Perreaux
Perreaux’s new Silhouette range looks like it was designed exclusively for iPod users - it’s compact, simple and offers many choices. In fact the genesis of the range predates the iPod. It is much a product of Perreaux’s long history in no compromise audio quality and reliability, as any modern sensibilities. So rather than being a ‘me-too’ product, the Silhouette range represents a happy confluence of thought and design that leads better systems build around the iPod as a source.
Let’s start with the easiest concept and then explore the more advanced options - the SX25i Integrated amplifier is an ultra compact design - probably one of the smallest domestic amplifiers ever made and certainly is as simple in connection and operation as it is possible to be. Just add iPod (preferably via a good quality dock), and speakers - our choices being (in ascending order of performance) the new Quad 11L2s, NZ made Image Studio References or Sonus faber Concertino’s. However don’t feel that you have to restrict yourself to compact speakers - the Image 412 or Quad L22 floor standers also work brilliantly with the little Perreaux.
The next step holds appeal for the more technically savy and offers considerably higher performance for those who grasp the logic - For this we start at the speaker end with the new Quad Active Studio Monitors - either 11L or 12L. Control these with the Perreaux SXP2 passive preamplifier and select the iPod as one of 3 possible inputs. The total cost is only fractionally more than the conventional approach with passive Quad speakers but we would suggest that if you follow our lead on this one you’ll be pleased you did.
From here, we can progress through a whole series of permutations with Perreaux - pairing preamp with power amps and speakers at progressively higher levels of performance. How far you go is simply determined by how good a sound you want.
Now, if you have an iPod, by implication you have iTunes and a computer - it is logical and almost self evident that if you tap this as a source, you’ll be able to overcome any perceived limits imposed by the cost engineering of the iPod. This is where Perreaux have given us a uniquely able component - the SXD2 digital to analogue converter with USB input. Originally conceived as a conventional Up-Sampling DAC to be paired with high quality transports and their own CD players, the purposeful decision to include a USB input has proved to be a real clincher. Assuming you have ripped your discs in either Apple Lossless or a PC equivalent format, all original data is present and with high quality conversion to analogue, you music will sound every bit as good as it does via high quality CD player.
It is then a natural progression to explore Perreaux’s amplification options for the aesthetic continuity and sonic synergy within the Perreaux range will ensure an audiophile level system for the design conscious. You can find a lot more detail in our Perreaux webpages.
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