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Metaxas GQT [Georges Quellet Tribute] Portable RTR

Open Reel Tape Machine built like a Swiss Watch. Metaxas & Sins GQT Portable Recording Device No.1

There is no doubt that the absolute best "source" for reproduced music is analogue tape recorded on 10" reels at 15ips. The same analogue tape reel-to-reel recorders are also the absolute best way to record and capture music [concert recording].

This is a fact not open for discussion and is responsible for the incredible resurrgence in interest in Open Reel Analogue Tape Recorders. The High End Audio industry has embraced and acknowledged this over the past 10 years.

Artist and Recording Engineer Kostas Metaxas has not only been aware of this since the mid 1980s, but in fact been using two portable heavily modified Swiss "Stellavox" portable tape recorders, manufactured in the mid 1980s to record over 300 concerts on analogue tape. He is probably the most prolific recording engineer using analogue tape of the past 20 years.

"When I purchased my Stellavox SM8 and TD9 in 1986, they cost ~ $50K - the price of a suburban house in Melbourne, Australia. The same house today is ~ $1million."

Kostas' work with Stellavox including some of his recordings on a DVD have been featured in a book on Stellavox by German writer Roland Schellin.

Fueled by this recent interest, Kostas has decided to produce an entirely new tape machine based heavily on the portable Stellavox SM8 recorder which has even received the blessing of Stellavox founder Georges Quellet.

The Metaxas & Sins "GQT" [Georges Quellet Tribute] is a portable analogue tape machine designed for ultimate location recording and playback duties. Biased for either 468 or 911 1/4" analogue tape, it will operate only at 15ips using a brushless DC motor in a pure mechanical operation. In other words, it will be built like a large Swiss mechanical watch mechanism - absolutely no logic/computer control hardware will be employed.

The circuits will also be using 100% discrete transistors and parts similar to construction from the 1960's to early 1970's before all Tape recorders started using Logic controls and 5534 op-amps.

The result will be a "kinetic art object" which will happen to record and play analogue tape.

The prototype will be displayed at the Munich High End Show in May 2018 [Hall 1.0, Stand D01a] and a very limited edition production will commence later in the year in August/September.

Watkins Stereo Generation Four

$1995


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Review: Zellaton Reference MkII Loudspeaker

Read it here

FM Acoustics 711 MK III

Info

AM Audio M-70 Reference

€5400 direct sale only

Power output 8/4/2 ohm - 120/190/280 watt, class A 5 watt
Freq response - 2-380k
Slew rate - 70V/µs

R2R volume control
No local or global feedback
For best balanced sound output stage uses Hitachi lateral mosfets - 5 active pr phase = 40A output current

Size - 44x13x34 cm
Weight - 24 kg

Opus 3 Continuo new plinth design & Cantus tonearm

The OPUS 3 Continuo is the result of a lifetime's dedication to research and development in recording and reproducing the sound and atmosphere of natural, acoustic music and instruments. It has become widely accepted that the construction of a turntable greatly affects the reproduction quality of the HiFi system and even with the advent of CD, it is apparent that more of the original performance can be redeemed from an analogue recording.

At Opus3 we have the unique combination of experience in being present at the recording venue, transfering the master tape to the disc, amplifying and reproducing it through the loudspeakers, and recreating the image in the listening room.

We know that at any split moment in a recording there is a plethora of microsounds which make up the timbre, dynamics and the three dimensional presentation of the original sound. This information not only holds the obvious differences between the sax and the clarinet, but the spirit and the life - the emotion of the artists. Unfortunately, microbyte technology has not yet managed to represent these analogue sounds, but the Continuo, coupled with it's partner the Cantus parallel tracking arm. We have created a material which is a compound of crushed marble and poly- urethane that is incredibly dense and hence almost resonace free. The size and weight of the turntable combined with it's 3-rubber/air suspension mountings decouple the unit from airbourne and floor/wall vibrations feeding back from the listening environment. The isolation is further enhanced by the mineral compound used in the platter and the special felt-like mat supporting the record. This latter item is essential to cope with the standard crosssectonal shape of the LP disc (which continually varies from hole to edge) and the tremendously high forces and vibrations injected into the disc by the stylus, in its attempt to follow the modulations of the groove.

