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High End
Phono Preamps Esoteric and Whest |
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Esoteric |
whest |
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Esoteric E03 Dual Mono
Phono Stage -
$6500 |
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Reviews:
April, 2011 - TAS
http://wwwavguidecom/review/esoteric-e-03-phono-stage-hi-fi-78
November, 2010 -
http://wwwstereophilecom/rmaf2010/esoteric_cassidy/
February, 2010 -
http://wwwsoundstagecom/equipment/esoteric_e03htm
November, 2009 -
http://www6moonscom/audioreviews/esoteric19/phonohtml
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The ultimate challenge: "reproduce every drop of recorded
material that lives and breathes within the master tape" For
over twenty two years, ESOTERIC has drawn on TEAC's extensive
heritage in audio reproduction to forge state of the art sound
technologies These efforts have now come to fruition in
ESOTERIC's Master Sound Works product category The design of
the E-03 phonostage preamplifier is focused on one thingthe
re-creation of a masterpiece
L/R dual mono construction that stands by ESOTERIC's philosophy:
Identical R-core power supply transformers, power boards, and
audio boards are mounted on each channel By avoiding the left
and right channels having to share these components, the E-03
has achieved the ideal signal path and separation, while
ensuring that it has power to spare Moreover, the components
and the boards are positioned symmetrically to achieve
mechanical stabilization
Audio circuitry with all discrete construction:
The E-03 contains MC head amplifier that doesn't compromise the
purity of the musical signals at low input levels, and an NF-CR
type RIAA amplifier that achieves both excellent RIAA
characteristics and NF reduction To ensure extensive headroom
and transfer, and a wide range of musical signals with plenty of
power to spare, the RIAA and output buffer amplifiers both use
high voltage circuits These features achieve the vivid
reproduction of every expression of the music, from dynamic
power to subtle nuances
Settings that exploit the full potential of your cartridge:
Listening to a masterpiece with a beloved cartridge is one of
the true pleasures of your analog experience In recent years,
various models of MC cartridges have entered the market,
including a type with very-low inner resistance Placing high
importance on supporting various types of MC cartridges, the
E-03 allows you to select from two MC-compatible input systems
and seven impedance positions The E-03 also allows you to
select between three different load capacities-0pF, 100pF and
330pF-supporting the specified load capacities for MM
cartridges
Taking extra care for simple construction to achieve high sound
quality:
The E-03 does not have a microprocessor, thus eliminating the
noise produced by such components In the pursuit of high sound
quality, input and load are switched on the audio board By
minimizing switching functions to eliminate switching circuits,
we have optimized the signal paths which greatly reduces noise
and interference associated with conventional designs
"DEMAG"function:
"DEMAG"position located on each input controller helps to
demagnetize MC cartridges and signal path or step-up
transformers very easily
The chassis structure and a highly rigid body provide additional
noise reduction:
The dual split chassis structure prevents the influence on the
audio circuit of flux leakage from the power transducer and
effectively stiffens the body The excellent internal weight
balance and the three-point support provided by the unique
hardened steel pin-point feet, minimize the negative effects of
unnecessary resonance
Sophisticated sculpturing and a beautiful thick aluminum body:
The blast finish and short scratch finish contrast beautifully
on the E-03's body The artistic sculpting of the screw less top
panel and rounded corners results in a beautiful integration
with ESOTERIC's high-end products |
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whestTWO |
whest PS30R |
whest
PS30RDT |
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whest
PS30RDT -SE |
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whestTWO - Dual Mono Phono
Stage -
$1395
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Reviews: |
http://wwwstereomojocom/WhestTWOPhonoStageReviewhtm/WhestTWOPhonoStageReviewhtm
This is where the famed PS20/MSU20 electronics
areinside the whestTWO, and it is the reason why the
whestTWO has won so many accolades The whestTWO retails
at approximately half of what the PS20 used to cost! No
wonder it sounds the way it does and it is no surprise
that so many audiophiles use the whestTWO worldwide As
one reviewer said of the whestTWO - ' it's probably the
greatest audio bargain ever! '
'This phono preamp is an
audiophile delight Highs are pristine with very good
extension and clarity Midrange is clean and
unembellished Good, taut bass Soundstages are
recreated with well defined width, depth and height
extending beyond the physical boundaries of the
