It’s been well over a year since our last newsletter and there’s loads of new stuff to report, not the least of which is our new location at 6 Hatt Street — a much larger and more luxurious building about two blocks away from the old store at 17 King Street West. Built in 1830, this building is steeped in the rich history of one of Ontario’s first settlements. It originated as Dundas’ first bank, as witnessed by the 14 foot high ceilings in the principal room, and was then the official residence of the mayor for the next few decades. One of the last uses for the building before we purchased it was as the Dundas Police Station. We have maintained one of the former jails cells downstairs, as a lock-up for delinquent accounts.
Some of the features include free parking in our own 12 car parking lot, and nine individual listening rooms from 8’ x 10’, right up to 20’ x 30’ with 14’ ceilings with many sizes in between to approximate your own listening environment.

As we enter our sixth year in business, we’d like to extend thanks to all of our loyal customers who have helped us establish Alternative Audio as the destination for high end audio in Southern Ontario.

The Alternative Audio Web-site

We have recently acquired the domain for www.alternativeaudio.com . By the time you receive this letter, our new site should be up and running. The new site features a lot more graphics, including pictures of products and stop-action shots panning the interiors of the rooms.

Our web-site has been very successful. We’ve been getting a great deal of traffic and mountains of email, not to mention orders and requests from around the world. If you haven’t checked out our site yet, have a look — you’ll find plenty of information on our products, including links to many of the companies that manufacture them.

Please note our new e-mail address: info@alternativeaudio.com

New stuff...

Audio Analogue

• Great hand-made, quality built solid state product manufactured in Italy. Great styling, ergonomics, and performance that the Italians are famous for.
• Puccini integrated amp: 40 watt int. amp complete with phono $995.
• Puccini SE 60 watt int. amp dual mono design, with twin toroidal transformers rivals the YBA Integre DT at a fraction of the cost c/w phono and remote $1895.
• Bellini pre-amp c/w phono $1295.
• Donizetti power amp 60 watt dual transformer power amp $1595
• Paganini CD player great sounding dual differential 24 bit cd player reasonably priced at $1695.
• Maestro CD player dual differential cd player with 24/96 dac and digital input and output, so that you may use a dvd player to access dvd audio discs.$2495
• *Coming soon: Maestro 150 watt int. amp c/w remote control under $5000.

Bel Canto Design

• While at the Montreal Audio show last year, one of the rooms that immediately grabbed my attention was dominated by some wild tube gear that looked like it had been designed as a stage prop for Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” — masive, glowing 845 tubes surrounded by a column of gold rings and set in a solid black chasis. This imposing appearance, however, was soon overshadowed by the warm sound that flowed from the speakers.
• SETi40This was the Bel Canto SETi 40 integrated amplifier that I was listening to. This 40 watt, single-ended, Class “A” triode amp, so favourably reviewed by Sam Tellig of Stereophile and Marc Mickelson of SoundStage, is now on display at the store, ready to be auditioned. $9,500.
• SEP1 single-ended triode pre-amp also demands to be heard. This is the perfect piece if you’re looking for a great sounding tube linestage with the convenience of remote control, as well as a variety of RCA and XLR inputs and outputs. The SEP1 features full remote functions, a processor loop for adding surround sound processors, as well as a standby mode for quick warm-up. $5200.
• SET 40 a 40 watt, single ended Class “A” stereo amp, is a great compliment to the SEP1 pre-amp. This combination seems to have even greater dynamics and more control than the remarkable SETi 40. $7,900.
• Also available from Bel Canto is the SEP2 pre-amp, for $3800, and the SET 80s — 80 watt monoblock amps, priced at $16,000.
• DAC 1 Bel Canto’s revolutionary new DAC 1 has been turning quite a few heads in the audio media. This unit will take a standard 16 bit 44Khz digital signal, and upsample the analog output to 24 bit/96 Khz. What you end up with is improved dynamics, more detail, and a vast soundstage, and because of it’s sophisticated reclocking and anti-jitter devices, it is not critical of what is used as a transport. In fact, it is usually demonstrated at shows using a $600 dvd player.
• EVo 200.2 is Bel Canto’s new 120 watt solid state amplifier. Featuring a revolutionary new design in digital switching power amps that Bel Canto labels as Class “T” this amp is very quick, with an extremely quiet background. The result of this design is a cool-running, stable amplifier that you can hear as steady imaging, and solid, dynamic bass reproduction. A great amplifier to drive elctrostats, come in and listen to it on our Final 0.3’s
• All Bel Canto Design tube amplifiers employ zero feedback, Class “A” power, and self-bias adjustment (plug and play tubes), along with long tube life (approx. 8000 hours). For more information, visit their web-site at: www.BelCantoDesign.com

Blue Circle Audio

Founder and designer Gilbert Yeung’s active, and fertile mind has come up with serveral new products in the last year.

