Blog
Filed under: News
I can’t believe it’s been so many months since our last news posting. So much has happened in this time, however it has been genuinely difficult to find time to put finger to keyboard.
Since the launch of the new Krix web site back in May 2007, the web traffic has increased from 2,000 visits per month pre-launch to averaging 25,000 visits per month in the ‘07/’08 fiscal year. So on behalf of everyone at Krix I would like to thank all of our retailers and customers for their massive support.
There are 4 recent reviews listed in their entirety within the reviews category, covering the new on-wall sensations, the Tryptix as well as the Equinox mk2. Please take a moment to have a quick read, and of course if you already own a pair of these, or any other Krix products, we would be happy to hear your thoughts and post these against the appropriate product in the form of an owner review. The Tryptix and Phoenix were also recently Best Buy Award Winners with Audio & Video Lifestyle Magazine.
The latest Krix release, the Tropix outdoor speakers have been available now for a few months and selling quite well. It’s probably fair to say that the cooler (I mean freezing) weather is keeping most of us indoors (unless you live in Darwin!) but that’s no excuse not to start planning for those Summer BBQ’s. So grab a pair of Tropix or the smaller Aquatix and get them installed now.
Filed under: Speakers
There was a test done many years ago that was famous in the industry at that time. I think it may have been a Canadian speaker manufacturer that came up with the idea.
It was pretty simple: all they wanted to do was test to see if colour had any effect on the way people felt about a speaker, and if it effected their perception of the sound. The idea was to conduct a listening test using members of the public, but using exactly the same loudspeaker with a different colour grille for each session. The testers were told that the different colours represented different speakers and were asked to record their thoughts on each model. You can probably guess the outcome here. The results were mostly uniform across the range, so people had similar perceptions about the sound of the speaker with a specific grille. For instance (if I remember correctly) when fitted with the red grille most people described the sound as more "lively".
Another issue that will effect your perception of a loudspeakers performance is the loudness of the speaker as tests have proven that people will pick the loudest speaker as having better sound quality. This is a nasty trap when auditioning as it can catch people out. If you simply switch between one speaker and another without adjusting the volume its likely that you will simply choose the more sensitive speaker. The most accurate method to combat this is to take an SPL meter with you and measure both speakers output on a test signal to determine where the volume control should be when listening to each speaker system. Then simply adjust the level appropriately when you listen to each loudspeaker so you know the level is the same. This will allow a much more accurate comparison between speakers. It will also prevent the salesperson from "guiding" you - not that anyone that sells Krix would do that! Which is why we deal with a select dealer network rather than giving the product to just anyone.Until next time, happy listening!
Filed under: General
Wow. I know it’s been a long time between drinks but we have been excessively busy here at the factory with business still booming - thanks to all you Krix lovers. There’s been the travel, lunches and parties… ok, the last two are wishful thinking but there has been a lot of travel. Given that we haven’t put finger to keyboard for some time I thought I would talk about something that is close to my heart and, like everything these days, controversial: the turntable.
Those of you from gen Y will know the turntable from a DJ’s perspective, but long ago this was a viable means of high quality playback, and the source that really started the quest for high quality sound. Those that still worship at the vinyl alter will argue that since the LP record things have gone backwards. First there was the magnetic storage device (audio cassette) then that digital thing (CD), and now we have (gasp) MP3. But is vinyl really dead? A quick search on the ‘net reveals that there are plenty of specialist resellers offering pre-loved vinyl and a truck load of new vinyl available, many titles carefully remastered from the original tapes and cut to high quality, heavy-weight virgin-vinyl (not recycled vinyl, hence less impurities). Sure there is a lot more to vinyl playback than buying a player, a set of decent cables and pressing the “open” button but the rewards are there too and because vinyl playback is now mostly relegated to enthusiasts you can guarantee that the majority of new recordings available have been mastered with sound quality in mind. Why else would we be bothered with phono preamps, matching cartridges to tonearms, isolation tables, cleaning and storing, and adjusting tracking force, VTA, azimuth etc etc. There really is only one reason: it sounds good. It doesn’t hurt that you can often pick up decent vinyl for next to nothing, and mostly all it needs is a proper clean, preferably with a dedicated cleaning machine. If this all sounds too hard then you have the reason why more people aren’t using it, however I suspect enthusiasts will be listening to vinyl long after the CD has been replaced.
