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12/20/2002: Sennheiser, in conjunction with Future Sonics, is offering FREE ear impressions at the Sennheiser booth (#6555) during Winter NAMM 2003 in Anaheim, California. A licensed audiologist will be making ear impressions every other hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during regular trade show hours on first come first served basis. Once the impression is made it is sent to a lab for final casting. There is no charge for this service (a $50.00 value). As a special incentive to those having impressions made, Future Sonics has assembled "NAMM SHOW ONLY" specials for various custom ear product options including Sennheiser IE-3 Universal Ear Phones or Future Sonics' Custom Ear Plugs or Personal Monitors.

12/14/2002: Meier Audio is celebrating its second anniversary by temporarily reducing the price of the Corda HA-1 headphone amp to EUR 290 / US $290 (includes worldwide shipping).

12/7/2002: Echo Digital's Indigo PCMCIA (type 2) sound card upgrades a laptop computer's sound system with 24-bit/96kHz DACs and a high quality headphone amp. With two stereo headphone outputs (1/8" mini-jacks), a volume control and a blue power LED indicator, the Indigo is made for listening to CDs and DVDs on the road, mixing professional audio and live performance applications. Echo includes drivers for PC or Macintosh laptops with a CardBus adapter. On Windows, the Indigo supports WDM, Wave/MME, DirectSound, ASIO, and GSIF. On Mac laptops, it supports CoreAudio. The minimum recommended hardware is a PC laptop with a Pentium III, 500MHz processor running Windows ME/2000/XP or a Mac PowerBook G3/G4 with Cardbus slot (excluding Lombard G3 Powerbook) running Mac OSX. The Indigo retails for $99 and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Optional accessories include the Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones ($99.95) and WinDVD 4 DVD player with Dolby Headphone ($29.95). See my review of the Indigo here.

12/7/2002: NewEgg.com is selling the Sennheiser HD580 headphones for $125. I've checked the site several times, and each time, they've been out-of-stock on these headphones. Also, the price went up from $120. The next restock date is 12/9/2002.

12/7/2002: Sennheiser is offering rebates of $5 to $50 on select model headphones until December 31 when purchased from an authorized Sennheiser USA dealer. More details here.

11/24/2002: Sennheiser's new line of Streetwear headphones perform particularly well with portable players. They are very lightweight (around 60-65 gr.), have collapsible headbands and are built with special attention to sound quality, comfort and durability. The PX100 is an open-back headphone with a baffle design similar to the classic HD414. The PX200 is a closed headphone featuring adaptive baffle damping (patent pending) and offers excellent passive isolation. The PX250 active noise cancellation PX-250 headphones. The lightweight PX-250 headphones are a closed design with circumaural earpads that reduce noise above 1.2kHz (up to 25dB of noise reduction). The noise reduction circuitry (located inside a small electronic pack) cancels noise below 1.2kHz (up to 15dB of reduction). The MSRPs for the PX100, PX200 and PX250 are $49.95, $59.95 and $129.95 respectively.

11/20/2002: The comet-shaped enclosure of the Shure E2c canal headphones creates a fuller, richer sound. Flex sleeves at the tips provide a high degree of acoustic isolation. The fit kit provides 3 pairs (S, M, L) of disposable foam sleeves and three pairs (S, M, L) of re-useable flex sleeves to ensure a personalized fit. The signal cable is designed to pass over and behind the ears. The E2c can be stored in its zippered case. It retails for $99. 11/11/2002: New Project - The Zen Headphone Amplifier by Marcello Pellerano.

11/11/2002: Meier Audio's Corda PreHead-1 is an upgraded version of the Corda HA-1 headphone amplifier with preamp controls. The source selector switch chooses between 4 inputs (a passive bypass is available through input #4). The gain switch has low and high settings. There is a single preamp output and two headphone outputs (featuring the Meier Natural Crossfeed Filter). The output impedance of the headphone jacks (silver-plated Neutrik) can be set for 0 or 120 Ohms. The PreHead-1 is built with very high quality, durable components and can be customized with different opamps and inputs. It measures 22cm x 22.5cm x 8.4cm. Meier Audio offers two versions for a mains voltage of 110V and 220V. Outside the European Community, the PreHead-1 retails for EUR 800/$775 US. Inside the EC, the retail price is EUR 925/$900 US.

