Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Stereophile

THIS ISSUE: JA steps down as Stereophile’s editor It was the summer of 1976. My career as a professional musician was not panning out as I had hoped. I’d played bass guitar on quite a few singles and three albums, and toured with erstwhile teen singing sensation Helen Shapiro—but I was better at playing than I was at getting paid. My then wife, Maree, showed me a classified ad in the British newspaper The Guardian: Hi-Fi News & Record Review was looking for an assistant editor. “You read Hi-Fi News,” she said. I had, for several years, and had put together what I thought was a pretty good-sounding system.1 “Call the number in the ad,” Maree instructed. I did. To my surprise, I got the job. To my even greater…

ATTENTION ALL AUDIO SOCIETIES: We have a page on the Stereophile website dedicated solely to you: www.stereophile.com/audiophile-societies. If you’d like to have your audio-society information posted on the site, e-mail Chris Vogel at info@XLinkAudio.com. Please note that it is inappropriate for a retailer to promote a new product line in “Calendar” unless this is associated with a seminar or similar event. CALIFORNIA ■ Saturday, May 18, 5–7:30pm: The Los Angeles & Orange County Audio Societywill hold its monthly meeting at Brooks Berdan (110 W. Olive Avenue, Monrovia 91016). Sheila Berdan and her staff will host the Society and welcome all to see and hear what’s new at Brooks Berdan this year. Their guest speakers will be Chris Hagen, Principal System Engineer of Harman International Inc., and Isaac Markowitz, Performance Sales…

For those who listen with their ears and not their brain, perfectionist hi-fi offers many surprises. A friend called me up a few weeks ago and asked if the DAC we both own had received an automatic firmware update he hadn’t heard about; something had changed, it wasn’t good, and he couldn’t figure out what it was. His system’s sound was suddenly pale and unfocused. There had been no firmware update. The next morning, he called me again. He’d remembered that, earlier the day before, he’d swapped out a meter or so of the standard Ethernet cable connecting his network switch to his DAC with an expensive, audiophile one. This is not a review of an Ethernet cable or my friend’s ears or the science of subtle cognitive bias. It’s…

Analog Sources Thorens TD 124 turntable (reconditioned by Schopper AG); Ortofon RMG-212 (rebuilt), Thomas Schick 12" tonearms; Ortofon 90th Anniversary SPU & Xpression cartridges. Digital Sources Intel NUC computer with SSD drive running Roon Optimized Core Kit; PS Audio DirectStream DAC. Preamplification Auditorium 23 Standard step-up transformer, EAR 834P phono stage, PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier. Power Amplifiers PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, Pass Laboratories XA60.8 (all monoblocks). Integrated Amplifier Leben Hi-Fi Stereo CS-600. Loudspeakers Revel Ultima Studio2. Cables USB: AudioQuest Carbon & Cinnamon & Coffee, Comprehensive Connectivity DXLRP-DXLRJ-6EXF. Interconnect: Auditorium 23, Clarus Crimson (RCA, XLR). Speaker: Auditorium 23. AC: Manufacturer’s own. Accessories Oswalds Mill Audio slate plinth (under turntable), Chilton’s Durham media console in cherrywood with improvised supports; Auralex ProPanel Fabric-Wrapped Acoustical Absorption Panel (4' by 2' by…

Description Solid-state integrated amplifier with integral DAC. Analog inputs: 1 linelevel with adjustable level (RCA), 1 line-level with fixed level (RCA), 1 MM phono (RCA). Digital inputs: 4 S/PDIF (2 BNC, 2 TosLink), 1 USB. Digital resolution: 16–24 bits, 32–192kHz (S/PDIF); 16–24 bits, 44.1–192kHz plus DSD64 (DoP) (USB). Output power (1kHz): 60Wpc into 8 ohms (17.8dBW). Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.5dB. Preamplifier gain: 12dB. Input impedance: 14k ohms (line-level, adjustable), 12k ohms (line-level, fixed), 47k ohms (phono). Preamplifier THD: 0.002% at 1kHz, 1V. Power amplifier THD: 0.01% at 1kHz, rated power. Dimensions 8.6" (218mm) W by 3.5" (89mm) H by 14.3" (363mm) D. Weight: 11 lb (5kg). Finishes Black, Silver. Serial number of unit reviewed 0000099HC. Price $1795. Approximate number of dealers: 12. Warranty: 3 years. Manufacturer Exposure Electronics, Unit 18,…

