Introducing Buzz Goddard on TAG McLaren audio

**Buzz Goddard** · 15 December 2000, 13:10 Friday

Welcome to htguide Buzz! (That is when you get here). For those that don't know of Buzz, he was originally with Lexicon when I first "met" him on the net over at SMR forum. Was always a great hands on official with Lexicon. VP of Marketing, wasn't it? From there, he went to work for Cambridge SoundWorks. I am sure he was personally responsible for several of their new product introductions. Correct Buzz?

I started and ran the consumer division at Lexicon. So you can yell at me for all the products in the line including –some- of the next one… Whilst consulting for Creative Labs and CSW I had about 5 jobs, but none of the projects there were really my ideas. I also ran the Citation and AudioAccess brands for Madrigal for about a year.

Anyway, this isn't so much a history lesson on Buzz. The concentration is on TAG McLAren Audio products, and what they will mean to us consumers of high end audio. I will start things rolling with some questions for Buzz.
1. What products are being introduced in the US, and what is the timetable for their release, and the dealer network to support TAG? Is it up and running?

All of the products we have are available here, although there is very little emphasis on the tweakier two channel product (like our $2700 phono preamp). The highest level of interest in the press and with dealers is in our AvantGarde product which combines the performance of TAG McLaren with some wild styling. New products include the EX equipped version of our processor, the AV32R, and next quarter we will see the CD/DVD transport (DVD32R). In home theatre ;and. most popular here seem to be the AV processor, multi-channel amp, tuner and one of the integrated amps/

2. What unique features are offered on TAG products that separate them from the rest of the fine audio products out here?

TAG stands for Technology Avant Garde. It encompasses an umbrella of companies with one common philosophy; strive for perfection in every aspect of the company, design, engineering, manufacturing, service etc. If you do, you will succeed in every endeavour.
The TAG McLaren group has electronics development capabilities unlike anyone else in audio. One of our sister companies, TAG Electronic Systems, is the dominant supplier of electronics in Formula One. The are HIGHLY sophisticated. For example, back at Lexicon we were very proud when we incorporated a 4 layer PCB in the DC-1 a few years ago. TAG Electronics Systems has been doing FOURTEEN layer PCB’s for over a decade.
We’ll go into what some of this technology means to the end user when we get product specific.

3. I read something about the noise floor being particularly low on TAG McLAren products. What additional steps did your Engineers take to achieve this lower noise floor, and just what does it mean to audio reproduction?

Formula One has very sophisticated electronics. Nearly every aspect of the car is either controlled or monitored electronically. Some of the signals are smaller then the output of a moving coil cartridge. And these signals must be amplified, digitized and then sent back to the pit. Full two way radio telemetry is used. Considering the horrific environment the electronics (and the driver) are subjected too, it’s a wonder the stuff works at all. Even more amazing is that these signals are being monitored, processed and transmitted right next to a virtual electronic firestorm; a Formula One engine running at over 18,000 RPM. And let me assure you, minimal RF emissions are not a high priority in the engine design!
If the engineering team can consistently extract data accurately in that environment, the likely can create exceptionally clean electronics in the home.
When you combine that level of engineering know-how with the years of “audio goodness” built up at AudioLab (which TAG McLaren acquired a few years ago), you have the ability to create some of the best sounding, most reliable and cost effective audio gear in the world. A common thread of all the product reviews is how "smooth" the products sound. I think this is directly attibutable to the careful layout and intimate knowledge of excellent RF control, ground planes, vibration control etc.
I’ve been in this business since 1973. I was quite happy doing what I was doing, but after a hard look at the products and people at Tag McLaren Audio, I decided to toss it all out and start over again, building a new brand in the US

Buzz Goddard
<IMG SRC="http://www.tagmclarenaudio.com/icons/logo_inv.gif"

**Andrew Pratt** · 15 December 2000, 13:29 Friday

Welcome aboard Buzz TAG sounds like a dream come true for many HT entusiasts out there that desire to own quality gear.

**Lexman** · 15 December 2000, 14:52 Friday

Ahh yes, fast cars and fast processors. :? I thought that was fast cars and fast women!

