Pioneer Electronics (USA) has announced new G-Clef components including CD players and amplifiers. The Elite G-Clef line includes two stereo amplifiers, SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2, and two CD players, PD-D6MK2 and PD-D9MK2. All models are offered at lower price points.

Each of the models is fine-tuned and certified by AIR Studio's sound engineers. To earn that certification, Pioneer hand-selected state of the art internal components. The power supply circuitry is designed for superior heat resistance to provide a warm, analog-like sound.

"The new G-Clef series is a perfect example of product developed with meticulous attention to detail at every step in the process," said Tim Vine-Lott, technical director, AIR Studios. "Pioneer and AIR Studios have worked together for ten years developing products down to the screws. We're proud to put our stamp on products that exceed our requirements."

Elite G-Clef CD/SACD Players

The PD-D6MK2 (MSRP: $700) and the PD-D9MK2 (MSRP: $1,500) CD/SACD players feature Burr-Brown and Twin Wolfson D/A converters, respectively, and utilize the Pioneer exclusive technology, Legato Link Conversion PRO. Additionally, Hi-Bit technology increases the sound data length from 16-bit to 24-bit, even from compressed MP3 files.

Both models are finished in glossy black with blue LCD displays. The PD-D9MK2 features a Honeycomb Chassis design, which contains hexagon shaped imprints in the metal plates designed to help dissipate vibrations and alleviate jitter. Additional weight and stability features are designed to help shield optical components from ambient interference that could cause imprecise sound. The PD-D6MK2 features an aluminum front panel, while the PD-D9MK2 touts a rigid under-base construction, TAOC Hi-Carbon composite metal feet and a full aluminum casing.

Elite G-Clef Integrated Stereo Amplifiers

The Elite G-Clef amplifiers feature a Twin Mono Symmetrical construction design to maintain electrical isolation between both channels from input to output. The left and right channel amplifiers and power supplies are totally independent and exact mirror images of each other. This construction is also designed to minimize the signal path of each circuit block, providing minimal distortion of signal quality and equal channel separation.

The SX-A6MK2 (MSRP: $700) features Twin EL Transformers and the SX-A9MK2 employs Twin Toroidal Transformers. Both components increase available power. The SX-A9MK2 model is also equipped with a USB input, allowing transmissions of higher bit-rate music files such as an MPEG or FLAC from any digital music library.

"The new components were born out of partnership between Pioneer and AIR Studios sound engineers working hand in hand to produce the highest quality sound possible," said Dave Bales, marketing and product planning, home electronics division at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "G-Clef products are a culmination of all we've learned over a 70-year legacy in audio excellence."

The Elite G-Clef CD/SACD players and amplifiers will be available in August, 2010.