I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system, a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone, and an Earthworks microphone preamplifier to measure the PS Audio Aspen FR5's quasi-anechoic frequency- and time-domain behavior in the farfield. I used an Earthworks QTC-40 microphone for the nearfield responses and Dayton Audio's DATS V2 system to measure the impedance magnitude and phase.
PS Audio specifies the Aspen FR5's voltage sensitivity as 83.5dB/2.83V/m; my estimate was…
Source component was a HiFi Rose RS150B streamer ($5000) into a Chord Ultima Integrated amplifier ($11,250), driving either Totem Element Metal V2 speakers ($17,850/pair) or Totem Tribe Tower speakers ($6300/pair).
AudioQuest cables and conditioning included AQ Mackenzie XLR ($369/pair), and AQ Rocket 88 bi-wire ($1289.95/8 foot pair), as well as AQ NRG Y-3 power…
This setup was completed with the latest iteration of the renowned BBC mini-monitor, Harbeth P3ESR XD Bookshelf Loudspeakers ($2990/pair) in oak, and Sbooster power supplies.
Loomans brought the whole Infigo megillah to the show, including his Infigo Audio Method DAC 4 ($35,000) and Infigo Audio IS-1 Cryo Streamer ($7000), with analog source duties relayed by a VPI Shyla MC Cartridge ($2000) mounted on a VPI Avenger Direct Statement turntable ($50,000).
Loomans’s amplification included his Infigo Audio Method 7 Preamplifier ($20,000) into Infigo Audio…
In room 641, an Aurender N30 Streamer ($23,000) was paired with a tubed Synthesis Roma 117DC preamplifier ($5695) into Synthesis Roma 98DC SE tubed monoblocks ($9800/pair), driving…
The setup included a Garrard 301 turntable in a Semrad bocate wood plinth with a Sorane TA1L tonearm ($1875) mounted with a Mutech Hayabusa MC cartridge (4500€).
Slagle’s electronics included an EM/IA MC Trio SUT ($6000), and an EM/IA LR Phono Corrector phono stage ($33,750).
“The Trio SUT allows for up to three tonearms to be routed to…
This decision led to some interesting contests. In Loudspeakers, for example, high-value minimonitors compete with cost-no-object floorstanders. In Analog Products, turntables compete with tonearms, phono cartridges, and phono preamplifiers. And in…
Accuphase A-300 monoblock power amplifier
($49,950/pair; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus in Vol.46 No.12, December 2023 review)
FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)
Balanced Audio Technology REX 500 power amplifier
($25,000; reviewed by Rogier van Bakel in Vol.47 No.6, June 2024 review)
Dan D'Agostino Relentless Master Audio Systems preamplifier
($149,500; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus in Vol.47 No.9, September 2024 review)
Linn Klimax 800 monoblock power amplifier
($90,000/pair; reviewed by Jason Victor…
Well Tempered Lab Amadeus 254 GT record player
($8750 with tonearm; reviewed by Alex Halberstadt in Vol.47 No.6, June 2024 review)
FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)
Acoustic Signature Verona NEO turntable
($15,995; reviewed by Michael Trei in Vol.47 No.6, June 2024 review)
Austin Audio Works Black Swan phono preamplifier
($1649; reviewed by Michael Trei in Vol.47 No.8, August 2024 review)
EMT 928 II record player
($17,995 with tonearm and phono cartridge; reviewed by Ken Micallef in Vol.47 No.9, September…
Grimm MU2 streaming preamplifier
($17,500; reviewed by Kalman Rubinson in Vol.47 No.8, August 2024 review)
Weiss Engineering Helios D/A processor
($21,995; reviewed by John Atkinson in Vol.47 No.3, March 2024 review)
FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)
Cambridge Audio MXN10 streaming D/A processor
($499; reviewed by Tom Fine in Vol.47 No.5, May 2024 review)
dCS Lina D/A processor
($13,500; reviewed by Herb Reichert in Vol.47 No.5, May 2024 review)
TEAC VRDS-701T CD transport
($2699.…