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Last Updated: May 11th, 2012 - 16:43:51 |
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| KIMBER KABLE - May 11, 2012 |
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We are now showing two types of Interconnects, Speaker and Power cables from the Kimber Kable line with Kimber Select items expected shortly. Bring in your favourite music and give them a listen.
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| BOB CARVER LLC AMPLIFIERS - Mar 7, 2012 |
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We are the only official Canadian distributor for these new designs by Bob Carver he says are his "Legacy Products".
Currently on the floor are the Cherry 180 - VTA 180M.
The Black Beauty 305 - VTA 305M is also now in production, with an expanding line including a preamplifier to follow.
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| ATOLL ELECTRONICS - Jan 1, 2012 |
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We are now carrying this fine line of all French made electronics. From entry level under $1,000 components through to state of the art tubed components.The company mission statement says it all: "to let the vastest amount of people possible discover the fascinating universe of Hi-Fi sound through exceptional product lines which combine musicality and sobriety."
That last point is up to you! Come in and listen today.
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| Grado PS 500 Headphones - Nov 18, 2011 |
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Brand New In The Store! Open pair available for demonstration.
Positive Feedback ISSUE 57 - Robert H. Levi
Grado releases the little brother of their state-of-the-art PS 1000 Headphones, using trickle-down technology to cut the price by two-thirds, while retaining much of the performance! Also made in America, the new PS 500s are Grado's second offering in their Professional Series line, designed both for the audiophile and recording engineer who value neutrality and high definition over all other design goals. They are an open air design, as are all high end Grado's, and are very light and comfortable. At an MSRP of $595, they are an extraordinary value, and fully appropriate for both reference and critical listening. In the category of musical neutrality for the picky audiophile and the demanding recording engineer, the PS 500s are unsurpassed at this price point.
Grado achieved this minor miracle by applying the lessons learned in constructing the wondrous PS 1000s. While still using mahogany to cover the motors, they added aluminum shells to double dampen the housing and kill vibrations. This sandwich design creates the most neutral performance under $600. The large diaphragms contain rare earth metals, including gold wire for maximum definition. The connecting cable is Grado's newest formula, with some fifteen wires enclosed in a proprietary shell. By being American made, they save big bucks from having to import phones from China and can, instead, bulk up on the technology. The PS 500s are available now as you read this review.
Compared to the Grado PS 1000
For one-third the price you will get two-thirds of the performance. This is my kind of math! Sure, the PS 1000s are the most detailed cans I know of, and are every bit as nuanced as the Stax Omega Electrostats. Plugged into my E.A.R. HP4 Tube Headphone Amplifier, the 1000s are all about detail, nuance, air, and realism to the max. Replace them with the PS 500s, and you hear a majority of all the goodness of the 1000s, without added spurious coloration or noise typical of other designs that are compromised to a price point.
Listening to Dialoghi (a new pressing from Germany) from Yarlung Records of Los Angeles, CD 78876, you will detect nary a lump or bump in the frequency fabric with the 500s, while the textures of the Steinway and cello ring most true. This CD is so good and the 500s so neutral that you will think you are hearing a master tape of the actual performance. Yes, you will hear the artists breathing and humming, the floor creaking, and the box of the cello vibrating all in concert with the music. I love the pop and jump of their big dynamic range. It's all there. You won't know there's better unless you have a pair of 1000s handy for a quick comparison.
The sense of neutrality and lack of any unnecessary coloration or artificial warmth with the 500s is every bit as convincing as the 1000s. You will not be disappointed when monitoring that you are missing something acoustic that may hurt the final production of the master. Audiophiles will love the truthfulness and tunefulness of these cans and feel, finally, that they have a truly 21st Century design that communicates the real thing, similar to current audiophile loudspeakers in the over $20,000 price range.
If I had to choose, I could easily live with the PS 500s for their added comfort and overall performance [and save $1000, too!]
