The Amarra Computer Music Player working alongside Apple's iTunes

What is the Amarra Computer Music Player? Simply put, it is software that raises sound quality from iTunes on a Macintosh computer to the highest level. While it integrates itself into the very familiar and friendly Apple iTunes software, it completely takes over from the Apple OSX operating system the critical task of decoding a music file and sending it to the DAC via USB, Firewire or in-built Toslink interface. The result is significantly improved and consistent sound quality, from standard CD resolution 16bit/44.1kHz files all the way to 24bit/192kHz.

Amarra is created by Sonic Studio, who has been for 20 years a leading company in computer-based pro audio mastering, and has the technology and know-how to achieve the highest level of sound fidelity on the Macintosh platform.

“Amarra sounds better than Apple’s iTunes, and includes some features that can make your entire audio system sound better than it ever has.” - Randall Smith, Soundstage.com

“The sound quality improvement really is immense. It was very apparent immediately.” – Chris Connaker, ComputerAudiophile.com

“Finally, on Sunday, I’d have been hard pressed to better the Sonic Studio/Ayre/Wilson Sasha room” – “Most Important Trend… I’m going with computer audio. Specifically, systems featuring Apple computers using Sonic Studio’s Amarra…” – Alan Sircom, AVGuide.com, Best of Show RMAF 2009

Two versions of Amarra are available: (1) Amarra (2) Amarra Mini

Features

• Fully integrated with Apple iTunes
• Pristine audio quality from Sonic Studio’s proprietary SSE™ engine
• Supports all PCM (AIFF, WAV, BWF) and Apple Lossless (ALAC) formats
• Supports up to 24bit resolution and 192kHz sampling rate *
• Automatic hardware sample rate adjustment
• High resolution Sonic EQ can be used for effective room correction *
• Adjustable digital volume with automated dither processing *
• Volume control using Apple Remote or iTouch (with rowmote)
• Compatible with most USB and Firewire DAC’s

* Only for full Amarra version, not Amarra Mini. Amarra Mini supports up to 24bit 96kHz.

System Requirements

• Computer : Mac with OSX 10.4.11 or above (Tiger, Leopard & Snow Leopard) and iTunes
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• USB port for iLOK security key.

More information

• Amarra Full Version
• Amarra Mini
• Amarra News & Reviews
• User Testimonials
• Amarra FAQ
• Amarra website
• Sonic Studio website

Images

The Audio Art IC3-SE interconnect

Audio Art Cable from USA has earned a solid reputation for producing top-notch cables at honest prices. There are numerous positive reviews and testimonials from users, and our own evaluation have confirmed that these are very very good cables indeed. At the recent ISSE 2009 HiFi show our demo system is fully wired with Audio Art Cable’s interconnects and speaker cables, garnering excellent feedback from visitors. We are very happy to be appointed distributor for these excellent cables, and the first batch of cables have just arrived. More information coming soon; please refer to the manufacturer’s website in the meantime, and call/email us if you have any questions.

The Ayon Audio Orion integrated amplifier

From Ayon Audio of Austria comes the new Orion – a very fine entrance into high-end tube amplification. The new Orion represents a dramatic rethinking of vacuum tube based integrated amplifier industrial design while retaining the basic architecture as the highly regarded “Spirit” amplifier.

The Orion integrated amplifier combines neutrality, realistic dynamics and power projection, excellent musicality with high resolution. Perfect finish, elegant discrete design and outstanding sonic performance make the Orion unique, setting a new price-to-value standard in its class.

Reviews

“It is, on balance, the finest amplifier I’ve heard in my system…” – Review in Positive Feedback.

“I can recommend them without reservation.” – Review in Dagogo.

Note the new Ayon Orion is based on design of the highly regarded Ayon Spirit, uses the same power tubes and has a very similar sonic signature. Hence the reviews on the Spirit above.

Features

• Full-featured vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier
• Switchable between triode (2 x 30W) and pentode mode (2 x 50W)
• 4 x KT88 power output tubes
• 3 x 12AU7 tubes
• Timer warm up circuit for all tubes, extends tube life
• Automatic power tube protection circuit system
• High current filament-regulator for pre and driver tubes
• Choke filtered power supply
• 0dB negative feedback
• Power transformer is encased, heavily damped and RFI/EMI shielded
• High performance output transformer
• All transformers are sealed with an anti-resonance compound material
• Selected, premium quality passive components used in all applications
• High speed capacitors
• MKP capacitors
• Ceramic tube sockets
• Shortest possible signal paths
• Central one-point star earth grounding
• External static bias adjustment – rear panel
• Copper matrix internal signal cable
• Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
• Aluminium chassis, brushed, anodised, anti-resonance and non-magnetic
• 3 line inputs
• 1 USB input
• 1 Pre out
• 1 Headphone output
• Gold-plated heavy duty binding posts and input jacks
• Aluminium remote commander

Specifications

• Class of Operation: Pentode or Triode
• Tube Complement: 4 x KT88 , 3 x 12AU7
• Load Impedance : 4 & 8 Ohms
• Bandwidth: 15Hz-50kHz
• Output Power: Pentode 2 x 50 / Triode 2 x 30W
• Peak Output Power: 2 x 65 Watt
• Nominal voltage gain: 40dB
• Frequency Response: 27 Hz – 40 kHz/ +/- 0.5 dB
• Input sensitivity for full power: 1 V
• Input Impedance at 1 kHz: 100K Ohm
• S/N ratio at full power: 80 dB
• Hum: 0,003 V
• NFB: 0dB
• Volume control: Potentiometer
• Remote volume control: Yes
• Headphone output: Yes
• Inputs: 3 x Line (RCA) 1 x USB
• Output: 1 x Pre out
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 46x34x26 cm
• Weight: 28 kg
• Shipping weight: 33 kg

