2012年 CES and T.H.E. SHOW 實況報導

[tvec]

我好懷念In-N-Out, 知道Vegas也有一家.

若小葉沒機會在Vegas吃，回程時LAX機場附近也有一家

[kevintran]

麥當勞的好處不是在好不好吃。麥當勞的品質畫一（不用擔心換一家味道不對），在美國路上很容易找的到（特別是加油站附近），這才是重點。趕路的時候，能少停一下，就少停一下。

如果有Subway，當然是很好。可惜大部份都在shopping mall裡，路邊比較不好找。

[999369]

麥當勞的好處不是在好不好吃。麥當勞的品質畫一（不用擔心換一家味道不對），在美國路上很容易找的到（特別是加油站附近），這才是重點。趕路的時候，能少停一下，就少停一下。

如果有Subway，當然是很好。可惜大部份都在shopping mall裡，路邊比較不好找。

這次是臨時決定去胡佛水霸的，本2:00-3:00與人有約買樂器，都未吃早餐所以趕時間就~~~
一般我是點魚堡的開車不想吃太飽 這次例外

[Leo Yeh]

Day 1 Highlight

[Leo Yeh]

Dan D'Agostino 推出黑色版本與新的立體聲後級

一早就先來到Dan D'Agostino的展房，這是近兩年非常火紅的新品牌
由Krell原設計師Dan D'Agostino自己名字推出的品牌
品牌當然以最出名的後級為首發產品
在Dan D'Agostino旁邊的正是剛推出的黑色版本
會有黑色版本的推出是因為有用家需求，價格方面原本應該黑色特訂的要比較高
不過在標準銀色的版本稍為漲價之後，兩個顏色的價格現在是一樣的


個人是覺得黑色的版本更能襯托出其用料與外型的質感，蠻讚的
注意看每台器材下方都有其專屬的器材架，質感也很好，不過這可不是買機器就送
是要另外買的，價位也不低


Dan D'Agostino與Wilson Audio一直是好夥伴，今年不意外也是搭配Wilson Audio展出
聲音好溫暖，完全沒有晶體機的感覺
大家不曉得有沒有注意到，地上為什麼有3台後級？


中間那台是新發表的立體聲後級，每聲道200W，作工設計跟單聲道後級一樣
價格當然比一對單聲道後級便宜大約40%




另外前級雖然去年就有消息發表，不過尚未Final




Dan D'Agostino 在使用iPad選歌，原來訊源是dCS Debussy
今天幾間展房，dCS的能見度真是非常的高

[Leo Yeh]

Wilson Audio 新旗艦Alexandria XLF

就在CES展前，Wilson Audio發佈新的旗艦Alexandria XLF誕生
不過原來的Series 2仍然是繼續生產
這次雖然有展出，不過是靜態展出，若要聽則要在展後到Wilson Audio聽
不過看了實品與經過Wilson Audio人員的解釋，才知道XLF比Series 2精進的地方

現場擺兩隻喇叭，猜猜那一隻是XLF，那一隻是Series 2?
乍看起來幾乎是一模一樣，不過仔細瞭解後，其實兩者有很大的不同
照片因為是廣角拍的，所以其實左邊是XLF，比較大隻
XLF的體積大上一些，低頻的容積比Series 2大上14%，整體箱體的曲線也因為更大而更加完美


Dave Wilson正在說明兩者的不同


XLF全新的超高音(Convergent Synergy Tweeeter)，往下的延伸更多更為完整
因此中音不需要負責太多的高音下，失真更小


XLF採用的Cross Load Firing Port System低音系統讓用家在不同環境下
調整低音多了一個很大的彈性
反射孔前後都有，用家可視情況看是要調整成低音反射在前，還是在後




XLF箱體結構更為紮實，除了更厚的用料外，在兩旁還用上了複合材質，聲音更為乾淨


仔細看兩個箭頭的金屬部份，中音的跟高音的金屬片材質與型狀不同 (Series 2為相同)
這是經過實驗後，為讓聲音更好的設計


另外後面的蓋版也多了許多使用上的方便性

[Leo Yeh]

