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Gershman Snograms. The best mid-range, under-$4000 loudspeaker, I've ever heard. Holt was right, midrange is the most important thing on a speaker.
<I>Stereophile</I> has released its 2009 "Products of the Year" (<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/features/istereophileis_products_of_2009/">added to the website last week</A>). The reviewers and editors have made their choices, so what is yours?
The Sony XDR-F1HD tuner. Nothing in the last couple of years has renewed my interest in music like this little gem. Now I can receive noise-free reception of low-power stations that program real music, unlike the corporate-controlled stations which force on us the mass-produced mass-promoted junk which rules the airwaves. Thirties nostalgic,—I got it on WFUV. Free-form jazz—I got it on WKCR. Doo-wop—I got it on WFDU. Contemporary classical—I got it on WQXR2. Amazingly sensitive on both analog and HD stations. And it costs under $100 bucks! Bravo, Sony.
Seta Nano phono preamp, jointly with Channel D Pure Vinyl 3 (currently in beta) The Seta/Pure Vinyl setup is the closest thing to real "digital LP" that I have ever experienced. Considering the craftsmanship and performance level, pricing is fair, and the whole is soundly scientific and pleasantly devoid of hi-end voodoo. This will save our LPs into the digital server age. Special nomination for "Budget Audio Prouct of the Year": Mac Mini.
The Linn Linto. Surprised me, too. Thanks to the guys at Audio Concepts, I chose it over some other units, both more expensive and more recently-released, based on extended comparative listening here at home. Don't like that choice? Well, the Cambridge DACMagic is pretty nice too, doing good work when I use the PC to play a whole night's music when I throw parties at Casa Dick.
Stick with the DAC you bought or go with the Benchmark or as I am enjoying, the transporter as my experience with the Bel Canto was not so impressive and mine went to Audiogone. Im still in search of the holy grail as far as a DAC to run my computer system. Right now I have slim device's transporter and am pretty happy with the sound together with a JC2, JC1's and maggies 1.6 QR's and a pair of B&W monitors I use at times in the office. But I think you should drag your DACMagic with you on auditions to see how much youll get out of the new DAC.
I have two: The Grace m902 and the Benchmark DAC Pre HDR. They both recognize where listening behaviour is going, and both are from high-end professional companies. Both have remotes, lots of digital inputs (including USB), and an analog in. The Grace gives you sample-rate display and visual bling, the Benchmark gives you both balanced and unbalanced outs. It's a tie.