Calling all jazz aficionados! Join us for an evening of pure sonic bliss at Alma as we celebrate Alfred Lion’s legendary Blue Note Records label, presenting the “Finest in Jazz Since 1939”!
On March 30th at 5pm, we're hosting a special music listening event dedicated to the timeless sounds of Blue Note, as they were originally recorded and presented by recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Immerse yourself in the rich history and iconic recordings played on our top-of-the-line audio systems, featuring the original (first) pressings of some of the most influential, rarest, most collectible and coveted jazz albums ever made.
As this will be our first event of a planned series, and the Blue Note catalog is so vast, we will focus on records from the label’s 1500-series, centered around the 1956-1959 years.
Here's what awaits you:
This event is a perfect opportunity to:
Don't miss this chance to be transported to the heart of the Blue Note era!
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So, we'd like to invite you to experience the all new YG Acoustics Vantage 3 Live loudspeakers!
We've displayed and promoted YG Acoustics from our very start, and we are excited to now introduce their take on the all-active, complete solution.
It is truly a unique product: a complete system delivering stunning audio quality combined with exceptional convenience and flexibility.
Two compact, three way loudspeakers combine with an elegant controller to blend harmoniously with any size of room and all design aesthetics.Advanced DSP crossovers have been tuned on the basis of complex, multi-domain physics and acoustic models, optimized using supercomputer and cloud computing resources.
Top tier DSP and DAC circuits provide effortless dynamics, clarity and musicality. Custom amplification provides a dedicated 700W amplifier for each of the three drive units, yet the whole system is cool and efficient. The result is a velvet black background with a beautiful, smooth delivery across all types of music. Incredible dynamics, astounding realism and deep, authoritative bass.
We'll also take this opportunity and feature the 2-way Talus, from the Peaks Series, in our smaller room. A more traditional, passive design, it'll show how good YG Acoustics' more entry-level offering is!
In attendance we'll have staff from YG Acosutics as well as Bel Canto, the company who designed the controller unit.
As usual, snacks and beverages will be served throughout the day. Feel free to bring a friend!
If you'd like to RSVP, you can do so by clicking here!
Embark on an Auditory Odyssey: YG Acoustics Vantage 3 Live Showcase
Date: 24 / Feb / 2024
Time: starting at 11am
Location: 8250 Vickers St., Suite C, San Diego, CA 92111
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Here's what we presented in each one of four rooms:
Room 850:
Innuos Statement NextGen Music Server
GigaWatt PC-4 EVO+ Power Conditioner
Room 849:
YG Acoustics Carmel 3 Speakers
Vinnie Rossi Brama Stereo Amplifier
Vinnie Rossi Brama Preamplifier
Room 845:
darTZeel LHC-208 Integrated Amplifier
Innuos PhoenixNET Network Switch
Room 841:
Vinnie Rossi Brama Integrated Amplifier
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Here's a little bit of what you'll find in the new Reference 3 models:
Reference 3 benefits from YG’s industry-leading measurement and modeling capabilities, leveraging the full potential of cloud computing to run simultaneous multi-domain simulations which look beyond just the loudspeaker to the entire audio system.
High resolution finite element, fluid dynamic and electrodynamic models are run in parallel to understand the elaborate interplay of amplifier, crossover, drive units, cabinet and listening space. These simulations run with reference music recordings rather than just test tones.
This unique approach delivers exceptional real-world performance with a broad range of amplifiers and listening rooms, resulting in spine-tingling realism and imaging, not just at a tiny sweet spot, but across a broad listening area.
An entirely new, Lattice tweeter uses a novel airframe in an advanced aerospace alloy, precision machined by YG Acoustics. Based on extensive research and a huge campaign of simulation, this builds on the class-leading performance of YG’s original BilletDome, and delivers exceptionally low distortion over a huge bandwidth, with wide angular dispersion to support a large sweet-spot.
Groundbreaking, third-generation Ultracoherent crossovers utilize the deep understanding available from simulation to deliver performance never before possible: exceptional phase alignment between drivers over a huge frequency range, combined with end-to-end phase behavior which optimizes impulse and transient response, preserving the tiniest of spatial cues.
Beyond that, many other new technologies are included in Reference 3, including computationally optimized tweeter waveguides, custom YG metal foil capacitors and strategic constrained layer damping in cabinets.
Most importantly, across all genres of music, Reference 3 combines outstanding realism, fidelity and imaging with a spellbinding ability to convey the emotional content of music.