• The BC3 Galetea Congratulations are in order to Gilbert, his BC3 Galetea preamp has just achieved Class A Recommended Components status in this month’s Stereophile.
• The BC21 all tube linestage preamp is killer. Featuring stainless steel faceplates, and hand finished hardwood knobs of his more expensive BC3 preamp which has made it physically stand out from it’s competitors. The BC21 also is a standout sonically, with a huge, open soundstage and lush midrange without compromising detail or accuracy. It is hard to believe that we can retail this great preamp at a mere $1950 Cdn.
• The BC22 power amp is a radical change for Blue Circle. It is a class AB transistor amp capable of putting out 125 watts into an 8 ohm load. A great system with the BC21 preamp. A steal at $2800.
• The BC23 solid state phono stage will round out this system for those of us still spinning vinyl. The BC23 is user switchable to drive even the lowest cartridge loads. Fast, open, and dynamic, it will compete with any solid state phono stage on the market, at only $1650 Cdn.
• The BC26 is a 200 watt monster Class AB solid state amp with both balanced and single ended inputs. Rated at 800 watts into 2 ohms, this amp will drive even the most difficult loads, but still maintains that air and transparency that we have come to associate with Blue Circle’s designs. I believe that this amp will garner the same reputation in the realm of solid state muscle amps that the BC2 monoblacks attained in single-ended, class A amplifiers. $5600
• The BC 32 is Blue Circle’s first no-compromise foray into the world of audio/video components. A rugged, stylishly built amp rated at 130 watts into all 5 channels, this amp retails for the unbelievably low price of $2950 Cdn. Having had to move this amp a couple of times now, I think that this comes out to about $10/pound.
• The BC62 is our hotest selling power cord to date, it’s blowing away the compettition selling for twice the price.. Featuring three #10 conductors in a twisted configuration to eliminate RF interference, this cable is a great buy at $250/ 6ft length.
• The BC92 speaker cable is another one of those bargain products from Blue Circle. Capable of stunning resolution, and great dynamics, the BC92 sells for a mere $500 per 8 foot, bi-wired pair. If this is still out of your audio budget, try out the BC91 at only $350 / 8’ bi-wired pair.
• The BC27 Coming in the new year, BC’s 125 watt remote controlled hybrid integrated amplifier. This will be hot! $ TBA
• The BC25 Also coming in the new year, an all new remote controlled tube line stage preamp, featuring both balanced inputs and outputs. This one we have been waiting for. $ TBA
• *NEWS FLASH: Just got through auditioning BC’s newest creation. The BC8 220 watt Class AB fully balanced monoblock amplifiers. These beuaties really cook. We listened to them through our reference Meadowlark Nightingales, and I was so impressed, that I ordered a pair on the spot. The design of these amps is so stable, that they will put out 1760 watts into 1 ohm! Amazing. More about these when we have had a chance to play more. Gilbert would not part with his prototypes. $9995/pr.

Where does Gilbert find time to eat, sleep, and design all of these new products?

Cary Audio

Alternative Audio has become a retailer for the fine line of products from tube mavens, Cary Audio. We are anxiously awaiting the release of new integrated amps from the mind of Dennis Had, so, more about those in the Spring issue of our news letter. In the meantime, come in and listen to the great sounds of the SLP50 linestage preamp and CAD572-SE single ended monoblock amps are making with the the Meadowlark Hot Rod Shearwater loudspeakers.

Enlightened Audio Designs (EAD)

• E.A.D. have been one of the inovators of the digital revolution in the last few years. They have finally taken a break from doing R&D work for some of the other digital manufactuers to design a few new products of their own. But, what’s this, their latest products are all analogue designs. That’s right, EAD has developed a new line of power amps to compliment their immensely popular line of Theatermaster processor/preamps.
• The PowerMaster 2000 was the first amplifier to be released. This monster puts out 400 watts into each of it’s 5 channels, and weighs in at a heafty 150 pounds.
• It’s dimensions are such that you almost need a separate room to place it in, never mind a dedicated stand. Read what Steven Stone has to say about this amp in the June edition of Stereophile’s Guide to Home Theater. S.S. gives this amp a glowing review in both A/V, and high-end audio applications, comparing it quite favourably to his resident Boulder monoblock amps, which retail for megabucks more that the $11000Cdn EAD asks for it’s PM2000.
• P.M. 500 Trickle-down technology from the 2000 at a mere $2500 Cdn. This amp delivers 100 watts into all five of it’s channels. Whereas the PM2000 has both single-ended and XLR inputs though, the PM500 offers only single-ended RCA inputs.
• PowerMaster 1000 should have arrived in our store by the time you read this newsletter. Boasting the same technology of the P.M.2000, the 1000 will put out 200watts into all five of it’s channels. Will retail for approx. $4550.
• TheaterVision P: EAD has finally released it’s long-awaited DVD player. Featuring progressive scan, SVGA input and the DVDO line doubler built in, this unit will round out the EAD line. We have been using this unit in the store with the Dreamvision DL500 projector, and the picture is incredible. Bring one of your favourite dvd’s in and see for yourself. $4550 Cdn.

Final

Electrostatic loudspeakers from Holland.

• Final 0.3: Is a hybrid speaker consisting of an electrostatic panel to reproduce the treble and midrange, and a dynamic cone woofer to reproduce lower frequencies.
• Have had this speaker running beside a pair of Martin Logan Aerius i’s that We took in on trade, absolutely no comparison. The Aerius was all tinkle and boom, no way near the air and midrange that was coming from the Final. This speaker has it all, absolutely drop-dead gorgeous to look at, very small footprint, very living-room friendly, lots of wife-appeal. You owe it to yourself to hear this one. $3895
• Also available from final, the 0.4 hybrid ($7000), and the 1.4 full-range panel ($18,000). More about these two after we have had a chance to audition them on the floor.
• *Coming soon, the Final 0.2 five channel system for a/v playback.

Foundation Research

Well reviewed product from local designer Ed Wolkow.

• LC1 Powerline Filter: Must have for all front ends, preamps, cd players, turntables etc. The LC1 is far more than powerline conditioning, it should be considered a necessary component for all high end systems. Glowing reviews from Inner Ear Report, and UHF magazines, in fact, the LC1 is used in UHF’s #1 reference system.
• LC2 Powerline Conditioner: Larger unit with more conditioning, able to handle the higher current draw of power amplifiers. The LC2 is also used in UFH’s Omega reference system, two of them, in fact. The difference that the LC2 makes to your system is not something that you have to strain to hear, such as the differnce between power cords. This is a night and day difference. You owe it to your system to try one of these out. (2 if you have monoblocks).
• V5 Phono Stage: The V5 is the ultimate all tube phono stage for the consumate vinyl listener. It uses four 12AX7 tubes and has an LC1 power conditioner built right into it. The V5 is pure magic, open, airy, transparent, drop in and audition it with our Oracle Mk V/Wilson Benesch/Benz Micro LP system. B.Y.O.V. $4999
• V6 Linestage Preamp Coming soon, all tube linestage from Foundation Research. Have listened extensively to the breadboard prototype of this preamp, and it is killer. Have not heard anything better at any price, as far as air around instruments, and 3-Dimentionality of soundstage. Can hardly wait until we get the final production model in our hands in the new year. $4999.

