Blog
Filed under: General
This may not be Krix news but I couldn’t help spreading the
word on this one.
Serious vinyl lovers will dig this: a company in the UK is offering
to take you or your loved ones ashes, and press them in to an LP record either for
distribution at your funeral or to distribute to record stores worldwide. You
are able to (pre) record a message with just your voice alone, or vocals with
backing sounds or music. Alternatively you may elect to just have your
favourite tracks recorded. Another excellent option is to simply leave the LP
blank “to have your loved ones hear your pops and crackles”.
Prices aren’t cheap (sadly) and 30 LP’s will set you back
three thousand Pounds. The company also warns that they will take no responsibility
for any copyright infringements, and clearly you can’t be held responsible – you’re
dead!
Pets and body parts are accepted (although they prefer them
cremated first).
Don’t miss out - have a look at the website for more info.
Particularly the 10 steps to immortality…
http://www.andvinyly.com
We have already had some great suggestions on tracks
to play, including David Bowies “Ashes to Ashes” (thanks Andy) and who could go
past Dead or Alive’s “You spin me ‘round (like a record)”. Seriously, is it
just me or is this a total crack up?
Filed under: News, Speakers
Krix’s main focus in R&D of late has been on the release of our two new subwoofer models, and in particular the finalization of the amplifier module used to drive them. Krix is using the ICEpower® module with the surrounding electronics designed completely by Krix. The image below is of the new Volcanix – which is the replacement for the now retired Seismix 5. The Volcanix is using a newly developed 12” paper cone driver with 50mm long throw voice coil with the Class-D ICEpower® module delivering 450 watts RMS of power. Dimensions of the new Volcanix are 505mm high (including feet) x 400mm wide x 445mm deep (including grille).
Krix is also offering this new ICEpower® module in a model called the Tektonix. This will be an upgraded version of the Seismix 3 mk5 which uses the exact same 11” driver and cabinet design – but swapping out the 225 watt amplifier to the new Class-D design. Please note that the Seismix 1 mk3 and Seismix 3 mk5 will still remain as unchanged current models.
The new Krix design – incorporating the ICEpower® module offers a control panel mounted on the front baffle of the subwoofer (as seen below). This control panel provides the user with the ability to adjust the following: Volume; Low-pass; Phase; Power mode (auto sense or 12V trigger); Auto sensitivity; Display contrast; Restore default settings and Menu lock – to ensure your settings are not tampered with. Just imagine – no more pulling your subwoofer out of a cabinet or away from the wall – leaning it over with one hand – holding the torch in your mouth whilst trying to read the settings upside down and make the right adjustments!
Front panel functionality
There are also levels of clipping protection and fault monitoring for over temperature and over current conditions. In the event any of these situations occur – the front panel LED will flash and the LCD display will list the fault event. Once the problem has passed – the subwoofer will resume normal operation.
Pricing for the Tektonix is $1645.00 in vinyl veneer and $1845.00 in real timber veneer with the Volcanix selling for $2195.00 in vinyl veneer and $2395.00 in real timber veneer. Release date is expected to be around the 25th June 2010. Please stay tuned to the Krix web site for more detailed specifications as we move closer to the release date.
Filed under: General, News
The Adelaide Football Club's $20 million dollar training and entertainment facility incorporates a wide range of Krix loudspeakers throughout various sections of the new complex.
The installation, carried out by Harvey Norman Commercial, saw a large number of Holographix and Atmospherix in-ceiling speakers used in the foyer, staff offices, and function rooms, with speakers from Krix's new Xtreme Cinema range being used in the 48 seat theatrette.
Krix fans can experience the best of what the Adelaide Crows have to offer, with tours kicking off in the theatrette and taking them through all aspects of the facility including the Museum, Replica Locker Room, Honour Room. For tour times please visit www.crowsfacility.com.au
Go Crows - Go Krix!
Filed under: Krix Loudspeakers, News
Last nights Sound & Image Awards held in Sydney saw Krix take home two Winners Gongs for the Harmonix and Seismix 3 mk5.
The Harmonix floorstander was awarded Stereo Loudspeaker of the Year up to $2,500 in what has always been a highly competitive category.
Judges Comments - “With the Harmonix, Krix has been able to offer true, three-way performance using extremely high-quality drivers, in an attractive floor-standing design finished in real timber veneer, at a price where most other manufacturers are struggling to incorporate just one of these advantages…and they sound fabulous.”
Our second award winner was for the recently released Seismix 3 mk5 which won Subwoofer of the Year under $1,000.
