SMSL DO200 MKII $499 REVIEW
December 28, 2022 Comments Off on SMSL DO200 MKII $499 REVIEW
With 4 ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuits, a custom ultra-low noise power supply, and Texas Instruments capacitors, the DAC is advertised as “noiseless, or almost”. On paper, the SMSL DO200 MKII should be able to match its predecessor and my lovely Cayin iDAC-6 which remains my personal choice in this price range.
Yet, the “piece of resistance” remains the fully-balanced circuitry. I still couldn’t open this device but, from the official pics, you can easily see how clean the build is: blackboard, symmetrical supply lines, topped up by capacitors perfectly aligned and ready to work.
Numbers? With a 32ohm Load, the SMSL DO200 MKII harmonic distortion reaches an abysmal level (0.00008%) while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio (128dB). Some DAC outperforms the device in this aspect, but almost none are available in the same price range. Last but not least, SMSL gave us some measurements and if I couldn’t do the same, RMS Level and scope are always interesting to look at, from an objective point of view. Line level, the DO200 reaches 123dB per channel, with a 0.000066% THD+N ratio.
Shaving Compact Discs to improve the sound
December 28, 2022 Comments Off on Shaving Compact Discs to improve the sound
dCS Rossini Apex DAC $32,800 Review
December 26, 2022 Comments Off on dCS Rossini Apex DAC $32,800 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/dcs-rossini-apex-dac
We switch to Massive Attack’s Mezzanine and the dCS responds just as we hope. There is lots of detail and an impressive degree of organisation, but accompanied by a surefooted rhythmic ability that allows tracks like Atlas Air to motor along full throttle. Low frequencies are painted with power and grip with a good dose of agility thrown in. Move up the frequency range and you’ll find a wonderfully open and expressive midrange that communicates the passion and nuances in vocals superbly.
Over our test sessions, we try the various digital inputs and different file types from 24-bit/88.2kHz PCM files of Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall and Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions in DSD to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in 24-bit/192kHz, and the dCS takes it all in its stride. There are no hiccups when changing file formats and no unexpected differences in the way different formats sound. The Rossini Apex DAC delivers transparency of the highest order.
Pure Fidelity Harmony Record Player $9995 Review
December 26, 2022 Comments Off on Pure Fidelity Harmony Record Player $9995 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/pure-fidelity-harmony-record-player
Aural memory is notorious, but among ‘tables I’ve heard lately, the Pure Fidelity Harmony most closely resembled the Thorens TD 124 DD in terms of energy, inner illumination, and finely wrought detail; less so the Kuzma. All three—Pure Fidelity, Thorens, Kuzma—are exceptional; any one of them could be an end-point turntable for a lot of people.
The Pure Fidelity Harmony brings a beautiful sonic signature to vinyl but with enough transparency to reveal the unique personality of each LP. Every record played on the Harmony, from jazz and rock to electronic and classical, is an event. I couldn’t not listen: Each performance demanded my attention and rewarded it with a deep musical connection.
The Pure Fidelity Harmony is one of the finest analog playback machines I’ve heard, worth every penny of its $9995 asking price.
Electrocompaniet ECi80D Integrated Amplifier Review
December 26, 2022 Comments Off on Electrocompaniet ECi80D Integrated Amplifier Review
Kimber Carbon 18XL Factory-terminated loudspeaker cables £4526 Review
December 25, 2022 Comments Off on Kimber Carbon 18XL Factory-terminated loudspeaker cables £4526 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/kimber-carbon-18xl-factory-terminated-loudspeaker-cables
Combining all its topologies into one cable might not necessarily have been a recipe for success, but Kimber has pulled it off with Carbon 18XL. This heavyweight but not inflexible cable is about power and warmth rather than citrus top-end freshness, although its moderate capacitance will no doubt bring a little extra ‘zing’ to upper mid and treble with some amplifiers. It’s a great addition to the pantheon of high-end cables – less ‘me too’, more ‘can do’.
NAD M23 Class D Power Amp Review
December 25, 2022 Comments Off on NAD M23 Class D Power Amp Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/nad-m23-class-d-power-amp
I can tell you exactly the last track I auditioned through the M23: ‘Safari Inn’, an instrumental by Slash featuring Miles Kennedy and the Conspirators [World On Fire; Roadrunner Records RR75582]. Playback from CD, so nothing too exotic, but – wow – was I captivated. It starts out broody, with deep bass sliding to a stop above the drum track, and Slash’s distinctive Marshall/Gibson guitar tone laying down a bluesy riff. Then the soloing starts… and doesn’t let up for the next three minutes. I found myself stood before my speakers, playing air guitar, soaking up the NAD amp’s sheer power, drive and projection.
This black and silver slab rocks. And that was the last track I played, because I realised if I listened to any more I was in danger of having to buy an M23 for myself.
Technics SL-1200G turntable $3999 Review
December 24, 2022 Comments Off on Technics SL-1200G turntable $3999 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-sl-1200g-turntable
Then again, I can think of few turntables that offer as much value as the SL-1200G. The quality of its engineering and execution makes typical audiophile products look slightly homemade, and I’m willing to bet that it will remain as bulletproof as the legendary DJ deck on which it’s based. Speaking of which, the similarity between the two is largely cosmetic: The SL-1200G offers performance that the SL-1200 could only dream of. Whether it’s the turntable for you depends on your sonic and musical priorities. The Technics isn’t for romantics: It will not make you smell the cigarette smoke at the Baobab Club in Dakar or feel the worn wood of the pews in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. What it will do is reproduce the music on your records with faultless sonics and probably last into the next century. If this sounds appealing, try to audition one.
Gold Note DS-10 EVO £2,999 Review
December 24, 2022 Comments Off on Gold Note DS-10 EVO £2,999 Review
It sounds taut and controlled but never rhythmically over-rigid. Its tonal balance is just about spot-on, and it never strays into that rather matter-of-fact sense of resolution-first music style that some streamers/DACs do. In fact, its resolving power tends to feel entirely subsidiary to its bouncing sense of tuneful exuberance most of the time. But what I really enjoy about it is the way it puts all the musical elements together to highlight a performance. The top to bottom balance and certainly how it can layer the instrumentation is compelling.
Where some systems can bombard you with needlepoint resolution yet sound rather flat and uninteresting, the Gold Note has a real and attractive view of the soundstage and the shape of the music. It is also very quiet, which helps enormously and shows you perspectives and instrumental pictures and shapes with dimension and exceptional stability. It has real depth in more ways than one.
I admit to being surprised at how musically interesting this unassuming but highly efficient little machine is. I think it’s a great little package because it is always succinct and to the point. It sounds very good indeed, and as a gateway to the world of music outside your living room, I’d say it’s a pretty solid investment for anyone wanting to take that next step.
Audiophilepure 
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