Old school McIntosh and Bozak system Bi-amped Bozak B-4000 Symphony speakers with Mac 2205 and Mac 2105 controlled through Mac C-28 pre-amp. Mac MI-3 and Mac MR-77 FM tuner. Grace streaming radio and Fire 10 Spotify streamer. Dedicated 30 amp circuit and Monster HTS-3500 to turn equipment on/off. 

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Living room system

The McIntosh MC2205 is a solid-state amplifier that offers a power output of 200 watts per channel. It features an iconic chrome chassis designed by Ron Evans. The amplifier includes Power Guard technology, which prevents over-driving the speakers and ensures long-lasting performance. The device comes equipped with illuminated power meters, allowing users to monitor the output visually. The MC2205 was first introduced in the mid-1970s and has since been appreciated for its quality sound and build. Condition grades for the amplifier vary, with options ranging from excellent to fair condition, reflecting its age. Restoration services are often recommended to maintain its performance and aesthetic appeal. Users have praised its smooth and detailed audio reproduction, reminiscent of vintage sound characteristics, often describing it as non-fatiguing and natural with a hint of warmth typical of older amplifiers. The MC2205 is compatible with various audio systems and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audio enthusiasts, thanks to its robust engineering and sound quality.

MC2205

The McIntosh MC2105 is a classic solid state power amplifier that delivers a power output of 105 watts per channel into 8 ohms in stereo mode. Its frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 100kHz, which ensures deep bass and clear highs, contributing to an overall balanced sound profile. The total harmonic distortion (THD) is specified at 0.25%, allowing for high fidelity audio playback with minimal distortion. The MC2105 employs a damping factor of 13, which enhances its ability to control speaker movements, especially in bass-heavy music. With an input sensitivity of 0.5V and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB, this amplifier provides a robust and clear audio signal. The MC2105 is designed to handle speaker loads ranging from 4 ohms to 16 ohms, making it versatile for various speaker setups. It consists of 34 transistors and 18 rectifiers and diodes, indicating a solid build and reliability. Its physical dimensions are 16 x 7.1 x 14.5 inches, and it weighs approximately 65 lbs. This amplifier is often appreciated for its rich sound signature, characterized by deep, powerful bass, detailed highs, and smooth mids, making it a sought-after option for audio enthusiasts.

MC2105

The McIntosh C28 is a solid-state preamplifier that was manufactured between 1970 and 1978, with approximately 22,000 units produced. Its design is celebrated for its black and glass façade, featuring green back-lit control stenciling that has influenced audio design for decades. The C28 has been a popular choice for pairing with both solid-state amplifiers like the MC2505 and MC2105, as well as tube amplifiers such as the MC225 and MC240. It is equipped with several input options including two phono inputs, a tape head input, a microphone input, as well as high-level inputs for aux, tuner, and dual tape sources. The preamp also features a dedicated 20W headphone amplifier, multiple line and tape output options, and functionality for controlling two sets of speakers via the SCR-2 controller. The unit is designed for optimal usability with its top-mounted controls, making adjustments straightforward. Its craftsmanship and industrial design are considered exemplary in vintage audio components, often leading to admiration from both users and onlookers. Listening tests reveal its ability to convey complex soundscapes across various genres, cementing the C28's place as a historical piece with notable musicality and technical versatility. Its performance is characterized by defined spatial imaging and rich tonal qualities, making it suitable for music lovers seeking a vintage audio experience.

The McIntosh MR77 is a vintage stereo FM/AM tuner that is part of McIntosh's line-up from the 1970s. It features a distinctive design, characteristic of the McIntosh aesthetic, with blue meters and a glass front panel. The MR77 is known for its excellent reception capabilities and build quality. It employs advanced FM circuitry to provide clean and clear sound reproduction, making it desirable among audio enthusiasts. It includes features such as multiplex stereo demodulation, a multipath indicator to assist in tuning, and various mode selections for mono or stereo listening. The unit is generally appreciated for its ease of use and reliability, with many owners maintaining and repairing them over the years. In terms of specifications, the MR77 typically has signal-to-noise ratios that meet high standards for performance, offering a good blend of functionality and vintage charm. Users often customize their MR77s, such as replacing bulbs for the tuning indicators and other lights, leading to typical discussions on forums related to maintenance and troubleshooting specific issues like light functionality.

