Signature Sound's Hi-Fi Blog

Hot Summer Sale In Progress!

2010-07-06T18:21:00.006-04:00

Here are some of the items on sale! As always E-mail us if you want to get hi-res pics of the actual items listed

AUDIO AERO PRESTIGE CD PLAYER - DEMO - $7,495. Awesome DAC, CD/SACD player, preamp... this unit does it all. $14K+++ retail... demo is 1.5 years old... latest SE version with LATEST/current transport mech inside. Great sounding piece for only $7,495. Comes with box and manual and warranty.

AUDIO AERO CAPITOLE MK1 - USED - $995!!! - No box or manual and the transport does not work! BUT - this player has two coax digital inputs which work perfectly fine and this player ($4,200 retail when new and LOW Blue Book is at $2,000) as a DAC is a really good sounding piece for less than thousand bucks. The transports in these player are fragile due to the way the control board is mounted (they would crack) and not worth fixing IMHO... especially when there are any number of good sources out there these days. Cosmetically in VG condition... tubes are fine (replaces a couple years ago by me - player has seen little use since then becuase of transport issues).

HARBETH MONITOR 30 - DEMO - $2,250. USED - Low hours demo sold to local customer who traded them back in several months later to buy something different (customer is a regular gear changer.... never keeps anything long). One speaker has a lightly dinged corner (strictly cosmetic - not done by customer, but done by UPS when they were originally shipped to us). Retail around $5k - yours for $2,250

JPS LABS DIGITAL AC - NEW- $175. New old stock as JPS has made some small revisions and just released the Digital AC-X. Retail new was over $350... great cord for CD players, dacs etc (see very nice review by Art Dudley in Stereophile) - yours for $175 (only one available!)

REGA CASH FOR DIGITAL CLUNKERS PROGRAM EXTENDED THROUGH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2010!!! GET A GREAT DEAL ON A NEW REGA APOLLO, AND SATURN CD PLAYERS! SEE NEWS/BLOG PAGE FOR DETAILS! - UPDATE: REGA HAS EXTENDED THIS PROMOTION THROUGH UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST 2010!

REGA RESEARCH RS-5 SPEAKERS - NATUTRAL CHERRY - DEMO WITH FULL WARRANTEE. Great compact floor standing 3 ways that work well in any music and HT/Music system. The Rega RS-5 speakers retail new $1,595, yours for $895!!!. Can e-mail high res pics if you want to see the actual pair - they are in excellent condition with all original factory packaging.

REGA RESEARCH P2/P3/P5 tables! - DEMO - CALL/E-MAIL for price - Nice deals on great tables! Rega P5 (Cherry surround) has a Elys2 on it with less than 100 hours. The P3/24 is a gloss White Color Plinth model with Elys2 cartridge on it (less than 100 hours) and the P2 has a Bias on it (probably less than 50 hours on this table). If you don't want the cartridge or some other cart, just let us know and we can work up a price with a nice new Dyna, Clearaudio, Benz or Rega cart on the table for you!

REGA SATURN CD PLAYER SILVER - DEMO - $1,395! Demo Rega Saturn in excellent condition with less than 200 hours of use. Comes with box, manual, and full warranty! Retail new $2,395 - yours for only $1,395

GRADO SR325is HEADPHONE - DEMO - Less than 10 hours! Mint condition. Retail $295 - yours for only $175

RUNNING SPRINGS AUDIO DUKE POWER CONDITIONER - DEMO WITH FULL WARRANTEE - $995. Two outlet 20A power conditioner in excellent condition. Comes with 20A Running Springs Mongoose (Cardas Golden Ref) 5ft power cord. Slightly older version (no pretty carbon fiber faceplate like on the newer units) with original box and manual - about 2 years old. Retail new was $2,300 - yours for only $995!!! If you wish to see pics, please e-mail and we will get them to you via e-mail!

EQUI=TECH SON OF Q JR BALANCED POWER LINE CONDITIONER - USED - $450. Entry level Equi=Tech balanced power line conditioner. No fancy faceplate on the Son of Q jr, but its 1,000W capacity makes it a great unit for smaller budget HiFi systems, or it is also great for front end gear in a larger system (i.e. one with large power amp(s)). This is a 3 year old single owner used unit in excellent condition with original factory packaging and manual. Retail new $1,200 (normally sell for $1k new), this unit is a great deal for only $450!!!

AUDIENCE AU24 2.0m RCA INTERCONNECT - NEW (OPEN BOX) - $450. New, never used in original factory box with all documentation - old stock. Retail new is $1,031 - yours for $450!!!

SONOS BU80 BUNDLE - DEMO - $495 One of the earlier bundles that Sonos made which consists of TWO of Sonos's ZP-80 Zone Players (older version of the current ZP-90... same exact functionality as the current ZP-90 just in a slightly larger case) and the 100 Series Controller AND optional charging cradle will be included. I also have ONE additional ZP-80 available which I can package with this bundle at extra cost. Units are all in excellent condition an will come with all original factory packaging and documentation. This bundle originally retailed for $1,000 - Yours for only $495

Signature Sound Hi-End Audio on FaceBook!

2010-04-23T11:02:00.004-04:00

Yep, we have gone and done it now! Our FaceBook page is updated a number of times each week with various sale items, specials, interesting links, various news, music recommendations etc, etc. Check out our FaceBook page and become a Fan (er, now "Like" is the terminology being used by FB) of Signature Sound High-End Audio! Also, the page is open for the public to view, so even if you are not on FaceBook (like Stan Marsh - lol), you can check it out!

Audio Aero Update

2010-04-23T10:59:00.001-04:00

Just a note here about French Hi-End digital gear company Audio Aero. I've received some calls over the last year concerned since they have seemingly dissapeared... what did disappear was their US/Canadian Distributor Globe Audio Marketing. Audio Aero is not quite helping things as they are not the great with returning... correspondence (e-mails) from US dealers (i.e. me) and some customer inquires too. I have spoken directly with several distributors in other countries for Audio Aero and have verified that they are actively in biz and making/selling gear and just being a bit "French" when it comes to communications. I have made arrangements with their UK distributor so we can obtain product if customers want it... in fact I have available a couple of distributor demo Prima Ref CD players available from this source at this time. These are terrific sounding tube buffered output stage units which are available for HALF of thier retail price!

JPS Labs Improves the Digital AC!

2010-03-25T14:56:00.005-04:00

We have long been fans here of the JPS Labs Digital AC power cord. For its modest retail price ($399) it really delivers a very nice improvement in performance on CD, players, DACs, and (from some recent reports I've read) audio PCs! Even folks like Art Dudley at Stereophile have had some very nice things to say about this power cord. Here is what Joe Skubinski (President of JPS Labs and their cable designer/researcher) had to say about the new revised Digital AC-X:

"I'm excited to say we've updated the world's most unique and oldest model AC cord (since 1998), and it's a simple name change to The Digital AC-X' , the 'X' for the number 10 in 2010. About a year ago the filter networks were redesigned with the latest generation passive components capable of handling even higher offending frequencies now and in the future. The cords still provide over 40 db of noise absorption, and sonically have a bit more clarity than the older models. If you or your customers have purchased Digital AC's within the last year or so, they already contain the upgrade and we're now calling it something, with the promise of higher performance going forward as sampling frequencies and speeds continue to increase."

As you can guess, the price has remained unchanged as well, keeping this power cord a excellent value for you digital audio folks out there!

March (Hi-Fi) Madness

2010-03-24T16:17:00.005-04:00

Time marches on and spring is making its way into the Syracuse New York area were many folks are preoccupied with Syracuse University's Organgmen and their progress in the NCAA national tournament. In the HiFi world though, some things have been marching on as well..

