Integra releases HDBaseT Receiver and Processors

From Integrahometheater.com

 Integra, the leading brand of audio-video components specifically engineered for custom installation, has introduced its new mid-range THX Certified AV preamp processor and A/V receiver, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5. Both are the first Integra products to support HDBaseT technology, which allows HD audio/video signals to be transmitted over much longer distances and uses cables that are much more commonly available, less expensive, and easier to field terminate and install in customized lengths than HDMI.

 

Integra DHC 60.5, features new HDBaseT technology

By incorporating HDBaseT technology, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5 are optimized for whole-home distribution and can connect to compatible entertainment devices through a single CAT5e/6 cable. HDBaseT is the only technology that enables long-reach wired connectivity up to 328 feet (100 meters) for uncompressed full HD multimedia content including 3D and 2K/4K Ultra HD making it ideal for the custom integration specialists. The HDBaseT port can be assigned for use in either the main zone or a second zone, while the HDMI output is used exclusively for the main zone.

“The addition of HDBaseT in these two new models help address an issue many in the custom installation market deal with; providing HD quality over long distances,” said Keith Haas, Director of Sales. “Implementing technologies like HDBaseT allows us to continue to provide products people have come to expect from the market leader. With this addition along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unparalleled streaming service options, THX Certified sound quality, ISF Certified Calibration Control, and ongoing support upgrades, our customers get new value added on a regular basis.”

The new DHC-60.5 7.2 channel network A/V preamp processor is THX Ultra2 Plus Certified and the ideal companion to the DTA-70.1 THX Ultra2 certified amplifier. The DHC-60.5 also includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and full support for the new 4K Ultra HD video displays using either the 4K pass-through feature or up-scaling for conventional SD and HD video sources via a Marvel QDEO processor. There are connections for nine HDMI inputs and one output, plus HDBaseT, along with 7.2 multichannel balanced XLR pre-outs (with front-channel bi-amp capability) and two-channel balanced XLR audio inputs.

Integra DHC 60.5, features new HDBaseT technology

Meanwhile, the DTR-60.5 is a 9.2 channel, THX Select2 Plus network A/V receiver that boasts 135 watts per channel of power.

The DTR-60.5 supports an abundant package of connectivity options including 9-in/1-out HDMI, the aforementioned HDBaseT port, and 11.2 multichannel pre-outs to support full DTS Neo:X™ up-mixing for surround-sound playback. If preferred, the unit can be configured to assign four of the nine available channels to drive audio in Zone 2 and Zone 3 simultaneously. There is a full package of surround processing including Dolby Pro-Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX, plus Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room set-up processing. Amplification comes courtesy of proprietary WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and discrete Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, a combination that preserves a distinctively musical sound even at high volumes.

Both models provide management of the main and multi-zone entertainment via the Integra Remote app for Apple and Android devices, which encompass the selection of online streaming services, internet radio channels, and network audio files. The network connection provides Internet radio and streaming music services include the new addition of TuneIn Radio along with the bevy of services offered in previous generation models such as Spotify, Pandora®, SlackerTM, Rhapsody®, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio®, AUPEO!, and Last.fm.

They also support the playback of high definition music files in FLAC, DSD, ALAC, HD 24/96 and HD 24/192 formats from HD music download services.

In addition to having the power to steer high-res movie soundtracks at theater-reference volumes, the receiver is loaded with high-end features to optimize two-channel performance. Pre-processing incorporates three 192kHz/24-bit TI Burr-Brown DACs (with one stereo DAC per front channel in Differential DAC mode). Audiophiles wishing to bi-amp their front speakers can find performance increases from the proprietary Digital Processing Crossover Network, which splits the audio signal very precisely into separate high- and low-frequency signals, feeding them to the appropriate speaker drivers. This all but eliminates frequency overlap at the crossover point for a more transparent stereo image.

The Integra DHC-60.5 AV preamp processor and the DTR-60.5 A/V receivers will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,000 and $2,300 respectively.

BEHIND THE SOUND: LES PAUL

From McIntosh.com

The late, great Les Paul talks about the legacy of his career with McIntosh. Watch Les talk on his introduction to McIntosh, the McIntosh gear he used, and about how he put together the winning combination of a "great amplifier with a great guitar" to get his sound.

HARMAN’s Mark Levinson Showcasing 40th Anniversary № 52 Preamplifier at CEDIA 2012

IT LOOKS STUNNING, IT IS EXPENSIVE, IT IS MARK LEVINSON!!!

9/6/2012 - By Peter Weiss, Source Mark Levinson Official Website

HARMAN’s Mark Levinson Showcasing 40th Anniversary № 52 Preamplifier at CEDIA 2012

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — At CEDIA 2012, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group is showcasing its Mark Levinson 40th Anniversary № 52 Reference Dual-Monaural Preamplifier. The № 52 is the finest preamplifier ever created by Mark Levinson, combining extraordinary performance and versatility with a distinctively elegant appearance.

“We are excited to offer the № 52 to music lovers and audio connoisseurs worldwide,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management for HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “The № 52 embodies the uncompromising technological innovation, superlative sound, unmatched build quality and striking design that has made Mark Levinson synonymous with ultimate-performance audio for 40 years. We designed the № 52 to deliver the highest level of sonic accuracy and musical involvement.”

The № 52 is an all-analog, true dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible. It provides a comprehensive complement of inputs including three balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, and a dedicated phono input that is selectable for moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through full-range subwoofer output or a record output.

The Mark Levinson № 52 offers a unity gain SSP (surround sound processor) output that provides the ability to integrate the audio sources that are connected to it into a home theater system, while maintaining optimal and independent stereo operation for music sources. The № 52 provides extensive control and system interface connectivity via Ethernet, Mark Levinson’s proprietary ML Net, 12V trigger and IR control ports. In addition, a USB port facilitates possible future software upgrades. The № 52 is supplied with a remote control that can also be used to operate other Mark Levinson components.

The № 52 is built to an extraordinary level of refinement. Its control section features mirror-imaged DC power supplies and AC regeneration circuits for remarkably clean and stable power delivery and signal purity. Individual left and right DC umbilical cords are used to connect to the audio sections in the second chassis, and control signals are delivered via a third cable to keep them isolated. The audio chassis is laid out in a mirror image, left/right configuration with isolated and independent circuit boards for the volume, main and auxiliary signal paths, and extensive shielding for critical components. The chassis is constructed from heavy aluminum extrusions and plates.

Like all Mark Levinson components, the № 52 is stunning in appearance, with a rich, brushed metal black and silver faceplate accented by red illumination against a glass center panel.

The Mark Levinson № 52 Reference Dual Monaural Preamplifier will be available in January 2013.