Description: Solid-state DVD-Video/CD player. Frequency response: DC-20kHz, ±0.25dB. S/N Ratio: 113dB (unweighted). Dynamic range: 98dB (unweighted with 16-bit source), 113dB (unweighted with 24-bit source).
Dimensions: Player: 18" W by 5 1/2" H by 11" D. Weight: 25 lbs. Power supply: 13" W by 3" H by 8" D. Weight: 15 lbs.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 5K0003P.
Price: $8000 as reviewed (see text). Approximate number of dealers: 30.
Manufacturer: Ayre Acoustics, 2300-B Central Ave., Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: (303) 442-7300. Fax: (303) 442-7301. Web:…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: Classé Omega SACD/CD player, Krell KPS-28c CD player.
Preamplification: Manley Labs Steelhead, Boulder 2008, Jeff Rowland Design Group Cadence phono stages; Krell KCT, Jeff Rowland Design Group Synergy IIi line stages; Ayre K-1x preamplifier.
Power amplifiers: Halcro dm58, Lamm M2.1, Manley Labs 250 Neo-Classic.
Loudspeakers: EgglestonWorks Andra II, Calix Phoenix Grand Signature, Apogee Duetta Signature.
Cables: Interconnect: Nordost Valhalla; Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II, Matrix Reference II; Wireworld Gold Eclipse 3+;…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Because the review sample of the Ayre D-1x didn't have a video output, I couldn't access the analytic signals on the Chesky test DAD (CHDVD171) to examine its behavior with 96kHz-sampled data. However, as the sample's primary role was as a CD player, I don't feel this to be a problem.
Like other machines based on DVD transports, the Ayre offered excellent error correction, coping with gaps in the data of up to 1.25mm in length without audible glitches. The maximum output at 1kHz was 3.04V RMS from the balanced XLRs, and half that from the unbalanced jacks…
The Bryston BP-25MC preamplifier is a full-function control center with one balanced and four single-ended inputs, including one input for a moving-coil cartridge. The BP-25 is shielded in a black steel cabinet said to reduce electromagnetic interference effects. The power transformer is housed in a small external chassis, the BP-PS. The BP-25's remote control allows volume up/down, along with buttons for mute and absolute polarity. Signal switching and audio connections, including balanced and unbalanced input and output connectors, are heavily gold-plated to provide good long-term…
The line section had good bass extension, with a powerful, focused bottom end. Synthesizer-generated deep bass chords in "The Hit," from James Horner's Patriot Games soundtrack (RCA 66051-2) sounded clear and solid. The pace and energy of the choir's foot-stomping on Lyle Lovett's "Church" (from Joshua Judges Ruth, MCA MCAD-10475) were easily experienced. The Bryston BP-25MC rendered the full weight and power of the bass drum in La Fiesta Mexicana, from Fiesta (Reference Recordings RR-38CD). Bass slam came from the bass guitar and drum kit on "Behind the Veil," from Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Full-function, transformer-input, moving-coil preamplifier with remote control for volume, mute, and balance. Inputs: four pairs of RCA unbalanced inputs plus one (optional) phono input, two pairs of balanced female XLR inputs. Outputs: two pairs single-ended on RCA jacks, one pair balanced on XLR jacks, tape output on RCA jacks. Phono section specifications: frequency response: 5Hz–30kHz ±0.5dB. THD: <0.005%, 20Hz-20kHz, at full output. S/N ratio: approximately equivalent to 1k ohm metal-film resistor (thermal noise >85dB below 600µV input,…
Sidebar 2: System and Room Context
Because first impressions can be misleading, I believe that audio equipment should be auditioned over a long period of time: the Bryston BP-25MC preamplifier was used in my listening system for nine months before I began writing this review. The BP-25MC was compared with the discontinued Mark Levinson ML-7A and its moving-magnet L2 phono option (set for 44dB gain and 50k ohms input impedance), with a Duntech/Audio Standards MX-10 head amp for my system's low-output Spectral moving-coil cartridge. Analog interconnects included AudioQuest LiveWire Topaz…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Unless otherwise noted, the measurements presented are for unbalanced operation. The output impedance of the BP-25 at its line output measured 50 ohms (99 ohms, balanced), with insignificant variations with changes in the level control. The line-level input impedance measured 48k ohms (16.6k ohms, balanced), left, and 49.5k ohms, right, again virtually independent of the level control. Phono input impedance measured 50k ohms (MM) and 220 ohms (MC). The output impedance at the tape output was just 99 ohms regardless of source impedance, indicating full buffering…
At a hi-fi show in Germany a few years ago, an audio club had set up a room filled with a dozen well-known turntable/tonearm combos. I recall seeing the Clearaudio/Souther, Immedia RPM-2 and arm, VPI TNT Mk.IV/JMW Memorial, Basis 2500/Graham 2.0, Oracle/Graham, Linn LP12/Ittok, SME Model 20/SME V, and some others I can't remember, including a few not exported from Germany.
I don't recall whether or not every setup included the same cartridge, but in any case, every hour, the hosts would play the same recorded selection on each 'table so listeners could try to hear what each was capable…
Where you place the Premier 15 can be critical for low noise and RFI rejection. In one position in my room it picked up a horrendous RFI hum masquerading as a 60Hz ground problem. Even fooled Jonathan Scull when he and Chip Stern paid a visit. Moving the unit to a second stand and turning it 90 degrees eliminated the hum, though the 15 remained plugged into the same socket. C-J's hard-wired AC cord prevented experimentation with alternative cords. I ended up using Walker Valid Points and Discs under the Premier 15, with a pair of Discs on top to damp the cover.
Sound
The Premier 15…