Audiophilepure

Both the upper and lower PentaMag midrange modules are independently adjustable via the module alignment sled system. Each alignment indicator, all of the sled gears, and reference alignment scales are calibrated and easy to read by simply adjusting the rotating cam grip. The MTM crescent frame is similarly equipped. This innovative alignment hardware enables time domain precision that exceeds both the Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic and the Chronosonic XVX.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/canor-virtus-a3-integrated-amp-dac

To assess the amp’s internal DAC, an Eversolo DMP-A8 [HFN May ’24] was employed as a digital transport, feeding the Virtus A3 via USB and streaming mainly from Roon. (As most amplifiers and DACs feature a USB-B port, the USB-C connection here required a moment of mental recalibration – and a hunt for a different cable.) Playing Riceboy Sleeps [Parlophone 50999 963002; 44.1kHz/24-bit], the 2009 collaboration between Alex Somers and Sigur Rós stalwart Jonsí, the amp gave a natural and lifelike portrayal of the album’s calming, ambient soundscapes. Through the Monitor Audio speakers, ‘Atlas Song’ encircled me with layers of Icelandic-style singing, and instruments (including piano and strings) retaining a discrete character.

The Virtus A3’s DAC stage also deftly handled the delicate detail throughout Chopin’s ‘Nocturne in B Minor, Lento Con Gran Espressione’, arranged by Mischa Maisky and played by cellist Camille Thomas [The Chopin Project: Trilogy, Deutsche Grammophon DG4858451; CD resolution]. A slight touch of warmth made the piano from Julien Brocal less direct, but overall, there wasn’t any sense that resolution had suffered.

Iris is a bass-first IEM, and it does not hide it. The low end is big, deep, and pretty addictive. You get a real rumble, plus a nice hit, so it feels fun and physical. But it is not a messy bass. It does not bloom all over the place.

Midrange stays in a good spot. It is not pushed forward, but it is also not missing and gets its due space. The stage is roomy, so the midrange does not feel crowded even when the bass is doing its thing.

Matrix Audio is known for its in-house design of premium high-performance streamers and DACS and recently, a series of all-in-one desktop components. Their latest venture, the mini-i Pro 4, brings their know-how to the desktop with a compact network streamer DAC/AMP that performs each of its functions not just well, but exceptionally well. As a DAC, it paired beautifully with the flagship Pass Labs HPA-1. With headphones and IEMs, it provided not just excellent power and finesse, but synergy with the DAC and network streamer.

https://www.headfonia.com/es-lab-eht-7-review/

The signal switching in the input section is controlled by a set of 5 sealed silver-alloy contact relays, designed for a long lifespan and high current capacity. The EHT-7 offers adjustable impedance (8 0hm or 16 Ohm) for the primary windings of the transformers, ensuring optimal compatibility with your source amplifier.

The EHT-7 is very simple and easy to work with. You can do nothing wrong with this lay-out and it’s easy to plug the cables and flick the switches. From the faceplate to the switches, the inputs and the headphone output, everything feels sturdy and luxurious. Just make sure not to scratch the casing.

The only thing I don’t really like is the external PSU, which looks and feels a bit cheap. I recommend using the Ferrum Hypsos or something similar.

Each EHT-7 unit enjoys a 2-year warranty. Upon ordering the user can also customize the choice of transformers, output bias, connections and more.