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It can be a spontaneous, self-generated hybrid of black shapes, brushed metals, and varying wooden finishes. You need not limit yourself to a single component or a single manufacturer. Whatever comes to mind first, really.

Got it?

Now picture the exact opposite of that.

That, reader, is Oswalds Mill Audio.

I first learned of Oswalds Mill Audio's (OMA's) existence a couple months ago, when I received an email from Jonathan Weiss (founder & CEO of OMA) inviting me to visit their showroom in Dumbo (…

John Atkinson reviewed GamuT's RS7 loudspeaker a year ago and was impressed by what he heard. Space will be limited, so call (707) 595-2020 to RSVP or via Facebook for Friday or for Saturday.

Last year, Michael Fremer reviewed Bel Canto's nearly all-digital Black amplification system, which comprises one ASC1 Asynchronous Stream Controller (essentially a…

Description: Solid-state, class-D monoblock power amplifier. Input: single-ended RCA or balanced XLR. Output: one pair WBT NextGen five-way binding posts. Power output: 300W into 8 ohms (24.8dBW), 600W into 4 ohms (24.8dBW). Peak output current: 27A. Minimum load: 2 ohms. Voltage gain: 27dB (single-ended or balanced input). Frequency response: 0Hz–50kHz, ±3dB, all loads. THD+N: 0.003%, 1W, 1kHz, 4 ohms. IMD (CCIF): 0.0003%, 1W, 14/15kHz, 4 ohms. Input impedance: 100k ohms (RCA), 200k ohms (XLR). Input voltage for max output: 2.3V RMS Output noise (RMS, A-…

Digital Sources: Oppo Digital BDP-105 universal BD player, Baetis XR2 PC-based music server, exaSound e28 multichannel D/A processor, QNAP TS569L NAS.
Preamplifiers: Audio Research MP1, Parasound Halo P 7.
Power Amplifiers: McIntosh Laboratory MC303, NAD Masters Series M22, Parasound Halo A 31.
Loudspeakers: Bowers & Wilkins 802 D3.
Cables: Analog Interconnect: AudioQuest Earth/DBS balanced, Kubala-Sosna Anticipation (RCA/XLR). Digital Interconnect: AudioQuest Vodka (HDMI) & Carbon (USB). Speaker: AudioQuest Oak/DBS biwire. AC:…

I performed a full set of measurements on the Bel Canto Design e.One REF600M, using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). As the REF600M uses a class-D output stage, ahead of the analyzer I used Audio Precision's auxiliary AUX-0025 passive low-pass filter, which eliminates noise above 200kHz that might otherwise overload the SYS2722's input circuitry.

The Bel Canto's voltage gain into 8 ohms measured 26.9dB from both its unbalanced and balanced inputs, though the latter result was obtained with the Audio Precision's…

Description: Two-way, reflex-loaded, stand-mounted loudspeaker with integral stand. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) diamond-dome tweeter, 6.125" (155mm) laminated paper-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 1.8kHz with first-order filters. Frequency response: 47Hz–50kHz, –3dB (near wall). Sensitivity: 83.5dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms (7 ohms minimum). Maximum SPL: 106dB. Recommended amplifier power: 50W solid-state, 80W "digital" (class-D), 30W tube (8 ohm tap).
Dimensions: 38" (965mm) H (on integral stands) by 10.5" (267mm) W by 9.75" (248mm) D. Weight: 56 lbs…

Analog Source: Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with Lingo power supply, Linn Ekos tonearm, Linn Arkiv B cartridge.
Digital Sources: Aurender N10 music server; Ayre Acoustics C-5xeMP universal player; dCS Rossini disc player & Rossini Clock; PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream D/A converter; AudioQuest JitterBug, UpTone Audio ReGen USB cleaner-uppers; Ayre Acoustics QA-9 USB A/D converter.
Phono Preamplifier: Channel D Seta L.
Power Amplifiers: First Watt J2, Pass Labs XA60.5 monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: KEF LS50.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest…

I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Arabesque Minissimo Diamond's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 for the nearfield and in-room responses.

My estimate of the Minissimo Diamond's voltage sensitivity was 81dB/2.83V/m, which is both well below average and lower than the specified 83.5dB. This speaker needs a relatively powerful amplifier to play at satisfactory levels, but as it has a small-diameter woofer, its user will have to be careful not to overdrive it. However, as the solid…