Kam Lueng from Focus Audio was another familiar person from the
Montreal show. Here Focus Audio teamed up with another Canadian company, Blue
Circle Audio, with a little help from Dodson Audio in the form of
their DA-218 DAC ($8K). Blue Circle used their Galatea Mk II tube preamplifier
and BC 202 hybrid stereo amplifier, about $5K each. Cabling was by the
acclaimed Acoustic Zen company, and power conditioning was by Audience
adeptResponse ($3800). What I didn't notice at the show was most interesting. Acoustic Zen Cables
are reviewed here
while Blue Circle's AG 3000
preamplifier, AG 8000
monoblock amplifier, Music
Ring balanced power conditioner, CS
integrated amplifier, and BC-8
monoblock amplifiers have also been examined.
The TOAC AS-5 component rack listed on their room sheet comes from
one of the Toyota group of companies with expertise in controlling engine
vibration and precision casting. Next time I'll take a closer look. The
floorstanding FS78SE at $3450 is their 10th anniversary edition
that sports an improved crossover, higher purity copper wire, gold plated
copper binding posts and a new 7" Nomex/Kevlar Hexacone woofer. But what
always impresses me is their gloss burl finishes, such as the burr walnut seen
here on the smaller FS68SE monitor ($2050). For all the well-respected
components in this system, I didn't think it sounded very good from my chair
off center, close to the wall. But when I stood up and crossed the room at the
back wall, the music suddenly snapped into focus giving me a much better
opinion of this room.
I had a good look at the new Moscode 401HR hybrid power amplifier
that puts out 200 wpc. The drop-down front face with the etched glass window
that permits easy tube swapping was very trick indeed. This amplifier is
available only factory direct over the Internet, but comes with a 33.3 day
in-home trial. The introductory price is $4995. Unfortunately my notes are dreadfully
inadequate for further comment.
The next room felt almost like I was stepping back in time to the early to
mid ‘90s. The Analysis Audio Omega full range planar — ribbons
($15K) reminded me of the Apogee Stage that was so highly acclaimed
back then. The preamp was an Audio Research LS 25 Mk II and one source
was an Audio Research CD3 Mk II. The Omegas were bi-amplified with four H2O
Audio monoblocks at $4K/pr. I had the pleasure of listening to an LP
played on a VPI Super Scoutmaster with a Dynavector cartridge. In this crowded
room I was unable to listen from the sweet spot that is often so critical with
planar loudspeakers. But what I heard sounded promising.
Aperionaudio.com was also at Montreal, and here they presented their
very affordable new 5 and 6-Series speakers targeting the home theater crowd.
Not only do you save factory direct, but at the show, they offered special
pre-order pricing to show attendees. Entry level is the 532-LR bookshelf
speakers ($360/pr) that featured their new HD-X3 crossover that yielded a very
flat impedance curve. The larger 632-LR model ($598) was said to go down to 45Hz. For casual home theater, their systems may be all you ever need.
Aperion Intimus 522D Powered Towers are reviewed here.
This being New York, what could Adrian Butts of Tetra bring to the
show except his Manhattan 305, painted by his wife in what is called the Ode
to Liverpool theme. The Manhattan series is designed for small to medium size
rooms and the floorstanding 305 is a two-way, bi-wireable model with a rear
port. The column actually extends the volume of what looks like a small
monitor on top of it. It starts at $3450 in satin black, jumps to $3950 in
various two-tone wood veneers, and skyrockets to $5500 in the custom hand
painted version — a small price to pay for spousal acceptance! This model
should also be quite easy to move into proper position for critical listening
if it must be stored out of the way on a daily basis. The Tetra was driven
very well by a beautiful compact Chord system including the One CD
player ($6K), Prima pre-amplifier ($5500), Mezzo 140 amplifier with 120 wpc
($6500), all held at the proper angle by a Choral rack ($1700). For a high
quality system in tight living quarters, this rig is a strong contender. Now,
let's see — Right on red, go on green!
