WINTER	2002
Page Two

VERITY: On duty in several rooms throughout the show, Verity speakers delighted many with their sonic magic. The Parsifal-Encore sounded magnificent in the Nagra Suite (powered by the Nagra VPA and new PL-L tube line stage preamp), the Fidelio and new Tamino were wonderfully sonorous in the Verity suite.

Refinement, delicacy and focus – those are the terms that define the Verity sound for me, and each of the systems on display exhibited those qualities in spades.

Their latest addition to the family, Tamino, is sure to win many hearts. Even though Tamino enters as the most cost-effective speaker in the line ($4995.00), it offers many of the traits that have endeared other Verity speakers to such a wide range of listeners.

The Tamino is a 2.5way design employing a ¾” soft-dome tweeter (the same driver used in the Fidelio), a 6.5” mid-woofer and a 6.5” proprietary rear-firing woofer (low-passed at 100Hz). Tamino stands a svelte 35’ high and is superbly finished in piano black.

As with other Verity designs, the Tamino is a sound staging champ, with a wonderful focus and specificity in addition to great depth and air.

CONVERGENT AUDIO: In addition to the phenomenal JL-2 stereo amp (shown for the first time at the 2001 CES), Convergent teased show goers with a mock-up of an all-new preamp. Designed not to replace but partner the SL-1, the SL-2 represents a new statement for CAT.

At an estimated $9000.00, the SL-2 line stage (phono is not an option) was designed as a true hot rod, eschewing features for raw performance. Details are sketchy, but I can tell you that the SL-2 will incorporate a 46 position stepped attenuator and uses an all-new chassis design that seeks to eradicate performance sapping resonance through extensive use of constrained-layer damping. Short signal paths were a design priority and Teflon has been selected as the circuit board substrate. It has not yet been determined whether the power supply will be internal or external. Remote control, though not an initial feature, may become a future option. Expected spring availability.

NORDOST: Seen in a number of rooms, Nordost Valhalla cables have become quite the rage, in spite of their lofty price. Many have asked if such a high price for a cable can be justified. I believe it can when spending an equivalent amount elsewhere in the system cannot buy as much sonic improvement. Nordost Valhalla is such an exceptional cable that the previous statement will indeed be true in a fair number of systems. Bottom line, if you can afford it, give the Valhalla a listen.

New at CES, the Valhalla digital cable. I was not able to get an a-b comparison, but if this cable lives up lofty standards set by the other products in the line, it should be outstanding. $2000.00, 1M.

QUAD: The latest (rave) review of the Quad 988 speakers has certainly sparked interest in this model. Both the 988 and 989 are wonderful loudspeakers, offering excellent detail and resolution in a relaxed presentation. Their smooth and non-fatiguing character make instant fans out of most who hear them.

Here’s a hoot, Quad is releasing a range of cost-effective dynamic speakers! Anyone who heard the 10L that Quad produced in conjunction with Spendor will be excited, as that little speaker was a great sounding product.

Four models comprise the new line, with prices ranging from just $700.00pr. to about $1800.00pr. Delays in getting speakers to the CES event meant that only the smallest speaker was on display, and none were available for audition. I can tell you that the appearance was stunning; a deep, glossy finish over gorgeous real exotic hardwood veneer. We will have a pair of the 11L arriving shortly, so give us a ring for more details.

DARUMA: Prior to CES we received our first samples of this cost-effective roller bearing isolation device and were impressed by its performance. Here is what others have said:

“I really like the Daruma 3-ii insulators. Their effect, particularly with CD players I’ve had in and out for review, is easily noticeable. Setup and ease of use for the Daruma 3-iis are also very good -- very easy. And finally, their $99-per-set retail price is quite reasonable.

Given the type of improvement they bring to my CD sources, if the Daruma 3-iis were double or triple their cost, I could justify their purchase. Any more, though, and I would have to invoke the cost-effectiveness rule and apply the amount to a trip somewhere south. But the Final Daruma 3-iis are so reasonable, I'll stay home and listen to some hot music instead”.
– Doug Schneider, Soundstage!

“I have found that these units, and the concept behind them, do have a dramatic effect, and are far more capable of revealing hidden details, reducing noise, and producing a more three dimensional soundstage than any cones I have yet tried”.
– Simon Groome, Hi-Fi Plus

At only $85.00 for a set of three (our introductory price), the Daruma 3ii represent an unqualified value. Order a set or two, and give them a try in your system!

MUSICAL FIDELITY: Feeling the need for a mono-bloc in the lineup, Musical Fidelity introduced the beefy M250. The amplifier delivers 250 watts into an 8-Ohm load, and doubles into 4 Ohms. A massive choke regulated power supply is featured, along with an auto sensing circuit that brings the beast to life when the inputs register a voltage above 10mV. The same circuit places the amp into stand-by if signal is absent for more than 15 minutes, thus eliminating the need to turn off multiple amplifiers. $1195.00 each.

