Well, the end of summer is close at hand and what a beautiful season itâs been! I hope that all of you have taken advantage of the glorious weather and basked in the radiance of the outdoors for the past four months. It will soon be time to put away our outdoor toys and start thinking about firing up our indoor toys for the forecasted long, hard winter ahead. Top priority should, of course, be given to tweaking up the old audio system. Whether it be with a set of Black Diamond cones under your front end, or a new pair of Von Schweikert VR6 speakers, you owe yourself some perks for the next six months that youâll spend working, and waiting for the sun to shine.

We welcome the return of the Consumer Electronics Expo to Toronto this fall. The show will once again be held at the Ramada Inn on the Don Valley Parkway at the 401. Consumer days will be Saturday September 26th (10am - 9pm) and Sunday September 27th (10am - 6pm). Weâve got a star-studded cast lined up to greet you in our suite of rooms. Gilbert Yeung, designer and owner of Blue Circle Audio will be there to demo and discuss his new BC 2000 mono-block amps ($22,000 per pair) and BC 3000 pre-amp ($7250). Reknowned loudspeaker designer Albert VonSchweikert will also be in attendance to demonstrate his remarkable VR4 Gen II loudspeaker ($4000 US) and his awesome VR6 ($12,500 US), a real Wilson Watt/Puppy killer, for a lot less money. Gilbert Yeung has graciously donated a Blue Circle BC84 power line conditioner to be given away as a door prize, and all we ask in return is for you to relinquish your name and address so we can update our growing mailing list.

I must apologize for not keeping in touch and getting another newsletter out sooner, but weâve been hard at work developing and updating our new website. We still intend to mail out a quarterly newsletter but those of you with internet access will be able to catch the latest A.A. news on our site, which is updated bi-weekly. Many thanks to webmaster Fergus Young for creating and maintaining our website!

NEW STUFF from...

AUDIBLE ILLUSIONS

Tube guru Art Ferris has done it again, creating another essential pre-amp upgrade. This time itâs the L1 linestage undergoing a revamp. The newly designated L2 will now feature remote controlled volume and mute functions. The L2 has also gained a separate processor loop for those who wish to integrate a video system but are not prepared to compromise their two-channel, hi-end audio system. Of course, while Art was tinkering he also came up with some internal modifications to further enhance the performance of his linestage. Upgraded caps and components and dual stepped attenuators are just a few of these new improvements. Alas, the L2 is so chock full of new goodies that the Audible Illusions headphone amp is now deleted!
I still canât rave enough about the latest Modulus 3A pre-amp!!!
With dual-mono design and stepped pots, this pre-amp is smooooth.
The new version of the Mod3A still holds a revered place in Michael Fremerâs reference review system (Fremerâs "Analogue Corner" appears monthly in Stereophile magazine). Also, check out the superlatives that Andrew Chasin of Audiophilia on-line magazine heaps upon the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A: www.audiophilia.com [Other products reviewed in this fine publication include: Celeste/Moon W5 amp; VPI Aries turntable; and the Black Diamond carbon fibre record clamp]

ALCHEMIST

The entire line of Alchemist integrated amps has undergone an internal upgrade: beefed-up power supplies, better caps, etc. The Kraken MkII at 55 watts, Class "A" design, is still the most smokinâ little amp in the whole line up. Issue #52 of V.H.F. magazine featured a great review of the Nexus CD player. With its gold and silver appointments and dual differential balanced output DACâs, the Nexus provides killer digital playback for a reasonable $1595.

BLACK DIAMOND RACING

Black Diamondâs newest contribution to high-end tweaks is the Pits. Yes, thatâs what theyâre called - the Pits are 2" square mini-versions of The Shelf, with an indentation in the middle of each for the racing cones to sit in. Originally designed to de-couple the midrange treble head from the woofer enclosure on the VR6 and VR8 loudspeakers, the Pits are now available at $235 for a set of three.

