Bel Canto ACI 600 integrated

$25000



Info

Trenner & Friedl Osiris

.

Schiit Multibit Dacs

YG Acoustics Sonja XV

$265,950

Luminous Audio Technology Arion Phono Stage

$6400

VPI 299D Integrated Tube Amp

$4000

Limited Edition of only 100 units.

A project between VPI's Harry Weisfeld and VAS' Steven Leung, this tube amplifier sounds great and has been and is currently in use in Mat & Harry's soundrooms! Please be aware, this will be a limited edition product. When it is gone it will be gone forever.

The built in phono stage features a generous gain level of 45db allowing the use of MC and MM cartridges. The preamplifier section provides an additional 12db of gain to give you the great control and dynamics you are looking for!

The VPI 299D Integrated Tube Amp also has 4 independent bias controls for each output tube to give you maximum power and clarity at all times. Each tube's bias is easily adjusted and is displayed on the analog gauge on the front chassis.

The addition of tone controls and headphone output make the VPI 299D Integrated Tube Amp a Modern Classic!


Specifications:

Switchable, Universal Input 120-220V AC, 50-60Hz
Power Output (Standard comes with EL-34 Match-Q. Switchable to KT-88):
2 x 38W / EL-34 (8 Ohms, Ultralinear) (KT-88 /40-Watts). 2 x 20W / EL-34 (8 Ohms, Triode) ( KT-88 /20-Watts).
Tube Complement: 4 x EL-34 ( or KT-88 ), 4 x 12AU7 & 1 x 5AR4
Frequency Response: 9 Hz ~ 52 Hz (-3 dB)
THD: 1% (1kHz)
S/N Ratio: 89 dB
Input Sensitivity: 400 mV, 600 mV ( Pre-in)
Input Impedance: 100-kOhms
Output Impedance: 4 Ohms, 8 Ohms
Classic Design Special-1: Headphone Output
Classic Design Special-2: Tone & Treble Control
MM/MC Phono Total Gain: ~ 45 dB (0.8mV- 5mV Input Range)
Input inpedance: 47.0-K Ohm
Power Consumption: AC-120V - 220V @ 280 Watts
Weight::  58 Pound
Warranty: 90 Day for Tubes & 3 Years For Amplifier
Size W x D x H: 16" x 15" x 7"

Audio Research Reference Phono 3

$14000

VAC Renaissance Phono Stage

$9900

Avalon Acoustics Saga

.

Continuum new turntable at CES

.

Raidho D 3.1 at CES

D3.1 - Black - $65500
D3.1 - Walnut Burl - $72500

Lumin U1 Network Music Transport

.

Aavik C-300 & P-300 at CES

Technics SL-1200GAE at CES

D'Agostino Progression mono amplifier at CES

Mark Levinson № 526 Preamplifier with Dac & Phono Stage

$15000


Designed and engineered at HARMAN’s Engineering Center of Excellence in Shelton, CT, USA, the Mark Levinson № 526 delivers musical experiences with extraordinary fidelity, enabling tremendous emotional involvement. Its proprietary Mark Levinson signal path is fully discrete, fully balanced and completely dual-monaural, with a with discrete, balanced R-2R ladder volume control to maintain the highest level of sonic purity, resolution, transparency and dynamic range.

The № 526 offers connectivity to accommodate any analog and digital music source. Its ultra low-noise phono stage accommodates low-output moving-coil as well as moving-magnet cartridges and has selectable gain and resistive and capacitive loading settings as well as a selectable high-pass filter for reducing infrasonic rumble. The № 526 also has two balanced analog and three single-ended analog audio inputs. The Mark Levinson № 526 offers high-resolution digital decoding up to 24-bit, 192kHz from PCM and double-speed DSD. Its DAC incorporates an ESS Sabre32 Reference converter for superlative musical accuracy with exceptional resolution and dynamic range. Six digital audio inputs including asynchronous USB, AES/EBU balanced, Toslink optical and coaxial unbalanced feed the digital signal path. For listeners whose libraries contain older or lower resolution content, the № 519 contains HARMAN Clari-Fi® music restoration technology, which rebuilds musicality and detail lost in the compression process.

