Comparisons
Okay, given that I enjoyed the sound of the 602 in absolute terms, how did it compare with other respected transports?
My first comparison was with the…
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In fact, this increase in low-bass authority is something I have noticed with each real improvement in digital replay. It has also been independently noted by other critics that lowering the jitter in a digital data stream results in subjectively improved bass resolution. Why this should be I have no idea, given that the most obvious measurable effects of increased jitter levels can be seen in the treble region.
Sidebar: Specifications
Description: CD transport with full remote control of functions via supplied 209 handset. S/PDIF data outputs: 2 optical (via Toslink connectors), 1 coaxial (via RCA socket). Meridian 600/6000 in/out communications: via 2 optical (Toslink) or 1 DIN socket.
Dimensions: 12.8" (325mm) W by 3.9" (100mm) H by 12.6" (320mm) D. Weight: 14 lbs (6.4kg).
Serial number of unit tested: 100141.
Price: $2750, including handset (1991); no longer available (2011). Approximate number of dealers: 50.
Manufacturer: Boothroyd/Stuart Ltd., Huntingdon, Cambs. PE18 7EJ,…
Cycles can be seen in the fortunes of companies. Likewise cycles can be seen in the performance of companies' products. A particular range will appear to have got it just right, whatever "it" is. The designer may have hit a winning streak and thus steal a lead over the competition. C-J set a new state-of-the-art preamp standard in the late '80s with their Premier Seven, and some of that expertise and experience are beginning to pay off in the shape of new high-performance preamplifiers at realistic prices. Moreover, the pressure was on to develop better power amplifiers to match. Two…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: FET stereo power amplifier: Power output: 200Wpc (23dBW) into 8 ohms. Input impedance: 100k ohms. Input sensitivity: 2.3V for full output. Output impedance: 0.15 ohms at 1kHz, 0.25 ohms at 20kHz.
Dimensions: 19" W by 8.75" H by 15.6" D.
Price: $1995 (1990); no longer available (2011). Approximate number of dealers: 100.
Manufacturer: Conrad-Johnson Design, 12733 Merrilee Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. Tel: (703) 698-8581. Fax: (703) 560-5360. Web: www.conradjohnson.com.
Sidebar 2: System
Analog: Goldmund Studio T4/Koetsu RS 11, Linn LP12/Ekos/Troika, van den Hul MC2 high output, plus various step-ups.
CD players: Meridian 602–603 and Marantz CD80.
Preamplifiers: C-J Premier 7a, Audio Research LS1, Conrad-Johnson PF-1, and Krell KSP-7B.
Power amplifiers: Krell KSA-80B and KSA-250, ARC Classic 120.
Loudspeakers: Apogee Duetta Signature, Apogee Stage, Quad ESL-63, Spendor SP2.2, and Celestion SL-700.
Cable: custom silver/Teflon.—Martin Colloms
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Rated at 200W into 8 ohms, this is a power level of 23dBW referred to 0dB, 1W, 8 ohms. The MF-200 raised a solid 250W (24dBW) with an exceptionally good power bandwidth. No diminution was recorded at 20Hz, while at 20kHz the power loss was barely 0.1dB. Protected by modest supply-rail fuses of 5A, the extra current demanded at 20kHz into 4 ohms blew the fuse, while the results for 20Hz and 1kHz were 22.7dBW at this lower impedance, representing a true power of 373Wpc. This arduous test was made with both channels driven. In view of the fine result at 20Hz, the…
If I could attend just one music festival each year, it would be Iceland Airwaves, held October 12–16, in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. Launched in 1999 (in an airplane hangar!), Iceland Airwaves holds parties and performances in a handful of the city’s best venues and sets exciting local talent alongside outstanding international acts—all within a landscape of stunning beauty.
Previous years have included performances by Sigur Ros, The Bravery, Hot Chip, GusGus, TV On The Radio, Bloc Party, Florence and the Machine, and James Blake, while this year’s festival will feature a…
Michael Fremer wrote about the EAR 324 in September 2011 (Vol.34 No.9):
The enthusiasm of Bob Levi, president of the Los Angeles and Orange County Audiophile Society, for the EAR 324—and, for that matter, for any component designed by Tim de Paravicini—got me to ask EAR importer Dan Meinwald for a review sample. Art Dudley had reviewed the EAR 324 for Stereophile, in July 2004. Please read Art's review of this accomplished phono preamp, which is still in production—though its price has since risen a whopping $2500, from $3395 to $5895, and now, with the resurgence of analog (yay!), it has…
I won’t be in the office tomorrow. I’ll be down in Hunterdon County, NJ, helping a very good friend set up a very special hi-fi system. This is big—BIG—news, but I can’t say anything else about it yet.
Speculate amongst yourselves.
The Arcam Delta 170 is one of the first examples of an entirely new product category: CD transports. The concept of different CD transports having different sonic qualities is vexing. It is a simple matter to prove that the bit stream contains identical data from virtually any CD transport (see "Industry Update," Vol.12 No.8). According to Arcam, development of the Delta 170 was spurred by audible differences among transports heard by dealers, customers, and Arcam staff. The possibility that CD transports have their own sonic signatures is intriguing.
On the other hand, outboard D/A…