Description: Three-way acoustic-suspension bookshelf loudspeaker. Drive-units: &190;" aluminum-dome tweeter, 2" aluminum-dome midrange cone, 6.5" polypropylene-cone woofer. Crosssover frequencies: 800Hz (symmetrical 12dB/octave), 3.2kHz (symmetrical 18dB/octave). Frequency response: 45Hz-20kHz ±3dB. Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83V. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
Dimensions: 13.75" (350mm) H by 7.5" (190mm) W by 10.375" (265mm) D. Weight: 17 lbs (7.7kg).
Finishes: High-Gloss Black, Special Dark.
Serial Numbers Of Units Reviewed: 0100 000001-26, 0100 00022-26.…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: VPI TNT IV turntable, Immedia RPM tonearm, Koetsu Urushi cartridge; Rega Planar 3 turntable, Syrinx PU-3 tonearm, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, Aurum Beta S cartridges.
Digital Sources: Lector CDP-7T, California Audio Labs Icon Mk.II Power Boss, Creek CD53 Mk.II CD players; Pioneer DV-333 DVD player.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D phono stage, Audio Valve Eklipse line stage.
Power amplifier: Audio Research VT100 Mk.II.
Integrated Amplifier: Creek 5350SE.
Loudspeakers: NHT SB3, Epos M5, Nola Mini.
Cables:…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
The NHT Classic Three's voltage sensitivity was significantly lower both than average and than specified, at an estimated 83dB(B)/2.83V/m. However, its impedance was generally higher, dropping below 6 ohms only in the lower midrange and above the audioband (fig.1). The minimum value was 4 ohms between 120Hz and 170Hz, but there is also a combination of 5.5 ohms and –46° electrical phase angle at 94Hz that will demand a goodly amount of current from the partnering amplifier.
Fig.1 NHT Classic Three, electrical impedance (solid) and phase (dashed…
What, exactly, is one to make of a speaker named "Reference"? An easy answer might be that it will be expensive. Another easy answer is that someone might be being overly optimistic or downright deceitful. Ambitious? Certainly.
Of course, it's also possible that a company that calls its flagship speaker a "reference" is just telling it like it is. (Stop laughing—it could happen.)
While Canton Elektronik's Vento Reference 1 DC is unquestionably expensive at $30,000/pair, its name owes a lot more to fact than to brag—and, as insanely priced luxury goods go, it just might be a…
I was ready to hear a big difference with the Krell Evolution gear, but as much as I'd hoped to get better sound with a dedicated line, I didn't anticipate it being so obviously better. Even when I thought I was getting top-of-the-heap sound, the Ref 1 was capable of revealing even better when it was fed even better. That's what a "reference" is supposed to do, innit?
While knowledge may provide a useful point of reference, it cannot become a force to guide the future
In my auditioning, I found the Vento Reference 1 DC responded best to a firm hand. It's specified at 88.5dB…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Five-driver, 3½-way, reflex-loaded, floorstanding loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) ADT-25 aluminum-manganese–dome tweeter, two 7" (180mm) aluminum-cone midrange units, two 12" (310mm) aluminum-cone woofers. Crossover frequencies: 180Hz, 400Hz, 3kHz. Frequency range: 18Hz–40kHz. Sensitivity: 88.5dB/W/m. Nominal impedance: 4–8 ohms. Nominal music power handling: 500–900W.
Dimensions: 56.3" (1430mm) H by 15" (380mm) W by 22.2" (565mm) D. Weight: 193.5 lbs (88kg).
Finishes: Silver Lacquer, Cherry or Maple Veneer; black fabric grille.
Serial…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital Sources: Ayre C5-xe universal player, Krell Evolution 505 SACD/DVD player, Simaudio Moon SuperNova CD player.
Preamplifiers: Conrad-Johnson ACT2 & CT-5, Krell Evolution 202.
Power Amplifiers: NuForce Reference 8B, Portal Paladin, Krell Evolution 600 (all monoblocks).
Loudspeakers: Aerial Acoustics 20T, Dynaudio Evidence Temptation.
Cables: Interconnect: Audience Au24, Shunyata Research Aries, Stereovox Colibri. Speaker: Shunyata Research Lyra, Stereovox Firebird. AC: Shunyata Research Anaconda & Orion.
Accessories: Audience…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
My estimate of the Canton Vento Reference 1 DC's voltage sensitivity was 89.7dB(B)/2.83V/m, a little higher than the specified 88.5dB and a good 3dB higher than average. Its impedance, however, was generally on the low side, ranging mainly between 4 and 8 ohms, with a minimum value of 3.8 ohms at 29Hz (fig.1). The electrical phase angle is moderate except at infrasonic frequencies, suggesting that the speaker will be relatively easy to drive despite its lowish magnitude (and daunting appearance).
Fig.1 Canton Vento Reference 1 DC, electrical…
Some six or so years ago, the Linn Asak cartridge set new standards for imaging and soundstage reproduction. I can remember the first time I heard an Asak in a system using Quad ESL-63s—I had never experienced such depth of soundstage and solidity of imaging from any system, and that with Quad amplification! The Asak was relatively quickly overshadowed in this area, however, and in any case, soundstaging precision by itself didn't seem to be a high priority for the Linn design team, who were apparently more concerned with dynamics and a musical integration of the sound across the frequency…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Specifications: Low-output moving-coil cartridge with unique three-point fixing arrangement. Recommended tracking force: 1.5–1.7gm. Stylus type: Nude Vital superelliptical.
Price: $1250 (1987); no longer available (2006). Approximate number of dealers: 100.
Manufacturer: Linn Products Ltd., Floors Road, Waterfoot, Eaglesham, Glasgow G76 0EP, Scotland. Tel: (44) (0)141-307-7777. Fax: (44) (0)141-644-4262. Web: www.linn.co.uk. US Distributor: Audiophile Systems, Indianapolis, IN (1987); Linn Products Inc., 8787 Perimeter Park Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL…