{"id":41977,"date":"2017-01-22T18:45:53","date_gmt":"2017-01-22T23:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/?p=41977"},"modified":"2017-06-04T11:50:11","modified_gmt":"2017-06-04T15:50:11","slug":"toronto-audiophile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2017\/01\/22\/toronto-audiophile\/","title":{"rendered":"TORONTO AUDIOPHILE 1 | A New Years Tally Of High End Audio For The Discerning Ear"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Toronto's
Toronto’s Audiophile brings you news of the most recent high end audio hardware and software, much of it available for audition in Toronto.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As editor and publisher of Audiophilia<\/a>\u00a0(a leading online magazine since 1997 for high end audio and music), I have a front seat for all the exciting news in high end audio. The news is delivered directly to my desk via Audiophilia’s social media outlets, press releases, emails and even old school phone calls. Rarely is there an embargo. I’d like to bring you the news that will be of interest to Toronto readers. Much of the equipment discussed may be auditioned in Toronto. I’ll add appropriate links as we continue.<\/p>\n

Master Quality Authenticated [MQA]<\/h3>\n

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Let’s begin with the biggest news in high end audio this year. And unlike much of the fad, failed technology of the past [SACD, DVD-Audio, Mini Disc, Digital Audio Tape, and many more] this one seems to have traction.\u00a0MQA<\/a>. Master Quality Authenticated. From the mind of Bob Stuart and Meridian. Stuart describes his format as:<\/p>\n

“With MQA, we go all the way back to the original master recording and capture the missing timing detail. We then use advanced digital processing to deliver it in a form that\u2019s small enough to download or stream.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“The result is astonishing. Every nuance and subtlety of the artist\u2019s performance \u2014 every tiny drop of emotion \u2014 is authentically reproduced. When you listen, you\u2019ll be transported right into the very moment of creation. You\u2019re there.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Until last week, you needed a special DAC to play these files, but this week streaming giant Tidal\u00a0announced<\/a>\u00a0that MQA files would be available on its website (no mobile or smartphone support yet). No special DAC needed. Repertoire is limited, but the files do sound splendid. I’ll report more about this exciting technology as it comes in. I expect the delivery systems to be added quickly. More MQA news next month.<\/p>\n

Quad VA-One Integrated Amplifier<\/h3>\n

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Venerable manufacturer Quad, makers of the first great loudspeaker, the ESL [1957], is celebrating the North American debut of the\u00a0VA-One<\/a>\u00a0EL-84-based integrated amplifier at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Any new Quad product is cause for celebration. And how fantastic does it look constructed in Quad’s ‘Lancaster Grey’? It even comes with an onboard DAC. It may be the last piece of amplification you’ll ever need.<\/p>\n

Price: TBA<\/p>\n

Audition in Toronto at\u00a0Planet of Sound<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shinola Runwell Turntable<\/h3>\n

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