Power!Power!Power!

194
REVIEW
The Direct-Stream Digital SACD of Semyon
Bychkov conducting Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic
Dances is simply ravishing in the
tone colors of the strings and woodwinds,
and the full impact of the orchestra’s power
is there in all its glory. I am continually
stunned at just how much of a wide dynamic
swing this little amplifier can muster.
The sublime SACD pressing of the
Moody Blues classic album, In Search of
the Lost Chord, plays to all the strengths
of the Black Magic. The melancholy melodies
and vintage arrangements on such
tracks as “The Actor,” “Visions Of Paradise”
and the album’s centerpiece, “Legend Of
A Mind,” are breathtaking in their majesty.
Lead vocalist Justin Hayward’s voice is a
holographic presence in my listening room,
and the amp delivers more than enough
resolution to hear long-buried recorded
details—just the thing you call on a tube
amplifier to perform.
Staying with the vintage vibe, the
Carver brings sparkle and life to the iconic
’60s recordings by Smokey Robinson & the
Miracles, from the well-mastered compilation,
The Definitive Collection. The Black
Magic commands attention on such classic
tracks as “Going To A Go-Go,” “The Tears
Of A Clown” and “Mickey’s Monkey.” The
rhythmic incisiveness is top notch, with
a keen ability to get a track moving. This
inner detail and delicacy is always a key
factor with an amplifier based on the EL84
tubes, and the Carver has the best balance
of new- and old- school sound that I’ve experienced
in this genre.
Moving on to modern times, U2’s “Electrical
Storm,” from The Best of 1980–2000
collection, simply rocks when playing
through the Carver, which highlights the
shimmering acoustic guitars, jagged electric
lead lines, throbbing bass line and, of
course, Bono’s passionate lead vocals.
(continued)
TONE AUDIO NO.53
THE
ORGANISATION
March 2013 195