The № 526 provides both balanced and single-ended analog outputs, which can be configured with optional low-pass filtering for integration of subwoofers. Adding to its versatility, the № 526 features a front-panel headphone output with the ability to directly drive high-performance headphones.

The № 526 is built to the absolute finest standards of materials, fit and finish, featuring a 6000-series aluminum housing in black with silver trim. The № 526 can be operated from its front panel, included remote control and via a comprehensive range of system integration connections. Like all Mark Levinson products, the № 526 is designed and handcrafted in the USA.

The Mark Levinson № 526 Dual-Monaural Preamplifier with DAC will be available in May 2016.

Technics SL-1200GAE & SL-1200G turntables

$4000

The 50th anniversary limited edition Grand Class SL-1200GAE will be available this summer in 1,200 units.

The only advantages to opting for the premium version is a serial number plate on the base, and a magnesium (not aluminum) housing.

The SL-1200G, will be available several months later in late 2016.


Specifications

All New Design for Redefining the Direct Drive Turntable

Twin-Rotor Surface-Facing Direct Drive Motor

Direct Drive Motor Controller

High Sensitive Tonearm

Brass-Top Turntable Platter

Insulator

Heavy Aluminium Top Plate

Turntable Speeds
33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm

Variable Range Pitch
±8%, ±16%

Dimensions & Weight
W: 453 mm (17-27/32 inch) H: 170 mm (6-11/16 inch) D: 372 mm (14-21/32 inch)

Approx. 18 kg (39.7 lbs ) *Tentative *Height including dust cover

Terminal
Phono Output x 1 / SIGNAL GND x 1

GamuT Zodiac loudspeakers

$139,000

If you’re already a fan of Gamut’s superlative RS Series, then you’re in for one heck of a treat. The new hot-off-the-press Zodiac is a further development of the pride of the RS Series, the huge RS9.

“The Zodiac is basically my dream loudspeaker,” says Benno Baun Meldgaard, Gamut’s designer, whose passion and skills are such that in Europe he has earned the nickname ‘the best ears in the business’. In fact, if you’ve ever seen Meldgaard set up and fine-tune a system, you’ll know why he’s also known affectionately as ‘the speaker whisperer’. To watch him ‘dance’ a loudspeaker into its absolute optimum placement is something every audiophile should witness at least once in their lifetime.

In 2016 Meldgaard’s dance card has been reserved for the Zodiac, into which he has poured all of his expertise built on decades of psychoacoustics research and development, including experiencing countless classical live concerts – the only true reference.

“This is my Mona Lisa,” he explains. “It’s me taking loudspeaker design and engineering to the ultimate, removing any and all constraints – including cost – to create a genuine masterpiece of musicality. As an audio designer and passionate lover of live music, this is the kind of project you live for”.

A true masterpiece doesn’t typically go into mass production and the Zodiac is no exception. Just 12 pairs will be handcrafted each year, one per month, and each will bear the relevant sign of the astrological zodiac. No serial numbers here, just a star sign.


The Gamut Zodiac: highlights in brief

A true ‘cost no object’ handcrafted loudspeaker.

Only 12 pairs to be built each year (one per month/sign of the zodiac).

Extended frequency response of 16Hz to 60kHz.

Phase-aligned drive units from 400Hz to 12kHz yielding pin-point sound staging with vast 3D imaging and flawless timing.

All drive units have been newly custom-designed and individually matched by Meldgaard to deliver phenomenal dynamic response.

Highly complex cabinet showcases a new system of internal spacing, semi-separated by bespoke acoustic filters for impeccable impulse response and no dynamic restrain.

The all-important crossover is a new innovative design featuring superlative quality components sourced from Danish experts Janzen Audio.

That personal touch: the Zodiac’s designer Benno Baun Meldgaard will visit each owner within 12 months of purchase to fine-tune the Zodiac set-up in the owner’s listening room.

