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TV sets from the eighties. Exhibition ABBA 1974-2024, from Waterloo to the world, in Waterloo Memorial 1815 Museum (Belgium)
For some reason I imagined it being larger than it really is. Beautiful piece of hardware (of course).
For review, not sure if I will be keeping it.
©2014 Yuri Figuenick All Rights Reserved.
My photos are protected under International copyright laws.
Do not download,copy, process or manipulate without my permission.
Back in the 1980s, Dual’s CS 505 was the budget turntable of choice. Initially coming in at £75 (around $98/AU$113), it dominated the affordable end of the market and gave thousands of music fans their first taste of high-quality record replay.
As the years passed and CD dominated, the demand for record players suffered. Dual, like most record player manufacturers, struggled, fading from view in the UK at least. The brand has gone through numerous business changes over the decades but now seems to be back and focused with a new range of turntables that aim to recapture some of that old magic.
The belt-drive CS 418 is currently the company’s starter deck. It’s an understated design that still manages to look smart. Ortofon’s well-regarded 2M Red moving magnet cartridge is included as part of the package and is a good, sensible choice with an even balance and secure tracking ability.
Take the CS 418 out of its packaging and it impresses. It’s solidly made and finished with care. Unlike the CS 505, this one doesn’t have a sprung sub-chassis, instead, like many rivals, depending on soft elastomers on its feet to isolate the record from unwanted vibrations caused by the speakers or the support. That smart plinth is a solid piece of MDF covered in a black vinyl wrap and supports the steel shaft/brass bushing main bearing and DC motor.
DUAL CS 418 TECH SPECS
Turntable: Dual CS 418
Type Belt drive
Speed 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM
Speed change Electric
Cartridge Ortofon 2M Red
Phono stage Yes
The platter is a relatively chunky aluminium die-cast affair that would ring quite strongly if it weren’t for the 2.5mm-thick rubber mat that rests on it. There are cutouts in the platter to allow the flat drive belt to be positioned around the motor pulley.
On the right of the plinth is a dial to switch it on and select the rotational speed. Unusually, 78RPM is on the menu alongside the expected 33⅓ and 45 options. The position of the dial means that it’s not too hard to knock the cartridge accidentally during use, so care has to be taken.
Thoughtfully, considering this deck is aimed at those just getting into playing records, Dual has also included a built-in phono stage. There are many amplifiers on the market that don’t include one, so it’s a useful addition. It is possible to bypass the phono circuit with a flick of a switch, in case it’s not needed or you want to upgrade. Spoiler alert: owners of this deck probably should at some point.
The arm is a straightforward design with a detachable headshell. It feels nicely made, moves smoothly, and pleasingly lacks the unwanted bearing play that plagues many of the more affordable decks that pass through our test rooms. Our only slight complaint is that the arm’s lift/lower lever doesn’t share the precise feel demonstrated by the rest of the arm design, feeling a little sloppy in use.
We plug the CS 418 into a system made up of a Cambridge CXA61 amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 speakers, as well as our usual high-end set-up of Burmester 088/911 Mk III pre/power and ATC SCM50 speakers. As with all turntables, it makes sense to place the Dual well away from speakers and on a rigid, level and ideally low resonance support. Without such care, you won’t really hear just how capable this turntable is.
Once up and running, which takes a matter of minutes, the CS 418 delivers a performance that puts it among the front runners at this price. It’s a clear, expressive and balanced-sounding package, and is able to dig up plenty of detail and organise it in a musically cohesive way.
As we listen to Carmina Burana, it’s hard to not be impressed by the deck's composure and ability to capture the scale and highly charged energy of the piece. The music’s savage dynamics are rendered with composure and a pleasing amount of impact while the stereo image retains a good sense of precision and focus.
The tonality of a record-playing package is always going to be dominated by the choice of cartridge, and so the Ortofon 2M Red makes its mark with a decently even-handed balance and a good dose of refinement for the money. This moving magnet cartridge is a fine all-rounder that is a cut above the norm at this level when it comes to clarity and control. It tracks securely at the recommended 1.8g.
