Check out this informative video from expert Hans Beekhuyzen thoroughly explaining what makes the ZENith a class leading Music Server.
Photo courtesy of Darko
Innuos Zen Mini + LPSU review - Darko
“Whether used as a transport or via its analog outoput, the double-stack offers gratifying sound with a particularly strong sense of spaciousness – I can’t think of anything in this price class which can touch it in that regard.”
Full review here
CAF 2019
GigaWatt PC-4 - SoundStage Ultra Review
“Based on what I heard in two different systems, each with its own challenges and performance envelopes, I can unequivocally say that the GigaWatt PC-4 Evo+ works: It improved the sound of my main audio system by washing away a subtle grain that I could again easily hear when the GigaWatt was then removed from the circuit. My second system, with far worse noise caused by an Extollo Ethernet-over-powerline adapter, was treated even more successfully: the noise vanished entirely.
With exemplary build quality, and its ability not only to power large amplifiers and associated electronics with apparent ease, but to improve the sound of a system by eliminating noise, the GigaWatt PC-4 Evo+ really does do all that a power conditioner can be asked to do. It will meet the requirements of most audiophiles looking to clean up the power feeding their audio systems. I know it meets mine.”
Read full review here
Photo courtesy of highfidelity.pl
GigaWatt Powerprime review - HighFidelity.PL
“And this seems to me to be the greatest achievement of GigaWatt as a company and Adam Szubert as a designer. Powerprime has the characteristics of the most expensive conditioners of this company. It's the ability to enter the recording, but to show us the music, not the "tripe" of implementation. It is also a strong, energetic treble and clear midrange, but without brightening the first one and without awakening the latter.
Yes, the medium bass is slightly withdrawn, and the whole range is not as saturated as in more expensive conditioners. But it didn't bother me, I didn't pay attention to it. Because with Powerprime we pay attention to music. Let's apply it in a tonally balanced or even slightly insulated system, and we will be able to sleep peacefully, because our system will be well protected against threats from the mains. And when we don't sleep, we will be happy to listen to music. This is a good example of transferring techniques from expensive products without paying a high "transfer" tax. A professionally designed, well-made conditioner with sound that can be described shortly: spectacular. That is why the RED Fingerprint distinction .”
Full review here
Gold Show Award RMAF 2019 - AVSHOWROOMS
We are honored to have received another Gold Show Award from AVShowrooms for our system at RMAF!
“Once again, Mark Sossa, proprietor of Well Please A/V had one of the best sounding rooms at a show. No small feat as there were many very good sounding rooms in the North Tower of the Gaylord Rockies. Also, no surprise that the new Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE integrated amplifier was magical and, as usual with Vinnie’s electronics, dead quiet. Vinnie explains in the AVShowrooms’ video the cornucopia of features in his new design including Stillpoints technology.
Also, contributing to great sound were the Qln Prestige Three loudspeakers from Sweden with a drop-dead gorgeous burl walnut finish and the Innuos Statement Music Server. We played a track called “Liberty” by Anette Askvik and the sound was detailed, effortless and so emotionally involving that I lost myself, for the duration of the song, into the music. A shout-out to the associated equipment including Swisscables, GigaWatt power conditioning, and an SGR equipment rack.”
New Innuos Phoenix USB
The PhoenixUSB Reclocker takes the USB signal from any source and completely regenerates it to an extremely high-precision signal to feed into your DAC, allowing it to perform at its best.
The PhoenixUSB offers in one unit the equivalent of 3 separate components: A USB regenerator, a linear power supply and an external master clock with its own linear power supply.
Innuos applied 3 main design approaches learning from their experience with the Innuos flagship music server, the STATEMENT:
· The USB chip regenerating the signal contains no switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages to the chip originate from an independent linear power supply with further regulation provided by 3 sets of LT3045 regulators.
· The use of a 3ppb OCXO clock running directly at 24MHz and connected via a board track just a couple of inches away from the USB chip. Therefore, no precision is lost within cables and connectors, as is the case when using an external master 10MHz clock with an additional 24MHz clock generator.
· Two independent Statement-level linear power supplies, one dedicated to the OCXO clock and the other used for powering the USB chip/5V USB line.