There are 3 options for your upgrade:
1. Lattice tweeter only
2. Reference 3 circuits + Lattice Tweeter
3. Full Upgrade with new faceplate.
Some earlier models might not be able to receive the full upgrade, so please contact us with the serial # of your YGs, and we'll provide you with the options!
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YG Acoustics, a leading innovator in high-end audio technology, is proud to announce the highly anticipated public debut of the Sonja 3 loudspeaker. This exclusive event will take place October 6th and 7th at the brand-new Hi-Fi retail store, Alma Audio East, located in Sterling, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. The event promises to captivate audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike with an immersive listening experience.
Product Pairing:
Throughout the event, the Sonja 3.2 loudspeakers will be powered by Vinnie Rossi electronics, delivering an elevated and synergistic audio experience. A second listening room will feature a different YG and Vinnie Rossi pairing. Together, these two industry-leading brands will create an auditory synergy that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
Press-Only First Day:
Members of the press are cordially invited to join us on October 5th for a special press-only day, where they will have the exclusive opportunity to experience individual and group demonstrations of the groundbreaking Sonja 3.2 loudspeakers.
Hi-Fi Happy Hour:
October 6th, Alma Audio East will host a happy hour listening event from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to explore the capabilities of the Sonja 3.2 loudspeakers and witness their exceptional performance in a community of fellow audio aficionados. YG Acoustics' team of experts, as well as Vinnie Rossi, will be on hand to provide insights into the design, engineering, and technology that make the Sonja 3.2 a true masterpiece in the world of high-end audio, and to highlight some of the unique features and characteristics of the Vinnie Rossi electronics.
Main Event:
The grand finale of this exciting event will be on October 7th when the doors open to local audiophile clubs and the general public, from 11 am. Music enthusiasts from all walks of life are invited to experience the Sonja 3.2 loudspeakers in action. This is a unique opportunity to listen to music the way it was meant to be heard, with unrivaled clarity, precision, and emotion. Again, YG and Vinnie Rossi staff will answer questions and provide information on what makes their singular products so remarkable.
Event Details:
Date: October 6-7, 2023
Location: Alma Audio East, 21620 Ridgetop Cir., Suite 130, Sterling, VA
October 6th (4 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Hi-Fi Happy HourOctober 7th: (11 a.m. - 7 p.m)
Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of high-end audio with the unveiling of the Sonja 3 loudspeakers by YG Acoustics.
]]>At Alma Music and Audio, we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary audio experience to our clients. With the launch of our new store, we aim to bring our passion for music and top-of-the-line audio equipment closer to our valued patrons on the East Coast.
Event Details:
Date: August 26th
Time: 11am - 7pm
Location: 21620 Ridgetop Cir., Suite 130, Sterling, VA.
The whole day will be filled with excitement as we showcase some of the finest audio products from leading brands and host live demonstrations to let you experience the magic of pristine sound quality. You'll have the opportunity to meet our knowledgeable team of experts, who will be available to assist and guide you in finding the perfect audio solutions tailored to your preferences.
We will be showcasing loudspeakers from Estelon, maker of some of the world's finest, with life-like sound and elegant design. Mr. Aldo Filippelli, from Estelon, will be around to present their products. The electronics will be from Nagra, the legendary Swiss manufacturer, with a history of 70+ years of excellence, and we've very happy to have Mr. René Laflamme, who's not only Nagra's representative for the US, but also a well-known recording and mastering engineer. He will no doubt grace us with some of his recordings for his 2xHD label!
In addition to the audio showcase, we have planned an enjoyable evening of music, refreshments, and networking with fellow music enthusiasts and audiophiles. Whether you are a seasoned audiophile or simply share a love for music, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
We sincerely hope you can join us for this momentous occasion as we embark on this exciting new chapter for Alma Music and Audio. We look forward to celebrating with you on August 26th!
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We have created two purposely built, acoustically treated listening rooms, and we have a rotating cast of equipment that you can try on them!
Right now, we are showcasing the brand new Estelon Aura loudspeakers in the smaller listening room, and the fantastic YG Acoustics Sonja 2 in the main room. For amplification, we have the amazing Vinnie Rossi Brama stereo amplifier. Digital sources are Bricasti and MSB, our favorites. And for analog, Technics and Bergmann turntables.
We are now open Monday through Saturday, from 11am to 7pm. No appointments necessary, but please do give us a call ahead.
