The Motion Foundation series consists of 5 total speakers in the collection. The Foundation B1 and B2 are the bookshelf speakers, the Foundation F1 and F2 are the floor-standing speakers, and lastly the Foundation C1 center channel speaker. All 5 models in the Foundation series feature the Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter S. The patented folded motion technology has been a staple of Martin Logan's ability to product unbelievable clarity, detail, and realism. Many of the features of the new Foundation Series are trickly down from the renown Motion XT and Motion Series predecessors while, at the same time, utilizing new concepts and technology based upon research and engineering.
The Foundation C1 is a perfect example of such adaptation. This center channel speaker features an Anti-Lobing 2.5-way design which is forgiving in cabinet size, allowing for better placement and a center channel that simply does not need much space.
As previous mentioned, affordability is perhaps the best feature of the new Motion Foundation series. The smallest floor-standing speaker in the series, the Foundation F1 is at a price of $749.99 each while the larger F2 is priced at $999.99 each. For bookshelves, the B1 and B2 and $299.99 and $399.99 each respectively. Lastly, the center channel, the Foundation C1 is priced at $499.99 each.
Our team at Safe and Sound, the amazing engineers and professionals at Martin Logan, as well as audio/video enthusiast and social media influencer Shane Lee all had an amazing time at our launch party, debuting these tremendous new speakers. But, don't just take our word for it, please take a look at Shane Lee's YouTube video which highlights the entire day:
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The all new Yamaha Aventage lineup includes a total of three A/V receivers: The Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A. All three models are all set to offer seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs supporting 8K@60Hz/4K@120Hz. They also feature Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D audio (A8A and A6A only). For music streaming, they include Apple Airplay 2, Spotify and built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant compatibility. The trio of home cinema amplifiers will also feature Yamaha's 'Surround: AI' tech, which uses algorithms to automatically select the best digital processing mode depending on the type of content being played, talk about user friendly!
For Yamaha enthusiasts, it's been many years since there has been a Yamaha A/V receiver with 11 powered channels since the legendary RX-Z11. That is, until now with the RX-A8A 11.2 Channel 8K A/V receiver which boats 150 watts x 11 channels.
For gamers, these new Aventage receivers have you covered. Video features such as 4K and 8K Display Screen Compression modes, Auto Low Latency Mode, Variable Refresh Rate, Quick Media Switching, and Quick Frame Transport will enhance resolution and gameplay altogether.
The RX-A8A retails at $2999.95, the RX-A6A is priced at $2199.95, and the RX-A4A comes in at $1399.95. All three models are powered by a new Qualcomm 64-bit chipset that Yamaha says will offer improved sound quality and extra processing power.
Yamaha's own Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) calibration also receives an upgrade with a new low-frequency mode. This new mode extends the range to which YPAO can optimize bass frequencies to 16Hz-200Hz (from 32Hz previously) and can be found in the top three models.
There's no question Yamaha set the bar high this year and went full beast mode with their new Aventage lineup. Not only are they beefy and full of features, they are very sleek and visually they do not disappoint. Come check them out!
]]>Bowers & Wilkins has a reputation of creating some of the best hi-fi speakers to date. Founded in 1966 by John Bower, B&W speakers for the longest time have been synonymous with sonically impressive, designer speakers.
Whether you are a fan of vintage Bowers & Wilkins speakers or of their newest generation speakers such as the wireless active Formation series speakers, B&W has options for every audio enthusiast for all budgets. Speaking of technology, B&W has spent 8 years perfecting their very own speaker material dubbed continuum, a woven composite structure, which has proven to be superior to Kevlar, being more flexible and controlled.
The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series is the entry point in the company's latest range of speakers. The 600 Series is one of the most popular lines of speakers. Utilizing technology from their flagship B&W 800 Series Diamond range, the 600 Series promises high-end sound at competitive prices.
Next up is the 700 Series lineup of speakers. Combining cutting-edge acoustic engineering and classic cabinet design, the 700 Series is inspired by recording studios, and are designed to deliver premium sound into your own living room. These speakers are not cheap, but everything about them screams quality; from their elegant classic-looking design to the incorporation of the company’s latest cutting-edge acoustic engineering. The 700 Series is placed below the 800 Series Diamond range in the Bowers & Wilkins home audio speakers lineup, but incorporates some of the 800 Series technologies, such as the Continuum Cone midrange, solid body tweeter housing, and Aerofoil profile bass drivers. Additionally, Bowers & Wilkins also implements new technologies in the 700 Series speakers most notably the Carbon Dome tweeter. The combination of these technologies, alongside the countless hours of tuning by the very best engineers in the business, is a range of loudspeakers that has to be heard to be believe.
