Whammerdyne DGA Amplifier $3,000 Review
June 26, 2019 Comments Off on Whammerdyne DGA Amplifier $3,000 Review
“The result derived from the LaScalas, Pure Audio Project Trios and the mighty Focals, though expressed differently, retain the core musicality that the DGH delivers. It has a level control for those wanting the ultimate simplicity, but I preferred the more fleshed out rendition when the Nagra Classic preamplifier (with outboard power supply) delivered.
The Whammer delivers pristine examples of all the audiophile descriptors that are so easily tossed about in reference to far lesser products. It’s reproduction of fine detail combined with such a clean distortion free and coloration free tonality will redefine what you think reproduced music is capable of. This amplifier reveals so much tonal contrast and saturation, hours will fly by as you track through your favorites. Where some of today’s best audio products can only offer a short amount of engagement, with fatigue or boredom creeping in after a few tracks, the Whammerdyne DGA is a cure for audiophile ADD.”
Next level Sonos control with SENIC
June 26, 2019 Comments Off on Next level Sonos control with SENIC
Wilson Audio TuneTot £10,998 Review
June 25, 2019 Comments Off on Wilson Audio TuneTot £10,998 Review
“This is a very neutral and revealing loudspeaker and one that easily shows the characteristics of the components it’s partnered with. Both the aforementioned Musical Fidelity M6 500i amplifier and my resident Naim Supernait 2 integrated are able to provide perfectly solid bases for the TuneTot to demonstrate its incredible spaciousness and exceptional detail retrieval, but I have little doubt that moving further up market will yield even greater rewards – provided, of course, that you have a reasonable amount of power at your disposal.
Best of all is that the TuneTot never demands a constant supply of perfectly mastered material to deliver on its virtues. My music library contains more than a few rough diamonds and no journey into these areas leaves me unhappy with the results as it consistently delivers an engaging performance without fear or favour on every occasion. The balanced manner in which it allows you to hear the limitations on some recordings its fed while effortlessly connecting with and delivering the music’s emotional core is one that is perfectly judged.
AUDIO RESEARCH VT80SE TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER $9,500 REVIEW
June 25, 2019 Comments Off on AUDIO RESEARCH VT80SE TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER $9,500 REVIEW
“If you’re an Audio Research fan, and if you’re in the market for a tubed power amplifier, do yourself the favor of auditioning the VT80SE. In my opinion, its durability, performance, and resale value all contribute to its excellence.
As always, prior to purchasing a component of this price, be sure to audition the VT80SE amplifier with your speakers, and preferably in the room where you’ll be using the equipment. Both speakers and room make a bigger sonic difference than the amplifier itself, but if you’re satisfied with your sound as it is, then the Audio Research VT80SE may well take your system to the next level.”
Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement $19,995 Review
June 24, 2019 Comments Off on Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement $19,995 Review
“As one who rarely turns fanboy on products, the AFG is a rare piece of gear that at the end of the review has me losing my ability to remain objective. If you genuinely love analog, you should experience one, whether you write the check or not. However, I suspect if you value the qualities I’ve mentioned here, you will have a very tough time not falling victim to its spell. This one has been here for the better part of a year now, and I pinch myself every time I use it.”
BAT REX DAC $19,900 REVIEW
June 24, 2019 Comments Off on BAT REX DAC $19,900 REVIEW
“Getting it to work with the Sony HAP-Z1ES HDD audio player was as simple as running a USB cable between the two units. With the Windows-based PC running jRiver Media centre, all you have to do is to download and install the drivers from the BAT website and select the relevant option on the media-playing software. For Mac users, it’s simply plug-and-play, of course.
As expected with a complement of six tubes, the REX does run hot, so ensure that it has sufficient ventilation; an air-conditioned room will also add to your personal comfort.
With all that in place, the only thing left to do is to let the music play and immerse yourself in the REX DAC’s marvellous sonics.
And simply glorious it is. It’s not about analysing in detail each and every aspect of its performance, it is the gestalt, the sum of its parts, the ability to draw you into the sonic landscape it paints that beguiles and keeps you listening hour after hour.
Acapella Audio Arts: The $650K Sphaeron Excalibur loudspeakers
June 24, 2019 Comments Off on Acapella Audio Arts: The $650K Sphaeron Excalibur loudspeakers
PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant P20 Mains Generator Review
June 23, 2019 Comments Off on PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant P20 Mains Generator Review
“When I say that mains regenerators are no panacea it isn’t just because they can’t, at a sweep of the hand, make a bad system good – there’s no magic bullet that can. Rather, it reflects my repeated experience that low-consumption items like DACs and headphone amplifiers almost always benefit from a squeaky clean mains supply, whereas power amplifiers can be more finicky. None more so than Naim power amps, I’ve found, perhaps because Naim traditionally devotes so much attention to its power supplies.
SONY IER-Z1R $2,000 REVIEW
June 23, 2019 Comments Off on SONY IER-Z1R $2,000 REVIEW
“While there is top-notch clarity and a fairly transparent midrange, its lower registers lack the presence which in turn takes away just a little of body and weight on snares and other percussions. Nonetheless, the midrange of Z1R remains transparent and open-sounding while providing a good level of attack.
The focus on the upper midrange of the Z1R is more prominent when I took it for a spin on Alice in Chains’ track “Brother” from their MTV Unplugged album. The track portrays a well-layered vocal presentation from both Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. While Z1R is able to achieve superb separation on the vocals, the upper midrange spike provides more clarity and presence on Staley’s high-pitched voice compared to the low-pitched voice of Cantrell which is pushed back just little bit.
Listening to the acoustic guitars from the same track, high notes on the chords are more highlighted but the low-pitched strings still manage to maintain satisfactory weight and body even with the slight lower-midrange roll off.”
Audiophilepure 
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