Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 05 August 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I just read your Soulution 711 review, and while the review contents were superbly done, I have to comment on the fact that the photographs were amazing.

Bravo -- great job as always.

Best wishes,
Mark Schifter
United States

Thank you for the kind words. As much as I'd like to take responsibility for the photos, though, these were supplied by Soulution. I agree they are excellent. You would be surprised at how many companies do not have proper photos of their products. It happens all the time. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 21 July 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I trailed ’round the same sets of speakers [“Sampling High End 2015’s Best Loudspeakers”]: Tidal, Marten, [Magico] S7 [and] Q7 Mk II, etc., and wrote notes saying almost exactly the same as yours (as copied to the Magico site)!

Great ears hear alike . . .

I use S5, would like S7, but suspect that in the UK they will be too costly and too heavy to move around. Still, when do you get to review them?

Kind regards,
Martin Colloms
HiFiCritic.com
United Kingdom

Thanks so much for the note. I’m a big fan of yours. I think your early Krell reviews were what hooked me on becoming an audio writer. They were masterful.

I have Q7 Mk IIs in now for review. Super fun to say the least! So no S7s . . .

Thanks for your letter. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 20 July 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I just finished reading your latest editorial. As the movie says, you have to “stop making sense.” This is audio, no one is allowed to think for themselves. If we allow that, people may start enjoying things and the great DBT debate may go away and some people will have nothing to complain about. The fact that you actually felt the need to write it says a lot about some of the people in this hobby. I thankfully see them as the vocal minority, and hope they stay that way.

Don’t know if you are planning on covering Capital Audiofest, but if you are there, I’ll buy you a beer and we can argue about some minor part of my system and then we can both feel better about ourselves as audiophiles.

Beau
United States

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 05 July 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

In your SoundStage! column ["Buy What You Want"] you’ve seriously misconstrued what I said in Munich.

First of all I regularly stream music on Tidal. I listen to music on SiriusXM on my car’s Bose system. I have 4000+ digital files on my Sooloos system. I travel around the world listening to music on my iPhone using Westone custom in-ear headphones.

So why or how would I say that the only way I can listen to music is on vinyl?

If your aim was to paint me as a cartoon version of an audio enthusiast, well mission accomplished, at least for gullible SoundStage! readers.

If you wish to set the record straight in print, you’ll amend what you wrote to reflect what I actually said, which was that when I sit down to listen to music to the exclusion of all else at home, on my big system, lights out, only vinyl keeps my full attention and for hours at a time.

When I sit down to listen to digital, whether Tidal, CD resolution or high-resolution files, I’m good for only about ten minutes before I feel compelled to switch to vinyl.

Michael Fremer
Editor, analogplanet.com
Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile

In my column, I wrote: “He can’t enjoy digital recordings; it takes analog sound to relax him and get him into the music.”

You just stated: “When I sit down to listen to digital, whether Tidal, CD resolution or high-resolution files, I’m good for only about ten minutes before I feel compelled to switch to vinyl.”

I guess your point is a little too nuanced for me. But at least you’ve “set the record straight.” . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 23 May 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

It looks like Rockport [Technologies] and Magico both decided to make $60k/pr. speakers of similar sensitivities, using proprietary drivers of similar sizes and multiple 10" woofers in curved cabinets of similar sizes. Both are a step down from their statement products, but still heroically built! Hmm. Seems like a perfect opportunity to compare and contrast these two speakers from two companies that are very well respected but have very different followings/philosophies. I know I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. The [Rockport Technologies] Cygnus in particular is a speaker I would certainly consider moving up to, but I’m curious if the extra nearly $30k wouldn’t be better spent on an Avior and a pair of really great subs.

James Velimesis
United States

It seems the real action these days in superspeakers is in the $50,000-$60,000/pr. price range. I think it is within even a wealthy audiophile's reasonable expectations that they should be able to purchase a state-of-the-art-like loudspeaker for that considerable sum. Do we really need to accept compromises in our loudspeakers when we can spend Mercedes money?

I know you are referring to Rockport's new Cygnus ($62,500/pr.) and Magico's new S7 ($58,000/pr.). Suffice to say that both of these speakers would be on my shortlist if I were spending that kind of dough. If my budget permitted, I would most certainly move up to the best speaker I could buy instead of going the sub route. There might be exceptions depending on my room, of course. But generally, I believe in getting the best speaker you can afford to anchor your system and then building around that. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 11 May 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

As a frequent reader, I appreciate your ability to question audio myths and your openness to new approaches in design concepts. I have bought the Devialet Phantoms without any listening before. However, I had a most convincing listening session with a Devialet D-Premier and Magico speakers three years ago. The consistent Devialet reviews and the most consequential decision of Devialet to marry the amp technology with the speaker crossover technology on one hand, and a point-source design on the other hand, look most convincing to me. And the listening results with the Phantoms are overwhelming and confirm my expectations. I am looking forward to reading your review of the Phantoms.

Concerning your remarks about the [GoldenEar Technology] Triton One speakers I think you focus too much on a flat frequency curve. More important is to have a phase-coherent behavior, especially in the crossover region, and to have a strong impulse response. Wadia proved with their DAC design the superiority of a phase-focused approach versus a flat frequency curve approach decades ago. Our ears are most sensitive to phase errors and can tolerate and compensate for frequency errors much better due to the pattern-recognition perception based on the experiences of our brain.