Speaking of bargains, I found a handful of gems in one of our local record dealers (Big Star) at Marion. Although I am hesitant to reveal what I purchased I have been encouraged to do so, which means I have to confess to picking up Spandau Ballets “True” album, Big Pig’s “Bonk” although I think I managed to redeem myself shortly after with some Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee “Live in London”, and Jeff Healey’s “Hell to Pay” album. All are in excellent condition, and for the outrageous sum of $4 each. I still can’t believe I admitted to the first two…
If you do wish to dip your toe in analogue waters you may want to have a look at good old eBay and see if you can pick up a bargain second hand ‘table. Allow for a service, new belt and decent cartridge and you should be well on your way to conversion. If you want to get a little more serious there are plenty of quality new turntables on the market from manufacturers like Project, ClearAudio, Thorens, and my personal favourite, Rega. In fact the Rega P3 and its variations have long been considered by many an industry benchmark in performance-for the-dollar decks. The new model, the P3/24, has been so popular that the local importer is out of stock. Naturally there are better models but in my opinion certainly not near the Rega’s price.
Of course if you drive a Bugatti Veyron, and wear a Vacheron Constantin watch then you best have a look at the range of turntables from SME, VPI, and a high-end Australian manufacturer Continuum. If you do happen to buy a Continuum please let me know, but expect me around in the near future (possibly to stay.)
As far as vinyl is concerned you may want to have a look at websites by Acoustic Sounds, Elusive Disc, Vinyl Solution, Quality Records, Audiophile USA, Music Direct or any one of the other vinyl suppliers. Yep, there are plenty more.
As always, thanks for reading, happy listening - and give us your thoughts!
Filed under: News
Well, the end of the year is nearly upon us (I thought I would just remind you in case no one has mentioned it in the last five minutes) which means that the judging has been decided for both the Sound & Image Awards and the Audio & Video Lifestyle Awards. To be eligible for a nomination a product has to be reviewed within the last twelve months. This is stating the obvious but I mention it because we have released quite a few new products recently that are yet to be submitted for review and I know they will be well received. Who am I kidding, I think they are winners so we will see what transpires next year!
Anyhoo, this years award winners are: (you're drum-rolling in your head aren't you?) the Apex 4 for AVL's Loudspeaker of the Year under $2000. The Apex 4 also received a Highly Commended in the Stereo Speaker of the Year under $2500 at the Sound & Image Awards too. To put this into perspective, the winner and other highly commended loudspeakers are priced at $2499 and $1599 respectively! Not bad for a product that can be had for less than half the price of the winner. The little Seismix 1 Mk1 sub was acknowledged with an S&I awards for the Subwoofer of the Year under $1000, and the Epicentrix received the S&I award for Centre Channel of the Year which, to be honest, I was totally expecting. Its rather unique to say the least, and I still haven't heard anything like it for anywhere near the price.
We are so busy at the moment that its taken me nearly a week to write these few lines so I wont rave on so I can post this before the year is out and I have to redo my opening line. There is just one more thing to do before I go as I would like to acknowledge the staff in the factory that have been doing such a brilliant job coping with the enormous work load we have had this year. It doesn't make up for the long hours and weekend work but I would just like to personally thank them all for the dedication and effort. Well done guys.
Filed under: News
Krix is extremely excited about the release of the new Tryptix on-wall loudspeaker. Due to hit the market in late November, this ‘news flash’ will whet the appetite of both our Distributors and end users alike.
