Analog Sources: Garrard 301 turntable, EMT 997 tonearm, EMT OFD 25 & TSD 15 70th Anniversary pickup heads.
Digital Sources: Halide Designs DAC HD USB D/A converter; Apple iMac G5 computer running Decibel v.1.2.11, Audirvana Plus v.1.5.12 playback software; Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player.
Preamplification: Hommage T2 step-up transformer, Sutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier, Shindo Masseto preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Shindo Corton-Charlemagne monoblocks & Cortese.
Loudspeakers: Altec Valencia, DeVore Fidelity…
search
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I used my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It" and www.ap.com) to measure the Octave V 40 SE. After installing the four KT88 output tubes per the setup sheet, and before doing any measurements, I let the amplifier warm up for a morning. I then checked the bias voltage for the KT88s using the front-panel rotary switch and the LED display. All four LEDs illuminated green, which, according to the excellent owner's manual, means "Setting is OK." I took a complete set of measurements with the amplifier used alone, then repeated most of…
A preamplifier is the port of entry through which you gain access to the sources you've so carefully assembled. It's also the gate through which all of your music passes. So while its sonic performance is obviously critical, you'd also better assess how it feels, how it looks, and how it operates—you're going to be in an intimate relationship with it for a long time. Before choosing a preamplifier, therefore, take some time to drive it around the block, or at least shake hands with it. Use your imagination as much as your ears.
Bling that Sings
You may find the looks of the Momentum…
Setup and Connections
While RCA-to-XLR adapters can be used for source components, D'Agostino cautions that the Momentum should be connected only to power amplifiers with XLR balanced cables.
While RCA-to-XLR adapters can be used for source components, D'Agostino cautions that the Momentum should be connected only to power amplifiers with XLR balanced cables.
I ran the my Simaudio Moon Evolution 650D player balanced, and my single-ended Ypsilon VPS-100 phono preamplifier from its "convenience" XLR output. During the review period I also auditioned a variety of balanced and single-ended phono preamplifiers, ranging in price from the balanced LKV Research 2-SB ($2500) to the Phasemation EA-1000, which also has single-ended, "convenience" XLR-outputs…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Solid-state line preamplifier with separate power supply/base and tone controls. Inputs: 6 balanced (XLR). Outputs: 2 balanced (XLR). Frequency response: 0.1Hz–1MHz, –1dB (20Hz–20kHz, ±0dB). THD, full output: <0.006%, 20Hz–20kHz. Signal/noise (unweighted): 105dB (no reference level quoted). Channel separation: not specified. Maximum output: not specified. Gain: +6 to +12dB, adjustable. Input and output impedances: not specified.
Dimensions: Preamplifier: 18" (450mm) W by 4.3" (108mm) H by 12" (300mm) D. Power supply and base: 11" (275mm) W by…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn, Cobra & Castellon turntable, tonearm, & stand; VPI Classic Direct Drive turntable & 3D 12" tonearm; Kuzma 4Point tonearm; Lyra Atlas & Etna, Ortofon Anna, Transfiguration Proteus, Miyajima Labs Zero (mono) cartridges.
Digital Sources: Simaudio Moon Evolution 650D CD player, BPT-modified Alesis Masterlink hard-disk recorder; Meridian Digital Media System; Pure Music, Vinyl Studio software.
Preamplification: Ypsilon MC-10L & MC-16L step-up transformers; PBN Audio Olympia CPS/Pi,…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured the Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum preamplifier in balanced mode using my top-of-the-line Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and the January 2008 "As We See It"). The Momentum's maximum gain was a modest 8dB, which is fine—so many line preamplifiers offer way too much gain—and the preamp preserved absolute polarity (ie, was non-inverting), the front-panel meter glowing green. Pressing the Phase button on the remote control inverted polarity, and the meter now glowed pink. The input impedance was a usefully high 95k ohms at low…
Stalking the halls to experience 38 rooms at Capital AudioFest in three days feels like trying to see the whole Smithsonian in one day. When I got back to my room tonight my ears were ringing from the rock-concert volume levels played in most rooms. My eyes were spinning from trying to read upside down name tags scribbled with Sharpies. But because I have been an exhibitor so many times, I remember that the most important thing I can do is recognize and respect the hope and effort (and money) all these exhibitors and organizers have invested.
Deciding to participate, making all the…
Hold an audio show in a hotel? VPI's Mat Weisfeld was snapped taking full advantage of the amenities and listening to music courtesy of VPI's new Nomad record player!
At the end of a long day of standing in halls and sneaking into converted bedrooms with little rows of chairs I find myself wondering—are there any other trade shows or hobby fairs that take place in the sleeping-rooms part of hotels? Certainly there are no others where so many are hoping so much—for a seat in the middle! This was a very intense Saturday at the Capital AudioFest. Today, the middle seats were all filled and…
Room 708–710: Most of the exhibitors at CAF are not big brandnames with factories employing more than 100 persons. Most are highly inspired and maximally driven "ma & pa" operations like Klaus Bunge's Odyssey Audio. What is unique about Klaus is that he appears to begin designing with a very clear idea of what he wants (precision, dynamics, and laser-clear soundstages). Starting with a cost-is-no-object design, Mr. Bunge distills it over and over making it simpler and less costly each step of the way. When he finishes, he ends up with a roughly $1000amp/preamp combination and a $2200…