Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Amplification was provided by a Mark Levinson No.23.5, a pair of VTL 225W monoblocks, and the excellent and reasonably priced 50W class-A Forté Model 4. The preamp was the usual Audio Research LS2B, with AudioQuest Lapis (balanced or unbalanced, depending on the power amplifier) connecting the preamp to the power amplifiers. The digital source included a Mark Levinson No.31 transport driving a Mark Levinson No.30 processor via Madrigal MDC-1 AES/EBU interface. LP playback was provided by a heavily modified Well-Tempered Turntable and Arm fitted with an AudioQuest AQ7000nsx cartridge and amplified by a Vendetta Research SCP2B phono stage.

Interconnects included AudioQuest Lapis and Diamond, Monster Cable Sigma, and Straight Wire Maestro. Power to the system (except the power amps) was conditioned by a Tice Power Block and Titan. The dedicated listening room was built from scratch, and has optimal dimension ratios for room-mode distribution.—Robert Harley