I inserted the KRC preamplifier fitted with the Phono Module into the same system I discuss elsewhere in this issue—Apogee Mini-Grand loudspeakers bi-amped with two Krell KSA-300S power amps. The source was a VPI HW-19 Mk.IV turntable (not a recent sample) with an SME V tonearm (also an older sample) and a Lyra Clavis cartridge.
With this review I had no truly familiar phono front end—a disadvantage. For a number of reasons, including malfunctions of a turntable and an arm, and…
To provide some feel for how the Vendetta Research phono preamp measured in comparison with the Jeff Rowland Design Group Consummate, I ran the Vendetta through two tests: frequency response (fig.1) and THD+noise (fig.2). The latter was taken with a 5mV input at 1kHz and is largely noise. The RIAA response of the Vendetta, while not flatter than that of the Consummate phono stage on an absolute basis, has a slightly different curve. The Consummate's response shelves down 0.25dB below 1kHz, which could account, at least to a degree, for the preamps' sonic…
Description: MC-to-line-level preamplifier. Dual mono. Adjustable cartridge load: 10 to 200 ohms. RIAA accuracy: 10Hz-100kHz !q0.1dB. IM and THD: 0.01% at 3V out. Voltage Gain: Standard 62dB, optional 70dB.
Dimensions (each channel): 9.5" W by 6.25" D by 2" H (SCP-2 preamp), 4.75" W by 5.5" D by 3.25" H (SCP-1 power supply).
Price: No longer available. $1895/stereo pair (1988); $3000/stereo pair (1992).
Manufacturer (1988): Vendetta Research, San Pablo, CA 94806.
During the first weeks of 2005, the people who publish Consumer Reports magazine turned a new literary corner: They began testing condoms. So far, the CR editors have given their highest ratings to the Lifestyles Classic Collection Ultra Sensitive Lubricated, the Durex Performax Lubricated, and the Durex Extra Sensitive Lubricated—the latter because it "takes the most punishment," although that's not the way I'd have phrased it.
Well, that's it, then: Game over. As far as I'm concerned, product reviews in consumer magazines are now…
In 20 years of writing about domestic audio, I've never once been hassled or harangued by a company that any reasonable person would consider established. Yes, as mentioned above, my requests for review samples have been…
During the first weeks of 2005, the people who publish Consumer Reports magazine turned a new literary corner: They began testing condoms. So far, the CR editors have given their highest ratings to the Lifestyles Classic Collection Ultra Sensitive Lubricated, the Durex Performax Lubricated, and the Durex Extra Sensitive Lubricated—the latter because it "takes the most punishment," although that's not the way I'd have phrased it.
Well, that's it, then: Game over. As far as I'm concerned, product reviews in consumer magazines are now…
In 20 years of writing about domestic audio, I've never once been hassled or harangued by a company that any reasonable person would consider established. Yes, as mentioned above, my requests for review samples have been…
While I reveled in the otherworldly realism of my hi-fi, a different…
All the parts in the Lamm LL2 appear to be of extremely high quality, their expense made more acute by what the designer describes as an arduous process of hand-selection and hand-matching…
Description: Tubed line-level stereo preamplifier. Tube complement: two 12AU7A, two 6DJ8, one 6X4. Inputs: 3. Tape loops: 1. Frequency response: 1.5Hz–400kHz, –3dB. Input impedance: 50k ohms. Output impedance: 250 ohms. Input sensitivity: 0.127V RMS, +2%. Rated output voltage, 20Hz–20kHz: 1.0V RMS. Harmonic distortion: <0.03% at 2V RMS. Phase inverting: No.
Dimensions: 19.25" (495mm) W by 5" (130mm) H by 13.75" (350mm) D. Weight: 20 lbs (9kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: E10091.
Price: $4990. Approximate number of dealers: 11.
Manufacturer:…