Listening to two new components has got me thinking; how far can we go with home audio systems and are we hearing real improvements?
First let’s take a deep dive into the world of vibration reduction with our Italian friends Bassocontinuo. Last month we introduced you to our experiences with their entry level Lyra rack. It started the conceptual leap of thinking of a rack, not just storage for your system, but something that could make a worthwhile improvement. So we’ve ended up listening to Bassocontinuo’s flagship carbon fibre rack – the Aeon X. And we’ve had to completely rethink what is possible and just how much of a contribution vibration reduction and isolation can make to the sound of your system.
That answer is a lot more than we ever expected. In hindsight we should have known this; most music listeners appreciate that you can hear relatively modest improvements made to a system with cables and set up. The Aeon X rack attacks the problems of vibration from several different directions applying materials research, solid analytical testing, innovative Italian design and experienced manufacturing capabilities. Each part of this approach makes a worthwhile improvement but when you put them all together the result is nothing short of a revelation.
I would never have credited that such a great improvement was possible until I heard it for myself. Read our in-depth review and comparison here.
What is even more important is that the system we used to establish this was simple, accessible and affordable. At first glance the Aeon X rack appears esoteric and costly. But as we quickly discovered, the profound improvement it makes more than justifies the investment. Compared with similarly priced components, a Bassocontinuo rack, especially in the case of the Aeon X, could well be the best choice you can make.
The little NuPrime IA-9X integrated amplifier (NZ$2450) is a lot more specialised. While Bassocontinuo are all about reducing distortion created by vibration, NuPrime reduce distortion with innovative circuitry. Amplifier design is so often about small incremental improvements and subtle changes to the character of sound that electronics produce. With the IA-9X NuPrime demonstrate that they can literally build an amplifier to sound how they want and imbue it with a unique and distinctive character. Even more interestingly, this is a purely analogue amplifier and is based on the flagship Evolution STA. Read more about why we find it so intriguing here.
It’s also fascinating to compare the IA-9X with NuPrime’s entry level power amplifier that we introduced you to a couple of months ago – the STA-100.
But back to the turtles; it’s an expression of the problem of infinite regress, where we peel back one layer to reveal better sound but in doing so, make it apparent that we can do it again. Because we now have a more transparent system so can more easily hear subsequent improvements.
Bassocontinuo state that you can’t eliminate vibration, only reduce it. But with the Aeon X they employ multiple techniques and components to reduce it many times over so when you listen, you hear an immediate and obvious improvement. We go down many layers of turtles in one hit.
The NuPrime IA-9X might appear to be more subtle in what it does yet if you have the right setting for it to go into, this amplifier can be just as impressive. It peels away layers of distortion to reveal a new version of the musical truth.
Music has near universal appeal and we never seem to loose our capacity to enjoy it. You can take it for granted yet the moment you hear a song you like rendered in a new and better way your enthusiasm is rekindled. This is why we’re constantly looking to improve our audio systems – there’s always a way to make things better and gain even more enjoyment from all the music you listen to. The Bassocontinuo racks and NuPrime IA-9X are just examples in a carefully curated range at Totally Wired. Talk to us now and we’ll find the right component to make your own system sound even better.
We’re not just about the new. Around 60 years ago the first SME tonearm was launched and it has proved to be one of the most enduring and respected components in audio. SME then launched a MK2 extended version – the 3012 (it’s 12” long) that delivered even better performance and is still highly regarded and in fact a collectable. We’ve had a client donate their much loved SME to us to run a charity auction for NZAVS – the NZ Antivivisection Society (I’m a volunteer director and secretary) – the auction still has around 6 weeks to run so check out our page on this and consider putting in a bid. These tonearms achieve quite astonishing prices on the likes of eBay but I’d really love it to go to a good home where it’s appreciated.
since our last e-zine found its way to you in February. To say a lot has happened since is an understatement. Yet despite this we’ve been busier than ever. There have been a multitude of new components, and with many of you spending more time at home there have been a lot of new systems and upgrades going on.
NuPrime
have been upgrading their range at a frenetic pace in 2022. In February we introduced you to the Evolution STA stereo power amplifier which has since gained some excellent reviews, but the real action is at the other, more affordable end of their range. The new STA-9X stereo power amplifier fulfils the same functions as the Evolution STA but packs it in a far smaller box at a fraction of the price, and even has some tricks that the flagship model doesn’t. The STA-9X has the highest switching speed of any NuPrime model and while 130 watts a side is plenty for most, you can bridge it with a flick of a switch and turn it into a fearsome 330 watt mono power amplifier!
