Convergent Audio Technology, Magico, VPI, Essential Sound Products

We go inside with Convergent Audio Technology, dig deep with Magico, and Essential Sound Products shows us why they win awards.

The Story

The story from Convergent Audio Technology is one of crystal clear sonics. The kind of gear that impart little in the way of colorful editorializing. Achieving this goal is in part smart circuit design but also in premium parts selection. Enter the Black Path capacitor, a part developed by Convergent Audio Technology that makes its way into both preamplifiers offered by the company, but with special designation and a premium cost.

The aim of Black Path caps is to abate dielectric absorption and time smear. Teflon and Polypropylene materials already do a portion of this absorption and can result in fog or haze in the quiet passages of the music, which also invade the sound during the unquiet parts. The way Black Path tackles this is by using a dielectric with long-chain molecules. Slowing down the absorption rate of fast moving signals (2 Hz and greater) and then furthermore slows down any re-release of energy back into the signal. This is where timing is preserved. Pretty cool eh?

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Essential Sound Products had a full loom in the exhibit system, and more than enough samples of cables and power strips on static display for close inspection. Known for having loomed more than their fair share of recording and mastering studios around the world, the cables on hand do have quite the following in audiophile circles by those in the know.

On display were even some of their signature cables, with endorsements by legends such as Victor Wooten and Gerald Veasley.

The Sound

How do you describe clean fast flowing water other than by grabbing for adjectives often used in white water rafting. Things got moving and rolling, dynamic and clean. One of the more insightful systems at the show, but probably overlooked by those who didn’t recognize the names. Please, take record of both.