Stereophile
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- Apr 19, 2013
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- #1
<p><img class="story_image" src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/060213-VonSchw-600.jpg" /></p> That Albert Von Schweikert is an excellent speaker designer is widely known. Hence it was no surprise that the Von Schweikert Audio UniField Two three-way bookshelf loudspeakers with dedicated stands and active noise reduction ($8000/pair) were making exceptionally smooth music on an unidentifiable classical piece played on an outstanding system that included the YFS supercomputer HD.REF-3 LE ($15,500), EMM Labs DAC2X ($15,000), and Constellation Audio Centaur amplifier ($27,000) and Virgo preamplifier ($29,000). All this was powered and connected by Master-Built Signature power cords ($6200/6 ft.), ULTRA XLR audio cables ($12,000/pair), Signature RCA interconnects ($6200/pair), and Signature bi-wire speaker cables ($7500/8 ft. pair).
<p>
However, despite the gorgeous depth of the presentation, I noted that on my recording of pianist Murray Perahia playing Handel, the highs lacked brilliance. The ping that gives a well-recorded piano the spark of life was missing.
</p><p>
Albert Von Schweikert to the rescue. Entering the room just as I was voicing my concerns, he explained that earlier in the day, when the system was still warming up and a visitor had complained that the sound was too bright, he had switched to much less inexpensive interconnects.
</p><p>
“Put the better ones in!” I exclaimed.
</p><p>
The change took all of 20 seconds. Even before the cables had time to settle in, life returned to the system. Folks who dismiss the possibility that cables can make a major sonic difference, and that choice of cabling is as important as choice of components, will of course poo-poo this. It saddens me to think how much beautiful music they’re missing because they refuse to listen. </p>
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/von-schweikert-yfs-your-final-system]
<p>
However, despite the gorgeous depth of the presentation, I noted that on my recording of pianist Murray Perahia playing Handel, the highs lacked brilliance. The ping that gives a well-recorded piano the spark of life was missing.
</p><p>
Albert Von Schweikert to the rescue. Entering the room just as I was voicing my concerns, he explained that earlier in the day, when the system was still warming up and a visitor had complained that the sound was too bright, he had switched to much less inexpensive interconnects.
</p><p>
“Put the better ones in!” I exclaimed.
</p><p>
The change took all of 20 seconds. Even before the cables had time to settle in, life returned to the system. Folks who dismiss the possibility that cables can make a major sonic difference, and that choice of cabling is as important as choice of components, will of course poo-poo this. It saddens me to think how much beautiful music they’re missing because they refuse to listen. </p>
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/von-schweikert-yfs-your-final-system]