FALL	2007
Page Six

ISOTEK: Esoteric recommends 250-300 hours of playback time for all of our system components to reach their optimum acoustic capability. I learned that they are now recommending the IsoTek Full System Enhancer CD to maximize the process. Not having tried the IsoTek, I rang up the Distributor and brought in a couple to play with. It works!
        I think I’ve used all of the break-in discs available, and each works – to a greater or lesser degree. It’s not possible to perform an A/B test, but I have to say that the IsoTek is now my favorite. There’s no question it has improved each of systems where it’s been used.
        There are three tracks on the disc, each designed to perform a specific function: Full system burn-in & demagnetization - Full system burn-in & demagnetization with low level tones - Full system rejuvenation, including demagnetization tones. Generally you would play the entire disc, but track three is shorter allowing for a quick rejuvenation or warm-up prior to listening.
        I don’t feel think break-in discs take the place of a long-term break-in routine for new components, but I do believe that it gives the process a significant (and very much worthwhile) kick start. I’ll run the disc for 24 hours, then switch to music for the remainder of the period. Once things are fully conditioned, I find it helpful to run the disc every week or two to keep things tuned up.
        The IsoTek Full System Enhancer is Five Star winner from What Hi-Fi. You can check out our website for more details.$32

Analog

BASIS: Few turntables are made with the precision of Basis products; that attention to detail and quality of workmanship is easily apparent and a major reason why Basis products are regarded as some of the very best available today. If you read Stereophile, you couldn’t miss Robert Harley’s absolutely over the top review of the Basis 2800/Vector combo. I think it’s one of the most enthusiastic reviews I’ve ever read, and every word is truly deserved. To be sure, the 2800/Vector pair is a bit spendy. So, let’s have a look at the 2200, a substantially less expensive alternative.
        The 2200 Signature represents an all new Basis model, placed between the 2001 and 2500 in the lineup. The 2200 incorporates an innovative adaptation of the Basis fluid damped suspension found on the Debut model. By incorporating the suspension under the turntable platform Basis has been able to reduce the size of the subchassis, resulting in a more ideal thickness-to-length ratio thus reducing resonance. The remarkable isolation from structure-borne vibration is provided by their “Resonance Annihilators,” four spring actuated, silicone damped pods, one at each corner of the chassis. The close proximity of the tonearm to one of the rear-mounted isolators is a great advantage. Tonearm energy, created as the stylus traces the record groove, is efficiently eliminated. The result is an immediate and direct sound, the hallmark of the suspended 2000 series turntables.
        About the 2200 Signature David Allcock in Hi-Fi News writes: Its sound was never less than outstanding. With ₤4000 to spend there is no other deck I would own right now and I know of nothing under ₤10000 that can better this deck’s performance.” Awarded Best Turntable of 2006 – Hi-Fi News
        Basis’ designer, A.J. Conti, is what I would call fanatical about details. All of his designs reap the benefits of his fastidious attention to fit and finish and, more importantly, to the exactitude and precision of manufacture. Platters and bearings for all the models are machined by the same precision machinists, on the same tooling, as the similar parts of the Debut ($14000) and Work of Art ($115,000)! The 2000 series ‘tables use the same motor as the Debut and the 2001 and 2200 suspension is an adaptation of the Debut suspension. More than trickle down, this is real value! The 2000 Signature goes for- $3100,  The 2001Signature is $4200 and the new 2200 Signature is priced at $5200. The outstanding Vector tonearm is $3450, and an especially a good value when you know that no additional arm cable is required. It’s wired from stem to stern with a continuous run of Basis’ own Perfect Signal Transmission Technology conductors from the cartridge clips right out to the RCA’s.

MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS NOVA PHONOMENA: Born in California, the Nova Phonomena is a battery powered phono stage with incredible flexibility and performance. Based on the discrete, dual mono circuit developed by designer Michael Yee for the SuperNova, the Nova has rear panel accessible switches for gain and loading. It features 2 rechargeable internal NiMH dual mono battery packs with Smart Sensing auto recharge feature. All AC and charging circuits automatically disconnect when listening in battery mode. The Nova features a cool proximity detection switch on the front panel with status LEDs for changing mode.
       Battery power has long been recognized as the best way to power high resolution audio components. It lowers the noise floor by eliminating the grain and hash caused by an AC power supply. Further, removing the power supply from inside chassis eliminates high voltage noise from polluting the sensitive, high gain circuits found in a phono preamplifier. Indeed, it eliminates the need high voltage or AC current altogether except for charging the batteries.
        Batteries and phono preamps are the perfect marriage. A battery power supply provides a black, noiseless backdrop for the music, allowing the subtlest of details to be revealed. Hear the Nova and you’ll be surprised by the amount of information that’s obscured by AC induced garbage. Those of you who’ve not experienced a high resolution, low noise phono preamp are likely to find the Nova a revelation.
        The Nova is wonderfully refined phono stage with a very low grain signature and superbly dimensioned soundstage. You’ll hear this right away. Both the masterful circuit topology and battery power supply contribute to the Nova’s ability translate minutiae.
        Did I mention the Nova is eminently versatile? A boatload of gain and loading options allow one to tune your cartridge for optimum performance. I don’t there’s a phono cartridge on the market, moving coil or moving magnet, that cannot be optimized by the Nova.
        It’s a great phono stage and my #1 recommendation at the price.
        Paul Seydor for the Absolute Sound writes: “What’s better than the Nova? If I felt like dropping four grand, I’d buy Jim White’s magnificent Aesthetix Rhea in a heartbeat, and for thirty times the Nova’s $999 you can get the superb Boulder phono stage. Yet the Nova remains, without apology or serious qualifications, my new (affordable) reference – and very satisfyingly so.”
        The thing is wonderfully adaptable too, providing adjustable gain from 40dB to 60dB in 13 steps, resistive loading from 30 Ohms to 100k Ohms in 17 steps and capacitive loading at 200pF or 400pF. At $995, it’s a deal. Available in silver or black.

