McIntosh’s MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier
January 12, 2024 Comments Off on McIntosh’s MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier
Leveraging three separate modules – one Output Module that houses McIntosh’s famed bi-filar wound Autoformer, and two Power Modules that each contain a 1,000-Watt amplifier, the MC2.1KW’s artful engineering delivers unmatched sound quality.
HIFIMAN SVANAR WIRELESS IN-EAR MONITORS $499 REVIEW
January 12, 2024 Comments Off on HIFIMAN SVANAR WIRELESS IN-EAR MONITORS $499 REVIEW
The new HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless IEMs have some cool tech implemented including an R2R Himalaya Ladder DAC section, a Topology driver that features special Nanoparticle coatings on the driver diaphragm, and a custom headphone amplifier module. Among the Bluetooth codecs supported HIFIMAN has thoughtfully included LDAC for higher bitrate transmission. The advanced Active Noise Cancellation is claimed to reduce outside noise by up to 35 dB.
TECHNICS NETWORK AUDIO AMPLIFIER SU-GX70 $1,999
January 11, 2024 Comments Off on TECHNICS NETWORK AUDIO AMPLIFIER SU-GX70 $1,999
The Technics SU-GX70 is a streaming amplifier that is said to retain the ‘sonic genes’ of Technics Grand Class components. It’s a fully loaded amplifier that includes connections for not just traditional audio sources, but video-based ones in the form of HDMI ARC as well.
First Look at LG’s Dukebox, a Hybrid Speaker, Transparent OLED Panel
January 11, 2024 Comments Off on First Look at LG’s Dukebox, a Hybrid Speaker, Transparent OLED Panel
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
January 11, 2024 Comments Off on Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
FiiO Q15 Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Music DAC And Headphone Amplifier $399 Review
January 10, 2024 Comments Off on FiiO Q15 Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Music DAC And Headphone Amplifier $399 Review
Using the FiiO Q15 with my Sony Walkman instead of the Sony Walkman without the Q15 wasn’t like night and day. An audiophile description I first used nearly 30 years ago was “a small but significant improvement in sound quality.” This perfectly describes the experience of using the Q15 with my Sony Walkman. Sound quality improvement was much more noticeable when listening to high-resolution files, especially DSD. There was an improvement in sound quality across the board, including the size and scale of the sound field, its apparent frequency response, micro- and macro-dynamics, and, most importantly, the perceived realism of acoustic instruments and voices.
Of course, the level of improvement the FiiO Q15 rendered depended on the recording quality and headphones used. Connecting the Q15 to the USB output of my music server was not to embarrass it when compared to my usual DAC in the main system in my dedicated listening room, the mighty EMM Labs DA2. Yet I was very impressed with this FiiO DAC, as it displayed the audiophile traits I listed above when used with my Sony portable player. A more modest desktop system would appreciate the FiiO Q15 much more than my high-end system.
Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 integrated amplifier $10,999 Review
January 10, 2024 Comments Off on Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 integrated amplifier $10,999 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-nu-vista-8002-integrated-amplifier
This was a difficult review to write given that, like other 21st century solid state amplifiers that offer superbly low distortion and noise, the Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 didn’t have a readily discernible sonic character. Yes, Michael Fremer did write in his review of the original 800 amplifier that “There’s no mistaking the velvety, delicate sound of a nuvistor front end,” and I did indeed find the 800.2 easy on the ears. But Michael also wrote that while “CDs with a touch of hard edge and brightness were suitably softened and corrected, those that were hopelessly hard and bright remained so.”
I found that to be the case with the Musical Fidelity amplifier. It is exceptionally revealing of what was on the recordings I played or, with the loudspeakers I used for my auditioning, their intrinsic characters. But with its tight grip on the speakers’ woofers, its sense of almost unlimited power, its superb soundstage definition, and—again—that sense of ease to its presentation, the Nu-Vista 800.2 gets an unreserved recommendation from this audio critic.
The Best Jazz Albums (mostly reissues) of 2023
January 10, 2024 Comments Off on The Best Jazz Albums (mostly reissues) of 2023
ARCAM RADIA A25 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER AND ST5 STREAMER
January 9, 2024 Comments Off on ARCAM RADIA A25 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER AND ST5 STREAMER
After reading about the event and seeing the photos, I immediately knew that I wanted to review at least one of these components. Carlo must like me a lot because he was able to work his magic with the powers-that-be at HARMAN and ARCAM and here I am with the flagship A25 integrated amp and ST5 streamer.
So, I plan to give this gear a thorough rundown and will have a full review to share with you soon. For now, however, join me for a little unboxing teaser, just to give you a better sense of what we have with these two gorgeous components.
Audiophilepure 
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