Sennheiser Adidas Sports Earphones Series

  Sennheiser has teamed up with Adidas on the development of a new sports earphone series, just announced.  The new series consist of five earphone models: the PX 685i, PMX 685i, MX 685, OCX 685i and CX 685.  The new earphones promise top quality sound, optimal comfort and have been tested by professional athletes in … Continue Reading

Essence Electrostat Model 1200

Essence Electrostats  is a company out of the Netherlands that has just introduced an innovative new full-range electrostat loudspeaker – the ir new Model 1200.  Unlike other electrostats, Essence Electrostats’ Model 1200 is claimed to be the first in the world to utilize acrylic stators.  The new Model 1200 stands 48.8” tall, 11.5” wide, and just 1” deep, … Continue Reading

Merlin Music TSM MMM Speakers Review

I am amazed at the number of audiophiles I meet, who buy speakers based on the size, exotic designs or some unobtanium materials that some manufacturers claim, deliver superior performance. I am also surprized at how some audiophiles assume that just because a speaker carries a high price tag, it must deliver a high level … Continue Reading

Panasonic Streaming Media Players: DMP-MST60 and DMP-MS10

Panasonic has just released pricing and availability of its first-ever line of Streaming Media Players -  the DMP-MST60 and the DMP-MS10 featuring VIERA Connect and IP VOD respectively.  These two new players were first unveiled at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show. The DMP-MST60 is a 3D-capable streaming media player with VIERA ConnectTM, which allows VIERA Connect-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players, Streaming Media … Continue Reading

ADL Esprit DAC and Digital Preamplifier Review

Furutech is an audio-video product manufacturing company that is based out of Tokyo, Japan.  The company was founded in 1988 and produces audio-video cables, OEM parts and accessories for both home and car audio.  Alpha Design Labs (ADL) is Furutech’s entry-level line, aimed at producing innovative products that are also affordable to a broader set … Continue Reading

Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and VSX-70 AV Receivers

  Pioneer Electronics has just annouced two new Elite audio video receivers (AVR) -  the Elite VSX-43 7.1-channel receiver and VSX-70 7.2-channel receiver.   The VSX-43 and VSX-70 AVRs allow high-resolution file format playback, multi-zone and multi-source management, custom installation features, and 4K Ultra HD compatibility.  Both AVRs can also be controlled with Pioneer’s proprietary ControlApp and iControlAV2013 App. • The … Continue Reading

Monster Sound Machine Headphones

Grammy Award wiining producer Emilio Estefan of Miami Sound Machine fame has been working with Monster to develop the new Sound Machine by Monster headphones.  The Sound Machine headphones will be debut exclusively at Target stores this April.   The new Sound Machine by Monster headphones were designed with the intention of optimizing playback of Latin with its percussive and rich qualities.  … Continue Reading

Win a Kimber Kable Tonik or PBJ RCA Interconnect Cable!!

For a publication, social networking allows us to connect with readers in ways previously not possible.  So to help raise awareness of the CANADA HiFi Facebook page, we’ve teamed up with Kimber Kable, who graciously provided three pairs of interconnect cables to be given away to three lucky readers. To submit your name for this … Continue Reading

Sony 4K XBR-55X900A and XBR-65X900A Ultra-HD TV’s

Sony Electronics has just announced availability of its new 4K Ultra High Definition TV sets.  The new 4K LED UHD TV sets include the following models: XBR-55X900A ($4,999 U.S. / 55-inch) and XBR-65X900A ($6,999 U.S. / 65-inch).  Sony has also annouced an industry first 4K Media Player, named the FMP-X1, and video distribution service. Beginning in the summer … Continue Reading

Alpha Design Labs ADL-H118 Headphones by Furutech

Alpha Design Labs (ADL) has just expanded its line of superbly designed and manufactured, yet affordable, products with the addition of the ADL-H118 headphones.  The key to designing a successful headphone is to identify some of the problems with existing headphones in the market.  Headphones are in intimate sonic and physical contact with the listener … Continue Reading

CANADA HiFi April/May 2013 Digital/Tablet/iPad Edition is Now Available!

The digital edition of the April/May 2013 issue is now available in the Digital Editions section. Features inside this issue include:

• 2013 Salon Son et Image in Montreal: Exploring the Latest Products at the Montreal Show
• A Complete Guide To Choosing An Amplifier
• The Low Down on High Rez Music Files – Understanding the Various
… Continue Reading

Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated Tube Amplifier

If you’ve ever been to a show like the Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show, you’ll know that the tube amplifier product category is alive and well.  You’ll never see this type of amplification technology in your smart phone or tablet – that’s true – but when it comes to listening to music at home, many … Continue Reading

Abyss AB-1266 Headphone from JPS Labs

Abyss is a new JPS Labs division that focuses on headphone products.  The new flagship model for the company is a highly-advanced planar magnetic headphone that has a simple alpha-numeric name i.e. the AB-1266.  Key features:
◦ Made in USA
◦ Rigid chassis with side frames and adjustable two piece headband with all components machined from solid aluminum.
◦ Integrated resonance … Continue Reading

Salon Son & Image 2013 Coverage Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of our Salon Son & Image 2013 coverage, written by George de Sa.  If you missed Part 1 of this feature – please click HERE TO READ IT FIRST.  Saturday, March 23^rd started with a much larger crowd at the front reception, where the SSI Blue Girls did a … Continue Reading

Introducing the Adsum Audio Detonator

Adsum Audio is a homegrown Alberta based company exploding onto the Canadian audio market scene with its first product, the Detonator.  The word “Adsum” is Latin for “I Am Present”.  It is the mission of Adsum Audio to ensure each one of its customers feel as though they were present at the original audio event … Continue Reading

Just Mobile HeadStand

Just Mobile, has just recently introduced an attractive and practical solution for stashing your headphones – it’s called the HeadStand.  The HeadStand is an aluminium headphone stand that incorporates a dual-layered base as well as storage space for a headphone cable. The HeadStand has been deisgned to offer a convenient, sturdy and stylish method for stowing your headphones at a more affodable … Continue Reading

Coincident’s Turbo 845 SE and Dynamo 34 SE Amps

Coincident Speaker Technology has just announced its two latest stereo amplifier creations – the Turbo 845 SE and the Dynamo 34 SE tube amplifiers.   The Turbo 845 SE is a dual mono construction that has been designed to provide high quality performance from a smaller package.  The amplifier is equiped with a remote control and a massive power supply … Continue Reading

Salon Son & Image 2013 Coverage Part 1

Are you a serious music buff and catch yourself playing air guitar sometimes?  Do you love your movies so much that you can’t resist repeating your favourite character’s lines at the dinner table?  If so, then you really need to make it a habit to visit a consumer electronics show that allows you to discover … Continue Reading

NuForce STA-100 Class-D Stereo Amplifier

NuForce Inc. has just released a new stereo power amplifier, named the STA-100.  The STA-100 is said to offer audiophile-grade sound quality by way of a high efficiency switching amplifier that permits a competitive price.   NuForce’s patented design uses Class-D amplifier topology to provide 160-Watts per channel. The STA-100 incorporates NuForce’s proprietary feedback circuitry, self-resonant design, with a 400 kHz PWM switching frequency … Continue Reading

Marantz NR1504 and NR1604 Networking AV Receivers

Marantz has just introduced two new affordable, slim-line networking AV receivers – the NR1504 AV ($599) and the NR1604 ($729). The NR1604 features Apple’s AirPlay, allowing users to stream their iTunes music whether from Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The NR1504 features 5-channel … Continue Reading