October HiFi News from Sydney HiFi Mona Vale

Welcome back to our monthly update on all things HiFi! Here’s a quick look at what’s new and noteworthy at Sydney HiFi Mona Vale this October.

New Arrivals

Wiim Ultra Pre

The Wiim Ultra Pre isn’t just a pre-amplifier—it’s a connectivity and control hub.

• It boasts a high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz streaming capability and supports popular audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV. The device integrates seamlessly with Spotify Connect, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD, ensuring you can access all your favourite music effortlessly.
  
• The Wiim Ultra Pre features a sleek, full-colour OLED display that provides clear, easy-to-read information about the currently playing track, volume levels, and other It offers a range of connectivity options including:
• Analog Inputs: Two stereo RCA inputs for connecting traditional audio sources.
  
• Analog Outputs: Stereo RCA outputs for connecting to power amplifiers or other audio equipment.
  
• Digital Inputs: Optical and coaxial digital inputs to handle high-quality digital audio sources.
  
• Digital Outputs: Optical and coaxial digital outputs for connection to other digital equipment.
  
• Network Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet for network streaming and integration with home networks.
  
• HDMI ARC: HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) for easy connection to TVs and other HDMI-enabled devices, allowing you to use the same remote for controlling your audio.
  
• Phono Stage: A dedicated high-quality phono stage for connecting turntables, ensuring optimal performance and sound quality for vinyl playback.
  

Designed to fit seamlessly into any audio setup, the Wiim Ultra Pre offers top-notch performance and versatility, making it a perfect choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Zidoo 8K Media Players

• Zidoo Z9X: Enjoy 8K Ultra HD (7680 x 4320 pixels) with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG for incredible picture quality. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio and comes with HDMI 2.1 and USB 3.0 for high-speed connectivity. It also features advanced processing with the Realtek RTD1619DR chipset for smooth playback.
  
• Zidoo Z30 Pro: Offers 8K resolution and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and The Z30 Pro is equipped with HDMI 2.1 and USB 3.0, and features high-efficiency decoding and versatile media playback.
• Zidoo Z3000 Pro: This model delivers top-tier 8K resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10+. It has advanced audio capabilities with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and comes with extensive connectivity options including internal and external storage support.
  
• Zidoo UHD 8000: The flagship model provides the highest quality 8K Ultra HD video and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. It includes a high-performance chipset for 8K content and offers a wide range of connectivity options for versatile media playback.
  

Bluesound Trio

• Bluesound Node 2: High-res wireless music streamer with support for up to 24-bit/192kHz It’s great for multi-room setups.
• Bluesound Node Icon: A pre-amplifier streamer with high-res streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz and advanced room correction using Dirac Live software. It integrates seamlessly with other Bluesound products for top-notch multi-room audio.

• Bluesound Node Nano: Compact and high-res, it fits well in any Bluesound multi-room system.
  

Bowers & Wilkins PI8 Earbuds

The Bowers & Wilkins PI8 earbuds set a new benchmark in premium wireless audio with their elegant design, exceptional sound quality, and advanced features. Perfect for music lovers who demand the best, the PI8s deliver a truly immersive listening experience.

Design and Comfort

With a sleek, sophisticated look, the Bowers & Wilkins PI8 earbuds are built to impress. The earbuds offer a secure and comfortable fit, enhanced by various ear tip sizes, making them ideal for extended wear. Their premium finish and sturdy build highlight Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to quality.

Sound Quality

The PI8 earbuds are equipped with a unique dual-driver system—one driver dedicated to mid and high frequencies and another to deep, rich bass. The result is a balanced and dynamic sound that brings your music to life. Supported by high-resolution codecs like aptX Adaptive, the PI8s ensure superb audio clarity, whether you’re listening to subtle acoustic tracks or bass-heavy beats.

The soundstage is expansive, providing a sense of space and detail that sets the PI8s apart from other earbuds in their class. Every note is reproduced with precision, making them a top choice for discerning listeners.

Noise Cancellation and Ambient Awareness

The adaptive noise cancellation on the PI8 effectively shuts out unwanted background noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your music or calls. For those moments when you need to

stay aware of your surroundings, the transparency mode seamlessly lets outside sound in, all without removing the earbuds.

Battery Life and Connectivity

With up to 7 hours of playtime per charge and an extra 16 hours from the case, the PI8s have enough battery life to keep up with your daily routine. Fast charging also ensures that you can quickly top up your earbuds when you’re in a rush.

Bluetooth 5.2 provides a reliable, low-latency connection, and multi-device pairing makes switching between your phone, tablet, and laptop effortless.

Intuitive Controls and Customization

Touch controls on the earbuds are simple and responsive, allowing you to manage music playback, adjust volume, and switch between noise cancellation modes easily. The Bowers & Wilkins app offers further customization, including EQ settings and firmware updates, so you can fine-tune your listening experience to your liking.

