• The most powerful Entry Level AV Receiver on the market
• True Audiophile sound quality in Stereo or Surround Sound
• High Quality Faroudja Scaler & Cirrus Logic 24/192 DACs
• One of the few slimline AV Receivers available & the most Dynamic!

As TVs become impossibly thin – and sound quality gets even leaner – there’s never been a better time for a home theatre system that sounds sensational but is also simple to use. Music is at the heart of Cambridge Audio and this all new AV Receiver is designed to deliver sound that’s in every way as epic as the picture quality from your movies, music and TV shows.

So, as well as all the latest processing features you’d expect, the 551R’s ability to reproduce music with incredible richness and authority really separates it from the herd. A staggering 110 Watts of power is achieved by combining Cambridge Audio’s audio design expertise and the choicest selection of audiophile components. From an all-metal and surprisingly compact design, the 551R features a multitude of connections and is guaranteed to revolutionise the audio potential of Blu-ray players, video streamers, satellite boxes, iPod docks, games consoles and of course hi-fi source components.

Like our entire range, the 551R was created at Cambridge Audio’s Research and Development Centre on London’s Southbank by a team with an uncontested passion for making music sound sensational!

Download full technical specification

We introduce a new classic pre-power amplifier system for the 30 series comprising the PRE32 preamplifier and the A34.2 UFPD power amplifier. Generating audiophile standards of fidelity, this Primare combination represents the essence of Primare design, blending our trademark low-noise wide bandwidth signal processing and control with effortless ease-of-use and superb minimalist aesthetics.

The new ensemble further refines the character of the EISA award-winning I32 integrated amplifier, making greater reserves of supremely clean, efficient and dynamic UFPD power available to a wide range of source components through low-noise balanced connections and excellent OLED display architecture. Finely engineered in heavy-gauge alloy steel, the slim ecofriendly and upgradable PRE32 and A34.2 will combine beautifully with the CD32 CD player under the operation of a single remote handset, to deliver audio purity, convenience and elite design integrity in the finest Primare tradition. Not only will the system look fabulous in any room, its integration within existing home control networks is assured through RS232 and trigger connections.

Audiophile Topology

The PRE32 and A34.2 are equipped with excellent complementary low-noise electrical designs.

All signal paths are fully balanced and as short as possible, while multiple power supplies feed discrete circuits individually optimised for the digital and analogue audio, control and display sections. Source selection, volume and channel balance trims from the PRE32 are performed purely in the analogue

domain. Its unbalanced input signals are upgraded to low-noise balanced signals by a conversion stage comprising the finest discrete components.

As part of the low-noise regime, the PRE32’s control and display components are placed between the front panel and the main steel chassis to provide the best isolation from the sensitive analogue circuits.This has long been an innovative feature of Primare design.

The A34.2 houses two discrete UFPD amplifiers. Each channel incorporates unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs, as well as high quality gold plated speaker terminals.

 Balanced Architecture

Balanced signal transmission means that two identical signal lines are used to carry the same signal with opposite phase. Any noise is common to both lines, is present in equal amounts and with identical phase. At the receiving end a differential receiver retains the opposite phase signals (music) and rejects the common phase ones (noise) leaving only the pure original signal. Balanced circuits therefore keep the signal as free as possible from interference. All Primare 30 series components employ balanced architecture for audiophile signal quality.

PRE32 PREAMPLIFIER

The PRE32 incorporates two pairs (L/R) of low-noise balanced XLR inputs and 4 pairs of RCA inputs. In addition there aretwo pairs of RCA outputs and a single pair of balanced XLR outputs for low-noise connection to the A34.2 and other balanced power amplifiers; as well as a record output, RS232, trigger, and IR inputs. Switching between inputs is easy from the C23 system handset or front panel with the aid of the pure white OLED display, dimmable in four steps (other colours via a menu configuration). The display auto-dims after a few seconds but returns to programmed brightness at the touch of a control

 Set-up also includes control over power-up volume, maximum volume level, input re-naming (up to 6 characters), input disabling and a trim function (volume and balance) for each input in steps of 1dB. A surround processor bypass feature allows from an AV processor to travel straight to the A34.2 or any other power amplifier. The PRE32 incorporates a very low eco mode for standby: power consumption is just 0.2W!

