big cabinets, big bass drivers and both horn loaded bass and high range drivers bring excellent performance for classic rock and high jump-factor music. If AC/DC, Zeppelin, Metallica, and Van Halen are your holy music, Klipsch Heritage is for you. The wood is nice too.
Klipsch La Scalas, Burmester 032 Integrated and Linn Streamer at Pearl Audio
If Swiss watches were loudspeakers, they would be Stenheims. Stenheim loudspeakers provide utterly gobsmaking performance combining lifelike resolution with full bodied bass and a refined warm-hearted tone. Pair these meticulously built Swiss masterpieces with open-class Burmester, Boulder or T+A electronics, and quite simply put, you have magic. Stenheims benefits include remarkably powerful and articulate bass, compact elegant cabinets, world-class resolution, and high efficiency. High efficiency allows them to provide powerful foundational bass with tube and lower powered (Class A) solid-state amplifiers.
Stenheim Alumine Three SE Loudspeakers with Burmester 032 Integrated Amplifier, Linn Selekt LP12 turntable, and Linn Selekt Edition streamer
With the arrival of the new equipment, all of us at Pearl Audio have been listening to each component with immense delight, and we’ve all have had moments where the hair on the back of our necks stands up. Listening to the music we love and thinking collectively, "this is awesome, people need to hear this! What an epic music experience."
If you have not been in the store lately, give us a call and schedule a personalized listening session or simply stop in. We would be delighted to see you. If you love hi-fi like we do, and believe music matters, Pearl Audio Video is an exciting place to be.
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It's the return of McIntosh’s ML1 loudspeaker! Introduced in 1970, these high-performance speakers are back to delight music enthusiasts like you and your cherished music. Vintage through-and-through, the ML1’s harkens back to a day when the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jackson 5, and Elvis ruled the radio airways and turntables alike. And exciting news, Pearl Audio's first shipment of the ML1's have arrived!
Cutting-Edge Inside
Internally, the new ML1 is full modern performance-first speaker technology. A 4-way speaker, the ML1 uses five separate speaker drivers to produce astonishing sound:
Unlike the original ML1 the drivers on the new generation ML1 are positioned symmetrically so there is not a dedicated left or right speaker, eliminating the possibility of installing the speakers in the wrong orientation, and providing a more uniform listening area.
A specifically milled transition plate houses the midranges and tweeter and allows them to be placed closer together. Their proximity to each other reduces off axis lobing of the sound field and places all the acoustic output which typically impacts imaging together in a small space.
The upper midrange in the ML1 has low resonance and high-power handing capabilities; this allows the crossover point between the lower and upper midranges to avoid the 1kHz frequency which is critical to producing clear vocals. The cross over frequency of the tweeter reduces vertical lobing of the sound field and allows the ML1 to reproduce the recorded music more faithfully.
Power and Powerful is Standard
The ML1 is engineered to handle up to 600 Watts from an amplifier, making it perfect for high-powered listening sessions which would strain other speakers. In other words, turn it up to 11. With five individual speaker drivers working together to share the power load, keeping the ML1 unstressed when receiving clean, high-power from power amplifiers like McIntosh’s MC611 and MC462. The resulting life-sized sound can fill the largest rooms and nimble enough to produce stunning sound when used with lower power amplifiers. The ML1 can also be bi-amped with the MC451 amplifier.
Sound Coverage for All Listeners – Wider is Better
Unlike many speakers which project their best sound over a narrow area in front of the speaker, the ML1 provides exceptional sound over a wider area at all frequencies thanks to its 4-way design and carefully selected drivers complementing its expertly engineered crossover network. Which means everyone in the room can enjoy the full stereo sound stage projected by the ML1, instead of being confined to a limited “sweet spot” for listening.
A Better Crossover Makes for Better Performance
The ML1 uses a custom-built crossover network designed by our engineers for performance and durability.
Over-specified components ensure high power handling, while solid state, self-resetting protection devices prevent damage to any of the drivers. The crossover design separates the high and low frequency circuits, and each are available both with bi-wiring or bi-amping as desired. All the power sent to the ML1 from your amplifiers is fed through McIntosh’s Solid Cinch speaker binding posts which easily, but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short. The binding posts are gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent through your speaker cables.
Key Features
We have ML1's in stock and for any further inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out, (503) 222-2599. We look forward to the dialogue.
]]>We're excited to announce that the highly-anticipated Luxman L-509Z has just arrived at Pearl Audio! We have the L-509Z available for demonstration and new in stock.
The Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is a true masterpiece embodying the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Sonically, the L-509Z offers an expansive soundstage with beautifully layered detail along with extraordinary dynamics and generous bass.
Comparing the new Luxman L-509Z to its predecessor, the L-509X, reveals notable differences. We carried the L-509X in our store for over five years and it formed the foundation of numerous Pearl Audio systems. It was a go-to integrated amplifiers for clients who wanted the performance of separates but with fewer components.
The L-509X was a dynamic powerhouse with beautiful separation between instruments and outstanding clarity. However, some clients favored Luxman's Class A integrated amplifiers over the L-509X due to their sweeter and warmer sound that offers extraordinarily natural musical reproduction, especially on acoustic music.
The L-509Z offers significants refinements and upgrades over the L-509X's design and the outcome is the best-of-both-worlds. The new L-509Z is tonally much more akin to Luxman's Class A amplifiers and shares their incredible sweetness and natural sound, yet it simultaneously eclipses the L-509X in dynamics, bass drive, and overall detail.
To schedule an audition or order your L-509Z please call our showroom at 503-222-2599.
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Linn's new 360 loudspeaker are here!
Pearl Audio was fortunate to host Linn’s CEO Gilad Tiefenbrun for Linn's 50th Anniversary debut tour featuring Linn's new flagship speaker, the 360.
Gilad Tiefenbrun is the son of Linn's beloved founder Ivor Tiefenbrun. In 1973, Ivor formed Linn, developing the first Linn Sondek LP12 turntable using his father's company Castle Precision Engineering' facilities to manufacture precision LP12 components.
Year 2006, Gilad transitioned into his role as CEO. That same year, after three years of discussion and vetting, Pearl Audio became a Linn dealer. Ivor was still CEO of Linn for the first six month's of Pearl's Linn dealership. We love having that historical tie!
Year 2006 was also the year Pearl Audio bought a pair of Linn Artikulat 350a loudspeakers. The 350a featured Linn's then-new 3K driver array, built-in servo-bass woofers, built-in amplifiers, and built-in Linn Aktiv crossover boards. It was Linn's loudspeaker engineering statement.
Year 2023, the several-times-upgraded Artikulat 350a, later renamed the Klimax 350, is retired, and its new, direct descendent is here: The Linn 360. The new Linn 360 is twenty years of new Linn design advancement in the cabinet, drivers, dacs, dac-amp, Exact technology and related space optimisation. Gilard was kind to travel to the US to introduce, in-person, this once in a generation new statement loudspeaker.
What does the new Linn 360 sound like?
