High End Society 2003 Show Frankfurt Germany

Saturday Page 1

  In the Brinkmann room was their new Marconi pre-amplifier (€7,000) and LaGrange turntable (€9,000 for two arm version). The Marconi operates symmetrically, includes wireless remote control, and has dual triode envelope tubes for amplification (two per channel).

The Brinkmann LaGrange turntable can support two tonearms and includes a very high precision motor to insure speed stability. The motor is physically separated to keep unwanted resonances from adversely affecting the critical tonearm/vinyl interplay. The massive aluminum platter (16 kg.) is mated to a special bearing for smooth operation. The power supply for the motor is standard solid-state, while an upgraded tubed power supply is available.

Providing good value for the dollar is Cayin with their model 500MK integrated stereo amplifier (€3,880). It utilizes a total of four GU29, four 12AU7, two 12AX7, and two 6N6 tubes to produce 80 watts per channel in "Class A/B".

Swimming with the tide is Manley Labs critically acclaimed Stingray (€2,950) integrated amplifier. Best bet would be to read our exclusive review by clicking here. Also seen is their Mahi monoblock amplifier (review coming soon!).

One of my favorite monitor loudspeakers, the Reference 3A, was also seen at the Frankfurt Germany High End Society show. See our exclusive review by clicking here.

Monster Cable has new home theater loudspeaker. That's right, as Monster cable is now entering the loudspeaker market! Alas, no photos were allowed yet they did look rather interesting and look to be very home theater based.

Stax, known for their top-rated headphones and amplification, was showing their new SRM-310 amplifier (approximately €600). It offers 350V per channel output with a frequency response from 4Hz to 70kHz (-3dB).

ceratec loudspeakers presented their model Xeno ultra-slim unit (€5,000) that make use of the JVC rectangular driver for midrange and highs, yet has a separate subwoofer unit for lower frequency support. Standing approximately five feet high, the entire driver area is only two inches wide.

So tell me, what would you pay for a stereo intergraded tube amplifier with four 5881 output tubes, two 6N1P tubes for input stage, and two 6N6 tubes for driver duty. It would also have three inputs, toroidal power transformer, quite sturdy gold plated RCA and loudspeaker terminals. This unit would produce 24 watts per channel with a frequency response from 12Hz to 55kHz. And the price (your answer) should be... €999! And who offers this bargain? Amplifon, who herald from Poland, with their model WL 25. Bargain hunters take note! Amplifon builds many other tube amplification units such as their WT 40 with two of the Russian triple nipple output tubes per channel for €2,850.

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