Complementing Plasma / LCD and Projection screen installations, the Tryptix offer SACD performance in an on-wall design and can be used for either stereo or as a complete home theatre system. Using dual 4 inch paper cone drivers and a smaller face plated, neodymium magnet version of the Krix Neuphonix super audio tweeter, the Tryptix have a frequency response of 65Hz – 40kHz with amplifier power handling at 100 watts RMS.
The Tryptix have a unique bracket design (patent pending) which allows the speaker to be easily installed flush onto the wall or alternatively on the matching Tryptix floor or table stands. The speaker cabinets are finished in either high gloss black, white or silver, with the floor and table stands also available in these matching high gloss finishes. Whilst the stands can be purchased separately, the speakers themselves come with the wall bracket included as well as a second colour grille option to allow customers to quickly and easily change the look of their system.
The image above show off the Tryptix in their colour choices and various stand options. Krix will also be providing several images in the new brochure of the Tryptix being used in on-wall installations. As information on this new model is limited at present, please direct all inquiries to either Grant Badesso or myself here at the Krix factory.
Filed under: News
The opening of the new Wallis Mitcham Cinemas in Adelaide saw the setting of a new benchmark in audio reproduction. Wallis Mitcham became the first site in Australia to use the Krix 4 way Quatrix loudspeakers in every one of their seven auditoriums, ensuring the very best sound and sonic consistency in every room.
As a premier site in our own back yard, Krix saw an opportunity to promote its brand name to a wider audience, and whilst Krix has utilised big screen advertising previously, the Wallis Mitcham site deserved something special....our own Movie Trailer which can now be viewed on the main home page of the Krix web site.
Since 2005, Fusion, a leading Adelaide based design agency has been working to create an entirely reinvigorated brand experience for Krix. With all of the early work out of the way with material such as stationary, packaging and brochures, the re-launch of the web site and movie trailer were the big ticket items. The following images are a brief insight into the behind the scenes work that went into the making of the Krix Movie Trailer.
Fusion delivered a number of initial concepts for Krix's consideration, with this concept storyboard being the one that was finally accepted.
Wallis Cinemas were very kind in offering the use of an auditorium at their Mount Barker site in the Adelaide Hills. The shoot kicked off at around 8.30am and took a few hours to get everything setup and ready for our actor to take centre stage. All up we spent around 6 hours shooting the cinema scenes. Another local company, Resin were involved in Directing and the post production work, with Best FX recording studios doing the final audio mix.
With our resident movie goer actor, Mr Stephen Sheehan centre stage, it was now time to sit back and enjoy the fresh popcorn and watch some movies. Being on 'the set' was really exciting and I learnt alot, but more importantly I found having the right people involved including the actor, made the whole process run so smoothly and delivered the best result. There is only one line in the whole trailer and whilst a few of us might think that we could stand up in front of the camera and spit out a few words, it was Stephen's ability to change his facial expressions when words weren't required that I found really astounding.
Working on the fact that Krix has supplied commercial cinema speakers to around 800 cinemas in Australia and over 2000 cinemas worldwide was the key to the movie trailer. Playing on the words 'take home the speakers loved by cinemas around the world' ties in nicely when we reveal our actor sitting in the cinema hugging his pair of Neuphonix and then sitting at home enjoying their performance.
After leaving the cinema, it was then off to the home of one of Fusions Directors where we setup to film the final few frames.
The end result sees our actor relaxing and enjoying his Krix speakers.
Krix would like to thank the following companies for their help and guidance in the production of the trailer. Fusion Design Agency, Wallis Cinemas, Resin Film Management and Post Production Studios and Best FX Recording Studios.
Filed under: News
Krix is pleased to announce the release of their new floorstanding loudspeaker, the Phoenix. The Phoenix replaces what was arguably Krix's most awarded loudspeaker, the Lyrix / Lyrix Gold.
