RMAF 2010

Due to all the positive reviews Emerald Physics loudspeakers have earned, it took several attempts over a three-day span until the crowds in the two Emerald Physics rooms had thinned down enough to allow a brief listen.

The system, more impressive in sound than in visual appearance, included Emerald Physics CS2.3 open-baffle, computer-controlled loudspeakers ($5395/pair), Spatial Computer Orpheus system-preamp/DAC w/room correction ($7995), Wyred 4 Sound ST1000 1140Wpc stereo amplifier on the woofers ($1995), Modwright KWA100 100Wpc amp on midrange/highs ($3295), Music Hall MMF-9.1 turntable with Goldring MC cartridge ($2195), Spatial Computer custom speaker cables ($700/6' pair or $700 for two 6/' pairs), Emerald Physics Custom interconnects ($400 for either one or two 15' pairs), and two PS Audio Power Plant Premiers (under $2000/each). Oh wait. There was also a Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 ($1495) and Raysonic CD-138S CD player ($1950).

My time was spent with the computer set-up. Note that Emerald Physics and Spatial Computer are Internet-direct companies. There is no brick'n'mortar dealer, which keeps prices down but can make auditioning a challenge. Due to the emergence of Internet-direct companies, and the decline of dealers who offer customized service, the importance of regional audio shows as a means for auditioning equipment has increased considerably.

Walter Liederman of Underwood HiFi, who now owns Emerald Physics, began by explaining that Clayton Shaw of Spatial Computer directs a purchaser how to measure their room. Once the room is mapped and the measurements completed, Shaw then accomplishes room correction over the Internet, adjusting to the purchaser's taste. Very cool.

During my brief listen, I heard uncannily beautiful spatial effects, and the extreme quiet that the Power Plant Premiere can produce. It was quite compelling, and whet the appetite for more.

Liederman explained that the entire system can be controlled from an iPad, and that what we were hearing includes a "world-class" phono stage. "You can get 90% of what you hear here for $11,000," he said. (Power conditioning was not included in the total).