Bowers & Wilkins announces dramatically improved new M1 compact monitor and PV1D subwoofer to create powerful Mini Theater systems

Bowers & Wilkins’ M1, the heart of the company’s Mini Theater packages, has been one of the major success stories in the world of home audio. Since launching six years ago, M1 has garnered many glowing reviews, won numerous awards and achieved top selling status around the world. But Bowers & Wilkins always looks for ways to improve its products and with the all new M1 ultra compact loudspeaker, performance is taken to a whole new level.

The M-1 loudspeaker can be a key component in 5.1 packages, acting as it does as all five speakers in a surround set up – a cleverly designed table-top stand lets the center speaker sit horizontally. But it’s also a great stereo solution, as one of the most dramatic upgrades from the out-going M-1 is this speaker’s full range performance: it now offers a stereo performance comparable to larger bookshelf speakers.

In order to achieve these improvements the M-1 has been completely redesigned internally, although only subtle styling differences are visible externally. It features all new drive units, including an in-house designed tweeter, and a bass/mid-range driver that uses the new Anti-Resonance Plug first seen on the high-end PM1 loudspeaker.

As well as these acoustic improvements, the mechanics of the M-1 have been updated, with improved speaker cable terminations and a more robust connection to the stands – a table-top stand and wall bracket are supplied in the box, while, a floor stand is available as an optional extra.

The PV1D, easily the most successful Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer globally, gets a dramatic update. While it retains its acoustically principled “pressure vessel” structurally inert shape with opposed balanced drivers cancelling cabinet resonance, the PV1D now moves to the digital platform developed for the flagship Bowers & Wilkins DB1 subwoofer and includes a dynamic EQ circuit.  This provides increased flexibility and performance enhancements that, coupled with new drive units and amplification, lead to dramatically improved output.  In fact, the PV1D has a +/-3db specification of a truly impressive 7.5Hz! This very low cut off gives the PV1D a much greater ability to display a sense of space and scale that is relevant for both movie effects and music. In spite of its still compact dimensions and elegant appearance, it is comparable to far larger subwoofers from an acoustic standpoint.  .

A new OLED display and touch button array provide easy access to a number of pre-sets and tuning options, while a custom version of the SubApp^™ PC software provides more advanced set-up options.

The third element in the Mini Theatre series is the ASW608 subwoofer. While this model remains the same acoustically, it is now available in the same stunning Matte White finish as the M-1 loudspeakers.

Two possible 5.1 system configurations of the upgraded Mini Theater series are the MT-60D and MT-50.  These systems provide users with an immersive experience, but in relatively compact, discreet packages that fit easily into people’s lifestyles.  Both systems offer excellent performance, but the MT-60D sets new standards for what can be expected from a compact, stylish speaker package. This jump in quality is a result of partnering an up-graded M-1 loudspeaker, with the new PV1D, a dramatically improved version of the highly acclaimed opposed-drive-unit subwoofer. The MT-50, a more affordable system option, sees the new M-1s partnered with the ASW608 subwoofer.

Mini Theater is available early 2012 and costs:

M-1 – $250/ea.

PV1D – $1,700

ASW608 – $500

M-1 floor stand – $150/ea.

MT-50 – $1,750

MT-60D – $2,950

For additional information visit: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/Theatre_Solutions/Mini_Theatre/overview.html

Watch Cellars presents display in King Jewelers Salon, Aventura, FL, USA

Brazilian company CTR, manufacturer of the Watch Cellars, announced that its first US display of custom-made watch winders and organizers is now at the King Jewelers salon, located in Aventura, Florida.

“We believe that this is a great opportunity for our exclusive clients and all watch collectors to actually see and experience this unique storage solution for their timepieces,” said Jonathan King of King Jewelers.

CTR’s Watch Cellars are custom cabinets and custom built safe designed to nicely display and properly store large collections of wrist watches, pocket watches and small table clocks. They offer an elegant, practical and organized solution to customers with large collections of fine timepieces.

“We are proud to have King Jewelers as our first partner to showcase a display in their upscale store,” said Carlos Tiburcio Ramos, president of CTR. “We are confident this will be a first step in a long-term relationship”.

The custom-made construction philosophy allows for a comprehensive variety of capacities, sizes and finishes, according to the customer’s needs, preferences and specific requirements. All fine watches are easily accessible for their owner to decide which one to pick up at just a glance.

