Zanden Audio, Cessaro Horn Acoustics

Marc Mickelson has been outspoken on horn-loaded speakers -- he pretty much hates 'em, along with so many single-driver designs and other speakers that claim to offer high sensitivity but also have such high levels of non-musical coloration that they are unlistenable. However, Zanden Audio has done the impossible: found a horn speaker to show with that seems utterly devoid of horny colorations -- no honky midrange or ragged treble. The Cessaro Alpha I (€ 40,000 per pair) fronted an entire system of gleaming Zanden electronics, including the new Model 9600 mono amps ($45,000 per pair), Model 3000 line-stage preamp ($15,000) and the formidable digital duo of the Model 5000S DAC ($15,000) and Model 2000P transport ($28,000). A Grand Prix Audio Monaco turntable ($19,500) with a Tri-Planar tonearm and Zyx D4 cartridge (called Atmos in the US) handled analog playback via a Zanden Model 1200 Mk II phono stage ($17,500). Speaker cables and interconnects were all made by Zanden as well.

The speakers let the sweet signature of the Zanden electronics shine through, but the entire presentation was blazingly fast and endlessly open, even in a hotel room that was probably too small for speakers of this size. No matter -- this system was truly memorable. Marc may not be ready to own a pair of horn speakers, but he's found one he'd consider reviewing. [www.zandenaudio.com]