Rossner & Sohn - Canofer Phono Amplifier

For our Canofer we exclusively applied the best components of well-known German and Suisse manufacturers like Mundorf, ELMA and WBT.

The connectors Nextgen by WBT take care of a perfect integration to your phono equipment. Mundorf tin-foil-condensers create vital signals without loss of sound.

The board's concrete dual-mono-structure and the perfectly attuned hand-selected transistors and components are adjusted to your MM- or MC-system with absolute precision by noise-free ELMA-switches. A special suspension-mechanism completely decouples board and enclosure. The board is totally shed and extra shielded to eliminate all sonic and electromagnetic faults.

For MM-systems there are 300, for MC-systems 1836 possible settings you surely will find the right one for your system.

Turn-switches at the enclosure's front allow an extremely comfortable setting!
Der Canofer S

is equipped with Mundorf Mcap Supreme and Mcap Supreme Silver/Oil foil condensers.
The sound gets more open, delicate and airy. A plastical musical portrayal without deduction of vigour is the consequence. The bass`s foundations become even more solid, the middles more luxuriant and the heights more "siky" without loss of precision.

Luxman L-550A II, Pure Class A, Integrated Amplifier

Luxman produced the world's first Class A integrated amplifier in 1981 - L-550.

Luxman introduced the L-550A and L-590A in 2005, since then we have celebrated our 80th anniversary with commemorative components that have reaffirmed Luxman's status at the pinnacle of high-end audio. In these latest integrated models, the gorgeous texture and three-dimensional performance of our original Class A amplifiers has been retained and further refined. For example, the amplifiers feature a new electronic selector switch, adopted from the input section of the C-1000f control amplifier; the internal circuitry has been revised to include customised OFC wiring and a high-speed Schottky barrier diode has been selected for the power source section; improvements that have notably enhanced the sound quality for greater musical enjoyment.

Chassis bases have superb vibration absorption in order to supress noise levels. The power transformer, electrolytic capacitors and amplifer output stage (see amp block below) are laid out so as not to interefere with each other. To reduce intereference further, the block construction isolates each section using shielding panels, and extensive internal filtering to reject magnetic flux interference.

Luxman holds many patents for audio engineering, amongst them is the application of Global Negative Feedback to the output stage, which while widely used throughout the audio industry, they no longer use themselves.

Luxman nowadays use a distortion reduction circuit called Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ODNF). This system works by isolating noise & distortion at the output from the music signal and sparingly applying negative feedback to suppress them. Conventional negative feedback systems can have an adverse effect on the music, introducing phase distortion. "The circuit features such an ultra-wide range, ultra- high slew rate and ultra low distortion that it does not use phase compensation for the music signal amplifying circuits." This new technology also ensures that need for a DC servo circuit is alleviated, again improving sound quality.

Both the L-590AII and L-550AII, feature the new high quality electronic selector switch, which is the heart of the C-1000f pre-amp (one of Luxman’s 80th anniversary commemoration models). The sound quality deterioration using the new electronic input switch is now minimal, while channel separation and crosstalk efficiency were raised substantially in comparison with the previous L-550A / L-590A. In addition the illuminated position indicator around the input selector knob, makes it much easier to view the selected position even from afar.

Aqvox Phono 2CI

The PHONO 2 CI is an excellent Phonopreamplifier in fully balanced Single-Ended Class-A design. It incorporates besides the regular RCA input which is based on voltage amplification, additionally an XLR balanced current amplifier input for MC-cartridges.

Just to remember:
MC-cartridges are balanced current generators
MM-cartridges are voltage generators

The Vinyl afficionado has here the unique possibility to choose between two completely different amplification technologies.The unbalanced voltage amplification or the balanced current amplification. Both amplification methods are user adjustable or working automatically. Because of this flexibility there was no MM oder MC cartridge found, which did not sound excellent with the Phono2Ci.

Foundation Research LC10

The next generation! Based on our own criteria, RFI/EFI suppression has come down to one single product that has had the largest impact, Foundation Research.

The FR line up includes the LC1 & LC2 which currently have been superseded by the new LC10, LC25 and the LC100. The main reason why these products have been so effective in addressing or eliminating RFI/EFI problems is that the technology that resides within has not been designed specifically for Audio. In fact, it was designed to be used in Ultra Sound Testing Equipment for military applications.