Our experience has shown that the materials used in supporting a record are audibly imposed over the reproduced image. Hence we have aimed to choose a dry or dead soundstage to attain the largest contrast between it and and the tonal colour of the music. To drive the platter we are ulitizing a simple 24vac motor coupled via a rubber belt of 3 mm dia. Two grooves in the motor pulley allow for 45 and 33 1/3 RPM simply adjusted by finger tip pressure. The motor is driven by a separate mains adaptor and is suspended within the chassis by three vibration dampers.


MK II WF  - $ 2,900.00   /  Wood Veneers / Including Standard Cantus Tonearm, Dustcover and Record Mat
MK II WF  - $ 2,000.00   /  As above, but excluding Tonearm
MK II GF  - $ 3,400.00   /  Black or White Pearl Gloss Finish / Including Standard Cantus Tonearm, Dustcover and Record Mat
MK II GF  - $ 2,500.00   /  As above, but excluding Tonearm

SE 1 - $ 3,900.00   /  Black or White Pearl Gloss Finish /Polished S1 Cantus Tonearm & Platter, AT Feet, Dustcover and Oyaide Mat
SE 2 - $ 4,300.00   /  Black or White Pearl Gloss Finish /Polished S2 Cantus Tonearm & Platter, AT Feet, Dustcover and Oyaide Mat
SE 3 - $ 4,700.00   /  Black or White Pearl Gloss Finish /Polished S3 Cantus Tonearm & Platter, AT Feet, Dustcover and Oyaide Mat



Opus 3 Cantus Parallel Tonearm Series
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A tonearm's main task is to provide the cartridge with an absolute reference to the platter. Its second task is to allow the cartridge to precisely follow the advance of the disc groove, and insulate against unwanted information such as disc unevenness below the audible range. Essentially it should allow the cartridge the possibility of reading the disc information as it was originally engraved on the Master / Plate by the disc cutting lathe.

The traditional solution is to make a so-called pivot arm which has the benefit of good adherence. The disadvantage is that the pivot arm causes the pickup head to read information in the wrong place, with  high distortion as a result. The next problem is that the pivot arm is a resonator with unwanted energy artifacts. It also exhibits compatibility problems with different cartridges. This, as the sensitivity of the acoustic tube transmits mechanically trapped energy.

The Cantus represents a “rethink”, whereby the majority of the traditional problems of disc playback have been eliminated by innovative design solutions.

The first prerequisite for low distortion, is that the stylus tracks precisely in each play-subsection of the disc, as and where it was engraved by the lathe. The second premise is that the system is released from resonance, and the amplification of resonances arising in the system.

The Cantus is by design in every way free of resonances. The reduction of the resonant system makes the Cantus practically insensitive to external disturbances, acoustic feedback, and hum. It also provides a stable soundstage, when the system moving mass is low.

The requirement of fidelity is of course primordial. As such, the Cantus must be - and is - also adaptable to virtually any turntable. It must be - and is - reliable. The Cantus is simple to operate, and if an accident should occur, this is easily repaired.
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There are 4 versions of the Cantus:

​Mk II -  $ 1,000.00   /   Including Litz Wiring
S1  -  $ 1,250.00   /   Including Litz Wiring  / Polished Aluminum / Aluminum Headshell
S2  -  $ 1,650.00   /   Same as S 1 / with on-the-Fly VTA Adjustment
S3  -  $ 1,950.00   /   Same as S 2 / with Adjustable Scale for 2nd Trolley

Additional Trolley assembly / for second Cartridge / with Wiring and DIN plug connector - $  375

Magico A3 speakers

Machined into the metal of every Magico loudspeaker is a subtle, yet permanent, “M”. Our symbol is a simple reminder to the owner of a Magico product that they have purchased a product born of an uncompromised, unapologetic pursuit of performance excellence. The standards we have set for a product bearing our M logo are not without consequence. The push forward into the development of new, exotic, costly technologies and materials has meant that these products are accessible only to a fortunate few. While we have long wanted to bring a more affordable product to the market, and despite constant experimentation and testing of various methods for reducing costs to achieve this goal, the results have always fallen short of earning the Magico M engraving.

