Robert Harley
Editor-in-Chief of The Absolute Sound Magazine
Author of The Complete Guide to High End Audio (1st Published in 1994, Reproduced in 2021)
From The Editor
“About seven months ago, I was contacted by an audiophile who shared with me his vision for bringing high-end audio and music culture to the people of theMiddleEast. “
A Bold Initiative
In this issue’s Letters column, reader Fred von Lohmann posits that the experience of hearing a high-end system should be more accessible to a wider range of people. It is only through exposing non-audiophiles to the pleasure of a high quality music system that high-end audio will grow and become more mainstream. He also suggests that TAS should create a list of products and systems that every audiophile should experience at least once.
This is certainly a wonderful goal, but how to realize it in the real world?
I’m thrilled to report that just such a project is underway, and I’m delighted to be a part of it. About seven months ago, I was contacted by an audiophile who shared with me his vision for bringing high-end audio and music culture to the people of the Middle East.
This audiophile is Mr. Nilesh Khalkho, the Founder and CEO of Sharaf DG, the third largest electronics retailer in the Middle East with 31 Best-Buy-like locations.
He envisioned a new high-end retail location in Dubai with the goal not just to sell products, but as the first step in bringing an appreciation of sound quality and music to people of the region. Tellingly, he named his vision Sound Culture Project. As a fan of The Absolute Sound (TAS) and of my book The Complete Guide to HighEnd Audio, he retained me to consult on the brands, curate the systems, advise on the showroom’s acoustic design, and develop training materials for the staff.
The more I learned about Mr. Khalkho’s vision, the more excited I was to be a part of it. In my meetings with him and his staff, he continually stressed that we were creating not just a retail location, but an experience destination. He wanted to build a place where people could encounter a wide range of technologies and sonic presentations in a nocompromise environment. To that end, and on my recommendation, the store has built four state-of-the-art listening rooms using the ASC Iso-Wall construction method, the same technique used successfully in my listening room (see the YouTube video on my room’s design and construction). ASC, which designed the construction acoustics and surface treatments, reports that Sharaf DG has implemented the Iso-Wall construction and acoustic treatments at the highest quality level. That, folks, is a serious commitment. The store, built out from a shell in an upscale mall in Dubai, appears gorgeous in the renderings I’ve seen, with a total of nine twochannel systems plus four home-theater package options.
But equally impressive is the approach to the product mix. The standard formula for a new audio store is to choose a few lines and then to offer what are essentially larger and more powerful versions of the same technology as the customer’s budget increases. That is, a higher budget buys more watts from a company’s amplifier line along with an extra woofer in a bigger enclosure in what is essentially the same speaker. It’s the same sonic signature but on a larger scale. But Mr. Khalkho wanted something different; his mandate to me was to put together an array of systems that showcased a wide spectrum of high-end technologies. In addition to box speakers and solid-state amplifiers, he wanted tube electronics, planar speakers, hybrid amplifiers, amplified speakers with DSP correction, and turntables in every system, even at the very entry level. He wanted people to hear the wide range of possibilities delivered by high-end
audio and to develop their own appreciation of the type of system and sonic aesthetic that appeal to them.
TAS is hugely supportive of Mr. Khalkho’s vision, and we have partnered with Sharaf DG to make available to Sharaf DG’s customers product reviews, awards features, and other content from TAS. In turn, Sharaf DG will promote TAS in the region; they want to get the magazine in front of as many people as possible. Sharaf DG have an enormous customer base, with five million visitors a month to their website, in addition to the foot traffic in their 31 stores.
If even a tiny fraction of them is enticed to visit the new showroom and hear a high-end audio system for the first time, Mr. Khalkho is well on his way in his quest to bring sophisticated music and sound culture to the Middle East.
The project has all the elements of success—Sharaf DG’s huge market presence and consumer base, the state-of-the-art showroom, fabuloussounding systems, a dedicated staff, great location, significant marketing investment, and most of all, the vision that welcomes everyone who loves music to experience what highend audio has to offer.
