B&W?
January
26, 2010
Marc,
Speaking of
B&W, have you written any reviews or do you have an opinion on the 804s or other
speakers from B&W? It seems that people either love the brand or hate it. From what
you have gathered over your years of experience, does B&W generally have a good
reputation in the audiophile community?
Sheldon
Simon
Sorry, but I actually haven't
heard a B&W speaker in my system. In fact, I can't remember the last time I heard a
speaker from the company, period. I did arrange B&W reviews on SoundStage!
for other writers, but none for myself.
I
think B&W has an exceptional reputation among audiophiles -- a big company that still
seems to understand the audiophile ethic. As with any speaker, B&W's sound is not for
everyone, but there's no denying that a lot of thought goes into each model. I'm hoping to
review one of the new 800 Diamond-series speakers, just so I can answer questions like
yours with greater knowledge. -Marc Mickelson
"Keep
it up, guys!"
January
24, 2010
Marc,
Thank
you for making such an insightful and delightful site. Keep it up, guys!
Trond
Torgnesskar
Graham
and Audio-Technica?
January
20, 2010
Marc,
I
wanted to ask you how the Audio-Technica AT33EV cartridge is on the Graham Phantom
tonearm. I know you use the AT33EV on your VPI Classic,
but have you mounted this cart on the Phantom? Also, I know the AT33EV is a world apart
from your Dynavector XV-1s in price, but are they similar in some ways?
Noli
Tan
I
did mount the Audio-Technica AT33EV on my Graham Phantom, and the results were impressive.
The AT33EV is a fine cartridge, and it's available for around $500. Its self-effacing
sound may not impress some listeners, but that's a sign of the AT33EV's sonic balance and
fundamental neutrality. Mounted on the Phantom, I found the cartridge to match the sound
of the tonearm to a notable degree, the two offering the proverbial clear window into the
sound of the records I played. While my Dynavector XV-1s sounds more smooth and suave, and
it has slightly more extended bass, I am glad to have the AT33EV around, especially
mounted on the VPI Classic, as the two are a high-performance, reasonably priced
combination. -Marc Mickelson
Show
coverage, Sasha W/P review
January
13, 2010
Marc,
I
wanted to let you guys know that I loved your CES/THE Show coverage. Very nice job!
Now
that you guys are back and the dust has settled, do you have any idea when the masses will
be able to read the Wilson Audio Sasha W/P review? I saw something in the letters section
that said it would be published before CES.
Paul
McGarrity
Paul
Bolin submitted his review while we were in Las Vegas, but there was no time to get it
online amidst the frantic pace of CES and THE Show. I will be working on the review over
the next couple of days and should have it online by Saturday the 16th at the latest. I
will send the link to the TAB reader list the minute the review is live.
-Marc Mickelson
Comparing
digital in a "helpful" way
January
12, 2010
Marc,
I
enjoyed the Audio Research Reference CD8 review a lot. You have a way of talking
about audio that is very helpful, which is more than I can say about most of your
competition. The comparison of the CD8 to your Zanden units was especially helpful. I have
had many jolly talks with Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle Audio about the differences between
his DACs and Audio Note's, and they generally come down to the differences you are talking
about in your review. I am eager to hear Audio Note's forthcoming CDT 5 (tubed!) transport
to pair with my (tubed) Audio Note Dac 4.1 Balanced Signature DAC. Together they retail
for around the price of your Zanden gear, and I expect a similar sound, Peter Qvotrup's
taste being analog at heart.
Bob
Neill
Phono
cable and phono stage?
January
4, 2010
Marc,
I
have a technical question concerning AudioQuest's LeoPard phono cable. I just bought one
to go with the Graham Phantom II tonearm (and the TW-Acustic Raven AC-3 turntable), and
there is a small screw on the DIN, near the bottom of it, that prevents me from inserting
the DIN any farther than at the very end of the Graham`s socket. Since you use the same
products (I bought it, as always, with your inspiration), did you face the same problem?
If so, what should I do?
By
the way, are you going to review this phono cable?
One
more thing: I'm also looking these days for a new phono stage. I read your reviews of the
Lamm LP2 Deluxe and Audio Research PH7 phono stages, but I was wondering which of the two
you would ultimately recommend, and what you think about the TW-Acustic phono stage, which
seems to be well recommended by some users -- of course, if you have already had the
chance to hear it.
Mike
Cohen
I
know the screw you are referring to. It aligns with the notch in the Graham tonearm's DIN
receptacle. The thing to keep in mind is that the DIN plug on the LeoPard isn't meant to
be jammed in all the way in order to cover the pins completely. Instead, it makes tight
contact with the end of the pins and that's it. This is also the case with other tonearm
cables I've used with the Phantom, including Graham's own. Just push the connector in
until it has engaged the pins -- you'll feel it lock in place. After that, don't force it
in any farther or you may damage the pins. The first time you plug the cable in, the fit
will be especially tight, so don't use too much muscle.
Right
now, I have no plans to review the AudioQuest LeoPard, but I use it happily with my
Graham/TW-Acustic analog rig.
Regarding
phono stages, I recently reviewed the Blue Circle BC703, and in my review I compare it
to the Audio Research PH7 and Lamm LP2 Deluxe. Any of these three phono stages will do
your analog rig, as refined as it is, justice. Beyond them, if you are contemplating
mounting a second tonearm on your turntable, you should also consider the Audio Research
Reference Phono 2. It has two inputs, along with a number of other useful features,
including Decca and Columbia EQ curves. I have heard good things about TW-Acustic's own
phono stage, along with the Tron Seven, which Jeff Catalano of High Water Sound, the
distributor of TW-Acustic products in the US, recommends very highly. You don't mention
what cartridge you'll be using, which will somewhat influence your choice of phono stage.
However, these are all high-quality units that will provide enough gain and loading
options for most high-quality cartridges. -Marc Mickelson
