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As for the woofers, the H in 120H stands for hybrid. Sure enough, the six CarbonX bass drivers—three per tower—are driven by built-in ICEpower class-D amps that put out 1000W continuous and up to 2000W on dynamic peaks. (Of course, that means you must plug the speakers into a nearby electrical receptacle. And you'll still need a standard stereo amplifier to power the midrange drivers and tweeters.) The midrange and bass drivers are decoupled from the cabinet by the aforementioned "Advanced Shock-Mount Isolation Mounting System." Similar technology is employed in the speaker's spikes.
Sidebar 1: Specifications
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" (…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
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;…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
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…
On Friday, December 2, Command Performance AV in Falls Church, Virginia, will host a special listening event with Rune Skov, Sales Director of Gryphon Audio Designs.
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…
People tend to believe that things are what they appear to be. This turned out to be the case in 2016, when Panasonic introduced the limited-edition Technics SL-1200GAE turntable. It appeared almost identical to an SL-1200—arguably the best-selling and most loved record player series of all time, discontinued in 2010 after more than 30 years—but it cost a whopping $4000. The similar model designation didn't help stem the griping that Panasonic had made a "fancy" version of their legendary DJ turntable at six times the price of the original.
By the time the regular-production SL-1200G was…
First, I replaced the thick rubber mat. Of the aftermarket mats I had on hand, the most fortuitous pairing turned out to be the admittedly odd-looking Trans-Fi Reso-Mat, which has tiny cones with rounded ends distributed across the record surface (£30 plus shipping). I'm always surprised by the vast sonic difference turntable mats can impart, but since resonance is essentially what a cartridge measures, I suppose I shouldn't be. This swap was particularly eye-opening: With the Reso-Mat in place, the Technics produced a far larger soundfield, with obviously greater resolution and instrument…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
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:…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
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…
When I put together my first hi-fi system in the late 1960s, the amplifier was a Kenwood integrated. Soon I replaced the Kenwood with a Sony integrated, and then, a few years later, I bought a Lecson preamplifier and power amplifier pairing. It's been separates for me ever since.
However, a reader wrote this comment on Stereophile's website a while back: "It will be interesting to see if Stereophile catches up to the focus on active, integrated designs. The relevance of separates seems to be waning in comparison to these sexy and modern designs." The commenter was referring to fully…