Merlin Music Systems has announced new versions of both the VSM and TSM models. Though these changes have been incorporated in all Merlins made during the past year, the cumulative results of these improvements was great enough that Merlin though they new version designations were necessary to distinguish models made with these improvements. What are those changes??? Improvements to the cabinets of both the VSM and TSM in cabinet material and baffle construction have been made. More details about the VSM and TSM MMi and MXr versions can be found here on the Merlin website news page. Most importantly, these changes required no change (increase) to the prices of all Merlin TSM and VSM models and the newer cabinets (which are all hand built in house by Merlin Music Systems) do sound better. If you also scroll a little bit down that Merlin news page, there is some good info on the Merlin Master BAM and Master RC Networks which are now available option. You can find retail pricing on all this new Merlin stuff on thier Retail Price webpage.
Cardas Audio has some interesting new stuff. A HDMI 1.4 Spec cable is now available starting at $106 for a 1m cable that supports the latest computer, audio, and video HDMI specs. There is also a Clear USB cable available now available for you computer audio nuts out there which starts from $118 for a 0.5m cable. As always, please call or e-mail for specific pricing for various lengths or with any other Cardas questions.

February 2010 News & Ramblings

2010-02-08T10:45:00.007-05:00

Between the holidays and a fairly busy December and January, things have seemed to quieted down some once again so I have the spare time to put some thought into a blog posting. I have nothing to report from 2010 CES in January because, well... I didn't go! First one I have not attended in well over 10 years, but I sure has heck did not miss the PITA of travelling and getting the usual Vegas crud (cold, sickness etc) while out there. I had a great time at RMAF (Rocky Mountain Audio Fest) last October and saw the gear and people I needed to see back then, so given the cost of going to CES (for both me and Merlin Music Systems who I go with and help with their exhibit) it made perfect sense not to go this year and save some extra cash. Friends in the trade tell me that quality of traffic was good, but attendance overall was down significantly at the 2010 CES this year. From reading about show reports and talking to friends as well, it looks like I did not miss much in regards of new/different stuff too see/hear.

Anyway, moving on to what is happening, here is a summary of current news, specials and promotional offers that are going on:

Rega's "Cash for Digital Clunkers" program has been proven to be pretty successful and they are extending it until the end of March. If you have not heard about it, it is great trade in program that accepts old or new, cheap or fancy, working or not, old CD AND DVD players towards a substantial trade in credit towards a new Rega Apollo or Rega Saturn CD player (for details see our Rega Cash for digital Clunkers blog entry). Some folks have been asking me if this means the Rega Saturn or Apollo are about to be discontinued and/or replaced with new models. I keep asking this question of Rega and our US Rega Distributor and the answer is NO.
We have some Sonos digital music system gear (demo - discontinued stuff), all in excellent condition with boxes, manuals, and warranty available. A great way to get into a really nice digital music system for a very reasonable price. See our Demo and Used Gear page for details.
Dave Belles @ Power Modules, has a great new tube preamp, solid state power amp combo available. Dave has done some smart engineering using the old Belles 150A Reference amp and 21A & 28A Reference preamps as a baseline to come out with new products which provide equivalent/better performance for less! The new 22A Preamp and 150A Reference V2 Power Amplifier are both great sounding and hundreds of dollars less than the previous versions at $2,400 retail for each product. We have the preamp/power amp combo on display and have been enjoying it very much. Like all of David Belles's gear, it has really good tonality along with good resolution, dynamics etc which make his products such a wonderful value. Purchase both the 22A Ref and the 150A Ref V2 together, and receive a special package price! (please call or e-mail for details).
We are now carrying and showing the Musical Surrounding Phono Preamplifier's (Phonomena II, Nova Phonomena, and SuperNova II). We are especially enamored with the Nova Phonomena which offers loads of gain and loading settings, and a battery based power supply design all for $1,000. Along with this is terrific sound quality and a very quiet phono preamp for only $1,000.

Some other thoughts about the current trends in Hi-End audio. While the trend to computer based digital audio systems continues and will continue to grow over the next decade, I'm excited that the sales of vinyl playback related products (tables, cartridges, phono preamps etc) has continued to see steady growth and shows no signs of slowing down! What appears to be happening is that many audiophiles who never sold off or gave away their vinyl and have had it stowed away, are at the point in their lives where the kids are gown up (or grown up enough) that they feel they are able to safely have and live with a turntable set-up. They are pulling out their old records and often buying good basic turntable set-ups (like Rega P2's or used Planar 3's etc) to start playing their old vinyl again. Often, this gets these folks excited about and enjoying their old LPs once again. Next thing you know they are often start buying new or used vinyl and also upgrading their good basic TT set-ups to gear that's better and wind up enjoying vinyl (LP) playback even more. Its pretty much to the point now where I sell more turntables each than CD players on a annual basis now.

Having said that, I do closely monitor and listen too what is happening in the computer based digital audio area. Thanks to good friends in the trade as well (like Gordon Rankin at Wavelength Audio), form time to time I get to try some the USB dac technology that is out there and hear how good this stuff is getting. I have about 1,000 CD's archived to hard disc, a couple of iPods (mostly used for listening to tunes in the car and while taking my walks), and have even bought a Wadia iTransport... all this in part of a effort to evaluate trends and keep abreast of what is happening here. There is loads of potential here and things or just starting to get about as simple to use as the one box high end CD player and the performance of some of the USB and Firewire DAC's I have heard is quite exceptional. The one concern I have is that the complexity factor still needs to come down some and designers are still learning things about certain aspects of PC based digital audio (i.e. effects of computing power, drivers, cables, upsampling SW, memory vs disk based playback, and even the sound of USB cables). This can make things a bit daunting for some folks (i.e. those who are not very computer savvy) who would get frustrated with some of the "tweaking" involved to get the best out of a PC based digital audio system. In my opinion, to a significant degree, many audiophiles are spoiled with the modern day high end audio CD player... plug it in and you are pretty much ready to go. About all the tweaks necessary to get the best out of it are limited to selecting a good power cord, maybe some cones/footers, and you are good to go. PC based digital audio systems offer some very cool benefits though which includes the ability to organize and playback your music however you like... I find being able to select and generate playlists of various types/kinds of music allows a certain enjoyment that you can't get with sticking a single disc in a player and playing one disc at a time (that is unless you like to create/burn your own "mix" discs!). The ability to have your whole music collection easily able to manipulate and play at your fingertips with a few clicks of a mouse makes these systems very attractive. Then there is also the potential of being able to acquire and play back high res music with these systems as well. Its going to be an interesting decade!

Rega Cash for Digital Clunkers Trade in Program!

2009-10-09T13:05:00.007-04:00

I'm sure you have heard of and possibly even taken advantage of the US Govt's Cash for Clunkers car trade in program, well the folks at Rega US Distributor Sound Organisation have taken this as inspiration for their own Cash for Clunker Program! OK, here's the deal:

Bring in your (one) old CD OR DVD player (working OR not) for trade and...

Your get a (one) Rega Apollo for 15% off MSRP OR a (one) Rega Saturn for 25% off MSRP!!!

On a Rega Apollo CD player that is a $995 retail, you save $150 and on a Rega Saturn CD player that is $2,395 retail, you save $600!!!! This is a terrific savings on two really nice sounding CD players (personally, I think the Saturn is a killer deal with 25% discount!). What are we going to do with the old players???? The ones that don't work will be recycled appropriately, and the working units will be donated to a local charity. As always, please feel free to call (315-622-4137) or e-mail to ask questions or order! As a additional special promotion here, I am extending this offer to the two (2) remaining new Apollo 35th Anniversary Edition CD players we have left in stock! I will offer a 20% off MSRP on the two Apollo AE CD players we have left when you trade in your digital clunker towards the purchase of one! This program is good from NOW (October 2009) to the end of December 2009!!!