PLINIUS: The cordial New Zealander’s debuted their new SA-102, which replaces the respected SA-100. Enhancements in the SA-102 include dual power transformers with much higher capacity, improved power supply filtering, and the same energy saving and error detecting logic control as found in the SA-250.

The SA-102 is constructed in a substantial chassis with huge Plinius designed heatsink extrusions forming the sides of the case. Enhanced airflow allows the amp to run cooler while still maintaining the substantial bias current required for Class A operation. The power supply (as shown in the bottom view of the 102 at left) is housed in the base of the unit and is separated from the active signal circuitry by a horizontal internal bulkhead.

Although rated at 125 watts per channel in stereo mode, the SA-102 has a very large current capacity. Difficult loads are driven with ease. Priced at $4995.00.

A new Multi Channel Amplifier was also shown. Modular construction allows the amplifier to be configured with anywhere from one to six channels, each delivering a stout 200 watts. Price has yet to be determined.

LEGEND AUDIO:Shortly before the WCES, we brought in the Legend Audio line, having been particularly impressed with the Starlet tube integrated amplifier ($2995.00) and the Legend speakers ($3995.00pr). In combination with their own interconnects, speaker and power cables, the grouping produces a wonderfully soothing and sonorous tone - a system that one can enjoy for hours without a hint of listener fatigue. Imaging is also first rate, with wonderful precision and focus, coupled with an expansive panorama. Maybe even more surprising, based on the size of the speakers, are the wonderful dynamics and bass extension. While not subterranean, bass is plenty adequate for most listeners (response extending to 35Hz).

The Starlet full-tube integrated uses four 6550 output tubes, operated in triode, producing 40 delicious watts per channel. Don’t let the modest fool you though, this is a particularly meaty forty watts, giving the Starlet the ability to drive a wide array of loudspeakers, including many not normally thought of as “tube friendly."

At CES, the Legend audio room was no disappointment, producing (to these ears) some of the best sound at the show. As I described above, the Legend system possesses a sweetness and richness that is captivating. Beyond that, the smallish minis are startling in their ability to move air, with punchy dynamics and bass extension normally seen in much larger speakers.

Driving the Legend speakers at CES were the new Nirvana mono-bloc full tube amplifiers (fed signal by their LAD-L2 line preamp). Set to retail at $650.00pr., the amps use four 6550 output tubes each, producing 80 very powerful watts.

Essentially the amplifier section from Starlet integrated, the new Alpha basic stereo amplifier is offered at $2995.00, for those that already own a preamp.  http://www.legendaudio.com/

TACT AUDIO: TacT introduced several new products at CES. First up, the RCS2.2X combines a fully digital preamplifier with their incredibly popular room correction system. The advanced four-channel correction systems will both time and frequency align your speakers, and custom configurable DSP crossovers allows one to create a seamless transition to the subwoofer(s). The unit features five digital inputs (a $490.00 optional A/D allows the use of analog sources), 192kHz up sampler on all inputs with 48-bit resolution. An optional 192kHz/24bit D/A converter is also available. Price is $6295.00.

Next up, two new digital amplifiers. The M2150 is essentially a scaled-down version of the remarkable Millennium MKII, a fully digital integrated amplifier. All you need to make music is a digital source, the M2150 and a pair of speakers! Other features include: up sampling to 384kHz before conversion, DSP-based 48 bit electronic crossover, DSP-based 16 band parametric equalizer, DSP-based tone controls with shelving. The unit can also be configured to accept analog inputs with the optional A/D converter. Producing 150 watts per channel into 8W, and 300 into 4W, the M2150 is capable of driving most any speaker. Priced at $3495.00.

The S2150 can be thought of as a basic amp version of the M2150. It can be used as a stand-alone amplifier, or as a slave to the M2150. This combination is a great way to actively bi or tri-amplify a system. The S2150 sells for $ 2995.00.

Also on hand was the new TacT Audio speaker, that’s right, speaker!

It is TacT’s belief that speaker performance is limited due to compromises necessitated by the use of a passive crossover. Their philosophy is to remove the crossovers altogether and allow the DSP-based electronic crossovers in their electronics to handle the chore. More, their design is based upon the satellite/subwoofer philosophy, employing midrange/high frequency floor standing speakers with a pair of subwoofers.

The offerings include the MH-1 (mid/high tower) at $9200.00pr, C-1 (center or surround) for $2700.00ea and two passive subwoofers, one with two 10” woofers ($1995.00) and a model with four 10’s at $3600.00.

The sound was exceptionally clean and very focused. Especially convincing were the super fast and powerful dynamics, this system packs quite a wallop!

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