Some Favorites from the Berkowitz Discography
Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings–The Centennial Collection (CD/LP/cassette, Legacy 88697 85907 2). 1990/2011. A&R supervision/project coordination/marketing.
Jeff Buckley: Grace (LP/CD, Legacy 57528). 1994. Executive Producer.
Louis Armstrong: The Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven Recordings (CD, Legacy C4K 63527). 2000. Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. Coproducer.
The Beatles: The Beatles in Mono (CD/LP, Apple Records…
Jim Austin to the rescue. To his query, "How would you like to review a tube preamp from Canor, of Slovakia?" I answered with an enthusiastic "yes!"
In addition to the exciting prospect of reviewing the first tubed preamplifier to come my way in a long time, hearing the Canor Hyperion P1 preamplifier ($12,500) in my system would enable me to get a handle on the sound of gear I'd only encountered once, at High End Munich…
The Hyperion P1 arrived with its four 6922 tubes already in place. To prepare it for use, I employed a special tool (included in the box) to remove the 10 screws that fasten its top to the rest of its chassis. After carefully removing the top, I inserted the two 6H30PI tubes into their prescribed sockets. To ensure correct positioning, Bierfeldt had labeled both the tube sockets and the protective bubble wrap surrounding those tubes "1" and "2."
To replace the cover, I had to surmount two minor challenges: setting it in place without pinching fingers and lining up the screw holes…
Description: Class-A vacuum tube preamplifier with zero global feedback and balanced attenuator. Tube complement: four 6922, two 6H30PI. Inputs: four XLR (balanced), five RCA (single-ended; one pair can be set to fixed output). Outputs: two XLR (balanced); one RCA (single-ended). Gain (XLR output): 11dB. Input impedance: 30k ohms. Output impedance: <150 ohms. Frequency response: 10Hz–80kHz, ±0.1dB. THD (XLR output): <0.005% at 1kHz, 2V RMS, XLR; <0.3% at 1kHz, 49V RMS. Channel separation: >110dB. S/N ratio (20Hz–80kHz): >115dB. Power: 115V, 50–60Hz…
Digital sources: dCS Varèse five-piece music system, EMM Labs DV2i DAC, Meitner MA3 Integrated DAC; Innuos Statement Next-Gen Music Server and PhoenixNET network switch; Small Green Computer Sonore opticalModule Deluxe (2); Broadcom/Avago AFBR-5718PZ 1GB SX SFP, Gen 5 fiberoptic modules(2); Nordost QNet switch and QSource linear power supply (2); Sonore Audiophile Linear Power Supply; Synology 5-bay 1019+ NAS with Ferrum Hypsos linear/switching hybrid power supply; Linksys MR9000 mesh router and Arris modem; Apple 2023 iPad Pro and 2017 MacBook Pro laptop…
When I unboxed the Canor Hyperion P1 preamplifier, the four 6922 tubes, two for each channel, were installed, but the 6H30PI dual-triode tubes, labeled "1" and "2," were packed separately. I carefully installed these tubes in the sockets that corresponded to their numbers and checked that the 6922 tubes were correctly seated. I performed a complete set of tests with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system then repeated some of the testing with the magazine's APx500 analyzer.
I immediately encountered a problem in that there was no output from the right channel,…
These days, amplifier design often emphasizes efficiency. Class-D amps in particular have come a long way. Many are terrific, and they're…
Secondo piatto
Most audio components' capacitors are soldered out of sight, neatly concealed inside the casework. Not the Legacy. Mounted in the silver center bay that runs lengthwise across the top of the amp are six custom capacitors—"pretty maids all in a row," my brain quipped (footnote 6). Each is Ferrari-red and looks like a D-cell that's been hitting the gym. These caps are made in Italy by Itelcond. Along with those logo-shaped heat fins, they've become part of the Pathos look. The company sources smaller, interior capacitors from Italy's ICEL. The input and speaker…
Description: Fully balanced hybrid, class-A integrated amplifier with double InPoL technology, capacitors by Itelcond and ICEL, resistors by Vishay. Tube complement: Two Tung-Sol ECC803s, one Sovtek 6H30 per channel. Output devices: MOSFETS. Inputs: 3 RCA, 3 XLR, input connectors by Neutrik. Outputs: 1 pair loudspeaker binding posts by DBT. Maximum output power: 100Wpc into 8 ohms (20dBW), 170Wpc into 4 ohms (19.3dBW). Frequency response: 2Hz–100kHz, ±0.5dB. Input sensitivity: 700mV RMS at full output power. THD: 0.02% at 1W, 1kHz; 0.5% at 100W, 1kHz. S/N ratio…
Digital sources: Aurender A20, Grimm Audio MU1, 15" MacBook Air running Roon 2.0, Eversolo DMP-A10 streamer.
Preamplifier: Benchmark HPA4 line stage.
Power amplifier: Krell FPB 200c (recapped).
Integrated amplifier: Audia Flight FLS10.
Loudspeakers: Focal Utopia Scala Evo, Estelon X Diamond Mk II.
Cables: Speaker cables AudioQuest Thunderbird Zero. Power cables and interconnects RSX and Clarus Crimson power cables. AudioQuest Red River balanced interconnects.
Accessories: Townshend Seismic Podiums. Finite Elemente Pagode amplifier…