Finally, we have the flagship 800 Series which has now been even further improved into the 800 Series Diamond. With improvements across the board between the tweeter, mid range, crossover, and woofers, the new diamond series speakers offer distinctively more smooth and balanced midrange.
For architectural speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins custom installation series has you covered. Starting with their entry level CI 300 series and moving up through their CI 600, CI 700, and their flagship CI 800 Diamond series, there is truly an in-wall and in-ceiling speaker for every room and every budget.
Our team is very excited to represent this distinguished home audio company and we encourage local customers to swing by our demonstration rooms to hear these amazing Bowers & Wilkins speakers in person. As always, our team is willing to help with speaker design if needed.
]]>The new Polk Audio Reserve Series speakers is a collection of 9 total speakers: 3 floor-standing models (R700, R600, and R500), 3 center channel speakers (R300, R350, and R400), 2 bookshelf speakers (R100 and R200), and a height module for Dolby Atmos (R900). The Reserve Series comes in below Polk's Legend series speakers and are an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts who simply cannot spend up for the Legend Series speakers.
The new technology used in the Reserve speakers is focused at producing clean bass and sound with limited resonance. They accomplish this by utilizing their X-Port technology which utilizes closed-pipe absorbers tuned to eliminate unwanted cabinet and port resonances. Their woofers use Turbine Cones to produce a cleaner sound. The fines in the cone help the woofer maintain its shape while radiating.
The tweeter used in the Reserve series is referred to as a Pinnacle tweeter, a ring-radiator tweeter and the same component used in their flagship Reserve series speakers and help produce wide dispersion.
The R600 and R700 floor-standing speakers feature Polk's Power Port 2.0 downward-firing design. This enables bass frequencies to extend more deeply and at higher output levels than traditional ported speakers.
The bookshelf speakers provide a choice between the 6.5 inch driver R200 or the 5.25 inch driver of the smaller R100. Both models feature the 1 inch Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter.
Reserve has three size options for center channel speakers: the R300, R350 and R400. The largest is the R400 takes a full-size approach and has a 1 inch tweeter, two 6.5 inch Turbine Cone midrange drivers, dual X-Ports
The slimmer R350 is 5.5 inches tall, wall-mountable with a 1 inch tweeter coupled with four 4 inch turbine cone midrange driver. Lastly, is the most compact center channel mode the R300. Designed to fit in most TV cabinets, the R300 also has a 1 inch tweeter along with two 4 inch turbine cone midrange drivers.
The Reserve Series are all available in matte black, and all models except the R400 and R700 also come in matte white.
For more product details and to purchase, please view the entire Polk Audio Reserve Series on our website.
]]>The Monitor Audio Bronze 6G speaker series is made up of eight new models. Starting with the Bronze 50 and 100 bookshelf speakers; and then moving onto the Bronze 200 and 500 floorstanders, Bronze C150 center speaker, Bronze FX rear speaker, Bronze W10 subwoofer and finally Bronze AMS Dolby Atmos speaker module that can be added on top of an existing standmount or floorstanding unit. The Bronze FX and Bronze AMS speakers come in black and white options, with the rest of speakers available in a choice of four finishes: black, white, walnut and urban grey.
One of the changes with the newest 6G Bronze is a new Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide. The curved profile of the Waveguide provides a controlled directivity pattern and increased radiation efficiency. This works in concert with Monitor Audio’s C-CAM Gold Dome Tweeter for a more even sound dispersion, improved time alignment and wider audio dispersion. The newly designed C-CAM mid-bass drivers feature updated cone geometries and Damped Concentric Mode (DCM) technology. As a result, crossover frequency is reduced improving mid-bass response and performance. The lower crossover frequency widens the directivity around the crossover region by redistributing some energy to the tweeter.
The speaker cabinet sizing has increased as well as updated cabinet bracing, resulting in the lowering of unwanted vibration through the cabinet walls. The floorstanding models Bronze 200 and Bronze 500 feature steel outriggers at the bottom of the speaker cabinet with top spinners for use on carpeted (spikes) or hard floors (rubber feet).
