| Audio Emporium
Newsletter Flat Panel
Shake Up! We
recently posted in the LATEST section of our site that Pioneer has decided to pull the
plug on making any television products. Hence there will be no more Pioneer Elite or
Pioneer plasmas. Pioneer will honor warranties and support service. Pioneer
has minced no words in saying that a combination of a declining economy and the general
public’s interest in buying the cheapest possible panels- has made it impossible for
them to sell a truly high end panel of superior performance. When translated to common
terms- not enough people care about quality to keep them afloat. Since they see no change
on the horizon, they’re bailing. Others will similarly tumble. Enter
Panasonic Pro Premier Panasonic
Pro has been among the best panels in the industry since the inception of flat panels in
the late 90s. In fact, if you bought a Pioneer Elite in the past couple of years, the
plasma panel itself was the same glass panel that was used in the Panasonic Pro. The
contrast ratio and black levels achieved by these panels, whether purchased from Panasonic
Pro or Pioneer Elite- was the best available. With
Pioneer Elite bowing out, Panasonic Pro has brought its game up a notch! While still
having the Panasonic Pro line that we’ve offered for many years, Panasonic has
introduced a select batch of superior panels called Panasonic Pro Premier. The
Premier range begins with just two models. These are made for customers who want the best
performance possible, a cut above Pioneer Elite and Panasonic Pro. The contrast ratio of
60:000-1 measures twice as good as the Pioneer Elite. The Color Gradation accuracy
measures 28% better. So,
while we’re sad to see Pioneer Elite call it a day, we’re happy to be able to
offer the new Premier models. Premier, like the on
going Panasonic Pro line, doesn’t have a built in tuner or speakers. They’re
spending all their efforts on providing you the best picture! Premier
65, $10,000: 36 3/8h, 61 1/4w, 3 3/4d: Optional Stand $1000. Premier
50, $5,000: 28 1/2h, 47 5/8w, 3 3/4d: Optional Stand $350. B&W CM-9
Arrives! $3000pr. Last
fall B&W announced that a bigger brother to the CM-7 would be delivered. CM-7 is a
very small tower (35 3/4h,7 7/8w,11d) with an elegant finish. CM-7 features a 6 1/2”
Pulp/Kevlar woof, a 5” FST (surroundless) Kevlar mid, and 1” Nautilus aluminum
tweeter. CM-7 is an excellent speaker that we’re still proud to offer for $2k pr.
CM-7 has been available in rose, maple and wenge (walnut). Very nice guys, but
where’s the piano gloss black that goes with everything?! I was pounding the table
for the black finish and told, be patient, (OK, they said shut up!) it’s coming. Like
a child wanting his Christmas presents early, I’ve been harassing them for almost a
year. Where’s the piano gloss black already?! Enter CM-9. Not only has CM-9 arrived, but it’s
available in piano gloss black, wenge and rose. In fact, now, the entire CM line is
available in these three finishes. Did I mention piano gloss black?! It’s a
stunningly gorgeous finish. That’s the one you’ll want! OK, on to CM-9. CM-7 sounds clean and lean. But what
about those of us who like our music and movies a bit more full figured? CM-9 fills the
bill! CM-9 is 40 3/8h, 7 7/8w, 12 5/8”d. It weighs 60lbs. But CM-9 is more than a
CM-7 on steroids. CM-9’s driver array is more substantial too. While using the same
one inch Nautilus aluminum tweet, CM-9 features a 6” FST (surroundless) mid driver
just like the $4500 804s. CM-9 also has two 6 ½” Pulp/Kevlar woofers. CM-9. like CM-7, seals its mid & tweet off from the
bass portion of the cabinet. Hence the upper regions don’t share the resonance the
larger, ported woofer chamber requires. There is an uncanny tightness in the middle- along
with outstanding imaging. CM-9 has another provision for us die hard audiophiles. It comes
with an optional plinth you can apply, or not. The plinth increases the footprint to 12
5/8w and 14 5/8d. It affixes to CM-9. Spikes or pads affix to the plinth. The added
stability provides a whisker better imaging and a more regal look. You’ll love CM-9! B&W
ASW-10CM $1500 B&W has also introduced a matching sub for the CM Range called the ASW-10CM. As you can infer, it has a 10” Cast Woof of Pulp/Kevlar, along with a 500w Class D amp! The cabinet is only 12 3/4h, 12 3/4w & 13 3/8d. It’s a load at 35lbs. ASW-10CM has a bit fuller sound, more bloom than the several year old (and now discontinued) ASW-CM. The ASW-10CM is a natural addition to any of the CM models or, compatible with other wing speakers as well. It is available in piano gloss black, wenge & rose. It’s an elegant sub with a musical spirit! B&W CM-Center 2 $1250 B&W has had the CM Center for over a year. It is a “traditionally” sized center with two 5” Kevlar mid/woofs and a Nautilus tweet. Nice value at $650. CM Center 2 has arrived. It’s the bigger brother the mate with a system featuring CM-9s, or any system where you need a bigger presentation than what a traditional center size will allow. CMC-2 is 8 5/8h, 23 1/4w, 11 7/8d, 42 lbs! CMC-2’s driver configuration is new for B&W. While using the same 1” Naut tweet as CMC, it has a new, 4” FST Kevlar Mid Driver. It also has two 6 ½” Pulp/Kevlar woofs. All told, CMC-2 is offers an abundance of clarity and muscle in a short cabinet that is likely to fit in a wide array of setups. CMC-2 is available in piano gloss black, wenge & rose. Chopin Sonata #2 By Maurizio Pollini With the retirement of Alfred Brendel, the reigning dean of classical piano music, the next patriarch in line for many of us is the great Pollini. DG (B0011939) has released an all Chopin disc featuring the masterful sonata in B flat minor, Ballad #2, several mazurkas, waltzes and an impromptu. There have been many fine recordings of the OP35. It’s a treat to hear Pollini’s thoughts on it! |