Kicking 2012 off to an exciting start, Chord Electronics, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-end audio products, has launched its first-ever music streamer.  The all-new Index is the latest edition to Chord Electronics’ affordable boutique high-performance range, Chordette. Index is a high-quality compact music streamer and internet radio source component that offers exceptional sound quality at a real-world UK SRP of £990.00.

Index will find and play stored music, whether on NAS, a network computer or a USB drive and is compatible with almost any format including: FLAC; WMA; AAC; WAV and MP3. Index also offers internet radio using the vTuner service, which currently gives more than 10,000 commercial-free stations and over 15,000 related podcasts.

Exceptional sound quality has been achieved by Chord Electronics’ engineering team, thanks to their world-renowned expertise with D/A conversion and DAC production. The unit’s internal DAC chipset has been optimised for sublime sound quality and benefits from its own highly accurate discrete crystal clock generator.

Full control of the Index using a tablet computer or smartphone is available (with full colour artwork, track information etc) as the unit supports many of the major control apps on the market. In addition, there’s a high-quality 128×64 dot matrix LCD display coupled with simple, four-way navigation keys that enable users to easily orientate the unit’s menu system and infrared remote control is also provided.

The Index offers both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet functionality and benefits from a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including a fascia-mounted USB input, digital coaxial and optical outputs, plus RCA analogue outputs. Its compact dimensions and DLNA technology make it easy to install anywhere in the home enabling users to quickly start enjoying high-quality streamed music and internet radio.

The Chord Electronics Index Network Audio Player will be available from the end of February 2012 with a UK SRP of £990.00.

To download the full press release including specifications, click here.

For further information on Chord Electronics, visit http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/ or contact Dan George at Napthine Porter on 07899 808918 / dan@napthineporter.com

The innovative Kent-based company has an enviable reputation internationally for creating some of the best-sounding and most recognisable hi-fi, home cinema and professional audio equipment of the last twenty years. Chord Electronics’ reputation for exemplary audio engineering has earned the company a global fan base of discerning audio enthusiasts who demand not just sublime sound quality, but unrivalled craftsmanship and beautiful product design.

Taking sole responsibility for Chord Electronics at Napthine Porter will be Dan George, who recently brought his extensive publishing and editorial expertise to the business. Dan said: “Chord Electronics benefits from both world-class engineering expertise and a truly remarkable aesthetic understanding. The company continues to innovate from its Kent HQ and push the boundaries of high-fidelity sound. Its most recent range launch of compact, affordable hi-fi, Chordette, proves how Chord Electronics is committed to delivering its unrivalled standards to a broad range of consumers. I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with such a giant in the specialist audio world and look forward to revealing more about the company’s exciting 2012 plans soon.”

Visit the Chord Electronics website by clicking here.

If you would like to learn more about Chord Electronics, its product range or request images and review samples, then please contact Dan at: dan@napthineporter.com or on 07899 808918.

To read the full press release, click here.

26th January 2012 – London – TASCAM, the brand synonymous with professional recording products, today introduced the pocket sized iM2 stereo mic and accompanying Tascam PCM Recorder app that turns the iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch into a high quality stereo recorder. Ideal for anyone who requires a discrete portable recorder, iM2 is available now with an SRP of £85.00.

iM2 Stereo Microphone

Featuring a pair of 180 degree adjustable condenser microphones of the same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders, the iM2 plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device. The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and premium audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB SPL sounds for the loudest concerts and instruments.

Also enclosed in the iM2 is a stereo limiter to tame sudden loud sounds. The microphone level is adjustable with a knob on the side, making it quick and easy to adjust without looking at the unit. It’s powered through the dock connector so no battery is required and a USB socket is provided to charge your Apple iOS device for long recordings.

The ultra-portable iM2 is a must have for musicians who want to capture inspiration on their iPhone or iPad without sacrificing recording quality.

Tascam PCM Recorder app

Available for free download, TASCAM PCM Recorder app is the perfect companion for TASCAM’s iOS products such as the iM2 stereo microphone and iXZ mic and guitar interface. TASCAM PCM Recorder turns the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad into a stereo recorder, based on the popular TASCAM DR-series.