The Watch Cellars feature state-of-the-art American-made ORBITA® watch winder modules, keeping mechanical (automatic or hand wound) wrist or pocket watches fully wound and working at their peak expected performance. Also, the delicate mechanisms of the watches will remain adequately lubricated; extending the timepieces’ useful life and less stress will be applied to time-setting components, like the watches’ crown and related mechanisms.

The Watch Cellars are precisely and beautifully custom made with exquisite woods by specialized craftsmen, lined with high quality natural leather, and installed at the customer’s premises. They can be equipped with advanced options, like electronic locks, secret lift systems and internal lightning with the use of LEDs (which feature a bright white light, with low operating temperature and reduced power consumption). The custom built safes are designed to house special treasures such as watches, jewelry, pens or even in some cases rare hand-made hunting rifles. They can be fitted with ORBITA® watch winders and specially designed for any objects.

Now Available: G–Wagon Aerodynamic Kit made by ASMA

Complete Body Kit comes with:

1.Bonnet

2. Front Bumper with 2 set LEDs

3. 4pcs. Fender Extensions ,

4. Rear Spoiler lip,

5. Rear roof spoiler

Parts ready to Ship from ASMA Germany

JL Audio introduces new JX Series amplifier

The JL Audio JX amplifiers have risen to the top of the company’s sales charts by delivering JL Audio’s no-nonsense, pure performance philosophy at very affordable price points.

Manville Smith, JL Audio’s V.P. of Marketing says, “The latest member of the JX lineup is a new Class D, 500 Watt monoblock, replacing the best-selling JX500/1. By shifting this model from traditional Class A/B technology to the more efficient Class D design, we were able to significantly reduce the size of the amplifier, while still delivering outstanding power and fidelity.”

JX500/1D

Continuous Power: RMS method, 14.4V @ <1% THD+N
300W @ 4 ohms

400W @ 3 ohms

500W @ 2 ohms

Frequency Response: 10-150 Hz (+0, – 1 dB) Damping Factor: >1000 @ 4 ohms

Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.09 x 7.68 x 7.83 in (53 x 195 x 199 mm)

Availability:  First Quarter 2012

Suggested Retail Price:  USD $329.95/each

Modern Cars, Classic Wheels

HRE Performance Wheels recently introduced its new Vintage Series line. This line of wheels is a modern example of throwback designs. The classically styled wheels are hand built just as they were almost thirty years ago. The auto industry could use a little old school mixed in with its new school, and this wheel line molds these two opposites together seamlessly, keeping the traditional wheel designs alive through new school flair.

501 

505 

454

 

New York Audio & AV Show April 2012

New York City will be THE place to be this spring, when the New York Audio & AV Show comes to town April 13–15, 2012.  The event will take place at the luxurious and elegant Waldorf=Astoria hotel in Midtown Manhattan, past site of several highly regarded hi-fi shows.

Open to the public, the two-and-a-half-day event will be organized by two show-management power houses known for producing high-end home entertainment and electronics shows around the globe: the UK- based Chester Group Exhibitions with shows in England, Sweden and Sydney, Australia; and Richard Beers, owner of T.H.E. Show Las Vegas and T.H.E. Home Entertainment Show in Newport Beach, California.

“Based on our research, New York City has been the location of several highly successful hi-fi shows in the past sponsored by Stereophile magazine and we intend to bring back the excitement and enthusiasm for the first time in many years. We have already sold half of our exhibit space, and expect to sell out in a few more weeks,” says Roy Bird, Chairman of the Chester Group.  Click here for an up-to-date list of exhibitors.

U.S. companies interested to learn more about exhibiting at the New York Audio & AV Show can contact Bill Leebens at bill@chestergroup.org or (941) 807-7880.

Media sponsors of the Show are Stereophile and The Absolute Sound magazines as well as newly announced hi-fi+ magazine from the UK and TONEAudio. The New York Audio & A/V Show will provide audio and videophiles of all levels a great opportunity to learn about the latest technological innovations in the A/V industry, and a chance to talk one-on-one with the makers of some of the world’s finest high-end audio and video components.

Waldorf=Astoria

301 Park Avenue

New York, NY

 

Dates:  April 13–15, 2012

Friday, April 13, 2012

3:00—8:00 p.m.

