Gold-plated Ikarus
Sydney Morning Herald
Sunday August 17, 1997
METAXAS Audio Systems' Ikarus 10 is claimed to be the world's first customisable production integrated amplifier.
Buyers can replace its standard resin shell with a solid wood cabinet, in any timber that is available, or with faux tortoiseshell, solid steel or even solid gold plate. The resin front panel is optionally available in white gold, with your choice of diamond or sapphire encrusting.
Buyers are also able to customise the Ikarus 10's internal circuitry. The standard fibreglass circuit board can be replaced with a teflon type, and every component, from the smallest resistor to the largest electrolytic capacitor, can be specified from a range of options. More information from (03) 5429 5988 or metaxas@netcon.net.au.
Clear viewing
TEAC Australia celebrated its 20th anniversary by announcing a 10-year warranty on its range of television sets.
Teac director, Frank Garonzi, says the Total Care warranty plan guarantees owners trouble-free viewing for up to 10 years.
The new warranty plan is being supervised by a team specifically set up to expedite consumer inquiries and warranty repair requests. More information from Teac (02) 9684 2566.
Stylish ghetto
STYLE isn't a word one normally associates with portable CD/radio/cassette players, which are better-known in many circles as 'ghetto-blasters'.
Panasonic's RX-ED77 is the exception. It has an unusually sculpted and stylish chassis that hides two completely independent speaker enclosures, and a motorised Open Top panel that hinges upwards to reveal a large LCD display and the majority of the unit's function keys.
The use of separate cabinets improves sound quality and maximises the benefit of the two built in electronic enhancement circuits - XBS (Extra Bass System) and 3-Dimensional sound.
The CD section of the RX-ED77 uses a MASH single-bit converter and can be linked to the cassette recorder to allow fully automated dubbing from CD to tape. Details from Panasonic, tel 132 600.
Duntech's Opal
Adelaide-based loudspeaker manufacturer Duntech is the company that first put the world spotlight on Australian-made speakers, making it easier for companies like Sonique, Krix, and Axis to sell their products overseas.
Duntech's latest release is the Opal. This two-way, three-driver design uses hexagonal aluminium voice-coils for high power handling.
Further details from Duntech on (08) 8347 2666.
Care for a Danish?
TIRED of boring old black speaker grilles? Jamo, which is Europe's largest manufacturer of loudspeakers, recently commissioned a Danish artist to create a colourful contemporary piece of art that can be screen-printed onto the fabric of a loudspeaker grille.
The result is the Jamo Deco-Art two-way loudspeaker, using a 133mm diameter woofer and a 25mm dome tweeter.
With cabinets that are only 90mm deep, the Deco-Arts are designed to be wall-mounted, but are supplied with small stands should this not be suitable.
For a limited time, every pair of speakers will be supplied with a limited edition print of the artwork used to decorate the grille-cloth.
The speaker frame is available in either black or white. The speakers sell for $899 a pair.
Details are available from Scan Audio tel 1800 700 708.
© 1997 Sydney Morning Herald