Estelon X Diamond MKII plays ‘Liberty’
December 24, 2025 Comments Off on Estelon X Diamond MKII plays ‘Liberty’
Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2 Integrated Amplifier Review
December 23, 2025 Comments Off on Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2 Integrated Amplifier Review
Vitus Audio’s RI-101 MK2 integrated amplifier is a showstopper, with technical prowess skillfully woven into the product in the absence of sporadic design decisions. Beyond the symbolic meaning, and the reproducing of the authentic spirit of the music, the RI-101 MK2 permeates the market in a completely different way.
And this is put into practice at once with listening. So many amplifiers come with a fast and slow charm that fades with time. With the Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2, the honeymoon period simply doesn’t stop and it brings a seismic shift when it comes to the realms of integrated amplifiers, with both clarity and natural warmth that leaves many peers behind.
The Vitus Audio RI-101 MK2 is not only a fully-fledged state-of-the-art integrated amplifier but also a quiet, everyday partner destined to serve audiophiles, high-end audio aficionados, and music lovers. It follows the philosophy: when there is nothing more to add, but also nothing more to take away the circuits are endowed with pure Danish, Nordic minimalism with zen-like balance and a vibrancy that is bursting with contrasts.
When it comes to the upper echelon high-end audio reproduction, either the music sounds right or it’s a sonic red herring.
Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Review
December 23, 2025 Comments Off on Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Review
Several years back, I spent some time with the original DCA AEON and enjoyed it. I did struggle with what I’d heard as a synthetic high-frequency texture, though we could also attribute that to what was then my source and amplifier. Since that time, I’ve engaged more with dynamic driver headphones, as I was happy to trade off other attributes for convincing dynamic expression and tone. Trades were required, as the budget demanded. Today, we are most fortunate to have headphones like the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X that meet high expectations, and in so many facets of its performance, yet remain within reach. This $1,100 price range is quite competitive. The NOIRE X is a worthy competitor. Any component, much like our beloved performers, that can transcend mechanics and broadcast the larger idea and feeling is one worth experiencing. The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X is one headphone I’d happily recommend.
Chevy Corvette Z06 C8 – Custom Audio System
December 23, 2025 Comments Off on Chevy Corvette Z06 C8 – Custom Audio System
Cayin RU3 Review
December 20, 2025 Comments Off on Cayin RU3 Review
The RU3 lower midrange is warm but never muddy; it adds a subtle density to the sound, ensuring that the vocals and instruments never sound thin.The upper midrange is neutral and flat in perceived response, which provides me with a clear sound. The overall midrange presentation is a little warm and delightfully full-bodied.I noticed that the RU3 treble, although extended, is slightly laid-back or relaxed in its presentation. There are a lot of details to be heard, and I don’t feel like anything is missing.
However, the relaxation in the treble makes the overall sound analog-like, which many people, including me, love. Which I also believe is the house sound of Cayin.
SME Model 35 Turntable and Series Vi Tonearm Reviews
December 20, 2025 Comments Off on SME Model 35 Turntable and Series Vi Tonearm Reviews
Feed the Model 35 some purist-recorded jazz, though—such as Cannonball Adderley’s Somethin’ Else (Blue Note 1595)—and you’ll find yourself transported back nearly 70 years to a 1958 session that seems so real you’ll feel like slipping into your best lounge-lizard suit and taking up smoking again. What this recording revealed is that the SME is beautifully balanced across the entire frequency range—nothing was favored or emphasized. Adderley’s alto sax brimmed with reedy, brassy detail, while the steady, melodic bass rhythm of Sam Jones filled the room with its warm timbre and tone. With Art Blakey locking into the groove, every nuance of his technique was laid bare on the SME—every cymbal shimmered, and every snare strike cut through the mix with precision.
Surely this is why we audiophiles get so enmeshed with this expensive hobby of ours. It’s for the ability to come home after a tiring day at work, pour a glass of wine, sink into a favorite armchair, and revel in the sublime beauty of a record such as this. The SME made music appreciation so easy because it put me right there with the musicians. Apart from the Model 60, I can’t think of any other turntable I have heard that got me quite this close to the source. Its bandwidth, transparency, precision, and lack of artifice are world class.
Art Audio Opus 4 And Carissa Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review
December 19, 2025 Comments Off on Art Audio Opus 4 And Carissa Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review
Art Audio’s Opus 4 monoblocks managed to convey an impression to me of nearly as much depth of overall musicality as the 275 Watts of ultra-linear power of my other reference system amp, the CJ Premier 8A. I ultimately decided to keep the Carissa amplifier as part of my system to use with the Quad 57s and as an alternative for the 63s when they are not connected to the big CJ amps. The power, control, and sound along with the lavish and lovely looks of this latest revised Art Audio 18 Watt SET amp as designed by Tom Willis is highly recommended to be seen and heard.
Art Audio’s Carissa vacuum tube stereo amplifier has character, a distinctive beauty, and elegance that it continues to be part of my reference system. If you are looking for an elegant-looking design and musically refined, and lovely sounding amp in a more powerful rating range, then seek out an audition of the Art Audio Opus 4 monoblocks that have a diminutive look and weight yet produce a prodigious, powerful, and excellent quality output. Bravo to both Tom and Scott for their excellence in design, musical listening, and customer support throughout this evaluation period.
Audiophilepure 
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