We all know the computer world is going wireless, and some of us know a
portion of the audio/home theater world is headed that way also. There were
two examples of this at the show (that I found, at least). Sonnoteer is
a British manufacturer of audio equipment and they brought a modest rig with
them to demonstrate their new Bard Audio system for transmitting
uncompressed digital audio signals. The BardOne transmitter is about the size
of a USB computer memory stick and contains programming to send signals from
your Mac or PC, a CD or MP3 player, to amplifiers or stereo systems within a
range of 20-40 meters. The BardOne receiver that looks like a flying saucer
about the size of a Dinky Toy attaches to your amplifier or stereo system with
a pair of interconnects. The Bardthree is a universal power supply that plugs
into the wall socket (with various worldly snap-in adapters), a receiver (of
the digital signals sent by the BardOne) and a digital amplifier for powering
your remote loudspeakers — all rolled into one tiny package. If this sounds
like a toy to you, imagine, a few years hence, a similar version manufactured
by someone like Jeff Rowland and costing many thousands of dollars. In the
photo, to the far right of the laptop is the round BardOne receiver. The box
to the immediate right of the laptop is the Bardthree. And the BardOne
transmitter rests on top of the Bardthree. The BardOne sender and receiver
sell for $599 and the same package with the Bardthree is $1295. Very
interesting. Now hook this up to your digital server with your 2000 LP
record collection stored in it, transmit to your wireless headphones, and go
mow the lawn!
To get to the next room I must have entered the Twilight Zone. I know I was
there because I have some literature, a couple of photos and the business card
of Mr. Kazuo Kiuchi, the managing director of the Comback Corporation of
Japan which brings us the Harmonix tuning devices and Reimyo
audio equipment. These companies are not listed in the catalog, but were
located in the May Audio room. Last year I raved about the sound of
their Bravo loudspeaker made for them by Gradient of Finland. It was even more
special this year, perhaps because of the super-tweeter placed on top of the
Bravo. Or perhaps because of their new Royal Stage rack system pictured here.
Each stage costs $5400 and a set of extension legs that allow you to stack two
stages costs an additional $1300. At the very least, this is the finest
jewelry you can buy for your audio system. Quite possibly, it is also a
world-class tuning device, which may not be the same thing as a vibration
dampening device. The music here was very smooth and open within the
limitation of the small driver at the low end, but limitless at the high end
with the contribution of the super-tweeter.
The highly acclaimed Reimyo
CDP-777 player and their separate DAC are designed to take advantage of the
JVC 20bit K2 processing that extends frequency response to ethereal levels. I
know I don't "hear" music that high in frequency, but somehow it makes
a contribution to what I can hear in the main body of the music. I
expect they were playing the JVC CDs to maximize this effect, so next year I
will have to be sure to request a selection from my compilation CD. This, too,
was among the Best Rooms at the show. I'm sure they will not be sending
me a Royal Stage to scratch up with my components, but possibly a set of
spikes will come my way for audition. Combak Reimyo CDP-777 CD
player/transport is reviewed here.
Across the hall from the Harmonix room, Innersound presented their
complete system, with only four listening chairs for only four people at a
time. I guess the press comments (I'm guilty, too) about needing to be in the
sweet spot have inspired them to limit their access. I certainly hope it
worked to their advantage, because in my past experience, their system has
been among the very best. Since I had just commented on their presentation at
Montreal, I pressed onward. Check Chris Boylan's show report for his
commentary on this room.
In the April Audio room I had my first look at Stello
electronics from Korea. Somehow, I missed their room last year. The music, or
rather music video, sounded outstanding. Disappointment set in when I realized
it was not the Stello CD player that my friend Robert Hart had been raving
about, but the new Theta Compli universal player ($4500-5900) beneath
it that was playing. Nonetheless, this was another of the Best Rooms at
the show. While the Stello components are straightforward and modest in both
design and price, they certainly get the job done. The loudspeaker was the NHT
Evolution T6 Tower ($4K) recently reviewed and rated Class A by Stereophile's
John Atkinson. Not only did this system hang together acoustically, but it was
visually and financially balanced as well — although more so with the more
affordable Stello CD player.
The Aural Acoustics Model B loudspeaker boasted a lot of technology
and design consideration for a $4500 loudspeaker and the results certainly
justified their effort and more than justified the price. The system was a
strong one with Arcam CD 23 player, conrad-johnson ACT 2
preamplifier and a c-j MV-60SE stereo amplifier. The loudspeaker is time and
phase aligned, sporting a stepped front baffle and individual chambers for
each of the three drivers. Inside, the surfaces are coated with their
AccuRange™ technology that minimizes back waves to improve decay and
transparency. The isolated, separate baffles were also mounted on felt to
minimize transmission of vibrations to and from the cabinet. And the drivers
mounted the phase correct crossover in the base to keep it away from magnetic
interference. While it was shown in black ash, it is also available in cherry
and maple. With its small footprint, fresh design, and outstanding sound, I
was very impressed with this loudspeaker. In retrospect, I should have
spent more time in this room. The Model B has an awful lot going for it. conrad-johnson's 17LS
preamplifier is reviewed here.
