Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2016 30 combined with outstanding workmanship distinguishes the twelve pieces in the Axor Universal Accessories collection. The line works well with all the Axor collections and suits a wide range of bathroom styles. High-quality materials such as chrome-plated metal, as well as mirrored and white glass, provide enhanced durability and easy maintenance. In the kitchen, the Axor Universal Accessories collection offers creative freedom while ensuring that the most important kitchen utensils and favorite herbs and spices are within easy reach. The Axor Universal Accessories collection will be available this year in custom finishes upon request, such as brushed gold. PRODUCT OVERVIEW Axor Universal Accessories Collection: • Towel Bar Rail, Short 14.5 inches • Towel Bar Rail, Medium 27 inches • Towel Bar Rail, Long 35 inches • Soap Dish / Shelf • Shelf 12 inches • Liquid Soap Dispenser with Shelf • Tumbler • Shower Basket • Toilet Brush with Holder (wall-mounted) • Toilet Paper Holder (wall-mounted) • Double Towel Bar (rotatable arms) • Single Hook For more information on Hansgrohe and Axor, please visit www.hansgrohe-usa.com. AMERICAN RANGE -TRI STATE DISTRIBUTORS SIGN AGREEMENT American Range has announced the appointment of Tri State Distributors as distributor for American's residential line for the States of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Northern Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming. Tri State also has been assigned the Western Canada provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The appointment became effective January 1, 2016. American Range's residential line of gas ranges, French door wall ovens and cooktops are commercial grade featuring the performance capabilities of American's commercial products blended with luxurious style. "We are very excited about this new opportunity with American Range", stated Mitch Dickson VP of Sales for Tri State." American Range's fine products and growing presence in the residential elite cooking category provide a great fit for Tri State and we are confident this is going be an excellent partnership." For information visit www.americanrangeresidential.com or www.tri-statedistributors.com. TECHNICS REDEFINES THE DIRECT- DRIVE TURNTABLE WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEXT-GENERATION REFERENCE MODEL Technics has announced the return of its direct-drive turntable based on a newly designed direct-drive motor. The Technics 50th anniversary limited edition Grand Class SL-1200GAE and non- limited Grand Class SL-1200G have been developed for audiophiles looking to rediscover and experience the uniquely warm sound quality of analogue vinyl discs. THE VINYL REVIVAL Due to the widespread use of CDs, turntable systems have been absent as major competitors in the audio market, however an ever increasing consumer interest in vinyl records has prompted the launch of a new system for HiFi use. OVERCOMING ANALOGUE ISSUES OF THE PAST Direct drive turntable systems have been beloved by HiFi enthusiasts since their birth in 1972. However, one problem that direct-drive systems have always faced was sound quality degradation caused by 'cogging', or tiny vibrations of the motor and rotational speed fluctuations. However, by combining the knowledge and expertise gained as the originator of direct- drive turntable systems with a newly developed coreless direct- drive motor without iron core, this 'cogging' can be eliminated. Any potential minute motor vibrations are suppressed even further by high-precision rotary positioning sensors guided by a microprocessor controlled system; a feature unique to the new Technics turntable. The Technics turntable aims to provide the smoothest possible rotary control by the use of an encoder at the bottom of the motor which detects the precise rotating angle. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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