Innehållsförteckning för Issue 360 från Sound + Image

Musical Fidelity's NuVista 800.2 amplifier has proven a massive star in every way: it won a Sound+Image 2024 award as our Amplifier of the Year $10,000-$50,000. Recognising, however, that not everybody needs the superlative high power of the 800.2, there is now a NuVista 600.2 version, identical (where the old NuVista 600 was not), just with less power. Though when we say ‘less’ power, it's hardly under-rated, still offering 160W into 8 ohms, 300W into 4 ohms, and with 50 amps of current available peak to peak. Inputs remain all-analogue: “We believe that only a true analog amplifier with NO DIGITAL or even WiFi streaming on board can reach the maximum of fidelity,” says the company. Expected to land here in Q2, price around $16,000. More information: audiomarketing.com.au…

UpHear over there ‘upHear’ is a Fraunhofer ‘upmixing’ technology that aims to create immersive audio, often from a front array of speakers like a soundbar or even from a small Bluetooth speaker: LG's XBOOM AI ThinQ WK7 smart speaker uses upHear, although a far better demonstration is provided by Sennheiser's Ambeo soundbars, because when you press their ‘Ambeo’ button, the effect is not Ambeo at all, but Fraunhofer's ‘upHear’, and highly effective it is, especially on the top Ambeo Max model. At CES 2025 Fraunhofer presented a new variant, ‘upHear Flexible Rendering’. This technology aims to effectively combine any mixed collection of wireless speakers from any brand for the best possible immersive experience, supporting not only real surround formats but also upscaling legacy two-channel content for immersive delivery. “Everything is…

In the 1860s Ernst Leitz, a talented engineer, joined a small optical company in the German town of Wetzlar to make initially telescopes, and subsequently microscopes. Ernst rose quickly to take over the whole operation, and it was his son, Ernst Leitz II, who committed to building Oskar Barnack's revolutionary compact camera, with its idea of using 35mm cinema film, soon to become the standard for still photography. So right from the offset, it was image quality which drove Leica as a company. The inherent advantages of 35mm film in a compact camera saw Leica's format survive right up to (and like vinyl, beyond, for fans of the analogue) the arrival of digital photography. Leicas remain the most desirable of cameras, also among the most expensive. So Leica's introduction last…

One of Krix's great successes through the fifth decade of the 50 years it has recently celebrated has been its modular ‘MX’ front baffle speaker systems, with their passive left, centre, right and subwoofers integrated into a ‘wall of sound’ designed for dedicated home cinemas with an acoustically-transparent screen. These are great (Sound+Image award-winning) solutions for a front soundstage, but they can't work with the new giant televisions now challenging projection for big-screen dominance, even in dedicated home cinemas. What is needed? Enter the Krix LX-7. Build & design If you visit Krix's website homepage, it begins with a scroll of glamorous images showing the company's equipment for home entertainment, for dedicated home cinema and for full-on commercial cinema. But the individual product pages are much more matter-of-fact — clean…

Also from The Digital Picture, the other finalist in this category was to be not merely a home cinema but a multi-functional sanctuary for movie nights, gaming sessions, and sports gatherings. This led to a pivotal decision: the screen had to be visible even with ambient light, a significant challenge given extensive glass walls. A Sony 7000ES projector was paired with a Lumagen video processor, delivering sufficient brightness while allowing sports to go full width on the 2.39:1 screen, essential for the avid sports enthusiasts in the home. Acoustic control included a baffle wall behind the screen and 100mm absorber boards on the rear wall to manage reflections. Custom heavy acoustic light-block curtains were selected to complement the design while mitigating sound reflections. A star ceiling panel system balances aesthetic…

Across to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China, for the amazing project featured on our cover, which was crafted by Sentiment Electronic Technology. The client was an aficionado of luxury requesting a sophisticated ‘3D’ sound system that could deliver the enchantment of commercial cinema. Sentiment Electronic Technology proposed China's first residential ‘Dolby-certified’ home theatre, adhering to Dolby's commercial specifications for its acoustics and video, using all Dolby-branded audio products across 32 channels of speaker layout, using the Dolby Audio Room Design Tool and communication with Dolby engineers: this project was not merely about crafting a home cinema; it was about replicating a commercial cinema experience within a private residence. Complex curved acoustic panels ensured each screen channel speaker was accurately aimed at the centre listener, while two dual 18-inch subwoofers…

