Chord had their new single disc CD player ($5,000) that offers both balanced (XLR) and single ended (RCA)
analog output, plus coax digital out via BNC. Like all Chord's line, the chassis is made from solid
aluminum and i must admit their electronics has always intrigued me. So how do
i get some within m system for a review?
Also in the Chord room was the Tetra Manhattan 305
monitor ($3,500 in black, though custom painted Tetra Art finish is available at an
upcharge). Seen here is the Sergeant Pepper's theme, though you can choose
anything from Pink Floyd to Monty Python.
Sonneter electronics was driving ASW speakers while wiring was by Gutwire. The truly interesting piece
within the system was the Bard audio wireless USB output with 44.1 or
48kHz DAC. Basically, a USB sender was installed on a computer playing audio
files and the round receiver (seen above) decodes the signal and passes it
along ($599 for passive system or the receiver can also have a 35 watt stereo amplifier for
a system price of $1,290).
In the Harmonix / Reimyo room was their new, really elegant looking Royal Stage equipment stand ($5,400 for shelf plus $1,500 or so for extension piece)
that is available in gold or black finish with wood shelf. All the usual audiophile goodies such as cones, etc. are also available. The Reimyo PAT-777 ($25,000) 300B stereo amplifier
fit right in with a single 300B for output and 310 for driver per channel, and a single 5R4WG for rectification. Naturally it is a single-ended zero feedback.
In the Moscode room was the Von Schweikert 4jr ($3,995, reviewed by
Rick Becker as seen
here) and while i was in too much of a hurry yesterday to make any sound comments,
today the system does indeed sound quite impressive. Fast, clean, and non-fatiguing come to mind.
Best bet is to
read the review.
Sonic Spirits, a New Jersey retailer, had his room filled with the Dodson DA-218 DAC ($7,995),
Blue Circle BC3 Galatea MKII dual-mono preamplifier ($4,995), and the BC202 hybrid amplifier ($5,295), various
Acoustic Zen cable (reviewed
here), Focus Audio FS-78SE 10th Anniversary Edition
loudspeakers ($3450), and Audience adeptResponce ($3,800) power
conditioner. Nice and tidy sound.
(Said in good humor) Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle brought his girlfriend. Yes,
it seems some audiophiles are indeed that desperate to make love to a
fictitious woman who is really nothing more than audio components dressed as a
woman.
Aperion Audio was touting their new HD-X3 technology. This new
crossover technology claims to be an evolution from the Di-Aural to this new custom LCR
format. It levels the impedance in a more efficient way than past technology
to ease drive and offer cleaner sound output. Aperion Audio's 633T ($499 each)
are sold direct and, frankly, are probably one of the best loudspeaker audio
bargains. See our review of their Intimus 522D powered towers by clicking
here.
These cute little Acapella Fidelio 2 monitor loudspeakers ($5,950, or $6,800
with matching stands) may have lacked deep bass given the pair of small,
5-inch or so drivers,
though from midrange on upwards they were very responsive. On top of the
cabinet is the company's Tuning Weight ($1,095) said to assist is dampening
unwanted cabinet vibrations. Acapella's Violin loudspeakers were reviewed here.
Click here to see page 2
High-Performance Audio Reviews
