VPI Very Passionate Indeed The VPI Aries Turntable- The Mini-TNT The newest VPI uses the TNT-3 platter, bearing, and motor, but without the elaborate suspension. Combine with VPI's acclaimed JMW Memorial Tonearm for the least expensive, true reference-quality analog we know of. Aries Turntable, $2200. JMW Memorial arm, $2300. Save on the Aries+JMW combination, $4300. I have always enjoyed the mystique of vinyl. You know, those clicks and pops, sounding like a flame in the fireplace on a winter's day...but I am getting lost. That's what happens when you use your turntable. Recently I spoke to Harry and Sheila Weisfeld about what we could do to help people share in such experiences. They said there is a great misconception about what a good turntable costs these days. The VPI Jr. turntable package consists of a VPI Jr. turntable, a VPI low mass arm, and a choice of three very good cartridges. The cost, $999, is a bargain. Plus, if you want to later on, you can upgrade the parts towards full VPI HW-19 status. I have been playing with one of these Jr. packages. I was surprised at the sound quality. It might not be a TNT, but it is definately that VPI sound. Warm and relaxed, but when you least expect it, respectable bass slam, WOW! No more excuses about buying a good turntable. Call us now to get you started on the musical experience of a lifetime. -Bob Cohen The E.A.R. Phono Stage: Always Trust Your Ears Joe DePhilips (of Discovery Cable, Clearaudio, and others) is one of those guys who is always pushing the audio envelope. One night he asked me to hear a new phono preamp. When I arrived I saw his CAT preamp next to the Clearaudio turntable. An hour's listening later I told him it sounded nothing less than I would have expected from the CAT. The son-of-a-gun pulled a tiny black box from behind the rack. While wiping the egg from my face I asked, "How much," he said, "$850," "Cost?" I asked, "No, retail!" The Esoteric Audio Research 834P is a 3 tube phono stage (variable gain, fixed 47K loading) designed by Tim de Paravicini, one of England's best. I had the rare opportunity to work with him on Musical Fidelity's Chronos Project. I am one of many who consider him an Einstein of High-End. Ken Kessler once told me that American audiophiles don't know what they are missing until they hear E.A.R. Well, upon further listening I can confirm that while the EAR 834P is not in fact a CAT-eater, both units demonstrate timbral accuracy a cut above most other phono stages. And no doubt the EAR is one heck of a value, especially after Joe soups it up as below. Highly recommended.-Bob Cohen E.A.R. 834P $ 850 Discovery Hardware Upgrade $ 175 Discovery Power Cord $ 100 TOTAL $1125, special $999 SHAKTI $199 Special. Tell Us More! You loved our $199 special on SHAKTI, but we received requests to know more about how it works. So, in a nutshell: SHAKTI uses three unique trap circuits that absorb and dissipate RF, microwave, and electric fields. These circuits utilize principles related to the mutual coupling effects of electromagnetic fields. A well-known electrical equivalent is the interaction of a primary active coil and a passive secondary coil in a typical transformer; the host component represents the primary and SHAKTI is similar in action to the secondary coil. Acting in a manner analagous to an "antenna", SHAKTI attracts and then resistively dissipates a broad spectrum of these non-musical fields before they can introduce noise and distortion. The benefits: enhanced resolution, clearer, sweeter sound, more liquidity and focus. Particularly recommended for components with large transformers. Special offer: Save 10% on one (reg. $230), or get two or more for only $199 each. Or try an Equipment Library sample in the center of the top cover of one of your components. Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Order Page | Home | Cable Co.