Gallo

• High-end’s answer to the Bose “Accumess” system. Consists of two cast aluminum speres about the size of a hardball, coupled with a passive subwoofer the size of a bowling ball. The satellites are connected to the subwoofer, which contains a crossover circuit. Put these babies in a small room, driven by a little integrated amp, such as the Rega Mira, or Celeste i5080, and they just sing. They are so unobtrusive that they will make the wife happy too. $1000/set.
• MPS 150 Subwoofer Gallo’s latest offering is a very svelte little subwoofer. This consists of two separate modules, one housing the 150 watt RMS amplifier, and the other containing a 10”, cast basket Peerless woofer. At $1250, this compact sub has been blowing away such stalwarts as the Sunfire, at 1/2 the price. We think so highly of it, we have been using it with such speakers as the Merlins, and Final electrostats. Whether you are looking for a sub for your A/V system, or something to fatten up your high end speakers, come in and judge this one for yourself.

Harmonic Technology

Albert Von Schweikert first introduced me to this cable line at the Toronto show. Designed by a couple of metallurgical engineers, this company has a revolutionary new method of drawing copper which avoids stress cracks or crystalization of the molecular structure when the drawn wire passes through the die. What does this mean? It amounts to great sounding cables that are a fraction of the price of most high-end cables. The interconnects come terminated with custom made locking RCAs, manufactured with the same crystal-free copper as the cable itself.

• Interconnects: Precision-Link $200/pr; Truth-Link $400/pr; Pro-Silway (pure six nines silver) $640/pr (the perfect interconnect for your tube system)
• Speaker cables: Pro-9 Plus biwire $1450/ 8’ pr.: Pro-11 Plus (single-wire only) $760/8’ pr.
• Digital cables: Cyber-Link Copper $160ea: Cyber-Link Silver $320/ea; Cyber-link Platinum $400 ea. Complete line of video cables now also avaailable.
• For more information, visit www.harmonictech.com Also, check out the reviews on www.soundstage.com .

Infinity

The newly designed infinity speakers have been garnering a lot of media attention lately. Owners, Harmon International, have opted to restore the Infinity brand to the high-end status that it once held. They initiated this move by hiring the legenary Dr. Floyd Toole from the National Research Council. His first two projects were the Prelude MTS, and the Intermezzo speaker systems.

• Prelude MTS Following the successful launch of this speaker at CES 2000 in Las Vegas, just about every audio/video magazine has requested a pair for review. Those fortunate reviewers who have been granted an audience with the Preludes have all had nothing but praise for them. Glowing reports have graced the pages of “Stereophile” (Class A recommended components), “Stereophile Guide to Home Theater”, “Audio”and “Home Theater” magazine. This speaker has it all, the openess, transparency and huge soundstage of an electrostat, coupled with an integral 850 watt powered subwoofer. They even come with a fool-proof set up system (R.A.B.O.S.) consisting of a digital sound pressure meter, a cd with a wide series of test tones, and graphs and template to plot the results. All this allows you to tailor the integration of the subwoofer and tower to suit the accoustics of your own room. These speakers are as awe inspiring aesthetically
• As they are sonically, I liken them to some futuristic Praying Mantis set to strike. Our floor model subs are finished in a gorgeous natural maple, and the mid/tweeter towers are solid extruded aluminum. The revolutionary driver design consists of a spun aluminum cone, with a ceramic coating for stiffness, which atributes to the speed of response of this system. You really should come and audition these amazing speakers, we are fortunate enough to have the first pair in Canada. MTS tower and sub $12,000/pr. Center channel $2000. Rear channel spkrs. $4800/pr.
• Intermezzo A smaller version of the powered sub/tower system from Infinity. So far can only go by the rave reviews these speakers are receiving, as we are still waiting for our store models. Intermezzo $8000/pr.

Marantz

Looking for a great five channel receiver for your video system that isn’t going to break the bank? Try one of the hot new models from Marantz.

• SR 5000: 70 watt x 5 channel receiver featuring Dolby Digital, and DTS, great sound at only $1000.
• SR 7000 Superb 100 watt x 5 A/V receiver featuring a lot of trickle-down technology from Marantz flagship SR18 model, including the same 24/96 Dac’s. Comes with a great new learning remote, the RC1200, that most of us feel is better designed that the $350 RC2000 ll. The SR7000 has been going head to head with the Denon AV3300, and coming out on top, despite the fact that the Denon is a lot more money. Priced right at $1300.
• SR18 is Marantz’s top of the line receiver and has gained kudos from all the A/V trade magazines. Features DTS/Dolby Digital/THX Ultra/ and dual DSP, 5 x 140 watt. Priced at $4000, for those who take their A/V seriously, but not seriously enough to buy the EAD rig.

Magnum Dynalab

Alternative Audio has been appointed as the exclusive reatailer of the fine line of Magnum Dynalab tuners in the Hamilton area. For those of you not familliar with the product, Magnum makes the best current production analog F.M. tuners in the world. All tuners feature analog tuning with digital display of station call numbers for ease of tuning.

