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You must be strong for us.
One, in particular, was especially familiar: Marantz PM5004 integrated amplifier ($450), Marantz CD5004 CD player ($350), and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 loudspeakers ($350/pair), for a total retail price of $1150, not including cables and stands. Awesome value, great sound. To that, one could add a Marantz TT42 ($329), Rega RP1 ($445), or a Music Hall USB-1 ($249) turntable, and maybe a Parasound ZPhono USB phono preamp ($350).
Gold Sound proudly displayed all this and more. The company’s Steven Hubbs enthused, “We want to enhance the listening experience, so people can enjoy their music on a higher level.”
Word up.
The Marantz TT42 is also available with a built-in phono preamp for $359.95. It includes a dust cover, moving-magnet cartridge, and MDF base, and is supported by a three-year warranty. The Parasound ZPhono USB is compatible with both moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges, has two line-level inputs, rumble and mono switches, and a headphone output. Parasound’s ZBox CD player ($400), including USB input and a handy volume control for use without a preamp, was also hiding somewhere in this room.
I’ve already received a sample of the ZPhono for coverage sometime in 2012, if I ever finish this show report. I would also like to review the ZBox CD player and Marantz turntable, if this show report doesn’t kill me first.
Beware the ZPhono USB's A-D is limited to 16/44. It's no longer considered exotic to easily capture at 24/96 or better at home.
If Parasound's message here is to guide users with making iPod copies they are missing the boat with what can be done.