Another noticeable and critical change to the 6th generation Bronze speakers is the The HiVe II reflex port being moved to the rear of the speaker. The reason for this is to improve the ease and flexibility of positioning speakers without negatively affecting performance.
In all, we are very impressed with Monitor Audio's latest refresh of their renown Bronze series speakers. Whether you are building a home theater setup or simply want great sound for rooms of all sizes, these very affordable speakers are extremely versatile and provide a classic contemporary look that is very pleasing to the eye. For more information on these speakers, please stop in our retail store for a demo or reach out to our very knowledgeable sales team.
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All 4 of these models support HDMI 2.1 and 8K processing up to 60 hertz and 4K processing up to 120 hertz. All 4 models also support Dolby Atmos.
The entry level AVR-X2700H provides 7 channels of 95 watts amplification and has no external preamplifier output. It comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration.
The next level up is the AVR-X3700H which adds 2 channels of amplification and 10 more watts of power per channel for a total of 105 watts per channel. Unlike the AVR-X2700H, the AVR-X3700H has preamplifier output for total processing of 11.2 channels. This model supports IMAX Enhanced audio format and also Audyssey MultEQ XT 32. Both subwoofers connected to the 3700H can be calibrated independently.
Next up is the AVR-X4700H. The 4700H, like the 3700H, is 9.2 channels and adds 20 more watts per channel for a total of 125 watts per 9 channels. In addition to IMAX Enhanced, the AVR-X4700H also supports Auro 3D.
Lastly, is the flagship of the 2020 models, the AVR-X6700H. This is a 11.2 Channel A/V receiver which supports 13.2 channel setup with the addition of a 2 channel external amplifier and supports DTS: X Pro audio format. Power goes up to 140 watts a channel on the 6700H.
One of the exciting new features for gamers available on all 4 models is variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode, and quick frame transport. All three of these features help reduce lag which will enhance performance with the upcoming Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 console systems both scheduled for release later this year.
The 3700H, 4700H, and 6700H models all feature a preamplifier mode allowing the unit to run much cooler when external amplification is being utilized. Only the AVR-X8500H had this feature prior to these 2020 models.
There are two more new features unique to these models. The first is Enhanced Audio Performance. This feature allows users to store a total of two speaker configuration settings, allowing the user to easily toggle between the two. The next is Quick Media Switching or QMS. This feature will allow users to switch seamlessly between input devices with no delays in between.
We are very excited to bring these new 8K models into our warehouse and showroom. We encourage customers to reach out to us with any questions they have on these new models online or by phone 800-820-6460.
]]>Equipped with 9 channels of amplification, Blu OS, Dirac Live Room Correction, ATMOS 7.1.4 support, along with touch screen display, the NAD T778 has been one of the highly anticipated AV receivers for 2020.
Each of the nine channels power is provided by hybrid technology providing all the headroom you need up to 160 watts of dynamic power.
“The T 778 packages that sound quality with the most compelling digital technologies such as BluOS, MQA, Bluetooth aptX HD, and Dirac Live in a user-friendly format,” commented Greg Stidsen, NAD’s Chief Technology Officer. “NAD firmly believes that there are many people for whom music will always come first. With NAD’s reputation for high value/high performance, it was apparent that the T 778 would have to please the most demanding Audiophiles and Videophiles. MDC then helps protect their investment for years to come.”
Whether you are a home theater enthusiast or music audiophile, this flagship NAD A/V Receiver T 778 offers the versatility to satisfy everyone's needs. The NAD Electronics T778 will have an MSRP of $2999 and we expect to receive them within the next few weeks.
Key Features of the NAD T 778:
Audiophile enthusiasts who have been awe struck by the GoldenEar flagship Triton Reference loudspeakers but could not justify the hefty price tag, now have reason to smile with the release of the newest GoldenEar floorstanding speaker, the Triton One.R. Like the Triton Reference, the Triton One.R features a gorgeous piano black lacquer-coated medite cabinet. In addition to this aesthetic upgrade, its drivers, crossovers, DSP, internal wiring, etc. have all been upgraded over the One, making it one step closer tot he overall design of the Reference.
Full details directly from GoldenEar Technology:
GoldenEar Technology is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Triton One.R. This extraordinary new reference quality loudspeaker is a smaller, less expensive follow up to the Triton Reference, which has had a remarkable response in the marketplace from both music and hifi enthusiasts as well as the press and reviewers from around the world, who have bestowed upon it innumerable Speaker-of-the-Year and Product-of-the-Year awards. It will be shown at CES at the Venetian Suite 29-221. It is shipping now!
