Due for launch in April 2010.
This is a unique dual mono, fully differential, highly configurable design with two Balanced inputs and five RCA single ended inputs per channel with two sets of Balanced outputs and two RCA single ended outputs available per channel, along with a standard fixed level or record output.
As usual with all TALK products sound quality is at the fore front of all design considerations. At the heart of this design is our all new 126dB + Mute, passive volume control using high quality reed relays and resistor ladder networks. This operates in full differential mode with 0.5dB decrements over the range +6dB to -40dB then in 1dB decrements down to -50dB and thereafter in 3dB decrements down to -122dB. The volume can be displayed either as an increasing number 0-127 scale (0 being auto mute) or in dB, this is just one of the many user configuration options, you can also select the display font size (small or Large) and brightness in 8 different levels.
The Hurricane 6 is also unique in that it has two modes of operation, either as a very high quality stereo pre-amplifier, as described above or in a full 6 channel mode, with 6 channels IN and 6 channels OUT, each with control over volume individually or ganged as a master control. In multi-channel mode we bypass the volume control as described above and we use separate Burr-Brown parts for each channel. It automatically reassigns the last 3 unbalanced inputs, 5, 6 and 7 (factory default names) as a group and separates the outputs using one set of balanced for the main ( Balanced 1) with the rear and centre being on the single ended output sockets (outputs 3&4). All at the press of a button, when in normal use. This is a fantastic facility if you are using multi-channel audio such as SACD or DVD audio formats along with BluRay (trade marks acknowledged)
In addition, each input can be arranged to operate in many different configurations with control over grounding, Phase , Balance, Gain, and input level, each with full naming of facilities . So no more level jumps when changing inputs and you know what you are listening to!!
The ‘Balanced 2 input’ ( factory default name) can also be configured to have a very high quality MM OR MC RIAA Phono input fitted or an AES/EBU digital input card whilst the ‘Unbalanced 4 input’ can be configured to be a digital input with the appropriate input PCB, with standard SPDIF to allow easy connection to/from a server or computer.
With full communications developed for our professional series it has our own dedicated TALKOM connection plus standard RS232 or IR, so whatever your application from normal stereo to multi-room install, this is also the flexible solution.
The graphic display is used in conjunction with the rotary encoder to operate an easy to use 7 level menu driven system which gives access to all the custom options for each input, these are all memorised upon change.
Additionally there are Master/Slave modes and other display and LED brightness options.
Despite all these complex facilities, in normal operation it is like any other pre-amplifier, just select the input and adjust the volume to suit, so sit back and enjoy whilst the micro-processor takes all the strain.
