Astell&Kern Brings In The New Wave With SP1000 AMP, SP2000, KANN CUBE

Astell&Kern, a global leader in portable high-resolution audio products, announces the launch of three new products - A&Ultima SP2000, KANN CUBE, and SP1000 AMP, in Singapore today. It includes two new high resolution portable players, and one amplifier module for Astell&Kern's classic model SP1000.

A&Ultima SP2000

A&Ultima SP2000 is the third and latest portable player released in the Astell&Kern A&Ultima range. The new SP2000 is the first Astell&Kern player to use separate, independent audio channels between the unbalanced and balanced outputs, creating more power than ever before - the ultimate audio experience audiophiles can look forward to. 

Arranged in a dual-mono configuration, SP2000 utilises two AKM AK4499EQ digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to create a wider soundstage and stronger stereo separation. The improved player has also been tuned to provide greater acoustic details, so your music sounds exactly like the original performance. Additionally, it is powered by an Octa-Core CPU offering twice the amount of internal storage at 512GB. 

Encased in a stainless steel back panel without any screws, the new A&Ultima SP2000 is a sleek and well-thought design crafted with its performance in mind. The design concept leverages on the metallic finishes, and cleverly plays on the dispersion of light. The exquisite crown detailing in the volume wheel complete with the geometric design of the body, emanates excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail right down to its core.

KANN CUBE

Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier, the KANN CUBE will power drive any headphone without the need for a separate amplifier. Like the A&Ultima SP2000, KANN CUBE is also programmed with two 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9039PRO DACs in a dual-mono configuration. The ES9038PRO, which is used in high end studio and home pro audio equipment, delivers the ultimate in spaciousness and massive sound scale. The new 5-pin Mini XLR also makes it easy to connect to a home Hi-Fi audio amplifier. 

To match its power, the KANN CUBE takes on a sturdy look in classic black. With a focus on an intuitive interface, the design concept combines aesthetics and functionality.

Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP

A dedicated amplifier module for the A&Ultima SP1000 flagship model - The Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP delivers high gain balanced 10 Vrms and unbalanced 6.2 Vrms output, providing more power to drive more power-hungry headphones. 

The SP1000 AMP docks with the SP1000 player to provide a one-piece, seamless device for charging and volume control, unlike using a separate amplifier which requires additional cables and controls. The amplifier is equipped with a 3,700mA battery, and supports continuous music playback of up to 9 hours. 

Availability

The A&Ultima SP2000 Portable Player is available in Stainless Steel and Copper at S$5,299 (including GST). KANN CUBE is available in Wolf Gray at S$2,349 (including GST). Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP is available in Stainless Steel, Copper and Black at S$1,249 (including GST). 

The new range of products will be available from July 2019 at the following authorised retailers: AV One, AV One Lazada (www.lazada.sg/shop/av1group/), Challenger Musica Boutique, Connect-IT, E1 Personal Audio Singapore, Jaben, Music Sanctuary, Stereo Electronics, and Treoo.com.

Follow Astell&Kern on Facebook at www.facebook.com/akclubsg for the latest audiophile updates.

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Italian Food & Beverage Singapore

For the fourth year in Singapore, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS), together with the other Italian Chambers of Commerce in Asia, organizes the Italian Food & Beverage Singapore (IFBS). The IFBS is a regional platform where Italian companies in the food industry can meet buyers from across Asia. Merlion Wayfarer was fortunate to attend the event and meet some of the exhibitors at the session.

 

In collaboration with Seeds&Chips and Emerge, the first Italian Food Innovation event was also held in conjunction with the annual Italian Food and Beverage event in Singapore. The Italian Food Innovation event is part of the True Italian Taste Project, which is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and coordinated by Assocamerestero, the association that brings together 80 Italian Chambers of Commerce in the world. This large network proudly promotes authentic Italian food at a global level.

Briefing by Hawksford, a company providing incorporation and taxation services, about "Doing Business In Singapore"...

Started a couple of years ago in the United States and in Europe, now the Project has extended to many Asian countries, amongst which is Singapore. The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore will focus on increasing knowledge locally about real Italian food, in markets where the genuine Italian food experience is challenged by other products that utilize Italian names and/or symbols that recall Italy but are not authentic.