BLUE CIRCLE

The new BC 3000 linestage pre-amp was getting serious attention at Hi-Fi Î98 in L.A. Stereophileâs own Jonathan Scull was so impressed by this all-tube, hand-wired pre-amp that he has requested a review sample for a future article. Look for Blue Circleâs latest monster amps in our listening rooms at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Expo (Suite 318, in case you forgot :) The four chasis BC 2000 is the statement version of the BC2 amps, featuring upgraded parts and outboard power supplies which float on a self-levelling sprung suspension. Iâm sure they will sound awesome driving the 96dB VR 6 speakers... Two other new Blue Circle products will also be available by the end of September: a new budget tube pre-amp: the BC 21 ($1600), and the solid state BC 23 mm/mc phono stage ($1400). I should also remind all you BC 3 pre-amp owners out there that the BCG 3.1 power supply upgrade is an essential upgrade to your system...

For more Blue Circle info, check out their web-site at http://www.bluecircle.com

Keep up the excellent work, Gilbert!!!!

CARDAS

Hi-Fi Î98 in L.A. premiered the new Neutral Reference interconnect. As the name implies, this cable is absolutely neutral with no sonic signature of its own. Once again, 95% of the rooms I visited at Hi-Fi Î98 used Cardas cabling throughout; either the Gold Cross or the Neutral Reference - quite an endorsement!

CELESTE / SIM AUDIO

Sim Audio have recently released thier long-awaited theater amps: the HT 3, a three-channel 120 watt amp priced at $2995, and the HT 5, a five-channel 120 watt amp that sells for $3995. Both of these amps have the unmistakable sonic signature of their two-channel audio siblings, providing the perfect match for the E.A.D. processors mentioned on the next page.

Also new from Sim Audio is their affordable 80 watt integrated amp: the I - 5080. This amp comes complete with a processor loop, pre-amp out, and remote control, and retails at $1549.

The latest word on the new Moon CD player has a release date of mid-October. This unit will be a top-loader with outboard power supply, using the same chasis as the popular Moon I-5 integrated amp. It will be equiped with the latest Burr Brown D.A.C., which has a 24 bit 96 kHz sampling rate, and will feature HDCD decoding. At a retail price of $4995 Canadian, this revolutionary player should totally "Eclipse" anything else on the market today.

CLASSE

Classe Audio has recently replaced their highly regarded CAP 100 integrated amp with the more powerful CAP 150 (150 watts per channel). Same great sound, same great price ($2695), but 50 watts more slam!

ENLIGHTENED AUDIO DESIGN

E.A.Dâs new line of Theater Master processors is a surround sound dream come true, featuring Dolby Digital (AC 3), Pro-Logic and DTS. The full-function programmable remote control includes an auto set-up feature which provides automatic calibration of speaker delays and automatic speaker level balancing. On top of all that, these processors look great, with their gleaming platinum-finished faceplates. Prices start at just $3900 for the Encore, $6300 for the Ovation (featuring HDCD), and $9500 for the Signature model. The Encore and Ovation may be upgraded to the next level at any time for the price difference between the models. In a rapidly changing digital world, you are thus insuring yourself against obsolesence...

MERLIN

Congrats once again on another successful show appearance to Bobby Palkovic and his Merlin VSM SE loudspeaker. The SEs were weaving their magic in the Merlin / Blue Circle room at Hi-Fi Î98. The system consisted of Resolution Audioâs CD50 (a 24 bit, HDCD, one-box CD player), the Blue Circle BC 3000 linestage, and two BC 6 single-ended 25 watt amps, vertically bi-amping a pair of drop-dead gorgeous midnight-blue Merlin VSM SEs. The cabling was Cardas throughout: Neutral Reference interconnects with Gold Cross speaker cables. The relaxing ambience of this room drew me back every couple of hours, to rest and cleanse my auditory senses from the din and clatter going on in some of the other rooms.

MERLIN

Congrats once again on another successful show appearance to Bobby Palkovic and his Merlin VSM SE loudspeaker. The SEs were weaving their magic in the Merlin / Blue Circle room at Hi-Fi Î98. The system consisted of Resolution Audioâs CD50 (a 24 bit, HDCD, one-box CD player), the Blue Circle BC 3000 linestage, and two BC 6 single-ended 25 watt amps, vertically bi-amping a pair of drop-dead gorgeous midnight-blue Merlin VSM SEs. The cabling was Cardas throughout: Neutral Reference interconnects with Gold Cross speaker cables. The relaxing ambience of this room drew me back every couple of hours, to rest and cleanse my auditory senses from the din and clatter going on in some of the other rooms.