ALSO WINNER: BEST ASSISTED LIVING WINNER: EXCELLENCE IN USER EXPERIENCE A triple win for this Level 1 Integrated Home in Newcastle, NSW, where Custom Integration and Electrical, in collaboration with Derive Architecture & Design and Harrison Building and Carpentry, transformed this residence into a model of accessible living for a resident, Stewart, who lives with progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Previously constrained by his physical environment, he envisaged a residence where technology would restore his autonomy. The design carefully accommodates both communal and private areas. The ground floor is dedicated to Stewart, featuring accessible living, dining, and kitchen areas that integrate seamlessly into the outdoor garden spaces that are vital to their lifestyle. The home's smart systems enable Stewart to move freely around his home, controlling lights, doors, curtains, and even the…

ALSO HIGHLY COMMENDED: EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN USER EXPERIENCE A winner for Automation Associates in its category and also awarded in two categories of excellence, this remarkable undertaking was dubbed ‘Tiny House, Big Shed – An Automated Farm’. Set in the rugged beauty of New Zealand, where mountains meet the sea, it realises a vision of off-grid living deftly interwoven with architectural elegance envisioned by Crosson Architects, meticulous craftsmanship from builder Renovation Masters, and aesthetic finesse from interior designer Matter. The project is a tribute to the client's profound connection to both the land and to his background in the world of electronics. An eight-bay shed has been constructed on this beachside farm, its design echoing the aesthetic of a 16-pin IC chip, using red-green-blue-cool white (RGBCW) strip…

ALSO WINNER: TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN USER EXPERIENCE A double win and double excellence for this home on the sun-drenched Gold Coast in Queensland, a sanctuary for a family that includes two young boys. Bridger Automation, known for their turn-key automated solutions, breathed life into this modern marvel which embodies the concepts of security and comfort in a world where safety is increasingly important. The family was both client and primary builder, Havendeen Projects, in a dual role which added layers of complexity and demanded unparalleled attention to detail, while also working closely with architect Joe Snell of Studio Snell and interior designer Three Balls Red. The challenge was clear: to create a sophisticated, user-friendly smart home that could be operated effortlessly, ensuring the…

ALSO FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING Recognised both in its Integrated Home category and separately for Excellence in Lighting, this sprawling estate in Melbourne's Bayside area is not just a home: it is a manifestation of opulence, seamlessly blending architecture and advanced technology to create a sanctuary for its inhabitants. As you walk through the grand entrance of this three-level home, each curve is accentuated by more than a kilometre of LED strip lighting, while the house arcs gracefully around a central pool and entertaining area, with breathtaking views from every room. The client's vision was clear: a secure family home that doubled as an entertainment hub. The extraordinary result was delivered by Zelo Group, with design contributions from Chris Clout Design and Amiconi Architects, and interiors crafted by Black Milk…

ALSO FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION Tower One of ‘One Sydney Harbour’ is an architectural triumph designed by PTW Architects and constructed by builder Lendlease, setting new benchmarks in the realm of multiple dwelling units. Within its walls are 313 smart homes, each an epitome of comfort, and connected living. Integrator Kayder ensured each residence is equipped with a comprehensive smart home experience where lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), shade control, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, and intercom systems are effortlessly managed under Crestron Home OS4. Features like façade blinds for daylight harvesting and automated schedules for heating and cooling prioritise both comfort and sustainability in minimising energy consumption and maximising natural light. Each apartment is equipped with the Crestron Home OS as central command, with Crestron processors, 10-inch touch panels,…

