Victor’s front end included a Hana Umami Blue MC cartridge mounted on a VPI Industries Forever One turntable ($5500, my next Stereophile review), a VK Music Step-Up Transformer, a Sparkler Audio Model S-1511u CD player, and Stenheim Alumine 2.5 loudspeakers.
Victor’s Japanese-made amplifiers employ Hashimoto transformers and chokes, Audio Note copper and V-Cap capacitors, Mullard and Western Electric tubes, Lundahl Amorphous Core transformers, Audio Note tantalum resistors, and other high-value components.
On display and in action: the Sun Valley SV-128ii SET power amplifier ($5500), Sun Valley Audio SV-310 line stage ($2950), Sun Valley Audio SV-1645D integrated SET amplifier ($2750), Sun Valley Audio EQ-161D phono stage ($1585), the new Elekit TU-8888 monoblock ($1475 each), the Elekit TU-8400 integrated amp kit ($895), and the Elekit TU-8900 integrated amplifier ($3060).
Victor’s system played with soul and savoir faire, Kirsten Edkin’s Shapes & Sound presented in micro and macro detail, endowed with a clear, sweet midrange focus within an expansive soundstage—even in this small room.
