KUDOS IN OZ!
Kudos Audio is a British company that has been flying under the radar since 2006, when it released its original Cardea models. It was founded by Derek Gilligan, one of the founders of Neat Acoustics. Kudos Audio speakers, which are entirely designed and built in Great Britain, are now available in Australia. They are being imported and distributed by well-known high-end audio specialist Audio Magic.
Until fairly recently, the Cardea models have been continuing in the range with very few modifications, but the latest 2021-22 versions, although they look similar to the originals, are according to Gilligan “totally different” with all of the changes exemplified in the Cardea Super 10A and Super20A models.
“The new Super Cardea Super 10A and 20A models deliver significant improvements over their more classic siblings and are Active Ready,” said Aleksandar Maksimovic of Audio Magic. “This means they are configured to allow simple by-passing of the internal crossover for active operation with leading electronics including Linn Exakt, Devialet Expert and Naim SNAXO crossovers. Active operation opens up a wider upgrade path and enables a variety of performance and personalisation-enhancing capabilities.”
Both models feature improved crossover components and both networks are first-order electrical for the low frequencies utilising zero-distortion low-resistance Mundorf air-core inductors. High frequency filtering is via a second-order network using a high-end 400V ICW CMR capacitor, a small Mundorf air-core inductor and a Mundorf Supreme resistor.
Both loudspeakers use a custom 180mm mid-bass unit with a die-cast chassis made expressly for Kudos Audio by SEAS. It has a coated paper cone and either a 39mm voice coil (Super 10A) or a 26mm voice coil (Super 20A). Both drivers include a copper ring for reduced distortion and increased linearity and a metal phase plug to aid directivity and increase heat dissipation. The tweeter on both models is a customised version of the famous SEAS Crescendo K2 29mm fabric dome. Both models are available in Black Oak, Natural Oak, Satin White, and Walnut.
For more information, contact Audio Magic on (03) 9489 5122 or at www.audiomagic.com.au
Q ACOUSTICS M20 WIRELESS
Q Acoustics has released its M20 wireless music system, comprised of a pair of powered two-way bass reflex loudspeakers and containing a 24bit/192kHz DAC to which you can hardwire to or stream to via aptX HD Bluetooth.
The power of the internal amplifiers is rated at 20-watts into 4Ω (0.2% THD) and you can access the DAC via an optical (Toslink) or USB input. The Toslink and USB inputs are capable of handling digital data up to 24-bit/192kHz. The Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD wireless input accepts up to 24-bit/48kHz data from any compatible device.
Speaker complement is a 22mm tweeter that is decoupled from the cabinet and a 125mm bass/midrange driver. The bass reflex port is rear-firing. It’s possible to designate one speaker as either the left or right channel, plus there’s DSP circuitry onboard
