Audio Analogue Bellini/ Donizetti Anniversary Pre/Power Amplifier Review
April 23, 2020 Comments Off on Audio Analogue Bellini/ Donizetti Anniversary Pre/Power Amplifier Review
“Where the Audio Analogue duo definitely came out on top was with its handling of recordings that varied in their quality. The Corrs’ ‘Only When I Sleep’ from their 1997 album Talk On Corners [Atlantic Recordings 7567-83051-2] is something of a sonic mess, sounding steely at best and clearly mixed to make it radio-friendly. Yet never have I heard it sound better than when played via the Bellini and Donizetti Anniversary pre/power. The amps simply cut through the nastiness, managing to impart a sense of order to the proceedings and even bring a hint of purity to the ragged top end.
They repeated this trick again and again, with all sorts of sonic disasters. So if you’re seeking a pre/power pairing that is not only kind to less-than-well-produced recordings but also able to serve them up with sweetness and not a little polish, then look no further.”
Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum II Stereo Amplifier Review
April 22, 2020 Comments Off on Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum II Stereo Amplifier Review
“The GM 50’s bass sounded more open, and seemed to reach deeper than the Atlas Magnum II’s, whether I was comparing them with or without the REL subwoofer connected. (REL claims that using the high-level inputs carries forward the sound of your amplifier, but as my system employs no high-pass filter, the difference with the sub could still be due, in whole or in part, to the differences in how each amplifier drove the main speakers.) For some specific examples, while the concert bass drum in the Bull violin concerto sounded big with the Atlas Magnum II, its fundamental pitch was more obviously lower in frequency with the GM 50. Likewise, it was easier to hear the fundamental pitch of the concert harp in the final movement of Mahler’s Symphony No.4, as performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under Bernard Haitink, with soprano Christine Schäfer (SACD/CD, RCO Live RCO 07003). For a nonclassical example, Alan Anton’s bass in the Cowboy Junkies’ The Trinity Session (16/44.1 FLAC, RCA) sounded a bit tubbier with the Atlas Magnum II, a bit more linear with the GM 50. On the other hand, the kick drums in both The Trinity Session and Random Access Memories had noticeably more punch with the Atlas Magnum II — I felt as well as heard them.”
Audeze LCD-1 Review
April 21, 2020 Comments Off on Audeze LCD-1 Review
“While the Audeze LCD-1 attempts to tackle the lucrative, but competitive $500 mark for personal audio enthusiasts, the RAD-0 has a more bespoke approach to design and cost. For those familiar with both company’s RAD founder Alex Rosson started working at Audeze and was among the founding cast of the LA-OC based company. His first dip into the market appears at the higher end of the hobby, with most headphones costing around $2,600. A look at his product page gives you a better idea of the custom leanings he has chosen, no two headphones appear at first glance to be colored the same.”
JL Audio Fathom F113 V2 13.5” Subwoofer Review
April 21, 2020 Comments Off on JL Audio Fathom F113 V2 13.5” Subwoofer Review
“Unsurprisingly perhaps, the big Fathom couldn’t quite match the speed and grip of my usual 10” VAF Veritas subs, or for that matter JL Audio’s smaller E-110. What is surprising is how little the bigger sub yielded in terms of speed to the smaller ones. Its speed ensures that it complements the extension of the main speakers, without overwhelming them. Able to fill the listening room with powerful, visceral bass, it has real ability to dig in to lower frequencies, making for an exciting listening experience.
Action films are what typically come to mind when evaluating subwoofers, yet a good one can add an extra layer of detail to even the subtlest of movie fare. Unusual for horror movies, Anabelle Comes Home has its share of ambient cues designed to unsettle the viewer, intermingled with the soundtrack and of course, more than a few jump-scares. Here it added welcome extension to the eerie Dolby Atmos soundtrack without getting in the way of the other speakers. More often than not, the extension was felt rather than heard, making for a more engaging and exciting – if somewhat terrifying – listening experience.”
WooAudio WA8 Eclipse amp / DAC review
April 21, 2020 Comments Off on WooAudio WA8 Eclipse amp / DAC review
Abyss AB 1266 TC – best sounding headphone on the planet
April 20, 2020 Comments Off on Abyss AB 1266 TC – best sounding headphone on the planet
ProAc Response D2R loudspeaker $4500 Review
April 20, 2020 Comments Off on ProAc Response D2R loudspeaker $4500 Review
“After two weeks of break-in, during which I streamed music from Tidal at a low level on my Asus laptop, the D2R impressed me immediately with its lucid, clear top end, rich-sounding midrange, and, for a cabinet of its size, well-defined and extended bass—and also its transparency: I was surprised more than once by bells, glockenspiel, and flutes that sounded real and live. The speaker delivered a detailed, tangible soundstage that often was larger than you’d expect from such small speakers.”
Vincent Audio SV-200 Integrated Amplifier $799 Review
April 20, 2020 Comments Off on Vincent Audio SV-200 Integrated Amplifier $799 Review
“Smartly designed, the Vincent SV-200 fits today’s digital and analog sources seamlessly. Its sound output is much bigger than I expected – rich and detailed with a touch of warmth, I especially like its design and small footprint. This little amp exceeded expectations for its price point in every way. If you’re in the market for well-priced, authentic high-end performance gear that’s easily portable, the Vincent SV-200 is a fantastic place to start. Glad I met you, Vincent. Highly recommended!”
Rega P10 Turntable | Review
April 19, 2020 Comments Off on Rega P10 Turntable | Review
“As far as the sound of the Rega P10 goes, it’s pretty flawless. If I were to nitpick, the P10 is merciless in revealing any and all transient information, similar to playing digital sources but with a certain additional alive-ness that may not fit every system or taste. I realize some of this observation might be due to the Dynavector, so take this comment as provisional. And don’t expect the Rega P10 to have any of that upper bass-low mid resonance which gives a warm yet smeary sound that can be flattering in some systems. Personally, I’d rather start with as much information off the record as I can get and adjust the upstream components accordingly.
For any serious, vinyl oriented audiophile searching for the kind of performance usually found at the BMW i8 level, but at an i3 price (approximately $5,495 without cartridge and $6,695 supplied with Rega’s Alpheta 3 MC cart), the P10 offers more than just great value. For a lot of folks, this might be as good as it gets.”
Audiophilepure 
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