We switch to Catch A Fire by Bob Marley and the Wailers and the CS 418 continues to impress with a surefooted way with rhythms and a fine sense of musical drive. It’s an entertaining listen – one that communicates the feel and emotion of the music well. We particularly like the way this Dual package handles the midrange, with Marley’s vocals coming through with passion and nuance intact.
While the inclusion of a phono stage is useful, we would view the one fitted here as a fair starting point rather than the endgame in a more ambitious set-up. It’s a decent performer that’s likely to be just fine with budget amplification, but move up to the likes of Cambridge’s CXA61 amplifier and you’ll find it quickly becomes a limiting factor.
Turntable: Dual CS 418
Verdict
The affordable turntable market has been dominated by the likes of Rega and Pro-Ject for years. If the rest of Dual’s range can build on the solid foundations laid by the CS 418, maybe the brand can reclaim the crown it held so securely all those years ago. Make no mistake, this is a good start.
SCORES
Sound 5
Build 5
Features 5
McIntosh MA12000
£18,495.00
Their most powerful integrated amplifier ever, the feature rich McIntosh MA12000 offers 350 Watts per channel of clean, high performance power that produces a breathtaking home audio experience.
McIntosh has taken the wraps off its "most powerful integrated amplifier ever." The MA12000 pumps out 350 watts per channel, a whole 50 watts more than the US firm's super-sized MA9000 amp.
Oomph aside, the MA12000 offers up a tempting blend of warm analogue sound and cutting-edge tech. To that end, McIntosh has teamed a traditional preamp
– complete with four green-glowing 12AX7A vacuum tubes – with a punchy solid-state power amplifier and a Quad Balanced 32-bit DAC.
The unit boasts digital smarts, too. There's support for hi-res 24-bit/192kHz playback and seven digital audio inputs, including two optical inputs, USB and an HDMI (ARC) connection.
McIntosh has form when it comes to creating monster amps (see also: the 450W MC462) and knows a thing or two about controlling large amounts of firepower. Hence this latest effort features the company's Autoformer technology, which aims to ensure that the amplifier’s 350W are fully delivered to any speaker.
So, where do you start with raw power at your disposal? Have a gander round the back and you'll find enough connections to connect to virtually any traditional music system. There's 10 analogue inputs, including six gold-plated unbalanced inputs, two balanced inputs, plus one moving coil and one moving magnet input (meaning your vinyl collection should sound better than ever).
The whole shebang comes wrapped in McIntosh's retro-chic style, complete with black glass panels and dual "McIntosh Blue" watt meters that indicate power output in real time, so you can of see precisely how many of those 350 watts your speakers are pumping out.
Thankfully – for you and your neighbours – the MA12000 also comes with McIntosh's High Drive headphone amplifier, which can drive a wide range of audiophile headphones.
As you've probably guessed, all this headline-grabbing power doesn't come cheap. The MA12000 will be available through authorised McIntosh dealers from October, at a price of £16,500 ($14,000).
The world's smallest Minidisc Player - hardly bigger than the medium it was designed to play!
An essay in "Brushed Aluminium", stylish and minimalist.
Introduced to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Minidisc format, eventually rendered obsolete by the ubiquitous "MP3 player" and relatives.
In my opinion, the sound quality of MD far outshines (in other words it still does) the MP3 offerings.
MD aficionados like me, are legendary for their obsessive views and behaviour!
Well, it's decided that I have to take this shot every time the office changes... until I get a new table at least.
This was supposed to be a 27" i7 iMac, as I wanted to get a solid desktop machine and cannot afford a 2499.99 Mac Pro (which hasn't been updated in well over a year)
But, the iMac had a strange screen that made a buzzing noise when dimmed. That, combined with its lack of height adjustments caused me to switch it out for a 15" i7.
This thing is fast. Noticeably faster than the core 2 duos in almost every way. But, I already hate the glossy display and if it wasn't for me using it docked with a larger monitor most of the time, I would have probably exchanged this as well. (though it may have been hard to get out of the restocking fee). Oh Apple, why must all your displays be obnoxious glossy surfaces? iPhone, I can deal. iPad, yeah it's fine most of the time, but laptop...
A Macro shot of the reverse side of a printed circuit board
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Prints or licensing of this this image can be purchased here:
www.craigjewellphotography.com/General/Miscellaneous/text...