A great number of improvements have been introduced into the Phoenix which will deliver significant benefits to the listener which are outlined below.
New Tweeter & Bass Drivers
The identical 28mm soft dome tweeter used in the Apex 4 and Equinox 2 provides exceptional performance. It has a very flat response with a smooth roll-off towards 20kHz, consistently low distortion across its working band and a surprisingly quick and uniform cumulative spectral decay.
The bass drivers are a doped paper cone, delivering a fast and punchy response and solid low frequency output. The driver's motor system has been carefully optimised to deliver linear cone excursion, maximum sensitivity and minimum distortion.
Internal Cabinet Bracing
Like any enclosure which has large parallel surfaces, standing waves are sustained between these surfaces with individual panels tending to flex and resonate. Considerable effort was spent in order to minimise these effects with the inclusion of two angled MDF braces. These braces meet at the front baffle just below the tweeter and run diagonally across the side of the speaker for half a metre. They effectively alleviate structural resonance and enclosure standing waves and as a result of this improvement, acoustic instruments with lots of mid-bass energy like double bass and guitar have greater impact and definition.
Vent Flaring
Cabinet tuning has been revised with the Phoenix, with the rear firing vent incorporating soft edge flaring both internally and externally to eliminate wind noise and chuffing at high output levels.
Bass Driver / Tweeter Layout
The acoustic benefit to overlap the tweeter faceplate with the bass drivers is found predominately around the crossover region. Where these acoustic sources generate an interference pattern, the vertical polar response is much broader than it would be if the driver units were further apart. This ensures that the stereo image holds up well when the listener is not seated at the ideal angle or distance such as sitting on the ground or moving about the room. Moving all the drive units that little bit closer to the top of the cabinet also lessens interaction with the floor and positions them closer to seated ear level.
Moulded Grille Frame
Not only does the new moulded grille add cleaner and softer curves which soften the look speaker, it incurs considerably less edge diffraction that the previous wooden version.
Crossover Network
Arguably the most crucial element in any loudspeaker design, the Phoenix crossover is an in-phase Linkwitz-Reily type. A Zobel damped 2nd order network on the bass driver and padded 2nd order network on the tweeter is used to achieve the required 4th order acoustic roll-off. Use of low distortion polypropylene capacitors and inductors in the crossover network allow the driver units to perform at their maximum potential resulting in the Phoenix having a very balanced mid-band response with fuller vocals.
Filed under: News
Krix would like to extend its sincere congratulations to David Murphy on his re-election for another two year term as Vice President of the International Region of the Audio Engineering Society.
David has been involved with the AES for more than two decades, as Chairman of the Adelaide Section, and presenting papers at Regional and International Conventions. David will be travelling to the AES Conventions in the USA and Europe to attend the meeting of the Board of Governors and several committee meetings, and keep up with the latest developments.
David is an integral part of the Krix R&D team in his capacity as Principal Design Engineer, and he has been with Krix for more than ten years. Previously he was with the School of Electronic Engineering at Regency Institute of Technical and Further Education, (a two year College) rising to be Deputy Head. David has been involved in audio and the industry for more than forty five years and his knowledge and experience is invaluable.
Filed under: General
I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE…..David Murphy, Krix Loudspeakers
I was invited to Japan just last week, to attend the AES (Audio Engineering Society) Japan Conference being part of my role as Vice President of the AES. I was fortunate enough to visit the NHK Research Laboratories at Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, (NHK is the government Japan broadcasting organisation, similar to the BBC).
I saw a demonstration of their proposal for the future of television and cinema. In brief, there is a proposed standard that the picture be 2,000 or 4,000 lines resolution, and the sound is 48/96kHz, 24 bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation ie no data reduction like MPEG!), and 22.2 audio channels (to gladden the hearts of loudspeaker manufacturers!). The picture I saw was 7680 x 4320 from a projector, the viewing angle was about 100 degrees, and while ordinary HD-TV (1920 x 1080) is equivalent to 35mm film, this was claimed to be more than twice equivalent to 70mm film.
