The 11th generation of Luxman's 38-series integrated
amplifier, the SQ-38u ($6000) has throwback looks, but it's a feature-rich and thoroughly
modern product. It uses four EL34 output tubes to produce 30Wpc, has a
moving-magnet/moving-coil phono stage, switching for two sets of speakers, and a headphone
jack. A concession to buyers in 2009 is a remote control.
Though it bears resemblance to the well-known XV-1S, the
XV-1T ($9000) is Dynavector's new top-of-the-line cartridge and a wholesale upgrade of its
sibling. Its outer body is of carbonized bamboo with a lacquer finish, and it uses
finer-gauge coils, improved magnet material and an improved armature. There are also
"a few secrets" about it that its designer, Masaaki Sasa, isn't willing to
divulge.
Like its sister company Crystal Cable, Siltech has branched
out from audio cables into speakers. Its second speaker design is the Constellation
($40,000 per pair), which uses the same Raal ribbon tweeter and Scan-Speak Illuminator
mid-woofers as those in the Crystal Cable Arabesque. However, the Constellation's cabinet
is made of a more conventional material: VDF (variable-density fiberboard). Internally,
the cabinet is actually a series of triangles to control standing waves. [www.siltechcables.com]
The Euro Audio Team Forte ($7500 without tonearm) is one
gorgeous turntable, but its design features show great care when it comes to sonic
performance. It's a mass-loaded design with a completely separate drive assembly that uses
a
pair of motors. The oversized platter is made of both soft and hard alloys to reduce
resonance, and its 15 3/4" size aids in speed stability. The 'table has an inverted
bearing and magnetic footers that isolate it from stray vibration. The Forte appears to be
a lot of turntable for the money.
Another turntable that appears to offer a lot for the money
is the VPI Classic, which costs $2500 with a JMW-10.5i tonearm. It uses an AC
motor, a VPI "silent bearing" and VPI isolator feet. It has a solid plinth with
walnut or black-oak finish, and it weighs a hefty 45 pounds.
Conrad-Johnson's new top-of-the-line preamp is the
limited-edition GAT ($20,000), which uses the "advanced triode architecture" of
C-J's ART preamp -- a combination of a no-feedback triode voltage amplifier stage and
low-impedance buffer stage. Like the ART, the GAT will be produced in a limited run of 250
units.