Anyone who has been to a hi-fi show and faced several racks’ worth of gorgeous glowing teal (blue-green) VU meters and a stack of green McIntosh logos will know how impressive a full system from the Binghamton New York company can look. But now, for those lacking either space or sufficient suitcases of cash, the company has rolled it all into a single box: the McIntosh MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier. The MSA5500 is such an all-in-one solution that you could just add speakers, since once networked the amplifier can stream its own music via Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (with aptX HD and aptX adaptive codecs for up to true CD quality), Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect (including Tidal HiFi Lossless); it is also Roon Ready certified. No special control…

MQA technology has had quite the ride, celebrated and derided in roughly equal measures since its 2014 launch, considered by some as clever technology coming originally from Meridian's long line of innovation, seen by others as a secretive and calculated cash-grab, aiming to embed MQA at every stage of the hi-fi chain and thus reap ongoing passive royalties in the style of Dolby. Then MQA Inc went into administration last year, shortly after which Tidal, the main source of MQA files, ditched MQA in favour of FLAC, which is probably how it always should have been. But the tech rights to MQA were purchased by Lenbrook Group, home to NAD, Bluesound and PSB Speakers, where plans were teased in the summer of 2024 to continue implementing the best parts of…

Sydney Audio Club's November 2024 meeting saw Cameron Keating from Maxmedia bring a system fronted by the Innuos range of streaming products, ably demonstrated by the UK company's knowledgeable Yaohan Yang. Three streamers were being demonstrated to the Club: Innuos’ entry-level PULSEMini ($2199), and two new ‘Next Gen’ models: the ZEN NG (from $17,500, depending on storage options) and ZENith NG (from $27,500). All three are streamers in the strictest sense: they have no DACs, instead gathering your various digital inputs and streams, then presenting them as a single curated digital output to your DAC. There was much to learn about the technology — lower-noise Gallium-Nitride-regulated power supplies, different levels of AudioCore technology, ultra-low noise SSD storage, and in the top model an extraordinary 130,000μF of Mundorf capacitors. We asked…

Sydney's premier hi-fi and video show is brought to you by Australian Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi? and Sound+Image magazines. This year the Show will be running from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th April, and it returns again to the 4.5-star boutique Sydney Central Hotel in Thomas St, Haymarket, an easily accessible CBD location just a five-minute stroll from Central Station. There will be four floors of exhibitors running hi-fi and AV systems from the affordable to the aspirational, giving visitors the chance to find their perfect pitch of sound, while experiencing the world's great audio and AV systems. You can check out what's happening at the Show using the first QR code here — then get your tickets online using the second QR code! We look forward to seeing you there! WHERE…

As soon as we heard about the five-channel MRX SLM receiver, we asked to borrow one. Our motives were two-fold. Firstly we loved the concept: a full AV receiver packed into a chassis far lower than the usual double-height beasts which dominate home cinema racks, lower even than the ‘slimline’ receivers on offer from some companies. And secondly the MRX SLM comes from Anthem in Canada, one of our favourite amplifier and receiver brands (and one of the best-selling in the States and Canada), which since 2019 has been back in the hands of founder Scott Bagby and son John Bagby. In fact we had asked three times before the local distributor Audio Active finally sent one over, perhaps due to robust early demand. Once installed, it didn't disappoint. On…

Power amplifiers can suffer an image crisis in the hi-fi world. Among the shinier and busier components of a hi-fi stack, power amps like these from March Audio can seem featureless black boxes: look at them — one light each, and no knobs! Once they're plugged into your system, chances are you'll barely think about them again. You'll interact with the preamplifier, stream to the streamer, put discs into your player, and sit there in front of your speakers. The power amps just sit quietly in the dark, making the signal bigger. Boring! Such is an outsider's view of power amplifiers. But this is mistaken perception. Design & build March Audio's power amps are certainly black, and they are also bigger than we'd imagined from seeing the pictures: each has…