Our address:
21620 Ridgetop Cir., Suite 130
Sterling, VA 20166
Phone: (619) 243-4924
Click here to see a map of the area, and get driving directions.
See you!
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Enter Switzerland's Boenicke Audio!
Sven Boenicke has been crafting loudspeakers for more than 20 years now, with a keen eye for design, and of course, excellency in sound.
Unlike most wood-based box speakers, Boenicke does not use MDF or "panels" for his speakers, but solid wood. Two segments, carved out in a CNC machine, and seamlessly glued together, to form a beautiful, cohesive whole.
And even though they may be petite, they play BIG! We currently have the W8 in the store, and they have been amazing just about everybody that steps in. "How can these little things do this?". Honestly we don't know, but the fact remains that they're incredible sounding speakers, at real world sizes (and prices!)
So, check them out here or directly at Boenicke's website!
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Having served now Southern California (and beyond) for seven years, and faced with a growing number of clients on the eastern coast, we are now opening a second location, in the Washington, DC area! So, we present you, Alma East!
We have secured an incredible 2600 sq.ft. location in Sterling, VA, and construction is well under way (but delayed, of course). We hope to have the showroom open early next year.
In the meantime, we are participating at this year's Capital Audio Fest, a fantastic event that's been going on for many years. As this is our new "local" show, we have opted to present in 5 rooms, to be able to show the various product lines that we represent, and introduce ourselves to our new market.
So, look us up in Rooms 530, 532, 533, 534 and 537. Some of the brands presented: Nagra, QLN, MSB, Technics, MoFi Electronics, Estelon, Bricasti, Innuos, Kubala-Sosna, Bergmann, Graham, Moonriver.
The new Peaks series makes the renowned accuracy and musicality of YG loudspeakers accessible at a lower price point. What a great way to start off 2022!
The Peaks series includes five new speaker models plus a powered subwoofer, each performing at a new reference level for their price. They excel in any size room, across all genres of music, and are offered in high quality finishes to suit every style of home.
Throughout the Peaks development process, sound quality always came first. The Peaks models use YG's proprietary ForgeCore tweeters and our exceptional BilletCore drivers. These are mounted in thick aluminum front baffles which are precision machined in-house to a profile guided by detailed computational modeling.
The sealed cabinet bodies are inch-thick dense resin fiber, curved to exact tolerances in custom presses by experienced European workshops. They include advanced bracing and acoustic absorbers which eliminate cabinet resonances and reflections.
Innovative crossover topologies are optimized through complex simulation and countless hours of critical listening. These designs maximize efficiency and ensure the broadest possible compatibility with amplifiers. The Peaks crossovers use the highest quality components and are hand-built on circuit boards that YG machines in-house.
Through its unique combination of cutting-edge science and engineering, Peaks represents an approach with no compromises. Everything from the drivers, cabinets and crossovers, through to the veneer, lacquer and internal cabling has been carefully selected and modeled to deliver the most accurate, most musical performance possible.
Peaks speakers throw a massive soundstage, providing insight and detail yet retaining exceptional musicality and a natural sound that is never fatiguing. They provide holographic imaging across a very wide area, combined with purity, dynamics, and deep, authoritative bass.
We believe Peaks provides unsurpassed performance at anywhere near the price. We are incredibly proud to offer products that we love so much ourselves and we hope music lovers around the world will enjoy them as much as we do.
We are offering two stand-mounted models with optional stands for each, and three floor-standing models. An exceptional, powered subwoofer rounds out the series. The Peaks products are being introduced with three high quality finishes.
Please take a few minutes to learn more about the Peaks series products in the introduction video below.
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The SL-1210GAE’s 10-mm-thick aluminium top panel sports a meticulously anodized black brushed hairline finish. In addition, the operation buttons and tonearm also employ a high quality black finish that results in a uniform, premium appearance.
The SL-1210GAE is wholly made in Japan by skilled artisans’ hands, with a significant level of hand-made processes to ensure the highest quality possible. The top panel features a special badge, inscribed with the unique serial number to signify that it is a 55th anniversary model.
The specially developed zinc insulator features αGEL™, a soft gel-like material with excellent shock absorbing properties which is also used on the highly acclaimed, ‘flagship’ SL-1000R reference turntable. The high-density zinc die-cast housing offers superb vibration damping characteristics and excellent long-term reliability. The new insulator effectively isolates the turntable from external vibrations, ensuring completely undisturbed music reproduction whilst preserving every fine nuance and detail within the musical signal.
