English cable maker Chord have released a new and improved version of their excellent HDMI cable, named the HDMI 1.3 Silver Plus, they have upgraded it for compatibility with HDMI 1.3 specification. Their press release claims:

"The cable has been extensively redesigned to be HDMI v1.3 compliant and to deliver the best picture and sound, especially over longer lengths. These new cables use heavier gauge conductors, silver-plated to optimise skin effect and improve high frequency transmission. Insulation is foamed polyethylene chosen for its performance over longer runs of cable where minimal loss of signal is critical."

Initial customer feedback has been very positive and sales are heading north in big numbers, well done Chord! Prices start at $300 and sky rocket from there as the longer lengths have a built in booster to ensure signal integrity at the other end.

Tags: Cables

The long awaited update to Cambridge Audio's 540D DVD player has finally been released, and as the flagship model in the Cambridge lineup, it is long over due. To quote the manufactuer:

"The Azur 540D V2 is a new ground-up DVD player design from Cambridge Audio which embraces HDMI technology for outstanding picture quality and simplicity while the company’s usual attention to audio reproduction ensures superb sound from music or video sources. The 540D uses a highly evolved DVD chipset and proprietary Phased Lock Loop (PLL) system which produces incredibly low jitter. Indeed the DAC specified and anti-aliasing filter circuits mean the 540D is also a true audiophile CD player while the HDMI output is capable of upscaling to 720p or 1080i. The 540D is a remarkable CD/DVD player at this price point."

The Cambridge Audio's 540D DVD player sells in Australia for $699 and offers superb value for money.

Tags: DVD Player

With the enormous success of the Audioengine A5 in Australia and around the world, it was only natural that a new model would soon follow, the surprise however is the fact that they have produced a smaller model in the Audioengine A2. Designed primarily as a desktop audio system, it offers sound quality that truly defies it's size and more importantly it's price.

Stereophile magazine, the bible for true audiophiles, claims that every reader should rush out and buy a pair, not something they normally do for a $300 pair of speakers. So if you are looking for a very compact, high quality speaker system for your PC or iPod, look no further. The Audioengine is distributed throughout Australia by Vistra Australia, through a limited dealer network.

Tags: Speaker

In case you have not heard of them, the Qsonix digital music management system delivers a complete set of intuitive and easy to use features that make loading, organizing, browsing and playing music fun and simple.

This is a Rolls Royce solution for music archiving and playback, with a superbly designed system that is both easy to use and offers fabulous sound quality. Naturally it works with all control systems as well for those mega house installs.

The Qsonix systems will be distributed throughout Australia by Vistra Australia, through a limited dealer network.

Tags: Music Server