We of course listened to the 360 before and after the show, and let me tell you, this thing is next-level, particulary if you are already in love with The Linn Sound evidenced by their LP12 turntable and DSM Organik DAC streamers. The sound quality is out of this world, with crystal-clear clarity and realism that feels like you're right there in the music. The collection of Linn's own state of the art driver, cabinet, dac, amplifier, and room optimisation technologies behind it all is seriously impressive, minimizing any distortion from both room and speaker and enhancing the overall audio experience. When you listen to music through the Linn 360, it's like being transported to a whole new world, with vocals that sound like they're floating in space and a depth that is truly lifelike. Trust me, this speaker is a game-changer.
Visually, the design of the speaker is sleek and functional, perfectly complementing the top-notch sound it delivers. The other wonderful thing about the new 360 is the choice of colors. Pearl Audio has, of course, ordered the new Malt Finish, which is what Gilad brought for the show. Below are a few other finishes
Interested in further information about Linn 360. Checkout Linn's website.
Interested in hearing Linn’s 360 speakers? Give Pearl Audio a call (503) 222-2599 and we can arrange a personalized listening session for you to hear these marvelous speakers.
Cheers,
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>Greetings Music Lovers! We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the esteemed Klipsch Heritage loudspeakers at Pearl Audio. As passionate curators of superior audio quality, we can't wait to share these iconic pieces with you. Pearl Audio has the Klipsch Heresy, Forte, Cornwall, and La Scala on demonstration, and Heresy, Forte & Cornwall in-stock.
For seven decades, Klipsch Heritage has been faithfully constructed in the heart of Hope, Arkansas. These one-of-a-kind speakers, crafted with precise detail, truly embody the American spirit of ingenuity and artistry. Hope’s crafters pride themselves on employing locally-sourced raw materials where possible, marrying tradition with sustainability. Each piece undergoes meticulous hand assembly, including the signature real-wood veneer finishes, producing a genuine 'Made in USA’ specimen of acoustic precision.
The incredible story of Klipsch Heritage is deeply rooted in the vision and the audacious spirit of Paul W. Klipsch. An engineer, inventor, madman, and certified genius, Klipsch revolutionised the audio industry with his groundbreaking corner and Heresy loudspeakers. His philosophy of 'no compromise,' his innovative mind and the acoustic corner theory, changed the way we experience sound.
Meet the Klipsch Heresy: first introduced in 1957, the prominent Heresy series is the brainchild of Klipsch's need for a smaller speaker that carries no less punch than its larger counterparts. Despite its compact size, the Heresy boasts a three-way loudspeaker design, producing a rich and full sound that defies its unsuspecting physique. This product is definitely one for those who appreciate good things in small packages.
Now, let's turn our attention to the notable Klipsch Forte. First launched in 1985 and re-introduced in 2017, the Forte quickly became popular due to its powerful performance and compact body. It includes a rear-mounted passive radiator for enhanced low-frequency output. The magic lies in the subtlety of its nuanced audio reproduction that breathes life into every musical note, filling any room effortlessly.
Venture back to 1959, to the genesis of Klipsch Cornwall. Its direct-radiating 15-inch woofer allows it to be positioned closer to walls and corners, making it a versatile addition to any listening room. A full range speaker with solid low frequency, elegant midrange, and clean high frequencies, the Cornwall remains an acoustically captivating choice for sound purists.
Finally, we invite you to experience the renowned Klipsch La Scala. Since 1963, La Scala series strikes the perfect balance between professional-grade audio and aesthetic charm. Originally designed for public address, its efficiency, high sound levels, and minimal distortion lets you capture the dynamism and power of a live orchestra in your own living room.
With heritage of its own stands Pearl Audio Video, a Portland Pearl District destination where sound meets soul. We cordially invite you to schedule a private auditioning appointment with us. Come, experience the rich history, innovative design and eargasmic pleasure of the Klipsch Heritage loudspeakers, as the masterpieces they are. We assure you, this is not just a listening session, but a journey through seven decades of sound engineering excellence. Can't wait to share this audio journey with you!
Klipsch Heresy, Forte, Cornwall and La Scala on demonstration. Email or call (503) 222-2599 to schedule your own private one-on-one audition.
Let's dive into what makes the 800 Signature so special. First, let's talk about the drivers. Bowers & Wilkins has taken their expertise and passion for audio engineering to new heights with these speakers. The 800 Signature boasts upgraded drivers that have been carefully designed to deliver precise, detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency range. Whether you're listening to your favorite classics or exploring the latest tracks, these speakers will bring out every nuance and musical intricacy.
But it's not just about the sound quality; the design of the speakers is equally impressive. Bowers & Wilkins is renowned for their dedication to aesthetics, and the 800 Signature is no exception. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these speakers exude elegance and sophistication. With a sleek, modern design and exquisite fit and finish, they'll effortlessly blend into any interior space and become a focal point that gets everyone talking.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the Bowers & Wilkins design process. Each product from Bowers & Wilkins undergoes rigorous refinement and testing. The design team pours countless hours into experiments and simulations, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Their relentless pursuit of audio excellence ensures that every component, curve, and material choice plays a crucial role in the final product. And when it comes to the 800 Signature, that dedication to perfection shines through in every aspect of its construction.
Speaking of which, you may be wondering what sets the 800 Signature apart from the standard 800 model. The 800 Signature takes all the incredible features of the standard model but adds refinements that further elevate the audio experience. The Signature version features carefully selected components, including upgraded capacitors and custom-made internal wiring. These enhancements result in even greater transparency, depth, and overall coherence, allowing you to immerse yourself in truly captivating soundscapes. So mark your calendars and swing by Pearl Audio to witness the arrival of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Signature loudspeakers. Trust us, your ears will thank you! Feel free to drop any questions you may have, and our expert team will be delighted to assist you in finding the perfect audio setup for your needs. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Pearl Audio. 🎶
We have the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature both on display and in stock.
For any inquiries or to arrange a personal audition, please reach out to us at 503 222-2599.
If you're someone who appreciates music in its purest form, then this beautifully crafted loudspeaker might just be your dream come true. Sonus faber, known for their meticulous attention to design and sound quality, has truly outdone themselves with the Amati G5.
First things first, let's talk about aesthetics. The Amati G5 is a sight to behold. It's an embodiment of elegance and craftsmanship, designed to enhance both the visual and auditory appeal of your space. The meticulously handcrafted wood cabinet, available in various finishes, serves as a testament to Sonus faber's dedication to creating visually stunning loudspeakers.
Now, let's dive into the sound characteristics that make the Amati truly special. Prepare yourself for a captivating listening experience. The sonic signature of these loudspeakers can be described as effortlessly smooth, enveloping you with rich, detailed sound. The Amati g5 delivers a wide soundstage, allowing instruments and vocals to breathe freely, immersing you in a vast musical landscape.
What sets the Amati apart is its ability to strike a perfect balance between accuracy and musicality. The timbre reproduction is exceptionally accurate, capturing the tonal nuances of each instrument with utmost clarity. Yet, it manages to infuse an intoxicating warmth and emotion into the music, bringing it to life in a way that resonates deep within your soul.
