CD Player/Transport Reviews

Sidebar 1: System

I treated the Axiom and Theorem primarily as a CD player in two boxes: the advantages of a separate clock suggest that these two products will work best together. I also evaluated the Axiom and Theorem separately, driving the Theorem with Mark Levinson No.31 Reference and Theta Data Basic transports. Similarly, the Axiom drove the Theorem II and Adcom GDA-600 digital processors. Digital interconnects included AudioQuest Diamond x3 (AES/EBU), Parasound DataBridge (coaxial), and a Prisma coaxial cable.

The processors under audition drove an Audio Research LS5 preamp via AudioQuest Diamond x3 interconnect or Magnan Type V. Power amplifiers were Audio Research VT150 tubed monoblocks connected via AudioQuest Lapis. The VT150s drove a pair of Genesis II.5 loudspeakers, with the 800W Genesis servo amplifier driving the system's four 12" woofers. Loudspeaker cables were 4!0 runs of AudioQuest Dragon II. A Tice Powerblock conditioned AC power to the front end and preamp, and an MIT Z-Stabilizer was plugged-in to the AC outlet. The room is treated with a hanging quilt and Acoustic Science Corporation's Tower Traps.—Robert Harley