The TASCAM PCM Recorder app has input and output level faders with an “on-screen” meter to help check levels. High and low EQ is built-in, as well as stereo limiting and a low cut filter to prevent overload. Users are able to record mono or stereo files at CD-quality for up to 12 hours. After recording, files can be accessed through iTunes or uploaded to SoundCloud right from the iPhone. TASCAM PCM Recorder app, a perfect companion to the iM2 and iXZ, is available now as a download from the iTunes store at no charge – http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pcmrecorder/id481055155?mt=8

iM2 Specifications

• Stereo condenser microphones for iPhone 4, iPod Touch or iPad dock connection
• High-quality stereo condenser microphones – same as the best-selling DR-series recorders
• Microphones adjustable 180 degrees front to back
• Built-in analog to digital converter and microphone preamp for low noise recording
• 125dB SPL maximum level for recording loud shows without distortion
• Switchable limiter attenuates high-level signals to prevent recording overload
• Adjustable input level control
• Powered through iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch dock connector
• USB input allows the iPhone or iPad to be charged from a USB power source
• CD-quality digital recording (44.1kHz/16-bit linear PCM)
• Compact size ideal for mobile use

Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2

The TASCAM iM2 is available in the UK now and has an SRP of £85.00.  The TASCAM PCM Recorder App is available for download now from iTunes at no charge.

For further information, download the full TASCAM iM2 and PCM Recorder app press release here or contact Andy Napthine – andy@napthineporter.com / 07920 425166

Napthine Porter Ltd (NP), a leading specialist technology public relations agency, expands by recruiting former Hi-Fi Choice Editor Dan George.  Dan, who starts immediately, will use his many years of experience as a consumer technology journalist with one of Britain’s best known technology publishers to help NP expand its brand portfolio and skill base.

Commenting on Dan’s appointment Alan Porter said, “We represent some of the industry’s most prestigious brands so choosing a new member of the team would normally be very tricky. Dan’s skills complement our own perfectly, making us a stronger and more versatile company. With Dan on board, we can continue to grow while still giving our customers the high level of service they expect”.

Andy Napthine adds, “This is an extremely exciting time for the company and we are delighted that Dan is joining the team.  Not only will he strengthen our skill base but he also has the passion for technology and specialist skills that are essential to get the best coverage for our clients.”

Dan brings more than a decade of experience with Britain’s biggest technology publisher, Future Publishing, to the organisation.  Having joined Future in 2000 following a career in television at MTV and Time Warner’s CNN, Dan was rapidly promoted to the position of Editor.  During his tenure, Dan transformed the circulation of the title following a comprehensive redesign in the spring of 2010 to create the UK’s only growing hi-fi publication, against a backdrop of prolonged decline in the sector.

Dan’s passion for music, his publishing expertise and CE market knowledge has seen him write for trade and consumer publications including Classic Rock, T3 and Britain’s biggest technology website TechRadar. Dan said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Britain’s fastest-growing specialist technology PR agency.  The rate at which businesses have migrated to Napthine Porter since its creation in 2010 has been astonishing, and clearly demonstrates the professionalism and PR ability of this fresh and dynamic specialist agency. I’m delighted to bring over a decade’s publishing and editorial know-how to strengthen NP’s business and deliver even greater value to its client base.”

Dan can be reached at dan@napthineporter.com or on 07899 808918.

Notes for Editors

Napthine Porter Limited was founded in February 2010 by partners Andy Napthine and Alan Porter as a specialist consumer electronics public relations agency.  Napthine Porter now represents a number of consumer technology brands including: Atlas cables, Canton Loudspeakers, HD Anywhere, Image Audio, NEOD, Michell Engineering, Scandyna Loudspeakers, T+A, Tascam and TEAC.  Napthine Porter has established a successful formula for evaluating, promoting and communicating a brand’s philosophy and products.  Key to their success has been their passion for technology and the specialist skills necessary to represent their brands across a wide-ranging media base.

For further information, visit www.napthineporter.com

TEAC UK is delighted to announce the NS-X1 Network Music System – a beautifully crafted slim silver/black audio system that incorporates Apple AirPlay, DNLA networking, FM and Internet radio as well as a dock for iPhone® or iPod®.

The ideal package for anyone wanting to gain the very best from their digital music sources, the NS-X1 is available now in-store or online exclusively from Currys and PC World currently selling for £229.

Regardless of which room of the house the user may be in, wireless access of digital music libraries stored on a NAS Drive, PC / MAC®, iPod®, iPhone® or iPad® is simple and easy.  As the NS-X1 uses DNLA technology to integrate into a home network, inclusion of Apple AirPlay allows users to select and stream music directly from their iOS devices without the need to leave their seats.

Featuring 10W+10W power output driving two 2.5-inch speakers with Bass-reflex technology, the NS-X1 delivers a significantly deeper bass than expected from a unit of this size. A six preset digital EQ allows for further refinement where necessary.

All significant digital audio formats are supported (MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, OGG Flac, Mpeg1-Layer 1/2/3 and LPCM) as well as a 30 pre-set FM tuner and access to internet radio via Vtuner – pre-installed software allowing users to easily navigate the world wide web to set up and personalise their favourites list from almost eighteen thousand internet radio stations.

