As many audiophiles I also went through a short Cello period in the 90’s. I had the Audio Palette MIV, a Duet, the Encore mono amps and even the Stradivari Premier and the beautiful active Seraphins. I sold most of them at audiogon, may be a few of the current owners of this equipment will see this thread.
Cello was a charismatic brand, centered on Mark Levinson personality, mixing an idea of exclusivity and an hifi “religion”. The technical quality was high; most of the equipment sold at that time is still operating and still reaches high values at second hand markets. It had a dark sound, but with the adequate source could be very musical.
I met Levinson once at a local presentation of Cello – he was an enthusiast and could lead an audience with great conviction. His technical arguments were sometimes very dubious, but he was a master operating the Audio Palette.
For me his systems had two drawbacks – they needed to be played at very loud levels and the Audio Palette was the “antimusic” to an amateur – I was not listening to music anymore, just turning buttons looking for the perfect tonal balance.
I have to say that the long lasting remainder my Cello phase was Forsell. Mark Levinson recommended the Forsell CD air transport and I bought one, that I kept until recently. I still regret having sold it cheap, but I have now a Forsell Air Force one air turntable in his place. But for this we will need a new thread...
Cello was a charismatic brand, centered on Mark Levinson personality, mixing an idea of exclusivity and an hifi “religion”. The technical quality was high; most of the equipment sold at that time is still operating and still reaches high values at second hand markets. It had a dark sound, but with the adequate source could be very musical.
I met Levinson once at a local presentation of Cello – he was an enthusiast and could lead an audience with great conviction. His technical arguments were sometimes very dubious, but he was a master operating the Audio Palette.
For me his systems had two drawbacks – they needed to be played at very loud levels and the Audio Palette was the “antimusic” to an amateur – I was not listening to music anymore, just turning buttons looking for the perfect tonal balance.
I have to say that the long lasting remainder my Cello phase was Forsell. Mark Levinson recommended the Forsell CD air transport and I bought one, that I kept until recently. I still regret having sold it cheap, but I have now a Forsell Air Force one air turntable in his place. But for this we will need a new thread...