$ 3,149 USD - Available in November.
Audio Oasis Award - RMAF 2019
We are so honored to have received another Oasis Award from Dr. David Robinson of Positive Feedback for our room at RMAF 2019. Many thanks to our deserving partners, Vinnie Rossi, Innuos, QLN, GigaWatt, SGR, Swisscables, and Blackcat for their outstanding products!
Reviewers View RMAF 2019
SGR Audio Symphony Model III Rack review - SoundStage Ultra
“One thing I can conclude is that, in my new listening room, my system has never sounded better than it did with SGR Audio’s Model III Symphony rack. I could effortlessly hear all of the sound characteristics that I value in this system I’ve assembled. From here on, that increased stability of aural images will be hard to do without.” - Jeff Fritz
Full review here
RMAF 2019: Vinnie Rossi previews his L2i-SE amplifier
RMAF 2019 - ROOM 5125
Please stop by and see us in room 5125 for what will surely be a memorable experience!
We are debuting the new Vinnie Rossi L2i SE Integrated Amplifier along with the following equipment below.
Vinnie Rossi L2 ‘Signature Edition’ Integrated Amplifier [L2i-SE, $18,995]
* Vinnie Rossi’s class-A, ultra wide bandwidth, “convertible” directly heated triode (DHT) preamplifier design
compatible with: 2A3, 45, 300B, PX4, 101D, 205D, T-100, SV811 and other 4-pin DHT families.
* Class AB MOSFET output stage, 100 / 175 wpc RMS into 8 / 4 ohms (useing only one pair of output devices).
* Fully dual-mono power supply design employing multiple patented Belleson super regulators.
* Discrete, 64-step resistor ladder analog volume control incorporating Pickering England silent reed relays.
* True active balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs; WBT speaker terminals. Made in the USA.
L2 Dac [optional module, $3495]: PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz, DSD up to DSD512. Dual flagship AKM AK4977EQ converters, fully discrete Class A output stage, FPGA buffer and re-clocking circuitry with Crystek femto oscillators.
L2 Phonostage [optional module, $3495]
QLN Loudspeakers “Prestige Three SE” [$12,000/pair]
Mats Anderson’s latest 2-way, floor standing loudspeaker design that carries on the QLN legacy of timeless form, function and performance. The Prestige Three offers truly enticing audio reproduction without any impediment or compromise, packaged in perfect symbiosis and harmony. Made in Sweden.
* 8-ohm load * 1-inch soft dome tweeter with AirCirc magnet * 25 – 250W (recommended)
* 87.5dB Sensitivity * 7-inch Kevlar cone woofer (-3dB at 28Hz) * Qboard cabinet, WBT posts
Innuos “Statement Music Server, 1TB SSD” [$13,750]
Innous’ flagship, state-of-the-art source for the most discerning audiophiles seeking to take digital audio to a new level of performance. Made in Portugal.
* New external, linear power supply architecture with 8 independent PSU Rails
* EMI-optimised motherboard exclusively designed for Innuos
* Custom-designed Ethernet and USB Reclockers with 3bpp OCXO clocks
SGR “Model 5 Symphony Statement” Equipment Rack [$3,200/shelf]
Embodying all six elements of SGR Audio’s isolation technology, the result is an equipment rack whose foundation is incredibly rigid and solidly coupled to the floor while supporting luxurious and highly effective shelves. This ensures both high and low frequency vibrational energy is quickly suppressed. Made in Australia.
GigaWatt “PC-4 EVO+” with LC-3HC [$10,000]
GigaWatt’s flagship power conditioner model – regarded as one of the best and most advanced designs of its kind in the world. The PC-4 EVO+ is the result of many years of research and development of power conditioner technology. Made in Poland.
Swisscables “Diamond Series” [$7000 (speaker cable), $2,250 (power cable)]
Statement cable design that enhances signal-to-noise ratio and reduces sonic artifacts, resulting in profound improvements in soundstage depth, definition, transparency and signal fidelity. Made in Switzerland.