10/25/2002: Sennheiser GmbH and William Demant Holding announced the formation of Sennheiser Communications to provide acoustic and electronic headset products. The company will be based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Sennheiser Communications' new product range will be introduced at the CeBit 2003 fair in Hanover, Germany, March 12, 2003.

8/18/2002: Koss.com is selling the Porta Pro headphones at 50% off. At checkout, apply coupon code 617A. Note: this coupon has been active since July 10 and was announced in the Headphone Reviews forum.

6/22/2002: Project Update - The Collected Grado Headphone Mods.

6/10/2002: TangentSoft announces the availability of pc boards for the Meta42 headphone amp.

6/9/2002: New Project - A Fender-Tone Tube Headphone Amplifier.

6/3/2002: Project Update - The Morgan Jones Mini Tube Headphone Amplifier.

5/22/2002: Project Update - SDS Labs Headphone Amplifier by Sheldon D. Stokes.

5/21/2002: Project Update - An Acoustic Simulator for Headphone Amplifiers by Chu Moy.

5/20/2002: Pioneer Electronics' new SE-DIR1000C wireless surround headphone system is due out at the end of July and use a Dolby Headphone virtualizer for imaging 5.1 channels in headphones. The system uses digital infrared transmission. Inside the transmitter are decoders for Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks. The Dolby Headphone processor has three room settings. The wireless headphones have cloth-covered earpads for comfort and an internal rechargeable NiMH battery that will operate for 20 hours on a single charge. Wired headphones can be plugged into the standard headphone jack on the transmitter. No information on pricing yet.

5/20/2002: The Denon AVC-A1SR is the new top-of-the-line surround receiver with Dolby Headphone virtualizer (the older AVC-A1SE can be upgraded to the same capabilities). Each of the THX Ultra Certified 7 channels can output 170W into 8 ohms. Here is a list of some other features: Dolby Pro-Logic 2, DTS, 1.2Gbps Denon Digital Link, Discrete 6.1 DTS ES decoder, DTS ES Matrix 6.1 Support, DTS 96/24 + THX Post processing, DTS Neo, Variable subwoofer cross-over switching, RS-232C Upgrade/Control Port, numerous analog/digital i/o jacks. The AVC-A1SR retails for about 4699 Euros.

5/20/2002: The Sharp MD-MT200H MD player is billed as the "the first personal audio product to feature Dolby Headphone Stereo" for 3D sound from a stereo source. It's not clear from the press release how the stereo DH virtualizer in this product differs from that in the Sharp MD-ST880 introduced last year. The DH processor has three room settings: studio, live and dome. The player itself is housed in a slim, flat-back case (only 22.9 mm thick). The rechargeable battery will operate for up to 32 Hours in LP2/38 Hours in LP4 mode. It comes in silver and blue colors with an in-line remote control.

5/2/2002: Project Update - Designing A Pocket Equalizer for Headphone Listening by Chu Moy.

4/30/2002: Project Update - The 6N1P OTL Headphone Amplifier by Bruce Bender.

4/30/2002: Project Update - The Collected Grado Mods by Skippy et al.

4/30/2002: J&R Music World is selling the discontinued Sennheiser HD535 headphone for $59. The original retail price was $170.

4/30/2002: Meier Audio sales action package deal - Porta Corda portable headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD600 headphones for $310 US/340 Euros.

4/30/2002: The T-3H headphone amplifier from Talisman Audio has a dual mono, class A topology built with discrete components. It will deliver 150mW into 300-ohm headphones or 300mW into 150-ohm headphones and will drive loads between 30 and 600 ohms. The front panel has a volume control knob and a 1/4" (6.35mm) headphone jack. The T-3H measures 140 x 60 x 210 mm. It retails for 590 Euros (France) or about $600 US.

Update (1/20/2003): The T-3H now has a sibling: the T-31H. The T-31H looks very similar to the T-3H and is more affordable. The T-31 has class A circuitry with quality components, but is not dual mono. I don't have pricing information yet.

4/22/2002: New Project - A Portable DAC with Headphone Amplifier by Andrija Ifkovic.

4/22/2002: Project Update - A Single-Ended OTL Amplifier for Dynamic Headphones by Aren van Waarde.