Tickets:  $17 (e-ticket) & $22

Saturday, April 14, 2012

10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

Tickets: $22 (e-ticket) & $28

Sunday, April 15, 2012

10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Tickets;  $22 (e-ticket) & $28

Weekend tickets: Valid 3 days

$39 (e-ticket) & $49

Ticket prices quoted above are inclusive of all applicable sales taxes.

e-tickets can be downloaded online at http://www.chestergroup.org/

MECUM REACHING $60 MILLION IN KISSIMMEE

In the wake of the 2012 Mecum Kissimmee auction, the list of shattered records continues to grow. The Florida auction kicked off Mecum’s 25^th year and a staggering 2,158 vehicles crossed the block, the most in company history. The six-day event, held at Osceola Heritage Park on January 24-29, 2012, achieved a 30% increase in attendance over last year. Hammer price sales for the week-long auction totaled $55,397,462, and factoring in Buyer’s premium, total gross sales are reaching close to $60,000,000 as Bid Goes On sales continue to rise. Mecum sold 1,548 vehicles with an amazing 73% sell-through rate. The auction was broadcast live on Velocity for 32 hours allowing enthusiasts to take in all the action from the comforts of home.

Mecum Auctions president Dana Mecum said, “Kissimmee kicked off the 2012 auction season and Mecum’s 25^th year in business, and I can’t think of a better way to begin celebrating our Silver Anniversary than with a record-breaking auction. Company records were smashed in nearly every category including number of vehicles offered, vehicles sold, total sales, attendance, and number of registered bidders.”

Top Ten sellers at the auction covered a wide swath in enthusiasts dream sheets. With nearly 300 Corvettes offered during the Kissimmee auction, quite a few were in the Top Ten, but sitting on top of the list is a 1963 Shelby Cobra Dragon Snake (Lot S220), which sold for $850,000. The remaining nine vehicles were (all sales reflect hammer prices):

2.  1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible (Lot F199) at $610,000
3.  1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe (Lot S103) at $270,000
4.  1963 Chevrolet Corvette RestoMod (Lot S226) at $255,000
5.  1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot T188) at $227,500
6.  1930 Packard 745 Waterhouse (Lot S83) at $225,000
7.  1941 Packard Darrin 180 Convertible Victoria (Lot S122) at $220,000
8.  1970 Plymouth Superbird (Lot K56) at $200,000
9.  1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible (Lot S163) at $200,000
10. 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Bird (Lot S129) at $200,000Dana Mecum observed, “We have a heavyweight title bout going on within our own organization for the title of World’s Largest Collector Car Auction. With the great success from this auction, Kissimmee 2012 has captured the crown from Indy 2011 as the World’s Largest. Stay tuned for ‘Indy in May’ as it works to regain the crown as the World’s Largest.”

Complete auction results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at http://www.mecum.com/ Logged in members can see car-by-car sales information by visiting the results page. The next Mecum Auction will be held in Kansas City, MO March 29-31 at the Kansas City Convention Center inside Bartle Hall, followed by the newest addition to the schedule, Houston April 13-14, 2012 at The Reliant Center. To consign or pre-register to bid for one of Mecum Auction’s upcoming events, visit http://www.mecum.com/ or call 262.275.5050.

Am-Mar Innovations, Inc. introduces The Tank Towel

It is a unique kit designed to protect surrounding areas from splash-back and perpetual dripping when refueling vehicles of all kinds. “Splash-back” is fuel splatter as a result of the force of the nozzle shutting off when the tank is full. The caustic fuel that contact’s painted surfaces damages the clear coat over the paint, and eventually the paint, when wiped off. Gradually the finish will dull and yellow. It also has a green factor with regards to water craft, by avoiding spilling fuel into our waters. The kit consists of a soft, absorbent, cut pile, terry cloth towel with an embroidered hole, a fuel extrusion, and a carry bag.

The president of Am-mar Innovations, being a vehicle enthusiast, and having experienced for years, splash-back and dripping on his vehicles when refueling, despite his best efforts, conceived of a towel with a hole for which to pour through. To achieve optimum results, he developed and included a fuel extrusion which fits most fuel tank openings. It holds the towel in place while providing an extended opening for ease of filling, the reduction or elimination of splash-back, and a more full topping off of the tank without overflowing. The towel collects any excess splash and dripping that occurs when removing the nozzle. The towel and extrusion store neatly away in the nylon or velvet carry bag provided.

