The Brinkmann Nyquist--
I'm very excited to say the Haven has the Nyquist DAC/Streamer here for audition. It's unlike anything I've heard before in the digital realm. I've heard many a dcs stack (yawn, I just don't understand all the money for that kind of sound), Chord, Bricasti, etcetera. This dac/streamer seems to render the music in such a realistic way, I'm having a hard time in making the adjustment. It does not have storage, so I'm back to using my Qnap files, with MControl app on the Mini as a controller. The MControl also is Ayre's choice for the QX-5, new QX8, so I'm very familiar with using it.
Extremely easy to setup, it found my home network before I did, and was ready to stream Tidal right out of the box. The first song out just boggled my mind, the rendering of it left me speechless. The Nyquist only got better as it warmed up. It's here only a short spell, maybe, I keep saying maybe! Damn these reference pieces....once I hear something like this I can't let go of it. I kept thinking about the price tag of $18k. Interesting how the mind starts maneuvering to justify the expense. Yet I looked no farther than the $8400 Aurender N10 storage/streamer, which I love love love dearly. Such a great piece. Then the Ayre QX5 digital hub @$10k, here used as dac. But then I start looking at the fancy power cords on those units, the new Audioquest Dragon Source series, @ $2900 each for 1M, AQ Diamond AES digital cord between units @ $1k for 1M, and then I start the see the value of the Nyquist. After all, the Nyquist does come with its own granite base, and definitely meant to be used with such, and a separate power supply. Included is a power cord designed by Helmut Brinkmann as well, and you have a complete package for $18,000. Like some other goodies here, the Auditorium A23 Hommage T2 step up, the Dynavector 1T cartridge, to name but a few, the Brinkmann Nyquist gives you this feeling that you know you've listening to something that rises above all else. And I have to say, it's a wonderful sensation. Please come have a listen. I'm extremely curious how it will affect you. If you're at all like me, you'll probably already be letting out a few choice words upon first listening, so I doubt I'll need to side eye you to get your reaction. So highly recommended it's not even funny. One last thought on this, if your source is only digital, do get a good one. Source First!
BRINGING YOU THE BEST TO THE MIDWEST AND BEYOND
MUSIC PLAYED HERE SINCE 1911
MUSIC PLAYED HERE SINCE 1911
NEWS-
The newest model from Aurender, the ACS10, is arriving soon. Said to be Aurender's biggest seller to date, it rips CD, stores, has RAID backup, does tag editing, and servers. 4TB @$5600, 8TB @$6000, 12TB @$7500. Black or Silver. Can be used by itself with a DAC, or added to an existing A10 or N10. Also coming in March will be the A100, very similar to the A10 except stereo instead of dual mono, single ended instead of single ended and balanced, and a smaller chassis. It will come with 2TB storage. Initially it was to have no storage, yet they tried to be kind to those who might have some files already stored elsewhere, or who might want to download a friend's thumb or hard drive. That will retail for $3900. I know a lot of you have purchased the A10 to stream Tidal alone, now you can do it for a cheaper cost. I continue to be amazed at how nice the Aurender streamers sound, and in the price range of $2700 (N100) to N10 ($8000), they are so hard to beat.
The 12 new titles from Music Matters of classic Blue Note releases are simply stunning. MM is using a new vinyl formulation called SRX, said to be at least or better than their 45 rpm titles. Even though I know how great 45's can sound, I'm a bit lazy, so having these 33's with even more transparent sound is making me smile. Not cheap, at $65 a pop, yet the best of something doesn't always come cheap. And since you're wondering, they better the originals, hands down. Highly recommended.
On its way, seems like on the ol slow boat from China ( my grandpa used to sing us that song as kids) is the newest from Well Tempered Lab, the 254. Sized a tad smaller than the WTL Royale, and with a shorter arm than the 16" Royale, this table can at least be picked up by one person, and will fit on standard racks. Actually, the Royale can as well, it just seems to dwarf most racks other than its own. So look for this on the Haven showroom floor soon. It just might be sporting that Dynavector 17DX, I simply can't get enough of that cartridge. For the money, they kicked it through the roof. What I also like about it is, it mates very well with the Dynavector P75 MK4, and there are many, many users out there with that and the Dynavector 20XL, so now you can step up to an even better cartridge and still keep your phono stage. I wouldn't advice using the 17DX with an earlier P75, it's too good, definitely MK4 and you've got the goodness flowing. The retail on the WTL 254 is $10,000. Stay tuned......
The newest model from Aurender, the ACS10, is arriving soon. Said to be Aurender's biggest seller to date, it rips CD, stores, has RAID backup, does tag editing, and servers. 4TB @$5600, 8TB @$6000, 12TB @$7500. Black or Silver. Can be used by itself with a DAC, or added to an existing A10 or N10. Also coming in March will be the A100, very similar to the A10 except stereo instead of dual mono, single ended instead of single ended and balanced, and a smaller chassis. It will come with 2TB storage. Initially it was to have no storage, yet they tried to be kind to those who might have some files already stored elsewhere, or who might want to download a friend's thumb or hard drive. That will retail for $3900. I know a lot of you have purchased the A10 to stream Tidal alone, now you can do it for a cheaper cost. I continue to be amazed at how nice the Aurender streamers sound, and in the price range of $2700 (N100) to N10 ($8000), they are so hard to beat.