4/22/2002: Audio Advisor is having a 20%-off sale on audio interconnects, headphones and headphone amps. The sale is shown in their latest print catalog but is not mentioned on their website nor is it reflected in the online pricing. It may be necessary to contact Audio Advisor directly to get the discount.

4/22/2002: Mapletree Audio Designs' Ear 4 headphone amplifier uses four tubes (5751, 2 x 12B4A and 12X4 - all NOS) in a single-ended, transformer coupled topology. It can output up to 1Vrms and can drive loads as low as 32 ohms. The Ear 4 has line outputs and can be used as a preamp. The amp comes in kit form and retails for the $275 US (available May 1, 2002).

4/22/2002: Home Theatre Sound reports that an upgrade to the Anthem AVM-20 surround processor will include Dolby Headphone as well as Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 24/96, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and THX Ultra2. This hardware upgrade will cost $300 US. The AVM-20 retails for $3199 without the upgrade.

4/13/2002: Power Technology has released DFX6, a sound enhancement plugin for Winamp, MusicMatch, RealOne, RealPlayer, RealJukebox, Sonique, and J.River Media Jukebox media players. The major feature of this version is a new Headphones mode, which gives music a more natural sound in headphones. The list price is $29 US for each player-specific plugin or $39 for all player plugins. Until April 22, the plugins are on sale at 40% off.

4/13/2002: HeadRoom has the AKG K1000 headphones on sale for $399 US (regularly $529).

4/9/2002: Meier Audio's latest sales action: the Philips HP910 for $90 US (EUR 100). The regular price is $115 US (EUR 130).

4/9/2002: Project Update - The Morgan Jones Mini Tube Headphone Amplifier.

4/9/2002: Grace Design's model 901 is a pro quality reference headphone amplifier for tracking, mixing and mastering. It features high current transimpedance amplification for driving low impedance headphones. An array of analog (stereo RCA jacks) and digital (optical/coaxial/SPDIF/AES3) inputs gives flexibility for monitoring from several sources, and an ultra precise volume control for perfect balance in stereo recordings. The model 901 is housed in a 1U, half-rack enclosure and retails for $1495 US.

4/1/2002: The VHP1 tube headphone amplifier from Paul Hynes is a class A, single-ended triode design with OTL output stage. The high speed, ultra low noise, regulated power supply with a remote power transformer achieves silent operation. The amp can be custom built on a variety of enclosures and finishes. It retails for 585 UKP.

4/1/2002: Reussensehn's Harmonie II tube headphone amplifier features dual monoblock single-ended triode circuitry (a total of 4 tubes). It has two sets of audio inputs (selectable from the front panel) and an ambience enhancement control that adds headroom and spaciousness to the sound. There are two headphone outputs: one standard 1/4" headphone jack and a gold-plated stereo XLR jack for headphones wired in dual mono. The faceplate is made from chrome-plated manganese/aluminum alloy. The knobs are machined from brass and are gold plated. The Harmonie II retails for 749 Euros. It comes with a set of Reussensehn dual mono headphones, which can be returned for a refund of 125 Euros - if the customer prefers other headphones.

3/20/2002: New Project - A Compact 50W Integrated Amplifier with Meier Headphone Section by Tim Harrison

3/18/2002: I had planned to use this month's editorial space to comment on developments at the CES 2002. Since I didn't attend and there were few headphone-related product debuts at the show, I've decided to keep this section brief. As with the CeBIT show now taking place in Frankfurt, attendance at the CES 2002 was down from the previous year. The feeling of some pundits is that the show lacked energy and pioneering directions. The products and concepts on display articulated portability, mobility and a continuation of previous trends.

The first keynote at the show by Bill Gates (Microsoft) seemed to set the tone for the event. He expanded on the consumer electronics vision he presented last year. Predictably, the new version of the embedded operating system Windows CE.Net failed to be the rabble-rouser that Windows XP was. Smart devices and Microsoft's Freestyle and Mira technologies for wireless remote control of the PC and tablet-based terminals were deja-vu of sorts, implied or demo'ed during last year's Microsoft/Intel PC-as-center-of-the-universe presentations. The remaining keynote speakers were similarly blase, with possibly William Espry's announcement that Sprint would be offering 3G high-speed wireless data services this summer being the high point.

