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Affordable$$AudioIssue Number 60: December 2010

T H E E - Z I N E F O R F R U G A L A U D I O E N T H U S I A S T S

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Into the FutureBy Mark [email protected]

This month you’ll find our staff choices for what each writer considered the very best products they reviewed during 2010. Like most “best of” lists I know you’ll find some you agree with, a few you forgot about, and possibly even a head scratcher. I’ve also personally chosen a couple of items that I believe have stood the test of time and get special recognition.

With this issue Affordable$$Audio completes five years of publication in its original base format. During the past year as I emailed back and forth with Editor-in-Chief Jeff Brown about the next five years two major issues needed to be addressed: One, the layout needed a complete update, the design was showing it’s age. Two, with the economy stuck in slow motion, our writing staff was thinning out, as some were too busy trying to stay employed. With those two fac-tors, some out-of-the-box thinking was needed.

One possibility was cutting the number of issues per year in half. Emotionally, even from my status as publisher emeritus, it was tough. I was very proud that Affordable$$Audio found a way to publish every month. But, my head knew that unless there was a serious injection of new writers, it just wasn’t possible. The second option was to end the publication outright. However, that seemed foolish when I looked at our constant levels of reader support, we are obviously doing something right.

The third option came to me as I was looking at the HiFizine website run by John Reekie. They were trying a slightly different tack, having articles about the industry, and wanting to expand into reviews. With an idea in mind, John and I began emailing and after a few weeks of conversation we agreed that Affordable$$Audio and HiFizine would merge operations on the HiFizine formatted website. Reviews will continue under the Affordable$$Audio banner within the HiFizine publication starting in early 2011.

I’m sure there will be those who will speculate and come up with all sorts of reasons for the merger. Allow me to put them to rest: Finances in no way had anything to do with the decision. Affordable$$Audio was never designed to be a career financial vehicle. It has always been a hobby for everyone involved. Procuring review gear has never been an issue, the staff has plenty of products in the pipeline. Secondly, readership has held very steady over the past two years.

The Affordable$$Audio website will stay online under a new design with a direct link to HiFizine. Secondly, the issues archive will remain available along with an index of every review. The individual review archives will no longer be available, as downloading entire issues has always been far more popular with site visitors.

The entire staff has been invited to join the new endeavor. John Reekie will be publisher, Jeff Brown will continue as review editor. I’ll be an occasional contributor, but mostly an informal advisor. I have plenty to keep me busy teaching and writing for TONEAudio.

I’d like to take a moment and thank Jeff Brown for stepping forward 19 months ago and taking on the role of Editor of Affordable$$Audio. It wasn’t easy, especially being the father of two young children but Jeff made it work for which I’m grateful. Most of all, I wish to thank every reader, for taking the time to support our effort at recognizing products at prices virtually any audio fanatic can afford.

My very best holiday and New Year’s wishes to all.

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mailto:[email protected]


Audioengine N22 Desktop Integrated AmplifierBy Mark [email protected]

Specifications:Type: Compact Integrated Stereo AmplifierPower Output: 80W peak total (22W RMS/40W peak per channel), AESAmplifier type: Dual Class A/BVoltages: 110-240V, 50/60Hz auto-switching for worldwide voltagesInputs: RCA and 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-jackOutputs: RCA variable preampSpeaker outputs: 5-way binding postsSNR: >95dB A-weightedTHD+N: <0.02% at all power settingsCrosstalk: <50dbFrequency response: 20Hz-22kHz +/-1dBInput impedance: 10K ohms unbalancedInput sensitivity: 410mV (max volume)Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protectionHeadphone Amplifier: Burr-Brown/TI OPA2134Dimensions: 7"(H) x 2.75"(W) x 5.5"(D)Weight: 3.55 lbs (1.6kg)Price: $199www.audioengineusa.com

If you were to ask “what audio company has the best record for products, both from a sales and critics standpoint, one would be hard-pressed to find a better track record than Audioengine. From the A5 powered speakers to the AW1, AW2 wireless broadcasters, to the A2 and P4 speakers, every product has been a hit. Their most recent offering, the N22 Desktop Integrated Amplifier was released just two months ago. Once again the result is a terrific product that belies its modest $199 price tag.

The N22 is about the size of a small cigar box. It sits upright on a four-legged base, leaving a footprint only 3 inches wide by 6 inches deep. You may be thinking that an amplifier this small must be using a class D chip design. Wrong! The N22 is pure class AB solid state. In order to keep things cool under such a small enclosure, Audioengine design-ers to a cue from their Apple roots, and used the same cooling principal as was used with the Cube and second gen-eration iMacs by having a large vent the entire width and length of both the bottom and top of the case. In other words, natural thermal dynamic principal of hot air rising to create a natural flow upward.

The front face is about as simple as one can get, a blue LED light sits above the combo power switch/volume control knob. A simple cure in the goal of saving space where every millimeter counts. The backside is packed full, but in a logical order that keeps the various wires in a clean of setup as possible. On top sits a pair of horizontally placed RCA inputs with a mini stereo headphone input jack just below for usage with an AW1 or AW2 wireless broadcaster. Then comes a pair of RCA outputs incase one desires to use the N22 as a preamp. Next, is the s-vhs style power plug

socket for the power brick, and just below sits the USB receptacle. Important to note that it is used as a power supply for the AW1 or AW2 receiver or any USB device. Finally, the left and right gold plated speaker binding posts. Since space is a bit tight, one may find using banana plugs a worthy solution, though holding the N22 in one hand while twisting the binding posts tight is just as easy.

ListeningThe Audioengine N22 may only be rated at just 22wpc, but its solid state design allows it to easily power with gusto serious speakers. Now I’m not going to tell you it has the horses to equal my reference Sim Audio i7 integrated amplifier. How-ever, the N22 far exceeds what one would reasonably expect from such a small design. It drove my Verity Audio Finns as well as Totem Acoustic Forest floorstanders without strain into the 90+ decibel range. It may lack the grunt to push serious

room-filling bass but it exists and can be felt at higher volumes.


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http://www.audioengineusa.com

http://www.audioengineusa.com

What is really impressive is how low the noise floor is with the N22. Listening to Nora Jones sing “The Nearness of You” one would expect to hear some hiss and a fair amount of grain in her voice. The level of both was way below where one would expect. My recently restored vintage Harman Kardon HK680i receiver sounded much noisier during direct comparison. If you’re driving your office system with an older receiver from the 1980’s-90’s and don’t need a tuner, replacing it with the N22 could very well be a step up.

Since I still had the Audioengine P4 speakers on hand from a review last year as it Brady B. of Audioengine hinted that “something” was coming. I assumed it was the subwoofer, but I digress. I hooked up the P4’s to the N22, plugged in the AW2 receiver, and fired up my iPod 160gig. In a bed-room or home office the all-Audioengine system is a winner. With the speakers very close to a back wall in the home office the resulting sound is entirely pleasant and satisfying. With the AW2 in the system I hand com-plete control of a system that took up less space than a simple home com-puter printer.