D’Agostino Momentum S250 Stereo Amplifier

Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Upgrades Momentum Stereo Amplifier to Momentum S250 Performance Level

Flagship stereo amplifier upgraded with advanced circuitry and 250W power output

CAVE CREEK, AZ, JANUARY 4, 2015 — Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, the company founded by famed audio designer Dan D’Agostino, is releasing a major upgrade to the company’s flagship Momentum stereo amplifier. Recently, Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems announced the M400 upgrade to the Momentum monaural amplifier. Now, these upgrades have been applied to the Momentum Stereo amplifier resulting in the new Momentum S250.

As with the Momentum M400 mono, the new Momentum S250 stereo amplifier receives a power upgrade, now delivering 250 Watts/channel into 8 Ohms. This is up from the original 200 Watt/channel specification. A 20% increase in transformer size, now 1,800VA, provides the engine for this output power increase. Connected to this larger power source is a new output stage design that includes a number of major enhancements.

The driver section has received a major revision and now features a fully complementary signal path with individual transistors employed for the positive and negative halves of the musical signal. Current drive is nearly doubled which feeds a new output stage with an open loop gain increased by the same factor of two.

“After hearing the benefits these enhancements made to the Momentum monos, I felt compelled to add them to the Momentum stereo amplifier.” said Dan D’Agostino. D’Agostino continues, “Even more exciting is that we can offer these upgrades to original Momentum stereo amplifier customers.”

The Momentum S250 employs the same chassis with a small aesthetic design change to the copper feature on the faceplate sides. Additionally, the meter now displays a scale appropriate for the greater power output.

Current Momentum stereo amplifiers can be upgraded to the Momentum S250 performance level. Included in the upgrade is the new 250 Watt meter plate and all electrical component upgrades.

The retail price for the upgrade is $7,500 and is performed at the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems facility in Cave Creek, AZ.

BSC Audio i3 Integrated Music System.

Coming Q2 2016, BSC Audio will be introducing the i3, its first Integrated Music System.

In collaboration with Andreas Koch (Playback Designs) and Bret D’Agostino (BSC Audio), the BSC Audio i3 will integrate a high bias class A/B 175 Watt amplifier with discrete ladder volume control and hi-resolution, DSD capable DAC.

i3 – features:

Plays any audio file from external analogue or digital source.
Features a full Android based operating system allowing easy access to a wide variety of Android Apps.

A complete all-in-one audio solution for analogue, digital and streaming sources that provides true high fidelity performance.

D'Agostino Progression mono amplifier

Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems today announced the Progression series, a new line of components designed to deliver D’Agostino-quality sound at more affordable prices. The first component in the new series, the 800-watt Progression mono amplifier, will debut at International CES, January 6-9, 2016, in Las Vegas, NV. The Progression mono will be shown at the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems room, Suite 30-122 at the Venetian Hotel, and demonstrated in the EgglestonWorks room, Suite 30-212.

​The Progression mono amplifier is the largest and most powerful the company has made to date, delivering 800 watts into 8 ohms, doubling to 1,600 watts into 4 ohms and doubling again to 3,200 watts into 2 ohms. It employs a fully complementary driver stage, beefed up with 84 output transistors, a 4000 VA power supply transformer and 400,000 microfarads of power supply storage capacitance.

​The iconic look of the Momentum amplifiers’ power meters, inspired by the elegant faces of classic Swiss watches, continues with the Progression series. The Progression mono amplifier features a new meter design with a 270-degree needle swing, driven by a high-speed ballistic circuit that enhances the meter’s responsiveness. The longer swing allows the needle to cover the amplifier’s entire output range.

​The venturi heatsink design premiered in the Momentum amplifiers has been adapted to the cooling needs of the Progression mono amplifier by adding a second row of venturis to each heatsink. Each heatsink is milled from a single, 48.5-pound (22-kilogram) aluminum billet.
​“With the Momentum series amplifiers, I focused on combining high power output with a relatively small form factor. But I knew some of our customers had a desire for a larger, more powerful amp at a somewhat more affordable price,” company founder and chief engineer Dan D’Agostino said. “That’s why we created the Progression series.

