TONEAudio Magazine

2 weeks ago | tonepublications.com | Jeff Dorgay

For a few years, MartinLogan’s Summit was their flagship speaker, and it received worldwide praise. At the beginning of 2009, MartinLogan combined what they’d learned building the new flagship CLX full-range electrostatic speaker system and the Spire hybrid to arrive at the Summit X. Just like the Summit, it features a pair of powered 10-inch woofers, one facing toward you and the other firing toward the floor. Though it looks similar to the original, the Summit X is an entirely different product.

2 weeks ago | tonepublications.com | Jeff Dorgay

Digging right in with the Caldera 12 and driving it down the rough road with a long playlist of Stanley Clark, Jaco Pastorius, and Tool tracks (but not “Chocolate Chip Trip,” because that is becoming the metal version of “Keith Don’t Go”) reveals it has what it takes to get the job done. Veri-Fi principal Mark Schifter has been in this industry for a long time, and he’s always had a handle on what’s really important.

Jul 26, 2024 | tonepublications.com | Jeff Dorgay

It’s hard to believe that a $2,000 amplifier drives the $149k pair of Clarisis Auditorium Plus ribbon speakers with this level of control, quality, and tonal involvement. Chris has me listening to Tool’s Fear Inoculum album more, and the track “Chocolate Trip Trip” has become a great test track due to its percussive, massive soundstage. Moving the A40 over to the Peak Consult Sinfonias ($68k/pair) proves equally involving.

Apr 8, 2024 | tonepublications.com | Jeff Dorgay

It seems appropriate to begin listening to the Aqua combination with Emerson, Lake, and Palmer’s “Still, You Turn Me On..” Even though the compact disc format was less than immersive when introduced backin the early 80s, it has been transformed over the years. Personally, I abandoned the “digital sucks”posture around 1990, and things have only gotten better and better to the point where digital audio is just fine.

Mar 23, 2024 | tonepublications.com | Jeff Dorgay

Listening to the gentle guitar and drum work in J.J. Cale’s “Magnolia” instantly reveals the level of resolution that the PlatiMon Virtual Coaxial One speakers can serve up. Driven by the BAT REX tube power amplifier, this is a lovely match – delivering speed, tonal saturation and a huge soundfield in all three dimensions. (Photo courtesy of MON Acoustic)Don’t be thrown off by the pair of 5-inch woofers, these small-ish speakers, with their dual ports around back generate serious bass energy.