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faberryman
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Post subject: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
I will be attending AXPONA 2010, the East Coast high-end audio show sponsored by Stereophile, in Jacksonville, Florida this Friday through Sunday. If anyone else is planning to attend and would like to get together, please drop me a PM.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
It's Sunday afternoon and I have just finished up here at AXPONA and am headed to the airport. I have roughly 250 photos to sort through and I will get them up as quickly as I can. Although smaller than RMAF, it turned out to be an advantage as I got a chance to speak at some length with the presenters, including editors of Stereophile, as well as manufacturers and dealers.
So that you are not held in too much suspense, the best room at the show was the dcs/Vitus Audio/Tidal/Argento Cable room. The Tidal Piano Ceras were sublime.
The worst room of the show was the Belles/Advanced Transduction room. The sound was execrable. I lay the problem at the feet of the Advanced Transduction Directorate speakers. No amplifier could make a good speaker sound so bad.
Addendum:
Please read this post for an explanation from the manufacturer of why the speakers sounded to me as they did.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
Just as I was leaving, the amiable distributor for Operetta components collared me and had me follow him to his demo room. He showed me something that Norbert Mundorf had dropped off. It was a room correction system called the Stein Harmonizer H2 comprised of a black box you plug into the wall, some polycarbonate equilateral triangles having approximately 1 inch sides, and some special tape. Here is a picture of the box, which is a 4 inch cube:
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Depending on the size of your room, you will need to place one or more boxes around your listening space. Then you place the polycarbonate triangles on top of the speaker and elsewhere about the room, and finally you place the special tape between your tweeter and midrange driver and on reflective surfaces such as glass.
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Voila. After leaving the system on for a period of time to work its magic, you will hear better imaging, more air around the instruments, and silkier highs.
No price has been announced.
Jason Victor Serinus of Stereophile took the only available brochure before I could get there so those are all the details I have. Jason will be reporting on the system in his report on AXPONA. Remember, you heard about it here first. 
Addendum:
Jason's report can be found here. Count me more skeptical than Jason. When a manufacturer only has a working theory of why his product works, I have to ask how he actually went about designing it. And my eyebrow's become especially raised when the working theory is that the product "alters the molecular structure of the air."
Addendum 2:
George Jaton forwarded me the spec sheets on the Stein Harmonizer H2, triangle and tape. Here is what they, in part, have to say.
The Steinmusic Harmonizer H2a and H2b together with the Steinmusic Magic Stones form a mighty system to optimize the room acoustics. The basic principle is similar to a catalyser. Technically it works with capacitively activated crystals. The air molecules inside of the listening room are jogged’ trough the loudspeaker and thus transmit the sound information. In order to elongate the air molecules from their rest position it is necessary to spend energy first. It is much easier to move them if once moving. This phenomenon is similar to static and dynamic friction. To force a heavy piece of rock to move is not an easy task. But if it is once moving it can be much easier shifted further. The Steinmusic Harmonizer is working very similar, but rather at a level of ethereal states. The air is not moved in reality, but instead will be charged with information, which is causing the same effect. Now it can be elongated from its rest position without much effort and thus is able to transport sound events to the listeners ear in a completely different quality.
This explanation is more or less a working hypothesis, reflecting the trial to illustrate the principle of work of the Harmonizer. It does not claim to be complete, but from our point of view it is first of all the sound wise result what counts.
...
Magic Stones are triangular elements with a diameter of around 30mm. They are the ideal addition to the Steinmusic Harmonizer and considerably intensify its effectiveness.
...
Steinmusic E-pads are self-adhesive elements of 8mm by15mm size, which have a radical impact on the reproduction of music if placed at the right position. They work at the level of interaction of molecules and thus produce profound and measurable changes of the material properties. This may be related to the spectrum of resonances as well as the torsion force, the elastic modulus and the conductivity. So it is kind of resonance control, but working by the capacitive influence on the level of interaction between molecules.
Something must have been lost in translation.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Krell/YG Acoustics Room
Krell debut its new Evolution 402E (E is for enviromental friendly) 400 watts/channel amplifier partnered with the YG Acoustics Reference II Studio speakers. The Krell 402E has a new standby circuit which reduces power consumption to just 2 watts. It also retains its standard standby mode if you don't mind letting your electric meter spin.
