Audio Briefs

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 3/9/2009

Goldenote CD Arrives

CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO — Koetsu USA, the U.S. distribution arm of Japanese cartridge maker Koetsu, has begun marketing the Koala tube CD player from Italian manufacturer Goldenote.

Koetsu USA’s other brands include Chario, Montegiro and Black Note.

The $2,296-suggested drawer-load player features dual-tube output stage, internal 20-bit Burr Brown D/A converter, and Goldenote’s Zero-Clock technology to eliminate jitter and clock errors. It’s also promoted as offering the first self-adjusting voltage supply in a consumer CD player.

Paradigm Presents Pair 'O Subs

TORONTO — Two new Reference-series subwoofers from Paradigm Electronics, the SUB 12 and SUB 15, deliver low-frequency extension of 16Hz and 12Hz, respectively, at $1,999 and $2,799, respectively.

Both models, already shipping, replace servo-equipped subs but lack servos. The company contends it nonetheless achieved servo-level performance and pointed out that the amplifier/driver configurations allow them to play “louder and lower” than other subwoofers in their price range, the company added.

The SUB 12 with 12-inch driver is priced the same as its servo predecessor, and the SUB 15 with 15-inch driver is priced $100 more than its predecessor.

Vestalife Unfolds

STUDIO CITY, CALIF. — Vestalife is expanding its range of iPod-docking speakers systems to four models, including its original Ladybug and Butterfly models, and adding its first two digital picture frames for Sept. 1 availability. One of the frames includes iPod dock. Docking models are designated Made for iPod and Works with iPhone.

The $149 Firefly speaker dock is round with a rear-firing woofer and fold-out speaker wings that include left-right speakers. It operates on AC or DC, includes rechargeable lithium-ion battery, comes with remote and includes aux-in jack. The $149 Jewelbox also featured fold-out speaker wings and a bottom-firing woofer.