THE VINYL ODYSSEY
They say it’s better to travel than arrive; but if this system marks the end of the line, show us a vinyl aficionado who wouldn’t rush to disembark!
| BRINKMANN Oasis Turntable (inc. arm) |
£4,995 |
| LYRA Helikon Cartridge |
£1,145 |
| AYRE K-1ex Phono Stage (inc. phono stage) |
£5,995 |
| AYRE V-1ex Power Amp |
£6,495 |
| PRO-AC Response D80 Loudspeakers |
£8,995 |
Total |
£27,625 |
Ayre K1-x Pre. Amp. / Soundstage review extract/ www.soundstage.com/revequip/ayre_k1x.htm
“From the start, I was impressed at just how tonally pure the
Ayre K-1x is. Trumpets simply sound like trumpets, and saxophones sound
like saxophones. Tonal neutrality combines with precise microdynamics
to paint an accurate, clean instrumental portrait. No added warmth, coloration,
or sweetness are perceptible. Now, I’m not saying the Ayre K-1x
isn’t warm or sweet -- it can be both, and it can be neither, it
just always remains very true to the source.
Cassandra Wilson lays down some distinctive vocal tracks on New Moon
Daughter [Blue Note CDP 532861], and this diverse, well-recorded
album also proved an effective showcase to display the awesome transparency
and extension of the Ayre K-1x. "Solomon Sang" begins with
several near-subterranean lower-octave thrusts, and the strong bass lines
on the entire disc are rich, dynamic, and controlled. This is
excellent, honest bass. At the other extreme, strikes of bells, chimes,
and other metallic hardware resonate clearly and with perfect focus.
The K-1x is simply the finest-sounding line-stage preamplifier I’ve
heard in my system, both drawing me into the music and closer to the
actual event. I suggest listening to one, if only as a point of reference.
And yes, bring your cheque book.”
Mismatching is the road to audio hell, and a road that is congested.
Let e-Bay and Audiogon be the answer to other peoples’ prayers!
Here is an inner track for audiophiles who have forgotten - or novices who have never known - how good a dedicated system can be. Most of the following components have won awards.
There is no such thing as “affordable high-end” so we commence at systems from £3,000. The vital ingredient we seek is a synergy or “signal transfer” which yields emotional involvement, “magic,” musicality, the X-factor; whatever you call it, it isn’t subtle.
Mark Levinson 326S Baby version
of the Ref 32 Pre-amp at a reasonable cost of £6,995. Like
most technologies the benefits of the research for the reference
products trickle down into more affordable
products like the 326s Pre-amp. You get alot of the quality of
its bigger brother, providing a jump in the quality available at
this price. |
Ayre Acoustics C-5xe Universal Disk
Player Stereophile Extract: "It ought to be fairly obvious
that I found the Ayre C-5xe more than satisfactory. I didn't
expect it to disappoint, but I was unprepared for just how much
it delighted me. I've heard a lot of impressive audio components
over the years, but I've heard very few that afforded me greater
musical pleasure or sent me on as many voyages of musical discovery
through discs I thought I knew well." - Wes Phillips,
July, 2005 |
Gryphon Diablo The ultimate
reference integrated amplifier at £6100. The Gryphon sonic magic
in a reasonable sized and georgeous case, you must hear this as
it puts most pre power combo's to shame, pure music at its best. |
Brinkmann LaGrange
turntableThe Brinkmann LaGrange
turntable is without a doubt the best source component I have ever
had the
chance to enjoy over an extended period of time. It represents
a level of perfection and emotional
connection to music that I have never heard before. - Danny Kaey extract
from Positive Feedback |
Vac Renaissance Signature II "With
the "right supporting cast," the VAC Renaissance Signature
Mk.II is the best preamp I've auditioned. Its resolution of low-level
spatial, temporal, and timbral detail, and its uncanny coherence
across the realms of space, frequency, and loudness, put it in
a class by itself. These strengths made listening to a musical
performance through the Signature a more moving experience for
me, and one step closer to the real thing.."
- Stereophile Extract - Brian Damkroger |
ProAc D100 The imposing new Response
D100 takes on the mantle of flagship model from our legendary Response
Four, which has delighted discerning audiophiles for the last twelve
years.
The D100's produce stunning music, effortlessly. The enhanced
sensitivity extracts the tiniest detail from any recording without
brightness or exaggeration. Greater bandwidth creates a huge soundstage,
drawing in the listener and creating a concert hall experience,
where the loudspeakers seem to melt from the scene.. |
