Features

Halcro dm58 monoblock power amplifier (review)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order):
Accuphase DP-85 SACD player (review)
B&W Signature 800 loudspeaker (review)
Boulder 2008 phono preamplifier (review)
Classé Omega SACD player (review)
Manley Steelhead phono preamplifier
mbl 111B loudspeaker (review)
Rockport Technologies Antares loudspeaker (review)
Wilson Audio Specialties Sophia loudspeaker(review)

The cover of our October 2002 issue calls it "the best amplifier ever!" What more can we say? The dm58 ran away from the rest of the pack—no component received anywhere near as many votes within its category or this overall winner category—to deem itself this year's clear winner. Paul Bolin and John Marks have been trying to persuade John Atkinson to create a new "A+" rating that would recognize the Halcro's achievements. JA himself was wonderfully impressed with the sound of the dm58s driving the Wilson Sophia speakers, adding that the amp "offers astonishing measured performance."

Is a "Class A+" in the works? The future, in the form of the April 2003 issue, will tell. In the world of amplification, however, it seems the future is here. Congratulations, Halcro, on a job well done.