Devialet Expert 140 Pro integrated amplifier $6490 Review
December 10, 2019 Comments Off on Devialet Expert 140 Pro integrated amplifier $6490 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/devialet-expert-140-pro-integrated-amplifier
The Expert 140 Pro is a 140W (specified into 6 ohms) stereo integrated amplifier with a streaming DAC built in. It also has phono preamplification capability; phono equalization and preamplification is done in the digital domain. Because of its onboard computer—Devialet calls it Core Infinity, with the ubiquitous trademark symbol—the 140 Pro is set up to stream music from a variety of sources utilizing a variety of protocols and can be updated as new technologies emerge. It arrived at my house with “RoonReady,” “Spotify,” and “Airplay” among the preset input choices. Streaming services such as Qobuz and Tidal can be played via UPnP (as with the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge and the dCS Bartók) or Airplay.
Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/devialet-expert-140-pro-integrated-amplifier#hMptIKlIfHpI5awh.99
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Wireless Integrated Loudspeaker Review
December 9, 2019 Comments Off on Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Wireless Integrated Loudspeaker Review
“But beyond sound quality and appeal to the committed audiophile, the Duo expands the market for high-quality audio by reaching music lovers who might be intimidated by component audio, or who lack the space for separates. The Duo unobtrusively blends into a home, is easy to use, and can be part of a whole-house wireless audio system. The obvious downside, which may not be a consideration for many listeners, is that the Duo is a closed ecosystem that works only with other Formation products, and can’t be upgraded as technology marches forward.
It’s unlikely that the advanced new wireless technology that motivated a Silicon Valley entrepreneur to buy a 53-year-old British loudspeaker company will be confined to the Formation products. The Duo is just the beginning. Don’t be surprised to see Formation-like technology and integration in versions of Bowers & Wilkins’ upper-end loudspeakers. Those products will help answer the question of whether the undeniable advantages of integrated wireless systems are limited to relatively affordable products like the Duo and to consumers for whom convenience is a priority, or if integrated loudspeakers represent a transformation that will eventually pervade even the upper echelons of high-end audio. “
EMM Labs DV2 Integrated Digital-To-Analog Converter $30,000 Review
December 9, 2019 Comments Off on EMM Labs DV2 Integrated Digital-To-Analog Converter $30,000 Review
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1219/EMM_Labs_DV2_Integrated_DAC_Review.htm
“If you are also running analog, you will need a preamp or integrated amp so this digital volume control may not have the appeal it has to me, since you will already have a volume control. You may be better off saving $5000 by buying the DA2. So, this is for digital-only guys like me. Is the volume control here as good as a top rate analog volume control? Not in terms of range – you can go both louder and softer on some preamps which incorporate a gain stage and the steps may also be finer. But in terms of quality, if the range and granularity on offer here suits you, this one is pretty much perfect. In practice, I could not differentiate between the sound coming through the EMM Labs PRE Reference Preamplifier into the Soulution 511 Power Amp and the sound of the DV2 going directly into that power amp.
There are competitors to the DV2. dCS, Chord, Esoteric, MSB, Berkeley, and others all have or are working on statement DACs, and most now offer a variable output implemented digitally. I’ve been very impressed with the new implementations I’ve heard. Some are much more expensive than the DV2, and may have optional external clocks that can raise the price significantly. But I’ve heard nothing that sounds more like the music I hear in the best performance spaces. More impressive, yes, but more realistic, no.”
Krell K-300i integrated amplifier Review
December 8, 2019 Comments Off on Krell K-300i integrated amplifier Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-k-300i-integrated-amplifier
“Since many audiophiles play their digital files from a computer rather than a dedicated music server, I dragged in a 2017 MacBook Pro, hooked it up to the Rossini via USB, and sent the signal to the K-300i’s balanced inputs. With Roon as playback software, the sound on Barber’s songs surprised me. While I had expected something noticeably less transparent than through the NUC, the sound was gorgeous, with ideally smooth and correct timbres. Yes, when I ditched the computer and used the NUC instead, highs were clearer, and air and natural sibilance more pronounced and image size increased. The natural radiance and complex overtones of the piano’s highs emerged, and I could sense the texture of each note plucked on the bass. But either via computer or dedicated music server (NUC), the sound of the Krell integrated/Rossini DAC combo was wonderful.
Wired IEMs sound BETTER than wireless!