AUSTRALIAN SKILLS: Down Under Centre's Paul Vivian (centre) receives special recognition for work aligning CEDIA's International Certifications with the Australian Training Framework. The gala awards night in Newcastle, NSW, revealed all the winners from the APAC region's members of CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals established in 1989 on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. When you're looking for a custom installer, CEDIA membership is a badge of experience and ongoing education, as well as membership of a community of like-minded electronics professionals. With CEDIA Australia/NZ's Paul Skelton (lushly bearded, centre above) ably hosting the evening alongside CEDIA Senior Vice President Wendy Griffiths, ales and awards flowed freely to the superb projects pictured on the following pages. And not forgetting… BUSINESS CATEGORIES ▪ Best Showroom / Experience Centre…

Regular readers will recognise this example of Wavetrain Cinemas’ ‘Signature Series’ designs: we wrote about this room last issue, before it went on to win CEDIA's Best Home Cinema Level II. Every aspect of this cinema's design was meticulously engineered to meet the highest industry standards. The acoustics of the space, though compact, were optimised to handle concert-level sound outputs effortlessly. Demonstrations in Wavetrain's showroom had convinced the client of the immersive qualities of the Elementi ‘Air’ digital active speaker system, which became the cornerstone of the project, setting a high bar for exceptional audio performance without strain, thus enhancing the immersive experience of the cinema. Despite the client's initial preference for a basic projector, the evolving nature of their vision led to the inclusion of a superior Sony 7000ES…

This Sydney home cinema was dubbed ‘Full Force’ by its creators at Denote, describing it as a tribute to the owner's passion, as well as a spectacular collaboration of skills with architectural firm Smith & Tzannes and interior designer Brendon Wong Design to transform a typical room into this high-performance cinematic realm. The client, affectionately known as ‘The Doctor’, came armed with extensive research and a preference for high-end brands such as Barco and Trinnov, highlighting his pursuit of audiovisual fidelity. Meridian speakers can be seen here as the behind-screen LCR. Navigating through spatial constraints was a core challenge, given the room's fairly compact dimensions of 5 × 8 × 2.9 metres, with complications such as large windows at the back and a master bedroom located directly above, requiring sound…

This goal for this holiday home in Kaiteriteri Beach, across the Tasman Bay from Nelson in New Zealand, was to create a sanctuary infused with state-of-the-art AV systems, reliable Wi-Fi, and intuitive home automation to amplify the indoor-outdoor lifestyle experience in this beautiful location. It was orchestrated by integrator The Audiophile, in collaboration with Matz Architects and Whiteridge Construction, supported by Bays Joinery, Nelson Alarms, and Tasman Satellite. Imagine starting the day to the sound of waves complemented by an invisible audio presence courtesy of eight distinct zones of SpeakerCraft in-ceiling speakers, complemented by a SpeakerCraft in-wall subwoofer in the media room, all powered by a Yamaha receiver, RTI 8-zone preamplifier and 16-zone power amplifier. Visual entertainment is distributed across four zones with a Blustream 4×4 matrix kit distributing Sky…

Another Liquid Automation project with minimal photography: you'll have to imagine the backdrop of New Zealand's Northland, where this ‘Tara Iti House’ holiday home, a refuge for two music artists from the USA, weaves modern luxury together with subtle technological sophistication, in collaboration with construction by Oliver Tuck Construction. The project began during the pandemic, with the clients able to remain deeply involved through regular Zoom meetings. Much of the system was pre-built and rigorously tested in Liquid Automation's dedicated assembly area, ensuring that installation at Tara Iti House was almost plug-and-play, requiring only minor adjustments before the final handover, while also minimising disruption for the clients. The clients’ vision was clear: a holiday retreat that offered freedom and ease, complemented by the right touch of technology. In line with…

Another finalist from Bridger Automation in Queensland, the third smart home completed for this client: a sophisticated waterfront residence on the Gold Coast which again exemplifies the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology with architectural elegance. The established relationship facilitated a swift and effective design process, while collaboration with Justin Humphrey Architects and M2 Construct delivered a solution perfectly tailored to the tech-savvy clients, including advanced features such as landscape speaker systems for outdoor entertainment, robust power management for a secure home office network, and digital addressable lighting interface (DALI)-controlled lighting. A key objective was to ensure that the technology solutions harmonised with the home's architectural vision, characterised by minimal walls and extensive use of raw concrete. Bridger collaborated with distributor Amber Technology to use Sonance Invisible series speakers seamlessly in…

