CES: Highlights from Venetian Floor 30 – Electronics, Source Components, and Servers/Streamers

Most CES high-end audio exhibits are clustered in the aforementioned upper floors of the Venetian Hotel, although by tradition some high-end headphone manufacturers continue to exhibit in the LVCC’s South Hall. Added to this, there are also unofficial off piste high-end demonstration areas at the Mirage Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and elsewhere.

This year Hi-Fi+ decided to try a new approach, assigning representatives to cover specific geographic areas for reporting purposes. Editor Alan Sircom took the Venetian Expo Hall and floors 31, 34, 35 (where the upper floors have fewer but larger exhibit suites); yours truly (Publisher Chris Martens) took the more densely populated Venetian floor 30 plus key LVCC South Hall headphone exhibits; and new Hi-Fi+ contributor Sydney Schips handled the also very densely populated Venetian floor 29. Each of us will be preparing show reports.

In any report like this one, despite our best efforts, it is inevitable that some worthy manufacturers will go unmentioned. Please know that this is not by intent and no slights are intended; more often than not, it’s simply a matter of too much show to see and hear, coupled with not enough time in the day. Still, we try our best…

Electronics, Source Components, and Servers/Streamers

Absolare
Absolare showed its new 85 Wpc, valve-type, Passion 845 PushPull monoblock amplifiers ($40,000/pair) featuring—you guessed it—push-pull circuitry.  Each amplifier uses 2 x 845, 2 x EL34, and 1 x 12at7 valves, and the amp is said to provide “substantial operating mode in Class A.” Words cannot easily express how visually and sonically elegant and refined these components really are.

Acoustical Systems
Acoustical Systems showed three related analogue products at CES: the Archon moving coil phono cartridge ($4,000), the very exotic Axiom tonearm ($22,500, complete with Acoustical Systems’ famous Arche headshell), and the Helox record clamp ($750).

Atoll Electronique
The French firm Atoll Electronique debuted its powerful and full-featured HD 120 headphone amp/DAC/preamp at CES. As our accompanying photo shows, the HD 120 can be paired with a companion MA 100 stereo power amplifier ($800) that puts out 80 Wpc @ 4 Ohms and features discrete class A/B circuitry. 

The HD120 offers two analogue inputs, a coaxial S/PDIF input (32/384), an optical input (24/192), a USB-B asynchronous input (24/192), a Bluetooth input, two 6.35mm headphone outputs, and a set of analogue preamp outputs. High-quality parts abound, with the unit including an ALPS volume control, Burr-Brown PCM 5102 DAC, and premium quality resistors and capacitors. A volume control is optional. Best of all, the unit offers generous continuous headphone power output of 1.4 watts @ 32 Ohms and peak power of 6.8 watts into that same load.

AURALiC
AURALiC’s CES presence revolved around the ever-growing capabilities of the firm’s clever ARIES Bridge Streamer ($1,599), which has the rather remarkable capability of turn most any high-performance DAC into an exceptionally capable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected streamer. Inputs for the ARIES include high-speed Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, or a USB 2.0 port (for connecting USB storage directly to the ARIES), while outputs include coaxial and optical S/PDIF ports, and AES EBU port, and a USB port. When Attached DACs are up to the task, the ARIES can stream digital audio data at up to 32-bit/384kHz resolutions (PCM) or DSD 64 or DSD 128 rates.

Most importantly, the ARIES come bundled with AURALiC’s very sophisticated Lightning DS app, which presently runs on modern generation iPads for maximum convenience. Functionality for the ARIES and its Lightning DS app expands on an almost monthly basis, and the ARIES hardware module is set up so that it can be auto-updated on a regular basis. One example of just such a functionality increase would be AURALiCs beautiful integration of TIDAL streaming music functions under the ARIES/Lightning DS system (where the AURALiC version is called Tidalic).  The beauty of the system is that it is very good in the here and now, while continuing to get better month-by-month.

Aurender
Aurender showed two new servers (or ‘Caching Network Music Players’ in Aurender parlance) for CES: the N10 ($10,000) with 1TB of onboard SSD storage, and the N100 (starting at $2500) with 120GB of onboard SSD storage. Note that a 1TB version of the N100, to be called the N100S is also in the works.