I have on hand a number of pairs of headphones. And I admit that I’ve lusted after the heavenly sounding, medieval-looking Abyss AB-1266 Phi headphones, and considered the MrSpeakers Aeon closed-back headphones. (I prefer the isolation from outside sounds provided by closed-back’phones.) But from the moments I saw—and then heard—Meze Audio’s 99 Classics, with their graceful style, balanced sound, and natural wood-grained glory, they had me. Generally, I’m not a headphone guy. I prefer to experience recorded music at full scale and full dynamic range, with lifelike aural images dancing before me in my gritty Manhattan crib. I like floor-standing speakers. So, given my big (literally and figuratively) ears and relative newbie status as a headphone listener, I’m the perfect candidate for the Meze Audio 99 Classics and their affordable…

A rock? Editor: It may not be widely appreciated, but as one gets older, many things become more remote and inaccessible. In this digital age, when everything audio seems to be on the Internet or delivered by it, listening to equipment in the flesh—especially more exotic and expensive items—with a view to purchase is almost impossible. Stereophile is the rock I have built my hi-fi information existence upon. How does that work, you may ask? As a reader of 20+ years, I have come to know and, I think, understand the reviewers’ likes, dislikes, and idiosyncrasies; their musical tastes and what seems to excite them. Many of my equipment purchases have come from reading Stereophile reviews. Reading a Stereophile reviewer regularly is like having a conversation with a friend. Their…

In their quasi-religious pursuit of sonic purity, some audio enthusiasts are obsessed with keeping things simple: single-tube, single-ended-triode amplifiers; single-driver, crossoverless speakers; even DACs fitted with “vintage” Philips TDA1541A Crown non-oversampling chips, and some without anti-aliasing filters—never mind such products’ serious shortcomings, sonic and otherwise. I occasionally favor this principle of less is more—for instance, less of my room’s acoustics interfering with the loudspeakers’ output produces more accurate sound from my system, and I’m all for that. However, getting the room out of the sound is never a simple task—and is especially challenging for those whose systems must share a multi-use space with other family members or roommates. Almost 20 years ago, shortly after moving into this house, I sought the assistance of RPG Diffusor Systems’ Dr. Peter D’Antonio. Using…

Description Solid-state stereo preamplifier with remote control and separate power supply. Inputs: 3 single-ended (RCA), 2 balanced (XLR), 1 single-ended tape (RCA). Outputs: 1 single-ended line-level (RCA), 1 line-level balanced (XLR), 1 tape (RCA). Input impedance: 22k ohms, all inputs. Output impedance: balanced, 50 ohms; single-ended, 25 ohms. Maximum output: 33V RMS. Frequency response: 10Hz–20kHz, ±0.05dB;–2dB at 159kHz. Crosstalk: >100dB. Total harmonic distortion: <0.001 at 1V, 1kHz. Residual noise: 2μV RMS for signal/noise of 125dB ref. max out. Gain: 9.6dB. Dimensions Preamplifier and power supply (each): 17" (430mm) W by 4" (100mm) H by 12.5" (320mm) D. Weight: 55 lb (25kg). Finish Instrument Gray. Serial numbers of units reviewed 32504, preamplifier; 32503, power supply. Price $9500. Approximate number of dealers: 20. Warranty: 3 years. Manufacturer Pass Laboratories Inc., 13395 New…

