Grado SR325x $295 Review
August 16, 2024 Comments Off on Grado SR325x $295 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/grado-sr325x
Comfort is another area where these headphones divide opinions. At 340g, they’re not heavy, and there’s enough in the way of adjustment to cope with a wide variety of heads. But not everyone will get along with the new foam earpads, or the on-ear design – which is becoming increasingly rare in a world dominated by noise-cancelling wireless cans. These are firmly wired headphones aimed at home use, so we would warn against taking these out on the move.
Even as long-term Grado users, it takes us a while to get used to them due to their thinness and overall shape, but it’s worth persisting. A few days of acclimatisation makes us more kindly disposed towards them, particularly as the new earpads cause a subtle shift to the balance of the SR325x’s sound, making them a less demanding listen.
We compare the two types of earpads and it becomes clear that the headphones sound smoother and more authoritative in the bass with the new design. We try the new pads on previous generations of the SR325s (we have both the older ‘e’ and even older ‘i’ versions on hand) and in each case the sonic changes are consistent; a more direct presentation with greater top-end refinement and improved low-end solidity.
Acoustical Systems Astellar Turntable
August 16, 2024 Comments Off on Acoustical Systems Astellar Turntable
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/acoustical-systems-astellar-turntable
Additionally, the Astellar sports a double-point brushless DC motor belt drive with active dynamic control motor management, a double flywheel drive with “maximized inertia” incorporated in the active motor management, a decoupled bearing level, and playback speed options of 33, 45, and 78, all of them said to be fully stabilized with “below 0.01 derivation from mset speed.:
Other specs and features of the Astellar table include a 17 x 5 x 15in (w/h/d) external power supply that weighs 39lb, with the connection and wiring between the power supply and turntable supplied by LEMO. The Astellar is available in five finishes: metallic black, Apolyt-dark anthracite, dark titanium, silver, and light titanium. The dimensions of the Astellar table are 27 x 9 x 18in (w/h/d), and its net weight is 194lb.
Finally, the SRP for the Acoustical Sounds Astellar turntable is $95,000 — and, in this case, it looks to be worth every stellar penny.
I VISITED THE 100 YEAR OLD RECORD STORE
August 15, 2024 Comments Off on I VISITED THE 100 YEAR OLD RECORD STORE
PS AUDIO STELLAR STRATA MK2 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
August 15, 2024 Comments Off on PS AUDIO STELLAR STRATA MK2 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
Testing the preamplifier by itself and using the RCA digital input jack, the results of activating the three available digital filters on the frequency response with 16/44.1 sampling are shown below in Figure 21. The digital input was 0 dBFS which means full DAC analog output into the preamplifier section, The Volume was set to 48. Each filter delivers a different roll-off response at 20 kHz. You just need to try them all to see which one you prefer. Filter 2 gives the most high-frequency roll-off, and this will make the sound a bit smoother. Since this Class D amplifier has quite a bit of high frequency distortion, start with Filter 2, and then switch to the others, using music that has a lot of high frequencies, such as violins.
YG Acoustics Sonja 2.2, Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-260 S2, dCS Vivaldi One
August 15, 2024 Comments Off on YG Acoustics Sonja 2.2, Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-260 S2, dCS Vivaldi One
VPI DRAGON TURNTABLE AND VPI SHYLA PHONO CARTRIDGE $2,000 REVIEW
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on VPI DRAGON TURNTABLE AND VPI SHYLA PHONO CARTRIDGE $2,000 REVIEW
The vertical tracking angle (VTA) has to be adjusted too. This means adjusting it so the tonearm is parallel to the surface of the platter when an LP is on the platter. For the VPI Dragon, there is a large black dial with markings on the sides for adjusting the angle. In the photo below, you can see the dial in the center, as well as the gimbal tonearm bearing, the cartridge electrical wires, the hydraulic tonearm lift lever, and the counterweight at the rear of the tonearm. There is a black knob at the rear end of the tonearm counterweight which is rotated to adjust the tracking force. There are two thumb screws you need to loosen in order to adjust the VTA dial. They are labeled “VTA Thumb Screw” in the second photo (diagram) below. You can also see a small nylon string that is attached to the tonearm and a weight at the other end. This is the anti-skate mechanism.
Pass Labs XP-32 Line Level Preamplifier | REVIEW
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on Pass Labs XP-32 Line Level Preamplifier | REVIEW
Pass Labs XP-32 Line Level Preamplifier | REVIEW
Colburn, an audio veteran, built his first amplifier when he was thirteen. It was for his younger brother’s Gibson guitar. His brother had spent all his money on the instrument and couldn’t afford an amp, so Wayne went to the local Radio Shack and started soldering from a kit and other things. He hasn’t stopped building electronics or looking for ways to improve audio equipment since. In college, he studied consumer electronics and broadcast gear for radio. And, in 1989, while working for General Electric’s radio division, he spotted what was a now famed “help wanted” ad placed by Nelson Pass in a trade journal. “High Pay No Work All Glory,” the ad said, regarding openings for audio enthusiasts with analog technical skills and experience constructing prototype audio equipment. “Apply to Nelson Pass, Threshold Corp.” and it gave the address of its original Auburn, California location
Von Schweikert Endeavor SE Loudspeakers Review
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on Von Schweikert Endeavor SE Loudspeakers Review
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid integrated amplifier $6995 Review
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid integrated amplifier $6995 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-integrated-amplifier
The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid disrupted my preconception that pure tube amps are superior to amps with a solid state component. From the first note, the EVO 300 established itself as a modern classic, reproducing music fresh-scrubbed, juicy, spatially adroit, dynamically adept, and powerful. It possessed the liquidity and richness of a good tube amp, never crossing over into syrup or schmaltz. It boasts an undeniable aliveness that grabs you from the first note and never lets up. It’s got drive. It engaged me in the music for many blissful hours.
I’m no longer agnostic regarding hybrid tube/solid state integrated amplifiers, let alone committed to the all-tube approach. At least when it comes to the PrimaLuna 300 EVO, I’m a hybrid believer.
Audiophilepure 
You must be logged in to post a comment.