According to Aurender, the intended users for the N100, include “Latest USB DAC users, or a user that does not want to set up NAS.” Accordingly, the N100 provides digital audio outputs via USB only. The intended users for the N10, however, include “Traditional DAC users with S/PDIF connections, NAS users, or users whose own content can be fit in 1TB f storage.” The N10 provides digital audio outputs via USB, coax, optical, BNC, and AES/EBU.

Burmester
The German firm Burmester showed its very versatile MC 151 Music Center ($25,000), which is a category-defying product that incorporates the functions of a streamer, a traditional server (complete with at least 2TB of onboard HDD storage, plus an SSD system drive), and a CD player/disc ripper.

The UPnP-compatible MC 151 can be controlled via a Burmester app and is designed so that it can directly drive power amplifiers without requiring a preamp of any kind (unless the user simply want to use one).

Cambridge Audio
London-based Cambridge Audio announced a new middle range of CX-series components along with a new top-of-the-range 851-series server. New CX models include the CX A60 integrated amp ($799), CX A80 integrated amp ($999), CX-C CD transport ($499), and the CX-N Network player ($999). The CX-N is a wired or wireless network player that supports Internet radio, Spotify Connect, Airplay, and aptX Bluetooth, and can decode MP3, FLAC, and WAV files at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. The CX-N is built around Wolfson WM8740 DACs and sports a colour front panel display. 

In the higher range 851-series line, there is also a new Network player called the 851-N ($1,799). Think of the 851-N as a CX-N on steroids.
 

Chord Electronics
Many Hi-Fi+ readers are familiar with Chord Electronic’s superb Hugo portable headphone amp/DAC/preamp, but for CES 2015 the firm introduced a considerably larger desktop version called the Hugo TT, for Table Top ($4,795). How did Chord improve upon the already very strong Hugo formulation?

Well, the TT model provides both single-ended and balanced outputs, runs in Class A mode much deeper into the audio range and at lower impedances, offer significantly greater current drive capabilities (though the same maximum voltage swing), has twice the battery capacity, uses 10MµF SuperCaps, provides galvanic isolation for the USB inputs, includes a remote control and front panel display, and larger control buttons.

In every way, then, the Hugo TT is a Hugo writ large, making it more suitable than ever before as a digital preamp for use at the front end of a full-sized speaker-based (or headphone-based) audio system.

Conrad-Johnson
Conrad Johnson showed its new MF2275 135 Wpc power amplifier ($3,850; standard; or $6,150 for the SE version with uprated resistors, capacitors, etc.). Controlling the MF2275 was ET3SE preamplifer ($4,500).

This C-J pair did a wonderful job powering a power hungry and thus not-so-easy-to-drive pair of Magnepan .7 loudspeakers with a DWM bass module.

Crystal Cable
Crystal Cable demonstrated its new 100 Wpc CCI (Crystal Cable Integrated) amplifier, which will sell in Europe for €12,000. The significance of the CCI, apart from its attractive and nearly cube-shaped industrial design motif, is that it represents an attempt to capture much of the sound (and underlying technology) of the spectacular, top-tier Siltech SAGA separates components, but in a relatively compact and semi-attainably priced package.

The CCI provides a fully-balanced line-stage with six analogue inputs, plus its own version of the optically decouple, standing bias, Class A/B ‘Light Drive’ output section of the Siltech’s SAGA amplifier.  As a final, very appealing ergonomic touch, the CCI can be controlled a beautiful little wireless CCC (Crystal Cube Controller) module. When matched up with Crystal’s excellent Minissimo standmount monitors, the CCI helps provide a system that sounds much like a true top-tier offering, but for a fraction of the price.
 

EAT
Demonstrating its vigourous commitment to all things analogue, EAT showed a new valve-type phonostage called the E-Glow ($9,000). Each channel of the E-Glow use a valve complement of 2 x 12AX7 and 1 x 6922 valves.

But EAT also had a new turntable to show, called the C-Sharp, priced at $4,250 for the arm and table, which can be had with an Ortofon Quintet moving coil cartridge at the special bundled price of $4,500.

EMM

EMM showed two very impressive new products for CES. First up were the massively powerful 1,500 Wpc (no, that’s not a typo) MTRX monoblock amplifiers ($130,000/pair), which feature Class A/B circuitry and are serious behemoths to behold.

