ShowStoppers -
Series 3
All prices are quoted in euros unless
otherwise noted.
1 euro is approximately .91 US dollar.
We took a picture of the $8400-per-pair
Orpheus 3 mono amplifier in Montreal, but this time we convinced company representatives
to take the cover off. Orpheus also has a sister company, Anagram Technologies, that
produces such things as the STARS circuit for the Audio Aero CD player. In this amp,
Orpheus uses the Anagram Power Loop module, which controls and monitors the amp's output
impedance in relation to the speaker it's driving. In turn, the 3 acts as a current
source, more like a tube amp, and therefore outputs about 150 watts into 8-, 4-, and 2-ohm
loads. This unique Swiss company has many other new innovative products -- keep an eye on
them!
The Audio Note Co. of Japan's Ongaku Fuji is
likely the most expensive tube-based integrated amplifier at the show. It's a single-ended
design with no negative feedback and is priced at €48,000. Ongaku Fuji is being
imported by Germany's Black Forest Audio, and it sounded stunning driving the company's
high-efficiency Golden Wings speaker.
Last year we saw Fischer & Fischer's
all-slate speakers -- they were heavvvvy. Learning that not everyone can
accommodate a speaker so weighty or pricey, this year the company displayed a somewhat
lighter variation with solid-slate front and rear panels along with more conventional wood
top, bottom, and side panels. Because slate cannot be glued to wood, the aluminum bars are
used to essentially strap everything together. The SH100 (right) retails for €2600
per pair, and the SH200 is €4200 per pair.
Germany's Clearaudio showed the new Maximum
Solution turntable. While not his best 'table, company owner Peter Suchy feels it's
Clearaudio's best combination of price and performance. It features an accurate power
generator and provision for up to three tonearms. The price without tonearm or cartridge
is €7000.
Italy's Viva showed their new Venti
loudspeaker that features a powered subwoofer with dual 8" drivers and a midrange
driver with an Alnico magnet system. The price is €7000 per pair, and sensitivity is
said to be 95dB.
For those who need the ultimate in CD luxury,
presenting the €1124 Disc Cleaner from Audio Desk Systeme, the same company that
produces a lathe to "true" CDs. The do-it-all cleaner is self-contained and
washes with filtered distilled water and a solution that is heated internally. The Disc
Cleaner then, of course, dries the CD thoroughly before you remove it. We watched the
Cleaner go through an entire wash, spin, and dry cycle, and it seems to do as advertised. |