For headphone fans, 3D headphone sound and virtualizers have been slowly gaining a following, especially for playback of video DVDs and even multi-channel audio DVDs and SACDs. AKG, Sony and Acoustic Research released new models of wireless surround headphones. The new Acoustic Research AW791 is notable for its use of QSound's QSurround Headphone technology for virtualizing 5.1 surround channels in headphones. QSound has been edging in this direction for some time (and holds several patents related to headphone virtualization). The AW791 is not only the first product to feature QSurround Headphone, but is really the first time that QSound has demonstrated any more than a passing interest in headphones - the majority of their products being based on two-speaker surround effects. What a nice surprise!

PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Headphone And Headphone Systems



• AKG Acoustics updated their Hearo line with the new Hearo 777 Quadra and Quadra Deluxe wireless surround headphones. These have the same IVA stereo and Prologic headphone virtualizer circuit as the original Hearo 777. New features include 24/96 DACs, bridged amplifier with quadruple the output and the Lexicon Logic7 chip for decoding Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby EX7.1 and other formats and simulation of up to 8 virtual speakers (when used with the IVA virtualizer). The Quadra Deluxe is encased in a scratch-proof acrylic plastic. These products are not available in the US yet. The MSRP (based on prices in Germany) is about $250 US for the Quadra and $285 US for the Deluxe.

  

  AKG's UHF and AFC wireless headphones are notable for their "powerful bass reproduction". The K305 UHF is a UHF wireless system with a transmission range of over 330 ft. The open-back headphones weigh 8.1 oz, have detachable, washable earpads and can operate for up to 10 hours on the internal Nicad batteries. The transmitter, which doubles as a recharger for the headphones, can broadcast to an unlimited number of other AKG UHF series headphones.

  The two new models in the AFC series are the K305AFC II and the K405AFC II. The AFC series wireless headphones have an autotuning function to tune in the transmission frequency at the push of a button. Both are open-back UHF-wireless headphones that are powered by two AAA rechargeable batteries (10 hr. Nicad in the K305 and 20 hr. NiMH in the K405). The K405 II headphones will automatically mute the sound if the signal is too weak. The transmitter base of the K405 II includes a battery charger. Other specs for these phones are similar to the K305 UHF.

  

• The Acoustic Research AW-791 wireless surround headphones employ QSound's QSurround Headphone virutalization technology to image up to 5.1 channels in headphones. The 900 MHz RF system includes a Dolby Digital decoder and transmits with a S/N ratio of up to 70dB and a range up to 300 feet. There is an input selection switch that chooses one of three inputs (including two analog and one Toslink digital) and a Channel Select switch for changing the transmission frequency. The headphones are powered by three AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries. The transmitter is powered from an AC adapter. The MSRP is $300 US.

  

• Amphony's model H1000 wireless headphones use 2.4GHz digital transmission without compression for full CD quality sound (3Mbps data rate, 64x oversampling). The transmitter's range is 200 ft (line of sight) or 50 ft through walls. The system employs an error correction algorithm for superior reception and has a high-speed data port for connecting "Range Booster" modules. The headphone receiver uses two AA batteries that will last for up to 100 hours. The MSRP is $129 US - the first digital wireless system retailing for less than $200.

  

• The Etymotic ER-6 is a new low cost entry in the Canalphone line. Slightly smaller than the ER4S, the ER-6 is easier to insert in the ears and has less isolation than the other Canalphone models. Specs: 50 ohms impedance, 102dB/mW sens. It comes with 2 eartips and retails for $134.

• According to a press release at 3DSoundSurge.com, the FreeSystems-Grado wireless digital headphone (first announced at the CES 2001) is almost ready to ship. The system is essentially a Grado RA-1 amplifier paired with a FreeSystems' digital infrared transmission technology. It comes with a Grado headphone custom-designed for this application. The system is a limited edition of only 500 pieces and should be available sometime after Feb. 2002. The retail price is reported to be $3,800 US.

  

• Sony has a variety of new offerings. First is the MDR-D66SL "Eggo" headphone for portable audio. Finished in matte black with a silver cap, these closed headphones are very comfortable due to the velveteen-covered earpads. The headphone cord comes in two parts: a 0.5m short cord from the headphone and a 1 meter extension cable. The short cord (SL) is for connecting an in-line remote and the extension is for use without a remote. Specs: 40mm transducers, 24 ohms impedance, 106dB/mW sens. and 1500mW power handling. The retail price is 9400 Yen or about $70 US. Note: these headphones are available from various US dealers, but at higher prices ranging from $85 to $100 US.

