As I mentioned below, I’m getting in the new “iFi” range of personal hi-fi products. One really cool product and a HUGE fix is the nano iDSD. What is it you ask?

The iFi nano iDSD is full of ‘firsts.’ It is the world’s smallest, portable (only 163g), battery-powered, serious Burr Brown DAC that plays ALL high-resolution formats: PCM/DSD/DXD natively.

With the latest breakthrough True Native® technology from Abbington Music Research, the music format remains unchanged throughout. PCM (32bit/384kHz), DSD (6.2MHz) and DXD (384kHz) via Computer or iPhone/iPad/Android simply sounds stunning; opening up a whole new world of high-end audio quality to a whole new generation of users.

In a palm-sized chassis with an onboard lithium-polymer battery and headphone output, the iDSD is as extraordinary ‘on the go’ as it is in a ‘high-end system’. It handles Computers/Smartphones with aplomb. It even features an SPDIF coax digital output for A/V receivers or similar to offer unrivalled flexibility.

Check out the iFi site here!

Montreal was a blast. A cold blast! Texans aren’t used to frigid temps and slush. I stupidly left my Sorels home not knowing a blizzard was due to hit. We had an excellent time though. The secret is staying underground, i.e.. take the Metro as much as possible. Naturally the first day we walked miles and miles until it dawned on us that there were easier methods.

The Hi-Fi show was an eye opener and I’m glad I went. It seemed many of the people who were on the list weren’t there. What I did see just solidified that I was doing everything, for the most part, right. As usual, there were tons of mediocre $100,000 systems that many of my $5-10K systems completely shred. I met with Claude who owns the shop Son Idéal in Montreal who has been in business for 40 years! What was he auditioning? A Rega RP10 and Harbeth 40.1!

I saw and heard the big Naim Statement / Focal system and was quite impressed, as one should be for a $300K plus system! I wish the presentation was in English, but I got the gist of it. Cost no object, HUGE sound, possibly a substitute for Viagra. I don’t know, I don’t speak French!

Eli and Ofra Gershman of Toronto’s Gershman Acoustics had some of the best speakers I heard at the show. The Avant Garde R-1 speakers ($8K) were something very special. I wish they had the $3K Idols set up…

The one thing that really did stick in my sights was the Tri-Art Audio room. Tri-Art are a Canadian company. I usually poo-poo Class D electronics but these guys seem to be onto something. The chassis are made of Bamboo and are stuffed with wool to help break down vibration. Also, they had an all bamboo turntable that sounded quite good. I’m going to be keeping an eye on this line. They are relatively new to the scene but I like what I heard. A lot!

Also in the Tri-Art room were a new company that are a subsidiary of Abbington Music Research called ifi audio. They make affordable and portable DACs, Phono pre’s and Headphone amps. Look for them on the floor soon!

The shop will be closed from Thursday, March 27 until April 2nd. I will NOT be checking emails or phone messages until I return.

Coming in very soon are a couple of nice pairings! The new Rega RP10 and the incredible moving iron phono cartridges from Soundsmith. I just ordered the new Zephyr mk2 ($1199), Otello ($479) and Carmen ($799). Look for these on the floor in the next few weeks.

Yep, it’s that time again! The BEST party during SXSW takes place right behind the shop! Bring the kids! Here’s the line up! Please visit BYOC on Facebook

Laissez les bon temps rouler

BYOC 9 final line up

12 pm Elizabeth McQueen Music
1 pm Jungles
2 pm Sonny Knight & The Lakers
3 pm The Jones Family Singers
4 pm The Hot 8 Brass Band
5 pm The Fleshtones (Official)

I just got these back from AV Options. The 42 pre and 110 power amp have been recapped and are ready for a new home. Comes with the SNAIC cable $1295

Tonight, March 5th from 7-10pm at the shop! Bring a record and your beverage of choice. I’ll have a few beers there. No special promotion of anything. I just wanted to hang out, meet some new folks and share the tunes. We’ll clean our palettes before the “shit storm” of SXSW hits.

xo,
Brian