Koetsu USA, Chario, Montegiro, Goldenote, Blacknote, Tripoint

We entered the room featuring Koetsu phono cartridges and Montegiro turntables thinking we'd be in analog heaven. Instead, we got to see and hear some interesting digital products that were the sources for standout sound.

Chario Sovran speakers (the smaller speakers to the inside, $16,000 per pair)...

...were driven by Goldenote Demidoff Silver integrated amplifiers ($13.000 each) -- a pair in order to biamp the speakers. A Goldenote Stibbert CD player ($5030) and Blacknote DSS 30 Tube ($4400), which is an advanced digital processor with computer functionality, were sources.

Cables were from MIT, and system grounding was handled by a Tripoint Troy ($8000), an interesting new product that reportedly uses magnetism to eliminate EMI and RFI.

The sound of this system was pure and direct, casting a soundstage that easily transcended the speakers' positions. More than a couple of times, performers appeared to be a few feet to the right or the left of the speakers, and that made for thrilling listening.

Hiram Toro (right), managing director of Koetsu USA, explains some of the fine points of the Goldenote Stibbert CD player to Marc Mickelson.