Capital AudioFest Chronicles 2022
Beautiful sounds on the 5th Floor Part B.
Show Report By Rick Becker

Room 534, Alma Music & Audio (Technics)
Alta is also big on Technics gear as seen here with Randall Kress trying to multitask.

New in this room was the Technics SLG700M2, a CD / SACD / Network Player ($3499). There is a USB input on the face as well as a headphone jack. This sounds a lot like having your cake and eating it, too.

Technics is well known for their top-of-line SL-1200G turntable ($4k) and the more affordable SL-1200GR version ($1699), but I keep coming back to the SL-1500 for only $1199 as a real bargain for someone who wants to get into LPs in a modest way without all the whistles and bells. Although it has a built-in mm phono stage, this can be bypassed for a more 'proper' audiophile rig. The $500 savings over the SL-1200GR will buy you more music if you can upgrade the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge that comes standard.

The Technics speakers were the SB-G90M2 ($5398). They looked elegant in piano gloss black with coincident drivers surrounded by a ring of bright metal. Cables by Kubala-Sosna again helped raise the level of this presentation.

Room 537 Alma Music & Audio (Bergmann, Moonriver, And Graham)
The ever-dapper Philip O'Hanlon was on hand with his familiar combination of Bergmann, Modi, and Thor turntable ($17k), Moonriver 404 Reference integrated amp ($5k, plus $549 for optional phono module), and a new Moonriver 505 phono stage.

The phono stage had more adjustments on its faceplate than I've ever seen including EQ curves for RIAA and Decca 78. The price was yet to be determined, but you can take a cue from the cost of the amplifier.

The Artesania Prestige three-level rack ($5800) and Prestige Krion turntable platform ($4850) were modest looking but in keeping with the components. The speakers were the Graham Audio LS8/1 Limited Edition, signed and numbered, finished in a premium Teak finish with stans for $9700. Cables, again, were by Kubala-Sosna. I picked up a price list for Kubala-Sosna and learned that they have expanded their line to now include much more affordable cables.

The music here was eminently listenable with fine resolution and tone. Aside from the cost and style of the turntable, it was all very reasonably priced and traditional in style.  It was the kind of rig that you could put in your den and enjoy your music, all the while remaining oblivious to the upgrade merry-go-round game.

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