Pro-Ject is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality turntables and audio equipment.

Pro-Ject

6 PerspeX SB

The Cambridge Evo 150 DeLorean Edition is like a love letter to both tech enthusiasts and fans of retro-futuristic aesthetics. It packs a punch with its 150W per channel power, thanks to the Hypex NCore Class D amp tucked inside its chassis. This means it should have no trouble filling your room with sound, no matter what speakers you pair it with.

Its heart, a high-end ESS Sabre DAC, is pretty adept at handling a wide range of audio formats. This is good news for those who have their music collections in various digital formats because it promises to deliver clear and detailed sound across the board.

Connectivity-wise, this thing is pretty loaded. It caters to both the old school and the new with inputs for vinyl fans and a suite of wireless streaming options, including Bluetooth and support for streaming services like Spotify and Tidal. The large display and the dual-concentric dial make navigating through your music sources as straightforward as flipping through a magazine.

One of the cooler aspects is the device's design, directly inspired by the DeLorean car — yes, the one from "Back to the Future." It comes with interchangeable side panels, so you can switch up its look to match your mood or room decor. Plus, there’s an update coming that’ll add VU meters to the display, giving it that classic amp vibe in a digital format.

Priced at $3,199, it's not exactly pocket change, but for those looking to invest in a piece of equipment that doubles as a conversation starter while providing high-quality sound, it could be worth considering.

1_EVO_DELOREAN.png

4_EVO_DELOREAN.png

6_EVO_DELOREAN.png

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 DeLorean Limited Edition, 1000 Units Worldwide

Cambridge Audio is a brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality audio equipment.

Cambridge Audio

Weighing the Evo 150 DeLorean Edition's features against its price - is it worth the investment for audiophiles?


### Understanding High-End Audio: The 2.0 Channel Foundation

**Introduction to High-End Audio and the 2.0 Channel System**

High-end audio systems are revered for their ability to reproduce sound with exceptional clarity, depth, and fidelity. At the heart of many such systems is the 2.0 channel setup, which consists of two speakers - a left and a right. This configuration is a staple in the high-end audio world due to its simplicity and effectiveness in delivering a pure and uncolored soundstage.

**The Philosophy Behind 2.0 Channels in High-End Systems**

The preference for 2.0 channels in high-end setups is rooted in the pursuit of audio purity. With only two channels, the audio path is more direct, reducing the potential for signal degradation or interference that might occur in more complex setups. This simplicity ensures that the sound is as close to the original recording as possible, a key goal for audiophiles.

**Technical Aspects of 2.0 Systems**

In a 2.0 system, each speaker is responsible for reproducing a full range of frequencies. High-end speakers are typically designed with this in mind, featuring advanced drivers and enclosures that can handle low, mid, and high frequencies effectively. The absence of a subwoofer in these setups is not seen as a limitation but as a design choice that emphasizes precision over sheer power.

**The Role of Amplifiers in 2.0 Setups**

The amplifier in a 2.0 system is more than just a power source; it's the heart of the audio experience. High-end amplifiers are not merely about amplifying sound; they're about preserving the nuances and details of the audio. In 2.0 setups, such as those crafted by Pass Labs and McIntosh, the amplifiers are fine-tuned to deliver an unadulterated audio signal. This precision ensures that the stereo output retains the original quality of the recording, reflecting the artist's intent with utmost fidelity.

### The Role of Subwoofers: Introducing the 2.1 Setup

**The Basics of the 2.1 Setup**

Moving from a 2.0 to a 2.1 setup involves adding a subwoofer to the existing two speakers. This configuration aims to enhance the overall sound quality by reproducing the lower frequencies more effectively than most standard speakers can achieve. The subwoofer takes over the task of delivering deep bass, allowing the main speakers to focus on mid and high frequencies.

**Why Add a Subwoofer?**

The addition of a subwoofer is often seen as a logical step to achieve a more complete sound. In the discussion shared, audiophiles highlighted that even high-end speakers might struggle with the lowest frequencies. A subwoofer can fill this gap, ensuring that the audio spectrum is fully represented. This addition can lead to a more accurate and immersive listening experience, particularly in genres of music where bass plays a prominent role.

**Integrating a Subwoofer in High-End Systems**

Integrating a subwoofer into a high-end system requires careful consideration. Most high-end pre-amps, have a sub output, making it technically feasible to add a subwoofer. The subwoofer typically has its own amplifier, so it doesn’t require power from the main amplifier. This separation allows for more control over the bass levels and the overall balance of the sound.