By the time you read this I will have just returned from Dubai and the store’s grand opening. High-end audio’s longstanding dream of connecting more music lovers with greatsounding audio gear appears to finally be a reality in that part of the world.
Robert Harley Editor in Chief The Absolute Sound
Brand Representatives in Action at the launch of Sound Core Project
Robert Harley Editor in Chief - The Absolute Sound
Bill Duddleston CEO - Legacy Audio
Gabi Rynveld CEO - Crystal Cable
Heinz Lichtenegger CEO - Pro-Ject Audio
David Salz CEO - Wireworld
Adem Tuncer Export Sales Manager GCC / IndiaFocal & Naim
System 1
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Bluesound POWER NODE (N330)
Cables
Wireworld Luna 10
Power
Wireworld Stratus 2024 AC power cord
Subwoofer Option REL T5/x
Loudspeakers
PSB ALPHA P5 Bookshelf Speaker
PSB B50 Imagine Bookshelf Speaker with Speaker Stand
Turntable
Pro-Ject A1
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Phonostage
Starting from AED 11,291
Delivery & Installation charges will be additional
System 1 Configuration
Bluesound Power Node
The Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 is an all-in-one stereo (or multi-room) system for modern times, incorporating wired and wireless streaming, DAC, analog inputs, and power amp, with full control from the BluOS app. Winner of The Absolute Sound’s prestigious Golden Ear Award, the Power Node is highly capable and delivers sound quality far better than that of mass-market brands.
The Absolute Sound said this about the Power Node: “The real story here is the surprisingly good sound for the price. The Power Node Gen 3 easily fits into systems that include other components (even cables) that cost as much or more than the Bluesound unit itself. It should pair well with a wide variety of speakers and rooms, yet it still provides plenty of detail and microdynamics for a surprising amount of satisfaction from all genres of music.”
PSB Alpha P5 and B50 Loudspeakers
PSB Speakers, founded 51 years ago by speaker design genius Paul Barton, brings audiophile design techniques to affordable speakers. The company’s original Alpha was legendary for its sound and value, and was the “go-to” speaker for music lovers on a budget. Now, the new P5 version delivers an even better sound thanks to new driver technology. The Absolute Sound wrote of the Alpha P5 “A highly commendable updating of one of the most musical and affordable mini-monitors available, the Alpha P5 represents the essence of what it means to be a budget compact speaker.” The B50 is a larger upgrade with more extended bass response and wider dynamics.
Pro-Ject A1 Turntable and Phono Box Phono Stage
Pro-Ject is one of the world’s most venerated brands for affordable high-performance audio. Their A1 turntable features design techniques and materials found on much more expensive units, delivering great sound for the price. It comes fully equipped with a quality cartridge and factory setup and calibration. Their Phono Box DC phono stage optioin is the perfect companion, with lower noise and wider dynamic range than the A1’s built-in phonostage
REL T5/x Subwoofer
Subwoofer specialist REL is legendary for their no-compromise approach to subwoofer design. Unlike many “boom-box” subwoofers, REL subs deliver a more sophisticated, musical, and tuneful bass extension, according to The Absolute Sound. Ideal for smaller rooms, the REL T5/x blends seamlessly with your main speaker to deliver deep bass extension in a small footprint.
System 2
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
NAD C700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier
Cables
Wireworld Helicon16 Speaker Cable
Loudspeakers
Focal Theva No.1 with Speaker Stand
Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phonostage
Power
Wireworld Aurora AC Cable
Subwoofer Option
REL T5/x
Starting from AED 18,252
Delivery & Installation charges will be additional
System 2 Configuration
NAD C700 V2 Network Amplifier
Since 1972, the name NAD has been synonymous with great sound at affordable prices. That long tradition continues with the highly capable and superb-sounding C700 V2. This streaming integrated amplifier offers 80 watts per channel of clean power, high-res streaming, AirPlay, and Siri/Alexia voice control, among many other features. Now in a newly improved V2, the C700 marries high-end sound quality with simplicity of operation. Just add speakers.
