Through a system built on all-Linn electronics (Akurate DS: $6990; Akurate Kontrol: $6500; Akurate 2200 power amp: $5200), Tannoy Definition DC8 loudspeakers ($3600/pair, in lovely Espresso Walnut finish), and MIT cables, we listened to a series of short excerpts of hi-res demo material, from female vocals to a familiar drum solo off the good, ol' Sheffield Track & Drum Record.
Our host, Steven Lester, used an iPad running PlugPlayer and a QNAP NAS to play a combination of "Red Book," DVD-A, HDTracks, and Society of Sound files.
Vocals sounded consistently big and smooth, and that drum track sounded present and forceful, with great transient speed, impact, and detail for a dramatic, vibrant sound. Bam! Snap! Pow! Crash!
