PBN is great, but what about FM Acoustics?

December 31, 2009

To Garrett Hongo,

I write to you from Denmark and I am the lucky owner of the PBN Mini-Olympia and Olympia-L that you tested in May 2008. I tell you those amps beat everything I ever had in my system regardless of price, and I’ve had a lot of equipment through the years: Burmester, MBL, Classé, ML, Vitus, Gryphon, Gamut, and even BAlabo (too expensive). The PBN AX is better than BAlabo. But have you ever heard the new amps from FM Acoustics? People say they sound very good, but I don’t know. I really hope to hear from you Mr. Hongo.

Kind regards from Denmark,

Michael Bladt

I’m so glad you’re enjoying those two PBN electronic components -- I agree with you!

I have heard an FM Acoustics 411 stereo amp, but I’m not a follower of that line, sorry to say. When I heard it, it was with a BAT preamp, Dynaudio monitor speakers, and a BAT CDP. The sound was dynamic, detailed, smooth, grainless, and resolving. All one could ask for really. And I played some tough music -- a 20-voice choir singing Thomas Tallis’s "Spem in Alium." That performance was on a Sony CD by the Huelgas Ensemble on a disc entitled Utopia Triumphans. It was my "crusher" track that I play once a system impresses me. This one certainly did. . . . Garrett Hongo

Wilson and Magico: old versus new?

December 21, 2009

Editor,

It seems like Magico, being the new kid on the block, is garnering more attention than many of the older, more established speaker brands such as Wilson. I hardly hear anything about the new Sasha speakers, for example, but am hearing more and more about the new Magico models, especially their new Q series. Are these new Magicos that good, or is it a case of just "new" being what people are talking about?

Steve

There is no question that people like talking about what’s new and hot. Audiophiles have always done this and there has always been a tendency to jump on the bandwagon, especially when a new company seems hot.

I’ve always tried to take the middle ground. I would not ignore what the older, more established companies are producing. Many of them have good track records and their latest offerings might be their best. However, I would also investigate the new guy. Sometimes groundbreaking products come from the newcomer, where fresh ideas and a sense of invention rule the day. As for Magico and Wilson, if I were in the market for one of these speakers there are certainly places you can hear them -- perhaps not side by side, but maybe at least within the same town. Listen and pick what you like best. I’d not let the age of the company sway me too much either -- both of these companies are likely to be around tomorrow to service what they sell. . . . Jeff Fritz  

No complaints here . . .

December 11, 2009

Editor,

I was thoroughly surprised when I saw that your December 1st posting was the new 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide. I just loved going through the listings, even for the components that I have no interest in. "The gist" in some cases was quite funny, particularly the one accompanying the Sherwood DVD player. I couldn’t agree more! I would like to add one if I may: you could call the Paradigm Signature Sub 2 "Kitou," which is a six-eyed cartoon monster. That fits perfectly! Thanks again for the wonderful new feature.

Ada

Complaints . . .

December 9, 2009

Editor,

I could not help but be drawn in by the title of your latest think piece, "Addressing a Complaint." I normally don’t read those, as I stick to the equipment reviews mostly, and then only if it is a product that interests me. But when I read the article I could not help but be glad that your mum raised the issue and your company addressed it. The SoundStage! Network site is very good indeed and it does improve greatly on the ability to find what you are looking for. The 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide is a nice addition, though I would like to see it cover even more products. I was particularly amused by some of the comments that I read in there. Overall, very nice indeed. Hopefully you will only get compliments now, and can be done with the complaints!

Nigel