Enjoy the Music.com Audiophile News

Your high-end audio resource.

11 / 19 / 09

Enjoy the Music.com's China factory tour day 3 by Steven R. Rochlin is now online. Time for another vacuum tube factory tour and this time it was the extremely large Shuguang manufacturing facility. Did you know they manufacture an impressive 40 percent of all the modern new tubes being sold in the world today! See the China 2009 high-end audio special visit page by click here.

11 / 18 / 09

Enjoy the Music.com's day 2 of editor Steven R. Rochlin's live China 2009 high-end audio factory tour update is now online. Today i was honored to visit the TJ Full Music vacuum tube factory and met with the world's most longstanding authority in audio tube design and manufacturing plus i have a special world premiere of some exciting news on an output tube that will soon be available to audiophiles worldwide. This is not to be missed! See the China 2009 high-end audio special visit page by click here.

11 / 17 / 09

Enjoy the Music.com's editor Steven R. Rochlin has begun his live China 2009 high-end audio factory tour plus will include a China high-end show report near the end of the month! China, a country with one of the world's highest populations and a growing economy is making their mark within the consumer electronics high-end audio industry. While there are nearly countless companies in this large country, his plans are to visit a few of the major audiophile manufacturers. The tour will wind its way through this countryside by high speed land travel via the train and of course by air via plane. With so much to see and do, this report will be updated frequently from November 17 through November 29, 2009 so visit this page often for updates! To see the live China 2009 high-end audio factory tour and show report click here.

11 / 16 / 09

Enjoy the Music.com has just posted a world premiere of the December 2009 edition of The Absolute Sound (Issue 198) and updated our Hi-Fi Plus section as well; featuring the complete table of contents and editorial! This edition of The Absolute Sound features many equipment and music reviews while Hi-Fi Plus issue 68 is their 2009 Hi-Fi Awards edition. New reviews within The Absolute Sound include Arcam FMJ A28 integrated and FMJ CD17 CD player, Nagra BPS phonostage, the Oppo BDP-83 disc player, PMC DB1i loudspeaker, Rega's Elicit integrated, the Lamm LL2.1 preamplifier, Simaudio Moon i3.3 integrated and Moon CD3.3 CD player... plus much more. Within this issue's editorial by Robert Harley honoring Jim Thiel he writes "I'm deeply saddened to report that Jim Thiel, founder of the loudspeaker company that bears his name, passed away on September 18 at the age of 62. Jim Thiel was one of the founding fathers of American high-end audio. His story is archetypal; he built a loudspeaker in his garage, initially for his own use, because he thought he could improve upon the commercial offerings of the time. He went on to co-found Thiel Audio in 1976 to manufacture his unique time- and phase-coherent design. Every Thiel loudspeaker, from the first garage-built model to today's flagship, is based on the principle that time- and phase-coherence is a fundamental prerequisite of a high-fidelity loudspeaker." You can see the table of contents and read the complete editorial by clicking here.

11 / 13 / 09

Audiophiles can finally enjoy a truly high-resolution drum and percussion album to test the abilities of their high-end audio system. Steven R. Rochlin, a classically trained musician since 1974 and editor of Enjoy the Music.com, has released his first album titled THTST . After nearly two decades of being away from the recording studio, Steven captured his new solo album using only a pair of ultra-precise, hand matched laboratory-grade microphones. On THTST there are no overdubs. 'destructive' devices or techniques so as to deliver the true purity and absolute sound of a real drumset within your listening room. As one would expect, this recording provides a dynamic range from the soft sounds of studio wind chimes to woofer and amplifier testing deep bass of a large gong bass drum. THTST offers a wide variety of percussion and drum styles using an extensive assembly of musical instruments. "After many years of hiatus this is my first venture back into the studio as it were" said musician Steven R. Rochlin. "Am sure drum and percussion enthusiasts will listen to this album and be amazed at the sheer accuracy and stunning dynamics plus harmonic accuracy of this recording. Due to the expansive dynamics, ultra-wide frequency range and having been recorded in high-resolution, this truly is the most comprehensive test recording of this genre in quite some time. Audiophiles should get THTST to hear if their system is capable of delivering wide dynamics and accurate sound quality. Of course what matters is that listeners enjoy the music." The album is available for download in high definition 24-bit/96kHz FLAC, 16/44.1 and 320kbs mp3 format from HDtracks.

Enjoy the Music.com's November midmonth update of our Review Magazine is now online and includes three informative articles plus two show report updates.

Letters: You write 'em and we reply.

Boston Audio Society
No Time For CDs
Article by David A. Rich

Sound Practices
Casual Reactions
Article By Herb Reichert

VALVE Magazine
My Own Triode Input MK III
Dan remakes a Dyna MKIII to 'juice his lizard'.
Article By Dan Schmalle

See the November 2009 midmonth Review Magazine by clicking here.