EAR Yoshino Acute CD Player

The CD player acute has true balanced outputs with a tube line amp using transformers. Peak level is 5 volts.
It also has a true analogue remote controlled volume, so that you can use it in a minimalist system to drive directly any power amp.
Front panel is 19 inch rack style.
Only plays standard CD not SACD, accurate clean smooth sound more like vinyl."

GM-50 is the most recent GRAAF creation, an integrated amplifier born to complete our production of the highest class. GM-50 includes in a single frame the features and the level of performance that in the past were an exclusive of GRAAF preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Construction qualities, sound performance and the highest finishing level are joined with the lower cost and the ease of use of an integrated amplifier. The "GM" monogram on the front panel is a synonimous of the greatest sound quality, until now exclusive for top level electronics like GRAAF GM-200 power amplifier and GM- 13.5 B preamplifier. The goal of GM-50 is to establish new quality standards between top class integrated amplifiers.

Wave Mechanic Power Supply

The Wave Mechanic external power supply, pictured to the left of the Dias at the bottom of the 'Introducing Nottingham' page, was made especially for Nottingham Analogue and comes standard with the Dias and Anna Log tables.
This power supply improves sonic performance by eliminating all kinds of electrical problems which can plague your hi-fi. The Wave Mechanic can be purchased separately as an upgrade for any Nottingham turntable and will provide a clean waveform with stable voltage and frequency.
The power supply has a frequency adjustment knob so you can set the speed of the precisely and thus obtain perfect pitch. (A hand held strobe illuminator is included.)
The audible benefits of the power supply are very clear. Detail, dynamics and sound stage are all much improved, but perhaps the most evident feature is the way that the whole pace and rhythm of the music sounds natural and true. Pitch stability is impeccable, giving complete confidence and much deeper involvement in the musical performance.
These benefits should not be expected to replace those from upgrading the turntable, but rather to complement them. All of the Nottingham Analogue turntables will benefit, whether your current one or your next one.

Nottingham Dais

Nottingham Analogue's recently developed Dais is the ultimate turntable upgrade. The Dais, pictured below, is Nottingham's elite performance table, offerings ultra-high-end performance approaching the Anna Log but in a less elaborate more affordable package.
Dais - a raised platform for the conductor of an orchestra. Nottingham Analogue had a very successful turntable of this same name which they stopped making in 1978. There are still many happy Dais owners enjoying their music on these machines.
The new Dais replaces the Mentor turntable. After 19 years the Mentor was dropped because its old chassis could not incorporate Nottingham's new thoughts on music extraction.
Nottingham Analogue has always been concerned with what people stand their turntables on, especially glass and spikes, so the base board for the new Dais consists of a relatively thin platform base under which there is a 90% covering of damping material. When this damping material is put onto the chosen surface there is more of a 'marriage' between the turntable and surface.
<http://www.bluebirdmusic.com/images/na_dais_large.jpg>
(Click image above for large picture, then maximize window.)
Many ideas have spun off from the Anna Log, Nottingham's top turntable until the recent debut of the Decco, - the back parallel arm mounting structure controls much of the resonance without taking the mass, relying on 80% of the mass resonance to be transferred to one adjustable front leg. The motor is conveniently out of sight in the preferred position at the back. A very similar male/female bearing arrangement is used from the Anna development - a unique levelling device is also fitted to the bearing, which is factory set but can be altered by the owner if necessary.
The massive 20kg of gravity spun iron platter, with one of the highest inertia of any turntable on the market today, gives solidity and a picture of a performance with remarkable diction. Sitting on top of this platter is a 25mm thick graphite 'mat', along with the anti-expansion bands this adds the final damping to the platter.
The Wave Mechanic power supply works extremely well and doesn't rob us of dynamic range, and achieving this is no easy feat! The power supply is total - that is mains power goes in but completely regenerated power and frequency comes out to the turntable. The Dais can accommodate two arms, and is very easy to set up and level.
"Let the music begin"