Focal Theva No.1 Loudspeaker
Focal, one of high-end audio’s most iconic companies, has been making advanced drivers for the world’s most famous speaker companies for decades. Now the French company offers a full line of excellent speaker systems of its own. The Theva No.1 features Focal’s famous inverted-dome tweeter for smooth and extended treble along with a Slatefiber woofer for powerful bass reproduction. These technologies trickled down fromFocal’s more expensive speakers, bringing Focal performance to an affordable speaker.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable and Phono Box X3 Phono Stage
An update of the legendary Debut Carbon, the new Debut Carbon EVO features a tonearm made from a solid-piece of carbon fiber a feature you’ll find only in much more expensive turntables. Pro-Ject turntables are well represented on The Absolute Sound’s Editors’ Choice Awards for their combination of excellent build quality, great sound, and high value. The Debut Carbon EVO coupled with the Phono Box S3 phono stage make an outstanding pair. A special feature of the Debut Carbon EVO and Phono Box S3 (and other Pro-Ject models) is their ability to be connected via a balanced cable for lower noise and better sound.
System 3
Parts of the system
Loudspeakers
Magnepan LRS+ Planar Speaker
Turntable
Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon
Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10 AC cord
Subwoofer Option REL T7/x
Starting from AED 30,942
Electronics/Source
Rogue Audio Sphinx III Tube
Integrated
iFi Neo Streaming DAC
Cables
Wireworld Equinox 10 Audio
Interconnect Cable 1.0-Meter Pair
RCA-RC
Wireworld Equinox 10 loudspeaker
cable
System 3 Configuration
Rogue Audio Sphinx III Integrated Amplifier
Rogue Audio is a small American perfectionist manufacturer of some of the bestsounding tube electronics you’ll find. The original version of the Sphinx was a classic, winning The Absolute Sound’s coveted Product of the Year Award in the Tube Integrated Amplifier category. Now in a new and improved third generation, the Sphinx marries the smooth musicality of tubes with the muscularity of a powerful 100 watt per channel Class D output stage.
iFi Neo Network Audio Streamer
iFi’s Neo brings high-end design and build to an affordable streaming DAC. The Neo not only sounds fabulous, it’s packed with connectivity including AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and is Roon Ready. With the DAC chip’s four-channel True Native architecture, the Neo delivers sound quality is competitive with DACs costing twice the price.
Magnepan LRS+ Planar Loudspeaker
If you’ve never heard Magnepan speaker, you’re in for a surprising treat. Built entirely on its own planar-magnetic driver technology that Magnepan pioneered in the late 1960s, the LRS+ offers stunning musical realism and transient fidelity. The LRS, and now in an improved LRS+, is a staff favorite at The Absolute Sound, winning just about every award possible, including the coveted Product of the Year Award. The magazine had this to say about the LRS+ “A genuine improvement in what was already a standard-setter at its price point, the LRS+ sounds like the real thing from about 60Hz to 12kHz, and that, folks, is not a given, no matter how much you spend.” The LRS+ is an utterly magical match with the Rogue Audio Sphinx III integrated amplifier.
Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable
A step up from the excellent Debut Carbon EVO, the RPM 3 Carbon features an outboard motor to isolate the platter from motor noise, a low-resonance chassis, and an inverted platter bearing for reduced rumble. The RPM 3 Carbon 3’s cartridge is the superb Sumiko Moonstone with an ultra-low-mass magnet assembly for more lifelike sound.
REL T7/x
The Absolute Sound named REL’s T7/x as one of the “Greatest Values in Subwoofers” for its outstanding performance and high value. The T7/x is step up from the T5/x, offering deeper bass extension and higher power handling for larger rooms. The Absolute Sound had this to say about the T7/X “A special round of applause is due this mini-sub for music lovers. A little classic.”