Upgradeable Design

A media upgrade will be available for the PRE32, which offers up to 24 bit/192 kHz signals streaming of files from Internet, NAS or PCs, as well as Internet radio content and also a digital audio input from a range of devices including CD players, smart phones, personal players and satellite boxes.

A34.2 TWO CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

The A34.2 is a 2 x 150 watt stereo power amplifier utilising proprietary UFPD technology, designed to provide high power output with very low distortion for Primare’s PRE32 audiophile preamplifier and all other preamps, as well as multi-channel audio processors. It uses two discrete UFPD amplifiers, each channel incorporating unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs, as well as high quality gold plated speaker terminals, trigger and RS232 control inputs.

 Ecologically the A34.2 is far superior to conventional Class A/B designs being extremely efficient without generating excessive heat. In standby it consumes only 0.3W.

The A34.2 can easily be switched to bridged mode and will then provide one fully balanced mono channel capable of delivering up to 550W into 8 ohms.

What is UFPD?

Primare’s UFPD technology provides for the possibilities of a full-range ‘audiophile’ Class Ddesign. It is a new and significant Class D technology which is remarkable for its performance consistency across the entire audio bandwidth.Traditional Class D amplifiers have a signature response, which is fabulous at low frequencies but can sound harsh and brittle at higher frequencies due to circuit instability produced by insufficient feedback. UFPD actively  adjusts the feedback required to deliver a higher level of gain across the entire audio band, maintaining performance irrespective of load (impedance) variations. Primare’s UFPD treats all signals equally, keeping distortion very low at all frequencies.With a very wide ‘load independent’ frequency response UFPD is able to drive any speaker while maintaining control and accuracy.

PFC Power Supply

In conjunction with UFPD, Primare uses an isolated PFC (Power Factor Control) technology in the power supply, which controls the current from the mains voltage so that it is a pure sine wave with the same frequency and phase as the mains voltage.This means that even if 1000W is taken from the mains, other equipment in the room will not be affected.

Product specification PRE32

 Product specification A34.2 stereo mode 

Product specification A34.2 bridge mode  

Download Information sheet

PLEASE VISIT PRIMARE.NET FOR MORE                           

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

It is the ARCAM AVR360 and it has a full list of features you would expect of an AV receiver with the sound quality of an ARCAM amplifier at just $1998 RRP.

7.1 surround sound HD Audio Formats plus 5x HDMI (1.4 compliant) inputs.

The Tuner has DAB+, AM  and FM reception. In fact ARCAM have now updated all  AV Receivers to incorporate DAB+. Perhaps the first company to offer their receiver range with DAB+ in Australia?

 Sound quality is the ARCAM hallmark and the AVR360 doesn’t disappoint with excellent sound in Stereo Analogue as well as Surround Sound Digital.

A feature sheet is attached along with an image.

More images will be available shortly at www.robfollis.com

The AVR360 is shipping now in black only.

Warranty is 2 years.

Technical Details

• High Performance 7.1 channel AV Receiver
• HDMI 1.4a compliant with ARC and CEC support
• 3D compatible video path
• High Performance video conversion / scaling
• 7x 75W power amplifiers
• High-end Linear power supply with local sub-regulation
• Audio streaming from network or USB music
• Professional grade jitter reduction
• Automated setup
• Audiophile performance with music and movies

Arcam’s world-class reputation for audio and video electronics has been built over more than thirty years. Its approach to design and development has given rise to countless awards and industry accolades but, most importantly, joy to thousands of delighted owners.

Using technology developed from the acclaimed AVR600 receiver and AV888 processor the AVR360 has been developed as a more affordable way to access Arcam’s legendary sound quality. It is designed to be the perfect home cinema receiver for a wide range of enthusiastic customers and custom designed home theatres.

The AVR360 has a rich feature list including compatibility with all the latest audio decoding formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. In addition it offers wide compatibility with music files stored on USB or network audio devices. The included DAB/FM/AM tuner allows access to a host of terrestrial radio stations while its in-built Internet radio receiver extends this reach to thousands of web based radio stations from around the world.

The AVR360’s video performance is exemplary regardless of source. Full upscaling and cross conversion is carried out by a high performance Torino video processor that supports all resolutions up to and including 1080p/60 plus support for 24fps and 3DTV pass-through. The resulting picture quality is outstanding offering breath-taking clarity and supremely realistic colour rendition.