Nottingham Tonearms and Accessories

ACE Space arm upgrades - June 2006
All Nottingham arms are a unipivot design. Unipivots are usually designed with the pivot sitting in a silicone bath. The problem with this design is that the silicone bath takes quite a while to settle down and so the arm will change in sound as it plays the record. Many unipivots also use the offset stabilizer weights or eccentric counter weights to insure proper azimuth.
Nottingham has cleverly solved this common problem. Nottingham arms use side stabilizer bars and tiny ball bearing chases to maintain azimuth. Nottingham has also developed a proprietary damping material the viscosity of which is such that it does not flow and does not require ‘settling time’. This material is applied to the centre pivot and the stabilizer bars. Nottingham uses carbon fibre tubes with the fibres oriented the length of the tonearm not wrapped around it. This greatly increases the strength, resonance control and rigidity of the arm.
Nottingham also uses an unusual headshell design. The headshell has an orientation that is in direct line with the tonearm and not offset in any way. The headshell also has no finger lift. These two features insure that the arm is properly balanced from side to side and that no uncontrolled resonances are running around the headshell.
The Interspace arm has many of the performance features of the more expensive arms, specifically; long grain carbon fibre, unipivot design and in line headshell.
The ACE Space arm has the same basic performance features as above. This arm uses the same long grain carbon fibre tube but also uses a second tube as a liner. This helps dramatically with both rigidity and resonance control. The ACE Space also uses a threaded allen screw to make the selection and adjustment of VAT a simple step.
The Space 294 arm is basically the same as the ACE Space but in a twelve inch length. The added length reduces the tracking error. This arm was designed specifically for the Space 294 table.
The two Anna arms (12" or 10") were upgraded based on the success of the ACE Space arm. The Anna arms are Nottingham’s current statement, combining all the damping and strengthening techniques they know to give an illusion of music that is totally non-fatiguing.
"All our arms sound the same - ‘a family of sound’ - we think they have to, if they didn’t some would be right and some would be wrong. Whether you buy an Interspace arm or Anna arm the differences will be very subtle but very worthwhile having. We can listen to an Interspace arm for hours otherwise we would not attempt to put it on the market. Happy listening!" - Tom Fletcher

Unlike the ‘boom-box’ design of typical docking station music players, the iTube is a real, audiophile-class stereo which delivers the highest level of fidelity of any iPod-specific system currently available.

Tube amplification makes sense for iPod; the richer, warmer, ‘more analog-like’ sound is the perfect complement for this source which can sometimes sound cold, flat and metallic. iTube gets the listener closer to the excitement and vitality of a live performance than ever before. http://www.fat-man.co.uk/docs/product/itube_1.htm

The current capacity of the CTA405 power supply and output transformers is fully sufficient for a 100 Watts output power. However, with operation conditions set for
minimum variation of plate and screen current in the output stage, excellent performance is obtained with very low feedback at 2x 50 Watts per channel.

The output transformers are specially made for this amplifier. Employing a high quality silicon ion core and perfect symmetry of the segmented windings, a frequency
response from 5 Hz to 100 kHz is obtained with low distortion and high stability over the entire audible frequency range.

The system remote supplied will also control the Copland CD players. http://www.copland.dk

Introducing Nottingham Analogue

Supremely Musical World Famous Turntables

Nottingham Analogue is a well respected British manufacturer of high quality, specialty audio products. For over 35 years Nottingham engineers have been producing innovative designs which excel at allowing the music to come through in its purest form.

Their turntables are known for precision and purity, ultra quiet noise floor, supreme musicality, quality build and remarkable value.

"All our products sound the same, the only difference is there is less and less fatigue and you get a little bit closer to the illusion of real live music the higher you go up our product ladder." - Tom Fletcher, engineer/owner, Nottingham Analogue Studios.

Space 294

This highly innovative design has all the above mentioned improvements but the '294' also has a 14" platter giving much more rotational stability due to the additional inertia. The turntable is specifically for 12" (294mm) tonearms only and cannot be fitted with a second tonearm.

Twelve inch tonearms are nothing new for Nottingham Analogue, the longer arm results in a smaller tracking error, and Nottingham has cleverly eliminated the pitfalls of common 12" tonearms.

The new Space 294 will get you closer to the illusion of real music than you ever thought possible at a price that will send you record shopping with a smile on your face.

Manual turntable with 10" precision tonearm
and equipment base Pro-Ject Ground it deluxe

Good sound from sound technology
• Tonearm bearing comprises inverted hardened stainless tips in ABEC7 spec ballraces
• Headshell and conical armtube formed from a single carbon fibre workpiece
• Armtube allows adjustment of needle azimuth despite fixed headshell
• Vertical tracing angle adjustable
• Acrylic platter with perimeter belt drive and brass record puck
• Magnet supported, inverted main bearing with ceramic thrust-pad
• Central metal block optimises centre of gravity
• Granulate filled plinth and equipment base for universal damping
• Sorbothane-damped aluminium cones
• Drive motor housed in separate base

Benz MC Demagnetizer

A "Must Have" for Analogue lovers. A vital component to bring out the very best from Phono Cartridges.

