High End Society Frankfurt 2000 Audiophile Show

 

Wednesday (pre-show report)

 

 

  In the front entrance is a huge, over five foot high Audiopur Reference 1 loudspeaker (159,000 DM). This four driver, quad-wireable unit features 94 db/w/m sensitivity by using a 33cm side-firing subwoofer, 25cm poly-Kevlar midrange and 17cm poly-Kevlar upper midrange and a ribbon tweeter.

 

Go NAD! Seen here is the silver version of NAD's (top to bottom) Model 100 stereo preamplifier (2,000 DM) which offers seven inputs, one tape loop and both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs. The S 500 CD Player ($3,000) offers AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs plus analog outputs via single-ended or balanced connectors. Lastly, on the bottom is their S 400 RDS tuner (2,000 DM).

 

Dynaudio were showing many of their world-renown loudspeakers in many different finishes.

 

Cyrus had their complete, very compact audio system components on display. The Cyrus Icon loudspeakers are samples that use the flat-panel NXT technology for midrange and highs with a conventional dynamic cone driver for bass.

 

 

Acoustic Solid makes a few well regarded turntables here in Germany. One of which, the Solid One seen on top (4,900 DM) is made of solid aluminum that has some lead mixed in it for acoustic "deadness". It can accept not one, not two, but three tonearms at one time! Another turntable they offer is the Solid Machine (2,600 DM and up depending on the configuration). It can also accommodate three tonearms. A cartridge reviewers dream come true!

 

Vinyl junkies unite as now you cake you own one-off vinyl. Vestax's VRX-2000 (15,000 DM) Vinyl Recorder can cut vinyl records via it's analog input. Well, maybe not VINYL per se, but a special blank plastic disc that Vestax claims has a certain "known good" hardness yet allows for proper forming of the groove as it is cut. The cutting head works it's magic at a 45 degree angle and they claim these records offer the same lifespan as normal vinyl. Sound quality, as claimed by their representative, is very good with low surface noise. Availability is expected in September 2000. Imagine making your very one one-off direct to disc analog records!

 

Garrard 501 was a welcome sight (7,000 British Pounds or so depending on version). As they say "Garrard, the classic continues". Most audiophiles are very familiar with the legendary Garrard 301 turntable. The arm boards are custom made for the customer's tonearm by using special RDC material (Clearlight Audio's resonant dampening composite material). It is great to see Garrard continue in offering music lovers wonderful analog products.

 

Click here for Thursday's show coverage.