STATUS - SOLD
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Description :
The Leema Acoustics Antila is the first CD player from British brand Leema Acoustics, a company that came to the fore not so long ago with its own take on the compact monitor loudspeaker. On the left hand side of the chassis is a large 250VA toroidal transformer - which would be impressive even in an integrated amplifier, let alone a CD player. The transport is a Philips VAM1202 mechanism mated to an L1210 loader, a combination used in many players as it is one of a dedicated CD playback mechanism still in production for the audio industry. The unique aspect of the Leema Acoustics Antila’s design is its DAC stage, which uses ten crystal semiconductors surface-mount CS4345C stereo 24bit/192kHz chips controlled by a programmable FPGA, using software designed in house by Leema. It aims to dramatically reduce the distortion inherent when using a single or dual DAC configuration. To ensure the hard work done by the DAC stage is not degraded in the following analogue stage, high quality Analog Devices OP275G surface mount op-amps are then used before feeding the dual outputs, with both single ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs which are driven simultaneously, allowing quick and easy comparison between the two outputs.
Externally the Leema Acoustics Antila has a very simple layout, with the front panel featuring an open/close button to the left, the disc tray centrally mounted over the back lit LCD electro-luminescent display, and a vertical array of basic CD player control functions to the right. A power on/off button is on the far right, although this is more of a standby switch with the actual power switch on the rear panel, alongside the IEC power inlet. On the rear panel of the Leema Acoustics Antila is a pair of digital outputs, with both Toslink and S/PDIF catered for, and pairs of both balanced and RCA outputs, both on very high quality connectors. There are also a pair of 3.5mm jacks, which look like iPod headphone outlets, but these are for the unique Leema LIPS system, the remote protocol which allows Leema components to communicate and remotely control each other. A compact remote control is supplied with basic control functions for not only the player, but also the matching Tucana amplifier, allowing the entire system to be easily driven from a single remote.
Leema Acoustics products have a reputation for being revealing, but the Antila took this to new heights. It manages to mate its ultra revealing quality with an inherent musicality and energy which is rare in any player. The Leema Acoustics Antila, whilst highlighting differences in recordings, sought neither to flatter poor recordings nor spotlight flaws in lesser discs to the point where it hinders musical enjoyment. Soundtracks from multiple sources that come from different studios and recording techniques could be easily discerned. Whilst these differences are easily noticeable on other players, the Leema Acoustics Antila draws a large diagram to illustrate the point, showing not only the placement of the musicians on the stage, but also the location of the microphones relative to the musicians - such is the precision the player is capable of.
Bass notes are superb, with the bass line not only displaying excellent dexterity, but also having greater extension - with real weight on the double bass being felt through furniture as much as heard. The driving bass line propels along with incredible drive and power, yet it goes through lightning-fast pace effortlessly through the Leema Acoustics Antila. The player’s midrange is sublime, not only offering tremendous transparency but also displaying superb balance. Vocals are outstandingly delicate, allowing the listener to hear every inflection in vocal delivery, free of any sonic aberrations through the midrange. Cymbals and triangle in the high frequencies always seem particularly difficult for CD players to get right, yet the Leema Acoustics Antila renders these instruments beautifully, without exaggerating the high frequencies to give the illusion of more detail, or hardening them and losing the subtle tonality and slight metallic sheen. Top octave of the piano is outstanding, lacking the hard ringing often heard when digital components try to replay this range. The Leema Acoustics Antila puts in a highly convincing and often enthralling performance, giving the competition something to think about with its subtle yet dynamically expressive ability to get into all the musical nooks.
Specifications :
Frequency Response........................5Hz to 21.3kHz at -1dB
Distortion(%)....................................At 0dB, Balanced: 0.001, Unbalanced: 0.001
....................................At -6dB, Balanced: 0.002, Unbalanced: 0.003
....................................At -60dB, Balanced: 0.25, Unbalanced: 0.44
....................................At -80dB, Balanced: 2.8, Unbalanced: 3
Separation.......................................116dB at 1kHz
Noise..............................................-108dB, IEC A
Dynamic Range...............................111dB
Output.............................................2.37V
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................44 x 33 x 11.5cm
Weight............................................10kg
Miscellaneous :
Matching.........................................Leema Acoustics Tucana II Integrated Amplifier
Remote...........................................Yes
XLR Output......................................Yes
Made In...........................................UK, England
Condition.........................................9/10
Product Information :
http://www.leema-acoustics.theowenagency.co.uk/our-products/cd-players/antila-iis-eco/ (Manufacturer's Website, Antila IIS Eco)
Reviews :
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/leema-antila-94861/review
http://capitis.net/mhf/used/images/Leema%20Antillaa.pdf
http://en.audiofanzine.com/cd-dvd-player/leema-acoustics/antila/user_reviews/r.103446.html |
