...Continued

Part 3 - Room by Room Report

Justice Audio is now the Canadian distributor for Rega, which used to be distributed in Canada by May Audio, but that's no more. Turntables were not in abundance at this show, but the Rega Planar 3 was highlighted in this room, along with the highly touted Planet CD player, the Mira integrated amp, and Castle’s Howard S2 speakers. The sound definitely had the British rhythm and pace character to it—tuneful, well-articulated bass with no bloat, and a clean, warm midrange. Baritone sax sounded especially nice.

Audioville, another local dealer, was showing a ton (literally) of equipment. On main stage in this room were the Totem Shaman speakers, along with a wide array on conrad-johnson electronics, including the Premier 9 DAC and ART dual-mono preamp.

In the main salon on the lobby level, electronics manufacturer Classé Audio was showing with loudspeaker manufacturer A-16 Audio. Filling the big room extremely well were the Classé CDT-1 transport ($3,600), DAC-1 ($5,700), CP-60 preamp ($5,300), and two CA-400 stereo power amps running in bridged mono ($7,900 each). All this Classé gear was powering the A-16 Ameridia speakers ($5,500) and the A-16 LG2 subwoofers ($4,500). All cabling was Cardas Golden Cross. The LG2 subwoofers are unique in that they have no exposed drivers. Both are contained within the enclosure and set up in a dipole configuration with porting on both the top and bottom of the speaker. The sound was big and dynamic and left us in no hurry to leave the room—in spite of the speakers being 20’ apart with a center image struggling to hold itself together under less-than-ideal conditions. Surprising and impressive!

Legende speakers were showing with Audiolab electronics. The Legende Gauvain speakers ($1,600) were sitting atop Legende speaker stands ($375). The system included the Audiolab 8000CD CD player ($2,000), the 8000C preamp ($1,100), and the 8000PX power amp ($1,600), Chang Lightspeed power-conditioning products, and MIT Terminator 3 interconnects ($150) and speaker cables ($300). We heard Eric Bibb on the Opus 3 label playing blues reminiscent of Keb’ Mo’. The sound was quite pleasant and clean on the vocals-with-acoustic-guitar tracks.

John Poulin's SimAudio was showing its line of Celeste Electronics with the P5 CD player, the two-box P5 preamp and the W-5 Moon power amp ($4,799) with Meadowlark Heron speakers. Cabling was by JPS Labs. Joe Skubinski of JPS made a special trip up from New York State for this show and put on some seminars for the local 'philes. The sound in this room was very open, clean and dynamic and seemed to emphasize the top end (to avoid in-room bass problems heard in many other rooms?).

Europroducts Marketing distributes a full line of reasonably priced equipment and accessories in Canada. They were showing with the Creek CD43 CD player ($1,399), the 5250 SE integrated amp ($1,899) and A52 power amp in a biamp/triwire configuration with the Epos ES22 speakers ($4,000) and Supra Ply 3.4 speaker cable ($6/ft). The equipment was set up on an Atacama Europa rack ($650). Also on display were a full line of cones and isolation devices made in Germany which were very reasonably priced—six cones for $69! Do you take Visa? We found the selection and range of types and sizes of these useful cones, discs, and soft absorbent feet to be quite surprising. All the items are well thought out and very nicely finished—they look like they should be quite a bit more expensive. This is always great news for audiophiles! Sound-wise, we heard another example of that characteristic "British sound"—easy to enjoy, hard to argue with. Our Keb’ Mo’ track (the real thing this time) sounded warm and rich on this system.

Audiopathic is the Canadian distributor for Cary and Verity Audio. They were showing the Cary CD-301 ($3,999), Cary SLP-74 preamp ($2,880), the CAD-805 Signature single-ended monoblocks ($14,800) and the new Verity Parsifal Encore speakers ($18,340) with Cardas Golden Cross interconnects and XLO Signature speaker cables. The Encore version of the Parsifal has an improved bass driver to produce a tighter, faster bottom end. Also on display were the Verity Fidelio speakers at $9,795. Watching the green power-level indicator (a special purpose tube) completely close up (indicating maximum power) on moderately loud peaks was a sign that you can only go so far with low-to-medium-power SE amps and the speakers you match them with. The sound was nice if a little constrained by the amps. We thought that maybe 100W was a realistic minimum for the big Verity speakers. But with the 50W of SE power available, we still heard the ultra-lovely SE rendition of female vocals and strings. This was also the best bass we ever heard from the Cary 805s, indicating that while there was no headroom power-wise, the Verity speakers and Cary amps did have something going as a pair.

