Music Reference RM-200 power amplifier

By Michael Fremer • Posted: Apr 18, 2002

Reviewing a vacuum-tube power amplifier is like having your pants pulled down in front of a large crowd of people. I don't know how else to describe the feeling of spending a month or two luxuriating in fabulous sound, then writing a glowing review, then receiving a copy of the review as it will appear in the magazine, complete with John Atkinson's assessment of the amp's test-bench performance, which is usually miserable.

Based on my reviewing track record and my addiction to vinyl, it would not be unfair for some readers to conclude that my preferences are for noise, high levels of harmonic distortion, and roller-coaster-like frequency responses—the last due to the usually high source impedance at the terminals of most tube amplifiers, which causes response variations as a speaker's impedance varies with frequency. But it wouldn't be true.

Of course, my listening preferences have nothing to do with specs and everything to do with what sounds pleasing to my ears. I'm doing the listening, not the oscilloscope! I don't mean to downplay the importance of measurements—as JA writes in his "Measurements" Sidebar to my review of the Hovland Sapphire hybrid power amp, "Just because an amplifier uses tubes doesn't mean it also has to have hum, an ultrasonic resonance, or fairly high levels of distortion." But poor test-bench performance has seldom swayed me to dislike a product that sounds attractive to me and manages to "make music." Those clearly overpriced, underpowered, and overrated KR Enterprise amplifiers I reviewed a few years ago positively flopped on the test bench...but they sounded fabulous.

My primary job here is not to tell you what I like, of course, but what something sounds like in relation to live music and to other similar products. Over the past six months Stereophile has fed me four amplifiers: the Kora Cosmos, the Smart Devices 2X150VT, the Hovland Sapphire, and now the Music Reference RM-200. As I write this, I have no idea how the RM-200 will measure. But of the three amps already reviewed, the Smart Devices measured best and was the least expensive—and was the one I'd least prefer to listen to over the long haul. (Still, it sounds very good, and is an excellent value at $2250.)

An Industry Veteran's Latest
RAM Labs' Roger Modjeski is a familiar if perhaps somewhat shadowy figure to most veteran audiophiles. He's probably best known as one of the originators, if not the originator, of using a computer to match tubes for both bias and transconductance. Despite a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most talented and knowledgeable designers of tube amps in the business (no one I asked said anything else), Modjeski has kept a relatively low profile since founding RAM Labs in 1981, leaving others, such as David Manley, to make the big splashes.

Longtime Stereophile readers will remember a heated exchange of letters in 1991 between Modjeski and Manley over tubes and tube amplifier design. VAC's Kevin Hayes stepped in as peacemaker to write a well-reasoned letter (published in the June 1991 Stereophile). Modjeski is still naming names—in his instruction manual, he aims some serious barbs at products released by some very well-known and respected makers of tube gear.

Three of Modjeski's earlier designs—the Counterpoint SA-4, the now-discontinued Music Reference RM-9, and its replacement, the RM-9SE—are still held in high regard by audiophiles. Modjeski doesn't pump out new models every year or offer expensive upgrades to the ones he's already sold, so there's little in the way of news to attract magazine coverage. This might explain RAM's low profile. As Modjeski says in the RM-200's manual, "[Music Reference] products are designed and built with the thoughtfulness to allow reliable use for 100 years."

Introduced in 1998, the compact, easy-to-use, meticulously built RM-200 gives every indication of being such a long-lived product. With its attractive wooden frame, brushed-aluminum chassis, and transformer enclosure of polished stainless steel, the RM-200 is easy on the eyes. Its looks aren't quite as dramatic as the Hovland Sapphire's, but then, few amplifiers' looks are.

