Some rooms at hifi-audio shows are infused with synergy. Every component in the set-up works flawlessly with every other component in the signal path. Some call this a curated system – one that is built from time, research, and experience with many manufacturers. Knowing what amplifier works perfectly with what speaker, which tonearm with which turntable, understanding the properties of tubes or cables, and being able to choose those that can add a touch of warmth, timbral accuracy or transparency borders on the religious in its orthodoxy. This is why systems which achieve it are often referred to as ‘the holy grail’ in high-fidelity circles: that moment when every link in the sonic chain is utterly sympathetic, and one no longer has to live life on the audiophile merry-go-round of buying, and selling gear. I thought of all this while spending time in the Linear Tube Audio, and Fern & Roby room at RMAF in Denver recently. The two men responsible for the system that was in situ were Christopher Hildebrand of Fern & Roby, and Mark Schneider of Linear Tube Audio. In an inspired choice, Chris Sommovigo’s bespoke Black Cat Cable had been chosen to tie everything together, and a [...]


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