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These currently go for "silly money" on eBay - these were purchased when new for a very reasonable price from now defunct enterprise in Australia some years ago.
© Angela M. Lobefaro
All Rights Reserved
© RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA
www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Postliterate_society
Analfabeta di ritorno
Si definisce analfabeta di ritorno chi, pur avendo imparato a leggere e scrivere, per poca o nulla pratica ha dimenticato ciò che ha appreso nel passato.
Planned Obsolescence
The special "10th anniversary of Minidiscs" version.
A stylish unit with a major shortcoming, a built-in rechargeabl battery.
I have had this unit since new, (2003), and needless to say the internal battery is shot.
This view is looking inside the built-in battery compartment to work out how to remove and possibly replace the faulty battery.
Today begins the Droid Incredible long term test. I will be setting the Incredible up as if it were my primary phone, and using google voice to send my calls to both handsets. If anyone is interested in following my updates, I will be posting them to Twitter and at my Tech Gear Column at Examiner
(Also used in Dailyshoot.com assignment - Reflections) Check out more at www.dailyshoot.com
Audiolab has won more major awards in UK hi-fi magazines than any other brand of high-performance audio electronics.
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Formed in the early 1980s by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland, audiolab earned worldwide acclaim with the 8000A – an integrated stereo amplifier that became a classic ‘step-up’ from the budget models of the time.
During the ensuing years, the 8000A established itself as one of the most successful British amps ever produced, and was joined by a range of electronics including CD players, pre/power amps and an FM tuner. The brand switched hands in 1997, changing its name to TAG McLaren Audio; and it so was known until 2004 when audiolab became part of the International Audio Group and returned to its original name.
“If ever a product defined its market, the 8000A is the one. Reliability, ease of use, engineering excellence and a well-behaved sound are the pillars supporting the justified reputation of the 8000A. Over the years, audiolab’s no-nonsense, evolutionary approach to design has widely been recognised.”
– Audiohile with Hi-Fi Answers.
8000A & P Still used to this day. Have upgraded the power supply,
The 2023 Bristol Hi-Fi Show is in full swing. Held at the Delta Hotels Marriott, Bristol City Centre Hotel from 24-26 February and now in its 34th year, it's a welcome return after a Covid-induced absence of three years.
For UK-based lovers of quality audio and the equipment that produces it, a visit to the Bristol Show is a must. It is Britain’s biggest and longest-running exhibition event of its kind and it's certainly been good to be back.
More than 160 exhibitors are showing their wares this year, and Team What Hi-Fi? are here too, answering queries, bringing you highlights from the show floor, and giving live demonstrations of our bespoke custom-built, multi-speaker AV surround sound system incorporating the latest TV tech.
Although the noise-elimination performance of this quite expensive unit is impressive, I have one or two minor "beefs" about the design.
Firstly I don't like the use of stereo 3.5mm connectors (I would have much preferred RCA/Phono connections if "domestic" connectors were to be used - professional XLR would have been better still but would probably have commanded professional prices!), and secondly I had to buy some self-adhesive feet (not shown) to prevent the unit from sliding around all over the place on my desk!
I'm not too keen on the slider switch used for the Off/On/DSP On function either.
However, most importantly, the performance is very good.
£8,995.
McIntosh MA352
The MA352 Integrated Amplifier is a hybrid design that combines the finest of vacuum tube and solid state audio design principles. The result is an eye-catching amplifier that enjoys the best of these two opposing audio philosophies all while reproducing music at the highest quality level.
An all-analog design, the MA352 has a vacuum tube preamplifier section that is powered by a pair of 12AX7A and a pair of 12AT7 vacuum tubes; its output stage is a direct coupled solid state amplifier that outputs 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 320 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers – enough power to properly drive virtually any set of loudspeakers. Dual scale blue Watt meters give an accurate readout of power output for both speaker impedances.
The MA352 has 2 balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs plus 1 Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading for connecting a turntable. It has gold-plated speaker binding posts to help prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers. A stereo preamplifier output is available for connecting a higher-powered amplifier; it can also be used to connect 1 or 2 powered subwoofers for added low frequency performance.