Rocky Mountian Audio Fest - Merlin, Joule, Cardas Suite

2009-10-02T23:59:00.006-04:00

Here I am again at another HiFI show... doing my ususual thing which is helping Bobby Palkovic of Merlin Music Systems set-up and run the Merlin, Joule, Cardas suite at the show. Set up day (Thursday) went well with no hiccups with gear or equipment (though line voltage for the current hungry Joule VZN-100 OTLs is running a bit low - not unusual though giving hotel electric systems... a big Equitech PLC on the amps helps us control and monitor this). Jud Barber (Mr. Joule-Electra if you will) does not come to these shows these days, so that leaves yours truly to the duty of setting up the OTLs, cabling things up (Cardas Clear cables!), and hooking up my CD player (well, my demo Audio Aero Prestige from Signature Sound) to allow the Merlin VSM-MXe o make some great music.

We are using the (fairly new - just released earlier this year) Joule Electra LA-300ME preamp ($11,400 MSRP) in the system along with Joule-Electra's VZN-100 Marquis 100W OTL power amps ($18,000 in their optional music wood enclosures). Cabling is all Cardas Clear interconnects and speaker cables. New for this show is the new Master BAM and Master RC networks for the Merlin VSM speakers. Revised with special (and very expensive unfortunately - but amazingly good sounding) Duelend parts, the Master BAM and Master RCs just kicks things up another notch or two for the VSM's (prices are TBD at this time - items will be available options and as upgrades to existing Merlin VSM speakers).

I took a video this morning of the room, so you folks who can't make it can see what our set-up looks like. Took a look and enjoy! Naturally, Signature Sound is authorized dealer for all the gear in use here, so feel free to call or e-mail with any questions about price, specs, sound etc of this great gear!

Rocky Mountian Audio Fest - Joule Electra LA-150MKII Preamp Special

2009-10-02T23:46:00.002-04:00

Reporting in from the first day of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, I have a great deal here from Joule-Electra. Show special pricing of $4,200 for brand new LA-150MKII Line Stage preamp! This is a great sounding line stage on which Joule Electra has received much praise on over the years. The MSRP for the line stage LA-150MKII is $5,250, so this is a great bargain... PLUS the preamp can also be upgraded in the future to LA-150MKSE status for $1,250 in the future. Great all tube Joule body, tone, and soundstage at around 20% off!! A great deal!!! This special pricing will be good for during the show and a few days after! Call (315-622-4137) or e-mail us to get one ordered for you!

Joule Electra LA-150SE - Upgrades Available for Your LA-150MKII!

2009-09-17T11:34:00.009-04:00

Take a LA-150MKII line stage preamp, sprinkle in a few of the great sound goodies from the Joule-Electra LA-300ME Marianne Electra Memorial Preamp (yes, I know that's a mouth full to say... we'll just call it the LA-300ME from here on out), and you get a LA-150SE! So you LA-150MKII owners don't feel left out, you can also upgrade your existing preamp for the difference in retail price off the two models ($1,250)! Watcha get for your hard earned dollars??? The main improvement is the incorporation of the VH Audio Caps (the V-Caps I think which are mucho expensive - up to several hundred bucks each from what I've read), but here is the laundry list of details for the LA-150SE:

All Tube Design including separate tube regulated B+ supplies for each channel - dual mono construction

Separate regulated DC filament supplies

Four inputs including Tape In/Out - dual output jacks

All inputs - "Virtual Direct"

VH Audio & MIT Caps, Cardas or Purist Wire and Jacks, Holco Resistors

Tape loop does not require buffer stage for isolation

Separated mute relays for each channel; auto and manual mute

Separate passive volume and balance system with 'shunt to ground' input (not in signal path)

Rear mounted selector switch for short signal path and Multiple contacts in signal path

Adjustable battery bias for gain stage

"Tri-flex" elastomer suspension for signal board

State-of-the-art "Sound Coat" and "Ear Isodamp Vibration" isolation materials

Remote Included

Warranty Parts & Labor, 3 yr

Your can find more details/info on the LA-150SE at this link!

Fifty Percent off September Cable Promotion!

2009-09-02T17:52:00.006-04:00

In trying to figure out creative ways to get folks interested in buying some new gear, we will be running a series of promotions over the next few months. For this September, its buy something new - and you can get a set/pair of speaker cables, interconnects or power cord with your purchase for 50% off!!!! Here is how it works...

By any one NEW pair of speakers, turntable, or electronic item (amp/preamp/CD player etc) component at its MSRP.
Select and also purchase ONE pair of interconnects, speaker cables or a power cord whose MSRP is equal too or less than what you bought from our selection of cables from Cardas Audio, JPS Labs, DH Labs, or Audience with your new item.
You get those cables for 50% off!

FINE PRINT:

Cables must be purchased/ordered at the same time the component is purchased
Limit is one pair of interconnects or pair of speaker cables or power cord per component item purchased.
Sorry, this offer does NOT include Cardas Clear cable products.
Yes, we will consider taking trade ins towards the new component item. This will be very dependant on the age, condition, saleability, and value of item you wish to trade in as to weather we will accept it or not.
If we missed something here, all terms are subject to change!

HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE? Well, lets say you buy a pair of Merlin TSM-MMe speakers ($3,080 MSRP) and you want to buy a really nice new pair 3.0m pair of Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables to go with them ($3,060 MSRP). The total for your purchase would then be $3,080 + ($3,060 x 0.50)! For you math challenged out there that works out to $4,610.... about a $1,500 savings on your purchase.

So Rich, How's Biz???

2009-08-03T17:58:00.004-04:00

A question I often get asked.... more so this (summer) time of the year. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out that during the summer time most audio geeks out there are pre-occupied with other stuff (vacations and various outdoor hobbies). So, my answer is generally slow but steady. Given the recession though, things are slower than our summer time usual. What is selling??? Given that most folks budgets have tightened in this economy, used gear is doing fairly well. The used/demo stuff that would normally be slow or tough to sell even during good times is still sitting there, but most normal type used items like good used interconnects, used Rega turntables and other more well known type used gear has been selling at reasonable prices without too much hassle. Having said that, I (as a retailer) do find it funny because some folks think that the economy is slow that I must be desperate to sell popular used Cardas interconnects for 20% or more off my (very competitively priced to other folks selling the same used items) advertised price though.

On the new gear front, analog related items continue to sell during this summer.... Rega turntables offer a very good performance & value for the dollar and folks keep buying 'em (along with cartridges and other stuff for them). Otherwise, it is the occasional new cable here, new amp there type business this summer... mostly more of the middle of the road Hi-End stuff. Business in the more big bucks end of Hi-End Audio continues to be off this year and I foresee it being that way for a while longer (at least for me and my market).

I am also going to guess this will be a slow year for new product introductions. It does cost money to develop new products, so many HiFi companies are going to watching the bottom line very carefully and be pretty conservative with expenditures. I'm expecting to see more product improvements over new models. I do continue to hear rumors about some new products from the folks at Rega Research... in particular about a new top-line CD player (a step above the Saturn, not a replacement for it) and possibly a table above the P9. I've got no firm info from official Rega channels yet.

Dave Belles @ Power Modules is actually downsizing some of his products to make them LESS EXPENSIVE! Dave has taken his Belles 150A Reference amp and 28A Reference preamp and has made some changes to allow them to be less expensive with VERY little compromise, if ANY, in regards to performance. How do you do that???? For example, in the 150 Ref power amp, the circuit board count is down, along with a slightly less fancy chassis and a smaller (less overkill) power supply transformer. The result is that Dave is able to knock several hundred dollars or more off the retail price of these products. Why? Like you and I well know, Dave understands that money is tight so he is doing what he thinks he can to provide a even better value than before and allow folks to still afford a top quality hi-end audio product.

I think that's about it here... summer is coming to a close soon (September is just a few days away) and I am starting to see a small upward tick in calls/interest which is a good sign. I will be attending the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in early October, so it will be interesting to hear from friends in the trade, show goers, etc have to show and say about the biz and how things are coming along. I'll give another report after the show to let y'all know what's new and how things are looking!