FURUTECH: Unveiled in our winter 2007 Newsletter (CES issue), the deStat from Furutech is an interesting tool devised to eliminate static from LPs. The thing really does work and has been proven effective by readings taken with a gauss meter before and after treatment. Its sonic impact has been verified by John Crossett in Soundstage! who writes: "It gave me a better view into each recording, and I can’t imagine living without it now that I’ve heard the improvement it can bring. Anyone can enjoy the deStat..." It’s something (static) that, until it’s gone, you’ll never know you’re listening to. You’re so used to hearing it that you listen around it. But once its absence is heard it’s hard to go back. I now consider the deStat a mandatory accessory for any self-respecting audiophile who wants to extract the best from his music. It brought improvements to both digital and analog media in equal proportions. I plan to keep it around my house so I never have to wonder what I might be missing with any kind of disc I spin."
        Using the dStat it's a simple ten second process to remove static from an LP. The unit is equally effective at removing static from other media including CD and DVD. Furutech also touts the unit’s efficacy at removing static charges from equipment, power cords, interconnects, speaker cables and the like. Introductory special just $325, normal retail is $360.

REGA: The all new Rega P3-24 has finally made its way to these shores! The P3-24 features a new high performance plinth material and a return to the classic P3 styling. As the “24” designation in the name implies, it features a 24 Volt motor similar to the one in the P5. Not only does that mean it has less noise and vibration, but you can now add the optional TT-PSU ($345) outboard power supply. The TT-PSU both stabilizes and purifies voltage and makes switching from 33 to 45 RPM as easy as pushing a button.
        The P3-24 sports the new RB301 tonearm, a significant advance over its predecessor the classic RB-300. The fresh design borrows heavily from the pricier RB-700 and RB-1000, most notably its three-point mount, which significantly increases both stability and rigidity. Careful eyes will discover the new anti-skate bias slider, also derived from the RB700.
        Here’s a twist; you can now order the P324 with a pre-mounted Elys 2 phono cartridge. How’s that for plug-and-play simplicity! $845 for the P3-24 alone and $1045 the Elys 2.

Tuning Tip

Getting The Most From Your System

Be certain your speakers are precisely aligned

Without a doubt, the most commonly overlooked and/or underappreciated issue in audio is speaker alignment. I’d say 90% of the systems out there are underperforming due to improper positioning. While some of you have been fastidious in your approach to speaker placement, the plain truth is that most of us have not invested the time to fine tune our set-up. I can almost guarantee you’ll improve the sound of your system by revisiting the procedure, paying careful attention to the details.

                Often missed in the set-up procedure, carefully equalizing the distance from the listener to each speaker is a critical step in optimizing soundstage. For accurate imaging to take place, sound from each speaker must arrive at the listening position at precisely the same moment. This requires the speakers to be exactly the same distance away from the main seating position. Using a tape measure for this procedure can be cumbersome so I like to use a string. It's easy and very accurate. First, get the speakers roughed-in with a tape measure. Then simply tape a string to the midpoint of the listening chair, trying for a spot as close to ear level as possible. Now, unroll enough string to reach a speaker, and then pull the string taught at a reference point, I like to use the tweeter. Grasp that point on the string with your thumb and forefinger, then walk to the other speaker and compare. Simply adjust positioning until each speaker is at precisely the same distance. While you're at it, use the string to gauge distance to both the inside and outside corner of the cabinets to insure the toe-in is the same on each speaker.

        It is critical that one take the time to insure locating and set-up have been fully optimized and it would be difficult to overstate the importance that a small change can make. Once you've got things pretty close, you'll find that a fraction of an inch can make a noticeable difference.
I'm willing to bet, that in an hour’s time you'll be hearing better sound.
        Get out those tape measures and go to work!

        Note: This Tuning Tip is intended only as a (not so) gentle reminder to revisit your speaker set-up routine. We've looked at just one aspect of the speaker set-up process, so I invite you to have a look at my article on Speaker Placement for a more detailed look at the topic.