In 1985, Bob Dylan — who had written All Along The Watchtower back in 1967 — declared: “I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this, and ever since he died I've been doing it that way… Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way.” Praise indeed, and with these words Dylan revealed his understanding of the impact of Hendrix's cover, a wholly different beast to the more thoughtful original. The reverb-loaded intro of the ‘new’ version manages to be impactful and atmospheric at the same time, and the famous solo which prefaces Hendrix's first vocal is clean, plangent and wistful — a far cry from the overdriven firestorm which he would unleash live. Note that the name of Hendrix's game…

We review the latest flagship power amplifiers from March Audio in this issue, but the Western Australian company has also updated multiple models using the latest 1ET6525SA Class-D Eigentakt amp modules from Denmark's Purifi — and the best news is that prices remain unchanged. The latest updated monobloc power amplifier is the March P481, built around the Purifi module, and delivering 490W into 4 ohms, price $2000. Then there are two updated stereo models: the P282 (offering 2 × 285W into 4 ohms, $2000) and the P482 (2 × 485W into 4 ohms, $2800). All three amps feature March's unique new ‘Ultra’ input buffer (see our March review starting on p44 for more details). If you're wondering why some March amplifiers have their model numbers engraved on the front and…

One might be forgiven for not thinking ViewSonic's new V57-4K projector the most attractive of designs on the outside, but really, who cares about that when it'll be sitting in the dark at the back of the viewing room. The V57-4K focuses instead on delivering an exceptional viewing experience, with several impressive inclusions at the price. Chief among these is a high 5200 lumen count, made possible partly through RGB laser technology (which also achieves 100% BT.2020 colour gamut coverage and does away with the need for a colour wheel), and partly through the use of a larger digital micromirror device (DMD) than is usual in projectors at this price. Most DLP projectors at this level use an 0.47-inch DMD with 1920×1080 pixels, achieving 4K UHD by delivering four hits…

If you peruse the projector selection of most brands, you'll find a collection of projectors that get bigger as they get more expensive, but which otherwise all look, well, like projectors have looked forever. Now head to BenQ's projector selection. There are square projectors and circular projectors, thin flat ones and big bulbous ones. Your first choice here, it seems, is not one of lumen counts or contrast ratios, but of simple shape and form. This GV50 is one of the circular ones, which have the particular magic trick of aiming wheresoever you may wish, including the ceiling. As such it falls into BenQ's ‘portable’ category, and it is truly portable, not merely moveable, thanks to an internal rechargeable battery, in addition to built-in speakers and networking to allow streaming…

Few companies replace their home cinema receivers every year: the market is too small to justify annual iterations, and the technologies don't move forward so ragingly fast that things get out-of-date more quickly than firmware updates can handle. When we're deciding what to review next, here at Sound+Image, we're usually calling in new arrivals, to keep our readers informed about the latest and greatest, but that does leave the danger of ignoring products which have been in the market a couple of years, and which may themselves still be the ‘greatest’. Having in the last year reviewed new receiver models from Anthem, Denon, Marantz and others, we were keen to remind ourselves of the brand which has for a decade and a half provided a benchmark for the breed: Yamaha's…

ALSO WINNER: BEST HOME CINEMA – GLOBAL The home is a ‘Hilltop Oasis’ perched on an Australian mountainside with sweeping views towards the beach and surrounding hinterland. In a comprehensive recent renovation its footprint was expanded to include a guest house, office/workshop, pool house, cellar — and this home cinema. Positioned up-hill from the main residence, access to this secluded retreat is ingeniously hidden behind a concealed door to the left of the cinema screen, which opens into a study that doubles as part of an effective sound isolation system. The project was spearheaded by cinema designer The Digital Picture, tasked with marrying their own sophisticated technologies with an existing Control4 automation system. The Digital Picture's collaborative efforts with the original Control4 integrator were crucial in delivering a blend of…

