6 Australian Hi-Fi ˹˹˹ƖŘˁʊǒǔǞƖƋɁȧ
AUDIO RESEARCH | ONKYO
AUDIO RESEARCH REFERENCE CD9SE
Audio Research has released its Reference CD9SE CD Player/DAC
which, as with all ARC’s reference products, uses valves... in this case
in its analogue output stages as well as in its power supply. The output
stage of the Audio Research Reference CD9SE uses four 6H30 dual-
triodes, while a 6550WE and a 6H30 are used in the power supply. The
digital section features quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with
dual master oscillators; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, and the
other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Sample rate conversion is select-
able for all inputs (USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink), and also
for disc playback, allowing conversion to be either at native resolution
or upsampled. Users can also choose their preferred filter type: fast roll-
offorslowroll-off.Thedisctransportis a PhilipsPRO2R.
Thefrontpanelhasthefamiliar,dimmableCDdisplayontheleft
side,whileontherightLEDsareusedtoshowsamplingrate,inputse-
lection,filterselectionandpowerstatus.‘Sonically,theReferenceCD9SE
is in a new class, combining the magical musicality of valves with the
remarkable transparency and liveness of solid-state,’ said Philip Sawyer,
of Synergy Audio Visual, which distributes Audio Research in Australia.
‘The Reference CD9SE sounds fast, with great transient speed, improved
dynamics from top to bottom, much greater resolution of inner detail, with
a focus and purity that is captivating. Rhythm, pace and timing are better
than ever... something you need to hear for yourself in order to appreciate.’
Audio Research specs the CD9SE with a frequency response of 3Hz
to 96kHz –3dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB, and with less than
0.003% THD and less than 0.002% IMD. Channel separation is rated
at 107B @ 1kHz. Available now in black or silver, the Audio Research
ReferenceCD9SEretailsfor$24,995(RRP).For more information, contact Synergy Audio Visual on
(03) 9459 7474 on http://www.synergyaudio.comONKYO A-9130 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
The Onkyo A-9130 integrated amplifier, which has a Wolfson WM
192kHz/24-bit DAC on board, is now available in Australia. The Onkyo
A-9130 is a ‘classic’ design, with a linear power supply using a large EI
transformer and custom-made 10,000μF electrolytic storage/smoothing
capacitors. The output stage is also a classic ‘linear’ Class A/B output
stage using discrete bipolar power transistors. It’s rated with a power
output of 30-watts per channel into 8Ω, a frequency response of 10Hz
to 100kHz (–3dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 106dB (A-weighted).
In addition to providing six analogue inputs (five line-level and
a discrete MM phono stage), the A-9130 also has coaxial and opti-
cal digital audio inputs. Digital decoding is via a Wolfson WM
192kHz/24-bit DAC that supports 192kHz/24-bit audio playback (PCM
only). The digital audio board automatically shuts down when an
analogue input signal is detected to reduce potential interference on
the signal.
The A-9130 also features Onkyo’s unique ‘Phase Matching Bass
Boost’, circuitry. The company says that the conventional loud-
ness circuits used to boost bass when listening at low volume levels
adversely affect the phase relationship between the low and midrange
frequencies whenever they’re used. It says that its phase matching bass
boost circuit boosts the bass without adversely affecting the phase char-
acteristics of the audio signal. ‘This unique loudness technology aligns the
phase of low- and mid-band frequencies above 300Hz for richer bass and
clearer vocals,’ said Peter Amos, Managing Director of Amber Tech-
nology, which distributes Onkyo in Australia.
The A-9130 has line-level outputs, a subwoofer output, and a direct
main power-amp input for connection of an external pre-amplifier. It
also has a 1.6 mm metal chassis to dampen vibration. A slim slot on
the front panel shows the active input. ‘Onkyo’s sound designers have
tuned the A-9130’s circuitry to achieve a warm, rich, and full tonal char-
acter, made possible with a blend of custom-fabricated and hand-selected
high-quality parts,’ said Amos. ‘This amplifier is very smooth and unfa-
tiguing to enjoy for long periods of time.’ Measuring 435×129×330mm
(HWD) and available now in silver or black, the Onkyo A-9130 retails
for$599(RRP).For more information, contact Amber Technology on
1800 251 367 or (02) 9998 7600 or at http://www.ambertech.com.au