αGEL™ is a trademark of Taica Corporation registered in Japan and/or other countries.
Turning off the strobe light allows the listener to concentrate more effectively on the music, especially in dimmed environment.
Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during rotation and rotation irregularity called "cogging." In the SL-1210GAE, the use of a coreless direct-drive motor (with no iron core) eliminates cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load whilst maintaining high torque, and also reduces minute vibration during rotation. These factors enable reproduction of the warm, high-level detailed sound available from analogue vinyl records.
The application of motor control technology developed for Blu-ray devices, and switching the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor achieves a high starting torque and high speed stability for optimum playback.
The turntable features a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass top-plate, an aluminium die cast core platter and a solid rubber coating covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unwanted resonance, thereby achieving overall superior rigidity and vibration damping. This delivers smooth rotational stability and high inertial mass surpassing the SP-10MK2 (the direct-drive turntable standard used by broadcast stations worldwide), as well as having more than twice the inertial mass of the SL-1200MK5.
When the weight distribution of the turntable is uneven, excess vibration or noise occurs during rotation, which causes degradation in sound quality. To counteract this, the balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory by using specialised high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each and every item after the turntable is assembled. Turntables that have undergone adjustment are labelled with a sticker reading "BALANCED" to indicate that individual adjustment has been done.
The tonearm employs lightweight magnesium which has a high damping effect, with cold drawing improving the characteristics of the material and achieving the high-precision required. In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with the horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.
The use of brass-milled and gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals prevents degradation in sound quality while enabling the easy attaching and detaching of cables. Also the use of metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise.
A hairline-processed, 10-mm-thick black top panel of immaculate aluminium is added to a three-layered construction of aluminium die-cast, BMC(Bulk Moulding Compound), and heavyweight-class rubber. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity necessary for superb vibration damping with a superior solid build and a luxurious finish and feel..
Product page of SL-1210GAE
https://www.technics.com/global/introduction/hifi-direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1210gae/index.html
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Friends,As you all know, the current pandemic is serious and requires the utmost attention from everybody. We sincerely hope that you're all taking care of yourselves and your loved ones.
We love to have you all in the store, but given the current situation, we decided to switch to an appointment-only basis, beginning March 20th. This way, we'll be able to have you in the store for your auditions, while giving us the chance to provide you a safe, comfortable environment, by cleaning the showroom after every appointment. |
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Over 40 dealers across 36 cities over 20 states and provinces, truly a coast to coast party, all ready to share our love of music with audiophiles, music lovers, & your friends.
There is a world of sound reproduction where music comes to life in a way you never imagined . . . where artists breath emotion in to the their work in ways that will move you like never before. It’s a state that while you have likely never experienced, you will certainly never forget.
Music can summon different layers of emotion: the emotions conveyed by the performers or the musical body.
Music can also allow us to relive how we felt when we first heard a particular piece of music. Listening to Abbey Road, I can relive my own joy & delight in being exposed to this fantastic, whimsical world that the Beatles inhabited with Abbey Road, with songs such as Octopus's Garden, Maxwell's Silver Hammer…
This will be a stunning musical journey for music lovers, many of whom have never heard their favorite music reproduced on a high-end music system. We encourage music lovers to spread the word & bring their friends to share in this unique event.
Audio Alto was established in 2008 by Sasha Burian, an engineer who’s now finally able to realize his dream of crafting unique audio products. Sasha’s basic vision is “a commitment and an aspiration to realize the most natural and true sound reproduction in accordance with the surrounding space not forgetting and including the esthetic needs of our soul.”
Sasha definitely makes statements with each one of his products. His amplifiers use no global feedback, and the speakers employ non-mainstream topologies, such as line arrays, and widebanders. And how about the amazing AA EN 1000, the “Energizer”, a very unique “amp helper”, that promises to “energize” the attached master amplifier, allowing tiny 8W SET amps to drive any speaker, without losing the sweetness of the SET amp!
The first product to land on our shores is the AA R101 FR single-driver speaker. We have never been fans of single-driver speakers before, but Sasha’s magic really makes this one special, even for those (like us) that were not particularly attracted to the single-driver approach. Coming soon is Audio Alto’s Reference Anniversary Preamplifier, a tube-based, two-box no compromise statement piece.
