WINTER	2008
Page Two

ESOTERIC: Esoteric occupied one of the large ballroom spaces at CES, and they needed the space this year to accommodate all the new product introductions and the flood of show-goers that consistently pack the room (Esoteric is a prime destination for many). Understandable, since the suite is always chock full of the coolest gear on the planet!

Here’s the run down on this year’s inductions.

– The all new X-05 CD/SACD player couples the high precision Vibration Free, Rigid Disc Clamping System (VRDS) Neo/VMK-5 transport mechanism with Cirrus Logic’s 24 bit/192kHz processing DACs in a dual mono configuration. The new VRDS mechanism uses a patented “differential gearing” system for exceptionally smooth loading and seamless engagement of the tray and disc clamping system. This improves performance while reducing the number of moving parts for improved reliability and longevity. Release is planned for February. Price is $5500. I’m looking forward to this one!

AI-10 – This two channel integrated amplifier includes a master clock generator to synch any of the Esoteric players, offers both analog (RCA and XLR) and digital (coax and optical) inputs. There’s even a MM phono input! Power output is 150 watts per channel into 8 Ohms. The AI-10 can be used as a stand-alone in any system, but it’s a perfect match (and a killer combination) with the Esoteric SA-10 CD/SACD player.
         Our AI-10 arrived just prior to sending this letter to print and it’s not fully broken-in, but I’ll give you the early returns. I particularly like the silent background and excellent sense of drive and control. So far both soundstage and treble are very, very good. This I mention since these are the areas realizing the greatest benefit from break-in. This is one to watch. $4000.      
        Oh yes, we’ve been using the Esoteric-recommended break-in disc from IsoTek. This disc has proven the best we’ve tried, providing the deepest break-in, resulting in the greatest improvement. It is also recommended as an occasional system “tune-up” or as a way to get a system warmed-up prior to a listening session. It’s cheap too at only $32, and something I think every audiophile should own.

– A new version of their phenomenal rubidium master clock was debuted. As with its predecessor, the G-0Rb features an incredibly accurate rubidium oscillator that is mounted in its own temperature controlled and electrically isolated “oven” - constant temperature insures utmost accuracy. The G-0Rb clock signal is accurate to an astonishing 0.5 parts per billion! $15k

G-03x – This clock uses a crystal controlled OCXO oscillator (also enclosed in a thermostatic chamber) for an accuracy of 0.1 parts per million. At $4k, the G-03x is a great value and will enhance performance of most any Esoteric player.

– Esoteric announced their first preamp for the US marketplace. The gorgeous C-03 is a dual mono design using fully discrete components driven by a huge custom power supply. Its uses fully balanced circuit topology and offers both XLR and RCA input and output connections. Interestingly, unused inputs are completely disconnected from the circuit, eliminating electrical noise caused by open connections. At 50 pounds, it’s a handful! $9500. April availability.
 

A-100 – Partnering the new preamp is the A-100 hybrid triode tube amplifier, which can be used either as a basic amp or an integrated. Esoteric describes the proprietary circuit as “cutting edge tube technology.”KT-88 output tubes operate in Ultra-Linear-push/pull (driven with a direct cathode follower) and produce 45 watts per channel. Everyone was surprised at the amp’s power and authority when driving the Esoteric MG-20 speakers (89dB sensitivity) in a huge space (ballroom). $18500

At last year’s show I heard the prototype MG-20 speakers. While there were things I liked, they ultimately left me cold. This year was a different story. The speakers (now in their final form) were smoother, less etched, a bit more extended in the bass (though this is not a speaker for bass freaks) and the soundstage was more open. I was surprised by their ability to full such a huge space.

                An engineering tour de force, the MG series represent the first speakers to use all magnesium cones for every driver. A tremendous amount of research and development went into perfecting the design and production processes required to make the cones, but Esoteric feels the effort and expense was justified. Indeed the speakers exhibit the qualities one might expect from such a rigid, lightweight cone material – fast and articulate transient response.

                Esoteric worked with a major metals-manufacturer in Japan to bring the magnesium cones to fruition, and tapped the noted British firm Tannoy for help with other design parameters. The collaboration was clearly a success; just listen to the speakers and you’ll see why.

                The reviews have been stunning. Dick Olsher in The Absolute Sound writes: “Let me make this perfectly clear; I’m intensely in-love with its (MG-20) sound. There are speakers out there that play louder or go lower, but to my ears, the MG-20 is the most musically compelling box speaker I’ve heard to date.”

                The MG-10 monitors go for $5500pr, the floor-standing MG-20 is $8400pr.