To support the latest source and display technologies the AVR360 includes HDMI v1.4a including
ARC (Audio Return Channel) and CEC (Consumer Electronic Control). This makes the AVR360 a
perfect match for the latest video displays having on-board digital TV or Internet TV tuners.

While the AVR360 is a perfect choice for a home cinema in the living room, it also offers a host of features making it ideal for bespoke home theatre rooms. RS232, IR and 12V control interfaces allow the unit to be integrated simply and reliably into even complex installations. Its extremely low 0.5W standby power even means a very low environmental impact while retaining the convenience of remote switch on.

The AVR360 is designed in the UK and will be available in black.

Download Tech specs

The February meeting of the Sydney Audio Club sees us once again at Dence Park for an afternoon of fine music and sound and convivial company.

Each month, the Sydney Audio Club presents the finest in high end audio systems for our members and guests.  It’s a bit like a private audio show once a month where you can hear and discuss equipment that you might not otherwise have the chance to audition.  And you can bring along your own music to test the capabilities of the system or to just share with like-minded music lovers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

This month we will have a very special Icon Audio system presented by Brian Maddern of Decibel HiFi.   Icon Audio is a small company based in Leicester England that was founded by David Shaw – they are well known as makers of high end valve amplifiers amongst other components.   For our Sunday meeting we will have:

• The Icon Audio MB 845 MkII monoblocks – 110w of pure triode power designed by David Shaw.  They each have 1x 6SL7 first stage gain valves, 2x 6SN7 driver valves and of course 2x 845 power valves. 
• The preamplifier will be the Icon Audio LA4 MkII – an all triode design utilising 3x 6SN7 valves and a 274B valve rectifier.   It provides adjustable gain which enables the widest range of sources to get optimum coupling to almost any power amplifier, whilst keeping the noise level to an absolute minimum.
• The CD player will be the Icon Audio CDX1 triode valve player also designed by David Shaw.  The CDX1 uses the latest 192kHz 24bit upsampling technology.  The output valves are 2x 6SN7 output and buffer stage.  The valve analogue section has its own hard wired chassis separate from the digital section.  The CDX1 has audiophile grade components, is hard wired, has no printed circuit boards, uses custom wound transformers and has a massive choke regulated power supply.   (Also available as a Signature Edition with Jensen capacitors and CV181 valves). 
• Vinyl playback will be the Origin Live Calypso Turntable with Encounter tonearm and the Icon Audio PS1 Phono-Stage Mk II  phono preamp.  The phono stage has “hard wired” “point to point” wiring with no printed circuit board and uses audiophile grade components.

·         The speakers will be the venerable B&W 801 Series II (not supplied by Decibel HiFi).

The second half of the music sessions will be BYO.  Members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all.   So bring along your favourite vinyl or CDs discs to share.  All we ask is that the music and recordings be interesting.  We’ll ask you to tell us a little about the artist/recording before it is played.  Tracks over 6 minutes will be faded out, to give everyone a fair go.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others of similar mind.

Members and Guests welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don’t need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound.  We will welcome you at the door.

Venue: Epping Creative Centre

Address: 26 Stanley St, Epping

Doors open 1pm

Meeting starts at 2pm.

Azur 651A Integrated amplifier $899 RRP

Azur 651C CD player $899 RRP

Download 651A Tech Specifications

Download 651C Tech Specifications

To embrace the wider variety of ways we enjoy music, Cambridge Audio, the UK’s best-selling hi-fi manufacturer, is excited to unveil the all-new 651 Series. Comprising the 651A integrated amplifier and 651CD player, it significantly builds on the strengths of the 650 Series with a range of design enhancements, even higher specification components and retuned audio circuitry. Offering connections for music sources of all types from computers to more traditional hi-fi sources, the 651 Series represents a true taste of high-end specialist audio while maintaining Cambridge Audio’s legendary value proposition.

Like every Cambridge Audio design, the new 651 Series was conceived and developed at the company’s Research and Development Centre on London’s vibrant Southbank.

The 651 Series is first and foremost, focussed on delivering the purest, most realistic sound reproduction possible. This is achieved through a combination of exceptional in-house design talent and the specification of custom developed premium components which are crafted to Cambridge Audio’s specific requirements.