Standard operation and functions of the NS-X1 can be addressed using the supplied intuitive IR-remote control including iPhone®/iPod® basic controls when docked (docked devices will also be charged).  Playback of the Apple® music libraries are controlled directly via the iPhone®/iPad® while utilising AirPlay.

The NS-X1 is only 5.5 cm deep and can be either sat on a desktop or hung on a wall.

To download the full press release including specifications, click here.

Scandyna, the Danish loudspeaker company, is pleased to announce the Minipod Mk II.  First introduced over 20 years ago, the MiniPod is one of the world’s most recognised loudspeakers and has become a design icon. Having sold over 100,000 units worldwide, the Minipod has also been a great commercial success.

The Minipod Mk II follows an organic design where ‘form follows function’, with each characteristic of the design having a precise acoustical justification. The Minipod Mk II’s cabinet is essentially an amalgamation of three spheres to form one pressure-vessel, minimizing cabinet vibration, sound radiation and distortion, allowing sound waves to move more freely.

The Minipod Mk II differs in many ways from the original design. The mid/bass driver has been re-designed and now features a new 4-layer aluminium voice coil to improve efficiency. The crossover has been upgraded to incorporate the new driver and, to make use of the improved bass response, the crossover point had been changed down to 2700Hz from 3000Hz.  These new enhancements mean that the Minipod Mk II carries on with the same wow factor for its ergonomic design and sound quality that it was always famous for.

The Minipod Mk II is available now in three standard colours – Black, Red or White – with a UK SRP of £549.00 a pair.  Additional colours are available on request.

For further details, visit http://www.scandyna-uk.co.uk/

To download the full press release, click here.

For press enquiries, images and review product requests, please contact Andy Napthine of Napthine Porter Ltd on 07920 425166 / andy@napthineporter.com or Alan Porter on 07922 073208 / alan@napthineporter.com.

T+A, Germany’s largest specialist audio manufacture, is pleased to announce the launch of its MUSIC RECEIVER into the UK market.  Designed to be the ultimate ‘hub’ for all modern and traditional music sources, the MUSIC RECEIVER combines classic analogue technology with the very latest digital circuitry and forms the universal command centre of a modern, truly high-quality stereo system.

Audiophile Digital Processing

At the very heart of the MUSIC RECEIVER is a refined 32-bit duel-mono digital to analogue converter, which makes the very most of any digital music content that is stored on a network, a computer or CD via the front-loading CD mechanism.  To make the most of other sources, five digital inputs (three x coax and two x optical) are supplied, with the coax inputs capable of 24-bit / 192 kHz processing for the highest quality.  USB media storage devices and iDevice products (including control and charging) can also be connected directly to the rear via the two x 2.0 USB sockets.    Making the most of the digital circuitry, a high-quality RDS FM tuner is also included.

Network-based Music Content

The MUSIC RECEIVER features T+A’s latest innovative Streaming Client board, which allows for either wired or wireless access to network music servers and Internet radio.  Compatible with all DNLA-compatible servers (UPnP 1.1, UPnP AV and Microsoft Windows Media Connect Servers), Internet radio can be easily set up using the vTuner internet radio service, which allows users to set up their radio playlists and favourites via the internet.

High-End Analogue Pre-Amplifier

The MUSIC RECEIVER is not just a digital hub though.  To make the most of ALL likely sources, the MUSIC RECEIVER features a high-end analogue pre-amplifier with three sets of analogue inputs (one in the form of a Tape In / Out), a pre-amplifier output for connecting to active speakers or additional power amplifiers, two sub-woofer outputs and one line-level output.  Other useful functions include balance and tone controls, loudness, flat function and a sub-sonic filter for easy set up with sub/satellite speaker systems.

Power On Demand

Enabling the MUSIC RECEIVER to drive even large and demanding speakers effortlessly and to the highest standards of quality, T+A have implemented its PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) output stage, which eliminates any problems caused by voltage fluctuations in the mains power supply, and thereby excludes the possibility of signal distortion induced by the power supply voltage.  When linked to T+A’s in-house developed switch mode circuits (using the very latest ultra-fast MOSFET transistors and high-energy intelligent driver modules) and the high-power toroidal transformer, the MUSIC RECEIVER is capable of nearly 100 Watts nominal output per channel into 8 Ohms.

Full Metal Jacket

To heighten the MUSIC RECEIVER’s audiophile credentials, the above electronics are all mounted in solid metal casework.  Heavy-duty pressure-cast side panels are precision designed to couple to the aluminium front panel and cover, which wrap around the solid steel chassis for the very best isolation from unwanted external vibrations.

