I like to read a bunch of audio mags. You always manage to learn something from them. Let’s check the lineup. First up this month…

Phono Cartridge $9k

Tested on tables for tens of thousands.
Give me a MoFi StudioDeck table with Orto Bronze for $1640, thank you very much.

Marantz Streaming Integrated Amp $1000

Nice features but at 60×2 this is another “better Sonos” kinda box. Nice they thought of us who work for a living though.
If you have a grand, buy the Audiolab 6000A, a real audiophile integrated that sounds great and you’re not paying for streaming features that might not work in 2 years.

Integrated Amp $19k, 100×2

Okaaaaaa…. Really boys?
I’ll stack up the Hegel H390, $6k for 250×2 right now.

Phono Section $1600

But it really doesn’t sound that great till you add the $1100 power supply.
I like the MoFi UltraPhono, $500. Even has subsonic and mono buttons. Are
any of your records less than flat? Verrrry competitive!

Tube Power Amp $6800, 20×2

Now there’s a value for ya! But can’t you find an amp for more money and less power?!

Monoblock Power Amps $28k per pair 300w,
Stereo Power Amp $40k, 150×2

Both of these amps have lovely Swiss watts I’m sure.

Tube Preamp $18k

Hot seller no doubt. Don’t miss the Rogue RP-5 for $3500. Competitive with anything!

Tube Integrated $150k

Now we’re officially in never never land.

Tube Line Stage Preamp $4500 Made in China

Not too bad a price. I’m sure it’s nice. But I’d rather have an American Rogue like the
RP5 for $3500 with excellent phono stage, MM & MC.

Power Conditioner $2500, oh, and the power cord is $500

Isotek’s Aquarius is $2k including a great power cable and I can promise it’s GREAT.

Tower Speakers $10k per pair

For two sixes and a ribbon tweet.
Wharfedale’s EVO 4.4 runs $2k per pair, uses two 6.5” woofs, 2” soft DOME mid,
and ribbon tweeter. Just sayin.

Interconnects $3k Speaker Cable $5-6k
More cables: Power Cord $3k, Interconnect $2200, Spkr cable, 1m $5k.

You can buy Kimber Carbons for a fraction of this price. My money is on the Carbons.

Summary

Some months I love reading TAS and the other mags. This month…