It irks him that the words awe and awesome are now nearly divorced. But I like to remind Nick that this hyperpleasant, optimistic American attitude is surely preferable to the alternative.
In fact, over time, I've warmed to Yankee sunniness. "Great meeting you!" "Have a…
Fi(r…
Description: Three-way hybrid floorstanding speakers with active bass, port-loaded bass enclosure. 1" (25mm) aluminum-magnesium-ceramic-dome tweeter; one 6" (152mm) midrange driver with aluminum-magnesium cone; three 8" (215mm) high-excursion carbon-cone woofers. Internal, 1000W amplifier (2000W peak) for powering bass drivers. Crossovers: 2nd order at 2.4kHz and 300Hz (the latter analog/digital). Frequency response: 22Hz–23kHz, ±2dB. Low-frequency extension to 18Hz. Sensitivity: 92dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
Dimensions: 45.4" (1153mm) × 13.9" (…
Digital sources: 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max running Roon 1.8. Lenovo ThinkCentre running Roon on top of Roon Optimized Core Kit (ROCK). Auralic Vega DAC, Bluesound Node 2i streamer, Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, Naim Uniti Atom controlled through iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, PureAudio Lotus DAC5, RME ADI-2 DAC FS.
Preamplifiers: Benchmark HPA4, Holman Apt (overhauled and returned to factory specs), Naim Uniti Atom, Topping Pre90 with Ext90 input extender.
Power amplifiers: Krell FPB 200c (recapped); Margules U-280SC with stock tubes; McIntosh HPA-100;…
I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system, a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Paradigm Founder 120H's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 mike for the nearfield responses; both microphones were used with an Earthworks microphone preamplifier.
I usually measure a loudspeaker's farfield behavior level with its tweeter, which the 120H's manual suggests is the optimal axis: "For the most accurate and natural timbre, place front speakers so that their high-frequency drivers are approximately at ear level." However, with the Founder…
Listening will be through three systems featuring Gryphon integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, amplifiers, and speakers. Rune will explain the unique design philosophies and technologies that make their award-winning products so special. Refreshments will be served.
The event runs 5:30pm–8:30pm. Command Performance is located at 115 Park Avenue, Suite #2, in Falls Church. Command Performance can be contacted at…
By the time the regular-production SL-1200G was…
Description: Direct-drive turntable with three-layer, 8lb platter; four-layer plinth for vibration damping; coreless motor running at 33 1/3, 45, 78rpm; and tonearm. Speed adjustment range: ±8%, ±16%; starting torque: 3.3kg-cm (2.8 lb-in), adjustable; build-up characteristics: 0.7s from standstill to 33 1/3 rpm; wow and flutter: 0.025%; rumble: –78dB (IEC 98A weighted). Platter: Brass and aluminum, diecast. Diameter: 13 5/64" (332mm). Weight: 7.9lb (3.6kg). Power supply: 120V, 60Hz; power consumption: 14W in use, approx. 0.2W standby. Included in the box:…
Analog sources: Garrard 301 turntable in a Box Furniture Co. plinth; Thomas Schick 12" tonearm and headshell. Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua cartridge; Hana Umami Red cartridge; Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge; Ortofon SPU Classic G cartridge; Zu/Denon 103 cartridge.
Preamplification: Shindo Aurieges preamplifier; Sutherland Little Loco phono preamplifier; Lejonklou Entity phono preamplifier; Parasound Halo JC 3+ phono preamplifier.
Amplification: Line Magnetic LM-845IA (used as a power amplifier); Pass Labs INT-60; Ayre AX-5 Twenty; SET amplifier with…