With the new loudspeakers of the Callas Series, Opera’s intention is to recreate, within the
home environment, the emotion and pleasure of listening to music; to provide a stable and focused musical soundstage in three dimensions with correct timbre, dynamics and detail; and to do this with no sense of listening fatigue.

To achieve this goal, every single technical aspect of the design was subjected to intense musical listening tests at Opera.

The new loudspeakers of the Callas Series use techniques and components which reflect the state-of-the-art in electroacoustic design, including controlled-diffraction cabinets, drive units and crossovers. Every type of distortion has been analyzed, quantified and reduced. The sonic result is tonally correct, convincing, involving and most of all, enjoyable to listen to.

The Callas Series loudspeakers are elegant and beautifully finished, and will discreetly enhance any room.

The Project

The aim of the Callas series is to recreate a precise soundstage which is stable and correct in its proportions and in the dimensions and weight of each instrument or voice. The choice of multiple small diameter drive units offers a number of advantages of a mechanical, electrical and thermal nature, and if employed correctly can greatly improve the acoustic quality of the loudspeaker.

Controlled-Dispersion Cabinets

Regarding the suspended column cabinet, the structure is made of a mix of medite and plywood, with teardrop-section curved sides, veneered and finely lacquered in the best Italian tradition. The front baffle is finished in quality leather. This, along with the benefit of appearance, also serves to reduce diffraction.

The cabinet is divided into two independent chambers. The two woofers are reflex loaded with a double chamber tuned system. The port radiating the lower frequencies faces the floor to increase the air loading, producing great depth of bass.

WLM Lyra Loudspeaker

The perfect entry level speaker...

Based on the same WLM concept, at first sight the LYRA is showing no apparent difference to the bigger sisters of the WLM family. It marks the entry level of the WLM range, ideal for all of those having smaller budgets, however want no-compromise access to the ambitious WLM world.

While following the main design features (dimensions, quality of drivers, cable connections), it is conceived as a passive speaker, not to be up-graded for the active operation. Also, the box is made of MDF boards, however finished with real timber veneer.

The LYRA is a perfectly functioning, no-compromise passive speaker, a worthy member of the WLM family.

LSA VS.1 MKII Signature Amplifier

The signature version takes the legendary sonic performance of the VS.1 Reference MkII to a new level of musicality. Every design element has been addressed to offer only the best in parts quality. The music is set against a pitch black background with incredible transient performance, sweeping synamics and lush free flowing ease in the midrange frequencies; making the VS.1 Signature MkII a world reference.

Audio Aero Prestige CD/SACD Player

Step into High-end
This player is dedicated to customers who want to focus on the audio aspect and are looking for a machine offering the best performance in digital and analog treatment for SACD and CDs. The Prestige SACD player offers the highest quality level and is intended to be the source in a top-of-the -range audio system.
Based on the latest Philips SACD laser mechanism, digital signal is treated using our exclusive re-sampler featuring the DSD compatible STARS2 ® module. The incoming signal is re-sampled to 24/192, and in the case of SACD, DSD is first converted to PCM 88kHz (high frequency noise suppression, 9dB S/N improvement) and then re-sampled to 24/192. The output stage consists in subminiature tubes and a built-in IC ladder attenuator that provides constant quality whatever the setting and offers unreached performance.
Moreover, the danger of emission and interference from a video section is eliminated, and the audio quality of the player is preserved for maximum pleasure and emotion.

S.A.P. Relaxa Isolation Platform

Announcing the Relaxa Magnetic Isolation Platforms!The Relaxa line of Magnetic Isolation Platforms is the ultimate in audio and video component isolation solutions.

Vertical vibrations have a surprisingly large, negative impact on the performance of audio components. Isolating your component via a Relaxa isolation stand will bring a clearly audible and often dramatic improvement in performance.

Designed in Italy, the Relaxa is a gorgeous piece of audio sculpture, but more than just eye wash, the Relaxa is a great performer.

Relaxa is precision manufactured by S.A.P. audio s.r.l of Salerno Italy. (S.A.P. = Strumenti Acustici di Precisione, "Acoustic Instruments of Precision).

