Audiophilepure

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“Yes, for a moment, I thought I could sell off my expensive reference system and run away with a few dollars and live a simple life. And, no, I would not do that. At least not with the Pioneers. But, for $699 for the Vidar, $129 for the Pioneers (plus stands), and a source, the sound was exceptional. The Vidar is like being around smart people—it’s easier to make points, be understood, and have engaging conversations that leave one delighted. And, it’s also able to distinguish lesser from better.”

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“The results were intriguing and somewhat surprising. The INT-250 showed it’s flexibility and was an excellent match for both speakers. I was concerned that the INT-250 and Strad combination would be just “too much chocolate in the pudding” and that it would tire the senses over time. This was not the case at all as I quickly settled in on this duo for many many extended listening sessions of pure joy. Though there was excellent synergy at all frequencies, it was the bass performance that got my attention. The Strads can really deliver the thunder with the right amplifier. The INT-250 proved to be up to the challenge.”

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“No device is perfect. But aside from replacing the tubes every so often, an easy matter of removing four screws (two on either side) and then popping out and popping in new tubes – you can’t miss with a little care to where the pins go into the matching sockets – and four screws to re-secure the tube cover. You are back to running like new in less than five minutes! And you could potentially experiment with different brands of tubes to get a slightly different sound quality to the presentation. But I found the factory chosen matching JJ Electronics EL-34 to perform wonderfully.”

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” If anything, the Aavik U-150 falls into the inviting sounding presentation, although that makes it sound like its a bad thing. Actually, it just makes music sound like it’s the kind of thing you’d want to listen to, rather than analyse. It’s dynamic and exciting, accurate, and yet not bland or sparce. It’s just a damn good amplifier, and a perfect ambassador for Class D.

What the Aavik U-150 does so well (as the U-300 does so well) is deliver a consistent and integrated performance. Some amplifiers are a great DAC with a mediocre amp attached, or a fine line-stage with an afterthought of a phono section. The Aavik platform is none of those things. It is an exciting performer regardless of whether you are using the line stages, the DAC or the phono. And, also like the U-300, the Aavik platform really ties the music together well. Music flows well with Aavik, and the sound easily moves from theme to theme and from beat to beat.”

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“The XA200.8s’ reproduction of air around individual instruments was fine, but through Wilson Audio’s Alexia and Alexia 2 speakers the Progression Monos topped it in the presentation of the entire acoustic spaces of recording venues. The D’Agostino also excelled in dynamic contrast—hardly a surprise, given the Progression Mono’s greater power into these 4 ohm Wilson speakers: 1000W vs the XA200.8’s 400W.”