Table of contents for July 2019 in Stereophile

Stereophile|July 2019

How Does the Music Make You Feel?

THIS ISSUE: Stereophile’s editors renew their vows without flying to Las Vegas or the Bahamas. Stereophile’s first change in editorial leadership in 33 years1 calls for a restatement of the magazine’s core principles. Stereophile was founded in 1962 by J. Gordon Holt, on the premise that the best way to review an audio component is to listen to it. Following Holt as editor, John Atkinson turned that premise into a viable concern—a real magazine—and, in 1989, added a regular suite of measurements to Stereophile’s otherwise subjective mix. With his commitment to listening first, JGH created a new genre of audio publications; many others followed in its wake, of which only a handful survive. For Holt, it was a question of expediency—measurements weren’t telling the whole story. JGH was not against…

4 min

Stereophile|July 2019

CALENDAR OF INDUSTRY EVENTS

ATTENTION ALL AUDIO SOCIETIES: We have a page on the Stereophile website devoted to you: 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 it is associated with a seminar or similar event. ARIZONA ■ Saturday, June 29, 9am-4pm: The Arizona Audio Video Club welcomes everyone to the 1st Annual SpeakerFest, at Venue8600, 8600 E Anderson Drive, Scottsdale. The club’s goal is to have 10 brands that are not represented/stocked in our area available to listen to. Participating companies include Spatial Audio, Sanders Sound, Tekton Designs, Zu Audio, Markaudio, Salk Sound, Joseph Audio, LSA/Underwood Audio, and others TBD. McGary Audio is graciously providing…

5 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Trinnov Altitude 32 A/V Preamplifier

As I wrote before in these pages, I have long been acquainted with French electronics manufacturer Trinnov. Years ago, at an Audio Engineering Society convention in New York, a Trinnov rep used a mastering console equipped with their processor to move, at will, the sounds of instruments around the 3D soundstage and left me thoroughly impressed. That was before my conversion from stereo to multichannel music listening, and before the blurring of borders between home theater and mainstream audio. Subsequently, I reported on an AVR with a simplified version of Trinnov processing,1 and later still on a full-blown Trinnov MC Optimizer.2 The former was tantalizing but ultimately unsatisfying, while the latter was satisfying but too demanding, operationally and financially. But recently, Trinnov entered the home theater/domestic-audio market with their line…

15 min

Stereophile|July 2019

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Two-channel solid-state integrated amplifier with DAC and MM/MC phono stage. Analog inputs: 1 pair balanced, 2 pairs unbalanced. Phono: separate MM and MC (only one can be connected). Digital inputs: 1 asynchronous USB 2.0 B Audio, 2 optical, 1 coax (S/PDIF). Outputs: 1 pair variable line-level outputs (RCA), 1 pair loudspeaker outputs via high-current binding posts with banana sockets that accept spade lugs with ¼" spacing. Control inputs: Ethernet, RS232, and USB A. Input Impedance: 20k ohm (balanced) 10k ohm (single-ended). System gain from line level: 34.5dB with volume set at maximum. Output power: 125W per channel into 8 ohms. Output impedance <0.098 ohms, 20Hz to 10kHz, <0.11 ohm at 20kHz. Phono: RIAA accuracy: ±0.3dB 20Hz–20kHz. MM Phono: Input resistance 47k ohm. Input capacitance: selectable. Gain: 39dB. MC: Input…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore

Has Serinus been demoted? You might well ask. This month, instead of reviewing a $58,000 stereo amplifier, I’m tackling a $599 powered loudspeaker system. Truth be told, I’m always on the lookout for products that deliver outstanding sound at bargain prices. And since I maintain in my living room a modestly priced system built around powered speakers—this in addition to the far costlier system in my dedicated listening room—it’s an easy fit for me to evaluate low-priced products in a real-world context. Besides, I’ve been impressed by Vanatoo’s achievements ever since my first encounter with the company’s original Transparent One speaker system, at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. A bonus, Vanatoo is located relatively close to my home in Port Townsend, Washington: another easy fit! They serve up far…

13 min

Stereophile|July 2019

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Digital Sources Apple 2017 MacBook Pro computer with 2.8 GHz Intel i7, SSD, 16GB RAM, running Roon; Apple iPad Pro. Loudspeakers Dynaudio Focus 200 XD Powered Loudspeaker System Cables Digital: Nordost Odin 1 and 2 & Valhalla 2 (USB). AC: Nordost Odin 1 & 2, Valhalla 1. Accessories Dynaudio Stand 6 Speaker Stands; Wavelink HS USB to S/PDIF converter; AudioQuest JitterBugs; Nordost QB8, QK1 & QV2 AC power accessories, QKore 1 & 3 with QKore Wires, Titanium Sort Kones; Tweek Geek Dark Matter Stealth power conditioner with High Fidelity and Furutech options; Stein Super Naturals.…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

MEASUREMENTS

When I unpacked the PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamplifier, it looked very familiar. It appears identical to PrimaLuna’s ProLogue Premium line preamplifier that Herb Reichert reviewed in our June 2017 issue.1 But on closer inspection, while the earlier preamp had single-ended inputs and outputs, the EVO 400 adds two pairs of balanced input jacks and a pair of balanced output jacks. And while the EVO 400 still uses two 5AR4 rectifier tubes, there are now six 12AU7 twin triodes compared with the ProLogue Premium’s four 12AU7s. I measured the PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamplifier with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 “As We See It”2). The gain from the unbalanced inputs to the unbalanced output with the volume control set to its maximum was slightly lower than the specified…

5 min

Stereophile|July 2019

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Belt-drive, solid-plinth turntable with electronically controlled DC motor. Speeds: 33.33 & 45rpm. Motor type: DC (Pabst). Bearing type: Inverted, ruby thrust ball. Number of tonearm fittings: Up to 4 (additional costs may apply). Dustcover: none. Accessories supplied: bearing oil, Allen wrenches. Power supply 115/230/50–60Hz. Dimensions Basic version: 12.59" (320mm) W by 14.96" (380mm) L by 5.90" (150mm) H. Weight: 66lb (30kg). Wood-framed version: 19.68" (500mm) W by 18.30" (465mm) L by 4" (101mm) H. Weight: 79.2lb (39kg). Finishes Basic Version: Black or silver RAL Classic finishes. Wood-framed version: Walnut or Natural. Serial number of unit reviewed 160 015 Price Basic version: $8595 including single arm mount. Wood-framed version: $9595 including single arm mount. Approximate number of US dealers: 20. Warranty: Five years. Manufacturer Kuzma, Ltd., Hotemaze 17/a, SI-4205 Preddvor,…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Solid-state, class-AB, dual-channel, configurable, modular power amplifier. Inputs: 1 balanced XLR, one single-ended RCA, one single-ended BNC, USB port, Ethernet port. Outputs: XLR balanced output (pass through for daisy-chaining), 2 pairs of speaker binding posts. Power output (as configured for review): 350W into 4 ohms, 600W into 2 ohms, 1100W into 1 ohm. Frequency response: DC to 450kHz (-3dB) at 1 watt. THD+Noise: < 0.01% (1kHz signal, BW 20Hz-20kHz, 10W under 8 ohms, (all modes) with 100% global feedback. SNR (A weighted): > 115dB. Input impedance: single-ended 47K ohm RCA, 300-ohm BNC. Balanced: 94k ohms. Dimensions 17.32" (440mm) W by 10.43" (265mm) H by 17.32" (440mm) D. Weight: 165.3lb (75kg). Finish Silver. Serial number of unit reviewed 15010500/01. Price $104,000/pair (as configured for review), $54,000 (single amp configured for…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Joseph Audio Perspective2 loudspeaker

Five years ago, in our July 2014 issue,1 I reviewed Joseph Audio’s2 Perspective loudspeaker, a reflex-loaded, floorstanding, two-way design with two SEAS Excel magnesium-alloy–cone woofers and a SEAS Excel Millennium tweeter using a 1" Sonatex, impregnated-fabric dome. I summed up my thoughts by writing: “The Perspective is definitely a full-range loudspeaker, with impressive low-frequency extension and weight for a speaker with a relatively small footprint. It is also one of the more beautiful-looking speakers I have had in my listening room…. I can confidently recommend the Joseph Perspective. It’s a lot of high-performance loudspeaker in a beautiful, modest-sized, domestically appealing package.” Five years to the day after Jeff Joseph had set up those Perspectives in my room, he was again visiting, this time with a pair of Perspective2s. The new…

6 min

Stereophile|July 2019

RECORD REVIEWS

From 1962 until now, and counting all formats except downloads, there have been no fewer than 62 releases of Herbie Hancock’s debut album, Takin’ Off—more than any of his other albums except Maiden Voyage (1965) and Head Hunters (1973). This issue’s Recording of the Month comes from an ambitious project referred to by Blue Note Records as the Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series, which is distinct from the company’s Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series, described in Sasha Matson’s interview with company President Don Was in the May 2019 Stereophile. From May of this year through April of 2020, the Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series LPs are being released in batches, and each batch has a different theme. The first theme—Blue Note Debuts—is intended to highlight inaugural albums…

14 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Verve Gets Vital

GOOD AND BAD, I DEFINE THESE TERMS QUITE CLEAR…—BOB DYLAN Back when the vinyl resurgence was only a gleam in Michael Fremer’s eye, most major record labels just couldn’t be bothered with the LP. Fans of such masterpieces as Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane’s Blue Train, and Charles Mingus’s Blues & Roots had to make do with poor-quality vinyl reissues from small EU-based labels. Sure, there were—and continue to be—audiophile-quality reissues from such companies as Analogue Productions and Speakers Corner, but they often came at a premium price, and a great many classic jazz titles remained unavailable as new, high-quality LPs. Now the majors have stepped up. Blue Note (Universal Music Group) currently offers at least five different vinyl-reissue series, Columbia (Sony/Legacy) seems intent on reissuing Miles…

4 min

Stereophile|July 2019

LETTERS

Due to a production error, the wrong photo appeared in the Follow-Up Review of the Revel Ultima2 Salon2 on page 117 in the digital edition in the May issue of Stereophile. The loudspeaker shown is the Revel Performa F228Be. The correct photo appears in the print edition. We regret the error.—Jim Austin Audiophiles diversifying? Editor: There will be many headlines coming from AXPONA 2019, but none more important than the diversification of audiophiles. When I attended my first Axpona, circa 2015, my cousin and I were amongst the few African Americans I noticed experiencing the show. Last year, I noted a marked jump in people of color and women at the show. That trend continued this year. We went from rare to, well, everywhere. This is great news for our…

7 min

Stereophile|July 2019

The Seven “M”s of the Charles Kirmuss Vinyl Restoration System

Back in the 1990s, my friend Nick Despotopoulos and I published an article in The Tracking Angle titled “Zen and the Art of Record Cleaning Made Difficult,” describing author Michael Wayne’s record-cleaning methodology.1 That regimen, like the article itself, was the most comprehensive one I knew of at the time. Though complicated and time-consuming, Wayne’s methodology produced outstanding results. His goal was not just to clean a record but to restore it to as-new condition by removing from it every contaminant found on and, in some cases, in the vinyl—impurities baked into the groove owing to heat generated during playback. With Wayne’s system, you’d know if the record’s original owner was a smoker (or a toker)—yet removing nicotine or THC deposits was but the beginning of an involved and intensive…

