The Absolute Sound April 2022

Stuck in a Time Warp I periodically read in TAS a letter from a reader irritated by TAS’ preoccupation with ultra-expensive gear, but without ever questioning the sometimes-idiosyncratic price of that gear. Your standard reply is that TAS also pays attention to more modestly priced products, but that’s somewhat beside the point. Take the price of loudspeakers. In 1997, the Thiel CS6 loudspeaker took first place in the ranking of the German audio magazine Stereoplay. That model was priced only about $7000 [it was actually priced at $7900—RH]. Since then, all hell has broken loose, with sky’s-the-limit pricing. Nowadays, such a speaker might wind up halfway in such a ranking. At the top end, one would find loudspeakers costing $200k or more. Hardly anyone can buy such a thing, or has the room…

Bits Is Bits? The Wadax Reference Server I review in this issue raises some fascinating questions about the fundamental nature of digital audio. Unique for a server, the Wadax has three front-panel controls that allow the user to adjust the amplitude and shape of the digital waveform that represents the music. These controls don’t change the digital ones and zeros, but rather introduce an analog-like variability to the digital bitstream—a radical concept. Digital audio was supposed to work perfectly or not at all; removing analog-like variability was its raison d’etre. Yet early on in digital audio it became apparent that identical bitstreams could sound different if the digital samples were put back together with even the most miniscule timing errors—jitter. Although 30 years later this mechanism is fully understood, it came as…

Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier Zesto’s new amp offers 100 watts per channel of dynamic Class A power, plus a unique feature in a tube power amp—a three-position “Auto-Bias Select switch.” The Bia 200 ships with KT150 output tubes, but the autobias can also accommodate KT88s, KT120s, and KT170s. The switch provides three perfect auto-bias settings for all four tubes. The Bias Select switch is safe and easy to use, and you can change on the fly so you can hear the difference. It’s designed for flexibility and sonic customization of an audio system. The Bia 200 also features a new circuit design and grounding scheme, and a new power supply with a larger toroidal transformer. In sum, the amp delivers a more lively, dynamic, and musical sound.…

I have had multiple experiences with setting up and/or listening to the original Invictus, Invictus Jr., and Ascona ‘tables from German turntable specialist Acoustic Signature. Since then, the company has updated its entire lineup of nine turntables, from the Invictus to the lowest-cost Maximus, in addition to refurbishing its complete tonearm catalog. The word “Neo” is applied to all models in the new series. Briefly, Acoustic Signature says that the across-the-board Neo improvements are an accumulation of at least 25 years of industry experience, along with the present-day implementation of its innovations in areas of vibration control, platter-bearing design, and constrained-layer damping. The subjects of this report are the Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo turntable ($7495) with TA-2000 Neo tonearm ($3495). The Tornado is one of three similarly shaped turntables within the…

Every vinyl-spinning audiophile understands the importance of maintaining clean record surfaces—not just for sound quality, but also for the preservation of the groove and the stylus. Basically, dust and debris spell death for an LP. That’s why every one of us probably owns at least one carbon-fiber record brush, and likely more. But in all my years I’ve yet to see and handle one quite like the brush from Ramar. Is it over the top? Ridiculously extravagant? At first glance, yes. But now that I’ve gotten my hands on one and used it countless times, the question becomes how much is too much when it comes to preserving a cherished vinyl collection? Headquartered in Germany, Ramar specializes in audiophile designs and products that merge functionality and artistry. The craftsmanship is evident.…

IMAGINE you’re at a Las Vegas magic show. Fantastic, unbelievable apparitions are popping up right in front of you. You’re aware, at a keenly conscious level, that what you’re seeing is impossible. Yet there it is. Eventually, you suspend disbelief, sit back, and just enjoy the show. Seeing is believing. Listening to the new Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is a lot like that. This is a modestly sized stand-mounted speaker, and we all know that such devices have inherent characteristics and limitations. But, somehow, the 805 D4 banishes many of those preconceptions. In fact, the speaker pulls off several magic tricks. As you listen, you’re intellectually aware that what you’re hearing shouldn’t be possible. Yet there it is. Ultimately, you suspend disbelief, relax, and embrace the illusion. Hearing is believing. DESCRIPTION For…