CH Precision C1.2 D/A processor $36,000 Review
February 18, 2023 Comments Off on CH Precision C1.2 D/A processor $36,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/ch-precision-c12-da-processor
In my review of the D1.5, using it as a player, digital conversions carried out by its dual-mono DAC boards, I found—this surprised me—the external clock made a big, meaningful difference. I did not find that to be the case this time, with the C1.2. I heard differences, subtle and difficult to describe, but none that substantially increased or decreased my pleasure in listening. The X1 power supply made a bit more difference, adding, I thought, a touch more flesh, more tangibility, to acoustic objects, but I could live without that, too. Call me easy to please, but I’m willing to settle for just the $38,500 version (with the options I’d need installed)—although I’d also be tempted to include the analog input board for another $2500. I guess a $40,000 DAC—this $40,000 DAC—is good enough for me. So sue me.
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 REVIEW
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 REVIEW
Just out of interest I put on a few DSD tracks. This is not generally my format of choice but it seems that some DACs deal with it rather better than others. Bill Evans’ Explorations swings beautifully and avoids the papery airiness that often seems to accompany DS and instead it sounded natural and relaxed which are the more appealing characteristics of the one-bit system. Another contrast was made between the USB and streaming inputs, both supplied by a Melco N10 music library/server. Here the streaming option had quieter backgrounds, fuller bass and less time smear. Which is quite an achievement given that the ethernet cable has to be about a tenth of the price of the USB that was making the connection. USB had the advantage in timing, image scale and smoothness of delivery, however, so it’s safe to say that the ALTAIR is a very capable DAC.
The most comprehensively equipped member of AURALiC’s G2.1 family does an awful lot of what matters in high-resolution streaming with consummate ease. It doesn’t offer the upgradeability of AURALiC’s separates but those looking to hear what a serious streamer is capable of will find an awful lot to like in this superbly executed piece of kit. Build quality is first class and ease of use via the Lightning app is top notch. Combine the ALTAIR G2.1 with a good pre and power amp, or perhaps a pair of those active ATC loudspeakers AURALiC used at Axpona, and you’ll have a system that’s going places.
GoldenEar ForceField 40 Subwoofer $1200 Review
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on GoldenEar ForceField 40 Subwoofer $1200 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/goldenear-forcefield-40-subwoofer-review
Where the ForceField 40 shines is with reproducing instruments like kickdrums, so tracks such as “Life’s Been Good” from The Eagles: Farewell 1 Live from Melbourne Blu-ray highlight the positives this sub brings to the table.
Unfortunately, those of us who love movies want to dig a bit deeper than this sub can go, which limits its audience. In a similar size package and price, you could get an SVS SB3000 with a larger 13-inch woofer, allowing it to hit those lower notes easily and offering an app for fine-tuning the output. That caveat aside, the GoldenEar is an excellent performer for its size. It is a well-built option for music lovers to complement their bookshelf or compact tower speakers without fear of annoying the neighbors or waking the dead.
Bel Canto C6i, A VERY COMPACT HIGH-END AMPLIFIER!
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on Bel Canto C6i, A VERY COMPACT HIGH-END AMPLIFIER!
PS Audio BHK M600 Power Amplifier £30,000 Review
February 16, 2023 Comments Off on PS Audio BHK M600 Power Amplifier £30,000 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/ps-audio-bhk-m600-power-amplifier
More controlled aggression was also in evidence with The Stone Roses’ cheekily titled sophomore album The Second Coming [Geffen 424 503-2], which might be blighted by vocalist Ian Brown’s slap-dash approach to singing in tune but has a thrilling ‘in-the-live-room’ production. The standout track ‘Daybreak’ benefited from the BHK M600’s out-of-the-blocks slam, giving the loose-limbed rhythm section an epic scale to match the spotlight shone on John Squire’s outro guitar solo.
From the same album, ‘Good Times’ ends in a glorious upbeat jam, drummer John ‘Reni’ Wren flitting between ride and crash cymbals, bassist Mani running up and down the fretboard and Squire again squealing away on his Les Paul. It was a performance of extravagant energy, detail and panache. These amps let the good times roll.
CH Precision • D1.5 CD/SACD Player and Transport $46,000. Review
February 16, 2023 Comments Off on CH Precision • D1.5 CD/SACD Player and Transport $46,000. Review
https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/ch_precision_d15.htm
Where the CH Precision D1.5 MQA playback really shines, however, is with exceptionally well-recorded classical music, and nothing shines brighter than the Lisa Batiashvili and Daniel Barenboim disc of Tchaikovsky’s and Sibelius’s Violin Concertos. It comes in a standard CD package [Deutsche Grammophon 479 6038] but also in a UHQCD package with MQA encoding [Deutsche Grammophon Uccg-41048 484 2089]. It is a modern recording, made in 2016, and is thus fully MQA Studio. The improvement with the UHQCD/MQA disc is not subtle. The original disc was an exceptional-sounding CD, but the improvements with the MQA version, played on the CH Precision player, are nothing short of stunning. The soundstage opened up and details lost in the digital haze were fleshed out. How much does all this boil down to improvements from the UHQCD manufacturing and how much to the MQA? The newer disc is certainly a significant improvement played on a non-MQA player like the Neodio simply because of the UHQCD manufacturing, but MQA Studio encoding takes it into another league.
The Greatest edition of Jazz at the Pawnshop? Mind-blowing Tapes, Vinyl & CDs
February 16, 2023 Comments Off on The Greatest edition of Jazz at the Pawnshop? Mind-blowing Tapes, Vinyl & CDs
Magico A5 £35,998 Review
February 15, 2023 Comments Off on Magico A5 £35,998 Review
The Magico A5 isn’t just another Magico loudspeaker and isn’t even just another high-end loudspeaker; it’s a point of inflexion. It’s the tipping point where real high-end happens, and its flexible enough to let high-end happen in a wider range of home than usual. The combination of being capable of being driven by a good integrated amplifier and the way it integrates into smaller rooms than you might expect all lend the A5 a gravitas that sets it apart from its peers. It’s the gateway to a higher-end world, but not simply a stepping-stone that leaves you wanting more. And for many this will be their first experience of what Magico can sound like and that’s a big step for many. For some, it will be the only step they ever need to make, for others, it will be the first step in a wholly new journey.
BOWERS & WILKINS NEW PI7 S2 Review
February 15, 2023 Comments Off on BOWERS & WILKINS NEW PI7 S2 Review
Bowers & Wilkins, founded in the U.K. in 1966, has been at the forefront of high-performance audio technology for more than 50 years. It designs and manufactures precision home speakers, headphones, custom installation and performance car audio products that set new standards for innovation and sound quality, earning countless awards and accolades from the world’s leading recording studios and musicians. Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation is based on the unwavering pursuit of the best possible sound and an unsurpassable music listening experience.
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