Audio HP8 Mk II Headphone Amplifier Review

The new arrival of the Ikeda Moving Coil Step-Up Transformer was an appreciated and wonderful surprise. We had heard from well respected Associates and Audiophiles that this SUT was outstanding when paired with the right cartridge. It was a pleasant surprise to realize that the Ikeda SUT was everything reported and more. The improved sonics were rich and detailed with a coming together like a superior tight band. Instruments and vocals are wonderfully blended and orchestrated in a balance not yet accomplished with previous SUT solutions. The Ikeda IST-201 is designed for lower impedance Moving Coil Cartridges ideally from 3 - 6 Ohm. We are using a Etsuro Urushi Gold low output cartridge with an impedance of 4 Ohm. This cartridge pairs brilliantly with this step-up and the never-heard-before sonics were a wonderful revelation. With a small footprint the unit measures 6 in. x 4 in. x 3 in. The Ikeda IST-201 has a Canadian MSRP of $6,000 and is worth every penny for my part. Warren Lavender

More flexible with a variety of front panel cartridge loading settings and is completely hum-free. Many Audiophiles experience hum from their step-up MC transformer (SUT). The Graham Slee is an active powered preamp and eliminates MC transformer hum. Paul Rigby Elevator Review https://theaudiophileman.com/elevator-xp-step-up-from-graham-slee/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1x9EvqAQXoPiAhfGkNJUexVDvQt8qR_BqH8pCDvD5i_0d5QivZwbG1RMI_aem_ATzU8RVQGzoVm9UI1Dq8ftV01YLXRlyO8hqH3JH7V7oGlTA9wcY0EPmZchC4QixR0cyRro1xbZYck1UF4fbaFuTa

We are pleased to announce that we are now offering the Audio line of EAR products. The Ear Phonobox is an excellent addition to our phono stage preamp solutions offering a Hybrid one-piece small form factor chassis that supports both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Cartridges. This three-tube design uses proprietary ECC83/12AX7 tubes that are popular in preamp tube designs. The EAR Step-Up MC transformer is an outstanding-sounding addition that pairs brilliantly with all popular Moving Coil Cartridges.

Our choice for premium tube in all Icon Audio Signature upgraded amplifiers. $225 CDN each

Another excellent audio show orchestrated by Audiofest at the Toronto Airport Westin Hotel. It was very enjoyable to see Clients and Business Associates in the various demo rooms and convention halls. Not having an Audioarcan room this year allowed us to visit a number of displays that we typically cannot fit in when we are among the exhibits. We hope to be back next year and look forward to seeing you there.

An enjoyable afternoon spent at Parts Connection. The rooms with the Klipsch and PMC high-end speakers were among the visit highlights.

Just returned from spending a week in the UK which included a visit to Icon Audio and Graham Slee. Then we traveled to London to enjoy some of the many historic tourist attractions. Included in our London adventures was a visit to the Abby Road Studio and a walk across the iconic Beatles crosswalk.

Our amazing Canadian Musician Gordon Lightfoot passed away following a brief period of bad health this week. He was gigging right up to a few weeks ago. Gordon was a huge influence on me growing up and was largely responsible for me studying music and going into the music industry. His band were regulars at my music stores and I studied under Gordon Lightfoot's guitar player (Red Shea) who was also a member of our Music Shoppe hockey team. The annual backstage passes to the Massey Hall Gordon Lightfoot concerts will always be wonderful memories of my youth. Warren Lavender

Warren: I will add to Alex's thank you for sharing the article and as the proud owner of that very amplifier will say that the Signature 40 has exceeded my expectations on every level. I have attached a picture of my system below. Tim - Icon Audio Stereo 40 MKIV with PMC Speakers

The Icon Audio HP 205D headphone tube amplifier is the top-of-the-line offering the best in audio when paired with a high-quality set of headphones. Available in three choices of 205D tubes and Signature Upgrade with Mundorf capacitors. The Icon HP 205D is custom assembled in the UK to the configuration of your choice. Starting at $4,995CDN - Free Shipping See the Paul Rigby Utube video review at: https://youtu.be/CqT_XVeZACU

This newly posted UTube video review of the Graham Slee Majestic by Paul Rigby is an excellent look into the features and sound performance of this DAC/PREAMP. https://youtu.be/waCuqGcWJ_U

Audioarcan is now offering PMC Speakers that will include the bookshelf and tower Twenty5i series and the FACT tower series. We have on display and available for an audition the Twenty5i - 21 bookshelf, Fact 8, and Fact 12 speakers. Book a private audition by contacting us at sales@audioarcan.com or Office: at 249-880-5040.

Pure Fidelity has introduced their new Conductor controller that works with all of their tables. The Conductor is a one-piece unit that provides power, speed control, exterior pitch control and on/off functions. The newly developed software provides fine-tune speed accuracy and the rear panel located speed pots allow fine pitch adjustment for cartridge drag, different record weights and power grid differences. The Conductor will ship starting in early September.

Absolute Sound Reviewer Dick Olsher recently reviewed the Icon Audio LA4 MKIII Signature tube Pre-Amplifier. This was published in the December 2021 issue of the Absolute Sound magazine. In the January 2022 issue of Absolute Sound the Icon Audio LA4 MKIII Signature was awarded "Best Tube Pre-Amp of the Year" with the TAS publication of the Products of the Year.