Technicsí First ""DVD-Audio"" Components Available To U.S. Market

New Components Designed To Deliver Next Generation Of Digital Music

1-Aug-00

Technics has begun delivering their new line of DVD-Audio components - the first DVD-Audio components to be available to the U.S. market. The new DVD-A10 DVD-Audio/Video player, SA-DA10N and SA-DA8N DVD-Audio ready receivers, and SB-T300 and SB-AFC300 DVD-Audio ready speakers are now rolling out. ""DVD-Audio delivers sound outside the parameters to which most people are presently accustomed,"" notes Alberto Reggiani, National Marketing Manager for Technics Home Audio. ""And we are proud to be the first to bring product to market.""DVD-Audio takes advantage of the digital technology originally developed for DVD-Video and uses the advanced formatís vast data storage potential to deliver astounding sound enriched with the nuance, warmth and subtle overtones of a live musical performance.To accomplish it, 2-channel DVD-Audio uses a sampling frequency of 192kHz - more than four times that of CD - to extend the playback high-frequency response to an incredible 96kHz. The higher frequency reproduction gives live instruments their timbre or resonance, which is often lost on a compact disc. The crash of cymbals, for instance, produces frequencies well above 20kHz - inaudible to the ear but important to retaining the instrumentís distinct expression and the integrity of the music. In addition, a new digital-to-analog converter (DAC), based on MASH technology and refined by Matsushita for 192kHz/24-bit DVD-Audio use, gives the new player the ability to distinguish levels of sound using 24-bit quantization (vs. 16-bit maximum for CD). This reduces background noise to imperceptible levels. The new DAC is also combined with a Digital Re-Master Processing circuit, which uses audio dithering techniques to increase the frequency response and dynamic range of conventional CDs as well.DVD-Audio is fully multi-channel sound compatible and uses linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) for all channels, presenting a new level of sound quality, unprecedented realism in ambience reproduction, and the potential to create radically different sound spaces. Incorporating both DolbyÆ Digital and DTSÆ Digital Surroundô decoders, the player can decode music and soundtracks recorded in up to 5.1 channels (including a subwoofer) to give listeners the ambience and enveloping effect of a live performance. To deliver the full splendor of DVD-Audio - untarnished by amplifier circuit noise - Technics developed Variable Gain Control Amplifier (VGCA) technology for the preamplifier. Instead of the conventional method of attenuating the input signal and then applying fixed gain again, VGCA uses a feedback circuit to adjust the amplifier's gain for attenuation. This new Variable Gain Control Amplifier keeps noise low under actual conditions of use. The DVD-A10 also incorporates a system called Advanced Virtual Battery Operation. Using a capacitor to supply its charged power to the audio reproduction circuitry, the technique simulates a battery (pure source of DC current) to virtually eliminate power supply ""noise"" for faithful reproduction of even the smallest signal information. Additionally, an R-Core transformer, which has a rounded shape to help minimize leakage flux and noise, replaces the conventional transformers with their squared-off corners and uneven flux patterns. And TA-KE II electrolytic capacitors are used throughout for better mid-high frequency response with lower distortion. Even the cabinetry is impressive: a sleek champagne gold component with a special vibration-damping base.SA-DA10N And SA-DA8N DVD-Audio Ready ReceiversModels SA-DA10N and SA-DA8N are fully functional, 100W x 5 (20Hz-20kHz, 6 ohms, 0.09% THD) home theatre receivers with one key difference - they can deliver the vast frequency range and sonic realism of DVD-Audio. These advanced components achieve an actual signal to noise ratio of 113dB to accommodate the wide dynamic range of DVD-Audio. Of course, theyíre great for enlivening DVD-Video soundtracks as well.Ta-Ke (tah-kay) capacitors only add to the receiversí clean presentation. These audiophile capacitors use bamboo fiber for exceptional sound clarity and neutral yet powerful audio. Ta-Ke II capacitors - found in the SA-DA10N - also feature a spiral copper coil around the aluminum case, helping eliminate audible distortion while increasing high-range transparency, for an overall improvement in mid-high range fidelity. Whether the audio source is a high-octane concert performance or an explosive movie soundtrack, both receivers can deal with it coolly and efficiently using Class H+ amplifier circuitry. Class H+ divides the job of delivering power between two power supplies, or ""rails."" One rail handles the bulk of the duty, while the second springs into action only for loud passages, explosions, or other spikes in the audio. Class H+ has the added advantage of boosting dynamic headroom to 2dB, with power to spare for accurate delivery of the most dynamic audio passages.Besides Dolby Digital and DTS, both receivers can accommodate Dolby Pro LogicÆ soundtracks. Several listening modes are available, including Dolby 3 Stereo and a choice of three center channel modes: normal, wide and phantom. Thereís also Sound Field Control, which simulates a variety of performance environments - such as Hall, Club and Theater - even with non-surround sources. In basic stereo mode, each receiver delivers 100W x 2 (20kHz-20Hz) Hz, 6 ohms, 0.09% THD).The SA-DA10N and SA-DA8N look the role of high-end audio components as well. Each boasts an aluminum, champagne gold-tinged front panel, which not only gives it a sophisticated, ""techie"" look, but enhances durability. Both units also feature large, blue-on-black LED displays.Model SA-DA10N features Technicsí Hybrid Construction Base and uses anti-vibration internal construction. Together, these design elements virtually eradicate noise-causing internal and external vibrations. This model also incorporates gold plated input terminals, ensuring the cleanest possible signal transfer.SB-T300 SpeakersFor the full benefit of DVD-Audio, listeners will need speakers that are up to the task of delivering uncharted musical information. Thatís why Technics is also offering the SB-T300 tower speakers. A shade over three feet tall, these wood-finish speakers have a frequency range up to 70kHz (at -16dB), 30kHz higher than most Technics speakers and are more than ample for DVD-Audioís perceptible frequency response. This level of performance arises from a newly developed leaf tweeter, which keeps frequency response extremely flat over a wide range, resulting in clear undistorted sound reproduction. Itís joined in the speaker cabinet by a 5 _-inch, front-ported woofer.Maximum input capability is 200W and the speakers are magnetically shielded, so they can be placed close to a television without threat of distorting the TV picture. Bi-wire terminals in the rear allow separate feeds to the woofer and tweeter.SB-AFC300 SpeakersThe SB-AFC300 is truly a chameleon among speakers. Rated at 200 watts maximum input, and sized so as not to overwhelm a room or even a wall unit, this is all the speaker needed for surround sound applications. The importance of matched speakers all around will make itself clear whenever the on-screen action moves from the front of the viewer to the rear, or the left to the right, without any drop-off in sound or change in timbre from one speaker to the next. Additionally, with a frequency range of 50kHz (at -16dB), this speaker is more than capable of handling the enhanced frequency spectrum that makes DVD-Audio discs so lifelike. From the felt-but-not-heard low end, to the upper edge of human hearing, the SB-AFC300ís dual 4 3/4-inch woofers and single 1-inch soft-dome tweeter can reproduce recorded music with the realism of a live performance.The new speaker, which is sold singly, features large speaker terminals, as well as a bass reflex port for greater low-frequency punch. It boasts a simulated woodgrain cabinet and is magnetically shielded for placement near the TV screen. Product availability and suggested retail prices are listed as follows: DVD-A10, Now Available, $1,199.95SA-DA10N, August 2000, $799.95SA-DA8N, August 2000, $599.95SB-T300, Now Available, $599.95/pairSB-AFC300, Now Available, $149.95 eachTechnics audio products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE: MC) of Japan, one of the worldís largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Consumers seeking more information on the companyís products can call Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access Technicsí home page at www.technicsusa.com.

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