The goal of the Triton One.R project was to bring the advanced technology, luxurious cosmetics and state-of-the-art performance of the flagship Triton Reference into a more compact and less expensive speaker. Its monocoque cabinet is constructed of multi-density medite, engineered with the goal of making it as non-resonant and inert as possible, thus eliminating extraneous vibration that could detract from the pure sound of the drivers. To do this, an elaborate system combining bracing and damping pads, optimized with the use of an accelerometer-generated cumulative spectral decay analysis, is utilized. The baffle is as narrow as possible, minimizing diffraction issues, which is effective in helping to make the cabinet disappear, both sonically and visually. The sides of the speaker are not parallel, in order to minimize internal reflections, which again, purifies the sound. Similarly, the separate, internal enclosure that houses the upper bass/midrange drivers is designed with no parallel walls, for the same purpose. The chamber is filled with an inert mixture of Dacron and long fiber wool in order to critically dampen it. We have an integral built-in high-powered subwoofer in order to better integrate it with the rest of the loudspeaker. Also, utilizing its 56-bit DSP gives us the ability to dramatically flatten and extend the low frequency response (much deeper than achievable in an enclosure this size with a passive bass section), as well as to enable us to achieve near ideal blending of the bass section with the rest of the system, especially in terms of phase response.
There are three newly designed racetrack shaped active subwoofer drivers on the front of the cabinet, which have special polymer impregnated nomex cones, in order to minimize cone breakup when strongly driven. Huge magnet structures are utilized in order to better control cone movement and improve transient response. There are four quadratic planar infrasonic radiators. They extend the low frequency response and are inertially balanced (two on each side) in order to minimize cabinet movement, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound. The High Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, the same as used in the Triton Reference, is a new design that incorporates 50% more neodymium magnet material than previous units, for higher efficiency and greater control. The folded ribbon technology combines improved impedance coupling to the air of horn drivers (for greater efficiency), with the superior transient response and lack of coloration of ribbon drivers, and the dispersion of dome drivers. The two 5.25" upper bass/midrange drivers are also new, incorporating a special formulation of polypropylene, which combines superior internal damping with a high speed of transmission through the cone (Young's Modulus). A new focused field magnet structure, developed for the Triton Reference, has been incorporated for improved control. A unique "balanced" crossover, with a floating configuration, places components on both sides of the drivers, which has an improvement in sound quality that cannot be measured but can be clearly heard. Very high-quality bridging capacitors, as used in the Triton Reference, are also used. New internal speaker wire, which has a unique twist, as in the Triton Reference, is used with an advanced new topology. Careful attention in the development process is paid to critical measurements, conducted in our own large-scale anechoic chamber, as well as long listening and voicing sessions in the listening room, with all kinds of music. Voicing has been painstakingly worked on to mirror that of the Triton Reference.
The gorgeous cabinet is painstakingly finished in hand-rubbed piano black lacquer. It presents itself as an exquisite, sleek, ultra-high-performance lifestyle loudspeaker that delivers extraordinary sound quality comparable with speakers selling for many times the Triton One.R's remarkably affordable $2999 US/each price. The Triton One.R is shipping now.
Triton One.R Specifications
Speaker Dimensions:
8" (20.3 cm) W x 165⁄8" (42.3 cm) D x 54" (137.2 cm) H (is with base installed, no spikes)
Base: 123⁄8" (31.4 cm) W x 1913⁄16" (50.3 cm) D | Weight: 80 lbs (36.3 kg)
Frequency Response: 13 Hz - 35 kHz | Efficiency: 92 dB | Nominal Impedance: Compatible with 8 ohms
Driver Complement:
Three 5" x 9" long-throw subwoofers coupled to
Four 7" x 10" quadratic planar infrasonic radiators
Two 5 1⁄4" high-definition cast-basket mid/bass drivers
One High-Gauss Neodymium Reference High-Velocity Folded Ribbon (HVFR) Tweeter
Rec. Amplification:
20 - 650 watt/channel
Built-In Subwoofer Power Amplifier:
1600-Watt SuperSub Subwoofer digital/DSP amplifier
Power Requirements/Consumption:
120 Volt at 50 or 60 Hz / 1600 Watts | 240 Volt at 50 or 60 Hz / 1600 Watts
(Approved for NA (TUV) and the CE market.)
