NEW YORK, NY, April 25, 2005 — April Music is following up last year’s introduction of the
“ultimate one-box” preamplifier with the debut of a new, multi-channel preamp/processor with
two-channel upsampling D/A converter.
“The extraordinary gains made in multichannel music make it possible for us to bring the benefits of upsampling conversion to audio devotees who enjoy well-mixed surround sound recordings,” said Simon Lee, President, April Music, Inc. “As the technology evolves, the SP200 will grow with our end-users’ format choices, continually bringing out the subtle nuances of the finest audiophile-quality recordings.”
The Stello SP200 (SRP: $3,995), scheduled to ship in June ’05 and on display later this week at the Home Entertainment Show (room #914), processes nearly all popular surround formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES 6.1, MPEG2 Digital Audio, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS NEO6, and MPEG2 AAC.
For SACD and DVD-A enthusiasts, the SP200 includes a “Direct Analog” eight-input facility that bypasses the processor and D/A converter, ensuring that 100% of the high-resolution signal remains pure throughout its path. With no video switcher to affect sonic clarity, the SP200 features an extensive array of inputs for use with a wide range of source components. Along with analog and digital inputs, April includes direct balanced and unbalanced two-channel inputs (one each), and a bypass input for use with an outboard preamp.
Similar to April Music’s acclaimed DP200 DAC-Preamplifier, the SP200 features a two-channel upsampling converter (FL/FR) that supports user-selectable rates of up to 24 Bit/192kHz sampling frequency, making it easy to reveal the subtle nuances found in well-recorded music. Settings include bypass, 48kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz.
A Plethora of Features for Unsurpassed Performance
April Music’s SP200 multichannel preamp/processor is designed to serve as high-end, intuitive component; however, its external simplicity is balanced by a wide range of performance-enhancing features, including “ingredients” such as a Motorola DSP chip, Burr Brown PGA2311/4311 digital volume controls, 24-bit delta-sigma AKM AK5384 ADC, and front-panel 192kHz upsampling. There is an analog pass-through mode for two- and five-channel direct output, as well as bass management for two-channel and digital inputs.
To ensure that the SP200 pleases audiophiles of every stripe, April Music imbued its rear panel with a wide variety of connection options. Analog inputs include two-channel analog RCA (five pairs), two-channel balanced XLR (one set), and single-ended analog pass-through (one set of two-channel inputs and one set of eight-channel outputs). Analog outputs include one eight-channel set (both with XLR & RCA) and two two-channel sets.
In the digital realm, inputs include four RCA single-end jacks, one balanced XLR, and three optical TOSLINK inputs. Digital outputs include one RCA single-end jack and one optical TOSLINK output. Component video inputs and outputs are included as well.
Additional features include a full-function IR remote, 16 x 2 character front panel display, and 12V trigger.
Added Lee: “With all the great strides made in the evolution of multichannel recordings, the most important aspect remains the quality of the sound. Our engineers consider detailed, transparent output to be the ultimate goal, and the emotional response that is ignited by a well-made recording the ultimate reward.”
