The Home Entertainment Show 2004

  Friday
Page 1

 

  Margio Audio Labs' modded a disc player... tuned with their VTS Tuning Dots. This reduces internal vibrations that are claimed to cause audible distortions. Margi also has CD mats that are placed on top of a disc to insure flatness, reduce static electricity, and absorb stray light.

 

Cool looking tube monoblock amplifier of the morning goes to Consonance with their Cyber 800 ($3,800 per pair) with a quartet of EL34 tubes operating in push-pull to produce 80 watts.

 

Kuma take note (you know who you are) as the new Aspen Model 823 tubed headphone amplifier ($1,000) is OTL-based using a pair of 6BQ5 and a 12AU7 tube. Frequency response is from 24Hz to 30kHz with 1% distortion.

 

Almarro's new M50A loudspeakers ($4,900) feature a 4-inch Dyton PT-2 ribbon tweeter, a pair of 4-inch midrange drivers and an Eminence 10-inch woofer. Keeping with Almarro's high sensitivity, this 93dB/W/m design presents a sane 8-ohm load and a frequency response from 27Hz to 23kHz.

 

Speaking of ribbons in loudspeakers, Eminent Technology LFT VIII ($1,700 per pair, a new bargain!) had wonderful speed and transparency to my ears. An 8-inch dynamic driver produces the lowermost frequencies with an overall response from 25Hz to 20kHz, yet a not-too-sensitive 84dB/W/m. Bring a good, powerful amplifier to the table.

 

For those wanting the ever-present glow of tubes, and additional benefits of a space heater, may enjoy a pair of Atma-Sphere MA-2 MK II.3 monoblock OTL amplifier. With a resounding 26 tubes per channel, these 220-watt (@ 8 ohm) behemoths are a shining example of OTL at its best. 

 

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Click here to see a complete listing of
specialty high-end audio show exhibitors.

 

Click here to see last year's show coverage.