A New Purist Tube Line Pre Amplifier
Artemis Labs LA-1

The Artemis Labs LA-1 Line Pre Amp combines the clean, accurate sound of a purist single-triode line amplifier with the convenience and reliability of a solid, well-built product. Special care is taken with all parts in the audio path, from the Goldpoint™ stepped attenuator to the Swedish output chokes by Lundahl. The sonic clarity and detail are outstanding.

http://www.artemislabs.com/LA-1-vacuum-tube-preamp.html

Artemis Labs PH-1 Phono Pre Amp

The Artemis Labs PH-1 Phono Pre Amp is the result of several years of perfecting a simple yet extremely high quality tube-type preamp. High quality parts are used throughout and the design is rugged and reliable. The sonic qualities: tonality, detail, smoothness, and presence are outstanding. The PH-1 is optimized for medium- to high-output cartridges, either moving coil or moving magnet.

http://www.artemislabs.com/PH-1-vacuum-tube-phono-preamp.html

Van Den Hul Frog Cartridge

A custom handbuilt moving coil cartridge with the coil of a GRASSHOPPER III and the frontpole and suspension of the GRASSHOPPER IV: the best cartridge available for its price.
Output 0.65 mV/channel, matched crystal copper-wire coils and extra magnet modification.

EAR912 Professional Tube Control Centre

Once again, EAR redefines expectations of amplifier performance with the new 912 studio-grade preamplifier. Building on our existing range of admired preamps including the unique 312 Control Centre (transistor-based), it offers an unusually wide range of features in a tube-based package which will appeal equally to the professional and the discerning audiophile. Two phono inputs are provided, both with switchable gain and input impedance - moving coil signals are, of course, pre-boosted by designer Tim de Paravicini’s noted input transformers, and his approach to RIAA equalisation ensures massive headroom and freedom from low-frequency instability. The low distortion, low noise line stage is coupled to the outside world via transformers, giving the option of balanced or unbalanced connection. Two balanced line inputs are also featured, plus three unbalanced and a tape loop. Selection is achieved by reed relays, keeping signal paths short and delicate signals intact. Meters connected upstream of the volume control give useful visual correlation of levels and help ensure that phono gain settings are optimal. As with all EAR products reliability and practicality are key priorities and to this end all components have been selected and rated for long and trouble-free service. All five tubes are PCC88s, a type noted for good performance and which will be around for servicing in the long-distant future. And unlike many of our competitors’ phono preamps there is no separate power supply box to deal with - careful design ensures that hum is kept at bay despite the inclusion of a high capacity power supply. If we haven’t even mentioned the sound yet, it’s only because you already know that our reputation assures its excellence....

Origin Live Aurora

The Aurora turntable is not only a superb looking deck - it also has performance to match. As a slimmed down version of Origin Live’s award winning Aurora Gold - it represents unrivalled performance at this price point. The Aurora maintains its stature in comparison with other record players even when fitted with inexpensive tone arms and cartridges. Investing that little bit extra in the turntable almost always results in a considerable overall saving.
The strengths of the Aurora lie in its superb transparency, coupled with tangible sound staging and imaging. It is very neutral and will suit most systems exceptionally well. You can expect this turntable to give you many years of listening pleasure.

"A stellar performer with a wonderfully realistic presentation: if you can't afford a £3000 CD player try this instead...
...The moment you spin some vinyl, the sound stuns.The Aurora gives vocals great solidity and excellent detail. This is what vinyl's all about - close your eyes and you'll believe the singers are in your room...delivers realism of the highest order. And tonal balance is spot on: the bass bounds along but never obscures the midrange or treble. Switch to Nirvana's attack on the higher frequencies and the turntable remains unruffled and there's no evidence of harshness. There is however proof of superb attack and rigid bass....dynamics are excellent, which means continually engrossing performances and edge of the seat listening. You also get a vast, room filling soundstage .. the sonic news couldn't be better ... It looks like a star and sounds like heaven - a class leader in every respect". - What Hi-Fi?, October 2003

EAR890 Parallel Push Pull 8 Valve Power Amplifier

The 800 series of amplifiers from EAR has received widespread and consistent acclaim from users and reviewers the world over. However, feedback from some quarters suggested that there was a need for an amplifier with similar sonic prowess but just a little more power.

