In case you haven’t noticed, the high-quality audio disc marketplace is in the middle of a format war, reminiscent of the days of VHS vs. Betamax. But unlike that combat, when the clearly superior technology lost to more powerful marketing and the undeniable power of porn, this time it is much less clear which technology is superior, and even less easy to guess who will win. But while the war goes on, we consumers are the losers. Several years ago, there was talk about the need for a new, high-quality audio disc (HQAD) format that would overcome the limitations of the CD. An obvious physical basis for the format is the Digital Versatile Disc – DVD – which has the high-density storage capability required to get super-quality audio on a disc with a respectable playing time, along the same lines as ...

Introduction The B&K Reference 30 ($2,800) is the replacement to the Reference 20 reviewed on AudioRevolution.com in 2000. The Reference 30 incorporates the features of the Reference 20 and expands upon them, this article will focus mainly on the differences between the two units. Features new to the Reference 30 include THX and THX EX processing, 5.1 inputs, 7.1 outputs, 96k/24bit A/D and D/A converters and processing, selectable subwoofer crossover frequency and slope, room equalization and last but not least, a IEEE 1394 port. The IEEE 1394 port will need a controller upgrade to become operational and I expect that soon after the IEEE 1394 standards are implemented B&K will provide the upgrade. The Asaho-Kasei 192 kHz 24 bit ADC’s and DAC’s share the same pin format with their 192 kHz 24 bit counterparts allowing for an easy upgrade path after the new 192 kHz 24 bit standards are implemented. Setting up the Reference 30 ...

Introduction The $598 B&K PT-3 is the latest pre-amp/tuner from B&K. The PT-3 is a full-featured line level remote controlled pre-amp and tuner. The AM/FM tuner has 40 preset memories that recall not only the station but can also recall volume and tone control settings. The pre-amp features six inputs, a tape loop, tone controls, a 12-volt trigger and IR relay capabilities. The six presets can be custom-labeled to match your sources. The remote that comes with the PT-3 is well thought out and does not appear to be an off-the-shelf model, but rather one developed by B&K. The Music I utilized the PT-3 in my reference music system, which at this time consists of Martin Logan Scenarios, a Sunfire Subwoofer Jr., a Pioneer Elite PDR-19RW and a B&K ST1400II (125wpc), connected with Audio Analysis cabling. In addition to listening to the PT-3 at home, I brought it with me to my office to see how well ...

Introduction Even the most staid AV manufacturers have realized that modern clients demand not only high performance from their components, but also highly polished aesthetics. Simply look at architecturally friendly Bang and Olufsen. Although their AV gear is far from the highest performance on the market, it’s the sexiest. Each year, Bang and Olufsen out-sells practically every other "high end" manufacturer combined. B&W’s LM1 leisure monitor is a speaker designed for style, versatility and sound. Priced at $350 a pair, the LM1 comes in five colors, including burgundy red, pearl white, silver, turquoise and black. The speakers are diminutive in size, at 11 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches deep. As a two-way fourth order vented box design, the LM1 extends as far down as 75 Hz and as high as 22 kHz. B&W’s leisure monitors also come pre-designed with adjustable brackets that allow you to swivel the speakers for any placement, ...

Introduction One of the best complements one can pay to Balanced Audio Technology is that in a world where two channel manufacturers are going out of business like never before, BAT is thriving with a product line filled with high value and high performance tube and solid state electronics. The BAT VK-40 is a $4000 audio preamplifier designed for the serious enthusiast. It is a completely balanced design that features a full function remote, an alphanumeric front panel readout and an advance 140-increment Vichay volume control. The BAT VK-40 is incredibly easy to set up and its back panel is very logical. I simply directed the balanced output from my Mark Levinson No. 36s DAC into the VK-40 and ran the balanced main outs to a Mark Levinson No. 333 power amp. The VK-40 is outfitted with three balanced inputs and two unbalanced inputs as well as two balanced outputs that can be modified to ...