Old Is New--And Improved! SoundStream Reference Amps

As many of you know, I'm a firm believer that car audio is going to see a renaissance of the classics just as the automotive industry has in the last few years. Many of us old folks often reminisce about the good 'ol days of car audio, discussing brands that used to be, products that share a special place in our heart, or demo cars that "changed our lives". When brands and products come up, SoundStream is definitely one of the favorites, and their Reference Series the topic of many conversations. Well, after a 10 year hiatus the SoundStream is bringing the Reference Series back! But not as the same 'ol amps we remember. Change can be a good thing, and certainly is in this case. Over the last 10 years amplifier technology has come a very long way, and SoundStream has taken advantage of the time passed and have made significant improvements to the Reference Series:

"...4:1 power supply ratio, precision wound toroidal transformers and inductors, polystyrene capacitors, high speed switching J-FET OP amps and precision tracking potentiometers."

The Reference amps can also take advantage of SoundStream's BLT-4 balanced line transmitter for amazing noise rejection and signal strength. Follow the jump for more details and pics of these legendary sound quality amps. Same great looks, same great sound quality, but now with improved performance!

Officially Official: New Audison Thesis Amplifiers

We got the final word today (and press release) that the new Audison Thesis amps are a-go! Check out the official press release and a small gallery of "official photos" available after the jump. Oh yeah... And this is more than your typical press release. The information after the jump should answer just about every question you could possibly have about these new amps.

Focal SOLID Amps Shipping May 2nd!

We just got news that the new Focal SOLID amps we reported on not too long ago will begin shipping May 2nd. SOLID amps feature relatively small footprints and will be available in a red or black.

"All SOLID models are CEA-2006 compliant and feature high and low level inputs, variable crossovers and sub-sonic filters, great sound quality to size ratio, and floating grounds to prevent engine noise. The 4 channel and mono block models also include a remote sub control."

Check out the press release after the jump. We also have a full gallery of pics right here.

Sneak Peek: Massive Audio D-Block Amps

I was able to get my hands on a few sneak peek photos of Massive's new D-Block amplifier. Specs are still kind of hush hush, but we'll have them for you as soon as we get the word!

What we know so far:

• Digital Mono D5000.1
  • 2500 RMS 1 Ohm
  • 1 channel Digital amp
• Other models:
  • D2000.2 two-channel amp
  • D2000.4 four-channel amp
• Pro Audio design
• Enhanced protection circuits for voltage and impedance
• Small foot print
• No heatsink fins, rather a single solid heatsink
• They are bridgeable
• Full range digital
• Pricing (Approx):
  • D5000.1: $899
  • D2000.2: $399
  • D2000.4: $499

I really think these look great and am a fan of the lower profile simple design - makes flush-mounting pretty simple. These should look great in just about any install.

Anybody that has more info on this amp gets a free t-shirt schwag pack! A few more unpublished pics from CES after the jump.

Scooped! Audison Thesis Amps

Yep... More Audison news! We got some sneak shots of the new Thesis amps and some details as well.

The new Thesis amps are a hyrbid of digital and analog technology, similar to the beautiful and stunning Audison HV Venti audiophile amplifier. The digital portion can be controlled via the soon-to-be-released bit one processor's remote control. The new Thesis family will consist of three models: a two channel, four channel, and a monoblock. Each amp also features digital crossovers that not only allow you to choose various crossover frequency and slopes ( by increment of 6db from 6db all the way up to 48db), but also to choose theycrossover type, Butterworth or Linkwitz-Riley. The crossover network will be ...