But, once again, the real value of the N22 comes out when powering speakers designed for a main rig. Each day I poured thru music trying to find its limits for an amplifier under two hundred dollars. The end result, the N22 does all the basics really well. It can’t match the sheer resolution of a quality two thousand dollar amp, instead it focuses on getting right what it can produce. A perfect example is James Taylor’s “That’s Why I’m Here”, when the bass guitar kicks in just before the first chorus. The frequencies are natural and easy, nothing forced.

I have only one criticism of the N22, and it has nothing to do with its per-formance. I wish the power/volume knob had a grooved line to tell where the volume was set at. One time while transferring the unit from the office to the family room I unplugged the unit before turning it off. The result when I started up the iPod, was a bit of an auditory shocker, followed by a rather unhappy look from the wife. So please Brady, put in a line with the next production run, you may just save a marriage.

Final ThoughtsThey say the hardest thing to do in sports is to repeat. Well, if that translated into audio the Audioengine team would be described as an ongoing dynasty. The N22 Desktop Integrated Amplifier is another winner in their long line of super value products. I can’t help but wonder what they will come out with next. Consider the N22 my favorite budget audio product of 2010.


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Eastern Electric MiniMax DACBy Patrick [email protected]

SpecificationsSampling rates : 32bit 32KHz 44.1KHz 48KHz 192KHz (except USB)Dynamic Range : 129dBDigital Input Impedance : 75 ohm Output Impedance : Tube 22KSolid State 10KOutput Voltage : Tube 3V +- 0.5dB Solid State 2.5V +-0.5dBS/N ratio : Tube 90dB Solid Sate 95dBTHD : 0.5%(Tube) 0.02%(Solid State)Dynamic Range : 129dBPower Consumption : 12WWeight : 6.6lbsSize: 7 ⅜” x 11 ⅛” x 2 ⅞”Price: $750, from Morningstar Audio (importer) http://www.morningstaraudio.com

DAC in BlackBack in the 1990s, digital audio was advancing at a pace that had us all convinced the only way to build a good front-end was to pair a specialized transport with a state of the art DAC, and audio forums, such as they existed then, were full of discussions about the value of transports, the use of pucks, the quality and even the length of digital cables needed to get the best sound. As the years rolled on, better single box digital solutions started to emerge and the value of reducing cable connections gained attraction. I travelled that path, moving on from my original entry level Ro-tel to a highly rated (and highly priced for me at the time) Parasound belt-drive CEC-sourced transport and DAC, re-plete with expensive Tara cable. From there, I progressed, if that is the right word, to a single box Denon 2900 at a third of the price, and convinced myself that the dual-box ideal was a thing of the past. Dropping prices in the digital realm had me convinced that it was better to upgrade to a new single box player every 2-3 years than to invest big bucks one time in a CD player or some state of the art DAC. But in the great kharmic wheel of audio development, DACs never really went away and over the last few years seem to have staged a real comeback. Indeed, less empha-sis is now placed on the transport, and many believe any old player will suffice to get the music off the disk, the busi-ness end of the sonic chain being determined primarily by the quality of one’s DAC. Add in the demand for better son-ics from computer-sourced music and the growth of new designs has created something of an audio arms race in DAC development.

The Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC is a relatively new entrant to the field, a product of Hong Kong based designer Alex Yeung's creation, and exploiting the Sabre 32-bit 9018 chip, a fact sufficient in itself to whet the appetite of those con-vinced in the power of specs. This same chip is the driving force behind the all-conquering Oppo universal players which have won unanimous praise from reviewers and owners alike, proving that it is possible to deliver cutting edge technology in an affordable package. But the use of this super chip is only part of the story here. The Eastern Electric MiniMax is no one-trick pony. As well as offering the standard coxial connectibility, it gives users a range of options for processing the signal. Toslink, BNC, USB and AES/EBU connections are also provided, giving you the chance to play with connections or run multiple digital sources through the DAC. It offers a phase switch to play with polarity (yes, some people do even note which CDs sound better one way or the other). On top of this it also can serve as a preamp with its adjustable gain control, allowing you to create a minimalist set up without preamp. But wait, in the style of a cheap infomercial, there’s more! The EE Dac also has a tube circuit, selectable simply with the push of a button so you can toggle it in or out of the signal chain to great effect. Yes, you can tube roll simply to dial in the sound you like, or leave the DAC running in solid state. And on top of this, the piece actually looks and feels good too, is easily placed with it’s smaller footprint, and has pleasing ergonomics with it’s elegant rotary dials for volume(output) and input se-lection. If I told you nothing more, I’d have to ask already, what is not to like about this component at an asking price of $750?


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http://www.morningstaraudio.com

http://www.morningstaraudio.com

Enough with the parts, what does this thing sound like?The geeks among you can argue over the specs and parts endlessly, as people have on the many forums where this DAC has been noted. For me, the technology is interesting only in as much it might explain the sound, for it is the son-ics that matter. So what have we got here that warrants your attention?

I hooked the DAC up to my reference player, the Marantz SA11-S1, a $3500 player in its day now updated to S2 level but nonetheless a lovely player that has a musical texture more in keeping with warmth than detail I suppose though not lacking in the latter department much to my ears. I connected primarily via coaxial, allowing the Marantz to feed my SMCAudio VRE-1 preamp both directly with its balanced outputs, and indirectly via the EE Dac, which took the coaxial feed and passed it along to the preamp via a pair of single ended cables, in both instances Huffman intercon-nects. This enabled me to play a cd and switch between direct and DAC-fed signals on the fly, a process that was not as seamless as I hoped since the balanced feed was clearly louder than the single-ended one, though with careful monitoring and experience, I learned to make the necessary volume adjustment fairly quickly while a track played. Ul-timately though I gave up the quick change and spent hours one way or another to determine the differences.

If I told you the differences were crystal clear, I’d be lying, or at least exaggerating. For the first couple of listening sessions I went back and forth listening very intently to hear the differ-ences. The EE DAC seemed to clean the music up a little but at first I could not be sure. I re-sisted all temptation to even hear the tube stage until I had figured this out and that proc-ess took time. For those who report that this DAC changed their world upon first powering up, congratulations, I can only say you weren’t listening to it in my rig. That said, differences did become apparent to me once I had spent serious time with the DAC and they were of the kind that I found easy to identify over the weeks that followed.

Put simply, the MiniMax cleaned up the lower frequencies of the Marantz’s output to the point that bass just seemed subtly but consistently clearer. This might not sound earth shattering but it really does make a difference. With bass notes shed of any overhang (which previously I’d not recognized as particularly true with the Marantz) the music seemed to have a little more space, some more room to breath, particularly in the mid-bass and lower midrange. Classic tests for me include Haden & Metheny’s Under a Missouri Sky, where a flick of the input selector on my pre-amp allowed me to identify the slight cleaning of the music offered by the DAC. Ditto on Holly Cole’s Temptation, a re-cording that can intrigue or overwhelm with it’s strong bass, depending on your system. Curiously, I did not notice this effect at the upper frequencies, even over the months that followed, my ears being drawn again and again to that re-duction of ripeness in the SA-11 which then enabled a little more detail, a little more space to emerge in the music through the EE Dac.