How it works. Insert the small end of the extrusion or funnel into the hole in the towel, then into the container opening. The extrusion will fit snug in the towel hole so there is no need to remove it with each use. Spread the towel over the surrounding area, or wrap the towel around the nozzle or funnel for even better protection. Hold in place with one hand to avoid movement when filling. Pump or pour the liquid through the extrusion or funnel. When finished, return towel and extrusion to carry bag provided. It is recommended to then seal towel in zip lock bag to avoid fumes in closed spaces. (Zip Bag Not Included)

The Tank Towel can be used when transferring fluids of any liquid dependent machinery: Automobiles, Motorcycles, Trucks, Marine Craft, Tractors, Engine Compartments, ATV’s, Scooters, Lawn Equipment, and Industrial & Commercial Equipment & Machinery. If the fuel extrusion is too large for the opening, one can merely replace it with an appropriate sized funnel of their own. Visit http://www.thetanktowel.com/ for more information or to order The Tank Towel!

Russo and Steele Smash 5 World Records at Scottsdale

With enough intensity and excitement to turn non-collectors into enthusiasts, the atmosphere at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale 2012 auction block was downright palpable. An overflowing auction block, one-of-a-kind marvels and a record number of car-loving bidders led Russo and Steele to break 5 world records. From European sports to American muscle and hot rods to customs, this year’s auction event held an impressing line up of cars to suit the needs of any collector.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles five world record breaking sales are:

1968 Chevrolet L-88 Corvette Roadster

It has all the right equipment with the correct paperwork to verify its legitimacy. One of only 20 Roadsters produced in 1968 featuring the earth shaking, tire shredding, and asphalt burning L88! Once again fueling the American muscle car market Russo and Steelesold this L-88 sold a record $687.500; obliterating the old record by over $100,000

 

1967 Ferrari 330GTC

The Ferrari 330 GTC model has become highly coveted by enthusiasts for its ease of maintenance, driving proficiency and manners. This particular model has undergone a Platinum level, Concours-quality rotisserie restoration and is a fine example of one of the most technologically advanced – and civilized Grand Touring cars of the time.

Sold: $429,000.00

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Featured as a “Camaro for the street” in a 1967 issue of Hot Rod magazine, the Cherokee served Pace Car duties at Road America Can-Am under the helm of Sir Stirling Moss. This is a historic Camaro that has been well preserved and properly documented. It has a list of prominent owners and is offered as a true factory Hot-Rod.

Sold: $357,500.00

Sold: $159,500.00

 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Convertible sold for $132,000

This highly documented rare muscle car comes with original purchase order, vehicle invoice, broadcast card (documented letter from Helen Jones Earley in October of 1984), a copy of all three titles, letter from original owner, original owner’s manual and most important, original window sticker.

Sold: $132,000.00

Mercedes-Benz 230 A

Mercedes-Benz created three models of the 230 and designated each model by code letters. The automobile offered here is a beautiful example of the Cabriolet A and is a racy and relatively expensive sports model that is definitely a junior 540 K in appearance.

Russo and Steele’s 12th annual auction even in Scottsdale reports a preliminary total sales number of over @20.3 million with a sales rate of 71% with significant post-sales still pending. The top ten sales of Russo and Steele’s 2012 Scottsdale auction were:

1. 1968 Chevrolet L-88 Corvette Roadster Sold: $687,500.00

2. 1965 Shelby GT 350 Sold: $467,500.00

3. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette ‘Noland Adams’ Sold: $467,500.00

4. 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Sold: $429,000.00

5. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Sold: $357,500.00

6. 1969 Ford Boss 429 Sold: $253,000.00

7. 1972 Ferrari Dino GTS Sold: $200,200.00

8. 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE Sold: $198,000.00

9. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Sold: $165,000.00

10. 1969 Ford Mustang ‘Jack Morris’ Custom Sold: $161,000.00

Griot’s Garages All New OBD II Memory Saver

If you need to disconnect your battery, save all your car’s settings with this OBD II Memory Saver Cable!

With today’s sophisticated automobile electronics, disconnecting your battery can really cost you! A power interruption may activate the anti-theft system in your radio, requiring a trip to the dealer for a costly reset. You may also lose settings for memory seats and mirrors, radio settings, GPS favorites and other preset driving preferences. What a pain! Connect the 6′ long OBD II Memory Saver Adapter Cable to your OBD II port and our 12 volt jumpstart device to maintain current and prevent data loss. Ignition key position doesn’t matter because the OBD II connection goes directly to your car’s electric circuit.

Order online at www.griotsgarage.com or to speak directly with a Customer Service Associate call toll free 1-800-345-5789