Judges comments were - "The Seismix 3 subwoofer continues to evolve, with each new generation delivering superior low-bass performance, yet Krix is continuing to be able to keep the price low, the cabinet small and the build quality up to what we expect from Australia’s leading loudspeaker manufacturer.”
The above two awards, combined with the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Scott Krix for his services to the Home Entertainment Electronics Industry meant that the 21st Sound & Images Awards was a very successful and enjoyable night for Krix.
Filed under: Krix Loudspeakers, News
His image greets you on the inside of the Krix loudspeaker catalogue, but Scott Krix is far more than just the face of Krix, he is the very foundation on which the company is built.
A labour of love that started when Scott was a teenager, he has spent the better part of 40 years designing and building a range of loudspeakers which can be found in more than 30 countries around the world.
For those of us who know Scott well, personal recognition is not what drives him. He is a quiet and unassuming character whose ambition is to produce loudspeakers that would (and have) competed with the best in the world.
As Krix enters its 36th year in business, Scott was recognised for his significant contributions to the Australian Loudspeaker industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Sound & Image Awards held in Sydney last night.
Krix Loudspeakers is a fantastic Australian success story and to be recognised by your peers for what has been a lifelong dream is outstanding reward. On behalf of everyone at Krix and the many tens of thousands of Krix owners, I would like to congratulate Scott on his award. Well done mate!
Filed under: News, Speakers
Deep in the bowels of the earth's core, the Krix Research and Development team have been kept busy putting the final touches to the new Seismix 1 mk3 and Seismix 3 mk5 active subwoofers.
The Seismix 1 mk3 has changed considerably, as we have sought to significantly differentiate between the Seismix 1 mk3 and the Seismix 3 mk5. Bass drivers for both new models have been completely re-engineered, with magnet and pole piece geometry enhancements providing greater control at high excursion, resulting in higher power handling and greater low frequency output.
The S1 cabinet has changed from a 10" front firing subwoofer, to an 8" downward firing device, enabling Krix to do away with the need for a cloth grille as part of the cabinet design. Instead, Krix have designed and moulded four rubber feet to raise the cabinet (and driver) 35mm off the floor for optimum performance. The feet also have provision for accepting speaker spikes should the need arise. The cabinet is also slightly smaller to accommodate the correct tuning for the driver, making this new model Krix's most compact subwoofer to date.
The Seismix 3 mk5 has had little change to its cabinet, with the overall dimensions of the cabinet not changing at all. The bass driver however, has gone from a 10" to an 11" and front baffle location of the new driver and front firing vent have moved 180 degrees to accommodate the amplifier module on the rear panel. Overall weight of the unit has increased by 20% due to the re-designed Krix driver having a much larger motor structure to aid in controlling the doped paper cone at high output levels.
For the complete list of specifications visit our product pages: Seismix 1 http://www.krix.com/Product/Detail.aspx?p=44&id=71 & Seismix 3 http://www.krix.com/Product/Detail.aspx?p=44&id=72
Filed under: News
Krix is releasing four new models this week. The Acoustix bookshelf speaker and Graphix matching centre channel are shipping now with new subwoofer versions of the Seismix 1 mk3 and Seismix 3 mk5 due around Friday 18th September.
So often of late, our customers have been seeking a front ported option of the KDX-M & KDX-C. Krix has made several custom products for these clients, but the KDX speakers were at the end of their 'life cycle' and so alternative options needed to be sought. Another major consideration as part of the upgrade path was that the KDX used an older model tweeter and as such Krix was losing some HF tonal balance especially when the KDX-C was used with the Apex or Phoenix.
The new Acoustix (mains) and Graphix (centre) solve this problem and more. The tweeter used in these two new models is the same as used in the Vortex. This tweeter is also identical to a number of other Krix products, namely the Equinox, Apex, Phoenix and Harmonix, only it is has a smaller mounting plate to enable Krix to use it in more compact designs.
The front ports are entirely Krix's design and are specially moulded to eliminate air turbulence via the port flaring at both ends and to reduce compression at high listening levels. Small and compact, the Acoustix and Graphix are the perfect choice for use in TV cabinets and custom joinery as the new front porting eliminates 'boomy' bass qualities found when using rear ported speakers in this type of application.
The Acoustix and Graphix pictured above are finished in the American Cherry real timber veneer and are also available in Black Ash, Atlantic Jarrah timber veneers as well as vinyl veneers of those same three colours. Information on the new Seismix 1 mk3 and Seismix 3 mk5 will be uploaded to the Krix web site later on this week, so stay tuned for all the details.
