MW2014

Aurorasound VIDA – Vinyl Disk Amplifier ($4,990.00 XLR output adds $1,000):  The elegantly built VIDA incorporates state-of-the-art semiconductor technology (LCR-type network) and old-world craftsmanship to create a top performing phono amplifier.  I’m really enjoying my vinyl collection immensely with the VIDA; its black background is what sets the stage for its remarkable resolution, openness, and harmonic integrity. (Key Kim)   

Audio Note- Kondo Kagura Mono Amps ($150,000/pair): This gorgeously built and impeccably designed flagship mono amplifier produces a glorious 50 watt per-side using 211 triode output tubes in a parallel single-ended design, using Audio Note-Kondo’s legendary silver output transformers.  Without a doubt the Kagura is the best tube gear I’ve encountered in my system. It is the Bugatti of audio.  What can I say! The sound was captivating, pure, and delicate with gorgeous timbres to die for. (Key Kim)   

Audio4Soul Ref 50 Pure Digital amplifier ($5,500)

This Greek-made all digital amplifier has all the special qualities that made Tact Audio so popular a decade ago. However, the Ref 50 boasts 125 watts per side of unadulterated dynamic heft, harmonics and weight coupled to a see-through-like quality that only powered DACs were known for. Its performance defies its asking price. Review in the works. [Clement Perry]     

Audio Research Corporation Reference 75 Tube Amplifier ($9,000): Given the outstanding sonic performance, modest cost (relatively), and ARC’s long history of building and supporting products that last for decades the Reference 75 is establishing a strong basis to become a classic. Make that a classic with a modern twist. The Reference 75 uses KT-120 vacuum tubes recently designed specifically for audio applications. If an amplifier can be judged by the company it keeps then the Reference 75 is highly regarded. It has been paired with some true royalty in the speaker world.  In my more humble system it has laughed at the 4-15ohm swing of my Quad ESL-2805 speakers. Some other amplifiers (both tube and solid-state) have not fared as well. In addition to the other qualities mentioned add versatility. The Reference 75 gives excellent performance with a variety of speaker designs. (Donald Shaulis)

Bel Canto Black System ($50,000): Known as the Black System, these components represent a reimagining of Bel Canto Design’s overall approach and are a significant step forward along its journey for designing and implementing new technologies in its product line.  Specifically, the Black System is a highly sophisticated set of electronics incorporating a unique system architecture.  According to John Stronczer, CEO and Chief Architect at Bel Canto Design, the goal of this integrated system approach is to preserve and maintain the pure integrity of the source signal through the entire system all the way to the loudspeakers regardless of the input source.

 

The Black System configuration includes the ASC1 Asynchronous Stream Controller, a pair of MPS1 Mono PowerStream units and High Speed Optical Interconnect (Streamlink). Over the past year or so, I’ve had opportunities to hear early preproduction versions as well as the final production units of the Black System.  For my ears – the final result is nothing short of striking.  The Black System is a truly state of the art design and provides a level of sonic purity and musical authenticity that is undeniable. Listening to reproduced music through the Black System provides an experience that is highly engaging, totally entertaining with a feeling as though you are in the presence of the artists on the recording. (Bill Wells)

Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier ($3,000): Benchmark Media has developed this diminutive, efficient and innovative solid-state amplifier in a collaborative design effort with THX. The AHB2 is rated at 100 watts/channel @ 8Ohms, 190Wpc @ 4Ohms, and 380 watts in mono. It virtually eliminates crossover notch distortion and has the lowest noise and distortion figures of any amplifier in my experience. In my view this ground breaking amplifier using patented THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier Technology represents the future of audio amplification and a full review will be forthcoming shortly. (Frank Alles)

Focus Audio Liszt Sonata Integrated Amplifier ($13,000):  The Liszt Sonata sounds far more powerful than its rated 35 watts per-side.  I found the Liszt Sonata to be a sonic knockout with an asking price that can honestly qualify as affordable (reviewed here).   (Key Kim)

G9 Audio Nero Series 120 mono amplifiers and preamp ($40k amps/pre)

These Russian-made tube devices boast all the virtues of a good tube design: smooth and romantic while casting a huge sense of space around instruments. At the same time, they also possess a powerful sense of speed and control of the lower octaves. In truth, the G9’s 125 watts per channel, produce enough low-end vitality, speed and punch to make them among my favorites. (Clement Perry) (read review here).   

Job 225 Power Amplifier ($1,699): Trickle down technology allows you to sample Goldmund tastiness at a price that the man in the street can afford. The Job 225 need not make any excuses for it’s performance. Powerful, musical and resolving, this is as good as it gets at it’s price bracket (reviewed here). (Eric Teh)

Thrax Audio Teres Hybrid Mono Amps ($30,000/pair):  Thrax Audio’s latest creation is a bridge between solid-state power and vacuum tube finesse and resolution, producing an impressive 250-watts per channel with zero feedback.  The power supply uses a new breed of rectifier diodes made of a new material called Silicon Carbide.  They have no reverse current and switching loses.  The Teres sounded very involving. They were authoritative with power and excellent soundstage capabilities (tube model reviewed here). (Key Kim)

Wall Audio M50 PSET ($13,750/pair): This amp is a parallel single-ended triode, pure Class-A design, using two 6C33 tubes per side to produce 35-watts of pure German power. The M50 PSET drives my Conspiracy Audio loudspeakers beautifully. It is at once, open, transparent, and natural sounding – with gorgeous midrange fidelity. (Key Kim)

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