Black Cat Cable “TRØN USB Cable” [$1,995 / 1 meter] A twin-run of precision 45Ω microcoaxial data lines are positioned down the center of a Teflon/Air tube. InterPole™ conductors are braided along the outside of the tube in counter-rotating helices to form the power and ground poles. A heavy-build of QuieTex materials ensures black-hole-like noiselessness. Simply one of the finest USB cables in existence! Made in the USA.
Vinnie Rossi Q&A - Audiostream
Rafe Arnott: Your new L2i integrated amplifiers feature an optional L2 DAC module specified with ultra-low distortion, 128dB signal-to-noise ratio dual AKM AK4497EQ chipsets (one per channel) for up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 512 playback. This isn’t the first time you’ve tapped AKM’s flagship chip for digital duty (LIO DAC 2.0 in 2017), how many other companies products did you try before settling on this particular implementation? Why no ESS? Why no multibit? Why no R2R?
Vinnie Rossi: The L2 DAC is essentially the same three-PCB stack as the LIO DAC 2.0, but the main voltage regulator feed for the L2 DAC is a Belleson super-regulator. I was very excited when the AKM AK4497 d/a was introduced because it has a non-oversampling, digital filter bypass mode that can be activated in software control mode (an onboard PIC microcontroller sets this when the unit is turned on). With most off-the-shelf d/a chips, you are fixed with using their internal oversampling and using one of their internal digital filters. With the AK4497, it can be run in non-oversamping mode and without having to use any of it’s internal digital filters, so I was able to implement an analog-domain filter in the Class A JFET output stage that follows the d/a conversion – one AK4497 per channel. The AK4497 also supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz, and up to DSD512 (8x DSD).
RA: What made you want to adopt a modular approach to the DAC section in your designs over the past several years to begin with? What are the main benefits from a design and manufacturing standpoint and for the consumer?
VR: With LIO, as well as with the new L2 Signature Preamplifier and upcoming L2 Integrated Amplifiers, the goal is to have the DAC be a modular option for our customers (the same is true with our L2 Phonostage option). It mainly has to do with flexibility. Some customers already have an external DAC that they are happy with, so they simply don’t need one or don’t want to spend the money for our DAC module, or can always add it later. Others love the all-in-one aspect of having the L2 DAC module in the L2 Preamp or L2 Integrated Amp. This eliminates another box, another power cable and set of interconnects. The L2 DAC gets it own dedicated Belleson super-regulated power feed inside the L2 component used, so it is not sharing power from other audio stages.
The other nice thing about the modular approach is the ability to upgrade at a later time if/when a new design comes out. With LIO, we offered the original LIO DSD/PCM DAC module (“DAC 1.0”) for a few years and then later developed the DAC 2.0. Close to 75% of our LIO customers upgraded to the DAC 2.0 and appreciated this level of flexibility.
RA: Inquiring minds are beguiled by acronyms and their meanings, so armchair engineers like myself wonder… you implement JFET (Junction Field-Effect Transistor) semiconductor analog outputs running discretely in Class A for the DAC section, is this because the JFET output characteristic is flatter (more critical for digital) than that of MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor)?
VR: JFETs and MOSFETs are fairly similar (both are field effect transistors, both have a high-input impedance and are voltage-driven devices), but yes, for line-level signals, the JFET typically has the advantages of flatter output characteristic curves and better noise performance.
RA: The L2 DAC module is specified with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array – another type of semiconductor) buffer and femto-reclocking circuitry to minimize the effects of jitter. Can you talk to us about your implementation of this design?
VR: For all three digital inputs of the L2 DAC, we electrically isolate from the source to minimize the effects of any electrical noise from the source. But in order to negate the effect of the source’s jitter (timing variations of its digital output signal), we first send the incoming data to an FPGA buffer to store the data, and then reclock the data coming out using our on-board, low-jitter oscillators. Timing becomes more and more critical in the d/a conversion process as the sampling frequency of the data in increased (e.g. a 44.1kHz stream vs. a 384kHz stream, or a DSD64 stream vs. a DSD512 stream). It is similar to driving a car at 60km/h on a road with a speed limit of 60km/h. You can go even faster on that road, but it becomes more difficult to actually stay on the road at 120km/h or 240km/h (less room for error). The car is like the digital data, and jitter is like the car driving off of the road when the d/a required you to be on the road to properly do its conversion.