Filed under: Krix Loudspeakers, News
Krix have made available a front-ported
version of the very popular Neuphonix. We have received quite a few enquiries
from clients who would like to position their loudspeakers closer to the rear
wall in a smaller room, or alternatively build them in to custom joinery in the
living area or dedicated theatre. This has been a trend that I suspect
originated in the US
where they have specifically constructed home theatres, often with a specific
theme. Googling “themed home theatres” will provide a range of ideas that range
from interesting to weird.
There is one particular designer in the US that specialises
in upmarket installations and has an impressive portfolio, so if you are
interested in the high-end themed home theatre have a look at Theo Kalomirakis’
site http://www.tktheaters.com
What the weird and wonderful both share
however is the concealed loudspeaker system. Fitting a loudspeaker in to an
enclosure can and will result in detrimental effects unless there is some care
taken to get things just right. Sealed or front ported loudspeakers are a must
for this environment as they have less impact when being utilised for this type
of installation. This is where a competent specialist installer is invaluable.
Surprisingly few changes were required to
finalise this project and satisfy our requirements so you won’t notice a huge
difference between the two models under normal circumstances. If you have the space
and are looking for something quite tuneable then the standard, rear ported
version is still the one to take home. If you require a loudspeaker that will
be positioned close to a wall (and have limited positioning options) or are
planning on building another Star Trek themed theatre then the front ported
Neuphonix will fit the bill. Of course you could also consider the Xtreme range
if you want a real theatre at home…
The front ported Neuphonix will provide a
further solution to our clients that want a high performance speaker that can
integrate with their environment in a less obtrusive way.
Filed under: News, Speakers
It makes perfect sense - if you're designing and building a high end home cinema, why not use speakers that 50% of Australian Cinemas use - KRIX.
It was an exciting week for Grant & me, the first time that Krix had exhibited at CEDIA in Australia. Krix had exhibited in the USA 4 years running a while back and after attending the show on the Gold Coast in 2008, we felt that there was a huge opportunity to release some new products this year under the Xtreme Cinema banner.
The main draw card was of course our high gloss Cherry Red Xtreme Cinema system which incorporated the THX approved KX-5920 3 way LCR screen system + 2 x KX-4010 subwoofers (active version). These speakers would normally be located in behind a perforated screen, so they would normally be finished in our standard black finish. But the opportunity to make a statement and show off the type of custom finishing that Krix can offer was too good an opportunity to pass up.
High end home cinema is not something new, I'm sure that we've all seen weird and wacky systems and themed rooms that the rich and famous showcase. But for Krix, it's the point of difference we can bring to the table - use the speakers cinemas use and you don't need to have a 10 screen complex and parking for 3000 and more importantly we're Australian Made!
It's not just this system that will form part of the Krix Xtreme Cinema range. There are a number of screen & surround combinations, but we are also completing a diverse range of in-wall and on-wall products that will mean there is something for everyone.
There are in-wall versions of the Neuphonix and Epicentrix, plus the new Acoustix and Graphix which will replace the KDX-M and KDX-C as well a the high powered on-wall called the KX-QueOne. All Krix in-wall / in-ceiling speakers come complete with rear enclosures to ensure that they will always offer the same high level of performance.
Neuphonix In-wall and Acoustix In-Wall complete with back box.
Filed under: News
The much discussed and anticipated Vortex centre channel speaker is now available. There are a already a few units on display, Ipswich Hi-Fi (QLD), Sound Advice (WA) and The Hi-Fi Trader (NSW) with many more expected to 'wing' their way from their Adelaide nest to adoring homes around the country.
The specifications and product details are now listed under the Home Entertainment section, so be one of the first to hear and buy the Vortex. Let us know what you think by adding your comments to this post, or alternatively you can write and submit your own product review on this or any Krix product for all to read.
Filed under: News
Krix Vortex
After literally hundreds of requests.....(well....at least 23), Krix has released it's second new model in consecutive months.
The Vortex, as it shall be called is the matching centre channel loudspeaker to compliment the November 2008 release of the Harmonix. The Vortex uses the same tweeter, midrange and bass drivers used in the Harmonix, offering a more cost effective LCR solution to the ever popular Neuphonix & Epicentrix combination.
It is worth noting that the new Vortex will also match very nicely with the Phoenix and Apex fronts given the use of the same tweeter. The Vortex is fully shielded and can therefore be used with CRT TV's (unlike the Epicentrix) and is heavily braced to allow the placement of a TV directly on top of the cabinet.