The Voodoo Board providing a solid foundation for the Avid Volvere turntable

The Voodoo Boards are a time-tested design; they have been very effective in our showroom demos and at the recent ISSE show. Why is it such an effective isolation board? It is very massive at 18kg(!) and its elegant wooden structure is filled with about 4 million(!) tiny ball bearings. This combination of high mass and high damping capability provide an anti-resonance platform that quite simply, works. Dimensions are 484.5mm (W) x 51mm (H) x 403mm (D).

The new Raindrop Audio Showroom

Welcome! At Raindrop Audio our love for music drives the search for a sound so real and naturally musical, it effortlessly draws you into the performance. You’ll find yourself totally immersed, eyes shut and feet tapping, savouring the sweet sound of music…

Our goal is realism and perfection in sound – as a means to deepen your immersion into music and heighten your enjoyment and appreciation of it. We do not follow the crowd in this pursuit – the key products we represent are state-of-the-art, unconventional and rule-bending designs that not only set new benchmarks in sound quality and value, but also addresses the many real-world problems challenging good sound in your listening room.

As Hi-Fi specialists, we go the extra mile with these award-winning products, providing professional consultation, meticulous home installations and great after-sales service… because our commitment is to bring absolutely beautiful, true-to-life music into your home!

Visit/call us (we have moved!) to find out more. Also check out our Special Deals!

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The Omega Super 8 Alnico Monitors on demo at our studio. A floorstanding XRS version is available too.

The ultra-coherent sound of a crossover-less, full-range single-driver loudspeaker can be a startling relevation, especially when heard for the first time. The Super 8 is Omega’s best, and its new proprietary 8-inch driver with a powerful Alnico magnet achieves not only a wonderfully rich midrange, but sparkling and airy highs, coupled with dynamic and accurate bass. With a high efficiency of 93dB the Super 8 Alnico will bring the best out of both tube and solid-state amplifiers.

Customers have described the Omega Super 8 Alnico as the best sound they have heard from a single-driver loudspeaker. Hear for yourself… call us for an audition!

Hand-made in the USA, Omega loudspeakers are beautifully custom-made to the finishing of your choice. Triple-layer cabinet construction with ladder bracing not only eliminates sound-degrading cabinet resonances, but also ensure very strong construction that will withstand the test of time.

Specifications

Sensitivity: 93dB

Impedance: 8 ohms

Driver: Proprietary 8″ Omega with Alnico magnet

Frequency Response: 45Hz – 18KHz

Dimensions: 23″ tall x 15″ wide x 12.5″D

Recommended Stand Height: 18″ – 20″

Weight: 35 pounds each

Power Requirement: as little as 2 watts

Cross-over: None

Speaker grilles: Included and attached magnetically

Warranty: 10 year parts and labor for workmanship and defects

More information

More information on the Super 8 Alnico Series on the manufacturer’s website.

Information on Omega’s proprietary drivers.

Learn more about single-driver loudspeakers, Omega’s Secret Recipe for great sound, Alnico magnets, and Omega’s cabinet craftmanship .

Owners’ comments in the Omega forum - Link1, Link2.

The Emerald Physics CS3 on demo at our studio

The new Emerald Physics CS3 have arrived! The CS3 represents the next generation in Emerald Physics’ quest for live music reproduction. It employs a new 12 inch point source driver with compression tweeter. This high efficiency coaxial design creates the realism Emerald Physics loudspeakers are famous for in a smaller, less expensive package.

The design of CS3 goes to great lengths to overcome the acoustic challenges found in our real-world listening rooms. Its open-baffle and controlled directivity technology minimizes interaction between the speaker and listening room, and advanced DSP processing allows for room acoustics correction.

Like the highly acclaimed CS2, the new CS3 has a sound that is very high in resolution and realism, with world-class imaging and soundstaging. No bi-amping is required however, unlike the bigger CS2.

Specifications:

System Type: Passive 2-way Dynamic Dipole – DSP equalized

Frequency Range: 32Hz–22kHz +/-3dB (In room with equalization)

Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal

Max power input: 150W RMS, 300W peak

Sensitivity: 95dB 1.83V @ 1M @ 1kHz

High frequency driver: 1 inch exit compression driver

Low Frequency driver: 12 inch paper cone coaxial

Crossover: 3rd order acoustic Butterworth filter at 900Hz

Frequency Contour: Digital equalization – Behringer DCX2496

Standard Finish: Black Oak

Optional Finishes: Mahogany, Cherry and Maple Veneers

Dimensions: 41”H x 16W x 8”D

Weight: Net: 44 lbs / 20 kg each

Warranty: 5 years

MiniWatt S1 Integrated Tube Amp

Incredibly cute, yes… but once these little amps (think CD size) starts singing you realise it’s really a case of substance over style. It is well known that “tube watts” are something else, but until you hear how these 2.5-watters sing with the Omega single-driver loudspeakers you might not believe what 2.5 watts can do!

More product details and reviews can be found on the manufacturer’s website.