Audiophilepure

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0423/Dan_DAgostino_Progression_S350_Amplifier_Review.htm

I also must stress that most of the time when listening to this album, I was luxuriating in the sensation of being enveloped by the music on Led Zeppelin II, a recording that I must have heard a thousand times previous to that day. Despite this, before the D’Agostino S350 was in my system, I don’t remember ever having the experience of whipping my head around because I thought I heard something entering my listening room from its far corner. Of course, I’d quickly realize this was a tambourine or other percussion instrument entering the perimeter of the huge soundstage.

The frequency extremes the Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems S350 reproduced were extraordinary; never before have I heard a treble sound so extended yet so natural sounding. I’ve had experience with tube amps that had a seductive treble, one that sounded as if it possessed the gestalt of the real thing. Still, the S350 came close to doing this, but at the same time, no amplifier I’ve previously auditioned gave me the impression that I was hearing as close to what was exactly on the signal feeding it. Transparency is the name of the game, and the D’Agostino Progression S350 sound quality possessed what I would call, without exaggerating, the epitome of transparency.

After the D’Agostino S350 was in my system for a while, I never became accustomed to its supernatural sound. Never before have I had a component in my system that made each musical selections, regardless of how many times I’ve heard it before, sound as if I’ve never really heard it. I could use this amplifier to demonstrate every audiophile characteristic that one would desire, frequency extension, transient response, micro and macro dynamics, soundstage, imaging, etc.

In my review of the Mk2, I suggested that Heaven 11 upgrade the RCA input jacks, but it appears for the sake of affordability they are unchanged. The company might have to retool the chassis for such a change, so I can see why they have not done so. Still, I hope that in the future with new designs such an improvement is employed. Does that issue put me off from using the Mk2 or Mk3? Absolutely not! I have had other components with similar RCA jacks. The firmness of the connection is not confidence inspiring, but it never seems to affect the operation. Thankfully, the company is putting the money into serious speaker posts, and the ones used in the Mk2 and Mk3 are exemplary! The heavy posts inspire confidence when heavier cords with spades are cinched down. Far better the speaker posts are strong than the other way around.

As it appears a similar chassis was used for the Mk3, there is still quite close spacing of the output posts, and larger spades are closely anchored. Thus, I continue my precautionary practice of slipping a piece of leather (any non-conducting material will do) between the posts and spades to ensure that if one is loosened it does not contact the other. We know what would happen then, and I take no chances with a class D amp’s output channels shorting. The spades have never come loose previously; the posts are very good. But I am not about to chance it. It may seem odd, then, that I go about system building by splitting digital signals out from sources and horizontally wiring pairs of integrated amplifiers to speakers! While these are odd methods, I have not found them to pose serious risk to components. If they did, I wouldn’t use such methods. As usual, such activities are “do at your own risk”.

Schiit offers all their products with the possibility of returning it within fifteen days, provided you pay a restocking fee. The restocking fee varies throughout the product line. For the Vidar 2 its 5%. Okay, that’s not the same as a free trial. For a black Vidar 2, without Forkbeard, it would be a $40 trial plus the shipping to send it back. Maybe not an easy pill to swallow if you’re not liking the product. Maybe audio equipment reviews serve a purpose after all. Also, I think it would be a challenge to have the amp completely broken-in during that time.

Nonetheless, I think there’s a good chance you will like the product. The Vidar 2 is not a giant killer sound-wise, but it does nibble at the ankles and even knees of giants. When you factor in the price, you could say that it’s handing out some black eyes.

I was comparing the Vidar 2 to a more-than 6x more expensive Parasound, which is by no means fair, but it does illustrate a point: there isn’t much in the price range of Schitt components. Even the less-expensive Parasound amps don’t get down to the price range of the Vidar 2. In the used market, your choices would be: limited, unlikely to be bridge-able (for mono mode) and out of warranty.   

https://pt.audio/2026/04/05/woo-audio-wa300-bal-review/

The Woo Audio WA300-BAL brings the ease of mind that allows you to fully imagine the replication of your favorite artist. It also sneaks in some of that intangible energy that exists in-between the notes. It feels both high-end and luxurious. The design looks might be polarizing for some, as might the two volume pots, but in execution everything just worked. That goes double for the sonics. The only real crime here is that more of the audiophile population will not be able to lay their ears on this engaging sound. I highly recommend swinging by an audio show or dealer to check it out if you are in the market. Very well done and highly recommended.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/onkyo-p-80m-80-prepower-amps

As expected, it’s a performance packed with rousing orchestral themes to get the M-80’s juices flowing, but the system also impressed with the delicate clarinet and harp of ‘Stargazer’, from Steven Spielberg’s E.T., before the arrival of massed strings. Once again, the P-80 had the resolving ability to uncover little nuances, just as the M-80 had the power reserves to rise to the occasion for the ‘Imperial March’ from Star Wars. Like the best hi-fi stacks of the past, Onkyo’s new pre/power is a thrilling combination.

https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/wattson_audio_madison.htm

Although the Madison streamer and amplifier were primarily auditioned as a pair, I also evaluated each component independently. Compared with my BorderPatrol DAC, the Madison Streamer offered greater resolution and more precise image placement. Bass was tighter, though not necessarily deeper, while the BorderPatrol produced a warmer, fuller low end. The BorderPatrol’s prominent second-harmonic character imparted a lush presentation, whereas the Madison streamer sounded cleaner and more neutral. While I generally preferred the Madison’s accuracy, I continued to enjoy the BorderPatrol’s overtly musical voicing.

I know the Marantz MODEL 10 is based on modern technology with some nods to history. This fact alone may make some of my audiophile friends a little skeptical about this integrated amplifier. To that, I say, “Do not fear this Class D amplifier.” I say this because Marantz’s team has been working overtime to make this amp sing with the best that are out there. And the team at Marantz has a little bit of experience getting the most out of these things.

The Marantz MODEL 10 is packed with innovative and thoughtful technologies, such as PURIFI-designed amp modules that have been tuned and manufactured by Marantz, and takes no prisoners when it comes to the engineering and execution behind the amplifier’s industrial design. This is the highest expression of Marantz’s modern amplifier design, technology, and manufacturing skills.

The Marantz MODEL 10 isn’t inexpensive, and it will be up to each individual to assess its value in their system. For me, it would be well worth the investment to get a product that is above reproach on almost all counts.

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/nad-c-3030

This new NAD amplifier is an interesting purchasing proposition. It is not – out and out – the finest-sounding design at its price point, yet it’s probably the best all-round package. Obviously many audiophiles will love the retro styling, but this isn’t a gimmick because the user interface is excellent. With no messing around with touchscreens and menus, you can get whatever you want done with it instantly.

There are enough inputs for modern audiophiles, although a coaxial input would have been nice. Its phono stage and Bluetooth features are well implemented and its audio engineering delivers a smooth and engaging sound that’s hard to fault at the price. All this means the C 3030 makes a great case for itself to budget-conscious buyers. Rather than being just a gimmick, its retro styling really adds to the overall experience.