BLA clock? Seems that way...

This definitely goes in the “things that make you go ‘hmmmmm’” category. I tend to look askance at anything if the promotional literature says it will “provide a wide, separated soundstage and add smooth, neutral clarity.” These these are the same code-phrases used by makers of $3000 wooden volume knobs and RCA cables woven by 12-year old virgins from the small intestines of baby harp seals. These code phrases mean, in essence, “I’ve made an incredibly over-priced and over-engineered replacement for something you already own, and no, sorry, it won’t make any difference whatsoever, but you have to justify this purchase to your spouse somehow…”

Now, that said, BLA is in the business, largely, of making shitty gear not-so-shitty by the judicious replacement of op-amps and clocks. It would stand to reason that they know a thing or two about the concept. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t carved from a solid chunk of fossil ivory; neither does it cost mid-four-figures. It is, in fact, quite inexpensive. It is roughly a third the cost of a Big Ben, yet purports to do as good or better a job. It’s far less than 1/3 as pretty, it must be said.

They even offer an Audio Damage-esque guarantee. Now, that’s something I can get behind. Not, of course, to the point of actually purchasing it, as I like my soundstage to be narrow, thank you very much. And to significantly improve on Apogee, I’d need to talk to Mr. Prism or Mr. Weiss. But at least they put their money where their mouth is, which is rare enough in this industry. Go forth.