analog – 10 Audio

Clearaudio Ovation Turntable and Universal Tonearm

Clearaudio is a well-respected manufacturer of turntables, tonearms, phono cartridges, phono preamplifiers, and accessories. Their home base is in Germany. The Clearaudio Ovation turntable has been in production for several years. The Ovation turntable features a rectangular footprint, belt drive,

Tzar DST Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge

The Tzar DST moving coil phono cartridge is manufactured in Russia in limited quantities and distributed in the US by Robyatt Audio. The $10,000 cartridge has some special features that make it unique in the marketplace of moving coil phono

Stager Silver Solids Interconnect Phono Cable

Stager Sound Systems is a New York company founded in 1986. They rent and sell pro gear for small to medium-large concerts and special events. There is also a “division” that specializes in interconnect and speaker cables called Stager Silver

Acoustic Signature TA-7000 Neo Tonearm

The Acoustic Signature TA-7000 Neo tonearm sits just below their top-of-the-line TA-9000 Neo tonearm in the product range. It is available in both 9 inch and 12 inch lengths, for $15,995 and $17,995 respectively. There is also a choice of

Simaudio Moon 810LP Phono Preamplifier

The Simaudio Moon 810LP Reference Dual-Mono Phono Preamplifier is unusually heavy. The lid alone weighs 7 1/2 pounds, and the total weight is about 30 pounds. This mass is expected in a top-of-the-line product from established Canadian audio equipment maker

Sutherland TZ Direct Moving-Coil Phono Preamplifier

FIRST REVIEW! The Sutherland TZ Direct is a brand new moving-coil cartridge preamplifier that is the result of Ron Sutherland’s exploration into the possibilities of transimpedance or current amplification. His earlier works with this technology – in contrast to the

Aurorasound VIDA Supreme Phono Preamplifier

“Be careful what you wish for”, goes the old saying. In this case, my wish to hear the top-of-the-line Aurorasound VIDA Supreme phono preamplifier was granted and the listening was all pleasure and no pain. Concluding the review of the

Stillpoints Ultra LPI V2 Record Weight

The new Stillpoints Ultra LPI V2 record weight is an evolutionary advancement over the first version of the LPI. These record weights have an unthreaded hole in the center that is designed to simply slip over the record spindle of

Miyajima Destiny Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge

Welcome to the fourth review here on 10 Audio of a Miyajima moving-coil phono cartridge. Previous reviews include the Miyajima Shilabe, Kansui, and Madake phono cartridges. In those reviews, all of these products received the best “10 LP” rating due

Aurorasound VIDA Mk.II Phono Preamplifier

Aurorasound is located in Yokohama, Japan. Shinobu Karaki has 28 years’ experience working for Texas Instruments Japan, Inc. He is a passionate musician, music teacher and a long-time audiophile. His love of music, combined with trained ears and extensive know-how

Acoustic Signature Montana Neo Turntable

Offering all of the technologies of the top-of-the-line $189,995 Acoustic Signature Invictus Neo turntable, the new $30,995 Montana Neo turntable is a sight to behold. Weighing a substantial 81.6 pounds (37 kg) with a 28.9-pound platter, the new Montana Neo

B.M.C. MonoS Phono Cable & Origin Live Silver Hybrid 2-S Phono Cable

B.M.C. Audio is a familiar name here at 10 Audio. Their wonderful MCCI Signature phono preamplifier, in various iterations, has been a reference for several years. Their new MonoS cables are based on Mono crystal OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) Silver

Origin Live Agile Tonearm

Origin Live has been making tonearms, turntables and accessories for over 25 years. Based in Southampton, UK, their products have earned nearly every possible award from a variety of print and online publications, including our ‘10 LP’ award for the Origin

Esoteric E-02 Phono Preamplifier

The Esoteric E-02 Balanced Phonostage Preamplifier continues Esoteric’s leadership in audio component design and performance. The $9,000 E-02 replaced the E-03 model about 3 years ago, continuing Esoteric’s tradition of exemplary build quality and top-tier performance. The E-02 has some

Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform

The Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform was originally developed for scientific and research applications such as spacecraft design, nanotechnology, and medical research. The patented technology is called “Negative-stiffness”, where the isolating platform seems to float with