One of the hallmarks of the Amati is its ability to handle dynamics effortlessly. It takes every crescendo and decrescendo in its stride, meticulously articulating the subtlest changes in volume and intensity. You'll feel as though you're right there in the studio or live venue, experiencing the music in all its grandeur.
Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a classical music enthusiast, or a rock connoisseur, the Amati won't disappoint. Its versatility shines through across genres, ensuring that you'll enjoy a remarkable listening experience regardless of your musical preferences.
So, if you're on the quest for sonic perfection, look no further than the Sonus faber Amati G5 loudspeaker. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking sound it delivers, and let it transport you to a realm of musical bliss. Your ears will thank you!
That's all for now, folks. Stay tuned for more exciting audio updates, and remember to keep those speakers cranked up to eleven!
Here is an excellent review of the Amati G5
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Let's take a moment to delve into the fascinating story behind Sonus faber. Founded back in 1983 by the visionary Franco Serblin, the brand has been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, stunning aesthetics, and unparalleled sound quality. Serblin's passion for music and his relentless pursuit of perfection laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected names in the high-end audio industry.
Now, let's talk about the legendary Guarneri loudspeakers. With a rich heritage dating back to the early 1990s, these speakers have become a benchmark for excellence. The Guarneri series beautifully blends artistic Italian design with cutting-edge audio engineering. Crafted with utmost attention to detail, these speakers represent the pinnacle of sonic performance.
When it comes to construction, Sonus faber leaves no stone unturned. The Guarneri G5 exudes luxury with its meticulously selected and handcrafted woods. The cabinet is a true work of art, designed to deliver not only exceptional sound but also aesthetic pleasure. Each piece is carefully constructed to ensure resonance-free performance and to bring out the true essence of your favorite music.
Inside these beauties, you'll find top-of-the-line drivers working in harmony to produce an immersive listening experience. The Guarneri G5 boasts Sonus faber's signature "D.A.D." (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, which provides precise high-frequency reproduction. The powerful midrange driver is equally impressive, guaranteeing lifelike vocals and impressive instrument separation.
Now, let's answer the burning question on everyone's mind: What sets the Guarneri G5 apart from its sibling, the Amati G4? Well, the G5 takes everything that made the G4 so beloved and elevates it to another level. With improved crossover design and driver integration, the G5 offers enhanced clarity, more refined tonal balance, and an even more immersive soundstage. Trust us, the difference is truly something to behold!
So, come on over to Pearl Audio and experience true sonic bliss with the Sonus faber Guarneri G5 loudspeakers. We're here to help you find the perfect match for your audio desires and elevate your listening space to a whole new level. Happy listening! 🎵🎧😊
]]>Ladies and gentlemen, audiophiles and music lovers, get ready to experience sonic paradise with the arrival of the new Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeakers at Pearl Audio! These speakers are like the Michelangelos of the audio world, meticulously crafted and designed to transform your listening experience into a work of art. With their beautiful curves and luxurious finishes, the Sarafino G2 loudspeakers are sure to be the envy of every room they grace.
The Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeakers are remarkable for their natural and organic sound, providing an unbeatable, immersive soundstage with exceptional clarity and detail. Boasting a custom-made silk dome tweeter, woven mid-range driver, and powerful bass capability, this loudspeaker embodies the elements of great, accurate, and balanced sound reproduction.
Experience music and movies like never before. We invite you to come to our showroom and schedule a personal audition of the Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeakers. Our expert team can guide you through every aspect of the listening experience and explain how you can customize your new loudspeakers to your listening preferences. Upgrade your sound system and elevate your auditory experience with Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeakers!
The Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeaker is notable for its natural and organic sound signature. The speaker produces a smooth and detailed sound with exceptional clarity that is not harsh or fatiguing on the ears. The soundstage is expansive, allowing for an immersive listening experience, with great separation between instruments and vocals. The speakers are capable of powerful and deep bass response, thanks to their tuning process and setup protocol.
Highs are conveyed with great finesse and detail, thanks to the speaker's custom-made silk dome tweeter. Midrange frequencies are rich and full, maintaining high levels of transparency without being overpowering or dominant. Overall, the Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeaker delivers a balanced and natural sound that is warm, inviting, and exceptionally musical making this speaker an audiophile's dream.
And let's not forget about their sound - it's like being kissed by an angel while basking in the warm glow of a Tuscan sunset. So, come on down to Pearl Audio and let us serenade you with the sweet sounds of the Sonus Faber Sarafino G2 loudspeakers. You won't regret it - unless, of course, you have something against pure acoustic bliss!
Call (503) 222-2599 to schedule your private audition.
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The Pass Labs INT-60 amplifier is an audio powerhouse that could be mistaken for a bodybuilder - it's built to impress. With a bold yet sleek design, this amplifier is sure to catch the eye of anyone in the room. But it's not just a pretty face - it delivers clean and robust sound that will make your ears dance with joy. It's like having your favorite band perform live in your living room, without any of the sweat or screaming fans. The INT-60 is like a magician, transforming mundane music into an immersive sonic experience. And let's not forget about its power - this amplifier can handle even the most demanding speakers with ease, making it suitable for any musical genre. In short, the Pass Labs INT-60 is a true marvel of audio engineering, and it's ready to rock your world - or at least your listening room.
Pass Labs INT-60 in tastefully decorated luxury lifestyle room.
Pass Labs INT-60 Front Panel, pre-fun
The front panel of the INT-60 amplifier puts the control in your hands - literally. With four input buttons, a machined aluminum volume knob, standby/mute button, and power on/off button, you have everything you need to orchestrate your listening experience. And let's not forget about the eye candy - the beautiful blue Pass Labs meter that indicates the amplifier's transition from Class A to Class A/B is like a visual symphony. It's enough to make your heart skip a beat. The volume is displayed in a matching blue LED with large, easy-to-read display numbers, so you can be sure that you never miss a beat. In short, the INT-60 is not just a amplifier - it's a work of art that delivers stunning sound and visual aesthetics in equal measure.
Pass Labs INT-60 Front Panel showing Illuminated Blue Meter and Volume
Get ready to connect like a pro with the INT-60 amplifier! With a plethora of options available on the rear panel, you'll have all the inputs you need to take your sound system to the next level. You'll find four line-level preamp inputs, two with XLR and RCA connectors and two with RCAs only, giving you the freedom to connect a variety of audio devices. And if that's not enough, the INT-60 also comes with two pairs of high-quality speaker binding posts with torque-limiting ratchets, providing you with secure connections that won't loosen over time. But that's not all - the INT-60 also boasts two preamp outputs (XLR and RCA), perfect for using an additional level-matched amplifier or, more importantly, for hooking up a subwoofer. And if you're going to go big on the subwoofer front, like with the JL Fathom series, XLR connections are the way to go for the ultimate performance. In short, the INT-60 amplifier offers a wealth of connection options - ensuring that you won't lose your connection to your gear, or your music during the ultimate listening experience!