MR77

Showcased at the revered Munich High-End Show, the collaboration between Dynaudio and Simaudio introduces an exceptional audio system tailored for audiophiles. The setup features Dynaudio Confidence 60 speakers, lauded for their sonic accuracy and expansive soundstage, paired with two powerhouse components: the Simaudio Moon 891 Network Player and dual Moon 861 Power Amplifiers. This pairing promises an aural experience that captures every nuance of sound with striking clarity and depth. The Confidence 60 speakers, equipped with sophisticated driver technology and the Esotar3 tweeter, deliver an audio experience that is as pure as it is impactful.

At the core of this system, the Simaudio Moon 891 processes digital audio with unrivaled precision, while the dual Moon 861 amplifiers provide a robust and controlled output, ensuring an immersive listening experience with dynamic and detailed sound. Enhanced by Nordost Valhalla 2 Reference Speaker Cables and the QBASE power distribution system, the setup exemplifies the pursuit of sonic fidelity—delivering a performance that is not just heard but deeply felt, embodying the pinnacle of audio engineering celebrated at the Munich High-End Show.

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The Dynaudio Confidence 60 and Simaudio Moon Masterpiece at the Munich High-End Show

Nordost QBASE Reference

Nordost Valhalla 2

Ultimate performance. Ultimate quality. Ultimate innovation. Meet the flagship of Dynaudio’s most advanced speaker range. Sometimes size does matter. The Confidence 60, the flagship of the Confidence family, towers above the outgoing Confidence C4 model. It’s unashamedly big; it’s unselfconscious hi-fi royalty. And it sounds like nothing else you’ve heard. Pull up a chair.

While your ears are captivated by the Confidence 60’s astonishing power, scale, and detail, your eyes will probably be drawn to the single Esotar3 28mm soft-dome tweeter in the middle. Then the twin 15cm MSP midrange drivers with Horizon Surrounds. And, finally, to the two 23cm MSP NeoTec Woofers.

The drivers are all updated and they’re all part of the next generation of our innovative DDC (Dynaudio Directivity Control) sound-shaping technology platform. This focuses the sound waves radiating from the speakers into a tight vertical ‘beam’ that avoids reflections from floors and ceilings while maintaining a wide horizontal image. That means a bigger sweet spot on the couch, a happier audience, and the knowledge that you’re only hearing what the drivers are producing – and not what the room itself is bringing to the party.

The star of the show is the DDC Lens – a machined aluminium waveguide integrated into the precision Compex composite baffle. This ingenious part (the result of hundreds of hours of simulations, prototyping, and listening tests) works in conjunction with the baffle shape, the tweeter, and the midrange drivers (notice their Horizon Surround, also part of the system) and the woofers to focus sound waves where they need to go: you.

In fact, everything in the Confidence 60 is designed precisely for that purpose. Even the gasket that decouples the baffle from the cabinet and the screws that hold everything in place. The Esotar3 28mm soft-dome tweeter takes over 40 years of Dynaudio expertise, plus plenty of learnings from the development of the award-winning Esotar Forty unit – and rolls it all into the finest tweeter we’ve ever created. A powerful neodymium magnet system, innovations in airflow routing, the resonance-busting Hexis inner dome … it all combines to increase detail, clarity, and sensitivity.

The 23cm NeoTec MSP woofers also have neodymium magnets under the hood and use three layers of glass-fibre in their voice-coil formers for optimum stiffness. The voice coils themselves are copper, which provides extra moving mass for tighter, more powerful, and more controlled bass in this specific driver design. And the entire woofer motor has been designed to harness airflow using an innovative venting system that’s been machined directly into the magnet.