Next up was the new DA2 Reference DAC, which features all new analogue and digital circuitry and is priced from $25,000 on up (depending on configuration).  The DA2 features EMM’s new MDA2 DSP engine, which also appears in other new EMM products.

Isotek
​One of the most impressive new power products I found at the show is the new Isotek Evo3 Mosaic Genesis ($11,995), which can rightly be viewed as both an AC power regenerator and as a power conditioner.

In fact, the Mosaic borrows technologies from two of Isotek’s present top-shelf products: namely, high-current power conditioning know-how borrowed from the Evo3 Super Titan and very low-distortion mains regeneration technologies borrowed from the Evo3 Genesis. In a sense, then, the Evo3 Mosaic promises to be a ‘best of two worlds’ design.

Krell
Krell launched two key products at CES. First, we have the new 200 Wpc, Vanguard integrated amp ($4,500), which can be ordered with or without an optional digital module ($1,500) that adds USB, 2 x HDMI, Ethernet,  coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, and a Bluetooth aptX input. Interestingly, the Vanguard provides a Class A preamplifier section and a Class A/B power amplifier section.

Next comes the very impressive, reference-grade Illusion stereo preamplifier, which is offered in two versions: a single chassis model with an onboard power supply ($7,000) or a two-chassis model with a massive, supplemental outboard power supply ($15,000).

Lumin
Server maker Lumin was showing its entire range of servers, which comprises four server models and one storage library device; servers included the S1 ($12,000), A1 ($7,200), T1 ($5,000), andD1 ($2,000), while the library device is the diminutive new L1 ($1,000). Designed as an ideal companion for Lumin’s servers, the LI is a UPnP compatible device that can serve high-res 

PCM and/or DSD 64 or DSD 128 digital audio files, and that can also serve music files captured in more conventional formats such as WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and MP3.

Meridian
Much of Meridian’s ‘thunder’ at CES centred on the launch of its thought provoking MQA digital music protocol standard, but as you might expect the firm is wasting no time in launching newly MQA-compatible versions of several of its classic products.

Two good examples would be Meridian’s now MQA-compatible 808 preamp/CD player and its 818 preamplifier ($16,000). Naturally, Meridian has also integrated MQA (and Tidal streaming music services) within its SooLoos music server system.

Micromega HD
The French firm Micromega HD took a ‘less is more’ approach to high-end sound, demonstrating its adorable little MyAmp integrated amp/DAC ($649), which put out a very conservatively rated 30 Wpc, offer three analogue and three digital inputs, a Bluetooth aptX input, and even incorporate a miniaturised flow-though forced air cooling system.

But the even cooler part was that Micromega HD showed the compact amp driving a pair of mid-sized MySpeakers two-way bookshelf monitors that sell for just $349/pair. In short, Micromega’s compact looking (but certainly not compact sounding) MySystem can be had for an oh-so-manageable $998. Bargains don’t come much bigger than this.

Moon by Simaudio
The Canadian firm Moon by Simaudio introduced a new, cost-reduced Neo series DAC called the Neo 280D ($2,200). The full-featured 280D sport seven digital inputs (one AES/EBU, two S/PDIF, two Toslink, one asynchronous USB, and on aptX Bluetooth input), and can decode PCM files at up to 32-bit/384kHz rates, or DSD files at up to DSD256 rates. The analogue section of the 280D features a fully balanced differential circuit.

One other desirable option is to add an eighth digital input in the form of Moon’s MIND network player module for an additional $800. Think of the 280D as the ‘Son of 380D’, but at a significantly more accessible price point.

 
NuPrime
As many of our readers know, NuForce has been sold to and is now under the management of the projector maker Optoma, but interestingly NuForce founder Jason Lim managed to acquire rights to the purist, high-end audio section of NuForce and has now re-cast the company under a new name: NuPrime.

Accordingly, NuPrime was showing three key new products. First was DAC-10H/DAC-10, which is—depending on configuration—either a powerful DAC/preamp or a DAC/preamp that can serve double-duty as a headphone amplifier ($1,495 – $1,795).

Next is the very impressive IDA-16 integrated amplifier/high-res DAC ($2,350), which puts out 200 Wpc and provides a DAC capable of handling up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM files and DSD files sampled a 2.8MH, 5.56MHz, and 11.2MHz).

