2017 Editors’ Choice: Power Amplifiers $1,000 – $3,000
April 28, 2017 Comments Off on 2017 Editors’ Choice: Power Amplifiers $1,000 – $3,000
“Basic solid-state power amplifiers are not, due to their essential nature (boxes with parts inside), sexy objects that inspire a lot of audiophile lust. The STA200 will never be accused of looking sexy or especially stylish unless you’re into stark minimalism. But if sound quality and solid-state reliability are your primary purchasing criteria, the STA200 should be on your radar. You may not be blown away by the STA200’s looks, but its sound turns it into one sexy beast.”
Accuphase C-3850 Preamplifier and P-7300 Power Amplifier $43,500 Review
April 26, 2017 Comments Off on Accuphase C-3850 Preamplifier and P-7300 Power Amplifier $43,500 Review
” When combined, the C-3850 and P-7300 become the heart of a soulfully solid, bottom-up sounding reproduction system. The solidity of the presentation from multiple sources (music and source equipment) appeared to be palpable in all cases. One of my first observations was the more forceful drive and vigor the Accuphase pair presented. Chris Isaak’s “Kings of the Highway” from the Heart Shaped World LP had the characteristically saturated soundstage it always has but with more expansion of the soundstage in all directions. Additionally, the added presence in the bass and lower midrange gave the music perceptively more powerful drive.”
Jeff Rowland preamps compared – Coherence II, Synergy IIi, Concerto and Corus
April 24, 2017 Comments Off on Jeff Rowland preamps compared – Coherence II, Synergy IIi, Concerto and Corus
“Ultimately it was felt by majority of the group that the Coherence II and the Synergy IIi, both with the BPS + external switching power supply, sounded best. While I shared some of this sentiment, I felt that none of the other amps could match the enormously impressive levels of transparency and resolution of the Corus, and its superb bass sealed the deal for me. I have been on a quest for more neutrality for some time now and for me, the Corus was the winner, even if it marked the start of a different sound signature for the Jeff Rowland brand.”
NEW DAN D’AGOSTINO PROGRESSION STEREO AMPLIFIER $22,000
April 23, 2017 Comments Off on NEW DAN D’AGOSTINO PROGRESSION STEREO AMPLIFIER $22,000
” Abundant power is required for realistic sound quality and is a cornerstone of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems’ amplifier design. The Progression Stereo is conservatively rated at 300 Watts into 8 Ohms and delivers 600 Watts into 4 Ohms, and properly doubles its output again into 2 Ohms, with a 1,200 Watt power output.”‘
Anthem’s STR Integrated Amplifier – Video
April 23, 2017 Comments Off on Anthem’s STR Integrated Amplifier – Video
AURALiC Polaris – REVIEW
April 19, 2017 Comments Off on AURALiC Polaris – REVIEW
“For US$4K, it might be possible (nay, easy) to compile a separates rig that outshines the Polaris. To point this out is to miss the point of AURALiC’s finest offering to date. It also ignores the time suck and cash drain of going mix n match. Like Devialet and Peachtree – and the increasing number of super-integrateds coming to market – their intent is simplicity without audible sacrifice.”
Peachtree Audio Nova150 and Nova300 Review – Video
April 18, 2017 Comments Off on Peachtree Audio Nova150 and Nova300 Review – Video
First Watt F7 Amplifier $3000 Review
April 16, 2017 Comments Off on First Watt F7 Amplifier $3000 Review
“This was accomplished by simplifying the circuit, paying close attention to the selection of parts used in the design, closely guarded assembly techniques, and the final twist of balancing the opposing forces of negative and positive current feedback in the circuit. The result is a 20/30 WPC stereo amplifier that measures respectably well, but can reproduce music in a natural manner, with a degree of authenticity that eludes so many audio components. This amplifier is not the most powerful design in its price bracket, its specifications are not head and shoulders above its competitors, the circuit is not an elegantly complex tour de force, and it is not a weighty beast that is a testament to an overbuilt chassis and power supply. If that is the kind of amplifier you desire, there is no shortage of products out there built in that manne”
AUDIO RESEARCH VT80 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEW
April 15, 2017 Comments Off on AUDIO RESEARCH VT80 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEW
“If you’re like my friend, Walter, who buys quality, and then keeps it virtually forever, the amortized “per year” cost of the VT80 becomes insignificant. However, it bears saying that the majority of us won’t ever be in the market for an $8,000 amplifier however good it might be. But before you make that decision, and if the price is even remotely affordable to you, find an Audio Research dealer and listen to this amplifier. Given its extremely high-quality construction, amazing sound, and consistently high resale value, you might just change your mind. Before you spend any fraction approaching 50% of the price of this amplifier, you owe it to yourself to at least hear the Audio Research VT80 tube amp. It’s that good.”
ANALOG DOMAIN M75D MKII INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
April 13, 2017 Comments Off on ANALOG DOMAIN M75D MKII INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
” Properly executed electronic engineering is always awarded with potent results. By combining highly contemplated, daring and profound ideas along with with proper high end audio engineering, something different and wonderfully sounding can be formed.”
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