T+A PSD 3100 HV Streaming DAC/Preamp Review

July 17, 2024 Comments Off on T+A PSD 3100 HV Streaming DAC/Preamp Review

https://www.hifinews.com/content/ta-psd-3100-hv-streaming-dacpreamp

Furthermore, on this rapid-fire thrash metal classic, T+A’s high-performing DAC showed in a nutshell what it’s all about. The rhythm section sounded tight and dynamic, the multiple guitar parts were neatly separated, and it found a layer of depth to the soundstaging that took me by surprise. The energy and clarity was infectious.

Indeed, be it with early-’90s metal or the fairy-tale instrumentation and layered harmonies of The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’ [Pet Sounds, Capitol Records; 96kHz/24-bit mono], the PSD 3100 HV was up for the challenge of delivering the music with detail, focus and authority.

Studer C37, after reanimation, full restoration and servicing made in Lithuani

July 17, 2024 Comments Off on Studer C37, after reanimation, full restoration and servicing made in Lithuani

ampsandsound Kenzie Integrated Amplifier $2900 Review

July 16, 2024 Comments Off on ampsandsound Kenzie Integrated Amplifier $2900 Review

But if you have speakers that are compatible, high efficiency (98 dB or higher, above 100 even better), stable easy 8 ohm load, horns (front or rear loaded), or any speakers specifically designed for use with very low powered amplifiers, the Kenzie Integrated is absolutely worth checking out. It lets you hear what is special about a real triode based amplifier, rather than just a single ended amplifier using other types of tubes, without worrying about hundreds or thousands of dollars for replacement tubes. Ampsandsound may list it under their “specialty amplifiers” but with the right speakers this amp really is something special.

Monitor Audio Studio 89 $2500 Review

July 16, 2024 Comments Off on Monitor Audio Studio 89 $2500 Review

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/monitor-audio-studio-89

It helps that the Studio 89 have a good sense of rhythmic drive and the kind of surefooted timing that can’t help but get your feet tapping with appropriate music. We love their sense of cohesion and the seamless way the drive units integrate. Those hours spent fine-tuning the crossover have paid off. 

These are small speakers, so it pays to have realistic expectations in terms of bass reach and punch, and given those we think most listeners will be impressed by what Monitor Audio’s engineers have managed. On Paradise Circus, the Studio 89 dig deep and true right down to their limit and are controlled enough not to over-extend themselves. Do they set class standards when it comes to outright sonic authority or bass power? No, but they do sound solid and meaty within their limits, and in most cases we think they deliver convincingly.

Focus on the mid and higher frequencies and you should find that these speakers shine. They are wonderfully articulate with voices, and render them with natural weight and warmth. There is no shortage of clarity and, no matter how complex the music gets, it is easy to keep track of low-level instrumental strands.

Tidal Contriva G3 Review

July 16, 2024 Comments Off on Tidal Contriva G3 Review

Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2 Integrated Amplifier Review

July 15, 2024 Comments Off on Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2 Integrated Amplifier Review

I’ve often pointed out that 300W into 8 ohms is an optimal level for any modern amplifier to drive a wide range of speakers, and the RI-101 MK2 proudly and boldly delivers this power with grace and thunder when required.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of electronics engineers who can build a perfectly accurate high-end audio amplifier. But building a stream of refined electronics while in sync with developing a brand based on a genuine foundation and constantly expanding is something very special. From the very beginning, Hans Ole Vitus has managed to create a unique connection between technology and passion that is part of the Vitus Audio “Forever Now” motto. The laser-sharp determination is reflected in the way Vitus Audio, under the baton of Alexander Vitus Mogensen and Lukas Eriksen, is preserving the rich Vitus heritage and leading the brand into the future.

Michell Gyro SE Turntable | REVIEW

July 15, 2024 Comments Off on Michell Gyro SE Turntable | REVIEW

inally, a bit of an off-the-beaten-path choice. Miles Davis Sketches of Spain was forward, in-your-face brass. The horns had impact and body with huge dynamics that will clean out your ears. If you have heard real horns in a smallish space that sense of realism and loudness can be borderline painful and the Michell Gyro SE reproduced that faithfully. Percussion instruments also had that sense of realism, especially tambourine. Music with a lot going on all at once can get congested during crescendos, but the Gyro SE kept it all clear and distinct. The snapping fingers and finger bells were far cleaner than I’m used to and allowed me to really audibly dig into the recording focusing on various elements of the music.

Compared to the Rega P3, the Gyro SE was way more refined, which was expected, but the Rega tended to have more energy, perhaps inaccurately so, but matched my musical tastes better. That is until I swapped out the Cusis E cartridge with the MoFi StudioSilver. This was at the end of the review period and was more of a check to see how much influence of the cartridge had on the turntable.

JBL’s 4329P streaming hi-fi speakers REVIEW

July 15, 2024 Comments Off on JBL’s 4329P streaming hi-fi speakers REVIEW

GrooveMaster 3 Tonearm Review

July 14, 2024 Comments Off on GrooveMaster 3 Tonearm Review

The GrooveMaster III arrives well-packed with an excellent manual, armboard, pivot-to-spindle mounting templates, protractor, hardware, and a handy metric Allen wrench set making this tonearm setup relatively painless. I say that with a caveat: If you’ve set up turntables before or have an experienced person who can help you, this should be a snap; if not, it might be best to hire a turntable specialist. 

Naim Audio NAP 350 Mono Amplifier $8499 each Reviews

July 14, 2024 Comments Off on Naim Audio NAP 350 Mono Amplifier $8499 each Reviews

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1236-naim-audio-nap-350-mono-amplifier

Perhaps more importantly, this new range displays a little more of the mojo that characterized the earlier series of Naim amplification. When listening to this complete system, there was a visceral energy that I found highly addictive, capturing much of the thrill and energy of live music. This certainly isn’t an amplifier that will cosset you, or blunt the dynamics and impact of the original performance. For some, it might be a little too much; for others, it will be perfect, because it embodies everything that Naim has ever stood for.

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