The preshow buzz was palpable. Is Altec Lansing really back? With a new planar loudspeaker?
The "equipment list from source to ear" did exactly that, laying out the system in detail: Infigo Audio IS-1 Octacore Cryogen ($7000) and Altec Lansing Simbolo ($7000) streamers; an Infigo Audio Method 4 DAC ($35,000); an Infigo Audio Method 7 preamplifier ($20,000); and Infigo Audio Method 3 monoblock amps ($55,000/pair). Those amplifiers drove the new Altec Lansing speakers, called Ribbonacci Reference ($89,000/pair). These were assisted by two Altec Lansing Ripole Subwoofers with 1000W DSP Amps ($TBA).
Cabling was by Altec Lansing and Infigo Audio. All the equipment sat (or stood) on Sapphire Blue Slippers feet ($400/set). Bathed in deep blue light, room 761 was crammed with equipment—those Altec Lansing speakers were 7' tall. Between the speakers was an equally imposing video screen. It was hard to focus on the music, as the video screen portrayed information in a revolving slide-show display.
The sonic presentation was an earthquake, massive scale yet effortless. That scale came at a cost. Jeff Beck's "Hip-Notica" emerged slinky and muscular but lacked the definition needed to cut through the mix. The song's bass growled. The sound was massive and cinematic, transforming the space into a private screening room. Simpler music, like Michael Gulezian's "Mile High Country," managed to break free, glistening with clarity.
Cabling was by Altec Lansing and Infigo Audio. All the equipment sat (or stood) on Sapphire Blue Slippers feet ($400/set). Bathed in deep blue light, room 761 was crammed with equipment—those Altec Lansing speakers were 7' tall. Between the speakers was an equally imposing video screen. It was hard to focus on the music, as the video screen portrayed information in a revolving slide-show display.
The sonic presentation was an earthquake, massive scale yet effortless. That scale came at a cost. Jeff Beck's "Hip-Notica" emerged slinky and muscular but lacked the definition needed to cut through the mix. The song's bass growled. The sound was massive and cinematic, transforming the space into a private screening room. Simpler music, like Michael Gulezian's "Mile High Country," managed to break free, glistening with clarity.