Magico is proud to launch the A series. At long last a Magico loudspeaker obtainable for a wider audience; the A3 brings together a bevy of technologies unheard-of at its price point. A fully braced and anodized aluminum enclosure, beryllium tweeter, carbon Nanographene cones, neodymium based motor systems and our renowned elliptical crossover, the A3 is the impossible made possible.


High Frequency driver

Extended high frequencies are provided by a newly designed Magico pure beryllium-diaphragm tweeter with an optimized 28-mm dome surface based on the fundamental design platform and geometry of the M-Project tweeter.

The customized neodymium motor system is encased in an improved back chamber with our latest generation damping materials that facilitate ultra-low distortion, higher power handling, massive dynamic capabilities and extended linear voice coil movement.


Midrange Frequency driver

The newly developed 6-inch midrange employs a Multi-Wall carbon fiber cone with a layer of XG Nanographene, providing optimal stiffness to weight ratios and an ideal damping factor. Overhung neodymium based motor systems incorporate extra-large magnets to ensure a stabilized magnetic field in the 75-mm pure titanium voice coils of both the midrange and bass drivers.


Low Frequency Drivers

Dual 7-inch woofers incorporate a version of the new Gen 8 Magico Nano-Tec cone. The same properties and materials that allow for the proper combination of stiffness, mass and damping are carried through to the lowest frequencies. The chassis has also been simulated and tested for the optimal combination of stiffness and damping. Minimum acoustical impact is achieved through reducing vibration modes while maximizing air flow. A new overhung neodymium (N48) based motor system anchors the low frequency reproducers to accomplish a super stabilized magnetic field. A pure Titanium, 75mm voice coils are consistent with the technology utilized through the midrange. The A3 Midrange and Low frequency drivers were optimized for minimal music related distortions in its band pass, in both the frequency and time domains using latest state of the art FEA simulation of acoustical, mechanical, electromagnetic and thermal behavior. All of this is now being done on a single platform, allowing Magico to take the next step in performance optimization.


Crossover

All four drivers in the A3 are acoustically integrated using Magico’s proprietary Elliptical Symmetry Crossover topology that utilizes state-of-the-art components from Mundorf of Germany. The 3-way network features a 24db per octave Linkwitz-Riley filter that maximizes frequency bandwidth while preserving phase linearity and minimizing intermodulation distortion.


Enclosure

The A3’s massive sealed-enclosure is, like all Magicos, a tour-de-force of engineering. The enclosure is made entirely from 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum, identical materially to the enclosure developed for the Q Series. This braced, complex internal structure is finished externally with an elegant brushed anodized “skin”.

The A3 enclosure is best considered as a simplified Q Series design, with the same materials, the same craftsmanship, and the same attention to design and build detail.


Driver complements

Highs: 1" MB7 Beryllium Dome (X1)
Midrange: 6” Midrange Graphene Nano Tec (X1)
Bass driver: 7” Bass Graphene Nano Tec (X2)


Measurements
 
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 22Hz – 50 kHz
Minimum Recommended power: 50 Watts
Dimensions: 44”H x 11”D x 9.25”W (112cm x 27cm x 23cm)
Weight: 110 lbs. (50 Kg)

Suggested Retail Price:   MSRP US $ 9,800.00
Ship date: First Quarter 2018

FM Acoustics 155 MK2 R