Marantz’ new UD9004 “universal” spinner handles Blu-ray, CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio discs. Home Entertainment magazine’s Richard Ames says its sound is “incredibly lifelike.”

Originally posted at The Audiophiliac

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(Credit:
Denon)

When it comes to turntables, I prefer them in their natural, all-analog state.

That’s just me. Mixing digits and grooves is a hot topic of late. My pal Chris Chiarella over at Home Entertainment magazine seemed to really like Denon’s new DP-200USB turntable ($250). I reviewed another USB turntable last year and thought it was too much work to use.

I’m no expert in this area, but this Denon seems like a better way to go. First, you don’t need a computer nearby to do the analog-to-digital thing. Chiarella just connected the turntable’s analog cables to his receiver’s phono input, after switching the turntable’s internal Phono EQ to Off (so the Denon will work even if your receiver is phono-input challenged).

The DP-200USB’s best feature is its front-panel USB port. The system’s internal MP3 encoder converts analog signals to digital files. A blinking red light confirms that grooves are being digitized. Denon claims 30 LPs fit on a 1GB drive.

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Originally posted at The Audiophiliac

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)

I recently participated in a Podcast focusing on subwoofer performance with Home Entertainment magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Geoff Morrison, Director of (loudspeaker company) Revel Products, Kevin Voecks, and Brent Butterworth, a freelance writer for a number of magazines including Sound & Vision.

Voecks immediately zeroed in on the importance of placement, which is absolutely crucial to getting the best out of any sub. I’d go so far as to say an average sub, perfectly placed and set up, will outperform a great sub that’s been carelessly placed and set up. That’s because the sub’s interaction with room acoustics can play havoc with sound, all too frequently resulting in boomy, uneven bass.

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Originally posted at The Audiophiliac

Burmester B25 speakers

(Credit: "Home Entertainment" magazine)

Here at CNET we write about all sorts of gadgets and toys, but I’ve noticed that when I write about high-end gear I get the biggest reaction.

I like hearing about stuff I can’t afford, like the recent road test of the $80,000 Jaguar XFR. The big sedan can hit 162 mph, can stop from 150 in 6 seconds, and it’s a ball to drive fast. Funny, the road tester never mentioned fuel economy. There you go, people don’t buy $80,000 cars for their practicality, they buy them to be seen in and for how well they perform.

High-end audio isn’t so different, but it’s more private. High-end buyers’ families and friends are the only ones who’ll ever get to be bowled over by the sound and looks of their spectacular audio systems. So while you’ve probably heard of Jaguar, chances are you’re less familiar with high-end audio brands. I’m here to help raise awareness of quality audio.

I write about the world’s best audio gear for “Home Entertainment” magazine, and I recently had the pleasure of testing the Burmester 032 integrated stereo amplifier ($22,495) and B25 speakers ($11,995/pair). Burmester is based in Berlin, Germany. The company builds the sort of hi-fis a Jaguar owner would buy.

The 032 amplifier in all its German splendor

(Credit: Burmester)

The 032 amplifier’s sculptured metalwork is drop-dead gorgeous. The amplifier’s front and sides are covered by machined heat sinks. They provide optimal cooling for the stereo 240-watt-per-channel amplifier’s output transistors, eliminating the need for noisy fans. Burmester components, fully decked out in chrome, are a startling sight to behold.

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Originally posted at The Audiophiliac