speakers Imaging is pin-point accurate Lightning fast
transient response and iron fisted control creates
explosive dynamics Music emerges from an inky
blackness High transparency and detail means nothing is
hidden from the WhestTWO'
- AudioNZ New Zealand High End Magazine
The whestTWO forms part of
'BEST VALUE SYSTEM AT SHOW'
- New York HiFi Show
Technology:
Based entirely on the famed PS20 the new entry level
whestTWO utilizes approx 90% of the PS20s electronic
design but with a twist - about 10% of the MC REF V
Yes, during the design stages of the whestTWO we made a
crazy decision to incorporate some of the MC REF V
ideas, namely it’s hybrid active/passive RIAA filter
stage Unlike nearly all other units at this price point
that use the standard ‘input-passive RIAA filter-output’
configuration, the whestTWO uses an identical
configuration which was borrowed from the MC REF V and
this can also be found in the PS30R and PS30RDT This
new RIAA configuration along with the high-current
output stage means the whestTWO can resolve much more
information compared to any of its rivals which is why
it is used extensively in the vinyl archiving industry
along with it's BIGGER brothers
‘the excellent channel
separation, giving a wide, clearly defined soundstage
Individual sound events are correctly contoured and
powerfully drawn, and the imagery has exquisite richness
of colour’ Hifi and Records - Helmut Rohrwild
‘the competition holds no fear for the whestTWO and
comes highly recommended’
Hifi World – Adam Smith
‘The Whest Audio whestTWO is an excellent product that
would be ideal for those who own high-end turntables and
cartridges It
excels in the most important aspects of vinyl
reproduction; quietness dynamics, neutrality and the
ability to convey music as it was intended to sound’
Stereomojo – James Darby
Technology:
Dual mono design
Ultra low impurity copper used throughout
MC - 55dB , 65dB selectable
MC - 42dB selectable
3 load settings
Designed using 'trickle down' technology
Audio performance equalling stages twice its price
Specs:
Full Dual-Mono configuration
Box layout with separate multiple voltage and high
current power supply
Ultra low noise input with a frequency response of
1Hz-100KHz
RIAA curve accuracy to within 02dB
RIAA extension to 50kHz for better definition and
ambience
Hybrid filter configuration
High current, Class-A discrete output stage
Fully variable cartridge gain and loading
Model No: whestTWO - version 2010
RIAA curve accuracy: |
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Technology: |
- Full Dual-Mono configuration
- Box layout with separate
multiple voltage and high current power supply
- Ultra low noise input with
a frequency response of 1Hz-100KHz
- RIAA curve accuracy to
within 02dB
- RIAA extension to 50kHz for
better definition and ambience
- Hybrid filter configuration
- High current, Class-A discrete
output stage
- Fully variable cartridge gain
and loading
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Specs: |
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Model No: whestTWO - version 2010 |
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RIAA curve accuracy:
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18Hz - 22Khz +/- 02dB |
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Frequency response: |
5Hz - 50Khz -10dB /- 10dB |
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Working band: |
17Hz - 45Khz |
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THD+N: |
001% |
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MM Gain: |
40dB |
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MC Gain: |
65dB internally adjustable by dealer |
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Connections: |
Unbalanced |
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Connectors: |
Gold Audiophile |
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Unpacked weight: |
3lbs |
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Dimensions: |
130mm x 210mm x 42mm |
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Operating voltage: |
115VAC 60Hz |
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whest PS30R
- Dual Mono MC/MM
$3199
On Display at my Showroom Sherman Oaks, Ca |
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Click on images for Higher Resolution Views |
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A true high-end one box solution to meet the demands of
the avid vinyl lover The PS30R is without a doubt the
best selling sub-£3000 phono stage in the world The
PS30R utilizes technology from the flagship MC REF V to
achieve it's sublime audio performance All around
the world it has been hailed as one of the very best
phono stages EVER! It is used in both domestic
audio as well as the professional audio field thanks to
it's ultra low noise Class-A stages and unique power
supply configuration which reduces crosstalk and
increases system
resolution to levels never heard before at this price
point
Reviews:
‘With the PS30R in my system, I was entertained with
outstanding control, definition, focus, soundstaging and
transparency - If you value