ALSO WINNER: EXCELLENCE IN RACK BUILDING & DESIGN This project may be lacking in in good pictures to help us show you the room, but the project itself was hailed by the CEDIA judges as “an extraordinary convergence of technology and design… captivating the senses and elevating the home cinema experience to unprecedented levels”. This space in an Auckland home is not just for watching films but operates as “an immersive sanctuary where sight and sound harmoniously intertwine, creating an unparalleled sensory journey”. Liquid Automation also took out an additional award here for their rack work and design. The project began with a restriction against projection systems, which led the company to Samsung's ‘The Wall’, which became the centrepiece of the visual experience. But this and the spatial dimensions of…

ALSO HIGHLY COMMENDED: EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION A double nod to Wavetrain Cinemas’ second appearance in this year's awards — and it's the ‘Dune’ home cinema which graced the cover of Sound+Image back in August last year. The project was unusual in several ways. First it began during the pandemic, requiring initial meetings to be virtual. But following a demonstration in a nearby client's home, Wavetrain was granted complete creative freedom, the only brief being: “Surprise me.” The design process was complex, given room's dimensions around 4.5 × 5.2 metres, with irregular angles and low ceilings, and addressing the architectural challenges required innovative solutions. David Moseley, the cinema designer, aimed to soften the lines with organic curves and circles, settling on a circular Dune motif (inspired by the film poster long…

The ambition of the clients here was clear: to transform their compact apartment in Victoria into a space where the clutter of cables and the intrusion of bulky electronics were mere memories. They also sought an integrated audiovisual solution that would blend seamlessly with their lifestyle. This vision was realised by integration outfit Wired By MJD, culminating in a project they dubbed ‘Coastal Cadence’. The bedroom, with its striking views to the water, became a focal point where technology should enhance not detract from the experience. Innovative automation discreetly conceals the television here. The study, a retreat for the sports enthusiast, was transformed into a personal entertainment hub. High-quality speakers in the living room create an ambiance that resonated with the owners’ relaxed yet refined lifestyle. The outdoor living area,…

This four-storey townhouse in Victoria offered a canvas of potential for the clients here to reshape their living environment to suit their new phase of life now their children are grown and moved on. Their vision was for a modern home with sophisticated design and the latest in smart home technology, though with differing preferences: the wife well-versed in tech, but the husband demanding ease of use. Their grand plans included a plunge pool, high-end kitchen upgrades, an advanced lift system, and smart technologies overseeing everything lighting and climate control to entertainment — to be managed through a single, intuitive interface. Despite their vision, they encountered scepticism and resistance from both the builder and the developer. Into these complex dynamics stepped Wired By MJD, committing to making the vision a…

Tagged as an ‘Urban Retreat’ by integrator Nisi Group, this Integrated Home Level 3 Finalist in the suburbs of Victoria was a collaborative and immersive journey with a client who envisioned a home that melded sleek modernity with unparalleled convenience, a vision brought to life under the discerning eye of Dean Dyson Architects, supported by partners Snap One, Kordz Australia, Jayvee Technologies, CSD Security, and Energy Wired. Meetings during the design phase allowed Nisi Group to meticulously map a smart home system as intuitive as it is innovative. The cornerstone was Control4 automation, and the homeowner's initial fascination with the Control4 touch screens quickly evolved into a comprehensive plan that covered every aspect of his futuristic abode. Building the Urban Retreat on a narrow block with four levels presented challenges.…

ALSO WINNER: BEST INTEGRATED HOME – GLOBAL WINNER: EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION WINNER: EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING FINALIST: EXCELLENCE IN RACK BUILDING & DESIGN The final Integrated Home winner, in the highest Level 4, sees us return to the Sydney home cinema that won its Level 3 category, to see the whole newly-rebuilt family residence around it. The full project has won no fewer than four CEDIA Awards, including a global win in its Integrated Home category, and recognition in two further technical categories. The visionary minds behind this project include Andrew Tzannes from architect Smith & Tzannes, Brendon Wong Design crafting the interiors, and in the integrator Denote, tasked with transforming the residence into a technologically-advanced sanctuary, where every system — from lighting to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — works…