PSB

Paul Barton has been busy lately with two new subwoofer models and the newest addition to the Stratus speaker series: the floor-standing Stratus Bronze, priced at an affordable $1200. Youâll find an excellent review of the Bronze in the July/98 issue of Stereophile.

TOTEM

Totem was another stand-out at Hi-Fiâ98, once again featuring the excellent Arro loudspeakers. Visitors to the Totem / Sim Audio room were surprised to hear an enveloping wall of sound produced by these small, slender, column speakers, effeciently driven by a Sim Audio / Moon I-5 integrated amplifier.

VON SCHWEIKERT RESEARCH

Did I mention that weâre very excited about Albert Von Schweikertâs appearance in our suite at the Consumer Electronics Expo? Well - we are! This will give you the opportunity to meet the man himself and discuss his revolutionary new concepts in loudspeaker design. Having met Albert before, I can assure you that he will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have for him.

In his quest to make the VR4 more physically appealing, Albert has also taken the opportunity to tweak and tighten-up the performance of this immensely popular speaker. For an in-depth review of the VR4 Gen IIâs, check out the Soundstage site at http://www.soundstage.com

!!!While writing this newsletter, I received a fax from Damon Von Schweikert announcing the release of the first model of a new line of speakers, featuring all-wood veneered cabinets. The VM-2 is a monitor-style speaker, with a 5.5" carbon fibre woofer and a 1" aluminium dome tweeter housed in a gorgeous cabinet with a dark red or natural light cherry veneer. Priced at $1520 US, and reaching depths of 50 Hz, this speaker should give our other mini-monitors a run for their money!!!

V.P.I.

Yes, the season for gardening, cutting the lawn, cleaning the pool, etc., will soon be over, and what better pastime to replace all these activities with than cleaning all that great vinyl youâve been picking up for 25 cents at garage sales!?! Weâve just got in a new stock of V.P.I. HW 16.5 record cleaners and accessories to help you get the most out of your record collection.

V.T.L.

Indisputably the most impressive sound at Hi-Fi Î98 came from the V.T.L. / Martin Logan suite. The massive six-piece Martin Logan Statement speakers were being tri-amped by three pairs of the thermionic V.T.L. 1250 watt /ch. Wotan mono-block amps. This demonstration was awe-inspiring, with an expansive field of sound - simply breath-taking!

HI-FI '98

Iâve mentioned most of the highlights of this event already, but I should also give kudos to Canorus and Gallo Acoustics, both of whom acheived impressive results in their respective rooms. Steve Lee of Canorus was spell-binding as ever, demo-ing his new Nagra MPA 250 watt solid-state amplifier, fronted by the Nagra PLP phono / pre-amp and Immedia turntable, and terminating in the Wilson Watt / Puppy V loudspeakers. Digital duties were being handled by the DCS Elgar D/A converter and Nagra tape deck. Gallo Acoustics was also making great sounds with their new baseball-sized Mini speakers and soccer-ball sized sub. Cute!

For a more comprehensive report of this event, click on http://www.soundstage.com

SOFTWARE REVIEWS

Acetone (Vapor Records) (HDCD)

This is no-frills rock: guitar, bass, drums, and soft, lazy vocals creating a very mellow and melancholy atmosphere, reminiscent at times of the Cowboy Junkies and the more sedated and understated moments of the Velvet Underground. Crystal-clear production will draw you deep into Acetoneâs songs of lost love and lost faith. Thereâs a few up-tempo numbers to keep you awake but the most powerful tracks are the ones thatâll make you feel like crying yourself to sleep. Might as well just stay in bed today... (Rich)

Afro-Cuban All-Stars "A Toda Cuba le Gusta" (World Circuit/Nonesuch)

Another toe-tappinâ, get-up-out-of-your-seat-and-mambo album, released in the same series as the "Beuna Vista Social Club" reviewed last-issue. Ry Cooder is absent from this one however, and the result is more indicative of the Cuban musical traditon, unadulterated and irresistable. Chock-full of fantastic rhythms and melodies from eighty-year old pianist Ruban Gonzalez and a host of percussionists, this is a must for diversifying your record collection. (Mike)

Patricia Barber "Modern Cool" (Premonition)

The sequel to "Cafe Blue", this disc features the haunting vocals and piano stylings that weâve come to expect from Barber, along with the unexpected addition of trumpet on some of the tracks. Not quite as airy or spacious as its predecessor, this disc still manages to send shivers down my spine. Just check out her version of "You and the Night and the Music" - goosebump city, man! Well worth adding to your collection if you enjoy quietly progressive jazz. (Mike)

