Michael Lavorgna

RSL Speaker Systems
T.H.E. Show Newport 2011
Michael Lavorgna  |  Jun 04, 2011  |  0 comments
RSL Speaker Systems is a direct-sales only company, started by speaker designer Howard Rodgers, the head honcho of 1980s retailer/speaker manufacturer Rogersound Labs. RSL was showing the CG Stereo System speakers ($1250/pair including a Speedwoofer 10 subwoofer, stands optional) that use its "patented Compression Guide Technology," which appears to be concerned with eliminating cabinet resonance and helps make a subwoofer speedy. RSL refers to this system as a "2.1 approach" (sub/satellite) and they believe that this configuration allows for optimum placement/room integration. In fact, the subwoofer we were hearing was not the one we were seeing—the Speedwoofer 10 (also available separately for $750) up front was on static display while the one in-use was hidden under a table on the opposite wall. RSL was using the PrimaLuna ProLogue Two integrated amp ($1999), which delivers 40Wpc from a quad of KT-88s, and the Acoustic Research CD5 ($5995).
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Tonian Acoustics
T.H.E. Show Newport 2011
Michael Lavorgna  |  Jun 04, 2011  |  1 comments
Tonian Acoustics was showing its new loudspeaker, the TL-S1 ($4300/pair as shown and up to $5700/pair with alnico magnet and custom veneer), which uses a modified SEAS driver run full-range augmented with a modified Fountek ribbon tweeter in a semi-open baffle. The speaker comes with several panels that allow more or less sound through an opening in the back of the cabinet, thus the "semi-open" aspect. Driving the TL-S1s were a relatively modest pair of vintage 1980s components—the Audiolab 8000 integrated amp and the Magnavox 650 CD player. The system was wired with Tonian Acoustics cable, which is a copper, bronze, and brass composite with cotton insulation (8' speaker cable $480/pair, 1m interconnect $380/pair and power cords $370). Contrary to what you might expect from '80s-era digital (read harsh) and solid-state, this system was relaxed, smooth and easy to listen to.
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Let the Games Begin!
T.H.E. Show Newport 2011
Michael Lavorgna  |  Jun 03, 2011  |  0 comments
To kick off the first ever T.H.E. Show Newport Beach, we have a true reach across the aisle (admittedly involving scissors). Pictured here from left to right are some of hi-fi's genuine celebrities—Robert Harley author of The Complete Guide to High-End Audio, Stereophile's own Michael Fremer keeping a safe distance from the cutting Harry Pearson, founder of The Absolute Sound while T.H.E. Show's President Richard Beers enjoys the show.

Rooms opened to the public at noon today (PST). Stay tuned for further reports!

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Why Music Matters Most
As We See It
Michael Lavorgna  |  Oct 11, 2010  |  1 comments
"Stanley, see this? This is this. This ain't something else. This is this."—Michael, inThe Deer Hunter
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Fragile Souls
As We See It
Michael Lavorgna  |  Sep 14, 2009  |  0 comments
And every time, this thought hit me: It wasn't a record she was handling. It was a fragile soul inside a glass bottle.—From South of the Border, West of the Sun, by Haruki Murakami
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