The 12 new titles from Music Matters of classic Blue Note releases are simply stunning. MM is using a new vinyl formulation called SRX, said to be at least or better than their 45 rpm titles. Even though I know how great 45's can sound, I'm a bit lazy, so having these 33's with even more transparent sound is making me smile. Not cheap, at $65 a pop, yet the best of something doesn't always come cheap. And since you're wondering, they better the originals, hands down. Highly recommended.
On its way, seems like on the ol slow boat from China ( my grandpa used to sing us that song as kids) is the newest from Well Tempered Lab, the 254. Sized a tad smaller than the WTL Royale, and with a shorter arm than the 16" Royale, this table can at least be picked up by one person, and will fit on standard racks. Actually, the Royale can as well, it just seems to dwarf most racks other than its own. So look for this on the Haven showroom floor soon. It just might be sporting that Dynavector 17DX, I simply can't get enough of that cartridge. For the money, they kicked it through the roof. What I also like about it is, it mates very well with the Dynavector P75 MK4, and there are many, many users out there with that and the Dynavector 20XL, so now you can step up to an even better cartridge and still keep your phono stage. I wouldn't advice using the 17DX with an earlier P75, it's too good, definitely MK4 and you've got the goodness flowing. The retail on the WTL 254 is $10,000. Stay tuned......
The Exogal Comet Plus DAC, from the fine folks that brought the world Wadia back in the day. I still encounter many of those out there in the field, a testament to their unyielding quality. This DAC, with its separate power supply, is one of those so-called world-beaters at $3500. Lots of hookups, and with single ended or balanced output. Hits way above its price range. Come have a listen.
In anticipation of the arrival of the Tonapparete Yonna speakers, I decided to play the Auditorium Solovox speakers. In actuality a totally different sound than the Yonnas, there is one similarity in that the cabinet maker is the same for both. So out they came, driven by the new LM845 integrated, the newer LM LP33 phono stage, and the Verdier Nouvelle Platine table, EMT 997 arm with EMT JSD75 cartridge. With this combo I don't think I've ever heard the Solovoxes sound better, and hence decided I was going to take them off my demo page. (The Solovoxes have been discontinued by Auditorium, hence the listing.) However, they are so good, great even, to me and some others, one of the best speaker ever made, so I've decided to keep them. How's that, the inner audiophile/hobbyist came out and clobbered the retailer in me.
So come have a listen if you think you've heard what a single driver speaker can do. Lowther people who aren't yet deaf from listening to that shrill thing might learn something. Omega folks might come hear what the holy grail sounds like. Remember, no woofer, no tweeter. Some comment how great they are, they get it, yet they still need a woofer and tweeter. I get it. Luckily I don't have to choose one type of speaker, but this one stays....unless I see a checkbook or lots of cash...even then I'm not so sure....
Proper placement begins with the eyes, a tape measure, and the ears. Above photo shows the Orangutan 0/96's in a basic plop and play, the speakers are in a known zone where the bass and imaging do their best. Yet there's far more to it than that. Lots of listening to known recordings, lots of measuring to ensure the speakers are equidistant from the side and rear walls, then correct toe in or face forward positioning. Once in the zone, remember that spot, then try to push the boundaries, go farther apart or closer together, farther back or closer to you, not drastically, don't lose that spot, yet do see if you can find that one place above all others. You'll know. Do not use new recordings, play your favorites you've played for years. Try to get more chest out of a singer's voice, more tautness of a snare drum.
I use several orchestral recordings, played over the years thru many, many systems. When I can hear all the instrumental sections separately yet all playing together, then I know I'm getting somewhere. I also listen for depth of the hall, and instruments such as percussion and trombone, all usually towards the back of an orchestra, and how they are playing relative to the violins and cellos in the front.
Then I use a piano, which I'm most accustomed to hearing live, and listen for the inner edge of notes played, not just the obvious outward note. And all that is only the beginning.....
Currently the DeVore 0/96's are on audition in Studio B, and with the 3 fantastic integrateds that show them to their best, the Leben 600, the LM 210 and 805, they are dialed in like never before. I am head over heels for these speakers, yet it took a lot of time to get them that way. Those of you who know me know that if that house fire came, besides you know who above, Gertie, I'd grab the 0/93's and run....now I'd tell Gertie to grab the 0/93's and I'd have to grab the 0/96's. I've listened long and hard this year to so many many soulless speakers both at shows and in homes, and to get to hear these speakers is a true joy. I think this pair set up now is the best I've heard them anywhere, so please come have a listen. Or bring your amp along and we'll see if it's worthy. I have tissues out in case of the inevitables...it happens. And there's no shame to it- we've all been there.