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AWARDS 20 FOR THE 20th ˻ PL ˺
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AWARDS
text WOJCIECH PACUŁA |
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No 245 October 1, 2024 |
INEED TO ADMIT SOMETHING TO YOU: while selecting twenty products that have been important to us, i.e. to HIGH FIDELITY, throughout the twenty years of our magazine’s existence, I got stressed out a lot; part 1 → HERE ˻PL˺, part 2 → HERE ˻PL˺. I neither wanted to leave anybody out, nor to forget anyone. However, there was a problem, and a big one: I had to choose from among hundreds of products, which, after all, I had selected myself for testing beforehand and decided to present to you. I hope that, somehow, I’ve managed to accomplish this task and that all those I have left out will forgive me (one day). This way, however, I’m going back to square one. The confession I am making also has “part two”. While choosing products for the POLISH TWENTY, I stressed out even more. And this is because I feel somehow responsible for many manufacturers from our country, because I have witnessed, and sometimes delivered, the birth of a large group of them. It was in “High Fidelity” that they took their first steps, it was to us that they entrusted their amplifiers, cables, anti-vibration products, file and CD players, turntables and other components of audio systems. And that is an obligation to us. 
⸜ “Hmm, what else to change here…” The author in 2014, posing in the “I think, therefore I am” style. Many of these manufacturers have disappeared from our sight, a lot of them no longer exist – I talk about this in the introduction to this issue of HF. However, there are some who are doing well, and some have become world players who are reckoned with by the editorial boards of the largest audio magazines, both in Europe, the USA and in Asia. This is an unprecedented situation: never before has Polish audio participated at such a level in the world circulation of devices. I have become friends with many of them. And this obliges me to exert even more self-discipline than in the case of foreign products. Eventually, however, I had to start crossing out more companies from the table I had prepared for myself and select the most important products out of the fifty devices remaining after the initial selection. Just like in the case of the audio products from outside Poland, we singled out a few brands and names (apart from the twenty) that we think deserve a special award. So, we have three main awards for top high enders: a “technology” award, another one for a label and one for a publishing series. I invite you to read the text and reminisce, for sometimes we reach far, far back into our history. ˻ MAIN AWARD ˼ ANCIENT AUDIO IN 1997, THE FIRST ANCIENT AUDIO PLAYER WAS CREATED. It took the company ten years only, which is really not a long time, to make the reference three-part model Lektor Grand SE. It was one of the best digital sources in the world, on an absolute scale. A Cracovian engineer, unknown in the high-end world, proved adept at not only taming the digital, but also the analog part, which he neatly combined with his second success, the Silver Grand Mono tube amplifier. 
What Mr. Jaromir Waszczyszyn, who I am talking about, thus exemplifies for me, is that what counts in high-end audio is mostly knowledge, workshop and ears, lent to him back then by Janusz, a member of the Krakow Sonic Society. Therefore, the appearance, after a really long break, of his next expensive Lektor Joy CD player was an important event for me. As it turned out, in spite of completely new technologies, the manufacturer managed to maintain the same high level, with a relatively low price. This is a reward not only for this device, but for all previous Lektor players. » Publication: № 245 • SEPTEMBER 2024 ⸜ test → HERE GIGAWATT When I was testing the Gigawatt PF-2 AC power strip in MARCH 2008, I knew something important was starting in Poland; HF № 47, test → HERE. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t difficult, since I had already known and respected → ADAM SZUBERT’S products for a few years, and earlier his proposals sold with the Power Audio Labs logo. 
Over the years, Gigawatt has grown into one of the most important Polish audio brands. When you take a look around the audio systems playing at the High End exhibition in Munich, you will notice the company's distinctive AC power conditioners in many top and ultra-top systems, and ones from the lower end in cheaper setups. The Gigawatt is the quiet hero of their sound and our Polish audio industry. Although the company’s products do not stand out like amplifiers, turntables, or loudspeakers, without them all the rest of the gear would sound much worse. The company, with a seat in Zgierz, asserted its dominance with the awarded PowerMaster model. » Publication: № 223 • JANUARY 2023 ⸜ test → HERE J.SIKORA THIS YEAR, J.SIKORA, a Polish turntable specialist, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Although the idea for its first turntable was conceived three years earlier, its official history began in 2009. And while the award for the 20th anniversary of “High Fidelity” could successfully be given to the new Reference model, or perhaps even more so to the Standard Max Supreme (in a limited numbered edition with our magazine's logo), it seems to me that my first contact with the company's products, with our premiere review of the Reference in 2016, shaped my way of thinking about the product, the company, and Janusz Sikora – the owner, and so the awarded turntable is the “first” one for me. 
