Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):
103db, 18hz-20khz, 8ohm
Minimum amplification power: 2 wpc
Full Range - Horn loaded labyrinth:(7

These are the flagship HiDiamond Diamond 8 speakers cables from Italian high-end audio company. Cable with proprietary 4VRC©, copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance. Isolator in XLPE where XLPE and 100 times better than normal teflon. This lowers the threshold of escape of spike, cancels the skin effect between individual leads and therefore the width of the musical signal barrier guaranteeing greater linearity and low amplitude of the sine wave of the basis for the benefit of the naturalness of musical signal emission. Terminated with connectors to high quality Rhodium great plating that allows a better signal transmission without loss and oxidation power void. Technology twisted within the cable to get a balanced sound across the frequency band tonal with a powerful bass extension and precise and this leads to sound science fiction, the incredible dynamic like a hairdryer will send a large amount of air around the hair, giving an impression of dynamics in complete freedom without any compression, a medium low which helps to give force to the reproduction , snug and warm voices to emphasize the details of recording, precise focus, high transparent never aggressive. Impossible to put it into crisis. Redefines the way you listen to, the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all systems and valves of any solid-state solid value. 12 x 4 mm conductors 4VRC©. An absolute reference. Technical characteristics:: External jacket mm. 270 ; Number of Cond. 12 ; Cond. Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. 55 Pf/m.; Conductor Resistance: 7,98 Ohm/km.

Quite simply, the Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Banana Terminals will assist audiophiles, OEM cable manufacturers and do-it-yourself hobbyists achieve the highest levels of performance while offering both the ease of use and the ease of installation of banana terminals. In fact, the FT-212s don’t even require soldering! Furutech’s legendary reputation for meticulous engineering, which focuses on constantly examining every part of the signal and power path, is reflected in the following features:

One piece Rhodium conductors for the FT-212(R), or 24K gold-plated Alpha pure copper conductors injected with POM resin for the FT-212(G)
Low weight, low mass design which offers audible improvements in sound quality
Extremely insulated POM body with non-resonant SUS housing and non-magnetic stainless steel end ring
Non-magnetic SUS set screw construction design
Beautiful machining and finishes provide all cable projects with a highly professional and attractive end result

If you’ve resisted the use of banana terminals as part of a highly resolving audio/video system, then it’s time to compare the Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Banana Terminals to your preferred type of termination. The FT-212 proves that it’s possible to have both convenience and performance!

Rating:

FT-212 (R) Rhodium-Plated
Features:

Main conductor: Rhodium or 24k gold-plated α (Alpha) pure copper
Housing: Black nylon/fiberglass with Piezo Ceramic resin
Body Insulation: Black POM resin-injected
End Ring: Stainless steel
Termination: Set screw
Specification

Specified for core diameters up to 4.2mm (8 AWG)
Specified for core insulation diameter up to 7.8mm
Dimensions: Housing: 18.0 x 16.0φ x 19.8mm overall height
Total overall length: 56.0 mm approx

The Truth series represents the pinnacle of Darwin cable design, combining the finest materials sourced from three continents, advanced science and refined voicing techniques. Not only is it the best cable we have ever designed, it may just be the best cable anywhere at any price. Darwin Truth Unbalanced: The Truth (unbalanced) is the culmination of everything we have learned by "re-imagining" the audio cable from the ground up. The Truth features our finest hand-constructed RCA end (the shell is a new imported discovery), the finest silver wire we have ever heard, immersed in a computerized cryogenic vat capable of replicating the deep chill of space—our CryoWise II © process. Our low mass, air-dielectric purist build delivers a cable that does it all in big fashion. Silky, natural, with layers of detail waiting to be discovered. Absolutely no grain or etch. Expansive soundstage and depth—massive organic presentation. Befitting its status as our flagship cable, The Truth comes in a sleek silver-toned presentation case. 3 feet MSRP $995

USB / DSD / Volume Control DAC The Bricasti Design New Model 1 USB Digital to Analog Converter The M1 digital to analog converter is a dual mono design; there are two completely isolated channels, each with its own dedicated linear power supply, D/A converter, DDS clocking, and analog circuitry. This design insures that analog cross talk is virtually non existent, that the necessary power requirements for each channel are well met and isolated from each other and the digital processing is isolated, having its own power supply. With our twin DAC design, the dynamic range for each channel is optimized by using the stereo ADI 1955 D/A converter in a mono configuration. The M1 also includes Bricasti's own proprietary filter technology, further opening new territory with what is achievable in a modern D/A reference. Product Highlights DSD, DSD64 and DSD128 playback. Features the latest generation asynchronous USB interface. Dedicated dual mono design. Highly acclaimed, proprietary filter technology. Extremely low jitter @ 6 picoseconds. Supports sample rates of up to 352.8kHz and 24 bits. Minimum and linear phase filters. Connectors: USB: USB-2 XLR: AES/EBU 24 bit Single Wire RCA: SPDIF Toslink: Fiber Optic Sample Rates: USB: 44.1 kHz - 384 kHz, DSD 64x, DSD 128x AES, SPDIF: 44.1 kHz - 192kHz Toslink: 44.1 kHz - 96 kHz Frequency Response Dig I/O: DC to 24 kHz @ 48 kHz DC to 96 kHz @ 192 kHz Analog Section Design Features and Performance Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot) Impedance: 40 ohm Max output level:+22 dbm Min output level:+8 dbm D/A Conversion:24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling Frequency Response @44.1k:10 hz- 20 kHz +0dB, -.2 dB Dynamic Range:>120dB A-Weighted THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs Analog Section Design Features and Performance Connectors:RCA Impedance:40 ohm Output level: +8 dbm (2V RMS) D/A Conversion: 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling Frequency Response @ 44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz -.2 dB Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs October 2014 Bricasti Design at the 2014 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in conjunction with TIDAL Audio Cera speakers, Purist Audio Design cables, and StillPoints Ultra Isolation devices, was awarded Positive-Feedback's Audio Oasis award saying "The quality of the sound in this room was unique...detailed, transparent, and dynamic! Jared Sacks' native DSD recordings were sounding amazing here!" he M1 has been honored with the AudioShark's Best Sound of Show Under $100,000. at the Rock Mountain Audio Fest 2014. August 2014 Bricasti Design, TIDAL Audio, Purist Audio Design, StillPoints and TVTI receive AVShowrooms' Gold Show Award for the 2014 Capital Audiofest. The Bricasti Design M1 DAC belongs in my top ranking of DACs that I have had the pleasure to review." − Steven Blaskin / Read full review it may just be as good as digital sound can get." − Edgar Kramer / Read full review Bricasti Design's M1 is a Class A+ digital processor...Enthusiastically recommended." − John Atkinson / Read full review "The best digital playback I ever heard." − John Marks / Read full review "However you look at it − sound quality, construction, engineering, test bench performance − the M1 hits the spot." Current Software is Version 1.22 The Model 1 now ships with software version 1.22. This update broadens the M1's DSD capability even further with the support of DSD128 playback. Current M1 owners may contact us directly for more information on upgrading to v1.22. Model 1 Hardware Options and Upgrades The M1 has been designed to be upgradeable to incorporate new enhancements and improvements so that all users can upgrade as desired. M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote Expand any existing M1 to have USB functionality with our USB upgrade kit. Read More M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote Power-up your existing M1 with a markably improved V2 power supply. Read More M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote The new M1 Remote Control offers an upgrade to any existing M1 providing remote access to all settings and full parametric control of the M1 Read More

