Description: Two-channel, solid-state, class-D power amplifier. Inputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair single-ended (RCA). Outputs: 2 pairs multiway binding posts. Frequency response: 3Hz–30kHz, –3dB. Continuous output power at rated THD, 20Hz–20kHz, both channels driven: >250W (>24dBW, no load specified). IHF dynamic power: 355W into 8 ohms, 640W into 4 ohms, 620W into 2 ohms. Clipping power at 1kHz, 0.1% THD: >300W into 8 ohms (24.77dBW). Peak output current, 1 ohm, 1ms: >50 amps. Input sensitivity: 1.6V. Input impedance: 17k ohms + 200pF (RCA),…
search
I mention all this because it sounded to me that the Simaudio design team has made some sophisticated viscosity-oriented design choices that have resulted in audio products, like the Moon Neo 340i, of unique transparency and fluidity.
Phono Stage: Moving-coil
I change phono cartridges often. Therefore, I'm always happy when an integrated amplifier includes choices of gain (40 or 60dB) and loading (100 ohms or 47k ohms plus 0pF or 100pF), as does the Moon Neo 340i D3PX. Simaudio uses active circuitry—as opposed to transformers—for the extra gain.
Unlike most phono stages, in…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Manhattan System
Digital Sources: Oppo BDP-105 universal BD player; Baetis XR2 PC-based music server; exaSound e28, Merging Technologies NADAC+ multichannel D/A processors; QNAP TS569L NAS.
Preamplifier: Audio Research MP1.
Power Amplifiers: Benchmark Media Systems AHB2, McIntosh Laboratory MC303, Parasound Halo A 31.
Loudspeakers: Bowers & Wilkins 800 Diamond.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Vodka (HDMI) & Carbon (USB), van den Hul Flat 180 (HDMI). Interconnect: AudioQuest Earth balanced, Kubala-Sosna Anticipation (RCA/XLR).…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Solid-state integrated amplifier. Analog inputs: 1 XLR, 4 RCA, 3.5mm Media Player. Optional digital inputs: optical, 2 coaxial, USB. Optional phono inputs: 47k ohms input impedance (moving-magnet), 100 ohms or 47k ohms input impedance (moving-coil). Analog outputs: fixed, variable (both RCA). 1 pair speaker outputs. Headphone output: 0.25" phone plug. Rated output power: 100Wpc into 8 ohms (20dBW), 200Wpc into 4 ohms (17dBW).
Dimensions: 16.7" (429mm) W by 3.5" (89mm) H by 14.7" (376mm) D. Shipping weight: 28.6 lbs (13kg).
Finishes: Black…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I performed a full set of measurements on the Masters Series M22, using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). As the M22 has a class-D output stage, for almost all measurements I used an Audio Precision AUX-0025 passive low-pass filter ahead of the analyzer, which eliminates noise above 200kHz.
The M22's voltage gain into 8 ohms measured 28.9dB from both its balanced and unbalanced inputs, and both inputs preserved absolute polarity (ie, were non-inverting). The unbalanced input impedance measured 23k ohms at 20Hz,…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Pioneer PLX-1000 turntable, Ortofon 2M Black cartridge; Thorens TD 124 Mk.I turntable, Abis SA 1.2 tonearm, Zu Denon DL-103 or Jasmine Turtle cartridge; Technics SL1200 Mk.2 tonearm, SME M2-9 tonearm, Soundsmith Carmen or Shure SC35 cartridge; VPI Scout Jr. turntable, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.
Digital Sources: Onkyo Integra DPS-7.2 disc player, Halide DAC HD DAC.
Preamplification: Intact Audio step-up transformer; Blue Horizon Ideas Profono, Schiit Audio Mani phono stages.
Integrated Amplifiers: Hegel Music Systems H160, Line…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I performed a full set of measurements on the Simaudio Moon Neo 340i using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 As We See It"). I looked first at the behavior of the optional digital-input board, using either S/PDIF data sourced from the Audio Precision via optical or coaxial links, or USB data from my Mac Book Pro running on battery power. To avoid overloading the power-amplifier section, I switched the loudspeakers off and looked at the signals at the fixed line-output jacks. The TosLink input locked to data with sample rates up to 96kHz, the…
Was a sunny day. Not a cloud was in the sky. (With thanks to Paul Simon.) A good day for a drive. But where? "Is there some audio store you haven't been to for some time that you'd like to visit?" (My wife is well-acquainted with my interests.)
But of course! Aardvark Boutique Audio, in Orangeville, Ontario. I was at the store's opening and the owner, Peter Wolter, had said, "Come and see us in six months and see how we're doing." That was last July, so the timing was pretty close to being right.
Orangeville, about an hour's drive from Toronto (where we live), is a charming little…
As part of his preparation for reviewing Merging Technologies' NADAC Multichannel-8 networked D/A processor in the March 2016 issue of Stereophile, Kal Rubinson talked with the Swiss company's Dominique Brulhart.
Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock'n'Roll
by Peter Guralnick. Little, Brown and Company, 2015. 763 pp. Hardcover, $32.
by Peter Guralnick. Little, Brown and Company, 2015. 763 pp. Hardcover, $32.
In Lost Highway, published soon after he was introduced to Sam Phillips, in 1979, Peter Guralnick said he had long dreamed of meeting the Sun Records founder, who produced the hits that introduced Elvis Presley and other pioneering rock'n'roll performers. He dedicated Lost Highway to Phillips and the blues singer Howlin' Wolf, calling them "the real heroes" of the musical genre, and a quarter-century relationship between Guralnick and Phillips followed. This long…