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The Synergistic Research’s Acoustic Enhancement Atmosphere Sweepstakes

According to the company:

The Synergistic Research Atmosphere is a room acoustic enhancement device that allows one to modify and improve the perceived soundstage as well as the quality of the sound from top to bottom of one’s system; all of this totally controlled by an iPad/iPhone app. What is even more remarkable is that this task is accomplished without a direct connection of any kind into one’s system components. At this point, I’m sure most of you will want to…

Sony CDP-520ES CD player

Publisher's Note: For the first time since I've published Stereophile, we are running two completely different—and opposed— reports on the same product. Normally, we try to reach some conclusion as to why reviewers come up with opposite views on a product, and resolve the problem prior to publication. In this case, the problem lies in the differing sound systems used for review. Since some readers will have systems like SWW's, and others will have systems more like JGH's, I felt it was valuable to run both reviews.

For the record, SWW's reference system consists of Dayton Wright XG-lO…

Sony CDP-520ES CD player Page 2

In terms of detail, the 520 sounds moderately veiled in comparison to most CD players (particularly on moderate to high level passages), giving it a somewhat distant sound. Again, this proves to be a benefit on the many CDs that suffer from harshness or glare. The distant sound also imparts a more musical and somewhat slower char™ acter to the 520. The 520 also has a slight electronic air (resembling a very fine grain) that results in a somewhat dry sound, putting the 520 into an unusual category-dry and yet musical.

So, to sum up, the 520 is a mixed bag. Features and ergonomics are…

Sony CDP-520ES CD player Specifications

Sidebar: Specifications

Description: Programmable compact disc player with wireless, full-feature remote control. Loading system: front drawer. Frequency range: 2Hz–20kHz. Dynamic range: 96dB. Channel separation: 95dB. Total harmonic distortion: 0.003%. Maximum output level: 2V.
Dimensions: 17" (430mm) W by 3.25" (80mm) H by 13.25" (335mm) D. Weight: 14 lbs (6.7kg).
Price: $650 (1985); no longer available (2015).
Manufacturer: Sony Corporation of America, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 (1985). Sony Electronics Inc., 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127-1708. Tel: (858…

Theta Digital Prometheus monoblock power amplifier

Several seconds after I began listening to it, I knew that Theta Digital's Prometheus monoblock amplifier ($12,000/pair) was different from other amplifiers. The violins and brass were more dynamic, and had more pace. The orchestra sounded more three-dimensional, depicted in relief by a degree of hall ambience I hadn't heard when I played the same recording through my reference solid-state stereo amplifier, a Mark Levinson No.334.

I've experienced other such "revelations" on first hearing a new audio component. Sometimes this first impression is accurate, as with the unique transparency…

Theta Digital Prometheus monoblock power amplifier Page 2

I listened to the Thetas for seven months, alternating them with a Mark Levinson No.334 and a pair of MBL Corona C15s, the latter supplied by JA, who has them on long-term loan. The amplifiers drove my Quad ESL-989 and Revel Ultima Salon2 speakers full range, and were reconfigured to reproduced frequencies above 80Hz when Revel's Rhythm2 subwoofer was in circuit.

Although setting up a pair of monoblocks seldom requires instructions, I enjoyed reading Theta Digital's well-written and detailed manual. It revealed that the small rear-panel switch that controls the AC mains supply must be…

Theta Digital Prometheus monoblock power amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Solid-state monoblock power amplifier. Inputs: single-ended (RCA), balanced (XLR). Outputs: 2 pairs Cardas binding posts. Output power (20Hz–20kHz, 0.01% THD+N): 250W into 8 ohms (24dBW), 500W into 4 ohms (24dBW), 850W into 2 ohms (23.24dBW). Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz at 300Wpc, +0/–0.5dB. Input impedance: 47k ohms. Output impedance: 0.05 ohm, 20Hz–20kHz. Damping factor: 2500 (minimum), 20Hz–20kHz. Input sensitivity: 130mV for 2.83V output, 1.825V for full output. Signal/noise: 124dB, A-weighted. Voltage gain: 27.8dB. Power consumption: 1W at…

Theta Digital Prometheus monoblock power amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Sources: Linn Sondek turntable & Lingo power supply & Ittok tonearm, Spectral moving-coil cartridge; Day-Sequerra 25th Anniversary FM Reference tuner.
Digital Sources: Bryston BCD-1 CD player & BDP-2 media player & BDA-1 DAC.
Preamplifier: Bryston BP26.
Power Amplifiers: Mark Levinson No.334 (stereo), MBL Corona C15 (monoblocks).
Loudspeakers: Quad ESL-989, Revel Ultima Salon2; Revel Ultima Rhythm2 subwoofer.
Cables: Digital: WireWorld Starlight Coaxial. Interconnect: Mark Levinson Silver, Red Rose Silver One,…

Theta Digital Prometheus monoblock power amplifier Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

I performed a full set of measurements using Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and the January 2008 "As We See It"). As the Theta Prometheus has a switching output stage that produces ultrasonic noise that would overload the Audio Precision's input circuitry, I carried out most of the tests using, ahead of the analyzer, an Audio Precision AUX-0025 passive low-pass filter. Usually, before measuring an amplifier, I run it for an hour at one-third power into 8 ohms—the most thermally stressful condition for a class-B output stage. But as the Prometheus…

DALI Rubicon 8 loudspeaker

Looking back at our September 2014 issue, I think my review of the Triangle Signature Delta loudspeaker marked something of a watershed in the evolution of my taste in loudspeaker sound quality. For decades I have been a devotee of what might be called "British" sound: low coloration and, overall, a rather polite presentation, coupled with low sensitivity. The Triangle speaker opened my ears to what could be achieved with a very different approach: still-low coloration but high sensitivity, impressive clarity, and a hefty dose of what the late J. Gordon Holt called "jump factor," in which the…