"Accuracy is overrated," I interjected from the other end of the dais. "Accurate to what? To your sonic tastes? To what you hear on your preferred loudspeakers? Other than one's personal preferences, I'm not sure the term accuracy has much meaning."
I then qualified…
Description: Solid-state monoblock power amplifier. Input impedance: 200k ohms balanced, 100k ohms unbalanced. Common-mode rejection (balanced only): 60Hz, 90dB; 10kHz, 70dB. Continuous power output: 1000W into 8, 4, or 2 ohms. Peak power: 1000W into 8 ohms, 2000W into 4 ohms, 4000W into 2 ohms (all equivalent to 30dBW). THD, 8 ohms: 0.0006%, 20Hz–2kHz; 0.0025% at 20kHz. THD, 4 ohms: 0.0008%, 20Hz–2kHz; 0.0030% at 20kHz. THD, 2 ohms: 0.0012%, 20Hz–2kHz; 0.0045% at 20kHz. Frequency response: 0.015Hz–200kHz, –3dB. Voltage gain: 26dB. Equivalent input noise (EIN),…
Analog Sources: Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn turntable & Castellon stand; Döhmann Helix 1 turntable, Schröder CB tonearm; Lyra Atlas & Atlas SL & Etna & Etna SL, Ortofon Anna & A95, Miyajima Laboratory Zero (mono) & Madake, Gold Note Tuscany cartridges.
Digital Sources: Audio Alchemy DDSPro CD transport; Simaudio Moon Evolution 780D streaming DAC; Lynx Hilo A/D–D/A converter; Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System; Pure Vinyl, Vinyl Studio software.
Preamplification: Ypsilon MC-10L & MC-16L step-up transformers; Ypsilon…
Because of the Boulder 2150's bulk and weight—319 lbs in its shipping crate—I wouldn't have been able to get it down the stairs to my test lab, much less back up those stairs. So I packed up my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It") and the PC I use to control it, along with analog and digital oscilloscopes, test loads, and all the cables I would need, and drove to Michael Fremer's lair, in deepest, darkest New Jersey.
There, I had a couple of problems. Usually, before doing any testing of a power amplifier, I precondition it…
Though you may only know him as an invaluable member of Stereophile's writing staff, Jason also happens to be a whistler extraordinaire! He's "the Voice of Woodstock" in the Peanuts cartoon, She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown, was inducted into the Whistler's Hall of Fame, and has been…
Featured manufacturers include: Wilson Audio (…
In addition to the DS 002, Esoteric will introduce the Hana line of cartridges from Japan. And will show off the top-of-the-line Hana SL low-…
The overall idea is fairly…
Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía: Passion, Grace & Fire
Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía, acoustic guitars
Columbia 38645 (LP). 1983. Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía, prods.; Dennis MacKay, others, engs. AAA. TT: 31:49
Fusion guitar connotes amps cranked to 11, but John McLaughlin was deep into an all-acoustic phase when he partnered with Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucía for this studio session. It's more than just some of the most pyrotechnic playing you'll hear—there's a wondrous precision and nuance in…