  The MDR-NC11 noise cancelling headphones block external sounds with silicone cushions that seal the ear canal and a separate active noise reduction electronics pack. The headphones appear to work as standard headphones if the electronics pack is turned off. The cushions come in three sizes: small, medium and large to fit different ear sizes. The system can reduce noise by up to 10dB at 300Hz and has an operational range of 50Hz to 1.5kHz. The amount of noise reduction can be adjusted on the electronics pack. Specs: 9mm transducers, 8-20 ohms impedance, 98 to 102dB/mW sens. The MDR-NC11 runs off a single AA battery. It retails for 9350 Yen (about $71 US).

  The MDR-M20TV is a binaural listening headphone for assisted listening purposes. Unidirectional microphones mounted on both earpieces amplify sounds facing the listener with the greatest gain (30dB) centered around 2.5kHz. It features a two-way sound quality switch and automatic power-off when the headphones are removed. Sony is marketing this product as assisted listening while watching television or as a hearing aid. The retail price 7500 Yen or about $57 US.

  

  Sony's MDR-DS8000 wireless surround headphone is the successor to the DS5100. The onboard virtualizer can create up to 6.1 virtual channels in headphones AND has a Gyrotrac head-tracking system which maintains the positioning of the original acoustic image for greater realism when the listener moves their head. The DS8000 uses digital infrared transmission (the DS5100 transmitted an analog signal) with a 10-meter range and has built-in Dolby Digital and DTS-ES decoders. The companion MDR-IF8000 headphones are open-back type and run on two NiMH rechargable batteries that last up to 7 hours per charge. Pricing is around $600 US. The DS8000 is available now in Japan.

  

• The Sennheiser HD212 and HD202 are low-cost closed back headphones with extended bass response (the HD212 going as far down as 12Hz). Both are lightweight and have replaceable ear cushions. The HD 202's convenient wind-up belt clip stores excess cable, while the HD 212 has a detachable cable for easy transport. HD212 specs: 32 ohms impedance, 115dB/1Vrms sens. HD202 specs: 32 ohms impedance, 112dB/1Vrms sens. The HD212 and HD202 retail for $60 US and $30 US respectively.

  The HD477 is a lightweight, open-back, high efficiency headphone for use with portables. Following the sleek styling of the HD212 and HD202, the ergonometric fit of the HD477 is very comfortable due in part to the coth-covered circumaural earpads. The rugged construction of this headphone includes a detachable cable. Specs: 32 ohms impedance, 109dB/1Vrms sens. The HD477 retails for $60 US.

  

  The HMD280 and HDM281 are high fidelity boomsets for broadcast/reporting, talkback and intercom applications. Both feature closed-back, circumaural earcups that attenuate ambient noise by 32dB. Both also share a super-cardioid microphone mounted on a flexible, acoustically isolated boom. The stereo HMD280 will be most useful to rental companies, ENG personnel, live presenters, reporters, and intercom operators. A single cable carries monitoring and talkback signals for simplified, tangle-free use. The microphone boom can be mounted on either earpiece, and the unit collapses for convenient, space-conscious transport. The dedicated, single-earpiece HMD 281 will be most useful in talkback applications with TV and film camera operators. Users can wear the earpiece on either side. Both units share the same easily replaceable, premium components. The HMD280 lists for $250 US and the HMD 281 for $220 US.

  

• The Sennheiser HD280 Pro is a closed-back headphone for pro audio monitoring applications. Designed to deliver exceptional isolation from ambient noise with precise and linear sound reproduction at high SPLs, the HD280 Pro combines high fidelity with practical design and maximum comfort. The form-fitting, circumaural ear cushions remain comfortable for long periods of listening and can be rotated for flat mobility and space-saving transport. All HD280 parts are user-replaceable. The MSRP is $199.

  

• The Audio Technica ATH-F33 are closed-back headphones for outdoor listening and are efficient enough to be driven with portable audio gear. Both earcups are reversible for single-sided monitoring and have an acoustic bass enhancement design. The adjustable, collapsible headband has a receptacle for the cord plug for convenient carrying when the headphones are folded. Specs: 40mm transducers, 35 ohms impedance, 100dB/mW sens., 1000mW power handling. The retail price is 4,500 Yen (or about $35 US). It comes in transparent black and clear.