black backgrounds, superb inner detail and fantastic
imaging, this one definitely has some serious ear appeal’
Tone Audio – Randy Wells
‘The PS30R is, and I realize how dangerous such
statements can be, nothing short of spectacular’
LP Magazine – Holger Barske
‘Soundstaging is beautifully three dimensional and
solid The dynamics are stunningly transient and fine
dynamics
are elegant and accurate - and with this performance,
can claim to be one of the very best phonostages in the
world’
Hifi and Records - Helmut Rohrwild |
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AWARDED - BEST PHONOSTAGE IN ITS CLASS Lp Magazine
GERMANY
The one box solution that changed the way we listen to
vinyl
This is the successor to the famed PS20/MSU20
phonostage The PS30R uses completely different
circuitry to the PS20 to achieve a new standard in
vinyl reproduction
The PS30R was designed to meet the demands of the avid
vinyl lover It is without a doubt the best selling
sub-£3000 phono stage in the world The PS30R utilizes
technology from the flagship MC REF V to achieve its
sublime audio performance
All around the world it has been hailed as one of the
very best phono stages EVER MADE! It is used in both
domestic audio as well as the professional audio field
thanks to it's ultra low noise Class-A stages
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Technology: |
- Full Dual-Mono
configuration
- Hand selected parts
- Designed using ‘trickle down’
technology
- RIAA curve accuracy to
within 02dB
- Hand welded 6063 aluminum
chassis
- Transistor Class-A
discrete circuitry
- 6 gain and 6 load settings
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Specs: |
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Model No: whest PS30R |
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RIAA curve accuracy:
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17Hz – 205Khz +/- 02dB or b |
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Frequency response: |
5Hz - 50Khz -10dB /- 10dB |
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Working band: |
15Hz – 60Khz |
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THD+N: |
0002% |
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MM Gain: |
40dB @ 47Kohm |
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MC Gain: |
50dB - 72dB to suit all 015 – 25mV |
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Cartridge Loading: |
50ohm - 47Kohm in 6 steps |
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3-XLR Connections: |
Impedance Balanced Output |
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Connectors: |
Unbalanced RCA Input and Output |
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Unpacked weight: |
10lbs |
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Dimensions: |
189" Wx 118" D x 165" H |
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Operating voltage: |
115VAC 60Hz |
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Whest PS30RDT -
$4699 |
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Reviews: |
‘the Whest PS30RDT is all the phono preamplifier
you could ever hope for’
‘the Whest PS30RDT is an extraordinary phono
preamplifier by any yardstick’
STEREOTIMES – JULY 2009
‘dizzying depth, ultra-precise definition It’s only
what’s on the LP But probably so much more than you’ve
ever heard before’
LP Magazine - Holger Barske
‘simply astounding and successfully challenges even
the best MC phonostages’
Hifi and Records - Helmut Rohrwild
http://wwwstereotimescom/amp071609shtm by Frank
Alles
"The Whest PS30RDT is an
extraordinary phono preamplifier by any yardstick It is
a grainless, noiseless piece of gear that provides all
the dynamic shadings, vivid imagery, and fine detailing
that allows reproduced music to sound real It would be
nice if my lower-priced Nova Phonomena could render
dynamic contrasts and inner detail as ably as the Whest,
but unfortunately such adroit performance is not
available from any lower-priced units I have tried"
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Every magazine that has reviewed the PS30RDT has loved
it, comparing it to the best of valve/tubes but without
the valve pitfalls - namely: noise, microphony, bloated
bass and image blurr Reviewers have also compared the
PS30RDT to stages costing many times its price and the
PS30RDT has always come out on top
The PS30RDT is used in more than 30 archiving libraries
worldwide due to its amazing resolving power It is also
used in several magazine reviewer systems worldwide and
is now a Whest Audio best seller
WINNER OF THE MOST WANTED PRODUCT FOR 2009 in the ANALOG
SECTION of STEREOTIMES USA
The PS30RDT has become the phono stage which other
stages are compared against The PS30RDT is not only a
higher specified and closer tolerance version of the
PS30R but is also electrically dual mono in design from
the power inlet onwards! To do this, the PS30RDT is
equipped with 2 ultra low mechanical noise transformers
- one per channel
To see how far the PS30R could be taken - this is what
we came up with The PS30RDT has become the phono stage
which other stages are compared against The PS30RDT is
