The year was 1987 and digital audio was still emerging unsteadily from its technological Stone Age. Nineteen-eighty-seven was also noteworthy for the highly anticipated, first-ever release of the Beatles catalog on compact disc. Although the ...

The three phonostages represented in this survey cover a range of reasonable price points. They are basic though distinct in operation and are externally adjustable for use with the majority of cartridges. All are solid-state ...

Professional Monitor Company or PMC is the U.K.-based loudspeaker firm that has been internationally heralded for the big active systems it designs for the pro market—systems for film- and sound-recording studios as well as broadcast ...

“Wow, this baby’s loaded,” I muttered to myself as I scanned the back panel of the Simaudio Moon i3.3 and its sister, the CD3.3, which was idling nearby. I do my own fair share of ...

After many none-too-sutble hints to colleagues Harley and Valin and a few well placed words to Magico marketing guy Irv Gross, I’ve finally received a pair of Magico’s for review–the 2.5-way V2, a floorstander. They ...

There are few things in audio as sweet as the speed and coherence of an impeccably executed two-way compact speaker. At least that’s my view. The reason? Simplicity. Two-ways apply the bare minimum of parts, ...

In Issue 196 I reviewed the Wireworld Platinum Eclipse interconnect, the company’s latest flagship wire. I was impressed. In a nutshell, this is what I had to say about the Eclipse interconnect: “There’s no shortage ...

Best Sound The TAD Reference One loudspeaker in the Kimber/WBT demo room (with Bel Canto’s DAC3.5, the CD2 player transport, Virtual Battery Supply, Ref 500M monoblocks and all WBT terminated Kimber Kable) produced effortless orchestral ...

In the large speaker ranks the name Nola needs little introduction. Open baffle designs like its Baby Grand always attract a great deal of interest. Music is reproduced on such a transparent and impactful scale ...

Friday mornings at Rocky Mountain tend to be the quietest as I begin my rounds, but I hit pay dirt right out of the chute. Norwegian electronics maker Hegel made quite a strong first impression ...

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show Rotel debuted the 15 Series, an impressive range of components encompassing most segments of the audio, A/V, and custom-installation markets. Beyond its eye-catching appearance and upgraded internals the 15 ...

I’m not an ideologue on the issue of solid-state versus vacuum tubes. No allegiances whatsoever. But I recognize that tube components possess a special appeal­—particularly to audiophiles who crave greater involvement in the sport. Charting ...

Some amps just know how to make an entrance. Their presence conveys an air of substance and quality. And serious intent. The Marantz PM-11S2 integrated amplifier is one of these. Clad in champagne-brushed aluminum, the ...

For over thirty years, ATC Loudspeaker Technology has built a sterling reputation for engineering self-amplified or active speaker systems for professional applications—from recording studios and mastering facilities to ritzy music venues like Disney Hall. ATC ...

The year was 1987 and digital audio was still emerging unsteadily from its technological stone-age. The year was also noteworthy for the highly anticipated, first-ever release of the Beatles catalog on compact disc. Although the ...