Shunyata Research Hydra Typhon QR Power Distributor $9000 Review
November 27, 2018 Comments Off on Shunyata Research Hydra Typhon QR Power Distributor $9000 Review
“Noise Isolation Chamber (NIC): A passive copper circuit developed and patented by Shunyata that provides the Typhon QR with much of its passive filtering abilities. It contains ZrCa-2000, a proprietary, nonreactive, ferroelectric crystalline material that is the subject of a patent separate from the one granted for NIC. According to Samuelsen, this material absorbs high-frequency power-line noise without the frequency-response anomalies often associated with transformer, choke, coil, or other ferrite-based power conditioners.
Typhon QR/BB Noise Reduction: A passive copper circuit, developed and patented by CIS, that allows the Typhon QR to provide components with instantaneous access to an AC reserve or coulomb charge. By eliminating the inductive reactance inherent in standard AC power conditioners without the use of low-pass filters or inductive devices, this circuit is said to enhance dynamics.”
LUMIN X1 $13,990 Network Music Streamer REVIEW
November 27, 2018 Comments Off on LUMIN X1 $13,990 Network Music Streamer REVIEW
“A dedicated device like Lumin X1 is a proof of importance for a reference class digital front end. As much I’m a hard-core computer fan and have tried to stay solely dependant on the Mac or PC as the main digital hub (with all the tricks, tweaks and optimizations), I have no doubt for some time that dedicated music streamer or DAC with an integrated streamer/server can deliver a major step up in the performance. As I’ve written above, the difference is not even funny. The Lumin team can happily grim with the big smile by thinking… you’re being served and served properly sir!”
Rega’s New Planar 1 Plus Turntable $599 Review
November 26, 2018 Comments Off on Rega’s New Planar 1 Plus Turntable $599 Review
“Even if you aren’t using a traditional two channel system, with amp or receiver and speakers, the P1 Plus is a great choice for those with powered speakers, or an all in one box like the B&W Zeppelin or Naim MuSo. We just happen to have both on hand here, so merely switching the line level cable for one with standard RCA plugs on one end and a 3.5mm stereo plug on the other, it was easy to add vinyl playback to these systems. Taking things further, we plugged the P1 plus into a pair of powered Klipsch “The Sixes” as well. Again, a fantastic combo that works well for those living in a small living space, yet still wants to enjoy their record collection. Or perhaps start their first one.
As someone who has owned and reviewed nearly every turntable Rega has made for the last 35 years, I remain astounded at how they keep refining this platform. There is no easier record playing platform than Rega’s Planar 1 Plus, and I doubt a better value either. Definitely Exceptional Value Award material!”
BOWERS & WILKINS 603 FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
November 26, 2018 Comments Off on BOWERS & WILKINS 603 FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
“Bowers & Wilkins’ 603 is absolutely the floorstander of choice for under $3000. I seriously doubt that you will find a floor standing speaker with the same brand heritage, beautiful midrange tone, detail, soundstage and versatility, for less than five grand.
The addition of a subwoofer just adds to the experience, but unless you are using the 603 floor standing loudspeaker in a home cinema or you prefer a bit more bass, you’ll love them just as much without it.”
Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic
November 26, 2018 Comments Off on Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic
Focal Kanta No. 2 Loudspeaker $10,000 Review
November 24, 2018 Comments Off on Focal Kanta No. 2 Loudspeaker $10,000 Review
“The possibility of an impedance mismatch between amp and speaker occurred to me, of course, but I was slow to accept it: I’m very fond of the Bernings and have used them successfully with a wide variety of loudspeakers over the past two years. But as I wasn’t getting anywhere, I substituted the Pass XA 60.8s—60 watts of Class A power—and the situation was utterly transformed. In the final movement of the Saint-Saëns “Organ” Symphony—the Eschenbach/Philadelphia Orchestra live recording ripped from an Ondine SACD—the featured instrument was potently majestic, and the brass section, playing full out, matched the acoustic power of the organ without the sound disintegrating into an undifferentiated mess”
McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer $6,000 Review
November 24, 2018 Comments Off on McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer $6,000 Review
“I’m fond of saying everyone has his/her speciality. I look at a turntable like it’s a rocket surgery project, but give me the most convoluted digital product and it’ll be right in my wheelhouse. These specialities hold true for audio companies as well. McIntosh has always nailed the analog side of HiFi. The company also offers a great D1100 DAC that I reviewed and placed on the C.A.S.H. List earlier this year. However when it comes to a complete digital platform capable of streaming, integrating with Crestron, and building iOS/Android apps, etc… McIntosh has elected to outsource this specialty. I don’t blame them, it’s difficult work. The MS500 has Autonomic technology where it counts and McIntosh design and DNA where it counts.
I must also note that it’s impossible not to enjoy the beautiful design of the McIntosh MS500. It’s black glass, glorious green illuminated logo, distinctive red power button, and classy aluminum end caps are legendary and look even better in person.”
Campfire Audio Solaris Review
November 24, 2018 Comments Off on Campfire Audio Solaris Review
“The timbre is natural to slightly warm in part from that excellent low-end dynamic driver which provides a strong bass fundamental and some welcome musicality. The BA tuning brings in more speed and detail, as well as a good odd-harmonic counter on higher-pitched percussion timbre. Honestly, at this early stage, the coherence and timbre for a hybrid are excellent.
Treble presence seems to be a little more focused closer to the 7-10k range with a slightly muted 4-6k which is where I expected the T.A.E.C tuning to really shine as it does in the Andromeda. Overall the Solaris treble sounds a touch smoother with a little more body than the Andromeda and not as feisty as the Atlas but we will check this more closely in our main review.”
MRSPEAKERS ETHER2 OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES REVIEW
November 23, 2018 Comments Off on MRSPEAKERS ETHER2 OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES REVIEW
“My last track was actually my first track as I used it to compare the different MrSpeakers headphones using the QP2R as well as the different cables, but chose to revisit it at the end when talking about the QP2R performance, and that would be “And You And I — I. Cord of Life, II. Eclipse, III. The Preacher the Teacher, IV. Apocalypse” from Yes’ Close to the Edge (DSD). I was floored by the huge soundstage, the lack of sibilant hiss during certain vocal passages and the deep throaty bass as well as the clarity and detail.
I guess my tests wouldn’t be complete without some word on the new VIVO cable, it is definitely less microphonic and I believe there was a slight improvement in bass extension and resolution.”
Audiophilepure 
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