Acapella Violoncello Mk 4 speakers and cables , Einstein electronics: these companies are both German and have for many years shown together at U.S. shows. The speakers incorporate a plasma tweeter, a horn for the midrange and isobarically loaded woofers in such a way that the sound is virtually seamless. The Einstein electronics is tubed with the amps being OTL. In past years, the low impedance presented by the speakers sometimes created problems for the amps; however, the crossover and woofers have been redesigned to create a more benign load for the amps and the resultant sound was exquisite. On the Liszt, the triangles and piano are nicely in balance. The decay of the triangle is finally right, unlike with the Scaena and Wilson Max 3 speakers. Dynamic gradations were also superb. I did think that the piano lacked a certain degree of sparkle. Again, clearly one of the best systems which I heard.
Lansche No. 7 speakers, Ypsilon, Bergman, Lyra: each of these products is imported by Brian Ackerman who is a savvy businessman and seems to have a good ear. The Bergman table is one of the few that I would consider buying if my Rockport cratered. It used an air bearing arm and platter which I believe to be the right choice. The Lyra Atlas cartridge is an excellent match for the table and works well with the Ypsilon step -up transformer and phono stage. Predictably, these work optimally with the Ypsilon preamp and Aelius amplifiers. The Lansche speakers are one of two brands that use an ionic tweeter, the other being Acapella. In my experience, this type of tweeter cannot be matched above about 7,000 hertz. The problem is properly mating it with dynamic drivers which handle the range below 7,000 hertz. This appears to be the most successful iteration of Lansche top-of-the-line speaker to date. The top end was airy, detailed and delicate and the bass provided a nice foundation. It did appear a bit lean in the upper bass and lower mids.
Stillpoints. Vitus, VPI, Estelon XB: one of the better systems that I heard at the show. On the Liszt, the triangles were delicate and airy and the piano was harmonically correct. Focus and decay were also excellent. Bruce Jacobs continue to improve the Stillpoint products to the point that they are becoming an indispensable accessory. Apparently, a stainless steel rack will soon be available, as well as an EMI/ RFI “black hole” which can be used with the stand to create a Faraday cage.
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