The most analogue sounding USB cable on the planet. There is nothing better for PC Audio in the world.

“Perhaps the one of the strongest things the Tellurium Q cables have in their favor is their consistency, both vertically and horizontally. By that, I mean that the cables have a distinct and common sound, whether S/PDIF or USB, and they improve across the range in several important aspects, including inner detail retrieval, dynamics, and solidity of instruments in the soundstage. That rich, dark chocolate presentation gets richer and darker as you go up the lines too. It’s a consistency that is rare, and a sure sign the company behind the product is not simply ‘in it for the money’. Finally, Black Diamond USB is a true gem!”
- Nicholas Ripley, HiFi +

The set-up model with two individualFemtoClocks for both USB audio host and digital outputs, low noise internal design to eliminate jitter andAURALiC Purer‐Power™ based 10uV low noise external linear PSU. The ARIES serves as a “bridge” between music files on network storage or high quality online streaming services and the consumers’ DAC — enabling DACsfor the first time to stream high-resolution music quickly and wirelessly in virtually any sampling rate, including DSD, Double-Rate DSD and DXD. The inputs of ARIES include Dual-Band high-speed WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 port. The outputs are USB audio host buffered by AURALiC’s patentedActiveUSB™ technology; low jitter digital audio outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial and TOSLINK. The USB audio host can deliver PCM from 44.1 to 384 KHz at 16-, 24- and 32-bit resolutions as well as DSD, Double-Rate DSD for compatible USB DAC. The other digital outputs are limited to 192 KHz at 24-bit in maximum according to S/PDIF standard. ARIES is bundled with AURALiC’s Lightning DS App. The App has the capability to fully control ARIES to browse your music libraries on your network-attached storage (NAS), to steam high quality music content from service providers like Qobuz and WiMP, to control the playback and to select the hardware settings such as output channel and WiFi network, etc. The App also supports Songcast, a music distribution service that allows users to map computer’s sound to any Lightning-equipped system and to map sound between different Lightning systems in the house and streaming sound though Apple AirPlay. AURALiC Tesla Platform ARIES is powered by AURALiC's proprietary Tesla hardware platform that includes a Quad-Core ARMCoretex-A9 processor running at 1GHz, 1GB DDR3onboard memory and 4GB internal storage. The Tesla platform has a calculation ability of 25,000 MIPS, more than enough to decode a vast spectrum of audio formats, including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF,DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA.AURALiC has chose this platform for a long term supporting consideration, the feature planned includeDSD upsampling, room acoustic treatment and other acoustic DSP function. Gapless, Multiple Room Solution By using OpenHome structure which is adopted by U.K-based streaming solution manufacturer Linn, ARIES as well as all other Lightning based products support several advanced functions such as on-device playlist that allow control software to turn off during play and complete supporting of multi-room, multiple control points — functions that are not part of the legacy standards of the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). Dual Femto Clock The ARIES with two individual Femto clocks for both USB audio host and digital outputs: the clock used for digital outputs are in charge of generate master clock of digital signal to ensure lowest jitter performance for all digital outputs. Accordingly to our measurement, the USB controller's master clock can also effect sound quality as it effect USB interrupt timing when joint use with real time system, to maximum sound quality, ARIES also equipped with another Femtoclock for USB controller. Low Noise Linear PSU Excepting for low noise internal power supply design, ARIES also comes with an external low noise linear power supply unit. This PSU is based on AURALiCPurer‐Power™ technology with advanced AC filter and very low noise circuit design. The actual measurement shows only 10uV cross 20Hz-20KHz range. Streaming Services Local uPnP/DLNA library content Qobuz and WiMP online streaming Internet Radio AirPlay and Songcast USB hard drive files* Supported File Types AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA Sampling Rates PCM in 44.1Khz - 384Khz at 16 - 32bits DSD 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz Control Software AURALiC Lightning DS AURALiC RC-1 remote control OpenHome compatible software uPnP AV compatible software Media Server Compatibility Minimserver, Twonky, Asset UPnP, JRiver DLNA/uPNP compatible server software On-Device 3” 256*64px OLED Input RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Dual-Band WiFi connection USB 2.0 High-Speed for external disk Output USB 2.0 High-Speed for compatible DAC** AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK*** Power Consumption Standby: [lessthansign]2W Playback: 15W at max. Dimension Appox. 9.8

