Moon 891 streaming preamplifier $25,000 Review
February 22, 2025 Comments Off on Moon 891 streaming preamplifier $25,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/moon-891-streaming-preamplifier
After switching cables and apps, I revisited some of the same tracks using the considerably more expensive Innuos Statement Next-Gen/PhoenixNet combo with the Innuos Sense app and InnuOS. The sound wasn’t incrementally better; it was way better. Leaps and bounds better. Bass that had lacked firmness was now absolutely firm and clear. Fuller as well, and in correct proportion to instruments and voices higher in the range. Transparency and air notably increased, the soundstage grew dramatically in sound and depth, etc., etc. Amen. You know the story. Veteran review readers have heard it a thousand times. But that doesn’t make it any less true.
This was anything but a case of “diminishing returns.” It was a major improvement, albeit one costing well over double the price. (Hey, if you use cables as costly as mine, you’re approaching triple the price.) An unfair comparison, to be sure. But it confirmed something friend Scott had said over 850 words ago: Given a better streaming source, the excellence of the 891’s DAC and preamplifier stood out. Together, they reach into music’s heart and soul, lay it out for all to hear, and do so with a transparency and truth that deserve copious praise.
Clearaudio Signature turntable & Tracer tonearm $5000 Review
February 21, 2025 Comments Off on Clearaudio Signature turntable & Tracer tonearm $5000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/clearaudio-signature-turntable-tracer-tonearm
The final element in the Musical Surroundings Signature package is the Clearaudio Professional Power outboard power supply, which powers the Signature AiR motor and electronics. “The Professional Power supply uses a vibration-damped, toroidal transformer in conjunction with stiff regulation, providing clean power to the AiR motor,” stated a press release.
A discrete rocker switch on the rear of the power supply summons the unit to life, its presence reflected in a blue LED on the front. A plump, 1.5″ wide, tapered dial atop the plinth presides over the platter’s speed, a single press coaxing it into 33 1/3rpm, a second to 45rpm. A halo of blue light encircles the button when energized, a sensual design flourish that signals completeness, at least to me
Dali Epikore 3 $15,000 Review
February 21, 2025 Comments Off on Dali Epikore 3 $15,000 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/dali-epikore-3
They take a measured approach to music replay where control and composure take priority. Added to their excellent detail resolution and insight this means that they can track low-level instrumental strands in a dense composition with ease and continue to sound organised even when the music becomes demanding. There are no hard edges or signs of stress even when the speakers are pushed hard, and when cracks do start to appear it is at far higher levels than we would usually listen at.
Magico M7, Air Force Zero turntable
February 21, 2025 Comments Off on Magico M7, Air Force Zero turntable
T+A Elektroakustik Criterion S 230 Loudspeaker $11,990 Review
February 20, 2025 Comments Off on T+A Elektroakustik Criterion S 230 Loudspeaker $11,990 Review
I spent many hours listening to the Criterion S 230 loudspeakers and was consistently impressed by the confidence, capability, and composure of their presentation. As confirmed by the foregoing comparison with the Dynaudio C2 Signatures, the Criterion S 230s performed well throughout the frequency range: bass was prodigious, when that was called for, and had great articulation and texture; midrange was smooth and natural, particularly in its lifelike presentation of the human voice; treble was silky smooth too, well polished but not dazzling. Given its good-natured sonic disposition, the Criterion S 230 proved an extremely easy speaker to listen to for long periods even at high volumes.
Arya Audio Labs Orbius record stabilizer $3,300 Review
February 20, 2025 Comments Off on Arya Audio Labs Orbius record stabilizer $3,300 Review
The record weight is also designed to address another problem inherent to the vinyl medium, – records are seldom flat. In many instances, they are warped. Unfortunately, as the stylus moves over these warps, the movement of the stylus tracking the warp can induce an electrical signal from the cartridge that is often close in frequency to the resonant frequency of the arm/cartridge used and the combination can generate distortion. These warps also contribute to the premature failure of the suspension of the cartridge. A further benefit of flattening the record is that it brings it into intimate contact with the platter which, if properly designed, will allow spurious energy in the vinyl generated by the passage of the stylus to be dissipated. This effect can be rather significant with thinner records and is another area which the Orbius is designed to address.
Audiophilepure 
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