With the Grado Headphone Amp
Unplugging the PS 500s from the Paravacini HP4, at $6000, and plugging it into the Grado Amp, at $350, was not a problem. I heard a warmer, thicker, less detailed performance with the Grado amp that was relaxing and beautiful. The Grado amp has tons of power and gorgeous tonality. It is super quiet, too. That said, it is not the HP4, and you will not hear all that the PS 500s offer through the Grado amp. The important thing is that you will hear every little flaw of any amp you may use with the PS 500s. They cover up nothing at all. They reveal everything.
Quibbles
I prefer cans that are circumnaural, surrounding the ears, not laying on them directly. The 1000s go over the ears, but not the 500s. If that would really bother you, then you'll need to think twice. These headphones require at least 100 hours run in before critical use… not a problem, but I thought I put that note here. It's genuinely hard to find anything wrong with these cans.
By the way, the 500s are low impedance and plug into anything over 600 ohms which is about everything.
Summary
Introduced to the market this September, Grado presents a pair of cans that are their newest and greatest sonic trump card to date: the PS 500. At a fraction of the price of the top of the Grado line, they retain a boatload of the benefits belonging to their expensive big brother. This is the ultimate in Grado trickle-down technology. The PS 500s are more neutral and linear than any headphone I know of under $1000, and will please the audiophile and recording enthusiast alike. They make the über-expensive Ultrasone Edition 8s sound rather lumpy!
When it comes to high definition, the 500s can only be criticized if you have the 1000s or Omega's handy. Otherwise, it is all there for you to hear. Combined with great clarity and neutrality, the result is just plain stunning. If you are searching for cans in this price range, listen to these. There is a prairie-wide selection of headphones out there at $595, but I do not know of one brand's offering anywhere near this price that performs like the Grado PS 500s. As an audiophile friend of mine said when he heard the 500s compared to a mountain of other cans, "these are great headphones." Yes, my friends, the PS 500s are great headphones, and most highly recommended if you want the best bang for your buck—and want Made in America, too!
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| GALLO NUCLEUS REFERENCE 3.5 LOUDSPEAKERS - Jun 10, 2011 |
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Now playing and ready for your review. This is the new version of one of our past favourites and best sellers. More refined, bigger sound with that Gallo magic in a small package.
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| CLEARAUDIO CONCEPT TURNTABLE - Jun 10, 2011 |
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We just set this up and it was easy job, as this model comes virtually ready to play. Come on in, bring your own vinyl and hear one of the most popular tables in the Clearaudio line.
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| ACOUSTIC ZEN NOW IN STORE - Jun 3, 2011 |
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We are now an official dealer for this line. We have speakers on the way (we sold the first pair very quickly) and speaker cables on demo now. Drop in and try this new line of reasonably priced American-made hi-fi!
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| SHUNYATA TALOS POWER DISTRIBUTION - Jun 2, 2011 |
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We have received our demonstrator model of this complete new design from Shunyata. This model replaces the Hydra 8. A whole new approach yielding further improvements on what may have been the best already! Now playing and ready for an audition.
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| SIMAUDIO MOON DAC'S - Feb 11, 2011 |
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We now have both the 100D and the 300D on the floor. A number of customers have taken one or the other home to try and so far no-one has returned them. Providing features beyond their price points would indicate and that beautiful MOON sound. We also have the 750D Transport/DAC if nothing but the best will do. Come in and give them a listen.
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| FOSGATE FOZGOMETER AZIMUTH RANGE METER - Oct 5, 2010 |
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This is a must-have tool for the vinyl aficionados who insist on handling their own set-up. Confirms the output of each channel and allows adjustment to fine tune to a perfect match. Customers have said "I was only off slightly but when it is perfect, it is unbelievable".
Very reasonable cost, and made by a man who is a legend in the industry.
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| PROJECT BOX DESIGN SE PRODUCTS - Oct 5, 2010 |
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If space is at a premium and great sound is not negotiable, this gear could be just what the spouse ordered.
