I'm very happy to announce recent arrivals are ready for audition, the Isotek power conditioners and power cables.  On demo now are the Isotek Aquarius($1,995) and Polaris($495) power conditioners, the Premier($149), Sequel($350), and Optimum($995) power cables, with others soon to come. What I've enjoyed most about these power conditioners and power cables are they allow the gear to open up and really shine musically, without adding their own sonic character. There are so many on the market at present, some very good ones, some not so, and even of the better ones they often leave the listener with a change that's not coming from the gear, but rather from the cable or conditioner, and I'm loathe to have them in my systems. Finally here comes Isotek, from England, and like the Sugden electronics, a breathe of fresh air.  I've done repeated listenings with standard factory power cables in comparison with the Isoteks, and with every piece of gear I've tried the Isotek always brings out more music, with no etchy overtones or over-extended bass (although I'm sure some of you might like that effect, it's not natural). Often some brands do sound good with certain pieces of gear, yet oddly make other gear sound very off.  Come hear for yourself, and you're more than welcome to bring in cables for comparisons.  As you can see by the pricing, they offer quite a value, and don't ask you for a second mortgage, like the evil you-know-who.                                               Highly recommended!  You'll think so, too. 

   A recent arrival to Studio A has finally broken in, and I have to tell you, it's one of the finest solid state phono stages I've yet to hear. It's the Sugden Masterclass PA-4, a delicious sounding solid state, yes, you heard me right, a solid state phono stage that I heartily endorse. It has not one but two inputs, in case you're flush with preamps, and has one MM, and two MC inputs.  The MC inputs are factory set at 470ohm, and included are 2 100ohm loading plugs, which fit into the terminals next to the input jacks. The unit can also be factory set for a specific load before it ships out. In my particular case most of my Dynavectors love 100ohm loading, so the loading plugs are essential. The EMT's I have love 470, so all in all it's been a great match for the Haven. Also making things a breeze is the MM stage, where I can add a stepup of choice, depending on which low output cartridge I'm using....more on this later. The looks and build quality are Sugden through and through, meaning I'm in love...yet again.  I've had so many phono stages in the past that were yawn inducing, this is a very welcome unit at $2500. If you're ready to do justice to your vinyl, this is a very worthy expenditure.  Come have a listen.   Source First!