• FT 101A Great sounding tuner upon which Magnum made their reputation. $975
• FT 101A Etude Upgraded version of 101A, better components, higher sensitivity. $1500
• MD108 World’s best tuner, with Magnum’s best parts, tube tuning eye. $6600.
• MD102 A lot of trickle down technology from the MD108 went into the design and manufacture of this latest addition to Magnum’s tuner lineup, at 1/2 the cost. $3000
• MD208 Another recent addition, a high end receiver, featuring a tuner section with performance between that of the Etude, and MD102. This, coupled with an outstanding 100 watt discrete integrated amplifier supplied by Sim Audio, based on Sim’s own Moon I-5 integrated amp. At $3600, this may seem pricey for a receiver, but this an absolute steal if you love F.M. the way I do. Ideal for empty nesters wishing to scale down, or for that executive office system you’ve been wanting to put together. Did I mention that this baby is drop dead gorgeous to look at, with all the appeal of the MD108 front faceplate, sculpted heasink. and rosewood sidepanels.
• MD10 Virtual surround processor. Add this unit to the MD208, or any integrated amp or receiver for that matter, and you can turn your 2 channel system into a virtual surround system. Switch it out when listening to music, and you are not compromising the sonic integrity of your audio playback. Great fun for watching movies. $850.

Meadowlark Audio

Fine up and coming line of high end loudspeakers from designer extrordinaire, and all-round nice guy, Pat McGinty. All Meadowlark speakers feature extremely solid cabinet construction, great aesthetics, and transmision-line design which offers maximum bottom-end for minimum footprint.

• Other features include: slanted baffle design for precise accoustic timing; front baffle that is accoustically decoupled from the cabinet by a polymer gasket; crossovers mounted in a separate enclosure to minimize microphonics;first-order crossover design accounting for their sense of spaciousness and neutrality; and are 89-92db efficient, with no fluctuating impedance dips, which makes them extremely amplifier friendly.
• Vireo - Stand-mounted monitor about the size of the Totem Tabu, but at 1/2 the price. Features the same high quality transmision line cabinet design of the rest of the Meadowlark line, plus it’s fully shielded for video use. At $1650/pr, this speaker is a bargain.
• Petral - If you’re into home video, there is finally a high-end centre channel you will be happy with. Imagine a first order transmision line design in a centre channel, with 2 - 51/2” cast frame woofers, and a 1” fabric dome tweeter, fully shielded, and gets down to 50Hz. $1350
• Kestral - Modest 2-way floorstanding speaker, gets down to 38Hz. Because of the easy load of a fairly flat 8 ohms , and 89db sensitivity, it is a good match for low powered tube amps such as the VTL TT25’s and Cary CAD 572SE. $2000/pr. Hot Rod version features dual binding posts for bi-wiring, upgraded crossover components and wiring, all for a modest $2450/pr.
• Shearwater - This is truly a classic two-way design with top notch components featured in some much more expensive speakers. It uses the 7” ScanSpeak carbon/paper woofer, which is one of my all-time favourites, and a 1” silk dome tweeter. This, coupled with Meadowlarks no compromise cabinet design, makes it one of the best 2-way speakers on the market today. $4000. Hot Rod version features Cardas solid copper binding posts, upgraded crossover, wiring components, and added cabinet bracing. $4850.
• *Heron i *What was great just got better. The Heron has been completely redesigned this summer, and we have one of the first pairs in Canada in our showroom. This three-way design gets down to below 30Hz, with no hint of distortion, or boominess. Whether your taste lends to rock, jazz, or full orchestral music, if you are looking for a truly full-range speaker capable of producing that bottom octave, you owe it to yourself to audition the Heron i. With a footprint of only 10”w x 15”d, this speaker offers rock solid bass extension without the complicated addition of a subwoofer.
• For those of you familliar with the discontinued Heron, and Hot Rod Heron, the Heron i features a redesigned transmision line for better dynamic scaling, and decay in the bass, along with upgraded crossover, caps, coils, and resistors. One of the most daring concepts of the new Heron i is the user adjustable crossover, alowing it to integrate well into any size room. The user may now simply choose from one of three sets of bindings posts to access one of three distinct voicings, and greater flexibility in dealing with room accoustics. All these improvements, and the price still remains at $8300.
• Nightingale - Meadowlarks behemoth 700lb/pr flagship speakers are now fully broken in, and ready for audition in our main showroom. Fortunately, this speaker consists of three components, otherwise we would have needed a forklift to get them in the door. The midbass/midrange/tweeter cabinet sits atop the woofer cabinet, which in turn is bolted from behind to the transmission line module. The Nightingales feature a revolutionary gas piezo tweeter, combining the dispersion of the best dome drivers available, and the see-through transparency of the best electrostat. The midrange driver is the same aerogel cone driver used so effectively in the Heron, and the mid-bass driver is the famous 7” Scanspeak of the Shearwater. The twin 10” bass drivers have an incredible 1.5 inches of excursion, and 35 lb. magnets that allow them to start and stop with snap and authority. I have never been able to get these woofers to visually move, even with the loudest, deepest passages I have fired at them. My current favourite demo disc used with these babies is the new Reference Recording of Aaron Copland, using the VTL MB450 Reference monoblocks, we can make the walls of our reference room shake. Considering this room measures 18’ x 30’ with 14’ ceilings, and the walls are 18” thick triple brick, this is quite an accomplishment!
• The Nightingales are really starting to turn some heads in the major league speaker market. At a mere $32,000 they are giving the Grand Utopia, Grand Slam shoppers some competition at a fraction of the price.

M.S.B. Technologies

High end digital made affordable, and upgradable.

• Link DAC lll MSB’s digital on a budget approach to high end cd playback is a welcome breath of fresh air in the otherwise confusing, and congested battle of the digital format wars. If you are undecided as which direction to take, stick with your old cd player, and add the Link DAC lll, for $650, what have you get to lose? Why invest in a new format, that there is only a handful of software available for anyway? With the Link DAC you are offered the option of upgrading, rather than redundancy. For a mere $300, you may add a 24/96 upsampling chip that will take your old 16/44 recordings to a new plateau. Add the 1/2 Nelson ($350), and P1000 ($450) power supply upgrades, and you will achieve more depth, and bass extension that you would have with a good speaker upgrade. We are hearing rumours that the full blown 24/196 Platinum version of this DAC will rival even DCS Elgar/Purcell combo at a fraction of the price($5000). We will see.