We are now demonstrating the CD Box SE, through the Pre Box Se into the Amp Box SE which is feeding the Speaker Box 5. Small size = BIG SOUND! Come in and hear them for yourself.
Head to our Product list and click on Project for the full details on this amazing gear.
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| PROJECT RPM 1.3 GENIE TURNTABLE - Oct 2, 2010 |
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We have completed the set of 3 Project turntables for under $500.
We have always shown the Debut III as our entry-level choice and then Project released the Essential which was less money but still high in performance.
Now they have added the RPM 1.3 Genie just above the Debut III's price. It is available in red, black or white to match the Box design speaker colours.
Features include: Orotfon 2M Red cartridge, S-shaped arm that provides VTA and azimuth adjustments, belt drive using a soft silicon belt so no motor noise gets through to the platter, RCA outputs, so you can use the cable of your choice or the one supplied.
Bring your favourite vinyl in and give it a spin.
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| AUDIO PHYSIC YARA II SPEAKER LINE - Oct 1, 2010 |
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After a long and very successful run, Audio Physic has updated the entire YARA line.
We are now showing the YARA II Compact, which is in a much more compact enclosure than its predecessor the YARA Monitor, yet sings with an even clearer, slightly deeper voice.
We are also demonstrating the YARA II Superior, the top of the YARA line. This is close to a full range speaker (34-40 Hz) yet it has a small footprint and a nice narrow baffle. Two 7" woofers augment the 5.9" mid and the 1" soft dome tweeter. These make amazing sound with all types of music.
They are broken in and ready to hear, bring your own CD's or LP's so you can hear them for yourself.
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| ASR BASIS EXCLUSIVE PHONO STAGE - Oct 1, 2010 |
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This is the "BIG DOG" with battery power supply. Provides 2 WBT Nextgen silver RCA inputs and 2 Balanced inputs, independantly adjustable. 1 balanced and 1 WBT Nextgen silver RCA output. Buffering capacity of 1,300,000 picofarads works with the battery for smooth, strong relaxed sound. Auto switching to battery mode when signal sensed.
Our version includes a newly designed Mono switch.
One of our absolute favourites.
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| ASR MINI BASIS EXCLUSIVE PHONO STAGE - Sep 29, 2010 |
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This well known German perfectionist amplification gear has made its mark on us - beautiful, unforced sound as real as daylight. It extends to their phono stages as well.
Using their standard acrylic case, ASR uses a whose who in parts - Shottky Rectifier, Analogue Devices low noise IC's and Philbert Mantelschnitt transformers.
In this Exclusive version the IC is upgraded top the AD843SQ and they include an ASR Magic Power cord.
Gold RCA input and ouput.
Hooked up in the big room, come in and compare (bring your own vinyl for best results).
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| SYNERGISTIC RESEARCH TESLAPLEX WALL PLUGS - Sep 15, 2010 |
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This is the plug that Lloyd Walker of Walker Audio uses in his Velocitor and we think it is one of the best.
From the Synergistic Research website:
The Synergistic Research TESLA Plex is our Quantum Tunneled duplex outlet. Quantum Tunneling is a process that changes the way a conductor works at the sub atomic level, impacting the entire TESLA Plex assembly. By applying a two million volt signal to each individual unit, at a specific pulse modulation and an ultra high frequency, for an exact duration of time, we transform the outlet at the molecular level. This process is also performed on all TESLA Series cables, from Accelerator to Apex. The “before and after” is startling, with a lower noise floor and improvements in inner detail, air, low frequency extension, and overall transparency.
In stock now.
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| AUDIO PHYSIC TEMPO 25 - Sep 8, 2010 |
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These speakers have been modified to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Audio Physic. When a company decides to do an anniversary version many questions arise.
Why the Tempo? This speaker has been available for longer than any of their others and has consistently been a sweet spot in the line.