  

  The ATH-EQ8 clip-on headphones have very soft clips with hinged earcups for easy installation and comfortable wear. They are thin and lightweight (23 grams). The headphone cord comes with a remote control accessory for use with use with remote-equipped portables and a 1-meter extension cord. The EQ8 comes in three colors: blue, black and silver. The EQ8CX earcups change color when exposed to sunlight and come in two color: blue and orange. The EQ8 and EQ8CX headphones retail for 2,500 Yen (or about $20 US). Specs: 28mm transducers, 32 ohms impedance, 103dB/mW sens., 500mW power handling.

  

• Koss has added a new model to its UR series of headphones for street listening. Like the other UR models, the UR-40 is a closed design. The titanium-coated transducer diaphragm produces "impressive bass and treble clarity". The earcups are are finished in silver (the UR-20 and UR-30 have black earcups), and the headband folds for compact storage. The UR-40 is scheduled for release in early spring of 2002 and will retail for $40 US. Specs: 60 ohms imp., 98dB/mW sens., 3.5mm stereo plug, 8-foot cord.

  Koss's Cheese Headphones are the perfect gift for dairy-loving headphoners who would like to wear their favorite food. They are actually KSC-19 ear frame headphones, each adorned with spongy yellow wedges. They retail for about $20.

• Zi Services, the telecom engineering division of Zi Corporation, is showing a wide variety of practical-to-use, wearable and fashionable Bluetooth headset designs for OEMs at the CES. In addition to their stylish look, Zi Bluetooth headsets provide users with convenient hands-free functionality for their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and allow voice and data communications with associated Bluetooth embedded devices. In terms of personalization, Zi headsets ultimately enable a wide range of intelligent controls over various applications.

Headphone Amplifiers



• Meier Audio's Porta Corda is portable headphone amplifier with a switchable Meier Natural Crossfeed Filter for improved imaging in headphones. Mounted on the laser-engraved front panel are a pair of 3.5mm stereo input/output jacks, a volume control and a LED power indicator. The Porta Corda runs for about 48 hours off a single 9V battery. It measures 11.8 x 6.5 x 2.3 cm and comes with an accessory cable (terminated with 3.5mm stereo plugs at both ends) and a 120-ohm adapter to increase the output impedance of the amplifier. The Porta Corda retails for $160 ($135 as a kit).

• At the CES, Antique Sound Labs introduced two new headphone amplifiers: the MG-Head OTL and the SR-Head. The MG-Head OTL is a new version of the MG-Head DT tube amp and features both OTL (output transformerless) and transformer-coupled outputs, a switch for changing the feedback level for lower distortion and a metal chassis cover. The MG-Head OTL is available now and retails for $329.

  The SR-Head is a solid state amplifier with SR-Labs WOW 3D sound processor. The small enclosure has RCA inputs, and RCA, XLR and a Neutrik headphone jack outputs. It is estimated to ship at the end of February and will retail for less than $200.

  

• Cary Audio's SLP2002 is a tube preamp with a dedicated headphone amplifier, motorized remote control and balanced I/O. Each channel has a 6922 gain stage and a 5814 output buffer stage. The headphone amplifier is a 5814 buffer connected to an audio output transformer. The remote control operates an ALPS 4-gang motorized potentiometer. The SLP2002 retails for $3000 US.

  

• The 2001 model of the Rega Ear Headphone Amplifier gets a new extruded aluminium case (in black and silver) and new styling giving to match other components in the Rega line. Otherwise, it has specs similar to its predecessor: input impedance 24K ohms, gain 21.7dB, max. output power 525mW @ 32 ohms or 55mW @ 600 ohms. The power supply is 24VAC @ 240mA. The recommended minimum load is 32 ohms. Pricing is about 99 UKP or $225 US.

  

• The HPA-6B headphone amplifier from IAG features two 6BM8 tubes in a single-ended configuration. The Sowter SE output transformers will interface with headphones from 37.5 ohms to 600 ohms. On the front panel are a 2-selector input switch, a volume control and a standard 1/4" headphone jack. The power transformer is mounted externally on a box attached to the rear of the enclosure. The unit will be available in January 2002 and will be priced in the $500 - $600 US range. For more information, please contact Horace Atkinson.