Audiopathic’s second room featured the line of Acora loudspeakers. Acora specializes in marble and granite enclosures. Playing were the Theta Miles CD player ($2095 US), the Audio Research LS3 preamp, Audio Research D300 power amp, and Acora 2.82 speakers ($6,400). We were not very impressed by the Acoras last year, but they were sounding very good this year. Echo reproduction and depth were quite good, and there was an excellent center image while the overall sound was crisp and transparent.

ISD speakers were showing with an all-Linn electronics line-up. The ISD Dolce speakers ($1,699) and Allegro subwoofer ($1,599) were being driven by the Linn Basik turntable with Sumiko Blue Point cartridge, the Mimic CD player ($2,700), the Wakonda preamp ($1,800), LK100 power amp ($1,700). Goertz Silver interconnects and Linn K400 speaker cables completed the system. We heard an excellent example of the pinpoint imaging that minimonitors are so good at.

Polti Acoutique is a Quebec-based speaker manufacturer. They were showing with the AMC CD8A CD player, the AMC 3050a integrated amplifier and the diminutive PSM 513 speakers ($169) with matching Stand Art stands ($119). This one surprised us the most, perhaps, producing really nice sound from a low-cost system.

The Nordost room featured a rather lengthy interconnect demo that was certainly packing people in. To our ears, the most important part of the demo showed that Nordost has a line of interconnects that have a consistent sound that improves as you go up the rungs of the product line. The equipment used for this demo included the Arcam Alpha 8 CD player ($1,700), the Densen DM10 integrated amp ($2,500), and System Audio 1070 speakers (approximately $2000). This is one demo that was difficult, if not impossible, to walk away from thinking that wires all sound the same. Nordost proves there are definite audible differences that virtually anybody can hear without straining or struggling. This particular demo also illustrated how difficult it is to assign a "rating" (on a 1-10 scale for example) of two different (non-Nordost) cables, which sound quite different from each other. It’s like tasting red and white wine then trying to score them on the same rating scale. It’s nearly impossible.

Ian Smith from Cliffhanger Audio was on hand to show some new products he has been busy developing. Showing with the N.E.W. CD player and the Cliffhanger CHC-1 preamp ($2,500, designed in conjunction with John Sloan, formerly of Sonic Frontiers) and the N.E.W. CDA 66 power amp, were the Cliffhanger CHS-2 speakers ($1,695). Although the system was not playing during our stay, Cliffhanger had a distinctive (partially carbon-fiber) home-brew turntable and stand that was turning many an audiophile’s head.

Aronov had two rooms on the go. The first room had the Ultech UCD-100 CD player ($1,250), the Aronov LS9601 integrated amp ($4,600), and the NEAR 15M II speakers ($1,200). This system has so much bass, we thought the big floorstanding NEAR 50 MEs were running, not the mid-size, stand-mounted 15M IIs. Overall, the sound of this system was very nice with no obvious weaknesses. The second room included the Aronov LS-9000 preamp ($2,800), Aronov LS-9100 monoblocks ($6,700) with the NEAR 50me II speakers ($3,700). The big system was silent during our visit. An interesting-looking Inouye power conditioner was nearly hidden behind the equipment stands. A plexiglas cover on this PLC showed you exactly what you get for your money, quite a few air-core inductor coils with little evidence of capacitors as filters. Retail price for the Inouye PLC is $800.

Jumping starting the hearts of some SoundStage! music and movie lovers was Sony's new DVD player, the DVP-S500D. Looks like the 7000 and 3000 units may be on their way out the door. This unit will play regular audio CDs in addition to DVD movies. Furthermore, for digital to analogue conversion, it uses 24bit/96 kHz DACs.

And if audiophiles could be called crazy for wanting premium audio cables, how about premium computer cables? Monster Cable, with their ever expanding line of wire products, was showing just that. I wonder if anyone's tried a high-end power cord on their PC yet?