BEST OF TWO WORLDS POWER & PRECISION ECO The “Best of Two Worlds Power & Precision ECO” audio upgrade (BOTW P&P ECO) is the successor of our “Best of Two Worlds Solutions” audio upgrade (BOTWS). This new upgrade product combines power, precision and efficiency in an unique innovative manner. The BOTW P&P ECO is the best choice for every audiophile. With the BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade the purification of the current starts immediately there where the polluted current enters the upgrade. A dual stage mains filter and an earth line choke clean the current from high frequency pollution before the current reaches the transformer. The transformer is a custom-made audio grade transformer with electrostatic shielding. The electronic design is innovative: it gets 50% more output out of the used electronics and consumes even up to 35% less energy than a conventional design. The BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade concept is so efficient that it consumes only a few Dollars (~$5) a year more than the standard supplied high efficient, but also highly polluting switch mode adapter. Finally, at the end of the DC cable the unique split current system has been placed. The power supply of the BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade provides the split current system with powerful and clean power, so the electronics can do their job profoundly, which is to buffer the power so that the power supply becomes very fast and to filter one last time the voltage and current before they enter the audio device. This unique upgrade power supply with its large headroom delivers at all times sufficient clean power to the audio device to ensure a stable and continuous performance of the internal processes of the audio device in order to get the best performance out of the audio device. This combination of power and precision results in “easy” music, a perfect soundstage and a natural detailed sound. Product highlights: 50% more output current; Power saving design; 2 characteristics in 1 product: Power for high current demanding equipment; Precision for noise sensitive equipment; 2 selectable output voltages; 1 accessory setting; Safety approvals; IEC 14 power inlet for High-end mains cables; High performance dual stage mains filter; Earth line choke; Overvoltage protection; Custom made high efficient audio grade transformer; High quality polypropylene film capacitors; Improved no-noise SBooster split current system. Points of interest: 1.) Typical SMPS ( the $6 ones that come with $3000 audio gear) are about 85% efficient. 2.) According to Wikipedia typical 12v LPS (linear power supply) are 27.5% efficient. 3.) The SBooster design is ~ 73% efficient. 4.) Studies by the designer (Wiebren) that it cost ~$5/year more to run the BOTW than a typical polluting 12v wall wart ! 5.) The proprietary ’split’ power supply in the BOTW has no lag-time in delivering current to high perfomance DACs, streamers etc.

BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade improves the sound quality of your Auralic Aries with Femto Clocks. Output Voltage & Current 15V - 2.5A 16V - 1.85A Mains Voltage: 120 Volt AC 50/60Hz Transformer: 50VA audio grade toroidal with electrostatic shielding Mains filter: High performance dual stage mains filter with earth line choke Rectifier: bridge Power Schottky barrier rectifiers Bulk capacitors: 5 x Nichicon 4700µF + 1 x 5600µF + 1 Rubycon 330µF Low Impedance High Ripple Current Capacitors Regulator: High-current ultra fast transient response LDO with external high precision shunt reference circuit Filter capacitors: Non inductive polypropylene film capacitors DC power cord 95cm 16 AWG spiral shielded, with integrated SBooster and interchangeable DC plug Mains cable Stock supplied Size and Weight Dimension: 240*130*75mm 1.85Kg Safety approvals CE/GS/CCC/KC/CTUVUS/FCC/PSB IEC60065 standard Warranty 24 Months

The BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade is the perfect upgrade of your stock supplied Auralic linear power supply.

For Auralic Aries Femto upgrade, we opted for a 15V version of the SBooster Ultra. With the 15V upgrade you will get the best sound quality out of your Aries Femto.

The Best of Two World Power & Precision ECO is the successor of our Best of Two Worlds Solution upgrade. For the BOTW P&P ECO we have applied a large number of innovative techniques in order to improve the sound quality of your Auralic Aries Femto to a much higher level compared to a conventional linear audio power supply.

SBooster ultra
The SBooster Ultra is an innovative addition to the BOTW P&P ECO in the fight against pollution. The SBooster Ultra is based on a highly effective active filter which reduces any residual noise within the audio spectrum with [greaterthansign] 110dB. The purity of the voltage and current of the BOTW P&P ECO with SBooster Ultra Upgrade is the highest level that ever has been reached with an external audio upgrade power supply solution.

(2) AudioQuest Forest RJ/E Ethernet Cable (New) 2015 for Auralic Aries Extreme

Really - Really makes my cable box and apple tv that both are used for TV and Movies and TV Shows is a great improvement. Nice add for sure.... Add in a couple DH Labs Silver Coax Digital Cables and hooked to my Bricasti the Cable box sounds almost like a pretty decent transport. Worth every red penny to transform you cable box audio performance. Remedy Features Utilizes an incredible Femto-grade clock Superior jitter reduction​ (click for measurements) Toslink and Coaxial digital inputs Toslink, Coaxial, BNC digital outputs 96kHz output sampling frequency* Digital inputs support up to 24/192kHz! 9VDC power supply included 5 year warranty

Cables Box to W4S Remedy

Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 Optical Digital Cable

This build in network matching for impedance in whole spectrum , greatly reduce most CDP harshness and piercing sound, smooth but open sounding great digital cable, 1 meter length

HCTR01CATALOG :: Download  [720KB]TypeMoving CoilInput Impedance0.8Ω(1kHz)Inductance1.3µH(1kHz)Output Voltage0.35mVCantileverBoronSuggested Needle Pressure1.0g - 1.5g 
[with HEQA01:0.6g - 1.0g]Weight10gLow Impedance Type

:: Super Low Impedance MC Cartridge ::
 
With MC Cartridge, if the coil turn is made less to reduce its impedance, the output voltage also becomes lower. We have overcome this problem by adopting the special high-μ material SH-μX for its core, the thick oxygen-less copper of 0.5μm for its coil, and the powerful Neodymium magnet for its magnetic circuit. The result is the unprecedented super low impedance of 0.8Ω with the high output of 0.35mV. With its pure Boron cantilever, the highest tracking fidelity is obtained to pick up whole of the music signals cut into the record groove.
 
The inductance of cartridge is as important as its impedance. The lower inductance, realized by reducing the coil turns, improves the phase characteristics of cartridge. By this, the peak of pulse response gets higher, and the trangent response sharper. This sharpness of sound creates the natural presence of music, as if players are performing just in front of you.
 
It is finished with the dignity to match its high performances, having aluminum alloy body with japan-like surface. 
 
NOTE : 
It is recommended to reduce the wiring impedance inside the player system, so that you can enjoy the best of HCTR01.

:: Phase Variance less than ±1º ::
 
The cartridge and the phono equalizer are inseparable to perform at their best. HEQA01 provides HCTR01 the additional electromagnetic damping, so that the cantilever is controlled its jumpy motion even under the needle pressure of less than 1g. 
When you use HEQA01 and HCTR01 together, we recommend to set the needle pressure at 0.6g - 1.0g. By this set up, you can enjoy the best performance of HCTR01, and the sharpest trangent response.

