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MSRP US $699

Whether you’re an audiophile or music enthusiast, we’re all bound by the same passion.  We love to hear good music.  The pursuit of this often seems endless.  After all, no matter what you own, there’s always something out there that would further your pursuit of the ultimate musical experience.  Here’s where our pursuit usually runs smack into the evil spectre of economics.

Let’s face it.  For the most part, great sound usually comes at a premium price.  A quality source, be it digital or phono, coupled with the appropriate preamp, amp, and speakers adds up to a serious financial commitment.  Not to mention that quality cables and interconnects are essential.  For the most part, once most of us have reached this point, we’re content… well, for a little bit anyway!  In time, however, that audio itch always seems to creep back like a demon from the dark.  It starts with a few thoughts and usually ends with the purchase of a new component.

Here’s where the problem lies.  After a certain point, the economic investment needed to improve the sound is often greater than benefit received.  Considering this, here’s where tweaking your system may be a better alternative to spending thousands of dollars.  On face value, I think this seems reasonable… doesn’t it?  Problem is, do any of us think it’s possible?

Would the Music Ring please enter the building! Blue Circle Audio Inc., known for producing well-regarded and reputed audio products, has once again made it possible for us to improve our sound without having to sell the farm.  They’ve come up with a line of balanced line conditioner/power distribution centres that simply are the cat’s meow.

As improving the sound of your system in an economically feasible manner is the focus of this rambling, I decided to evaluate Blue Circle Audio’s MR800 Music Ring.  This is the 800 W version which retails for USD $699 or CDN $1049.  In addition to the MR800, Blue Circle also offers the MR1200, the MR1800, and the MR2400.

I’ve always figured that if something is good, the benefit can be seen on good equipment and on great equipment.  To test this, I demoed the MR800 on two a Mid-Fi and Hi-Fi system.  The Mid-Fi system consisted of a Pioneer DV-37 acting as a transport for the MSB Link III DAC with upsampling and the P1000 power supply.  A Blue Circle BC3 Despina preamp was used along with a Bryston 4B-ST amp driving a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100s.  The Hi-Fi system was comprised of a Sonic Frontiers transport with an Aragon D2a MkII DAC coupled with the Blue Circle AG3000 preamp and the BC 8 monoblocks with B&W 804s.

The result?  Simple.  If you want to improve your sound in every conceivable manner, buy the Music Ring as soon as you possibly can.  This device has had the most profound impact on a system I have ever heard!  On the Mid-Fi system the MR800 brought it to the realm of a Hi-Fi system.  The bass was extended while being tighter, more defined and possessed the slam that we all love.  Details I had never heard on almost everything I played were coming to life.  The mids were smoother and the highs lost their edge.  Overall, the music was just that much more enjoyable.

On the Hi-Fi system, the results were similar but just not as dramatic.  I was honestly was surprised by how much cleaner and clearer the music was.  It was more detailed and definitely more musical. 

Is there a downside to this seemingly amazing improvement?  No, not really.  My only concern would be listening at very, very loud levels.  Under these conditions, the current draw may tax the MR800.  With this said, however, I never experienced this to be a problem.  I pushed the Mid-Fi system with the 250 wpc Bryston 4B-ST and the huge Studio 100s well beyond the level of comfort.  I actually found this difficult to do, as it was far louder than anyone I know would ever want to listen.  What I noticed might have been a slight compression of the dynamic range… or quite possibly all I was noticed was how my ears were on the verge of bleeding! 

If current draw was ever a concern, there are a couple options.  You could purchase one of the larger Music Rings (i.e. 1200, 1800 or 2400 W units) or you could use two of them; one for your source and preamp and one for the power amp.  Whatever way you go, you will not be disappointed.

So, for those of you wanting to improve your sound dramatically… and don’t want to break the bank doing it, I suggest you try one of Blue Circle Audio’s Music Rings.  You’ll improve every aspect of your sound, leading to better musicality and ultimately, more enjoyment.  Oh, and yes, I think this will keep that audio itch demon from doing his thing!

Kevin Allen