SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer$2,499 Review
February 3, 2025 Comments Off on SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer$2,499 Review
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The applications for this new subwoofer system don’t stop with SVS’s speakers. This subwoofer is so powerful, linear, and tuneful that one can add SVS as a go-to subwoofer for speakers from Magnepan, B&W, Sonus faber, and a host of other high-end speaker companies. SVS was also recently chosen as the official subwoofer partner for luxury HiFi brand Metaxas & Sins, and their upcoming Electrostatic loudspeakers. A pair of SB-17 Ultras for under $5,000 could elevate a lot of wonderful speakers (which do everything except the bottom two octaves of bass) up to world-class performers. Yes, this new Ultra subwoofer is that good.
PS Audio Stellar Strata Mk2 integrated amplifiers $3,499 Review
February 3, 2025 Comments Off on PS Audio Stellar Strata Mk2 integrated amplifiers $3,499 Review
I had used the AirLens with the DirectStream DAC Mk2, and that combo did not have as supple and tonally rich sound as the AirLens with the dual Strata Mk2. That was only one of the big surprises in store for me during this review – and they were nearly all good surprises. My creativity spurred by positive results, I thought of the possibility of pairing of the DAC/tube pre/D Billie Amp Mk2 with the robust solid-state DAC/pre/D of the Strata Mk2! My first configuration would place the Strata Mk2 on the bass and the Billie Mk2 on the mid/treble. Then, I would switch them! Within minutes I came up with a dozen discrete configurations and setups between such a pairing, starting with which integrated would handle the bass and which would handle the mid/treble. No one knows the best result; the system would have to be built. That’s why I love being a system builder! It’s a continuous process of discovery and beautiful new experiences! As the systems become more compelling, I am more emotionally moved, sometimes to tears. I used to think that crying while listening was nonsense, but now with age and appreciation of the beauty of the performance and the exquisite reproduction of it, at times I cry. Boring systems do not make me cry, but I do not judge systems by their emotional effect.
Shanling HW600 Review
February 2, 2025 Comments Off on Shanling HW600 Review
The fullness of the bass is partially contributed by the pure copper stock cable. When swapping it out for other materials such as silver-plated copper, you can notice the bass being more tamed and a cleaner, faster response is observed.
Testing with R&B and pop, the HW600 exhibits well-layered bass with a notable punch, which sounds clean and quite expressive with fast guitar licks and fast drumming tracks.
The bass intensity isn’t very strong but is sufficient, and it sounds well textured. When paired with more powerful sources or amps, the treble becomes more aggressive and firmer, enhancing overall dynamics.
The HW600 gives a slightly warmish impression across the various gear setups tested and the design seems to dampen it to mimic the punchiness on dynamic drivers.
Peachtree Audio Carina GaN Integrated Amplifier Review
February 2, 2025 Comments Off on Peachtree Audio Carina GaN Integrated Amplifier Review
The Carina integrated amplifiers all have the same chassis and finish options. They have an attractive oval contour that provides a contemporary yet retro aesthetic. The front face and control knobs are aluminum, the face having a satin finish. The control knobs have a sturdy feel and provide tactile feedback when turned. The standard finish is high-gloss piano-black, but buyers can opt for the premium wood-like Mocha Gloss finish for an additional $100. My review sample had the premium finish, which I found attractive; it avoided any “Family Truckster” tackiness. The front OLED screen on Carina products is very easy to read, with a large font. A mesh top grille facilitates internal cooling but also gives a glimpse at the internals, including more than half a dozen internal diagnostic LEDs (blue, green, and white) that offer a discreet lightshow for those seeking a little extra visual stimulation. In use, the Carina GaN maintained a warm operating temperature, but never crossed over to hot. Overall, I thought the fit and finish of the Carina GaN was very good; this amplifier will provide real pride of ownership.
Børresen X6 Loudspeaker $22,000 Review
February 1, 2025 Comments Off on Børresen X6 Loudspeaker $22,000 Review
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1259-borresen-x6-loudspeaker
The crossover between the midranges and that sexy ribbon tweeter was nearly invisible (inaudible?), rivaling the clarity of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature. “Red” from King Crimson’s Absent Lovers: Live in Montreal 1984 (16/44.1 FLAC, Discipline Global Mobile / Tidal) just bombarded me with upper-midrange and treble information—two angry guitarists fighting with a furious electronic drum kit. The X6s kept the instruments discrete, with the well-behaved interplay between the drivers rendering the performance front and center without me having to think about how it was all working.
For a large portion of my time with the Børresen X6s, I was conscious of the speakers themselves as large, ominous, monolithic presences in my room. I mean this in only the best way possible, as their physical appearance spoke to me in a deeply appealing manner. They were science-fiction-solidified, large wedges of carbon fiber that looked like they were approaching warp speed while standing still.
Initially, the contrast between the X6s’ dramatic appearance and their aural disappearing act imposed a disconnect on my reaction to the speakers. As time went by, though, it got to the point where I could focus my attention on those huge, alien cabinets ready to destroy my world, or throw a switch in my brain and have them disappear completely, leaving only free-floating, disembodied music.
Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium $1499 Review
February 1, 2025 Comments Off on Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium $1499 Review
The trick with more resolution is to ensure proper weight in the lower octaves. If we compare and use an analogy of boxing weight categories, the Pecan Pi+ would be a welterweight. The low end was there, but system matching became more important to achieve a better-balanced perspective. I introduced my REL T-Zero subwoofers into the system, which made the system bloom.
Spatial cues were projected vividly. Soundscape was ultra-wide and tall. Sound cues were portrayed beyond the loudspeaker’s boundaries and with good vertical height. Not splashy, but 3D adjacent. I’m not familiar with the chipsets that Leo uses, but they are different sounding to my ears than most of the chipsets employed in DACs. Leo is an electronic engineer who dives deep into his understanding of computers and other digital systems.
Now, back to the clarity and focus that the PecanPi+ can produce. When listening to the Beach Boys CD reissued by MoFi a few years ago featuring songs from the master tape I noticed a few things. These recordings indeed sounded like they were from master tapes. Clarity and focus is the name of the game with the Orchard Audio streamer. I’ve been involved in making studio recordings, and I recognize what the, you are there sound is. I heard Michael Jackson’s master tape of Thriller with his recording engineer Bruce Swedien at the helm with the Harrison console at Westlake Studios in LA.
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