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Awards are often a reason for misunderstandings, quarrels and sometimes even offence. Many times the distributors think, that if “I” didn’t get it, then why “he” got it. Our own hell on demand. But awards are a special way of laying emphasis on devices that are especially interesting, that stand out from the devices tested by SOMETHING, that makes us know, while sitting and listening to our discs, that this is a step forward, that the competition, even if offering interesting devices, is a step behind.
That is the reason why we try every year to present some devices to you, that we are sure they will prove themselves in many systems. None of them is a magic answer to all questions and an ideal solution – those are only products of human hands, and not divine, please remember that. However they present ideas, that, in many cases, will be that what we are looking for.
Like every year, also this year we honored the outstanding products with a special distinction. Let us remind which products received the Main Award in 2006 (all Product of the Year 2006 awards HERE):
Just like I wrote in the justification: “This is a dream system without price restraints. And there is nothing behind it, for a long, long way”. Because it was about giving you a hint, that you can compose a system, maybe not the most expensive one, but without constraints. We decided for something similar this year, with one exception: the Arcam Solo Movie 5.1, that is a complete system in itself. This time, the main system costs very, very much, and is also built around a player with a tube output stage, but the amplification went over to the solid state premises.
Wojciech Pacuła
MAIN PRIZE 2007
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Jadis
JD1 Mk II/JS1 Mk III
No. 33 January 2007
This is the first player that put the crossbar for the digital sources so high. Of course there are other players on the market, in some aspects better devices, but Jadis proposes a holistic way of sounding, based on emotions and something that extends beyond the technique of reproduction. That is why it is for me a reference point.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Grobel Audio
Contact: audio@grobel.com.pl
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KRELL
EVO 222 + 402
No. 43 November 2007
Krell devices are sometimes accused of being cold and soulless. Please listen to this amplifier. With a good CD and precise loudspeakers. In this case the “soullessness” means much more, it means no intrusion in the signal, and cold means having a superb, open treble. Krell is also a master of bass. It is not about the control of it – this we assume as obvious, but absolute freedom from constraints, freeing us from thinking about this frequency range. This projects to other parts of the spectrum – the midrange is crystal clear and incredibly saturated. And the resolution is outstanding. This is one of the few solid state amplifiers sounding like the best of the tubes in that aspect.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Klan
Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl
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Harpia Acoustics
DOBERMANN (new)
No. 41 September 2007
Those are loudspeakers, that set a crossbar in terms of precision and speed of sound that is difficult to match. Only some speakers of the 60000 - 70000zl price range can do something like that. For the whole year this was the reference point of the editorial staff.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Harpia Acoustics
Contact: harpia@harpiaacoustics.com
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RCM AUDIO
PRELUDE SENSOR IC
No. 43 November 2007
Inexpensive and marvelous. Two words and everything is clear. The Katowice based company succeeded in something incredibly difficult – it prepared a solid state, IC based preamplifier, that is incredibly precise and incredibly saturated. And this bass – all tube type preamplifiers can only dream of such control and timbre. The device was bought for the editorial staff.
Original test HERE
Distribution: RCM
Contact: rcm@rcm.com.pl
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Luxman
M-800A
No. 43 November 2007
Unexpected resurrection of one of the legends of hi-end, the Japanese company Luxman came in a good time – this is the time, when much happens in audio. This is a powerful, working in class A, power amplifier, that sounds like a combination of a solid state amplifier – precision, contour, resolution and a tube amplifier – saturation, timbre, depth. It can be done better, but it will cost three or four times more. Fantastically made it will please us many years with its presence. Also us – the tested unit was bought by us as a reference.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Sound City
Contact: poczta@luxman.pl
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Nexton
M-100
No. 42 October 2007
This is an absolute surprise – a Polish stand mount speaker made exclusively in our country, including the drivers, sound like a class speaker, without any prejudice related to the price or country of manufacture or the Stock Exchange rates. And the workmanship – superb!
