WINTER	2006
Page Six

RECYCLED VINYL: What can you do with an scratched record? Frisbee, skeet, serving platter? Serving platter, hey, that’s an idea!
        I recently learned about the unusual creations from artist J. Davis who recycles vinyl in to interesting and useful objects. Mr. Davis searches out unplayable records and transforms them into really cool creations including serving bowls, snack trays, clocks and coasters. Bowls and snack trays are created using a special molding process to shape the LP to the desired form. The label is then coated with a protective clear vinyl to resist damage from food and liquids.
        Two clocks are available one fashioned from a 45 RPM disc and the other from a 33 RPM LP. The 45 RPM version features laser cut numerals around the circumference and includes a desk stand. The LP clock features raised numerals (formed during the molding process) and is designed for wall mounting.
        You have to see them to appreciate how neat they are. I have photos on my website but pictures don’t do them justice. This is something that every Audiophile on the planet will want to own! Get one for yourself and several for your friends. I can’t think of a better gift for an audiophile. Well, ok a pair of MBL 101e speakers would be better, but the wall clock is $46,864 less.
         33 LP wall clocks are $36, 45 RPM wall clocks are $25 and snack trays go for $25. Coasters come six to a box and are $25.Get one of each, they’re really cool! 

PATHOS: This Italian manufacturer introduced a CD player to compliment its line of outstanding hybrid electronics. The Endorphin is quite an elegant piece and appears to have sound to match. Though I was totally unfamiliar with the system, making it impossible to attribute a specific character to the machine, the sound was very good, so I’m comfortable generalizing about the performance.
        The Endorphin features a fully balanced tube, Class A analog output stage with zero feedback. The digital section uses dual-differential 24-bit delta-sigma DACs with a dedicated digital power supply. Anticipated availability in April at $7950.          

AESTHETIX: Designer and proprietor, Jim White,  debuted his new Atlas hybrid stereo amplifier. Well known for their outstanding line of and phono and line, preamps, the Atlas represents a new direction for the company. A 6SL7 tube in the gain stage couples to Bi-Polar drivers and Bi-Polar outputs. The design is fully differential and uses no global feedback. Power output is 200 watts per channel into 8 Ohms,  400 at 4 Ohms. $7995
        The U.S. Distributor, Musical Surroundings, put the Atlas to work driving the Avid speakers in a high end rig using the Aesthetix front-end electronics and a high zoot Clearaudio turntable. Nice sound! 

MBL: MBL launched a new range of more cost effective electronics (the Basic line) at the CES. The 7006 integrated amplifier is priced at $4700, a new basic amp, the 8006B will retail for $5914. A new CD player, the CDP-3, is scheduled for February delivery but has not been priced.
        As usual, the sound in the MBL room was outstanding, but a tad loud for my tastes. It was also a popular demo, so the room was crowded most of the show. Consequently, I didn’t get a change to hear the new electronics. Knowing MBL, it’s a foregone conclusion they are great sounding.

 SHELTER: Three new cartridges were announced at CES. Though still in the works, and details sparse, we know the designations are 5000, 7000 and 9000 and will not be replacing the current products, but will coexist alongside.
        According to the importer, the new cartridges will offer significant performance improvements over current models and will be priced around 25% - 30% higher than the existing 301, 501, 901. The series will have larger bodies (10g – 12g) and now include threaded mounting holes (yes!).   

ART AUDIO: Art Audio introduced show goers to the new Vivo. The 300B based three-stage push-pull capacitor-less class A design amplifier  features two output tubes per channel, making 25 watts per channel. Octal 6SN7 and 6BX7 drivers are used.  The Vivo features superb Lundahl amorphous core transformers, choke regulated power supply and has switchable gain to match system requirements. Both RCA and XLR connections are provided. $12500.