HEQA02

CATALOG :: Download   [2.4MB]InputTuned to HTCR01 mkIIMax Output Voltage200mVRIAA Curve Deviationless than ±0.2dB (20~20kHz)Output Phase Shiftless than ±1° (20~20kHz)Dimension (WxHxD)155 x 60 x 270 mmWeight2.5kg

The circuit of HEQA02 is successfully suppressing the phase shift while realizing the precise equalization.
This is an an ideal partner for HCTR01 mkII (ultra low inductance MC cartridge), with its special input stage circuit designed specifically to match the extraordinary low inductance and impedance.
 
The equalizing circuit is NF+CR type, adjusting the lower frequency range to RIAA curve by NF low boost circuit, and then rolling off the high frequency range by CR circuit.
 
Due to the phase sensitive design policy, the output from the RIAA equalization has, flat gain and phase curves over full range of audio bandwidth, boosting less than ±1° phase deviation over 20Hz through 20kHz, and RIAA deviation of less than ±0.2dB.

FIRST WATT F2 POWER AMPLIFIER 6/16/2005 It has been about 9 months since the introduction of the First Watt F1, and I have been very surprised to see everything going more or less according to plan. I am just finishing up the 100 amplifiers of that design (about 10 per month), and there are only a few left before they cease to be available as new. The reviews have been uniformly enthusiastic, the customers seem happy, and none have broken yet. So I am pleased to move on to this next design, the F2. Like the F1, it is a current source, although less of one since I put 15 ohms across its output terminals to give it a slight damping factor – 0.5 instead of the 0.1 of the F1. I surmise that most customers will be happier with this without having to put resistors across the output. Most customers also have no use for balanced inputs, which is fine because the purely single-ended F2 circuit cannot use a balanced signal in any case. While the F1 had a crisper sounding 3rd harmonic signature, the F2 has a richer 2nd harmonic character, one that is sufficiently different to justify another version of a current source amplifier. Anyway, I’m only going to make the 100, and future amplifiers from First Watt are currently planned as voltage sources. If you bought this amplifier, thank you very much. Even if you didn’t buy it, your comments and questions are welcome. ____________________ Nelson Pass nelson@passlabs.com www.firstwatt.com Introduction The F2 is a two channel transconductance power amplifier, which is a fancy name for an active current source. A given input voltage results in a particular output current. Ordinary amplifiers are voltage amplifiers – an input voltage translates into an output voltage. This is not that kind of amplifier, and as of this writing, the F1 and now the F2 are the only such amplifiers available for audio use. Being current sources, these amps operate differently with a loudspeaker. A regular audio amplifier supplies an arbitrary output voltage, and the speaker draws current according to its complex characteristic. As such, the current through the loudspeaker is not exactly proportional to the voltage in either amplitude or time. A current source amplifier delivers a precise current to the voice coil of the loudspeaker driver, ignoring the series impedance elements in the circuit, including the wire, connectors, the inductance of the voice coil, the resistance of the voice coil versus temperature – all that stuff. This is potentially valuable in that the current passing through the magnetic field of the loudspeaker produces the force and acceleration on the voice coil and cone, and this translates directly into sound pressure. A current source is simply the most direct way of controlling the acceleration of the voice coil. In the linear range of a loudspeaker, the acceleration is directly proportional to the current, and in mass-controlled loudspeaker drivers the sound is proportional to the acceleration. Since most loudspeaker systems are designed around a voltage source, there is only a subset of products that can take advantage of this effect. In general, these are high-efficiency drivers (ones that produce more than 90 dB per watt). Of greatest interest is the performance offered to highefficiency full-range drivers, where not only is the loudspeaker very efficient, but also covers a wide or full range of the audio spectrum through a single radiating surface. Often this translates to delicate single cone drivers such as the products from Lowther or Fostex, with big motor assemblies coupled to light fragile paper cones. These are the speakers that often don’t sound good with “high quality” solid-state amplifiers, most often because the two are mismatched in impedance and wattage. This is an unusual amplifier that will not give its best performance with most of the loudspeakers on the market. It requires careful attention to loudspeaker loading to get the best performance. The accompanying white paper “Current Source Amplifiers and Full-Range High-Efficiency Drivers” is required reading. This is a tinkerer’s amplifier. If being a current source amplifier isn’t different enough, the F1 and F2 are special in other ways. In particular, they use no feedback to reduce distortion, flatten frequency response or create a low output impedance, and they ignore the voltages that appear across the speaker terminals. Not having feedback does result in an amplifier that has more harmonic distortion, but it also avoids the subjective artifacts that come with feedback. I think of feedback the way I think of a credit card – a handy thing to have, but the bill always arrives at the end of the month. Paradoxically, amplifiers which sound best with feedback are already very linear and don’t particularly need it. In the real world, feedback is usually excessively used to patch up the performance of a very non-linear circuit. In any case, the distortion of these circuits is low enough to compare with loudspeakers and other elements in the signal chain, and the amplifiers are designed to sound natural while carrying finely recorded music. They have only one gain stage, not 2 or 3 or 4 or 9., and they operate in pure class A mode, which is the very best, but at a cost of drawing roughly 10 times their rated output. They are probably the quietest amplifiers you can buy, with typical figures of about 100 pico-watts noise. A pico-watt is a trillionth of a watt. That’s how the F1 and F2 are different from other amplifiers. So what is different about the F2 compared to the F1? The F2 was created to do some things differently than the F1. The F1 is best described as a “balanced single-ended Class A” amplifier, in which a single “differential pair” of transistors are biased by three constant current sources, and operated without feedback in the audio band. As such, the F1’s dominant form of distortion reflects the symmetry of the gain stage, and that would be the 3rd. What would have been the 2nd harmonic of the gain devices is largely cancelled by the symmetry of the gain stage. You can see this left/right symmetry in the following simplified schematic: The F2 is best described as a single-ended Class A amplifier operated Common-Source and biased by a constant current source. It is simpler than the F1 as seen in the following simplified schematic: Here you can see that the signal goes in the Gate of a Mosfet and comes out the Drain. Practically speaking, you cannot build a simpler amplifier. Its distortion character is a fairly pure 2nd harmonic that gives it more resemblance to the classical single-ended tube amplifiers that have traditionally been popular with high-efficiency wide range speakers. Seen on a distortion analyzer, the F2 looks like this, where the top trace is 1 kHz into 8 ohms at 1 watt, and the bottom trace is the distortion at about 1%. Notice the absence of noise and higher harmonics. It’s interesting to investigate the difference in sonic character that comes from a 2nd versus 3rd harmonic character. Conventional wisdom descended from tube amplifiers has it that 2nd harmonic is known for its warmth and romantic character while 3rd harmonic offers greater dynamic range and clarity. While these observations don’t necessarily apply to solid-state amplifiers, they pretty much correspond to the sounds of the F1 and F2. If you prefer a good push-pull tube, you are more likely to want the F1. If you like the more lush midrange of a single-ended triode, you would probably gravitate toward the F2. I am not using those comparisons to suggest that I am trying to emulate tube amplifiers, rather I want to give some basis for understanding the differences between these two topologies whose technical descriptions are otherwise similar. The F1 and F2 are not intended to