Publisher Profile

MIT Oracle V1.3 HR Speaker Interface And Oracle Matrix 50 Proline XLR Review

By: |

MIT Oracle V1.3HRPrologue

For the record, I believe that an average of only 60% of our audio system’s potential is being tapped consistently with the way we use them, and most of the deterrents to full utilization of our system’s potential are present in the form of suboptimal power, suboptimal listening environments, inadequate vibration control and most of all, suboptimal cables. Of course, there is always the problem of variance in air density between where the equipment was measured and developed and where it will actually be used. Even if one spends whatever is necessary to correct all the variables mentioned hereof so as to attain as close to 100% utilization of his system’s full potential, it is still by no means an accurate reproduction of the musical event, for the recording process itself is but an inadequate attempt in capturing the event using limited technologies. Nonetheless, our quest for perfection as one world is made the more interesting in a philosophically, technologically and theologically immature civilization.

We are all given certain gifts when born, and it’s largely only the question of whether we get to nurture, develop and utilize our talents. I say it is largely so because regardless of detours and hurdles in life, there comes occasionally individuals with gifts so unique, focused and urgent that they must do what they can, and in that, we are all blessed and eclipsed by them.

These gifted geniuses will make us see things in ways that we never thought possible. While the lot of us are traversing on a path more or less identical in extent of advancements and are able to produce breakthroughs once in a while, the truly gifted ones will conceptualize new approaches and technologies that will take the rest of us decades to catch up. I reckon that Bruce Brisson of Music Interface Technologies is such an individual. We all understand the concept of “The Perfect Conductor”, which dictates that it will not add to, nor subtract from, the signal and thus is the most desirable connection. On this, we all know that only The Perfect Conductor can achieve this perfection theoretically and no such superconductor exists in the audio industry, so we are left to comfort ourselves on the necessity of accepting reality.

Simple bunched conductor is what the rest of the audio industry is continuing to work on; networked cable is what Bruce and his team have been using to push the edges of the envelope since the eighties.

MIT

The northern California-based MIT (Music Interface Technologies) produces two separate lines of networked interfaces; “2C3D” for “Two Channel Three Dimensional” for online distribution, and “MA-X HD” which are “Maximum Articulation High Definition” for brick-and-mortar dealers. 2C3D products hail from a time before the first Oracle, continuing through to today with the introduction of the new “HR” high resolution series. Conversely “Maximum Articulation” products are reserved for retail outlets who tend to carry the most modern audiophile appliances. Per MIT, the “2C3D” products work to spotlight dimensionality and image specificity, while “Maximum Articulation” products work to preserve the delicate timbre and textures of the recorded event. MIT speaker interfaces range from $499.00 to $40,000.00 for a matched 8-foot pair. There are five authorized online dealers, based in the UK, US, Thailand, Singapore and Scandinavia, and one hundred and thirty-three brick-and-mortar dealers worldwide, with ninety-seven of them in the U.S. alone. Models being reviewed today are available online only, including the ten-foot pair of the top-of-the-line, $37,999 Oracle V1.3HR with “F.A.T.” technology used in both product lines. Additionally, we will report on two pairs of 2-meter, $6,249-per-pair Oracle Matrix 50 Proline balanced interfaces.

Music Interface Technologies came into being in the late eighties, and through its products the audio industry witnessed the introduction of the first networked interface of increasing technological sophistication. MIT’s founder, Bruce Brisson, began his foray into the audio industry by developing cables for Monster Cable in the early 80s. To illustrate, a unique concept that has become the industry standard based on a twisted pair of conductors, and a “drain wire” terminated on the output end to drain off RF and EMI, was first introduced as the Monster Interlink Reference. It was the world’s first purpose built interface. This, and VariLay winding technology are just a few of a series of designs that were among Bruce’s many creations. Many of us still remember how dumbfounded we were back in the 80’s at the improvement those first offerings made over generic wires. Thus launched the cable industry as we know it today.

According to Vice President of MIT, Kent Loughlin, since forming the company, ” Bruce has designed or manufactured cables and internal components for several well known audio manufacturers. These brands include Spectral Audio, Inc., Jeff Rowland Design Group, Wilson Audio Specialties, Martin Logan Electrostatic Loudspeakers and Goldmund Audio. We have technology in use by recording artists, engineers and studios around the globe. Over the years, MIT interfaces have earned the status of a crucial component used in several Hollywood post-production facilities (see MIT “At the Movies” about our association with Skywalker Sound). Simply put; if you have listened to a hit record or attended a blockbuster movie during the last decade, you have heard what MIT technology provides: believability”.

He continued, “Brisson’s contribution to high end audio isn’t limited to cables and passive noise filters you know, he also invented the MIT Multicap capacitor. Most notably, he was awarded number seven of sixteen US technology patents for this effort. Currently licensed and manufactured by RelCap, the Multicap can be found in several leading components and loudspeakers, including those from Wilson Audio, Audio Research Corporation, Cary Audio, Manley Labs, VTL, Focus Audio, and Sonic Craft to name a few.”

Multi-talented doesn’t begin to describe this man’s brain power and keen sense of business. How come there’s so much hair on the head of that overworked brain of his? Today, MIT is a growing concern with a substantial in-house manufacturing footprint. Among others, Spectral and Magico utilize Bruce’s best, custom cable systems for their in-house reference.

Besides his love of performance autos, and he was away driving a new Callaway Corvette the last time I visited MIT HQ, the company operates an in-house audio system consisting a full dCS Paganini system, Pass amplification system, Spectral system, Cary system and a complete ARC system. For speakers, two models of the Magicos, some Wilsons, some Martin Logans….well you get the message, they are well equipped to test their cables.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Popups Powered By : XYZScripts.com