Best regards,
Michael
United States

Congrats on the Phantom purchase! I suspect that you will really be satisfied with them sound-wise, and equally enjoy their form factor in your room. Please do keep in touch and let me know what you think when you get them.

Your point on phase-coherent behavior reminds me of something Andy Payor of Rockport Technologies showed me years ago. He would reverse the phase of the midrange in one of his speakers under measurement and examine the resulting frequency response. The result was a deep null at the crossover region on the order of 40dB. What this meant was that, when the leads to the drivers were corrected -- and flat frequency response at the crossover region resulted -- was that the phase behavior of the loudspeaker at that crossover region was optimally achieved. While a speaker designer could achieve good phase behavior without optimizing frequency response, the best designers ensure that both are addressed. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 04 May 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I am presently in the market for new speakers and an amp. I have decided to go with a Pass Labs amp, but deciding on a speaker is proving difficult and time consuming. I have read most of the rave reviews of the GoldenEar Technology Triton One speakers, and for some reason the phrase “If it sounds too good to be true, then it is too good to be true” comes to mind. The reviews focus on the bass, and while applauding the mids and highs, give them short shrift. I have doubts about their appearance (yes, I’ve seen them) and whether I would want them in my listening room. Fit and finish are important.

It has been my experience that some highly rated, full-range budget equipment just doesn’t satisfy over the long term. It has also been my experience that manufacturers such as Oppo and Benchmark offer high-value, low-cost equipment. How do you separate the two?

I am seriously considering the Legacy Focus SE (perhaps the next model down) or the Zu Audio Definition Mk.IV speakers, both of which cost (at least) double the Triton One. I am not looking forward to moving these into the house for auditions, but . . .

Sincerely,
Bob Willis
United States

Regarding your first point, I believe you have answered your own question. I am reminded of the plight of the in-wall speaker. That type of product is perfect for those who want unobtrusive, even "invisible" speakers, but will never satisfy -- no matter how good they sound -- the hardcore audiophile who loves the pride of ownership that comes with a very nice cabinet and high-tech drivers. The latter is the type of investment that makes a statement -- both sonically and visually -- in the listening room. If you value appearance and fit and finish as you say, then a fancier-looking speaker is what you should get. This hobby is, after all, about enjoyment, not merely prudence.

As for how to separate the really good high-value products from those that are truly too good to be true, here is my advice: you have to experience the products for yourself, firsthand, to see what type of fit they are with your likes and dislikes. I know tons of folks who just love their Oppo players and think the build quality is outstanding, but then again, compare an Oppo with a player from Esoteric and the differences will be readily apparent. Ultimately it comes down to your own tastes and budget. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 19 April 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I’ve owned NAD gear since the original 3020, and own a D 7050 today, so I read with interest your review of the M12/M22 combo.

Lurking at the same price, one quarter the size, and half the rated power, is the Devialet 120. What’s your take of one versus the other?

Regards,
Robert Karlsson
United States

While the NAD Masters Series components that I reviewed do share a number of strengths with the Devialet 120 -- such as quietness, great bass, and excellent transparency -- the French amp is simply better in every regard. It is a benchmark product that will be hard to top with anything else. Now, if you want the flexibility of separates, then the NADs are a hard proposition to pass up. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 01 April 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

Benchmark Media Systems has a new amplifier out, in a similar vein [insofar as disruption is concerned] as Devialet, Soulution, NAD’s Ncore [implementation], etc. The major difference [with Devialet] is that it only amplifies -- no sound processing, correction, or DAC. It is described as the "quietest, cleanest amplifier on the planet." Bold claim, but it just might be true! It has tiny size, high efficiency, and amazing specs (greater than 130dB S/N ratio). It’s also made in the USA and has a five-year warranty, all for $2995. So, how does it sound?

I appreciate your open-mindedness to review new technology and products as the industry evolves -- and to embrace the disruption!

Thanks,
Greg Simmons
United States

The Benchmark amplifier you are referring to is the AHB2. It does appear to be a measurement wonder. As for how it sounds, our own Hans Wetzel, who also happens to be the charter member of the Philadelphians for Kanye fan club, has one in for review currently. You’ll see that article on our sister site SoundStage! Access very soon.

As for embracing the disruption, here’s how I look at it: You can either embrace it, or you can bury your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening. Frankly, I’m enjoying it. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 21 March 2015

To Jeff Fritz,

I hope this email finds you well. Just a quick question: I purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 speakers and really like them. It's a lot of speaker for the money. I know you are pretty familiar with this speaker. I currently have Aragon separates (8008BB amp and 28K preamp). I was thinking about upgrading to either a Parasound Halo A 21/P 5 combination or a Hegel H160 integrated.

What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance.

Andrew
United States

Congrats on your new speakers! I'm sure you'll find many years of enjoyment with them. Regarding electronics, your Aragons are certainly getting a bit long in the tooth. They must be, what, at least 15 years old? Age not withstanding, the Aragon equipment of that vintage was always considered really good by everyone who heard it. Although it would seem logical that the newer Parasound and Hegel electronics would eclipse the Aragons -- and they very well might -- I'd have to know for sure before buying either. What I can tell you is that you've chosen two good brands to consider. I think Hegel and Parasound are really knocking it out of the park these days. So my advice is to see if you can get a home audition and then make up your mind. . . . Jeff Fritz