11 / 12 / 09

Genesis Advanced Technologies, manufacturer of high-end luxury loudspeaker and amplifier systems, now offers their 7.1f $8000 per pair) model that just received a CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Award. The G7.1f is a high-end audiophile loudspeaker with full-range musical performance in a small-footprint svelte and elegant enclosure. A built-in servo-controlled 8-inch solid-aluminum cone side-firing subwoofer delivers bass down to 22 Hz. The Genesis 1-inch circular ribbon tweeter is identical to the one used in the Genesis 1 flagship model and ensures high frequencies extension to 36 kHz. A new crossover was designed for the G7.1f to aid it in producing dynamics and foot-tapping musicality by blending the extremely fast ribbon tweeter with the solid titanium mid-woofer. Controls include front tweeter level (ą2 dB), rear tweeter defeat switch and bass contour control (ą6/-8 dB). Sensitivity is 89dB/W/m, impedance is 8 Ohms (nominal), weight is 82 lbs each and there are 5-way binding posts on the rear of the unit. Dimensions are 48 x 12 x 14 (HxWxD in inches) and finish options are high gloss black, with other finishes becoming available soon.

Boulder, with over twenty-five years of experience in building high quality audio components, has just announced their 1008 Phono Preamplifier ($12,000). This new phono stage takes advantage of the continuing popularity and growth of vinyl LP sales and completes Boulder's 1000 Series. The 1008, the junior sibling to Boulders $33,500 2008 Phono Preamplifier, includes multiple technical features so that it achieves great sound quality for nearly 1/3 the price of the 2008. There are three equalization curves in addition to the standard RIAA curve, each selectable via a front panel button. These curves include FFRR, Columbia, and EMI. There is +6 dB greater gain for MC cartridges with a claimed no increase in the noise floor of the gain circuit via Boulder's 985 gain stage. The 985 gain stage uses a discrete initial gain stage for significantly reduced distortion and noise and is housed in a massive aluminum structure and then potted in a proprietary epoxy resin for thermal stability and increased reliability. The unit is fully balanced and dual mono for total isolation of left and right channels. Two inputs per channel are available for connecting multiple tonearms, each with customizable personality cards which can be tailored for optimal loading of specific phono cartridges. All electronics and features are contained within a single machined aluminum chassis.

11 / 11 / 09

Pass Labs , founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, is now shipping their INT-30A stereo integrated amplifier ($7150). Producing 30 wpc (60 @ 4 Ohms) in Class A, this unit relies on the critically acclaimed and patented low-noise Super-Symmetry circuitry. The Super-Symmetry topology developed by audio innovator Nelson Pass improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier. To the extent that distortion and noise can be made to appear identical at the two output connections, the INT-30A's balanced output will not detected them. In the INT-30A, Super-Symmetry lowers distortion and noise by an order of magnitude higher than other designs. The front panel of the INT-30A includes a fluorescent display showing the operational status, a large volume dial, on/off button and blue LED indicators for Mute and Stand-by Power, four input selection buttons, and a receiver for the signal from the IR remote. The INT-30A's rear panel includes XLR and RCA connections for single-ended or balanced inputs, XLR or RCA preamplifier outputs, right and left channel speaker connectors, a five-way binding post for use as a signal ground connector, an IEC 520 AC power inlet module for the supplied IEC polarized power cord, a main power switch, and a fuse holder. The speaker outputs are equipped with heavy-duty, international safety-rated, five-way binding posts. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Pass Laboratories Aleph X2.5 stereo preamplifier (click here), did a world premiere of Nelson Pass' First Watt B1 buffer preamplifier (click here) plus offer Nelson Pass' article titled Leaving Class A (click here).

RealTraps, a specialist of room acoustic devices, has announced their new BareTraps ($100 each), which is the company's most affordable bass traps they have offered. BearTraps are similar to MiniTraps, with each unit measuring 2 by 4 feet by 3.25 inches thick and weighing 18 pounds. There are a few small cosmetic differences that let us sell these "bare necessities" for what could be considered half the price. Like MiniTraps, BareTraps are real membrane bass traps having the same high absorption at low frequencies that RealTraps is famous for. BareTraps are available in both Standard and High Frequency styles, for corner bass trapping and reflection control respectively. Color choices are black, white, and wheat (off-white). BareTraps have the same solid metal frame as MiniTraps, but without the fancy side slots. They have four holes in the rear for attaching hanging wires, but no cross bars for mounting on our RealTraps Stands, microphone stands, or with Post Base Kits. Note that BareTraps are sold in pairs only, to reduce the cost of shipping and packaging. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the RealTraps MiniTraps and MicroTraps, which can be seen by clicking here.

11 / 10 / 09

Bowers & Wilkins , a leading exporter of loudspeakers in North America that began operation in 1966, has announced their first headphone offering called the he P5 Mobile. Claiming to offer natural sound, the noise isolating design is for users on the move. Recognizing that many mobile headphones can be tiring when listened to over extended periods, Bowers & Wilkins' engineers at the Stenying Research Establishment work to produce a headphone with a natural, non-fatiguing performance and comfortable over long periods of use. The use of specially developed ultra-linear neodymium magnets and highly optimized Mylar diaphragms provide high-end sound quality. Sound isolation is achieved through a combination of the closed-back design featuring a rigid metal faceplate and the sealed-leather ear pads. The leather-clad headband has been designed for extreme comfort where it interfaces with the side of the head while the softest available sheep's leather from New Zealand has been used for the ear pads. Recognizing the dominance of Apple's iPod and iPhone in the portable media market, the P5 comes supplied with a Made For iPod approved cable, which allows for speech and device control. It also comes supplied with a high-quality, standard audio cable with gold-plated plugs. Switching between the two is facilitated by the magnetically attached ear pads, which simply pop off allowing access to the cable. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) top-line reference 800D large floorstanding loudspeakers, which can be seen by clicking here.

