The Redpoint Audio Design Model D

The term silent doesn't begin to describe the complete calm the D so effortlessly and consistently portrays—unless the recording is fraught with noise. Bass is center-of-the-earth solid, unfailingly reaching D-E-E-P to accurately excavate tone, pitch definition, and detail. I have yet to hear more accurately and powerfully recreated bass recovery from any source. Midrange is utterly alive with tonal color, transient information, and energy. Treble is at once detailed and vibrant, articulate and full of shimmer and life! Its ability to reconstruct dynamic events, both large and subtle, is as effortless and nuanced as it gets. And talk about pace and drive! This table is utterly confidant in its reconstruction of the musical event.

The arrival of the nearly 120 pound, $19,500 Redpoint Audio Design Model D has been revelatory, to say the least. Though you can't exactly call the Model D "affordable," when you consider the sheer number of 'tables available today that exceed $50,000, even $70,000, you'd be hard pressed to call it extravagant. While the bulk of today's mega-buck tables are significantly complex, employing sophisticated, often intricate approaches to decoding vinyl, the Model D is downright elegant in its simplicity. And once you are treated to its exquisite performance, easily on par with most tables I've heard at 3, 4, or even 5 times its price, it begs pointing out that, if all else is equal (i.e. sonic performance), simpler engineering would be the preferred choice. Point, set, and match, Redpoint.

What an accomplishment! The D provides bone-crushing bass, living, breathing midrange and treble so crisp and clear you'll recognize a cymbal's brand. If the Redpoint Model D isn't the lead dog running with the analog pack, it certainly isn't far enough back to be spattered by any mud thrown up by the few paws ahead of it... Watch for my full review—coming soon. www.redpoint-audio-design.com

The NSR Sonic Research Concerto Loudspeakers (D1 Reference and D3 Sonata)

Every once in a while, a new product comes along that is truly both innovative and stirring. Enter the Concerto Series of loudspeakers (the $32,000 D1 and $4500 D3, shown above) from NSR (Natural Sound Reproduction) Sonic Research. Built as much like a prized musical instrument as a scientific device, one of the primary innovations of their design is the use of an Acoustic Projection Lens, or APL. John Tabernacki, President and designer of NSR, introduced himself to me at CES 2006 and I have followed the fascinating development of his products ever since.

The D1, introduced at the 2006 RMAF, offers a sense of instrumental body and tone unlike any speaker in recent memory, regardless of price. And talk about weight! You will be hard pressed to find any speaker that can match the D1 in its ability to get down all the way into the realm of sub-sonic information so clearly, cleanly and with such articulation and definition. And is it ever versatile! From Dream Theater to Dvořák, the London Symphony Orchestra to Laurie Anderson, the Academy of St. Martin in the Field's to Tori Amos, they deliver.

The D3, introduced at this year's RMAF, offers an astounding dynamic expressiveness and degree of focus. This allows them to completely vanish from the room, leaving only the music, while providing a deeply layered, intricately textured presentation. What is perhaps most astonishing is their ability to excavate deep, authoritative BASS, especially given their price and slight footprint.

Keep your eye on this company… You will be in for a fun ride. www.nsrsonic.com

The accomplishments of Serguei Timachev, Stealth Cables

My last award this year goes to recognize a man, not a device; to acknowledge a career rather than a creation; to celebrate the spirit of innovation, drive and excellence rather than a single accomplishment. Rather than prattle on, I will merely point you to my amazing experience with his Stealth cables, and the similar sentiments of Jim Merod, fellow PFO staffer, esteemed colleague, and cherished friend.

Serguei comes to the table with "right mindedness" and an authentic craving to get as close as possible to perfection, should he learn that he cannot indeed achieve it. His foray into the use of less-than-conventional conductive materials exhibits just how far out-of-the-box he is capable of thinking. While he is in business, he is not caught up in it, choosing rather to push himself and his designs, motivated solely by finding a way to better his last creation. Such spirit and drive, especially in today's marketplace, deserve to be singled out and celebrated, hence my recognition of this gifted and illustrious audio pioneer. www.stealthaudiocables.com