Sasha is also busy at work putting the finishing touches on his Reference Anniversary Phono Preamp, as well as a new open baffle speaker, to be unveiled at this year's Warsaw show.
So, please contact us if you’re like to audition or review an Audio Alto product!
For more information:
These are simply the most beautiful, most gorgeous sounding turntables we know!
Bergmannaudio intro from Anja Schønwandt on Vimeo.
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We're hosting an evening with the new Wilson Audio Sasha DAW. We will be using our amazing Audio Research Reference 160M monoblock amps, that just won Product of the Year from Stereophile. The Audio Research's Reference 10 all-tube preamp will complement, and The Absolute Sound's Overall Product of the Year, the MSB Reference DAC will provide the source.
Friday, February 22nd - 5pm!
]]>Alma Music and Audio, Southern California’s premier location for high-end audio enthusiasts, is proud to represent Dan D’Agostino's products, and now, extremely honored to be the chosen venue to introduce Dan’s masterpiece to the Southern California public.
And we can’t think of a better pairing for Dan’s masterpiece amplifier than the YG Acoustics Sonja XV speakers, another debut in our shores. The Sonja XV is an extreme, four-tower version of the Sonja, created to celebrate YG’s 15th anniversary. It combines everything YG knows about speaker design, and incorporates several next-generation technologies that cannot be found elsewhere. Like the Relentless, the Sonja XV is a tour-de-force, an entirely new sonic benchmark, truly extreme in every way.
The complete system will consist of:
Dan D’Agostino Relentless Monoblocks
YG Acoustics Sonja XV speakers
Dan D’Agostino Momentum Phono Stage
Bergmann Galder Turntable w/ Odin Tonearm
Air Tight Opus 1 Cartridge
MSB Select II DAC
Kubala-Sosna cabling
GigaWatt PC-4 EVO Power Conditioner
YG Acoustics Rack
Open-house/public auditions will be held on Saturday, November 17th.
Alma Music and Audio is located at
7847 Convoy Ct., #101
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 243-4924
(619) 243-6615
]]>What goes well with tubes? Vinyl, of course! And we have another debut, the gorgeous new Bergmann Galder turntable with Bergmann Odin tonearm, as reviewed in the July edition of Stereophile.
And finally, our 3rd debut, the GigaWatt PC-4 Power Conditioner! GigaWatt is an up and coming brand out of Poland, specialized in power products, and needless to say, we are extremely impressed both with the performance as well as the fit and finish of this product!
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From our initial listening at CES, we can’t say we disagree! So now we’re very excited and honored to be among the first in the country to be able to present the new state-of-the-art Technics SP-10/SL-1000R turntable to the public!
Bill Voss, US Business Development Manager for Technics, will be demonstrating and discussing the finer details of this wonderful machine. The rest of system will be our usual references, D’Agostino, Audio Research, Wilson Audio and YG Acoustics.
It’s all happening Saturday, March 17th, We will have two sessions, one starting 11:30am and a second encore at 1:30pm.
RSVP at contact@almaaudio.com (858) 598 5116
7847 Convoy Ct., #101
San Diego, CA 92111
]]>As it happens, it hardly ever rains in San Diego. But of course, as it's now becoming tradition, it rained a couple of hours prior to our scheduled start. The usual traffic accidents (due to the rain) didn't help matters. But with all these obstacles, we just witnessed our biggest and best event so far!
We were extremely honored to have Peter McGrath join us one more time, for an amazing presentation of his music and the Wilson Audio speakers. On his advice, we've set up a pair of Wilson Sabrinas, with our excellent Technics entry-level electronics. A slightly-over-$20k system that, while not quite reaching the heights of our main/reference system, it blew people's minds! As set up, the system had a Technics CD player, that could easily be replaced/augmented by a Technics SL-1200GR turntable!
On the main system, we were also very happy to have MSB's SELECT II DAC once more, this time fully loaded, with Femto 33 clock as well as Mono Power Bases. MSB's Vince Galbo presented the system, pointing out that, in spite of the high price, it's a fairly simple and straightforward system. MSB's 204 monoblock amps seemed made for the Wilson Alexia Series 2! The Class A warmth was there, but the 204 lacked for nothing in terms of transparency and extension.
Due to the rain and the accidents, folks were a little late in getting in, but the room was being nicely filled as Vince went on...
Peter made some truly touching remarks about us, our store, and high-end audio dealers in general, and proceeded to amaze us all with some of his incredible recordings, including some "fresh bits", performances that he had recorded just a mere week ago back in Florida!