Rhapsody Music and Cinema presented an MBL system featuring
the new model 116 loudspeaker in the range of $17-18K. This expensive and
formal looking line with omni directional loudspeakers from Germany put out a
very precise sound that does not nail the listener down to a narrow sweet
spot. Rhapsody segued from their presentation at the Hilton to evening
presentations at their showroom on 24th St. on Friday and Saturday
evenings, but I couldn't take advantage of the offer. MBL consistently
presents excellent sounding systems comprised of products made entirely
in-house.
Silverline Audio Technology has been forging an excellent reputation
over recent years and their new Bolero expands on their success with the SR17.
The Bolero is a three-way, rear-ported design with Dynaudio drivers and
a wide frequency response going down to a claimed 28Hz. With 92dB efficiency
and 8-ohm impedance, they proved its tube-friendliness by driving it with
their custom tube CD player (NFS) and the Silverline 300B tube amplifier that
puts out 7 wpc ($7K). They also had a Creek CD53 SE Mk 2 on hand and
were using a conrad-johnson Premier 17LS2 preamplifier. The music here
was very, very good and very easy to listen to, suffering only the limitation
of the low power amplifier. Fit and finish was typical of other Silverline
loudspeakers, which is to say excellent. Silverline Audio SR 11
minimonitor and Panatella III's
have been reviewed.
Nobody in this industry is deeper in the trenches fighting for high quality
sound at more affordable prices than Roy Hall. And but for one
component, he had the least expensive high quality rig at the show. That one
component would be the stunning Shanling CDT-300 tube CD player costing
$7000, pictured here at the Montreal show to give you an idea of how it would
look under low lighting conditions. It looked great in the jungle greenery of
Roy's room, too. The loudspeakers were the acclaimed Epos M5 stand
mounted monitors ($650) recently reviewed in Stereophile and given a "$$$"
rating for high value. But while that rig featured the new Creek 5350
SE MK 2 integrated amplifier ($1495), what really excited Roy was his new Music
Hall cd25.2 player ($600) and matching receiver shown in prototype form.
These are sure to kick the doors to the High End wide open. On the analog
side, Roy introduced the new Music Hall MMF-2.1 LD turntable with a bright
Ferrari red plinth and Music Hall Tracker cartridge for $399. For a more
upscale look with a wood tone finish (forgive me if it is really vinyl) he had
the new MMF-5SE at $895, complete with tonearm and dustcover. No excuses for not
taking the plunge into vinyl in this room. In fact, even those deeply
committed to LP playback found something of interest in the $2595 Whest
Audio PS.20 photo stage with external power supply so highly praised by
Michael Fremer, The Absolute Sound and others.
Last year I suggested that we would be hearing more about Hyperion Sound
Design and sure enough, my own editor picked up their HPS 938 monitor and
HPS 938L bass units for review in the Superior Audio section of our e-zine.
The gloss black version now goes for $4500, and I'm becoming a little more
accepting of the somewhat awkward styling of this two-box configuration. This
year they've added a Birdseye maple option for an additional $1500. After
Steve's rave review, I paid even closer attention this year and loved the
music in this room even more. Most likely, the cause was their new HT88 tube
monoblocks utilizing two KT88 tubes for an 18 watt output in class A. These
come home for $2800 and were very handsome, coordinating with the gloss black
loudspeakers. A single wrap-around glass shield acts as a protective tube cage
and presumably aids in the cooling process, acting like a large chimney. The
preamplifier was Hyperion's BEC-P25 solid-state model for $1500. I don't
expect any flack from Steve in naming this room one of the Best Rooms
at the show, and a high value one, at that.
ARS AURES audio is a Sicilian company that produces very fashionable
and high quality loudspeakers. With digital music coming from the hard drive
of a Yamaha recorder, the signal was sent to a Gill Audio Elise DAC and on to
pair of Art Audio Quartet monoblocks ($11,900), each with a pair of 845 tubes
and transformers specially wound to take advantage of the 845. The loudspeaker
was the floorstanding MIDI Sensorial that is available in a variety of special
order paint and wood finishes, but was shown here in gloss black at $19K. The
sound was excellent, but exhibited a bit of glare which probably could have
been tuned out with some vibration absorbing footers or shelves under the
amplifiers, which seemed to be resting directly on the carpeted floor. On
stands at the back corners of the room were MINI Sensorial loudspeakers ($9400
without stands) looking either very futuristic or very retro, depending on
which version of the Superman movie you saw when you were a kid.