Musical Fidelity

Fine line of British electronics is finally available in Canada at competetive pricing. Unless you have not read an audio magazine in the last few years, you will already be aware of this product line. Every British trade magazine has lauded praises upon their amps, preamps and cd players, named What HiFi’s product of the year for 3 years running. Even Stereophile has jumped on the bandwagon,rating four of the “A” series as “Recommended Components” this year. At the price point that these components are offered, is a rare occurance indeed. The entire series of components is richly finished in brushed aluminum, with polished gold accents, absolutely stunning to look at, very chic, lots of wife appeal.

• A3 Integrated 85 watt,remote controlled integrated amp with dual toroidal transformers, and phono stage. Can’t be beat at this price. $1650
• A3 CD Player Fabulous sounding cd player, with latest Burr Brown 24/96 dac on board. Sam Tellig just gave this player a solid Class B recommendation in Stereophile. A steal at $1650.
• A300 Integrated 150 watt remote controlled integrated amp, dual toroidal transformers, and phono stage. This is the Muhammad Ali of integrated amplifiers, floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee. Finally a reasonably priced great sounding integrated amp that will drive even the most difficult loads. Stereophile’s Sam Tellig has given this amp a solid Class “B” recommendation also. Try one out with our highly recommended Triangle Antals, or Meadowlark Kestrals a dynamite system that won’t break the bank account. A300 $2500.
• A3cr Preamplifier Remote controlled dual mono design preamplifier, complete with phono stage, and overbuilt power supplies. Forms a perfect match with the A3cr power amplifier. The A3cr has accomodations for the future, with a dedicated input labelled SACD, to accomodate the frequency range of 10Hz to 100kHz this format is capable of. Stereophile class “B”, also Soundstage Reviewer’s Choice 2000 award, definately a world class preamp at $2399.
• A3cr Power Amplifier Dual mono design, 120 watt power amplifier (500w into 2ohms), featuring Musical Fidelity’s typical massive power supply, and handsome styling. These massively overspecified transformers, coupled with the choke-regulated power supply gives this amplifier plenty of dynamic headroom, as well as isolation from the effects of bad hydro. This accounts for the reason why everyone who has heard the A3cr believes that they are listening to a much more powerful amplifier than the 120watts it is speced out at. If you are looking for an amp that will control the difficult speaker load of a Totem, or a B&W without breaking the bank account, then look no further. $2399.

Oracle

Always renowned world-wide for their turntables, they are carrying on this tradition with the Delphi Mk V. Pair this up with one of the carbon fibre tonearms from Wilson Benesch, and you will experience a sense of air and transparency unrivaled by any other source component. Recent years have seen Oracle become more diverse with the addition of speakers, cd players, and this fall their incredibly beautiful, and incredibly expensive integrated amplifier.

Pathos

Great sounding gear coupled with futuristic Italian styling. Amps feature chrome chasis, sprouting vibrant Ferrari red open componentry, and chrome plated heat sinks.

• Classic One 55 watt hybrid, remote controlled integrated amp, match this amp up with a compatable pair of speakers, Meadowlark Kestrals, Triangles, or Pathos own E-Motion, and you have a world class system for a modest investment. $2995
• Twin Towers Well reviewed 35 watt, class A, hybrid integrated amplifier. This amps topology consists of a tube preamp section, fronting a solid state, class A output stage, with Pathos’ patented INPOL circuitry. This is one of the best sounding amplifiers it has been my pleasure to hear. Openess, transparency, soundstage a mile wide, and just as deep, this amp has it all. Once again, because of it’s low power output correct speaker matching is a priority, no low efficiency speakers for this amp. We currently have our store model driving a pair of the new Meadowlark Herron i speakers. The Twin Towers works well with any of the Meadowlark line, as well as any speaker from Triangle, or Pathos own line of speakers. $7995 for reference remote version, $6995 non-remote.
• In Power If you love the sound of the Twin Towers, but require a little more grunt, then consider the 85 watt, balanced, Class A design, In Power monoblock amps. We had the pleasure of their company for a few months this past winter, these were pure audio nirvana. The only drawback I could see, was the void in your wallet they would create. $17,000/pr.
• In Control The preamp that mates with the In Power amps. Same beautifull styling as the Twin Towers, and In Power, with balanced inputs, and outputs, remote controlled. Coupled with the In Power, this represents a total no-compromise amp, preamp combination. $8500.
• E-Motion New from Pathos stand mounted, monitor style speakers, with front wod baffles to match the styling of Pathos elctronics line. Great imagers, very open and transparent, and of course, a great match for Pathos amplifiers. $2995/pr.
  Coming soon, floor standing speakers from Pathos, we are eagerly anticipating their arrival, should be here early in the new year.

Rega

Longtime British maufacturers of analogue source components Rega, has completely revamped their electronic component line.

• P3 Is the new designation for the renovated Planar 3 turntable. They have incorporated much of the technology they learned from designing the Planar 25; solid plinthe, stable motor mounts, and new, higher torque motor. Upgrade kits are available to take your old Planar 3 to the new P3 level of performance. P3 $940. Upgrade kit $250.
• P25 Rega’s second best turntable is a real winner. New motor, new tonearm (RB600) and plinthe available in a choice of solid wood finishes of maple, rosewood, black ash, and cherry. If you are still hanging on to a few hundred albums that you just can’t part with, this could be the table for you. Offers a first class level of performance with a minimum of maintenance (no suspension to keep tweeking everytime the atmospheric pressure changes). P25 $1850.
• Planet 2000 Completely redesigned from top to bottom, with stunning new cosmetics, new power supply, transport, and DAC. The Planet 2000 now has a toroidal transformer with separate windings for the display and audio stages, new cd lid assembly, 24 bit Sigma Delta DAC,, electrolytic caps in the signal path, improved power supplies, new Sony transport and display, and a completely redesigned extruded aluminum casing that is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous to behold. This is not just a ravamp on the old Planet, this is a whole new player. All this, and just a slight price increase to $1395..
• Mira 2000 The Mira 60watt remote controlled integrated amp has also been redesigned with the new sleek, futuristic chasis that will the indigenous to the entire Rega electronics line. The Mira 2000 boasts a new Alps volume pot, Sanken power transistors, and high quality Evox film capacitor throughout. Vinyl enthusiasts will be pleased with the top quality, newly designed internal phono stage. This amp is still a “best buy” at $1395.

