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PowerStar Horizon AC Distributor

OK, the PowerStar Horizon looks incredible. But what about the sound? Given the passive design, it is nothing at all like you would expect.

First, instead of getting soft, the PowerStar Horizon firms up frequency response across the board. This is especially beneficial to the bass range, as tonal balance gets a bit darker and there is more bottom. Everything gains density and weight. Image size inflates to some degree and borders are more defined, without becoming etched.

Secondly, the impact on dynamics is completely counter-intuitive. The sound becomes more energetic, crisp and contrasty. Instruments start to pop and the performance more engaging. The impact here is pretty startling. There is no loss—only gain—with the PowerStar Horizon.

- Marshall Nack

Positive Feedback 1/1/2018

Stage III ~ Proteus power cable

The Proteus is an absolutely first-class, state-of-the-art power cord that is extremely dynamic, robust and nuanced.

You definitely need to treat the Proteus as a major component and/or electrical system upgrade, and not just think of it as another power cord tweak.

Very highly recommended.

- Ed Momkus

Dagogo 11/17/2017

Metaxas & Sins MARQUIS Headphone Amplifier

Reviewing the Metaxas Marquis was an interesting experience. It’s certainly a design masterpiece, with amazing audio abilities. It’s a very accurate and powerful amplifier. It’s also unusual and eerie, perhaps even a statement piece.

But let’s be honest with ourselves. How many times can we admit that we have been so intrigued by an audio product that we just stare at it in awe?

- Matthew Jens

Stereonet 4/12/2017

Hartvig TT turntable

The $14k Hartvig TT belt-drive turntable system’s construction and use of materials, such as a MDF and acrylic-sandwiched plinth, a 2-inch acrylic platter over another 2-inch of aluminum platter are exotic and impressive and serves remarkably as the foundation of a high-end system.

This construction exoticness and total turntable mass makes the Hartvig notable amongst similarly priced, substantial turntable designs although it’s highly economical footprint does make for a polarized appeal. By the same token, its ability to assume a pure, non-intrusive sonic footprint, however, is remarkable for the size.

- Constantine Soo

Dagogo 3/23/2017

Stage III Concepts Analord Master

I certainly found a specialized phono cable that performs spectacularly. The Analord Master Phono Cable shares the extroverted characteristics with the rest of the latest cables Stage III Concepts. These new wire products from Stage III perform consistently at the top of the game. It should be obvious they garner a top recommendation.

- Marshall Nack

Positive Feedback 11/19/2016

Stage III Triton Power Cord

It ain't often I find myself preferring the one-down model of anything. This is that rare occasion. As the saying goes, all things in their place. The Stage III Concepts Kraken and the statement Leviathan power cords are excellent on amplifiers. On my front-end gear, however, I found their effects too much. But the Triton, the third down in the line, fit the bill perfectly. The Triton is a reduced version of the Kraken, both in appearance and performance: it brings proportionally less of all the Stage III bennies. That means it will satisfy both the analytical enthusiast and the music lovers among us. That was just right for my front-end. The addition of a single Triton transformed my sound in startling ways. Singlehandedly, it took the system from very good to outstanding. The Triton is another A+ power product from Stage III and recommended without reservation.

Positive Feedback 7/18/2016

Gorgon Interconnect from Stage III Concepts

The cable manufacturer Stage III Concepts is busily revising their product line to incorporate new design developments. First they came out with a pair of power cords, the Kraken and Leviathan, which are outstanding. Last year they introduced the Medusa Speaker Cable, another solid winner. Now it's time for an interconnect. Before shipping me the Gorgon Interconnect, the distributor told me how it shared all the latest design elements of the line and had similar voicing. Frankly, I was skeptical since it seemed too good to be true. I had the same reservations about the Medusa Speaker Cable and it proved me wrong. Now it's the Gorgon's turn. I can state unequivocally, the Medusa and the Gorgon are worthy complements to the Kraken and Leviathan. In fact, the Gorgon may be the best of the lot. These new wires from Stage III Concepts do things I've not heard from other brands. It should be obvious they garner a top recommendation. You need to hear them. - Marshall Nack

Positive Feedback 6/1/2016

Medusa Speaker Cable ~ Stage III Concepts

Until now, I've only auditioned Stage III Concepts power cord products. The latest models—the Kraken and the Leviathan—are outstanding, at the top of the game in the category.

The Medusa Speaker Cable is the first signal wire in the revised product line. When the distributor told me it had the same voicing as those power cords, frankly, I was skeptical. First listen proved me wrong. The Medusa is a worthy companion to the Kraken and Leviathan.

Stage III has hit another home run. It should be clear by now that the Medusa Speaker Cable from Stage III gets my top recommendation. (There's more to come. The recently released Gorgon Interconnect is now in house. Spoiler alert: the Gorgon sports nearly the same voicing. Stay tuned.)

Positive Feedback 3/1/2016

Ikeda KAI MC Cartridge

The Ikeda Sound Labs KAI is a world-class moving-coil cartridge with very low output and a low compliance. It must be carefully mated with a low-noise, high-output phono preamplifier and a tonearm massive enough to produce a resonant frequency below 13Hz. Those requirements met, the KAI delivered prodigious dynamics, expansive soundstages, electrostatic-like transparency, fast and clean transients, and about as much detail and overall excitement as any cartridge I've heard.

I spent a long time with the Ikeda KAI, and genuinely enjoyed all of it. It correctly performed all of a cartridge's housekeeping chores-excellent tracking, super quiet groove tracing, a complete absence of mechanical artifacts-and its low residual coloration and fleet-footed overall sound made for many evenings of satisfying, exhilarating listening.

- Michael Fremer

Stereophile 6/1/2015

Stage III Leviathan Power Cord

Stage III Concepts has done it again. The critical acclaim and consumer acceptance of the Kraken model provided the needed incentive to venture forth where few wire manufacturers dare to tread. The result is a product that multiplies the performance of the Kraken. You have to experience it for yourself. Try to arrange an audition to see what this level of cable engineering can do.

- Marshall Nack

Positive Feedback 4/9/2015

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