The Almarro room was proudly displaying our Enjoy the Music.com™
award for their A318A
amplifier ($1500) based on the 6C33C tube, but what
really grabbed my attention was the big brother A50125A integrated amplifier
(($2950) boasting an octet of 6550 tubes putting out 125 wpc. The tube cage,
while minimal, was visually very striking. This amp doubles upward to 250
watts as a monoblock. What I actually heard in this room was
Lilliputian by comparison — their 5 wpc A205A amplifier with volume control
and input for a single source. This mouse pushed their full-range M2A
loudspeaker with 88dB sensitivity with aplomb with female vocal music at the
time. The M2A starts at $2300 in MDF wood and steps up to $3000 in piano
black. This loudspeaker could be a real bargain.
thiphiAudio makes no pretense for High End but aims specifically at
second system applications, including surround sound for the bedroom offering
one for $999 with a credit card size remote control. New this year was a dual
cylinder loudspeaker.
Vince Bruzzese, Chief of Totem Acoustics, brought a smaller version
of his rectangular teepee down from Quebec. He omitted the home theater and
presented what looked like the Hawk floorstander and the Rainmaker monitor,
two very successful models for him. His rooms are always so filled that I
never get a good seat in them.
The next room brought another friend, Peter Bizlewicz of Symposium
Acoustics, whose products I reviewed some years ago. I was delighted to
see that he has responded to the market and is now offering a wide variety of
sizes of the Svelte Shelf and Isis Platforms for components — and even
loudspeakers (Svelte). On the Rollerblock front, the Series 2 is now offered
with tungsten carbide Superballs in Grade 3 at a hefty up-charge, and a
Doublestack Kit is offered for those who want to sandwich their balls between
two blocks for even greater improvement. The Rollerblock Jr. is likewise now
offered in a Plus version with tungsten carbide balls for a modest up charge. Symposium Acoustics Isis Shelf And Rollerblock Jrs.
reviews Part 1
and Part 2, Symposium
platforms and
Rollerblock, and their Quantum Platform
assessments.
Symposium shared the room with
WAVAC tube electronics and the Talon
Firehawk loudspeaker. Virtually everything was isolated by various
Symposium products. The WAVAC preamplifier was interesting in that it had
three separate boxes for signal control, power supply and transformer. All
three companies aspire toward tight focus and accuracy, and the system
presented clarity in the extreme. Some will love this approach and others will
feel it is too sharp an edge for the music. In this chosen direction, it was
probably state of the art. Peter treated me to a special CD that was burned
directly from the master tape by producer Steve Hoffman. The song was Peggy
Lee singing "Fever." I was a kid when it came out, and I remember it well. In
fact, in the summer of ‘58, almost every music system was still tube powered
— even cars! This was one of the most special moments of the show for me.
Naturally we have reviews including the WAVAC Model MD-811,
EC-300B
amplifier, MD-300B
amplifier, and PR-T1
preamplifier.
Klaus Bunge of Odyssey warned me in Montreal that he was going to
have something special here in New York and he was quite right. Using
ScanSpeak drivers in thin boxes, they have developed thin wall hanging
loudspeakers that feature artwork on the grilles. In fact, you can send them
your own photos or artwork and they will digitally scan it and silkscreen it
onto the grill cloth. The sound was pretty damn good and unexpectedly
transparent.
High Water Sound brought together an interesting room full of
products that are rarely heard. The front end was a huge SE-1 turntable from Sound
Engineering in Old Hickory, Tennessee, costing somewhere in the $12K
range, plus the Swiss made DaVinci Audio Labs tonearm and an
unidentified cartridge. It was on an SRA platform. Note the use of the
brass ring at the circumference of the LP and the beautiful cocobolo wood
platter. Other hardwoods can be specified. While the brass weights suspended
below the wood platter looked very trick, in action, I personally found them
distracting while listening with my eyes open. The preamplifier was from the
British company Tron Electric ($13K) as were the tube monoblocks
($20K/pr). The horn-loaded loudspeakers were from Horning Hybrid Systems
in Denmark, which are in the same price league. A variety of Harmonix and
other footers and shelves seemed to be under virtually every component. The
sound was transparent, dynamic and neutral on the small jazz combo music I
heard on this analog — only rig. It was obviously very carefully set up, and
ranks with the Best Rooms at the show. I just wish I had brought some
favorite LPs that might have allowed me to get a little more excited about
this system.
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High-Performance Audio Reviews