Sim Audio

Lots of new products from the design labs at Sim Audio, but first of all congratulations are in order for all the glowing reviews garnered by Sim for their world class P5 preamlifier, and W5 175 watt amplifier, including a coveted Class “A” recommended cpmponents rating from Stereophile magazine.

• Moon Eclipse This cd player has taken over centre stage in our store over the long reigning Meridian 508/24. It just does everything that the Meridian did, and more. More slam (without getting in your face) more air, wider, deeper soundstage, all this, and drop-dead gorgeous as well. An architectural marvel, this top-loading player features HDCD decoding, the latest 24/96 Burr Brown dual differentially balanced dacs, Phillips best transport, balanced as well as RCA outputs, and a massive outboard power supply. As an added feature, the Eclipse also boasts a digital input that you may feed your dvd transport into to obtain 24/96 playback of dvd audio. The floating suspension was designed by none other than the turntable gurus at Oracle.
• Our floor model is finished in Sim’s new matte black, with matte silver trim, absolutely stunning. $6995
• Moon W 10’s Sim’s current statement monoblock amps, 650 watts of brute power, will tame even the most difficult speaker loads, yet still maintains the air and openess that has become Sim’s sonic signature. $13995/pr.
• Moon Attraction Sim’s new, long awaited theatre processor. Built around the E.A.D. Ovation circuit board, but that is where the similarity ends. Sim has used their skills to create a bigger, beefier power supply, added more audio and video inputs, and balanced outputs to all five amplifier channels. This is a processor that sounds so good, we are currently using it as an analogue preamp in our reference system! $7395
• Watch for new products to come from Sim in the new year, such as reference five-channel amps; balanced, remote controlled, analogue tuner; and DVD/SACD/DVDA player.

Soliloquy Loudspeakers

A new line of speakers that has been receiving critical aclaim from all those who have had the oportunity to listen to it. All speakers in this line are available in richly finished, five-sided wood veneers, including; Curly Maple/Rosewood/Cherry/ & Black Ash, and come with solid cast metal plinthes, with very substantial leveling/isolating spikes The whole line is also shielded, making them ideal for use in home theatre applications.

• 5.0S High efficiency monitor, available with it’s own dedicated, well appointed stands with matching wood trim. A great system match-up with the M.F.A3 amp/cd player. $1399/pr.
• S10 Subwoofer Active subwoofer with 10” aluminum cone woofer, and 125 watt discrete output power amp. Try this with the 5.0s for a match made in heaven. Beautifully finished in veneers to match the rest of the lineup. I don’t know how they can be offered at these prices. $2099.
• 5.3 Is a floorstanding 3-way speaker with the same foot print as the 5.0s. If you are looking for a little more oomph without adding the S10, this is the way to go. Combine these with the M.F.A300, or the Sim/Moon I-5 for a kick-butt amp/speaker system. $2995/pr.
• 6.3 If you like the sonic signature of the Soliloquy line, but are looking for more dynamics that the 5.3s have to offer, then you may want to look at their big brother. I would catagorize the 6.3s as being the 5.3s on steroids, simply more of everything that the 5.3s will do. Warning, these speakers do need substantial power to get the most out of them, and they will not do well in smaller rooms. Try them with the Sim/Moon P5/W5 combo if you really want to hear them sing. They are truly a large speaker, that produces large sound, but because of their beautiful wood veneers, do not seem to visually dominate the room. You might be able to sneak these past the spouse by showing them how truly elegant they are. $4795/pr.
• C3 Center channel is the perfect element to finish off your high-end A/V system. Same elegant finish to compliment the rest of the line visually, same rock-solid dynamics. $1249.

Triangle Loudspeakers

Fantastic sounding, well reviewed speakers from French manufactuer, Triange, the second largest speaker manufacturer in Europe. Everything is made and designed in-house, even the drivers. This is why we can afford to offer these imported beauties at such affordable prices. Another reason is the fact that no expensive veneers are used in the bulk of the speaker line. A pebble vinyl is used on five sides, while the front baffle is done in a unique burnt-sienna laquer. This has the effect of making the sides and top disappear, so that when the grill is off, all you notice is the sleek elegance that this baffle presents. All Triangle speakers are using a minimulist crossover, making them an easy load for low powered amplifiers.

• Titus XS Modest looking 2-way bookshelf speaker that really cooks. If you are in the market for a small monitor that throws a huge soundstage, and resolves even the most complex passages look no further. At this price, you will have enough left over to upgrade your amp as well, the Musical Fidelity A3 works very well with this speaker. Stereophile “B” rated component.$750/pr.
• Comet XS Slightly larger than the Titus, little more bass, little fuller. $995/pr
• Zepher XS Floor standing 2-way,one of my favourite Triangles, deep, rich, tight bass, huge staging, and pinpoint imaging. A great match up with the Musical Fidelity A300 or the Audio Analogue Puccini Se integrated amps. $1495/pr.
• Antal XS Floorstanding 3-way, one of Sam Tellig’s favourites (he bought the review pair). Read what ST had to say about them in the August/200 issue of Stereophile, he gave them a solid Class “B” recommendation. And only $2495/pr.
• Lyrr XS Floorstanding 3-way, this speaker is in Triangles premium series, using better crossover components, 6-sided venered cabinets, and 5 drivers. A great match with the Pathos Twin Towers, this combination is so open and transparent, you’d think you were listening to a very good full range electrostat. Priced at $4495.