As expected, these were not only musically interesting, but also incredibly captured. Played back through our reference system, in our room, it was like being transported to the venue!
Finally, we'd like to thank everybody that took the time to attend our event. We hope it was an entertaining evening of good music and audio! Of course, thanks also to MSB's Vince Galbo and Wilson's Peter McGrath for their presence and continued support!
If you've missed this event, sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future events. If you'd like to hear those fantastic set ups, just stop by, as they'll be here in our reference room for a few more weeks!
Thanks!
Alma Music and Audio
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And since MSB’s Vince Galbo always has exciting new stuff to present, we’re also bringing him back, as well as his awesome MSB amps and DACs!
It’s all happening Friday, January 19th, from 5 to 8pm. If you haven’t yet, come see our new location, and enjoy another amazing evening in the company some of the best people and gear in all of high-end audio!
See ya!
Alma Music and Audio
]]>Same hours as before, Tue-Sat from 11am to 8pm, and Sundays from noon to 6pm!
New address:
7847 Convoy Ct. #101
San Diego, CA
92111
Stay tuned for our reopening party!
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We've had 38 months of fun here in La Jolla, but a number of factors had us questioning our choice of location. You've told us that, for most of you, La Jolla is just too inconvenient to get to during a normal weekday, and that you all wished we were in a more central location.
You've also told us that we needed a better reference-level listening room, with full acoustic treatment, so our gear would be able to perform at their best.
And finally, we all could use a little extra space, right?
And we’re getting all that in our new location! We’ll be in Kearny Mesa, in the heart of the San Diego region, 2-5 minutes from most of the freeways. Convenient access, 3200 square feet of space, and one gorgeous reference room!
The current location will be have its final day on Sunday, September 24th, and we expect to be open for business at the new location on Saturday, October 27th.
So, you’re all welcome to one last visit in La Jolla, otherwise, see you all in Kearny Mesa!
The all-important new address:
7847 Convoy Court
San Diego, CA 92111
Thanks,
Alma Music and Audio
(619) 243-4924
(619) 243-6615
]]>Incredible turnout for a week night, so we honestly thank all our friends for taking the time to attend our event!
Peter McGrath began by giving us a few words on the company, current and future plans, and then proceeded to detail the Alexia Series 2, explaining what makes Wilson Audio speakers so remarkable and unique.
After a few insightful questions, MSB's Vince Galbo explained what makes the new MSB Reference DAC so special, and truly in a class of its own.
Peter then came back for a first round of music listening, playing an assortment of CDs and SACDs on the MSB transport. Truly eye-opening (and room shaking!) stuff! Vince then came back for some selections of his own, demonstrating also MSB's new "Optimized DSD" mode, that enhances performance of SACD/DSD greatly!
At this point, the house was still full, as everybody waited for Peter's MQA demonstration. And he didn't disappoint! Every single person in the room could hear the vast improvement on his already amazing recordings.
Again, we'd like to thank everybody who stopped by, and of course, Vince and Peter for graciously gifting us with their experience and musical selections!
We hope to host many more of those events, so stay tuned! If you haven't signed up for our mailing list, you can do so at the links below.
Thanks!
Alma Music and Audio
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Fun, right? So, we boarded our flights to Salt Lake, half knowing what to expect, and half wanting to be surprised. Actually, even before we boarded, we got a very detailed schedule for the trip, which clearly indicated this was not a casual thing, but a carefully and professionally orchestrated event!
Early on the first day, during breakfast, we meet Bill Peugh, Peter, and our fellow dealers and distributors who’d be part of our group for the next days.
Having received that detailed schedule, we knew the “meat” of the program would happen on the 2nd day, with the factory tour *and* the visit to the Wilson’s home, to experience the WAMMs (or, as they say, “get WAMMed!”.)
But the first day started pretty great, with David and Sheryl Wilson giving us a personal introduction, and a run through Wilson Audio’s 40+ year history. Daryl, their son and current CEO, also warmly greeted us, and gave us a bit of his vision for the company moving forward.
Oh, as soon as we entered the conference room, we saw a gorgeous speaker, the Alexia 2, clad in the new satin finish. We knew right there and then that THAT was going to be the color of our demo pair!
The rest of the day was taken by some in-depth talk about Wilson’s proprietary materials, as well as some listening to the Sabrinas, in the factory’s nicely appointed auditioning room. Peter’s choice of music was exemplary, and fully demonstrated what Wilson’s diminutive speakers can do!