I was VERY impressed, to say the least. The screen was large, about 4 metres high, and solid because the very fine pixel spacing would interact detrimentally with the perforations that cinema screens have to let the sound through. The centre channels were synthesised from speakers top and bottom of the solid screen. And the picture quality was to die for! For the demonstration they showed short movie clips they had made themselves.
The first was of hang gliders in Hawaii, and the view from the height was spectacular, you could see the individual parts of waves breaking far below, and clouds and other islands in the distance, and a life size hang glider flying around in front of your eyes. Another clip was a full frontal of a bee hive, you could see the detail of the structure of their legs, and all around was the sound of buzzing, and I mean all around. You could hear buzzes from above, left and right, behind, and circling, just as if your head was inside a real hive! A more restful scene was in a field of sun flowers, heads nodding in the breeze, again with sounds from behind as gusts of wind caught different parts of the fields. The camera slowly zoomed so that one sun flower filled the screen, and I could clearly see flecks of pollen on the flower. Amazing. Another scene was set in a stadium for a game of American football, opening with a flyover by some jet fighters (which really flew OVER), and the sounds of the crowd came from high and low, cheering the play.
I WANT ONE! The only small problem is the very limited range of programme material, and the expense……
Filed under: Krix Loudspeakers
Move over Grant and stop hogging the blog!
Today is an important day, especially for all us Adelaidians. Today is the opening day for the new Wallis Theatres at Mitcham, offering the movie loving public something quite unique. Krix Loudspeakers and Wallis Theatres share a relationship that dates back some 20 years, and as far as I can discern, Mitcham is the only site in the whole of Australia offering state of the art 4 way screen channel systems in every one of the 7 auditoriums.
So what does this mean to you and I? Ever had a situation where you wanted to catch that latest blockbuster release and see it in the biggest auditoriums, only to find that by the time you got to see it the movie was only showing in the smaller cinemas? Well at Mitcham now you can get the same consistent, high level of performance from cinema to cinema, so it doesn’t matter when you get to see it.
Having been involved with Krix now for some 16 years, I have been lucky enough to hear our systems all over the world. Our principal engineer David Murphy and I had the pleasure of equalising and auditioning these same 4 way systems at the opening of 2, ten screen complexes in Japan late last year. The response to our products there from a number of local cinema critics has been positively overwhelming. I welcome everyone’s thoughts on your more recent movie experiences and what you all think is the best sounding cinema, not only in Adelaide but wherever you live. I’m planning to visit Mitcham on the weekend to catch Pirates of the Caribbean and I hope that you all get the chance to catch a movie and enjoy the Krix Sound Experience over the coming weeks.
Filed under: System Setup
One of our EPICENTRIX (I just did it that
way to give you some scale compared to other centre channels) clients contacted
us the other day with an initial inquiry which I thought had an easy answer.
Scott Walker asked whether we recommended setting the speakers in the processor or
receiver to “small” or “large”. Given that Scott’s using an
Epicentrix and intends using Neuphonix in the future I advised that he should set
them to “large”. This has usually been the case as the setting is determined by
the frequency response of the speaker. Scott mentioned that he had indeed read
much to the contrary, and I would have to say that after some research I have
also read the same. Supporters of this theory claim that you will
get better sound “unless your subwoofer is not up to standard” although my argument here would be perhaps if your system sounds better set to small maybe your main and
centre channels are not up to standard. Scott also mentioned “…I would assume
that when Krix install, for instance, their commercial speaker KX-5986A 4-way
array (which by the way is THX certified) would then set the processor for the
speaker setting to large”. Congratulations Scott, you are the winner. When I
asked Scott Krix to comment on settings for commercial speakers he informed me that most commercial theatre systems were rolled of at
anywhere between 60 to 100 Hz. Mr. Walker is interested in what people have to
say about this subject and so am I. My feeling is this: as always
experimentation is the key. Try both for yourself and draw your own
conclusions. I am sure we
can make up our own minds. Maybe some systems do sound better if the mains are
set to small especially where you wish to increase power handling or when using smaller loudspeakers, otherwise in my experience if you are using loudspeakers that provide a
quality signal below 100Hz I would set them to large. The problem with creating absolute rules is that not every setting will suit every system in every environment. But feel free to correct
me. Both Scott (Walker)
and myself are open to criticism. On the other hand anyone criticising the
Godfather of Cinema in Australia
(Scott Krix for the late arrivals) will hereby be banished from this country
forthwith. Unpatriotic sods!