May Specials & Sales Items!

2009-05-12T16:56:00.004-04:00

OK, spring is here in full effect! My lawn is growing like crazy and even the Ice Cream truck is making its way around the neighborhood as I write this (I'd like to take a sledgehammer to the stupid music box song its plays repeatedly!). Anyway, here is what we got to offer you this month for Specials and Sale Items. Also, as some customers move up to the new uber Cardas Clear cables, we have some very nice used Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables and interconnects (note: Golden Ref has not been discontinued, Cardas Clear is a new product, a clear, if you will pardon the pun, step above Golden Reference! Pretty amazing stuff... feel free to call or e-mail for details).

NEW/DEMO GEAR SPECIALS:

Audience Au24 S/PDIF 1.0m RCA to RCA Digital Cables - DEMO - Very lightly used! $360 retail, yours for $180!
Audience Au24 2.0m Pair RCA Audio Interconnect - NEW - $938 retail, Call/E-mail for Price (only 1 pair available!)
Audience Au24 0.75 Pair RCA Audio Interconnect - NEW - $518 retail, Call/E-mail for price! (only 1 pair available!)
Joule-Electra LAP-150MKII Preamp (CES SHOW DEMO UNIT) - $9,600 Retail, CALL or E-mail for price!
Harbeth Monitor 30 Speakers - Cherry: $4,995 retail, CALL OR E-mail for price!
Power Modules Belles Soloist 5 Stereo Power Amplifier - Silver: $1,095 retail, yours for $695!
Rega Research Radio3 Tuner - Silver: $845 retail, yours for $595!

USED CARDAS CABLE DEALS!

Cardas Golden Reference 1.0m RCA Interconnects (1 pair available!) - $550/pair!
Cardas Golden Reference 3.0m RCA Interconnects - $1,150/pair
Cardas Golden Reference 2.5m Single-Wire Speaker Cables - $1,250/pair!

The Manley Stingray iTube Integrated Amp!

2009-05-12T16:04:00.005-04:00

This product has been in the works for some time, but the new Manley Stingray iTube Integrated amp is finally here. I've been looking forward to this product for some time as I am a long time fan of the mighty little Stingray Integrated (which is still available BTW). The Stingray iTube incorporates a host of really neat features and improvements over the regular Stingray. The most obvious of which, is that Apple approved iPod Dock located smack top front center on the Stingray iTube's larger chassis (which maintains the Stingray's classic shape). In addition to the iPod dock, the Stingray iTube has a beefed up power supply (over that in the Stingray), and digitally controlled volume, balance, input switching, independent input level adjustments, and some other neat programmable features. You also get a headphone jack, S-video output (for use with iPod), and the uber Manley iTube Remote Control! All this for $3,400 MSRP!

The Stingray iTube remote is a very cool piece of kit in itself... OK, it's a bit large (a bit taller and about twice as thick as a iPhone or iTouch), but its built like a tank and has BOTH RF wireless and infrared capabilities. I can be anywhere in my house and control volume, switch inputs, mute, and basic iPod functions (pause, play, track forward, track back). I also like the addition of a stand buy feature which effectively allows one to shut down the Stingray iTube, but keep your iPod plugged in (charging).

How does it sound??? Through the iPod dock playing Apple Lossless encoded music on my iPod Classic, its quite smooth, good dynamics, with decent staging and tone. Very listenable and enjoyable... I did prefer triode mode to give things a little extra touch of warmth/body when using the Stingray iTube with my Merlin TSM-MXe. Used as a conventional integrated amp with a nice source (our Audio Aero Prestige CD player... a bit more than a nice source), the Stingray iTube is more transparent and dynamic than my classic polished chassis Stingray.

There is even more to cover here (like the neat LED illumination/indicators that surround the two main controls, tape loop capabilities, etc), but I want to get this wrapped up and posted. Very well built, with lots of neat features, the Stingray iTube Integrated amp provides a high quality solution to modern day tech guy who still luvs his tubes!

Spring Time Savings & Snow!

2009-04-07T13:26:00.003-04:00

Well, its (April) technically spring time in Syracuse/Central New York and of course its snowing outside! Fortunately, only my front lawn has turned a little bit white and none of it is sticking on the roads around here (but I'm sure up in the hills north and south here there are spots where there is a number of inches on the ground!). Anyway, March Madness is done and it time to offer up the next batch of sweet audio deals for those of you with some spring time high-end audio fever. We have some terrific deals on some demo gear we want to move on out plus some really good prices on some used Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables that have been coming in on trade as some customers are moving up to the even better new Cardas Clear (note: Golden Ref has not been discontinued, Cardas Clear is a new product, a clear, if you will pardon the pun, step above Golden Reference! Pretty amazing stuff... feel free to call or e-mail for details).

DEMO GEAR (UPDATED 4/25/09):

Joule-Electra LAP-150MKII Preamp (CES SHOW DEMO UNIT) - $9,600 Retail, CALL or E-mail for price!
Harbeth Monitor 30 Speakers - Cherry: $4,995 retail, CALL OR E-mail for price!
Manley Labs Shrimp Line Stage Preamp (NEW!!!): $1,880 retail, CALL or E-mail for price!!!! - SOLD!
Power Modules Belles Soloist 5 Stereo Power Amplifier - Silver: $1,095 retail, yours for $695!
Rega Research Radio3 Tuner - Silver: $845 retail, yours for $595!
Rega Research R1 Speakers - Cherry: $595 retail, yours for $295! - SOLD!
Simaudio I-1 Integrated Amplifier - Black: $1,500 retail NEW IN BOX, $900! - SOLD!

USED CARDAS CABLE DEALS (UPDATED 4/25/09)!

Cardas Golden Reference 1.0m RCA Interconnects (2 pairs available!) - $550/pair - SOLD!
Cardas Golden Reference 3.0m RCA Interconnects - $1,150/pair
Cardas Golden Reference 3.0m Bi-wire Speaker Cables - $1,400/pair - SOLD!

Rega Apollo 35th Anniversary Limited Edition CD Player Now Available

2009-02-19T12:26:00.006-05:00

They are finally here! Rega's new Apollo 35th Anniversary Limited Edition CD Players have arrived and are in stock & ready to ship! We have a very limited number available of these impressive CD players available and to help celebrate Rega's 35th Anniversary we are including a pair of 1.0m Rega Couple Interconnects ($195/pair retail) FREE with your purchase of the Apollo Limited Edition CD Player ($1,695). Got a Apollo or even a Planet or Jupiter CD Player and have the urge to upgrade? Well then, feel free to call (315-622-4137) or e-mail us and we will work out a trade up deal to move you up to the Apollo Limited Edition player! Remember, only 100 of these limited edition players will be available here in the USA and once they are gone, Rega is not making anymore of them (and the improvements in the limited edition player are NOT going into the standard Apollo player in the future - this is a true limited edition product).

What do you get for your hard earned dollars??? Well, the Apollo LE essentially incorporates many of the improvements in the $2,595 Saturn for much less. You get:

A custom solid aluminum front facia with aluminum feet, and aluminium control buttons.

A more precise clocking mechanism that ensures lower noise and jitter.

Upgraded capacitors. Polyester units are replaced with high spec polypropylene units.

A dedicated power supply that prevents noise from getting into the clock circuit.

Upgraded parts tolerances throughout the player.

Lovely black and only black finish!

New Rega RS Series of Speakers!

2009-02-03T20:58:00.005-05:00

We now have the complete line up of the new Rega Research RS series of loudspeakers on display. OK, I know most of you out there think only turntables or maybe CD players when it comes to the Rega Research name, but Rega has been making very good speakers for over 20 years! The new RS1, RS3, RS5, and RS7 incorporate a host of improvements. The main improvement is Rega's first in-house designed soft dome tweeter that is featured in all the RS series models. The tweeter features what Rega calls Zero Rear Reflection Technology which minimizes reflection related resonances for a smoother and more even treble response. Additionally the woofers uses in the RS3, RS5, and RS7 models use a re-designed 8 layer cone design along with Rega's Bass Resonance Technology to help control bass resonances for a smooth and even bass response. The cabinets have also been spruced up (better footer design, dimensions tweaked, and real wood veneers) as well.

