Sharp Introduces Expanded Line of 1-Bit Digital Audio Amplification Products

Reinvents audio lineup with two new high end, personal shelf systems
October 3, 2001 – Combining crystal clear digital sound with a slim, sophisticated look, Sharp Electronics Corporation recently announced its expanded line of 1-Bit digital audio amplification products, including three levels of groundbreaking luxury audio products: the new SD-NX10 and SD-SG11, the SM-SX1/DX-SX1, and the SM-SX100.

Each of these products feature Sharp’s revolutionary 1-Bit technology, first introduced in 1999, which offers extraordinary sound quality and design. Sharp is the first company to launch a product utilizing this advanced audio technology. Together with the 38-member 1-Bit Audio Consortium, the company is dedicated to further developing 1-Bit technology and integrating it into future audio formats. Sharp’s new SD-NX10 and SD-SG11, available this month, are the first 1-Bit personal audio systems to be marketed to a consumer audience.

“The expansion of the 1-Bit product line is an exciting step towards Sharp’s goal of converting its entire audio line to 1-Bit digital amplification technology,” said Art McKinnon, marketing manager, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “Sharp believes digital amplification will shape the future of audio formats. The 1-Bit product line, with its exceptional performance, high style and overall efficiency, is truly representative of next generation audio here today.”

The Power of 1-Bit Digital Amplification – Pure Sound Reproduction
1-Bit technology is an innovative digital amplification system offering high-fidelity playback combined with highly efficient use of energy in a very compact size. By converting analog signals into digital signals that can be processed, a 1-Bit amplifier virtually eliminates sound deterioration that normally occurs during the transmission and amplification process of conventional analog amplifiers.

There is a considerable difference between amplifiers processing analog signals and those processing digital signals. Analog signals transmitted and amplified by analog amplifiers suffer signal noise and degradation. 1-Bit amplifiers, however, transmit and amplify a pure digital signal stream generated by a seventh-order delta sigma modulation A/D converter, which takes background noise out to frequencies that surpass the range of the human ear. By processing these digital signals instead of analog signals, 1-Bit amplifiers eliminate the sound deterioration that plagues analog amplifiers and provide more complete, high-quality audio sound.

Audiophiles will further appreciate 1-Bit’s faithful and crisp sound reproduction – almost identical to the original source – with its ultra high-speed sampling of 2.8MHz, 64 times faster than the sampling rate of a CD. This ensures that the SD-NX10 and SD-SG11 offer ultra-quick audio response without the “muddiness” often found in analog amplifiers.

1-Bit Product Line Overview

• SM-SX100 – the first product to showcase 1-Bit technology, introduced in 1999
• SM-SX1/DX-SX1 – the world’s first “direct bitstream coupling” capability integrating the 1-Bit amplifier with a Super Audio CD Player, introduced in 2000
• New SD-NX10 and SD-SG11 – consumer-priced personal audio systems, featuring 1-Bit technology, available this month

SD-NX10 and SD-SG11 Specifications
Sharp’s new SD-NX10 and SD-SG11 feature a 1-Bit integrated amplifier built into a CD and MiniDisc (MD) system. Both units boast a sculpted 25 watt/channel 1-Bit amplifier which drives a separate CD, MD and AM/FM tuner. All of these are housed in a stunning, brushed aluminum cabinet with a large four-mode, multi-color illuminated display that can be adjusted to match most room décors. The system’s vertical drop-in loading CD mechanism, MD deck and other controls are located on the top edge of the system, saving counter space and giving the front face of the unit a smooth, streamlined look.

Audio enthusiasts who prefer to choose their own speakers or have their own speaker setup in place will particularly appreciate the graphite-toned SD-SG11 as an inclusive, central unit. Those who prefer a complete audio system will enjoy the silver-toned SD-NX10 model, which is equipped with a pair of two-way speakers with soft-dome tweeters to reproduce lively sounds, as well as woofers for rich bass.

1-Bit Product Line Pricing

• SM-SX100 is available now at a suggested retail price of $15,999.95
• SM-SX1 is available now at a suggested retail price of $4,499.95
• DX-SX1 is available now at a suggested retail price of $2,999.95
• SD-NX10 and SD-SG11 will be available this month at a suggested retail price of $1,799.95

For more information on Sharp’s full line of 1-Bit products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 or call 1-877-388-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.

SOURCE Sharp Electronics Corporation