May 2009

Our May Banquet Of Reviews
Satisfying your hunger for audiophile treats.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
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  In this issue we have a foodie of sorts, tube delights, an impressive monitor and bang-for-the-buck loudspeaker shootout. Our longtime writer Dr. Bill Gaw heads up the menu with his assessment of the. Black Ravioli. No, it is not some exotic treat found in your local natural foods boutique. It is a 'tasty' newfound treat to thwart off unwanted vibrations. As all tweakers know, audiophiles do not simply place equipment on any ol' stand and be done with it. Everything from the floor to the stand to various resonant control devices are on the menu to make your proverbial meal complete.

Next up on this month's carte du jour is our World Premiere review of the Shuguang Treasure Series 6CA7 And KT88 vacuum tubes as rcovered by Nels Ferre. Once again we have dark colored notes that bring about a wonderful palette of 'flavors'. This is a tube rollers delight as yet another option for their gear in now available. If there is any grouping of audiophiles who have the ability to flavor their aural food, it is tubeophiles. Everything from expensive and rare NOS (new old stock) to the newest generation of vacuum-sealed delights flavors the sauce. A feast for the G-ds!

Next up is another World Premiere! This time it is the Coincident Triumph Extreme Signature loudspeakers. As all the great chefs know, some items need time to slowly simmer to reach their very best. These loudspeakers are no exception, as reviewer Tom Lyle found it takes time for this delicacy to achieve their finest. It is as though the Coincident Triumph Extreme Signature's true essence is brought forth as the recipe of drivers, crossover and electronics simmer... eventually reaching the desired result. Tom rightly realized that, like any meal, it is not just a great sauce (speakers) as one also needs excellent pasta plus other parts to make the meal whole.

Of course not all audio diners can afford, or even desire, the most expensive meals. Perhaps your budget is a bit less or the meal is a secondary 'system' to augment another. Of course a low priced banquet does not necessarily mean dissatisfaction. Foodies such as myself have enjoyed many a great meal from high-value restaurants. Sure the restaurant could offer higher priced items on the menu, yet some of the less expensive items are equally as exceptional in their own right. It is precisely here that Clarke Robinson decides to take on three longtime loudspeaker chefs to find out how each fairs. He tastes the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B, Axiom Audio M2v2 and Paradigm Mini Monitor v.6 and finds his hunger very satisfied.

Enjoy the Music (Drinking and singing about food do not mix... or do they? WARNING: some mild language usage now and then),

Steven R. Rochlin