Stand Loudspeaker Reviews

Power amplifiers were either a pair of Mark Levinson No.20.6 monoblocks or a YBA 2 HC, while the preamplifier was either the Melos SHA-1 headphone amplifier used as a line-stage, the YBA 2, or the Audio Research LS2B. A Mod Squad Phono Drive EPS amplified LP signals from a Linn Sondek/Cirkus/Trampolin/Lingo/Ekos/Arkiv setup sitting on an ArchiDee table. Digital source was variously a Theta DS Pro Generation III, a Counterpoint DA-10 with UltraAnalog DAC module, a Mark Levinson No.35, or the new Sonic Frontiers SFD-2, all driven by a Mark Levinson No.31 transport via AudioQuest Pro 2 ST-optical. Interconnects used were all AudioQuest Lapis, while speaker cable was a 5' bi-wired set of AudioQuest Sterling. All source components and preamps were plugged into a Power Wedge 116, itself plugged into one of my listening room's two specially installed AC circuits and fitted with the Power Enhancer option. All the speakers were used on 24", lead-shot–filled Celestion Si stands; other than the original LS3/5as, which have small rubber feet, the speakers were interfaced to the stand top-plates with small Blu-Tack pads.—John Atkinson