Dynamic…extended...powerful. These are the initial impressions when I first heard the Antique Sound Labs 1006-845(DT) mono power amplifiers. Since this was my first exposure to the 845 tube, I didn’t know quite what to expect.
The AQVOX Phono 2CI phono preamplifier is a surprise in a number of ways. I recall a lot of discussion about the high cost of “audio jewelry”. This cosmetic feature added elaborate front panels and other adornments to audio components that may have added some sonic benefit but certainly added significantly to the cost. In recent years, I am seeing less of this extravagance in high end components.
The arrival of the Art Audio Vinyl 1 phono preamplifier was eagerly anticipated. We all know that someone with unlimited funds can assemble an outstanding music reproduction system. Sure, it takes time and care to find the right combination of components that work synergistically together. But with unlimited options and enough time, there is no risk of failure.
NOTE TO READERS: (Year 2006) Atma-sphere has been asked repeatedly over several years to comply with 10 Audio's policy on quotes (please see the bottom of the Home Page). They continue to refuse this simple courtesy.
NOTE TO READERS: (Year 2006) Atma-sphere has been asked repeatedly over several years to comply with 10 Audio's policy on quotes (please see the bottom of the Home Page). They continue to refuse this simple courtesy.
The Audience Adept Response aR2p-TO High Resolution Power Conditioner is the latest in a product line of well received power conditioners which are priced from $695 to $8,600. The $1,600 aR2p-TO model differs from the basic $695 aR2p in its use of expensive Teflon-dielectric "Aura-T" capacitors with OHNO (mono crystal, oxygen-free) copper leads. I did not experience the basic non-Teflon equipped model.
How do you improve on perfection? There is no Darwinian natural selection at work for manufactured products that enable them to evolve over time, making them better suited to the environment. If you are an expert marksman, hitting the bulls-eye each and every time, can you become an even better shot? If your name is Bond, James Bond... Well, you get the idea.
Let me save some typing and share the description from the Audience Web site. I have omitted some of the text that sounded like marketing hyperbole or was superfluous, but have included editorial content that agrees with my observations.
It seems that lately I listen to more music more often at my desk than in my dedicated listening room. This allows me to multi-task: attend to email and other business duties, talk with customers and friends, and listen to music, all at the same time. Of course, this is not quality time with music because the volume is necessarily set to a low level since my customers seem to object to my repeated requests to “speak louder”.
The Audio Electronic Supply AE-3 DJH preamplifier was a surprise, as you will read below. The list price with remote is $1700. The little preamplifier could be lifted and moved with one hand. The unit’s build quality was very good and it looks and feels like a Cary.
Holbo Turntable: There is no bass, midrange, treble in the usual, analytical sense. The entire musical spectrum is one continuous, highly transparent river of performance.
Even if you derive some joy from spending more money on audio gear, this company’s products should be included in any search for maximum-quality components.
The Pro Thunder power cable is a great product that provides a noticeable and very cost effective system upgrade which has increased my enjoyment of and connection to the music. Thank you, Straight Wire!
The first thing one hears from the Teatro is nothing. This cartridge, possibly due to the complex shape of the titanium body, has the quietest backgrounds that this listener has ever not heard.
The VPI Prime is a turntable that looks great, has some very effective technology, and is a well-executed design that simply sounds very good. Very good, indeed.
At this level of performance, it is almost a waste of time to discuss the sound in standard audiophile terms, dissecting the bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage.
I thought about turning the system off and going to bed, but just wanted to hear one more song, and then another. The level of musical satisfaction with the Cary SA-200.2 amplifier is very high.
"Laboratory-grade" means that the component is true to the source. This is a step above "reference-grade", which is simply the current state-of-the-art.
"Possibly the most valuable aspect of live, acoustic music for the evaluating the truthfulness of an audio system is the feeling one often gets of the music's purity, sweetness, dynamics, and transparency. "
The Audio Electronic Supply AE-3 DJH preamplifier was a surprise, as you will read below. The list price with remote is $1700. The little preamplifier could be lifted and moved with one hand. The unit’s build quality was very good and it looks and feels like a Cary.