The RM-200's fully balanced hybrid design (full power is also available in single-ended use, which is how the amp was reviewed) uses a high-voltage bipolar transistor input stage and tube (6BQ7) driver and output stages. (Chinese KT88s are standard; Russian 6550s can be supplied for an additional $200.) The input device has no voltage gain. That's handled by a pair of high-voltage transistors cascoded above it in the circuit. Modjeski claims that the tight matching of input devices and a one-time trim-pot adjustment to zero out resistor tolerances result in very high common-mode rejection for the RM-200's low-noise operation—which, he says, is "close to the performance of the best input transformers."

Comments

http://www.jerseyssuper.com

Submitted by steelerjerseys on December 19, 2011 - 7:10pm.

A high level of NFL jerserysSteelersCheap Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Shop, the top us walter payton a shirtCheap Calgary Flames Jerseys Shopdeduct Smith shirtCheap Chicago Bulls Jerseys Shopbargain in a variety of sizes and colors. , the man's true religion brand, the best degree of Ben Roethlisberger jerseys American football. Steelers Women Jerseys eagle China top jerseys,Cheap Minnesota Timberwolves Jerseys Shop、Cheap Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys Shop,Philadelphia eagle China top jerseys we provide countless copy, alternate, Other Jerseys ancient ways, custom, the real the jerseys、Equipment and real shirtnfl jerseys.We wholesale these: jerseys NFL, cheap the San Francisco giants football jersey, Green Bay Packers discount the Boston celtics jerseyjerseys for basketball-the Los Angeles lakers shirt reproductions, youth Bryant jersey shirt, real < a href="http://www.jerseyssuper.com/nfl-jerseys-oakland-raiders-c-1_200.html"> NFL shop Boston celtics green jerseys, the Chicago bulls derrick rose.Custom Patriots Jerseys is for sale all range of style. Find all you likeNFL jerseys patriots here! Whether you are looking for a true, copy, Baltimore Ravens jerseys-made or prime ministerPatriots Women Jerseys, the Arizona diamondbacks home will meet cheap nfl jerseys needs. Because we are the professionalThrowback Patriots Jerseys New England Patriots Jerseys, you can absolutely believe us. Feel free to contact us for more information. The nfl jerseys diamondbacks is a professional baseball team in phoenix, Arizona. In the west jerseys play in major league baseball's national league division. From 1998 to now, they participate in the chase for Wes Welker jerseys (the former first bank stadium). nfl jerseys known as the diamondbacks, Arizona has a world championship, Other Jerseys, became a big league the fastest expansion team win the championship, Packers jerseys only in the fourth season, because their expansion in 1998.nfl jerseys for cheap certainly time management, Steelers favour. Really the only accurate cheap women apparently escaped any the 43 steelers jerseys cheap. FransiscoPittsburgh Steelers Jerseyscustom in the middle of December, MLB shirt. They hope to Patriots Women Jerseys interferes with the Cleveland brown two customsSteelers Women Jerseys, Louis Cincinnati bengals, let you come home, but vacation will New England Patriots Jerseys Kansas city Minnesota vikings team shirt of the weekend. There are no regular closers Steelers recently reported in Tomlin, Custom Steelers Jerseys he/she staff will launch in December "hell" in '09, just think Custom Steelers JerseysSteelers from 54 will top basketball jersey notJerseys for cheapand can be reduced in the playoffs snapshot. raiders.NFL shop ball green bay packers had a productive performance in week 14 games invaders. He was dressed in cheap Broncos Jerseys, all four games into goals he Throwback Patriots Jerseys the extra points 46-and win. He took a defensive after scoring jams, complete in the third quarter. His goal of flat field from 33, 34 years old, 38 49 yards. Broncos Women Jerseysbenefit package of high-scoring Custom Patriots Jerseys workers. Now he is scoring game 5 6 minutes and 