WINTER	2008
Page Three

MODWRIGHT: Devout readers know how much we like Dan Wright’s preamps, so it will come as no surprise that I made a beeline over to his room at CES to see what was cooking. The big news here is the forthcoming ModWright amplifier. It’s not quite finished, so it wasn’t on display (rats!), but I was able to pick up a few details. The unit will offer 150 watts per channel into 8 Ohms and can be bridged for mono. RCA connections are accepted when in the stereo mode, but balanced is available when bridged for mono.
       A raft of top drawer parts have been selected for the design including state of the art ThermalTrak™ output transistors. The ThermalTrak™ family of devices has been designed to eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time and bias trimming, providing instant thermal bias tracking for superior sound quality. These pricey output transistors are the same ones used in some hyper-pricey amplifiers from… well, let’s just say that it makes Dan’s amplifier a particularly good bargain! At a projected retail of just $3500, it looks to be a steal. I think we can look forward to another winner from ModWright! I have mine on order. Do you? Anticipated summer delivery.
       While chatting with Dan he pointed out the Emerald Physics speakers in play. A real hit at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, the CS2 speakers are quite unusual.
       The open baffle design features two 15” woofers and a compression driver coupled to a 12” diameter acoustic waveguide (which looks like a very large mouth horn). Included with the package is a Digital Signal Processor with electronic crossover that controls many aspects of the loudspeaker’s behavior such as amplitude response, time alignment and parameters of the electronic crossover. As testament to the accuracy of the DSP, response in the ModWright room measured virtually flat from 20 Hz to 20 kHz!
      I didn’t have the chance to listen in Dan’s room, but ran into the speakers again later (at T.H.E. Show) and was impressed by a brief audition. I was surprised to learn that the speakers are only $2495 pr., and that includes the DSP/electronic crossover! I’ve arranged to bring in a pair for audition, so give me a ring for a full report.

AUDIO PHYSIC: On display was the company’s new version of the Tempo VI. Priced at $4995, the sweeping updates include the new Hyper Holographic Cone Midrange (HHCM) driver and new soft dome tweeter featuring a powerful dual-magnet architecture. The HHCM uses a unique double basket design employing differing materials to quell resonance. A pair of 7” side-firing woofers extend bass response to a solid 32Hz and have enough radiating area to provide good impact, weight and scale. As is the case with several other Audio Physic models, the Tempo 6 features upscale binding posts fixed to a mechanically decoupled mounting plate to reduce transfer of cabinet vibration to the speaker cables. The Tempo 6 was on silent display so I’ll tell you more about the sound when we receive our demo pair.
       To compliment (but not replace) the popular Yara, is the Yara II Superior ($2995). This all new offering is a 3-way design employing dual 7” side firing bass drivers. The midrange transducers feature a more powerful magnet structure, longer voice coils as well as updated diaphragms, spiders and surrounds.
       The wonderful Scorpio remains the best selling Audio Physic speaker here, and with good reason; this speaker has it all. The huge (yet precise), airy (but focused) soundstage, lightning fast transients and powerful bottom end come together to produce an exciting and involving listening experience. $7k

FIRST IMPRESSION MUSIC: A really good sounding room, Winston Ma demonstrated a prototype of his forthcoming music server. Winston has been working with Microsoft to achieve the best sounding combination of processor and hard drive for his design. Interestingly, it’s not the fastest processor or the largest hard drive that sounded best. As always, Winston tunes with his ears and tends not to follow the crowd.
       As yet unnamed, the music server will use the DAC from Berkeley Audio Design Associates, a company founded by the inventors of HDCD and designers of Pacific Microsonics Model One and Two. Winston feels this is possibly the best DAC available today. It’s available separately for $5k, but will be included with the FIM music server when it becomes available, hopefully in the summer.
       I’d not heard the LSA Group speakers used here, but was very impressed with their performance. The LSA-1 Statement two-way mini monitors featured a folded ribbon tweeter and 6.5” woofer. The claimed 38Hz capability was easily proven by some of the material played. I’d say their worth every bit of their $2500 asking price. The company offer three versions of the speaker (tweeter and internal components differ among the models), starting at $1000pr.
       The integrated amplifier used was also an LSA product. The hefty 77 pound unit is a hybrid design employing a pair of 6922 tubes in the preamp section. Like the speakers, three level of the amplifier are offered; Standard ($3000), Signature ($6000) and Statement ($9000). The parts quality of the Standard is impressive, but the Standard and Statement go even further in this department in addition to further circuit enhancements.

MUSICAL FIDELITY: KEF (the speaker manufacturer) is the new US Distributor for Musical Fidelity. I spoke with KEF’s Richard Colburn to get the scoop on the upcoming introductions.
        After a three year run, the A5 series is being updated and the designation changed to A5.5. Externally the A5.5 Integrated Amplifier gets a facelift with new front panel cosmetics. Inside are new Sanken output devices and unique optically coupled feedback and protection circuitry. They say the sophistication and speed of the new topology allows for greater peak power while improving protection. A (much requested) USB input has been added as well.
        At 250 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, the A5.5 Integrated is a barnburner that will drive any speaker out there.
        The A5.5 CD player features a new tube output configuration along with an improved rate converter for better linearity.
         Both new A5.5 components are priced at $3000. (Great prices on our remaining A-5 products!)