The original STA-9 was no slug but the sound quality from the 9X version is next level, and in terms of quality not far short of the AMG series. In fact for some listeners it may even be better. The AMG series are quite distinct in character from the sound of other NuPrime models, yet the 9X takes the lucidity and power of the classic NuPrime and Nuforce designs to something that is way above the entry level intentions of the original ‘9’. While Nuprime have an almost bewildering array of power amplifier options, the new STA-9X is easily the best value of all in terms of performance for the price – NZ$2400.
The NuPrime PRA-9X Balanced preamplifier
The all analogue PRA-9X preamplifier (NZ$2300) and it’s digital sibling, the DAC-9X (NZ$2500) do similar things on the preamp front – both are completely new balanced designs to match the STA-9X and stories in their own right. They look remarkably similar, so you can see the the economies of scale happening, but they are radically different inside – the PRA-9X builds upon NuForce’s, and more recently NuPrime’s history in high end preamplifier design. There’s an excellent headphone section, phono preamplifier, and both balanced and RCA inputs and outputs. Not to mention remote control. The DAC-9X is the third iteration of the 9 series DAC and moves to a Sabre chipset – the headphone section and updated array of digital inputs (plus one analogue), make this the effective replacement for the more costly and highly respected DAC-10H.
Even better, is the new AMG DAC– a thing of beauty in both physical and aural senses. Like the other models in this range, the DAC has a fluid and highly refined sonic signature – the resolution is astonishing, and there has been particular care placed on the design of the analogue output stage.
A new IA-9 integrated amplifier is due for release in December, as are flagship Evolution Two mono blocks, the AMG One mono block, and a new twist on the classic STA-100.
Lumin
The word on streaming network components, Lumin are at the top of their game. The last 12 months have seen Lumin introduce a series of new models and we’ve had our work cut out covering them all so let’s look at some review highlights.
“The Lumin P1 network player (NZ$20,500) is a standout in so many ways. Its feature set, which combines network streaming, a high-quality DAC, and a multi-input preamplifier, is perfectly suited to today’s music systems. With full MQA decoding and Roon-Ready status, the P1 leaves no important item off the table…. Audio products that combine many capabilities into a single component in the pursuit of low cost or convenience often do so at the expense of sound quality—a case of “jack of all trades, master of none.” But the Lumin P1 defies that stereotype—I’ll call it a “master of all trades.” Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound September 2022.
Not just new Lumins but also trade ins – check out our Specials page.
The U2 Mini(NZ$4500) has been an immediate hit with us – being both one of the most affordable Lumin components yet delivering a jaw dropping level of performance when connected to existing DACs. The U2 Mini is the perfect addition to many systems and will show you just how good streaming can sound.
“To put it bluntly, this is not in line with the price level and a similar impression could be expected from [products] at least twice as expensive. ” SoundRebels
The best selling Lumin T2 has just been replaced by the T3 (NZ$9500). This is the sweet spot in the Lumin range. The improvements made are subtle but significant – finish quality lifted to X1/P1 levels, and a new-for-2022 processing system allowing the T3 to do more and be better at it. The price has increased due to exchange rates, but the T3 is now even better value in real terms –
“Two things make it stand out from the crowd. First is the excellent sound quality, its dynamics and sheer drive giving life and excitement to music. Secondly, the ongoing software maintenance and support from the factory provide peace of mind and confidence in the purchase being future-proof. The assurance of timely customer assistance and cost-free feature upgrades for many years is a big drawcard because, in my view, a digital device is only as good as its support. It’s more than just an update to the popular T2, then. In reality, the new LUMIN T3 is an ever better sounding device than its predecessor – with skilful improvements that make it one of the finest players at its price point.” Stereonet October 2022.
“In addition to reproducing beautiful voices and and solo instruments, the Lumin T3 and AMP really shined on one of my favorite pieces of music with quite a bit going on, to say the least. Mussorgsky’s Night on the Bare Mountain, from Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Le Sacre du Printemps, has been a go-to track for me recently. I love the music and I love when stellar audio components reproduce it wonderfully. The Lumin components handled this track effortlessly, while putting its brilliance on full display.” Audiophile Style October 2022
We’ve got several Lumin based systems set up and running here so, if you’re wanting to hear for yourself, just drop us a line.
Sonus faber
We’re long time Sonus faber enthusiasts so, it’s been a pleasure for us to build magnificent systems around Sonus faber’s hand crafted speakers this last winter for our clients. From the affordable new Lumina range (which has recently been expanded with the II and V models), through Sonetto, the classic Minima Amator II and Electa amator III, to the even better Olympica Nova collection. If anything the problem is supply – with the combination of Covid disruptions in Italy, long freight times and greater than expected demand we’ve been working hard to keep the most popular models on hand.
