RMAF: Korg MR-2000
Korg's MR-2000 DSD recorder in use by Todd Garfinkel, seen and heard at RMAF. Rumor has it that many more companies are working on DSD capable USB DACs, first pioneered by Andreas Koch and Jonathan Tinn of Playback Designs. Stay tuned for a forthcoming review of this killer recorder right here at SonicFlare. DSD rocks!
| Permalink | Show Superstars , Writer: Danny Kaey | Posted by Danny Kaey on Oct 30 '11
RMAF: Soulution
Soulution of Swiss fame and fortune (that's referring to the fortune you'll need to buy their products…) was on display with JMLab Grande Utopia's, showing off their capabilities in full force. Large scale dynamic rock or symphonic sounds presented no problem whatsoever for this combo, then again, at the price point, it shouldn't! The electronics alone, ie. amps, pre-, and disc player came in at a cool $200k...
| Permalink | DACs $5k and up , Disc players $10k and up , Systems $100k+ , Writer: Danny Kaey | Posted by Danny Kaey on Oct 30 '11
RMAF: Ortofon A90
Ortofon's A90 (sadly, no longer in production), perhaps the super cartridge of recent times, is truly a state-of-the-art rethinking of how freshly minted design ideas can positively impact age old technology. Sublimely superb sound (coming off the Wave Kinetics NVS 'table), I haven't heard anything better - no doubt, don't bother unless you have a top flight deck… Amazing! PS: this picture (as where all at the show) was taken with my iPhone 4; not bad, eh?
| Permalink | Show Superstars , Writer: Danny Kaey | Posted by Danny Kaey on Oct 30 '11
RMAF: Wave Kinetics NVS Reference
Wave Kinetics' NVS Reference is quickly gaining recognition and momentum as the new 'table on the market (to have). Headed up by none other than Jonathan Tinn (of Playback Designs & Evolution Acoustics), this latest venture is built as a "ground-up" redesign of whats possible in a modern day record player interpretation. Direct Drive, ridiculously crazy vibration absorption and control all make for a true SOTA experience. I know of a person who sold 3 top flight $60+k 'tables to get this one. 'Nuff said!
Permalink | | Posted to Show Superstars | Turntables | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Thöress
No, this is not Hydra's latest ray gun, it is Thöress' F2A11 integrated amp. Labeling themselves as the "Puristic Audio Apparatus", it sure looks the part.
Permalink | | Posted to Integrated Amp $10k to 20k | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Allnic
I recently re-discovered Allnic through a mutual friend and am sure glad I did! Allnic has the finest case work this side of Boulder, with electronics and design quality that is quite simply fantastic. Their H-3000 pre-amp was rocking' the room, though rumor has it their series 1500 integrated 300B amp will find its way to casa "K" soon enough… stay tuned, this could be the killer 300B.
Permalink | | Posted to Pre-Amps $8k to 20k | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Luxman SQ-38
Another winning integrated from the house of Luxman is their SQ-38 tube amp, complete with a great sounding built-in headphone amp. Beautiful old world charm and craftsmanship (I sound like the guy from the HGTV channel!), this amp will be at home in a great variety of systems… Sweetness!
Permalink | | Posted to Amplifiers $6k to 10k | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Olive Music
Since the music server revolution began a few years ago, Olive has worked hard at producing great quality lifestyle oriented music servers, the 04HD being their latest offering. Great quality, simple to use interface and a genuine high-end DAC all make for great sound!
Permalink | | Posted to DACs $1k to 5k | Disc players $2 to $5k | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Luxman PD-171
Luxman's vintage decks, the PD-441 & 444, the mighty PD-555, all have long since left production lines, much to the dismay of long time fans and customers alike. In line with the recent vinyl resurgence, Luxman began working on a new model some ten years ago, incorporating all the manufacturing advances they accumulated over the years. The end result is the Luxman PD-171, a hefty beast, weighing in at around 50lbs, complete with Jelco arm that will sell for $6500. Sonics are superb and it sure looks like they will sell quite a few of these… well done!
Permalink | | Posted to Turntables | Writer: Danny Kaey
RMAF: Zu Audio
As is typical with any show they attend, Zu Audio managed to upset the norm once again by having the "coolest" and "hippest" room. Sean and company are no strangers to audiofilia, hence one always expects them to rock the house. And rock it they did! On display, fresh off the factory floor, was their new Definition Mk IV. A definitive upgrade over the now discontinued Definition Mk II, the sound was at once recognizable as it was dramatically improved. Better definition, superior bass integration and treble that was no doubt touched by the hand that is the new tweeter assembly, music simply sounded amazing. At $12.5k not inexpensive, but considering the others at multiples of that, a real Hi-Fi bargain. More to come from Zu.
Permalink | | Posted to Speakers $10k-20k | Writer: Danny Kaey
SonicFlare goes to Denver... Oct. 14-16
Look for the hottest, coolest and best show coverage with a few Easter eggs thrown in here and there...
Permalink | | Posted to Shows and Expos | Writer: Danny Kaey
Coming soon: B&W C5 In-Ear Headphones
Personal HiFi, has rocketed to stardom. Virtually anyone interested in playing in the pod has joined the party with headphones, portable DACs, etc. Still, no portable player can perform at its best without the proper transducers. Stay tuned to see how B&W's new C5 perform.
Permalink | | Posted to Headphones - In Ear | Writer: Danny Kaey
Coming Soon: B&W Zeppelin Air
When Zeppelin first launched some years back, I thought it was the best personal, quasi on the go, HiFi you could get. Clearly many others thought so as well and now B&W launches their follow-up, Zeppelin Air. Stay tuned for more info and a full-on SF review.
Permalink | | Posted to Systems | Writer: Danny Kaey | iPod Accessories
Preview: Zu Definition Mk 3 and Mk 4
Ssssshhh… chances are you heard it here first: real-world HiFi house Zu Audio is launching not one, but two (!) new reference speakers at this year's Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. Hit the hyperlink and prepare to be amazed!
Permalink | | Posted to Speakers $10k-20k | Writer: Danny Kaey
Review: Rdio streaming at its best
Spotify, Mog, Rdio… each of these are gunning for your charitable $10 a month contribution. For about the price of 2 cups of fancy designer coffee you can have access to 12+ million songs on each of these streaming music service providers. Read on to see why I picked Rdio as the winner.
Permalink | | Posted to Articles | Writer: Danny Kaey