Buzz, sounds tantilizing. 18,000 RPMs? :E That's some serious revolutions my friend.

I am particularly curious about the AVR-32. Have any performance tests been ran against the other processors? Blind tests? Sticker is what, 6K?

I hear that is has an amazing music mode. Is there a special DSP engine that is responsible for this? Seems like I heard it uses one of the most advanced chips around, so that you could perhaps actually do upgrades over the web. Is that my imagination running away with me, or was that good info?

Thanks so much for dropping by Buzz. I know, this was somewhat of a pre-planned visit. For anyone that might say strange, why Buzz here, now? Well, I invited Buzz, extended the invitation of a little spot to talk Tag, and Buzz being the people person that he is, and always the salesman, was eager to assist.

I have always enjoyed reading his posts, whether specific to his products, or general home theater advice. Always informative, and always helpful. Well almost, lol.

Thanks Buzz,

Lex

<A HREF="http://www.catcables.com" <IMG SRC="http://www.htguide.com/lexman/other/sm_logo.gif"

**Buzz Goddard** · 15 December 2000, 17:47 Friday

Buzz, sounds tantilizing. 18,000 RPMs? That's some serious revolutions my friend.

18,000 is what they admit to. Likely more...
Yeah, it's real serious. F1 is all about incredible technology and amazing atheletes. I never thought of drivers as atheletes, but these guys are something else. It is very very rigorous.

I am particularly curious about the AVR-32. Have any performance tests been ran against the other processors? Blind tests? Sticker is what, 6K?

It has been reviewed quite a bit. It was just honoured with Sound & Vision's Reviewers Choice Award, which is interesting to me because that is a non-political/non-economical choice made by the guys who actually review gear, not the editors or publishers. List is $4500 (the new Surround EX equipped version). I'll post some ovther review info in a following message.

I hear that is has an amazing music mode. Is there a special DSP engine that is responsible for this? Seems like I heard it uses one of the most advanced chips around, so that you could perhaps actually do upgrades over the web. Is that my imagination running away with me, or was that good info?

It has a wonderful music mode we call TM Surround. It runs all the code on a Analog Devices SHARC engine. We run the audio native at 96k. Even the A/D is 96k! A dirty little secret in processor land is that pretty much none of them can run 96k. They may have 96k DAC's, but the DSP would burn up if you tried to run it fast enough to handle audio at that rate. At least at Lexicon we were honest enough to point that out and put in 96 inputs (even though they have to bypass all the processing, including bass management and time alignment.
Also all of the code in the AV32R is held in flash memory, even the DSP code. So, yes indeed, we upgrade it via email. You don't have to pull the unit out of the system, you don't even lose your settings. Just plug in the cable, and run our Upgrade Wizard

Buzz Goddard
<IMG SRC="http://www.tagmclarenaudio.com/icons/logo_inv.gif"

**Buzz Goddard** · 15 December 2000, 18:06 Friday

As promised, here are some of the review bits. As you know, very few magazines do head-to-head reviews, particularly of processors (which would be a bit hairy to do).

"Without naming any [other] brands, the processor that performed best in all tests, especially in terms of dynamics, detail and sound steering techniques was the TAG McLaren theatre AV32R. "The manuals you get with the units (AV32R, 100x5R) are great, but the only problem us that you probably will not even need them. The set-up of the AV32R is the easiest I have ever come across. "Build quality is second to none. "Did we like the TAG McLaren processor and amplifiers? Well, the conclusion's a resounding 'Yes'."
Ultimate DVD Technology - July 2000

Reviewing the AV32R combined with the 100x5R"This is TAG McLaren at its best... The system has excellent definition. It is careful, conscientious, yet penetrating, and provides an extra dimension to the movie... It never adds superfluous detail that might get into your nerves. The system gives me the impression that it knows well what stand is appropriate... "I have visited TAG McLaren Audio and have seen for myself that their technological expertise is generously poured into these models, so I find the pricing very acceptable. Together with their smart and modern exterior, I believe this system is extremely suitable for the Home Theatre of the new millennium. It is an unparalleled and very contemporary system. "This is just a small detail, but it is very user-friendly, too. For example, one remote controller can work both the preamp and power amp. When you turn the power amp on and off, each channel then gets turned on/off in sequence, which is also nice. I can foresee many AV fans falling in love with the elegant, sophisticated functionality of these machines."
HiVi - April 2000

