Canta Audio Topaz line stage is the outcome of several years of research and development. Its designers opted for a tube-based line stage design, as tubes allow for the most minimalistic approach, regarding the number of components needed, in comparison with solid state. Topaz has five analog inputs, two preamp outputs and one record output. The whole device weighs 14 kilograms. Photos by Canta Audio.
After years of research and development Diesis Audio decided to design a hybrid-integrated amplifier. You have to admit that it looks awesome. Evento 20-11 uses a preamp based on two E88CC NOS tubes. Further down we have an oversized power supply in the power amplifier section allowing the delivery of 80 W at 8 ohms with high current capability. All of this in a beautiful non-magnetic cabinet. Italian company also offers the option to add a phono stage or a DAC card. Photo by Diesis Audio.
The largest exhibition of audio equipment in Europe is behind us so we are getting back to normal operation. Before this happens, we wrote a small summary of the whole event. The form of our reports is forced by the size of the exhibition. Even before exploring the MOC halls we came to the conclusion that it's impossible to see it all, but we tried nevertheless. We could of course focus on ten, twenty or thirty rooms with the most anticipated new stuff or just the most expensive equipment, but what kind of report would it be, if you have hundreds or thousands of companies and you only pick a few dozens? So we hope that our gallery at least allows you to catch the climate of High End and see some interesting devices. For now all the photos have been posted, also on our profile on Instagram. If you are interested in our impressions of the exhibition, if you were out there somewhere or you want to go to Munich next year, we hope it would be an interesting lecture.
Some audiophiles claim that one of the fundamental principles when selecting hi-fi equipment is simple - if you are going to buy a speaker, amplifiers or cable, check out how big is the factory where it's built - the bigger it is, the better the equipment. I honestly don't know where this comes from, because Bentley has a much smaller plant than Toyota or Nissan, but I would rather drive a Continental GT instead of an Auris or Juke. Smaller, highly specialized factories are able to chase or even outrun big corporations. Some say this may happen with speakers or tube amplifiers - stuff that doesn't need innovative thinking, but when it comes to streamers or digital amplifiers, large manufacturers will always be ahead. But is that necessarily the case?
The new headphone amplifier Germany works with headphones with an impedance range from 60 to 600 ohms. In addition, A2 has the ability to drive two sets of headphones at the same time. On the back we have two RCA inputs and one output, so we can pass the signal through. However, the most impressive thing is the notch on the cover, so you can see what is happening inside. Price - €1490. Photos by Beyerdynamic.
Plinius introduces a stereo power amplifier designed for professionals. Home Theatre installers had been using Plinius amps and in their words found them bulletproof, so the company designed a smaller enclosure. But the amp still weighs 32 kg and delivers 310 W into 8 ohms. Price is estimated around €8900. Photos by Plinius Audio.
Hegel products are minimalistic, but also full of innovative solutions. Their design is always very well thought out. The company was not established by marketing experts, instead Hegel was formed by a group of friends. One of them created the scheme of an amplifier, which pretty much eliminated all the shortcomings of traditional circuitries. In his opinion the major problem is the feedback - the main reason of the sound distortion. He also took into consideration that getting rid of any feedback in fact makes an amplifier weaker and more floaty in terms of sound. The man we are talking about is Bent Holter. His idea turned out to be not bad at all, because he managed to achieve high output power and less distortion at the same time. At some point a big telecommunication company - Telenor - became interested in his project. They paid for further development of this technology in exchange for shares of Holter's new company and what we know today as Hegel was born.
Gentlemen from the young american company named Indy Audio Labs refreshed the concept of Aragon 4004, designed by the famous Dan D'Agostino in the 80's. The result is a flagship Aragon Iridium monoblock generating 400 W. With its elegant brushed aluminum case and high quality components, the amp is manufactured exclusively in the USA. Technology has been enhanced with ethernet control, which allows us to connect Aragon to the home network. Why? We don't have a clue, but maybe they do. Photos by Indy Audio Labs.
The next edition of one of the biggest events in the electronics industry has been launched. IFA is the largest exhibition of consumer electronics in Europe and probably one of the two or three events of this scale in the world. The huge complex of Messe Berlin has been occupied by hundreds of companies producing almost everything, starting from accessories for mobile phones, and ending on giant TV's, refrigerators and complete home theater systems. Berlin turns into one big electronics store, but there are no sales because everything is fresh and new.