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…
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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.
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).
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What you see
The 330M's impressive array of 10 tubes is clearly visible through either its transparent glass front plate, on which an update of its classic watt meter appears in white, and through its open top. Because the fully balanced amp does not use heavy toroidal transformers, it weighs far less than you might expect for a component that's 19" wide, 10.25" high, and 21.5" deep. Most of its 101 lb resides in the rear. Handles on the front and rear panels make the 330M easier to lift than many other amps its size and weight.
Below the front meter and logo is a horizontal…
There's no need to consult my notes. The memory of the sound of the Audio Research 330M monoblock amplifiers ($90,000/pair) at AXPONA 2025 is so vivid I can still recall what I heard and felt. I sat front and center in a room sponsored by Quintessence Audio, before a system featuring Kubala-Sosna Realization cables, Critical Mass Maxxum-Ultra equipment racks and isolation, dCS Vivaldi APEX streaming DAC/Master Clock/ Upsampler, Sonus faber Stradivari speakers, an Audio Research Ref 10 preamplifier, and the Audio Research Reference 330M monoblock amplifiers. The sound was so colorful, rich,…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured one of the DeVore Fidelity Gibbon Super Nines that had been auditioned by KM; it had the serial number S915B112. I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone with an Earthworks microphone preamplifier for the farfield frequency behavior and dispersion measurements. I used an Earthworks QTC-40 mike for the nearfield responses and Dayton Audio's DATS V2 system to measure the impedance magnitude and electrical phase angle.
The quiet evenings leading up to a DeVore Fidelity Monkeyhaus event are passed by searching through your record collection for the perfect LPs. Every attendee will offer their own ideas of interesting and exciting music, and you will not be outdone by some other audiophile. You decide to bring one of your 2009 R2D4 selections, Lo Dice Todo by Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino; Richard Hayman's Genuine Electric Latin Love Machine, not only for the persuasive content but also for the outstanding album art; and El Guincho's Alagranza! because you're pretty certain it'll…