System 4
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Gold Note IS-10 Streaming Amp
Cables
Wireworld Equinox 10 loudspeaker
cable
Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10 AC Cord
Loudspeakers
Focal Aria EVO X
Turntable
Pro-Ject X2B
Subwoofer Option REL T9/x
Starting from AED 43,996
Delivery & Installation charges will be additional
System 4 Configuration
Gold Note IS-10 Streaming Amplifier
This scaled-down version of Gold Note’s award-winning IS-1000 brings most of the technology and performance of that outstanding product to a more affordable price. The IS-10 an “all-in-one” streaming DAC and integrated amplifier that delivers 90 watts per channel (140W into 4 ohms) and is equipped with cutting-edge digital and streaming features. If you ever need more power, you can turn the IS-10 into a mono amplifier and add Gold Note’s PA-10 EVO for 280W per channel.
Focal Aria EVO X Loudspeaker
This tall three-way floorstanding speaker features unique Focal technologies, including their superb Flax drivers and inverted dome tweeter. Made entirely in-house in France, the EVO X delivers deep bass extension from its dual 6.5” woofers in a ported enclosure. The three Flax diaphragm loudspeakers deliver a very natural, defined sound. It also features an ingenious waveguide for controlled directionality and improved sound imaging,
Pro-Ject X2B Turntable
The X2B features build quality and sonic performance that rivals much more expensive turntables. Its 2kg platter and advanced motor design delivery perfect speed accuracy and low wow and flutter for more realistic sound. The motor is suspended in a belt structure to isolate the turntable from motor vibration. For advanced users, it offers adjustable VTA and azimuth. It comes with a 9” aluminum-carbon tonearm and the excellent Ortofon Quintet Red phono cartridge. It all adds up to a superb-sounding vinyl playback system.
REL T9/x Subwoofer
The T9/x is the flagship of the T/x Series, offering a powerful 300W linear amplifier and downward-firing 10” woofer of REL’s own design. Unlike most subwoofers, REL believes in taking the high-level signal from an amplifier as its source to ensure a seamless blend with your main speakers. But because it has its own amplifier, the T9/x doesn’t draw any power from your main amplifier. The result is a subwoofer that is clean, fast, detailed, and extends a systems bass extension and dynamics without adding boom or bloat. The staff of The Absolute Sound are big fans of REL’s T/x Series, and the T9/x is the top of that line. One of the few subwoofers fast and clean enough to blend with a planar speaker such as the Magneplanars.
System 5
Parts of the system
Loudspeakers
Magnepan MG1.7i (Floor-standing Planar)
Electronics/Source
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum Tube Integrated Amplifier
Eversolo DMP-A8 Turntable
Project X8 EVO SuperPack
Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10 AC cord
Subwoofer Option REL T9/x
Loudspeakers
Wireworld Equinox 10
Wireworld Equinox 10 Audio
Interconnect Cable 1.0-Meter Pair
RCA-RCA
System 5 Configuration
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III Integrated Amplifier
A long-time Absolute Sound staff favorite, the all-tube Cronus Magnum all-tube integrated amplifier delivers on the magic of tube amplification with 100 watts per channel of power and an exotic design and build that would be at home in an amplifier at twice the price. Now in its third generation, the Cronus Magnum III is even better than its predecessors, with harmonic richness, a beautiful sense of space, and a wonderful sense of presence.
Magnepan MG1.7i Loudspeaker
This is a stone classic speaker for good reason; its lifelike realism, presence, and immediacy bring music to life like no other speaker near its price. This flat-panel speaker creates sound with a thin diaphragm that has little sound of its own. The “Maggie” 1.7i has tremendous clarity, transparency, resolution, and lifelike imaging. It has been a staff favorite of The Absolute Sound for decades, and one of their reviewers has owned this speaker as his reference for more than ten years. The Absolute Sound’s review of the MG1.7i included this assessment: “The Magnepan 1.7i is an exceptional loudspeaker, especially for its modest cost. It is a true high-end product that will be especially appreciated by those who know and treasure the beauty of live music.”