Last but not least is the compact ST-10 stereo power amp ($1,595), which puts out a healthy 2 x 150 Wpc and is considered part of NuPrime’s Reference LE or (near-reference) line.

Peachtree Audio
Stepping forth in a (somewhat) new direction, Peachtree announced a family of new electronics separates collectively known as the Sona components.

At the front end of the system is an elegant and surprisingly compact sonaDAC ($1,500), which more accurately is a combination DAC/preamp.

Then, completing the package is the sonaAMP ($1,000), which is a sleek and also compact next generation Class D ICEpower power amplifier.

Primare
Primare showed two of its most ambition products to date (called the 60 series) in the form of its A60 power amplifier ($10,000) and PRE60 media preamplifier (that is, preamp/DAC), also priced at $10,000.

According to the US imported VANA Ltd., the traditionally modest styling of these Scandinavian Primare components gives little visual indication of the serious sonic prowess that lies within. Based on a too brief listening session, we’re inclined to take the man at his word on that point.

QAT
Server specialist QAT’s biggest news for CES was the very compact, single-rackspace-sized, Kuan-series RS3 Server ($1,800). The RS3’s onboard DAC can process PCM digital audio files at resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz, which the server provides a wide range of storage and NAS-drive accessibility options.

For example, there is a 2.5-inch front panel disk slot that accommodates both SSD and HDD disks; the server also provide storage connectivity through three USB ports, plus Wi-Fi access to available NAS drives in the user’s system. Controlling the RS-3 is proprietary ‘QAT’ app that is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Raidho – Aavik
Raidho demonstrated its new 300 Wpc U-300 Aavik integrated amplifier/high-res DAC ($30,000) at CES, using he new amp as its platform of choice to power the firm’s impressive new X-3 floorstanding loudspeakers. While some might quibble about small aspect of the amp’s and/or loudspeaker’s voicing, the fact is that the Aavik (and the X-3) did a marvellous job of conveying the energy and life of the music—something I sometimes call the ‘boogie factor’—in delightful and compelling way.

Interestingly, Raidho’s sister brand Scansonic was using a no-nameplate, black box standalone version of the Aavik’s DAC section in its demo of that firm’s new MB-series loudspeakers. Together, the Raidho and Scansonic demoes led me to conclude that the DAC section of the Aavik is very special indeed, striking a nice balance point between offering gobs of resolution and detail coupled with a pleasingly self-effacing ‘organic’ quality that I suspect will make for long-term listening satisfaction.

Rega
Both analogue and digital surprises were to be found in the Rega room, where the firm was showing its long-awaited RP10 turntable ($5,495) with an all-new Apheta 2 moving coil phono cartridge ($1,895), which is said to take significant sonic steps forward vis-à-vis the original Apheta.

Confirmed Rega-philes will want to note that the RP-10 and Apheta 2 can be purchased together at the special bundled price of $6,695.

On the digital side of things, Rega demonstrated its new DAC-R ($1,095), which can be viewed as (very) substantial upgrade to the original Rega DAC. The DAC-R provides and asynchronous USB input with support for 16, 20, and 24-bit PCM files at up to 192kHz sampling rates. The DAC-R uses a clever jitter elimination system and very high quality parts throughout.

Rogue Audio
Rogue introduced a new and very full-featured valve-type stereo preamplifier called the RP5 ($3,495). The RP-5 uses four 12 AU7 valves, incorporates an MM/MC phono stage with user adjustable gain and loading settings, provides VFD display, and can function either as a traditional preamplifier or headphone amp.

Most of the preamp’s functions are handled through a processor controlled, faceplate-mounted rotary encoder or through an included ten-button remote control.  

Sony

OK, I’ll admit the following passage is somewhat cruel, in that it involves a description of a spectacularly great amplifier that neither I, nor you, nor anyone else can buy. I am speaking, as you may have guessed, of the Nelson Pass-designed Sony 40^th Anniversary VFET monoblock power amplifiers, which are based on what turns out to be the world’s sole remaining supply of some more or less unobtanium-grade NOS VFET output transistors. Only six of these amplifiers were ever built, or ever will be built. Two belong to Nelson Pass, two belong to Sony, and two are (sometimes) used as demon units at special shows such as CES.