In both models for example, expensive toroidal transformers are specified over more commonplace laminate designs because they deliver a smoother, purer sound that’s remarkably free from interference and distortion. And to embrace the way in which consumers are now storing their music, the new 651A amplifier now features a USB audio connection to enable direct connection of PCs. Meanwhile, the matching 651C CD player benefits from a completely new DAC design together with filter configuration derived from the company’s award-winning DacMagic.

Azur 651A Integrated Amplifier

Thanks to the explosion in digital music, the personal computer has for many, replaced towering CD collections. To reflect this change in tastes, Cambridge Audio has taken the decision to add a USB audio connection to its 651A amplifier rather than adopt the more common and easier to implement approach of including USB connectivity on a CD player. This driverless connection bypasses inbuilt soundcards of a connected Mac or PC and allows the 651A to take care of the delicate digital to analogue conversion process.  Meanwhile, connection support for analogue sources like CD players, iPod docks and tuners is better than ever.

A premium toroidal transformer is key to the 651A’s design strengths and enables it to offer unruffled performance with music of all types. Class-leading power of 75 Watts per channel remains a significant advantage, meanwhile a film type ALPs volume pot means it also performs as well at low levels as at higher volumes.

Adding to the audiophile specifications are separate transformer taps for left & right channels, twin rectifiers and separate PSUs for dual-mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers.

In pursuit of its sound-first approach to design, Cambridge Audio shunned the addition unnecessary features and gimmicks to enable the inclusion of premium components which it believes add genuine benefits to the sound of the 651A.

• Audiophile grade oversize toroidal transformer and substantial extruded heatsink for lower noise and quieter PSU operation
• 2 x 75 Watts RMS into 8 ohms
• ALPs film type ‘black box’ volume pot for superior channel balance
• Custom output stage using Sanken output transistors with external emitter resistors for reduced thermal modulation and increased current delivery
• Separate transformer taps for dual mono operation of the left and right power amps
• Fully updated and re-tuned CAP5 protection technology
• Pre-out and Sub outputs for connection to external power amps and/or active sub
• Control Bus and IR Emitter In connections for simple multi-room integration
• 5 x RCA inputs; 1 x 3.5mm input; 1 x USB input
• Front-mounted iPod / MP3 player connection
• Gold plated low-loss hi-fi speaker terminals
• LED indicator shows which speakers (A, B or A+B) are selected
• Acoustically damped full metal chassis and thick brushed aluminium front panel
  • Supplied with new Navigator remote – also controls Azur CD players and docked iPods
  • Low power (<1W) standby circuits
  • Available in silver and black

The 651A is designed to drive almost any speaker with ease offering excellent bass response and dynamic control thanks to a retuned output stage featuring Sanken output transistors. These offer considerably lower thermal modulation effects than comparable transistors.

Ensuring protection against overloads, faults and clipping, Cambridge Audio’s latest proprietary CAP5  system offers unrivalled peace of mind whilst guaranteeing no sound degradation.

As well as the new USB Audio input, the 651A features a wide range of inputs and outputs to accommodate sources of all types. iPods and MP3 players get a dedicated 3.5mm jack and matching source control. In addition, the supplied Navigator remote features command codes for control of any iPod when connected to a suitable dock such as Cambridge Audio’s award-winning iD50.

Azur 651C CD Player

The Azur 651C CD player features an all new twin DAC implementation with the same selectable filter arrangement used in the legendary DacMagic. These enhancements in addition to completely retuned audio circuits make for an even purer, more lifelike experience than its highly regarded predecessor.

• New twin Wolfson WM8742 DACs arranged in dual differential (i.e. one per channel, in an internally balanced mode)
• High performance op amps
• CD dedicated S3 servo solution ensures maximum retrieval of digital information with extremely low jitter
• All PCBs and DAC stages feature double-sided surface mount technology eliminating wire links and giving shortest possible signal paths
• Audiophile grade toroidal transformer for lower noise and quieter PSU operation
• New selectable filters – Linear Phase, Minimum Phase or Steep, allowing the listener to select the one that sounds best to their ears or to suit the source material
• High contrast reverse black DFSTN (Double Film Super Twisted Nematic) display with CD-Text display for supported discs
• Low power (<1W) standby circuits
• Acoustically damped full metal chassis and thick brushed aluminium front panel
• Supplied with Navigator remote – also controls Azur amplifiers and docked iPods
• Available in silver and black

Twin Wolfson WM8742 DACs deliver a significant performance upgrade and are implemented in a dual differential configuration (each channel has its own DAC to process information). A sophisticated Two-Pole Dual Differential Double Virtual Earth Balanced Bessel filter configuration rejects virtually all noise and distortion present in the DACs and filters them to produce an unprecedented level of performance.

