WINTER	2006
Page Three

FURUTECH: How many records in your library are warped? If you are like most collectors, the answer is a bunch. Everyone knows flatter is better, but how to make them so? There are a bunch of “recipes” out there (sandwiching LPs between glass and baking them in the oven is the most common) ranging from risky to down right scary. Now there is a simple and effective solution; The Disc Flatter from Furutech.
        Available in March, the Disc Flatter is a heated record press that, though an automated process, will permanently flatten a warped record. It’s not a unique concept, and not the only unit of its kind on the market, but at a projected price of $1380, it is the least expensive.
        Stereophiles’ Mikey Fremer was here checking out the new device, so I’m guessing we’ll see it show up in his column, probably before it is released.
            Also on hand, was the Destat. The handheld device is designed to remove static from LPs during a simple ten second procedure. Readings taken with a gauss meter before and after treatment proved their claim, but just how much of a difference one can hear will be the question. Furutech also touts the unit’s effectiveness at removing static charges from equipment, power cords, interconnects, speaker cables and the like. The design is a bit clunky, but I understand will acquire a less Stone Age appearance shortly. $360
            Of course you’ve already heard of the Demag, Furutech’s futuristic demagnetizer for LPs and CDs. I’m here to tell that it really does work. Big 12” discs as well as our little 5” silver ones are well served by the Demag, but so too are other metal bits (cables, power cords, sockets, etc.) benefit as well. $1800
            For a brief video demonstration of the two products visit: Go to the Urban Beat website - http://www.urbanbeat.bnettv.com/ and click the drop-down menu under Urban Beat Episode Index and choose CES 2007: Furutech.

HERRON AUDIO: As always, Keith Herron had a superb sounding system. This year a VPI TNT HR-X (with the new JMW 12.7 tonearm) and Keith’s own hot-rodded CD player provided the signal source. They fed the Herron VTSP-2 line preamp and Herron HL-1 mono amps driving a pair of Herron (prototype) speakers, all strung together with Herron cables. In the spotlight was his new VTPH-2 vacuum tube phono stage. The VTPH-2 has external cartridge loading via additional RCA connectors (similar to the Convergent Audio preamps), which allows quick changes, even while listening. The unit comes with a pair of Neutrik (male) RCA plugs with 47k Ohm load resistors, but other values can be supplied. Keith Herron demonstrated the quick change capability and rapidly compared the sonic impact of different loads.
         Other highlights include: Low plate operating currents and controlled warm up insure extended tube life - all passive RIAA equalization for accurate amplitude and phase response – no mechanical switches in the signal path – AC polarity switch for minimizing line-to-chassis reactive currents and noise pickup – a 15 second mute circuit eliminates noise when switching between MM and MC inputs. $3650

JEFF ROWLAND: Jeff was not happy (an understatement if there ever was one) with his display space. Hoping to make some good music in the room this year, cheesy, paper thin walls and noisy neighbors spoiled his plans. Unfortunately this was a common complaint among exhibitors in this section. Adding insult to injury, Rowland found their suite located just down the hall from the ballroom that hosted the opening speech by Bill Gates. Jeff said hundreds of people waiting for vouchers formed long lines that blocked entry to his display for hours. Mr. Gates didn’t even stop by to apologize. Imagine that. Oh, well, on to the positive stuff.
            Released last year, the 102 stereo power amplifier (the company’s’ entry level amplifier, priced at just $1495) was lonely and needed a mate. The Capri preamp was just the ticket.
            Stacked together, the Capri and 102 make a lovely little pair, exuding Rowland quality in a compact package about the size of a toaster. $2695 ($3175 with phono). It’s Rowland magic on a budget!
            But wait, there’s more. How about a new flagship preamplifier? Introducing the Criterion. Ever since the Coherence preamp made its exit several years ago, Rowland fans have wished for a replacement. It’s taken Jeff a long time, but it’s here and Jeff feels the performance of the new model will more than make up for the wait. Estimated arrival is this spring. Price as yet unspecified, but expect somewhere north of $15k. 

JOLIDA: The Jolida guys decided not to attend CES this year so they could stay home and fill backorders! There is news here though: most Jolida models are now available with remote control. The 302RC, 502RC and 1000RC are here now; the 801RC will be available soon. The remote takes a great amp and makes it more user friendly. Surprisingly, the remote adds just $50 to the price!
         Most of the amplifiers now feature E-Z Biasing. This simple approach requires only a screwdriver and a pair of eyeballs. Simply turn the bias control (one next to each tube) until the LED goes out, then back the other way until it comes on. You're done! The process takes about fifteen seconds per tube and we've found it to be very accurate. For those who prefer a manual approach, test points are still available so you can set bias with your meter.
         I think most of you guys are familiar with the wonderful Jolida tube products. For those who are not, you’ll find them to offer outstanding performance, reliability and resale value. All this and they’re so reasonably priced. Do keep the brand in mind if you’re looking for high value tube gear. It’s a great way to dip your toe into the tube waters, or put together a wonderfully involving stereo system on a budget. Full tube amplifiers start at just $650 and tube hybrid models begin at $390.

 MBL: As usual, superb sound here. On the first day listeners were treated to the marvelous 101E speakers driven by MBL’s flagship amplification and source components. I have yet to hear a more complete speaker than the 101E, it simply does it all. Jonathan Valin flanked me on the sofa for a couple of tracks and the smile on his face was a visible vote of approval.
            If your desert island calls, and you have a few extra (kilo) bucks lying around, call me and I’ll have a pair delivered before you sail. $45k.
            I hadn’t planned on revisiting the suite, but happened by on day two of the show. I was glad I did. Peering in through the crowd I noticed a speaker I hadn’t seen before. It was a behemoth! Though still in prototype form, the design featured six Radialstrahler drivers, essentially two 101E, stacked in a vertical array and flanked by two huge woofer towers at over six feet tall. They definitely had more scale and weight than a pair of 101E (like you needed it!), but they didn’t sound quite as coherent as the 101E. My sense is that these monsters require a much larger space to breathe; the confines of the hotel room didn’t allow them to really strut their stuff. If you want to take these to your desert island, you’ll want to be sure you take all the deck hands with you to move them about. Oh, and buy plenty of lottery tickets beforehand – they’ll set you back $180k-$200k.

 MAGNUM-DYNALAB: MD did not attend this year’s show, but I have a new product to tell you about; their innovative flagship, the MD 109. To describe all of its captivating detail would require an entire Newsletter, so I’ll only cover a few highlights. World Source Platform - Designed to remain perpetually current, the MD 109 starts with receiving, and delivering with sonic accuracy, all terrestrial FM signals. Beyond this, it is also upgradeable to accommodate digital audio from various sources, including satellite radio, CD, DVD and internet sources. Four tube Triode audio section - for unsurpassed resolution. Touch Screen operation – provides a seamless interface and looks cool too!
        The MD 109 has been named Product of the Year for 2006 by the British publication HiFi+. You can read their full review by downloading this pdf. http://www.gcaudio.com/photos/Magnum%20Dynalab/magnumMD109Review.pdf
            I guess you can imagine what it sounds like – like nothing else! $9000
           
            Magnum-Dynalab has several new exciting models that will be appearing shortly. A 200 watt per channel tube hybrid integrated amplifier is coming. The 309 will have a front panel matching the MD 109, also featuring touch screen operation.
            Two new satellite receivers, also using tubes, will be out soon. I don't have a lot of detail on these units yet, but more information will be on the Magnum-Dynalab website shortly.

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