The Confidence 60’s MSP midrange drivers are a big departure from previous Dynaudio designs. They use a radical surround design – the Horizon – that follows the cone’s shape right to the edge of the driver. This reduces the surround’s first resonant mode to effectively increase the whole playing surface area and improve performance. They also sit flush with the baffle to reduce diffractions from the diaphragm and the adjacent tweeter.

Behind the scenes, the basket has been given a lightweight organic design – one that’s resulted from extensive topology-optimization simulations. It increases airflow, maintains its stability and rigidity, and reduces weight simultaneously without sacrificing performance. And it’s all finished in our trademark Danish-designed, furniture-grade cabinetry. Perfect performance, perfect quality.

Confidence 60

The Simaudio Moon 891 is a sophisticated stereo preamplifier and network streamer that exemplifies technical excellence and premium construction. Designed as part of the North Collection, it integrates advanced features and performance criteria that set a high standard in audio amplification. The 891 is equipped with six digital inputs, including one HDMI with ARC, and three analog inputs, which feature MM/MC phono stage capability. It also makes use of Simaudio's MiND2 module for streaming and the MDE-3 DAC technology for superior digital-to-analog conversion. The volume control utilizes the M-Ray2 technology, designed for precise adjustments. Notable design elements include the MDB MOON Damping Base, providing enhanced stability and isolation. The device comes with a BRM-1 intelligent remote control, an AC power cable, and product registration information. Its striking specifications include a frequency response of 2 Hz to 200 kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB, and total harmonic distortion + noise rated at 0.0003%. The preamplifier has a maximum line-level gain of 10 dB and features selectable phono input gain options. Built to accommodate both digital and analog sources without compromising audio fidelity, the Moon 891 represents a pinnacle of audio engineering.

The MOON 861 is a power amplifier designed with a focus on delivering high fidelity sound and impeccable performance. It features the advanced MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) technology, which removes global feedback to achieve audio purity. This amplifier is part of the North Collection and pays homage to the legacy of the MOON 888, encapsulating a sophisticated design philosophy that aims to provide the deepest soundstage and richest tonal characteristics. The high-efficiency power supply incorporates dual 1,500 VA low-noise MOON transformers and 228,000 µF capacitance to ensure stable thermal equilibrium, even under heavy load. It offers flexible operation modes, including a mono mode that allows the amplifier to output 800 watts into an 8-ohm load, and 300 watts per channel in stereo mode at 8 ohms, doubling to 600 watts at 4 ohms. The 861 also features a dual mono configuration and is equipped with a MOONLink technology for connectivity with other MOON products for system control and firmware updates. The product dimensions are 18.95 x 8.26 x 24 inches and it weighs approximately 125 lbs. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year warranty, emphasizing the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.

A classic Thorens 125 mk2 turntable with a Shure V15 Type V MR cartridge spins vinyl with heartfelt precision, capturing every nuance. This analog charm is amplified by the M A Cotter Co PSC2, ensuring a rich, detailed sound. The Geshelli Labs J2s DAC provides a digital counterpoint, offering crystal-clear audio decoding. A WIIM MINI streamer brings the boundless world of streaming into the mix, processed through a Dynaco PAS3 preamplifier for seamless integration. Powering the experience, VTL 100 Watt monoblocks push the limits of sound through Emotiva B2+ speakers, with the PS Audio Power Plant purifying the electric current, all culminating in a sanctuary where every note matters.

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Ride Between Analogue and Digital

Thorens is a brand that specializes in high-quality turntables and vinyl-related equipment.

Thorens

The Thorens TD 125 MK II is a turntable known for its exceptional engineering and performance. Introduced in the early 1970s, it features a solid plinth construction and a low resonance chassis, which helps to minimize vibrations that can affect sound quality. The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, encapsulated in its robust build and a clean aesthetic. It utilizes a belt-drive system that provides a higher level of speed stability and reduced noise compared to direct-drive systems. The TD 125 MK II comes equipped with a synchronous motor and offers 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speed settings. The platter is heavily damped and manufactured from high-quality materials, contributing to improved sonic clarity. Additionally, the turntable supports interchangeable tonearms, giving users the flexibility to customize their setup according to their audio preferences. Users appreciate its exceptional sound reproduction and the ability to upgrade components, enhancing its longevity and performance over time. Overall, the Thorens TD 125 MK II remains a significant model for vinyl enthusiasts looking for high-quality playback.