**Subwoofers: Not Just for Home Theater**

There's a common misconception that subwoofers are primarily for home theater systems. However, as the conversation reveals, subwoofers have a place in music reproduction too. They aren’t just about adding power to the sound; they're about enriching the listening experience by accurately reproducing the full range of sound as intended in the recording.

### Evolving to 2.2: The Dual Subwoofer Approach

**Introduction to the 2.2 Setup**

The evolution from a 2.1 to a 2.2 system marks a significant step in enhancing the audio experience. In a 2.2 configuration, two subwoofers are paired with the traditional stereo speakers. This setup is gaining popularity among audiophiles for its ability to create a more balanced and immersive soundstage.

**Why Two Subwoofers?**

Adding two subwoofers instead of one can dramatically improve the distribution of bass frequencies within a room. The primary advantage is the reduction of bass 'dead spots' and the creation of a more uniform bass response throughout the listening area. This is particularly important in unevenly shaped rooms or spaces with challenging acoustics.

**Optimal Placement of Dual Subwoofers**

The placement of subwoofers in a 2.2 setup is critical. Contrary to the common practice of placing subwoofers next to the main speakers, audiophiles recommend experimenting with different locations in the room. The goal is to achieve a smooth bass response across the listening area. Techniques like distributed bass arrays are mentioned as effective methods to achieve this.

**Integrating Subwoofers with Main Speakers**

Integrating two subwoofers with the main speakers requires more than just physical placement. The conversation highlighted the importance of tuning the subwoofers to work in harmony with the main speakers. This involves adjusting crossover frequencies, phase settings, and volume levels to ensure a cohesive sound that doesn’t overpower or undermine the main speakers.

**Benefits of a 2.2 System**

The 2.2 system is not just about adding more bass; it's about enhancing the overall listening experience. Dual subwoofers can provide a more precise and controlled bass response, which is particularly beneficial for music genres with complex bass lines or deep, resonant tones. This setup can reveal subtleties in music that might be missed in a 2.0 or 2.1 system.

### Subwoofers and Vinyl Playback: An Analog Dilemma

**The Vinyl Resurgence and High-End Audio**

The resurgence of vinyl has brought a renewed focus on the analog listening experience. Vinyl enthusiasts often prefer setups that honor the warm, natural sound of analog recordings. However, integrating subwoofers into these systems presents unique challenges.

**Analog Purity vs. Bass Enhancement**

The primary concern in adding a subwoofer to a vinyl setup is maintaining the integrity of the analog signal. Vinyl listeners value the untouched, pure sound of their records. Introducing a subwoofer, especially in a digital format, can be seen as a compromise to this purity. It emphasizes finding a balance between enhancing bass frequencies and preserving the analog character of vinyl.

**Integrating Subwoofers in Vinyl Systems**

For vinyl systems, the integration of subwoofers needs to be handled delicately. The use of high-level connections, as suggested by some audiophiles, is a method to connect subwoofers to vinyl setups without converting the signal to digital. This approach can maintain the analog integrity while benefiting from the subwoofer’s bass extension.

**Choosing the Right Subwoofer for Vinyl**

Not all subwoofers are suited for vinyl playback. Selecting a subwoofer that complements the nuances of analog sound is crucial. Audiophiles recommend looking for subwoofers with a natural, uncolored sound that can accurately reproduce the lower frequencies without overwhelming the inherent qualities of vinyl recordings.

### High-End Amplifiers: Design Philosophies and Subwoofer Compatibility

**The Essence of High-End Amplifier Design**

High-end amplifiers represent a pinnacle of audio engineering, where the focus extends beyond mere functionality to achieving sonic perfection. Brands like Pass Labs and McIntosh embody this pursuit through their commitment to sonic clarity and detail. Their design philosophy steers away from adding complexity, like dedicated subwoofer channels, to maintain a pure, uncolored audio pathway. This approach underlines the belief that in high-end audio, less can often be more, prioritizing the quality of each component to ensure an exceptional listening experience.

**Why High-End Amplifiers Often Lack Dedicated Subwoofer Channels**

High-end amplifiers typically do not include dedicated subwoofer outputs because their design is rooted in traditional stereo audio principles. The aim is to deliver a pristine, uncolored sound, and the addition of a subwoofer channel is often seen as a deviation from this goal. However, this doesn't mean they are incompatible with subwoofers; it simply implies a different approach to integration.

**Integrating Subwoofers with High-End Amplifiers**

Integrating a subwoofer with these amplifiers usually involves using the pre-amp outputs or speaker-level outputs. The discussion suggests that most pre-amps have a sub output, and many subwoofers come with their own amplifiers, making this integration feasible. The key is to ensure that the subwoofer is complementing, not overpowering, the main speakers.

