This month’s issue delivers in-depth reviews of the latest in high-fidelity audio, from integrated amplifiers and bookshelf speakers to wall-mounted systems and prototype designs. As the industry marks milestones-like Advance paris’ 30th anniversary-manufacturers continue to refine and innovate, evidenced by a resurgence in technologies like Super Audio CD. The following pages offer expert assessments and insights for audiophiles seeking to optimize their listening experience.
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ON THE COVER:
Advance Paris A8 APEX 30th edition – A truly versatile performer
To mark its 30th anniversary, Advance Paris is releasing four commemorative models: three integrated amplifiers and a CD player. Two of the amplifiers, the A10 APEX and A12 APEX, are evolutions of existing models with improved technology and a more luxurious aesthetic. The A8 APEX, however, is a completely new development and the subject of this review. The continued refinement of audio equipment demonstrates the enduring appeal of high-fidelity sound.
TESTED
Monitor Audio Bronze 300 7G – An exceptionally good performer
As winter approached, I received a pair of floor-standing speakers from Monitor Audio for review: the Monitor Audio Bronze 300 7G, with the ‘7G’ denoting the seventh generation of the Bronze Series. The 300 is the flagship model in this line. This seventh generation incorporates technology developed for the higher-end Gold and Silver Series, bringing several improvements in design and engineering to the affordably priced Bronze Series. How does this accessible high-performance model perform in real-world conditions?
DALI EPIKORE 7 – Absolute flagship model for typical living rooms
The EPIKORE speakers, which DALI introduced as a new top-of-the-line series above the older Epicon family, represent the culmination of the Danish company’s high-end ambitions. Packed with technology from the KORE flagship, the smaller EPIKORE 7 floor-standing speaker, in particular, promises to deliver DALI’s best audio performance to your living room. The pursuit of superior audio quality continues to drive innovation in home entertainment.
Leema Acoustic iD85 prototype – A promising amplifier on the horizon
It’s always fascinating to witness the development of beautiful hi-fi components. Often, a long period precedes market introduction, sometimes even years. Those years are filled with research and development, selecting and testing the best possible electronic components, and, finally, physical design and building the first prototypes. From that point on, ears become more important than measuring equipment. After all, as a manufacturer, you also want to realize your own, recognizable sound characteristics for the public. It was a unique opportunity, then, when a Leema Acoustics iD85 integrated amplifier prototype arrived in my test room. And particularly noteworthy: the final production version will be covered in a future issue, allowing us to follow this development process closely.
Canton Atelier OnWall 9 – Discreet wall speakers for exciting TV sound
Canton’s updated Atelier line consists of speakers that can be built-in. But there are also variants that can be mounted on the wall, which is a very intriguing way to enhance your television with two real hi-fi speakers – which are also very discreet.
Atoll ST300 Signature, PR300 Evolution & AM300 – Friendly and well-mannered Frenchmen
Atoll Électronique is a French hi-fi manufacturer founded in 1997 by brothers Stéphane and Emmanuel Dubruiel. Since its inception, the Normandy-based company has been manufacturing high-quality, uncompromisingly designed audio components. I received three beautiful hi-fi components from Atoll via importer Viertron for review. Do they perform as neatly as they look? Read on to find out.
Akiko Audio Corelli Corundum – Let the music flow!
Akiko is the name of a princess from the Japanese imperial family. A popular name in Japan meaning ‘noble child’ or ‘radiant child.’ You might assume Akiko Audio comes from the Land of the Rising Sun. But that’s not the case; Akiko Audio is the brainchild of two honorable Dutchmen, Marc Van Berlo and his son Sander. The brand’s name reflects a commitment to delivering a refined and elegant listening experience.
Arendal Sound 1528 Bookshelf 8 – Big is better
The Bookshelf 8 is the junior model in Arendal Sound’s ambitious 1528 top-of-the-line series from Norway. Well, ‘junior’… Don’t be fooled, this is a surprisingly robust bookshelf speaker that promises high-end performance on par with a regular floor-stander. And all at a price that, according to the manufacturer, is very fair. The trend towards larger bookshelf speakers suggests a demand for powerful sound in smaller spaces.
Report
Beeld & Geluid – Wondering
What preceded the now well-known Dutch Audio Event in our country was the so-called Firato. A very large trade fair for consumer electronics, read radio, television and the like, which in its later years – I believe the last real Firato was held in 1998 – took place in the Amsterdam RAI. There, visitors – and who dear reader can still remember?, hordes of visitors sometimes with shopping carts – would browse the numerous stands of major exhibitors such as Philips, Sony, Technics, Yamaha and many other well-known names to collect brochures and, of course, take note of all the news in the field of consumer electronics.
PRODUCTNEWS
Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30 – Marantz expands home-theater line
DALI SONIK – Affordable speakers get high-end tech
INTERVIEW
Ton Koopman – “Bach until proven otherwise”
The interviews with musicians, bands and ensembles form a series. A search for the inner world of the musician. Why and how are these artists engaged with music? What moves them? What is life like as an artist? How do you become known? Can you make a living from it? How do you deal with the public? Where does that deep love of music come from? How do you select or write music? Part 21 of this quest is about Ton Koopman, a leading Bach scholar and musicologist, but also a performing musician, scientist, teacher, composer and holder of many positions.
THE DEALER
Orchestral Audio Wijchen – Exciting Discovery
Since I started in 2003, I have regularly been writing reports about intriguing hi-fi shops. Despite the fact that the retail landscape has come under considerable pressure in recent years, fortunately there are still new parties motivated to take on such a challenge. For this story, I take you to Sterrenbos 11, located in Wijchen, Gelderland. In a beautiful, authentic shop, Marc van der Zweep (57), John Somberg (67) and recently also Daan Husson (40) warmly welcome you and take you to their completely self-designed hi-fi paradise.
COLUMN: The importance of a tip
BACKGROUND
Super audio cd back in the spotlight – Hi-fi enthusiasts are buying SACD players again
We now know that the old CD (Red Book 44.1 kHz worldwide standardization), like vinyl, is experiencing a revival. Billions have been produced, and they are available second-hand for little money. New CDs sound much better these days, thanks to better 48 kHz recording techniques, and are being produced in large numbers in all genres. Many new CD players are appearing, all sounding better than the previous generation thanks to improved electronics and lasers. In the wake of this development, something special is happening: more and more critical hi-fi enthusiasts are finding their way back to SACD and enjoying the high resolution of the beautiful DSD64 format. They are buying SACD players again! The feeling of owning a physical, high-quality SACD collection instead of a streaming list on the computer also plays a role.
REVIEWS: Music tips Theo Ruud Jonker – Various (sa)cd/lp reviews
View the full table of contents below, and browse publications that have appeared on FWD.nl/audio/ from Music Emotion.
