Celebrated high-end audio retailer Stereo Exchange in downtown Manhattan threw a party to celebrate their quarter century in business, and a host of high-end manufacturers and special guests turned up for the resulting technology expo. (It was a lot like Woodstock, only with air conditioning, better plumbing and slightly less nudity.) To help join in the spirit, McIntosh unveiled a 60th anniversary edition "reissue" of two of their most fabled components, together in a new Classic System. The MC75 monoblock tube amplifier has been modeled after the 1961 original and the C22 preamp (introduced the following year) are faithful in design and build quality to the vintage products, but updated to play well in modern entertainment systems. Only 120 sets will be sold here in North America, at a cost of $15,000.
A variety of killer CD cuts were played to show off the performance of the McIntosh gear, keenly paired with Totem Acoustic's "Wind" model loudspeakers. Big Picture Big Sound Editor Chris Boylan had a chance to show off his musical knowledge during the in-depth Q&A with a very brainy, extremely friendly McIntosh rep, while I had the chance to allow that to happen.
In a private suite, Peachtree Audio proudly unveiled their Nova audiophile-grade hybrid tube integrated amplifier. Locked and loaded with a superb ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converter (DAC), this might appear to be overkill for its intended use with MP3s and other digital audio (it connects to the computer via a standard USB 2.0 input) until we hear the stunning quality imparted to anything that passes through. It also offers three analog stereo inputs for more traditional sources, the last of which doubles as a home theater bypass, to handle the front main two-channel load from your receiver, freeing it to shoulder merely the center and rear (and possibly side-channel) amplification duties of movie soundtracks.
Meanwhile, down the hall, famed high-end audio expert and vinyl zealot Michael Fremer was giving tutorials on proper turntable setup, with the help of some Sumiko hardware for his demonstrations. Best moment: When a beat cop off the street wandered in and began fawning over Fremer, handing his iPhone to another guest to snap a picture with him, and taking his email address to follow up later. Mikey does not limit his graciousness to guys with guns and badges by the way, if you ever meet him you'll know he's the real deal, and loves sharing audio advice.
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