Steve Lester of Linn, Tannoy, and Peachtree was here and gave a very informative overview of computer audio as it is now.  We also listened to the Linn Majik in a small networked system he set up using a NAS drive, an Ipad for a controller, and the Linn Majik connected to our main system.  The sound was quite analog, sweet, warm, large soundstage with none of the digital artifacts one normally hears with computer music.

Steve covered a lot of ground during his 1 hour talk.  I will just cover the highlights here.  One of the most important in using computer as a source is to rip the cd/download, etc. properly.  Most of the normal techniques introduce errors and jitter.  He recommended going to Chris Connaker’s website Computer Audiophile: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Symposium-Performance-Playback for an in depth set of tips to ripping and storing music files properly.  He also covered UPNP players in some detail (Universal Plug and Play) and talked about Apple products such as Airport Express and Apple TV.  He talked about using USB (bad) vs. ethernet (good) for transfer of data.  USB has a bad way of introducing jitter into the signal, whereas ethernet there is very little or no jitter.  Network set up using ethernet is preferable.  Peachtree DAC’s and integrateds are one of the few units designed from the gate to deal with very high amounts of jitter in the signal (10,000 times that of other DAC’s).  He mentioned that Amora software as mentioned by Chris Connaker does a very good job of cleaning up Itunes and other signals.  if you need to contact Steve you can through his website at: http://www.stevenlester.net/

We just got in the Cary SLP 03 in Black in stock, and the SLI 80 Signature Integrated amp.  We have 1 03 in backstock, and 1 on the floor to demo, and the SLI 80 is in the front room on the Magnapan 1.7′s.  We also recieved our shipment of the LV1 and LV2 Audio Pro speakers from Sweden, a computer speaker that has an incredibly clear wireless connection.  Also has a sub that auto syncs with the speakers for flawless reproduction of any music.  That should be out for demo next week.  See http://www.audiopro.com/products/living-lv2, for the sub see http://www.audiopro.com/products/living-lvsub .  For Cary Audio see: http://www.caryaudio.com/products/classic/SLI80.html and http://www.caryaudio.com/products/classic/SLP03.html .  The Cary SLP 03 was lowered $1000 to $1995.  And if you want the SLI 80, order before Dec 31 to save $500, and get a free paint job of your choice.  Call for details.

New Stuff:
Got the new Audioengine 5+ speakers in and they are now breaking in on Airport Express.  20W minimum RMS /channel more power (50 W/ch, 125 W peak) and they come with a remote control now.
Got in a new shipment of Panamax surge and line conditioners:  M8-AV and M8-AV Pro.  Not only surge protection but over/under voltage protection as well, and series filters on the Pro version.
Also have the Oppo BDP 93 and 95 in stock.  I have limited backstock of the 93, and a 95 to demo.  I can get these within 2 days if I am out, but I try to stock these items.

Sales:
Audioengine 5 speakers in black are on sale-limited to stock on hand.  Now $299.00 rather than $349.00.  Only have 2 pairs left so get them soon.

Consignment:
Have a Sumo amp, an Adcom amp, some Healthkit Pro Audio speakers, Alesis powered speakers with data link, Acurus phonostage, Exactpower conditioner, and much more.

There will be a meeting of the Sierra Nevada Audiophile Society this weekend, Dec. 10, at 1:00 PM.  It will be held at Audio Experience, 1120 B Douglas Blvd., Roseville, CA.  Steve Lester, the Linn, Tannoy, and more representative will be giving an in depth talk on computer audio.  This talk will cover some of the basics but mostly be aimed at integration and use of servers and hard drives for music storage, with wireless/ wired networks and distribution systems.  Linn Majik and other systems will be demonstrated.  The main system will be the Cary 98P Preamp, the First Watt M2 or Soaring Audio A 600, Exemplar Audio 93, Bryston BDA 1, and Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers.
If you need any help please call me at 530-320-1576 or 916-742-5322.  See you there!

I recently received the new upgraded version of the JD9 Phonostage and plugged it into my system.  The upgrades included ESA Clarity caps, Hexfred diodes, better ceramic resistors, Tungsol 12AX7 Gold Pin, and a new application of carbon resistors.  As a side note the carbon resistors are not used in the signal path, but improve the sound anyway.
This phonostage is a gem in hiding.  It has the ability to make any table sound great.  Good solid bottom end, quiet, clean transients, very very musical and nonfatigueing.  I haven’t critically reviewed it yet, but I was so impressed with what I heard that I ordered one for my home system.  On the home unit I was able to get the recommended 30 ohm loading for my Transfiguration Axia cartridge installed by JoLida.  If you have a JD9-get it modified by JoLida.
The retail is $695 and worth every penny.

We have had a lot of new stock come in, and a lot of new computer audio gear as well.  We are also stocking a lot of the computer gear and some of the high end gear.
Here is a list of recently arrived gear:
Music Hall:  15.2 DAC, Epos Epic 1 speakers, USB 1 Turntable (huge improvement over the Fry’s/Best Buy junk)
JoLida:  Glass tube DAC (award winning), JD 1701 RC, JD 302CRC, JD9 upgraded (big diff over stock JD9)
LSA:  New .5 speakers in Rosewood, LSA 1 Statement in Black, and the LSA Standard Integrated Amp ( on sale)
Also Jon has some new Parasound gear (Classic), and the Tannoy rep (Steve Lester) keeps leaving speakers here, the DC8, and a Wharfdale Jade 3 set.