Taking as a starting point the circuits used in the 834 integrated amplifier, Tim de Paravicini has addressed that need by producing the 890 power amplifier. Using the innovative KT90 valve from EI, he has been able to offer 70W of clean Class-A audio from the same chassis as the 834. One of the few new valve designs of the last 30 years, the KT90 draws on the strengths of the EL509 valve (as used in many EAR amplifiers) and is capable of sustained high power operation with great reliability. Two pairs per channel are hardly stressed in the EAR 890.

Features include balanced inputs (transformer-coupled) as well as unbalanced, separate level controls for each channel, and the option of flexible mono-block operation to deliver 140W into a wide range of loudspeaker loads. Build quality and finish are to EAR’s usual high standards, with a distinctive touch of luxury in the thick brass front panel, heavily chromed and polished to a mirror finish. Reliability is assured and there are no user adjustments.

And the sound? All the EAR trademarks are there: beautifully natural midrange and treble, superb stereo imaging, and of course extended but perfectly proportioned bass, with the extra power raising the roof even further than our earlier models.

The McCormack UDP-1 Universal Disc Player is an audiophile quality audio/video disc player, designed to extract the full potential of these new high-resolution formats. The UDP-1 will automatically recognize and play CDs, CDRs (including MP3 files), SACDs, DVD-As and DVDs.

The UDP-1’s 24 bit/192 kHz Burr Brown DACs extract all the information contained in the new high-resolution DVD-A and SACD discs. Built in digital decoding decoding enables optimal multi-channel playback of DVD video discs. McCormack’s analog circuits with their own dedicated discrete regulated power supplies maintain the musical integrity of the audio signals.

Images are treated with equal respect. A 54MHz, 10-bit video DAC assures high quality DVD picture quality. Composite, S-Video, and Component Video (interlaced or progressive scan) outputs assure that you will be able to fully utilize the capabilities of your video monitor.

For the ultimate in music and cinema sound and for ease of use, connect the six analog outputs of the UDP-1 to a McCormack MAP-1 multi-channel analog preamplifier, with a McCormack DNA-HT5 to power your speakers. With the UDP-1, you can discover the extraordinary potential of music surround with SACD and DVD-A recordings.

The Chord Company

"Our customers know us for high quality and excellent value, combined with sonic improvements you can hear straight away. Our exhaustive listening tests and obsession with value for money makes Chord products the most effective connector system on the market."

http://www.chord.co.uk

The Wilson Benesch CURVE Loudspeaker

With Technology drawn from Formula 1, Wilson Benesch continues to grow its shamelessly luxurious range of loudspeakers. The latest development is a new floor standing design. The Curve borrows much of its design elements from the fabulous A.C.T. loudspeaker but is available at almost half the price. In terms of height it is smaller than the diminutive two way Arc but remains capable of achieving 200 watt peak program

The A.C.T. and the Curve are the most accurate loudspeakers that the company has ever released. The Structural elements are all drawn from engineering materials more commonly seen in advanced engineering systems and include advanced composite structures, steel, Neodymium Iron Boron Motors and unique polymer diaphragms. The structural integrity of the Curve is another benchmark and provides a clarity and precision that would be impossible to achieve with conventional loudspeaker materials technology.

ROKSAN

Radius5 Record Player

The design of the Radius5 record player has many special features not found in other similar turntables. Partnered with the NIMA tone arm, the Radius5 has unparalleled performance in its class.

clearaudio Synchro

The clearaudio Synchro allows you to set and maintain exact frequency and control turntable speed. The unit is able to accept both North American and European power. For more information and specifications refer to the manual pages below.

Synchro page a)

Synchro page b)

Synchro page c)

