Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player Review
July 8, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.hifinews.com/content/astellkern-aultima-sp4000-digital-audio-player
Like many of the 12 tracks on the album, this is a sophisticated production with subtle use of layers and overdubs that you might not notice when listening on a less insightful system. But that was not the case here, with the SP4000 providing a clear picture through the T+A amp and speakers, smartly lifting the xylophones from the main melody and brass backing. It’s a typical oddball composition from Byrne, and I didn’t feel shortchanged hearing it in this way.
There was again a palpable sense of resolution during the militaristic but cheerful ‘III.The March Of The English’ on Akademie Für Alte Musik Berlin’s Paul Wranitzky: Symphonies album [Deutsche Harmonia Mundi; 96kHz/24-bit]. The woodwinds appeared full of character, the flute particularly light and nimble. At the same time, the ‘cannon shot’ effect from the bass drum had real force and impact. Yes, the mighty power reserves of the PA 3100 HV amplifier were key to this dynamic highlight, but as a source A&K’s SP4000 certainly delivered the goods.
Nagra PREAMP II-S preamplifier Review
July 8, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.hifinews.com/content/nagra-preamp-ii-s-preamplifier
Even for an audio veteran of 50-odd years’ standing, surprises still occur. The PREAMP II-S emerges as one of the most ideally balanced exemplars of transistor-biased tube technology that I can recall, certainly at its price. Were I well-heeled and in need of a control unit, unwilling to forsake my full-on valve leanings, this would force a rethink. It’s warm, open and as silent as needs be. It just may be Nagra’s new ‘sweet spot’.
Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Planar Magnetic Headphone $4,499 Review
July 7, 2026 § Leave a comment
Give them sufficient power, and they will sound excellent at any listening level. For better or worse, the EXPANSE encourages you to listen at unsafe levels. They are so smooth, balanced, and free of distortion that their sound doesn’t induce fatigue, even at high volumes. It’s not that the sound changes or improves with more volume; it just keeps giving you more.
As the name implies, the soundstage is large and open, without sounding artificially distant. Imaging is distinct, and layering is phenomenal, especially with music that has a lot of space and separation.
The bass response is fast and relatively full for a planar. The bass is satisfying for most genres with a focus on texture and musicality over quantity. While the EXPANSE are not ideal for EDM and super-heavy bass tracks, they can hold their own surprisingly well and reach low, with fantastic bass texture and control, especially given that they are open-back planar headphones. They will not achieve the kind of physical sub-bass rumble that a large dynamic driver can more easily.
The midrange will reflect the quality of the recording and mix. It can be enchanting, or thin, or centered, or lacking. The treble is the same. If sibilance is inherent to the recording, you will hear it. If it’s detailed and crisp, you will be the beneficiary.
The Aura LCC 1 Preamplifier & LCP 1 Power Amplifier review
July 7, 2026 § Leave a comment
It delivers powerful, expansive and intense sound – precise, yet very deep. The lower end of the frequency range is equally active. This is something that should appeal to anyone whose systems are notoriously “underweight” or lacking in bass. The bass lines in tracks such as “Autumn Leaves” from Cannonball Adderly’s album Somethin’ Else, the dense distorted bass line on “Wandering Star” by Portishead, or even The Mills Brothers vocals from the album Famous Barber Shop Ballads: Volume One, all of it was especially large and had “weight,” or “gravity.”
This particular characteristic of the Japanese system had already emerged earlier with Blakey, when at 0:20 seconds of the first track something suddenly hits hard in the low end, and a moment later it repeats. It’s some part of the drum sound that was probably inaudible in the original, but which was cleaned up after the sound was boosted during remastering. It is similar with the low “pops” in the drummer’s voice as he announces the next track, “Moanin.’”
Noble Audio Osprey $349 Review
July 6, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.headfonia.com/questyle-m18i-max-review
While some might miss the extended functionality of PEQ, I appreciate that I don’t have to install another app on my phone and it just works. In terms of power output, the M18i Max targets IEMs, but these days most dynamic headphones will be fine too. Closed planars from Dan Clark will work nicely as well, as they’re quite easy to drive.
Overall, I don’t see anyone being disappointed by the whole package offered by Questyle here. There are no gotchas to keep in mind. Therefore, I’m awarding the M18i Max with the “Headfonia Recommended Buy” award. While our souls might long for the bigger Sigma Pro or other huge flagships, the M18i Max will be what we really need. We just need to listen to realize it!
QUAD Platina Integrated Amplifier and Platina Stream Review
July 6, 2026 § Leave a comment
This was my first hands-on experience with products from the UK manufacturer, QUAD. I was not disappointed. The look and feel of these products showed that they spent a lot of time and effort to get them right, both in aesthetics and in sound quality. They worked well together and performed excellently, even when I hooked them up to my personal equipment. If you are in the market for a killer streamer and preamp, this combo should be on your very short list. Well done, guys!
Audiophilepure 
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