"McLaren's Lead: Measurement technology has also kept apace, so we can now 'see' inside these [movie sound decoder] devices and witness just how effective different decoders are at handling compressed, multichannel data. Quite the best example I've encountered is provided by McLaren's Av32R... The spectral integrity of McLaren's decoder is clear to see... Near perfect specification. Few CD players look this good!Measurement expert, Paul Miller
Hifi Choice - July/August 2000

"I was consistently impressed by my system's sound with the AV32R at quarterback - very impressed. It processing performance was ultra-clean, quick, absolutely dead quite, and hyper-accurate, without any suggestions of top-end exaggeration or transient hype. "I can endorse the AV32R wholeheartedly... It would be very difficult to improve on its thoughtful design, basic performance, and craftsmanship, and its inherent simplicity appeals to me strongly."
Stereo Reviews Sound & Vision - June 2000

(testing the av processor AV32R with five channel amplifier 100x5R)"In our listening tests the 100x5R/AV32R combination was one of the very best we have ever tested. Such powerful, low frequency extended, yet transparent, spatial and relaxed systems are very rarely found. Particularly, the spatial information is wonderfully accurate and sound locations are easily detected, revealing even the most complex sounds with ease. We have never seen such identical frequency response from all channels in our AV-laboratory. The signal to noise ratio, exceeding 80dB in Pro Logic and almost 90dB in Dolby Digital, are also extraordinary. And in terms of amplifier output power the 5x145 watts in 8 ohms, respectively 5 x 235 watts in 4 ohms, are not easily challenged by others.
audiovision - May 2000

"...Can't remember seeing and hearing such soundstage, not only on the front speakers, but also between the front right and the left surround (or the front left and the right surround). With a potential to encompass unknown processes with complete upgradability by programming of the processor... The AV32R offers performance that in many ways approaches those of the cost no object and high priced super preamplifier."
PRESTIGE AUDIO VIDEO - May 2000

"These electronics blessed by the Gods constitute some absolute credentials all categories of disconcerted products - TAG McLaren Audio places the rod to an incredibly elevated level - A big lesson of ability and Know How."
PRESTIGE AUDIO VIDEO - May 2000

"Is it inevitable that onboard processing will hamper basic stereo performance? One processor that proves it doesn't need to is TAG McLaren's AV32R."
Hi-Fi Choice - April 2000

Andrew Harrison on the sound of a CDT20R using the TAGtronic Synchronisation Link connected to the av processor AV32R"The synchronised CDT20R was discernibly tighter and better focused, sounding more closely metered to a song's tempo. This often gave improved resolution of closely-packed instruments into the bargain... The space and air around recordings of household movements and acoustic music was good. It remained fixed within the usual limits of CD sound, but showed an advancement of art. "In all, the benefits of the TAGtronic Link and other modifications make the CDT20R-T2L plus AV32R a formidable CD source and control combination.
HiFi News - April 2000

Test AV32R together with 100x5R"TAG has been successful in introducing high-technology in consumer electronics... The processor also performed - as shown in the excellent measurements - with no performance drop between two and five channel operation: a performance never seen before... Sound quality: extraordinary; measurements: extraordinary... Best Buy!"
Video - The Test Magazine - March 2000

"Summing up, the TAG McLaren CDT20R and the AV32R make an impressive combination... The sound-processing algorithms give every indication of having been well thought through, and are particularly impressive for the way they serve the source material honestly, without hyping or over-manipulating the sound for effects... The most impressive attribute of the test components (CDT20R, AV32R), however, is their ability to function both as a very high quality compact disc player, and as a very credible high-quality preamplifier, where they easily sustain comparison with any similarly priced components known to the author.... The AV32R in particular is very attractively priced, and with its recent improvements, the CDT20R is scarcely less so.
"Gramophone - February 2000