16 min

Stereophile|July 2019

JOHN ADAMS

I’M NOT IN A RUSH TO RECORD OPERAS RIGHT NOW—I LIKE TO LIVE WITH THEM FOR A WHILE. After 1985, when I moved to Los Angeles, I saw less of Adams, but we kept in touch. One afternoon, when he was in LA for performances, by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, of his gangbuster work Harmonielehre,3 I showed him around the 20th Century Fox lot and took him to a film-scoring session there. And I visited Adams after his marriage to photographer Deborah O’Grady. They had recently moved to Berkeley, and John was working on his first opera, Nixon in China.4 John Adams’s current catalog of published works numbers over 60. He tours as a guest conductor throughout the United States and across the world, records extensively, and participates in numerous…

10 min

Stereophile|July 2019

MEASUREMENTS

For logistical reasons, I measured a different sample of the Mark Levinson No.5805 integrated amplifier (serial number 0951) than the one auditioned by Jim Austin (serial number 0906). There were some setup issues with this early sample—the firmware was version 1.36—but these were generally solved by rebooting. I measured the Mark Levinson No.5805 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 “As We See It”1), and before performing any testing, I ran the amplifier for an hour at one-third power into 8 ohms. (Thermally, this is the most stressful condition for a design with a class-AB output stage.) At the end of this time, the No.5805’s top panel was quite warm, at 120.5°F (49.2°), and the internal heatsinks measured 133.7°F (56.5°C). Commendably, this amplifier has enough heatsink capacity…

11 min

Stereophile|July 2019

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Two-way, stand-mounted, bi-amplified, self-powered, wired/wireless loudspeaker system with remote control. Drive Units: 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator. Crossover: 6th order DSP-derived Linkwitz-Riley at 2000Hz. Inputs: USB, Coax, Toslink optical input at up to 24bit/96kHz. Bluetooth input with aptX. Analog input sampled at 24bit/48kHz. Amplifiers: one 100W and one 20W class-D amplifier per enclosure, operating at 24bit/48kHz. Frequency Response: 48Hz-20kHz ±3dB in Flat configuration, -10dB @40Hz. Dimensions 10" (254mm) by 6.5" (165mm) by 8" (203mm). Passive unit 10.8lb (4.9kg), active unit 12.2lb (5.5kg). Shipping box 18" (457mm) by 16" (406mm) by 12" (305mm). Shipping weight: 30lb (13.6kg). Finishes Satin black paint or hand-rubbed cherry veneer. Price $599 Black, $649 Cherry. Approximate number of dealers: Sold direct online from Vanatoo.com and Amazon.com.…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

PrimaLuna EVO 400

I am an artist-painter and an audiophile. When I listen to recorded music, I sit in the sweet spot and stare at the empty space between the speakers. And while I listen, I survey and critique the soundfield, as if it were an unfinished landscape painting in my studio. As I observe the soundstage and the apparitions of musicians within, I notice the dimensions of the recording venue (and/or microphone placement), as well as the physical energy of the entire vibrating illusion. While my mind appraises the tonal character of each recorded instrument, it simultaneously registers the tonality and viscosity of the entire soundfield. I am always aware that the stereo presentation I’m scrutinizing has two parts: an illusion and a tangible physicality. Exactly like a painting. Also just like…

