News
Sonus Faber
We have reached a new level of listening Nirvana here at complete audio, and it’s all thanks to Sonus Faber.
Words cannot convey the joy it is to listen to any of the three pairs of fine Italian craftsmanship that are now on display in our store.
I can only urge you to come in and treat your ears to the beauty that is the Sonus Faber Cremona M, Liuto and Toy Towers.
NAD VISO 1 Arrives
The NAD Viso 1 digital music system is more than just an iPod dock. While it still allows you to “dock” your iPod/ iPhone in the traditional manner, using the digital connection at the bottom of the Apple devices. The Viso 1 also has the ability to pair wirelessly via Bluetooth. This connection allows iPhone users to listen to their music and still keep their phone on them in case of a call, or just the desire to change the song without moving to the NAD system. This Bluetooth connection also opens the Viso 1 to the wider Smart Phone market, as well as any device that has Bluetooth.
The Engineers at NAD also added an Optical Fibre socket to allow the Viso 1 to work as the speaker system for other devices, such as an LCD panel, Apple TV or a music streaming service along the lines of Sonos. Coupled with this optic port is a Component Video out to allow for a HD video connection for playback of any movies stored on docked iPods/iPhones.
After NAD had finished with the final touches on the amp and connections, they handed the Viso 1 over to PSB (their sister company). In the safe hands of co-founder/ head designer Paul Barton, the system was taken to an anechoic chamber to develop the best speaker layout for it. This development process has created a sound that is completely uncoloured by the platform from which it emanates, allowing the music to explode from the Viso 1 in all its glory no matter the source or connection.
In short at $699 the NAD Viso 1 is one of the best digital music playing systems we’ve had at Complete Audio. But don’t just take out word for it come in and have a listen.
Sonos welcomes a new member into the family; The Play 3.
For those that know the Sonos range, the Play 3 is a smaller version of the S5. Where the Play 5 features five speakers powered by five dedicated amps, the Play 3 is a three speaker system, powered by three dedicated amps.
The reduction in speakers has also brought about a reduction of size. The Play 3 is roughly 8.5cm shorter and looses 10cm in width compared to its big brother the Play 5, it does however gain 3.5cm in depth over the Play 5, but one could safely assume this is to accommodate the passive radiator that is positioned across the back of the Play 3.
All in all whilst the Play 3 does give up a little in size, and a little in speaker configuration it is still a tidy package with the wherewithal to supply the background music in the kitchen whilst cooking. Then after dinner, be turned up to rattle the plates when the party kicks off.
Sonos are aware that the power of these individual units might not be enough for some of their clients. It is with this in mind that they have also brought the ability to use two “Play 3’s” as a stereo pair with one acting as the left speaker, the other as the right. This feature first presented itself with the release of the Play 5, were it found great success. In some installations this feature is never turned off. Where as in other cases this ability is used, on a short term basis, for large gatherings only to have the individual units returned to their standard settings, and locations, when the festivities are over. It is this versatility that makes not only the Play 5 and Play 3 a success, but the entire Sonos range.
The release of the play 3 was heralded by the drop in price of the Bridge, now $79. This coupled with the Play 3 at $419 and the Sonos app for iPod, iPhone, Android mobiles being free, means you can have your first Sonos zone up and running for a shade under $500 dollars.
We have the full Sonos range on display, so drop by for a visit and we will be more than happy to walk you through the world of music that Sonos can bring.
Yamaha releases new Aventage models in Australia -
September 15th saw Yamaha launch their newly updated flagship range, Aventage. The range sees the addition of two new models the RX-A710 and the RX-A810 adding to the updated RX-A1010, RX-A2010 and RX-A3010.
Common features of these amplifiers are:
- Yamaha have introduced a “5th leg” directly under the power supply. This negates vibration that has a negative effect on the acoustics of a product.
- Symmetrical Power Amplifier Layout has now been introduced to the Aventage range to deliver improved left/right separation.
- Factory four year warranty - the longest warranty ever offered in the industry.
The significant differences of the AV Receivers in the Aventage range are:
- RX-A3010 boasting 9.2 channels at 150 watts per channel, 192KHz A/D convertors and four zone operation.
- RX-A2010 also with 9.2 channels at 140 watts per channel, reflected sound control and three zone operation.
- RX-A1010 has 7.2 channels at 110 watts per channel and eight HDMI inputs with twin HDMI outputs.
- RX-A810 has 7.2 channels at 100 watts per channel, all zones party mode and a hidden front panel.
- RX-A710 has 7.2 channels at 90 watts per channel and powered second zone.
The breaking news is that Yamaha have just released an Android app to control the Aventage range.
This application gives the user access to various receiver function and control of all available zones. Some of its advanced features allow for internet radio browsing, and displays on your smart phone all content available through the YD-S12 iPod dock.
The release of this free application is a continued example of Yamaha’s aim “to constantly build on customers expectations” and clearly shows that Yamaha are keeping a firm view on the future of all their products.
For a hands on demonstration of this application or any other products stop by the shop and speak to one of our friendly staff.