We encourage customers to come by our music loft inside our retail location at 428 East Street Chicopee, MA 01020 for a demo of these amazing speakers. We also have the majority of the entire GoldenEar speaker line on display for listening as well.
]]>Rega Planar 3 Turntable
Back in 1976, Rega introduced their Planar 3 turntable. Over time, many improvements were made to this iconic model and was once again re-introduced to the market. The newest model is the biggest re-design of this model in it's over 40 year history. Like all Rega turntables, the Planar 3 is a belt drive manual system and comes equipped with Rega’s new RB-330 tonearm already pre-mounted. When buying a Rega turntable from Safe and Sound, we will professionally mount your cartridge for you and test it out before you receive it.
Rega Fono MC Phonostage
The Rega Fono MC Phono pre-amplifier was built to pair with the Ania moving coil phono cartridge, sonically matching Ania’s electrical characteristics perfectly. While Fono MC has the ideal settings for Rega moving coil cartridges, it is fully adjustable therefore making it a great choice for other MC cartridges on the market. With 2 gain, 2 capacitance, and 4 resistance settings, it can be finely tailored to suit your cartridge’s needs and your listening tastes. A good portion of the internal build quality is shadowed to the more expensive big brother model Ania. Both models utilize low-noise, high-impedance FETs that minimize negative interactions from the cartridge.
Rega Ania MC Phono Cartridge
One of Rega Researchs’s trademarks is that their entry level products still have a strong crossover to their flagship models. With the entry level Rega Ania moving coil phono cartridge, this is clearly evident. Ania’s iron cross is actually half as small as the original Apheta phono cartridge and one of the lightest generators in the market. Along with the powerful neodymium magnet, many of Ania’s parts actually come straight from Apheta 2. An elliptical stylus and CAD-designed plastic case complete a musical instrument that invites you to see right into the heart of its performance
We encourage all local customers to visit our retail store where we have on display all the Rega Planar turntables as well as stock in all Phono Cartridges and Phono Stages. Auditioning turntables is a critical step in determining the perfect turntable for you and your budget. Our skilled staff has the experience and expertise to give you the hassle-free advice you need. The platter mass, drive type, the suspension, materials used, natural resonances, arm mass, cartridge type and compliance, are all major factors that go into an audiophile’s decision making process and we are here to help simply that for our customers. We will also professionally mount your phono cartridges as well to ensure proper calibration. We are incredibly enthusiastic about representing the Rega Research brand for years to come.
]]>Let’s begin with the Zesto Audio power amplifier, the Eros 300. For those not familiar with vacuum tube amplifiers as opposed to solid state, the vacuum tube amplifiers such as the ones in the Eros 300 all have output transformers which will transfer power from the amplifier to the speaker in the most efficient manner. A typical digital solid state power amplifier does not have the ability to match output with the speakers being powered in such harmony and instant like a tube amplifier. The Eros 300 features 6 KT88 output tubes and produces 150 watts of Class A power. which is the most musical sounding of amplification.
Next, let’s take a look at the Andros Deluxe Phonostage by Zesto Audio. The Andros Deluxe Phonostage is comprised of Zesto’s award winning Phonostages, taking the very best features from both. The Andros Deluxe has the same footprint of the Andros 1.2 Phonostage and many of the internal features of the Andros Tèssera Phonostage, while providing a unique sound. The Andros Deluxe is built with a passion for Analog, designed with 100% tube circuitry and no solid state devices anywhere in the signal path.
The Leto 1.5 Preamplifier is our next Zesto Audio product for the ultimate analog connoisseur. Like the Andros, the Leto is an all-tube design that represents classic tube sound with a modern touch. The Leto shares the same elegant appearance of the Andros. The Leto 1.5 has 4 tubes that are mounted on an exposed black platform backed by an S-curved rear wall of mirror-finish stainless steel that reflects the tubes’ golden glow. Below the platform is an anodized aluminum silver front panel with a curved top on which are three knobs, for volume, balance, and Input selection. At the left end of the front panel floats a small, rounded triangle of silver that displays the Zesto logo and the model name. Around the corner, discreetly tucked away on the left side panel, is the On/Off switch. The Leto stands on Isonode anti-vibration feet.
In addition to these three amazing products, Zesto Audio also features the Andros 1.2 Phonostage, Andros Tessera Phonostage, and the Bia 120 Stereo Amplifier. Come by our music loft inside our store for a demo of Zesto Audio, you will be forever changed once you hear the beauty of analog music.
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