The next day began with the factory tour, and the realization that craftsmanship and attention to detail are two things you’ll see in spades in the Wilson factory. The multiple processes that the speakers go through are simply mind boggling, and once you figure they’re done and ready to go, there’s another step, with even more careful sanding and detailing!
We saw quite a bit of WAMMs being made, including one almost ready to go in the boxing/dispatch area!
I mentioned to the Wilson guys that, in an era when brands and industries are moving towards automatization, robots and machines, Wilson not only sticks, but invests into the skilled, time-intensive, artisanal labour. At the scale they’re currently producing, it’s truly impressive, as the laborious process is extended throughout the entire speaker production, from the cabinet to the wire to the protective lamination.
Well, factory tour concluded, it was time to listen to Alexia 2, and Peter didn’t disappoint. Incredible, thoughtful musical selection, and of course, fantastic performance by the new speaker.
OK, factory tour done, time to get WAMMed! Now, I’ve heard my share of big, impressive speakers, in big, impressive spaces, but nothing could’ve prepared me for what I heard. First, David Wilson gave us some insight into the creation and development process, and then we finally moved into the big room. And there they were...
While we had seen bits and pieces of it earlier at the factory, seeing the whole monolith built in front of you was shocking.
Carefully presenting every musical selection, David guided us through each song. And song after song, we were grinning uncontrollably. It was like discovering high-end audio all over again! Yes, it *can* get better!
One of the things I use to judge whether a system or component is good is how it is able to create the “feel”, or the “texture” of the instrument. A piano, for instance, has certain resonances and a certain “body” that your brain “decodes” into that “ah, that’s a piano” feel. While some systems are able to convey that, nothing was able to do it to the extent of what I heard there.
Most of the session was done without the help of the two WAMM Subsonic woofer modules, but for one fun track, David switched them on. And O-M-G. It felt like he had subs *on the floor*, since the bass wave seemed to come at you, from the speakers to the back of the room. And on the other selections, I couldn’t help but be amazed by all that monstrously tight bass, coming out of the two woofers on each tower…
Basically, we heard a little bit of everything, jazz, classical, on CD and LP, and everything, without exception, was mind-blowing. It was simply impossible to fault what I heard.
Still incredibly humbled by the WAMM, we moved on to Daryl’s home theater setup presentation, with Alexx, Polaris, Yvette as rears. The purpose was to show how you could have a very high-end theater setup based around Wilson speakers and simple AV gear (Oppo and a receiver).
The presentation was fun, and the three movie scenes all sounded incredible and very realistic. But since HT isn’t my thing, I don’t have much to comment on… Still, a perfect cap for an extraordinary night!
Then, on our final day, we visited the Mormon Tabernacle and their associated studios, an impressive operation! The studios we’ve visited all had extremely cutting edge equipment for audio and video, and, of course, Wilson Audio speakers for monitoring!
Again, our thanks go to the Bill Peugh, who organized an incredibly business/fun-packed training program, and all the extremely friendly folks at Wilson Audio, who’ve warmly welcomed us to the fold! We look forward to a productive, fun partnership for years to come!
Alex / Fabio
Alma Music and Audio
PS: for hi-res photos, they're here https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0g55Z2WMGEAXmj
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Wilson Audio’s place in high-end audio’s history cannot be understated. Its heritage is rich, and its customers expect nothing but excellence. And it is with that spirit that Alma Music and Audio hope to represent Wilson Audio, integrating their cutting edge speaker designs into world-class audio systems.
Wilson Audio joins a rich portfolio of brands currently being offered at Alma, such as Dan D’Agostino Music Systems, Audio Research, MSB Technologies, Kubala-Sosna Cables, darTZeel, among others.
And to kick things off, Alma Music and Audio will host a very special event to introduce the new Alexia 2 speaker! It’ll happen on the 22nd of August, and we’re very honored to have the presence of Wilson Audio’s Peter McGrath, who’ll no doubt give us a fitting introduction to WIlson Audio’s latest design, and perhaps gift us with some of his remarkable recordings!
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Please contact us for an audition!
Alma Music and Audio
(858) 412-5530
]]>Their unique design allows the speakers to be positioned flush against the back wall, while still presenting a rich, deep and immersive soundstage!
We now carry the whole Larsen line, so feel free to give us a call or stop by for an audition!
http://www.larsenhifi.com/
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