Is the change just cosmetic? While we have a new 25 Emblem and the new finishes they started with this year, the change is much more related to sound quality. The tweeter is upgraded to the Hyper Holographic version, normally reserved for the Virgo and higher up the line.
Are they better than the standard version? Come and hear for yourself, we know what you will hear. We have them both ready to compare.
Is it more expensive? Just a small amount considering the change in sound quality, bearing in mind we said the Tempo was already the sweet spot in the line. We like them both very much.
Audio Physic - No loss of Fine Detail.
Come in for a demonstration.
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| ASR BASIS EMITTER 1 EXCLUSIVE VERSION BLUE with Battery Power Supply - Sep 7, 2010 |
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This three box "Integrated" amplifier includes both fully managed battery power for the preamplifier section and power conditioning for the amplifier section. This is the "Ultimate" version of the Emitter 1 as it produces the highest power rating of 290 watts/channel through the increase of capacitance to an unbelievable 1,001,000 picofarads. Our floor sample also includes the WBT silver Nextgen RCA inputs. One balanced input. Finished in black faceplate and silver heatsinks. Includes Corian remote and Magic power cord.
Possibly the second best solid state sound on the planet (after all it has a big brother, the Emitter II Exclusive).
Ready for listen, you will not be disappointed!
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| DYNAUDIO SPECIAL 25 / North America 15th Anniversary Release - Sep 6, 2010 |
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August of 2010 marked the 15th anniversary of Dynaudio North America.
To celebrate this they arranged to have the new limited release of the Special 25's enhanced with an exclusive version for our locale.
You don't just get the former Special 25 design, with the Esostar2 tweeter and the 8" woofer descended from the Evidence Master, there is an exclusive Bordeaux finish (gloss lacquer over birds-eye maple) and solid aluminum backplate which carries the signature of the company co-founder and the 25th and 15th anniversary labeling.
Just 75 pairs of this speaker will be made. Available on a special order basis only.
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| SIMAUDIO MOON 750D DAC/TRANSPORT - Sep 1, 2010 |
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The world's first true 32-bit digital source component has arrived! The MOON 750D DAC/Transport features our new M-AJiC32 circuitry (an asynchronous jitter elimination system) built around the ES9018 ESS Sabre32 Reference Audio DAC.
Other features include our revolutionary M-Quattro 4-point floating suspension and, in 2010, an optional outboard power supply will be made available.
Taken from the SIMAUDIO website.
Multiple inputs and outputs, finish options in black or silver and a nice streamlined package.
Playing now in the system of your choice, bring your discs or laptops and give it a try!
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| Pro-ject Audio Essential turntable with Unipivot Arm - Aug 25, 2010 |
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Reduced to the basics for those on a budget, the Essential has exceptional sound quality, Innovation in technique, like a super-smooth running AC-motor that drives the resonance-free MDF platter and an uni-pivot tonearm carrying an Ortofon OM3E make the Essential an unbelievable musical performer. Also available as USB-Version with built-in phono-preamp!
Come in and listen today!
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| Spin-Clean Record Washing System - Aug 10, 2010 |
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Brand New to Alternative Audio, The Spin-Clean Record Washing System is an efficient and affordable choice for those of you who want a better process for cleaning your vinyl. The SPIN-CLEAN record washing system comes with enough washer fluid to clean over 700 records.
Come in and see for yourself!
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| DYNAUDIO FOCUS 110A - self-powered speakers - Aug 6, 2010 |
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The Focus line stands in the middle of the Dynaudio offerings and the "A" means Active.
By adding an amplifier to an already well rated medium size bookshelf speaker they are ready to take on the volume controlled DAC's and computer systems as required.
Both the soft dome tweeter and MSP Mid-Woofer have their own 50 watt amplifier. To adapt to the exact placement there is four position three band EQ, plus 3 choice level control and a three position adjustable high-pass filter.
Ready to demonstrate, come on in.
