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The amplifier is made by a Japanese audio equipment manufacturer that usually sells do-it-yourself kits. The EK Amp, however, comes as this from the factory. It has a low 10 x 10 watt output, tone control stage, and the usual input and output jacks. But most importantly, it looks so pretty I would like to take it out for dinner. [Case Real via Dezeen]

Using an old bin of Lego bricks that hadn’t been touched in 15 years, Dave Chatterson constructed this Lego amplifier—a replica of a Fender Princeton Reverb amp—in under a week.

The replica amp is not only fitted with realistic looking knobs, a grille, handle, speaker, switches, power cords and foot switches, but also has similar internal wiring to match. But because all of this was constructed using Lego parts, the amplifier doesn’t actually work. That’s ok though—since it’s not being held together using glue or any other sort of adhesives, if someone were to actually rock out on this amp, it’d fall to pieces. [Fender via CrunchGear]

But I think we’re clear on the sound quality front. The HifiMAN HM-801 is a digital audio player, yes, but its modular design allows for a portable amp to be popped right inside.

The lower half of the player is taken by a removable Burr-Brown amplifier, but can be easily removed and replaced with another amp, assuming the new amp fits. It’s a pretty barebones PMP otherwise, though—we’re talking no video support, not even any internal memory (supply your own with SDHC cards). It does support FLAC and WMA lossless, because really, what’s the point otherwise, but this is one PMP aimed squarely at the audiophile market, especially with a price of $US700 (or $US600 if purchased before its release in June). An included, modular amp is a very cool idea, and certainly a lot of today’s PMPs could benefit from the boost it would provide, we just wish it had a little more mass-market appeal. [Head-Fi via Engadget]

Denon has refreshed their complete line of receivers, meaning that you can read the press release below to discern the precise discrepancies between the 9 new/updated models. What I find notable is what’s become standard in the line: USB iPod connectivity, analog-to-HDMI conversion, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding (which adds front height channels). Also, their base AVR-590 ($US350, pictured here) includes a respectable 3 HDMI inputs. Look for the models to roll out from now into the summer.

DENON DEBUTS NINE NEW HIGH-VALUE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE A/V RECEIVERS

— Lineup Offer New A/V Enhancements and Convenience Features and More Advanced Technologies at Lower Price Points; Ideal Home Entertainment Solutions for Every Consumer Need and Budget—

Mahwah, NJ, May 11, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced its line of advanced audio/video receivers with nine new offerings for 2009/2010, including three that feature industry-leading networking and Web access capabilities. New Denon receivers include the following, with expected availability dates in parenthesis: AVR-4310CI (SRP: $1,999, May ‘09), AVR-3310CI (SRP: $1,499, June ‘09), AVR-2310CI (SRP: $849, June ‘09), AVR-1910 (SRP: $549, May ‘09) and AVR-1610 (SRP: $379, May ‘09), as well as four new receivers in Denon’s Retail Home Theatre Series line, the AVR-990 (SRP: $1,499, July ‘09), AVR-890 (SRP: $799, June ‘09), AVR-790 (SRP: $499, June ‘09) and AVR-590 (SRP: $349, June ‘09). The initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in the three models noted above emphasise the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared specifically toward professional custom integrators.

Noted Joe Stinziano, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics: “Today’s home entertainment universe offers people more exciting choices than ever before, from ultra-sophisticated whole-home networked systems to basic living-room home theatre and everything in between. In whatever choice a consumer makes, the audio/video receiver is an indispensable system component. After carefully considering the demands of all our customers, including both custom integrators and consumers, Denon has engineered a line of new receivers that provides users with simple solutions for all their needs, including quick and easy setup to ensure maximum performance from all source components, as well as a host of ‘common sense’ lifestyle features that add to a user’s overall entertainment experience.”

Ideal Choices for Every Home Entertainment Need and Budget

With its new receiver line, Denon provides consumers with the broadest possible range of choices in advanced, easy-to-use home entertainment solutions for every need and budget. Notably, the line features the introduction of several industry-leading performance features, including the world’s first Audyssey DSX with front height or expanded width channels in the receiver category (AVR-4310CI) and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding in all models. By incorporating these technologies, the listener’s surround experience is dramatically improved, adding a vertical component to the horizontal soundfield of both 5.1- or 7.1-channel systems. The enhanced spatial audio effect provides a new dimension of presence and depth while maintaining the integrity of the source mix and ensuring audio is always appropriate to the source material. Other advanced features now included in all Denon receivers are HDMI 1.3a Repeater Inputs with Deep Colour, xv-Color and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby and dts.