  

• The SAEC HP-2000 headphone amp uses SRS Labs audio enhancement technology: SRS WOW 3D and TruBass processing. The amp can output 20mW into 40 ohms with 0.15% THD. It has two headphone jacks, and there are switches on the front panel are for enabling WOW and TruBass. The rear panel has line-level input and output jacks. The retail price is 110,000 Yen or about $885 US.

  

• Yamamoto's HA-01 headphone amplifier uses two 3S4 or 1S4 tubes connected in a single-ended, non-feedback mode. It is transformer-coupled with an output impedance of 50 ohms. The power supply is regulated. It can drive 30-200 ohm headphones. The maximum output power is 180mW. The HA-01 retails for 68,000 Yen.

Signal Processors And Computer Applications



• The BRS (Binaural Room Scanning) Processor from Studer Professional is a headphone virtualizer and monitoring system. Acoustic measurements of a room can be programmed into the processor to simulate the acoustic response of the room in headphones. The BRS Processor can place up to 6 virtual speakers in headphones from 2-channel stereo to 5.1-channel surround. A head tracker accessory is available separately and measures the rotational head angle of the listener for highest accuracy in the simulation. The BRS Processor is scheduled for release by the end of 2001.

  

  Yamaha has expanded its line of external DACs with PC Cinema. All of these products can decode Dolby Digital and DTS formats and feature an internal DSP (Yamaha's YSS-928 ASIC) that simulates multichannel surround sound in stereo speakers ("Cinema DSP") and headphones ("Silent Cinema") and a 7-band equalizer. The DACs are capable of 24-bit/96kHz playback. All external DACs can be operated from a PC with Yamaha's control panel software and will work with PCs running Windows 98 (or greater) and Mac OS 9.0 (or greater).

  The DP-U50 is the basic external "soundboard" amplifier and comes with a remote control and abundant input/output options: USB input, Digital input (coaxial/optical), Aux1 input (optical and analog), Aux2 input (analog), optical output, preamp and subwoofer outputs (analog) and a stereo headphone jack. (MSRP $249) The AP-U70 is an external audio "soundboard" with integrated amplifier. The amplifier delivers 20 watts per channel. It has the same input/output jacks as the DP-U50 plus connections for a pair of speakers (MSRP $349).

  The RP-U200 is an external soundboard receiver. The 5-channel amplifier can output 14W/channel. There is a FM tuner with presets grouped by category. In addition to the input/output options on the AP-U70, the RP-U200 has connections for 5 speakers (front left, front right, rear left, rear right and front center). The RP-U200 retails for $449.

  

• ISEM's QuarQ is bi-directional digital converter with a dedicated headphone amplifier and infrared remote control. The conversions are handled by a 24-bit Crystal ADC and DAC operating at rates up to 96kHz and 256 times oversampling. The QuarQ has 5 inputs (2 analog, 3 digital - coax and toslink) and 4 outputs (2 analog, 2 digital). The headphone amplifier is discrete class A and can output up to 40mW into 600 ohms. The remote control provides volume and mute functions. The QuarQ retails for 1500 euros. For more information, contact ISEM.

  

  The Onkyo SE-U55 is an external USB DAC for PC and Macintosh computers. It has stereo analog inputs and outputs using RCA connectors, digital audio inputs and outputs with fiber optic and coaxial connectors, a microphone input, and a headphone output. An input function selector is used to determine the source mode, with positions for microphone, line-in, internal, monitor, and digital. There are separate input and headphone level controls, a digital I/O selector switch, and a Win/Mac switch.

  The SE-U55 is bundled with Onkyo's CarryOn Music software for Windows for recording and playing music from analog and digital audio sources using high-speed MP3 and WMA encoding. (Macintosh users can use Apple's iTunes® or one of the many shareware applications.) An advanced Library function is used to organize WAVE, MP3, WMA, and MIDI files in a database, and song-title access over the internet with imported tags. The Onkyo SE-U55 USB Digital Audio Processor is now available with an estimated selling price of $249.95.

