RMAF 2013: Sadurni Acoustics
I don’t have a detailed list of what else was in use in the room, but judging by the photos, a Mytek DAC and Oppo Blu-Ray player provided the source. Some amplification was an Audiolab 8000P, and a PS Audio Power Plant Premier AC regenerator was also in use. Cables were by Kubala-Sosna.
The result was a lot of fun, but how should I put this? If there’s a weakness you associate with horns, these probably have it. Our first test track was “Oh Lady Be Good,” the first track of Count Basie’s Count Basie and the Kansas City 7. The integration struck me as quite good in the sweet spot, and there was great texture from the brass. The tone on the piano was good, but quite recessed, as though it were emerging from a tunnel. There’s a lot of coloration from the horns on these things. A track from Dizzy Gillespie’s Live at Newport demonstrated similar weaknesses, with the addition of what seemed like some odd phase shifts. It’s kind of a bummer, because I really love what horns can do, but overall this was not a winner for me. I hope to revisit Sadurni in the future, however, because I’m certain at least some of the issues were due to show conditions.
Two words….Active Equalization! I’d consider that for freestanding horns.