RMAF 2019 Show Report

Sanders Sound Systems @ RMAF 2019

  The Best Of 2019 Blue Note Award winning Sanders Sound Systems Magtech stereo amplifier ($5500) was here at RMAF 2019 driving a pair of outstanding Model 10e electrostatic speakers ($17,000), with the price including a digital Loudspeaker Management System (LMS). Do note that the $17,000 price for the speakers includes one of their Magtech amplifiers as well as the digital LMS. This is the best option for those who wish to provide a second amp of their own to power Sanders Sound Systems' speakers. The other option, which they've displayed at the show, is to buy the speakers with two Magtechs for $22,500. And yes their ESL Mk II amplifier ($4500), which is Sanders Sound System's original amplifier, was also @ RMAF 2019.

There was also a special premiere of their Digital Preamplifier ($5500) to be released this fall. For lovers of turntables, they also offer a Phono Preamplifier ($4500). Of note is that specialized cables are within their system and consist of Sanders Sound System's ESL Speaker Cables ($600 per pair), unbalanced Interconnects ($100 per pair), and XLR balanced Interconnects ($150 per pair).

The sound was fast and very clean, as you'd expect from high quality electrostatic speakers. The Magtech amp produces an impressive 500 Watts @ 8 Ohm (900 Watts @ 4 Ohm). Within Ron Nagle's Magtech review in July 2019, he said "Rogers ESL amplifier had no detectable faults. I ran it for eleven years on a day by day basis up against any and all comers. It was a workhorse at the heart of my reference system. It served as a lab standard, comparing it to tube and solid-state amplifiers and speakers of every imaginable design. All of that time it was completely transparent, quiet and reliable."

Their Preamplifier inputs include four unbalanced RCA inputs, a processor loop, plus balanced XLR. Outputs are both a couple of RCA and one XLR. All outputs may be used simultaneously to drive a multi-channel system, recording device, or perhaps a secondary system.

Getting back to the Magtech stereo amplifier, Ron also said he was delighted by the metamorphosis of his Sanders amplifier. If you take into account the fact that it can drive / complement any speaker you are likely to own, common sense tells you it will serve as the foundation to build a complete audio system. Judging from the sound heard during RMAF 2019, it is an excellent value too!

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

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

---> Back to main RMAF 2019 show report page.