Mystic Mat

Special Introductory price - $459

We’re not afraid to boast this, but we believe the Living Voices Mystic Record Mat will redefine the art (and science) of listening to your cherished vinyl…forever! Here’s a deceptively simple turntable mat that embraces the analog-loving listener with a smooth, rich sound complete with impressive subtleties and detailing that competing mats can’t touch! Imagine improvements in frequency extension and low-level resolution without tonal imbalances, increased dynamic range that’s rich and unrestrained, bass that’s really there when it needs to be there, and three-dimensionality that’s so close to being dead-on…need we say more! IT’S THAT GOOD!
When we auditioned this remarkable product we were pleased to see that the Mystic Mat exhibited every bit of the manufacturer’s claims (as well as Michael Fremer’s assessment in his August ‘Analog Corner’ column), but what we didn’t expect an even more exciting improvement when we used the clamp with the mat! Smoother bass, cleaner highs, and an even more spacious background! You’ll have to experience the results with or without the clamp, but either way you won’t be disappointed! Its sturdy and well-built design mean this product is going to be part of your turntable for many years to come.
The Mystic Mat is composed of a layer of gel-coated resonance-controlling carbon fiber mated to a layer of CF polyurethane and followed by another sheet of carbon fiber. It’s thin (4mm) profile makes it a perfect candidate for any ‘table needing immediate musical improvements from conventional felt or rubber record mats. It fits snugly on your turntable’s spindle and lies nice and flat on the platter with the smooth side down. The Mystic Mat also comes complete with a J. A. Michell Record Clamp to use with warped or slightly difficult LPs. Simply place your LP on top of the contoured surface, place the needle on the grooves and get ready for a dose of musical reality!

Quad Classic ESL 57

New in box, two pair Bronze screen with Beachwood trim panels & one pair Blue screen with Beachwood trim panels, $4995.00 pair.

EAR - Yoshino V20

Belvedere Technical Details
- WOW & FLUTTER: 0,02%
- RUMBLE: -83db
- SPEED: 33,1/3 and 45 rpm +/- 0,05%
- SPEED CHANGING: Manual
- TRANSMISSION: Ceramic injected poly vinyl belt

Bluenote Belvedere

In the Belvedere it was decided to use a spring floating system to improve sound qualities. The springs used here are not the cheaper soft kind found in most of the sprung tables. They are made of hardened, stiffer stainless steel.

The sound of Belvedere is more powerful with deeper bass. It is noticeably more detailed than Bellavistas.

The board where the arm and bearing/spindle are fixed is made of 20mm thick black acrylic and its shape is completely curved to totally avoid external vibration's nasty effects. This black board is connected to a transparent 15mm thick board through three 8mm diameter steel bars directly to the turntable feet.

The motor is inserted into a special damped aluminium tube which is connected (decoupled) to the 15mm board to curtail vibrations from reaching the platter.

The well designed and expensive semi conic springs are made of harmonic iron (very hard) to avoid any stretching. They can be finely adjusted so as to fine tune the levelling of the platter.

The 20mm thick platter is made of black polyvinyl and 9 gold plated weights to increase the peripheral weight (and so rotational stability). They also serve to dissipate vibrations.

All the parts are made of machine worked alluminium, brass, bronze, and stainless steel. All of these materials improve the sonic performances.

The pulley, having the best available rotational stability, is fixed without screws (for better wow &flutter). In addition, it is made of Delryn which, compared to Teflon®, resists transmission of vibrations, and has a significantly lower slippage coefficient.

The innovative bearing/spindle system, is much larger and longer than usual ones. It has a threaded external diameter bearing for in axis fixing and a teflon® screw on its bottom to actually enable one to adjust the VTA. (the VTA is also adjustable at the conventional tone arm level).

Bluenote Piccolo

The Piccolo is the entry level acrylic Turntable sold as a package including the B-5 tonearm and our MM6,5 cartridge. (The picture shows only the U-3 tone arm) It is made with a 15mm thick transparent acrylic board and 20mm thick acrylic platter. The bearing is derived directly from our Bellavista Turntable. Acrylic Dust Cover is offered only as option. The Piccolo can be considered innovative and superior to all its competitors at its price range. It's presentation includes a natural and focused sound with good details and is capable of creating a realistic sound stage.

McCormack DNA-225

The DNA-225 has the muscle to move you. It delivers 225 breathtaking watts per channel, driving your speakers with ease and conviction. Featuring McCormack Audio's innovative Distributed Node Amplifier architecture, the DNA-225 offers lightning quick current delivery and wide bandwidth. Bass is deep, tight, and articulate while high frequencies are extended yet smooth. Images are cast in bold relief, and there is seamless response across the entire spectrum. Pace and timing are accurately recreated. The DNA-225 does all this with a sense of relaxed ease, making the music lively and immediate.

DNA - 225, STEREO Amplifier with output power rating of 225 watts per channel RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms at less than 1% THD, 400 into 4 ohms.

• Input Impedance: 100 kOhms
• Input Sensitivity: 1.25 volt rms
• Hum and Noise: better than 100 dB below rated power
• Dimensions: 19"w x 7"h x 16"d