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I performed a full set of measurements on the McIntosh MC462, using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). Before doing any testing, I preconditioned the MC462 by running its 8 ohm output at one-third power for 30 minutes into 8 ohms—thermally the worst case for an amplifier with a class-AB or class-B output stage. At the end of that time the heatsinks were very hot, at 158.6°F (70.3°C). I usually precondition amplifiers for an hour, but I was concerned that the MC462 would get even hotter.

The McIntosh's voltage gain…

Company representatives from Bowers & Wilkins, Sonus Faber, McIntosh, NAD, Bluesound, Mark Levinson, Revel, AudioQuest, VPI, Roon, Qobuz, Technics, Cambridge, GoldenEar, Moon, Focal, Audeze, and Chord will be…

Loudspeakers are the most diverse of hi-fi components, varying widely in conception, gestation, and morphology. This variety reflects the peculiar nature of our hobby, which spans the widest possible range of tastes, and of disciplines from science to art. Some loudspeakers are conceived to meet specific technical criteria, while others begin with a designer's loose idea and then evolve, via the trial and error of listening tests, to realize the designer's desired sound.

Far along toward the scientific side…

Description: Upsampling SACD/CD transport. Transport mechanism: dual-laser SACD/CD mechanism. Digital outputs: dual AES/EBU (XLR), single AES/EBU (XLR), 2 S/PDIF (1 RCA, 1 BNC), word clock (BNC). Input: word clock (BNC). RS232 port. Clock accuracy: ±10ppm. Power consumption: 16W typical, 50W maximum, <0.5W in standby.
Dimensions: 17.5" (444mm) W by 7" (178mm) H by 17.2" (437mm) D. Weight: 45.3 lb (20.6kg).
Finishes: Silver, Black.
Serial numbers of unit reviewed: RTT 0S2 1D1 1C1 1B2 S02 0054332.
Price: $23,500. Approximate number of dealers:…

Digital Sources: Roon Nucleus+ media server, iPad mini running Roon 1.6; dCS Rossini, PS Audio DirectStream D/A processors, Ayre Acoustics CX-5MP SACD/CD player.
Integrated Amplifiers: Ayre Acoustics EX-8 Digital Hub, Cambridge Audio Edge A.
Preamplifier: NHT PVC.
Power Amplifiers: Lamm M1.2 Reference monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Joseph Audio Perspective2, KEF LS50.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Vodka (Ethernet), Transparent (AES/EBU, word clock). Interconnect: AudioQuest Wild Blue, Canare (balanced). Speaker: AudioQuest K2, Cardas. AC:…

There are only two meaningful measurements of a disc transport's output quality: how well it copes with disc errors, and the amount of timing uncertainty or jitter there is in the datastream it outputs. To assess the latter, I used my Audio Precision SYS2722 as a digital oscilloscope, overlaying successive snapshots of the dCS Rossini Transport's datastream to show what's called an "eye pattern." With an ideal transmission system, all the pulse transitions in the datastream will overlay one another to produce an image of a wide-open "eye," with apparently just one…

It's also common for an audio company to launch its flagship models first, and only later release more affordable products, for a wider range of buyers. The hope is that the promotional shine of the dream products will be reflected onto the budget models. Infinity Systems' first loudspeaker system, introduced…

Post-boost, Zelmani occupied a slightly livelier…

Description: Three-way, rear-ported, floorstanding loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" by 1.25" (25 by 32mm) Airmotiv folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" (135mm) woven-fiber cone midrange, two 8" (205mm) woven-fiber cone woofers. Crossover system & frequencies: not specified. Frequency response: 35Hz–28kHz, ±3dB. Sensitivity: 91dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 4 ohms. Power handling: 200W continuous, 400W peak.
Dimensions: 42" (1070mm) H by 10.75" (270mm) W by 12.25" (310mm) D. Weight: 56.9 lb (25.8kg).
Finish: Satin Black.
Serial numbers of units reviewed:…