• Cyberlink's PowerDVD 4.0 adds new decoding, surround and customization features, including DTS Digital Surround, Dolby ProLogic II, SRS TruSurround XT, skins, and adjustable color cast controls. It supports DVD-V, MP3, CD, VCD, SVCD Multi-channel. PowerDVD 4 comes in two retail versions. The Deluxe edition costs $70 ($75 in a retail box) and has all of the new features. The Standard edition costs $50 ($55 in a retail box) and has all of the Deluxe features except for DTS Digital Surround and SRS TruSurround XT. The Standard edition can be upgraded to the Deluxe edition for $40. PowerDVD 4 requires Windows 95 or greater and a DVD drive. The minimum CPU is a 300 MHz Pentium or at least 400 MHz for Dolby Headphone, DTS or SRS TruSurround processing.

• At the CES, QSound demonstrated QImmersion, a 3D virutalizer technology for PC gaming that combines headphones and speakers. By enhancing localized 3D effects heard through headphones with a sound field from regular stereo speakers, QImmersion presents a layered audio effect that puts the player into the heart of the action.

  Also new from QSound is the latest version of its sound effects plugin for RealNetworks RealOne Player: iQfx3. It features a new user interface, six environmental settings (Hall, Theatre, Stadium, Jazz Club, Large Room, Basement/Garage) and the ability to convert a mono or stereo signal to 3D sound. iQfx3 retails for $19.99.

Cables And Interconnects

• Cardas Cables showed a replacement cable for the Sennheiser HD600 headphones at the CES 2002. Very little information is available at this time. Cardas has scheduled this product for release in early March. It will come in a standard length of 1.5m and retail for about $150.

  

• Stefan AudioArt's new Nightpath cable for Sennheiser headphones uses silver-coated high-purity copper wire with a Teflon dielectric, finished in a durable woven black jacket. Nightpath creates a precise sound atmosphere with an expanded soundstage, detailed high frequencies, tight bass and ultra clear midrange. The 2.5-mm and 3.5-mm connectors are heavy-duty black handle with gold contacts. The cables are available for models HD200, HD270, HD490, HD495, HD500, HD570, HD575, HD590, EH2200 and EH2270. Pricing is as follows: 6 ft - $45, 8 ft - $49, 10 ft - $55.

  Stefan AudioArt's Equinox cable for the Sennheiser HD590 is constructed from 3-conductor cable consisting of ultra high purity copper with individual strain isolation enclosed with a Teflon/Oxygen dielectric. The 2.5-mm and 3.5-mm connectors have heavy-duty black handles with gold contacts. The connectors are applied to the cable with Stefan AudioArt's exclusive UltraSolder and UltraSeal process. The Equinox cable is currently being offered in 9-ft lengths for $109 US. A version of the Equinox cable and the Vision 1 cable will soon be available for the Sennheiser HD600 and HD580 headphones.

  The Equinox and Vision 1 replacement cables are also available for the Sennheiser HD580/HD600 headphones. The cables are constructed similarly to other cables in their respective series (see previous announcements for details). A 9-foot length of the Equinox retails for $189 or $159 for the Vision 1.

  SA's Nightpath Spectrum Balanced is the first in the series of audiophile headphone cable based on the success of the Equinox HD600/580. The Spectrum Balanced Series headphone cables offer 85% of the sonic characteristics of the Equinox, with the remaining 15% dedicated to the cables own unique characteristics.

  The Nightpath Spectrum Balanced is a lightweight cable built from a 4-conductor quad-braid field geometry cable with ultra high purity copper. The cable incorporates gold plated Sennheiser spade connections and is terminated with a professional 3.5-mm heavy-duty black handle connector with gold contact or optional professional 1/4" termination. This cable is available for the Sennheiser HD600, HD580, HD564 and HD535 headphones. A 9-ft length with 3.5-mm connector retails for $149.00

Miscellaneous Accessories



• The Koss EQ-50 portable equalizer is the successor to the EQ-30. It a unity-gain input amp, runs for 15-20 hours on two AAA batteries like the EQ-30 and comes with a 4-foot cord. The new price is also less: $19 US.

  For a limited time, Koss is selling its Headphone Junction Box through its website as a special offer. It has six 1/4" jacks that connect to most audio or video sound sources via 4 wires and permits up to 6 headphones to be demonstrated live. Individual volume controls allow level adjustment for each headphone. The Koss Junction Box is used for display and exhibit purposes and is not sold through normal retail distribution. Available due to an overstock, junction box quantities are limited. The MSRP is $50 US and comes with a 90-day warranty.