Description: Two-source, two-zone. fully balanced, two-channel analog preamplifier with theater bypass, remote, and optional field-upgradable Digital Streaming Module (DSM). Preamplifier section: Frequency response: 0.1Hz–120kHz, ±0.0dB. S/N ratio: 105dB, unweighted, 100dB, weighted. Gain: 6dB, 10dB selectable. THD: <0.006%, 20Hz–20kHz. Inputs: five pair balanced (XLR). Outputs: two pair balanced (XLR) for Zone 1, one pair balanced (XLR) for Zone 2. Power consumption: 30W standby, 34W engaged. Optional digital module: PCM up to 32/384, MQA, DSD to DSD256, both…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital Sources: Ayre C-5xe, Muse Polyhymnia universal players; McIntosh MS750 media server.
Preamplifiers: Ayre K-1xe, Conrad-Johnson ACT2, Krell Evolution 202.
Integrated Amplifier: Creek 4340.
Power Amplifiers: Krell Evolution 600, Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300, Portal Paladin, all monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Special Twenty-Five, Sonics Anima, Wilson Audio Specialties WATT/Puppy 8.
Cables: Interconnect: Shunyata Research Aries & Antares, Krell CAST. Speaker: Shunyata Research Lyra.
Accessories: Ayre L-5xe line filter;…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: VPI TNT IV, Rega Planar 3 turntables; Immedia RPM, Syrinx PU-3 tonearms; Koetsu Urushi, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridges.
Digital Sources: Lector CDP-7T, Creek Destiny CD players.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D phono stage, Audio Valve Eclipse line stage.
Power Amplifier: Audio Research Reference 110.
Loudspeakers: Amphion Helium2, Epos M16i, Monitor Audio RS6 Silver.
Cables: Interconnect (all MIT): Magnum M3, MI-350 CVTwin Terminator, MI-330SG Terminator. Speaker: Acarian Systems Black Orpheus.
Accessories…
Following my favorable experience with Epos Ltd.'s entry-level loudspeaker, the ELS-3 ($329/pair; see my January 2004 review), Roy Hall, of importer Music Hall, called me with some excitement about the new Epos M5 ($650/pair). In a crowded room at the Home Entertainment 2004 show in New York, I did a quick comparison of the M5 and ELS-3 under suboptimal conditions of multiple speakers in the room and Roy answering consumers' questions while pouring scotch for his dealers. Still, I was able to hear enough from the M5 to intrigue me, and with high expectations, I asked for a pair for review…
Late in 2006, I was watching John Atkinson set up a pair of DPA cardioid microphones in front of the stage of New York City's Otto's Shrunken Head to record a performance of my jazz quartet, Attention Screen (footnote 1). Before the first set, Wes Phillips approached me. "Bob, I found a piece of equipment you must review—the Cayin A-50T integrated amp. It's only 1300 bucks and you'll love it!"
In the two decades I've known Wes, I've learned to trust his hearing acuity and taste in equipment, but I've also learned that he rarely raves openly about a piece of gear, let alone an…
Dan Wright of ModWright Instruments Inc., partnered with Cardas Audio, Acora Acoustics, and Woodsong Audio to bring his new compact, affordable 9-series products, which are "based on our Reference Designs," Wright told me in a preshow email.
The ModWright room featured a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse turntable ($10,500) with an SME V tonearm ($5500) and an Ortofon Winfeld Ti MC cartridge ($5999) as well as a prototype ModWright step-up transformer ($2000), ModWright Analog Bridge ($3900), ModWright PH 9.0XT phono stage (featuring two 6C45 and two 6922 tubes: $5250), and a Weiss DAC ($3495…
Sidebar: Specifications
Description: Programmable, top-loading, nonremote-controlled CD players, both based on Philips CD-101 deck. All specifications perfect.
Dimensions: 12½" W by 10½" D by 3" H (MCD), 5" H (MCD Pro).
Serial number of review sample: Not noted, MCD; 34895131, MCD Pro.
Price: $689, MCD; $1400, MCD Pro (both 1985; both no longer available, 2005).
Manufacturer: Meridian Audio Ltd., Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows, Cambs PE18 6ED, England, UK. Tel: (44) 01480-52144. Fax: (44) 01480-459934. US Distributor: Madrigal, Middletown, CT (1985); Meridian America Inc. (2005…
Sidebar 2: BJR System Context
I used the Mini-References on Celestion Si stands about 12" to 15" from the rear wall. I conducted most of my reviewing on my "affordable" reference system. Front-ends were a Thorens TD-160/SME 3009 Mk.II/Grado Signature 8MZ (analog) and a California Audio Labs Icon Mk.II HDCD with Power Boss (digital). Amplification consisted of a Creek 4240 SE integrated amplifier. Wires were MIT 330SG interconnects and Acarian Black Orpheus speaker cables.
I also assembled a second, less expensive "entry-level" system to audition the Mini-References. It consisted…
John Gourlay, Stereophile's publisher since 1998, left the company at the beginning of November. John had been a valued collaborator and the moving force behind the launch of the 2004 Stereophile Buyer's Guide (see related story). We all wish him well in his future career.
Joining Stereophile as its publisher (as well as publisher of our sister magazines Home Theater and Stereophile Guide to Home Theater) is Jay Rosenfield. Along with the editors of the three magazines, Jay reports to the group publisher for Primedia's Home Technology and Photographic Group, VP Irwin Kornfield.
A…
A letter in response appeared in Vol.14 No.12, December 1991
But I thought you were my friend!
Editor:
Robert Harley's "But I thought you were my friend!" article ("As We See It," September 1991) raises some interesting points. As a supplier of hi-fi equipment, I fall into the category of manufacturer vis-à-vis reviews.
Generally speaking, I am friendly with the press. Some of my favorite people even work for your august magazine. Sam Tellig (an old friend) has often taken pot shots at my products, and Corey Greenberg (friendship pending) even had the audacity to give a…