Devialet Phantom Ultimate streaming loudspeaker
January 26, 2026 Comments Off on Devialet Phantom Ultimate streaming loudspeaker
https://www.hifinews.com/content/devialet-phantom-ultimate-streaming-loudspeaker
On first listen, the bass output here will grab your attention. There’s no doubting the LFE reach as Devialet’s SAM technology works in the background to coordinate those two 200mm drivers in a fashion that would be impossible with a conventional passive solution. While this remarkable extension is combined with detail and fluency there are clearly practical limits to its bass amplitude [see PM’s Lab Report]. So there was a slight softening to the deepest, loudest bass notes in Paul van Dyk’s ‘Artefact’ [Vandit Records; 44.1kHz/24-bit], which is where a ‘bass-head’ might yearn for a dedicated sub, but this is a trifling niggle considering the all-round sonic appeal of these speakers.
As said, I used the ‘Monitoring’ mode for most of my listening. The app’s EQ tools are useful for adjusting the Phantom Ultimate’s sound to personal taste but remember to pay attention to Devialet’s presets. ‘Music’ mode invokes a ‘Loudness’ DSP by default, while the brand’s Active Volume Levelling is automatically switched on in ‘Movie’ mode. Also seen on Devialet’s Dione soundbar, this works to normalise dynamics – preventing, for instance, movie explosions from drowning out accompanying dialogue
ELAC Concentro 2.0 M 807 loudspeaker Review
January 24, 2026 Comments Off on ELAC Concentro 2.0 M 807 loudspeaker Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/elac-concentro-20-m-807-loudspeaker
Notwithstanding the distraction of fiddling with those dispersion controls, and the need for a solid floor for the reflex port to achieve full potential, these big, complex speakers are a captivating listen. The sound integrates superbly, bass is as massive and powerful as anyone could want, and they’re as impressive with big, dense mixes as they are with super-clean, simple recordings. Notch one up for over-engineering, then
PrimaLuna EVO 300 hybrid power amplifier Review
January 24, 2026 Comments Off on PrimaLuna EVO 300 hybrid power amplifier Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-power-amplifier
For all the satisfaction the EVO 300 Hybrid provided for this pro-valve listener, I could imagine those diametrically-opposed purist audiophile species – tubes vs trannies – finding grounds for criticism because the two have been weighed equally, exactly as the mission statement required. But perhaps this is an academic debate, for purists of either discipline might not contemplate a hybrid design. For those undecided or who like both, the EVO 300 Hybrid ‘poweramplifier’ is one of the best examples of cross pollination I’ve heard.
If choosing an amp is a matter of tubes-only-vs-solid-state-only-vs-I’m-not-bothered, then your own predisposition will influence your reaction to this remarkable amplifier. Via the RCA input it sounds just like the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated, but via the XLR – even if you resort to an RCA-to-XLR adapter – the EVO 300 Hybrid ‘poweramplifier’ embraces the hybrid concept, perfectly blending tube colour with solid-state grip. For the undecided, this may well be the best of both worlds.
Audio Research Reference 330M monoblock power amplifier $90,000 Review
January 22, 2026 Comments Off on Audio Research Reference 330M monoblock power amplifier $90,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-reference-330m-monoblock-power-amplifier
Regardless, I can honestly state that in all my time as an audiophile and reviewer, no amplifier has seduced me quite like the Audio Research 330M. Its sound is about far more than a list of outstanding attributes. On every level, including some that transcend the physical, it delivered the greatest musical and spiritual satisfaction I’ve ever experienced from recorded music.There’s a beauty to the 330M’s sound that transformed sitting in the sweet spot into an act of joy. No emotion, no color, no pitch—no musical truth, including those that are heart-wrenchingly painful and filled with despair—seems beyond its reach. During the first of what I hope will be many more extended periods of listening with the 330M, I felt blessed to be able to immerse myself in musical bliss and to share that experience with friends.My deepest gratitude to everyone at Audio Research. You’ve done Bill Johnson’s legacy proud. The Audio Research 330M is a great amplifier, more than worthy of Stereophile‘s Amplifier of the Year award when award time next comes ’round in 2026
Topping B100 Review
January 22, 2026 Comments Off on Topping B100 Review
https://www.headfonia.com/topping-b100-review/
I do want to talk about the elephant in the room, though. The external power brick is quite large, nearly as big as the amplifier itself. This is clearly the trade-off Topping has made to keep the main chassis compact while maintaining these ridiculous noise-floor numbers. In my setup, this was not an issue. I simply hid both power supplies under my TV unit, so they were completely out of sight. What I did appreciate is how solid and well-built everything feels, including the external PSUs. Topping didn’t cut any corners with these.
Power conditioners vs regenerators
January 22, 2026 Comments Off on Power conditioners vs regenerators
GoldenEar T44 Floor-standing Loudspeakers $4,900 Review
January 21, 2026 Comments Off on GoldenEar T44 Floor-standing Loudspeakers $4,900 Review
The GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers are solid products that are proficient technically and refined sonically. Their hybrid design, which combines advanced drivers with an integrated powered bass, produces a clear midrange with outstanding vocal reproduction, detailed and smooth treble, and bass that is both deep and articulate—remarkable for loudspeakers of their size. Their modern, elegant design and premium finishes reflect meticulous craftsmanship, giving the loudspeakers a solid, high-quality feel. GoldenEar’s emphasis on sophisticated design and high performance in a relatively compact floor-standing form factor is a highly compelling option for applications in limited space without compromising sound quality. While positioned as a premium offering, the T44 is priced well below the ultra-premium tier, presenting a strong value proposition for listeners seeking high-level audio performance without the cost associated with flagship designs.
Eufonika H22S Review
January 21, 2026 Comments Off on Eufonika H22S Review
https://www.headfonia.com/eufonika-h22s-review/
The H22S uses a 6080 power tube and a 6N8S input tube. The big advantage here is that these tubes are easily available everywhere, and they won’t break the bank if you stick to the “normal” tubes.
The 6080 is a tube that is very common in OTL headphone amp designs, and it can be replaced by a multitude of tube equivalents such as 6N5P, 6N13P and 6AS7 (+ all equivalents). Some of the more exotic and famous tubes here are the 5998 (Tung-Sol), 2399 (Chatham) or the Bendix 6080WB graphite plates which come in a whole lot of variations.
The H22S came delivered with a winged Svetlana 6N13P tube, which certainly isn’t a bad tube, though it also depends on the amplifier. It’s a perfectly fine tube to start a tube rolling journey with. An easy and affordable first switch can be a 6AS7G black plate from RCA, just to name one.
Audiophilepure 
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