Origin Live Gravity One Record Clamp

Several readers let me know that they appreciate the short format of the reviews offered here on 10 Audio. The word “pithy” has been noticed a few times in the feedback. Pithy means “concise and forcefully expressive” and “having substance

Aurorasound VIDA Prima Phono Preamplifier

Aurorasound is a company in Yokohama, Japan. Designer Shinobu Karaki has 28 years’ experience working for Texas Instruments Japan, Inc. He is also a passionate musician, music teacher and a long-time audiophile. His love of music, combined with trained ears

ZYX UNIverse Optimum Phono Cartridge

Another ceiling has been shattered, another mountain conquered, and another superlative surpassed. The new ZYX UNIverse Optimum moving coil phonograph cartridge has risen above the very high pinnacle of performance set by the ZYX UNIverse Premium, reviewed here on 10 Audio.

ZYX UNIverse Premium Phono Cartridge

The ZYX UNIverse Premium moving coil phono cartridge is the latest evolution in the long history of ZYX of Japan. High performance is always expensive, and in this case, sonic perfection carries a “premium” price tag. Based on other upper

Phoenix Engineering RoadRunner Tachometer – Falcon/Eagle Power Supplies and VPI SDS Motor Controller

Many turntables today include an electronic speed controller for the motor that drives the platter that makes the records go round and round. The purpose of these controllers is to make sure that the motor sees a very constant signal

RCM Sensor 2 Phono Preamplifier

The new RCM Sensor 2 phono preamplifier follows the successful RCM Sensor Prelude IC that was reviewed here on 10 Audio in December, 2012. I did not have the older version on hand for direct comparison, but I will tell you this

AMG Teatro Phono Cartridge & Musical Surroundings Nova II Phono Preamplifier

AMG has received a mountain of positive press over the past couple of years with their high performance Viella 12, AKA ‘V12’, turntable. This turntable has been included in display systems by a significant number of exhibitors at various audio

VPI Prime Turntable and JMW 3D Tonearm

Making quick judgments about the sound of a new component is dangerous. Those snap judgments are usually just a comparison to another component and are subject to change as the listener gets to know the new component better over time.

Miyajima Madake Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Let's start this review by taking a step back in time and having a look at my 2011 review of the Miyajima Kansui phono cartridge. The Kansui has been my main phono cartridge since before that review was posted. Using that

Sutherland 20/20 and DUO Phono Preamplifiers

The Sutherland 20/20 dual mono moving-coil/moving magnet phono cartridge preamplifier was introduced in 2010 and carries a list price of $2,199. The 20/20 differs from previous Sutherland phono preamps by being powered by the AC line, not by batteries. The

PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter

The PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter is a very useful and, more importantly, very good sounding component for the digital age. For $1,895 you get a standard outboard phono preamplifier for using your moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge

Ortofon Per Windfeld Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge

The Ortofon Per Windfeld phono cartridge was developed in 2008 as a tribute to retired engineer Per Windfeld who worked for Ortofon for more than 30 years. He was instrumental in the development of the MC 20 Super and Rohmann

Benz-Micro LP-S and Gullwing SLR Moving-coil Phono Cartridges

Time marches slowly in the world of high-end audio. We rarely see new products that can be called “revolutionary”. While there are certainly new ideas, new materials, and new circuits developed by creative audio engineers, the vast majority of products

RCM Sensor Prelude IC Phono Preamplifier

This is a very good time to be an audiophile. We all benefit from the bewildering explosion of extremely expensive gear, targeted at the few with unlimited budgets. Those buyers fund the R&D that enables trickle-down technology that makes possible

Bob’s Devices CineMag 1131 Blue Step Up Transformer

I can sum up this review right now: Turn it up! Loud has never sounded so good! I reviewed the Bob’s Devices 3440A step up transformer in July, 2009 and found the excellent performance was a bargain at the asking price of

MØRCH DP-8 Anisotropic Tonearm – Follow-up

When I reviewed the MØRCH DP-8 Anisotropic tonearm and Amazon Referenz turntable in February, time constraits prevented trying the tonearm on a different turntable. Since that review, a Basis 2500 Signature turntable has signed on for an extended visit and both Mehran

Amazon Referenz Turntable and MØRCH DP-8 Anisotropic Tonearm

“Stop reading this review and go listen to music. Enjoying my favorite music is far more interesting and rewarding than reading another review.” This is how you will feel when you have an Amazon Referenz turntable and MØRCH DP-8 Anisotropic tonearm

Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamplifier

I have been enjoying the Rogue Ares phono preamplifier for several months and have to tell you that listening for faults is work. Hearing deficiencies is not a simple matter when the tubes I am trying seem to have more of

SOTA Satellite Turntable and Origin Live Zephyr Tonearm

This review was suggested by two events: I have been enjoying a SOTA Cosmos vacuum turntable since 2007 due to its outstanding performance. The second event was my review of the VPI Classic turntable which appeared about a year ago. While there

Miyajima Kansui Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

In my November, 2008 review of the Miyajima Shilabe phono cartridge, I concluded with “The Miyajima Shilabe phono cartridge is closer to perfection than any cartridge I have previously experienced. It may be possible to surpass its outstanding performance, perhaps with

VPI Classic Turntable

VPI introduced the Classic Turntable to mark the occasion of their 30th anniversary. Since this turntable was auditioned earlier this past summer, a Classic 2 and Classic 3 have been announced. At $2,750, the Classic Turntable includes a JMW 10.5i

AQVOX Phono 2CI Mk. II Phono Preamplifier

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

Miyajima Shilabe Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Let me jump right to the conclusion of this review and save you the wear and tear on your mouse wheel. I have adopted the Miyajima Shilabe stereo moving coil phono cartridge as my long term reference. This decision was

Benz-Micro LP Moving Coil Phono Cartridge and Tri-Planar VII Tonearm

Good old Benz-Micro cartridges. They have been around for so long that we take them for granted. As Rodney Dangerfield might have said, they get no respect. After living with the Benz “Ebony” LP moving coil phono cartridge for more

Koetsu Jade Platinum Moving Coil Phono Cartridge – MINI REVIEW*

The Koetsu Jade Platinum moving coil phono cartridge has always been a dream component for me. For many years, I would look at ads that offered the cartridge and pay particular attention to newsgroup threads that mentioned it. I have

Audio Horizons TP 8.0sMCpn Phono and TP 2.1RnB Line Preamplifiers

Sometimes we are lucky by being in the right place at the right time. In this case, I happened to see the AudiogoN ad for Audio Horizons gear and clicked on the link to their Web site. Seeing the name

SOTA Cosmos Series IV Vacuum Turntable

I have to tell you that I have been putting off writing this review for months. Stalling, actually. It is not because I was faced with the unpleasant chore of writing a review about a poorly performing product. Writing one

Benz Micro MC20 E2 Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Paul Basinski Need a little shot of Vitamin E for a turntable that's become somewhat stale and dull? Then let me recommend an inexpensive MC cartridge from the Swiss company Benz Micro. It's the Benz MC20 E2. At a retail

Zyx UNIverse MC Phono Cartridge

Reviews of phonograph cartridges can be pretty darn worthless. Irrelevant. Reviews can put a cartridge into some kind of comparative framework where you understand that Cartridge A does this or that, more or less, better or worse, than Cartridge B.

VPI Scoutmaster Turntable with JMW-9 Signature Tonearm

Paul Basinski The VPI Scoutmaster Signature turntable is a veritable beast. Weighing in at 48 pounds without hernia-inducing options like the outer ring clamp, Gingko dustcover, Delrin clamp, or upgraded platter, this is one solid machine. That was the first impression that

EAR 88PB Phonograph Preamplifier

I was becoming complacent auditioning phono preamplifiers. It was as if I was standing in a long line for my turn on one of the good rides at Disneyland. If I was tolerant and patient, I would eventually be rewarded

Denon DL 103R Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

By Paul Basinski The subject of this review, the Denon DL 103R is about as elusive as the rare spotted owl. No sooner do you discover one of these low output moving coil cartridges new or used on the Web

Grado Sonata and Benz-Micro Glider Phono Cartridges

First, understand that these are two very good, but very different sounding cartridges. They are perhaps a peerless pair of the best performers in the crowded sub-$1,000 realm. Secondly, let me say that most people will not like both of

Van den Hul Condor XCM and XGM MC Phono Cartridges

I can’t tell you what to buy. Even if I found the perfect component…well, what is “perfect”, anyway? Take an amplifier, for example. Let’s say that I thought that the Cary 300SEI amplifier was the absolute best amplifier on the planet. In