So far, we have been playing the new RS1 ($695/pair retail) and RS5 ($1,595/pair retail) around the shop and we are mightily impressed. The new tweeter not only offers a more even and smoother top end response (improved bloom and more natural decay), this also improves resolution of the speakers as well. The RS5's (like the $1,195/pair RS3's I listened to at CES) strike us as a terrific value for their price. Like the other three way RS speakers I have heard, they disappear well, the bottom end is even with good weight and definition, and most importantly they have a natural tonal character. This is all accomplished with a speaker that does not have the significant frequency response tailoring I hear in other speaker to achieve a certain "sound". Are they perfect? No. But the sins of the Rega RS speakers tend to be ones of omission... I'd much rather have the Rega's slightly smoother presentation than a speaker that tries to amp up detail with a bright/grainy sounding mid-range driver or a little less top end "air" for a more even and natural sounding treble.

Joule-Electra LA-300ME and Cardas Clear Cables Debut at CES

2009-01-07T15:06:00.028-05:00

Happy new year all an greetings from the Merlin, Joule, Cardas Suite at the 2009 CES! About no more than a couple hours ago from the time of this post we fired up the Marianne Barber Memorial edition LA-300 line stage preamp. The LA-300ME takes the design of the LA-150MK2 to it limits with very special parts, wiring and more. With a little more than a hour of play, we are already mightily impressed with the new preamp. We have slowly adding the new Cardas Clear interconnects and speaker cables to the system (after letting the preamp settle in for a bit) and this is also extremely impressive stuff!

Joule-Electra has just posted some details on the new LA-300ME line stage preamp on their website, so click the link to check it out! I don't have any further details on the new Cardas Clear cables, but will follow up as soon as I can with some more details on this new top of the line Cardas cable (no, it does not replace the Golden Reference). That's all for know... got to get back to work and finish dialing things in here with Bobby P of Merlin as the show starts tomorrow... will be back with more info later!

UPDATE (Sunday, January 11th) - Cardas has rushed assembly of some more Clear interconnects and rush shipped them to CES, so we now have more Cardas Clear and the system. The combination of the Clear cables and the new Joule-Electra LA-300ME is making for a stunning combination. Both Bobby Palkovic of Merlin and I agree that the preamp and the cables get our highest recommendation. Some interesting facts about Cardas Clear... pricing will be about double the Golden Reference cables. In addition to the Clear speaker cables there is also a Clear Beyond speaker cable (what we are using in the show system and which is about twice the price of the Clear speaker cables). Will these cables are expensive (not as crazily expensive as some other companies offerings I will add), the performance improvement over Golden Reference is NOT subtle (read on to my comments below on the performance of these cables in the Merlin/Joule/Cardas show system. Termination on these cables uses no solder!!! Very high pressure crimped connections (using custom connectors and tooling developed by George Cardas) make for a perfect copper to copper connect between wire and connector. I am also very proud that we (Signature Sound) have been asked by Cardas Audio to be one of the very few select retailers of the Cardas Clear cables! You current Cardas cable owners out there should keep in mind that we will gladly accept your current Cardas cables on trade towards any purchase of the new Cardas Clear cabling. Keep in mind that Cardas Clear cables are limited in availability.... there is a limited amount of cable available at this time and the process to terminate these cables takes longer (I think there is also a very limited number of staff at Cardas that is qualified to terminate these cables as well). Becuase of this and the special nature of this cable, we will be one of the less than a handful of dealers in the USA authorized to sell Cardas Clear cabling.

For many of your Joule-Eectra fans, I understand the $14,800 retail price for the LA-300 Marianne Barber Memorial preamp is a bit (well, maybe more than a bit :-) ) much. However, there is a initial offering special strictly limited to the first five LA-300ME preamps (not including our show demo unit of course which is destined for other use). Please call or e-mail if you are interested. We would also consider taking in your old Joule-Electra preamp on trade to make the total cost even more reasonable.

I have also posted some thoughts about the new Joule Preamp and the Cardas Clear cables here in our show suite on a discussion forum.... here are some excerpts from what I wrote:

Yes, we are using the Clear speaker cables and some of the Clear interconnects in the show system (we didn't have enough Clear interconnects to wire the whole system). It is as it names implies, very clear and pure sounding cable. Pretty amazing micro and macro dynamics. The Cardas Clear speaker cable is just downright goofy good. In comparison to the Cardas Golden Reference, its more dynamic, quieter, and more extended at the frequency extremes. With all this clarity, you would think the cable may be all "HiFi" and no music, but it's tone, pitch, decay, body are all there and very pure and naturual. With only one Clear (at this time) interconnect in the system (Cardas may get us more from them tomorrow), it is a bit harder to get the same beam on the interconnects, but I am hearing very similar things to what the speaker cable did when we swapped in the one interconnect.

BTW, yes $14.8K is ALLOT of green for the new Joule LA-300 preamp, but there are allot of very expensive parts in it.

. . .

As to value per dollar, that comparison is best left to others who can compare it with other $10K+ preamps. The best I can do right now is discuss it in comparison to the LA-150MK11. I have to keep this short given I need to get the room going here today.

- Much better bass... the bass has outstanding resolution, weight, definition.
- Dynamics.. Again better. The LA-300 does appear more quiet to me so macro and micro dynamics are very well represented
- Top end sounds more extended... a very natural, liquid and open extension.
- Tone - The quieter nature of this preamp means that midrange tonality is better developed in its bloom and decay. Most importantly the tone sounds right.. with the correct amount of body and texture with outstanding resolution (would not be a Joule - Electra preamp otherwise IMHO)
- Soundstage/imaging... always a strength of Joule preamps IMO and this preamp does it in a excellent manner. The blacker background does result in better ability to define the images in the stage.

Gotta run. Have a good day everyone

Let It Snow! Winter Demo Gear Sale and Other Specials!!!

2008-12-19T12:39:00.006-05:00

The response to our fall demo sale has been great! So, we are going to continue it as we still have a bunch of neat demo (and used) gear available! We also have a number of specials going from JPS Labs (JPS Labs Cable Sale!)and Rega (Rega Research Package Deals) which end soon, so act now!

- Audio Aero Prima Ref CD Player - SOLD!
- Audio Aero Prima Ref Integrated Amplifier - Silver: 2,995 retail, yours for $1,795!
- Audio Aero Prestige SACD/CD Player/DAC/Preamp - Silver: $13,900 retail, call for price!!!
- Harbeth Compact HL-P3ES-2 Speakers - Eucalyptus: $2,295/pair retail, yours for $1,600! - SOLD!
- Harbeth Monitor 30 Speakers - Cherry: $4,995 retail, yours for $3,500!
- Manley Labs Mahi Mahi Monoblock Power Amplifiers: $2,500 retail per pair, yours for $1,650!
- Manley Labs Shrimp Preamp (NEW): $1,880 retail, call for price!
- Power Modules Belles 150A Reference Stereo Power Amplifier - SOLD!
- Power Modules Belles Soloist Stereo Power Amplifier - Silver: $1,095 retail, yours for $695
- Rega Research Mira3 Integrated Amp - SOLD!
- Rega Research Radio3 Tuner - Silver: $845 retail, yours for $595!
- Rega Research Apollo CD Player - SOLD!
- Rega Research Saturn CD Player - Silver: $2,595 retail, yours for $1,895!
- Rega Research R1 Speakers - Cherry: $595 retail, yours for $375!
- Rega Research R5 Speakers - SOLD!
- Simaudio CD-1 CD Player - SOLD.
- Simaudio I-1 Integrated Amplifier - SOLD.
- Simaudio Equinox SE CD Player - SOLD!
- Simaudio I-3 SE Integrated Amplifier - SOLD!