sound like tubes – they do some things better than tube circuits, and some not as well. There are other differences between the F1 and F2. While the intrinsic output impedance of the F2 is several hundred ohms, I have loaded the output with 15 ohms of resistance to give it a finite source impedance. I did this because (from the experience of many F1 customers) it is highly unusual to want a damping factor of less that 0.5, and some customers who did not load the amplifier at all experienced a lack of bass control. Not a problem – I put in the first 15 ohms of loading for you so that your out-of-the-box experience will be better. If by chance you don’t want even the 15 ohms, it can be removed, and you can have about 700 ohms instead. Another difference is that there is no balanced XLR input connector. Well, that’s no surprise, is it? At 5 watts into 8 ohms the F2 is less powerful than the F1, but it is biased at nearly twice the current, so it does a better job into 4 ohms, and can more easily drive some of the correction networks that you might use to adjust your speaker’s response. My own experience is that the kinds of speakers this amplifier is intended for are usually happy within a 4 watt window. The F2 starts showing higher harmonics above 4 watts (8 watts peak) into 8 ohms and measures about 4% distortion at 5 watts. Into 4 ohms it will clip at about 10 watts (20 watts peak) with about 9% distortion. This is also a very fast amplifier if your source has a low output impedance – check out the 10 KHz square wave on page 14. Like I said, this is an unusual power amplifier. Like the F1, there will be 100 F2’s offered for sale, and no more. I built this amplifier myself. No, I didn’t extrude the aluminum or etch the circuit boards, but I bolted and soldered the parts together and tested each one with loving care. Each amplifier has spent time in my system burning in and being listened to. If you have questions, comments or problems, you can email me at nelson@passlabs.com or www.firstwatt.com Setup – Read This Be certain to look at (or even read) the attached white paper "Current Source Amplifiers and Full-Range High-Efficiency Drivers" in considering how to use this amplifier. It is designed for a particular type of loudspeaker, and may not sound good with others. There is no potential for damage to the amplifier and you are not likely to break the speaker, so go ahead and try any speaker you like - just don't be surprised if it doesn't suit you. The initial setup of the amplifier is very straight-forward. Place the amplifier in a well-ventilated location, as it draws 200 watts during operation and requires as much opportunity to cool itself as possible. You should be able to put your hands on the heat sink during operation. If you can't do this for 5 seconds or so, they need more ventilation. On the front panel there are two blue LED lights, one for each channel, indicating power to the channel. On the rear panel you will find pairs of RCA inputs, speaker outputs, a fuse holder, and AC power receptacle, and on/off switch and a label. The label will indicate a serial number that is from #0 to #100 and also indicates what AC line voltage the amplifier is set for. If the voltage is 120 VAC, then the fuse value will be a 3AG slow blow fuse rated at 4 amps. If the voltage is 240 VAC, then the fuse will be rated at 2 amps. (If the label on the back says "Property of First Watt" then this amplifier was not intended for sale and is not new and carries no warranty.) The fuse is a 3AG slow blow type, 4 amp for 120 VAC and 2 amp for 240 VAC. No substitutions. Contact First Watt if you have any questions. I'm assuming that you know how to attach the speaker cables to the 5 way output connectors provided. I recommend that you make all the connections with the amplifier power switch in the OFF position, but you will not damage the amplifier circuit by accidentally shorting the output or overdriving the input - my concern is more for the safety of any fragile loudspeaker driver you might be using. With everything connected up and the source equipment powered up first, you can proceed to turn on the power switch to the amplifier. Turn-on and turn-off thumps and noise are small in this amplifier, and should not present any hazard to delicate drivers. At this point you should be able to listen to music. This amplifier has less gain than most, but at 5 watts rating, it doesn't need it. If you need to turn the gain up on your preamp, then do so. If you can't get enough gain, then you are probably using either the wrong speaker or the wrong amplifier. Talk to your dealer if this is the case. The power supplies of each channel are isolated from each other electrically, except for a thermistor on each which connects the circuit ground to the chassis and earth ground. In this way ground loops are prevented, as the channels will typically share ground only at the source, but the thermistors stand by to conduct AC line voltage to ground until the fuse blows, in case of transformer or other such failure. The amplifier requires about 1 hour of operation to reach normal operating temperature, and this warm-up time is appropriate for the most critical listening, but is not otherwise an issue, as the performance difference between 5 minutes and 60 minutes is very marginal. I do not personally see a reason to run the amplifier all the time. While the gain is low, the input impedance of the amplifier is high, about 50 Kohms, depending slightly on the load impedance, so you should find it easy to drive with tube equipment if you like. The F2 will usually work fine with passive crossover networks for widerange drivers with tweeters. For those of you interested in designing passive crossover networks, check out the article on crossover networks for current source amplifiers on the web site. One thing that you are likely to notice about the F2 is its phenomenally low output noise, typically about 50 pico-watts (a pico-watt is a trillionth of a watt) un-weighted across the audio band. It is quieter than many preamplifiers. If you are familiar with the Zen amplifiers published over the past 8 years or so in AudioXpress, then you will see a passing similarity to the original Zen, except that the F2 uses no feedback, has a much higher input impedance, and is much quieter. Like the Zen, the amplifier has a simple 2nd harmonic distortion characteristic, what we expect from a one stage single-ended design. Now the following is for your protection, so pay attention: Do not defeat the AC line Earth ground connection on the amplifier power cord. It provides an extra barrier to prevent potential shock hazard. Do not replace the fuse with a type other than specified. Do not operate the amplifier outside in the weather, or in and around water or anything resembling water. If you spill a drink in the amplifier or if your dog/cat/child urinates on it, turn it off immediately, unplug it, and do not operate it until cleaned by a qualified technician. If something gets loose or rattles around inside or smells funny, turn it off and get a qualified technician to look at it. If you can’t touch the heat sinks for 5 seconds or so, consult First Watt or a qualified technician. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not open the amplifier, and if you do anyway, don’t operate it with the cover off. There are hazardous voltages inside. If you need to change the operating AC voltage, consult the factory or a qualified technician. If you have a problem, contact me. I am much happier fixing anything myself so that I can be certain that it’s done properly. My experience is that most repair efforts done by amateurs in the field do more harm than good. Summary of the nominal specifications: Measured at 120 V AC with a 25 ohm source and an 8 ohm load: Input Impedance 50 Kohms Output impedance 15 ohms Output power 8 ohms 5 watts @ 4% THD 1KHz Output power 4 ohms 10 watts @ 9% THD 1KHz Gain 15.6 dB Maximum output voltage +/- 9 volts Maximum output current +/- 2.4 amps Frequency response - 1 dB @ 3 Hz, 200 KHz Noise 20 uV unweighted, 20-20 KHz Power consumption 150 watts (~75 watts / channel) Fuse 3AG slow blow type, 4 Amp for 120VAC 2Amp for 240 VAC Warranty: Parts and labor for 3 years, not covering shipping or consequential damages. This amplifier is a specialty product. There is no representation that the amplifier will make you a happy person. Zen amplifier is a trademark of Pass Labs, Inc. Copyright 2005 General Amplifier General Amplifier Inc. PO BOX 7607 RENO NV 89510-7607 Contact: www.Firstwatt.com nelson@passlabs.com Typical performance curves: DISTORTION VS WATTS @ 1KHZ DISTORTION VS FREQUENCY @ 1 WATT FREQUENCY RESPONSE 10 KHZ SQUARE WAVE @ 3 VOLTS