Now, get ready to feel the heat - the INT-60 amplifier is packing some serious heat sink action! These jumbo-sized bad boys are designed to dissipate the heat generated by pure Class A amplification. In other words, your music will be hot, but your amplifier will stay cool as a cucumber. And let's not forget about the casework - Pass Labs doesn't skimp on the structural build quality. Just take a look at the thickness of the heat sink bases and the heavy machined aluminum faceplate - this is one sturdy amplifier that can stand up to even the most acoustically challenging environments. Plus, the heavy gauge metalwork prevents pesky vibrations from entering the music signal, giving you crystal clear sound. In short, the INT-60 amplifier is built to last and keep things cool - just like a superhero with a sidekick named "Ice".
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Today McIntosh announced their first home theater receiver in almost two decades. The last McIntosh theater receiver was the MHT200, which graced Pearl Audio's shelves almost twenty years ago when the BMW E46 M3 was still a new car. We sold several of them and found they were just the perfect setup for many customers who wanted McIntosh performance, but not the space and expense of of a two-box processor and amplifier solution like the then current McIntosh MX135 and MC207.
This most recent McIntosh MHT300 ancestor, the MHT200, was discontinued around 2008, and we greatly missed it as a perfect solution for one-box McIntosh theaters.
Why did the McIntosh MHT200 go away, and why so long a wait for the MHT300? Well, the truth is, it was already really big, and really heavy, and adding more channels/power would have made it humongous and too-heavy. The old MHT200 was about 75 lbs and as big as a McIntosh 400 watt two-channel stereo amp (think MC462), which is pushing it for most theater owners to move around on their own. Most triple-wide home theater furniture shelving would struggle to accommodate it. The MHT200 had 5 channels at 75 watts each. To make something with more power per channels and more channels would have simply exceeded the reasonable size and weight for real-world use.
Why did the MHT300 finally get built ? Enter digital theater amplification from McIntosh's MI series amplifiers. At Pearl Audio, we've been selling a lot of McIntosh's entry level MX100 processor paired with McIntosh MI347 7-channel amplifiers as a compact/cost effective setup. The MX100 is 2U (rack units) in height and the MI347 is 3U, total 5U, which combined gives near receiver sized height/weight. The MX100 relies on streamlined digital-only inputs and XLR-only amplifier outputs, making it compact and cost effective.
McIntosh MX100 Processor
McIntosh MI347 Theater Amplifier
Until now, the MX100/MI347 was the smallest and most cost-effective offering for a McIntosh theater.
Physically, the new MHT300 takes the basic idea of the MX100/MI347 above: compact processor and compact digital amplification 7-channel theater amplifier, and goes one further by combining the two into one chassis. Now with the MHT300, you have 7-channels of 120 watt amplification combined with state-of-the art theater processing, all in one compact 3U chassis.
McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver
Looking around the back of the MHT300, we see something missing:
Looking at the photo above, notice there are no XLR output cables. This is because both the theater processor, and theater amplifier are now in one chassis. No need to run XLR cables from one box to another. What replaces the XLR cables, of course, are speaker cable terminals - seven sets of them, so unlike the old 5-channel MHT200, the MHT300 can run a full boat 7-channel high performance home theater with three channels in the front, two on the sides, and two to the rear. You can still run just five channels if you wish, but seven does give you more a sense smooth front-to back motion in films when something swooshes by on-screen.
When you connect up the MHT300, this is a small point, but it illustrates McIntosh's design chops, you just connect all of the speakers in a nice straight line along the bottom of the MHT300, so all the cables just drop right down the cabinet with no bunching of cables, and you don't need as much depth if you use spade connector speaker terminals. It just looks nicer, is easier to connect, and takes less cabinet depth. A common hookup for the MHT300 would be to run your cable box into one of the HDMI 1, Apple TV into HDMI 2, HDMI-eARC to TV then speaker cables. Simple and incredibly low cable mess. If you use only internet smart TV sources, you can just connect a single HDMI-eARC cable from TV to MHT300 and you're done.
If you want a larger setup, the MHT300 does indeed have outputs for two subwoofers, outputs for two height channel amplifiers, and both in and outs for the 7-channel - those terminals right above the speaker terminals - you just pull the horizontal black bridge connectors between IN and OUT off. Why both in/out for the 7-channel part? The 7-channel out(s) are of course for those who have an external amplifier, most commonly a big stereo amplifier like the mighty McIntosh MC462 driving big front speakers. The 7-channel in is a bit more subtle:
At first glance one might think the MHT300's 7-channel in is only for the scenario where, ten years from now, a newer-new-fangled theater processor separate comes out, and you want to not use the MHT300's built-in processor, but keep using the MH300's 7-channels of amplification. Terrific flexibility to have.
The MHT300's HDMI out has a lovely feature that we only dreamed of in the days of the old MHT200, which is HDMI-eARC. What is HDMI-eARC? It stands for enhanced Audio Return Channel. Basically it means that your TV can send audio and information to the MT300 over a single HDMI video cable connecting them. What information? Volume control information. If you use your TV remote's up/down volume buttons, your TV will send those up or down volume pushes through the HDMI cable, to the MHT300 and turn its volume up and down. This will also work if you've configured your cable-box remote (Comcast in my home) to raise or lower your TV's volume (i.e. the Comcast remote will turn the MHT300's volume up/down). Back in the day, providing this desirable feature meant we had to introduce a custom-programmed theater remote, and a programming bill big enough to buy a new espresso machine.
HDMI eARC also lets your TV be the source to the MHT300. HDMI eARC sends all the sound from your Smart TV content to the MHT300.
The MHT300 also has a host of new technologies on the processor side.
MHT300 Highlights include:
8K Processing - yup, a nearly useless features today, unless of course you're a video nut and have 8K files hosted on your computer. Tomorrow or some-day however, we're going to see 8K video over cable - mark my words!
RS232 and Trigger in/out - not new, but extremely useful for integrating the MHT300 into a bigger McIntosh or whole-house control system such as Crestron or Control-4. No Crestron or Control-4 in the house? McIntosh trigger allow you to directly attach to other McIntosh components to each other using simple McIntosh control cables. With trigger cables attached, you can have your entire multi-component McIntosh system turn on or off all at once, from one push on your remote.
FM Tuner What? A theater processor with an old-school analog FM tuner? If you absolutely LOVE your KMHD radio this is quite the boon. No iPhone or computer or apps to deal with pre-coffee, just switch the MHT300's input to FM Radio. The MHT300 does of course also support internet radio...
Internet Radio Access any internet based radio station, from anywhere in the world. Paris Jazz stations anyone? Mais oui!
Dirac Live Room Correction Dirac Live is the darling of the industry for room correction - so you can tune your theater to your room.
HDMI HDCP 2.2 Latest/greatest 18Gps HDMI, needed for HDR formats, Dolby Vision etc.
HDMI eARC Your TV's volume can control the MHT300 + supports current high-resolution formats DTS-HD Master, True HD, Atmos etc.
32-bit DACS Better sound through state-of-the-art DAC chips.
The Latest Video Formats DTS-HD Master, True HD, Atmos, HDMR10, HLG, 4:4:4 color spacing, 3D pass-through.
Coax/Optical Good for integrating with old-school optical output TVs, Bluesound music streamers, CD transports, and older CD/DVD players.