**Strategies for Subwoofer Integration**

To effectively integrate a subwoofer into a high-end 2.0 system, it's crucial to pay attention to aspects like crossover settings, phase alignment, and volume balancing. This ensures that the subwoofer works in harmony with the main speakers, enhancing the bass response without compromising the overall sound quality.

### Optimizing Your High-End System with Subwoofers

**Understanding Subwoofer Placement and Calibration**

Proper placement and calibration are essential for integrating subwoofers into a high-end audio system. The placement of subwoofers should be experimented with for optimal bass response. This might involve moving them around the room and adjusting settings until the bass feels evenly distributed and integrated with the speakers.

**The Benefits of Dual Subwoofers in High-End Systems**

Adding two subwoofers (a 2.2 setup) can address room-related bass inconsistencies and enhance the overall listening experience. The key is to ensure that they are properly positioned and calibrated so that they work together to provide a smooth and even bass response throughout the listening area.

**Subwoofer Selection for High-End Systems**

Choosing the right subwoofer for a high-end system is crucial. The subwoofer should be of high quality, capable of delivering clean, tight bass that complements the main speakers. It should match the system not just in terms of power but also in sonic character.

**Calibrating Subwoofers for Vinyl Playback**

For vinyl enthusiasts, calibration becomes even more critical. The goal is to ensure that the subwoofers enhance the bass frequencies while retaining the analog warmth and richness of vinyl. This might involve fine-tuning crossover frequencies and volumes to ensure a seamless blend with the analog sound.

**Conclusion**

Adding subwoofers to a high-end audio system, whether it's a 2.1 or a 2.2 setup, requires thoughtful consideration and careful setup. The goal is to enhance the listening experience by extending the bass response without detracting from the purity and integrity of the high-end system. With the right approach, subwoofers can be a valuable addition to any high-end audio setup.

high-end audio setup featuring a single subwoofer alongside premium speakers and an amplifier.png

Deciding on Subwoofer Use in High-End Audio Systems 2.1 or 2.2 Setup

Discover how adding a subwoofer in a 2.1 setup can enhance your audio experience with deeper, richer bass.

In a recent revelation, Norma Audio, an Italian company celebrated for its high-fidelity audio equipment, has announced the development of the A-DAC, a new discrete digital-to-analog converter. This innovative piece, crafted by engineer Enrico Rossi, incorporates several original solutions aimed at significantly elevating the sound quality beyond traditional integrated chip designs. The A-DAC is characterized by its symmetrical circuit with current output based on bipolar transistors and an absolute absence of feedback, proficiently handling I2S format and 24-bit/768 kHz PCM signals.

Norma Audio's approach to digital sound is profoundly rooted in the pursuit of an authentic 'analog' sound experience from digital sources. This philosophy stems from countless hours of comparing live unamplified music to its digitally reproduced counterpart, leading to the realization that digital sound often remains perceptibly 'artificial.' To tackle this, the company has delved deeply into every aspect of the digital chain. The result is a conviction that the answer lies not in digital technology itself but in its practical implementation. Norma Audio aims to create digital sources that resonate with the 'musical truth,' necessitating a harmonious blend of multiple critical elements, from digital processing and DAC typology to output stages, filtering, and power supply.

Looking ahead, Norma Audio promises to release several components in 2024 that will feature the A-DAC unit. This announcement has stirred anticipation among audiophiles and industry insiders alike, as the company is known for blending technological innovation with a distinct sound direction. The upcoming releases are expected to reflect Norma Audio's commitment to creating "digital-analog creations," offering an immersive and authentic listening experience that challenges the boundaries between digital precision and analog warmth.

413964858_872595178203181_1418016843079021267_n.jpg

412887779_872595034869862_2131688736793302831_n.jpg

Symmetry in Sound - Unveiling Norma Audio's A-DAC with Symmetrical Circuit Design

Norma Audio is an audio brand known for producing high-quality audio equipment.

Norma Audio

Experience the A-DAC's cutting-edge bipolar transistor technology, delivering a powerful and nuanced audio journey.

6 PerspeX SB

by Pro-Ject

Start a thread

Interesting articles

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 DeLorean Limited Edition, 1000 Units Worldwide

Deciding on Subwoofer Use in High-End Audio Systems 2.1 or 2.2 Setup

Symmetry in Sound - Unveiling Norma Audio's A-DAC with Symmetrical Circuit Design