16 Australian
SOL REPUBLIC | SCHIIT | FREEDMAN
SCHIIT
VALI 2
The new, upgraded Schiit Vali 2 (it’s made in Valencia, California, despite the
Germanic-sounding name) is now available in Australia from Addicted To Audio.
Schiit says the Vali 2 has been significantly upgraded over the now-dated Vali,
with higher output power, lower noise, lower distortion, and lower output im-
pedance. It now has also gain switching and preamp outputs. But perhaps most
importantly, it now has a ‘real’ valve, rather than the subminiature that was
fitted to the original Vali.‘This re-design has resulted in a headphone amplifi er that’s
a much more serious tube amp than anything else near its price point,’ saidJason
Stoddard, who was a designer for Sumo before he co-founded Schiit Audio with
Mike Moffat(founder of Theta, Theta Digital, and Angstrom). ‘Unlike most tube
amps at—or above—Vali 2’s price, Vali 2 is not a low-voltage, starved-plate design;
nor does it use switching power supplies.’
‘What we particularly like about the new Vali 2,’ saidGeorge Poutakidis
of Addicted to Audio, which distributes Schiit in Australia, ‘is that it has user-
replaceable valves, so it’s possible to tune the sound to best-suit your headphones and
your personal listening tastes by swapping out the supplied 6BZ7 and replacing it with
a valve such as the 6DJ8, 6N23P, ECC88, or 6922. We also like that it will deliver a
full watt of power into 32Ω, with an output impedance of only 1.2Ω in low gain mode.
Its ability to do this, along with its impressively low noise levels of better than 99dB
unweighted, means the Vali 2 is suitable for virtually any headphone or IEM.’
Thanks to the new preamplifier outputs, the Schiit Vali 2 becomes more
than just a headphone amplifier, because it can also be used to create a desktop
system using powered monitors, or to connect to speakers via external power
amplifiers. To help with this, its frequency response is specified as 5Hz–150kHz,
–3dB, with THD at less than 0.03%. Available now, the Schiit Vali 2 retails in
Australia for $329 and comes with a two-year warranty.For further information, please contact Addicted to Audio
on 1300 888 602 or visit the website at http://www.busisoft.com.auSOL REPUBLIC
RELAY SPORT
WIRELESS
Sol Republic has released a pair of water-resistant wireless
in-ears designed for use when exercising. The Relay Sport
Wireless design is claimed to have an eight-hour battery
life, a solid Bluetooth link, and a quick-charge capability.
‘Sol Republic’s new Relay Sport Wireless ear-phones are ultra-
lightweight and durable with amazing sound, designed for active
music fans who are seeking audio that matches the intensity of
their workout,’ said Geoff Matthews of Convoy Interna-
tional, which distributes Sol Republic in Australia. ‘They also
have a new “dual audio mode” feature built in that ensures they
will deliver optimal sound both indoors and outdoors, enabling
the Relay Sport Wireless to deliver an uncompromised experi-
ence.’ In order to make the headphones feel weightless, Sol
Republic has placed the electronics and battery in water-re-
sistant pods that are designed to sit naturally and comfort-
ably on the neck. A quick-charge ability means the Relay
Sports Wireless can deliver 60-minutes of wireless playback
after just a 10-minute charge or 8 hours after a full charge.
Asked about the new ‘dual audio mode’ feature, Matthews
told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine: ‘Music sounds different in
changing conditions and environments, so Sol Republic took this
into consideration when designing the Relay Sports Wireless and
whether you’re in the gym or jogging outside, Sol Republic lets
you switch seamlessly between indoor and outdoor audio settings
for optimised sound quality.’ As with all Sol Republic’s in-ear
models, Sol Republic will provide replacement ear-tips for
the Relay Sport Wireless if you lose or damage them, or
simply want a different size. Available now, the Sol Republic
Relay Sport Wireless in-ears are available in Mint and Cool
Grey finishes, and retail for $199.99.For further information, please contact
Convoy International on 1800 817 787
or visit the website at
http://www.convoy.com.auFREEDMAN AWARDED
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Peter Freedman, founder and current managing director of
Rode Microphones, has been appointed a member of the Order of
Australia in recognition for signifi cant service to business, manu-
facturing and export and his philanthropic support of cultural
events. The Order of Australia was established by Queen Elizabeth
II in February of 1975, as an Australian society of honour for the
recognition of achievement or service to the community at large.
It is considered to be one of the very highest acknowledgements
that Australia can bestow upon an individual. ‘To be recognised
at the highest level, by the greatest country in the world, and for work
within an industry you love, is—for me—the pinnacle of success,’ said Freedman,
following the announcement of the award. ‘To say I am honoured, and so very
humbled, is an understatement,’ he continued.
The Sydney-based manufacturer has in the past won multiple Australian Ex-
port Awards winner and been hailed as a leader in the Australian manufacturing
sector by many of the country’s most senior politicians and leading academics,
and Freedman was a founding member of the Sydney Festival’s 40th^ Anniversary
Fund, extablished to benefi t Australian musicians and artists, and Rode is a spon-
sor of the Festival.