Original test HERE
Distribution: Nexton
Contact: info@nexton.pl
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Arcam
SOLO MOVIE 5.1
No. 41 September 2007
There is not much to tell here, because this is something for anybody annoyed by kilometers of cables and boxes in home theater – regardless if this is the first or a second system. Solo Movie is first of all a very good audio disc player (all formats – CD, DVD, DVD-Audio and SACD) and a superb amplifier. Warm, saturated sound with a real kick, this is an asset of traditional line amplifiers. And the vision – a dream; and an example what can be extracted from a classic DVD.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Center
Contact: audiocenter@audiocenter.pl
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CATEGORIES
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
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BAT
VK-300X Tube
No. 36 April 2007
Balanced Audio Technology does not propose any breakthrough technologies, it just refines that what it masters best. The combination of tubes in the preamplifier and transistors in the power stage is a classic setup. In the hands of BAT people it gets a special edge, underlined with perfect manufacturing, outstanding design and something extra that makes us know what we are paying for.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Voice
Contact: office@voice.com.pl
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BLADELIUS
Thor Mk II
No. 40 August 2007
Mike Bladelius is responsible for the explosion of the Scandinavian audio. He made designs for Primare, but did not forget about the company carrying his name. The amplifier Thor MkII is a minimalist, well thought construction with a cool looks and a warm heart (sound). Once heard and liked, it will clear the path of one’s development.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Arspo Audio
Contact: arspo@arspoaudio.lodz.pl
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Cary
CAD-300-SEI
No. 37 April 2007
I don’t know if it is better to write, that this is a fantastic integrated amplifier based on 300B tubes, or one of the best headphone amplifiers I heard. Both statements are true and equal. So whatever we choose, the second device we get for free. It is however worth to change the tubes to something better in time.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio System
Contact: Contact@audiosystem.com.pl
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Cyrus
8 vs2 + PSX-R
No. 40 August 2007
Cyrus is a British classic, who decided to jump forward and took gamble on modernity. SMD montage, unified enclosure, brilliant in its simplicity, and the possibility of almost unlimited upgrade. And the manufacturing done completely in the UK. But those are just ornaments to the sound. Saturated sound, full of passion, that is completely unfitting to the “shoebox” looks.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Intrada
Contact: info@intrada.pl
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LUXMAN
L-505f
No. 40 August 2007
Luxman means not only majestic products from the top, but also much cheaper, nicely made products like this integrated amplifier. Its sound is best described by this fragment of the test: “Now [we have] full, extremely coherent, rich sound, achieved through the feeling, that the sound is concentrated on itself is the next step in the Zen meditation.” So you have to listen for yourself.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Sound City
Contact: poczta@luxman.pl
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Rotel
RA-05
No. 40 August 2007
You cannot pass next to the new budget proposition of this manufacturer untouched. Since years Rotel supplies competent sounding, nice to listen to devices. This time “accurateness” was added, something that its competition could show off with, and with what Rotel did not fight. RA-05 is different, because we can expect the one and the other from it.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Klan
Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl
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Xindak
XA6200
No. 37 May 2007
Chinese devices have a reputation of being cheap and well built. The model XA6200 is not cheap, but built superbly. This is a splendidly sounding, dynamic and precise device, that can take on the fight with the European competition on equal terms. Competition it leaves behind in terms of build quality.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Polpak Poland
Contact: biuro@polpak.com.pl
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PREAMPLIFIER
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Pink Faun
FETTLE
No. 37 May 2007
The newcomer from the Netherlands is a hardcore look at audio, because it uses the simplest ways with most expensive tools, like NOS capacitors, resistors and transistors. Fabulous as a gramophone preamplifier its battery powered double box setup puts emphasis on something called “musicality” by some people, and just splendid sound by others.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Pink Faun
Contact: Info@PinkFaun.com
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POWER AMPLIFIER
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Accuphase
A-45
No. 35 March 2007
Precision, kick, dynamics – this is a short characteristic of this amplifier. And the A-45 works in class A. Splendid, relatively inexpensive product that keeps the structure of the sound of the original without sacrificing the attack. One thing it requires ruthlessly is a good preamplifier.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Nautilus Hi-End
Contact: nautilus@nautilus.net.pl
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Rogue Audio
M-150
No. 36 April 2007
The Americans have fantasy – this is known. But they also have fight in their blood. Just like Rogue Audio. When everybody transferred production to China, or switched to using there prepared components, RA just tightened their belt, redesigned their products and proposed them in prices not achievable for the Chinese. And everything is “Made in USA”. M-150 is a big, solid power amplifier, that is not cheap. But one should look at what the Americans offer, as they know what they do. And they know music.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Arspo Audio
Contact: arspo@arspoaudio.lodz.pl
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DIGITAL PLAYER
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Arcam
FMJ CD36T
No January 2007
One of the “iron” manufacturers from the British Islands. Every product it proposes is at least successful, and some are outstanding. Like this one, most expensive in their portfolio, but still underpriced, CD player. Fleshy, controlled bass, vivid midrange and fluency make him a companion for long winter nights as well as for the hot summer nights. But you should provide it with a classy companionship, so that it will not be wasted.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Center
Contact: audiocenter@audiocenter.pl
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Denon
DCD-CX3
No. 38 June 2007
A small thing, built like a Swiss watch. Designed as a part of a mini-system, this SACD player sounds like a classy audiophile beast. You should avoid bright systems, but with tube amplifiers it will show what it can. And this heavy, cast tray.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Horn Distribution
Contact: horn@horn.pl
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E-Sound
CD-E5
East West Audio Edition
No. 33 May 2007
East West Audio is a Dutch distributor that carries, among others, Polish products. Ron, the man behind the company, is also a music lover and an audiophile. So he prepared a CD player, based on the player awarded by us last year, the Chinese CD-E5, his own version of it, with a completely reworked output stage. Analog, saturated sound, with a bit controversial bass. And the splendid built quality, with the power cabling supplied by the Polish company Audionova – both on the inside and outside.