Roksan Radius V Turntable and Nima Tonearm

By Paul Basinski Roksan, the British company, has been around for over two decades. Incorporated at the dawn of the digital era, they've done quite well in the world of analog. Their Xerxes and TMS turntables are recognized as classics

Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier

This won’t take long. I installed the Audio Research PH5 phono preamplifier and let it warm up for 24 hours before listening. It had been used for several months and was well broken-in before I received it. One of the

Origin Live Conqueror Tonearm and VTAF

If you have a set bedtime and need a certain number of hours of sleep each night, do not install this tonearm. Upon installation, several things will happen to you: You will start thinking, “just one more record”. You will

PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier

I do not recall ever listening to a component where the concept of diminishing returns was such a recurring theme. Diminishing returns is an economic principle that says where a basic function can be served at relatively low cost, small

Art Audio Vinyl 1 Phono Preamplifier

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

Ortofon Jubilee, Kontrapunkt A & B Phono Cartridges

When I reviewed the Koetsu line from the Black up to the Rosewood Signature Platinum, I started at the bottom and worked up, sharing the improvements with each higher model. So just to be different, let’s start with the top-of-the-line Jubilee ($1900)

Audioquest LeoPard Phono Cable

We do not have dozens of phono cables available from which to choose, as we do interconnect cables. It seems that only a few of the top manufacturers offer cables specifically designed and configured for the critical tonearm-to-phono preamplifier connection.

Zyx Airy 3x-SB Moving Coil Cartridge

The timing of this review could not be more appropriate. It is spring, and the warm sunshine on my face makes me feel alive and renewed. It is a pleasure to be outside. The subtle oppression of being closed in

Graham IC70 vs. Hovland MG2 Phono Cables

Ladies and Gentlemen! In this corner, the world renowned Graham IC-70 tonearm cable. And in the other corner, the equally famous Hovland Music Groove 2 tonearm cable. Yes, folks, here are the two best tonearm cables in the world, fighting

BAT VK-P5 and VK-P20 Phono Preamplifiers

The Balanced Audio Technology VK-P5 phono preamplifier is a well built, reliable, and easy to use stand-alone phono stage. It was a sonic disappointment. It is not a bad sounding component, but it is clearly one made to sell for

Conrad Johnson Premier 15 Series 2 Phono Preamplifier

Think of the cardboard drink carrier that you get at the counter of a fast food restaurant when you order several drinks. The carrier doesn’t interact with the drinks in any way. The carrier doesn’t make the drinks colder or

Shelter 90x Moving Coil Cartridge

What is the difference between an ordinary hamburger and a great hamburger? The meat? The bun? The seasonings? Maybe it’s the cook. It is all of these and more. I say that because if you give the same ingredients to

Sonic Frontiers Phono 1SE Phono Preamplifier

The Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 Special Edition has some remarkable qualities that are shared by some of the best available phono preamplifiers. But before we look further into its sonic qualities, a little history. Sonic Frontiers was a manufacturer of

Cary PH-302 Phono Preamplifier

Sometimes work and play are indistinguishable from each other. When you really enjoy your job, you look forward to going to work and the days seem to pass quickly. Even though 10 Audio is a free service, I do take

Tom Evans Groove and Microgroove+ Phono Preamplifiers

Life is good. Thanks to the kind assistance of Jay Kaufman at Audio Revelation, I was able to enjoy a complete audition of the Tom Evans Microgroove+ phono preamplifier. Jay has some demo units that float among prospective customers and permit the kind

Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum Moving Coil Cartridge

From the Urushi review: "...with the Urushi, the feeling of arriving at a plateau of satisfaction is clear." Imagine walking up an incline, like a highway ramp. Near the bottom of the ramp, you pass the Koetsu Black. Walk a little

VPI Aries Turntable with SME V arm and SDS

POSTED 12/31/2002 An unexpected thing happened as a result of this review. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, but I didn’t expect it would be a turntable that was the catalyst. I was finally convinced that satisfaction

Koetsu Moving Coil Cartridges

POSTED 09/30/2002 The name Koetsu has long been held in high regard by audiophiles. Almost mystical attributes have been associated with the name. The buzz surrounding the release of the original Red signaled a new paradigm was available to the audio world. The

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