Rethm Gaanam Direct Heated Triode SET Integrated Amplifer

This external Tube Triode (NOS Mullard 12AT7)Output Stage used as an extension of my Solid State Ayre QB-9 Dac changed the piece entirely and Absolutely increased SQ performance 10 Fold. This is the best Mod I have ever witnessed and has taken my DAC to a total other level. The Secret to the ZSTAGE's ability to make such a giant difference in the sound quality of your source... is it's gain. By turning it up to 4 or 5 volts and then turning your preamp or amplifier down to compensate, you will add great weight, punch and overall power to the presentation... the kind that's just not possible with a standard 2 volt source. If that wasn't enough, it also has a switch on the front that gives you two distinct signatures - one is a more laid back setting, the other a more aggressive setting... it's like having two different sounding stereos at the flip of a switch. And the final icing on the cake is the tube itself. Since no two brands of 12AU7 sound the same, you can do a little tube rolling and find something that personalizes the sound of your rig even more. So you want a better sounding source OPTION A Take your present source somewhere and have it tweaked, modded or upgraded for maybe a 10% improvement... OPTION B Buy a brand new source that costs twice what your present one did and hope for a 25% improvement... OPTION C Keep your present source and add a ZSTAGE to it for the biggest noticeable difference in sound of all three options, by far. The ZSTAGE is a single-ended triode stereo gain stage. It uses a single tube operating in class A with no negative feedback. It accepts any standard 2 volt line level source like a CD player or DAC and has a variable output via the front mounted gain control. It can also be used as a purist tube preamp where multiple inputs are not needed. Designed for 24/7 operation it is always on, and always warmed up and ready. The lower voltages that make this possible aren't even enough to get the tube hot to the touch. It does however greatly lower odd-order distortion and increase even-order harmonics making everything sound better.SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES: The ZSTAGE features a black powder coated steel chassis with a standard IEC connector and removable power cord. No circuit boards, Hand Made and Available in 115/230/240 volts for world wide compatibility. The unit is designed with reduced voltages that only operate the tube at half power so there is no heat, and the tube will last twice as long. To keep everything at the ideal slightly warm operating temperature for best sound, the ZSTAGE is run 24/7 and has no switch. It draws less power than a 15 watt light bulb and was specifically designed to stay on continuously.There are a single pair of inputs and a single pair of outputs. The output level can be adjusted with the front mounted gain control. In cases where no preamp is used, this can be used as a volume control and drive most amps directly. A font mounted switch allows you to adjust the operating points on the tube causing two different signatures; One is extra dynamic and full, the other is more laid back sounding. A valuable voicing tool to find the best compliment to your system, it also lets you hear any tube you put in it sound two different ways.

text and photo: Marko Pecotic, June 2015 product: HiDiamond HDX2 power distributor manufactured by: HiDiamond S.R.L., Italy [www.hidiamond.eu] price: approx 1.450,00 EUR Is this the most complex hobby in the world? Or is it not? Audio components, room acoustics, room size, speaker placement, vibrations, spikes, various connectors...

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 170; Number of Cond. 5 x 4; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 90Pf/C2 165 Pf with schield.; Inductance: 0,87 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.

D-75 Color: Black Diameter: 7.0 mm Connectors: DH Labs RCA-3 plug or 75 Ω BNC The D-75 is a thoroughly engineered, precision 75 ohm coaxial digital cable designed for accurate handling of digital audio signals. The most common use for this cable is to connect the digital output of a CD or DVD transport to an outboard Digital to Analog converter or other digital processor. Several features of this cable make it superior for digital audio use. A solid, silver-coated center conductor is used to maintain the most uniform impedance. The use of a solid center conductor minimizes signal reflections, which are very important in digital data cables. This center conductor is encased in a very uniform closed cell foam FEP dielectric, which has an extremely low dielectric constant of under 1.4. This provides the lowest dielectric absorption and loss, along with the most uniform attenuation vs frequency curve. Noise rejection is maximized by a 2 Layer shield. This dual shield provides 100% coverage for complete immunity to noise. The combination of a 100% aluminum Mylar shield and a heavy braid keeps ground resistance as low as possible. The braid is wound with carefully controlled tension in order to minimize a phenomenon called

This amplifier stand is a handsome, heavy duty support platform for massive power supplies or other large high end components. Finish:Dark Cherry Dimensions: 23.25

