Reviews
The Absolute Sound, Issue #135, April/May 2002 Jonathan Valin Comments on Tenor/Rockport System at T.H.E. EXPO: "In the Tuscany hotel, I encountered the best stereo system I've ever heard at a trade show. In fact, it may be the best stereo system I've heard, period. There is great hi-fi, and there is magic. The $85,000 Rockport Hyperion loudspeakers, powered by Tenor Audio's fantastic OTLs, were magic. Disc after disc not only sounded the way I know they can sound when everything is working just right; disc after disc sounded better than I'd heard them -- airier, breathier, more detailed, more dynamic, more dense in color, more natural in sound-staging, more like the real thing. Indeed, in terms of sheer realism (and utter beauty), this was it for me -- and for many very experienced listeners who accompanied me to the Rockport room. The most flawlessly realistic big (and it is huge) loudspeaker system I've heard. Whether there was some incredible synergy going on between the Rockports and the Tenor amps (which Rockport's Andy Payor used to "voice" the Hyperions), I'm not sure. But I will find out, because I am slated to get both for review. If what I get in my room is as good as what I heard in Vegas, the quest for the absolute sound may, after better than 30 years, have finally ended for this listener." (The source was an Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 CD player ($6290), and all cables were Jena Labs Pathfinder. A Machina Dynamica Nimbus isolation stand ($900) supported the CD player, while four springy Promethean platforms ($500 each) were used under the amps.)
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"The types of improvements that I found with the Nimbus are those that are generally considered the toughest type to accomplish with any type of change; be it a change of componentry or the addition of some accessory. In some respects, therefore, the Nimbus has to be considered the icing on the cake, or the last fix necessary to an otherwise state-of-the-art system. One thing for sure, if you have a system worthy of the Nimbus, $900 is going to seem like chump change for the improvements wrought by its use....Just like the Milky Way is stunning only if the night sky is arctic clean already, and nearby lights don't overwhelm the vision, the view with the Nimbus is best observed when the rest of the system is completely in synch and operating at its highest level - it's a rare product that can take you higher than your previous best efforts. But that's the kind of product Nimbus is."Bound for SoundJan 2001
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"Now came the digital transport comparison between my Bartha modified Panasonic A-110 and a $129 (now on sale at Best Buys for $99) five disc Aiwa changer. The Aiwa looks really strange with its blinking lights and odd rectangular shape, but as a digital transport it's all business. Against the Panasonic, I thought the Aiwa had not a chance - boy was I wrong. With the Panasonic perched upon the Arcici Suspense Rack, and the Aiwa sitting upon the excellent Machina Dynamica Nimbus Isolation Table, it was the Aiwa that came out ahead by a small but constantly discernable measure. The Nimbus did in fact help the Aiwa attain its slightly superior sound, as I have ascertained that the Panasonic sounds slightly better on the Nimbus also, but the Aiwa distinguished itself as a superior digital transport under any condition regardless of cost consideration." Bound for SoundJune 2000
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"Switching (the Rega Planar 3 with Lyra Lydian Beta on the RB300 arm) to the Nimbus (from a plain Target stand), the fantastic fretwork (on Friday Night in San Fransisco)was cleaner than I've ever heard it, with explosive dynamics...By isolating the stylus groove interface, the Nimbus does wonders for low-frequency tracking, and eliminates most of the ultra-low frequency grunge that the electronics and speakers can't separate from the music. The resulting improvements in clarity, articulation, and focus may amaze you." Primyl Vinyl,Vol 4 #3, Autumn 1999
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"Its seismic isolation is superb, even better for foot-fall. As with Vibraplane, here is a potent sonic decongestant for LP or CD, quite unbelievable until heard for oneself. Without such a device in the system, no review should be taken seriously. Seriously!!" Future Feature, Positive Feedback,Vol 7, Number 4 (1998)
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"Machina Dynamica's Nimbus turntable isolation platform did well with my trampoline-floored room...for the first time, I think I hear what my system really sounds like. Most of my listening room is now okay for running, jumping, dancing...and all manner of seismic events generated by my four-year-old daughter. As I was already using a resonance control device (the Seismic Sink), I thought I had banished bad vibes...Every parameter benefited, particularly areas of rhythm, timing, and group interaction...Highs were cleaner, with sharper transients (making a ride cymbal sound more life-like). Bass...became more tuneful, with cleaner, tighter notes, and better rythmic bounce and pitch definition. I was bowled over by the power of the (John Coltrane) quartet, Crescent, on Impulse. This band has all the players simultaneously playing with and against the rhythm, and your system had better do the timing thing awfully well so that this group will gel properly." the audiophile voice,Vol 4, Issue 3 (1998)
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