The aim of the project is to educate about the meaning of quality European certification such as DOP (protected designation of origin) and IGP (Protected geographical indication), labels that certify a specific link to the place they have been produced, so to educate consumers to look for those labels and find authenticity.

TRUE ITALIAN TASTE aims to:

• Tell consumers all over the world about the benefits of true Italian products and the importance of the link between foods and the places they come from
    
• Help food lovers to choose and use authentic Italian ingredients, supporting both businesses and consumers
  
• Support Italian makers of certified, traditional and niche products who would like to be better known on international markets, and reinforce and expand business opportunities for companies already present on world markets
     
• Show how to take advantage of the healthy qualities of true Italian food, promoting organic products, dietary supplements, and certified Italian products.

  

According to the needs of the regional market and aware of the important Italian know-how in the agri-food sector, ICCS aims to present a selection of Italian excellence in the field of Food Innovation in Singapore. The Italian Food Innovation exhibition brought in 15 Italian startups and innovation companies in the food industry to Singapore.

Samples from Primavera Foods & Agricultura Biologica, a company responding to the growing awareness of the central role of food in well-being and health. Their research-based and gluten-free food includes soups, risottos and pasta...

The event allowed Italian companies to meet potential business partners and investors and offer Asian companies the possibility of creating a network of relationships with possible suppliers and technological partners with whom to develop new projects. During the event, a panel of juries assessed and awarded the startup with the best innovation idea. The winner will get the chance to utilize ICCS facilities and services free-of-charge for six months.

For more information, visit the ICCS Events page.

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Italian Food & Beverage Singapore - Inalpi

Merlion Wayfarer met Francesco, a representative from the Inalpi Spa at Italian Food & Beverage Singapore, where Inalpi's products were introduced to her.

From the rich milk of the cows grazing in the pastures of Valsassina, Lecco, Antonio Invernizzi started to produce excellent cheese and butter. In 1966, the firm was founded. With a production plant based in Moretta, and stables located in Piedmont, Inalpi produces milk of Piedmontese origin.

Whole and skimmed milk products made from the region now come in 1kg packs for easier office pantry use in coffee and tea, or simply to dissolve for a milk drink...

Processed cheese slices, a product that has become the core business of the company, was then introduced into the range of products. Subsequently, the company completed its offer with portionable spreadable cheese in the form of "triangle cream cheese". and made with milk from Piedmontese cows.

These 100% Piedmontese Cheeses are produced entirely in the Cuneo mountains. The Formaggini triangle cheese slices are organic and suitable for children...

Tapping on the long-term business relationship with Ferrero S.p.A. of Alba, Inalpi invested in the only plant in Italy for the production of milk powder for food industry. With this, the company strengthened its mission to add value to Piedmontese milk, with its use of local milk, guaranteeing high quality and safety standards.

For more information on Inalpi's products, visit www.inalpi.it.

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Café & Meal Muji At Jewel Changi Airport - Wholesome Yet Delicious

In Singapore’s fast paced environment, it is necessary to encourage the choice of a well-balanced, healthy meal. Café&Meal MUJI Singapore is dedicated to providing a selection of dishes made with these in mind - simplicity, quality, original, healthy and natural.

We tried out the exclusively Jewel set. The Jewel set consists of a main and two sides for a wholesome delicious meal. Sides seen here include Hokkaido Char Siew with Grilled Vegetables and Roasted Plum, Lime Dill Octopus Summer Stone Fruit Salad, Thick Omelette with Japanese-style Mushroom, Orecchiette Pasta and Mushroom Salad in Truffle Ranch Dressing. 

True to its philosophy of 素の食 (su no shoku), Muji's taste is simple and uncomplicated yet surprisingly tasty with a hint of the freshness behind its wholesome ingredients.

Highly-enjoyable are the sweet Strawberry Fraisier (S$7.90), laced with a tinge mild Strawberry sourness to even out the taste, and the powerfully zesty Triple Berries and Apple Smoothie ($7.90) which packs refreshing oomph to up your energy level.

For more information on Muji, visit its website here.

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