JEFF ROWLAND: Several new goodies here; first up, the new Continuum integrated amplifier. The new design will be available in two versions, one with 250 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms), the other pushing 500 watts a side (both double into 4 Ohms). Built into the larger amp will be Jeff’s new PC-1 line conditioner (see below). Both models ought to be fantastic - we’re impatiently awaiting their arrival. Prices will be $6900 and $8800 respectively.
      Long awaited and finally a reality, Rowland’s new upscale preamplifier, the Criterion, was debuted. The two chassis stunner offers four balanced and two single ended inputs. Outputs include both balanced and RCA connections. The Criterion features battery power with an internal, self charging NiMH pack. Rowland gear is known for its total absence of background noise, but the battery power on the Criterion pushes the signal to noise ratio into oblivion with a quoted rating of >100dB. Channel separation is an astonishing >100dB. Estimated price is $18k with an anticipated release in February.
       Looking to compete in a new area, Jeff introduced the PC-1 line conditioner, designed exclusively for use with Rowland products (Capri, Continuum Integrated, Model 102, Model 201 and Model 501). What sets this unit apart from the competition (in an admittedly crowed field) is power factor correction (PFC).
       PFC explained in brief: In an ideal world, an audio component would present a purely resistive load where the current and voltage are in synch. In practice, audio gear presents a more complex load where the voltage and current don’t follow one another and are therefore considered reactive (inductive or capacitive). The more complex the load, the worse the device’s power factor will be. In the most simple terms, PFC is a way to correct for differences (bring into synch) the voltage and current waveforms. Jeff tells me that the sonic benefit of PFC emulates the performance advantages of battery power.
         Frankly the details of this design philosophy are a bit over my head, so I won’t attempt a complete explanation, leaving the more technically minded among you to research on your own. I will however, be happy to report what my ears tell me when our unit arrives. PFC-1 $1200 

CONVERGENT AUDIO: What’s this, a replacement for the SL-1 Reference preamp? Unveiled at CES was the new Renaissance preamplifier. The design borrows both from its predecessor, the SL-1, and its big brother, the fabulous Legend. Externally it looks just like an SL-1, the only tip off being the “Renaissance” logo on the lower right-hand corner of the front panel. Lift the hood however, and the differences are readily apparent.
       The Renaissance employs the same circuit design and circuit board layout as the expensive Legend (lacking only the Teflon board material and Black Gate capacitors found in the Legend. Also, just like in the Legend, internal switches select between two gain settings (12dB and 24dB) for the line stage while another pair configure the phono stage for MM or MC cartridges. Oh, and that reminds me of another difference between the Renaissance and the SL-1 it replaces; step-up transformers are used in the phono stage. I think this is a real plus. The CAT has always been a high gain preamp capable of accepting low output MC cartridges, but I always felt that dynamic impact was reduced with anything below 0.6mV. The transformers add that little extra “kick,” bringing back the life and punch while keeping tube noise to a minimum.
       I wish I could tell you I heard the Renaissance, but the unit in the CAT suite was only there as a display. I have orders in house though, so soon I’ll be able to put the Renaissance through its paces and give you guys a detailed rundown. We should see our units in late March so call then for details.
       As with earlier CAT preamps, the Renaissance can be had in either a line-only or phono inclusive version. The Renaissance line preamp sells for $7995, and with phono at $9995. Because the preamp is totally new inside, it’s not possible to upgrade an existing SL-1. But don’t fret; I’m happy to take your SL-1 preamp in trade toward the new Renaissance. 

MUSIC HALL: The latest generation of the popular MMF Series ‘tables were on display here. All the models in the line have been upgraded; here’s the low down.

• MMF 2.2 – Now in high gloss black to match the rest of the line, the 2.2 now employs the same arm used on the MMF-5. There’s now a more massive plinth and new isolation feet. $399
   
• MMF 5.1 – The new 5.1 benefits from the M7 tonearm (previously on the MMF-7), a dynamically balanced alloy platter, special vibration dampening feet and a unique split-plinth design that sandwiches a layer of viscoelastic vibration dampening material between two layers of decking for outstanding isolation. The MMF-5.1 comes fitted with the superb Goldring G1012 Cartridge (a $300 value!). $699
   
• MMF 7.1 – The new MMF-7.1 features a carbon fiber tonearm (previously found on the MMF-9) with upgraded internal wiring and a revised plinth for improved resonance and vibration control. It is constructed using a vibration isolating split-plinth design and features an external motor. Completing the package is a Goldring Eroica high output moving coil cartridge. $1395

         All the Music Hall turntables represent outstanding value. Now, with the upgrades, the MMF Series are even more attractive.

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