Vitus Audio/German Physics

 

This was another stellar sounding room. The German Physics 120 Loudspeakers were showcased with fabulous electronics from none other than the Vitus Audio; the newly introduced SL-010 preamplifier ($25200) is a smaller version of the signature SL-01. It, like its big brother, also employs match transistors and super precision resistors, combined with a special coupling of each input stage. This results in an ultra linear frequency response. The SM-010 monoblock amplifier ($46200) power the system, superbly built SCD-010 CD player ($20k). Bergmann of Denmark featured the Bergmann air bearing turntable ( $22k including a linear tracking air bearing tonearm). Along with Vitus’ Andromeda cables which were utilized throughout the system.


Rockport Technologies/YpsilonElectronics/Blue Smoke Entertainment

 

Venetian room 31-126 was a standout. Rockport Technologies Ypsilon Electronics and Blue Smoke Entertainment were in harmony. The music sounded smooth, yet was detailed and transparent with a beautiful soundstage. The system consisted of visually stunning Rockport Technologies Aquila ($44500), with an impressive high gloss piano black finish.The Aquilas were driven by the massive Greek Ypsilon Electronic SET-100 mono block amplifiers ($75k) and a PST-100 preamplifier ($40k). The Blue Smoke Entertainment Black Box digital music system ($6995), MSB Technology DAC III ($17485), Harmonic Resolution System equipment rack and Transparent Audio cables were utilized throughout the system.


Consensus Audio Engineering

As I was making my rounds at Alexis Park, to my great surprise I came across some very familiar loudspeakers. The Highend Electronics room featured the exquisitely finished Consensus Audio Engineering Conspiracy loudspeakers ($41700). Alfred Kainz of Highend Electronics serves as the importer for the Consensus Audio's importer which is made in Austria. I’m very familiar with the Conspiracy loudspeakers as they're my reference.

This three-way full-range speaker system sports six Accuton ceramic drivers: four 7” woofers, one 7” midrange and one 1.2” tweeter. (A diamond tweeter option is available at $8k more... for which my answer was "no thanks"). The electronics in the room were from different manufacturers, including a Pass Lab XA30.5 amplifier ($5k), an Audio Synthesis DAX ($9k) and an Audio Note CDT3 transport ($9k) and an Audio Magic Oracle power conditioner ($7k). Kainz also used a variety of cables he prefers, namely the Advance Listening Audio Interconnects ($5k meter) and AC powercords ($3k). Speaker cable was Consensus Magnetic Field Correction cables ($3300/pair). I noticed a familiar setup that featured Franck Tchang's Acoustic Resonators  were used. This room produced very good sound that was fast and articulate; detailed and musical.

Acoustic system International/AMR/Rethm/ Dr. Feickert Analogue/Karan Acoustics

 

Darren Censullo of Avatar Acoustics put together two wonderful sounding demo rooms. In Venetian Suite 30-216, the Acoustic System International Tango Platinum ($27k) loudspeakers were driven superbly by a Karan Acoustics KA-S 450 ) stereo amplifier($25k. Preamplifier was the Karan reference  preamp w/phono ($15k) and the digital source was the magnificent AMR CD-77  CD player ($12). Dr. Feickert's Analogue Twin turntable ($9k)  handled the vinyl. All cabling was by Acoustic System International LiveLine (stay tuned for full review), which was making its American debut. Franck Tchang has found a way to apply his resonator technology to cable design using solid core cables. Franck’s LiveLine cables, price-wise remain somewhat pedestrian in today’s costlier marketplace. One meter RCS Interconnect retails for $995.00, while a one meter XLR retails for $1,450.00. An 1.8 meter AC powercord lists for $995.00 and a  2.4 meter speaker cable will sell for $1750.00. Not bad. Overall, the system sounded marvelously natural with a wonderful density of tone color. It was fantastic on various types of music I played. Detailed and dynamically alive as one could expect music.