​“These components are a little more affordable than the Momentum series, in large part because we used aluminum instead of copper for the heatsinks,” D’Agostino continued. “Progression doesn’t quite match the sonics of Momentum, but these components still have most of the hallmarks of Momentum, including through-hole construction for the best sound quality and durability, and the same unmistakable, elegant look. Like all our products, the Progression series components will be built by hand in our Arizona factory, under my personal supervision.”

​The Progression mono amplifier is projected to ship in the first quarter of 2016 at $36,000 per pair MSRP, and will be available in silver or black finish. The Progression mono amplifier will be followed by a stereo amplifier, a stereo preamp and a lifestyle amplifier similar to the Momentum Lifestyle MLife integrated amplifier/DAC/streamer.

The Progression mono amplifier will be shown on static display at the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems room, Suite 30-122 at the Venetian Hotel, and demonstrated in the EgglestonWorks room, Suite 30-212, where it will be driving the new EgglestonWorks Ivy SE speaker.


Preliminary Specifications

Power
800 watts @ 8Ω
1,600 watts @ 4Ω
3,200 watts @ 2Ω

Frequency Response
1 Hz to 200 kHz, -1 dB
20Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB

Distortion
800 watts @ 8Ω
0.15% @ 1 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
105 dB, unweighted

Inputs
1 balanced XLR

Input Impedance
100 KΩ

Output Impedance
0.15Ω

Dimensions
18 x 20 x 7.5 in.

Weight
150 lbs.

VAC Phi 170 iQ stereo amplifier

$9900


The all new VAC Phi 170 at first glance may seem like a normal 85 watt per channel stereo amplifier. Sure, it can be switched into a 170 watt monoblock, and it has a fully balanced input mode too, yet the real breakthrough is inside!

For the VAC Phi 170 is equipped with the company's revolutionary patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System. VAC's iQ is the only system able to hold each output vacuum tube's true underlying idle current perfectly steady at all times. Say goodbye manual adjustment, bias drift, thermal tracking effects, runaway tubes, and blown fuses. Say hello to more detail, increased extension and punch, lower noise, less distortion, and high reliability. It will even tell you when it's time to replace weak tubes!


The Phi 170 with iQ System provides superior sound... only from VAC!


Specifications:

Vacuum tube power amplifier with transformer coupled output

VAC iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System

Class A1 triode input and driver stages

Direct coupled input and driver stages

Frequency response is from 4 Hz to 71 kHz (+0/-3 dB)

Residual Noise is typically >95dB below rated output

Input impedance is 200k Ohms stereo balanced and 100 Ohms unbalanced

Gain is 30dB stereo balanced and 31dB mono balanced

Vacuum tube compliment is four type 6SN7 and four type KT88

Compatible with KT120 and KT150

Low feedback design (6dB)

12 volt trigger

Detachable power cord, IEC receptacle

Switch settings for fully balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA input

Stereo or mono operation

Power Output is 85 watts/channel stereo or 170 watts mono

Loudspeaker taps include 1 to 2 Ohms, 2 to 4 Ohms and 4 to 8 Ohms

Connectors are Cardas rhodium RCA jacks and Neutrik XLR jacks

Cardas rhodium loudspeaker binding posts

Dimensions are 17.8" x 14.2" x 8.5" (WxDxH)

Weight is 68 lbs.