V.P.I. Industries

With winter upon us once more, and more time on our hands, it’s time to think about paying more attention to your vinyl collection. Alternative Audio has a good stock of VPI record cleaning machines, parts, accessories and cleaning solutions. If you already own a VPI cleaner, you should think about replacing the velvet arm tube, and the platter mat, no sense cleaning your records with a dirty, or worn out pick-up tube. HW16.5 $775. HW17 $1795.

Vacuum Tube Logic (VTL)

Luke Manley has not been idle this past year. Apart from travelling all over the world promoting his fine line of tube components, he has also found the time to design new products, and redesign, and perfect some of his familiar ones.

• TT25 Tiny Triodes Yes, the Tiny Triodes are back. They were originally designed by David Manley, and discontinued after Luke took over the helm. After pleas from customers, and retailers alike, Luke was persuaded to bring the TT25’s back into production. These cute little lunch-box size monoblock amps are great to drive high efficiency speakers like the Meadowlark Kestrals, Triangle Zephers, or Antals. Power rating is 45 watts tetrode, switchable to 25 watts in triode. If you were lusting after a pair of single ended triode amps, but found them too rich for your blood, this is the perfect alternative. But hurry, as they are only making a limited, numbered production of 500, and when they have sold, there won’t be any more. I already have a pair for myself, running my Quad ESL57’s at home. TT25 $2500.
• IT-85 Integrated Luke’s latest design is an 80 watt tube integrated amp based on the TL2.5 remote controlled preamp, and the ST85 amplifier. If you enjoy the sound of VTL gear, but are looking for something simple and inexpensive, this could be the the answer to your audio dilemma. IT-85 $3750
• MB 450 Signatures The entry level of VTL’s statement amps, have had some changes made to them, including new transformers, and front end design. Monoblock amps rated at 450 watts in tetrode, user switchable to 200 watts triode. Our in house pair are currently driving a pair of Meadowlark Nightingales in our reference room. Come in and listen, you’ll be amazed at the dynamic impact of this amp/speaker combination. One of Michael Fremer’s reference amps, he gave them a Stereophile Class “A” recommmendation. $12000/pr.
• MB750 Reference Absolute Sound magazine made these 750 watt (350watts in triode), 4 chasis monoblocks their reference tube amplifiers for 2000. I wish we could afford a pair for the floor, but at $25,000/pr, we will just have to be content with the MB450’s.
• MB 1250 Wotan Luke Manley’s statement amps. Four chasis 1250 watt per channel monoblocks (600 watts in triode), the ultimate in high powered tube amplifiers. With a compliment of forty-eight 6550 tubes between the pair, you won’t have to turn the heat on in your listening room all winter. $43,000/pr.

Software Reviews

Djivan Gasparyan and Michael Brook “Black Rock” (Real World)
Djivan Gasparyan is an Armernian musician who has mastered the duduk, an ancient oboe-like instrument. Michael Brook is a Canadian producer, engineer, and guitarist who has scored numerous films and contributed to many recordings over the past decade. Together they have produced a unique album that successfully merges Gasparyan’s folk songs with Brook’s cinematic soundtracks. With help from British engineer and multi-instrumentalist Richard Evans and drummer Jason Lewis, Brook has created musical arrangements that successfully merge dub-wise downtempo rhythms and electronic accents with Middle Eastern and Indian melodies.
Gasparyan’s mournful duduk and vibrant vocals, relating stories of loss and longing in his native tongue, are woven into this foundation. The end result is an engaging recording that evokes a sense of mystery, beauty, and hope discovered in the midst of despair. (Rich)

Pan Sonic “A” (Blast First)
Threatened with legal action from the Panasonic corporation, this Finnish electronic duo was recently forced to drop an “a” from their name. On this, their third full-length album, they celebrate this loss with seventeen tracks of characteristically raw rhythm and noise. For the unintiated, Pan(a)Sonic use old analogue synths and tone generators, many of which are custom built by their silent partner, to create electronic music that has more in common with early “industrial” groups like Throbbing Gristle than with the trendy “electronica” of Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers. “A” is a challenging listen, filled with clicks, pops, and the sounds of buzzing, overdriven circuits (the soundtrack to an audiophile’s worst nightmare?). However, Pan Sonic wield these nasty noises with surprising restraint, creating short sweet songs(?) that combine sonic experimentation with stark but infectious rhythms. Imagine King Tubby remixing some early Detroit techno with the help of damaged household appliances. (Rich)

R.L. Burnside “I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down”
This disc expands on the blues /meets funk/hip-hop on 1998’s “Come On Down”. Burnside’s guitar playing and timeworn voice intermingle with DJ mixing on “Miss Maybelle”. On “Got Messed Up”, Burnside changes gears and comes across with a funk sound that almost screams the 70’s. A staple on the indie radio circuit, R.L. has developed a huge following with non-traditional blues fans and purists alike. For those looking for something different in a blues recording, I recommend having a listen, you’ll enjoy it. (Phil)

Calexico “The Black Light”
If you travel to Tijuana and beyond, this is the kind of music you will be immersed in. Calexico has combined the southwestern feel of the desert, with “spaghetti western” arrangements and just a touch of surf guitar. The result is pure magic. The music evokes those movie images of moonlit nights in the desert, raging sandstorms, and the wandering cowboy. (Phil)

Madagascar Slim “Omnisource”
This debut defies classification, but it’s infectuous waves will hook you. Part blues, part world music, Omnisource introduces the soul of Southeast Africa. Several of the titles are traditional Malagasy folk songs, with an African sound reminiscent of Paul Simon’s “Graceland”. Others are pure blues, showcasing Slim’s considerable virtuosity on elctric guitar. Whether playing the valiha (a bamboo zither), or paying tribute to his main influences, Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King, Madagascar Slim’s enthusiasm shines through. (Cathy)