Trying to put this in perspective is no simple feat. If I were comparing two different CD players, one sounding like the stock SA11, the other an EE Dac-fed player, it became clear to me over two months of listening that I preferred the other player. The difference was not huge but it became apparent in my listening room and I found myself again and again defaulting to the EE Dac output when listening just for pleasure. It was more than any one aspect such as bass or detail but the combined musical picture that the EE Dac seemed to provide. Music such as long-term favorites Ron-nie Earl or Tord Gustavsen just sounded better my ears, slightly but surely more musical and pleasing in my room. It’s difficult to truly explain this improvement, but it is not just detail, there was a balance to the music that seemed truer to the instruments with the MiniMax processing the digital stream.


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Once I had a handle on this, I started to play with the options, and what options the little EE offers. Naturally, the tube circuit is a magnet for some and with good reason. Utilizing a single 12AU7 tube, the DAC offers simple and affordable entry to the old exotica of valves even while selling you the latest digital chip technology for analog signal conversion. If it didn’t work I’d think this was a pure gimmick but man, this thing works. Now we can argue til doomsday about the merits of solid state versus tubes but when a product offers you the chance to hear both a the flick of switch without worrying about burnout, expensive replacement parts or biasing, it’s hard to find fault. Despite preconceptions, the tube stage does not radically alter the sonic pic-ture but it does shift it slightly, offering a little of that tube magic in the midrange, especially at low volumes, that can make late-night listening a guilty pleasure.

The tube does take a few minutes to really warm up, and even when fully warmed, I still found the further volume change to be notice-able over the solid state output, but nothing that could not be adjusted. Roll out the cliches about presence, glow, palpability, it really is the case that tubes have something that pleases human ears when done right. I’ve had problems in the past with tube buffers (see my review of the Audio Horizon’s tube stage last year) but I’d give this little DAC shelf room in my system for its tube circuit alone. String reproduction, particu-larly of cello, were truly enriched by the little tube, and low-volume reproduction of vocals from Norah Jones on Come Away with Me, and Patricia Barber’s great short live set, Companion, just invited you to listen late into the night. It is sometimes hard to admit that some music sounds better one way rather than another, or that your listening context requires one kind of reproduction over another, as there is supposed to be an absolute sound to serve as reference, but over three months with this DAC, I learned to love the ability to tailor the sound to my mood and listening time. In this regard, it’s almost as if the MiniMax gives you the chance to build both a great solid state digital rig and a small tube-based set up in one place. I don’t want to underestimate the value of the new Sabre chip here but this little box does a few extra things so well that you just have to wonder why other manufacturers can-not manage it at similar prices.

The DAC also offers basic (24/96) USB and Toslink connectibility which many feel have their own limitations but in of-fering these, the MiniMax does give you the chance to connect your computer easily to the DAC for decent sound, and as a Mac owner, I did not feel the differences between USB or Toslink were noticeable in my short listening tests but then, I am not a computer audio guy yet. That said, I really enjoyed the ability to tip my toes in this new world of audio easily, and for those evenings when just running something conveniently from my laptop was required, the Eastern Electric fit the bill. Of course you can add better interfaces to extract higher quality music from your computer and there is a promise of future improvements in the next version of the MiniMax which will allow processing of higher resolution signals in this architecture. Not having BNC or AES/EBU connectors on anything to hand, I did not try those inputs.

How far can a new DAC take you?For all the variability however, there is another intriguing question raised by this DAC. Could it create top class digital sound when fed by a transport of more modest quality than my Marantz? To learn if CD playback really had made sig-nificant progress over the last couple of decades, I pulled out my trusty old Rotel 945AX, a $245 player when I pur-chased it in 1994, and so reliable in the years since that I’ve always kept it around for a second system or breaking-in review items. Sure, it’s old, and you can probably find them or their equivalents used on Ebay for $50, but if the pro-


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gress is really in the DAC end, not the transport side of digital players, how close can you get to great sound by pairing the Minimax with some old CD feeder via coaxial? Only one way to find out, so I pulled the Rotel into the rig and fa-miliarized myself once again with its sound directly feeding my preamp. I almost hate to say it but in a great rig, that cheap old CD player didn’t sound too shabby on its own. Sure, the air and resolution was lessened from my reference Marantz SA11 but this seemed more an act of tasteful omission rather than a significant loss for the initial listening, though it became more noticeable to me as I went back and forth. On Haden & Metheny the bass was warmer and less resolved, and the separation of lines between stringed instruments, a key index in discriminating component per-formances, was less clearly outlined. All in all, while I’d not be content to go back to the Rotel as my reference front end, this still sounded better, as a complete system, than others I’ve heard, proof again that the best bang for the buck in building your rig is not to be found at the digital front end but elsewhere (and I am a major believer in the preamp’s role here). And just think of all the review lines that have been written about new and better players since the Rotel first appeared!

OK, so what does the EE Dac bring to party in this context? The answer is a major, and I mean a major breathing of life into the uppers and a cleaning up of the bass, enough to say that yes, DACs matter and seem to matter more than the transport -- the old Rotel feeding the EE MiniDac made music that I had a hard time distinguishing from the Ma-rantz when used itself as a transport. I think the Marantz had the edge in giving the overall music a little more smooth-ness but I would not swear to it and gave up forcing the comparison after a while as the cable changing became tedi-ous. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that with the Eastern Electric MiniDac in the system, I would take the Rotel as my transport rather than live with the SA11-S1 on its own. Yes, these differences are not huge but over several months I came to realize that I just plain enjoyed music more with the EE Dac in the loop, and if I had the opportunity to hear it partnered with a cheap CD player serving as transport while out shopping for a new digital front-end, I doubt I’d have paid more money for anything fancier. It really is an ear-opener in this regard. While I was eventually impressed with it’s polishing of the Marantz sound, I was convinced within minutes of the DAC’s value when fed by the cheap old Ro-tel. It’s all in small details, the upper frequency articulations of cymbals and air, the timbre of a wooden-bodied guitar, the little reproduced rub of skin on string, that extra bit of rasp in a human voice, but once you hear it, you never want to give it up, and the MiniMax takes what it’s fed and does what it it does to make sure that the music comes out sounding like music. For those of you on the fence about expensive new digital toys, here’s your product. Add a cheap transport and have superb digital sound, with room to grow, for under a grand. Bravo Mr. Yeung!

ConclusionSo where do we put this $750 box of tricks in the grand scheme of audio design? I’d say, the Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC is up there near the top in terms of sonics, and at the very top in terms of value. If you have a half-decent CD player which you know could be bettered but are disinclined to drop serious dough on something new, I suspect the addition of this DAC to your rig will please your ears. With either a 15 year old budget player or a well-reviewed $3k Marantz that can still hold its own, the MiniMax brings you a step closer to state of the art digital sound. That it offers so many other features is almost a bonus, but the tube circuit has its own qualities that you can take or leave accord-ing to your taste and at the asking price not feel you’ve ever over-paid for something you don’t need or want. This DAC is a tribute to a new world of audio engineering where affordability and good sound can be found in one small package. Definitely and highly recommended.