Sonus faber pull out the stops with their latest release: the Omnia all-in-one system is evocative of a James Bond lifestyle – curvaceous and sleek with a beautiful walnut top panel inlaid with a series of illuminated strips that also serve as control and display, and the dash panel of a high performance car, the deck of a bespoke Italian speedboat.
Tivoli Music System Home Gen 2 (NZ$1800) on the left, Sonus faber Omnia NZ$3500) on the right.
Given we’ve also got the latest iteration of the classic Tivoli Music system, which likewise sports a handsome walnut finish and shares a very similar feature set; how do they actually compare? I’ve had both running in my office for the last couple of months and it’s been quite the trip, which you can read about here.
Analogue
On the analogue front it’s been almost as busy; the new Well Tempered Labs Kauri II MC cartridge, handcrafted from 45,000 year old swamp kauri is an absolute delight. The Well Tempered turntable range has continued to be improved and expanded with models ranging from the latest Wax Engine (a defacto WTL design), the Simplex II, the new Amadeus JR, Versalex and Amadeus 254. The new and very best WTL Phono Stage is also just in.
Nagaoka have released two new affordable, but extremely good sounding Moving magnet cartridge models ($450 and $995) “To keep it short: We have hardly ever listened to a better pickup for this price. The extremely linear top-of-the-range Jeweltone sounds so natural, resolved and fanned out that it provides nothing but pleasure… the “BK” displays an inherently noble perfection, especially since it also does without “artificial freshness” in the form of brightened upper frequencies. In addition, it features a gnarly bass, differentiated down to the smallest facets, which perfectly complements the fine trebles at the other end of the spectrum.”stereomagazine .com
“I can also be enthusiastic about MMs, but only a few have really swept me off my feet. Such as the Nagaoka JT-80 BK. Its black body delivers a scope of colour which is just unparalleled. One of the best MM systems ever.” audio.de
Finally, while our brush with Covid in June didn’t seem too bad at the time, the effects have lingered, and we’re making a concerted effort not to catch it again. Despite this we’ve had a whole lot happening outside Totally Wired. Carolyn has been busy at university tutoring disability students and other classes, the Halo Project ‘Source to Sea‘ planting program on our little farm has continued – we’ve now got over 3000 natives in and a big section of river fenced off. And, after spending almost 4 years as Finance Manager for the Deep South Greens I’ve moved on to become a board member for NZAVS – the New Zealand Anti Vivisection Society.
We’ll be on deck right through to Christmas, and as always, have time to answer your enquiries and requests. Plus we’ve got all the goodies to make your festive season sing 😃
Looking forward to hearing back from you – John & Carolyn at Totally Wired.
Heading into 2021 we’re looking for more of those moments. We have the means towards this particular end. First up are two components that have crystallised much of my thinking about how we listen to music and the qualities that are important when it comes to really enjoying what we hear.
Having just pumped out an in-depth 5500 word review that’s taken a good two months of listening, writing and editing, it’s quite a relief to finally hit ‘send’. Our typical client tends to hold on to a component or system for 20 to 30 years and often they will really stretch financially to make it happen, so it’s important that you have as much information as possible.
I’ve got a little list… there is such a thing as too much choice and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the alternatives. So we did the Kondo thing and asked ‘what sparks joy?’ Components with an identifiable and unique character that can deliver benefits in almost any system are what we all want, so here are our 10 best for 2019.
Welcome to the new year. In between some great beach walks (that’s the mouth of Blueskin Bay on a beautiful Christmas day in the pic above), we’ve been busy with exciting components and systems that are going to make this coming year so much more enjoyable for you…
The new Evolution One Mono Power Amplifiers from NuPrime:
Reading about, and listening to music are quite different things and the subject of some great on-going conversations I’ve been having with my clients. You’ll be well aware that I try to best articulate what I hear with new audio components – turning it into a readable and informative summary so you can make the choice as to whether a particular item or component may be just what you are after, or something that you really didn’t know you needed (but do…)
The latest missive deals with the new flagship models from NuPrime – the Evolution One Mono Power Amplifiers. This has been one of the most difficult reviews I’ve had to write – not because of any problems but because the NuPrimes have proved to be so far ahead of anything else I’ve ever dealt with.
Our best wishes to you all as we look to welcome in 2018. Check out our Boxing day/Summer Sale.
While loudspeakers which come in at over 20,000 euro are going to be but a dream for most of us, the review linked to below is worth reading, not only to gain an insight into the serious high end, but also to see how some much more affordable products we put in NZ homes rate in this context. You’ll see the PrimaLuna tube amplifiers finds honourable mention and the NuPrime ST-10 gets an even more enthusiastic recommendation.