11 / 09 / 09

Kuzma, founded by Franc Kuzma in 1982 and born of his interest in music combined with a mechanical engineers education, now offers a very special edition Stabi SD turntable ($2715) can accommodate two tonearms and is built with high-end engineering like other award-winning Kuzma turntables. It includes a sold brass weight and the second tonearm is fixed on the extended T part of the main turntable chassis. Stabi S turntable can be modified to accept a second tonearm by simply replacing the shorter part of T beam with extended version which also increases the mass of the Stabi SD turntable. It is possible to order arm bases that are precut for most major tonearms. A new top lid will soon be available soon to cover this turntable as well as the Stabi Reference. The mass is nearly 30 lbs including the almost 9 lbs platter, the motor is synchronous and handles both 33.3 and 45 rpm plus there is an optional clamp and supporting board available.

Silbatone Acoustics' stunning Reference 300 stereo integrated amplifier is a cost-no-object design and marks the company's third generation integrated amplifier. This is a platform to realize the highest musical potential of the Western Electric 300B triode and uses a "broadcast grade" stepped attenuator with solid milled knobs for precise control. The unit accepts five inputs easily selected via a front-mounted high-end switch. As with other Silbatone designs, parts quality is far beyond most commercially produced amplifiers. Critical components for Silbatone electronics are selected according to listening tests and technical performance without regard for cost. Silbatone employs custom-manufactured silver capacitors and expensive silver litz internal wiring said to achieve ultimate musicality and detail. Their latest generation Semi-Silver foil-wound nickel core output transformer encompasses hundreds of hours of careful engineering and listening tests. The substantial chassis is CNC milled from aluminum billet, designed by a celebrated industrial artist for visual aesthetics and functional considerations such as shielding, cooling, and vibration control. Besides the WE300B, others tubes in this design include the 5965 for voltage amplifier and 5687 for driver tubes. More exotic types such as E180CC/7062 can substitute for 5965 and 7119 or the rare Bendix 6900 can be used as an upgrade for the 5687 depending on preferences. Power output is 8 wpc and can handle 4, 8, or 16 Ohm output. Overall weight is 80 lbs.

11 / 06 / 09

Grant Fidelity's new Reference Tube CD-1000 player (aka Impression II, $3200) features careful circuitry layout to achieve high-end audio sound quality. All main sections of the player (power supply to tube and solid state circuits, tube analog output, tube headphone amp, CD drive) are strategically placed in the four corners and the middle of the player in isolated aluminum chassis to avoid unwanted interference with each section as it relates to another. Completely separated left and right channel pair of BB PCM1794 D/A converting IC chip and ten OPA2604 / OPA 604 for IV converting and low pass filtering are employed. Also within this high-end design is the Sanyo DA11VZ CD drive and Nikon high grade capacitors as key components. The servo system uses Toshiba's TA2125AF, 2157F and TC94A14F as the servo system. For analog amplification, a set of EH 6922 drive the unbalanced output, plus there is a set of transistor unbalanced output and a set of transistor fully balanced output to choose from. Other outputs includes S/PDIF digital coaxial, TosLink optical, AES/EBU XLR. For headphone users, analog output is provided for using an EL84 tube. There is also a defeatable upsampling with three optional frequencies: 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/96kHz and 24-bit/192kHz. The aluminum chassis has anti-vibration isolation for five key components. Dimensions are 17 x 14 x 7 (WxDxH in inches) and overall weight is a very substantial 50 lbs. A polished stainless steel finish is available at extra cost of $380.

JoLida's JD 1000RC stereo integrated amplifier produces 100 wpc and includes a remote control. Selecting from one of the four inputs can be chosen from the front panel while there is fixed and variable outputs. Custom wound audio transformers have a core of German grain oriented silicon steel and the secondary can be configured for a 4 or 8 Ohm loudspeaker load. Internal components include ALPS audio potentiometer, gold plated RCA input jacks, audiophile grade carbon composite grid resistors, high-speed soft recovery diodes and poly tin coupling capacitors. The built-in E-Z biasing system ensures performance while needing minimal effort from the user. Frequency response is from 8 Hz to 80 kHz at full power output with a distortion of less than 1 percent. Tube complement is four matched pairs (8) of 6CA7/EL34 for power output, a pair of 12AX7 for preamplification and a pair of 12AT7/ECC81 as power drivers. The output tubes are operated in ultra-linear (Class AB). Dimensions are 17x15x7.5 (WxDxH in inches) and the unit weighs 62 lbs.

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