That's it! Pearl Audio has some MHT300s on-order. We will be adding an arrival blog post, and adding MHT300 to our McIntosh in-stock offerings above when they arrive. We do take deposits on MHT300, with first units arrival slated for March. Call us at (503) 222-2599 if you have any questions or to reserve yours.
Cheers,
John
Designed for all your music streaming needs, the McIntosh RS150 and RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker Systems are the most advanced and powerful home audio wireless speakers yet from McIntosh.
McIntosh RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker System
The McIntosh RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker is an easy-to-use wireless speaker, that while relatively compact, still delivers a larger-than-life home audio sound performance that McIntosh is known for. It is a stand-alone, complete wireless speaker solution that does not require any dedicated control app. Instead, it has a variety of built-in casting technologies such as Spotify® Connect, TIDAL® Connect, Apple® AirPlay® 2, Bluetooth®, Chromecast, and Roon Ready, letting you easily stream to the RS150 from your smart devices.
McIntosh RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System
Created with streaming music in mind, the McIntosh RS250 includes virtually everything you need to enjoy music streamed from your handheld devices, online music services, or a local computer. And in a case of old meets new, a turntable can be easily connected via the dedicated phono input for listening to your vinyl collection. You can even connect it to your TV for better sound performance when watching your favorite shows, movies, or sports.
Both McIntosh RS150 and RS250 are in stock, ready to take home today.
]]>Ladies and gentlemen, audiophiles and music lovers - get ready to be dazzled by the Luxman L-507z integrated amplifier, now available at Pearl Audio! This amplifier is like a superhero, disguised as a sleek and stylish piece of audio equipment. It's like the Iron Man of amps, ready to take on any sonic challenge with its advanced technology and superior performance. And we haven't even mentioned the sound yet - it's like being enveloped in a warm hug from your favorite musician. The L-507z's rich and detailed sound will transport you to a whole new level of auditory pleasure.
The sound of the Luxman L-507z amplifier is like a magic carpet ride - it'll take you places you've never dreamed of. It's like having your ears massaged with velvet gloves, surrounded by a warm and inviting aura of rich sound. The L-507z's sonic delivery is so detailed and precise, it could make a surgeon envious. The highs are like stars dancing in the night sky, while the mids are like a smooth molten chocolate river. And the bass? Well, it's like having a personal DJ spinning the beats of your favorite songs just for you. In short, the Luxman L-507z is a work of auditory art that will make your ears sing with joy. It's like having a secret sonic weapon that nobody else knows about - and you'll love every minute of it. So, come on down to Pearl Audio and let us put your ears to the test with the Luxman L-507z amplifier - you won't regret it!
Our experts will guide you through the experience - it'll be like having your own personal sonic tour guide. And let's not forget about the humor - laughter is the best medicine for the ears, after all. In short, the Luxman L-507z is waiting to blow your mind, and Pearl Audio is here to make sure you enjoy every minute of it.
At first glance, the McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable may look like it’s just a turntable, but a closer look will reveal that it is in fact so much more. Truly a one-of-a-kind product, it is designed for those who want maximum flexibility in their home audio system but don’t want – or don’t have the space for – a large audio system in their home. With all the built-in connectivity the MTI100 offers, it can become the center piece of a modern home audio system for modern lifestyles.
Below is the rear panel of the McIntosh MTI100. In the middle are the speaker terminals. To the left is the bluetooth antenna, and in-between additional inputs + outputs.
Cheers!
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>As of 6/25/2022:
McIntosh MA252 & MA352 Integrateds in-stock
McIntosh MAC7200 Receivers in-stock
McIntosh MA5300 Integrated in-stock
McIntosh MCD12000 CD Player in-stock
McIntosh MR87 Tuner in-stock
McIntosh RS150 Internet Table Radio in-stock
Mcintosh MPC1500 Power Conditioner arriving ~July 1st
McIntosh MTI100 integrated turntable system arriving ~ July 1st
McIntosh MC312 Amplifier arriving ~ July 1st.
Cheers!
John, Russ, Connor & Tara.
]]>While there is no doubting the popularity and permanence of paid music streaming services, there is still plenty of free music being broadcast over the air from thousands of traditional radio stations. And McIntosh has a long and distinguished history with radio and tuners. The McIntosh MR78 from the 1970s is considered by many to be one of the best – if not the best – tuners ever made. The MR89 AM/FM Tuner carries on with this tradition of tuner excellence by letting you enjoy the abundance of free music streaming over invisible airwaves.
The MR89 features exclusive McIntosh radio frequency (RF) circuitry that is capable of receiving both strong FM signals from nearby stations – something that can overload and cause distortion in lesser tuners – while also being able to tune in weaker FM signals located further away with little to no noise. The MR89's advanced signal quality monitor can display detailed signal, multipath, and noise levels of the incoming RF signals to help fine tune optimal placement of your AM or FM antenna. It comes with an RAA2 AM antenna that features a 20-foot (6m) long cable that provides flexibility in placing the antenna for the best possible radio signal reception. A pair of balanced and unbalanced analog outputs along with one each of digital coax and optical outputs are included to connect the MR89 to your home audio system.
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https://www.stereophile.com/content/linn-klimax-lp12-record-playing-system
If you'd like to see and hear one, we have the Klimax LP12 SE Ekstatik on demo, currently hooked up with the Urika II Exakt phono stage. We also have the Klimax Organik DSM to partner.
If you'd like to take one home, we have Majik, Akurate & Klimax LP12 in-stock. We usually have walnut, cherry & rosenut LP12 plinths and maybe a black ash or gloss white here and there. For timelines, it generally takes us a few days to build/settle/test/tune a new LP12.
Below is the new Linn Ekstatik cartridge
Cheers,
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>The final piece, the digital piece, has finally arrived! Our store I/50 now has the optional digital board installed.
This is a huge deal because the I/50 was simply aching to be a complete internet music streaming tube-integrated, and now it will finally be one. In a sense, the I/50 was not really complete until we had the digital board as well. A huge value proposition is to have your DAC, your Streaming, and your Phono stage all in one lovely discrete component that's also an Audio Research tube integrated ampliier.
Look at the feature set below - it's perfect! I am truly enamoured that they included bluetooth.
The I/50 digital audio board will be priced at $1500. Barring any parts delays, Audio Research believes they will be shipping September, sometime after Labor Day. Pearl Audio has a few on order - one for our demo and a few ready-for-purchase stock units. Call if you wish to reserve one. The digital board is installed by us here in the store.
See the diagram below which shows the outline of the I/50 rear panel. The digital board goes inside and you access it's Coax, Toslink & Ethernet on the little rectangular panel on the right under the words Audio Module.
We should also be receiving some stock I/50's in silver and black around that timeframe. Meantime come in and hear our lovely red I/50.
Our little red I/50 has the optional phono board installed in one expansion slot, and are awaiting our digital board for the other.
We've been listenign to the I/50 in the store for a few months now with a variety of speakers. Standouts include the Electa Amator III, Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4, and Dynaudio Heritage Specials. The I/50's sound quality is really quite something - it's one of our best offerings sonically, and one of the best offerings I've seen from Audio Research - and i (John) go way back with ARC - late 1990's back. My first Big Preamplifier was an Audio Research Reference 1 which I paired with my Audio Research VT100 Mk II stereo amplifier. I still remember how great that system was!
