WINTER	2009
Page Three

ESOTERIC: Esoteric’s newest machine, the SA-50, is sure to be a winner. Peeking inside the new offering we find full dual mono circuitry, the latest 32 bit DACs and an all new drive assembly. Both RCA and XLR analog outputs are provided. Maybe the biggest surprise is the full spate of digital inputs, yes inputs! Now you can access those great sounding DACs for use with your other digital sources. The inclusion of a USB input (which can be up-sampled 2x or 4x) allows easy connection of your computer. SPDIF and TOSLINK inputs are there as well, giving you complete flexibility. Delivery is expected late spring with an estimated price of $5000.
         
          For vinyl enthusiasts, Esoteric now offers their Master Sound Works phono stage preamplifier model E-03 ($5500). The unique feature set of the E-03 includes dual phono inputs with a dual mono analog circuit configuration. A single line stage output is provided and either of two turntables can be selected from a front panel selector. Input 1 is exclusive for moving coil cartridges and Input 2 can handle moving coil and moving magnet. Moving coil load impedance and moving magnet load capacitance are selectable over a wide range of options. A built-in demagnetization setting can also be selected from each phono stage input controller. The unit contains no microprocessors which, according to Esoteric, degrade performance. First shipments are planned in April. Get your orders in!         
          
           A new amplifier, the A-03, made its debut. It’s a pure class A, fully dual mono design producing 100 watts into 4 Ohms and current delivery of 17 amps continuous and 34 amps peak. The A-03 can be switched into bridged mono mode for even better performance and more power - 400 watts at 4 Ohms. As with all Esoteric components, the A-03 is beautifully crafted. Inside and out, a work of art. $12000.
           
             Esoteric has developed hardware that allows wired and wireless transmission for uncompressed linear PCM audio data into a digital to analog audio converter. The internal boards are being offered as an option for the D-03, or as an optional and incremental upgrade for existing D-03 owners, linear PCM audio can now be routed through Esoteric’s award winning D-03 - D/A converter. Production models of the optional kit will transmit data with sampling rates of 24-bit 96 kHz for wired USB connections and up to 16-bit 48 kHz for wireless transmission. The D-03 then up-converts the audio signal to 176.4 kHz.
              This new Esoteric add on kit includes one USB input board to enable wired and wireless connections. The kit also includes a wireless USB transmitter for connection to a PC. This allows compressed or uncompressed high resolution audio playback thorough the D-03’s dual mono, D/A converter. Converter outputs can then be connected to any audio system with a line level input.
               An Esoteric spokesperson stated… “Now high end audiophiles with PC based audio libraries can expand listening options to include playback from a hard disc drive, or from networked attached storage, routed through their PC or MAC, in both wired or wireless configurations. By allowing compressed (MP3, AAC, etc), or uncompressed (FLAC, WAVE, etc), high resolution audio playback through our D/A converter, users can enjoy a tremendous quality improvement over typical PC and/or server based D/A conversion.”
               The D-03 dual mono D/A converter (MSRP $14,000), is available now. The Esoteric USB kit will be sold as an option with the D-03 and will also become available as an incremental upgrade for current owners. Availability for the kit is planned for early 2009. Cost of the 2 part kit is tentatively priced at $1400.00 including installation.

CONVERGENT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY: As per usual, the CAT room offered up excellent sound. On tap was the JL-2 Signature amplifier driving a pair of Hansen Prince V2 speakers (Hansen also used CAT gear in their room) with the Legend preamp and Audio Aero CD player. Big, bold and dynamic sums up the sound here, but knowing the CAT products as I do, this gear is just as competent when working at the other end of the dynamic envelope unraveling the subtleties and nuance of music.
            Announced last year at CES, I should bring you up to date on the Renaissance preamplifier. Replacing the heralded Signature preamp lineage, the Renaissance borrows the circuit topology and main board from the top of the line Legend preamplifier (sans the Black Gate capacitors and a more exotic attenuator). Performance is remarkable and a big step beyond the Signature it replaces.
            You’ll marvel at the resolution of this preamplifier. Minute tidbits of musical information previously buried in your favorite musical pieces will surprise you, the panoramic soundstage is a good as it gets, and yet never will you feel the musicality of the CAT is contrived or artificially colored as with some designs. Line stage is $7995, $9995 with phono. One of the best preamps you can buy, period.

MODWRIGHT: You know I love the preamps from ModWright. You guys have agreed with me, voting with your Dollars to make them the most popular units at their price points. You can imagine how excited I was to learn that Dan Wright has turned his talents toward amplifier design. He’s been working on the project for quite a while and has come with some very unique concepts in the process. There’s not space here for detail, but here are the highlights.
            The heart of the KWA-150 amplifier is a single voltage gain stage named the “Solid State Music Stage,” which utilizes state-of- the-art ThermalTrak auto-bias output transistors. There is no global feedback and the circuit is direct-coupled, fully differential and dual mono and can be bridged for mono operation. Features include: A high/low bias switch, stereo/bridge-mono selector, true balanced floating inputs and premium Cardas connectors. The KWA-150 is hand built entirely in the USA. Construction quality is absolutely first rate, with incredible great attention to detail and lavish finish quality and casework. MSRP is $5995 with a special introductory price of $5295.
            "We feel we have produced an amp that both tube and solid-state users will enjoy. The design intent was an amp with the muscle and control of solid-state, as well as the midrange, liquidity and soundstage of a tube amp.”  Dan Wright

FOSGATE: Seen in the Musical Surroundings suite (who distributes Fosgate) were two new products from veteran designer Jim Fosgate. The first, an analog accessory, caught my eye. The Fozgometer Azimuth Range Meter is an affordable meter used to adjust cartridge azimuth. The device uses principles similar to surround processor logic steering circuits, is simple to use, and reads channel separation and channel balance as well as signal direction. This looks like a mandatory accessory for any dedicated Vinylphile. Projected price is $200, likely available late spring or summer, but you can pre-order now.
            Fosgate also debuted their new Signature Phono Preamp. Over the past 30 years, Jim Fosgate and built and tested more than 100 different designs before settling on the circuit used in the Signature. The design features all tube amplification and rectification with no solid state devices in the signal path. It has switchable MM/MC gain settings and adjustable loading from, 50 to 47k Ohms. $2500.

JL AUDIO: Read the reviews (if you haven’t already) - JL subwoofers are the ultimate! As good as other brands may be most listeners agree the JL Audio subwoofers are the best you can buy. No question, their build quality and attention to detail are second to none and just one listen will convince you their performance is nothing short of mind-boggling. The amazing driver was in development for seven years and is so unique it has been granted seven patents!
            What makes the JL subs so good? That’s a long story. There are so many exclusive features I could devote an entire Newsletter to describing them all. I suggest you surf on over to the JL website and have a look at their cool video, which gives you a great introduction to the company, their roots and their products. Alternately, flip through your favorite magazine for a review. I think you’ll find the following quote from TAS a summation of all the reviews written about JL Audio subwoofers.
            “The JL Audio Fathom is of reference quality and a benchmark by which all other subwoofers can be judged.”  Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound, March 2007

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