Associated EquipmentMarantz SA11-S1 SACD player, Rotel 945AX CD playerSMcAudio VRE-1 preampSpectron Musician III Mk2 mono amps with Bybee upgradeGrover Huffman interconnects, Elrod speaker cables


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First Look: Virtue Audio Sensation M451 Integrated AmplifierBy Mark [email protected]

Specifications• Tripath-based amplification• Power: Stock 30wpc, with upgrades Max 30v, 87

wpc @ 4 ohms• 33,000 uF power capacitor• Virtucap input capacitors• Heatpipe thermal management• Unique Propeller Post binding posts• Tellurium copper RCA jacks• Buffered mono subwoofer pre-out• Stereo pre-outs (using LM4562 op-amps)• Aluminum and steel chasis• ALPS potentiometer (rk16 motorized)• Three RCA inputs• High nickel, ultra low loss, torroidal output induc-

tors• Soft-start circuit• Dimensions: 4” H x 10.5” W x 10” D• Safe for use with all high-current power supplies up

to 30v including battery packs.• Upgrade Options Include: Upgradeable Power Supplies, Dodd Audio Tube Buffer, Dodd Audio Battery KitPrice: Base $799www.virtueaudio.com

If you’re a regular participant on the various audio forums, you’ve probably heard about an up and coming audio brand, Virtue Audio. Started in 2005, Seth Krinsky desired to follow the Steve Jobs philosophy of visual style married with higher quality parts. The result is a line of components that both feel and look unique and solid.

The Sensation M451 Integrated Amplifier Seth shipped to me included the Dodd Tube Buffer and Dodd Battery Pack options. Each M451 has several case options to chose from starting with either black or cloud finished aluminum en-closure; 9 varieties of wood tops or two choices of carbon fiber; 9 side colors with seven using powder coated paint with six having rounded leg supports. Add to that, the ability to choose a knob color. Every interior decorator in the country will become a quick fan of Virtue Audio.

The review sample came in flat-sided black with the zebrawood top. The look quickly grew on me, I consider that a good sign as I’m quite picky about how gear looks and works ergonomically. To look under the hood takes only the removal of two screws with an allen wrench and the veneer top slides away. Though the board is full, the layout is logical and clean, with what appears to be room for repair work if necessary. Solder points are thick and wires are taught and nicely bundled.

The back panel has the easiest-to-grip binding posts I’ve yet encoun-tered. The propeller shape takes only one usage to get used to. In order to have the necessary room the right and left posts are offset. The RCA jacks don’t have any give when the interconnect is pushed into place, a feel I prefer.

All Virtue Audio amplifiers use Tripath chip technology. Class D power is a matter of personal choice, with speaker matching being more criti-cal as the output sonics are different than either solid state or tube gear. Personally, I find chip amps to offer a drier sound. To warm things up Virtue Audio offers the option of the Dodd tube buffer. It makes a pleasant difference.

Class D amplification makes for an excellent pairing with battery power because of its lower power draw. Seth was kind enough to send along


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http://www.virtueaudio.com

http://www.virtueaudio.com

a Dodd battery supply. If you’ve never experienced battery power it’s a fascinating experience. There is a palpable increase in blackness from the dropping of the noise floor. Find your fa-vorite passage of quiet symphonic music and or solo acoustic and sit back and listen. Virtue Audio also offers three different standard power supply units. Seth Krinsky sent along both the basic 24v 65 watt stan-dard and the 30v 130w upgrade. I can’t urge buyers enough, if your budget allows, definitely move up, the dynamic improve-ment is worth the price.

I listened to the Sensation M451 via a McIntosh MS300 music server. The amp split time powering the Verity Audio Finns and Totem Forests. Both speakers should be noted have easy ohm loads. That is important as Virtue Audio rates the watts per channel at 4 ohms, 8 ohms are not listed. Make sure to cut the number in half if you use the 8 ohm number as your reference. With the tube buffer the M451 lacked the typi-cal sterile sound that typifies most class amplifiers. I found myself forgetting that I was reviewing and just enjoyed the music.

The Virtue Audio Sensation M451 is a prime example of what audio could be in the 21st century, a product that can be easily customized to each owner’s personal preference. The M451 is an integrated amp that puts the fun in audio. Look for a full review by Stew Nelless in the next issue.





Affordable$$Audio Best Of 2010 Staff Picks

Every year the staff is asked to select a couple of their favorite audio products from reviews during the year. In the past these awards were presented with the January Issue. However, with the merger of Af-fordable$$Audio and HiFizine we bumped things up a month.

Luminous Audio Axiom Passive PreamplifierThe Axiom passive preamp is a one-of-a-kind product with the best price to performance ratio I've encountered in a preamp. The idea of passively attenuating your source is not a new one, but Luminous Audio's Tim Stinson has created a very unique product in that it is tuned to your system. Synergy can often make or break any system, but designing the Axiom preamplifier around your specifications (efficiency of your speakers, input impedance of your power amp, input sensitivity of your power amp, and output voltage of your source) can greatly improve

system synergy and improve your listening experience. With a single volume knob and no component switching, the Axiom is extremely easy to operate, and being completely passive means that it will not in-ject electrical noise in your equipment or have ground loop issues. As with any passive preamp, its maximum volume is based upon the output of your source, but using it I never felt limited in volume capability, and music flowed through it more naturally than water out of a hose. The preamp does have limited inputs and outputs, but built with high quality parts like Caddock resistors and silver wire, it is an amazing option for anyone starting at $135. By Jake Montzingo

Shuguang Treasure Classic S300MK Integrated AmplifierShuguang released their line of Treasure Series tubes two years ago to commemorate the company's 50th anniver-sary. These tubes have been wildly successful since release, and Shuguang made the most out of their tubes by sub-sequently releasing a line of amplifiers to take advantage of their special tubes. The S300MK is Shuguang's version of a 300B SET amplifier and uses Treasure 300B-Z, Treasure 6CA7-Z, Shuguang gold label 12AX7, and Shuguang 5AR4 tubes. The great thing about this amp is not only that its standard tubes are already upgrades, but the tubes alone would cost you $950 for an amp that retails for $1785 from Ian and Rachel at Grant Fidelity. Hooked up to my Klipsch horns, the amp sang like an angel and I have yet to find a better component match to those speakers. Add in that the entire amp is wired point-to-point, and easily accessible to a DIY hobbyist like myself who will be swapping in some premium label parts, and you have one giant-killer of an amp. The 300B has been the long time king of tubes, especially with high sensitivity speakers, but for most of us, the good ones were out of our price range. Thanks to Grant Fidelity, the well priced and excellently performing Shuguang S300MK integrated 300B tube amplifier should fulfill most peoples vacuum dreams.By Jake Montzingo