The new receivers are also engineered throughout to provide consumers with all the features and capabilities they need to enjoy maximum compatibility with today’s home entertainment source components. For example, iPod connectivity is featured in models throughout the line, including direct digital audio connection via USB port in the AVR-4310CI.

Total User Convenience, From Setup to Everyday Enjoyment!

From the first day out of the box through everyday use as the “nerve center” of a total home entertainment system, Denon’s new receivers are designed for total user convenience and enjoyment. All models feature a newly designed and refreshingly easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). They also all feature simple one-cable HDMI connections and come with new easy-to-understand “Getting Started” guides that outline the steps of system setup, including networking setup where applicable. Notably, the new models all feature on-screen display (OSD) or GUI overlay via the HDMI connection – eliminating the frustrating necessity of additional cable switching or programming interruptions when making adjustments, such as volume, while watching HD content. Further enhancing ease-of-use, all models feature Source/Quick Select Power On and Quick Select options on the remote control.

Leading-edge lifestyle features throughout the line that further enhance user convenience and enjoyment include: Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume leveling technology that frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume; Audyssey Dynamic EQ, a loudness correction technology; and Audyssey MultEQ, the in-room acoustic measurement and correction system.

Advanced Networking and Connectivity Options

Denon receivers continue to set the pace for today’s revolution in home entertainment networking, with a host of exciting networking and Web access capabilities. For instance, the AVR-4310CI, AVR-3310CI and AVR-990 allow users to stream audio and photos directly from their PCs, choose from over 7,500 Internet radio stations, and connect to Rhapsody and Napster music services (subscription required). Recognising the demand for receivers capable of delivering audio and video to multiple zones within the home, Denon’s new AVR-4310CI and AVR-3310CI offer three-zone, three-source capability and all other new models feature dual-zone, dual-source capability.

As always, connectivity convenience and efficiency are a top priority in Denon’s receivers, bringing consumers and professional custom integrators ideal “common sense” solutions for creating state-of-the-art multi-zone systems. Among the custom-integration features included in all Denon “CI” models are a RS-232 for 3rd Party control and assignable high current DC trigger outputs. Denon is an industry integration partner with Crestron, AMX, Universal Remote Control and RTI, underscoring its dedication to the custom integrator (CI) market and helping ensure that its products can be easily integrated into any type of CI-designed system.

AVR-4310CI: Leading-Edge Features and Capabilities

Leading off Denon’s new receiver line is the 7.1-channel AVR-4310CI, engineered with a full complement of leading-edge features and capabilities. It features six HDMI inputs and two parallel HDMI outputs, including a single front-panel HDMI input for added convenience. The highest resolution audio decoders are provided, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for the ultimate in audio fidelity. Analogue and digital video sources are upconverted via Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing to HD quality (up to 1080p/24/60). In addition to XM and Sirius satellite radio options, the AVR-4310CI and AVR-3310CI both feature built-in HD Radio for dramatically improved fidelity. The AVR-4310CI also incorporates the advanced DENON Link 4th, featuring HDMI Clock Control – when using the HDMI interface for A/V output for Blu-ray playback in combination with Denon Link, HDMI Clock Control gives the Master Clock and Jitter reduction to be handled by the connected Denon A/V Receiver/Processor. DENON Link 4th retains all the features from the 3rd edition, including a fully balanced digital connection to handle the transmission and reduction of Jitter of SACD, DVD-Audio, and PCM signals as will as Dolby Digital and dts surround tracks. Beginning in June, owners of Denon’s flagship AVR-5308CI receiver and AVP-A1HDCI Ultra-Reference 12-Channel A/V Home Theater/MultiMedia Preamplifier will be able to receive a free firmware upgrade to add DENON Link 4th.