11 min

Stereophile|July 2019

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Analog Sources Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable, Jelco 850L tonearm; AMG Giro G9 turntable & 9W Turbo tonearm; AMG Teatro, EMT TSD 75, Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue, Hana ML, Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum, My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Ex moving-coil cartridges; Auditorium 23, Dynavector SUT-200. Bob’s Devices CineMag1131 SUTs. Digital Sources Mac mini-computer running Audirvana Plus 3.2; HoloAudio Spring “Kitsuné Tuned Edition” Level 3, Chord Cutest, Schiit Yggdrasil, Mytek Hifi Brooklyn+ and Manhattan II DACs; Integra DPS-7.2 CD player (used as transport). Preamplification Tavish Design Adagio, Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ (with Linear Charging Supply) RIAA phono preamplifiers; Pass Laboratories HPA-1, PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium, Rogue RP-7 line-level preamplifiers. Power Amplifiers Bel Canto Design e.One REF600M (monoblocks), First Watt J2 & SIT3, Pass Laboratories XA25, PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium, Rogue Audio Stereo 100.…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Analog Sources Kuzma Stabi S turntable & Stogi S tonearm; Thorens TD 124 Mk.I turntable and Jelco 350S tonearm; Denon DL-103, Hana EL, Ortofon Quintet Bronze cartridges. Digital Sources Sony VAIO laptop running Qobuz and Tidal. Tascam CD-200iL CD player. Border Patrol DAC SE, Halide DAC HD, Western Digital T2 Mirror Drives (2). Preamplification Auditorium 23 A23 MC step-up transformer, Luxman EQ-500 phono preamplifier, Shindo Laboratory Allegro preamplifier. Power Amplifier Shindo Laboratory Haut-Brion. Integrated Amplifier Heed Audio Elixir, Parasound Halo Hint 6, Schiit Ragnarok. Loudspeakers DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/93, Elac Debut B6, Klipsch Heresy III, Quad S-2. Headphones AKG Acoustics K612 Pro Reference Studio Headphones, Master & Dynamic MH40, Skullcandy Hesh 2 Over-Ear Headphones. Cables Interconnect: AudioQuest Chicago & Water & Yukon, Morrow Audio MA-1, Shindo Laboratory, Triode Wire Labs…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

MEASUREMENTS

Because the CH Precision M1.1 is so heavy (165lb), I drove the 45 miles to Michael Fremer’s home with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 “As We See It”1), cables, noninductive power resistors, and analog and digital oscilloscopes, and I set up everything on a table in his garage. Because I knew from experience that the AC outlets in the garage are on a circuit with a 15A breaker, I ran two long extension cables—one for the test gear, one for the amplifier, which has two AC cords—to an outlet in the house that has a 20A circuit. I performed a full set of measurements with one of the two amplifiers configured as Michael had done for his auditioning: “Monaural” mode, 0dB gain adjust, 20% global negative…

6 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Bryston BP-173 preamplifier: phono & DAC modules

After Larry Greenhill had finished auditioning the updated sample of Bryston’s BP-173 preamplifier—see his Follow-Up review in the June issue—he shipped it to me so I could measure its new phono and D/A stages with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 “As We See It”8). Looking first at the phono stage: I floated the preamp’s outputs and ran a separate ground connection to the analyzer, which gave the lowest level of noise. With the volume control at its maximum setting, the voltage gain at 1kHz into 100k ohms measured 59.3dB from the balanced line outputs, 53.3dB from the unbalanced line outputs, and 41.6dB from the tape outputs. As the line stage applies a maximum gain of 17.5dB from the balanced outputs and 11.6dB from the unbalanced outputs,…

3 min

Stereophile|July 2019

MANUFACTURERS’ COMMENTS

Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra Editor: All of us at Sumiko would like to thank John Atkinson for his comprehensive review of the Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra. This is a tricky product to grasp at first, since it’s neither a DAC nor a server. Rather, it is a device that adds network and streaming capabilities to a modern audio system. We call it an “Audiophile Network Endpoint” and are delighted that JA was able to explore its full range of capabilities. Since this is an Internet-connected device, we’re constantly working on ways to make it better and releasing those improvements as firmware upgrades for units already in the field. Our last firmware update (1.029), which arrived just after the completion of JA’s review, added official Roon Ready certification, support…

7 min

Stereophile|July 2019

INDUSTRY UPDATE

US: SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA Brian Damkroger Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of afternoons listening to a system built around the late David Wilson’s magnum opus, the Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic loudspeaker ($685,000/pair), which Jason Victor Serinus reported on in December 2016.1 In addition to the joy of simply listening to music on such exotic speakers, the experience provided insight into just how well the Master Chronosonics would work in a relatively normal-sized listening room—in this case, one measuring 21.5 feet long by a little over 18 feet wide, with a ceiling height of a little over 9.5 feet: not small in an absolute sense, but a lot smaller than the sort of space usually associated with speakers this large. When I…