Analog Sources Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable, Jelco TK-850L tonearm, My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Ex cartridge. Digital Sources Apple Mac mini computer running Audirvana Plus 3.2; Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, HoloAudio Spring “Kitsuné Tuned Edition” Level 3, Mytek Brooklyn+ & Manhattan II DACs, Chord Qutest, PS Audio DirectStream & Digital Link DACs. Preamplification Rogue Audio RP-7. Power Amplifiers First Watt SIT-3, Pass Laboratories XA25, Rogue Audio Stereo 100. Loudspeakers Harbeth Monitor 30.2 & P3ESR, Magnepan .7. Cables Digital AudioQuest Cinnamon (USB), Kimber Kable D60 Data Flex Studio (coax). Interconnect AudioQuest Mackenzie balanced, Auditorium 23, Triode Wire Labs Spirit, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7. Speaker: Auditorium 23. AC: AudioQuest Tornado, Triode Wire Labs American–Digital & Seven-Plus. Accessories AudioQuest Niagara 1000 power conditioner; Harmonic Resolution Systems M3X-1719-AMG GR LF isolation platform; Sound Anchor…

Description High-resolution, multi-room (up to 6 devices) network bridge controllable via Pro-Ject Play iOS app, Web browser, Roon. Input ports: 2 USB A, Micro USB B (PC-Detox), Network (Ethernet, WiFi), Bluetooth. Outputs: Audio-optimized USB A, HDMI (video). Audio formats supported: PCM up to 32-bit/352.8kHz, DSD256. Internet Radio: Shoutcast. Streaming Services: Spotify, Tidal. Supported data protocols: DLNA, RAAT, Shairport. Outboard power supply (included): 18V/1A DC. Dimensions 4.1" (103mm) W by 1.4" (36mm) H by 4.1" (103mm) D. Weight: 0.83 lb (375gm) without power supply. Finishes Silver, Black. Serial number of unit reviewed 18A032110. System software: v.1.029. Firmware: v.1.15. Hardware revision: 6. Price $849. Approximate number of dealers: 300. Warranty: 1 year, parts & labor. Manufacturer Pro-Ject Audio Systems, Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH, Wirtschafts park A5, Analogweg 1, 2130 Mistelbach, Austria. Tel:…

It’s a toss-up: The house where my family and I lived for 15 years was bigger than the one we have now, and had a much nicer view. On the other hand, we now live in a less economically depressed region, as suggested by the relative scarcity of inflatable lawn decorations. During the last year I saw in my neighborhood far fewer leprechauns, reindeer, Easter Bunnies, purple-and-green Draculas, and turkeys wearing pilgrim hats (which makes about as much sense as Russian soldiers wearing lederhosen). I find those things unspeakably sad, because they’re horrible, cheap, gaudy wastes of money. I’m beyond saddened by waste—a more apt descriptive is overcome by a paralyzing depression. (If ever I fail to answer your phone call or reply to your e-mail, it’s likely I’ve just…

Description Tubed, pushpull stereo power amplifier. Tube complement: two 6H30, two 6SN7, two 6922, four 6C33C-B. Output transformer taps: Low (2–4 ohms), Med (4–6 ohms), High (6–8 ohms). Maximum output power: 55Wpc into 8 ohms (17.4dBW), 110W (20.4dBW) when bridged for mono operation. Frequency range: 8Hz–200kHz. Nominal voltage gain: 25dB into 8 ohms. Input impedance: 215k ohms. Input sensitivity: 1V. Power consumption: 400W at idle, 800W at full power. Dimensions 17" (430mm) W by 8" (205mm) H by 16" (405mm) D. Weight: 52 lb (22.7kg). Finishes Black, Silver. Serial number of unit reviewed 056070039. Price $8495. Approximate number of dealers: 20. War-ranty: 5 years. Manufacturer Balanced Audio Technology, 1300 First State Boulevard, Suite A, Wilmington, DE 19804. Tel: (302) 999-8855. Fax: (302) 999-8818. Web: www.balanced.com.…