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They also showed their devilishly difficult to photograph Evolution 202 two-chassis preamplifier.
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Tunes were spun on their Evolution 505 SACD/CD player.
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Trust me, they look much better in person. The Anats sounded as good as I have ever heard them, even without room treatment.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Koetsu/Blacknote/rossi fiorentino/montegiro Room
Hiram Toto of Koetsu USA showed for the first time the rossi fiorentino fiesole ($4,200) and volterra ($11,950) loudspeakers. I spent a good bit of time listening to Bach's Cello Suite #3 and the speakers made for a very relaxed and life-like presentation. Imaging was particularly good.
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Amplification was provided by a Vexo VX PP-KT88/C KT88-based integrated amplifier providing 45 watts/channel in ultralinear mode.
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The source was the Blacknote DSS30i digital music server ($4,150) with external screen ($825) which I had seen at RMAF and CES. The music files resided on a USB thumb drive.
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The striking montegiro legno turntable ($12,350 w/o arm) was not yet connected when I was there.
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All components were manufactured in Italy.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Scaena/Enstom & Engstrom/dsc Room
Scaena demonstrated its "entry-level" Model 3.1 ($46,800) multi driver line array (note one of the subwoofers in the rear) powered by the Swedish Engstrom & Engstrom Lars Type 1 amplifiers ($100,000/pair) and a dcs Scarlatti digital front end.
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The Lars amplifiers are actually an integrated combo with one of the pair providing source selection and volume control, and use a complementary pair of 300Bs to generate 20 watts/channel.
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The dcs Scarlatti and Silversmith cables easily push the system price over $200K.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Ayon Audio/Legacy Room
Ayon Audio and Legacy teamed-up in a large room to present five separate systems.
The first system was comprised of a new Ayon speaker (model name unknown), Ayon Vulcan monoblocks ($29,399/pair) and CD-5 CD player/preamp ($9,450). Notice the Acoustic Arts Tibetan cup and bell room acoustic treatment in the upper center of the photo. No literature on it was provided.
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The Ayon Vulcan provides 60 watts with a tube compliment comprised of 2 x AA62B, 3 x 6h30 and 1 x 5U4G running in triode mode.
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The CD-5 in addition to being a CD player is also a tube based preamplifier and DAC with two additional analog inputs and a full complement of digital inputs.
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The second system featured Legacy Focus HD speakers ($8,400), an Ayon Triton integrated amp ($8,499) , and a Ayon CD-2 CD player ($5,500).
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The Triton integrated is KT88-based and can be operated in triode or pentode model providing 60 watts/channel and 100 watts/channel respectively.
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The Ayon CD-2 is also a tubed spinner with an additional digital input.
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They also showed their new CD-07 CD player on static display ($2,399).
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The big system was made up of Legacy Helix HD speakers each triamped by its own McIntosh MC3030 three-channel amplifier. (Apparently they felt that the Acoustic Arts room treatment wasn't efficacious in this setup - note empty bracket in the center top of the photo.)
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You just have to love McIntosh when the lights go low.
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The source: again was the CD-5 CD player/preamp/DAC.
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The fourth display had both the big oak Legacy Whispers ($17,500) and the smaller black Focus SEs ($8,850).
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The Ayon CD-5 again served as CD player and preamplifier driving a pair of massive Ayon Orthos monoblocks ($20,500) . The eight KT88s run in both triode and pentode generating 120 watts and 300 watts respectively.
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The final setup featured the Legacy Classic speakers ($4,200) with an Ayon Orion integrated amp ($2,399) and an Ayon CD-07 CD player.
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The Orion integrated uses four KT88s and produces a power output of 30 watts/channel in triode mode or 50 watts/channel in pentode mode.
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The CD-07 again.
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The room was no place for an audition - the speakers were shouting at each other all the time.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Cambridge Audio/Focal Display
I'm not sure what Cambridge Audio and Focal hoped to achieve with this display of the Azur 650R 7.1 AVR and Focal Dome and Profile 908 speakers. The Blu-ray player is an Oppo.