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| VTL TL 6.5 SIGNATURE PHONO STAGE - Aug 2, 2010 |
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This phono preamplifier has RCA and balanced ouputs and MM and MC inputs on RCA. It is available with an optional second moving coil stage with a step-up transformer.
Remote controllable Power, Input select, Mute, Phase reverse, Rumble cut, Mono, Gain and Cartridge Load.
Multiple adjustments for gain and load including user defined amounts. Low noise J-Fets drive the 12AU7 MC stage using Passive R.I.A.A. equilization, Zero loop feedback providing 68 dB maximum total gain. 12AT7's and 12 AX&'s are also used in the circuit so try tube rolling if that's pleasure.
The cabinet matches the TL-7.5 preamplifier in style.
We have two turntables ready to go with this for a demonstration, bring your vinyl (or use ours).
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| An Evening with Audio Physic - Oct 30, 2009 |
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Canada HiFi Magazine was one of many guests to look at AND listen to the new Flagship Audio Physic Loudspeaker, "The Cardeas" By all accounts a great time was had by all. Here's a picture:
Canada HiFi Magazine
Don't forget you can pick up your free copy of Canada HiFi Magazine at Alternative Audio / Diamond Groove!
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| Crystal Cable - Jul 15, 2009 |
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Crystal wants to show you how technology, metallurgy, measurements and high-tech production facilities can bring about the ultimate synergy between hi-fi and music.
Their use of silver, gold, kapton and teflon leads to the finest most neutral musical performance.
Matching speaker cables and interconnects from three models are now in use in three different systems on our floor, come in and giver them a listen!
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| Acoustic Solid Turntables - Jul 14, 2009 |
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"Innovation and precision combined with traditional craftsmanship are the basis for small quantity production of turntables. We constantly study new materials and technologies to improve our products."
Beautifully handcrafted out of polished aluminum with ample room to mount three tonearms, the Acoustic Solid line of turntables are visually stunning and a delight to listen to.
The bearing is completely new and consists of an axle covered with a plastic coating to improve lateral stability. This coating provides a high-level of dampening while at the same time ensures smooth and stable platter spin.
The end result is a very quiet turntable with amazing visual appeal.
We have the Acoustic Solid Machine Small on display in our large room. Grab some vinyl (or use some of ours...) and come in for a listen today!
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| Gemme Audio - Jul 14, 2009 |
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Relatively new to the hi-fi world, Canadian Loudspeaker manufacturer Gemme audio has taken the industry by storm. Featuring a wide array of Loudspeakers (all of them based on their proprietary VFlex Horn Loading) Gemme has made huge changes in what was possible for a horn loaded speaker.
Available in three gorgeous beautiful finishes (Piano Black, Rosewood, or Ebony) and beautifully styled, these loudspeakers deserve careful consideration from any serious audiophile.
We have the Vivace, the Tanto and the striking Katana ready to be heard.
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| Audia Flight Phono - Jul 14, 2009 |
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Recommended by Michael Fremer in the May 2009 issue of Stereophile!
"...nothing but sonic pleasure... the Flight Phono produced music out of what subjectively sounded like an even blacker backdrop, and probably partly because of that, its soundstage presentation was among the most transparent, deep, and three-dimensional I've heard from any phono stage."
"The Flight's overall presentation was free of grain and edge, and as pure and smooth as I've heard from any other great phono preamp. Its bottom end was taut, extended, extremely well defined, and rhythmically proficient. The top end was clean, ultrafast without being bright or edgy, and transients were detailed without sounding clinical. In short, I was reminded not only of the far more expensive Boulder 2008, but also of the pricier Naim Superline with Supercap power supply."
"With its good looks, convenient front-panel controls (including Mono and +10 dB on demand), and high-tech and equally high build quality, the Audia Flight Phono is a superbly made product that produces superb sound... I could live happily ever after with this pleasant surprise from Italy."
