A Bergmann Thor linear-tracking tonearm mounted on a Modi air-bearing turntable ($18,100) bore a Hana Umami Red MC cartridge ($3950). The Hana cart was attached to a Soulnote E-2 VER2 phono equalizer ($9910), and the whole analog playback system sat on an eSseCi Design Relaxa 850 platform ($1925).
There was digitally derived music, too, thanks to a Soulnote D-2 VER2 DAC ($9085) with a Soulnote X-3 clock generator ($5285) and Soulnote Z-3 network transport ($15,855).
A Soulnote A-2 VER2 integrated amplifier ($9420) powered Albedo Agadia speakers ($33,250/pair).
Necessaries were an AudioQuest Niagara 5000 power conditioner ($5900), Music Tools ISOstatic rack 3 ($4485), Audience cables, AudioQuest Hurricane cables, Cardas Clear Ethernet cables, and AGS Room Tuning Devices.
The Soulnote crew played "Scene Pour Le Cor Anglais" by Anton Reicha, a Czech/French contemporary of Beethoven. The orchestral music flowed beautifully, effortlessly, with a rare sense of ease. Marcin's solo guitar take on Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" proved less successful, or perhaps I simply didn't care for the music, but it filled the room completely. This system had a special quality, playing vinyl and streaming: a plush, Sensurround appeal that felt natural and engaging.