December 8, 2019 Comments Off on Wired IEMs sound BETTER than wireless!
Rockport Technologies Avior II Loudspeakers $38,500 Review
December 7, 2019 Comments Off on Rockport Technologies Avior II Loudspeakers $38,500 Review
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/component/banners/click/247
“The Rockport Technologies Avior II is easily one of the finest loudspeakers I’ve heard in the last five years. It combines an expertly voiced tonal balance that I can’t imagine anyone disliking with the ability to resolve the finest details in recordings, from the top to the very bottom of the audioband. In fact, until you hear these speakers, you very well may never have heard genuine bass detail. When you combine an exalted level of sound quality with qualities of build and fit’n’finish that are in the top 5% of speakers in the high end, you also have a slam-dunk recommendation from me and an easy Reviewers’ Choice recipient. Skip the new car. Buy a pair of Avior IIs, and drive off into the sunset — in your old car — one very happy audiophile.”
RHA CL2 REVIEW
December 7, 2019 Comments Off on RHA CL2 REVIEW
https://headfonics.com/2019/10/rha-cl2-review/
“
You get some excellent depth on the CL2, no doubt about that. It is a closed headphone so it is not an expansive or super airy soundstage but it doesn’t lack in power and more than neutral of neutral sub 100Hz.
The dip in the lower-mids pulls back instruments as does the fade from 4k onwards. It is not dark though, there is a small boost from 8-10k but again, it is really that 1-4k boost that pushes everything front and center and can lead to percussion and some higher pitching vocals dominating the stage.
Lower pitching vocals can lose a little presence also, especially if pitching the same as surrounding instruments. They tend to sound a little diffuse and lacking in separation. If you need strong guitar work to resonate and step forward in staging presence the CL2 is not working to its strengths.
Audio Note DAC 5 Special Review $43,500 Review
December 7, 2019 Comments Off on Audio Note DAC 5 Special Review $43,500 Review
https://www.audiostream.com/content/audio-note-dac-5-special-review-43500-question
“So, it’s not a DAC that can handle every file format in the known universe. If that’s the case, what is it supposed to be focused on? The goal of the DAC 5 in it’s two guises (Special, Signature), according to Qvortrup, is to wrest every last ounce of emotional, sonic engagement from 16-bit/44.1kHz (Redbook) files, and to be used as a bridge for one of the company’s CD transports, if not as a stand-alone proposition. In numerous discussions with Qvortrup and others at Audio Note UK over the years, the feeling one comes away with is that there is more than enough information to be retrieved from a CD, or Redbook file to compete sonically with any other format, if the digital-to-analog translation is handled properly. Properly, in this context, means building a technology altar where this service can be worshipped with what AN UK considers the finest D/A construction specifications possible”
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL MZ3 Headphone Amplifier Review
December 6, 2019 Comments Off on Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL MZ3 Headphone Amplifier Review
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/linear-tube-audio-microzotl-mz3-headphone-amplifier-review
“They’re at the current pinnacle of audio engineering excellence and a pair of headphones which I consider to be among the best I’ve ever had the opportunity to hear. Pairing them with the Linear Tube Audio MZ3 wasn’t merely because they cost roughly the same price, or shared the letter ‘z’ in thier name. it was because they were a holostic, sonic ecosystem. One complimented the other perfectly in my estimation. Does that mean the MZ3 didn’t play as nicely with other headphones that were current hungry or more difficult to drive? No. It came down to the 4z allowing every facet of what the MZ3 had on tap to be revealed without adding anything to its flavor. I can say without hyperbole that in my experience this is a headphone amplifier with few peers at this price point: it is an honest and forthright amp that does that unique job of bringing warmth to music without sacrificing resolution.”
WESTONE B30 & B50
December 6, 2019 Comments Off on WESTONE B30 & B50
https://www.headfonia.com/westone-b30-b50-review/
“Treble-wise it’s the same story. The B50 has more detail, extension and air in treble with better articulation. You have more transparency and resolution in highs, resulting in a more open presentation. The distance is the same however; cymbals sounding from behind so they’re not the focal point.
Sound-stage is also better with the B50, thanks to its capabilities in the mid & treble sections. The sound has more room and width, and that creates more space between the elements of a song. This provides a better imaging with a more 3D staging performance. The overall transparency is quite good, despite the sound signature which is darker than many IEMs.”
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