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I measured the Sutherland Phono Block with Stereophile's loan sample of the Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It" and www.ap.com). For logistical reasons, I was able to measure only one of the two monophonic amplifiers auditioned by Brian Damkroger, serial no.1060. The voltage gain at 1kHz accurately tracked the nominal gain of the daughterboards used: "45" measured 45.0dB, "50" 50.2dB, "55" 54.9dB, and "60" 60.1dB. The preamp preserved absolute polarity (ie, was non-inverting) with all gain settings.

The Sutherland's output…

The Contender's ability to resolve details combined with its linear low-level dynamic capabilities to make the…

Description: Three-way, reflex-loaded, floorstanding loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" silk-dome tweeter, two 6.5" polymer -cone woofers. Crossover: three-way, built on two hand-wired boards. Frequency range: 35Hz–28kHz. Sensitivity: 90dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
Dimensions: 44" (1130mm) H by 8" (205mm) W by 12" (305mm) D (including floor spikes). Weight: 50 lbs (22.7kg).
Finishes: True Piano Cherry, True Piano Black.
Serial Numbers Of Units Reviewed: 0143, 0144.
Price: $3400/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 30.
Manufacturer: Accent…

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.
Integrated Amplifier: Creek Destiny.
Loudspeakers: Alón by Acarian Systems Circe.
Cables: Interconnect (all MIT): Magnum M3, MI-350 CVTwin Terminator, MI-330SG Terminator. Speaker: Acarian Systems Black…

Designer Carl Marchisotto recommended that I measure the Nola Contender on an axis 37" above the ground with the speaker sitting on its supplied feet, which raise it sufficiently to allow its downward-firing port to operate correctly. The Contender's B-weighted sensitivity on this axis, assessed with DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA microphone, was 89.5dB/2.83V/m, which is within experimental error of the specified 90dB and slightly above the norm. The Contender should reach satisfyingly high levels with moderately powerful amplifiers. Reinforcing this…

There are dissenters, of course. In audio, some scoff at the notion of audible differences between, say, aluminum and steel amplifier cases, or between shellac and polymer coatings for transformer windings. In lutherie, the skeptics would have us know that a…

Setup and installation
On the one hand, the Sonus Faber carton—actually, a wooden crate tucked inside an unprepossessing cardboard box—was the heaviest thing I've ever lifted by myself. On the other hand, no prospective Sonus Faber owner should be deprived of the pleasure of unpacking these speakers for himself. The…

Description: Two-way, port-loaded, stand-mounted loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" fabric-dome tweeter, 7" pulp-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 2800Hz. Frequency range: 40Hz–30kHz. Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m. Nominal impedance: 4 ohms. Power handling: 25–200W, without clipping.
Dimensions: 16.25" (410mm) H by 9.25" (235mm) W by 16.2" (412mm) D. Weight: 40.8 lbs (18.5kg).
Finish: Okoume wood in Red or Graphite.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: 017, 018.
Price: $22,000/pair including stands; "stand-delete" option saves $2000/pair. Approximate number of…

Analog Sources: Garrard 301, Thorens TD 124 turntables; EMT 997, Schick tonearms; Ortofon SPU, EMT OFD 25 & OFD 65 pickup heads.
Digital Sources: Wavelength Proton USB D/A converter; Apple iMac G5 computer with Apple iTunes v.10.2.2, Decibel v.1.0.2 playback software; Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player.
Preamplification: Auditorium 23 Standard (SPU version), Silvercore One-to-Ten step-up transformers; Shindo Masseto preamplifier.
Power Amplifier: Shindo Corton-Charlemagne.
Loudspeakers: Audio Note AN-E/SPe HE, Quad ESL.
Cables: USB:…