JBL Stage 2 Speakers

JBL’s Stage 2 speakers are designed to deliver powerful, high-quality sound with innovative features:

• Polycellulose Woofers: These woofers enhance bass response and ensure clear, accurate low-frequency reproduction.
  
• Balanced Edge-Driven Dome Tweeters: They provide detailed and precise high frequencies, ensuring a balanced sound across the spectrum.
  
• Versatile Sizes: The Stage 2 series is available in various sizes, including bookshelf and floor standing models, making it easy to find the perfect fit for both large and small rooms.
  
• Wide Frequency Response: Designed to handle a broad range of frequencies, these speakers excel in delivering clear mids, robust bass, and detailed highs.
• High Sensitivity: The Stage 2 speakers are engineered for high sensitivity, making them efficient and capable of producing powerful sound even with lower power amplifiers.
  

Affordable Performance: Offering concert-quality sound at a competitive price, these speakers are a great value for both home theatres and stereo setups.

JBL MA Series AV Receivers

The JBL MA Series AV Receivers are packed with advanced features for a superior home theatre experience:

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support: These formats create immersive, three-dimensional soundscapes that bring movies and music to life.
  

• Advanced Room Correction: The receivers feature room correction technology to ensure optimal sound quality in any space by adjusting audio settings to match your room’s acoustics
  
• Multiple HDMI Inputs: With several HDMI inputs, these receivers accommodate a variety of sources such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
  
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Stream audio wirelessly from your devices or integrate with your home network for seamless connectivity.
• Powerful Amplification: The MA Series provides robust amplification to drive your speakers with clarity and impact, enhancing your audio experience.
  

Audio-Technica AT-SP3X Bluetooth Speaker

This Bluetooth speaker features:

• 6cm Woofer and 28mm Tweeter: For powerful and well-balanced sound across various audio needs.
• Bluetooth Multipoint: Connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices without needing to disconnect.
• Versatile Connectivity: Supports both wired connections via RCA jacks and wireless streaming, offering flexibility in how you play your audio.
  

Marantz M1 Streamer Amplifier

The Marantz M1 combines high-resolution streaming with powerful amplification:

High-Resolution Audio Support: Up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD 5.6MHz playback for superior sound quality.

• HEOS Multi-Room Technology: Allows for seamless streaming across multiple rooms in your home.
  
• 100W per Channel: Provides robust amplification to drive a range of speakers effectively.
• HDMI eARC Input: Supports Dolby Digital+ decoding for enhanced TV audio.
  

Design and Build Quality

The Marantz M1 showcases a minimalist, modern design that fits seamlessly into any home audio setup. Its compact size and refined look make it an ideal choice for those who want a powerful amplifier that doesn’t dominate the room. The build quality is premium, reflecting Marantz’s commitment to stylish and durable components.

Sound Performance

Known for its signature warm and detailed sound, the Marantz M1 delivers a rich audio experience with clear highs, natural mids, and deep bass. The amplifier’s robust power output ensures it can drive a wide range of speakers, from compact bookshelves to larger floor-standing models, delivering a full and immersive sound.

The M1’s performance is consistent across various music genres, from the subtlety of acoustic tracks to the energy of rock and electronic music. It handles high-resolution audio sound.

effortlessly, offering an engaging listening experience that captures every detail of your favourite tracks.

Rega ND3 & ND5 Cartridges

Rega’s ND3 and ND5 cartridges are revolutionising the moving magnet (MM) cartridge market with their exceptional performance and value.

Rega ND3 Cartridge:

• Stylus: Features a diamond tip bonded to an aluminium cantilever, designed to track the grooves of your vinyl with high accuracy and minimal distortion
  
• Performance: Provides excellent high-frequency detail and solid overall performance with a tracking force of 75 grams.
• Sound Quality: Delivers a balanced sound profile with clear mids and precise highs, making it a great choice for both new and vintage records.
  

Rega ND5 Cartridge:

• Stylus: Upgraded to a full diamond stylus with a true ellipse profile, offering superior tracking accuracy and finer detail.
  
• Performance: Maintains a similar tracking force to the ND3 but with enhanced clarity and resolution across the frequency range.
  
• Sound Quality: Provides exceptional high-frequency performance and deeper bass response, making it ideal for discerning listeners who seek higher resolution and musicality from their vinyl.
  

Both cartridges offer impressive value for money and are suitable for use with MM phono stages, providing an excellent upgrade for any vinyl setup.

Store Updates

Special Promotions

We’ve got some fantastic promotions this month, including discounts on select speakers and amplifiers. Check our store or website for details.

Expert Consultations

Thinking about upgrading? Our experts are here to help with advice and recommendations, whether you’re a HiFi veteran or just starting out.

Stay tuned for more updates, reviews, and tips. We’re here to help you get the most out of your audio experience. Drop by Sydney HiFi Mona Vale and let’s make your audio dreams a reality!

Happy listening,

The Sydney HiFi Mona Vale Team