Wizard High-End Audio Blog

Review: VPI Industries Classic 4 Turntable

2012-05-28T21:18:00.000+02:00

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Review: Wilson Sophia Series 3 Loudpeaker

2012-05-28T21:16:00.000+02:00

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Review: Wireworld Platinum Eclipse XLR and Powercord

2012-05-28T17:57:00.000+02:00

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Eight Methods of Loudspeaker Positioning

2012-05-28T13:03:00.000+02:00

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Review: Calyx Femto DAC

2012-05-27T18:27:00.000+02:00

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Review: EnKlein Zephyr Interconnects and Taurus Power Cords

2012-05-27T01:39:00.000+02:00

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Audio Research Reference 75

2012-05-27T01:02:00.000+02:00

$9000

First Sounds

Argento Olympic Reference 2012

2012-05-26T12:18:00.001+02:00

4 years ago the Olympic Reference by Argento was hot with sales over 100 in the Greater China area. It's Olympic time again soon.

Argento has much improved the strength of the previous one. The speed and agility alongside power and control, which is the hallmark of the previous Olympic reference of course remain. The surprise is the improved purity of tone and the mellowness when the music calls for it.

And the biggest surprise is: It is black in color.

Review: Reev Designs Aatma Loudspeaker

2012-05-26T02:56:00.002+02:00

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Review: Robert Koda Takumi K-10 Preamplifier

2012-05-26T02:55:00.000+02:00

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Review: Dynamikks Soundcraftsman Monitor 8.12

2012-05-25T17:18:00.001+02:00

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Preview: Magico Q7 Loudspeaker

2012-05-25T12:37:00.000+02:00

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Zesto Audio Leto Preamplifier

2012-05-25T06:26:00.001+02:00

$7500

World premier of the Leto Preamp at T.H.E Show Newport Beach June 1, 2 & 3, 2012, Newport Beach, CA

Specification

Inputs

5 Inputs
3 sets of Single Ended inputs with an impedance of 100K Ohms
2 sets of true Balanced transformer inputs (pin 2 hot) with an impedance of 10K Ohms
Maximum input level of 4 Volts RMS

Outputs

4 Outputs
2 sets of true Balanced transformer outputs (pin 2 hot) with an impedance 150 Ohms
2 sets of Single Ended outputs with an impedance 150 Ohms
Maximum output level of 10Volts RMS +20dB
Independent ground lift switches on the left and right Single Ended outputs
1 set of Single Ended Cinema bypass outputs from input #1

Detailed Specifications

Frequency response 10Hz to 100Khz - 1dB with 10K Ohm load
Distortion ~ 0.02% at 1V RMS input
Gain 12dB
Signal to noise ~ 100dB below operating level
Non inverting output polarity
Cross talk >90dB
Front panel adjustable balance control
Remote control volume, mute and mono
Remote bypass switch on rear panel (just in case the remote is misplaced)
1% metal film resisters throughout
Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path

Power

Power consumption 27W, 0 drain when off
Voltage 110/120V AC 60Hz
Optional factory installed 240V AC 50/60Hz
Standard 3 pin IEC power connector
ON/OFF power switch conveniently located on the side panel
Two internal high quality linear regulated power supplies, 250V and 12V

Active Components

Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes
Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC82/12AU7 vacuum tubes
High quality ceramic sockets

Other Features

Each unit is hand made in the USA
50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
Dimensions 17” W X 12” D X 5” H
Weight 23 lbs.
16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
Award winning Isonode anti-vibration feet
Two year limited warranty
Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes
Recessed RCA and XLR connectors are Gold plated with an isolated ground.
All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust.

Rockport Technologies Arrakis 2 - pictures

2012-05-24T23:46:00.000+02:00

Review: Melody Valve PM845 mono amplifiers and Pure Black 101 preamplifier

2012-05-24T22:47:00.000+02:00

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Review: Carver VTA180M Monoblock Power Amplifiers

2012-05-24T22:45:00.000+02:00

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Forsman D2-8 and D2-10 speakers

2012-05-24T12:04:00.001+02:00

Prices in NOK

D2-8 - 40,000
D2-10 - 50,000

Forsman

Review: Audio Exklusiv P2 Phono Preamplifier

2012-05-24T11:16:00.000+02:00

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Review: Nordost QRT Power System Products

2012-05-23T23:03:00.002+02:00

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Interview: Dieter Burmester

2012-05-23T22:55:00.000+02:00

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Kompatibel Design Thorax

2012-05-23T16:56:00.002+02:00

OEO-14

OEO-10

OEO-6

OCECO-12

Price from €4000

The three different elements are assembled on a modular basis to a Lowboard. The basic forms of the elements (O, E & C) can be used flexibly to build a multitude of variations.

It is possible through individual arrangement to adapt to the conditions of various spaces. Depending on the desired e.g. six, ten or 15 elements are strung together.

The concrete is influenced by the style - a slight radial arrangement - from its conventionally anchored context (heavy, solid) is elevated and strengthened in the whole of a delicate appearance.
The material of the connecting parts creates a contrast and deliberately breaks with the dominant concrete surface, thereby becoming the object in addition to visual lightness.

The concrete building material in its composition allows a variety of combinations. The addition of pigments also allows the coloring of concrete in different colors. A desired weight reduction is possible by appropriate additives. The surface structure can vary depending on demand smooth and shiny or dull and rough.

Kompatibel Design

Review: Jones Audio PA-M300 Series 2 Mono Amps

2012-05-23T05:47:00.000+02:00

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Review: Hegel H30 Reference Power Amplifier

2012-05-23T05:36:00.001+02:00

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Review: VTL MB-450 Series III Signature Mono Amps

2012-05-22T21:49:00.001+02:00

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Audience ClairAudient 16+16 Mark II Loudspeaker

2012-05-22T16:13:00.001+02:00

$72000

At the upcoming 2012 T.H.E. Show: Newport in California (June 1 – 3), Audience will debut one of its most significant products ever, the new Mark II top of the line ClairAudient 16+16 loudspeaker.

The 16+16 has been upgraded with the addition of eight 6 x 9-inch custom passive radiators, to create a historically unprecedented true full-range, one-way, bi-pole loudspeaker. Whereas previously the 16+16 was flat down to 80Hz and required the augmentation of a subwoofer, its response is now accurate from 30Hz to 22kHz.