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I set up the M2 with the Savoy power amplifier that was
still here, along with a Denon DVD-5900 universal DVD player, Final Sound
electrostatic speakers, Velodyne subwoofers, and Nordost cables. A Panasonic
PT-AE900U projector and Stewart Grayhawk screen were used for the video.
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This new Telarc SACD, Great Film
Fantasies (Telarc SACD-60664) was a fun way to start out the
listening tests. Most of the tracks are from Star Wars, but
there are some nice ones from Harry Potter and Lord of
the Rings too.
Telarc tends not to compress the audio
at all, and the M2 handled every channel beautifully. The Savoy was
the perfect match as well for such thunderous music.
The sound of the M2 tends towards the
laid back rather than in your face, which is what I prefer these
days. |
The Lost Angeles Guitar Quartet has released this SACD, Spin,
recently (Telarc SACD-60647).
Guitar makes an excellent test, because the transients that occur at
the leading edge of the plucked strings are very demanding.
The M2 did this so smoothly, it was hard not to just forget about
the processing and simply enjoy the music. |
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I am not really a Bartok fan, but his
music is extremely demanding, such as in this new Telarc SACD,
Concerto for Orchestra (Telarc SACD-60618).
The various movements offer differing
challenges, such as a quiet introduction and separation of oboe and
bassoon, but the M2 held fast.
On this disc, there is also music by
Witold Lutoslawski, including the "Fanfare for Louisville". It
contains very loud combinations of brass, which must be kept
distinct, and the M2 did so, admirably. |
Reese Witherspoon won the Oscar for Best Actress® for her portrayal
of June Carter in Walk the Line.
The movie turned out to be as much about the music as the
characters, and the M2/Savoy combination was terrific here.
One of the things I remember as a youngster (I was about 11 years
old I think), was Johnny Cash appearing on the Jackie Gleason Show
in the mid fifties, singing his big hit, I Walk the Line. It
is just one of those early memories that has stuck with me to this
day. That song made him a huge star.
The movie was a big hit too, and the music sounded golden using the
M2/Savoy combination. The M2 sound is detailed, neutral, and very
enjoyable. |
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