Arousing: Class B Audio

How you say it makes all the difference. Take arousing. We'd definitely say it, with regards to Class B, as "a-rouse-ing." By which we mean, a game (or rouse) on the audiophite+.

Going back to 1996, there are some exceptions.

Mirage M-1si Loudspeaker ($5500.00 USD). Fans of Canadian Hi Fi may wish to investigate this "classic" loudspeaker which is better than the OMD-25 Loudspeaker we have, today.B&W Matrix 801 Series 3 Loudspeaker ($5500.00 USD). A classic loudspeaker. You'll still find this on the (secondary) market. Studios may sell their unused pairs, which they are likely to have held as backups, so "new old stock" may yet still be available. You won't find the dynamics, but it is one loudspeaker that can convey the scope of classical music, and is a bit of a looker.

NHT 3.3 Loudspeaker ($4300.00 USD). The one gem of the B Class, this product is one of the great loudspeakers ever made. Unassuming, though deep in stature, it truly delivers the goods, both in imaging, speaking in audiophile parlour, and in full-scope replay.

Quad ESL-63 USA Monitor Loudspeaker ($5995.00 USD). Most preferred the Quad ESL 57, however we were a fan of the '63, along with a good pair of Gradient SW-63 ($3000.00 USD) subs under 'em. Not the last word in replay, but very very nice. In many ways Class A dudes couldn't compete. Aesthetically pleasing.

Velodyne ULD-18 Subwoofer ($2750.00 USD)

B&W 805 Matrix Loudspeaker ($1600.00 USD). We were a big fan of the Matrix 800, 801, naturally, given the prominence and 805 in the series. It wasn't the John Bowers Silver Signature, but for only $1600 you could have yourself some serious B&W Opera. Some say the cabinets were better (better constructed / internally braced / and designed) than the later Nautilus (and today's Diamond) series.


We have a few arousing 1996 Class B components in our investory:

[Proceed PRE Preamplifer ($1995.00 USD).] Other than balanced IO the best thing about it is the remote control.

[Parasound HCA-2200 II Amplifier ($1,795.00 USD).] Our reviewer JR has two. One of which we purchased on a lark, but found it too large, hence passed it into his purview.

[PSB Stratus Gold Loudspeakers ($2,100.00 USD).] We have five (two pair plus a mono channel for the office PC). A good friend has five also. Well, four, plus a center channel. Not good at all. Not bad, either.




+ n. audiophite. def. neophite audiophile.
* n. investory. def. syn. inventory, aka. "audiophite investments."