EMM Labs DA2i D/A processor $35,000 Review
March 18, 2025 Comments Off on EMM Labs DA2i D/A processor $35,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/emm-labs-da2i-da-processor
Setup was a snap. I placed the unit on the top shelf of my rack and supported it with the same Wilson Audio Pedestals I use under my reference DAC system and other components. Then I attached the input, output, and power cables and fired it up. Instead of using the supplied Kimber power cable (footnote 7), I used the same power cable I use with my reference. I also stuck exclusively with the DA2i’s XLR (balanced) outputs, because the D’Agostino Relentless preamp in my reference system only accepts balanced.
From cold, EMM Labs recommends keeping the unit on for 3-4 days before listening. It isn’t necessary to run signal through it during this period, they say. Because first impressions make an outsized impact, I waited a good four days before listening. I compared the DA2i to the much more expensive, three-piece Vivaldi Apex system, my reference. It took me just a minute or two to easily switch between them by moving a single USB cable and pair of XLR cables between the two DACs.
Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 333 integrated amplifier $24,900 Review
March 17, 2025 Comments Off on Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 333 integrated amplifier $24,900 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/gryphon-audio-designs-diablo-333-integrated-amplifier
I was not ready for how truly excellent the Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 333 integrated amplifier was going to be—what a fine world-class music maker it is. This is the first amp I have had in-house in some time that makes me question my marriage vows to my reference system. The Diablo 333 can power anything, while producing amazing lifelike dynamics, the blackest blacks, and the brightest colors.
The sheer amount of musical energy conveyed, and the detailed truth of that—you need to hear it for yourself. I could trade four boxes for one, and I am all about downsizing these days. For now, reviewing hardware as I do, I need to keep the flexibility of separate components. Is it as good as separates? Yes—it is. The Gryphon Diablo 333 is guarding its treasures, waiting to reveal them just to you.
Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier Review
March 17, 2025 Comments Off on Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier Review
MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 888 loudspeaker $4999 Review
March 16, 2025 Comments Off on MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 888 loudspeaker $4999 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-loudspeaker
The crossover between the midrange and woofers is set to 130Hz; that between the midrange and the coaxially mounted 1.25″ soft-dome tweeter is at 1.6kHz. The tweeter therefore operates over a wider passband than usual. When I interviewed Andrew Jones for my SourcePoint 10 review, he explained that the coaxial unit’s lower-frequency cone acts as a waveguide for the tweeter. The waveguide reduces the tweeter’s excursion requirement, so it can be operated down to a lower frequency than would be possible if it lacked a waveguide. With a waveguide, “the improvement in efficiency or sensitivity and the reduction in excursion more than make up for the fact that you’re crossing over at 1.6k. It enables you to get a very good progressive, consistent off-axis performance,” Jones told me, adding that using a dome with a slightly larger diameter, 1.25″ rather than the usual 1″, with a wide roll surround, provides extra dynamic range capability at the lower frequencies.
Furutech DF-2 Vinyl LP Record Disc Flattener Review
March 16, 2025 Comments Off on Furutech DF-2 Vinyl LP Record Disc Flattener Review
https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0813/furutech_df_2_record_flattener.htm
As the title suggest, most of the components in my system are no longer made. Still I like to think the presence of a Studer B62 signals audio seriousness. The one, the only, the stupendous Benz LP cartridge starts us off in the best possible fashion. It rides in a nine inch JPW arm. The LP’s spin on an aluminum platter. Yeah, the one, the only, the original TNT. It’s not called the System that Time Forgot for nothing. A Lukaschek interconnect lovingly carries the delicate signals from the Benz to an MFA Lumi Bravo One Charlie running flat out. The four alphanumeric characters SIX SIERRA NOVEMBER SEVEN will send tubeophile pulses racing only to go into overdrive at the presence of KILO TANGO SEVEN SEVEN tubes in the Manley 440 tube amps which drive the speaker’s tweeter and midrange. Another Manley 440 running KT90 tubes drives the bass. The subs are driven by Manley 500 monos also running the KT90 tubes. Tube power, man!
Hi-Fi Listening Room Transformation
March 16, 2025 Comments Off on Hi-Fi Listening Room Transformation
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