Introduction The $2,500 B&K Reference 20 is the latest and greatest in B&K's line of Dolby Digital, DTS Surround Processors. Keeping with tradition, this unit is built with the future in mind and allows for easy upgrades due to its modular design. This means that if and when a new surround format is announced, you should be able to easily upgrade the Reference 20 to accommodate it. The Reference 20 is designed to handle switching and surround sound processing for your entire system. In addition to acting as a preamp/processor, it also has a built-in tuner. Other features include two-zone capability, seven inputs, RS232 port, IR and 12-volt control capabilities, as well as a learning remote. Setting everything up was fairly easy, thanks to a clear and complete owner's manual. I was even able to make custom labels for the various inputs, so instead of the display saying "V2," it reads "Laser" -- a very handy ...

Introduction The Belles Audio Nearfield Desktop System, known as BAND, is a complete two- channel audio system consisting of two satellites and one subwoofer, powered by an amplifier encased in the subwoofer. Also included are a manual preamplifier/switcher and remote control. At $1,995.00, this system can be configured for a variety of nearfield applications. Upon unpacking this system, I was first impressed with the care and effort that went into the construction of the enclosures. There are three finishes available: natural cherry, medium oak and natural maple. The corners are rounded and the wood grain is seamless. Finishing touches include a black lacquer bottom and floor spikes for the subwoofer, as well as black lacquer backs and rubber pads for the bottom of the satellites. As I continued my unpacking, I noticed that all of the cables necessary to get this system up and running were included – and not the cheap cables you find with ...

Introduction When I think of enormous power, I think of a Big-Block Chevy, or perhaps the military’s M1A1 tank. In audio -- Bryston has given us the 7B-ST monoblock power amplifiers. At a solid 500 watts per side, they have the power to move mountains, or at least the most difficult to drive loudspeakers. The 7B-ST consists of two monoblock amplifiers, each providing 500 watts of power into 2 or 8 ohms, and 800 watts into 1 to 4 ohms. Each chassis measures 19 inches wide, 15-1/2 inches deep, and five and one quarter inches tall. The 7B-ST’s weigh 42 lbs per piece, and are priced at $4999 for the pair. The Bryston factory warrantee is nothing short of spectacular. They provide a 20-year transferable warrantee on all parts and labor. This in itself indicates the confidence that Bryston has with the reliability of their products. The review units were the first of the new look ...

In the history of commerce or communications, nothing can compare with the Internet. In four years, the Internet has reached 50,000,000 users which took radio 40 years and TV 19 years to achieve. E-commerce is a term even your grandmother has heard and possibly experienced. While some of the Baby Boomers that run the high-end industry still don’t have e-mail, many companies do their marketing better now than ever before on the Net. The Internet, with its cost per thousand advertising model and well-financed, upstart e-commerce virtual stereo stores, has provided the industry with the opportunity to weed out under-performing high-end companies, while rewarding more cutting-edge and far-thinking firms. There are advantages and disadvantages to buying on-line, depending on the products and services you require. Buying music online is genius if you your goals include making a fast buy, getting a ...

Introduction The BAT VK5i is a $4500 all tube, dual mono, fully balanced preamp from high end up-and-comer Balanced Audio Technology. Since Sonic Frontiers ten years ago, there have been very few new tube manufacturers to come along and capture the precious high end market share until BAT. Founded in 1995, BAT is both a tube and solid state electronics manufacturer who has carved a niche between high value and high performance music playback products. The VK5i is a great example of this balance. The VK5i makes few excuses in its operation. It features a full-function remote that is nicely crafted and fully loaded with functions like mute, fade, and volume. The faceplate features a utilitarian look with seemingly military spec switches for both power and mute. The volume knob, which digitaly controls a Vichey pot, is built solidly, but does not feel as high tech as what you'll find on a Mark Levinson, ...