With so many of our customers using Roon and their sample-rate conversion (for example, you can have Roon covert all your files to DSD512 or PCM 768kHz if you have enough processing power to not bog down your machine), the FPGA buffer and reclock circuitry are helpful when doing d/a conversion at these higher speeds.
RA: In your considerable experience, how much of an impact does the Belleson Super-regulated voltage feeding alll the linear regulators affect the noise floor of the digital module in particular? We often hear how critical a low noise floor is for phono stages, but I think it makes an even bigger difference to digital-audio circuit paths than analog ones – would you agree and why?
VR: If we are talking about a DAC’s analog output stage vs. a phonostage, I believe low-power supply noise is more important for the phonostage because the phonostage is amplifying the signal 100x (40dB, MM input), 1000x (60dB, MC input), or even more depending on the max. gain of the MC input. Even the noise of the amplifying devices themselves comes into play more than with a DAC’s analog output stage, which is usually outputting around 2Vrms (“line-level” signal).
But when you are trying to come as close as possible to realizing the theoretical SNR of 24-bit playback, the analog output stage of the DAC also requires a very low-noise power supply. The Belleson super-regulators provide exceptionally low noise and low-output impedance over a wide frequency range, along with high load regulation. Their website has a section that details their performance attributes, and I used them in both our L2 DAC and L2 Phonostage.
Photo courtesy of Michael Lavorgna
Vinnie Rossi L2 system review - Twittering Machines
“The Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature system goes deep. Way, way deep into the music. The overall presentation is rock solid, super stable, squeaky clean and precise coupled with a full boded and rich but not over-ripe sound. There is nothing flashy about the L2 system’s sound, which is as it should be when it comes to good hifi, especially hifi you plan to live with and use for the long term. Marry, if you will. Mated to the totaldac stack and DeVore gibbon X, music filled the barn with as full a spectrum of sonic delights as I’ve heard, making each listening moment something special, turning music reproduction into a production worthy of complete and total attention. I know “complete and total” are redundant but they felt more accurate in conveying the depth of the experience when used together than either standing on its own.
The L2 system made my DeVore’s sound like new speakers, capable of things hereto only imagined. Bass response in particular was better than I’ve heard from the Xs and by “better” I mean in every meaningful way which includes tone, body, weight, and impact. The sound image completely decoupled from the speakers, filling the barn with stereo-defying presence in every dimension. Sounds picked, plucked, strummed, and sung sprung from all over the damned place like a sonic fireworks display. At the same time there was a tactile sense of the subtle, a caressing of micro-detail and nuance, allowing time and timing to create tension and release, the stuff that turns hifi into a moving musical experience. Balancing and delivering all of these traits is, in my experience, something special.”
Full review here
Vinnie Rossi
Press Release
HOLDEN, MA (July 22, 2019) – Vinnie Rossi has officially transitioned from direct sales to a dealer network in the USA and is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Sossa of Well Pleased Audio Vida as the companyʼs sales representative for North America, effective July 22, 2019.
Commenting on the new partnership, Rossi said, “Over the last five years, Mark has demonstrated a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm towards the brands that he represents - at various trade shows and working with a strong and growing dealer network that he has established and maintained. His good character, approachability, and long-term vision are exactly what I have been looking for to make the switch from direct sales to a vibrant dealer network, exclusively. We are looking forward to working together.”
Sossa adds, “I have been keenly watching Vinnie Rossiʼs products evolve over the last 15 years. He continues to reach higher levels of performance with every product, and each one delivers an innovative design approach, top performance in its price class, and high value. They also garner numerous awards from the press, glowing coverage at trade shows, and a loyal following from his customers. As his company continues to grow, I am excited to be part of his team and bring his designs to a much larger audience.”
Both companies will be teaming up this year at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (September), as well as Captial Audio Fest and the New York Audio Show (November). Vinnie Rossi plans to show his upcoming L2 Integrated Amplifier at all three shows, and interested dealers are encouraged to visit Vinnie Rossi and Mark Sossa in person for a remarkable demo!
