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Clube do AUDIO E VIDEO - Fernando Andrette, September 2004
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Since 1998, every innovative product designed by Eduardo de Lima has caught me by surprise. I have to admit though that this time, the new Model 5 preamplifier had an impact that went beyond even that of the Model 88 monoblocks, which had left me so impressed and emotional. Those having read the Stereo 88 review in our May 2003 issue may remember a very cursory side note about this preamplifier which I'd listened to in prototype form for a mere 5 hours. According to the designer, a lot has changed since with several new adjustments and component modifications... ... With the launch of the new Model 5 preamplifier and Ref 100 loudspeaker, the Timbre Lock has now been expanded beyond just an electronic circuit into a concept that can be put to use in the whole audio chain. The individual gain controls of the Model 5 are much more than they appear. They interact with the master volume control and the gain block in such a way that for every system evaluated, we could find an ideal setting that gave us a giant leap forward in sound quality without affecting anything in the frequency response. Actually, the Model 5 seemed more immune to changes in loads, cables and level than all our other preamplifiers. What the Timbre Lock in this preamp does is alter in a subtle but very audible manner parameters such as harmonic distortion, output impedance, signal to noise ratio etc. The result is immediate and plain as day: Greater transparency, better microdynamics and impact, higher articulation and transient speed. |
| In our review, we have used associated components of all types to truly explore the compatibility range of this Timbre Lock. Digital sources: Sony 777ES, Gamut CD-1 MK-II, Sony 9000ES, Sphinx Mith 9, MSB Platinum DAC & Roksan Atessa transport Analog source: Rega Planar 9 with Van den Hul 1 Super and Roksan pre DX2 Power amps: Sphinx 24, Sphinx 12, Gamut D200 MK-II, Roksan Series M, Audio Aero Capitole, Bel Canto eVo6 Loudspeakers: Elac Elegant 304, Tannoy MX2, Acoustic Energy 3, Avance Dama 680X, Dynaudio Audience 52SE, Dynaudio Confidence 4, B&W 705 and 2 pairs of Autis loudspeakers (see this edition). Cables: Logical Cables Platinum, Ecosse Legend II, Nordost Quatro Fill, Siltech SQ88 and 110, Van den Hul Integration. Speaker cables: Siltech Gen 5 Classic, Ecosse 4.4, Van den Hul Inspiration Power cables: XLO Special Edition, Volcano, Siltech SP20, Combak DX-2, PS2 cable 2. Line Conditioning: AC Organizer, SMS Sinus Double X-treme I believe the Model 5 I received had already been properly conditioned. It did not need more than a day to show what a masterpiece it really is. When I first turned it on, I found myself in a state of disbelief. Then I simply had to surrender to the unique way this preamplifier recreates what was registered during the moment of recording. I believe that by stating this, I can cut short all subsequent chapters of this review that will attempt to explain the revolution, which the Model 5 set off in our listening room. I will also say that apart from the Jeff Rowland Coherence (which sells for much much more), no preamplifier on hand passed the first round against the Model 5. Even the Jeff Rowland unit had to use all its resources to finish the combat... ... To those who do not trust their own ears (adjusting the Timbre Lock), here's a tip: The moment you reach the ideal setting, the soundstage expands and becomes three-dimensional. A similar thing happens with the timbre especially of voices. They gain a surprising degree of realism and several lost details just seem to appear out of nowhere, making them present, natural and in focus. The great thing is that it seems as though there was a very definitive point where all of this happens. I will give you a few examples: With the Sphinx 24, Dynaudio Confidence 4 and Siltech cable combo, the best Timbre Lock setting was -15; substituting the Ecosse Legend II cables, it was -20; with the NordOst Quatro Fill, -15; and with the Platinum -10 (several other examples follow)... ... It is important to point out that once you reach the perfect setting, you should forget about it immediately and concentrate on rediscovering your CD collection. It's astonishing how many things you will hear which you haven't heard before. The first reaction is usually one of shock when being presented with so many new perspectives. Starting with being able to hear what was direct and reflected sound, the Model 5 allowed us repeatedly to notice very precisely the amount of reverberation each individual instrument produced. After this, you will notice in wonderment how the sounds decay and how much time passes before the instrument fades naturally into silence or has been faded by the mixing engineer. Next, you'll need to adjust to the true speed of all the instruments and their micro dynamics. In terms of raw speed, I believe there is no other preamplifier that can match the Model 5. When you hear the sound of drums, you'll hear that difference and know. You are now free to notice all the microdynamic details and the intention of the musicians producing them. With this Audiopax preamplifier, percussion instruments sound literally as though you were present during the recording session. After all these surprises, you will notice that there is more still - an audible comfort that is unusual ... ... The Model 5 frees you from concerns about equipment partnering and presents the music in a tonally full and emotionally rich manner. Starting with the first notes of your preferred recordings, your brain will instantly note that something truly extraordinary is occurring. You doubt this? I certainly hope that you do. Please do not put any faith into this article. Your surprise and the impact of personal discovery will be far greater that way just as it was with everyone who had the pleasure of listening to this preamp in our space. Simply put, no listener left their audition after accidentally walking in. Everyone understood what this Timbre Lock should mean to high fidelity sound reproduction from now on. It is more than a step forward. It gives so much audible realism that I can only relate it to live concerts. Despite all of the above, I have not bothered to talk about timbral balance, texture, harmonic body, presence etc. It would be a waste of time. Everything the best preamplifiers in the world do, this preamplifier will do - but with a difference: It is friendly to the system in a way that can adapt to any situation. We need to ask: Is there any other preamplifier that can claim this compatibility? Viewed from this perspective, is the Model 5 not a bona fide revolution? I urge you to listen to this preamplifier as soon as possible. Do not miss out. I can guarantee that it will point you to a new reference standard that's truly in line with the dawn of this new century. Tonal Balance 10 Soundstage 10 Texture 10 Transients 10 Dynamics 10 Harmonic Body 10 Organic presentation 10 Musicality 10.5 TOTAL 80.5 Class: Diamond Reference. Maximum points: 80. For those English-speaking readers not familiar with this South-American magazine's ranking, the DIAMOND category is the highest attainable class, with 80 points the perfect score. Our Audiopax Model 5 scored 80.5.
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