Analog Sources Garrard 301 turntable; EMT 997, Wand Plus tonearms; Ortofon SPU Century & SPU A Wood, Shindo SPU pickup heads; Denon DL-103, EMT TSD 15 SPH cartridges. Digital Sources Apple MacBook Air laptop computer running Roon v.1.5, Hegel Music Systems Mohican CD player, Mytek Liberty D/A processor. Preamplification Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 & T2 stepup transformers, Shindo Laboratory Monbrison (2017) preamplifier. Power Amplifiers Air Tight ATM-300R, Shindo Laboratory Haut-Brion. Loudspeakers Altec Flamenco, DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/93. Cables Digital: AudioQuest Carbon (USB). Interconnect: Audio Note AN-Vx, Luna Red, Shindo Laboratory. Speaker: Auditorium 23, Luna Red. AC: manufacturers’ stock. Accessories Box Furniture Company D3S rack (source & amplification components), Audiodesksysteme Gläss Vinyl Cleaner Pro.…

Analog Sources Kuzma Stabi S turntable & Stogi tonearm; Thorens TD 124 Mk.I turntable, Jelco 350S tonearm; Denon DL-103, Hana EL, Ortofon Quintet Bronze cartridges. Digital Sources Sony VAIA laptop computer running Qobuz, Tidal; Tascam CD-200iL CD player; BorderPatrol, AudioQuest DragonFly Red DACs; Western Digital T2 Mirror Drives (2). Preamplification Auditorium 23 A23 MC step-up transformer, Luxman EQ-500 phono preamplifier, Shindo Laboratory Allegro preamplifier. Integrated Amplifiers Parasound Halo Hint 6, Schiit Audio Ragnarok. Headphones AudioQuest NightHawk, Master & Dynamic MH40, Sennheiser HD 650. Cables Interconnect: AudioQuest Chicago & Water & Yukon, Morrow Audio MA-1, Shindo Laboratory, Triode Wire Labs Spirit II (RCA). Speaker: AudioQuest Castle Rock, Auditorium 23, Tellurium Q Black, Triode Wire Labs American. AC: manufacturers’ own. Accessories IsoTek IVO3 Aquarius power conditioner, Music Hall Aztec Blue & Mooo…

Digital Sources Roon Nucleus+ media server, iPhone 6S, iPad mini running Roon 1.6 & Pro-Ject Play apps; dCS Rossini, PS Audio DirectStream, Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital D/A processors. Power Amplifiers Lamm M1.2 Reference monoblocks. Loudspeakers Joseph Audio Perspective2, KEF LS50. Headphones Audeze LCD-X. Cables Digital: AudioQuest Vodka (Ethernet); AudioQuest Diamond (USB). Interconnect: AudioQuest Wild Blue (balanced). Speaker: AudioQuest K2, Cardas. AC: AudioQuest Dragon Source & High Current, manufacturers’ own. Accessories Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Acoustics Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; Shunyata Research Dark Field cable elevators; AudioQuest Niagara 1000 and 5000 Low-Z Power/Noise-Dissipation Systems. AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6’ from breaker box.…

After reviewing Bryston’s BP-173 line preamplifier ($3995) in June 2018,1 I returned the review sample to Bryston to have its optional DAC and moving-magnet phono modules installed ($750 each).2 I was curious to hear if these options would maintain the high standard set by this component, which is included in Stereophile’s “Recommended Components.” When the BP-173 returned, it looked unchanged. But when I removed its top plate, I saw that two new daughter-boards had been installed above the motherboard: the DAC module on the right, the phono module on the left. The new high-resolution DAC module has two TosLink inputs and two transformer-isolated coaxial S/PDIF inputs, selectable from the front panel. The data are directly passed on to a single AKM 4490 DAC chip. Unlike Bryston’s flagship standalone D/A processor—the…