We also have some sweet used gear that has just arrived here as well which includes a pair of Cary Audio CAD 805C SET monoblock power amps, a Audio Refinement (YBA) Complete Alpha CD Player, and more! We will have more info (prices, pics, and details) on these items up soon on our Demo and Used Gear page, but in the mean time feel free to give us a call (315-622-4137) or e-mail for pricing/info.

Rega Apollo Special Edition!

2008-12-04T13:16:00.005-05:00

Rega Research has just announced the release of a limited Special Edition version of their Apollo CD player. This one time limited production (500 worldwide - less than 100 will be available here in the states) version of the Apollo which incorporates a number of refinements normally only available in the much more expensive Saturn player plus a few other nice touches will run $1,695 retail.

The player marks Rega's 35th anniversary in business. The improvements are also exclusive to this Special Edition player... in other words, the improvements will not be introduced into regular Apollo players at a later date. Once the 500 built are gone, there will be no more. So, what do you get for your extra $500 in the Apollo 35th Anniversary Special Edition (follow link to Rega PDF lit on the player) player. . .

A custom solid aluminum front facia with aluminum feet, and aluminium control buttons.

A more precise clocking mechanism that ensures lower noise and jitter.

Upgraded capacitors. Polyester units are replaced with high spec polypropylene units.

A dedicated power supply that prevents noise from getting into the clock circuit.

Upgraded parts tolerances throughout the player.

Lovely black and only black finish!

Our (small) allotment of these players is scheduled to arrive later this month (December), so if you been thinking about a Apollo or maybe even a Rega Saturn, this is your chance to get something truly special. Performance is much closer to that of the Saturn than the Apollo for many hundreds of dollars less, so this player is also a exceptional value in our opinion. These will go quickly, so get your order in now!

Rega Research Package Deals!

2008-11-13T15:20:00.008-05:00

From now until the end of this year (2008),we have are offering a special deal on the purchase of Rega Apollo CD Players when purchased with a new Rega Brio3 or Rega Mira3 Integrated amp! Rega Research integrated amps are known for their fine smooth sound, not to mention wonderful standard MM phono stages! This is a great way to build up a affordable Hi-End system and save a couple of hundred bucks in the process. Here's the deal:

- Rega Research Apollo CD Player & Brio3 integrated amp package: $1,695 (saves $200!)

- Rega Research Apollo CD Player & Mira3 integrated amp package: $2,150 (saves $240)

To make things a bit more enticing, you can select any of the following options with your package purchase:

- Option 1: Add a Rega Research Couple Interconnect for only $170 (save $25!)

- Option 2: Add a Rega Research P2 With Bias 2 cartridge for only $550 (save $95!)

- Option 3: Add a Rega Research P3/24 (black) with Elys 2 cartridge for only $950 (save $145!)

Prices do not include shipping or sales tax (if applicable) and this promotion is only good until the end of 2008. Please support your local Rega dealer... we will not ship to areas were there are local Rega dealers.

JPS Labs Cable Sale!

2008-11-10T11:04:00.006-05:00

Our good friends at JPS Labs are heating things up with attractive pricing (a 10% discount) on all their most affordable and biggest bang for the buck products (UltraConductor 2, and Superconductor Q) series cables until the end of the year. Because of this, we are passing this economic stimulus along to you, plus we are kicking an extra 10% of our own! So, for a limited time (now until the end of December 2008), any JPS Ultraconductor 2 and Superconductor Q series cable (interconnect, speaker cable, digital cable, and power cords!) are 20% off retail! I don't have the space here to list all the prices for all these items, but here are some examples. Ultraconductor 2 interconnects are as low as $131/pair, Superconductor Q Bi-wire speaker cables from $559/pair, and GPA 2 AC Power Cords are from as low as $159! Please call (315-622-4137) or e-mail us for a detailed price quote on the length and type of cable. You can't beat JPS Labs' cable for the reputation for clarity, dynamics, and musicality, and the Ultraconductor 2 and Superconductor Q series products are a great value. Just check out their website for loads of great reviews and comments of their products.

Fall Demo Gear Sale!

2008-11-08T14:08:00.008-05:00

We all know its tough going out there, so I figured we'd do a little something to stimulate some economic activity. Here is a great offering of a bunch of our demo gear at some very nice prices. This should allow some folks to squeeze out that upgrade now and save some cash in the process. All our demo gear is in superb condition, with all accessories, factory packaging, manuals, and warranty! Quantities are limited to just one (1) single item of each model listed, so act fast. Due to certain dealer agreements, I can't list the sale prices for those demo items. Just give us a call or e-mail though to find out the pricing on those items. Here's the list:

- Audio Aero Prima Ref CD Player - Silver: $2,550 retail, yours for $1,750
- Audio Aero Prima Ref Integrated Amplifier - Silver: 2,995 retail, yours for $1,995!
- Audio Aero Prestige SACD/CD Player/DAC/Preamp - Silver: $13,900 retail, yours for $8,900!!!
- Harbeth Compact HL-P3ES-2 Speakers - Eucalyptus: $2,295/pair retail, yours for $1,600!
- Harbeth Monitor 30 Speakers - Cherry: $4,995 retail, yours for $3,500!
- Manley Labs Mahi Mahi Monoblock Power Amplifiers: $2,500 retail per pair, yours for $1,650!
- Power Modules Belles 150A Reference Stereo Power Amplifier - Silver: $3,495 retail, yours for $1,750!
- Power Modules Belles Soloist Stereo Power Amplifier - Silver: $1,095 retail, yours for $695
- Rega Research Mira3 Integrated Amp - Silver: $1,195 retail, yours for $795!
- Rega Research Radio3 Tuner - Silver: $845 retail, yours for $595!
- Rega Research Apollo CD Player - Silver: $1,195 retail, yours for $795!
- Rega Research Saturn CD Player - Silver: $2,595 retail, yours for $1,895!
- Rega Research R1 Speakers - Cherry: $595 retail, yours for $375!
- Rega Research R5 Speakers - Maple: $1,395 retail, yours for $895!
- Simaudio CD-1 CD Player - Black: $1,500 retail, Call or E-mail for price.
- Simaudio I-1 Integrated Amplifier - Black: $1,500 retail, Call or E-mail for price.
- Simaudio Equinox SE CD Player - Silver: $2,800 retail, yours for $1,400!
- Simaudio I-3 SE Integrated Amplifier - Silver: $2,600 retail, your for $1,300!

Please note that prices do not include shipping or sales tax (if applicable). If you wish I can provide pictures of any of the above pieces, just e-mail me your request and I'll e-mail some pics off to you.

A Report From the Front Lines - 2008 RMAF

2008-10-20T20:42:00.050-04:00

Its been a few days since I have returned from Denver and the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was a interesting time... given the turmoil in the stock markets that week and econ0mic issues that have been going one for the past year or so, there is obviously much concern by dealers, manufacturers, and customers about the Hi-End audio industry. After talking to many folks at the show here are some thoughts about were things stand and were they are going as well as some comments on a few neat things I saw at the show.

The (Hi-End) industry is reasonably healthy. There will be some companies that will have some problems during the next few years, but many have a number of factors working in their favor. One is that they do business globally and while the US market may be having issues, other markets around are doing somewhat to significantly better. Another factor is that to a certain extent, the more expensive end of the business has a customer base that is not so sensitive to economic issues compared to the regular middle class working family (the old saying, those with money will always have money and be willing to spend it). I'm not saying that the Hi-End audio industry is going to have a easy time of it, the next few years will most likely be slow going for many. The folks in this industry who will have (and are having) the toughest time of it are the smaller US independent hi-end audio retailers. I spoke to a few other retailers at the show and some (especially those in markets were the real estate foreclosure and drop in property values is the worse in the USA) are having it really tough. In those markets many dealers did allot of business with mortgage re-fi or mortgage financed high end audio based home theater systems. Many of these dealers are making their way back to do more traditional two channel audio... some will muddle through and make it and some will not. A good deal of this has been going on for a while now. In general, I have found my own business slow in the past couple of years compared to previous years and expect it to continue this way for a few more years until our country finds it way out of the the many issues it is now facing.

