RMAF 2019 Show Report

Chord, Jadis, Spendor And SME @ RMAF 2019

  Great guy Jay Rein of Bluebird Music, distributor of many high-end audio brands, was here @ RMAF 2019 to receive their Best Of 2019 Blue Note Awards. Our review of Chord Electronics' Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier ($4495) is a killer MC phono preamplifier according to Enjoy the Music.com's Senior Editor Tom Lyle. Tom says that "Chord Electronics Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier is well worth its asking price. The first thing one might notice in regard to Chord's Symphonic Moving Coil (MC) phono preamplifier is its eye-catching appearance." The Hugo M Scaler Hi-Res Audio DAC also made an appearing at RMAF 2019.

SME Model 12 turntable is the company's new entry-level unit loaded with improvements, plus it includes their always-lovable 309 tonearm ($10,900). According to the company, the Model 12 features several important upgrades from the Model 10. It is a higher mass design with increased stability. New adjustable feet, taken from SME's Synergy table, allow for easy leveling while providing superior isolation. A substantial 0.75" spindle improves mechanical integrity. There's upgraded electronics to aid in lowering the noise floor. SME's 309 tonearm is internal wired with the truly exceptional Crystal Cable product (which I happily use their silver cables for my custom-fit Noble K10 in-ear monitors.).

Also new is Chord Electronics' Huei Phono Stage with adjustable gain and loading ($1495). Huei's dual moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) functionality gives a wide range of compatibility and cartridges. The gain switches are easily accessible on the front panel, as this provides a greater level of user convenience. A variety of impedance-matching, switchable gain, and switchable rumble filters are provided. Another feature is Chord's ultra-low noise microprocessor. Like many of their products, the casing is made from aircraft grade aluminum, augmented by the familiar Chord multi-colored control buttons.

Spendor's D9 ($11,495) three-way, four driver floorstanding loudspeakers are said to produce excellent sound that follows the legacy of the company's longstanding reputation. There are significant improvements to the internal dynamic damping materials and how it is configured within the enhanced rigidity cabinet over older models. Spendor's LPZ (Linear Pressure Zone) tweeter is mated with a 18cm D-Line midrange driver and a pair of 18cm woofers.

Adding to the all-new category here at RMAF 2019 is Jadis' Orchestra Black 40 Watt per channel stereo integrated amplifier ($3995). The Class AB tubed unit employs four 6CA7 tubes, a stylish new black faceplate, and can be controlled by an included remote. Silver faceplate option is also available.

As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

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