About Vinnie Rossi
Vinnie Rossi designs and manufactures exceptional sounding audio components. Each of his unique, award-winning creations brings the listener deep into the music with their completely natural and engaging sound signature. Vinnie Rossi components are all proudly handmade in the USA and backed by a 10-year warranty and industry-leading customer service.
About Well Pleased Audio Vida
Well Pleased Audio Vida is a manufacturerʼs representative and distribution firm specializing in premium, high-fidelity audio systems. They pride themselves on offering some of the finest performing, high-value equipment from around the world that communicates the lifeblood of music with class and distinction.
For more information please visit www.vinnierossi.com
Innuos ZEN MKIII Review
GigaWatt PC-3 SE review - HiFi Knights/6 Moons
“Quality repertoire intake via high caliber hardware doesn’t have to be loud in order to hear everything. On the contrary, low level listening can provide tiniest bits of musical information. Here quality power kicks in, in this context it’s essential and that’s what the PC-3 SE EVO+ brought to the table, it extracted all musical content and showcased it in humane, palpable fashion. It didn’t soften the effect but finely stripped it from contamination and garishness, whereas dimming mentioned above morphed into instrumentally heftier and more organic act, utmost visible during quiet auditions. That’s where the true refinement of this review’s GigaWatt was found. It was pinpoint accurate yet subtle and finely moisturized at the same time; instead of shoving details in my face all at once, every image it painted pleasantly hydrated, articulate, nicely opened up and did all this without a hint of struggle. The PC-3 SE EVO+ simply made the music to flow better and many times did so potently enough to convince me that with certain top shelf companions it was mandatory. “ - Dawid Grzyb
Full review can be found here
New GigaWatt Powerprime power filter
Gigawatt POWERPRIME is the first model from a new family of conditioners, which sets trends for future project concepts that will be gradually initiated in our following products.
POWERPRIME provides effective surge protection, and at the same time supplies the devices with clean, well-filtered energy. That makes it an essential part of every modern audio/video system.
CONSTRUCTION:
All elements of the device are mounted in a new, rigid, steel/aluminum chassis, with a modular structure, which allows the outlets assembly in various standards. The housing is based on anti-vibration feet, which isolate the device of undesirable interference, coming from the ground.
The new design front panel, is made of a thick piece of aviation aluminum, the surface of which, after precise milling, is anodized in two color variants – black or silver. In the central part of the front there is a filter enable indicator.
The conditioner is also equipped with a system that indicates incorrect connection of the device to the mains. The red LED at the back, indicating the wrong polarity of the power supply, or incorrectly connected grounding or lack of grounding.
POWERPRIME is equipped with six power outlets G—040. Brass connectors are silver-plated, without the use of intermediate metals such as a copper or nickel layer, which could cause detrimental serial resistance and thus lower the voltage. Strong, stable connection, bigger connection surface and a thick layer of silver guarantee perfect contact with the plug pins. Additionally, the sockets are cryogenically processed and de-magnetized.
GigaWatt LC-1 EVO power cord, is the standard equipment of POWERPRIME.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS:
POWERPRIME is based on the new architecture of the RLC filtering branch. The device does not have traditional protection elements, such as thermal or blow fuses, which throttled the free flow of the current, have a negative influence on the sound.
Surge protection is provided by a protection block integrated with the filter, equiped with plasma spark gaps and a new generation of UltraMOV varistors. These elements, in combination with a properly executed, modern electrical installation guarantee comprehensive protection against overvoltages and overcurrents.
The surge protection is provided by the overvoltage block integrated with a filter that contains plasma spark gaps, a new generation of UltraMOV varistors and a pre-filter. These elements, in conjunction with a properly made, modern electrical installation, guarantee comprehensive protection against overvoltages and overcurrents. Interference suppression is ensured by a filtering system that was built, among others, on Premium class interference suppression capacitors and IP filter cores (Iron Powder). The filter system is activated by an internal high-in-rush relay with silver contacts with a large surface area and a switching capacity of 4000VA.
All electronic components of the filter are mounted with silver solder on PCB’s with extremely wide conductive traces made of copper (total thickness of conductive layers is as much as 70 micrometers). Short connections and a very large cross-section of paths reduce the transition resistance and significantly increase the current carrying capacity of the entire filter.