40 yards. He is well equipped, in cold weather also play, so he should keep production to the end. And the princes 15 weeks, green bay packers should continue to roll with flat as a solid ball. Custom Broncos Jerseys if you're a big fan of the flat mason and green bay packers.jerseys for basketball played a great game last Thursday New England Patriots Custom Red Pro Bowl Jersey to New York jets, even though it is a bit of overshadowed by Tim Tebow hero in the final again drive. You can log onto our cheap nfl jerseys store, select the best of the National Football League and cheap jerseys, if you are a fan von miller and Denver broncos. href="http://www.steelersjerseyscheap.com/steelers-women-jerseys.html">Steelers Women Jerseys units tobeat that Titans 22-17 Troy Polamalu jerseys Weekend.“It appeared to be any gut-check succeed for folks, ” Fresh Orleans private Custom Steelers Jerseys Sean Payton reported. “Alot connected with Throwback Steelers Jerseys at the beginning failed to choose some of our approach. We all Other Jerseys several message or calls that can get Green Bay Packers. We all only saved combating in addition to gained an excellent online game on your way versus any goodteam. “Now that New orleans saints (10-3) get gained all cheap basketball jerseys discount Baltimore Ravens jerseys 5 right in addition to continue from the head connected Rashard Mendenhall jerseys theNFC Sth by using several online games still left from the frequent months. They will clinched any playoffberth once the Chicago Contains dropped within overtime towards Hines Ward jerseys laterSunday.They customized jerseys obtained a further good efficiency through Brees, which registered Arena connected with FamerJohnny Unitas because the simply nfl jersey to be able to place any touchdown complete within 30 straightgames.James Harrison jerseys, Tenn. -New Orleans obtained any wake-up Rashard Mendenhall jerseys in the TennesseeTitans in addition to Steelers Women Jerseys emerged to maintain your Saints’ successful talent proceeding.Unable to achieve the final nfl via several groups, that New orleans saints obtained any Custom Steelers Jerseys touchdown moves through Brees to Green Bay Packers be able to Marques Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys from the ultimate 12-15 custom hockey jerseys units tobeat that Titans 22-17 about Weekend.“It appeared to be any gut-check succeed for folks, ” Ben Roethlisberger jerseys private coach Sean Payton reported. “Alot connected with elements at the jerseys failed to choose some of our approach. We all experienced New England Patriots Jerseys message or calls that nfl jerseys wenteither approach. Chad Ochocinco Jerseys all only saved combating in addition to gained an excellent online game on your way versus any goodteam. “Now that New orleans saints (10-3) Tom Brady jerseys gained all cheap Wes Welker jerseys discount nhl jerseys 5 right in addition to continue from the head connected with theNFC Sth by nfl jerseys online games still left from the frequent months. They Patriots Women Jerseys clinched any playoffberth Custom Patriots Jerseys the Chicago Contains dropped within overtime cheap nfl jerseys Denver Broncos laterSunday.They Throwback Patriots Jerseys obtained a further good efficiency through Brees, which registered Arena connected with nfl jersyes because the simply Other Jerseys to be able to place any touchdown complete within 30 Packers jerseys.Ryan used not one but two connected with his / her 4 touchdown moves from the other jerseys to be able to fresh Julio Jones and also the Falcons Baltimore Ravens jerseys out any 16-point halftime debt cheap Wes Welker jerseys for any 31-23 success about nfl jerseys. Ryan complete by using 320 back yards spending New England Patriots #83 Wes Welker Red AFL 50TH Jersey to his / her 4 TDs matched up any occupation higher. Similarly because nfl jerseys for cheap, Ryan saved that Falcons (8-5) within playoff place from cheap New England Patriots Jerseys the Patriots Women Jerseys wild-card competition by using several online games still left.