Firestone Audio Little Country 3 Headphone AmplifierHeadphone amps tend to be feast or famine from my listening experience. Many of them sound good as they have been well designed, but many others are simply produced to create another product to sell because headphones seems like an easy market. The Firestone Audio Little Country 3 headphone amp fall into the well designed category, and this amp the the most en-joyable headphone amp I've used to date. It uses two Electro Harmonix 6922 twin-triode tubes for the power, and has an outboard, regulated power supply with a toroidal transformer and

power filtering. For all you PC audio folks, the amp does not have an onboard USB DAC, but does provide simplicity with RCA connections, and even pre-outs so the unit can be used as a preamp. The sound quality is stunning with zero noise, and at $447, the best sound you can get for the price, or anything close.By Jake Montzingo

Aperion Audio/Soundmatters Slimstage 30 Surround Bar$449Finally, a sound bar that does everything in a straight-forward design that anyone can figure out. No degree from MIT needed to figure out this unit. With a built-in amplifier, the Slimstage 30 packs a punch that will keep both the condo/townhome owner and neighbors happy. The display screen fonts are easy on older eyes and the remote is both logical and intuitive. Typical of Aperion’s customer service-based core values, every possible cord/wire type is included, no need to run to Radio Shack. Best of all, it sounds terrific.Dan Nielsen

Mark & Daniel Diamond+ SpeakersBetween the man-made casted marble cabinet and Heil-based tweeter, the Diamond+ speakers take on the standard audio rules and turn them on their head. The natural smooth highs and clear mid-range, coupled with a punchy deep bass and across-the-board impressive depth make them a strong value in a crowded market. It’s actually real bass, not the one note tuned wonder that so many small speakers attempt to fool the listener into hearing as something more than what actually exists. Even in my large room I felt the kick. If you have the truly serious amplification power to make the Diamond+’s sing, don’t hesitate give them an audition at the nearest dealer, you will be im-pressed. Dan Nielsen

Class D Audio CDA-254 KitI have built a few DIY projects in the past but building a DIY amp was an undertaking that honestly had me a bit shaken... but I’m not sure if it’s really a DIY amp. You connect the transformer to the power supply and the power supply board to the amp board and you’re done. The only thing that requires some DIY is the enclosure, and JWRace has that taken care of for you if you can’t quite seem to get that off the ground. As I mentioned before, the power is ample and very pleasant to the ears. This is a great versatile product and hard to beat for under $200.Jeff Brown

Accessory: Nightshade Audio’s Lighthouse CablesI reviewed a few cables this year, as well as some other accessories, but the Lighthouse Cables by Nightshade were by far the best. The sound rivals that of my Van Den Hul cables at a fraction of the cost. Great job, Blair!Jeff Brown

VPI Classic Turntable For those of you who have read my multi-part re-view of the VPI Classic, it will come as little surprise that this turntable is my personal Product of the Year. There is so much that is good about this product, and so little to complain about, that it has stood out for me as a particularly desirable piece of gear. While certainly not cheap (now at $2,750, up from its introductory price of $2,500) compared to several decent entry-level tables, this turntable excels by providing its owner with a full dose of audiophile quality…some-thing that I have not found in other tables at or below this price point. Peter D’Amario



Tand Band 3.1 Speaker KitI reviewed a range of products this year, most of them surprisingly good, some of them exceptional, but the biggest bang for the buck as both a product and an educational op-portunity has to be the TandBand 3.1 loudspeaker kit. This is great vaue and great fun. Not only can you learn a bit about how a small speaker is put together, these little crossover-less speakers actually sound good enough to keep around once assembled .At $310 there is nothing to fault here. Partner with a small amp, don't drive them too hard, and you'll get a perspective on audio products that no pre-assembled design can equal.Patrick Dillon

Superlux 668s Headphones At only 60 bucks (USD), these kick some serious ass. Are they perfect? Nope, but they represent a value that is nearly impossible to beat. They also come with a few accessories that make the listen-ing experience hassle-free. They have a credible presentation, but one that might be nearest to the musicians as physically possible in a performance venue. The top end is extended and quite smooth; the midrange suffers no real suck-out; and the bass is quite articulate. Listening to classical, the per-formers sound a little packed together, instead of having what might be ample playing room. This all changes when listening to rock or pop. The "cramming" allows the music to sound like it is coming from the musicians and not their PA speakers... a very enjoyable situation as it comes across as more natural.Stew Nelless

Virtue Audio Sensation M451 amplifier/Piano M1 cd player combination with deLuxe remote control (and Dodd Battery supply (USD $1499, $249 and $219 respectively)

These pieces have been here at my place for about a month now. Although I am not quite prepared to provide a full review at this point in time, I feel that they represent a level of performance unheard of at their asking price. Adding the battery charger/power supply to the Virtue Audio amplifier provides an absolutely black background that music leaps forth from. Add a respectable set of suitable loudspeakers for say, $750 and you have yourself a killer system for junk audio prices. Who says 2 channel cd-based systems are dead? If you don't want to commit to a cd player, then add a good iPod dock, like the YBA Designs IDW1. Solid construction and comes with a great remote as well.Stew Nelless

Rega RP-1 TurntableWithout question, serious vinyl listeners have a new starting point when looking for an affordable audiophile-grade turntable. The Rega RP1 offers up so much quality resolu-tion for under $500, that I doubt any member of the audio press wouldn’t list it as the beginning reference for quality analogue listening. The Rega RP1 has made me all but forget my music server. This is audio equipment at its best; pulling the listener in and getting lost in the music.Mark Marcantonio





My Six FavoritesBy Mark [email protected]

As the merger of Affordable$$Audio with HiFizine begins with the New Year, it was sug-gested that I reflect back on my six favorite audio products that have come thru my system. You may or may not agree, but they sure made an impression on me.

6. Get Better Sound by Jim SmithWhether you’re a newbie, experienced, or expert in audio this manual on getting the best out of your system belongs next to every home system. The 202 different tips are chock full of reminders that even the most informed can overlook. Before you spend $40 on some wild tweak order this book, the payback will be immediate and worthy.

5. PS Audio Quintet Surge SuppressorThe Quintet goes beyond the typical surge suppression. It offers up five separate zones of protection with two outlets for each zone. In addition it also cleans up dirty electricity via power filtering. Don’t believe it, try it with a high definition television. I’ve had a few electri-cal anomolies hit my system since placing it into my rig and the Quintet has protected eve-rything perfectly.

4. ACI Emerald XL Mini-MonitorsThese mini-monitors blew me away from the first moment I heard them. They were the epit-ome of good design and the highest quality parts for the price point. Placed upon my mantle up against the rock fireplace they found a sonic sweet spot I couldn’t find with any other mini-monitor in that position. Sadly, designer Mike Dzurko has retired, if you ever find these for sale used, don’t hesitate and grab them.

3. Skiing Ninja CrossoversI’ve had the opportunity to hear Sean Parque’s crossovers in three different speakers: Rocket 450’s, Swan 2.1 SE Customs, and the Magnepan 1.6’s. In each case the difference is tremendous. Detail and resolution blos-som, the improvement isn’t incremental, it’s large and worth the investment.