Today it is one of the most recognizable Polish audio companies in the world, and certainly the most visible one. The coverage and tests it has had in American “Stereo Sound” and “The Absolute Sound”, in British and other magazines from all over the world, are tangible confirmation that turntables from Lublin not only belong to the world of high-end, but literally co-create it. Knowing that “High Fidelity” was the first magazine in the world to recognize J. Sikora's top product makes it special to us. » Publication: № 141 • JANUARY 2016 ⸜ test → HERE ˻ TECHNOLOGY ˼ THUNDER MELODY IF I WERE TO CHOOSE one of the most important areas in audio where the most progress has taken place in recent years, it would be the area related to noise reduction, both of mechanical (triboelectric) and electromagnetic (EMI) origin. This benefits not only analog devices, but especially digital ones, including systems based on file players. 
⸜ Mr. RAFAŁ HŁADZIAK (to the left) and Mr. KONRAD RAŚ from the Thunder Melody company, visiting “High Fidelity” (2022) These are technologies that have been known in the industry for years, but rarely adapted to music playback products. As it turns out, the two worlds have such different requirements that a mechanical transition from industry to audio does not yield the expected results. It takes not only knowledge, but also feel and hundreds of hours of listening to achieve something that Thunder Melody presents. But it is through the juxtaposition of these qualities that we get such complex protection of audio gear and so many different products dedicated for this purpose, at an absolute, world-class high-end level. And this is thanks to a Polish company. » Selected publications: ˻ LABEL ˼ AC RECORDS ADAM CZERWIŃSKI VISITED ME FOR THE FIRST TIME in 2019, bringing with him the perfect record In a Sentimental Mood, which he had recorded with Wojciech Karolak (AC Records ACR 009, 2018). I wasn’t aware of it yet, but that was when one of the most fascinating adventures in my life started. Although it was only the 9th release of AC Records, I heard in it something that was gradually developed in the following years, and which is an absolute rarity in today's music world - truth. So, as quickly as possible, “High Fidelity” took over the patronage of both the following releases and the record club - hence our logo on the obi and cover. 
⸜ ADAM CZERWIŃSKI visiting “High Fidelity” (2019) AC Records records are recorded analog, and in the case of reissues also digitally, but always analog remastered and recorded on a Studer A70 analog tape recorder. You can buy the basic (black) j version, as well as color ones, and copies of the master tape. And each subsequent title brings something new and exciting, often surprising. However, we always talk about top-notch music and absolutely beautiful sound, thanks to Piotr Lukaszewski. And, just as importantly, the graphics are all wonderfully designed by Kuba Karlowski. At the moment, AC Records is one of the top record labels in the world in all three respects. • HF № 178 • FEBRUARY 2019: WOJTEK KAROLAK & ADAM CZERWIŃSKI In a Sentimental Mood, review → HERE • HF № 178 • FEBRUARY 2019: AC Records Vinyl Club & „High Fidelity”, text → HERE ˻PL˺ • HFN: ADAM CZERWIŃSKI/KRZESIMIR DĘBSKI/ WOJCIECH NIEDZIELA Two Out Of Two: Reference Acoustique, review → HERE ˻PL˺ ˻ PUBLISHING SERIES ˼ „POLSKIE NAGRANIA CATALOGUE SELECTIONS” THINKING ABOUT THE PUBLISHING SERIES we would like to honor on our 20th anniversary, I knew immediately that the choice could be one: “Polskie Nagrania Catalogue Selections.” Its launch took place on September 29, 2023. At that time, five Czesław Niemen albums were released, followed by many excellent recordings of Polish rock music plus the Astigmatic album by Komeda. The series was prepared by the owner of Polskie Nagrania, Warner Music Poland, in cooperation with Empik, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the company. 
