Large-scale orchestral works were equally well served by the Sarastro, with full dynamic expression delivered intact when…
search
Then it was on to a three-disc reissue of János Starker's recording of J.S. Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (LPs, Mercury Living Presence/Speakers Corner SR3-9016). The rendering was thicker and richer through the Sonus Faber Stradivari Homages, but the Sarastros produced a more realistic blend of bowed string and wooden body, and the speaker's low-level resolution let it do a far more effective job of putting the cello in the small studio recording space.
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Three-way, floorstanding loudspeaker. Drive-units: 2" ribbon tweeter, 6" mineral-loaded polypropylene-cone midrange unit, 11" polypropylene-cone woofer. Crossover frequencies: 150Hz, 5.5kHz. Frequency range: 25Hz–60kHz. Sensitivity: 93dB/2.83V/1m. Nominal impedance: 4 ohms.
Dimensions: 47.5" (1220mm) H by 11" (280mm) W (front) by 14" (360mm) W (rear) by 20" (510m) D. Weight: 150 lbs (68kg).
Finishes: Italian high-gloss piano-black lacquer; Italian high-gloss Makore, Sycamore & Quilted Big Leaf Maple, Metallic high-gloss silver, available…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Simon Yorke S7, Brinkmann Balance turntables; Immedia RPM-2, Graham 2.2, Brinkmann 10.5 tonearms; Lyra Titan, Lyra Helikon mono, Lyra Dorian, van den Hul Condor cartridges.
Digital Sources: Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista SACD/CD player, Alesis MasterLink CD-R recorder.
Preamplification: Manley Steelhead, Whest PhonoStage .20 phono preamplifiers; Musical Fidelity kWp preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Musical Fidelity kW monoblocks, Yamaha MX-D1, Music Reference RM-200.
Cables: Interconnect: AudioQuest Cheetah & Sky, Harmonic…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
The Verity Sarastro was almost 6dB more sensitive than average, at an estimated 92.5dB(B)/2.83V/m—within experimental error of the specified 93dB figure. Its impedance stays above 6 ohms for most of the audioband (fig.1), which would imply that the speaker is an easy lead for an amplifier to drive. However, the impedance magnitude drops to 3 ohms at 8kHz, and there is an awkward combination of 4.1 ohms and a –54 degrees electrical phase angle at 5.5kHz, which suggests a good 4 ohm–rated amplifier would work best. The general shape of the impedance curve indicates…
This journal has seen a number of thoughtful ruminations on what it is that attracts us to music or to a given audio component, and how we should describe that attraction. The "Letters" pages have been filled by readers who have taken us to task for not adhering to rigorous scientific methods in the evaluation of components, those rigorous scientific methods usually being equated with double-blind listening. Other readers have praised the magazine for its stance that an educated listener in a familiar, relaxed environment will be more accurate in his or her assessment than an average of…
In the course of my convoluted thinking, I have begun to question, among other things, the current state of the art of hi-fi design and hi-fi journalism, and their impacts on the public's approach to component selection. I don't seem to be alone in this. I have found that there has been, in recent years, an undercurrent going in much the same direction of general unease with the state of the high-fidelity art. I have read many articles and think pieces, and heard many offhand comments, all of which indicate that others are searching just as hesitantly and erratically as I am.
There has…
Music is not really a universal language; different cultures link the same music to different moods. But within a given culture it is an important nonverbal communication tool. What you may not be able to express in words, you may be able to share through music.
The original motivation behind the reproduction of music in the home, therefore, has been to facilitate access to the emotional aspects of music. When you make music yourself, your ability to express emotions will be limited by your talent, and by your proficiency on a given instrument (and boy, have I suffered in both respects…
Then the participants were played the same tracks on a different system, and again had to fill out the three questionnaires; and so on with the third system. The sequence of the three systems was randomized so that familiarity effects, or fatigue, could not influence the overall outcome.
After the third trial, the participants were asked to fill out, besides the three standard questionnaires, a final questionnaire asking whether they had a music system at home, what it consisted of, and how expensive the components were.
Finally, the participants were asked by the student which…
Some of you will have noticed that there was one long-term test subject: the student who accompanied the participants during their time in the listening room. The poor girl had to listen to the above-mentioned pieces 159 times! At the end of the experiment, she asked Ackermann what the systems were. She said she couldn't stand the sound of one of the systems anymore, feeling physically attacked by its sound. By now, it won't surprise you that the system in question turned out to be the CD/solid-state one.
Let's put audiophilia on the couch!
If we accept that much of modern…
The result of all this is a deep thirst for experiencing one's self. Bungee jumping, canyoning, and other fashionable sports reveal the desire of getting to know one's abilities and limitations. Roller coasters have to be built on ever-grander scales, with steeper inclines and sharper descents to catch the attention of the paying public. You get my drift.
Life is becoming boring. We want more! In the words of that great philosopher, Calvin: "I think life should be more like TV....I think we should all have powerful, high-paying jobs and everyone should drive fancy sports cars. All our…