Audiophiles are a pretty upbeat bunch though. Some (mostly us average middle class folks) are naturally freaked out by the current economic issues and are keeping their hands in their pockets. I'll also say the currents issues with war and politics (the upcoming major election) do allot to keep folks minds distracted as well. All this tends to have a negative impact on the domestic US high-end audio marketplace, but for many some tunes played on a nice HiFi rig are the best kind of distraction from these things and this at least keeps interest in HiFi up. So it was not too surprising to hear that attendance was up at this years shows and the number of exhibitors continues to grow too. This means that this 4th Rocky Mountain Audio Fest has seen its forth continued year of growth in both exhibitors and attendance. That's a good thing, and despite the occasional joke about what was happening to our 401Ks, folks were happily running around buying LPs, going to the seminars, and checking out the gear. My traveling mate for the show (Bobby P from Merlin Music Systems showing his VSM-MXe Speaker System) reported that those folks who were about were serious about buying too as he was getting a number of serious sales leads from consumers attending the show. BTW, I thought the sound in our room (Merlin, Joule-Electra, Cardas) was smashing good (must be that Audio Aero Prestige CD player of mine that we were using ;-) or somthun). For those of you who did not make it to the show or who have never been to a HiFi show, you can see s short vid below of our room to get an idea of what a (well set-up) room looks like.

OK, as to the gear, there was the great and sometimes unusual assortment of HiFi gear at the RMAF this year. This always makes it a fun show to attend. Some of it sounded pretty good and some didn't. Ipod and PC based digital front ends seems to be as ubiquitous as cool ol analog set-ups. It was not as unusual to see a laptop feeding a DAC via a USB input or a iPod sitting in a Wadia iTransport dock via its coax digital out feeding a DAC. One of the more cooler digital friendly type peices I hard was the Peachtree Audio Decca integrated amp. This very handsomely styled unit has a tube analog stage, solid state 50W/ch output, analog inputs as well as a built in DAC with USB and co-ax digital inputs for only $799! If your like me and have a Sonos digital music system, it even has a empty slot in the back were a Sonos ZP-80 or ZP-90 ZonePlayer will fit inside! A short digital cable from the ZonePlayer to the Decco and you have a sharp all in one package.

I was also eyeing the new Benchmark Media ADC1 USB A to D converter in the room next door to the Merlin/Joule/Cardas room that I was working out of. I have been considering archiving some my LP collection to digital so I can enjoy some of the music on the Sonos digital music system in the house, my iPod, and in the car and the Benchmark looks like the way to go. You can spend much less for a A to D to do this, but those units will not supports up to 24 bit resolution and 192 Khz sampling rate. For $1,800 the Benchmark ADC1 USB packs allot of technology into a small package and I like its reputation for transparency, low jitter and high quality USB interface. It doesn't hurt that the Benchmark Media folks are great guys that design and build their gear just a few miles away from my place in the Syracuse New York area!

There is no shortage of unusual gear for a audio enthusiast to check out at the RMAF. Take for example the ViV Laboratory Evanui Signature Loudspsekaer system from Japan. These creative folks have design a full range driver from Floating Diaphragm Mechanism driver made from pure magnesium. From a side view these speakers look like something more akin to E.T. than a speaker, but the sound was surprisingly good. I could go on, but there is (or will be) no shortage of coverage on this stuff from the Folks at Stereophile Magazine, Soundstage.com, EnjoytheMusic.com, and ohter HiFi mags and websites.

The Audiophile's Hi-Fi Show: The Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF)

2008-09-26T15:15:00.010-04:00

Bare with me while I go through a little background/history and opining about Hi-Fi shows before I get to the nitty gritty of this entry . . .

Over the past 20 years, I have been to MANY consumer electronics shows. Most of these are trade shows (i.e. the large and very well known CES held every January in Las Vegas) with very broad coverage for everything from Cell Phones to HiFi gear plus audiophile side shows (literally... separate Hi-Fi only shows held at different locations which makes for a major PITA of going from venue to venie to see everything). They are also focused on the trade as well and its generally not easy for the audiophile consumer to get into these shows. As well, CES is very large and very crowded.. it can be hard to get time to listen or talk to the people you want to. The expense of CES as well, means you also have multiple Hi-Fi vendors sharing the expensive show suites, not to mention the cost of exhibiting at CES means certain manufacturers do not even show up. Basically, this means any serious audiophile needs to wade through a lot of people, hotels, vendors etc etc just to get to hear/see what you want.

Next up was the venerable Primedia Home Entertainment Shows which have floated around the country for some 10 to 15 years in various major cities (mainly NY, LA, and SanFran). Since this show was put on by a magazines specialty magazine group (Stereophile and Home Theater magazines mainly) in rather expensive show venues, this meant a somewhat ho-hum mix of Hi-End Hi-Fi and Home Theater stuff mixed together in one show. These shows were even MORE epensive to exhibit at that CES as well, so this often meant even more vendors sharing (smaller) show suites (generally a emptied hotel room) and even less of the smaller Hi-End manufacturers being able to afford to show. I found these ("Stereophile") shows to be a rather mixed bag... the small sized big city hotel rooms (often the only thing that many Hi-End manufacturers could afford) made for crowded and often to noisy listening situations. The only good point was the big city location was often home to a good number of us Audio-Geeks. It will be interesting to see if these shows will continues as the magazines associated with this show have been sold off and no longer are owned by Primedia and it is not quite yet known if their new owner plans on sponsoring shows like this.

This brings us to a really nice guy. A retired small businessman and a former customer of mine Al Steifel (who is also part owner of a small HiFi company called Red Rock Audio) who is the driving force behind the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest - a show put on by audiophiles for audiophiles every October since 2004. The venue is the lovely Denver Colorado Marriott Tech Center from Friday October 10th to Saturday October 12th. Al and his team (wife Marjorie and the good folks from the Colorado Audio Society) have put together a first class show here in a venue that is eminently affordable to just about all Hi End Audio Manufactures. Rooms are nicely spaced out, very reasonable in size (compared to smaller big city hotel rooms), the staff in the hotel is friendly and quite helpful . . . all things which make this show a joy for vendors to go and show off their wares. Denver is a easy city to get (fly or drive) too, lodging is not expensive (unlike NYC or Vegas), making this Hi-Fi ONLY show a joy for Audiophiles to go to. With less vendors per room... you get a better idea of what each vendors product is about and how they would like to set-up and use it. Rooms are less crowded too (along with the general pace of the show) which mean you often get ample time to listen to the gear AND also talk with the manufacturer. In its fourth year, the show continues to grow (though its not of a size that make it hard to go and see most all of the exhibitors) and has quickly earned the reputation in the trade as one of the premiere Hi-End Hi-Fi shows. Its modest exhibit costs also means you will see some more of the interesting/smaller companies doing some of the most creative work in Hi-End Audio.

I do understand things are tough right now and folks are concerned and preoccupied about many other things these days, but this is a great opportunity to get away for a few days (for not allow of money) and check out some very cool Hi-Fi gear made by some pretty amazing folks. I'm sure you'll have a great time, meat some awesome people, plus you can come up to Room 1007 in the Marriott Tech Center and visit with me and my buddy Bobby Palkovic of Merlin Music Systems. We will be playing the Merlin Music Systems VSM-MXe speaker system using Joule-Electra LAP-150MK2 preamp and VZN-100 OTL amps, Cardas Audio cables, and my Audio Aero Prestige CD Player as the front end. Come to the show and join us for a listen to some greet Hi-Fi gear. I look forward to seeing you there!!!