Original test HERE
Distribution: East West Audio Shop
Contact: info@eastwestaudioshop.nl
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LINN
AKURATE CD
No. 43 November 2007
This is one of the few multiformat players, that sounds fine in every possible format. Warm, organic sound with good manners. Very nice switch from CD to broader spectrum.
Original test HERE
Distribution: LINN Polska
Contact: info@linnpolska.pl
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Marantz
CD5001
No. 39 July 2007
Inexpensive, even very inexpensive, nicely sounding player from the Japanese specialist. One could say – this is no surprise. But still – so many years in the field, changes of models, lines, and still Marantz can propose something, that the competition will try to discount next year. Many times without success.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Klan
Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl
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Nagra
CD-P
No. 43 November 2007
The appearance of the first ever CD player in the company history exactly in the 25th anniversary of the format can seem to be madness or at least extravaganza. Unless… it is Nagra. Using the experience of the digital tape recorders and studio converters it proposes, buying lenses from Carl Zeiss, top drive from Philips and creating an proprietary preamplifier it proposed one of the more attractive trinkets in our branch – small and made with really Swiss precision will be a piece to be proud of by its owner. Also in forty years.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Intrada
Contact: info@intrada.pl
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D/A CONVERTER
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Casea
CEPHEUS
No. 37 May 2007
This Czech converter is an example for the fact, that solid engineering supported by the sense of music make a whole. And this for really not much money. And when we equip a multiformat player with a special module, we can enjoy high resolution sound until 192kHz and 24bits! Bravo!
Original test HERE
Distribution: Casea
Contact: polski@casea.eu
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Manley
WAVE
No. 36 April 2007
Eva Manley is a never resting spirit and at the same time the ideal manager. She can inspire her engineers like no other. Hence the ideas for products like the wave – a D/A converter with an integrated tube preamplifier. Without a trace of technical sound, always with a body and souls, putting emotions on the first place, this device confirms that the Compact Disc format still can achieve much. And that we get the heat of the tubes with that? Now – this is just a present from Eva…
Original test HERE
Distribution: Moje Audio
Contact: biuro@mojeaudio.pl
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STAND MOUNT SPEAKERS
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A.D.A.M.
