Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable Review
October 19, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/esoteric-grandioso-t1-turntable
I keep several turntables to use in my reviewing process — SME 30/2, Brinkmann La Grange, Roksan TMS, Garrard 301, plus a few others — because each one offers a different set of strengths. The Esoteric Grandioso T1 turntable is the first turntable I’ve heard in my system that I feel could replace all of them on a sonic — though not a personal — level.
I liked the T1 best when the torque was cranked up to deliver the most PRaT, though the more relaxed sound resulting from lower torque seemed more appropriate for some music. Yes, the asking price is crazy, but presumably, if you’re shopping in this price range, you’re not digging through the couch cushions looking for a few lost pennies.
It’s good to see companies pushing the limits of what’s possible; hopefully we’ll soon see some of this technology trickle down to more approachably priced ‘tables. If the Esoteric T1 is within your budget, I can’t think of a better option.
GigaWatt PowerMaster AC Line Conditioner | REVIEW
October 19, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://pt.audio/2026/09/04/gigawatt-powermaster-review
Noise reduction devices, as I’ve learned, have a cumulative effect. I often say “the more the merrier” with grounding hubs and isolation platforms and power conditioners and network switches because I haven’t yet reached the point where I’ve felt things couldn’t possibly get any quieter. Then I try something new, and I hear an even more profound lowering of the noise floor and I know there will always be room for improvement. The GigaWatt PowerMaster, however, convinced me that I could remove most of those other devices from my system and the results would be remarkably similar. That’s a broad claim to make, except I can back it up by saying I did remove all of noise reduction devices from my system except for the PowerMaster, and I still felt I had heard the single most effective product for power management I’ve used. Highly recommended.
NAD Masters M33 V2 Streaming Integrated Amplifier $7399 Review
October 17, 2026 § Leave a comment
However, if you really want to go all out, you have the option to bridge the M33 V2’s internal amplifier and use it with a separate NAD Masters M23 V2 power amplifier (US$4999) to provide a claimed >700W into 8 ohms for each channel. I utilized a pair of the original M23s in my review of the Masters M66 and found that they sounded incredibly powerful and precise in bridged mode, with seemingly limitless power. The ability to bridge the internal amplification is a killer application for both versions of the M33, at least for those who have the finances. And adding a power amplifier in this manner to an existing integrated amp is considerably less expensive than assembling a comparable system of separates from scratch.
Still wearing the crown
The NAD Masters M33 V2 costs more than the original M33 did when it was introduced five years ago, but then again, so do most things. There’s more competition for streaming integrated amplifiers with room correction on the market now, yet the V2 more than holds its own against its competitors. Considering its flexible DSP features, high power, and the ability to significantly increase its output by adding an M23 V2 power amplifier in bridged mode, this latest version of the M33 is still the front-runner in this product category, even if the competition has gained some ground.
GRADO Labs Signature S550 Headphones $995 Review
October 17, 2026 § Leave a comment
The Grado Labs signature S550 headphones are the finest headphones I know of costing under $1000. With their new 50 mm driver and Brazilian walnut Housing, they perform wonderfully. I consider the S550 to be the sweetheart of the entire Signature lineup. You will lose a bit of image, size, and depth compared to the more expensive models, but the incredible imaging and dramatic bass more than compensate for any trivial losses. If you can run balanced versus single-ended in your DAP or headphone amplifier, you will even enjoy higher definition and tighter imaging
Vitus Audio SIA-025 Mk.II $33,600 Review
October 16, 2026 § Leave a comment
I can say that Vitus Audio’s Signature Series SIA-025 Mk.II integrated stereo amplifier, as reviewed here at Enjoy the Music.com, always utterly satisfied, frequently mesmerized, and constantly made me forget I was supposed to be reviewing! I have heard most of the over $25,000 options in the Integrated sector and can say with certainty that it would be on my personal short list to consider the Vitus Audio SIA-025 Mk.II integrated for permanent residence; and the other integrated amplifiers on my list cost quite a bit more. If you are in the market, put the SIA-025 Mk.II at the top of your list; it’s just so good.
iBasso DC-Tonfa $359 Review
October 16, 2026 § Leave a comment
There is nothing overly clean-sounding about this dongle. It’s a gutsy, dense, analog-sounding performer, rich in texture and heavier in the bass department.
It is probably iBasso’s most “in-the-moment” creation to date, with an almost joyous top-tapping delivery with both IEMs and headphones alike.
The balance is even-harmonic but not overly lush, at least not as sweetened or as sparkling as the Nunchaku tube mode. It also does not have quite the same clarity and precision as the DC-Elite.
It has body and texture by the bucketloads, creating a fuller, meatier sound and excellent depth, particularly behind the mids where competing dongles like the RU7 can sound flatter.
This isn’t reference or neutral; it’s colored and smoother, especially in NOS mode. You can refine it with the OS filters, but NOS kicks it up a notch, with a sharper, more impactful midrange focus and thundering dynamics from the lows.
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