Marten: 買到Django就像買到Coltrane 2

這次展覽讓我最興奮之一的就是應該是臺灣第一個能聽到Marten Django的人了
Django發表的新聞一出來可說是引起不少的震撼
因為Marten居然能推出如此的落地喇叭價格又是這麼平易近人
我還特地問了Marten設計者Leif是不是Made in Sweden...答案當然是
Leif說為了讓更多喜歡Marten的人可以負擔的起
因此推出Django，Django不屬於目前Marten任何系列之一，是完全獨立的產品系列
Leif表示Django的設計就是Coltrane 2的翻板(如分音器設計一樣，只是用料不同)
也就是說買到Django就等於有買到Coltrane 2的意味在了
真是喜歡Marten朋友的福音
當然Django在用料沒有Coltrane 2那麼好
不過也相當好了，包括跟挪威SEAS訂作的低音單體與德國Accuton的陶瓷中音與高音單體
箱體從碳纖維改為MDF，單隻重達近50KG，非常紮實有份量
內部為Jorma Design的配線
喇叭端子為WBT
低音一樣分段可調

由左至右分別為Leif, Jörgen與Lars










這次訊源使用了目前超夯的MSB (我想一定是張老師的大力推薦啦，Good Choice)


另外一間EAR的展房也是搭配Django

[Leo Yeh]

Magico的新旗艦Q7與S5平價系列

Q7是Magico Q系列最新的旗艦喇叭，單隻就重達340Kg，真難想像這對喇叭要怎麼搬，這次現場有展示發聲
Q7看起來就像是Q5的放大版，當然結構上與外觀上有些設計上的調整，其結構的複雜程度也超乎想像
使用超過100個零件與650個以上的接合點
Q7聽起來也是Q5的放大版，現場相對於Q7來說空間不大，低頻量有點過多






搭配的器材蠻有意思的，有得我看不出來是那家的產品
例如這台Pacific Microsonics Euphonix HDCD解碼器


S5則是靜態展出

[Leo Yeh]

Mark Levinson 40週年紀念推出多項產品

Mark Levinson在40週年紀念時推出了4款新產品：No.52參考雙單聲道前級、No.585綜擴、 No.519 SACD Player及No. 560 Digital Audio Processor
除了No.52參考雙單聲道前級是屬於高價位的產品外，其他3個新產品都是屬於非常親近的價格
看來要擁有Mark Levinson不再是很遙遠的夢










No 560　DAC　$6000
The Mark Levinson No 560 is engineered to bring out the very best in all digital audio
sources including high-resolution audio formats and serve as the heart of a digital audio music
system. The Mark Levinson No 560 enables listeners to enjoy the full sonic benefits of
computer audio, disc transports, streaming media devices and other digital sources thanks to
its dual 32-bit, 192kHz premium digital to analog converters, digital volume control and
impeccable engineering and construction.
The No 560 provides no less than 10 digital audio inputs including two optical and two coaxial
S/PDIF inputs, three USB 2.0 (A) connectors, two HDMI inputs with DSD (Direct Stream Digital)
-direct capability and an AES/EBU XLR input. The No 560’s XLR and RCA analog outputs
facilitate connection to an amplifier or preamplifier. The No 560 is designed for extraordinary
sonic performance, incorporating isolated digital and analog circuitry with independent power
supplies, asynchronous clocking to ensure jitter-free performance from the dual 32-bit DACs,
apremium quality internal components throughout and many additional enhancements.

No.519　SACD Disc Player　$8000
The Mark Levinson No 519 SACD Disc Player is designed for those who demand nothing less
than the finest in digital music reproduction. It combines a precision CD/SACD (Super Audio
Compact Disc) player mechanism with dual 32-bit/192kHz audiophile-grade digital to analog
converters to deliver extraordinary fidelity, resolution and musical accuracy.
Adding to its versatility, the No 519 also functions as a complete digital preamplifier. It
includes four S/PDIF and USB digital inputs, plus XLR and RCA analog and HDMI 1.3,
AES/EBU, optical and coaxial S/PDIF outputs and an onboard digital volume control that
enable the No 519 to be connected to a stereo or multichannel preamplifier or amplifier. In
addition, the No 519 provides direct SACD audio output via its HDMI connection as well as
high-resolution LPCM digital audio.
The Mark Levinson No 519’s elegant front panel features dedicated input and volume control
knobs, facilitating its use as a digital preamplifier, and includes a USB 2.0 (A) connector to
enable future upgrades. Its Ethernet, ML Link, 12V trigger and IR ports enable easy system
integration, and the No 519 is supplied with a remote control that operates all its functions
as well as those of select Mark Levinson preamplifiers.

