2012 RMAF Coverage, Part I

Peachtree Audio system with TAD Reference One Speakers, Peachtree Audio Grand Integrated X1, and Macbook Pro, Mountain Lion and Amarra

Proving once again that small and simple is beautiful Peachtree Audio demonstrated several streamlined rigs. The one I heard was awfully good, though awfully imbalanced in terms of distribution of dollars. Running a Macbook Pro with the Mountain Lion OS and Amarra software into a Peachtree Integrated X1, the TAD Reference One speakers (System cost $82,500, the speakers being about $75,000 of it) were arresting! This odd combination outperformed a slew of multi-competent systems, and was streamlined to boot. Its efficient and uncluttered sound reminded me why I have as one of my long running reference rigs a pair of Pathos Classic One mkIII Integrateds in Mono mode; add source and speakers and you are done! Anyone who wants an uncluttered lifestyle and superb sound needs to give serious attention to such rigs as the Peachtree/TAD pairing. The performance proved that simple rigs can scale up exceedingly well.

Gingko Audio room

Ginko Audio ClaraVu 7 Speaker and Subwoofer on left, and ClaraVu 88 Speaker on right; Wells Audio Innamorata Amplifier

On from there I went to hear one of the most engaging, smaller systems at the show, the Ginko Audio room. Using modestly priced gear, Ginko proved dramatically that its ClaraVu 7 Modular Speaker System ($3,995) with matching subwoofer ($1,500) are terrific values with impressive sound quality. Along with the Ginko speakers were the Music Culture MC501A CD/USB Combo Player ($3,995), Wells Audio Innamorata Amplifier ($6k), and a combination of Vovox and DanaCable products as cabling. I always thought the isolation platforms from Ginko with the odd, racquetball-like support system were gimmicky, and I did not expect much from their line of speakers. However, the inherent goodness of their sound won me over. I have encountered some fundamentally high performance to cost companies at all price points; Ginko, Wells Audio and Music Culture should be on the radar of anyone wanting smaller form factor speakers with high performance sensibility

Blue Light Audio room

ATR Service’s Ampex ATR-102 Reel to Reel; 082 Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne Loudspeaker

Evolution Acoustics had their MMMMMMMMMMMicroOne-C (Okay, it’s really MMMicroOne-C) sounding sweet with a more commensurately priced system than last year. This year, the Playback Designs MPS-3 CD with USB input ($8,500), ATR Service’s Ampex ATR-102 Reel to Reel Deck ($ upon request), B.M.C. Audio AMP CS2 Integrated Stereo Amplifier ($8,400) and a loom of Aural Fidelity Cabling. Once again a smaller system shone brightly; the MMMicroOne is an excellent choice for a high octane bookshelf experience at only $2,500.