⸜ DAMIAN LIPIŃSKI with a certificate of the Krakow Sonic Society (2024) Thanks to the brave initiative of the publisher, we got the best versions of the recordings. I am not talking only about the digital ones, but about releases in general. This is due to a few decisions, each of which was important on its own, but it was only thanks to their combination that we got this result. On behalf of Polskie Nagrania, Ms. Anna Zając, cooperating with Alicja Szymanska, is responsible for editing the series. It is also thanks to them that we get these records on SACDs. And the remaster, in 32-bit technique, is prepared by Damian Lipinski, and it is him that I wanted to honor on a par with the record label. His musical imagination and taste have brought out the music from material that is often very difficult to salvage. » Selected publications: ˻ 20 FOR THE 20th ˼ AVATAR AUDIO AVATAR AUDIO, a company run by Czariusz Andrejczuk, offers primarily loudspeakers that use paper drivers dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. They sound great, culminating in a three-way design called Model 2 version IV. As I wrote in their test, they mostly celebrate the midrange and remove the „glass” between the listener and the music, plugging it directly to our ears. |
These are special constructions, different than anything around them, but they aim at exactly the same thing – getting to the “heart” of music. 
» Publication: № 231 • JULY 2023 ⸜ test → HERE FRANC AUDIO ACCESSORIES FRANC AUDIO ACCESSORIES, Pawel Skulimowski's company, was founded in 2009 with one goal: to reduce vibrations in audio equipment. Its first product was the Ceramic Disc anti-vibration feet, available today as “Classic”. They were a development of a concept proposed by the German company Finite Elemente, or rather a development that produced different sound effects and was even more interesting. I was one of the first, if not the first journalist to review the first footers from this company, which I used for many years to come. Today, the Franc Audio Accessories brand is known in many countries around the world, especially in Asia. It offers a range of platforms and entire racks, but it is the footers with ceramic intermediate balls that are its trademark. And they are perfect, in every respect. 
» Publication: № 245 • SEPTEMBER 2024 DIVINE ACOUSTICS THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL THING: all three of the antivibration-related products we're awarding in this special selection for the 20th anniversary of “High Fidelity” were, are, and probably will be part of my reference system. In addition, each of them has developed their own techniques that make them unique in the world. And Cassini's anti-vibration platform is the best product of this type that I have listened to, and not just in the sense that it is the most technically advanced, the best made and the prettiest, but simply the best. As I wrote in the test, the Cassini will be one of the best additions to an audio system you can afford. I will also reiterate that, in my opinion, it is underpriced, as are the feet, and that if it cost twice as much, I would write the same thing. 
» Publication: № 243 • JULY 2024 ⸜ test → HERE FERRUM FERRUM, A COMPANY MANAGED BY Marcin Hamerla, is a Polish audio brand established in 2020. However, it is not a newcomer. Its “base” is HEM, one of the most experienced audio companies, previously designing and manufacturing equipment for Mytek for almost twenty years. Today, Ferrum is one of the world's best-known Polish audio brands. Reviews in the world's leading magazines, presence in many top reviewers' systems - this really says a lot about it. And it started with the Hypsos power supply. It turned out to be an excellent complement to other products, and its patented hybrid system convinced a lot of customers. It is now one of the most innovative audio companies in our country. 
» Publication: № 200 • DECEMBER 2020 ⸜ test → HERE FEZZ AUDIO THERE ARE TWO POLISH MANUFACTURERS who, in absolute terms, that is, sales volume, have been the most successful of all Polish audio companies – one of them is Fezz Audio. Currently headquartered in Juchnowiec Koscielny, a village located in Podlaskie Voivodeship, Bialystok County, it is an example that hard work, successful products and good decisions translate into success. 