"Looks like a dream, sounds like heaven and runs like a whippet... Five Star Status."
T3 - December 1999

"In summary, the AV32R offers exquisite sonics both in terms of musicality and cinema decoding. Also, its video performance in the lab is exemplary... Clearly the AV32R is a product of true hi-fi pedigree."
Home Cinema Choice - December 1999

"Take the Fifth Element, and the blue diva scene. This scene can be utterly mangled on lesser units. But, to my utter amazement, the AV32R makes us realise how things really work... When it comes to CDs, the AV32R handles things with elegance and ease that will find even the hardest of 2-channel die-hards softening their views."
Home Cinema Choice - December 1999

"The AV32R is a first rate processor, and an excellent analogue/digital preamplifier for both AV and hi-fi enthusiasts, with a performance that is far outside what you would expect in its price range - definitely a Best Buy and worthy winner of the Editor's Award for Home Entertainment Excellence."
Home Entertainment - December 1999

"Visual Grand Prix 2000 Award."AV Review

"The AV32R 'is a revolutionary piece of kit'...[it] is a true 32bit device - way ahead of its competitors... [it] sets the standard of sound quality at the price and beyond... in fact, it even performs extremely well as a stereo hi-fi preamplifier."
Home Entertainment - November 1999

"The McLaren is a miracle of engineering that excels in its class - much like McLaren cars on the racetrack! Best of all, the AV32R costs a fraction of the price of any AV processor that comes close to bettering its performance, and makes it a cast-iron bargain."
Home Entertainment - November 1999

"Best High-End Surround Sound Processor"
Audio - November 1999

"It is said that newcomers have a difficult life. This seems not to apply to TAG McLaren Audio. The dynamic team is generating one special product after the other. A particularly outstanding one is the extraordinary AV32R, easily achieving reference class status."
Audio - November 1999

"Superiority... It was clear from the outset that when measured against other, more costly processors, the AV32R is a very superior animal. In context it is very reasonably priced, yet it has a real quality feel, both operationally and sonically."
Hi-Fi News - November 1999

"The AV32R is a multichannel AV preamplifier that fully satisfies our high expectations. It combines the highest standard of build quality and design, uses special assembly technology, provides top level sound quality and is very easily fully upgradable for future requirements. What else could you expect from an AV Preamplifier?"
HITECH MAGAZINE - August 1999

"The Price/Performance relationship is extraordinary... In summary, there is no real competitor to the AV32R if one compares features and user friendliness, and in terms of sound quality the AV32R outperforms much more expensive products."
Image Home Entertainment - August 1999

"As a preamplifier the TAG McLaren AV32R is convincing. I don't know of a better in-line preamplifier at this price... The same is true of the digital to analog conversion which is also catered for in the AV32R."
Audio - June 1999

"The AV32R is a shining example of extraordinary ergonomics and functionality; it is a delight for home cinema enthusiasts and audiophiles. That's the truth and nothing else!"
Audio - June 1999

"Five star, Reference Class."
Audio - June 1999

"Impressive as the music score and effects tracks were, what stuck in the memory was the price."
Inside Hi-Fi - March 1999

"The AV32R is the first hi-end av processor with really conclusive ergonomics. With this and its fine sound, it will convince home cinema friends and music lovers of its precise detail and resolution. Summary: 'very good', and winner of a comparison test of high end av processor."
Video Home Cinema - January 1999

Buzz Goddard
<IMG SRC="http://www.tagmclarenaudio.com/icons/logo_inv.gif"

**Buzz Goddard** · 15 December 2000, 18:08 Friday

Sorry if the above is too commercial, but I figured if you're here it's because you are quite interested in our stuff in particular and that it might be handy to see what some professional critics are saying about the products.

Buzz Goddard
<IMG SRC="http://www.tagmclarenaudio.com/icons/logo_inv.gif"

**Bing Fung** · 17 December 2000, 11:35 Sunday

Welcome Buzz,

Your support will be greatly appreciated to those that have or aspire to have (such as me) that wonderful AV32R.

Bing

Introducing Buzz Goddard on TAG McLaren audio

Introducing Buzz Goddard on TAG McLaren audio

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment