Andre Jennings Axpona Show Coverage for TAS!

[Dre_J]

Another Show report

My show report here:
TAS coverage of AXPONA 2016: Analog Sources


Dre

[Tunes]

Love the artisan fidelity tables!
Andre, did you hear any details about the new amg arm?

[Dre_J]

Hi Chris,

Yes. Larger bearing housing with all adjustments done using thumb screws for easier access. The release date was set for September of this year.

I didn't include it in my report since it wasn't in active use and sometimes a static display of a soon-to-be-released item tend to slide the release date at times. I had other items to put in the show report that were actively being used instead.

Here's a picture of the bearing and thumb screw adjustments:



Dre

[Tunes]

Many thanks Andre!

[david k]

Hi Andre,

Could you a get a realistic impression of the DS Audio's cartridge and phono stage? Any outstanding sonic qualities or is it mostly about the tech?

david

Another Show report

My show report here:
TAS coverage of AXPONA 2016: Analog Sources


Dre

[Dre_J]

Hi Andre,

Could you a get a realistic impression of the DS Audio's cartridge and phono stage? Any outstanding sonic qualities or is it mostly about the tech?

david

Hi David,

You know how shows can be when trying to judge individual components. However, given the characteristic sound of some of the equipment in the signal chain, I can safely say the DS Master1 cartridge/equalizer's performance was very good and significantly better than what I've heard from the original DS-W1 in three instances (2 being shows and one being an installation I did myself). The entire generator (cantilever, suspension wire, and stylus) has been changed in the Master1 cartridge due, in part, to some consultation/help from some cartridge innards wizards in Japan. By all accounts, this cartridge should be ready to strut it's stuff. I didn't have a single negative in my notes from listening to two music selections I brought with me. Of course, I'll never really know until I get my hands on one and/or listen to it (properly setup) in a known system. It earned my Most Significant Introduction "Best of" based on both the improvements in this technology they have made and the performance at the show. As you know, that price range has stiff competition and I hope the Master1 is up to the challenge. Careful observation is in order, preferably in a known environment, but it didn't disappoint at the show with music I know well when taking the rest of the system's characteristics into account.

My thought is, if you place the system in this ballpark price range, it needs to be ready to play. Limited listening says it may be. Listening in a known environment will tell if it is.

Dre

[david k]

I'm fully aware of show conditions Andre, what you wrote is perfect and tells me that its worth further investigation, thanks.

david

Hi David,

You know how shows can be when trying to judge individual components. However, given the characteristic sound of some of the equipment in the signal chain, I can safely say the DS Master1 cartridge/equalizer's performance was very good and significantly better than what I've heard from the original DS-W1 in three instances (2 being shows and one being an installation I did myself). The entire generator (cantilever, suspension wire, and stylus) has been changed in the Master1 cartridge due, in part, to some consultation/help from some cartridge innards wizards in Japan. By all accounts, this cartridge should be ready to strut it's stuff. I didn't have a single negative in my notes from listening to two music selections I brought with me. Of course, I'll never really know until I get my hands on one and/or listen to it (properly setup) in a known system. It earned my Most Significant Introduction "Best of" based on both the improvements in this technology they have made and the performance at the show. As you know, that price range has stiff competition and I hope the Master1 is up to the challenge. Careful observation is in order, preferably in a known environment, but it didn't disappoint at the show with music I know well when taking the rest of the system's characteristics into account.

My thought is, if you place the system in this ballpark price range, it needs to be ready to play. Limited listening says it may be. Listening in a known environment will tell if it is.

Dre

[mep]

Thanks for the most interesting show report Dre! I enjoyed it.

[Dre_J]

I'm fully aware of show conditions Andre, what you wrote is perfect and tells me that its worth further investigation, thanks.

david

You are welcome David. There is a part of me that would like to hear it in a known environment as well.

Thanks for the most interesting show report Dre! I enjoyed it.

You are welcome Mark. Wish you could have made the trip this year.

[mep]

Me too Dre! I would have rather been in Chicago on Friday then flying back from Norfolk, VA via Atlanta, GA.

[Madfloyd]

Nice report, Dre!