The Absolute Sound 282 April 2018

The Absolute Sound April 2018

Welcome to The Abso!ute Sound online! We explore music and the reproduction of music in the home. We believe that the sound of music, unamplified, occurring in a real space is a philosophic absolute against which we may judge the performance of devices designed to reproduce music. Our goal is to provide the resources consumers need to judge how a component's sound either honors or departs from the music's truth, and to make sound purchasing decisions that maximize their experience of reproduced sound.

Articles & Reviews In This Issue
6 New Blood
Editorial By Robert Harley

10 Letters

14 From the Editor

18 Future TAS
New products on the horizon.

20 TAS Legacy
We look back at the venerable KLH Model Nine loudspeaker, which, improbably, has just been resurrected.

22 2018 Consumer Electronics Show
We report on the hottest new gear from Las Vegas extravaganza.

47 Loudspeaker Designer Roundtable
We asked four of the world's top speaker- makers to discuss how they design their most affordable products.

117 Manufacturer Comments

Equipment Reports
Affordable Speaker Focus
58 Wharfedale Diamond 225
In his debut as a reviewer, Drew Kalbach explores the concept of high value in this $449-per-pair Wharfedale.

62 Monitor Audio Silver 300
Robert Harley on a $2k speaker from Monitor Audio that looks and sounds as though it should cost a lot more.

68 Totem Acoustic Signature One
This greatly improved Signature version of the speaker that put Totem on the map 31 years ago is still a world-beater in its category. Neil Gader reports.

74 JWM Acoustics Alyson AML II
Andrew Quint evaluates an unusual speaker from an unlikely source.

102 When I paint my Masterpiece Magico M3 Loudspeaker
The remarkable design innovations of the limited-edition M Project are preserved and improved upon in this superb three way, five-driver floorstander from Magico— a full-range cone speaker with the disappearing act of planar. Jonathan Valin has the scoop, plus an interview with Alon Wolf.

The Absolute Sound Issue 282 April 2018

Equipment Report
84 AVM CS 8.2 and CS 2.2 All-in-One Systems
By combining the function of an integrated amplifier with cutting-edge streaming technology and digital connectivity, Germany's AVM has created a line of compelling one-box solutions. Steven Stone evaluates the flagship CS 8.2 while Robert Harley weighs in on the more affordable CS 2.2. Plus: Robert Harley and Julie Mullins take you on a tour of the AVM factory.

Music
120 "The Music Formerly Known as Classical"
Mark Lehman interviews BMOP's Gil Rose.

124 Louis Frémaux:
The Complete CBSO Recordings
This new 12-CD set is an audiophile bargain, according to Arthur Lintgen.

126 Catching up with
Kip Hanrahan
Jeff Wilson interviews a musical auteur who has worked with Jack Bruce,
Steve Swallow, and dozens of other musicians from around the globe.

130 Cheap Xmas: Donald Fagen Complete
Rhino's 7-LP box set of Fagen's solo albums impresses Jeff Wilson.

132 Download Roundup
Alan Taffel and Andrew Quint review hi-res rock and classical downloads.

136 Rock Etc.
Chris Thile, U2, the Rolling Stones, Grant-Lee Phillips, Grayson Capps, and Knells.

138 Jazz
New music by Dr. Lonnie Smith and Amy Denio, reissues by Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, and a tribute to Sun Ra by the Heliosonic Tone-tette.

140 Classical
Eighth Blackbird, string quartets by Onslow, the music of Maderna and Berio, violin performances by Samuel Nebyu, and three 20th-century English violin concertos.

144 Classical
Norbert Lindemann, founder of Lindemann Audio.

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