Moon by Simaudio Evolution 860A Stereo Amplifier $15,000 Review
August 7, 2017 Comments Off on Moon by Simaudio Evolution 860A Stereo Amplifier $15,000 Review
” Looking back, I think that maybe I’ve been a bit too effusive in my praise of Simaudio’s Moon Evolution 860A. But I’ve listened to more music in the last few months than I have in maybe the last year. The last few additions to my system have been fortuitous: JE Audio’s HP10 phono stage, the Moon 860A, and now Pro-Ject’s RPM 10 Carbon turntable (review forthcoming) are working together so very well that, down here in my basement, I’m experiencing a bit of an audio renaissance.”
Margules Group U-280sc “Black” Amplifier $6,000 Review
August 2, 2017 Comments Off on Margules Group U-280sc “Black” Amplifier $6,000 Review
” As much as I like the “Black” in triode mode one of the amp’s strengths is how good it sounded in the ultra-linear mode. This gives one the opportunity to own a Class A amp that can drive rather inefficient speakers. I should also mention this amp brought out the best of a very good digital source. Some might say that means it is a forgiving amp, but I’d rather say that somehow it lets you hear the best of the source as long as it is a good musical source.”
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Emotiva XPA Gen3 two-channel power amplifier $999 Review
July 31, 2017 Comments Off on Emotiva XPA Gen3 two-channel power amplifier $999 Review
” The Gen3’s front panel is simple and attractive, in an anthropomorphic way. The halo ring-light of its standby/on button, surmounted by two status LEDs, makes it look like a “wow” emoji. All three front-panel lights are activated by the rear-panel on/off rocker switch next to the IEC power-cord socket; above which is an oversize circuit-breaker button and a tiny switch, labeled Status LEDs, for turning off the front-panel eyes/status indicators. Each of the Gen3’s amplifier modules (two for stereo) has switch-selectable unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, and a pair of five-way speaker binding posts.
Cary Audio AiOS INTEGRATED AMP/DAC $2,995 REVIEWS
July 30, 2017 Comments Off on Cary Audio AiOS INTEGRATED AMP/DAC $2,995 REVIEWS
“If you spend more money than the Cary AiOS, and you spend that money on separate pieces of hi-fi and the cables you’ll need to connect everything (not to mention any connectivity and power supply upgrades and tweaks), you can get better sound. If you want one box that is truly all-in-one, meaning all one need do is connect it to your network and your speakers and serve and/or stream away, the Cary AiOS checks off all of the boxes.”
Audio Research GSi75 Integrated Amplifier $16,000 Review
July 27, 2017 Comments Off on Audio Research GSi75 Integrated Amplifier $16,000 Review
“The $16,000 price tag may stun a few at first, but when you realize what the team at ARC has packed inside the GSi75, and the fact that you don’t have to buy three sets of interconnects and power cords, it’s an amazing bargain – for the right customer. Because everything is inside and there is no preamp out, this is either a piece you will live with forever, or the upgrade bug will sour you. A cursory survey of a few friends with mega ARC systems reveals more than one have bought a GSi75 as the core of their second system, or vacation home system and are thrilled.”
Ampsandsound Agartha Vacuum Tube Stereo Amplifier And Headamp $3600 Review
July 24, 2017 Comments Off on Ampsandsound Agartha Vacuum Tube Stereo Amplifier And Headamp $3600 Review
“The only real knock on the headphone output is the relatively high amount of background noise. There was a distinct transformer buzz that was quite audible when music wasn’t playing. It was easily drowned out by music, but still faintly noticeable if you were really, really zoned-in on it. If you don’t need the world’s blackest background this should be just fine, and I think the amplifier’s many positive traits definitely outweigh this negative, but some people demand absolute silence from their amplifier, and those folks would likely be a bit annoyed by this hum,”
Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 Mk. II Power Amplifier $5800 Review
July 22, 2017 Comments Off on Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 Mk. II Power Amplifier $5800 Review
“I’ve left the best for last. My gut-level reaction to a particular audio component is driven by its dynamics, its ability to coax the full spectrum of emotional nuance from a given recording. It starts with microdynamic nuances, and these the ZOTL40 was able to convincingly bring back to life. It didn’t shy away from giving full scope of expression to macrodynamics, either. When the occasion demanded, each orchestral climax was reproduced with plenty of startle factor. But keep in mind that the ZOTL40 is nominally a 40Wpc amplifier and should therefore ideally be matched with speakers of at least 88dB sensitivity, unless you’re happy to listen in a small room at low-volume levels.”
Schiit Launches A New Power Amplifier $700 – The Vidar
July 19, 2017 Comments Off on Schiit Launches A New Power Amplifier $700 – The Vidar
“The class AB amplifier is an interesting proposition given a market where class D topology tends to be the leaning option at this price point. Given Schitt’s large impact in the personal audio space, it will worth keeping an eye out for how everything comes together for this new 2 channel wallet-friendly option. You can check out all the extra details on the site, and as of today the rare-for-Schiit black finish is still available to order.”
LAMM M1.2 REFERENCE HYBRID POWER AMPLIFIERS $27,590/pair REVIEW
July 18, 2017 Comments Off on LAMM M1.2 REFERENCE HYBRID POWER AMPLIFIERS $27,590/pair REVIEW
“The utmost challenge for any high end audio product is to convey transparency and act as via medium of the purest and unaltered music delivery. This might sounds simple, but in reality such a pursuit is a highly complex one. Especially when it comes to power amplifiers where one cannot avoid some of the structural modules and electronic parts.”
Fluxion AV-7 Single-Ended 6C33C Amplifier Review
July 13, 2017 Comments Off on Fluxion AV-7 Single-Ended 6C33C Amplifier Review
” Mr. Ahn also thoroughly stress tests each of his amps when he completes them. And with respect to testing, it should be noted: Mr. Ahn is a firm believer in measurements. His lab is full of test equipment, and he places a higher emphasis on getting solid measurable results, and prefers to leave the listening comments to the end user. This is part and parcel of his EE background”
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