What is the BEST SOUNDING STREAMING SERVICE?
June 12, 2023 Comments Off on What is the BEST SOUNDING STREAMING SERVICE?
T+A Elektroakustik Solitaire S 530 Loudspeaker $44,900 Review
June 10, 2023 Comments Off on T+A Elektroakustik Solitaire S 530 Loudspeaker $44,900 Review
T+A’s Solitaire S 530 is different than any other loudspeaker I’ve heard in more than a decade of reviewing high-end gear. It looks different, what with its 33.5”-long magnetostatic line-source tweeter and seven midrange drivers aligned in a line array next to it. And it sounds different, projecting sound in such a focused and concentrated fashion that it takes some getting used to. But the results are profoundly, stupefyingly good. The borderline full-range design is able to conjure a more convincing, coherent, and realistic musical experience than any other loudspeaker I’ve reviewed over the years. In fact, T+A’s Solitaire S 530 is the best loudspeaker I’ve ever heard. Sadly, my review samples are going back to T+A, but I can assure you they will live long in my memory.

Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier $5495 Review
June 10, 2023 Comments Off on Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier $5495 Review
As I said earlier on in this review I have not had a single regret about buying the SLP-98P. It has proven to be a very high performing preamplifier and one that I plan to live with till I move on to the next phase of existence. It would take me winning a mountainous lottery to think of replacing it with anything. At that point I would go out of control on everything including building a specific listening room with room correction built in to the room. Since I do not see that happening to me I am quite content to live out my life with my current amp and preamplifier setup. Thanks to Billy and all the great people at Cary for providing me with so much musical joy. If you are looking for an absolutely stellar tube driven preamplifier and want the biggest bang for the buck you simply cannot beat the SLP-98P without spending double the money or more and even then I would not bet against this preamplifier being out performed at even at the increased cost. As my friend Tony says, “Come get ya some!”

$100k+ Room Tour – EMM Labs, Ps Audio, Audio Vector
June 10, 2023 Comments Off on $100k+ Room Tour – EMM Labs, Ps Audio, Audio Vector
Synergistic Research Master Fuse A/B Test
June 10, 2023 Comments Off on Synergistic Research Master Fuse A/B Test
Focal Stella Utopia EM Evo Loudspeaker $149,998 Review
June 9, 2023 Comments Off on Focal Stella Utopia EM Evo Loudspeaker $149,998 Review
The Stella Utopia EM Evo acquitted itself well during the evaluation period, with impressive transparency, lightning quick transient response, near unlimited dynamic playback capability, excellent lateral soundstaging and imaging, very good image height, and great instrumental separation to complement very tight, controlled, and refined bass response. The Ash Grey finish on the evaluation pair is as beautiful to look at as the sound produced by the speaker. Since the current version Stella’s introduction in 2018, many new upper-high-end speakers have entered the market from several manufacturers. Today, these Stella Utopia EM Evos continue to produce excellent sound that is competitive with all of them. Go listen and hear for yourself how Stella(r) sounding they can be.

Focal Bathys Bluetooth Active Noise $799 Review
June 9, 2023 Comments Off on Focal Bathys Bluetooth Active Noise $799 Review
If you want audiophile quality, this is the best-sounding Bluetooth headphone for under a thousand dollars without a doubt. If you want a little bit of softer sounding and cleaner aesthetics, shoot for the Levinson 5909. Something I’ve been understanding more with more experience in the audiophile game is that you should try to search for your sound. Bluetooth headphones are bidding for just that, and you need to listen to compare if the fit is right for you. Sound-wise, these $799 Bathys are fantastic. Get them, you won’t regret it.

McIntosh Reference 2-channel HiFi System
June 9, 2023 Comments Off on McIntosh Reference 2-channel HiFi System
MCINTOSH LABS MC303 THREE CHANNEL SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER $12,500 REVIEW
June 8, 2023 Comments Off on MCINTOSH LABS MC303 THREE CHANNEL SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER $12,500 REVIEW
Having owned a McIntosh MA6900 integrated amp for 20 years, I already had a good feel for how timeless a McIntosh amp is. I have beaten on the MA6900 in countless speaker tests, and could never get it to do anything bad. The MC303 takes this to a new level with even better dynamics and more powerful bass. At $4,167 for each of its 300-watt channels, it isn’t inexpensive. It does offer a lot of value in the ultra-high-end world of audio. Part of the allure of products from companies like McIntosh is the pedigree. People recognize a Rolex, a Mercedes, and a McIntosh amp. Rolex and Mercedes wish they had as bulletproof a design as does a McIntosh product. In my reference system, I currently have a Cambridge Audio Edge W power amp, a Michi S-5 power amp, a Rogers Fidelity KW-88 integrated tube amp, a NAD M33 integrated amp, and the previously mentioned McIntosh MA6900 integrated amp.


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