Filed under: General
After my previous post I thought it best to clear the air and explain something. Don't get me wrong - I am not changing my mind, I am simply expanding on the issue I addressed.
You see I am not saying that all technology is bad, I am simply saying that before you purchase that gadget you should ask yourself a couple of questions. Do I believe in this product? Do I like the company and what they stand for? Will this enhance my life? Will it benefit me or my family, or will it just take up time I can't afford that should be otherwise better spent? I am just asking that you give some thought to to your decision rather than buying into the marketing hype that you will have a miserable and unpopular life and be left in the dark ages without their product. Lets face it, some technology is simply for technologies sake and in many ways detracts from the quality of your life rather than enhancing it as it should.
When history looks back on our time what will they think of it? What will they call it? Maybe they will call it the "digital age" and maybe they will learn from from our rampant consumerism and lack of values. Maybe they will learn, and maybe it will be too late. Right now you're asking what on earth this has to do with loudspeakers and sound. Well dear reader, it has everything to do with it. Unlike the fridge TV or 20" chrome spinning hubcaps, I believe that a decent music or theatre system has the ability to add value to an individuals or families life. I believe that it is an investment that can bring people together and allow us to have a bit of fun as a group. Do me a favor: this weekend break out the popcorn, invite the family and friends over and listen to some music or watch a DVD. Get together with someone and don't spend the weekend with a set of earphones stuffed on your head.
Am I a technophobe? No way. Bring on the technology I say. Let's see clean power and carbon neutral living. Let's see self-cleaning windows and vacuum cleaners that clean while we're not home. After all, that will just give me more time to spend with my family and friends.
Filed under: Krix Loudspeakers
If you are reading this you are aware that we have finally released our new web site - at last! It's been a long time coming I know, but that's what happens when you are busy designing and manufacturing commercial and domestic loudspeakers. As you can see we have lots of information, product info, reviews, and even this blog.
I have to confess that I am probably the last person qualified to be writing this blog, and not because of my lack of knowledge of loudspeakers and sound, but because I am computer illiterate. I am also unsure where this will all head, but I guess that's always the fun part, right? Part of my apprehension is the fact that I have only recently been dragged into digital age (a term I am pretty much over now). Apart from the term "digital" being over used, what exactly has the digital age done for me? Well, I can now watch TV and search the 'net on my fridge. And how exciting is that? I may find it difficult to find time for that while I am in the kitchen as I am normally cooking, but maybe I don't have enough time for that now anyway. Then there is digital (compressed portable) music. I probably don't need to comment on that one, but the good news is that storage is becoming larger so hopefully the whole compression trend will cease. Of course if I get sick of listening to compressed music (which shouldn't take long) I can always catch up with what' happening on Big Brother on my mobile - apparently. I can search the web from here too, download my emails (which is lucky as I don't actually talk to anyone anymore, unless you count email or MSN) or send a photo of myself, just so my friends remember what I look like. Well at least I have this blog...which unlike the digital age, should allow me some time for free thought which I hope to share with you. Rest assured it won't always be like this though. Anyhoo, I gotta go. It's time to meet with some friends, open a beer or two and dig through some vinyl and listen to some real music....