Introducing the PS Power Noise Harvester™, the world's first true parallel power line noise converter that actually eliminates power line noise. A Harvester is a parallel noise elimination device. Plug it into any AC outlet and it collects line noise and converts it to harmless light. Similar plugin noise reduction devices simply place a capacitor across the AC line which only shunts line noise from hot to neutral but does not eliminate it. Only a Noise Harvester collects and stores the noise in a capacitor and when enough energy is available, discharges all the unwanted noise into light and it’s gone forever. Use multiple Harvesters for greater improvement. Turn a dimmer on in your room and watch the Harvester light go nuts as it reduces the amount of noise present on the line. Extremely effective, makes a big improvement wherever you place it. Converts line noise to light Blacker backgrounds for audio Better pictures for video Works at frequencies 10 times lower than any passive filter Dramatically lowers the noise source Works throughout the home Multiple Harvesters work in parallel Use with exisiting power conditioners Removes noise not covered by power conditioners

Oyaide- Designed for purity and clean, integrated Structure. Importance of a quality power supply connection is widely accepted today. Many enthusiasts set up dedicated lines exclusively for their audio system, so the quality of the AC Receptacle cannot be ignored. Conventional

Each is a set of four new Audio Isolation pads. They are similar to others that are much more expensive. In fact they are rated at 3 times the vibration elimination as similar cork centered pads. Each Audio Isolation Pad measures 2 In. x 2 In. x 7/8 In. thick and can support 50 lbs each and may be stacked for additional vibration reduction.These isolation pads are the best way to eliminate unwanted and undesirable vibrations caused by outside influences and can help when space constraints require stacking of audio equipment. Head-to-head, they sound better, particularly in lack of bass boom and clarity of midrange detail, than Vibrapods, Sorbothane, Sorbagel, Iso-bearings, Iso-Pads, Clearaudio Magix, Van Slyke Tri-Orbs, Seismic Sinks, Bright Star and other assorted mounts.

Another oddy named product that actually works. What is the Yalo Bulala? It is a simple surge protector housed in a yellow coloured plug with a semi-transparent dome shaped cover to show the inside surge protection device should it need to be replaced. No. They don't come in pairs. No. They don't come with the extension cord/powerbar. What is the matter with you people? :) Why do we call it Yalo Bulala? Well, Penny’s father actually gave us this idea. He wanted to install one of those whole house surge protection devices. It would have cost him over $600.00. And once it has been surged, he would need to call an electrican over to replace the surge protection device - another few hundred dollars. So we said why don’t we use the same device and install it in a user plugable unit so he can get mulitple units and plug in wherever components need to be protected? So the whole house is better protected than with one unit at the main inlet. Oh, we still haven’t told you why we call it Bulala. The first time I showed it to him he was eating a banana and he said it looked just like a banana.

JPLAY - instantly transform your PC into high-end digital transport.JPLAY is a fruit of work of fanatical audiophiles, whose only goal is pursuit for ultimate PC-based music playback – it instantly transforms your PC into high-end digital transport.

the most comprehensive and seamless software available for managing and playing your media. Its scope includes almost all formats of audio, video, and images. Media Center can also record television and manage documents.

Product Information

The Pioneer 1260-watt receiver offers the user 140 watts of power for each of its nine channels. This 9.1 channel receiver has the ability to simultaneously drive multiple channels, ensuring a high quality of audio and video. The user of the Pioneer Elite SC-57 is able to send music directly from an iPad, PC, or iPhone to the receiver due to its AirPlay compatibility. The Pioneer 1260-watt receiver also features multi-zone capability, letting the customer view a Blu-ray disc in two different rooms at the same time. With a variety of listening modes, the Pioneer Elite SC-57 has optimum surround, auto surround, stream direct, auto level control, wide surround, front stage surround, headphone surround, as well as virtual surround. Offering the user seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, the 9.1 channel receiver also has three component video inputs and one output, as well as USB and Ethernet inputs. The dimensions of the Pioneer 1260-watt receiver are 17.13 inches (43.5 cm) wide by 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) high by 17.36 inches (44.1 cm) deep and weighs at 39.02 lbs (17.07 kg).

Product IdentifiersBrandPioneerModelSC-57Family LineElite SCProduct TypeHome Theater ReceiversUPC884938134811
Key FeaturesChannels9.1Output Power1260 WattSound Output TypeAC-3 (Dolby Digital)HDMIYes3D ReadyYesReceiver Tuner TypeDigital
MiscellaneousTHX certifiedYes

"ALL" Below are Not in my System Anymore_

Yamamoto A-08 SET Amplifier

SYSTEM 2 way, low spurious vibration optimized suspension, stealth reflex para-aperiodic loading, compact monitor on a dedicated stand loudspeaker system. CABINET Lute shape design, multilayer, constrained-mode damping, enclosure formed using hand selected wood layers, quality graded and oriented for carefully optimized resonances control. Sub-structural ribs are strategically placed for absolute rejection of spurious vibrations. ‘New Era’ avional (from the experience) exo- squeleton clamp structure with The Tuned Mass Damper inhibiting the residual resonances of the wooden structure. TWEETER 29 mm ultra dynamic linearity classic Ragnar Lian moving coil driver, Sonus faber vibration optimized mechanical interface. MIDRANGE/WOOFER 179 mm, ultra dynamic linearity driver. CCAW/Kapton eddy current free voice coil. Dynamically linear magnetic field motor incorporating triple Kellog/ Goeller rings. Real time air dried and non pressed cellulose fiber cone. Designed synergistically with its optimized acoustic chamber. A special coaxial anti-compressor are used, designed to remove cavity resonance and distortions. CROSS-OVER Non-resonant progressive slope design, optimized amplitude/phase response for optimal space/time performance. Paracross topology on the tweeter hi-pass. The response at low frequencies is controlled for a clear amplifier friendly performance. Highest quality is used in terms of the components: Mundorf Supreme capacitors, Jantzen inductors. Cross-over: 2800Hz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE 40 Hz – 30.000 Hz, Stealth reflex included. SENSITIVITY 86 db SPL (2.83V/1 m). NOMINAL IMPEDENCE 4 ohm. POWER HANDLING 25W – 200W, without clipping. DIMENSIONS 410 x 235 x 412 mm (HxWxD). WEIGHT 37 Kg per pair – net weight 43.5 Kg per pair – shipping weight. EVOLUTION STAND DIMENSIONS 795 x 320 x 423 mm (HxWxD) WEIGHT 72 Kg per pair – net weight 86 Kg per pair – shipping weight TOTAL DIMENSIONS 1205 x 320 x 510 mm (HxWxD Including Guarneri Evolution). AVAILABLE FINISHES PIANO BLACK RED / BLACK SATIN DOWNLOAD DATA SHEET 508 KB IL PROGETTO 81 KB THE PROJECT 78 KB BROCHURE 7461 KB NEMKO-CCL USA CRTIFICATE 31 KB NEMKO-CANADA CERTIFICATE 116 KB AUDIO REVIEW - NOVEMBER 2011 463 KB 12 FIND A DEALER

