T.H.E. SHOW NEWPORT 2016

“Pear Audio named its latest turntable the Captain John Handy after the great blues master. One step up from the entry-level Robin Hood, the Captain John Handy is priced at $3500 with the Cornet 1 arm and $4490 with the Cornet 2 arm. Compared with the Robin Hood, this new ’table features improved feet, greater motor isolation, and a thicker platter. The ’table is available in two finishes. Pear Audio also showed a new top-of-the-line Blue Reference phonostage ($4500). The system sounded quite wonderful feeding the Gamut Di150 limited-edition integrated amplifier and Larsen 8 loudspeakers ($6995), all wired with Gamut cabling. The Larsen speakers, you may recall, are designed to be placed flush with the wall behind them. Despite this placement, the system threw a deep and dimensional soundstage. The sound also had a relaxed ease and musical engagement.”

Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound

“the demo of the Larsen 8 speakers ($6995/pair), GamuT electronics and Pear Audio Blue turntable has always deserved a spot due to its overall excellent sound. The Larsen speakers are designed to go up against the wall and use the wall and floor boundaries to great effect.

Steve Lefkowicz, Positive Feedback

“Larsen Model 8. Coupled with Gamut Integrated amplifier, as well as Pear Audio Blue’s phono stage, turntable and tonearm, the sound was sweet, with treble extension and detail that does not mean the sweetness is arrived at with a lacquer coating. Fine filigree treble was easily distinguished.”

Larry Cox, Positive feedback

“Always one of the best sounding rooms at a show, the combination of Pear Audio turntable and phono stage with GamuT amplifiers and loudspeakers is a sure fire success.”

HiFi+, Alan Sitcom