SMSL M20 Review
July 15, 2025 Comments Off on SMSL M20 Review
Another highlight is the LEDs surrounding the unit. These LED lights illuminate during use and serve as indicators for volume and even navigation assistance. It’s a flamboyant decision since many gamers like to play in dimly lit or dark rooms, and these lights aren’t exactly subtle.
That said, there’s a feature that allows you to turn them off. In well-lit environments, LEDs are not overwhelming, and I kind of like them. They look very “cyberpunk” combined with the naked internals.
On top of the unit are three buttons: a red button on the right for menu selection and two black buttons for volume up and down. They are tactile enough, though the feel is closer to a soft click than a mechanical press.
These buttons handle filter switching, output mode selection, USB UAC mode, filter selection, and MQA mode without the need for an app. The “menu” is actually on the bottom side of the transparent top panel.
You get assistive LEDs to know what’s what. The usage is simple, although the labeling is hard to read due to the small font size.
Atma-Sphere Gem Integrated/Headphone Amplifier | REVIEW
July 13, 2025 Comments Off on Atma-Sphere Gem Integrated/Headphone Amplifier | REVIEW
https://pt.audio/2025/06/08/atma-sphere-gem-integrated-headphone-amplifier-review/
What I have here is a really tiny amplifier. Actually, it’s way more than that; this gem really does duty as an integrated amplifier that can handle both efficient speakers and a bevy of headphones, ranging from the efficient to the not-so efficient. I’m not really much of a headphone guy, so I employed this Gem as an amplifier for my really efficient Charney Audio Maestro-X single-driver speakers.
A bit of history about Atma-Sphere first. Ralph is best known in the industry for pioneering two things: output transformer-less (OTL) vacuum tube amps and use of fully balanced circuitry and connections in his amp and preamp products, and these design elements are highlighted in his mainline designs to this day. Interestingly, the Gem (on the surface… see below) sports neither. Right on top are exposed output transformers, and a quick look at the rear panel indicates the presence of (only) single-ended RCA input jacks. Was Mr. Karsten perhaps being a bit contrarian here with this design?
Galion TS Voyager TL Speaker Review
July 13, 2025 Comments Off on Galion TS Voyager TL Speaker Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/5/24/galion-ts-voyager-tl-speaker
I listened to GoGo Penguin’s latest Fallowfield Loops (2025) and the separation of piano, synths, bass, and percussion sections flowed masterfully, with decay done right and fullness in sound dynamics as well. Continuing with Electronica, Zero 7’s song “Look Up” from When it Falls (2004) shone with a center string section at the beginning and synths and drums on the left and right channels. It was a pleasant, immersive experience.
Classical music can be challenging for some speakers; soundstage and separation are lacking in sound if there isn’t a good mid-frequency, but with the Voyager speakers, the orchestras filled the room with ease. Brahms’s Third Symphony under Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Concertgebouw (2025) gave a strong showing. Gardiner’s subtle use of strings (compared to his recording with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique from 2009 with “period” instruments that exploded with sound) was a regal performance.
High Fidelity Record Collection For Sale
July 13, 2025 Comments Off on High Fidelity Record Collection For Sale
Hegel Music Systems D50 Digital-to-Analog Converter Review
July 12, 2025 Comments Off on Hegel Music Systems D50 Digital-to-Analog Converter Review
in his conclusion George states that the Hegel D50 “delivers utterly quiet, incredibly smooth, and composed performances with astonishing dynamic presence. . . . It steps out of the way of the music, delivering resolution and detail in a nonchalant manner.” He acknowledges that at $4900 the D50 “can’t be called affordable”, but points out that “given its level of refinement,” compared to the prices of other high-end reference DACs, “it could be considered a bargain.” George’s praise for the D50’s performance and value earned it a Reviewers’ Choice award when his review was published. The D50 is now recognized as the latest winner of our Recommended Reference Component award for its performance.
Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Scout Speakers, Vanguard Caldera 12 Subwoofer
July 12, 2025 Comments Off on Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Scout Speakers, Vanguard Caldera 12 Subwoofer
There’s simply no way a $400 subwoofer should be able to incorporate something like that, yet there it is. The amp is housed in its own chamber, physically isolated from the driver. That minimizes the potential for the backwave from the driver to cause long-term issues with the amp due to vibrations. It’s certainly an unusual find in this price class. There is a single horizontal cabinet brace, along with damping material on the top and both side walls. The front baffle measures about 1.5″ thick, the rest of the cabinet appears to be 3/4″ of an inch. There’s not much in this paragraph that you can say about most other budget subwoofers; generally speaking they aren’t able to incorporate features like these.
During my time with the Caldera I found the amp somewhat sensitive to certain appliances. Despite the subwoofer being plugged into a different electric circuit, whenever my microwave was on, or the refrigerator’s compressor kicked in, the sub produced a hum. It had a similar sound to a ground loop, but I don’t have that issue in my house. I did hear a slight hum in general everyday use, it was just more pronounced when certain appliances were active.
EverSolo DMP-A10 Music Streamer and DAC Review
July 12, 2025 Comments Off on EverSolo DMP-A10 Music Streamer and DAC Review
Audeze CRBN2r $5,995 Review
July 11, 2025 Comments Off on Audeze CRBN2r $5,995 Review
The Audeze CRBN2 – according to Audeze – requires an amplifier with an electrostatic output using 580VDC bias, also known as “Stax Pro Bias.” There are a large number of suitable amplifiers on the market from a variety of brands will drive the CRBN2 well.
Audeze has a list of examples here, but of course a lot of other amps are suited to drive the CRBN2 as well.
You can find out all you need to know about the Audeze CRBN2 on its dedicated web page here. If you want to dig in and learn more about Audeze’s EST tech, you can do so here.
ONO Tone Labs a3 Standmount Loudspeakers Review
July 11, 2025 Comments Off on ONO Tone Labs a3 Standmount Loudspeakers Review
My initial visual impression of them was fairly wow!—their solid bamboo cabinets and stands are truly beautiful, and bamboo is a great choice in terms of global sustainability. Dustin works with the same cabinetmakers in China that Vera-Fi Audio uses for their loudspeakers; I’ve raved about the seamless appearance of the Vanguard Scout monitors and Caldera subs, and the ONO Tone Labs a3’s are even more strikingly beautiful! The appearance of the a3 cabinets is on par with loudspeakers I’ve seen that retail for many multiples of their $5995 MSRP. The available matching p3 pedestal stands ($995) are manufactured in the same shop; they’re the perfect match to the a3’s in terms of appearance and ergonomics. The speakers and stands are available for purchase individually, but buying them together will save you $500. The stands are exceptionally well-made, and pairing them with the a3’s adds an additional level of coolness to the overall impression. Dustin offers the a3 in satin finish natural or carbonized bamboo; its structural rigidity obviates the need for internal bracing, and the absence of any veneers makes the cabinet exteriors quite durable. The review pair was supplied in the slightly darker carbonized bamboo, which in combination with the matching stands presented a striking appearance.
Audiophilepure 
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