ESTELON XB DIAMOND MKII
The Mk II models of German manufacturer Estalon’s high-end X Diamond Series loudspeakers are now available in Australia.
To look at the X Diamond Mk II you’d see no difference between it and its predecessor, because externally, it’s the same gorgeously sculpted exterior, so graceful one would hesitate to call it an ‘enclosure’. Internally, however, it has a new ultra-hard diamond inverted dome tweeter and a new crossover network with improved components for wider dynamic range and transparency and new cabling (Kubala-Sosna Pure Copper) to connect that network with the drivers and the rear terminals.
The bass driver of the X Diamond Mk II is a 280mm ceramic sandwich coned transducer made by Accuton. The midrange driver, which is also made by Accuton, has a pure ceramic cone that’s 173mm in diameter. The cabinet, which is available in a wide range of finishes, including silver, is a marble-based composite that is the major contributor to the speaker’s overall weight of 86 kilograms.
Estelon rates the new X Diamond Mk II with a frequency range of 22Hz to 60kHz and a sensitivity of 88dBSPL (2.83V/1m). The nominal impedance is 6Ω with a minimum impedance of 3.5Ω (at 50Hz). The speakers sell for around $100,000 per pair, depending on the selected finish.
The new XB Diamond Mk II is very similar visually and acoustically to the X Diamond Mk II, but is designed for smaller listening spaces. It has the same diamond tweeter but matches it with a smaller midrange driver (158mm) and a smaller bass driver (220mm). All drivers are made by German driver specialist Accuton. As with the XB Diamond Mk II, the Mk II version of the X Diamond also has a new crossover with upgraded components, and new internal wiring. Estelon states the same frequency response for the XB Diamond as for the X Diamond, as well as the same impedance, but rates the sensitivity lower, at 87dBSPL (2.83V/1m). The recommended retail price is around $75,000 per pair (RRP), depending on selected finish.
For more information, contact Advance Audio Australia on (02) 9561 0799 or at www.advanceaudio.com.au
NODE AND POWERNODE UPDATED
Canadian manufacturer Bluesound has released a new generation of its best-selling Node Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Music Streamer and Powernode Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier. Both models have been upgraded with new digital-to-analogue converters, more powerful DSP processors, and have touch panel controls with presets and proximity sensors. The power output of the Powernode’s onboard stereo amplifier has been increased to 80-watts per channel, both channels driven into 8Ω.
The Bluesound Node and Powernode unlock the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to modernise any existing system by allowing you to stream music from your own digital music library, from your own computer or portable device or from the Internet. The Node is designed to be added to an