TD 125 MK II

WiiM is a brand that specializes in audio streaming devices aimed at enhancing home audio experiences. Their products often support high-resolution audio formats and various streaming services, providing users with versatile options for enjoying music and other audio content.

WiiM

The WiiM Mini is a compact streaming device designed to enhance audio playback in various settings. It supports multiple streaming services and protocols, enabling users to play music directly from their smart devices or through their home network. The device offers high-resolution audio support, which allows for playback at quality levels that cater to audiophiles. It typically connects to speakers or an existing audio system through a variety of outputs, including optical, coaxial, and RCA. The WiiM Mini often features built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless integration with home networks and facilitating wireless audio streaming. Further, it may support multi-room audio setups, providing versatility for users who wish to synchronize sound across multiple areas. Additionally, the device generally comes with a corresponding mobile application for easy control and configuration, and it may be compatible with voice control features through smart assistants.

Mini

Braun is a German brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing various consumer products. They are not specifically known for audio products.

Braun

The Braun L 800 is a lifting platform designed for mobility and accessibility solutions. It was part of a product series that has been discontinued since August 25, 2009. The L 800 features a functional design with specific measurements for efficient use. The width of the lifting platform in use is 74 cm, while the length is 92 cm, making it suitable for various spaces and applications. The product series includes a type identified as Braun Svinglift L 800 XV. There is no available test information regarding compliance with EU product safety regulations, and no details about CE-marking have been provided by the supplier. As a discontinued item, it may no longer be available through regular retail channels.

L 800

Emotiva is a brand that specializes in high-quality audio equipment.

EMOTIVA

The Airmotiv B2+ is a two-way bookshelf monitor loudspeaker designed for versatility in audio reproduction. It features a 32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter paired with a 6-1/2 inch woven fiber cone woofer, which together provide an impressive frequency response ranging from 40 Hz to 28 kHz (+3/-3 dB). With an efficiency rating of 86 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, the speaker can handle up to 125W of continuous power and peaks at 200W. The recommended amplifier power for the B2+ is between 50W and 300W per channel, making it adaptable to various audio systems. The rear ported cabinet is meticulously constructed from heavy-duty materials, including 25mm HDF for the front panel and 15mm for the sides and rear, enhancing durability and reducing unwanted vibrations. Its dimension measures 12-3/4 inches high, 8-1/2 inches wide, and 11-1/2 inches deep, and it weighs approximately 15.6 pounds. The removable, magnetically-attached black cloth grille adds both convenience and aesthetic appeal, allowing for easy cleaning and customization. The B2+ incorporates a precision crossover designed to optimize performance between the woofer and tweeter, using high-quality components for superior sound quality. With its refined design and technical specifications, the Airmotiv B2+ is an excellent choice for both two-channel audio systems and home theater setups.

Airmotiv B2+

M A Cotter specializes in premium audio solutions, focusing on high-fidelity sound reproduction and innovative designs that cater to audiophiles.

M A Cotter

M A Cotter M A Cotter PSC 2 appears to be a product from the M A Cotter brand, which specializes in audio equipment. The PSC 2 is characterized by its precision engineering and high-quality components aimed at delivering superior sound performance. Specifications typically include features like low distortion rates, wide frequency response, and compatibility with various audio systems. Designs may focus on both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency, making it appealing to audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. Users often highlight the robust build quality and attention to detail in the product's design, which contributes to its durability and performance reliability. It’s designed to work harmoniously with other high-fidelity audio components, enhancing overall listening experiences.

M A Cotter PSC 2

Dynaco was a brand associated with high-fidelity audio equipment, particularly amplifiers and speakers. The company gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s for its innovative designs and the use of high-quality components. Dynaco products were often praised for their performance and value, making them popular among audiophiles.

