TAS review wish list

Scott Naylor -- Thu, 10/19/2006 - 13:54

AVguiders-

I'm wondering if any here have comparative hands-on with any of the recent mc's in the $2500 - $3000 U.S. range? That seems to be a forgotten price range for review and the Lyra Skala, Shelter 90x, DV Tekaitora Rua copper, amongst others I'm forgetting seem to promise very high performance per dollar. It's an interesting price point as designers are still innovating there, but without the best-of-line prestige and, ummm, investment opportunity.

If that penny I tossed in the fountain pans out maybe Paul and Neil could review a grouping of the contenders in a format like they used in their cable survey awhile back? They've been sporting some nice improvements in their analogue sources and seem to be clear of needing to present a not-HP or S'pile viewpoint. Anyone, anyone?

best,
Scott

Chris Martens -- Wed, 11/01/2006 - 16:39

Scott,

I thought you might be pleased to learn that the Shelter 90X was reviewed in TAS Issue 160 by Editor Wayne Garcia; you can download the review from this site at no charge.

I agree with you that $2500-$3000 is an interesting price bracket, as is the $1500-$2000 range.

Some other interesting entries to add to the collective review wish list might be these:

--Clearaudio Stradivari ($3000)
--Phase Tech P-1 ($1800)
--Rega Apheta ($1695)
--Shelter 7000 ($1995).
--Shelter 9000 ($2995).

Another that falls outside the $2500-$3000 range, but which I think would make a very interesting review subject would be the Koetsu Wajima ($4000).

Best,

Chris Martens
TPV/TAS

Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision

Scott Naylor -- Thu, 11/02/2006 - 03:19

Chris-

Thanks for the enticing additions to the list! I'm especially curious about the Rega cartridge as their mm's have had such a strong personality. And any cartridge named Stradivari has to aspire to greatness one would think!

smiles,
Scott

Jim Hannon -- Fri, 11/10/2006 - 23:42

You might also check out the Clearaudio Concerto @ $2K.
It's part of their new high performance series of carts that have a warmer, more musical sound.

I haven't compared it to the Strad.

Scott Naylor -- Sun, 11/12/2006 - 04:26

Jim-

Thanks! It seems some, if not all, of the high-detail oober Alice cartridge manufacturers are moving to products richer in tonal color? I'd be interested to know what you thought? ... if it might have more to do with the overall exceptional quality of the current day's turntable offerings, the vageries of the hifi market, the Brit/K-Fed break-up, or a combination of factors?

While on the analogue subject, I want to give a shout out to Jonathan Valin for his exceptional Kuzma vs. Walker review (TAS 167). Not only was the technical writing Harley-esque in its eloquence, clarity, and flow, but the careful description of the relative musical and sonic merits of the two left no doubt in my mind which would fit moi's ideal. For that last alone I think it established a new benchmark for audio reviewing.

Jim, your Clearaudio review was also a treat and fanned the flames of passion for a product that's had my eye for awhile.

Panzerholz!

With that lotto ticket I didn't win so I could own a record store managed by Bob, I'm also not going to make killer audio stands with Panzerholz shelving. Harrumph! The stuff might just become the audio world's new "carbon fibre". You read it here first! :wink:

best,
Scott

Jim Hannon -- Sun, 11/12/2006 - 20:16

Thanks for your kind words, Scott.

I think that listening to feedback and competitive pressures are at work on making the sound of the Clearaudios warmer. Look at the popularity of the Koetsu line of cartridges. While not the last word in detail, they are incredibly musical. The sound is beautiful.

My guess is that the Clearaudio folks have probably asked their distributor, Musical Surroundings, what they can do to make their products more popular. The previous Clearaudios have had great detail but have been criticized by some for sounding "clinical."

"Add some warmth without impacting detail and you'll have a winner."

Jim Hannon -- Sun, 11/12/2006 - 20:50

Scott,
More on Panzerholz:
http://www.ltlewis.co.uk/b15.htm
Not that you'd be using it for "bullet security."

Scott Naylor -- Mon, 11/13/2006 - 10:14

[quote="jimhannon1"
Not that you'd be using it for "bullet security."

Jim-

I'm hoping its neutron shielding properties would come up first! hah.

Good call on the cartridge voicing question. Would that every company have access to someone with the experience and insight of Garth Leerer.

smiles,
Scott