Reduced to its essentials, a stereo system is a machine designed to convert the electricity that comes out of your wall outlet into mechanical motion by the loudspeakers, which…
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Long experience has convinced me that many audiophiles' stereo systems substantially underperform compared to what they could sound like. This is not because people haven't spent enough money on their electronics or speakers. Instead, people aren't getting all the performance they've paid for because they haven't devoted enough attention to all aspects of the initial setup, and/or to maintenance and updating.
The high-quality outlet I'm most familiar with is Shunyata Research's SR-Z1, widely available for ca $95. Unless you're an experienced home handyman, hiring a licensed electrician to do the changeover pays dividends in peace of mind. If you do swap out these outlets yourself, an inexpensive outlet-polarity checker such as Klein Tools' RT-100 (ca $5, available at Home Depot) will confirm, before you've touched any wires, that you've turned off the power to the correct outlet; and, later, that you've properly reconnected the neutral and hot wires.
During installation of a better outlet,…
Sidebar: Contacts
AI Technology, Inc., 70 Washington Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550-1012. Tel: (800) 735-5040, (609) 799-9388. Fax: (609) 799-9308. Web: www.aitechnology.com.
Ayre Acoustics, Inc., 2300-B Central Ave., Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: (303) 442-7300. Fax: (303) 442-7301. Web: www.ayre.com.
Caig Laboratories, Inc., 12200 Thatcher Court, Poway, CA 92064. Tel: (858) 486-8388. Fax: (858) 486-8398. Web: www.caig.com
D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd., 3-97 Newkirk Road N., Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 3G4, Canada. Tel: (905) 508-7500. Fax: (905) 508-7502. Web: www.…
In a recent email, a reader, having read my review of the Monitor Audio Silver RX6 loudspeaker in the June 2012 issue, said that he'd like to see it compared with the similarly priced Wharfedale Diamond 10.7 ($1299/pair) and Epos Elan 10 ($1000/pair). That sounded interesting. The floorstanding 10.7 is the flagship model of Wharfedale's Diamond series, six models up from the Diamond 10.1 bookshelf (which I reviewed in July 2011) and featuring the same dome tweeter. And the Epos Elan 10 essentially replaces the Epos M5i, which I reviewed in February 2011, and which has served as my reference…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Three-way, unshielded, reflex-loaded, floorstanding loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) soft-dome tweeter, 2" (50mm) dome midrange unit, two 6.5" (165mm) woven-Kevlar–cone woofers. Crossover frequencies: 150Hz/850Hz/4.5kHz. Frequency range: 30Hz–24kHz. HF limit (–10dB): 44kHz. Nominal impedance: 6 ohms. Sensitivity: 90dB/W/m. Recommended amplification: 30–200W.
Dimensions: 37.6" (965mm) H by 8.7" (223mm) W by 11.7" (301mm) D. With spiked feet: 39.8" (1020mm) H. Weight: Not specified.
Finishes: Blackwood, Cinnamon Cherry, Quilted Rosewood.…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: VPI TNT IV, Rega Planar 3 turntables; Immedia, Syrinx PU-3 tonearms; Koetsu Urushi, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridges.
Digital Sources: Lector CDP-7T, Creek Destiny CD players.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D, Creek Destiny phono stages; Audio Valve Eclipse line stage.
Power Amplifier: Audio Research Reference 75.
Integrated Amplifier: Creek Destiny.
Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Excite X12, Epos M5i, Monitor Silver RX6.
Cables: Interconnect (all MIT): Magnum M3, MI-350 CVTwin Terminator, MI-330SG Terminator.…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Wharfedale Diamond 10.7's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 for the nearfield responses. My estimate of the Wharfedale's voltage sensitivity was a fairly high 89.7dB(B)/2.83V/m, which is within experimental error of the specified 90dB. The Diamond 10.7's electrical impedance and phase angle are shown in fig.1. The phase angle is high only when the impedance magnitude is also high, ameliorating its negative effect. While the magnitude reaches a minimum value…
For its 10th anniversary, the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest has lined up some stellar entertainment. With more than a little help from Kimber Kable, Nordost Corporation and Reference Recordings, Marjorie Baumert began the celebration with a pre-show performance by vocalist Lillian Boutté. The only musician since Louis Armstrong to be decorated Ambassador of Music by the city of New Orleans, Boutté brought her 30 years of experience with jazz, gospel, and R&B to the first of three performances at the show. Backing her up were Eric Gunnison on piano, Mike Marlier on drums, Mark Simon on bass,…
Every year, the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, which starts today in the Denver Tech Center Marriott, kicks off with a pre-show gathering for exhibitors and press in the hotel’s Atrium. With each attendee handed two coupons for free drinks, it’s a great way to come down after an intense day of travel and room set-up. Show organizer Marjorie Baumert, shown with Ric Mancuso of Reference Recordings, was having an especially jolly time celebrating the show’s 10th Anniversary.
I did not see the same kind of impressive attendance I've become used to seeing on RMAF's opening day—lines stretching through the lobby, out the doors, and around the parking lot—but, at just past 12pm this afternoon, there was nevertheless a fine crowd of anxious hi-fi enthusiasts gathered round the registration tables.