Dynaco

The Dynaco PAS 3 is a vacuum tube preamplifier that was first introduced in the 1960s. It is known for its lightweight design and use of a vacuum tube circuitry approach, providing a warm and rich sound character that is often appreciated by audiophiles. The unit features several inputs and outputs, accommodating various audio sources and playback devices. It is designed to work with power amplifiers, allowing users to tailor their audio setups. The PAS 3 comes equipped with tone control features, allowing adjustments to bass and treble frequencies to suit personal listening preferences. The build quality reflects the era's aesthetic with its minimalist and functional design. In terms of specifications, it typically operates on a power supply of 120V AC, the frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz, and it has a nominal input impedance of around 100k ohms. The output impedance is designed to be compatible with a wide array of amplifiers, making it versatile for different configurations. The PAS 3 also supports the use of phono inputs, making it suitable for vinyl playback, as well as other line-level sources.

Dynaco PAS 3

PS Audio is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, DACs, preamps, and power conditioners. They are known for their innovative and performance-driven products.

PS Audio

The PS Audio P10 Power Plant is a power regeneration unit designed to enhance the quality of AC power supplied to high-end audio systems. By taking the AC from standard wall outlets, it converts it to DC and then regenerates it as a perfectly regulated sine wave. This unit addresses various power issues, such as voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and noise, simulating high-quality power akin to a massive amplifier that can deliver high currents when required. The P10 features a touchscreen display that includes an integrated oscilloscope and total harmonic distortion (THD) meter, with adjustable output voltage settings. It provides a total output of 1,500 watts (1,500 VA) across 10 AC outlets, grouped into five isolated zones, allowing it to handle heavy loads, including large amplifiers. The device is equipped with advanced waveform options such as 'MultiWave' and 'CleanWave', designed to optimize the performance of connected audio equipment. The MultiWave function increases the energy storage capacity by extending the peak charging time, while CleanWave aids in demagnetizing transformers, ensuring cleaner audio output. Weighing over 30 kg, the P10 is built robustly and is available in both silver and black finishes.

Power Sonic

Geshelli Labs specializes in producing high-fidelity audio equipment, particularly focused on headphone amplifiers and DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters). The brand is known for its clean design aesthetics and aims to deliver high-quality sound reproduction while remaining affordable.

Geshelli Labs

The Geshelli Labs J2S is a compact, high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for audio enthusiasts and professionals seeking high fidelity sound reproduction. It features a sleek, minimalistic design with a robust aluminum chassis, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The device supports various digital formats, offering seamless connectivity options including USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, making it versatile for different audio setups. The J2S is equipped with high-quality components that contribute to its superior audio performance, providing a transparent sound profile and dynamic range that caters to discerning listeners. Additionally, the DAC supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768kHz, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio files and formats. The output options typically include both balanced and unbalanced outputs, allowing for flexible integration into various audio systems.

Shure is recognized for its microphones, wireless systems, and headphone products, which cater to a wide range of users, from musicians to broadcasting professionals. The brand is acclaimed for its robust build quality and sound fidelity, making its products popular in both live performance and studio settings. Shure is also known for its industry-standard products, such as the SM58 and SM57 microphones.

Shure

The Shure V15 V-MR is a moving magnet phono cartridge that is favored for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction. It features an advanced design and was part of Shure's V15 series, which is recognized for high performance in vinyl playback. The V15 V-MR is equipped with a Micro-Ridge stylus, which provides excellent tracking ability and reduced distortion. Its frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. The cartridge has a nominal output voltage of 3.5 mV and an internal impedance of 1,200 ohms. Compliance is rated at 20 x 10^-6 cm/dyne, which helps in aligning with various tonearms. Another characteristic of the V15 V-MR is its relatively low tracking force, typically set between 1.0 and 1.5 grams. This allows for greater record preservation and enhances the listening experience by minimizing groove wear. The cartridge is compatible with a broad range of turntables and is appreciated for its rich mids and refined treble response.

Ride Between Analogue and Digital

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The Dynaudio Confidence 60 and Simaudio Moon Masterpiece at the Munich High-End Show