Did you hear the one about the audiophile looking for speakers? Well, it seems he had a dilemma. On the one hand, he (it's a he, isn't it?) was obsessed with audio quality. He searched out (and was very impressed with) the Wilson WATT/Puppy/WHOW setup (about $23,000). He really liked the…
So the Response…
Although the Response 3 Signature has not replaced ProAc's well-respected Response 3 (still available for $6500/pair, and reviewed in Vol.14 No.9, p.126), it is an evolved refinement of the basic design, and is intended to stand on its own. But is the 3 Signature worth $3500/pair more than the 3?
The Response 3 has a rich, full mid/upper bass; a lush, musical midrange with wonderful harmonic structures; a clean, quick presentation; a smooth, extended treble that lacks any textural coloration; and…
Description: Two-way dynamic loudspeaker with 1" dome tweeter and two 6.5" polypropylene-cone midrange/woofers. Frequency range: 20Hz–25kHz (no limits given). Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Sensitivity: 88dB/W/m.
Dimensions: 47" H (on plinth) by 11" W by 12" D.
Finishes available: teak, walnut, black ash, others to order.
Price: $6500/pair (1991); $10,000 pair, Signature (1994); no longer available (2006). Approximate number of dealers: 35.
Manufacturer: ProAc, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England (1991); Highpoint House, Riding Road, Buckingham Road…
This month, I concentrate on one: from German designer Friedrich Schäfer, the unique and exceptionally fine-sounding ASR Basis Exclusive ($4950), built in Germany and imported by Fanfare International. This two-piece, battery-operated design is…
Description: Solid-state phono preamplifier with external battery power supply, balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs, unbalanced, (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs. Frequency response: 3Hz–200kHz, –3dB. RIAA accuracy: <0.5dB, 20Hz–20kHz. Weighted S/N ratio: >68dB, depending on gain (MC). Distortion: <0.01% 5mV–5V into 100 ohms at 1kHz; <0,05%, 20Hz–20kHz. Input impedance: 5–1000 ohms (MC).Input capacitance: adjustable between 100pF and 320pF. Gain: universally adjustable with DIP switches from 32dB to 64dB.
Dimensions: 17" (430mm) W by 14.6" (…
Classé Audio, based in Québec, currently offers a sizeable amplifier range, with the output powers more closely spaced than is usual. Krell, for example, offers units that tend to increment the maximum power, hence maximum loudness, in 3dB steps, the idea being that 3dB is the…
Description: Two-channel solid-state power amplifier. Rated output power: 200Wpc into 8 ohms (23dBW), 400W into 4 ohms (23dBW); wired for mono operation, 700W into 8 ohms (28.45dBW), 1200W into 4 ohms (27.8dBW). Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, –0.1dB. Input sensitivity: 1.3V for rated output. Input impedance: 75k ohms. Output impedance: 0.017 ohms. Voltage gain: 2902dB. S/N ratio: 135dBr (no reference level quoted). THD+Noise: 0.004% (no reference level quoted). Power consumption: 200W (idle).
Dimensions: 19" W by 7.75" H by 18.5" D. Weight: 60 lbs. Standard…
I did not have a Classé preamp available; instead, I used two basic setups: direct coupling to a Krell KPS-20i/l CD player, and balanced and normal drive from a Krell KRC-HR preamp. Further control was provided by a Conrad-Johnson PFR and a Premier Fourteen.
In addition to the KPS-20i/l, signal sources included Classé's own combination of transport and DAC 1 decoder, as well as an Audio Synthesis DAX-2. LP support came from my trusty Linn LP12/Lingo/Naim ARO/Koetsu setup, while cables were by Siltech and van den Hul.
Speakers used with the…