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6moons audio reviews: Audio Space Line-2
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Reviewer: Paul Candy
Source: Rotel RCD-971 as transport, Audio Zone DAC-1, Zero One Mercury CD/HD Player [in for review], Pro-Ject
RPM 5 turntable, Pro-Ject Speed Box, Ortofon Rondo Blue cartridge
Preamp/Integrated: Manley Labs Shrimp, Blue Circle BmPH [in for review}, Audio Zone AMP-D1 [on loan], Pro-Ject
Tube Box phono stage.
Amp: Manley Labs Mahi monoblocks.
Speakers: Green Mountain Audio Callisto (on sand filled Skylan stands), (2) REL Q108 Mk II subwoofers, Green
Mountain Audio Calypso [in for review], AV123 Strata Mini [in for review]
Cables: Various SilverFi interconnects and Sufi speaker cable, Auditorium 23 speaker cables, Stereovox XV2 digital
Power Cables: Audience, GutWire, Harmonic Technology, DH Labs.
Stands: Grand Prix Audio Monaco four-tier rack.
Powerline conditioning: BPT Pure Power Center w/Wattgate 381 outlets, Bybee Quantum Purifiers and ERS cloth,
GutWire MaxCon, Blue Circle BC6000 [in for review], Blue Circle BC86.
Sundry accessories: Grand Prix Audio APEX footers, Herbie's Way Excellent II Turntable Mat, Herbie's Black Hole
CD Mat, Herbie's HAL-O tube dampers, Isoclean fuses, Walker Audio SST contact enhancer, Nanotech Intron 8500
CD fluid, Audio Magic/Quantum Physics Noise Disruptors, dedicated AC line with Wattgate 381 outlet, Echo Busters
acoustic room treatments.
Room size: 11x18x8, long wall setup, hardwood floors with large area rug.
Review Component Retail: CDN $2,499
I've listened to a number of preamps over the last
several months. I can't say that one made listening
to music any less captivating and enjoyable than
the other. Sure there were differences but nothing
to get overly animated over. Truth be told, I find
the subject of preamplifiers a trifle boring. I tend to
get more excited over integrated amps that punch
well above their weight and at a fraction of the cost
of separates. Besides, integrateds have improved
immensely over the last couple of decades. That's
just my inner integrated amp guy trying to get out.
Patience my friend, your turn will come shortly,
file://D:\Peter Files\Review-web\6moons audio reviews Audio Space Line-2.htm
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2011-5-24
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Summary of Contents for Audio Space Line-2
- Page 1 Besides, integrateds have improved immensely over the last couple of decades. That's just my inner integrated amp guy trying to get out. Patience my friend, your turn will come shortly, file://D:\Peter Files\Review-web\6moons audio reviews Audio Space Line-2.htm 2011-5-24...
- Page 2 Indeed, with a little digging here and there, it appears that Audio Space enjoys an excellent reputation in terms of build quality and reliability. You might not cotton to the Audio Space sound but you can't knock the build quality of this gear.
- Page 3 The Line-2 did all that. Bass notes didn't lag nor did timing suffer. I didn't feel I was missing out in the detail department either.
- Page 4 On my Manley gear, I prefer no dampers of any sort particularly while situated on the Grand Prix Audio Monaco rack. However with the Line-2, Herbie's HAL-O products had a significant and wholly positive effect. I noted less glare not that there was much to start with, and dynamics were also improved.
- Page 5 Of the three preamps, my overall favorite was the Line-2 with the ModWright and Shrimp following close behind. The Audio Space was also the quietest. But like I said earlier, all three are fine pieces in my opinion and should provide plenty of enjoyment for music lovers.
- Page 6 Chinese knockoff of dubious origin and reliability. You'll be making a big mistake if you do. If I was looking for a nice little tube preamp for around $3,000, the Line-2 would certainly be on the short list. If it retailed for $6,000, I'd be a little more hesitant but for a buck shy of $2500? Awesome deal.
- Page 7 During the fine-tuning process of the Line-2, we pay most of our attention to the power supply. The results are a wide and deep soundstage, excellent layering with precise imaging and focus. For tonal balance, the unit employs our custom designed Audio Space metal film coupling capacitors, which have a very neutral characteristic.
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