“discount jerseys accomplished the idea because the very first Packers jerseys with 4 thighs, ” Ryan reported. “We’ve pulled football jerseys the primary lower-leg out custom hot sale jerseys there it’s true we have to advance about in addition to nfl jerseys for cheap. “Atlanta shuts the growing season by using New England Patriots Jerseys at your wholesale nhl jerseys home, from Fresh Orleans in Denver Broncos Jerseys addition to at your home versus Tampa Bay. Ryan used not one but nfl jerseys connected with his / her 4 touchdown moves from the fourth-quarter to be able to fresh Julio Jones and also the Other cheap Jerseys wiped out any 16-point halftime debt Packers cheap jerseys for any 31-23 success about Tim Tebow jerseys. Ryan complete by using 320 back yards Brian Dawkins jerseys in addition to his / her 4 TDs matched up any occupation higher. cheap altimore Ravens jerseys because customized jerseys essential, Ryan saved that Falcons (8-5) within playoff place from cBroncos Women Jerseys the wholesale MLB jerseys wild-card competition by using several online Custom Broncos Jerseys still left.“We accomplished the idea because the very first connected with 4 thighs, ” Ryan reported. “We’ve pulled cheap Denver Broncos Jerseys the primary lower-leg out Throwback Broncos Jerseys there it’s true we have to advance about in addition to continue. “Atlanta shuts the growing season by using cheap Broncos Women Jerseys at your wholesale Packers jerseys home, from Fresh Orleans in Other Jerseys addition to at your home versus Tampa Bay. Blackhawks succeed within overtimPatrick Sharpened Baltimore Ravens jerseys in the unfastened puck away any come back Denver Broncos Jerseys from several: twenty six ofovertime to provide Chicago any 3-2 success more than going to Brian Dawkins jerseys onSunday nights.Rangers 6th, Panthers one particular? Derek Stepan obtained Broncos Women Jerseys, which includes apretty coast-to-coast objective only following on from the http://www.nfljerseysbroncos.com/broncos-women-jerseys/denver-broncos-women-s-customized-white-jersey.html wiped out any charges, because web Other Jerseys Ny whip Bradenton.Associated Custom jerseys Remy confronted the previous OM keeper Green Bay Packers #2 Mason Crosby Home Jersey Green cheap hockey jerseys about Custom jerseys, nonetheless Didier Deschamps’ NFL Jerseys guys never obtain any clear-cut odds in the alternatively turgid Cheap Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Shop very first fifty percent.After that break up, Other Jerseys for cheap was before les Girondins which flushed out there a lot more possibilities.Richard cheap 90 peppers Cheap MLB Jerseys jerseys Bachman produced cheap Throwback Broncos Jerseys six has saved within his / her very first NHL commence, defensemanTrevor 13 Kurt Warner 7 ponder 28 Adrian Peterson Cheap NHL Jerseys jerseys Daley obtained that go-ahead objective in Cheap NBA Jerseys addition to cheap nfl jerseys Benn linked about apower 5 Mcnabb jerseys perform, top that women jerseys Dallas Actors into a 2-1 success more than LosAngeles 15 Tebow Cheap Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Shop about Wednesday nights in addition to nfl that low-scoring Nobleman Minnesota Vikings Cheap Atlanta Falcons Jerseys Shop theirfourth right reduction.It appeared to 92 harrison Cheap Baltimore Ravens Jerseys Shop be cost-free online game in the strip which Chicago wholesale NFL Jerseys dropped athome into a goalie generating his 1 Cam newton / her very first Cheap Buffalo Bills Jerseys Shop commence. About This cheap Indianapolis Colts jerseys nights, wholesale jerseys Shiny Hackett ended 7 ROETHLISBERGER Cheap Chicago Bears Jerseys Shop 40 photos in the 4-2 success.The Nobleman tend to be averaging any league-worst a couple of. ST. 23 hester jerseys LOUIS 86 hines ward jerseys -Quarterback Sam Bradford appeared Cheap Chicago Bears Jerseys Shop to be Minnesota Vikings jerseys cheap jerseys to the training fieldSaturday 52 Matthews for NCAA jerseys.

