Jim Rickett's Metronome digital gear along with Lamm electronics looked incredibly comfortable sitting on a slew of Critical Mass Systems iso-platforms. Don't know quite what to say about the sound of this otherwise excellent setup except much of the disappointment came from the Wilson Watt Puppy 8s being too close in proximity to the front walls. Also, the distance between the loudspeakers were much closer than the distance to the listening seat. Using the equilateral triangle approach is old hat? To me, this made instruments sound too distant and gave the bass an unwanted tubbiness. If I had this nicely sized room for myself I would have had those loudspeakers well into the room, maybe in front of those wonderfully sounding Lamm amplifiers. To each his own I suppose. Come to think of it, the B.A.T room, which also featured the Wilson Watt 8s, was setup in a similar fashion. Because the room was slightly wider the sound was actually even heeled. Go figure.  On static display only was the new Lamm Audio ML3 Signature monos ($126k) with designer Vladamir Shushurin (photo right).

On the other side of the financial tracks lies the amazingly dynamic Minuet mini-monitor from Silverline Audio ($600). I was utterly impressed at Rocky Mountain and here we go yet again folks! This little mini-monster of a loudspeaker defies description with regard to what I've come to expect dynamically from a mini-monitor. The Minuet simply does more and goes further than most I've heard in its price range. When you walk as many shows and have seen all the new high priced gear boasting this and that, the Minuets makes you feel relieved that it can compete favorably against other mini monitors, even some that cost in the thousands.

Harmonix/Combak/XRCD designer Kiuchi San unveiled the new Reimyo transport ($8,500 slated for delivery this summer), here for the first time. Sporting a Philips transport drive, this Kiuchi says, was a very difficult and monumental product to bring to market. The sound, which looked quite typical with all those XRCDs lying on the floor, via the well-endowed Harmonix dac proved wonderfully welcome and cozy sounding. Missing was the typical sizzle, spark and boom that accompanied so many rooms I feared even going into. I've always been a big fan of Harmonix. Here was an excellent reason as to why. 

Rusty Taub of Audiotion showed the new Oracle Si1000 integrated amplifier ($9k) which sounded quite impressive driving Usher BE718 loudspeakers ($2500) again. Driven by JPS Labs Aluminata cabling throughout, the Usher loudspeakers really did sound quite impressive at their price range, and amazing considering what the competition costs.

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