Topping DM7 8-channel D/A processor Review
February 11, 2023 Comments Off on Topping DM7 8-channel D/A processor Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-dm7-8-channel-da-processor
After I selected the DM7 as the output device in Roon and JRiver, I wanted to hear something new. The timing was just right. For many years, I have really enjoyed Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite whenever I have come upon it, especially, the third movement Intermezzo. Written to mark the opening of a soundproof music studio in St. Paul’s School for Girls in Hammersmith, it is filled delightfully with variants and interlacings of traditional melodies familiar from Holst’s other works, such as the Second Suite for Band. The quasi-Oriental section that opens the Intermezzo, with its solo-violin melisma, is perfectly placed and startling. I already had two recordings of the suite, but neither was especially satisfying, so I looked for a better version, in multichannel if possible. HRAudio. net listed three. In my auditions on Qobuz, one stood out, the one by Ensemble Esperanza. I ordered the SACD (Ars Produktion ARS 38 227, SACD), which arrived in time to be ripped and played back for the DM7’s debut in my system.
The clarity and spaciousness of the recording was wonderful, the dynamic range impressive, in stereo or multichannel. Both versions approached, but did not equal, similar achievements (in different music) of the much immersive 2L recordings by the Trondheimsolistene; still, the DM7 rendered a traditional and believable soundstage from the Ensemble Esperanza’s recording. I heard striking purity in Chouchane Siranossian’s solo violin, especially in that wonderful Intermezzo—and also in the suites by Grieg, Bridge, and Nielsen that fill out the disc.
Marantz CINEMA 50 AV Receiver Review
February 11, 2023 Comments Off on Marantz CINEMA 50 AV Receiver Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/marantz-cinema-50-av-receiver-review
The one complaint I mustered is that the Cinema 50’s porthole display includes no telltale for surround mode, including Atmos or DTS:X, so when streaming content from a television’s internal app (as I do for Netflix and others), there’s no visual confirmation that you’re actually getting what you expect. And because the receiver’s on-screen “Info” page is, of course, not visible with the TV sourcing its own video, and “Info” data does not appear or scroll across the receiver’s front-panel circle, you’re left wholly in the dark.
But if this is the only remaining niggle I can come up with, you might conclude that the Marantz is a strong choice for a thoroughly modern home-theater control center. And given the Cinema 50’s fine audio and video results, broad feature list, and generally solid ergonomics, you’d be correct.
ASTELL&KERN KANN MAX REVIEW
February 10, 2023 Comments Off on ASTELL&KERN KANN MAX REVIEW
With the KANN MAX, you get the typical Astell&Kern approach to sound. That means a more neutral tuning with a normal amount of body (weight), and a high technical level with plenty of energy. Combine all that and you get a precise yet musical sounding DAP.
The MAX has excellent PRaT and the presentation is spacious and airy, especially in the mid region. Sound stage-wise the MAX also performs well, even though the highest-end DAPS still up the level a bit. What I really like with the MAX is the depth and layering you get, especially in the bass and mid sections. With the ESS DACs, you just know the KANN MAX will be a strong performer when it comes to precision, detail and revealing all the musical details. The note extension is a pleasure to the ear. I must admit, I really like listening to AK DAPs.
The Astell& Kern KANN MAX is the kind of DAP that grows on you. It doesn’t seem to be spectacular at first sight, but for some reason you keep going back to it. That’s usually an indication the DAP is doing multiple things right!
I have been mostly using KANN MAX when on the go, but it also often (together with the SP3000) is my to go to DAP at home for late night listening sessions. The MAX doesn’t only sound good (typical AK style), it also is beautiful, well built and very easy to use. It also has a nice number of features and personalization, as well as streaming possibilities.
The only thing I am missing with the KANN, is the new UI of the SP3000. I am not sure we’ll see something similar in the future with the KANN series, but I do hope it will improve and fix the screen reactivity. While it certainly is a powerful DAP, I with the majority harder to drive headphones didn’t quite find them to perform at the same level as with a desktop setup. But hook up a not so tough to drive full-sized headphone, and the KANN MAX will impress.
Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000 Integrated Amplifier-DAC $4499 Review
February 10, 2023 Comments Off on Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000 Integrated Amplifier-DAC $4499 Review
My favorite integrated amplifier-DAC in this price range is still the NAD Masters M33 ($5999), which features 200Wpc of pristine power from its Purifi Eigentakt amplifier modules, Dirac Live room correction, and BluOS streaming capability. To my ears, Eigentakt-based amplifiers provide the most satisfying sound in this price range. However, this isn’t to say that there aren’t many other excellent-sounding, similarly priced integrated amplifiers, and the Eigentakt’s ultraclean sound might not suit everyone’s taste. The RA-6000 doesn’t have as many features as the M33, but it costs $1500 less and has a similar, if not quite as dead-neutral sound.
Diamond jubilee
The Rotel RA-6000 absolutely deserves to be considered one of the best integrated amplifier-DACs around the $5k price point. It may lack a couple of features, the most notable being a room-correction system, but if you don’t want or don’t need room correction, it offers a ton of performance and flexibility for the money. This new Diamond Series RA-6000 really takes Rotel’s classic amplification products to the next level of performance; updated, but still maintaining their familiar, classic look, and coming in at a price below that of Rotel’s highly regarded Michi products.
Billie MKII Integrated Amp Review! Class A Tube
February 10, 2023 Comments Off on Billie MKII Integrated Amp Review! Class A Tube
SME Model 60 Turntable and Series VA Tonearm £59,950 Review
February 9, 2023 Comments Off on SME Model 60 Turntable and Series VA Tonearm £59,950 Review
Summing up his overall impressions of the Model 60 with Series VA tonearm, Jonathan wrote: “This deck sets a new standard—not just for SME, but for vinyl replay in general.” He also proclaimed that it’s “a landmark product from a legendary firm,” and added that he believes the Model 60 is “the best-looking turntable SME has ever made.” Jonathan made his feelings known about the Model 60 in no uncertain terms: “In terms of design, execution, and finish, it is the supreme example of its maker’s art.”
Jonathan’s rave review of the SME Model 60 turntable and VA Series tonearm earned the combination a Reviewers’ Choice award when the review was published, as well as a prestigious 2022 Product of the Year award a couple of weeks later. This month, a Recommended Reference Component award has been added to that list of accolades.
SENNHEISER IE 200 REVIEW
February 9, 2023 Comments Off on SENNHEISER IE 200 REVIEW
The IE 200 features gold-plated MMCX connectors which are recessed in its housing for greater stability and guidance (just like with the IE 300, IE 600 and IE 900). A 1.2 meter cable with a 3.5mm single ended termination is included with the IE 200. You get two different styles of ear tips — silicone and memory foam — and they are provided in three sizes. What is special with the IE 200 is the ear tip tuning option. Depending on how you place the ear tips, you can influence the bass presentation. While this system does work, I don’t really find it very usable, but I’ll get back to that later.
The IE 200’s dedicated web site can be found here. As said, the IE 200 is selling for only $149 USD or €149 Euro. Sennheiser however stresses that this time, accessibility does not mean compromise. Sennheiser with the IE 200 is focusing on sound quality and while that does show in the packaging and accessories, I find it to be a good decision. Who doesn’t like great sound at a low price?
Make your own vinyl records at home |
February 9, 2023 Comments Off on Make your own vinyl records at home |
VPI Avenger Direct Turntable Package £36,500 Review
February 7, 2023 Comments Off on VPI Avenger Direct Turntable Package £36,500 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/vpi-avenger-direct-turntable-package
Solo vocalists also benefitted hugely from the Avenger Direct’s abilities. The Kari Bremnes’ track ‘A Lover In Berlin’ from her Norwegian Mood album [Kirkelig Kulturverksted ARS-FXLP 221] seemed to soar free and unfettered from my speakers. Miss Bremnes’ voice was fabulous, larger than life and absolutely rock-solid in the centre of the soundstage, with a majestic sense of atmosphere and space accompanying it. The fine percussive backing effects were also sharply defined and easy to focus on, but never intruded on the main action. Everything was expertly underpinned by a taut and fulsome acoustic bass with a crystal-clear note structure. Superb.
Across the lower bass registers the Avenger Direct/Fatboy combo played a masterful hand, dealing back anything I cared to throw at it with weight and confidence. Whether it was the punchy synths on Kylie Minogue’s infectious ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ from her Fever LP [Parlophone 0190295846248], or the thunderous organ work of Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue’ from the Invitation To Denon/PCM Digital Classics Part 2 record [Nippon Columbia ST-6011], VPI’s deck sailed through without breaking a sweat. At all times there was a reassuring mass and momentum to the sound, combined with an ease and effortlessness that was captivating.
Audiophilepure 
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