The device uses a buffering system with a GigaWatt Audio Grade compensation battery, which increases the current efficiency at non-linear loads which are, for example, power amplifiers and reduces the difference between the power at the input and output of the conditioner. This allows for almost unlimited impulse possibilities, unheard of in other similar passive conditioners and unattainable for active power conditioners.
The internal wiring is based on GigaWatt Powerlink cables from OHFC copper with a cross-section of 4 QMM. The connection system in the star topology leads the current to the output sockets through a current distribution system based on massive third generation distribution bars made of polished, high-conductive copper (OHFC 10100 with a purity of 99.995%). The large cross-section of each rail (30QMM), high wiring conductivity and star star connection guarantee an even and stable distribution of power at each output socket – regardless of the load of the other outputs of the conditioner.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
-DC Offset Blocker – the conditioner can be equipped with a circuit eliminating unwanted DC component of the power grid. This DC component is a very deteriorating phenomenon, which exists in almost all power grids. It results in the sinus wave of the alternating current become non-symmetrical (non-sinusoidal) and has negative impact on all devices using transformers. It causes their cores to become magnetized, what increases their noise, diminishes the efficiency of power supplies and lower sound quality as a result of those. The DC blocker allows to eliminate this phenomenon effectively, without causing any compression or any other negative influence on the sound
-Rolling-Ball Isolation System feet – The device can be equipped with a new kind of feet with a mechanism called Rolling-Ball Isolation System. This is an anti-vibration system comprised of two parts (external and internal) made from solid aluminum, with two runs with balls between them. The setup is to minimize the points of contact between the feet, and then the chassis of the conditioner and the rack, what in consequence translates into a significant reduction of mechanical vibration, which negatively impacts the internal elements of the conditioner, what in turn degrades its sound. Another isolation element, on which the whole construction is placed, is a proprietary elastomer, 5mm thick.
-Power cords – higher models. The POWERPRIME is equipped as standard, with the LC-1 EVO 1.5m To maximize the potential of the conditioner we recommend the use power cords LC-2 EVO or LC-3 EVO
AXPONA Awards
We are absolutely delighted to have our partners hard work and dedication recognized by these awards. Congratulations Innuos, aqua acoustic quality, Qualiton, Rethm, LinnenberG, GigaWatt, Swisscables & SGR!!!
We would also like to especially thank our esteemed partner Alma Music & Audio for bringing together Bergmann Audio and YG Acoustics to help us achieve this milestone.
“The sound delivered through the new redesign of the Rethm Maarga v2 loudspeakers left this listener absolutely sure she could live with this speaker for the rest of her days. Jacob George, the designer, has made such monumental improvements delivering more warmth in the mids without sacrificing any of the detail, and in fact, bringing the musical experience closer to me with more overall dynamics. Simply, Anne Bisson’s “Le vent soufflé encore” from the album Conversations, a track I’ve heard hundreds of times over the years, delivered new information that was astonishing. Anne’s vocal mix in the beginning was profoundly more apparent as was her daughter’s at the end of the song. In addition to being in my top three best sounding rooms at AXPONA 2019, the speakers are a value at under 10,000 U.S. dollars (no price increase) and can compete with any speaker five to ten times the price. No exaggeration. A room with this kind of sound reminds me why I do what I do.“
“The Well Pleased Audio Vida room has already been recognized for Best Sound by multiple audio publications, so I’m not the only one who was impressed. The big story in was the debut of the Rethm Maarga v2 loudspeakers at only $9,750.
The speakers were being driven by an Audio Hungary Qualiton A20i SE Integrated Amplifier. I reviewed this amp back in the fall of 2017. This little combo costs less than $15,000, and it could complete with every system in the show. When you consider that it was using only a digital source, this is amazing for me to say.
For the old analog-loving Audio Beatnik to be this excited about a system without a turntable, you can bet the digital source was really fine. It was the incredible sounding Aqua Acoustic Quality Formula xHD D/A at $17,000 and the Innuos Zenith MkIII Music Server for $4,250.
The rest of the system consisted of a GigaWatt PC-4 Power Conditioner for $10,000, Diamond Reference Cables from Swisscables and the equipment was sitting on SGR Hifi Racks.”