CEs 2012 – Rives Audio / Talon, VAC (Valve Amplification Company)


Rives Audio was showing their Talon ‘Phoenix’ speakers with VAC electronics in this room.

I really like what they are trying to do with these speakers – very high efficiency, impedance somewhat tube friend.y, passive or active crossovers – and they sound good too.

This system doesn’t ‘push’ the speakers to be their best – and although the sound is/was good [I would put it firmly in the Enjoyable camp] they might be a whole lot more with the right equipment.


Talon ‘Phoenix’ speakers with VAC amps and components


The Talon ‘Phoenix’ loudspeaker – one of the more difficult speakers to photograph


The Talon ‘Phoenix’ loudspeaker


The VAC (Valve Amplification Company) 15/30 amp


The Moomega CD player and VAC Signature Mk2 power supply


The Dr. Feickert ‘Firebird’ turntable


The Dr. Feickert ‘Firebird’ turntable from above


The Dr. Feickert ‘Firebird’ turntable close up


The Dr. Feickert ‘Firebird’ turntable from the front


This appeared to be the crossover for one of the speakers. Apparently the crossovers can be either passive or active.

I know, the angle makes it look like it was going to fall on us – but be assured, we were quite safe, it lying on the table and all . šŸ˜‰