2. Vista Audio i34 Integrated Tube AmpOnly twice did I hear a product that immediately convinced me to sell what I thought was my reference piece. The i34 is such a stellar performer that I new I had to buy it. It has all the wonderful qualities of tube amplification, but without the gooey sound that overwhelms vacuum gear under the $1k new price point.

1. Audioengine AW2 Wireless iPod TransmitterHands down the coolest accessory I’ve seen in audio. I can’t count how many times this little item has assisted in creating an instant portable music server. The AW2’s iPad powered transmitter frees the user to travel throughout the home or yard even as a visitor and still have control of the music. Add in the new N22 amplifier and A4 speakers, or just the A5 powered speakers and you have a great portable music system. The only thing missing is the ability to pull out the digital signal, but seeing what the gang at Audioengine has accomplished, I’ve got to believe they’re trying to find a way. But I digress, if you’re an audio fan that uses

your iPod with your home system, get the AW2.







Cathedral Sound Room Dampening PanelsBy Mark [email protected]

Specifications:Wood Frame over multiple round ventsMeasurements: 11” x 16” x 2”Weight: 4 lbs eachCovering: Black or Grey clothPrice: $179.00/pairwww.ultrasystem.com

The average audio gear hound can go on endlessly about all sorts of little tweaks that improved the overall sound of their system by one or two percent. Yet so many avoid taking on the single, most effective accessory of all—room treatments. The usual obstacle is almost al-ways that the listening space is shared by other family members, primarily a spouse, who has little or no desire to live with a handful of large frames covered with the standard black fabric. Double the diffi-culty if HGTV is watched on a regular basis.

I was lucky, until recently, that my system resided in the living room—it’s design alone broke up all sorts of sound waves. Unfortunately, once my wife started working from home, that part of the house needed to stay quiet for a cou-ple of hours after I came home from work. Therefore, my system had to move to the family room, a space that can easily be sealed off from her work area. The room is a 13’ x 19’ x 8’ rectangle, with a large window and French doors (with fabric treatments) on one side and only an entryway on the opposite. Behind the listener is another flat wall. While the wall behind the speakers is also flat, it’s plane is broken in the middle by a river rock fireplace.

The room, even with the window treatments, carpet, and couch, created some obvious standing waves, particularly in the bass frequencies. However, marital bliss required that I seek out a solution that demonstrates both audio nirvana and spousal happiness. A solution came from Kurt Doslu, proprietor of Echo Audio, Portland’s great new/used audio store. Kurt suggested that I give the Cathedral Sound Room Dampening panels a try.

The panels are sold in pairs; color choices are a very light grey, or traditional black. Size-wise each panel is compara-ble to a large coffee table book. At just four pounds a traditional picture nail easily supports the panel. A simple, but clearly written set of directions are a must read in order to take best advantage of their capabilities. It’s important to make sure that each panel lays flat against the wall along with a few inches of space between the side and top cor-ners.

Setup and ListeningUpon moving my system into the room I removed every piece of furniture and brought in a dining chair. I then listened to several pieces of music with varying frequencies of bass, making notes along the way. I then hung the Cathedral panels and listened again. I repeated the process several times that afternoon; the sheer intensity of bass was trimmed, allowing for more midrange detail to come forward. Donald Fagan’s Morph The Cat offers loads of natural bass that can overwhelm the room and listeners. The panels don’t remove the actual frequencies, instead they lessen their sheer intensity.

How the Cathedral panels work is by applying the “Venturi Effect,” which is an airflow principal involving the movement of air or fluid thru a smaller opening. This process increases the speed of the air movement thus trimming the inten-sity of the bass. Looking at the backside of the panels one can see the numerous holes that create the Venturi Effect.

A side benefit of the reduced bass load is the increased amount of midrange detail that I could hear. This is not to be confused with bloom that occurs with some speakers via design. What all good sound panels do, including the Ca-thedrals, is allow the natural details to shine without the having to fight the room’s own design.

I would caution those with larger rooms or significant acoustic challenges that the Cathedrals may not solve your prob-lem. This isn’t a slight, but a fair statement. The Cathedrals are designed to solve typical bass anomalies of a small-to-medium-sized room.





http://www.ultrasystem.com

http://www.ultrasystem.com

http://www.echohifi.com

http://www.echohifi.com

Final ThoughtsThe Cathedral Sound Room Dampening Panels are a reasonable middle ground for those who must share their listen-ing space with other family members. The panels are small enough not to draw attention as a major decoration, yet big enough that they have a positive effect on the overall sonic characteristics of a room. Before one goes into an all-out battle with one’s significant other over big-time treatments in a small-to-average-sized room, give the Cathedral Sound Panels a try; they may just keep the relationship harmony alive.



Affordable$$Audio:Is a privately held venture, published via the Internet, the content is delivered free of charge to readers.

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Writing Opportunities:If you have an interest in audio equipment, especially quality affordable or vintage gear, please contact the publisher for guidelines. Specific areas of interest being looked for are vintage wood-sided equipment and tube fanatics.

Advertising:Retail shops dealing in both new and used audio equipment are highly encouraged to advertise as this e-zine was created specifically to support your business. For rates please contact the publisher at:[email protected]

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Copyright NoticeAll articles are the property of Affordable$$Audio. Manufacturers need only to ask permission to reprint or post a link to the web page.

Review Calendar Index:

Issue 1, January 2006Adcom GFA 535 AmplifierLinn Keilidhs SpeakersOutlaw RR2150 ReceiverPolk Audio LSi9 SpeakersTotem Dreamcatcher Speakers

Issue 2, February 2006Advent Baby II SpeakersAudiolab 8000A Integrated AmplifierElectriPrint 300DRD AmplifierEnergy Connoisseur C-9 SpeakersInfinity Kappa 200 SpeakersNakamichi SR4A ReceiverParadigm Titan V Speakers

Issue 3, March 2006

GR Research AV-1 Speakers HSU STF-2 Subwoofer

Marantz CD-5000

Sansui TU- 7900

Issue 4, April 2006Alegria Audio Rosa SpeakersQSC PLX-2402 AmplifierTotem Acoustic MITES Speakers

Issue 5, May 2006AV123 Onix x-ls Speakers & x-subwooferBozak B-302A SpeakersiPod iPhoto 60 Gig (music server)Zebra ZC-SP12SD Speaker cables







Issue 6, June 2006 Aperion Intimus 533 PT SpeakersAudio Magic Interconnect Ca blesSony TA-F444ES Adcom GTP 450 Preamplifier/TunerIssue 7, July 2006 Audioengine5 Powered iPod/mp3 SpeakersAthena AS-B1 Speakers Insignia 6-1/2" Bass-Reflex Bookshelf SpeakersRamsey SHA1 DIY Headphone Amp

Issue 9, September 2006Behringer DEQ 2496NeoSpeak NeoTetra SpeakersTrue RTA Sound Analyzing Software