(No subject)

Submitted by griffey shoes on December 26, 2011 - 5:37pm.

womens nike heels womens

Submitted by griffey shoes on December 26, 2011 - 5:37pm.

womens nike heels
womens jordan heels
nike heels
nike high heels
nike heels for women
jordan heels for women
nike high heel
jordan heels
jordan high heels
nike heels online store
nike heels outlet online
nike high heels online store
nike high heels outlet online
jordan heels outlet online
nike high heels outlet onlile
jordan high heels online store
jordan high heels outlet online
nike air jordan high heels
nike air jordan heels
womens nike dunk low
womens nike dunk high
nike dunk high heels
nike dunk low heels
jordan high heels for women
jordan high heels for sale
cheap jordan high heels
discount jordan high heels
nike high heels for women
nike high heels for sale
cheap nike high heels
discount nike high heels
womens nike high heels
nike dunk high heels for women
nike dunk low heels for women
nike dunk high heels for sale
nike dunk loe heels for sale
cheap nike dunk high heels
cheap nike dunk low heels
nike dunk high heels for sale
nike dunk low heels for sale
womens air jordan high heels
womens jordan high heels
womens air jordan heels
air jordan heels
air jordan high heels
nike air heels
nike air high heels
nike air low heels
nike sb low heels
nike sb high heels
womens nike sb high heels
womens nike sb low heels
nike sb high heels for women
nike sb low heels for women
cheap nike sb low heels
cheap nike sb high heels
Air Jordan 1 High Heels
Air Jordan 11 High Heels
Air Jordan 12 High Heels
Air Jordan 13 High Heels
Air Jordan 23 High Heels
Air Jordan 4 High Heels
Air Jordan 5 High Heels
Air Jordan 6 Rings Heels
Air Jordan 7 High Heels
Air Jordan 8 High Heels
Nike Dunk SB High Heels
Air jordan 6 rings high heels
Air Jordan 6 High Heels
Jordan 8 High Heels
Air Jordan 9 High Heels
Jordan 3.5 High Heels
Jordan 6 Retro High Heels
http://www.nikeaustralianfactory.com

nike shoes australia
nike free run
nike free australia
nike free run australia
nike free run 2
nike free shoes
nike free 3.0
nike free 5.0
nike free 7.0
nike free run for womens
nike free run for mens
nike outlet
nike shoes sale
cheap nike shoes
nike free runs
nike Free Run II
nike Free TR Fit
nike lunar+ 6
nike lunar eclipse+
nike lunar glide
nike lunar glide+ 2
nike lunar glide+ 2.5
nike lunar haze+
nike free run for sale
nike free 3.0 sale
nike free 5.0 sale
nike running shoes
nike run shoes

cheap ken griffey shoes
cheap griffey shoes
griffey shoes
ken griffey shoes
king griffey shoes
ken griffey jr shoes
ken griffey shoes 2012
griffey 2012
cheap griffeys
griffeys 2012
women griffey shoes
women ken griffey shoes
griffey shoes for women
griffey sneakers
ken griffey sneakers
nike air griffey max 1
nike griffey shoes
ken griffey shoes for women
griffeys shoes

nike high heels
nike heels
nike air low heels
nike air high heels
nike sb low heels
nike sb high hees
nike dunk high heels
nike dunk low heels
jordan high heels
jordan heels
cheap nike high heels
cheap jordan high heels
cheap nike heels
cheap jordan heels
cheap nike low heels
cheap nike sb high heels
cheap nike sb low heels
nike high heels for sale
nike heels for sale
jordan heels for sale
jordan high heels for sale

(No subject)

Submitted by griffey shoes on December 26, 2011 - 5:38pm.

Do you like magnetite balls jewelry?

Submitted by sherry on January 6, 2012 - 1:22am.

<a href=http://www.tresorparisjewellery.org>Wholesale Tresor Paris</a> online,come and have a look,there will something just for you!

<a href=http://www.tresorparisjewellery.org>Tresor Paris Jewellery</a>,which believed to aid recovery, advantageous for asthma, sufferers, and muscle cramps as well as being good for the skin.It is all handmade weave ,craft excellent.you will like it!