New Retail Home Theatre Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance

With their elegantly styled cosmetic design and sophisticated features, the four new 7.1-channel receivers in Denon’s Retail Home Theatre Series line (AVR-990, AVR-890, AVR-790 and AVR-590) offer many of the same high-quality features and capabilities that distinguish Denon receivers in the marketplace, incl
uding many of those found in the company’s CI models. All models, for instance, feature simple one-cable HDMI connections, compatibility with HDMI 1.3a Repeating and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding providing for front height channels. The AVR-890 and AVR-990 both feature Denon’s newly designed GUI with overlay via the HDMI connection, and the AVR-590 and AVR-790 both feature Denon’s new enhanced icon-based OSD. Models AVR-990, AVR-890 and AVR-790 are Sirius Satellite Radio Ready (via Mini-DIN Connector), and the advanced networking Model AVR-990 adds built-in HD Radio as well as an RJ-45 Ethernet Port for third-party controllers, Mac/PC audio streaming, a Web browser function and more. All models feature 10-bit video processing, analog-to-HDMI video conversion, 24-bit/192-kHz Analogue Devices DACs, and all include Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey MultEQ.

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the new Retail Home Theatre Series models allow for stunning delivery of today’s most advanced high-definition audio programming. Model AVR-990 features Anchor Bay Technologies ABT-2010 advanced video deinterlacing and upscaling, converting SD sources to HD. And thanks to the dedicated Denon iPod dock accessory control port on all models, users may connect and control their iPod/iPod Touch or iPhone using one of Denon’s available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information.

Denon has increased the number of HDMI inputs in its Retail Home Theatre Series receivers (3 in the AVR-590, 4 in the AVR-790, and 5 in the AVR-890 and AVR-990), and now includes dual source and zone capabilities on all models with the exception of the AVR-590.

About Denon Electronics

Denon is a world leader in the manufacture of the highest quality home theatre, audio and software products. Denon is recognised internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and groundbreaking commercialization of PCM digital audio. Denon Electronics is owned by D&M Holdings Inc.

About D&M Holdings Inc.

D&M Holdings Inc. is a global operating company providing worldwide management and distribution platforms for premium consumer, automotive, commercial and professional audio and video businesses including Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, Escient, Calrec Audio, Denon DJ, Allen & Heath, D&M Professional and D&M Premium Sound Solutions. Our technologies improve the quality of any audio and visual experience. All product and brand names with a trademark symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of D&M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries. For more information visit www.dm-holdings.com.

For its 60th anniversary yesterday, McIntosh Labs released the new MC75 tube amplifier (modeled after the original 1961 version) and the C22 preamplifier (modeled from the original 1962 version). The distinctly retro look of both devices remain true to the original designs, while many internal circuit enhancements improve reliability of the equipment to meet modern specifications. The backlit glass and brushed anodized aluminium definitely preserves the iconic character of audio equipment from generations past, and now I have reoccurring flashbacks of dad in his bell bottoms fiddling with his old high-end stereo system trying to get Creedence Clearwater Revival to play at full blast.

At a snub to the current generation music lovers, there’s nary an iPod dock nor HDMI input in sight. The most modern upgrade the McIntosh dudes added was a remote control for the preamp. And in true snobby audiophile style, only 120 of these sonic treasures will be released in the U.S. [McIntosh]

Their new RX-Z7 draws inspiration from the flagship Z11, from its design to its feature set. There are five Version 1.3 HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs (for those of you with both a TV and a projector), and it will decode all those fancy new lossless audio codecs as well.

Previous Yamaha receiver users will be enamoured by the new GUI menu for customising settings on your screen, while the ethernet port means that you can now control your receiver over your home network on PDA devices or your iPhone.

There are countless, audio enhancement settings and multi-room settings, which you will probably never explore unless you’re one of those people we were talking about before. It’s also a green little receiver (or as green as receivers can be), consuming just 0.1 watts of energy when in standby.

It’ll hit shelves in November for an RRP of $3,999, which includes Yamaha’s YDS-11 iPod dock.

[YamahaMusic]

You can connect anything you want–MP3 players, guitars, bass guitar, your tongue–then plug it into any regular electrical outlet, and start rocking with glorious tin-can sound. [Etsy via 7Gadgets]

Beyond the headphone jacks, there’s also a laundry list of traditional amp settings to tweak, including effects like Phase, Wah-Wah, Reverb, and Delay. If you have an MP3 track you’d like to accompany, you can plug your player into the iGTR, too. Just stock up on batteries, because the US$80 amp uses AAA. [Interactive iGTR Demo and Product Page via Technabob]