ISSUE NO. 76

Cover story:A new look at the contemporary version of the Totem Mani-2, which we once called one of the world’s finest speakers. In the background: a cloudscape of the imagination.

NUTS&BOLTS

Speaker Impedance

by Paul Bergman

What it means, how impedance affects performance, and how you can measure your speakers’ own impedance

FEATURES

Montreal 2006

by Gerard Rejskind

A leisurely tour of the venerable Montreal show, now in a new venue

Touring the New/Old Show

by Albert Simon

Another way of seeing (and hearing!) the show

CINEMA

Future High-Res Discs

Blu Ray? HD DVD? And what about the audiophile?

THE LISTENING ROOM

 

The Totem Mani-2 Signature

30

 

It was 14 years ago that this astonishing

 

 

loudspeaker wowed us. Now the Signature version

 

 

does it again

 

 

The Elac 204 Speaker

34

 

An inexpensive bookshelf speaker that comes with

 

 

the fabled Heil tweeter

 

 

Castle Richmond 3i Speaker

36

 

It looks rather like the superb (bu!t no longer made)

 

 

Castle Eden, only with both dimensions and price

 

 

tag scrunched down

 

 

Headphone Amplifiers

38

 

We slip on our cans and try some amp options: the

 

 

Lehmann Black Cube Linear, the CEC HD53R,

 

 

and the built-in phone amp of the Benchmark

 

 

DAC1 converter. We also listen to a new headphone

 

 

from…Goldring

 

 

The Squeezebox 3

44

 

Can you get high fidelity by getting a digital signal

 

 

from your computer to your stereo system over the

 

 

air? And if so, how? Is it better than just listening to

 

 

your iPod?

 

 

Power on the Go

49

 

Imagine a portable charger that can adapt to all the

 

 

electronic stuff you own or ever will own

 

 

RENDEZVOUS

 

 

The Totem Man

52

 

We used the same title last time we talked with

 

18

Vince Bruzzese…when Totem was still a startup

 

 

Is it like looking for the Unknown Soldier?

 

 

SOFTWARE

 

 

Lightfoot

63

 

by Reine Lessard

 

 

Gordon Lightfoot is back after a near death

 

 

experience. Reine looks at the way he changed a

 

22

corner of the musical landscape

 

 

Software Reviews

70

 

by Reine Lessard and Gerard Rejskind

 

25

DEPARTMENTS

 

 

 

 

Editorial

2

 

Feedback

5

 

Free Advice

7

 

Classified Ads

41

50

Gossip & News

77

 

State of the Art

80

ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine 

Page 3
Image 3
Koss 76 Speaker Impedance, Montreal, Touring the New/Old Show, Future High-Res Discs, Totem Mani-2 Signature, Squeezebox

76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

One of the standout features of the Koss 76 is its open-back design, which allows sound to travel freely in and out of the earcups. This design not only adds a sense of spaciousness to the audio but also contributes to a more natural listening experience. Users appreciate the open-back headphones for their ability to create a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying nuanced details in music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Another key characteristic of the Koss 76 is its lightweight build, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just a few ounces, these headphones provide ease of use without compromising on sturdiness. The plush ear cushions ensure that users remain comfortable, even after hours of wear, making them suitable for both casual listening and more extended use during activities such as gaming or working from home.

In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.