        The piece that put MF on the map is being resurrected. To be released in April, the legendary A1 integrated amplifier is a 30 watt per channel Class A design that will sell for about $2000. I remember the unit as having a decidedly smooth tonal balance, but with a damn sight more drive than you’d expect from an amp with such a diminutive power rating. This one should be fun! We also learned there will be a top-loading CD player to compliment the A1. The top-loading design features a Phillips CD Pro 2 transport and a 24 bit 192k upsampling DAC with USB connection. $2800.
       The entire X-Can family has been updated to Series v8. The X-LPSv8, X-Can v8 and X-PSUv8 are each priced at $500 and will be shipping in February.

CARDAS: Launched at this year’s CES is the Cardas Clear speaker cable. Perched at the top of their line, the Clear is a higher gauge, heavier and larger diameter cable than the Golden Reference, their previous flagship. The sample on hand was definitely beefy. George Cardas described the cable as having the same tonal balance as the Golden Reference, but with a good bit more detail and resolution. Exact pricing wasn’t available at the show, but expect a 2.5M pair to be in the range of $3400.

BENZ MICRO: Benz US distributor, Musical Surroundings, unveiled the “S” series MC cartridges from the Swedish firm. All incorporate the Benz Dynascan with Gyger S stylus (previously used on the Ruby) coupled to improved generators featuring new coil windings and refined pole piece/damper designs. It’s the new stylus however, that is the key to the upgrade.
        Changing the stylus may sound like a relatively minor improvement, but in reality it’s huge. Tracing the groove precisely is what it’s all about, and it begins and ends with the stylus. Like tires on a car, making contact with the road is crucial, and unless that connection exists the abilities of the automobile will never be known.
        Three cartridges get the “S” treatment: ACE ($700), Glider $1000) and Wood Body ($1500).
        It’s a brand new model! The SLR Gullwing derives its name from “S” for the new range of cartridges, “L” for Luft (German for air), and “R” for Ruby. At first glance the SLR resembles a Glider, but is actually more closely related to the beloved Ruby and the phenomenal LP. An open-frame design like the Glider, the SLR is the only Benz cartridge (other than the LP) with a frame machined from brass. The generator assembly uses the square Ruby plate and oversized Neodymium magnet found in the Benz Ruby. Finally, the SLR employs the Benz Dynascan and Gyger S Stylus, side-bonded to a solid boron cantilever.
        I can tell you the sound in the Benz suite was excellent. From that experience it’s safe to assume the SLR Gullwing is a winner. Garth Lehrer commented that the cartridge is “all Benz,” with a warm, sweet tonal presentation, but with more air, speed and detail than you’d expect from a Glider or even a Ruby. $2500

Call for CES Show Specials on all Benz models!

QUICKSILVER: You asked for it, you got it! Quicksilver has (finally) announced a new upscale preamplifier, the Quicksilver Full Preamp. The full function unit is a welcome addition to the line and marks the first phono-inclusive model since its predecessor was discontinued back in 1997.
        Seeking a new level of performance, Mike has developed some unique design concepts. For one, output impedance is a remarkably low 1.5 Ohms! This super-low figure means the preamp will be unaffected by amplifier input impedance or speaker cable length. Manufacturers generally recommend an amplifier input impedance ten to twenty times higher than the output impedance of the preamplifier. Some tubes preamps have an output impedance of up to 2k Ohms, suggesting only amplifiers with a 20k – 40k Ohm input impedance; some sold state designs are as low as 10k.
       Four line inputs and one (MM) phono input are provided and there are two main outputs. Dual 41 step volume controls allow for accurate adjustment of both volume and balance without the need for a separate balance control which degrades performance. Tube compliment includes two 6H30 and two 12AX7 in the line section and one 6N1P and one 12AX7 in the phono stage. All the tubes are run at low dissipation for extended life.
       Our first unit should be arriving about soon after you read this. You’ll want to check in to see just how good this piece is. $3200.00 - Call for CES Show Special!

EBTECH: Though not a CES introduction, I wanted to tell you guys about this product.                   
         Without a doubt, the single most common "noise" problem we encounter is ground loops.  Manifested as a constant 60Hz tone that does not vary with volume, ground loops can be difficult to eliminate without resorting to risky solutions.
          A ground loop is created when two or more devices are connected to a common ground through different paths. Currents flow through these multiple paths and develop voltages which cause a 60Hz hum. To prevent ground loops, all signal grounds need to go to one common point, which is a tall order in a typical homes environment. The most common solution is to float the ground on one or more of the components in the system with a cheater plug. It works, but can create an unsafe condition.
          The Ebtech Hum X filters out unwanted voltage and current in the ground line that cause ground loop hum while simultaneously maintaining a solid, safe ground.
Simply place the Hum X on the end of the power cord of the equipment that has a Ground Loop and plug the Hum X into any standard 15 amp outlet. Ground Loop is gone and audio signal remains intact. Easy to use, easy to install and completely effective! The Hum X is the safest way to get rid of ground loop hum. $99 retail - CES Show Special $59!

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