Triode Lab 2A3 EVO integrated amplifier $8999 Review
July 23, 2024 Comments Off on Triode Lab 2A3 EVO integrated amplifier $8999 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/triode-lab-2a3-evo-integrated-amplifier
Another EVO, the PrimaLuna 400 EVO tubed integrated ($5995), is capable of outputting a whopping 38Wpc into 8 ohms. It produced a bigger soundstage, but it lacked the bloom and sweetness of tone the Triode Lab produced. The PrimaLuna was more energetic and produced more detail, yet somehow I felt less connected to the music—and that is something the PrimaLuna excels at. Compared to the 2A3 EVO, the music kept its distance. The PrimaLuna on paper has more to offer: It can drive a wider variety of speakers and power tubes, includes a headphone amp, a MM phono stage, remote, triode/ultralinear switching, more inputs, subwoofer, and tape outs. Nothing comes free!
Bella Sound Hana Power Conditioner $12,000 Review
July 23, 2024 Comments Off on Bella Sound Hana Power Conditioner $12,000 Review
A friend, Dan, stopped by and asked to hear some Joni Mitchell. I queued up “Carey” from the 24-bit/192khz download of Blue. Dan is not an audiophile, but seems to have good ears and loves good sound. As we were listening Dan commented, “sounds like Joni did her own backup vocals.” A little later he commented, “I didn’t even realize there were backup vocals on this song.” The Hana power conditioner can take some credit for this. All the Jonis were clearly presented and floating in front of us. It was a relaxed open stage.
So, what about those design goals mentioned earlier? Noise reduction is superb, and the subject I’ve talked the most about. I haven’t mentioned load independence or the prevention of intercomponent signal leakage. All components connected to the Hana conditioner remained isolated from each other, almost as if they each had their own power conditioner. There was also a sense of stability. As to current limiting, I didn’t put this to a hard test but didn’t notice any of the artifacts usually associated with current limiting. Lastly, what about sonic signature? I haven’t mentioned it until now because there was nothing to say. I could detect no artifacts anywhere in the presentation that I could associate with the Hana conditioner. It just took away the noise.
IO AUDIO VOLARE $599 REVIEW
July 22, 2024 Comments Off on IO AUDIO VOLARE $599 REVIEW
The Volare’s shell is manufactured and finished by HeyGears, a 3D printing provider we have seen collaborating with some of the most well-known brands such as Moondrop, FiiO, Softears, etc. They specialize in 3D printing with micron-level accuracy. This collaboration is excellent as hand-poured resin shells tend to be larger than those designed digitally with precise clearances. The Volare houses a full crossover PCB, acoustic cavity/waveguide, and nine drivers within its medical resin shell.
Monitor Audio Studio 89 $2500 Review
July 22, 2024 Comments Off on Monitor Audio Studio 89 $2500 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/monitor-audio-studio-89
Our concerns about the similarities between this product and the 2018 Studio prove unfounded. Whatever they share in visual and engineering terms it is clear that the new Studio 89 are markedly superior performers that fully justify their premium price. They sound natural and balanced in a way that eluded that earlier product, so much so that we feel no more need to mention that design. It is how this Monitor Audio compares with price rivals such as the aforementioned KEF and Neat that really matters; and judged in that context they do very well.
BLACK ICE Tube Integrated Amp $800 Review
July 22, 2024 Comments Off on BLACK ICE Tube Integrated Amp $800 Review
SVS Ultra Evolution Titan Surround Loudspeaker System Review
July 21, 2024 Comments Off on SVS Ultra Evolution Titan Surround Loudspeaker System Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/svs-ultra-evolution-titan-surround-loudspeaker-system-review
The film’s later scenes, in which the humans gradually attempt (not successfully) to communicate with the aliens, were no less impressive and marked by equally striking sound in both the music score, which in itself was otherworldly, and in the odd alien voices and their puzzling, written script. The SVS Titans handled it all effortlessly, bringing continuous audio thrills at every turn.
But that was only the beginning of the fun. The Blade Runner 2049 audio left my jaw on the floor. It’s always been one of the best soundtracks in my collection, but its dynamic punch on the Titans + subs was more bone-jarring than I’ve ever heard it before. But I did have to reduce the volume level a bit. Even at higher levels, it was super-clean, but eventually, things needed to be tamed a little to keep the neighbors from breaking out their pitchforks and torches.
Luxman L-509Z Review
July 21, 2024 Comments Off on Luxman L-509Z Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/luxman-l-509z
If I were to meet the following criteria – aspiring to own no-nonsense but also no-compromise amplification and in possession of £11k – this integrated amp would be on my shortlist. There are separates with more slam, more forcefulness. The space-poor could argue for an onboard DAC. I even understand those who crave ultra-exclusive esoterica from companies with two employees and a penchant for quirkiness and zero visibility.
Conversely, I appreciate how some music lovers need stability, and will succumb to the appeal of the more established houses like the 99-year-old Luxman. But neither stance matters once you switch on this absolute honey of an amp. How so? Because the peace of mind the absurdly melodious L-509Z imparts allows you to do something no self-immolating amp can do. It lets you relax… to just enjoy the music.
Audiophilepure 
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