SUMMER	2005
Page Three

SAP: The latest version of the Relaxa Magnetic Isolation Platform was delivered the other day and is it ever sweet! The all new design is a big step ahead of its predecessor, which was already a great component.
         Designed in Italy, the Relaxa is a gorgeous piece of audio sculpture, but more than just eye wash, the Relaxa is a great performer.
         The Relaxa platform uses opposing field magnets to isolate the top plinth from the bottom frame, effectively levitating the component on a cushion of air. If you haven't seen or used isolation employing magnetic levitation, you're in for a real treat! Right away you’ll hear improved resolution of low level detail. Subtleties obscured by the dulling effects of structure-borne vibration are uncovered by lowering background haze and reducing smear, resulting in a cleaner, clearer picture of the music.
         Amaze your friends and your ears for $795. 

PATHOS: The gorgeous Italian aesthetic draws you in - beautiful lines, top quality construction and careful attention to detail; a feast for the eyes. Your ears will be tickled as well, for with the Pathos, the real beauty is what comes out of the speaker terminals.
        For years the company has championed the philosophy of hybrid design - marrying tubes with transistors. Employed in the preamp section, vacuum tubes bring harmonic fullness and added dimensionality while the transistor output stage provides the dynamics, control and solidity we like from solid sate.
        Just in, the baby of the line, the Classic One, has established itself as a superb performer. It's fully remote controlled for convenience and serves a smooth delicate sound with enough power and drive to handle just about any speaker. At $2399, it's a great deal and comes strongly recommended.

TJ MESH PLATE 300B TUBES: Many consider the 300B to be the finest power triode tube of all time. There has been a great resurgence of interest in the 300B, prompting a number of manufacturers to reproduce it. TJ offers a unique mesh plate version of the 300B which has been the subject of rave reviews around the globe. The tube offers a wonderful blend of liquidity, soundstaging and harmonic richness that is simply captivating. It is likely to improve virtually any 300B based amplifier and is so reasonably priced, anyone can afford a pair.
      Dick Olsher in his review for Enjoy the Music.com (see link below) writes: “I use superlatives sparingly in my reviews, but this is not the time to hold back. The TJ Mesh Plate 300B is one incredible sounding tube. Its premium incarnation, the gold pin version does everything a little better yet. The family sound of these tubes represents a mega leap forward in classic tube sound. Listen and you'll be hooked. For me it's been a love affair since my first date.”
        We are so enthused by this wonderful tube that we’re offering a carefully matched pair of their top of the line Premium Gold Pin 300B Mesh Plate tubes at a super special price of just $299 a pair! Tubes are supplied with graphs and documentation guaranteeing accurate matching and thorough testing.
        If you’ve not had a chance to experience this tube, I urge you to take advantage of our special.

See Mr. Olsher’s full review at Enjoy The Music:      http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0402/tj300bmesh.htm

Digital

AUDIO AERO: The outstanding CD players from Audio Aero have not received the attention they deserve. Yes there have been great reviews, but the brand still has not achieved the level of recognition due products at this level of performance.
        The wonderful Prima and incredible Capitole Reference tube CD players offer smooth, grain free sound with superb dimensionality. Both resolve tremendous amounts of information, but do so in a relaxed way and without a hint of harshness. Subminiature 6021W tubes and careful analog circuit design surely contribute in great measure to this ability.
        New versions of both the Prima and Capitole have just arrived. Each has been the recipient of numerous upgrades and improvements. Full details regarding the modifications have not been released, but I’ll pass along what I have so far.
        The Capitole Reference benefits from an all new high speed power supply and revised board layout. Both of these changes are said to represent significant performance advances. Though I’ve not compared the previous model with the Reference, I can say that the Capitole Reference is simply stunning.
        The new Reference retains the exclusive STARS2 digital processing by Anagram Technologies. This system is a combination of very high speed 192 kHz re-sampling (via a new jitter free clock), 24 bit re-quantization in addition to proprietary signal enhancement techniques. The result is enhanced dynamic contrasts and better soundstage focus.
         At the heart of the Capitole Reference lies a 32 bit SHARC DSP. Here a 24/192 kHz signal is rebuilt, independent of the input clock. After 1024(!) times up-sampling, D/A conversion is performed at 6.144 MHz by a high performance 24 bit, 192 kHz DAC. Those numbers will be impressive to the engineering contingent, but for the less technical among us, suffice it to say that this player delivers the goods with an outstanding sonic performance.
         Abundant features enhance performance and flexibility. Of particular interest is the ability to drive an amplifier directly. Unlike other players that advertise this capability, only Audio Aero uses a professional line driver (for both RCA and XLR outputs). This insures a low output impedance and full 5 Volt output that will drive any load, making the Capitole Reference a true substitute for a preamplifier. Volume control is accomplished in the analog domain by a Wolfson attenuator. There is also an analog balance control and two analog inputs (one RCA and one XLR) to allow connection of other components.
          The Capitole Reference isn’t cheap, but then state of the art never is. If, however, you consider the fact that in many systems you won’t need a preamp, the player is very cost effective indeed at $9580.
          The significantly updated Prima CD player sports a new drive mechanism and upgraded high speed power supply. It too is an absolutely wonderful unit with a strong sonic kinship to the Capitole. The Prima offers 192 kHz up-sampling and features a Burr-Brown PCM1739 DAC. As with any CD player, performance is determined by the analog circuitry and the power supply, areas where great care has been taken and the key reason why the Prima sounds so wonderful. At only $2395, the Prima is an outstanding value and has few peers at the price point. Discover one for yourself!

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