6 min

Stereophile|July 2019

The Twelfth LS3/5a

It all started when I moved my playback system from my 11' by 16' living room to my 12' by 17' family room: The latter has proven the better-sounding setting, and it’s also sunnier and more accessible—and the floor is more level and stable. (The family room is a circa-2005 addition on a 1936 house.) And now that my speakers and my racks of gear have been removed from the living room, there’s room for bookcases, books, and people who aren’t me. On the down side, when my system was in my living room, guests in the dining room—the next room over—could enjoy music more easily than they can in my present arrangement. Then again, conversation has since taken the place of companionable silence, so I’m happy enough. On a…

17 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Mark Levinson No.5805

Mark Levinson isn’t known as a budget brand, and most people would not consider $8500 a budget price for anything short of a new car. One could argue, though, that Levinson’s new No.5805 integrated amplifier ($8500 with DAC and phono stage) is a budget component—combining high performance and build quality with a price tag that’s moderate by hi-fi standards. Plus, there’s a lot of functionality in one box. Say you want to build a very good audio system in the fewest possible steps and boxes. The 5805 includes a digital source, MM+MC phono stage, a preamplifier, an amplifier, and a headphone output, all in one product. That’s five major functions at an average cost of $1700 per function—significantly less than the average cost in the relevant categories of Class B…

13 min

Stereophile|July 2019

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Analog Sources Thorens TD 124 turntable (reconditioned by Schopper AG), Thomas Schick 12" tonearm; Ortofon Xpression cartridge. 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, Pass Labs XP-22 preamplifier. Power Amplifiers Pass Laboratories XA60.8, PS Audio BHK Signature 300 (all monoblocks). Loudspeakers Revel Ultima2 Salon2. Cables Digital: AudioQuest Carbon & Cinnamon & Coffee, Comprehensive Connectivity DXLRP-DXLRJ-6EXF (all USB). Interconnect: Auditorium 23, Clarus Crimson (RCA, XLR). Speaker: Auditorium 23. Accessories PS Audio Power Plant P10 power conditioner, 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 2", beveled).…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

MEASUREMENTS

I used DRA Labs’ MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore’s frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 microphone for the nearfield responses. Except where noted below, all the testing was done using the speaker’s 3.5mm analog input. As the Transparent One has digital inputs, I used Apple’s USB Prober utility to examine the USB input. This identified the speaker as “Vanatoo T1E” from “Vanatoo,” with the serial number string “CTUA170405.” The USB port operated in the isochronous adaptive mode, which allows the source to control the clocking of the data. This is generally felt to be less optimal than the isochronous asynchronous mode, where the DAC acts as the master clock. Apple’s AudioMIDI utility revealed that, via USB, the…

4 min

Stereophile|July 2019

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Tubed, dual-mono, line-level preamplifier. Tube complement: six 12AU7, two 5AR4. Inputs: 3 pairs line-level single-ended (RCA), 2 pairs balanced (XLR), 1 pair home-theater bypass (RCA), phono optional. Outputs: 2 pairs variable (1x stereo RCA, 1x stereo XLR), 1 pair fixed RCA). Gain: 10dB. Input impedance: 220k ohms. Output impedance: 256 ohms. Input sensitivity: 650mV. Power consumption: 61W Dimensions 15.2" (386mm) W by 8.1" (206mm) H by 15.9" (404mm) D. Weight 52.8lb (23.9kg). Finish Blue-gray lacquer, brushed-aluminum faceplate. Serial number of unit reviewed: N3866983B. Price $4499. Approximate number of dealers: 60. Warranty: 2 years, limited; 6 months, tubes. Manufacturer Durob Audio BV, PO Box 109, 5250 AC Vlijmen, The Netherlands. Web: www.primaluna.nl. US distributor: PrimaLuna USA, 2058 Wright Avenue, La Verne, CA 91750. Tel: (909) 931-0219. Web: www.primaluna-usa.com.…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Kuzma Stabi R