Going back to the I/50. it's a piece for those who don't want a Big Stereo. The want tubes, they want them from a great long-term company, and they want them in a small beautiful package. Now, to go along with the superb sonics, the I/50 will also have an optional swiss-army digital board. Frankly, I had been expecting a nice DAC board to be paired with an entry-level Aurender N150 or Bluesound Node. I'm delighted to learn they included an ethernet connection and Roon functionality. That makes the I/50 a perfect one chassis tube stereo for both digital and analog - call me impressed.
And yes, that is the new Hifi Rose RS150 to the right. Love it too.
Cheers! John, Russ, Connor & Tara.
]]>The Luxman L-595ASE is a pure Class A integrated amplifier. The Class A designation is a type of amplification that brings out the aliveness and realism in music. The $12495 L-595ASE can be considered a higher-spec Special Edition compared to the beloved $9950 Luxman L-590AXII Class A integrated. They are both rated at 30 watts, but L-595A SE is more powerful and dynamic sounding and has even more of a sense of aliveness and realism over the L-590AXII.
We've been receiving small batches of the L-595A SE all year, but kept all of them for customers because supply was extremely limited and we were selling every one we could get, and we were waiting months in-between shipments. This week, we received a good sized batch of the L-595A's for stock, possibly our last batch, and decided to finally open one for demonstration. After our love affair with the L-590AXII Class A, we've been pining to hear and experience the L-595ASE Class A, and we wanted others to experience it as well.
The L-595ASE's sound is huge, alive, organic, and almost x-ray in its ability to pull beautiful tones, textures and life from recordings.
Although the specifications only say 30 watts, the fact is, it sounds quite powerful and more than enough to drive medium large speakers, and it has this massive quality to the soundstage - it's almost a magic carpet under the recordings that comes alive. The Luxman L-595ASE and the L-590AXII sound more powerful than most 100 watt amplifiers in practice, but also provide extraordinary bass quality - bass guitar is textured with fine graduations and realistic timbre though the lowest strings. The L-590AXII was always an excellent pairing with the sealed port Magico A3 loudspeakers, and the L-595ASE is even better.
As much as we've anticipated a major improvement in the $12495 L-595A SE over its prototype standard model, the $8950 L-590axII, we're frankly even more amazed than we'd expected. It's as if the special unique qualities of the L-590AXII have been all been intensified. More alive. More real. More dynamic. Gorgeous instrument timbre and more depth of perception. Our Linn DSMs streaming queue is filled with our favorite recordings as we all sneak a little listening time with this gorgeous sounding piece.
If you would like to audition the L-595ASE, it's best to give us a ring at (503) 222-2599 or email us to set up your own dedicated listening time. You can also drop by and we will be (very) happy to play the lovely Luxman L-595ASE for you. We also have the L-595ASE new in-stock should you wish to take one home.
Here are some L-595ASE unboxing photos.
The McIntosh MCD12000 is in stock and on demonstration at Pearl Audio Video.
McIntosh has released their new MCD12000 reference CD Player - the highest end cd player they've ever made, complete with output meters, advanced digital technology and a tube analog stage. What more could a guy ask for?
Two-in-One: A Reference Level DAC and a Reference Level CD Player.
Listen up music lovers! Get ready to elevate your digital listening experience with the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player - now available at Pearl Audio. Bring all your digital music to life in your home audio system with the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. While classified as a CD player, it is better to think of the MCD12000 as a reference level Digital-to-Analog convertor (DAC) that includes reference level SACD/CD playback capabilities. Music played through any of the MCD12000's digital inputs or from compact discs is processed by professional grade 8-channel DACs designed for premium audiophile performance and recording studios. The MCD12000 is the perfect DAC and SACD/CD Player to use with the reference level C12000 Preamplifier.
There are seven digital inputs on the MCD12000: two coax, two optical, plus one USB (Type B) for computer based audio, one AES/EBU, and one MCT input which can be used with any of our existing MCT SACD/CD Transports that you may already have. The coax and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD512 and DXD384kHz.
If you would like to schedule an audition or have any questions call us at (503) 222-2599.
Cheers!
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>We just received several Rotel stock and demonstrator pieces with more to come.
We've ordered a full suite of a Rotel models including integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, amplifiers and CD players. Shown below are the 200 watt RA-1592MKII and 120 watt RA-1572.
The two integrateds support analog, digital, XLR, aptXTM and AAC Bluetooth, PC-USB with MQA and Moving Magnet Phono stage inputs. The audiophile grade 32-bit/384kHz DAC and precisely tuned circuits delivers an unprecedented sound stage with exacting positioning.
We are also carrying Rotel's higher-end Michi electronics. The Michi X3 Integrated is already here and we await the X5 Integrated.
We've been playing our demo X3 for a few days and love the easygoing high resolution combined with strong dynamics and a spacious presentation.
The X3 delivers 350 Watts of Class AB output power into 4 ohm loads maintaining musical accuracy with exceptional acoustic detail from the Analog, Digital, PC-USB, apt-X Bluetooth and Moving Magnet Phono Stage source inputs.
We have also ordered the new P5 Preamp and S5 Stereo Amp, which should be along within a month or so.
If you would like to schedule an audition please give us a call at 503 222-2599, or just stop by.
Cheers,
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>While the first experience most often leaves the strongest impression, hearing a great new speaker or component can further redefine one's understanding of what is sonically possible. While it's hard to complain about getting to listen to phenomenal systems on a regular basis working in hifi it does make these experiences exceptionally few and far between. While it might be going too far to say that I've become jaded after enough years in the industry, suffice to say that after having listened to hundreds or thousands of very fine components and systems a wholesale reimagining of the possible seems to be an experience firmly residing in the past.
The Linn Klimax DSM with Katalyst has been a reference digital streamer and DAC at Pearl Audio since its introduction in 2016. Katalyst introduced us to a new frontier in digital performance not so much in what it added, but what it didn't. The astonishing lack of any grain, glare, or digital artifact leaves the impression of listening to an incredibly quiet, resolute turntable. Katalyst marries the traditionally mutually exclusive combination of exceptional resolution and remarkable forgivingness. After getting our first Klimax DSM with Katalyst we were awed by how we found ourselves unconsciously listening to whatever music we wanted, completely ignoring recording quality. Everything just sounded better even as we heard details that we'd never before experienced. We kept diving into our collections to listen to that album that had amazing music but a previously unsatisfying recording quality.
Even as Linn tricked down the Katalyst DAC architecture to their Akurate and Selekt DSMs, the Klimax maintained its sonic supremacy. After an extended comparison between the Akurate and Klimax DSMs, both with Katalyst, a client described the difference to me as that the Akurate allows you to easily follow each section in a symphony, precisely rendered in space and with beautiful tone. The Klimax allowed you to place and follow each individual performer in those sections.
