Verum 1 Headphones best under $500 planars
July 4, 2019 Comments Off on Verum 1 Headphones best under $500 planars
Audio Research Reference 6 Preamplifier $15,000 Review
July 3, 2019 Comments Off on Audio Research Reference 6 Preamplifier $15,000 Review
“In my time with it, I quickly learned that Audio Research’s Reference 6 preamplifier is one of those rare products capable of producing a quality of sound greater than might be suggested by the sum of its parts. The Ref 6 also offers outstanding build quality, instinctual ergonomics, and sexy appearance, all for only $2005 more than the cost of its predecessor — a 15% premium. Moreover, it’s the first tubed preamplifier I’ve heard that can match and in some ways exceed the performance of my reference, the solid-state Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8. This tells me three things: 1) some seriously astute engineering is going on under the Ref 6’s hood; 2) even at $15,000, the Ref 6 is a heck of a value; and 3) I’d be an idiot to return the review sample. Audio Research’s Reference 6 has just become my new reference preamplifier. Wholeheartedly recommended.”
REL HT/1508 Predator subwoofer review
July 3, 2019 Comments Off on REL HT/1508 Predator subwoofer review
“Deep rumbling effects are like being washed over by a wave of LF that seems to bypass the ears and go straight for your wobbly, fleshy bits. Soundtracks have thunderous basslines, encouraging me to dig out the subterranean nightclub scene in Blade (DVD). The thumping track is engagingly solid and, while other RELs definitely have a little more grace with music, there’s no denying the HT/1508 delivers what the director intended from the scene; visceral and engaging bass.
For a REL, a brand born in sub-bass systems for music, a dedicated LFE sub is something of single-minded departure. Yet, just like the smaller HT Series we’ve looked at, the HT/1508 offers unrivalled value in setting out its fast, high-impact and incredibly powerful cinema sound without frills or features. A REL S/3 SHO costs exactly the same and arguably offers much more all-round appeal – but don’t expect it to move your gizzards and blow out the windows like this big-game hunter.”
Usher Audio S-520 Loudspeaker Review
July 2, 2019 Comments Off on Usher Audio S-520 Loudspeaker Review
“The sound of the Usher S-520 is as good as the construction and the finish of the loudspeaker. The tonal balance between the woofer and the tweeter is spot on. Too many loudspeakers have an uneven tonal balance. In my research it was disclosed that in some earlier production runs, the tweeter resistor was of slightly lower value. This would make the loudness of the tweeter higher than the woofer— this appears to be the case of earlier production runs and has been confirmed by technical measurements in Stereophile. Happily, my pair has the later, 5 ohm combined value tweeter resistor.
This mini monitor sounds different compared to many small loudspeakers I’ve heard. Some can sound anaemic and less substantial than I experienced with the S-520. The S-520s sound substantial in their presentation. In particular, their midrange and upper bass sound firmer and have greater physicality. This is especially true when listening to singers and piano. When listening to the Beatles’ “Let It Be” track on the album of the same name (EMI Records C2 46447), Paul’s voice, as well as the piano sounded more like the real thing. The piano had solid weight, and a truly percussive sound to it. This is not typical of most small mini monitor loudspeakers in my experience. ”
Vitus Audio RI-101 Integrated Amplifier $15,600 Review
July 2, 2019 Comments Off on Vitus Audio RI-101 Integrated Amplifier $15,600 Review
“Vitus has packed so much musicality into this single box, you might be tempted to stop your Vitus journey right here. The toughest part of the journey with this amplifier is that it is their entry level product. Should you go further up the line you will, of course, get more power, bigger dynamic swing, and even more resolution and delicacy, but this is the perfect introduction to the brand.
The top Vitus amplifiers are all class-A, so they take on a slightly warmer, more full bodied sound, but the class-AB RI 101 captures much of the flagship amplifiers’ character. Vitus calls this design a “high bias AB amp,” so the first 12 watts per channel are in full Class -A mode. At normal listening levels with moderately sensitive speakers, you’ll probably be listening in Class A on all but the most broad musical peaks. Just like the bigger siblings, the RI-101 is incredibly quiet, with well defined, powerful bass and a grain free high end to match. Vitus is one of the few solid state amplifier manufacturers that will not have you wishing for vacuum tubes.”
Sony WF-SP700n ANC Truly Wireless Earphone – REVIEW
July 2, 2019 Comments Off on Sony WF-SP700n ANC Truly Wireless Earphone – REVIEW
Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC Review
July 1, 2019 Comments Off on Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC Review
“I don’t have any real qualms with the Yggdrasil’s sound. Instead, most of my complaints are with its functionality and versatility. In my opinion, the biggest omission Schiit made for Yggdrasil was the lack of built-in volume control. There are other high-performance DACs out there, some that cost less than the Yggdrasil, that provide lossless digital volume control. I suppose the retort Schiit might have against digital volume control is that attenuating the output voltage creates a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio. But if you create a DAC with a low enough noise floor, you can still end up with no noticeable reduction in sound quality so I don’t think this is a valid argument, especially at Yggdrasil’s price point. Buyers should also be aware that this omission forces you into an additional preamp purchase (unless you’re using an integrated amp). As I said above, I don’t advise owners to use software volume control from the likes of Windows or MacOS as it will ruin the integrity of the audio you’re sending this high-performance DAC. If you simply must go this route, though, at least use something like JRiver Media Center. ”
KEF LSX Wireless Streaming Loudspeaker System $1099 Review
July 1, 2019 Comments Off on KEF LSX Wireless Streaming Loudspeaker System $1099 Review
“In the end, the KEF LSX is not going to replace traditional hi-fi rigs. It’s not going to make hardened, seasoned veterans of the hi-fi show circuit suddenly give up their ten-watt tube amps and worship at the altar of Spotify streaming. But it might convince some of them that good sound can come in new shapes and forms, that hi-fi doesn’t have to be limited to vast component systems and artisanal hand-crafted phono cartridges. I know I was convinced that bigger isn’t always better, that stacking more and more shiny metal boxes won’t necessarily get me closer to what I want.
What I want is fun and good music. That’s what the LSXes provide. Sure, the apps aren’t great, but that’s far from a deal-breaker. The LSXes sound fantastic; they’re simple and easy to set up; they’re surprisingly versatile and portable; and they’re genuinely affordable. They aren’t the future of hi-fi, but they’re definitely one of the futures. From now on, if a normal person in real life asks me how to get into this hobby, I’m going to recommend the LSXes or something like them. I think that more or less says it all.
AnalogPlanet Visits CH Precision in Switzerland
July 1, 2019 Comments Off on AnalogPlanet Visits CH Precision in Switzerland
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