Hi-Fi News 2000

 

Seen here first: CR Developments new Woodham 300B valve amplifier (£4,000). Included are toroidal transformers for both power as well as output. The output transformers themselves are wound using a very special spaced toroidal transformer that is air gapped. The Woodham 300B can accommodate most normal 300B valves (Western Electric, Sovtek, JJ, etc). To insure the purity of power to various stages within this model, there are six separate power supplies! CR Developments Woodham 300B stereo amplifier produces 14 watts per channel in "Class A" and of course it is in single-ended operation. You can bridge the Woodham 300B if you wish. This would then become a 24-watt monoblock amplifier. Both RCA and XLR inputs are accommodated. Audiophile-quality polypropylene signal capacitors are also used.

 

The Amphion Xenon (7,000 DM/pr) loudspeaker employs a 10" side-firing woofer, 6.5" midrange and 1" aluminum dome tweeter. Sensitivity is rated at 85 db/w/m and frequency response is claimed at 28Hz to 20kHz. Due to such a slim front panel, this unit seems to be very good at soundscape imaging.

 

Visually stunning is the Cadence company Canasya valve monoblock amplifier (£10,000/pr). The name comes from Sanskrit and means "delightful". These 200 watt monoblocks operate in "Class A" mode up to 50 watts by employing four 845 output tubes. Rectification and driver stages are of the solid state variety. All the valves are auto-biased for ease of use and virtually maintenance-free operation. The cool front meter indicates the "lifespan" of each valve.

 

Japanese erotica landed in the UK in the Final Labs room. They have unique, fully battery powered system(!). For those who choose to rely on mains power, large (and hot) valve power units are also available. In the photo is their Music 6 power amplifier, Music 5 preamplifer and Music 4 phono stage. Seen below is Final Labs' TFM-6 and TMF-5 mains power supply. The mains power supply for the UK uses 46 valves (yes, 46) for reproduce 240v whereas the American A/C version employs "only" 23 (due to needing power of only 120 volt). The valves are the 5U4GB for those of you wondering.

 

Norman Chesky of the Grammy Award winning Chesky Records was at the Hi-Fi Show 2000 selling many of the great music titles available on CD and high-resolution DVD.

 

The Vivante booth offered those who attended the show many different music titles on both CD and vinyl. They are one of Europe's premiere mail order companies.

 

From days gone by and renewed into the new millennium (that technically begins at the beginning of next year) was Garrard. They not only rebuild the classic Garrard 301 turntable, they also offer high quality base plinths for them. Seen above is the new Garrard 501 that improves upon the old 301 design. The 501 (£7,000 with SME tonearm) offers playback speeds of 33.3, 45 and 78rpm. The base plinths are offered in natural woods such as ash, oak and American black walnut.

Thanks for taking the time to read the Enjoy the Music.com Hi-Fi Show 2000 report. Until next year my friends...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

 

Click here for main HiFi Show 2000 page.