HE 2005 Continued...

Jim Ricketts of TMH Audio had a room that was essentially a four-day clinic on "how to" achieve an excellent show room setup. This very well integrated display consisted of Mike Farnsworth's newly designed Talon Audio Firehawk loudspeakers w/optional diamond tweeter ($34,000/$24,000 w/standard tweeter), and electronics from WAVAC Audio Labs featuring their PR-T1 three-chassis transformer-coupled linestage ($30,000), and MD-300Bm 10-watt monoblock amplifiers ($20,000 pr). The equipment stands were the Symposium Acoustics Isis Rack, Ultra Platforms (under speakers) and various Rollerblock/Svelte Shelf combinations. Cabling and AC cords used were from Argento Audio. The sound of this new Talon was quite different from the older models. It had a distinctive openness to its character that was a sonic surprise. As a result, the overall sound in the room, aside from being well thought-out, gave the impression of experienced hands at work. Jim Ricketts is no newcomer to room issues and apparently knew how to get this room sounding better than most.

Forrest Gump's motto, "Life is like a box a chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." could not better fit the scene from the Analysis Audio/H2O Audio setup. Henry Ho's (photo left) ICE-Technology powered amplifiers (right, $4,000/pair) were as impressive as I heard at the show. This new digital-based design was driving the Apogee-like planar-ribbon Omega loudspeakers ($15,000) from Analysis Audio. The speakers were imported by NJ based MK Audio and all the cabling was supplied by HGA, Inc. The electronics were the Audio Research LS25 Mk II preamp, CD3 Mk II CD player and PH5 phonostage. Unfortunately, the sound of this room was not what I expected having personally heard this combination at length in MK Audio’s own listening room. The sound, even considering showroom conditions, was dead and lifeless compared to what I heard in private sessions. The first mistake, I felt, was to place amplifiers atop each other instead of spacing them apart. The MK Audio equipment rack and isolation stand didn't look like they were going to make the guys from HRS, SRA, and EquaRack run for the hills but it sure beats using the horrible hotel furniture I've seen in other rooms. Congrats on the hard work guys in attempting to get the best from this room.

There was something special coming from Marten Design's Duke/Ellington loudspeaker system ($15,000) being driven by Brinkmann Audio mono amplifiers. The room was full of new and exciting products featuring Brinkmann Audio's reference Balance 'table (left), Marconi pre, Fein phono stage (centered), and Oasis 'table. The sound of these amplifiers belies their diminutive size. I heard the same thing again driving Brinkmann's own loudspeakers at the 2005 Munich Show earlier this month. Digital was by way of Meitner EMM Labs. Audience's Adept Response AC conditioner as well as their cabling was featured throughout in this setup. The rack as well as isolation platforms were by way of Harmonic Resolution Systems. as isolation platforms was by way of Harmonic Resolution Systems. 

 Gini Systems of Hong Kong introduced their floorstanding JAS Orsus 4-way, featuring a twin-ribbon tweeter design (right). Apart from affordable (what else coming via China), the look, feel and overall sound coming from this room was by no means cheap. And again, the room was filled to the rim with JAS electronics as well as loudspeakers expected to reach the US market by end of spring. I strongly consider giving these guys a closer inspection, that is, if you're looking for an affordable but very well built line of new loudspeakers. Their was no price available at press but their website is http://av.gini.com/jas_orsus.htm for further inspection.

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