Walter Swanborn of Fidelis AV (pictured kneeling next to Holger Stein of Stein Music) hosted the North American debut of the Harbeth M30.1 monitor ($6495 in tiger ebony finish). Paired with the LFD NCSE 75 watt integrated amplifier with SE phono stage ($6295), Palmer 2.5 turntable with Audio Origami arm and Dynavector XX2 cartridge ($11,995), MSB Media Transport ($3995) and MSB Platinum Signature DACIV with Signature power supply ($17,500), the system produced the strongest and most predominant midrange of any I heard at T.H.E. Show Newport Beach.

Key to the striking nature of the sound were three indispensible products from Stein Music: four Stein Music Harmonizers with 10 Stones ($3995), positioned near the four corners of the room; the Stein Music DE2 CD demagnetizer ($795); and Stein Music DE3 cable/LP demagnetizer ($3495). I've benefited from the Harmonizers, stones, and CD demagnetizer for quite some time, and can attest to their ability to help propel music out of your loudspeakers with stunning ease and three-dimensionality.