Rega Fono Mini A2D

Rega Fono Mini A2D MM Phono Preamp – $175 US Retail. This great little budget MM phono preamp contains a built in analog to digital with USB interface that allows you to also archive your vinyl to disk of you like! A great match for the Rega RP1 turntable or any other number of affordable turntables out there. Click here for the Fono Mini manufacturer info web page.

Analog, Digital

Signature Sound High-End Audio

2 days ago

A look at the inner workings of the new Ars-Sonum Filarmonia SM integrated amp. All new circuit board design, new power transformer design, various circuit revisions, improved internal air flow, better quality parts (note the V-Cap and Mundorf parts) are among the improvements in evidence that result in significant sound improvements. ... See MoreSee Less

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Cool!!!

Signature Sound High-End Audio

5 days ago

I've had the NEW Ars Sonum Filarmonia SM for a several months now and was finally able after a long break-in period (often interrupted by other equipment that I have been working on/servicing/upgrading) and a brief respite in other work to give it a proper listen and direct comparison to the (now discontinued) Filarmonia SK.

While the new Fila SM may look just like the previous version, Riccardo Hernandez at Ars-Sonum has pulled out the stops here in the new Filarmonia SM as it is not just a little bit better than the Filarmonia (Fila for short) SK. Where the Fila SK could bite a little on hard sibilants/transients, the SM just gives you what is there with nothing added with a wonderfully smooth, clear, and nuanced presentation. The Fila SM is now more smooth and clear than before. It has a wider soundstage and the bottom end also has a more tactile feel/texture to it.

Trade-offs??? The Fila SM has a couple less watts power output now (not that I noticed that - it is more dynamic than the Fila SK), the wider sound-stage diminishes the apparent stage depth a smidgen and that is it. Price is more, but considering the number of changes made internally (new circuit board design, improved power supply circuit, and higher quality caps in the signal path from V-Cap and Mundorf) the $300 price increase for the Fila SM ($5,250) is a very good value.

Combined with the (pretty exceptional) EXOGAL Comet Plus DAC ($3,500 retail - which I am now a dealer for), the music coming out of the Black Magic TSMs in the listening room had them delivering a clarity, smoothness, and liquidity I've not heard from them before. Now if I can get Ricardo to offer a power amplifier version of the SM (see my other recent post), folks with good preamps could enjoy this amp as much as folks who want a great sounding, compact tube integrated amp. ... See MoreSee Less

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Signature Sound High-End Audio

5 days ago

To those folks out there who own, or have owned, have heard, or would like to own a Ars Sonum Filarmonia integrated amp, would there be any interest in a Filarmonia based power amplifier?

I have gathered from some over the years who have separates (a good preamp), or would like a Filarmonia sound but with remote control and/or phono preamp that the Filarmonia does not have (which many preamps have). A Filarmonia power amplifier (which would be called the Armonia amp) would likely cost only slightly less than the Filarmonia SM amp if at all, but would offer (over the Filarmonia SM Integrated): Upgraded output transformers for better dynamics and control, two inputs with different sensitivities to optimize the match various preamps OR DACs/Music Server DAC/preamps with volume controlled outputs (ensures best use of the gain/volume control in those sources to ensure best sound). Estimated USA Retail price would be just at or a bit under $5,250. There will also be a trade-in/upgrade program for existing Filarmonia amplifier owners.

Otherwise, the amps would use the latest spec Filarmonia SM design otherwise with its new circuit board, power supply improvements, circuit refinements, better passive parts in the signal path (V-Cap and Mundorf capacitors), power output (28W/ch), same compact chassis size, etc. ... See MoreSee Less

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If I may chime in...I think this is a very good idea. The primary reason why I did not consider a Filarmonia is the lack of remote volume adjustment; a key tool when listening to music with huge swings in dynamics. So a power amp would allow matching a remote capable pre-amp...yay! 40 WPC would be a heck of a lot more versatile, but I'm no engineer. So YES to a power amp, but maybe a bit more oomph for output? BTW...weren't they also working on a interesting speaker system?

The synergy between these integrateds and the Merlins is really unbelievable! I have not hear them on any other speakers? I hated not having the remote but the sonics make it tolerable. I never thought the sonics of the ARS and Merlins would eclipse the Magnepans and Soundlabs I have loved for decades but I honestly believe this system is the best overall system I have owned over the decades. If they develop a separate amp does that mean that they would also develop a preamp to go with it. If they have their own speakers that might be the hot set-up. Rich, sure you have heard the new ARS speakers and you know the Merlins better than anyone else? How do the overall sonics compare?

For folks how are curious about the Ars-Sonum Canon speaker, here is a pic of one sitting next to a Gran Filarmonia to help give you an idea of the size/design. First order crossover design, 8 ohms, 94dB efficient, easy to drive impedance curve (great for tube amps), very high quality parts in the crossover, etc. It is a 2 way design.

After some discussion with Ricardo at Ars Sonum this morning, he is going to make a Armonia amplifier for us which should be here in October. The price may actually work it to be a bit more than the Filarmonia integrated as the more versatile optimized power transformers that may be used cost more to make than the ones in the Filarmonia integrated. It should look very close to the rendered/p-shopped image above. The Armonia will be a special USA (North America) only model as well.

Signature Sound High-End Audio is feeling excited.

6 days ago

I'm happy to announce that Signature Sound High-End Audio is now a authorized EXOGAL dealer - makers of a great DAC (the Comet) as well as PowerDAC and soon Music Server products. Feel free to message, e-mail, or call us with any questions about EXGAL products or to arrange a listen! ... See MoreSee Less