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Coverage of Top
Audio & Video 1999
Please note: most product prices are given in Italian lira. At this time, 1 US dollar is worth approximately 1880 lira. Audio Physic, A.R.T., Goldmund, Finite Elemente
S.A.P., Nagra, Simon Yorke, CEC, Woodson Cables
Pearl Audio Technology Eliptica loudspeakers
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Copyright © 1999 |
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Doug Schneider: This room had one of the most exciting,
dynamic and detailed musical presentations that I've heard at any show. The system
consisted of the Audio Physic Libra loudspeakers with Goldmund VSR-series electronics --
the VSR CD player, VSR D/A converter, VSR P2 preamplifier, and M2 power amplifiers.
Cabling was all by A.R.T., a manufacturer of audio cables and accessories. The components
sat atop a Finite Elemente Spider stand, which lent elegance to already wonderfully
designed (and small) components. The sound was rich with wonderful detail, dynamic but
never bright or edgy, and full range with tremendous impact in the medium-sized room. All
in all, a first-rate system that plays any type of music with ease.
Ian White: Italian
manufacturer/distributor Strumenti Acustici di Precisione (they distribute Nagra
electronics, Simon Yorke turntables, and Woodson cables) proved beyond a shadow of a doubt
that looks can be very deceiving. Their Quartette four-way loudspeakers (don't
you just love those little horns, not to mention that color?) shocked the gelato out of
me, almost literally. The tonality of these speakers was downright phenomenal on the two
jazz piano tracks that the exhibitor played for me, and I was stupefied by the tautness of
the bass coming from the side-firing 12" woofers. As good as these speakers were, it
was the Anniversary 18Wpc single-ended OTL integrated amplifier that was responsible for
most of the magic in this room. I may be mistaken, but the Anniversary may be the first
OTL integrated amplifier that I have heard, and very much like the women of Milan (Long
Beach isn't too shabby either), it was something that I may never forget. Its vivid
presentation, outstanding resolution, and tight bass were all truly cause for applause.
The Simon Yorke turntable, Nagra PL-P phono stage and Woodson cables were all rather
impressive as well, and I would be hard-pressed to come up with another system at the show
that was even close to this one. Forza S.A.P.!
Audiophiles are
supposed to judge with their ears, not their eyes. The truth is we never even heard this
product play music, but it is proof positive that the recognition Italians have for their
woodworking skills is wholly justified. The Eliptica retails at 150,000,000 lira and sat
silently while the little Pearl speakers played. Still, the appearance of the Eliptica
overwhelmed us with its awesome size and incredible cabinet work. Doug Schneider (seen in
photo) is only 5'6" on a sunny day with low humidity and can get dwarfed by many
full-range loudspeakers. This one could not only crush him, it could crush a linebacker.
It's not only big, but beautiful and most certainly unique. The attention to detail in the
cabinet construction is amazing because it appears to be almost sculpted from solid wood.
It also employs some very innovative driver technology and a unique stand (seen swooping
around from behind) to hold it in place. Its appearance alone earns this special mention.