IsoTek EVO 3 Mini Mira AC Conditioner
This small AC power conditioner cleans up the AC power feeding your system with dual filter circuits to remove common-mode and differential-mode noise. The full star-earth network grounding system lowers system noise. Built from multi-strand 6n OFC silverplated internal wiring with FEP dielectric. Lowering noise on the AC powerline can have surprising results as the IsoTek EVO 3 Mini Mira demonstrates.
System 6
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Gold Note IS-1000 Streaming
Integrated Amplifier
Cables
Wireworld Equinox 10
Loudspeakers
Focal Kanta No.2
Turntable
Project X8 EVO SuperPack Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10
IsoTek V5 Polaris AC conditioner
Subwoofer Option
REL S510
Starting from AED 86,095
Delivery & Installation charges will be additional
System 6 Configuration
Gold Note IS-1000 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
The superb “all-in-one” IS-1000 from Italy’s Gold Note combines advanced functionality, gorgeous styling and build, and outstanding sound quality. With every possible advanced connectivity option for easy streaming, 125 watts per channel of clean power, a fabulous moving-magnet or moving-coil phono amplifier built from their awardwinning stand-alone P-10, and a great-sounding DAC section built around the BurrBrown PCM1792, the IS-1000 is sure to please even the most demanding audiophile.
Focal Kanta No.2 Loudspeaker
Focal has applied its unrivaled driver-making expertise to their new Kanta No.2. The Kanta No.2 sports a beryllium tweeter, an exotic material found only in much more expensive speakers. Beryllium offers smooth, extended, quick, and detailed treble without hardness or edge for a more relaxed yet engaging listening experience.
Pro-ject X8 EVO SuperPak Turntable and Pro-ject Phono Box RS Phono Stage
Pro-ject’s X8 EVO SuperPack is loaded with technical features adapted from the upperend Xtension 9 and 10 turntables. The precision balanced platter is machined out of a single piece of aluminum and damped with a TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) insert. The platter rotates on an inverted bearing with ceramic ball and PTFE thrust pad.
Iso-Tek V5 Polaris AC Conditioner with Initium Power Cord
This sophisticated AC power distribution system features Iso-Tek’s RFI-reducing filter networks for improved sound quality in an audio or AV system. Each of the six independent outlets stops differential-mode cross contamination between components for smoother timbres, cleaner treble, and more precise soundstaging. As a bonus, the V5 Polaris is supplied with the company’s Initium AC power cable.
REL Acoustics S/510 Subwoofer
The S/510 takes REL’s compact-medium chassis concept to reference-like levels of performance and does so with style, power and incredible speed. It delivers incredible levels of all ‘round performance. A big step up over the T series, the S/510 delivers plenty of exceptionally clean, tight, and tuneful bass in a relatively compact enclosure. For this new subwoofer, REL developed their NextGen 3 amplifier, tuned to 500 watts with substantial reserves of power, added a light film of carbon fiber to the rear of the driver to handle the extra power, and developed two new sets of custom filters to extract the utmost in brute force and spaciousness.
System 7
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Eversolo DMP-A10 Streaming DAC
NuPrime AMG One Amplifier
Cables
Wireworld Eclipse 10 Loudspeaker
Cable
Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10
IsoTek V5 Polaris
Starting
Loudspeakers
Legacy Classic HD OR Legacy Calibre
With Speaker Stand
Turntable
Project X8 EVO SuperPack
Pro-ject Phono Box
Pro-Ject Balanced Phono Cable
Subwoofer Option REL S510
System 7 Configuration
EverSolo DMP-A10 Streaming DAC/Preamplifier
The DMP-A8 created quite a stir in the audiophile world for its combination of fabulous sound quality, extensive feature set, touchscreen user interface, and tremendous value. It streams all your favorite music and serves as an analog and digital hub for even the most advanced systems. The DMP A-8 has advanced features such as dual high-precision clocks, dual low-noise power supplies, EverSolo’s proprietary digital oversampling circuit, and a sturdy chassis machined from aircraft-grade aluminum.