The floorstanding monitor C8 Renaissance combines the advantages of an omni-directional point-source radiator with the extended bandwith signal integrity of Ascendo’s patented SASB-Technology: impeccable homogeneity and ultra low bass capability. The C8 Renaissance provides perfect impulse response and so delivers accurate holographic imaging complemented by defined and powerful low bass performance. Its wider bandwith, linear frequency response and inherent smoothness go far beyond other speaker systems’ capabilities. The immaculate C8 Renaissance reproduces the acoustic imaging of recordings with perfect accuracy. The back firing TOS Unit allows adjustment to varying decay times of different listening rooms. This flexibility ensures true reproduction and perfect signal integrity from near field to free field setups. C8 Renaissance Technical Features Superior time coherence SASB Technology: Extreme low bass capability Homogeneous semi-spherical dispersion Switchable for directivity (TOS Unit): A: hemisphere. Point source with hemispherical directivity B:Dipole: 4-way dipole characteristic with TOS Unit Extended frequency response State-of-the-art chassis and filter parts Typical applications Two channel stereo Multi channel audio Home Cinema C8 Renaissance Technical Data Principle • Three-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS Off) (current damped outer driver with semi symmetrical band pass) • Four-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS On) Dimensions (W/H/D) • 28 / 80 / 40 (without Base) • 28 / 108 / 40 (with Base) Weight 35 kg Frequency Range 29 Hz (-3 dB) – 32.000 Hz Power Rating 350 W Program (min) Impedance 6 Ohm Sensivity 88 dB / 1W/m Outer Chassis (COAX) • 25 mm Neodymium-fabric-tweeter • 18 cm Woofer with XP cone Inner Chassis • 21 cm Chassis, Kevlar cone TOS Chassis • Ribbon-tweeter TOS Function • switchable (TOS Unit - Dipole AN / AUS) Sockets • Single / BiWiring Base Dimensions (W/H/D) 28 / 18 / 40 cm Weight 11 kg Finish Rosewood (piano lacquer) Maple (piano lacquer) Tineo matt Walnut matt piano lacquer black Other colours in piano lacquer on demand. C8 Renaissance

Purist Audio Design listens to its customers, and in response we are pleased to present a new line of cables, the Corvus. The Corvus uses a similar single crystal copper to the Proteus Provectus. However, rather than using a fluid shielding we utilized the Ferox shielding; which gives a close presentation (like sitting in row D rather than row G). Yes, in addition to being dead quiet, the tone, warmth, and organic nature of the recording is more like attending a live acoustic venue.

The most advanced design ever offered by Audio Research. All vacuum-tube gain (12 or 18 dB) with full microprocessor control of volume, balance, record and input selection. Fully regulated power supplies, dedicated power and logic transformers and four isolated circuit modules with audiophile-grade components throughout. No mechanical switches degrade the signal path; electronic relays are used exclusively. All front-panel functions (including mute and phase inversion) are achievable via the included handheld remote control. Both balanced and single-ended inputs (eight plus full tape/processor loop) and outputs (two main, one tape) are offered, allowing simple connection to any conceivable input source. Reference Series products feature anodized quarter-inch side panels with countersunk fasteners for clean lines and enduring mechanical integrity.

BAT VK30R w/VK20 Phono Pre w/ Remote & phono Stage

Being the newest / current MKII model adds: * Newly designed high voltage power supply. * Rectifier with double choke filtering (two chokes per channel). * Custom EI power transformers. * Machined Delrin 300B tube sockets gold plated pin receptacles. * Custom made gold plated binding posts. * All black finish with black anodized face and top plates. The MK-II version features a modified circuitry that guarantees a deeper bass tones and crisper treble. The redesigned custom wound power and output transformers result an increase of output power to 26 watts. An independent, double choke filtered high voltage supplies is used for each channel. The MKII uses only the highest quality parts and components in key circuit locations. All wirings are done with military grade Teflon coated silver wires. The oversize custom wound power and output transformers are specially designed. Military grade epoxy circuit boards are designed to minimize component interaction.Each 300B triode tube has a separate bias adjustment pot mounted on the top plate for easy and precise biasing.

Vacuum-tube monoblock amplifier. Tube complement: one 5731 two 6FQ7 four 6550 Maximum power: 140W into 4 ohms (18.5dBW), 30Hz-15kHz, at no more than 1% THD or IMD. Frequency response at 10W: 20Hz-20kHz, ±1dB. Hum and noise: 98dB below rated power. Sensitivity: 900mV to rated power. Input impedance: 100k ohms. Dimensions: 17.5

Super SS amp. Really did a great job with my stubborn Ascendo C8 Speakers.

BMI Shark Pure Jeweler grade Platinum AC Power Cable. It uses 9 gauge stranded jewelers Platinum conductors and a 9 gauge copper conductor for the ground wire. Wattagate 330 and 350 are used at the ends. The fit and finish are excellent on the Shark and unlike the BMI Whale which is soft to the touch the Shark is very dense and more flexible than the Whale Elite Mk II. The Shark's Diameter is a lot smaller than the other superchords currently on the market adding to its relative flexibility but its weight is about the same as the much thicker Whale Mk II due to its high density previously mentioned. The BMI Shark Breakin: Based on my experience expect at least 400+ hours to reach its full potential. Platinum conductors take much longer than copper or silver conductors to break in so be prepared for a long wait. With more time the BMI Shark became much smoother and added weight and balance. It take 15-16 days going 24 hours a day to reach the 400 hour mark but its worth the wait.The BMI Shark Sound: It is on the sunny side of neutral but unlike some silver chords has Zero brightness or glair and sounds as smooth as silk. It's hallmark is supreme transparency, very high resolution, vibrancy and the most highly defined bass I have herd from a powerchord. The Shark is ruthless to source material and the notes are presented with pinpoint clarity. Vocal material takes on a new dimension with the Shark being so clear and lifelike in its sound. There is more