Issue 10, October 2006Tyler Acoustics Taylo Ref. Monitors Transcendent Grounded Grid Preamp Headroom Total Bithead Totem Beaks Aperion Audio S8-APR Subwoofer

Issue 11, November 2006Tube Research Labs Modified CD PlayerOnix SP3 MkII Integrated Tube AmplifierBADA HD-22 CD PlayerAlegria Audio Arias SpeakersEra Design 4 Mini-Monitors Issue 12, December 2006 Atelier Audio First Horn Jolida SJ502A Integrated Tube Amp Polk Audio LSi7 Monitors 41Hz Amp 6 BasicIssue 13, January 2007 RudiStor NX-01 & Ultrasone Proline 2500 Sistema VMPS Tower II SE Technics RS-1506 Aperion Audio Intimus 632 LR Monarchy M24 Tube DAC

Issue 14, February 2007 Audio Nirvana Super DIY Speaker Music Hall a25.2 Integrated Amplifier Music Hall cd25.2 CD Player Era Design 5 Mini-Monitors Lite Audio DAC 62 Hsu HB-1 Mini-Monitors Real Traps Acoustic Panels Sapphire XL vs. Rothschilde A2 Monitors Hemp Acoustic FR8.0 DIYHQ Driver

Issue 15, March 2007 Monarchy AC Regenerator Era Sub 8 Powered Subwoofer Promitheus Transformer Volume Control Bellari VP129 Vacuum Tube Phono Stage Onix CD-5 Compact Disc Player PS Audio Noise Harvester Audio Art Interconnects IC-1 & IC-3



Issue 16, April 2007 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE ASL MG 15 SI DT Tube Amp Interview David Fabrikant NAD 3020 Integrated Amp Oppo DV970-HD Signal Cable MagicCable Sonic Impact 5066 T-Amp Totem Acoustic Rainmaker monitors Underwood XCD-5 (modded Onix CD-5)

Issue 17, May 2007 Audio Magic Mini-Reference Power Conditioner LiTe DAC Ah Pioneer SX-780 RAW Acoustic HT2 Monitors Tyler Acoustic Linbrook Super Mini Monitors

Issue 18, June 2007 ACI Force Subwoofer AV123 x-cs Center Channel Benchmark DAC1 USB Ferguson Hill Mini System Speakers Fostex FE206/208 Sigma Cabinet Jolida JD1501A Integrated Hybrid Amp Planet_10 HiFi Fonken Speaker Vista Audio i84 Integrated Amplifier

Issue 19, July 2007 AudioArt Interconnect Matching System Basic Guide to PC Audio Bonnaroo Music Festival Harman/Kardon PM665VXi Integrated Amp MapleTree Audio 2SE Preamplifier Zebra Cable Speaker Wire ZC-SP14DBIIssue 20, August 2007Monarchy NM 24 DAC/LinestagePro-Ject 1.2 TurntableRole Audio Sampan FTLTotem Acoustic Storm Sub-Woofer

Issue 21, September 2007Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1AudioArt Power 1 CordsKEF iQ7 SpeakersSlim Devices SqueezeboxVandersteen 2CI

Issue 22, October 2007Eminent Technolgy LFT-16 Planar MonitorsMark & Daniel Topaz MonitorsPS Audio Quintet Surge SuppressorSetton RS-440 Vintage ReceiverTrends TA 10.1 Amplifier

Issue 23, November 2007Arena X-3 SET Integrated Tube AmplifierEmotiva RPA-1 AmplifierEtymotic ETY Ear PlugsNAD C555 TurntableOdyssey Audio Epiphany II Monitors



Shanling PCD-3000A CD PlayerShugaung S-8 Tube Amplifier

Issue 24, December 2007Aperion Audio 422 Harmony 5.1 systemBudget Power Cord ComparisonOnix Rocket RS 450 mini-towersUsher S520 Monitors

Issue 25, January 2008Audiosmile Modified Behringer SRC2496Grant Fidelity CD 327A, PIII, & P307H20 Signature 100Monarchy SE 250Selah MF7Swan HiVi 2.1SEUnderwood Modified PS Audio Trio C-100Virtual Dynamics CablesZingo Cables

Issue 26, February 2008Aperion Audio Intimus 533-T mini-towersBlue Circle DAR integrated ampDignity Audio DA08SE SET tube ampMark & Daniel Maximus Mini speakerstec-on Audio SE34i integrated tube ampTotem Acoustic Forest Tower Speakers

Issue 27, March 2008Audio Magic Illusion 4DCarver C-9 Sonic HologramEmotiva XPA-5Promitheus DACRecording Techniques: Dynamic Compression

Issue 28, April 2008Acculine A3 SpeakersAudio Nirvana Super 12 DriverGrant Fidelity A534B Integrated Tube AmpHarman Kardon 3470 ReceivernOrh ACA2b PreamplifierSkiing Ninja CrossoversThreshold 800A Amplifier

Issue 29, May 2008Audio Nirvana Super Eight Loudspeaker SystemBolder Squeezebox ModificationsDali Mentor 5 TowersHarman Kardon Citation II AmplifierKCI Cables/InterconnectsMonica III DIY DACMusiland MD10 DACPS Audio GCP-200Vandersteen 1C Speakers

Issue 30, June 2008Audioengine AW-1 Wireless USB AdaptorAudioMagic Pulse Gen ZXMcIntosh MC275Oehlbach XXL Phono PreamplifierPolk Audio RTiA3Spendor SP2/3EVMPS 626JR



Issue 31: July 2008Anti-Cable Wire & InterconnectsAura Note CD/Amp CompleterAV123 ELT 525 MonitorsEficion Ficion F200 MonitorsIdeal Innovations 80+ Tube AmpMonarchy M150 Power Supply

Issue 32: August 2008Emotiva XPA-2 AmplifierJuicy Music Tercel Phono PreampJVC XL-Z1050TN CD PlayerTotem Acoustic 5.1 HTSystem

Issue 33: September 2008Acoustic Revive RTP2 & 4 Power BoxesAnti-Cable Digital InterconnectsBESL Series 5 TMW SpeakersGINI LS3/5A Speakers w/B+ Bass StandsMcIntosh MA6300 Integrated AmpTecon Model 55 Integrated Tube USB AmpWyred4Sound MC4 Amplifier

Issue 34: October 2008Acoustic Revive RD3 & Rio 5Emerald Physics CS2 SpeakersGR-Research NEO-1X MonitorsManley Shrimp PreamplifierPlacette RVC Passive PreamplifierXindat MT-3 Int. AmpZVOX Single Speaker Surround Sound

Issue 35: November 2008Acoustic Revive Conditioner RWL IIIAudio Space Reference 3.1 Integrated AmplifierBlue Circle Power Line ProductsDIY Hell: Spirit of the OrionElemental Designs A6 6T6 MonitorsManley Labs Stingray Integrated AmplifierStager Silver Solids InterconnectsYamamoto Sound Craft Audio Bases

