Digital Processor Reviews

Digital Sources: Ayre C-5xe^MP universal player; G4 Mac mini running OS10.5.8, iTunes 10, Pure Music 1.6; Shuttle PC with dual-core AMD Athlon processor running Windows 7, Foobar 2000, Adobe Audition 3.0; dCS Debussy, Benchmark DAC1 D/A converters; Halide S/PDIF Bridge USB-S/PDIF converter.
Preamplifier: Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8.
Power Amplifiers: Classé CTM-600 monoblocks, Simaudio Moon Evolution W-7.
Loudspeakers: Harbeth P3ESR, Acapella High Violoncello Mk.II, Gradient Helsinki.
Cables: Digital: Stereovox XV2 electrical S/PDIF, DH Labs Silver Sonic AES/EBU, Belkin Gold USB. Interconnect (balanced): AudioQuest Wild. Speaker: AudioQuest Kilimanjaro & Wild. AC: PS Audio Lab, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Celestion Si 24" speaker stands; Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; Shunyata Research Dark Field cable elevators; PS Audio Power Plant 300 at 90Hz (preamp), Audio Power Industries 116 Mk.II & PE-1, APC S-15 AC line conditioners (not power amps). AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from the breaker box.—John Atkinson