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Editor: While there will always be strong opinions about certain approaches to audio design, the laws of physics cannot be circumvented. Accordingly, only a speaker that minimizes room interaction can produce accurate transient response, three dimensional holographic imaging, and flat frequency response when you consider it within the context of its own interaction with the room. We are pleased that LG recognized the Eros Mk.III's unique ability to offer these outstanding qualities and are confident that serious audiophiles will recognize them too.

On the…

JOHN COLTRANE: Blue Train
Blue Note CDP 8 53428 0 (CD). 1997. Alfred Lion, prod.; Rudy Van Gelder, eng.; Michael Cuscuna, reissue prod.; Philip Coady, enhanced CD prod. AAD? TT: 59:20
Performance ****½
Sonics *****

JOHN COLTRANE: Black Pearls
JVC JVCXR-0017-2 (CD). 1997. Bob Weinstock, prod.; Rudy Van Gelder, eng.; Akira Taguchi, reissue prod. AAD? TT: 38:59
Performance ****
…

I first heard about Lipinski Sound's L-707 loudspeaker in late December, from an engineer of solid-state equipment. Later, at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, a producer of high-quality SACD remasterings of classic recordings spontaneously took me by the arm and marched me over to the Lipinski Sound Corp. exhibit at the Alexis…

Description: Two-way, magnetically shielded, sealed-box loudspeaker. Drive-units in D'Appolito configuration: 1" Vifa ring-radiator tweeter with neodymium magnet, two 7" glass-fiber–cone woofers. Crossover frequency: 2kHz. Frequency response: 56Hz–20kHz, ±1dB, 31Hz–40kHz, ±3dB. Voltage sensitivity: 90dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 4 ohms. Recommended amplification: 50–250W continuous, 300W peak.
Dimensions: 23.6" (600mm) H by 9.4" (240mm) W by 12.4" (325mm) D. Weight: 41 lbs (18.5kg).
Finishes: Black anodized aluminum, black or mahogany base.
Serial…

Analog source: Linn Sondek-Lingo turntable, Linn Ittok tonearm, Spectral moving-coil cartridge; Day-Sequerra FM Reference Signature FM tuner.
Digital Sources: Krell KRC-28 CD player, Sony SCD-C555ES multichannel SACD/CD player.
Preamplification: Margulis phono section, Duntech MX-10 head amplifier, Krell KCT preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Mark Levinson ML-2 monoblocks, Mark Levinson No.334, Krell FPB 600c.
Loudspeakers: Quad ESL-989, Revel Ultima Salon; Velodyne DD-18, REL Studio III subwoofers.
Cables: Interconnect: Red Rose Silver One,…

I estimated the Lipinski L-707's voltage sensitivity at a high 90.3dB(B)/2.83V/m, which is to specification. However, the speaker drops below 4 ohms in the lower midrange and upper treble, reaching a minimum value of 3.35 ohms at 180Hz (fig.1). There is also a relatively tricky combination of 5.2 ohms and –40° at 87Hz, a frequency where music in general has considerable energy. A good amplifier rated into 4 ohms will be needed to drive these speakers to high levels, therefore.

Fig.1 Lipinski L-707, electrical impedance (solid) and phase (dashed…

Take, for example, the products from the Jeff Rowland Design Group. The Consonance and Consummate preamplifiers were…

Although the Synergy's clarity, bass response, soundstaging precision, and detail were ahead of the VK-5i's, I found the latter to be superior in its ability to present…

Except as noted, all measurements of the Rowland Synergy were made with it AC-powered, set for a low input impedance (as delivered), and with the input sensitivity set for a gain of 12dB. All measurements were made in the full balanced configuration.

The Synergy's output impedance at its line outputs measured 78.6 ohms in the left channel and 79.2 ohms in the right. The input impedance measured 717 ohms in the left channel, 719 ohms in the right. Input and output impedances were not affected significantly by the setting of the level control. The output…