Reviews

“Steven Norber’s show systems and demos are always a treat.”

Posted by PranaFidelity on Jun 7, 2024 in amplifier, preamplifier, speakers, T.H.E. Show

PranaFidelity (website) was running a lovely demo system, and Steven Norber’s show systems and demos are always a treat. The man himself is much like his speakers, understated yet effortlessly classy. I was quietly greeted by him when I sat down for a listen, and he gently encouraged me to take a spin in the sweet spot during some very cool records and reel-to-reel. Amongst the tunes heard were some Johnny Cash I actually know well, and tape outtakes from Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.

Words and Photos by Grover Neville

The sound in this room was amongst the cleanest and most balanced at the show, with nary a single frequency response oddity to speak of. Imaging was even fairly good when seated directly in the middle of the room. Of all the rooms on the third floor, this one seemed to have the greatest sense of control and most precisely damped output, with a gentle fluidity, warmth and coherence that sounded just right. PranaFidelity always shows well, and I was impressed even more than usual by this setup because the rooms at the Hilton Long Beach were acoustically unfavorable to say the least.

Analog duties were performed by a Helius Designs Viridia table, with yet another Koetsu cartridge – can you blame exhibitors for using Koetsu so frequently? They just plain rock. E.A.R. was also present, and though Tim de Paravacini is no longer with us, the surprisingly accessibly priced Phono Classic was working its magic on the records. Nary a sight of digital was available in this room, and this may perhaps have been one of the reasons for it’s great sound. A big thanks to Steven Norber for being so gracious and for setting up such a great sounding room. Check his gear out if you get a chance, I haven’t been disappointed by a PranaFidelity room yet.