The MA352 is packed with numerous McIntosh technologies including:
The patented Power Guard® technology that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers
Fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor™ that will disengage the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time
High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
A 5-band analog tone control allows for manual adjustment of your favorite recordings (each band adjustable by ± 12dB)
Home Theater Pass Through lets it be seamlessly integrated into a home theater system
Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown
Data Ports to send remote control commands to connected source components
The unit sits on a stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish; vintage McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badges are affixed to each side. Blue output meters, control knobs, an illuminated logo, and a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting complete the unit. It can be paired with an assortment of CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers and speakers to complete your home audio system.
Audiolab has won more major awards in UK hi-fi magazines than any other brand of high-performance audio electronics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formed in the early 1980s by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland, audiolab earned worldwide acclaim with the 8000A – an integrated stereo amplifier that became a classic ‘step-up’ from the budget models of the time.
During the ensuing years, the 8000A established itself as one of the most successful British amps ever produced, and was joined by a range of electronics including CD players, pre/power amps and an FM tuner. The brand switched hands in 1997, changing its name to TAG McLaren Audio; and it so was known until 2004 when audiolab became part of the International Audio Group and returned to its original name.
“If ever a product defined its market, the 8000A is the one. Reliability, ease of use, engineering excellence and a well-behaved sound are the pillars supporting the justified reputation of the 8000A. Over the years, audiolab’s no-nonsense, evolutionary approach to design has widely been recognised.”
– Audiohile with Hi-Fi Answers.
8000A & P Still used to this day. Have upgraded the power supply,
Audiolab has won more major awards in UK hi-fi magazines than any other brand of high-performance audio electronics.
a purchase from China via eBay, originally intended for use in my MZ-N10 which also has a failed internal Li-Ion battery.
This experiment appears to have been successful, so having obtained another battery with a more appropriate form factor, the experiment moves on ...
Share your MD player with a friend! (Dual headphone outputs is not a common feature of personal audio devices!)
REIMAGINE THE 70s
Remember those classic loudspeakers from the 1970s? That era of distinctive, iconic cabinets and ground-breaking technologies that moved audiophiles closer than ever to the music? So do we.
RETRO MEETS MODERN
From the drawing board of audio industry veteran of 40+ years, Dr Paul Mills, the Fyne Audio Vintage and Vintage Classic Series loudspeakers reimagine those iconic years of loudspeaker design. Merging retro-inspired aesthetics with the latest developments in acoustic design and engineering, this elegant range of traditional loudspeakers shows that back in the day never sounded this good.
THE DESIGNER
Dr Paul has been at the forefront of loudspeaker design for decades, becoming one of the HiFi industry’s most respected figures since the 1990s. Bringing this unrivalled blend of heritage, experience and engineering knowledge to bear on a project close to his heart, Fyne Audio’s premium Vintage and more affordable Vintage Classic series are no-compromise designs born of Dr Paul’s passion for creating the most engaging music experience at home, sonically and visually.
dr paul mills
HANDCRAFTED IN THE UK
Hand crafted here in Scotland and exquisitely finished in timeless real wood veneers, each model incorporates a raft of Fyne’s latest technologies including IsoFlare point source drivers with FyneFlute roll surround and BassTrax 360 degree bass porting. From the premium curved cabinets and bespoke Presence control dial of the Vintage Series to the striking black baffle of Scottish patterned grill cloth of the more accessible Vintage Classic Series, every model seamlessly blends traditional British craftsmanship with contemporary audio performance
The 2023 Bristol Hi-Fi Show is in full swing. Held at the Delta Hotels Marriott, Bristol City Centre Hotel from 24-26 February and now in its 34th year, it's a welcome return after a Covid-induced absence of three years.
For UK-based lovers of quality audio and the equipment that produces it, a visit to the Bristol Show is a must. It is Britain’s biggest and longest-running exhibition event of its kind and it's certainly been good to be back.
More than 160 exhibitors are showing their wares this year, and Team What Hi-Fi? are here too, answering queries, bringing you highlights from the show floor, and giving live demonstrations of our bespoke custom-built, multi-speaker AV surround sound system incorporating the latest TV tech.