I swear I could listen through the system to study and admire the contribution of the excellent Arion phono preamplifier by Luminous Audio. It seemed like such a spon-on trusty servant that delivered up healthy scoops of musical art, texture and audio science.
Last but hardly least requires a quarter-turn over to Bettinger Audio Design. Mike Bettinger is the guy behind the clever audio guts of the integrated amplifier and the spectacularly-well-received new Arion phono stage ($6,500 — a joint venture with Luminous Audio). I have one of those latter here and will offer that Michael Fremer nailed the character of that phono pretty spectacularly; I think it is one of the very best solid-state phono preamplifiers on the market today.
Designer Michael Bettinger comes up with another solid state component winner“Are you okay? Did something happen?” asked my audio pal, Colin.“I’m crestfallen. Life seems to have lost all meaning,” I reply. “I had to pack up and send back those Luminous power amps, and now I don’t feel like listening to music on my system.” But of course, one evening a few days later, I was spinning Mellow Waves by Cornelius using my Ampsandsound Zion Monos, and feeling it big time. The Zions, which had become chopped liver only a week prior, were back to tickling my fancy.It’s funny how...
Guys, this thing is a gem. Perfect stereo balance through the steps, low noise, great build quality. Couldn’t be happier, thanks for the excellent work!
Fred
From the mind of Michael Bettinger comes this heavy and substantial phono preamplifier, which is a “highly refined version of the original Arion.” That means better parts, more effective grounding, PCB routing and, of course, spectacular sound. We felt the sound wasn’t different, there was just more of everything, including “outstanding dynamics and plenty of gain.” A Reviewer’s Choice award winner.
