SUMMER	2002
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MUSICAL FIDELITY: The research undertaken to craft the superb Nu-Vista CD player uncovered a wealth of new and innovative techniques to improve the sound of digital reproduction. Musical Fidelity has put this newfound knowledge to work by launching a trio of new digital products - trickledown at work.

First came the wildly acclaimed A324 DAC, which if you have not heard by now, sent Stereophile’s Sam Tellig into a frenzy of unbridled paroxysms. Landing on these shores in May, the A324 has sold like hot cakes, with backorders the norm (though we see that easing very soon).

The DAC borrows heavily from the Nu-Vista technology cupboard. Inside you’ll find the very same 24 bit true up-sampling DAC used in the Nu-Vista 3D and multiple power supplies, each with choke regulation for ultra low noise. Like the 3D, very careful attention has been paid to board layout and component positioning within the enclosure, which, according to Musical Fidelity, has “…an astonishingly large effect.

Up sampling has become the digital buzzword of the new millennium, and is regarded by many as a huge leap forward in digital technology and the reproduction of music. Uniquely, the versatile A324 is able to up sample to both 96k and 192k. In their investigations, Musical Fidelity found that some CD players sounded better when up sampled to 96k, others benefited from 192k. The A324 gives you the choice.

Many audiophiles back away from outboard DAC’s due to the increased jitter than can occur when two pieces of digital gear a joined together. The problem arises because the digital clocks of the two components are out of sync. The A324 solves the quandary through the use of circuitry that re-clocks and re-aligns the digital data stream.

Designed to be compatible with all CD players, even inexpensive ones, the A324 is a great way to improve the sound of most any machine. The best thing though, is the price, just $1195.00. Everyone to whom we’ve delivered an A324’s has been delighted with the performance.

Hot on the heels of the A324 is the new A3.2CD CD player. Using the Nu-Vista A3 CD player as a benchmark, Musical Fidelity applied many of the design techniques found in the more expensive machine, but in more cost-effective ways appropriate to the price point of the A3.2CD. The new design utilizes the same 24 bit true up-sampling DAC found in the Nu-Vista 3D and A324, a tip off to the performance of this excellent machine.

An outstanding value at the price point, the A3.2CD sounds as close to the A324 DAC as you can imagine. While I think I hear a touch more air around instruments when music is channeled through the A324, the difference is so subtle that I doubt I could reliably differentiate one from the other in a blind test. Further, Musical Fidelity figures the new A3.2CD offers about 80% of the performance found in the Nu-Vista 3D! Quite an achievement when you realize the A3.2CD retails for just $1495.00.

Another new “hottie,” the unique CD Pre24 will soon hit the streets. The unique offering reduces the complexity of an audio system by combing several components into one classy chassis. The CD Pre24 joins a CD transport, up-sampling digital to analog converter, digital preamp and analog preamp, resulting in a do-it-all box requiring only a power amplifier and a pair of speakers for a complete music system.

Musical Fidelity used the very expensive and exotic Krell KPS25S as a yardstick in designing the CD Pre24. Their aim, using the latest technology, was not just to equal the Krell, but actually outperform it in all technical areas. That, in and of itself was a worthy goal, but even more interesting, they planned to achieve these goals at a cost one-tenth that of the Krell! Did they succeed? While I don’t have a Krell on hand for direct comparison, Musical Fidelity’s published specs of distortion and signal to noise ratio to indeed better those of the Krell. For those who can afford the $20K+ price of the Krell, the point is mute, but for the rest of us looking for a similar component with great sound and features, the CD Pre24 represents a killer value at just $2995.00.

ANALOG

CLEAR AUDIO: This Company’s new Unify tonearm is quite the bargain at only $925.00 (a paltry $800.00 if purchased with one of the outstanding Clear Audio turntables!). The new unipivot arm, designed and manufactured in Germany, features a carbon fiber armtube adjustable VTF, VTA, azimuth and anti-skate. It is an excellent companion for the complete range of Clearaudio cartridges and turntables, as well as other popular brands via its "Linn style" mount. The Unify is available with either a hardwired 1 meter Sixstream cable (Clear Audio’s proprietary cable made using pure copper in a totally non-ferrous design) or terminated with a pair of female RCA jacks.

The Clear Audio turntables have been getting allot of attention lately, and with good reason. Their attractive cosmetic design, quality construction, upgrade ability and wonderful sound are great reasons to consider them.

GRAHAM: Get your hands on the new Robin tonearm from Graham, and you’re sure to be impressed (as I was) with the build quality and fit and finish. It is evident during set-up that the bearings in this arm are very good indeed. All the parts and pieces are beautifully finished and all the adjustments and controls operate flawlessly.

I have only had a couple of hours with the Robin thus far. Over the next few weeks I will be spending more time listening to it on a variety of ‘tables. Though the returns are early, I will say that I am impressed. $795.00.

ORIGIN LIVE>: A new flagship has docked in the Origin Live port. Incorporating the structural upgrades, which have made the company famous, the Encounter takes the next step by replacing armwand, headshell, bearings and all wiring. With these changes, creator Mark Baker has been able to imprint more of his concepts and philosophies into the overall design, becoming less of a Rega, and more of an original. The design features a tapered armtube to control resonance and increase rigidity and a decoupled headshell. Internal wiring is of high-grade Litz wire; headshell wires are PTFE insulated silver plated strands with gold plated copper beryllium cartridge clips.

The Encounter sounds superb, and has some saying this moderately priced creation borders on "super arm" territory! $1295.00.

CARTRIDGE MAN: An accurate (and affordable) way to measure tracking force has been a dream of audiophiles for years. Many old timers rue the passing of the popular Technics electronic gauge. While good digital stylus force gauges are currently available (Winds), they tend to be more expensive than we’d like, barring their use by all but the most well heeled among us. The good guys at The Cartridge Man in England have introduced a very reasonably priced alternative, the Digital Force Gauge. Offered at just $275.00, the accurate DFS is a great addition to any devoted analog-lovers tool kit.

For optimum performance, turntables must be absolutely level. An out of level condition will negatively impact performance of the cartridge, bearing and even suspension. Bubble levels have been used for years, but are far from an ideal solution. Cartridge Man has got you covered with their way cool Digital Level Gauge. This ultra-precise device fits over the spindle of the ‘table (the best place for the measurement to take place), and offers a digital read-out of both planes simultaneously to a resolution and accuracy of 0.1 degree. An LED in each of the four corners LED's give an unambiguous indication of which side(s) need lowering or raising.

I can’t tell you how many hours in my life I’ve spend diddling with level. The DLG is a great way to speed the process while insuring superb accuracy. Offered at $275.00.

VPI: Few new turntable announcements have created as much interest as the new Scout from VPI. Little wonder, as VPI is respected manufacturer with a long history of producing quality analog products at fair prices. At a retail of just $1500.00, there's absolutely no question, the Scout offers allot of value.

Our first samples are just in. Feel free to give us a call for detailed information.

Please give us ring if you questions about any of the products you've read about here. 
210-805-9927

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