The Absolute Sound

Email the Editor: rharley@nextscreen.com or: TAS, 2211 Denton Dr., Ste. J, Austin, Texas 78758 Editors' Choice Updates In the March Editors' Choice issue, I see the KEF LS50 Wireless II listed at the price of $2799. It refers to the review in Issue 286 by Julie Mullins. That review does not indicate it is the “II” version. Maybe I am mistaken, but I think the LS50 Wireless II at that price is a different speaker from the one Julie reviewed almost five years ago. [It is a newer version; see my response below.—RH] Similarly, I noticed the Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 [loudspeaker] listing. (I've had my eye on these speakers for years, hoping I could justify buying them as a second set.) At the end of the listing it notes, “Original…

How do we choose products for review in The Absolute Sound? Why do we review certain components and not others? What are the criteria for inclusion in the magazine? I'm sure that many readers have asked these questions, so I'll share with you some of the decision-making that goes into the process. I'll also let you in on the behind-thescenes maneuvering that sometimes occurs as manufacturers jockey for position in our pages. Although we publish many more reviews than other magazines, TAS can only cover about 80 to 90 products per year. That math dictates that we must be very selective in choosing review candidates out of the many hundreds of new product introductions every year. The selection criteria start with whether we have reason to believe the product will be…

The NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer allows you to add streaming to any audio or home-theater system, even just a pair of powered speakers. The compact unit features an advanced differential digital section based on Texas Instruments’ PCM5141 DAC, a design known for its low noise, dynamic performance, and immunity to clock jitter. Employing audiophile-grade components, the CS1 can play high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It features Bluetooth, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi that supports the most popular streaming services, plus network sharing via DLNA/UPnP protocols. And there's full MQA rendering and decoding capability for playing Master Quality music from Tidal. The CS1 has a pair of RCA analog outputs for connection to a stereo receiver, integrated amp, preamplifier, or a pair of powered speakers. Plus, it has optical and coaxial…

THE PRIMARY FEATURE of SME's new MK2 turntables is a sophisticated newgeneration drive system comprising an AC synchronous motor, independent transformer, and speed-control unit. The drive system features trickle-down technology (perfected for SME's flagship Model 60), which is then optimized for each of the MK2 models. The new speed controller employs a microprocessor to generate two independent sinewaves that are closely controlled in amplitude, frequency, and phase. This provides total control over the way the custom AC synchronous motor behaves and enables precise tuning of the motor to obtain the best possible performance and speed-control accuracy. A new power transformer is separated from the speed-control unit and housed in an independent case with a 2m interconnecting cable, creating an unregulated DC supply which drives the main output gain stage, and…

THE MC451 is the latest model to incorporate McIntosh's Hybrid Drive™ technology—a unique and seamless combination of a vacuumtube and solid-state amplifier. The MC451 is designed to drive bi-ampable speakers, with the solid-state section powering the woofer and the tube amplifier driving the midrange/tweeter. A built-in crossover splits the frequency band before the power amplifiers. Following the success of McIntosh's MC901 model, the MC451 is strategically built so that it is easier to place within an audio system, offering 150W of power from the vacuum-tube section and 300W from the solid-state section. The MC451 features a variety of McIntosh-patented technologies, including the DualView™ power-output meter with illuminated driver tubes. Separate inputs for the tube and solid-state amplifiers are provided for using an external crossover. The solid-state input doubles as the…

If you're looking for more great high-end audio content, check out The Absolute Sound's new YouTube video channel. Our channel is chock-full of videos (more than 125 and counting) that cover everything from a nostalgic look at classic audio products to reviews of the latest components. We've got behind-the-scenes factory tours, show reports, audio-basics tutorials, and designer interviews. We've also got product reviews, primarily of lower to midpriced components that are stunning overachievers. New videos on our channel include an extended tour (in 4k video) of Michael Fremer's listening room; full coverage of the Florida show by Michael Fremer, Alan Taffel, and Andrew Quint; a review of the amazing Technics SU-G700M2 digital amplifier complete with an in-depth look at this product's unique technology; an audio-basics video exploring subwoofers and bass…