Future TAS: Pro-Ject, Wharfedale, McIntosh

Pro-Ject Classic Reference Turntable

The new Classic Reference turntable from Pro-Ject features the upper-end EVO 9 AS HG 9″ tonearm, which is equipped with high-precision ABEC 7 bearings housed in a massive aluminum gimbal for frictionless, resonance-free operation. The arm is mounted to an aluminum alloy top plate supported by TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) pods sandwiched between it and the MDF plinth. An internally damped S-shaped aluminum arm tube sports a removable headshell for easy cartridge swapping. The high-mass aluminum-alloy record platter is TPE damped and rotates on an aluminum subplatter that is belt-driven by the AC motor, fed power by Pro-Ject’s own DC/AC generator which decouples the turntable from the AC mains. Balanced full-sized XLR outputs are now standard—as are RCA outputs—and ready for use with the supplied Connect-it Phono E cable set. The Clamp-it record clamp and Leather-it record mat are included for additional resonance control.
Price: $5999 silver with a gloss black plinth; $699, brass with an Acacia plinth. Special order only. pro-jectusa.com

Wharfedale Super Linton Loudspeaker

The Super Linton represents a premium option—and a significant upgrade over the original and still current Linton. While both are three-way bass-reflex configurations, the Super’s drivers have been upgraded, including a new 25mm fabric tweeter in a damped rear chamber and an uprated motor system for the 200mm woven Kevlar cone bass driver. The Super Linton uses the same 135mm woven Kevlar cone midrange unit as its regular Linton sibling. The crossover has been redesigned, now split onto two boards. The cabinet is now a little taller and its construction has been enhanced by the application of dual layers of fiberboard coupled with latex-based damping glue and formulated to reduce panel resonance to below audibility. The interior space is filled with long-hair fiber and strategically placed acoustic damping foam, aiding the absorption of internal resonances. Choice of walnut, mahogany, and black wood veneers. Nominal impedance, 6 ohms; sensitivity, 90dB.
Price: $2799/pr. w/stands; $2499/pr. w/o stands. mofidistribution.com