Technics SL-1200G Direct Drive Turntable Review
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on Technics SL-1200G Direct Drive Turntable Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2021/1/1/technicssl1200g
The sonic signature of the 1200 was consistent at various locations, attached to several phono stages, cartridges, etc. Meaning, you’re investing in a specific sound pretty well immune to outside, deleterious influences. The 1200’s personality is such that an addiction to its sound will transcend any financial constraints or worries you have on initial system build. As such, no matter entry level equipment or the finest in high end ancillaries, the Technics will always give of its best, highlighting its own musical personalities. In that way, even at $4000, the SL-1200G is a well nigha perfect turntable for those audiophiles who want legacy, style and convenience (the Coreless Direct Drive Motor, the headshell, plug ‘n play, etc). Hook it up to a basic Rega phono stage with a good solid state amp, and you’ll be in vinyl heaven. Dynamic, stable with an especially glorious treble (more on that later).

Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System $999 Review
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System $999 Review
I’ve been told recently that my journalistic approach to audio isn’t quite as scientific as it should be. And that few of the benefits I’m hearing—with the AudioQuest conditioning equipment, outlets, and cables in place in my system—could be scientifically proven. With regard to the Niagara range of products enhancing the quality of your system’s AC power, consider that the current power grid in the US is antiquated and totally overtaxed in daily use. And with the relatively low quality of builder grade power outlets (at a cost of about 50 cents each) and common 14 gauge Romex wiring, it’s not too much of a scientific stretch to imagine that audible improvements are easily obtainable with even just higher quality power outlets like the NRG Edisons. I know what my ears are telling me; I can clearly hear a significant lessening—or complete elimination of any associated noise—that I have to believe is due to the less than stellar quality of my AC power. And the Niagara units provide the added benefit of Non-Sacrificial Surge Protection for all connected equipment, and can withstand surges and spikes of up to 6000 volts or 3000 amps without sustaining any damage—while remaining completely transparent and sonically non-invasive. Does $8k worth of AudioQuest AC Power enhancements make an appreciable difference? Absolutely! I can’t recommend the AudioQuest AC conditioners, outlets, and cables highly enough; they’ve elevated my system synergy and overall performance level to a point I’d never have believed possible, and would make an appreciable difference with audio systems at any price point.

Okto dac8 Stereo D/A processor $1285 Review
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on Okto dac8 Stereo D/A processor $1285 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/okto-dac8-stereo-da-processor
I streamed the DSD128 files of the Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble’s Musica Sacra album (Opus 3 19516) from Roon. I left the DSD low-pass filter set to “Auto”; the word “Native” appeared on the Okto’s display. The unaccompanied singers in Bach’s chorale “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Savior of the nations, come) were surrounded with a richly ambient acoustic, but that ambience did not obscure the position of the singers. Courtesy of the dac8 Stereo, the solo organ interlude in the work’s second half unambiguously occupied the same space, with rich low frequencies.
Throughout my auditioning, I continued to be impressed by the combination of upper-bass weight and leading-edge definition offered by the Okto processor. The lower register of Chris Jones’s fretless Fender Jazz bass guitar on Live at Merkin Hall sounded as lifelike as I remembered it sounding at the concert.

How To: Setup Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on How To: Setup Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
JDS LABS EL STACK II REVIEW
February 15, 2021 Comments Off on JDS LABS EL STACK II REVIEW
You read the review, I can’t find anything bad about it. Yet again with JDS Labs, you get a solid bang for your buck. EL Stack II offers many input options, features a balanced, accurate, and airy presentation. Technical aspects such as PRaT, resolution, stereo imaging, instrument separation, resolution are all excellent for the price. The black aluminum build quality, small footprint and easy-to-use operation makes it a brilliant candidate. Don’t forget that JDS offers one of the best customer service in the industry so if anything bad happens, they got you covered. Definitely give these a try



KEF Introduces KC62 Uni-Core Subwoofer $1,499
February 15, 2021 Comments Off on KEF Introduces KC62 Uni-Core Subwoofer $1,499
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/kef-introduces-kc62tm-uni-core-subwoofer
As noted in our earlier post, Uni-Core uses dual opposed “force-cancelling” drivers that are concentrically arranged and share a single motor. According to KEF, this design “allows the cabinet size to be reduced by over a third while equaling or exceeding the driver excursion of a much larger subwoofer.” The KC62 also uses an “Origami” surround that resists pressure within the sealed cabinet without restricting sensitivity. Tech innovation number three is a Smart Distortion Control motional feedback system that reduces “signal abnormalities” by “measuring the current in the voice coil, detecting, and then correcting any non-linear distortions,” according to KEF.

Denon DCD-A110/PMA-A110 SACD Player/Amplifier Review
February 14, 2021 Comments Off on Denon DCD-A110/PMA-A110 SACD Player/Amplifier Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/denon-dcd-a110pma-a110-sacd-playeramplifier
Make no mistake, both elements of this pairing are exceptional, and I can see the DCD-A110 having appeal to those wanting a final disc player with minimal frills – it certainly has a simplicity of purpose to match the solidity of its build. But it’s the PMA-A110 amp that’s the star turn here, whether you use its analogue inputs (including the fine phono stage) or digital connections.
Denon’s engineers have again kept things simple, concentrating their efforts where they will have maximal impact on the sound. It’s this thinking that’s so apparent in the way these products perform.


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