Digital music was handled with a CDT Four CD…
search
Following a video interview for Stereophile's video channel (watch it below and subscribe here), Audio Note UK's Adrian Ford-Crush played tunes from a Level 4/5 system that included the brand's TT Three Reference turntable ($63,000), which debuted at T.H.E. New York International Audio Show. The TT Three was equipped with its obligatory AN-1S Sogon tonearm ($16,730; Sogon refers to a certain high grade of silver litz wire; footnote 1), fitted with an IO I moving coil cartridge ($5586), into an AN-S8 step-up transformer ($18,130).
In addition to their showing in the Democracy room, Command Performance AV brought two US debut products to room 305: the J.Sikora Aspire turntable with the CF9 tonearm ($10,595) and the Innuos Stream3 music streamer with optional PhoenixDAC board ($12,600), which turns it into a fully fledged streaming music player.
Allied with the J.Sikora and Innuos products were an Aidas Malachite Silver MC cartridge ($7295), a Doshi Audio Evo linestage ($23,995), and a Doshi Audio Evo phono preamp ($23,995). The amplifier was also Doshi Audio, the Evo Stereo Amp ($25,995; see my…
I've watched the DeVore Fidelity factory develop from its humble start as an early tenant in the Brooklyn Navy Yard—once a sprawl of crumbling ruins, now a sleek high-tech hub—into a thoroughly professional facility housing a cabinet shop, assembly, and R&D. It is also the legendary Monkeyhaus, where late-night listening sessions and pizza feasts are a tradition.
I've owned several DeVore Fidelity speakers, from the original Gibbon 8 and Super 8 to the Gibbon Nine and the O/93. I currently own the O/96. What unites DeVore speakers—the singular quality that has earned them a devoted…
The Robyatt Audio SUTs
I have known Robin Wyatt since forever. As anyone will tell you, he's always low key, shy, and retiring. Soft spoken. He blends in with the crowd—except for his brightly patterned "yank" shirts by American tailor Robert Graham (footnote 2). Robin is tall, and I am short, so when we meet, I invariably find myself staring at a chest adorned with silks of many colors.
The chief reason I like Robin is that I admire his taste—in shirts, cologne, dogs, and polo ponies, but most especially in audio. In any ABX tournament, I would bet half my bicycles on his…
The three heavy hitters noted above brought Italian heavy hitter Thuono to Capital Audiofest (CAF), showing the Thuono TH400 turntable ($59,500) for the first time in the US. I've noted these handsome machines at High End Munich; it's great to finally see the brand stateside.
The TH400 includes a 400mm (15.75")-diameter platter supported by "a proportionally designed rotation system," the press release noted. "Both elements of the chassis are composed of a thick layer of aluminum and Nero Marquinia marble and supported by high precision magnetic suspensions. The unusual dimensions of the…
I was pleased to finally meet John Tarulli, Hi-Fi Sales Manager at Audio-Technica US. A mainstay in hi-fi, consumer, and pro electronics since 1962, Audio-Technica doesn't necessarily need audiophiles, but we sure do need Audio-Technica.
They may not need us, but that doesn't mean they don't want us. Tarulli expressed eagerness to get A-T products into the hands of reviewers like me. The first fruits of his labor will appear on AnalogPlanet.com.
On static display, Tarulli brought a large headphone amplifier, a turntable, two pairs of headphones, and numerous cartridges…
From Maryland to Munich, I've been consistently impressed by the audio systems of Nashville, Tennessee's Gestalt Fine Audio. This year's CAF continued the streak.
Room 325 brought the PrimaryControl Kinea II turntable ($24,995) with the same company's Field Coil Loaded tonearm ($34,995). SUT and phono stage were by Cinnamon Galle ($8250 and $32,995, respectively. The cartridge was a Fuuga MC ($10,995).
A SW1X Audio Design provided amplification: PRE V Signature line stage ($83,041, a US debut) and SW1X Audio Design MPA V Special power amps ($37,836/each). Those…
Ofra Gershman debuted her new Symphoria loudspeakers ($70,000/pair) at CAF. Joining the loudspeakers were a LampizatOr Aphrodite DAC ($105,000) and a Gulfstream music server ($8500).
Kevin Hayes of VAC provided the amplification, specifically his Master Preamplifier ($30,000) and Master 300 iQ monoblocks ($44,000 each), which drove the Symphorias. Cardas Clear Beyond wired the whole system. Room attendees were graced with the presence of Anne Bisson, who sand along with her own tracks on the Gershman/VAC system.
The made-in-Canada Symphoria features dual 8"…
Florida-based Innovo Audio Designs makes active loudspeakers. Their stylish and unique Luxe T1 speaker, shown at CAF, instantly grabbed my attention. The speaker's small footprint, slim design, and side-mounted bass drivers were something new.
The Luxe T1 is 6" deep, 13" wide, and 51" high. Its three-way active design includes a tweeter and midrange with four small elliptical bass drivers stationed on both sides. The speaker is tri-amplified and uses DSP and an active crossover. The speaker's lovely cabinet is handmade in standard or custom wood finishes. Prices begin at $27,000/pair.…
High End by Oz's Oz Turan pops up at shows when least expected, often showing new gear or teaming up with new brands. This year at CAF, Oz systems (and Oz himself) appeared in two rooms.
In the Lincoln room, an Innuos music server served as a source for a Thrax Enyo integrated amplifier ($24,500), which drove Thrax Lyra SE bookshelf speakers ($31,500/pair) and a matching Hades passive subwoofer ($20,000). Cables: Albedo Silver, including a Gravity II power cord ($11,750/2m), Monolith Reference speaker ($6950/2.5m pair), USB ($1900/2m), and a Reference Jumper ($1300).
…