Ute Lemper “Punishing Kiss”
An unlikely combination of songs by Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, and Nick Cave, with cabaret pieces from Kurt Weil’s “The Threepenny Opera”, is the premise of “Punishing Kiss”. The mixture works due to the songs’ common themes of passion, theatrics and intensity. Ute Lemper is best known for her roles in overseas productions of musical such as “Chicago, “Cats”, and “The Wall: Live In Berlin”.. Her powerfull vocals call to mind Marlene Dietrich, or Edith Piaf, but the contemporary arrangements, both lush and stark, add a modern backdrop to what can only be described as “chansons” (Cathy)

Jacintha “Autumn Leaves” (Groove Note)
Jacintha’s second release on Groove Note is dedicated to the writings of Johnny Mercer, and includes some of his more familliar tunes, such as “And The Angels Sing”, “One For my Baby”, “Moon River”, “Days of Wine and Roses”, and the title track “Autumn Leaves”. Produced by Joe Harley, of Audioquest recordings, and featuring a bevy of talented studio musicians such as, Teddy Edwards (saxophone), Joe LaBarbera (drums), and Kei Akagi (piano), this disc was destined for greatness, and it does not disappoint us. Right from the opening bass hook on the first line of “And The Angels Sing”, this record has us snapping our fingers, and humming along to the well worn lyrics. Jacintha’s voice seems to float in the ambient silence of this recording like a smokey fog, punctuated by the staccato of Kei Akagi’s vibrant piano. A must have for those late night listening sessions when the rest of the household is fast asleep. Makes up for the disappointment of the latest Patricia Barber effort. (Mike)

Patricia Barber “Night CLub” (Premonition)
I found Ms. Barber’s latest to be somewhat of a letdown compared to her last offering, “Companion”, which was a live set from her house gig at the Green Mill in Chicago. From the opening notes of “Bye Bye Blackbird”, I had high hopes for this album. Patricia Barber’s sultry voice and stacatto piano riffs were punctuated by bassist Marc Johnson’s percussive notes. The further into “Night Club” I delved, the more apparent my disappointment became. Technically, this is on par with the last three recordings, that is to say superb. Emotionally, I find it dry, and bland, dare I say boring? Perhaps I have just grown tired of Barber’s minimulist, quavering vocal stylings, but I find the majority of the tunes on this disc to be sterile, and uninvolving. Noteable exceptions to this would be the opener “Blackbird”, and the uptempo “Summer Samba”. Gives “records to die for” a whole new meaning, this one is so depressing, it makes you feel like slitting your wrists. (Mike)

Doug Macleod “Whose Truth, Whose Lies” (Audioquest)
Doug McLeod’s latest effort leads us through the rollicking gamut of blues hoots and hollers that we have come to expect of this legendary modern blues artist. McLeod’s ecclectic stylings cover just about every blues performer from Furry Lewis, to J.B. Lenoir. A couple of surprises on this album, the contemporary ballad “Norfolk County Line” finds McLeods rough vocals coupled with the sweet harmonies of Janiva Magness. On “Rise Up” , he is once again paired up with Magness, as well as Terry Evans, on backup vocals. Other noteable tunes include “Goin’ Down Country”, which starts off with a blistering bottleneck guitar riff from McLeod; “Splain It To Me” featuring legendary harp player Rod Piazza; and “You Won’t Find Me” whose intro is right out of the gendre of “J.B. Lenoir and His Afro Hunch Rythym Band” As usual, Joe Harley’s production is impecable, with engineering performed by none other than digital guru Ed Meitner.

Holly Cole “Romantically Helpless” (Alert)
This record grabbed me right from the opening notes of Paul Simon’s “One Trick Pony”. Bassist George Koller had the woofers on our Nightingales flexing their muscles, Kevin Breit’s accoustic guitar and dobro shimmered through their plasma tweeters, and Cole’s haunting melody line sent shivers up my spine. I see this recording as a maturation of Cole’s stylings, no longer reaching for notes, nor spastic phrasing, this album has a flow that her previouis ones did not. Cole is acompanied on most tunes by her old band mates, Aaron Davis (piano), and David Piltch (bass). Other noteable cuts include “Make It Go Away” (written by Davis), and “Same Girl”, a Randy Newman tune. (Mike)

“The Conga Kings” (Chesky)
David Chesky’s answer to Ry Cooder’s “Buena Vista Social CLub”, and I must say that he has managed to successfully pull it off. The whole recording is centered around it’s rhythm section, consisting of three Latin percussionists, Candido Camero, Carlos Valdes, and Giovani Hidalgo. Camero and Vaaldes, both well into their seventies, have played with such jazz dignitaries as; Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Herbie Mann. This rhthym section is accompanied by a latin ensemble featuring vocals, flute, bass, and Tres (a guitar-like instrument with 3 double strings). A fun-filled romp of traditional Cuban folk tunes, and Afro-Cuban rhythms that will be sure to get your toe tapping.(Mike)

Ekova “Heaven’s Dust (Six Degrees)
This multicultural trio consists of Dierdre Dubois: vocals, cello, guitar; Mehdi Haddab: oud, guembri, percusion, kalimba; and Arach Khaalatbari: percusion, vocal, and clarinet. Their sound is unique from other world music or techno recordings due to Dierdre Dubois’ languorous vocals influenced by Celtic, African, Egyptian, and Flamenco stylings. Reminiscent but upbeat, and cheerful. It is not dificult to forget your suroundings while listening to “Heaven’s Dust” (Cathy, Mike)

Season’s Greetings

We, the staff at Alternative Audio wish to take this time to wish all of our loyal customers and aquaintances all the very best of the holiday season.

Mike, Phil, Rich, Jackie, & Marcus.