The MUSIC RECEIVER from T+A is available now in the UK in either silver case with black side panels, black case with silver side panels, total silver or total black.  All finishes have a UK SRP of £2,690.00

For further details, go to http://www.ta-hifi.com/

To download the full press release with product specifications, click here.

T+A is distributed in the UK by Acoustic Brands Limited (ABL).  Contact details are:

Acoustic Brands Ltd
Tel: 07917 431280
Email: sales@acousticbrandslimited.com
http://www.acousticbrandslimited.com/

For further information, images or review samples, please contact Andy Napthine of Napthine Porter Ltd on 07920 425166 / andy@napthineporter.com or Alan Porter on 07922 073208 / alan@napthineporter.com.

Commenting on the Gyro SE’s award, HiFi Choice said ‘The evergreen Gyrodec saw off all-comers in our Blind Listening Group Test (HFC 345).  Although the Michell has been around for decades, the soundness of the design and continuous small improvements mean this is still the turntable to beat.  We love the sheer musicality of the Michell, the tuneful and textured bass and the sense of entertainment it brings to all forms of music.  We also love the looks and rock solid build quality.  The Gyrodec proves that age is no impediment to being an award winner.’

This is yet another fantastic award for the Gyro SE and we are particularly pleased that this ground-breaking product is still making waves after 25 years since it’s launch.

For further information on the Michell Engineering Gyro SE, click here.

HDanywhere, one of the UK’s most active suppliers of HDMI connecting products, is pleased to announce the launch of two new ranges of HDMI cables.  Dubbed SlimWire and ActiveWire, the two cable ranges have been designed to offer solutions for everyday cabling problems when setting up audiovisual systems.

Designed specifically for super slim TVs for an easier and neater installation, HDanywhere’s SlimWire HDMI cables use the same high-end cable technology as it’s premium range of HDMI cables with a profile that is 50% smaller than it’s existing range.  An ultra-small lightweight aluminium headshell saves bulk against the wall and super-shielded flexi-wire cable technology maintains perfect signal integrity around tight bends. This combination makes HDanywhere’s SlimWire HDMI cables the perfect HDMI cable for every installation.

To download the full SlimWire press release, click here.

To maintain performance for longer runs of HDMI cable, HDanywhere launches ActiveWire – the HDMI cable with a range of up to 45 meters without any loss of signal quality.  ActiveWire’s in-line equalisation chipset filters electrical noise and interference from the HDMI transmission that normally reduces cable bandwidth – effectively boosting the transmission distance. This enables ActiveWire to pass the same data rates as a short cable, ensuring the best possible performance for cable runs of up to 45 meters.

To download the full ActiveWire press release, click here.

For further information go to  www.hdcable.co.uk

For press enquiries, images and review product requests, please contact Andy Napthine of Napthine Porter Ltd on 07920 425166 / andy@napthineporter.com or Alan Porter on 07922 073208 / alan@napthineporter.com

Simon Jackson, proprietor of Ceritech Audio commented “To coincide with the opening of our new HiFi and Home Cinema showroom on Monmouth High Street, we wanted to showcase to our local audience many of the fantastic products that we sell. With the support of our business partners, the free to enter Home Entertainment Event is designed to dispel the myths behind high quality home entertainment and show just how affordable it can be.”

Exhibitors already confirmed and presenting on the day include Arcam, Bowers and Wilkins, Densen, Focal, Monitor Audio, Moon, Naim Audio, Rega, Tellurium Q and Totem. The list grows on a daily basis and a full list is available at the dedicated website – www.ceritech-audio.com/hee.htm

As well as the experts from Ceritech Audio, each brand will bring their very own technical specialist who will be happy to answer questions on all issues pertaining to Home Entertainment. For those seeking advice of what to buy or who just want to be educated on what is available, the Home Entertainment Experience is a must.

As well as live demonstrations of Hi-Fi and Home cinema equipment, experts will also be on hand to discuss home networking and the growth in computer controlled and stored music and how easily it can be integrated through the home. Live musicians will also be playing throughout the day.

Making the event attractive to all comers, as well as competitions for the kids, the culmination of the event will be a charity auction of lots donated by the exhibitors. All money raised will go to the Bridges Community Centre – http://www.bridgescommunity.org.uk/, a local Monmouth charity set up to aid vulnerable, disadvantaged or aged members of the community.

The Ceritech Audio Home Entertainment Experience will take place at the Shire Hall, Monmouth on Saturday 8th October 2011. Entry is free to all and doors open at 10.00 until 18.00.

For further details about the event, contact Simon or Sam Jackson of Ceritech Audio on 0844 736 5719, email at info@ceritech.co.uk. or visit the website – www.ceritech-audio.com

To download the full press release including information about Monmouth’s Shire Hall, click here.