A fantastic display of active and static components from Amped America, Acoustique Quality, The Audio Legacy, and Unison Research.
The Story
The room featured two systems, both active, but sadly only one of them did I have the time to hear, despite a return on my second day of the show, it was the larger system in play during both visits. Next time brother, next time.
The system I didn’t hear was a simple setup built around a Unison Research Triode 25 Integrated, and a pair of Unison Research Max Mini Loudspeakers. I grabbed a picture of the gear on display below the closing words of this article. Cute and for only $8K in total divided equally between amp and speakers, not a bad way to affix and small space to high quality sound.
The system I did get a chance to experience had some products that are still relatively new to me from Amped America. The company prides itself on it’s high-powered class-D amplification and proprietary technology and protections circuits. Aiming high for an affordable boutique brand. Think Parasound more towards the beginning, but in current times. The 2400 Power Amplifier in the system carries those aforementioned features and doles out 400 wpc in stereo.
Handling sources, the Amped America AAP-1 Preamplifier which in itself features several single-ended RCA and balanced inputs and outputs, along with a four input DAC and phono stage. Again, now you can see why I’m comparing to Parasound. They throw in everything but the kitchen sink. And again with more trademark and proprietary technology included. Overall, I’m impressed.
The Sound
The Acoustique Quality Passion Fever loudspeakers do a ton right in terms of audiophile sonics for the dollar. At only $6K and some change, these loudspeakers benefitted from the class-D power on hand for the show, but also turned what some might expect going in towards something more elegant and refined.
Listening to a modern Jazz cut, I found the affordable Music Hall MMF-5.3SE source to transmit it’s best efforts to the speakers without any sense of hurdles in the electronics. The presentation of the music by the Passion Fever were smooth and quick. Overall, a well balanced and affordably paired system that aimed high and did achieve. A great system, and a sound worthy of my envy.
The System
Amped AAP-1 Preamplifier – $3,000
Amped 2400 Power Amplifier – $5,000
Acoustique Quality Passion Fever Speakers – $6,500 pr
Unison Research CD Due DAC – $4,500
Unison Research Phono One – $3,400
Music Hall MMF-5.3SE Turntable – $1,395
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