NuPrime AMG One Power Amplifier
This innovative power amplifier is based on NuPrime’s proprietary Class D switching technology. It delivers a powerful 170 watts per channel with outstanding clarity, definition, and finesses.
Legacy Audio Classic HD Loudpeaker
This four-driver, three-way speaker delivers an exceptionally wide dynamic range, deep and powerful bass reproduction, and an extended and airy treble. The dual 8” woofers, proprietary to Legacy Audio, have rugged cast frames with large mounting surfaces, and are designed to be as fast and articulate as the 7” graphene-filled carbon midrange unit. These drivers are mated to an exceptional Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter that squeezes the air between its pleats for a smooth and natural treble.
Pro-ject
X8 EVO SuperPak Turntable and Pro-ject Phono Box RS Phono
Stage
Pro-ject’s X8 EVO SuperPack is loaded with technical features adapted from the upperend Xtension 9 and 10 turntables. The precision balanced platter is machined out of a single piece of aluminum and damped with a TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) insert. The platter rotates on an inverted bearing with ceramic ball and PTFE thrust pad. To decrease the load on the bearing, an opposing neodymium magnet repels the platter from the plinth and bearing, ensuring smooth and quiet operation for decades to come.
REL Acoustics S/510 Subwoofer
The S/510 takes REL’s compact-medium chassis concept to reference-like levels of performance and does so with style, power and incredible speed. It delivers incredible levels of all ‘round performance. A big step up over the T series, the S/510 delivers plenty of exceptionally clean, tight, and tuneful bass in a relatively compact enclosure.
Iso-Tek V5 Aquarius AC Power Conditioner
The original Aquarius was one of the most cost-effective power cleaning upgrades money could buy. The new V5 model takes the Aquarius concept to a higher level. There is more instant on tap power due to an increased 35% circuit board copper loading, direct current resistance is at least 25% improved moving closer to the ideal of zero Ohms. Two high-current outlets are provided for amplifiers, subwoofers and so on, with four medium-current sockets for other components.
System 8
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Line
Gold Note PA-1175 Mk.II Amplifier
Cables
Wireworld Eclipse 10
Loudspeakers
Legacy Focus XD OR Focal Sopra No.3
Turntable
Project Extension 10 EVO
Pro-ject Phono Box RS2
Pro-Ject Balanced Phono Cable Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10
IsoTek V5 Aquarius
Starting from AED 179,692 Delivery & Installation charges
Subwoofer Option REL S510
System 8 Configuration
Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Line Streaming DAC/Preamplifier
The DS-1000 EVO Line is Gold Note’s most advance streaming DAC, employing all of the company’s best technologies. The core is dual-mono DAC section built around dual AKM AK4493 converters to preserve every nuance in the music. The analog output stage is as good as that in a stand-alone high-end preamp, and it even features a superb headphone amplifier with dual sensitivity levels.
Gold Note PA-1175 Mk.II Power Amplifier
Gold Note’s PA-1175 Mk.II power amplifier is the perfect companion to the DS-1000 Streaming DAC, delivering 200 watts per channel. But clean power is only part of the story. As the flagship of the Gold Note line, the PA-1175 features a proprietary optical bias circuitry to lower distortion and increase stability.
Legacy Audio Focus XD Loudspeaker
This large four-way tower takes music listening to the next level with built in dual 12” subwoofers powered by an internal 750-watt amplifier for unmatched bass performance. These formidable woofers are mated to dual 7” graphene-filled carbon-fiber midrange drivers, dual Air-Motion Transformer upper-midrange drivers, and dual Air-Motion Transformer tweeters. The Focus XD can fill even the largest rooms with powerful bass and lifelike dynamic impact.