HM2
No. 35 March 2007
Tweeters are a separate sphere of loudspeaker art. In the A.D.A.M. loudspeakers we find one of the most interesting variations on the theme, the speaker A.R.T. (Accelerated Ribbon Technology). It is responsible for sweet, open treble without a trace of compression. The Eton speaker partnering it is also behaving very well, it provides dynamics and kick. Really worth a sin, even if we do not like exotic beauties.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Tech
Contact: sale@audiotechpro.pl
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AUDIOWAVE
141 SE
No. 41 September 2007
Audiovawe is a company that proposes loudspeakers with unusual, wooden enclosures for years now. Wood brings warmth to mind. Despite this, it was put together with the “cold” shine of metal diaphragms. And bingo – precise, resolved sound without a trace of chill, but with deep, for the size of the speaker, bass and rich harmonics. A baroque writer could say – burning ice…
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audiowave
Contact : 601 285 230
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B&W Bowers&Wilkins
686
No. 42 October 2007
Bowers is now probably the most important player among the loudspeaker manufacturers in home audio. Like it showed in the top models with the diamond tweeters, it can return to the roots (1st order cross-over) and make an advantage of it. But the biggest challenge are the cheapest loudspeakers. Here the British are also in the first line. A loudspeaker, actually designed as a surround for home theater, the model 686 shows, that if one wants it then it is possible – big sound from a small speaker and this with a range of amplifiers. And for desert a very good visual design.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Klan
Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl
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FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
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ACUHORN
ROSSO SUPERIORE 175
No. 37 May 2007
Those are no run-of-the-mill loudspeakers. This is not an ordinary product. Splendidly made, with care for every, even the smallest detail, it will be a decoration for every interior. Unusual wide band drivers and a fantastically matched tube allow for getting a fresh, free from internal friction, sound. This is a speaker, that – if it is “our” sound – can stay with us forever.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Acuhorn
Contact: info@acuhorn.pl
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Audio Academy
PHOEBE II
No. 35 March 2007
Polish companies are especially active when it comes to manufacture of loudspeakers. And they do it well. But creating a good and cheap speaker is always a challenge. Audio Academy is very experienced in that field, so it is no surprise, that the Phoebe II are very good speakers. The sound well with many amplifiers, with a nice tonal balance, nice finish – what more do you need?
Original test HERE
Distribution: Audio Academy
Contact: audio@audioacademy.com.pl
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Celestion
F28
No. 38 June 2007
Celestion is one of the oldest, still active companies manufacturing loudspeakers. Since many years the company concentrates on lower price ranges. Combing experience and production capabilities, the series F competes with Chinese “no name” products in terms of price, while being much better. F28 is a superb speaker – inexpensive, precise, with short bass and detailed treble.
Original test HERE
Distribution: KEF Poland
Contact: grzegorz.wyka@gpaeu.com
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ERYK S. CONCEPT
KETSUS
No. 44 December 2007
The wide band speaker concept is not new. The model KETSUS brings a modification of it – two wide band speakers are supported in the lower and higher registers by other, classic speakers. This results in a smooth, fluent, slightly “soft” sound with enormous dynamics. And for many people the brilliant visual design and perfect manufacturing quality will be most important. Fully Polish, completely thought through and absolutely finished.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Eryk S. Concept
Contact: eryk@eryksc.com
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KEF
REFERENCE 203/2
No. 44 December 2007
This is the last word from KEF in terms of loudspeaker manufacture – in terms of manufacture as well as in terms of sound. Beautiful design, with natural veneers, varnishes and cast parts, and most of all the newest generation of the Uni-Q system, designed for the costing 100000 Euro Muon. At the moment, “Reference” means for the company perfect measurement results and sound. But remembering, that KEF manufactured the best version, of the licensed speakers LS3/5a BBC, one should not be surprised.
Original test HERE
Distribution: KEF Poland
Contact: grzegorz.wyka@gpaeu.com
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MAGNEPAN
MG1.6/QR
No. 43, November 2007
This planar transducters can create fantastic, big sound without any ounce of sharp moments. It is very rare situation that loudspeakers can create such big volumen. In this price - never.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Neel Audio
Contact: info@nell-audio.pl
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Pro-Tonsil
SIESTA
No. 39 July 2007
Those that predicted Tonsil a quick death probably don’t know what to think. A hint – the rumors of death were much exaggerated. Under the brand Pro-Tonsil we get a wave of perfectly made, nicely sounding, inexpensive products, the manufacturer accustomed us to. Among them the Siesta – a dynamic, clear speaker, with well drawn bass.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Pro-Tonsil
Contact: info@protonsil.pl
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HEADPHONES
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ZEN
AURVANA
No. 38 June 2007
This was not expected – a specialist of sound cards for computers created headphones, that outclassed known competition. Nicely done – and just nicely looking – sound just like twice as expensive models from other manufacturers. And it seems to be just the first step…
Original test HERE
Distribution: Creative
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ANALOG
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Denon
DL-103
No. 34 December 2007
A classic. Cheap but with mature and refined sound. Just a classic.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Horn
Contact: horn@horn.pl
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Primare
R20
No. 39 July 2007
Primare is best known for its amplifiers and CD players. The introduction of a gramophone preamplifier seemed to be just and enhancement to its offerings, and the R20 just an addition. But it is not like that. Because Primare prepared the preamplifier as if it would be doing that for years, and as if it was a vinyl specialist. Nicely looking and nicely playing product.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Voice
Contact: office@voice.com.pl
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AudioNemesis
PH-1
No. 34 December 2007
The Italian company Audionemesis prepared another pearl after the DC-1. This is just an MM preamplifier, but with ultra-low noise and a saturated, smooth, involving sound. With a good MC HO cartridge we get an outstanding musical spectacle.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Voxal
Contact: voxal@voxal.pl
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Transrotor
Fat Bob S
No. 38 June 2007
Transrotor was one of the “big absent” in the Polish vinyl market. Fortunately this is now the past. As it turns out, even for – for hi-end – not much money we can get a superb, made with attention to every detail product. The sound of the Fat Bob is full, warm, simply analog.
