DOOD.CA: Guy Stuff

Half Note Audio, has announced the newest updates the ASR Emitters.

The list of upgrades is numerous:
Gold Plated PCB board
Bypass input
Balanced (XLR) inputs
Connection of two or more Emitters for monoblock and bridged operation

The gold plated PCB offers an optimal combination with the Teflon isolated massive silver wire used throughout for all signals from input to output. This change offers a very durable surface with very low contact resistance results in an even wider, more open soundstage and a smooth sound with improved bass precision and impact. Owners can now choose options including a second set of balanced (XLR) inputs and a bypass input for the Emitter II. An optional Digital Control can be used to connect and control two or more Emitters for home cinema or tri-amplification duties.

Just got in an XLO Reference2 Ref 4a Digital Cable… interesting as this is not a coaxial interconnect, so does not have the 75 ohm impedence that is usually recommended. It contains 10 conductors in a double helix configuration… similar to a strand of DNA.

I popped this cable in, replacing a SonoCable SonoSibelius digital interconnect, which is in my opinion one of the finest digital cables out there at any price. The XLO cable really did sing. Not too bad at the retail price of $179CAD. I would characterize the cable as a bit more lively and unrestrained than the SonoSibelius, but at the same time less controlled. I think the XLO might have been suffering from some timing errors or something, but it sounded pretty darn good for the money. I really did like the XLO on Jazz vocal tracks such as Norah Jone’s Come Away with Me and Krall’s Departure Bay.

Switching over to Symphony performances, I noticed a slight sizzle at the top end when certain brass instruments boomed during crescendos and the like, however, this didn’t detract from the fantastic dynamics I was getting from the cable. Certainly a lively and punchy cable, this will not disappoint you if you choose it:

XLO Reference2 Ref 4a on their site

Comparison between the venerable Moon Equinox CD Player:
http://www.simaudio.com/moonequinox.htm

And the relatively new and Hyped up Rega Saturn:
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/Saturn.htm

Which one is better? Well, I suppose that is for you to decide, with your ears, but if you want my opinion, read futher.

The Moon Equinox unit that I demo’d has only unbalanced RCA outputs along with digital outputs. Looks beautifully made, with aluminum everywhere and steel top and bottom. It is a front loading player with the hump on the top to make it stand out from the crowd.

How does it sound? Pretty good. I would say that for a $3000 player it does the job admirably. It certainly has my vote in the looks department, and without having tried the Rega Saturn, I would have walked away happily with this CD Player were I shopping for one. However, I had both to listen to.

The Rega wasn’t as magnificent in it’s looks, and just resembled the Rega players of the 2000 series previous. The Unit I had was Black, with Balanced XLR as well as RCA outputs. I tried both… noticably so, the XLR sounded better, and this is coupled with a Linar Audio Pre-2, which may mean that the Linar’s balanced circuitry is superior to it’s unbalanced.

Comparing the Rega with the Moon, I would have to say hands down, the Rega is a much better player, and at less money. Sitting around $2500 or so, its not only cheaper, but offers more features, and better sound. Jazz and Classical had more depth, and it handled the top end with much more grace than the Sim did. Explosions in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 had more definition and punch with the Saturn. In short, it did just about everything better, which is quite the feat and the price. It completely knocked out the Monarchy M24 and Krell.

The Rega Saturn is damn near one of the best players I’ve heard anywhere short of $5000, in fact.

Having trouble finding a good hi-fi store in Nanaimo? Well look no futher! Avalon Audio has finally opened in Nanaimo providing residents with a better selection of audio gear. Monitor Audio, Hyperion, Bel Canto, Cambridge Audio, Rotel, B&K and Rega are just some of the brands that this place will carry. I am not associated with Avalon Audio, but I know the guy who owns it, and he’s a great guy.

http://avalonaudio.ca/

This is the problem:

“I have a decent system with tube amp, pre and decent ICs and PCs. However, I am only using a surge protector with no noise filtration added and a stock power cord. Am I limiting the performance of my components by not using some sort of conditioner. I have heard that conditioners can limit current, soundstage, dynamics, etc. There doesn’t seem to be any noise associated with my current set up but, I might also be limiting performance with the surge protector and power cord since it is stock. Looking for suggestions on inexpensive line conditioners that do not limit current or performance.”

There are many ways to answer this question. There are a few points that I think should be looked at when dealing with this situation:

1. I would say that if you own your house, installing a dedicated circuit the first step to improvement your power.

2. Surge protectors are limiting your current and wasting energy as heat already with their poor contacts, unless you are using a high-end unit.

3. PS Audio and Shunyata make great units in my opinion that are non-current limited for improving the quality of sound. There are also passive line conditioners to consider. Make sure you audition first!

4. Monster Cable makes some decent non-limiting power conditioners as well, at a very affordable price. They don’t have a large amount of filtration and many high-end audiophiles will shun them, but they do work.

5. Power Cords should only be assessed after the power has been addressed.