not only a higher specified and closer tolerance version
of the PS30R but is electrically dual mono
in design from the power inlet onwards! Every magazine
that has reviewed the PS30RDT has loved it, comparing
it to the best of valve/tubes but without the pitfalls,
namely: noise, microphony, bloated bass and image blur
They have also compared it to many stages costing many
times its price and the PS30RDT has always come out on
top The PS30RDT is used in more than 30 archiving
libraries worldwide due to its amazing resolving power
It is also used in several magazine reviewer systems
worldwide and is now a Whest Audio best seller |
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Technology: |
- 2 ultra low noise power
transformers
- Ultra low impurity copper used
throughout
- Hand selected and matched parts
from the MC REF V
- Single box solution for MM and
MC cartridges
- Internal PCB suspension for
reduced mechanical noise
- Full Dual-Mono configuration
- Designed using ‘trickle down’
technology
- RIAA curve accuracy to
within 02dB
- Hand welded 6063 aluminum
chassis
- Transistor Class-A
discrete circuitry
- 6 gain and 6 load settings
- Audio performance equals stages
2-3 times its price
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Specs: |
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Model No: whest PS30R |
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RIAA curve accuracy:
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17Hz – 205Khz +/- 02dB or b |
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Frequency response: |
5Hz - 50Khz -10dB /- 10dB |
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Working band: |
15Hz – 60Khz |
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THD+N: |
0002% |
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MM Gain: |
40dB @ 47Kohm |
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MC Gain: |
50dB - 72dB to suit all 015 – 25mV |
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Cartridge Loading: |
50ohm - 47Kohm in 6 steps |
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3-XLR Connections: |
Unbalanced RCA, Impedance Balanced on |
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Connectors: |
Gold Audiophile |
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Unpacked weight: |
10lbs |
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Dimensions: |
189" Wx 118" D x 165" H |
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Operating voltage: |
230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz |
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Whest PS30RDT - Special Edition
$7199 , (Red Case)
$7499 |
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The culmination of 3 years research and development has
lead us to the completion of a new, fully discrete
bipolar transistor input stage capable of noise levels
as low as the very best opamps in the world The
PS30RDT special edition is the first product in the
Whest program to benefit from these new modules We have
taken the basic essence of the PS30RDT and added new
ClarityCaps capacitors, updated RIAA filter capacitors,
reworked the power supply section as well as added the
new DBPM (discrete bipolar module) The increase in
audio resolution, broadband signal
power, soundstage and realism is simply astounding,
taking the PS30RDT to it’s final conclusion The
standard PS30RDT won a ‘Most Wanted Product 2009’ in
the USAwhat will they say about this?!
The new DBPM has the ability to handle ultra low output
cartridges with ease with no input transformers The
ability to be free of input transformers means the tiny
and delicate signal from your cartridge does not have to
‘drive’ meters of coil wire which degrades the signal
adding unwanted harmonics to the final output With the
PS30RDT special edition the signal is now amplified
instantly in the DBPM Because the signal is amplified
instantly, the conversion process to the RIAA filter can
happen a lot sooner and faster The signal path has been
‘trimmed’ in the PS30RDT special edition to maximize
the benefits of the DBPM
The end result is a magnificent Phono stage that is
capable of showing you just what your vinyl collection
sounds like From the ultra low noise inky black
background to the absolutely unsurpassed soundstage, the
PS30RDT SE is the standard against which all other
Phono stages will be measured |
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Technology: |
- Pure discrete transistor
design taken from the MC REF V MK4
- Class-A throughout
- Channel matched RIAA section
- New hand made and matched
Clarity Caps
- Ultra low noise electronics
- Matched capacitors and
transistors
- Physically separated channels
- True dual mono design
- Full discrete bipolar circuitry
- Full discrete bipolar circuitry
- Leather damped casework
- 2 Ultra Low noise power
transformers
- 40-72dB in 6 steps
- 6 load settings
- Hand selected parts used
throughout
- Designed, built and assembled in
the UK
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SPECS Same as Above |
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