Larry Borden of the New Jersey dealer Distinctive Stereo is one of the most affable show hosts I've encountered. He's perpetually ready with a warm smile and another captivating tale about one of the many marathons he has completed.
Larry's system consisted of The Wand 14-4 Master turntable ($8450) with The Wand Dark-Light tonearm ($8500; $15,255 ifor the 'table–arm combo). The cartridge was an Ortofon 2M Black ($750). A Heed Thesis Delta CD player ($4200) and a Heed Abacus S DAC ($1900) processed digital music.
A Heed Elixir integrated amplifier ($1750) drove Genesis Tango loudspeakers ($12,600/pair). A Puritan Audio Laboratories PSM156 power conditioner ($3300) and a Lateral Audio Cadenz Vr rack in oak ($2200) completed the setup.
Knowing my preferences, Larry cued up some jazz records. This system delivered a superb listening session: Claude Bolling's Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio showcased brisk dynamics and a sweet, articulate tone. Sonny Rollins's Saxophone Colossus sounded warm, lush, and notably rounder than I recalled ever hearing.
The system then tackled 88 Basie Street, a lesson in dynamics and punch. The music was immersive and powerful. The piano was full, deep, and resounding while the reeds and brass were rendered in singular, distinct layers. The Distinctive Stereo system packed a wallop, one I would happily take home.
Larry's system consisted of The Wand 14-4 Master turntable ($8450) with The Wand Dark-Light tonearm ($8500; $15,255 ifor the 'table–arm combo). The cartridge was an Ortofon 2M Black ($750). A Heed Thesis Delta CD player ($4200) and a Heed Abacus S DAC ($1900) processed digital music.
A Heed Elixir integrated amplifier ($1750) drove Genesis Tango loudspeakers ($12,600/pair). A Puritan Audio Laboratories PSM156 power conditioner ($3300) and a Lateral Audio Cadenz Vr rack in oak ($2200) completed the setup.
