The New Linkin Park “One Step” Vinyl Reissues
September 6, 2024 Comments Off on The New Linkin Park “One Step” Vinyl Reissues
STAX SR-X9000 EARSPEAKER REVIEW
September 5, 2024 Comments Off on STAX SR-X9000 EARSPEAKER REVIEW
As an owner of a set of SR-L700 Lambda earspeakers and an SRM-D50 energizer, I was able to do a little swapping around of gear and make some comparisons during the review. I also had the iFi iCAN Phantom combination headphone amplifier/electrostatic energizer (review coming soon) in the house to use with these earspeakers as well. I was curious to see how this non-STAX model of amp would fare with these king-of-the-hill headphones.
For a source, I was using my Microsoft Surface 3 Pro as my Roon Core, handling my complete digital audio music library. Roon could then send any digital audio content to my Topping DX9 DAC/Headphone amp which would then pass an analog signal through to either of the STAX or iFi amplifiers that I was using at the moment.
BINARY ACOUSTICS DYNAQUATTRO $259 REVIEW
September 5, 2024 Comments Off on BINARY ACOUSTICS DYNAQUATTRO $259 REVIEW
The Binary Dynaquattro features CNC-milled & anodized steampunk faceplates made of aluminum along with a semi-transparent 3D-printed shell. The faceplate design cleverly represents the 3DD+1PR system by matching the wheel sizes to the dynamic driver dimensions. I love these kinds of design details; we all need a touch of creativity once in a while in this crowded market. In addition, the center of the bottom wheel, which appears as part of the faceplate design is actually a hole that serves as a vent for the dynamic drivers, another aesthetically pleasing detail!
Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated Amplifier Review
September 5, 2024 Comments Off on Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated Amplifier Review
SME Model 20 Mk 2/Series V $35,619 Review
September 4, 2024 Comments Off on SME Model 20 Mk 2/Series V $35,619 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sme-model-20-mk-2series-v
The Model 20’s transparency is highlighted when we switch to Orff’s Carmina Burana. The soundstage grows massively, giving a firm sense of the recording venue’s scale. The stereo imaging is as stable as it gets with the orchestra and massed choir firmly planted in place. There is never a hint of stress or loss of focus even as the music becomes dense and demanding. Dynamics are explosive and delivered with breathtaking impact. There is a palpable feeling of power here, and the kind of authority that one rarely hears, even at this level.
A cartridge largely dictates the tonality of a record player. The Ortofon Windfeld Ti is about as even-handed as they come, delivering voices and instruments in a natural way. That said, if you partner this cartridge poorly it wouldn’t be hard to make it sound a little thin and lacking in body. We would expect the selling dealer to advise on the specifics. Make sure that the partnering phono stage has enough gain and quality to cope with the Ortofon’s relatively low output, too.
HIFIMAN MINI SHANGRI-LA ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE SYSTEM
September 4, 2024 Comments Off on HIFIMAN MINI SHANGRI-LA ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE SYSTEM
About two weeks after I received the HIFIMAN SUSVARA UNVEILED Planar Magnetic Headphone the HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System arrived in a large master carton which I opened immediately to find two smaller boxes, one for the HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone, and the other housing the HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Amplifier. First order of business was to connect the amplifier to my Core Power Technologies A/V Equi=Core 1000 and HIFIMAN EF600 R2R DAC & Headphone Amplifier via the balanced DAC outputs using Black Dragon Cables and, after plugging in the headphone, I cued up my Qobuz “equipment break-in” playlist and set it to run my accustomed 100 hours while I worked on other reviews. The first thing I noticed before even opening the box was how lightweight the headphone was, by far the lightest over-ear headphone in my extensive collection. During my burn-in period, it became clear that the HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Amplifier runs a bit on the warm side, which is actually normal for MOSFET amplifiers, but you probably don’t want to set your DAC or Headphone Stand on top as this might cause premature aging.
Reference Audiophile HiFi Set-up Tour 2024
September 4, 2024 Comments Off on Reference Audiophile HiFi Set-up Tour 2024
JBL L42ms Integrated Music System $1,000 Review
September 3, 2024 Comments Off on JBL L42ms Integrated Music System $1,000 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/jbl-l42ms
While I wouldn’t consider the L42ms to be a substitute for a full-sized stereo system, it comes close enough to that experience whereby in any situation that space is limited or where the convenience and aesthetics of an all-in-one system increase its appeal, this JBL fits the bill. Movies, Games and TV
I’ve already covered the caveats and qualifiers about how this JBL is not really a soundbar. But if you use it for AV, the truth is it is an excellent-sounding unit that offers exceptional dialogue clarity. You won’t get surround-sound or Atmos out of it, but with the subwoofer output you can easily hook up a monster sub—I tested it with an 18” Perlisten—and experience movies with impact that’s almost as if you were in a theater. This was certainly the case when I screened Bad Boys: Ride or Die. With the sub, the crazy action scenes had all the impact you expect from an explosion and gunshot-filled Jerry Bruckheimer production.
Grimm Audio MU2 streaming preamplifier Review
September 3, 2024 Comments Off on Grimm Audio MU2 streaming preamplifier Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/grimm-audio-mu2-streaming-preamplifier
The Grimm MU2 is a bang-up success. It combines cutting-edge digital processing and digital-to-analog conversion with a Roon Core and a remarkably transparent volume control and input/ output selector. It would be an ideal central element in a sophisticated stereo system in which streaming and file playback are the most important music sources but where other sources, analog or digital, are supported without compromise. The MU2 is not inexpensive, but it offers completely satisfying sound and flawless ergonomics. It is worthy of the very best amplifiers, speakers, and critical listeners.
The Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amp $5,500 Review
September 3, 2024 Comments Off on The Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amp $5,500 Review
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