The Emerald Audio Resources room was sounding great again this year with the Arcam Alpha 8 SE CD player ($1,700), the Alpha 10 integrated amp, and the Ruark Crusaders II speakers ($4,800). Ruark was making a point at this show: If you couldn’t make good sound in a hotel room that’s similar in size to most people’s listening rooms, how can you make good sound in someone’s home? Ruark was indeed getting the kind of sound one would want from a reasonably priced high-end system. Their modest-sized floorstanding speakers let you put your money into the speakers and not into stands.

TDL was showing the Naim CDX ($6,000), Naim preamp and amp with TDL CF-300 Chevoit speakers ($3,000). This system produced a warm, darker sound for those who prefer this sort of presentation. Bass definition was notably good.

Divergent Technologies was showing the Alchemist Forsetti Transport and D/A combo ($2,899) with the Valve Audio Assistent 20S integrated tube amp ($3,499) powering the Reference 3A L’Integrale speakers ($6,399). The Audio Value line of tube amps is quite interesting with their clear acrylic enclosures and their sophisticated auto-biasing circuits. DAS was certainly impressed with these amps and wanted to take them home right then. Each amp has microprocessors that control the tube biasing. If you pull a tube out (or blow one) the amp will continue to work, albeit at a lower power output. We heard sound that was pleasant enough to have us wondering about potential reviews of some Alchemist and Valve Audio components (hint, hint). The sound in this room was quite detached from the speakers—producing the illusion of real music in real space.

Dimexis, another multi-room exhibitor, distributes Naim, PE Leon, and 3D Labs equipment. One room included a 3D Labs CD400 CD player ($2,195) with Naim amplification and the PE Leon Classic speakers ($2,400), while an all-Naim line-up was found in the other. The Naim CD3 ($2,700), Naim NAC 92 preamp ($1,400), and a pair of Naim NAP 90 amps ($1,350 each) were driving the Naim Credo speakers ($3,200) with external crossovers. The recording playing while we visited featured a cello that sounded particularly "wood-like" and natural. Even the separate sound of the bow was clearly reproduced.

John Ötvös' Waveform Acoustics has achieved a great deal of acclaim for the world-class Mach 17 loudspeakers (approximately $9,595). The construction of these speakers is exceptional, topped off with an unusual "egg" headpiece for the tweeter and midrange. Due to the active crossover (made specially for Waveform by Bryston) in this loudspeaker, it must be tri-amplified. Bryston amps were used throughout. This system impressed the most when there wasn’t an excess of top-end energy. The sound was very inviting, and off-axis listening produced a very credible image, not an easy thing to do with so many people in the room.

Acco Paneaux Acousitque, a Montreal dealer, was showing Krell electronics and the Energy Veritas 2.8 speakers. The Krell equipment included the KAV-300cd CD player, KRC-3 preamp and the KAV-300 power amp. This system produced an absolutely huge amount of bass slam, quite explosive actually. Yet the lighter elements of the acoustic jazz playing still shone though.

Vince Bruzezze of Totem had yet another budget-wonder speaker on display for this show—the floorstanding Arros at $1,300/pr. Powering this system was the cost-effective sexy little Celeste I-5 Integrated amp using a Rega Planet CD player as source. This roughly $4,000 system did everything but deep bass, but given the size of the speakers, that's forgivable. Although the small floorstanding Totem Arro speakers don’t have a big bass driver, they produced a sound that was certainly impressive given the constraints. Overall, very nice for the price and definitely something to listen for.

Audio Centre is a large Montreal dealer who brought in some of the big-boy toys. On tap were the new Sonic Frontiers Transport 3 transport and Processor 3 D/A converter, the Mark Levinson 380s preamp ($6495), the massive Classé Omega monobocks (perhaps they should call these mono city-blocks) and the Wilson System 2 Grand SLAMM X-1s ($125,000). Cabling was MIT 850 Evolution. Total price? Forget about it. Let's just say VERY EXPENSIVE. We mentioned the sound of the Grand SLAMMs earlier; they were most impressive in this room that seemed too small for them. There was a character to the sound that lesser systems/speakers just don’t reproduce at all. This was the first time we’ve been able to hear the true potential of these six-figure speakers. Yeah, there was a room problem in the bass (most likely in the 70Hz to 80Hz range), but you can’t fault the speakers for that.

