Jim Clements

Pro-Ject Xtension 10 Superpack Turntable System

Jim Clements

This beautiful turntable from Pro-Ject Audio Systems is dubbed the Xtension 10. This new model is a smaller version of the highly acclaimed Xtension 12. Pro-Ject retained most of the design features of the Xtension 12 to include a built-in precision speed control, a balanced sandwich platter, adjustable magnetic feet and a precision inverted ceramic main bearing. The over-designed Xtension 10 weighs in at a healthy 48-1/2 lbs net! It comes with a heavy record clamp and acrylic dust cover included.

TurntablesTurntables

SVS SB13-Ultra Subwoofer

Jim Clements

The SVS SB13-Ultra powered subwoofer features a 13.5" driver with 50mm peak excursion.  It is driven by a 1,000 watt RMS Class D amplifier (3,600 watts peak).  This amp has a dual band parametric equalizer and a unique limiter circuit that retains dynamic shadings even when pushed hard.  The sub is a sealed box design with tight and clean bass.  In fact, my nearfield (1 foot) THD+N measurements were all under 0.33% from 28 - 100Hz at 100dB!

Subwoofers

Funk LAP-2.V3 Preamplifier

Jim Clements

It is becoming increasingly popular for high end audio buffs to use pro studio gear in their home systems. This preamp from a German manufacturer that makes pro gear is in keeping with this trend. As a matter of fact...

Preamplifiers

Definitive Technology AW 6500 Outdoor Speakers

Jim Clements

Today's consumers have lots of choices to fill their home with music inside and out. I, for one, have a rapidly growing digital music library and I've been on a quest to find better ways to enjoy this music while in the great outdoors ("My Backyard"). Definitive Technology's AW 6500 might just be the answer.

Bookshelf Speakers

Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2012 Show Report

Jim Clements

 It is that time of year again in the beautiful Rocky Mountains for one of the best shows for all of us AUDIOPHILES!....The Rocky Mountain Audio Fest for 2012!  I am on my way to Denver and am going to have to move quickly, to see as many of the many, many exhibitors this year at the Marriott Tech Center Hotel and other venues in Denver's Tech Center. Show report begins on Friday and continues over the weekend.......do check back for the latest images and info...Jim Clements, Senior Editor, SECRETS.

Show Reports, Film Festivals and Concerts

Audeo PFE 232 Earphones

Jim Clements

Audeo was founded in 2008 as a subsidiary to the Swiss corporation, Phonak, which is the largest maker of hearing aid systems in the world. Audeo was formed with the simple goal of becoming the worldwide leader for high end in-ear monitors (IEM's) by 2016. Here is a review of their model PFE 232, which are classified as earbuds.

Headphone and Earphone Reviews

Rega RP3 Turntable

Jim Clements

The 3 series of Rega turntables is probably one of the best-selling turntable lines in the history of the world. Will this new model be able to sustain the momentum Rega has going for them?

TurntablesTurntables

Aperion Verus Forte Home Theater Speaker System

Jim Clements

The history of Aperion Audio goes all the way back to the turn of the Century, the 21st Century that is. That is a fairly long history for an Internet-Direct audio company. Staying in business that long, selling direct on-line, implies that the products are good. And, they are. Reviewed here is the Aperion Verus Forte speakers, which are in a home theater configuration.

Surround Sound Speaker Systems

SME 309 Tonearm

Jim Clements

SOTA is a turntable manufacturer headquartered in the Chicago area. They have been around for more than 30 years. SOTA's current management team of Kirk and Donna Bodinet took over the manufacturing and servicing operation in 1997. They manufacture a total of nine turntable models as well as a very popular LP Cleaning Machine. The model under review here is the Nova.

TurntablesTurntables

SOTA Nova Turntable

Jim Clements

SOTA is a turntable manufacturer headquartered in the Chicago area. They have been around for more than 30 years. SOTA's current management team of Kirk and Donna Bodinet took over the manufacturing and servicing operation in 1997. They manufacture a total of nine turntable models as well as a very popular LP Cleaning Machine. The model under review here is the Nova.

TurntablesTurntables

Energy Veritas V-6.3 Speakers (5.1 System)

Jim Clements

Energy speakers have been around since 1973. They came into prominence with the Pro 22 and later with the Veritas v2.8 speakers which were a big hit in the mid 90's. At an MSRP of around $6,000, the Veritas v2.8's were known for an excellent price/performance ratio.  Here, I'll review their latest iteration of the Veritas line, the V-6.3's in an all-Veritas 5.1 system!

Surround Sound Speaker Systems