Description: Single-box SACD player (also plays CDs and CD-Rs) with digital inputs and outputs. Frequency response: 0.5Hz-50kHz, +0/-3dB. Level control: 0 to -60dB in 1dB steps (digital). Maximum output voltage: 2.5V. Output impedance: 50 ohms, balanced/unbalanced. THD: 0.0008% (20Hz-20kHz, no ref. level given). S/N Ratio: 116dB. Dynamic range: 112dB (24-bit input, low-pass filter off).
Dimensions: 18 11/16" W by 5 7/8" H by 15 5/8" D. Weight: 42.3 lbs.
Serial number of unit reviewed: J1Y278.
Price: $16,500. Approximate number of dealers: 35.
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog source: Simon Yorke turntable; Graham Engineering 2.2, Immedia RPM2 tonearms; Lyra Helikon SL, Helikon mono, Transfiguration Temper Supreme cartridges.
Digital source: Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 3D CD player, Marantz SA-14 SACD player.
Preamplification: Hovland HP-100 preamplifier; Boulder 2008, Manley Steelhead phono preamps; Connoisseur 4.0 line stage and phono section.
Power amplifier: Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300.
Loudspeakers: Audio Physic Avanti III, Rockport Antares.
Cables: Phono: Hovland Music Groove, Cardas Golden Reference…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Unless indicated otherwise, I measured the DP-85's performance from its balanced jacks. The maximum output level for CD replay was 2.5V from both balanced and unbalanced jacks—nearly 2dB higher than the CD Standard's 2V RMS—and fractionally lower at 2.47V for SACD playback (assessed using Sony's "tentative" test SACD). The digital volume control offered accurate 1dB attenuation steps down to -60dB.
The source impedance was a low 47 ohms from both sets of jacks over most of the audioband, this increasing inconsequentially to 54 ohms at 20Hz from the RCA…
The Accuphase's DAC linearity error, assessed using 16-bit CD data (fig.6), was negligible down to below -110dBFS, confirming the player's high dynamic range. As a result, the DP-85's playback of 16- and 24-bit undithered tones at -90.31dBFS (figs.7 and 8, respectively) was essentially perfect.
Fig.6 Accuphase DP-85, departure from linearity, 16-bit PCM data (right channel dashed, 2dB/vertical div.).
Fig.7 Accuphase DP-85, waveform of undithered 1kHz sinewave at -90.31dBFS, 16-bit CD data.
Fig.8 Accuphase DP-85, waveform of undithered 1kHz…
On the occasion of a recent major birthday, my significant other, Bonnie, gave herself a "mid-life crisis" present—a beautifully restored, bright yellow Porsche 911. She'd spent the previous several weeks wading through reference books to figure out exactly which year and model she wanted, and each night we'd discuss the pros and cons of various models, options, and points in the 911's +30-year evolution. Bonnie explained to me that, throughout its production run, the 911 maintained the same basic design and a consistent set of engineering goals, but was continually updated and refined. In…
Technology
The MG1.6/QR's family tree can be traced back to my MG1s, but Magnepan's driver technology and designs have evolved so far that it would be a stretch to call them "descendants." The look is familiar, however, and the large planar configuration still draws attention. Even guests with years of exposure to audio exotica at Casa Damkroger y McKenzie are taken aback by the Maggies. "That's a speaker? How does it work? Can you hang it on the wall?" Combined with the awesome VPI TNT and the wall-of-tubes VTL Ichibans, the '1.6/QRs make quite an impression on the uninitiated.
The MG1.6/QR's family tree can be traced back to my MG1s, but Magnepan's driver technology and designs have evolved so far that it would be a stretch to call them "descendants." The look is familiar, however, and the large planar configuration still draws attention. Even guests with years of exposure to audio exotica at Casa Damkroger y McKenzie are taken aback by the Maggies. "That's a speaker? How does it work? Can you hang it on the wall?" Combined with the awesome VPI TNT and the wall-of-tubes VTL Ichibans, the '1.6/QRs make quite an impression on the uninitiated.
The…
Sound
The dominant characteristic of Magnepan speakers over the years has been their uncanny coherence. The Maggie I've lived with most recently, the MG3.5/R, was incredible in this regard. With the '3.5s, individual images were distinct and detailed, yet continuous. They were cut from a single cloth, so to speak, with no sense that the signal was being fragmented and routed through separate drivers and crossovers. Images struck just the right balance between edge definition and coherence with the surrounding space, all wrapped up in a seamless, rich portrayal of the original ambient…
The dominant characteristic of Magnepan speakers over the years has been their uncanny coherence. The Maggie I've lived with most recently, the MG3.5/R, was incredible in this regard. With the '3.5s, individual images were distinct and detailed, yet continuous. They were cut from a single cloth, so to speak, with no sense that the signal was being fragmented and routed through separate drivers and crossovers. Images struck just the right balance between edge definition and coherence with the surrounding space, all wrapped up in a seamless, rich portrayal of the original ambient…
The '1.6/QR's resolution of inner detail was another area of surprising strength and a contributor to its vivid presentation. Instruments and voices were dense and dimensional, and rich with tonal and dynamic subtleties. Album after album, my notes were filled with comments like "clear," "precise," or "great inner detail—individual voices and instruments within a section are wonderfully distinct." I was repeatedly taken aback by how complex and real a familiar voice—say, Joni Mitchell's or Rickie Lee Jones'—sounded through the '1.6.
Similarly, its reproduction of solo piano—Artur…
Sidebar 4: PW-1 Specifications
Descrption: Passive downward-firing stereo subwoofer in a single cabinet with distributed resistive-vent loading. Drive-units: two 6?" long-throw bass drivers. Sensitivity: 88dB (no conditions specified). Impedance: 8 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum when used as part of the Alón Trio system. Crossover: internal, 12dB/octave at 55Hz. Frequency response: 32Hz in-room.
Dimensions: 29" H by 8" W by 15" D. Finish: black ash laminate.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 133.
Price: $500. Approximate number of dealers: 60.
Manufacturer: Acarian Systems, 15…
Sidebar 5: PW-1 Measurements
With its twin 6.5" drive-units and small enclosure, the Alón PW1 really only qualifies as a woofer rather than a subwoofer. As can be seen from figs.1 & 2, its output starts to rollout below 42Hz, the region of the lowest note of the double bass or 4-string Fender bass. Fig.2 shows that it neatly fills in for an octave below the Petite, however, which has its 6dB-down point at a moderate 55Hz—not bad extension for such a small speaker. With an impedance dropping to just below 6 ohms (fig.3), the PW-1 won't present amplifiers with any drive problems, even…