Dave's True Story "Sex Without Bodies" (Chesky)

A light, airy, and fun album of mellow jazz created by vocalist Kelly Flint, guitarist David Cantor, and a number of guest musicians. Recalling the days of goatees, bongos, and black turtle-necks, this is a complete departure from Cheskyâs usual boring fare, but unfortunately there is also an uncharacteristic sonic failing on this recording - an annoying hiss is laid on-top of the tracks. This is a 24/96 digital recording, so was this an attempt to make this recording sound authentically dated... or just really bad production? (Mike)

Lisa Gerrard and Pieter Bourke "Duality" (WEA)

Lisa Gerrard, of Dead Can Dance fame, joins forces here with fellow Aussie Pieter Bourke, one half of the electronic duo Soma. Gerrardâs distinctive voice takes center stage and Bourkeâs influence seems quite subtle, sometimes undetectable. Even when he provides a rhythmic backdrop for Lisaâs echoing vocals, youâll still think youâre listening to a Dead Can Dance record, albeit a rather good one. Which means that fans of DCD are sure to enjoy, while those expecting something a little more unique and adventurous from this collaboration may be dissappointed. (Rich)

Alvin Youngblood Hart "Territory" (Hannibal)

This time out Hart delivers another eclectic collection of various musical styles. The first tune, "Tallacatcha" is reminiscent of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, with Hart playing lap steel guitar and accompanied by fiddle and piano. Hard to keep your toe from tappinâ on this one... Hart falls back on his obvious blues roots for much of the album, backing his authentic vocal stylings with foot-stomping and an assortment of acoustic string instruments. Two exceptions include an electrified piece with all the stop-action time changes of a Zappa number, and "Just About To Go", which adds a brass section for a full-blown ska tune that will have you up out of your seat and dancing around the room. This album has my vote for the most "fun" record of the year. HDCD encoded, as a bonus. (Mike)

Mickey Hart / Planet Drum "Supralingua" (Rykodisc)

Once again Mickey Hart has brought together an impressive collection of talented musicians from around the world to create music under the name "Planet Drum". Like previous releases, this album contains some amazing polyrhythms and some amazing sounds, both acoustic and sampled. Unfortunately, it also has a slick, over-produced atmosphere that makes Hartâs ethnic sampling and eco-spiritual overtones seem cliched and commercial, rather than authentic. For a little-less "New Age" fromage and a little more substance, check out Hartâs first self-titled Planet Drum recording, also on Rykodisc. (Rich)

Mark Isham "Afterglow" (Columbia)

Many may not recognize the name of trumpet player and composer Mark Isham, but he has been entertaining us for years with tasteful soundtracks to a great number of popular movies. On "Afterglow", the soundtrack to a film of the same name, Isham is accompanied by a host of jazz heavyweights, including Gary Burton (vibes), Geri Allen (piano), Billy Higgins (drums) and, most notably, the legendary Charles Lloyd on tenor sax. This is a soundtrack for late-nights and low-lighting - moody, soulful reflections that remind me of the stylings of Miles Davis. Highly recommended, along with Ishamâs previous release "Blue Sun". (Mike)

Massive Attack "Mezzanine" (Virgin)

"Mezzanine", the bandâs third album, is noticeably darker that previously releases, focusing on basic "trip-hop" elements: down-tempo beats, deep dub basslines, and a moody mix of reverberating samples and whispered lyrics. This heavy, heady foundation is elevated to new heights by guest Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, who adds her beautiful voice to many of the tracks. This harmonious contrast of light and dark, harsh and gentle, characterizes the album as whole, making this Massive Attackâs most successful release to date. (Rich)

Trial of the Bow "Rite of Passage" (Release)

The sequel to the fabulous "Ornamentation" EP, "Rite of Passage" is a collection of hypnotic rhythms and melodies with a distinct Eastern flavor and a hazy, dream-like ambience. Renato Gallina and Matthew Skarajew, two young musicians from Australia, make use of an assortment of exotic instruments, including oud, saz, dulcimer, tamboura and tabla, to create ten mesmerizing tracks. This album is a must-have for all fans of Dead Can Dance and the like; an exceptional recording! (Rich)