When the all-new Klimax DSM with Organik was announced I wondered how much Linn could really improve the sound given the Klimax DSM with Katalyst's already superb performance. Given my trust in Linn's engineers I had no doubt that there would be lower noise and greater resolution, but what did that really mean? The Klimax DSM with Katalyst had been my reference for so long that I couldn't quite imagine how something significantly better would actually sound. I decided that I wanted the fairest impression possible and declined to listen to any descriptions or reviews of the new Klimax DSM with Organik's sonics before its arrival at our store.
When the long-awaited day arrived we unboxed the Klimax DSM with Organik and hooked it up in our big sound room with Luxman's reference C-900u and M-900 preamplifier and power amplifier and Magico M2 loudspeakers.
Too excited to wait for any warm-up or burn-in we simply started listening as soon as it powered up. A dumbstruck "wow" passed my lips within the first five seconds of the track. I was transported back to the time in my early teens that I'd first heard a good stereo. For the first time in many years my understanding of what is sonically possible expanded in a flashbulb reckoning. Many hours of delightful listening followed as we enjoyed the new level of musical reproduction and digested just what could lead to such an immediate and powerful impression.
The Klimax DSM with Organik's resolution is substantially greater than the previous Klimax. Fine details are more evident and resolved throughout the entire frequency spectrum. While detail is often perceived most acutely in the treble and midrange, the Organik DAC achieves a degree of bass texture and definition previously unparalleled in my experience. The musical effect of this is to render the bass wholly a sonic constitution of the instrument producing it in the soundstage, rather than a identifiable, separate entity of bass sticking around the speakers.
The next immediate impression is of better soundstaging. The sonic image is larger with more precise placement of performers, especially in terms of depth. Rather than depth primarily being present in the middle of the soundstage between the speakers, depth can now be perceived accurately even towards the outer edges of the soundstage. Notably the localizability of the speakers is greatly reduced. In fact, I’d been rather bothered by being able to localize some of the sound coming from our Magico M2s and not having been able to solve the problem through speaker positioning. The new Klimax solved this issue entirely in our room and now there is now no perception of sound coming from the speakers.
However, even though the impression of these changes in resolution and soundstaging is immediate and obvious, it seems they are almost more incidental to the new Klimax's strengths rather than its primary benefits.
Linn also added more connectivity to the new Klimax DSM with an additional set of RCA inputs, USB audio input, optical ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It can serve as a preamplifier in addition to being a digital streamer and DAC.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions about the new Klimax DSM with Organik or to schedule an audition!
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Music simply comes to life with the McIntosh MA9500 Integrated Amplifier and its 300 Watts per channel of clean, effortless power. That power is delivered via a pair of the famed McIntosh Autoformer™ whose unique design guarantees your speakers will always receive the full 300 Watts regardless if they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. The MA9500 replaces the award-winning MA9000 (SoundStage Network 2018 Integrated Amplifier of the Year; Sound + Image 2019 Stereo Amplifier Award Winner; Stereo Sound 2017 Grand Prix Award Winner) and adds additional performance enhancements to an already outstanding stereo integrated amplifier.
Filter capacity in the MA9500 has been doubled compared to the MA9000 which has produced a significant increase in dynamic headroom from 1.8dB to 2.8dB, giving the MA9500 greater ability to reproduce musical peaks with less distortion. And while the MA9000 featured great low end bass performance, the MA9500's increased filter capacity will also help deliver even more amazing bass playback and control.
While the MA9000 included McIntosh's DA1 Digital Audio Module, the MA9500 comes standard with the DA2 Digital Audio Module. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. The DA2 is powered by an audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DAC in the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high-resolution audio. The DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of McIntosh's MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high-definition audio found on your SACDs.
TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the MA9500 to enjoy your TV’s sound like never before through your home music system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The MA9500 remote can control the TV’s power and volume when CEC communication is enabled in both the amplifier and the TV. The DA2 also features increased DSD playback support of up to DSD512 via the USB input. And being a modular design, it's possible to someday replace the DA2 with a newer Digital Audio Module.
The breadth of the analog audio connections is just as impressive as the digital audio connectivity. The MA9500 has 10 analog inputs consisting of 2 balanced inputs, 6 unbalanced inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input with separate grounding terminals to connect your turntable(s). Both of the phono inputs feature adjustable loading so you can fine tune the sound of your vinyl records. All unbalanced analog connectors are made from premium gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding. All analog and digital inputs can be given custom names for user-friendly system control and configuration. For further flexibility in setting up your home audio system, the MA9500 includes a balanced and unbalanced output that can send the audio signal to another power amplifier.
Upgraded power supply components further reduce noise emissions while also adding more robustness under the most demanding conditions. The MA9500 continues to use powerful control microprocessors for smooth and reliable system operation, as well as some of the latest state-of-the-art audio-grade circuit components to produce the best sound possible.
McIntosh's innovative Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts will let you easily but securely attach your speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your home audio speakers.
Other McIntosh features included in the MA9500 are:
The MA9500 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility. Roon will recognize it and send it audio optimized for its capabilities. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box for a superior customer experience.
The MA9500 is wrapped in the classic McIntosh aesthetic featuring a black glass front panel with LED lighting, a pair of peak-responding blue watt meters, control knobs, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps with built-in handles, and a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis.
1) The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source.
Cheers!
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
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Pearl Audio received the new Luxman M-10x reference amplifier arrived today. We will have this on-demo as a regular store demonstrator. We have the M-10x in-stock as well.
Here are a few unboxing photos. The speaker in the background is the new Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 in Walnut.
Klonk! This is a heavy, heavy box! The box is in such good shape because these come strapped to a heavy wooden pallet with plastic wrap and cardboard corner protectors on the boxes.
The white plastic shipping locks serve to attach the outer box to the inner box and form a stronger bond than regular staples or tape. When closed they basically sandwich the two layers of cardboard from the inner and outer boxes together.
Note interior strapping - this increased the structural strength of the packaging as a whole. We use this same technique when shipping heavy amplifiers too because it causes the outer box to have less stress and reduces the chance of bursting due to heavy weight.
Here you can see the holes where the plastic shipping lockers bind the inner to the outer box and form a strong and re-useable tie. We see this technique used by Linn for their Klimax Organik, and Bowers & Wilkins for their heavier 800 D4 series. Clamshell boxes with lockers are 100% re-usable and tape-free. We've seen enough 20 year-old hifi boxes with age-crumbled tape to appreciate quality long-term ownership features.
Below see the manual, cables and gloves. The white gloves may seem superfluous, but when handling a beautiful machined aluminum chassis like the Luxman M-10x, it's very nice to not leave fingerprint oils on the finish. Sure you can wipe them off, but it's best to never leave them in the first place.
Here in this simple photo we can see another quality long-term ownership feature which is the cloth cover that come with the Luxman M-10x. Cloth covers are wonderful when repackaging an amplifier because you can just place the cover over the amplifier and tuck in the corners - like making a bed.
The thin foam padding under the cloth is another nice touch. It protects the amplifier fine finish from scratches in transit, but also gives you a little more protection but allows grip while placing this heavy amplifier onto a stand or shelf. The general handling drill is to get the amplifier placed then remove the cloth and inner foam, so having thin foam allows you to still grip and maneuver while protecting from minor scratches.
