We loved this analog-based setup in one of retailer Filtronique Son-or's rooms at Montreal Audiofest 2026—not too complicated setup-wise but packing a powerful sonic punch that defied analysis because it was so well-blended, coherent, and right-sounding.
The system's source consisted of a polished aluminum Transrotor MAX turntable (shown above, $5450 without tonearm, though it can accommodate two), fitted with a Sorane SA-1.2 tonearm ($2000) and Dynavector DV 20 XL cartridge ($1200). Downstream components included a Moonriver 404 Reference integrated amplifier ($6400) and Moonriver 505 hybrid phono stage ($6400), which allows gain and load capacitance to be adjusted on the fly from the front faceplate ("Hear the difference in real time!"); Harbeth Compact 7 speakers ($5400–$5700/pair) mounted on TonTrager Reference speaker stands ($2300); an AudioQuest Niagara 3000 power conditioner ($5900), and a solid maple Canopée Audio equipment stand by Canopée Audio ($4875), with cabling by Tellurium Q. Also on display, silently when I visited, was a dCS Lina streaming DAC ($18,500). (Prices are all in Canadian dollars.)
As I listened, I found myself confronting an existential question I've faced before, though not frequently: Would I ever need more than this? Or could I be satisfied by this forever? The sound was rhythmically engaging, colorfully toned, tonally textured, and brimming with lifelike presence.