The Propheti CO-210 speakers ($12,500/pr) were driven by an all-Classé system. Propheti is a Quebec-based speaker manufacturer (Quebec City) currently selling products only in Quebec. The CO-210 is close to 6’ tall, quite deep and moderately wide. Finished beautifully with a clear varnish over a light wood, the physical size seemed lessened. The sound here was quite good, with excellent bass definition, a big sense of space, and a clean and clear presentation.

Pierre Gabriel Acoustique were showing with a Classé CDT-1, and DAC-1, the Jadis Defy BP60 preamp and Defy 7 power amp, and their Presence I speakers ($7,000) and Pierre Gabriel all-silver wiring. The speakers feature injected magnesium midrange and bass drivers. We heard a clean open sound with an especially nice tone on bells. Female vocals were rendered seductively with the sax having great body and presence.

The Vandersteen 2Ce speakers were being shown with McCormack electronics in a very interesting display. Three young budding 'philes asked for their favorite tunes to be played. The owner obliged, and what followed was high-decibel headbanging. Although we could see some stodgy audiophiles frown in disgust, there was another side to this coin. In a few years when these guys can afford a new system, where are they going to look? Chances are to the same place that allowed them to play and enjoy their own music—and that's what it's all about. A new or revised speaker model is always news from Vandersteen—the newest model is the recently introduced 2Ce Signature. The original 2Ce continues at $1,295/pr US (plus $125/pr US for the metal bases, which are highly recommended). The Signature model is priced at $1,495/pr US and performs best with the same optional metal bases. The 2Ce Signature gets a new tweeter, the same one used in the 3A speakers ($2,795/pr US).

Montreal retailer Codell Audio had a very professional and impressive display consisting of the NHT 2.9 speakers ($3,500/pr), a gold-plated Jolida 801 integrated amp ($2,200), and an EAD Ultra 2000 CD player ($3,800). The NHT 2.9 looks like a scale model of the more well-known and larger 3.3 speaker. "90% of the sound for 60% of the price," was the claim. Although the 2.9 gives up a little in the bass department compared to the 3.3, the system they were part of had surpassingly strong bass considering the Jolida integrated amp is not exactly Krell-like when it comes to the low end. Overall, the sound was exceptional and definitely one of the best of the show.

Our final room to report on is the Passion Audio Kit room. Here’s a company making preamplifier and amplifier kits at prices that were stunningly low. In fact we initially thought the low posted prices were in US dollars! But no, all prices were Canadian dollars, making these kits look like some of the best budget bargains at the show. The brochure for Passion Audio Kits indicates that the company is "in collaboration with Antique Sound Lab Hong Kong," which could account for part of the reason that these kits can be priced so low. The tiny two-input preamp ($349) and 16Wpc stereo amp (four 6L6 tubes, $559) looked puppy-cute together—what a starter or bedroom system these little guys would make! The kits were extraordinarily well thought out. All parts were sealed in clear plastic with identification labels on each pouch. You get a bare circuit board which you populate with components and solder. Wires are all pre-cut to proper lengths, with many different colors to make it easier to get the right wire in the right location. You strip the ends of the wires and solder them into place. The chassis for each component is pre-punched to fit all the components and screws. The "fancier" but still very affordably priced models get thick milled faceplates. Chrome on the chassis is optional (and very nice looking) on the big amp, preamp, and integrated amp. The rest of the line includes a 30Wpc integrated amp (EL34 tubes, $699 or $949 with transformer upgrade), a preamp with four inputs ($999) and a 42Wpc stereo amp (6550 tubes, $1,159). At the present time, Passion Audio Kits (418-653-7768) are sold only in Quebec, but Passion Audio hopes to expand to other areas of Canada soon.

The annual Montreal show is about consumers and their music. There are few, if any, North American-based audio shows that cater so well to those who buy equipment. DAS, dB, and JS all agree that the high quality of this show gets a big thumbs up. One manufacturer in from the US stopped us in the halls and said, "These people are REALLY serious about their audio—it's GREAT!" It certainly is, and you can count on us being back next year.

END

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