No 585 integrated amplifier　$10000
The Mark Levinson No 585 integrated amplifier is ideal for audiophiles and music lovers who
desire an all in one audio control center and stereo power amplifier that is space saving and
easy to use and delivers ultimate-quality music reproduction.
The No 585 offers three analog line-level audio inputs plus an MC/MM phono input and six
digital audio inputs, to accommodate a wide array of music sources, and can be operated via
its remote control. The No 585 delivers a generous 225 watts per channel power output into 8
ohms, to easily drive even inefficient audiophile loudspeakers, and provides a dedicated
subwoofer output.
The No 585’s analog circuitry is optimized to deliver extraordinary sonic refinement, and it
incorporates leading-edge 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters for unsurpassed digital
audio performance. The Mark Levinson No 585 includes HDMI™ 1.3, USB, AES/EBU and
coaxial S/PDIF inputs, and provides USB and S/PDIF digital outputs.
A host of onboard sonic tailoring facilities are provided including full bass management with
high-pass filtering, low-pass crossover controls for the subwoofer output and more.
The No 585’s unity gain SSP mode enables easy integration with home theater systems, and
the No 585 offers a full complement of system control ports.

No 52 preamplifier　$25000
The No 52 is quite simply the finest Mark Levinson preamplifier ever. It is an all-analog, true
dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio
circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible.
The No 52 provides a comprehensive complement of inputs including three balanced XLR and
four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, and a dedicated phono input that is selectable for
moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo
preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that
can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This
enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through
full-range subwoofer output or a record output.
The No 52 offers a unity gain SSP (surround sound processor) output that provides the ability
to integrate the audio sources that are connected to it into a home theater system, while
maintaining optimal and independent stereo operation for music sources. The No 52 provides
extensive control and system interface connectivity via Ethernet, Mark Levinson’s proprietary
ML Net, 12V trigger and IR control ports. In addition, a USB 2.0 (A) port facilitates possible
future software upgrades. The No 52 is supplied with a remote control that can also be used to
The Mark Levinson No 52 is built to an extraordinary level of refinement. Its control section
features mirror-imaged DC power supplies and AC regeneration circuits for remarkably clean
and stable power delivery and signal purity. Individual left and right DC umbilical cords are used
to connect to the audio sections in the second chassis, and control signals are delivered via a
third cable to keep them isolated. The audio chassis is laid out in a mirror image, left/right
configuration with isolated and independent circuit boards for the volume, main and auxiliary
signal paths, and extensive shielding for critical components. The chassis is constructed from
heavy aluminum extrusions and plates.
Like all Mark Levinson 40th Anniversary components, the No 52 is striking and elegant in
appearance, with a rich, brushed metal black and silver faceplate accented by red illumination
against a glass center panel.

[Leo Yeh]

Hansen Emperor E與Prince E
Hansen與Tenor合作再次好聲

還記得大約兩年前的CES上，Hansen展出旗艦Grand Master搭配Tenor的好聲獲得所有媒體的一致好評嗎？
不過Grand Master可能造型太特別不受到買家青睞
因此Hansen乾脆將Grand Master的技術運用在Emperor與Prince上，成為E的新版本
Emperor E與Prince E是整個重新調整，從外觀上最明顯的是多了一層皮革包覆
裡面則還是原來Hansen箱體的特殊材質
我問Hansen這是一個option選配嗎？
Hansen說這是標準配備
如果覺得這皮革的顏色太醒目，有黑色的可以選
另外還可看到在喇叭的後方多了一個高音，這也是跟Grand Master一樣的設計想法

今年Hansen依然跟好夥伴Tenor搭配，聲音也是讓我非常激賞
非常活生與現場感，有一種音樂的張力，跟前兩年我聽Grand Master的感覺非常像






在Tenor老闆設計師旁的是新的前級Line 1/Power 1，電源分離設計