Halcro electronics US distributor and On a Higher Note productions setup whiz Philip O'Hanlon, played host to yet another of my recommendations for best sound at show. On static display was the new Halcro dm38 stereo amplifier ($15,000). This 180 watt per channel sibling was a sigh of relief for all show attendees who envy the Halcro sound but not their prices (hey, 15k ain't chicken scratch either). Employing a battery of electronics from some of my favorite designers including Ed Meitner's EMM Labs Switchman II preamplifier ($3,200) and the Nagra D digital tape recorder ($28,000) playing some serious 24/88 master tapes lent by none other than Peter McGrath. Also getting equal time to sing on the digital front was the Marantz SA-1 SACD player ($7,500), as well as Sony's XA 777ES ($3,000). Shunyata Research PowerSnake's Hydra AC conditioner ($2,495), and Python power cords ($1,000 each) were also lending their lethal venom to this exquisite sounding front-end of electronics while their newest PowerSnake, the Taipan AC cord ($650) supported the Halcro dm58 monoblocks ($25,000) with AC magic. The Wilson Audio Maxx loudspeakers ($40,000) sounded absolutely breathtaking via the Transparent Reference XL Cables ($19,000). Accessories included the Vistek Aurios Pro ($600 a set) while the front end rested upon the Townshend Seismic Sink rack ($1,600).

For state of the art electronics this was my choice for best sound. The Persuasions newest release on Chesky Records featuring the songs of the Beatles sung acapella was jaw dropping. I wasn't familiar with the disc since it was brand spanking new to almost everyone at the show (though I did have a copy waiting for me when I got back to NY. Thanks David Chesky). What I've discovered since listening to it home is that this is a reference caliber recording that will become a standard among reviewers and audiophiles for years to come. Even under showroom conditions, which for the most part are a might cruel, there was a singleness of purpose to all this equipment. It simply played the music while the room melted away. Both Greg Weaver and Leon Rivkin thought the sound to be boring. I don't know how they came to conclude that. It certainly wasn't boring on my long visit there. All I will say is that every time I've designated a best sound at a show the Halcro amplifiers seem to be somewhere in the immediate vicinity.