“…stunned me”

“…stunned me”

The sound in the PranaFidelity room kept me planted on my chair long beyond the maximum amount of time I’d promised myself I’d spend in any one room at LAAS. The new Bhava speaker ($4950/pair) was designed for what company founder Steven Norber described as “responsible stereo.” According to Norber, the Bhava has a largely […]

How could I have not heard of these speakers before?

Posted by on Aug 31, 2016 in amplifier, hifizine, press, reviews, RMAF, speakers
How could I have not heard of these speakers before?

  Prana – the life force of music A couple of years ago at RMAF I lucked into a room on the quieter Sunday morning session where a Kuzma table caught my eye. The sonics were excellent, the music interesting, and the vibe relaxed, a confluence that warrants comment in the context of most audio […]

Fifty90 “…third year in a row…best values of the show and beyond”

Fifty90 “…third year in a row…best values of the show and beyond”

Fifty90 Speakers What more can I say about PranaFidelity that I have not said in past years? For all of you chuckleheads who keep complaining about the ever-increasing cost of high-end audio, get yourself a pair of Steve Norber’s Fifty90 speakers ($3’950/pr) and never look back. For at least the third year in a row, […]

Audio Oasis Award

Audio Oasis Award

Now here was a very pleasant surprise…and it was just directly across the hall from the PF hospitality room! In this room, Steven Norber and Ying Tan were running one of the intensely musical spaces at THE Show. The equipment included the PranaFidelity Vayu/fs speakers, the Purna preamplifier and amplifier, and some great sources:  A […]

“…unlimited in power, depth, dynamics and energy…”

“…unlimited in power, depth, dynamics and energy…”

I almost didn’t put the Prana Fidelity room in this article, mostly because the total cost of the system (including the R2R and turntable) was quite pricey. But, for as great as this room sounded, to get that level of performance with speakers that sell at this price deserves recognition. Prana Fidelity Vayu/fs ($6950) have […]

“and this impressive-sounding must be priced over $30,000/pair.”

“and this impressive-sounding must be priced over $30,000/pair.”

When I walked into the PranaFidelity room I didn’t know what to expect. Two very large loudspeakers flanked a refurbished and modified Ampex ATR-102 professional tape deck. Next to that was an equipment rack holding a Luxman D-08 CD/SACD player and a Basis Audio 2200 Signature Turntable with a Basis Audio Superarm and a My […]

Flattering and Humorous Commentary…

Flattering and Humorous Commentary…

So, I cut out of office early yesterday i had little excuse to miss the show this year as I did last year. heck its only 1.5 miles from the office to Hotel Irvine. I didn’t try to hear every room but I know I walked every floor. If it was digital only or at […]

PranaFidelity lures music lovers

PranaFidelity lures music lovers

I’m a sucker for reel-to-reel tape machines. Although I don’t own one — yet — I am absolutely fascinated when I see one. It seems tape is the next ancient technology, after vinyl, to be making a comeback. It’s easy to see why — if you’ve got a good-condition, low-generation master copy, the sound quality […]

RMAF 2014 Fifty90: “easily the best speakers under 5k”

RMAF 2014 Fifty90: “easily the best speakers under 5k”

Fifty90 Speakers As is his wont, Steve Norber of PranaFidelity was once again cheerfully and seemingly effortlessly bringing great sound to the RMAF Atrium. This year, he elected to demonstrate his Fifty90 stand mount loudspeakers ($3,950). Preamplification was from the purna/ca, which is available as a single-ended line stage for $4,500, balanced for $5,950, single-ended […]

“…this was my favorite room…”

“…this was my favorite room…”

Very few rooms stood out for me at the show. Admittedly I deliberately ignored the uber-expensive rooms. In the past I was rarely impressed by their performance even when I ignored placing any judgement on value for the money. I have always been impressed more by manufacturers who can make me smile and do it […]

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