As I listened to the VFET amps driving a pair of Sony floorstanders, it struck me that we all need to hear dream components like these every once in a while, if only to recalibrate our notions of what the word ‘good’ really means.
 

T+A
The German firm T+A Elektroakustik showed its’ spectacular HV-series PDP 3000 HV CD-SACD Player with PCM-DSD DAC ($20,000), which is in every way built like an S-Class Benz (meaning it offers an uncanny blend of elegance and armoured personnel carrier robustness).

The fascinating PDP 3000 HV has completely separate DSD and PCM circuitry, right down to the level of having discrete sets of outputs for each format. Why go to such lengths? T+A says there are small, but readily discernible sonic benefits that merit the ‘separate but equal’ treatment. And, did we mention that the PDP 3000 HV’s drive mechanism appears to be more or less bombproof?

Thales
The Swiss firm Thales was showing the gorgeous (and ingenious) combination of the TTT Compact turntable ($13,200) and pivoting zero track error Simplicity II tonearm ($9,200), as fitted with an Ikeda KAI MC phono cartridge ($8,500). 

The Thales Simplicity II arm is, compared to most air-bearing-type radial tracking arms, a model—as its name implies—of functional simplicity and elegance.
 

Thorens
For some reason I have almost always presumed most Thorens turntables would come with gimbal-bearing-type tonearms, but for CES the firm surprised we with its elegant and exceedingly affordable TD 203 turntable, which—please note—comes with a unipivot toneam.

Triangle Art

Triangle Art builds what are without a doubt some of the most gorgeous turntables and tonearms being produced today. On display at CES were three turntables: the Concerto ($3,995), the Symphony ($6,000), and the spectacular Reference SE ($ 24,995).

The tables were in turn fitted with either Triangle’s 9-inch Osiris 9 tonearm ($4,980) or the 12-inch Osiris 12 ($5,800).

VTL
If there were an award for consistency at shows, it would go to Bea Lam and Luke Manley at VTL. They seem to be incapable of making a bad sound, perhaps because VTL’s demonstrations rely on tried and tested system synergies, such as using a Spiral Groove SG1.1 turntable with a Lyra Etna cartridge, a dCS Vivaldi digital player, and Wilson Audio Sasha 2 loudspeakers, all on HRS racks with Transparent Opus MM signal cables and Nordost Odin power cords. Or maybe it’s because the installation is performed with care, attention and – that word again – consistency. However, the largest part has to come down to VTL amplification sounding pretty good in it’s own right.

This year, VTL was showcasing two revised preamplifiers. In the demonstration system, the new TP6.5 Series II Signature line preamplifier ($15,000) was being played, partnered with matching TP6.5 Signature phono preamplifier and S-400 Series II Reference stereo power amplifier. The TP6.5 Series II is a significant revamp on the seven year old TP6.5, with a power supply and shock-mounted high-current gain stage trickled down from the TP7.5 Series III flagship, along with a redesigned FET-based gain stage, audiophile-grade capacitors and additional bypassing.

Alongside the TP6.5 Series II, VTL has announced an improved version of its entry-level preamplifier, the TL-2.5i Performance Preamplifier. Available as a line-only preamplifier for $3,000 or line and phono for $4,000, this all-tube amplifier has been upgraded thanks to adjustable gain for line inputs, and is now voiced with audiophile grade capacitors. The MM/MC phono board (with adjustable gain and load) can be retrofitted. 

Ypsilon

The Greek high-end audio company Ypsilon was showing its impressive new Phaethon integrate amplifier ($24,800), which is described as a “hybrid line level amplifier utilizing only three active gain stages, two of them with low noise valves operating in single ended Class A fashion…” The amp offers a so-called ‘bridged single-ended’ output stage.

Shown in conjunction with the Phaethon was Ypsilon’s VPS-100 Valve Phono Stage, which sounded terrific with the Thales/Ikeda turntable/cartridge combination described under ‘Thales’, above.

Zanden
The well-regarded ultra high-end brand Zanden debuted a new, comparatively inexpensive (well, for Zanden) USB DAC, called the Model 500 (projected price, $7,500).

Zanden’s Kazutoshi Yamada explained that, in his view, reducing PC-induced noise is one the very most significant issues in achieving top-tier sound quality with USB DACs. Accordingly, the Model 500 will, in final production form, use a very effective, proprietary noise-blocking material in its chassis.