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That's John Gorka on-screen from a Blu-ray concert video available from AIX.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The mbl Display
Here is another mystery. mbl decided to introduce its new model 120 with no fanfare. This pair, in black and white, sat next to a table with some brochures. I must have dropped by a dozen times and never saw anyone manning the booth. Go figure.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The DH Labs Booth
I had a nice conversation with the rep from DH Labs who was promoting their Silversonic line. I was very impressed with the construction of these cables. Top quality plugs and spades, well soldered and nicely finished. Their entry level silver clad copper interconnect - the BL-1 Series II interconnects are only $110/meter and corresponding level T-14 speaker cables are only $146 for an 8 foot pair.
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Of course you could splurge on an 8 foot pair of their 12 gauge solid silver Revelation SP speaker cables with WBT spades for $3,850. Did I mention they were solid silver? (the T-14s are to the left).
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Einstein/Acapella Room
Einstein and Acapella partnered again as they did at CES.
Here are a pair of Einstein Final Cut Mk60 OTL 300B triode monoblocks ($34,000/pair). The tube compliment is 4 x 6C33 triode and 5 x E88CC/6922 dual triode, and they put out 60 watts into 8 ohms.
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The main action at the front of the room was a bevy of Einstein components in front of a pair of Acapella High Violincello IIs with plasma tweeters ($80,500). I'm not a fan of horns but the treble is to die for.
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Here is a rack of Einstein components. Top left is The Source tubed CD player ($18,000). Below it is The Tube preamp ($18,400). On the bottom are a pair of The Final Cut OTL monoblocks ($34,000). Center right is The Turntables Choice balanced phono stage ($9,800). The stuff is shiny and shows fingerprints. No kids allowed near it.
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On the top right is the the Galibier Stelvio turntable ($15,000), Triplanar IV Ultimate tonearm ($4,750) and Dynavector XV1s cartridge ($5,250).
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Actually, I thought the turntable looked kind of klutzy. The tonearm, on the other hand, was something to behold. I understand why it has such a following.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The April Music/Audes Display
The Audes Credo loudspeakers were paired up with the Stello Ai500 integrated amplifier/DAC and CDA 500 CD player/DAC.
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I hate to say it, but I thought the fit and finish of the Audes Credos left a lot to be desired. They just looked cheap. I would look elsewhere for a pair of $4,500 speakers.
The Stello CDA 500 ($2,999) (top) from April Music is another CD player/preamp/DAC. This combination in a single unit is a continuing a trend which began at CEDIA. It has two analog inputs and a DAC which upsamples to 24-bit/192KHz on its coax, optical and USB inputs. It also has a digital out in the event you want to use it just as a transport.
The Stello Ai500 ($3,499) is a combination integrated amplifier/DAC with three unbalanced and one balanced analog inputs, and a full complement of digital inputs. It generates 150 watts/channel into 8 ohms and doubles that into 4 ohms, and is Class AB. Both units are well constructed and stylish.
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Not shown at the show is the diminutive Stello 24-bit/96KHz USB to coax digital converter ($285). I would not recommend purchasing it. It will not play 24-bit/88.2 files without resampling them to 24-bit/96Hz. [stock photo]
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faberryman
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The Roksan Display
Roksan displayed its Radius 5 turntable ($1,695), along with an unimpressive integrated amp and CD player which I do not have a picture of. The turntable was on some sort of plastic lava-like isolation stand.
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faberryman
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Post subject: Re: AXPONA 2010 Coverage
The April Music/ASW Display
April Music again choose ASW speakers to show off its top-of-the-line Eximus CD player/preamplifier DAC.
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The speakers were the large ASW Genius 400s ($5,395). I came away with a much more favorable impression of ASW's offering than I did at CES. The cabinet work was flawless and looked great in the granite colored metalized glossy finish.
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Like the Stello CDA500, the Eximus CD5 CD player ($9,000) also serves as an external DAC with upsampling to 96kHz and there are three levels of sampling frequency which are decoded using the PCM1704 K grade chipset. Digital outputs include S/PDIF via coax, TosLink optical and AES/EBU via XLR. Digital inputs include S/PDIF via coax, two TosLink optical and USB. Analog outputs include both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA).
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Amplification was provided by the German Mastersound Evolution 845 Reference ($12,495).
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April Music is a South Korean manufacturer. It was odd to see them displaying with ASW and Mastersound from Germany.
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