Exact details and specifications will be listed in the Krix Product Pages when the Vortex is officially released - which is expected to be the 19th of January 2009. Initial handy tidbits though for all you out there in consumer land:
Dimensions - 725mm wide x 230mm high x 376mm deep (including grille)
Weight - 23 kilos
Finish - Lacquered timber veneer or vinyl veneer
Price - $1200.00 in real timber veneer & $1100.00 in vinyl
Filed under: News, Speakers
There's no need to wait any longer - the Harmonix are now availble. Please click on the Home Entertainment heading and follow the drop down menu to Harmonix where you will be able to read all the technical specifications.
We hope you enjoy listening to the Harmonix in the weeks, months and years ahead, I'm sure they'll find plenty of new homes.
Filed under: News, Speakers
Krix Harmonix
Krix heralds the release of their new 3 way floorstander, the Harmonix.
The Harmonix will relace the Symphonix which were created in 2002 and rapidly commanded a cult following, especially for those people who enjoy listening to music in the traditional stereo setup. Therefore replacing this product was going to require something special.
The Harmonix are just a fraction larger than the Symphonix they replace, with dimensions of 1060mm high x 220mm wide x 355mm deep, providing a total internal volume of 38 litres.
Controlling the standing waves inside any loudspeaker enclosure is crucial for lean, defined and tonally correct mid-bass that can make or break the reproduction of acoustic music, particularly with stringed instruments. The Harmonix cabinetry builds on the legacy left by the Symphonix, with internal bracing being dramatically improved. Two large braces criss-cross the low to mid section of the cabinet, providing side-to-side and front-to-back bracing, with a third angled brace making up the midrange enclosure at the top of the box. This wedge shaped cavity creates a sealed 6 litre enclosure for the midrange driver and tweeter, effectively isolating them from the remaining drivers in the enclosure.
The choice of transducers draws on many of the benefits the larger Neuphonix loudspeakers have delivered to listeners. The Harmonix use the same midrange driver as in the Neuphonix, which has very low harmonic distortion as a result of the large magnet, copper shorting ring, and high sensitivity (due to the short voice coil). Combined with a flat mid-band frequency response (1-3 kHz where the ear is most sensitive) this midrange driver delivers lucid and detailed vocals while remaining unfatiguing. It is worth noting that this midrange is not a mid-woofer masquerading as a midrange driver which can be the case in many loudspeakers.
The large 28mm soft dome tweeter brings the Harmonix into the family of other Krix products recently released using this same tweeter (Equinox, Apex, Phoenix) providing better all round consistency and acoustic matching for home theatre applications.
Needless to say, this tweeter has been chosen because it presents smooth top end performance with an absence of gritty stored energy problems. Placing the tweeter below the midrange driver minimises diffraction related interaction with the edges of the cabinet, and also bring the loudspeaker’s output close to ear level when seated.
The two 6½ inch polypropylene cone bass drivers boast a nominal 1½ inch voice coil, flux stabilization ring and strong cast aluminium basket. The Harmonix use an extended bass shelf alignment which is well known for producing deep, tight, clean bass.
The larger a speaker becomes, the more focus is placed on how it will be located in the listening room. In order to make the new Harmonix “room friendly” a decision was made to offer the product in a front ported format. Additionally the use of a 75mm double flared vent system alleviates vortice shedding or chuffing that could otherwise mar the listening experience at medium to high volume levels.
Krix will begin shipping the Harmonix in November 2008 and they will be available in Vinyl finishes: Black Woodgrain / Atlantic Jarrah / American Cherry - $2300.00 per pair or Real Timber Veneer finishes: Black Ash / Atlantic Jarrah / American Cherry - $2500.00 per pair.
Filed under: News
Our good friends at Fusion www.fusion.com.au (superior design agency and web developers extraordinaire) have been busy implementing a few new updates on the Krix site which rate a mention.
There is now a new sub heading listed under Home Entertainment - Products, for our Retired Models. These products are no longer for sale, but those weird and wonderful names that end in 'X' which had served us well which have been sent out to pasture are now back.....if only for their specifications. We hope to be able to include a lot more of our older models in this section as time permits, so stay tuned.
The other new inclusion on the site is the way you can view our brochure and user guides. Instead of downloading the PDF, you click on the view icon (which looks like an eye) and this opens the document via a funky new platform called Issuu. It allows you to flick through the pages on screen just like having the booklet in front of you and makes reading the document far easier.
Please take a moment to have a look and let us know what you think of the update.
PS: Just between you and me, there's a new model about to be released, (it's the Harmonix) but can't say too much just yet. It will be available in November, so keep an eye out on the blog, more info and pics to follow soon.
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.
