SUMMER/FALL	2001
Page Two

Important Hydra update - Caelin Gabriel discovered that replacing the stock fuse on the Hydra significantly improves sonic performance (go figure!). Boy, does it ever! The new device is a Littlefuse® FLQ15. Fiberglass is used for the body of this fuse, rather than the compressed fiber material found in the original equipment FLM fuse included with the Hydra (Hydra’s shipped after the first part of July include the new FLQ, so check yours to be sure). I can't say if there are any internal differences. 

Those among you that have upgraded to the new fuse have been amazed (as we have) how much improvement such a simple change can make. I concur, and wholeheartedly recommend that you upgrade. You may be able to find the fuse locally, but if you have difficulty locating them, we have them available at $14.00. Use the FLQ15 if you have a 15A breaker, the FLQ20 for 20A breakers and the FLQ30 should you have a 30A line. Do not underestimate the importance of this update! It is significant!

JPS LABS: After years of continuous production, JPS now retires the excellent Superconductor Plus. It has taken designer Joe Skubinski a long, long time (and countless hours of experimentation) to come up with a product to better such a great cable, but it is finally here! Welcome the Superconductor FX.

In some regards the FX build upon the philosophies of its predecessor; in other ways it breaks new ground. Without revealing patent-pending information, I can say that the FX utilizes a new conductor material that Joe has created. Known as Allumilloy®, the conductor is a unique amalgam of elements, configured in a new and unusual way. I think I better stop here before Joe has his Attorney send me a letter! 

A particularly welcomed characteristic of the Superconductor+ was the virtual absence of background haze; music held in high relief against a black backdrop. This was achieved by the unique and effective shielding arrangement (which consisted of a solid copper tube surrounding the conductors). The extensively shielded architecture of the FX guarantees noise rejection beyond that of any other audio interconnect, even the Super+!

The best news is that has been no price increase. The FX sells for just $295.00 for a 1M pair, still one of the best cable values around. Give me a call to request a pair for a no-obligation audition in your system.

PASS LABS: Some time back, a full-size chassis for the power supply was added to several Pass models. While this enhanced cosmetic appeal, it also significantly increased the cost of manufacture. Recently, Pass discovered a number of the earlier style power supply chassis in their warehouse and decided to produce a special run of X-1 preamps and Xono phono preamps using the previous bodywork. The great news is that these units, identical in circuit design to the current products, are being offered at a very special price. We have taken advantage of this offer and purchased several units, further reducing the cost.

Both these products are superb, offering the exceptional performance and bulletproof reliability Pass Labs is known for. Jump in, guys, this a great chance to own a great sounding line stage or phono stage at bargain basement price.

Limited to units on hand, we are offering the superb X-1 preamplifier and the Xono phono preamp at very special, once in a lifetime pricing. Get ‘em while they last!

CARY: The June 2001 issue of Stereophile contains a positively sparkling review of the new Cary CAD-280SA V12 amplifier. The V12 was first heard in the Soliloquy suite at CES, powering the delectable 6.5 speakers. All who experienced the sound there were extremely impressed, including myself. 

In designing the V12, creator Dennis Had sought to combine the strengths of several popular Cary models - sound staging of the CAD-805, midrange purity of the CAD-300-SE and the muscle of the CAD-211-M. Did he succeed? Read on.

The design topology of the V12 is unique. The V12 is really four single-ended, zero feedback, class A amplifiers operating in a combined balanced configuration. Additionally, the amp features fully regulated dual-driver power supplies, dual vacuum tube current sources and twin power supplies. Output power is 100 watts per channel (50 watts in triode) from twelve 6550-output tubes.

The Cary V12 amplifier does indeed capture the magic Mr. Had intended. While I did not have the other Cary amps on hand for a direct comparison to see just how close he’s come to meeting his design goals, I can say the V12 is a truly wonderful beast. The rich, seductive midrange will pull you closer, the soundstage envelops and entrances and the dynamic envelope can shivers down your spine when the music explodes. The V12 looks the part too. The chassis is finished in Jaguar’s (yes, the car) Carnival Red clear-coat. At $4000.00, the Cary Audio SA-280SA V12 is one heck of an amp, and a decidedly great value.

Jonathan Scull sums up his Stereophile Review: “My highest recommendation for one cherry of a tube amp.”

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