Here is the beautiful new M-10x in all of its lovely machined and polished aluminum metalwork glory. In-person you can see the perfection of the fine finished aluminum which is frankly in a class by itself. The meters have been moved a little so the rightmost meter is now centered for use as a monoblock amplifier.
You can use the M-10x as a 150 watt into 8 ohm stereo amplifier with max output of 1200 watts into a 1 ohm load.
You can also use the M-10x as a monoblock amplifier too - just buy a second one. When used in monoblock configuration a pair of Luxman M-10x monoblocks will produce 600 watts into 8 ohms with max output of 2400 watts into a 2 ohm load. <-- this is not a misprint.
Below you can see we connected up our 9 Meter Long set of Cardas Clear Beyond interconnects and 2.5M Cl ear Beyond Speaker cables connected to the rear panel of the M-10x. The Luxman M-10x binding posts are absolutely superb - big round knobs that you can grip with your fingers and tighten up good.
The black wire you see above the XLR connectors is a CAD ground wire which leads to a CAD GC-1 grounding device - we use these on many of our in-store electronics because they provide a much better ground than our wall outlets and give us audibly blacker backgrounds.
It may sound minor, but having a quality brass/copper ground connection point with a finger tighten knurled knob on Luxman M-10x is a nice professional feature, and one I wish more high performance companies would include.
As weird as it seems, this is a bit of an emotional moment for us. This is the very first time we've ever powered on a reference level Luxman component that was developed and released while we've been a dealer for them. When we became a dealer we purchased an M-900u which we of course loved, but at that point the M-900 had been out for over five years. This is Luxman's new state-of-their-art reference sold state amplifier, and we are here to experience the first power-on.
To the right you can see about half of our of the CAD GC-1 ground control unit - little black box with CA showing. The black plate on top is an HRS Nimbus mechanical grounding plate. The Nimbus and related Nimbi are solid machined aluminum with a soft material footer.
Here is a wider shot showing our lovely new Luxman with our equally gorgeous Bowers and Wilkins 804 D4 in walnut. The aluminum and subtle polish accents on the Luxman M-10x complement the lovely aluminum accents on the 801 D4.
The rest of the system is a Luxman C-900u reference preamplifier with Linn Klimax Organik streamer and Cardas Clear Beyond (XL) power cords.
The sound of the Luxman-M-10x in this system?
Elegant, warm, refined, with a Class A champagne illuminated midrange supported by remarkable transient speed and texture in the bass. You can hear the beautiful Class A sound in the midrange. The M-10x runs Class A up to 12 watts.
The fast powerful bass transients are a well known hallmark quality of the 801 D4, but you need a high performance amplifier that can instantly provide big power (aka high current) to get the full benefit.
We'll post a few more listening thoughts next week or so - we need to let the amplifier warm up and burn in for a few days before it's ready to seriously audition. We also want to play with with our usual suspect 802 D4, 803 D4, Dynaudio Heritage Specials + Confidences, Magico A3/A5/M2, and Olympica / Electa Amator Maximas. These listening tests with likely candidate speakers are done with each and every major component in our store.
Here is the Luxman M-10x brochure and Luxman M-10x manual.
Until we meet again,
John, Russ, Connor & Tara
]]>Pearl Audio is excited to announce that we now carry the new HiFi ROSE touchscreen audio and video streamers.
HiFi Rose' parent company is a Korean manufacturer of touchcreen informational kiosks that decided to combine their well developed touch screen technology with music and video streaming. The result is an iphone-like quality touchscreen experienc e combined with audio and video streaming capabilities.
The entire front face of a Hifi Rose music streamer is the control panel. You just walk up to it, use the touchscreen front panel to select the audio or video you wish to enjoy, and away you go. There is also an included app and wand remote.
In addition to audio streaming, HiFi Rose also plays video. You can enjoy music videos on the small Hi-Fi Rose screen and you can output via HDMI to your television. Hifi Rose also has the ability to play video's from their youTube subchannel of advertisement free music videos or an optional installed hard drive.
HiFi Rose Rear Panel
Shown below the the rear panel of the HiFi ROSE RS150B which has ARC return channel - so your TV volume control works on the Hifi Rose too. The smaller RS250 and 201 have standard non-ARC HDMI outputs. Hifi Rose also has analog, digital and network inputs and a user-installable ssd hard drive slot (chassis underside).
HiFi ROSE RS-201E on-demo and in-stock
So far we have received the $2195 RS-201E Network Streamer Integrated Amplifier units - just add speakers and you have a system. The RS-201E is 11" wide by 8" deep and has an 8.8" touchscreen and integrated 50 watt amplifier. The RS-201E is on-demo and in-stock at Pearl Audio.
We have both the $4995 RS-150B Reference Network Streamer and $2195 RS-250 Network Streamer on order for both demo and stock (all finishes). Due to popularity these are sold out at the national distributor (MOFI), but a new container is expected early March. Estimated arrival at Pearl Audio is a week later. Call us at (503) 222-2599 to reserve.
Accessory $499 RSA-780E CD Drive/Rippers on-order too.
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Pearl Audio's MX180 stock units have been ordered and should arrive in 2-3 weeks.
The MX180 A/V Processor supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz on all 7 of its Ultra High Speed HDMI ports1 (5 inputs and 2 outputs). Each support HDCP 2.3; 4:4:4 Color; Rec. 2020; Dynamic Lip-sync; Quick Media Switching (QMS) that eliminates the delay that can result in blank screens before content is displayed; and 3D Video pass-through. The HDMI outputs can either simultaneously output the same source material to two separate screens, or they can output different content from two different sources to two separate screens at the same time.
To create the most life-like and realistic picture possible, the MX180 supports a myriad of high dynamic range formats: HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; HDR10+; HLG; and Dolby Vision (including low latency). These technologies will ensure every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and color – on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis.
To give you a truly immersive home theater experience and place you inside your favorite movies, the MX180 is compatible with all the leading 3D surround sound formats including Dolby® Atmos, DTS:X® Pro, and Auro-3D®. One HDMI output features both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality. ARC allows a compatible TV to send audio data to the audio video processor over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for separate audio cables. The more advanced eARC offers greater bandwidth so higher resolution audio formats such as DTS-HD Master Audio™, DTS:X®, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos can be sent through the HDMI cable, allowing the MX180 to deliver the best possible sound quality.2
We have the new wonder in our showroom, available for demonstration.
The Audio Research I/50 has 50 watts of high current power.
The base price for the new I/50 integrated is $5000. Audio Research currently has an optional MM phono stage and in a few months an optional digital module. The phono stage is priced at $750, the upcoming digital module $1000. You can add both for $1500.
Our I/50 has the optional built-in phono stage.
If you'd like to schedule a private audition appointment please email or telephone us. We are also happy to set one up at any time should you drop by. Appointments allow us to set aside a block of time and room for your audition
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We are happy to say our shipment of MA252 integrated amplifiers has finally made it in. We now have them in-stock so you can take one home today.
We also have the MA-252 and it's bigger brother the MA352 on demonstration.
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