New Rega Elicit Integrated Amp

2008-09-18T20:26:00.024-04:00

Rega has launched an all out effort to make the best integrated amp they can and the result will be available in just a few weeks (October '08) here in the USA. Named after an old Rega favorite integrated, the new Rega Elicit 80W/ch integrated amp has many great features, including a all discrete signal path, nine individual power supplies, polypropylene caps used in critical signal areas, Wolfson digital control stepped attenuators, plug in optional MM & MC phono cards, large toroidal power transformers, high quiescent bias in the output stage, relay signal switching and the list goes on. The Rega grape vine tells me this is one really nice sounding unit and at $2,995 USA retail price is going to be an exceptional value. Lots more details can be found on the Elicit on Rega's website so we urge you to jump to the Rega Elicit Web Page for all the details. Otherwise check out some of the sweet pics of the new integrated amp shown below. Remember, click on any of the pics to view much their much larger versions!

Colored Plinth Rega P3 Turntables Return!

2008-09-17T14:02:00.037-04:00

Colored plinth Rega P3's are back and will be available soon in the USA (November time frame we have been told)! The table will come with smooth painted plinths with no power switches on them... instead the tables will come with the TT-PSU which will be used to turn the table on and select the motor speed. As a result the price for the Color Plinth P3-24 turntables are going to be $1,295 retail... that may sound pricey, but that includes the extra cost for the color plinth option (a base black P3-24 is $895 retail and the color option on the old P3-2000 tables was $50 more) and the $375 retail TT-PSU unit. In the end you get a pretty sweet looking set-up that sounds pretty darn good to boot. We've already pre-ordered a white unit for demo use here... its going to be pretty sharp! If you want one soon, I suggest contacting use now and we will make sure we get you your color choice at of the first batch that arrives here in the states.

As always, if interested, give me a call or e-mail and we will work up a nice package price for you with your choice of any number of nice cartridges from Rega, Benz, Clearaudio or Dynavector installed on any Rega table. Given the wide range of color choices and that we do not sell many of these, please note we will not be stocking color plinth P3-24's. We will specially order you color choice in from the distributor... generally the turnaround (once they are available) will be one week before we have your color choice in and ready to ship.

New Joule-Electra Preamp In The Works!

2008-09-17T14:02:00.035-04:00

I had a nice chat with Jud Barber of Joule-Electra yesterday about preamps. Jud mentioned that he is working on a ball-out version of the current LA-150MK2 line stage preamp. After experimenting with many different tube line stage topologies over the years, Jud could not find anything that he felt sounded better than the basic design which he has been using and refining for many years. With some urging from customers and friends in the trade, he is seeing what can be done to offer a better preamp based on the current design using various exotic parts, wiring, etc. Based on some prototypes built so far, he feels that will be able to offer some significant improvements over what the LA-150MK2 offers. Unfortunately that will come at a price that will be significantly greater than the LA-150MK2... Jud tells me approximately twice as much (i.e. around $10K retail) the way things are looking. The new preamp (which probably will be called the LA-150 Speical Edition) will hopefully debut in January 2009 at the Las Vegas CES trade show. PLEASE NOTE that this does not mean the current LA-150MK2 will be discontinued... its performance is still (we feel) exceptional for a $5,00o line stage preamp and it will remain in production for many more years.

Speaking of the LA-150MK2 Line Stage, we are still offering with Joule-Electra, our $4,100 VERY special sale on (US only) LA-150MK2 Line Stage Preamps. Less than a hand full of the excess stock sale units remain and after that we return to our normal pricing on LA-150MK2 Line Stage preamps.

Welcome - A Introduction

2008-09-16T17:55:00.011-04:00

OK, here we go! Welcome to Rich’s HiFi Blog… Some of you may already know me and are wondering what the heck I’m up to now, but for those of you who are here for the first time, let me introduce myself and what this “blog” is all about. I am Rich Brkich, Owner (chief cook and bottle washer - the big galoot in the pic at right) of Signature Sound. Signature Sound is a fairly small HiFi shop that I have been running out of my home (on a full time basis) for over 10 years. Basically, I sell what is known as really fancy HiFi gear to a small segment of the general public (generally called audiophiles) that are, well, a wee bit enthusiastic about the reproduction of music in the home! I keep my shop small (and home based) so I can better cater to this market and its unusual needs. So, while I do sell what is essentially “consumer electronics”, the stuff I sell caters to market whose performance requirements are generally not met by the kind of gear you find in your local Best Buy or Circuit City store. For example: I do not sell TV’s (of any kind); I do not install or sell car stereo gear; I do not sell or install multi-room music/lighting systems; I do not build or sell home theater systems; I do not sell receivers; I do not repair 10 year old CD players or 20 year old receivers. So you must now be thinking, “What the heck does this guy sell then?!?!?!?”

The answer is, really cool, often hand crafted, beautifully designed, really great sounding stereo gear. What is “stereo gear”? Equipment that does a really good job at playing back good old 2 channels LPs (yes, those old black vinyl spinny things) and CDs too to the best fidelity possible. We are talking about turntables, CD players, amplifiers, preamps, tuners, integrated amps, speakers, cables, power conditioning gear - all designed to get the best off what is recorded on you favorite LP or CD. This stuff ranges from items that are a few hundred dollars each to items that can cost more than a new car (on the extreme end of the spectrum). The typical audiophile can have more than $10,000 (yes, ten grand!) invested in their HiFi system (this does not happen overnight…. you are talking about a cumulative investment over a number years). That does not mean you need a second mortgage to get a good HiFi rig. With some good guidance from your friendly dealer (i.e. me), a very nice sounding system can be put together for a just over a thousand dollars. Then if you like to make things better, you can always gradually trade-up/upgrade over they years. Sometimes the latest digital technology is used and sometimes old fashioned solid state and vacuum tube technology is used…. its NOT about using the latest technology, but using the technology that delivers the BEST in sound reproduction in service of the music. So, sometimes the gear is very old school (like the cool looking Ars Sonum Filarmonia vacuum tube integrated amp shown above) and sometimes gear is the latest technology can offer (like high resolution audio files recorded on a Blu-Ray disc). These systems are generally dedicated to music reproduction and often you won’t find a TV set or DVD player connected to it and if possible, that video stuff is not even in the same room.

OK, now that I have given you a brief introduction about what we do and what we sell here, let me give you a little more background on who I am and what this blog will be used for. I am a former Aerospace Engineer and long time audio/HiFi nut. My dad was a mechanic and audiophile as well and I got this passion from him. I went to my first HiFi show when I was about 12 years old and was reading HiFi Mag’s from about that age. This lead to a interest in electronics, vocational ed in electronics in high school during the late 70’s, then technical college in the early 80s (2 years tech degree in Electronics Technology from SI Ward Tech College at the University of Hartford) , and then onto engineering college for a few more years (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Hartford College of Engineering). I worked for GE Aerospace (now Lockheed Martin) around 8 years doing Systems and Project Engineering on test equipment for military combat systems. It was fun work, but my passion for HiFi lead to the founding of Signature Sound around 15 years ago as a part time business. When the defense biz wet through a downsizing in the mid 90’s. I took that opportunity to get work on my masters degree (in Engineering Management) and then take Signature Sound full time. So, as you probably can guess, we approach things a little differently here at Signature Sound. We work for you here and work hard to recommend what will work best for you and your system.

This blog is an attempt to better communicate whats happening at Signature Sound, make announcements about new products, pass along thoughts and listening impressions about various gear, and make the occasional rant or insight to this quirky hobby we call High-End Audio. In the past I have not been the greatest when it has come to keeping the website (http://www.sigsound.com/) up to date, but the blog software is easy to use and should make it much more easier to keep you folks (my customers I hope) interested in what we have to offer and up to date on what is happening.