Focal Sopra No.3 Loudspeaker
Focal’s Sopra No.3 is a big step up in Focal’s line, sporting the company’s best technologies. These include the highest-performing midrange driver ever developed by Focal, the company’s famous beryllium tweeter, and a cabinet designed to minimize harmful vibration. The Sopra line is also where you get drivers with Focal’s Tuned Mass Damper, a technology that reduces unwanted driver resonance for clearer sound.
Pro-ject Extension 10 EVO Turntable and Pro-ject Phono Box RS2 Phono Stage
Long known for affordable, high-value turntables, Pro-Ject has recently entered the market for more up-scale models. And its Xtension 10 is a worthy contender. The design features a massloaded, magnetically floated subchassis, a 3"-tall, 12.6 lbs. vinyl/alloy platter, and the 10cc Evolution tonearm.
Iso-Tek V5 Aquarius AC Power Conditioner
The original Aquarius was one of the most cost-effective power cleaning upgrades money could buy. The new V5 model takes the Aquarius concept to a higher level. There is more instant on tap power due to an increased 35% circuit board copper loading, direct current resistance is at least 25% improved moving closer to the ideal of zero Ohms.
System 9
Parts of the system
Electronics/Source
Aurender N20 Network Transport
Naim NAC 250 Stereo Power Amplifier
Cables
Wireworld Eclipse 10
Wireworld Gold Eclipse 10
Interconnect
Wireworld Gold Starlight AES/EBU
Loudspeakers
Legacy Aeris w/Wavelet II
Crystal Cable Minissimo Forte
Legacy Valor
Turntable
Gold Note Giglio Turntable
Gold Note PH-10 Phonostage
Gold Note PS-10 power supply
Gold Note DaVinci Cartridge Power
Wireworld Silver Electra 10
IsoTek V5 Aquarius
Subwoofer Option REL S510
System 9 Configuration
Aurender N20 Network Transport: The Aurender N20 slots in one position lower than its state-of-the-art W20SE. Beautifully built and finished, the N20 sports outstanding transparency, resolution, and three-dimensionality.
Naim NAP 250 Stereo Power Amplifier: England’s Naim Audio is one of the most iconic brands in all of high-end audio. Their NAP 250 stereo amplifier is a classic, first appearing in 1975 and continually updated.
Legacy Aeris XD Loudspeaker with Wavelet II Processor: This 4.5-way speaker is a highly advanced design and the first to use the Legacy Dual Air Motion Tweeter and features open-air dipole midrange, dual subwoofers with internal bass amplification, room correction, and craftsmanship display options.
Crystal Cable Minissimo Forte Loudspeaker: Before one has heard it make a sound, the Minissimo Forte registers as a marvel of industrial design an aesthetically pleasing apostrophe-shaped cabinet machined from a single block of aluminum/resin matrix, attached to an integral stand.
Legacy Valor Loudspeaker: The Absolute Sound wrote of Legacy Audio’s Valor “Legacy’s Valor with the Wavelet II processor brings high technology and advanced digital engineering to the loudspeaker category.
Gold Note Giglio Turntable: Gold Note’s Giglio turntable reinterprets the classic turntable shape using high-quality materials and technical solutions that combine respect for tradition and cutting-edge technology.
Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage and Optional PS-10 Power Supply: The PH-10 is an ultraversatile phono preamplifier that offers extensive features including selectable EQ curves and a wide range of cartridge loading options.
Gold Note DaVinci Phono Cartridge: This outstanding low-output moving-coil cartridge features a micro-elliptical stylus for improved tracking and detail retrieval.
Iso-Tek V5 Aquarius AC Power Conditioner: The original Aquarius was one of the most costeffective power cleaning upgrades money could buy. The new V5 model takes the Aquarius concept to a higher level.
REL Acoustics S/510 Subwoofer: The S/510 takes REL’s compact-medium chassis concept to reference-like levels of performance and does so with style, power and incredible speed.
Wireworld Cable Technology
Silver Eclipse 8’s performance elicited musicality of an order that exceeded my expectations and at a price that might strike terror into fancier offerings from outside the Wireworld ecosystem.