Original test HERE
Distribution: Nautilus Hi-End
Contact: nautilus@nautilus.net.pl
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MUSIC
MAIN PRIZE
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- FIRST IMPRESSION MUSIC
THIS IS K2 HD SOUND!
PEPE ROMERO FLAMENCO
Review HERE
Publisher: various/First Impression Music, FIM K2 HD 078
Details: sampler K2 HD
Date of issue: 01.10.2007
Format: K2 HD CD
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PRIZE
- DEPECHE MODE ON VINYL -
LIMITED EDITION
Speak&Spell
Abroken Frame
Construction Time Again
Some Great Reward
Black Celebration
Music For The Masses
Violator
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Review HERE
Date of issue: 03-04.2007
Format: 180 g LP
- Milt Jackson Sextet
Invitation
Review HERE
Publisher: Riverside/Mobile Fidelity, UDSACD 2031
Details: Original Master Recording; Special Limited edition 1828/2500
Date of issue: 1.09.07
Format: SACDst/CD
- LARS DANIELSSON & LESZEK MOŻDŻER
PASODOBLE
Review HERE
Publisher: ACT, ACT 9458-2
Date of issue: 30.04.2007
Format: CD
- THE BASSFACE SWING TRIO
PLAYS GERSHWIN
Review HERE
Publisher: Stockfisch, SFR 357.8045.1
Date of issue: 16.03.2007
Format: Direct-To-Disc 180 g LP + SACD/CD
- EDMUNDO ROSS AND HIS ORCHESTRA
ROS ON BRODWAY
Review HERE
Publisher: Decca (SKL 4004)/First Impression Music, LIM XR24 017
Date of issue (oryginalnie/remaster): 1958/2007
Format: XRCD24
Seria: Lasting Impression Music/Decca Limited Edition
- ALBÉNIZ-FRÜHBECK DE BURGOS
SUITE ESPAŃOLA
Review HERE
Publisher: Decca Music Group Limited (SXL 6355)/First Impression Music, FIM XR24 068
Date of issue (oryginalne/remaster): 1969/2006
Format: XRCD24
- FIVE SONGBIRDS. A REFERENCE COLLECTION OF FEMALE VOCALISTS
Review HERE
Publisher: First Impression Music, FIM048 VD
Date of issue (oryginalne/remaster): różne/2005
Format: HDCD24
Details: “Vinyl CD”
- SOUND SYSTEM – za całokształt
Review HERE
- HEINRICH IGNAZ FRANZ BIBER
THE ROSARY SONATAS
Review HERE
Publisher: Harmonia Mundi USA, HMU 907321.22
Date of issue: 12.10.2004
Format: 2 x CD
- FREEMAN-ATTWOOD / PIENAAR
LA TROMPETTE RETROUVÉE
Review HERE
Publisher: LINN Records CKD 294
Date of issue: 12.02.2007
Format: SACDmch/SACDst/HDCD
- THE BEATLES
LOVE
Review HERE
Publisher: Apple/Parlphone/EMI 3 80789 2
Date of issue: 20.11.2006
Format: DVD-Audio/CD (PCM stereo, PCM 5.1 24/96, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1)
- DIETRICH BUXTEHUDE
COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS/Sämtliche Orgelwerke
Review HERE
Publisher: MDG, MDG 314 1438-2
Date of issue: 5.02.2007
Format: 7 x CD
- J. S. BACH
ALIO MODO
Passacaglia & other keyboard works transcribe for violins
Review HERE
Date of issue: 2005
Publisher: Harmonia Mundi USA, HMU 907395
Format: CD
- BERT KAEMPFERT
BERT KAEMPFERT FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTERTAPES – FOUR HITS ON 45
Review HERE
Date of issue: 2004
Publisher: image hifi, image hifi LP007
Format: 180 g, 45 rpm LP
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