Issue 36: December 2008Bolder cable Ultimate IV Power SupplyDIY Hell: Spirit of the Orions Pt 2Grant Fidelity B-283 Tube Processor/BufferLaJoie SJ1 JumpersMarigo Audio TR & VX Mystery FeetPathos Acoustics Classic One MK2 Integrated AmpThree Fine Monitors: Era D5, Polk LSi9, Totem Rainmakers

Issue 37: January 2009Almarro A205A Integrated Tube AmpAperion Audio 4T mini-towers & Hybrid 5.1 SystemBest of 2008 ProductsClear Day Audio Cable productsDIY: TNT Speaker Stands modifiedStudies on Residential Power Line Noise Pt 3, PS Audio Power Receptacle

Issue 38: February 2009Acoustic Revive RIQ-5010 Pure Smoky Quartz Insulators, RIQ-5010W Pure Quartz InsulatorsAcoustic Revive QR-8 Quartz Resonators, REM-8 EMF Canceler, RCI-3 Cable InsulatorAudioengine AW-2 Wireless Transmitter/ReceiverHomegrown Audio Silver Lace & DNA Interconnects



Paradigm Monitor 7 v6 Mini-towersSVSound SBS-1 Monitors

Issue 39: March 2009Acoustic Revive: RGC-24 Ground Conditioner, SIP-8F, BSIP-2F Short Pins, IP-2F Vibration Protect Pins CS2F Outlet StabilizerAcoustic Revive: RCA-1.OPA (RCA Interconnects), XLR-1.OPAII (XLR Interconnects), SPC-PA Speaker cableAudio Horizons TB5.0n Tube BufferBudget Monitor Comparison II: Aperion 6B, Polk Monitor 5jr, Swan 2.1SEEficion Ficion S20 Loudspeaker SystemWyatt DIY Audio Nirvana Cabinets

Issue 40: April 2009ACI Emerald XL mini-monitorsAudience eSeries cablingBudget DAC ComparisonCardas Crosslink InterconnectsDIY: Dynamic 4CC center channelOpening an Audio Shop

Issue 41: May 2009AV123 x-omni mini-towerEmotiva ERM1 & ERD-1 speakersGrant Fidelity SPT-100 super tweeterNuforce P-8 Preamp & 8.5v2 AmplifierRega Apollo cd playerZebra Cables XLR interconnects

Issue 42: June 2009Beresford TC 7520 DAC/Preamp/Headphone AmpMcIntosh MR67 FM Tube TunerNeko Audio D100 DACTrends Audio PA-10 Tube Headphone Amp

Issue 43: July 2009Kimber Kable Interconnects & CablesPolk Audio SDA-2 SpeakersTweak City Audio Gizmo V1.0MWyred4Sound SX-500

Issue 44: August 2009AV123 x-statik SpeakersBlue Circle PLC ThingeeHerbies Audio Labs Feet & StabilizersPolk Audio Instant Home Theater

Issue 45: September 2009Clear Day Shotgun Speaker CablesMagnum Dynalab FM AntennaesParts Express DIY TriTrix Transmission Line SpeakersSony XDR-F1HD FM TunerSwan D3.2F+ SpeakersYamaha A 1000 integrated Amplifier

Issue 46: october 2009Aperion Audio 6B MonitorsEmotiva ERC-1 CD PlayerKenwood KR-4600 ReceiverMonarchy Audio DIP/Upsampler ComboStereo Knight Ultimate Magnetic Silverstone B&R PreamplifierTT Weights AudioWyred4Sound STP SE Preamplifier



Issue 47: November 2009Grant Fidelity MBS-1 MonitorsHarmonic Technology Cables, Cords, InterconnectsShure SE-530 Ear BudsSony XDR-F1HD FM Tuner 2nd opinionTweak City Audio WAF-1 Mini-MonitorsVers 2X iPod Sound SystemVPI Classic 1 Turntable

Issue 48: December 2009Acoustic Revive Isolation PlatformsFritz Carbon 7 SpeakersJungson JA88D AmplifierMatrix mini-i Balanced DACMorrow Audio CablesVista Audio i34 Integrated Tube Amplifier

Issue 49: January 2010Aperion Audio Intimus 6T TowersAudioengine P4 Desktop Mini-MonitorLuminous Audio Technology Renaissance II InterconnectSV Sound MBS-1 Speakers and PC12-Plus SubwooferTri-Trix DIY Speakers pt.2VPI Classic Turntable—Part II: Listening

Issue 50: February 2010Aperion Audio HAL WirelessCardas Data Transmission CablesEmerald Physics CS3 SpeakersEMP Tek E5Ti mini-floorstandersMini Watt S-1 Tube amplifierMusiland External Sound CardsOPPO BD-83 Blue Ray Universal Player

Issue 51: March 2010EMP Tek E5Bi bookshelf & E5Ci centerEsoteric Audio E7 cablesGrover Huffman cablesLuminous Audio Axiom preamplifierSweet Sweetpot Reveal interconnects

Issue 52: April 2010Audio Space CDP-8AAudio-Technica ATH-AD700 headphonesElemental Designs W6-6TC speakersLepai LP808 chip ampMark & Daniel Diamond+ speakersSkywire SE Audio CablesTouchstone Tweeter Surrounds

Issue 53: May 2010AudioMagic Liquid Air CablesFubar IV Headphone amp/DACHiFi Man EF2A Headphone AmpInterview: Ken Kantor pt.1JATON RC2000P Operetta PreampMagnepan MMG Planar SpeakersPolk Audio SRA CRS+ SpeakersVirtue Audio ICEBlock M5001 Mono Amps

Issue 54: June 2010Aperion Audio/Soundmatters SLIMstage 30 Surround BarATC SCM 11 SpeakersKingRex T20U Amplifier & Power Supply



Neuhaus T2 Integrated Tube Amplifier/DACSuppo Audio EL34 Tube Amplifier

Issue 55: July 2010AKG K702 HeadphonesGrant Fidelity Tube/DAC 09Headroom Desktop Amp/DACMiniWatt N3 SET AmplifierVortex Audio PC Software

Issue 56: August 2010ARX A3 SpeakersClass D Audio CDA 254History of Early Stereophonic Listening EvaluationsJantzen Audio Crossover UpgradesJR Race Project BoxLighthouse Interconnect CablesShuguang S300 MK Integrated Tube AmplifierTand band D3.1 Back Horn Speaker Kit

Issue 57: September 2010DAC Cherry Jr. power amplifierSwan 2.1 SE Custom monitorsAudio Renaissance LS-845-5 Integrated AmplifierA Historical Overview of Stereophonic Blind TestingStereoKnight Silverstone Balanced Preamplifier

Issue 58: October 2010Miniwatt N2 SpeakersMusiland 24/192 PCI Sound CardFirestone Audio Little Country Three headphone AmpLighthouse Interconnect Cables

Issue 59: November 2010Audiodharma Cable CookerRega RP1 TurntableTriTrix DIY Speakers pt.3

Issue 60: December 2010Audioengine N22 Desktop AmplifierCathedral Sound PanelsEastern Electric MiniMax DACFirst Look: Virtue Audio Sensation M451



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