‘the ST-10 really brings the Sabrinas to life! Where all other transistor amps seemed dynamically a little restrained and only the PrimaLuna provided the kind of subjective dynamic swing that I crave, the NuPrime ST-10 has a kind of energetic presence that none of the other amps (transistor and tube) could match. Transient crispness and dynamic impact are really startling, better than with any of the other amps. Bass with the ST-10 is also incredible, not in a big and fat kind of way, but tuneful and articulate with just the right amount of pressure. Meanwhile the NuPrime’s very pure tonality and open and communicative character further increase the Sabrina’s timbral believability.’
We’ve also got some really exciting news from NuPrime in the last few days – the are 3 new high end amplifier models on the way. First up will be a mono version of the ST-10 above – the new ST-10Ms will be much more powerful, and even better sounding – the perfect upgrade for anyone who wants more out of their music.
Even better will be the new Reference 20E. Like the ST-10M above these are mono amplifiers, but each around twice the size (although this only makes them normal width and they’re still in a slimline profile.) This is a completely new design from Reference 20. which will be a big improvement on ST-10M and that will surpass Ref 20’s 420 watts per channel in power and resolution.
We hope to have the new ST10Ms here before the end of January and the Reference 20Es shortly afterwards. And offer generous trade in’s on existing NuForce and NuPrime models.
Reacquaint yourself with the NuPrime 10 products here.
We’ve continued to enjoy the new Monitor Audio Silver 6G 300s since we first posted the first full review of this model here. Just to show we’re not too far off the mark in our praise of these speakers, the Monitor Audio Silver 300 has received the prestigious Product of the Year award from The Absolute Sound at their High End Audio Product of the Year Awards.
The Silver 300s at home.
In their January 2018 issue, Robert Harley described the Silver 300 as having “a compelling array of musical virtues”. This included, “terrific speed on transients, effortless reproduction of dynamics, and overall sense of musical coherence.” The bass was also praised, with Robert saying it is “detailed and resolved, providing a clear sense of pitch”.
The full feature will be in The Absolute Sound: Issue #279.
Add this to the fourWhat Hi-Fi Product of the Year awardswhich they have just received for 2017 and it’s clear that these are speakers you should seeking out. We’ve had a number of enquires lately from our original Image pages – we liked these speakers a lot at the time and really felt there was a case for unconditional support of NZ made.
But the reality is that overseas specialists have upped the rate of development, producing better and better products which now eclipse them. That said – we still work with Gary Morrison and Ross Stevens at Pure Audio so if there is a niche for the local product we’ll be there. And it’s worth knowing that there is NZ input in products from Dynavector and the Well Tempered Turntables but these days it’s all about collaboration and going to where the best resources are.
Working from home has given me much more time to both listen and write. For analogue enthusiasts, you may have missed them the first time around but we’ve got new pages up on both the Well Tempered Simplex 2 turntable and the Dynavector cartridges. What has been most striking for me that with all the components and systems we’ve set up in our new home showroom, the improvements made over the run in period (let’s not tempt fate and call it burn in) have been greater than we’ve ever experienced before – and the time involved is also stretching out. It’s not that they aren’t sounding good from the outset – but that one, two or even three months down the track, were still getting moments where it’s become obvious that the sound quality has stepped up significantly from the previous days.
Our partnership with Keith Eichmann and his KLEI cable range has a lot to do with this. I never would have credited the scale of improvements made by these cables unless I’d heard it first had but every few weeks we get vindication in feedback from clients. We’re getting much greater transparency in all our systems because of this, and not only do the cables also have a well documented run in period of 300 hours or more, but they make the progress of all the other components in the system much more obvious. So if you combine the individual effects of each components and cable, by the time we look at a system as a whole, the concept of running in has gone from subtle to transformative – even on systems that we might have regarded as quite modest.
Aoraki from the ridge above Fox Glacier.
But enough of in-doors pursuits. It’s a much better summer than last and we aim to get out and about in this beautiful island over the next few months. I’ve just discovered Kā Huru Manu – The Ngāi Tahu Cultural Mapping Project. This fantastic site is dedicated to recording and mapping the traditional Māori place names and associated histories in the Ngāi Tahu rohe (tribal area). Place names are tangible reminders of history and values. They represent a significant symbol of the Ngāi Tahu historical association and relationship with the landscape.
My own knowledge of the history of Te Waipounamu has a massive hole in the middle – a degree in geology informed an understanding of the physical island and timespans of millions of years. And I, like many, grew up with a very conventionally edited story of our colonial history. To know where you are going, you have to learn about the ground you stand on and respect the people that came before you – Kā Huru Manu is the perfect place to start.
So that’s it from us for this year – we wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you in 2018.