It is based on toroidal transformers from toroid.pl, owned by the owners' dad, Mr. Lech, which Maciej and Tomasz Lachowski use not only in power supplies, but also on the speaker outputs of their tube amplifiers. The decision to invest in top-of-the-line design and visual identity was the best one they could have made. I recall the first version of the Silver Luna amplifier because I have fondness for it and because it was featured on our cover. But in its new finish, the same amplifier is simply flawless. » Publication: № 141 • JANUARY 2016 ⸜ test → HERE HAIKU-AUDIO HAIKU-AUDIO IS A KRAKOW COMPANY founded in 2012 and focused on one thing: amplifiers, preferably tube ones, but also hybrids. It started with kits to assemble, which is how I got to know it, but over time it has evolved into a two-man workshop. The limited-edition SEnsei 211 amplifier was its most expensive amplifier in 2020 and, in my opinion, the best one. At the same time, it cost much, much less than competing products “from the world” using the same 211 triode. Therefore, in the summary of its review I could in good conscience write: “The SEnsei 211 is simply a beautiful amplifier”, in every respect. 
» Publication: № 195 • JULY 2020 ⸜ test → HERE HARPIA ACOUSTICS AS FOR THE NEW VERSION OF THE DOBERMANN LOUDSPEAKERS, we are going back in time as far as to the 41st edition of “High Fidelity”, i.e. to the year 2007. This then Krakow-based company offered three¬-way speakers with metal drivers which played so well that they remained in the reference system of our magazine for years. They were replaced only by the Harbeths M40.1. In their test I wrote: “These are speakers that establish new paths in many areas and are something absolutely unique on the market - not only in Poland, but in general, in high-end as a whole. Although they don't give you 100% listening satisfaction, only by not filling the sound with a meaty midrange, I treat them as a working tool, like a surgeon treats his scalpel. I cut, separate and peek wherever I want.” 
» Publication: № 41 • SEPTEMBER 2007 ⸜ test → HERE KBL SOUND KBL Sound was founded in 2013 on the initiative of Mr. Robert Szczerbowski. Already a year later we tested their AC power system, consisting of a power strip and cables, which remained in our reference system for a long time. As I wrote six years later, in a test of the AC Corona power cable, it was already “one of the most important Polish cabling manufacturers” at that time. Today, five years later, KBL Sound has only strengthened this position. Products of this company are perfectly made, finished and packed. And they sound wonderful. As for the Red series, I have a special fondness for it, hence the choice. 
» Publication: № 117 • JANUARY 2014 ⸜ test → HERE LAMPIZATOR The PACIFIC D/A CONVERTER is a product of one of the best known, mainly abroad, niche Polish brands. Marek Dyba, who regularly tests its products, is currently using a newer version of this device, with the addition of “2” to the name. In his test he wrote: “The Pacific is a fantastic device that reinforces LampizatOr's position in the audio world as one of the top manufacturers of DACs. It is one of those few components with which I could spend the rest of my audiophile life without complaining, especially because it is a product designed and made in Poland! Hence, we award the golden Pacific with the ˻ GOLD FINGERPRINT ˺”. And everything is clear… 
» Publication: № 182 • JUNE 2019 ⸜ test → HERE ˻PL˺ LIME EARS THIS COULDN”T HAVE HAPPENED, but yet… A professional audio company proved better than any other firm offering similar products that I have listened to – I, an audiophile. Lime Ears is a Polish manufacturer that was set up in Wroclaw in 2012 thanks to Emil Stolecki and Karolina Roman. It specializes in designing and building “personal monitor systems,” i.e. headphones used by musicians on stage, and is currently based in Warsaw. Its products are worn on stage by metal musicians (Katatonia, Decapitated), pop-rock musicians (HappySad, Dawid Podsiadło, Mela Koteluk) and electronic music players (BOKKA), as well as Lao Che. And the Anima model is a reference, not only when it comes to in-ear monitors, but in general – in the world of headphones. 
» Publication: № 224 • DECEMBER 2022 ⸜ test → HERE IN THIS WAY we have closed the first part of our compilation of twenty Polish products from twenty years of “High Fidelity” that have been most memorable to us. We hope you have had a good time revisiting, often distant, events and products. They are all part of our history. We invite you to meet the other ten already on September 16th, including products of Linear Audio Research, Marton, Muarah, Pro Audio Bono, Pylon Audio, RCM Audio, Rogoz Audio, Struss, WK Audio and Xact. And for now – LET’S CELEBRATE THE 20th BIRTHDAY OF HIGH FIDELITY! ● |
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