The new DACs also feature a selectable digital filter with three settings to suit lister preferences and their particular system set-up:

• The Steep roll-off filter exhibits strong attenuation of aliasing images outside the pass band (i.e. above 22.05kHz) at the expense of a little pre and post-ringing in the time domain.
• The Linear phase filter uniquely features ‘constant group delay’ which delays all audio signals at all frequencies by the same amount meaning all audio is fully time-coherent at the output.
• Minimum phase meanwhile does not feature constant group delay but rather the co-efficients have been optimized without feed-forward so that the impulse response exhibits no pre-ringing in the time domain

Where many CD players use drives designed for computers, Cambridge Audio avoided this approach due to the noise and impurity it adds to music and created its CD-only S3 Custom CD Servo^TM drive. This audiophile design gives the 651C the ability to retrieve maximum digital information. S3 employs a custom designed chipset and the latest double-sided surface-mount technology for ultra short signal paths with freedom from wire links. Circuits and software have been meticulously designed and S3 dynamically adjusts focusing, tracking and output level of the laser in real-time, allowing for maximum retrieval of the digital information and jitter minimisation. This is all made possible by the implementation of a powerful ARM7 processor and complemented by a highly accurate master clock oscillator and carefully designed impedance-matched clock buffering scheme.

Meanwhile, the well-proven transport guarantees incredible rigidity and the CD drawer itself has been designed to offer a smooth, high-end feel. And to ensure simple operation, a high contrast reverse black DFSTN (Double Film Super Twisted Nematic) display offers excellent feedback of the 651C’s impressive features which now include CD-text support.

As with all Azur CD players, a high quality toroidal transformer ensures lower noise and less waveform distortion for quieter PSU operation.

In summary…

This exceptional duo breathes new life into a highly competitive category combining sensational performance with Cambridge Audio’s legendary design quality. Avoiding the addition of unnecessary features and gimmicks and instead focussing on achieving the purest, dynamic sound possible, the 651 Series is designed to bring alive music of every type and optimised to maximise the performance of every possible source.

Originally at $998 RRP it is now $798 RRP. The Arcam rCube is the perfect  i-Phone / i-Pod docking station with a 90 watt amplifier and speaker system.

Available in white or black.

The Arcam rCube also has a battery pack on board for up to 8 hours playtime without mains power.

Another great stocking filler for Christmas.

Each month, the Sydney Audio Club presents the finest in high end audio systems for our members and guests.  It’s a bit like a private audio show once a month where you can hear and discuss equipment that you might not otherwise have the chance to audition.  And you can bring along your own music to test the capabilities of the system or to just share with like-minded music lovers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

This month we will have a system comprised entirely of equipment owned by Sydney Audio Club members.  We spent a fair bit of time deciding what to choose (thankfully, we had a good selection).  We will have:

Technics SL 1210 Mark lll turntable – recently rebuilt with a DIY off board power supply, sorbothane feet, isoplatmat, Rega RB250 arm (modified by Audio Origami) and Ortofon Rondo Bronze MC cartridge.  Phono stage will be a homemade phono stage as well as the Cambridge Audio 640P.

Oppo BDP-95 BD player – plays BD, CD, SACD, FLAC, etc. – universal player (no monitor/panel, we will have audio only).  This player has been receiving lots of good press around the world.  High-end video at any price, very good audio especially from its balanced outputs.  Excellent value for the money.   We will also have a Musical Fidelity Tri Vista DAC (tubed) on hand for CD from the Oppo.

Mark Levinson No. 326S preamp – ML’s current top of the line preamp, but probably not for long!  Clean and neutral sound, slightly laid-back, very smooth across the frequencies without being soft or woolly.

Classe CA-400 power amp – 400 wpc – lots of power, slightly warm sounding but should be synergistic with the ML preamp.

Energy Veritas 1.8 speakers – very good speakers by veteran Canadian speaker manufacturer.  Well received around the world but not as well known here in Australia as many other brands. 

Cabling will be by: Kimber Hero, Wireworld Polaris 3++ and 5, Nordost Red Dawn, Nordost Frey. 

