Auralic Altair G1.1 Network-Attached DAC Review
February 21, 2023 Comments Off on Auralic Altair G1.1 Network-Attached DAC Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/auralic-altair-g11-network-attached-dac
Listening further, it became clear these two filter options represent the extremes of what’s on offer. On the other hand, both ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Balance’ take a less outspoken approach, with the last of those two lacking a bit of liveliness when heard in my particular set-up. However, regardless of the filter selected, these sonatas by Bach are rendered engagingly with just the right amount of warmth and depth, giving you enough insight to focus on the nuances brought by each stringed instrument of the quartet.
Ultimately, the sonic character of the Altair G1.1 can be described by the same ‘do it all’ terminology as its functional description. This is a streamer/DAC that covers all bases and does so with panache.
PS Audio Stellar S300 Power Amplifier $1649 Review
February 21, 2023 Comments Off on PS Audio Stellar S300 Power Amplifier $1649 Review
Toward the conclusion of this evaluation, I challenged the S300 a final time. Thanks to the generosity of MBL’s North American distributor (for which I’m forever grateful) I still had the remarkable MBL 126 compact Radialstrahlers on hand. And if there was an octave range where the S300 might show a little temperament, it would be through one of the most transparent midrange/tweeter combinations I’ve ever experienced. Few loudspeakers are more revealing of timbre and texture or as transparent and sensitive to low-level detail as these marvelous omnidirectional three-way compacts. However, they are sensitive to electronics, demanding accurate, reliable. and generous amounts of power. I typically drive them with MBL’s own Cadenza C51 180Wpc integrated ($9800), a Jürgen Reis-designed Linear Analog Switching Amplifier (LASA). The Stellar S300 put forth an excellent effort driving the Radialstrahlers. On larger-scale brass and wind pieces like the sweeping Liberty Fanfare [Wilson Audio], they demonstrated superb command and control over the barrage of heavy percussion. But in direct comparison, the S300 lacked the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of the MBL C51, a trademark of Reis designs. The top end might have been a little drier, too, lacking the effortless harmonic bloom of the MBL amp. Nonetheless, the S300 put on an impressive show, to say the least.
THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII REVIEW
February 20, 2023 Comments Off on THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKII REVIEW
ThieAudio Oracle MKII Review
As I mentioned above, the mid-bass of the MKII is surprisingly linear. And so are the midrange. The Oracle MKII utilizes midrange drivers of the Monarch MKII, which is, in my opinion, ThieAudio’s best IEM to date. The Oracle MKII has a similar, neutral and balanced midrange with great resolution, articulacy, and detail retrieval. The instruments are breathy, clean, and natural. The strings are clear and precise. Due to the enhanced subs, vibrations are a delight to follow. However, things do get complicated around the upper midrange region. The Oracle MKII offers a lot of energy right around here, and the instruments that feed directly from this region – hi-hats, cymbals, crashes – take up a bit more space on stage than I would like. This ultimately hurts the staging and layering, especially as the number of instruments on stage increases. So to all metalheads, rock aficionados out there, make sure you select a good source to pair with the Oracle MKII. My recommendation would be a Mojo 2 or a Topping G5. Avoid analytical sources to achieve the best tonal balance, imo.
Sonus faber Sonetto III Loudspeakers $3999 Review
February 20, 2023 Comments Off on Sonus faber Sonetto III Loudspeakers $3999 Review
It is not common to be able to compare two excellent loudspeakers from the same manufacturer, on the same systems, in the same room, for a long enough period to truly understand the differences between them. I am extremely thankful for this experience. Both the Lumina V, which still hold a spot in the listening line-up, and the Sonetto III represent the entry of what “real” Sonus faber loudspeakers can do. Undoubtedly, the Sonetto III present the sound in a manner that is worth their price of $3999.99 per pair. They are $1000 better than the Lumina V, however be warned: The Sonetto III is an honest and sophisticated loudspeaker capable of tremendous staging and dynamics that belie its small size. This means they will reveal weaknesses in recordings and problematic electronics. The Sonetto III however, are certainly recommended, and a great representation of modern loudspeaker technology.
Auris Blume Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver Review
February 19, 2023 Comments Off on Auris Blume Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver Review
$169
If your looking to add music streaming to your system without the need for additional software or Wi-fi, the Auris bluMe Pro is a great sounding and affordable option. It will be a godsend for people in rural areas that don’t have speedy Wi-fi service.
I also like the screen that shows you what’s going on along with the music being played, even if it may be hard to read while sitting on your listening chair. Additionally, its well built with top notch components and its easy to use.
If you have a very analytical system, and you want add a little warmth to your setup, you may want to check out the iFi ZEN Blue V2, but if you’re looking for a flatter, more neutral sounding Bluetooth DAC, then you’ll probably like the bluMe Pro. The ability to use the Auris unit as a USB DAC (which the iFi unit doesn’t do) is also a nice touch. Highly Recommended!
JBL 4349 2-Way Loudspeaker $8250 Review
February 18, 2023 Comments Off on JBL 4349 2-Way Loudspeaker $8250 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/jbl-4349-2-way-loudspeaker-review
These powerful and precise JBLs made everything I listened to through a pair sound fresh and vital. The 1970s studio monitor styling may not suit everyone’staste, but the mesmerizing sound they produce is sure to captivate any music lover’s imagination.
When it comes to speakers, I’ve learned not to judge a design by its looks. But when you first meet a JBL 4349, it’s impossible not to start thinking about the company’s professional studio monitors. The prominent horn, with its curved and bulging shape, takes center stage. The woofer is hidden behind a removable cloth grill, while the horn remains exposed. This speaker takes the tried-and-true hardware combination of a 12″ paper cone woofer plus a compression driver horn-loaded tweeter, combining them to deliver near-perfect sonic performance with refined precision
Audiophilepure 
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