Amarra – Ultra-Fidelity Digital Source – The latest version (1.2) of Sonic Studio’s Amarra software for playback of hi-res digital audio files, will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Amarra provides an analog-like source for many of the exhibits at the show. The Amarra Computer Music Player combines the precision of the Sonic Studio Engine with the easy operation of Apple’s iTunes, working together with the Model 4 FireWire DAC. The new version of Amarra boats improved fidelity and new playlist support for seamless and uninterrupted playback. Model 4 is an 8-channel D-to-A converter combining very high fidelity circuitry with embedded DSP for minimal phase room correction or three-way crossover realization. The FireWire interface ensures transparent playback of PCM and lossless files up to 192kHz. Sonic Studio’s President Jonathan Reichbach, stated, “we look forward to contributing uncommonly high fidelity sound from a computer-based system for our partners and all audio enthusiasts visiting this year’s CES.”
Police Decide Music at Festival Is Not Jazz – A Spanish jazz purist attended the Sigüenza Jazz Festival and listened to a band led by avant saxist Larry Ochs. He complained to Spain’s Civil Guard police that the Larry Oches Sax and Drumming Core group was on the wrong side of the line dividing jazz from contemporary music, and that his doctor had warned that it was “psychologically inadvisable” for him to listen to anything that could be mistaken for contemporary music. The police came, listened, and agreed. The man wanted a refund for his tickets, but the organizers refused; the controversy will be passed on to a judge next.
As if that isn’t enough of a unique bit of jazz news: Trumpeter/Lincoln Center Jazz Director Wynton Marsalis had his people track down the name, phone number and email address of the above angry jazz fan in order to ship him a large part of his 70+ catalog of CDs. Wynton wanted to keep that quiet but somehow it got out. As jazz fans know, Marsalis has been an outspoken defender of so-called “pure” jazz. One of Ochs’ drummers accused Marsalis of seeking “cheap publicity.”
Kleer Claims Wireless Function for Both Portable and Home Audio – The new flagship wireless audio module from Kleer (not to be confused with Clear), Model KLR3012, enables consumer electronic brands to standardize on one single wireless platform for both portable and home audio applications. Manufacturers can now design and produce seamlessly interoperable wireless personal and home audio products such as headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and home theater systems. The technology will eliminate competition for connectivity between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless devices. The module uses the 2.4 gHz ISM band to produce lossless, low-power, low-interference wireless audio. Kleer has has a new iPhone/iPod Touch ap to turn those devices into a portable home audio music hub. The new products will be demonstrated at the January CES.
Most Popular HT Products of 2009 – According to CNET, the Samsung BD-P3600 Blu-ray player was the most popular home theater product of the year, with the LG BD390 the runner-up. Pioneer’s VSX-1019AH-K AV Receiver was No. 3 on the list, and Sony’s inexpensive HT-CT100 Soundbar/Subwoofer made the No. 4 slot. No. 5 was another Samsung Blu-ray player, their entry-level BD-P1600.