I’ve been the proud owner of a Kuzma Stabi S turntable and Stogi S tonearm since 2001. The combination was an impulse purchase, made after seeing and hearing it in action at Stereophile’s Home Entertainment Show at the New York Hilton. Even under unruly show conditions, the Kuzma player created rock-solid images and played music with serious jump factor. With its matte brass finish, tubular bell looks, and overtly industrial design, the Slovenian-made Stabi S/Stogi S was steampunk before steampunk. Looking back, it was one of my best-ever audio purchases. The 29lb belt-driven Stabi S turntable, which remains in the Kuzma line ($2156 without tonearm), was and is a brilliant concept, ingeniously executed. Built upon two 50mm-diameter solid-brass rods, interlocked to form a “T” shape, its platter bearing and aluminum…

11 min

Stereophile|July 2019

CH Precision M1.1

CH Precision’s massive, versatile, technologically sophisticated, 165lb M1.1 power amplifier ($54,000 configured for stereo) can easily crush your foot if you’re not careful when installing it. But the more important consideration is this: Can this cool gray technosquare sing and dance without stepping on its own feet? Unlike their playfully mischievous neighbor darTZeel, whose corporate sense of humor runs so deep that the LCD readout on their NHB-18NS preamp displays the messages foreplay and climaxed when working its on/off switch, Swiss manufacturer CH Precision is all business. Founded by Florian Cossy and Thierry Heeb (hence the company name—although, coincidentally, CH also stands for Confoederatio Helvetica, the Latin abbreviation for Swiss Confederation), CH Precision is a relatively young company, though the founders have a long history in high-performance audio beginning in…

14 min

Stereophile|July 2019

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Analog Sources Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn, & Castellon turntable & stand; TechDAS Air Force V and Rega P8 turntables; SAT CF1-09, Kuzma 4Point and Graham Phantom B 44 tonearms; Lyra Atlas, Atlas SL, Atlas SL mono, Etna and Etna SL, Ortofon MC Century, Anna, A95, Miyajima Labs Infinity (mono) Grado Epoch (mono) Gold Note Donatello Gold and Goldring Ethos. Digital Sources dCS Vivaldi One SACD player DAC; Lynx Hilo A/D-D/A converter, ROON Nucleus Meridian Digital Media System; Pure Vinyl and Vinyl Studio software.  Preamplification darTZeel NHB-18NS, Ypsilon MC-10L, MC-16L, Consolidated Audio SUTs step-up transformers; Ypsilon VPS-100, CH Precision P1 with X1 PSU.   Power Amplifiers darTZeel NHB-458 monoblocks. Loudspeakers Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx. Cables Interconnect: TARA Labs Zero Evolution, Zero and Air Evolution, Analysis Plus Silver Apex, Stealth Sakra &…

1 min

Stereophile|July 2019

Revel Ultima2 Salon2 loudspeaker

Ever since Revel’s9 Kevin Voecks lent me a second pair of Ultima2 Salon2 loudspeakers (now $21,998/pair) for my review of Revel’s Rhythm2 subwoofer (since discontinued),10 I’ve put them to good use. I used the Salon2s in my evaluations of Constellation Audio’s Inspiration Stereo 1.0 amplifier,11 the Mark Levinson No.534 stereo power amplifier,12 and Bryston’s BP-173 line preamplifier.13 When I’d reviewed my first pair of Salon2s, for the June 2008 Stereophile,14 I’d described it as “a new reference standard in floorstanding loudspeakers that has earned my strongest recommendation.” The Salon2 went on to be listed in Class A (Full Range) of Stereophile’s “Recommended Components,” and was named Stereophile’s Component of the Year and Joint Loudspeaker of the Year for 2008. But its Class A status expired after 2012—listings in “Recommended Components” do…

7 min