For this meeting, the entire music session will be BYO.  Members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all.   So bring along your favourite discs (vinyl or CD/SACD) to share.  All we ask is that the music and recordings be interesting.  We’ll ask you to tell us a little about the artist/recording before it is played.  Tracks over 6 minutes will be faded out, to give everyone a fair go.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others of similar mind.

Members and Guests welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don’t need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound.  We will welcome you at the door.

NOTE to our south-side attendees:  The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be closed for major roadwork all day Sunday.  The Department of Transport does not recommend using the Sydney Harbour Tunnel as an alternative as it is expected to be very busy.  Hopefully that won’t deter you from attending!

Venue: Epping Creative Centre

Address: 26 Stanley St, Epping

Doors open 1pm

Meeting starts at 2pm.

Improving on a legend is never easy, but Cambridge Audio has gone back to the drawing board to create an even more accomplished DacMagic, the DacMagic Plus, with exciting new features, wireless device connectivity, and best of all, significantly enhanced audio performance.

Created at Cambridge Audio’s London Southbank Research and Development Centre, DacMagic Plus builds on the vast capabilities of its forebear in several ways.

Available in black or silver RRP $699

• Firstly it produces measurably superior performance using a new ATF2 upsampling algorithm. ATF2 technology adds further value by enhancing the low level linearity demanded by increasingly popular 24-bit downloads
• The USB input has been completely re-worked to support 24-bit transfer over USB for better than CD quality from digital music collections
• A new plug and play BT100, an optional extra Audio Receiver, allows digital music stored or streamed from iPhones, Android smartphones or any device which supports Bluetooth, to be wirelessly connected to and enhanced by DacMagic Plus. So as well as controlling and playing iPod content, online music services like Spotify, Napster and Last FM can be enjoyed through the hi-fi system. Perhaps best of all, devices featuring the fast-growing apt-X technology can be used to wirelessly share truly hi-fi quality audio with DacMagic Plus
• Supporting the resurging interest in headphones, DacMagic Plus features a fully integrated dedicated headphone amplifier and volume control for the best possible personal listening experience
• And finally, a new digital pre-amp function means DacMagic Plus can be connected directly to and control power amplifiers or active speakers

Unlike the other speakers in this test, the MX3s are designed to work with their grilles in place. They also sound their best when biwired – but we can’t help wondering why the Missions, uniquely in this group, have their binding posts halfway up the cabinet when everybody else puts them near the floor. Trailing lengths of cable up your speakers isn’t the most elegant interior decor statement we’re ever seen.

Fortunately, that’s pretty much the extent of our moaning. After they’ve been treated to a lengthy running-in period, the Missions prove an alert, vigorous and dynamic listen, not the most expansive we’re ever heard, but tight-knit and unified in their presentation. Wookie’s thumping Scrappy is perfect for the MX3′s forward, attacking and expressive inclinations – punchy and exciting, but poised and focused at the same time, the Missions integrate adroitly and time well, judging the attack and decay of bass notes just so.

Despite their impeccable dance-floor credentials, though, the MX3s have the subtlety, and powers of resolution, to make the most of sparer, more down-tempo material and communicate eloquently throughout the midrange. Some rivals offer a little more in terms of out-and-out scale and spaciousness, but the cohesiveness of the Mission’s voice, and their palpable enthusiasm, means they should certainly appear near the top of your shortlist. At $999 they represent pretty impressive value.

FOR: Tidy, nicely finished design; engaging, up-and-at-’em presentation

AGAINST: Others offer greater openess and scale

VERDICT: Peppy and communicate, the MX3s are a real achievement at the price

Vicoustic is a manufacturer of high-quality, affordable acousticproducts. The company’s extensive portfolio includes a range of absorptionand diffusion panels, bass traps, portable acoustic products and variableacoustic solutions. Vicoustic’s three business divisions Music & Broadcast,Hi-Fi & Home Cinema, and Industrial, Their product range can be implementedfrom the building stage right through to panels to treat existing structures.Whether it is a studio, restaurant, office block or dedicated theatre, there isa vast range of treatments to suit. I must add that the design and estimationprocess offered by Vicoustic is unparalleled for a product range at its pricepoint and allows the integrator, engineer or designer to not only see what theroom could look like once treated, but also be provided with a list of theproducts required to treat the space.