Thursday
Edge Electronics had their
unique pyramid styled amplifier called the NL Reference monoblock
amplifiers ($70,000) that uses a minimum of 60A dedicated electric line
supply. The unit produces 800 watts per channel in to 8 ohms and doubles
into both 4 and doubles again into 2-ohm load. Centermost top in he
photo is the NL12 ($15,500) dual mono amplifier that produces 300 watts
per channel. Below it is their Signature 1 pre-amplifier that accepts
six live level inputs. Unique to this unit is it can be either battery
or electrically powered.
Halcro's new, yet still prototype, DM38 stereo amplifier
($18,000) that produces 180 watts per channel. Availability is scheduled
for May/June.
World first! Ed Meitner's (EMM Labs) DAC6 ($6,500) is the
same converter used for SACD production.
Pipedreams Reference 18 tower loudspeakers ($49,000) were
being driven by VAC's new Standard 220 tubed monoblock amplifiers.
Analog source was by VPI Industries while digital duties were
well-served by George Mark Audio Technologies. Cable were by Silversmith
Audio and all equipment were placed on Ricks Racks stands. Usually i
fully reframe from commenting on the sound of rooms at a show, though
this room sounded incredible. Maybe i can stay here and never leave.
Alas, T.H.E. Show must go on...
A lovely grouping of Ayon amplifiers.
Going vintage are some Klangfilm Seimens Bionor
hornspeakers from January 1960. Still mighty fine sounding decades
later.
O. S. Services debuted Audion's restyled-redesigned Silver
Night 300B and Sterling EL34 stereo amplifiers. They also had the 97dB
sensitive Royal Device Lauras and 95dB sensitive Legend 6's. For
amplification duties, the Audion Golden Dreams were in good form. For
those who love all things Italian, the Aliante Pininfarina models One,
Moda, and Stile loudspeakers could fit the bill. Lastly, the Nightingale
Armonia (pictured above) and ADM-32 integrated amplifiers made their US
showing. Lastly, the new Cadence Avita hybrid electrostatic
floorstander, Samuel Johnson pre-amplifier, amplifier, CD player and DAC
were in the rooms as well.
Weiss' new MEDEA DAC decodes signals upwards of
192kHz/24-bit via AES/EBU or SPDIF. Both single ended (RCA) and balanced
(XLR) outputs.
Audio Physic's cute little monitor loudspeakers are the
Yara ($900/pr) and Brilon ($2,800).
Avantgarde Acoustics room had their Trio hornspeakers with
their new subwoofer. We covered these days ago within our pre-show
report.
Audiopax's new Stereo 88 tube amplifier that produces
15 watts per channel using a pair of KT88 tubes.
Audiopax's Model 5 pre-amplifier has a solid-state, choke-loaded
single-ended design. Quite unique indeed! Five line-level inputs and
wireless remote control are included.
World Premier! Welborn Labs Ultrapath BP stereo line stage
uses one 6GM8 tube per channel and is battery powered. The basic version
is $695 in kit form while Ultimate version is $1,250 in kit form. The
difference between versions is that you get a dual mono attenuator and a
general upgrading of other parts.
In the deHavillan room was their Aries 845-G monoblock
amplifier ($6,000) and Alón's new Lotus Elite Signature loudspeakers (as
seen within our pre-show
report). You can learn more about the deHavilland amplifier
within our Tube Lust
page.
Essence loudspeakers ($3,500), imported in the USA by
Sakura Systems, employ a single 4-inch driver to produce frequencies
from 50Hz to 20kHz. The unique finish seen here is an example off other
finished available upon request.
Buggtussel's Lemnisucs ($6,900) features a four-driver,
three-way design. Frequency response in from 25Hz to 22kHz with a
sensitivity of 91dB/W/m. Transmission line cabinet assists in extending
the lowermost frequency response while an external crossover keeps the
resonances from aversely affecting the sound quality of the music.
Electronluv, and the name is truthful, are the most
lustfulicious tube amplifiers i have seen in years. Seen here is their
DHT line stage ($7,500) that employs 10/801 globe tubes and 816 mercury
vapor tube. The unit is customizable for inputs and output.
Electroluv's 75TL monoblock amplifier ($35,000) is....
well... hold on while i clean off the wet spot in my.... How shall i say
this? Hmmmm... i am in love. 'Nuff said.
Cain & Cain Studio Ben ES ($12,000) uses an 8-inch
driver for bass/midrange and a Fostex alnico supertweter. Overall
frequency response is from 40Hz to 20kHz. Sensitivity is a high
97dB/W/m.
Highly regarded pro audio company Earthworks was showing
their Cherry Sigma 6.3 ($10,000) and Sigma 6.2 ($3,500, as reviewed by
yours truly). Best bet, read the review.
Speaker Art's new Clef Balance has all Scanspeak drivers.
A 1-inch silk soft dome tweeter is mated to a 6.5-inch midrange/woofer
all mounted in a transmission line cabinet.
Click here to see a complete listing of
specialty high-end
audio show exhibitors.
Click here
to see last year's show coverage.
