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TAS Editors Choice Awards 2011 - NAD

Written by Administrator | 16 June 2011
Posted in The Absolute Sound

Integrated Amplifiers $3000 and Above

NAD M2

"Five years in development, the innovative M2 is a "digital" amplifier in the true sense of that word. It takes in PCM data (up to 192kHz/24-bit) and converts it to a pulse-width-modulated signal that turns the output transistors on and off. The signal path has no digital filter, no DAC, no analog gain stages, no analog volume control, no preamplifier, and no interconnects. The M2, which functions like an integrated amplifier in practice, sounds remarkable, with tremendous dynamics, extremely low noise, richly textured and defined bass, and three-dimensional soundstaging. "
Reviewed by RH, Issue 198.

Integrated Amplifiers Under $1000

NAD C315BEE and C326BEE

"The entry-level C315 is still the go-to amp for audiophile newbies who crave sonic neutrality, good power output, nice tactile feel, and NAD's characteristic quality-control. Looking for a little more oomph? The 50 Wpc C325 will make BEElievers of even the most jaded audiophiles."
C315 reviewed by WG, Issue 140; C 325 reviewed by NG, Issue 183

NAD C 356BEE

"The 80Wpc C356BEE borrows technologies from NAD's Master Series M3 dual-mono integrated. It's tonal balance leans slightly to the darker side, bringing a bit of extra wood to strings and burnish to brass. The soundstage is large, with a good sense of air around instruments, and a nice sense of depth. "
Reviewed by WG, Issue 210.

Disc Players Under $1000

NAD C515 BEE

"Joins the C 315 BEE integrated amplifier as the entry-level tandem in NAD's BEE line. In both cases the BEEs hold their own, revealing orchestral minutiae, dynamic thrills, and timbral details that would have escaped a sub-$300 player a short while ago. There's more bloom in the treble, although it's still on the dry side. Inner lines may not be as well-defined as higher-priced units, but the sonic delights of the C 515 BEE should make all listeners look long and hard at their options in the under-$1000 range."
Reviewed by NG, Issue 183.

Stereo Receivers, CD Receivers, and All-In-One Systems

NAD VISO TWO

"A 50Wpc DVD-receiver that is not only drop-dead gorgeous but features discrete amplifier output stages, a progressive-scan DVD player (with 1080i upscaling), and provisions for an XM module or iPod docking station. Sonically the VISO TWO hews to the NAD philosophy of top-notch dynamics and a tonal balance with a mellow character near the frequency extremes. "
Reviewed by NG, Issue 188.

TAS Editors Choice Awards 7 to PSB

Written by Administrator | 11 May 2011
Posted in The Absolute Sound

Leading audiophile magazine, The Absolute Sound, honours PSB Speakers with a total of seven awards for loudspeakers and subwoofers in its annual Editors' Choice Awards. Reviewer Neil Gader is left questioning, "How does he do it?" as Paul Barton continues to introduce outstanding speakers. PSB scooped up awards in multiple price categories, cementing our reputation for designing high-value, high-performance speakers.

Loudspeakers From $3000 - $5000

PSB Synchrony Two

A sonic extrovert, with dark voluptuous tonality, the Synchrony Two Tower offers bone-rattling dynamic exitement in a sleek, four-driver, two way, bass-reflex design. Two of its woofers high-pass to the tweeter at differing frequencies, giving this PSB marvelous coherence and extension from bottom to top... Neil Gader, Issue 177

Loudspeakers From $2000 - $3000

PSB Imagine T

Tonally neutral and Dynamically turbocharged, this short, two-and-a-half-way Tower offers a balance of audio virtues that is classic PSB. from the vivid midrange to the powerful midbass, nothing seems out of joint - and that goes for the Imagine T Tower Loudspeakers seamless curvilinear enclosure. Not as nuanced as the Synchrony but more then good enough to make you feel like a big spender. Neil Gader, Issue 189

Loudspeakers From $1500 - $2000

PSB Synchrony Two B

Another Brilliant two-way compact from Paul Barton and crew. The "mini-me" to the larger Synchrony Two Tower, the Synchrony Two B Bookself Loudspeaker is more of a classic "voice" speaker and windfall for chorale listeners and singer / songwriter aficionados. Capable of solid 60Hz extension... Neil Gader, Issue 177

Loudspeakers From $1000 - $1500

PSB Imagine B

Think Imagine T Minus a midbass driver and a floorstanding enclosure. There's the same voice in the expressive midrange and treble and, with only minor exceptions, the same superb balance. The B can't quite quite chew on bass lines like the Imagine T loudspeaker can, but as if to compensate the B seems a bit lighter and fleeter of foot in the upper mids and lower treble. Neil Gader, Issue 189

PSB Image T6

Paul Barton's latest creation again sets a standard for performance in this class. The Image T6 Tower Loudspeaker's dual 6.5" woofers deliver realistic bass down to 35Hz (-3dB) coupled to a very clean, pure, transparent midrange. The bass tends toward the warm and "boomy" rather then dry and tight site. The treble is clean and extended, albeit with a bit of exess energy. Th Image T6 Tower Loudspeaker's low-diffraction cabinet has paid off in outstanding imaging; the Image T6 Tower Loudspeaker's easily disappear into the soundfield. Robert Greene, Issue 200

Loudspeakers Under $500

PSB Alpha B1

Yet another "how does he do it?" loudspeaker from the prolific mind of Paul Barton. The new, more curvaceous Alpha combines mind-bending dynamics and rich mids in a speaker barely a foot tall. Even the midbass has power and pitch definition rare in this modest price range. Neil Gader, Issue 170

Subwoofers

PSB SubSeries 5i

At this point no one should be surprised at what this Canadian speaker company can do in the lower-price range. Even so, the performance of this econo-sub is semi-unbelievable. Extension, dynamic slam, and good musicality from this 10" bass-reflex design make it the perfect match for misers with the Midas touch. Neil Gader TPV Issue 48, and CM, TPV, Issue 69