Valve Audio Devices DAC-12 R

£5840


Two distinct digital to analogue converters in one chassis – one for PCM, one for DSD

Dual mono PCM with 24bit/192kHz and 126dB dynamic range (hybrid converters, current steer, 7 D/A blocks per channel, mixed method; R ladder/Σ-Δ)

Separate DSP-free DSD-to-analogue conversion

VAD system is based on filtering DSD’s raw PDM bitstream to reconstruct the analogue waveform (designed for DSD only; 1bit direct, 6th order Σ-Δ with LPF)

DSD64, DSD128 native playback of 2.8 – 6.2MHz DSD from USB input

Dual mono triode valve analogue output

User controllable oversampling for PCM data

NOS mode (NX) developed especially for CD Audio resolution: 16 and 24bit PCM 44.1/48kHz sample rate; all digital inputs

MX mode – 2x oversampling; DAC plays PCM 16/24bit/44.1 to 96kHz from all digital inputs

HI mode – 4 x oversampling; DAC plays PCM 16/24bit/44.1 to 176.4kHz from SPDiF input and up to 24bit/192kHz from USB

DAC is free of upsampling in PCM and any digital manipulation in DSD

Audio streaming modes accepted from your computer/server: ASIO Direct, WASAPI /Exclusive(Win7/8), Kernel Streaming DoP, ASIO DoP; Developed and tested with JRiver18,19,20, Audirvana+, HQPlayer

Automatic format switch – DAC ‘sees’ which music format is coming from computer or music server and automatically connects the relevant conversion platform (DSD for DSD, PCM for PCM)

Full integration with mixed playlists/formats music servers

DSD playback automatically adapts to DSD rate

Remote controlled digital inputs, preamplifier input, volume, mute, standby, HT bypass input

1x multiformat USB and two coaxial digital inputs for traditional CD transports (AES/EBU, TOSlink option)

R2R-ladder gain/volume control based on non-inductive resistor network controlled by logic circuit and Takamisawa signal relays. Only two resistors in signal ‘path’ at any given time- manual and remote controlled

Line pre-amplifier input. Preamplifier input works with volume control

HT bypass input via extra pair of RCA s (signal goes directly to valve stage bypassing volume control, output via main SE outputs)

Point to point engineered valve output stage on dedicated sub-chassis

Topology; SE, grounded cathode amplifier cascading directly into cathode follower, pure class A, no NFB/PFB, low output impedance (Z out;100 ohm),  high current drive – output via main SE outputs

Silver signal wiring

Non inductive Holco, Dale resistors thorough

Special selection of signal output capacitors, long researched for the sound in VAD circuits (paralleled; Copper/waxed paper in oil, aluminium in Teflon and Silver mica)

Full dual mono, CRCRCRCC(MKP)LCCC(PIO, MKP) power supplies for valve circuits with total of 3060uF for valves anode supply

Included default set of valves; front pair 6SN7/E88CC/CV574,  6SN7 Raytheon or JAN Phillips 6SN7GT or Psvane 6SN7, middle pair E88CC Tesla or Brimar and pair of CV574 NOS rectifiers

Custom preferences accepted for valve types used in our circuit. The DAC can be build/optimized also for different selection of triode signal valves (please contact for details)

Function indicators (Optic fiber guided LEDs in 2 available colours to choose (red or blue)

Full compatibility with Windows and Mac OS (on Win7/8 Wasapi, ASIO or kernel streaming)

Automatic, ultra-fast (80 ms) `click/pop` reduction system for DSD playback + remote/manual mute

UAC2.0 compliant – Linux ready


VAD ® monocoque casing with selection of milled aluminium black or silver front panels or wood. Wooden fronts are crafted to order by renowned instrument maker in Northampton UK. Complementing the wood are solid brass controls. Machined aluminium controls in relevant colour (black or silver) for metal fronts.

Bryston Cubed SST3 Amplifiers

Revealed at CES 2016


What’s New?

Bryston engineers, led by Christopher Russell, have been busy over the years since the advent of the SST2 Series finding new methods to reduce noise and distortion to reveal more nuance and subtlety than ever before. Cubed Series amplifiers employ significant improvements including:

Dramatically less distortion at input stage
Improved common mode noise rejection
Major reduction in EMI/RFI noise rejection
Less than 500mW standby power consumption
Update dress panel aesthetic with clean lines and new finish.