- Michael Fremer, Stereophile Magazine, May 2009 Vol. 32, No. 5, Pages 30-32
Ours is setup in the main room, ready to go. Come in and have a listen. You won't be disappointed!
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| 30th Anniversary Dynaudio Sapphire Loudspeakers LAST PAIR IN STORE! - Jul 4, 2009 |
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WE ARE DOWN TO OUR LAST PAIR OF SAPPHIRES! THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR AUDITION AT ANY TIME.
Dynaudio Celebrated it's 30th Anniversary in style by introducing the new and very limited edition Sapphire. The Cabinet is unlike anything Dynaudio has manufactured in the past. Cut like a jewel with 24 surfaces and finished in one of four new veneers.
Using drivers unique to the Sapphire, Just 1,000 pairs of this amazing speaker were available worldwide. We've been told that less than 100 pairs remain available.
We have sold five pairs to date and do not expect this last pair to be around for long!
If you can't wait to see what they look like, follow this link:
Dynaudio Sapphire
Or you can go right to the Technical Specifications
UPDATE!
Our last pair of Sapphires in stock are in Amber stain finish over a gorgeous Bird's eye maple.
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| Grado Labs RA-1 Reference Headphone Amplifier - Apr 1, 2009 |
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We are demonstrating the plug-in version of this new headhone amplifier. Warm, smooth, full-bodied, non-fatiguing and rich sound. Hook it up to any line source (portable or in-home) and drive your headphones to their full potential.
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| Cardas Clear Cables - Apr 1, 2009 |
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We have the newest and finest Cardas interconnects on the floor for demonstration in our reference system. This new product lives up to its name "Clear", as it is substantially more open and faster than any previous Cardas cable. In fact it does not have the Cardas "house sound" at all!
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| Walker Audio Now Available! - Oct 26, 2007 |
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We are pleased to announce that we now carry Walker Audio Products. Their Prelude cleaning system (A TAS 2007 Editor's Choice Award Winner),including enzyme step, is by far the best cleaning system for records we've encountered. It's not a subtle difference, but a HUGE improvement to vinyl playback.
Chad has started to re-clean his entire record collection and will not play any vinyl on his system until its been cleaned with the Walker Audio Prelude System.
Of course that's just one of the many great Walker Audio products now available. We have the Talisman, Super Silver Treatment and the Ultra Vivid CD/DVD cleaning system.
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| Gingko Audio is now available at Alternative Audio / Diamond Groove - May 16, 2007 |
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Alternative Audio / Diamond Groove is pleased to announce we are now dealers for the Gingko Audio line of accessories. This includes the very well known turntable covers as well as the cloud platform isolation shelves.
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| Primare Audio Systems Now Here! - Apr 12, 2007 |
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Alternative Audio / Diamond Groove is pleased to announce the arrival of Primare audio components. Based in Sweden the Primare line is distinguished by excellent sound, modern sleek looks, and moderate pricing.
Come in and audition them today!
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| ELAC Acoustics at Alternative Audio / Diamond Groove - Nov 16, 2006 |
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Although they've been here for awhile, I've just realized I haven't told you about the new ELAC speakers.
Made in Germany, the ELACs use a variation of the world famous Heil Air Motion Transformer (AMT) to handle the top end, all the way to 50khz! EVERY speaker they build has this ability. We have the 310 JET and the famous 330 JET on display as well as the tiny 203s and the 207 small floor stander. Definitely unique and definitely worth a listen.
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Main | What's New | Our Store | Product Line | Contact | Links | Used and Demo
Alternative Audio Stereo Specialities
6 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario, Canada L9H 2E8 - Telephone 905.627.0899 - Fax 905.627.2734
Web www.alternativeaudio.com - E.mail info@alternativeaudio.com
Open Tues-Wed 10 am to 6 pm, Thurs, Fri. 11 am to 8:30 pm, Sat, 10 am to 5:00 pm, Sun., Mon. by appt. only
©2006 Alternative Audio. All rights reserved.
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