SAE 2HP-D power amplifier $19,995 – Review
October 6, 2016 Comments Off on SAE 2HP-D power amplifier $19,995 – Review
“Superclean, ultrafast, and artifact-free, with exciting transient clarity? Yes. The rich midrange, expansive midbass, and generous sustain that warmly linger when listening to the LP? No. The SAE 2HP-D’s sound was more like that of the exotic sports cars Morris Kessler was selling when DAK bought SAE from Giorgio Moroder in 1989, and less like that era’s softly sprung Cadillac sedans.”
DAVID BERNING COMPANY 211/845 POWER AMPLIFIER $75,000 REVIEW
October 5, 2016 Comments Off on DAVID BERNING COMPANY 211/845 POWER AMPLIFIER $75,000 REVIEW
“Finally, I’d like to note that these impressions of the 211/845 were made with the Constellation Altair 2 linestage feeding the Berning, which, given my description of the system here, speaks volumes about that linestage’s transparency. I drove the 211/845 directly from the Berkeley Alpha Reference DAC Series 2 as well, but preferred the sound with the Altair 2 in the chain.”
AAVIK ACOUSTICS U-300 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER $30,000 – REVIEW
October 4, 2016 Comments Off on AAVIK ACOUSTICS U-300 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER $30,000 – REVIEW
” I have taken pains, so far, to avoid a detailed comparison of the U-300 with my reference tube gear. I can’t say that the Aavik sounds like tubes, but neither can I say that it sounds solid-state. It sounds like music. Perhaps it is not quite as full-bodied or three-dimensional as competitive tube gear, but it is close enough to be totally satisfying on the broadest range of music. And it is so fast, and so black of background, that it leaves much tube gear in its wake. Moreover, finding tube preamps and power amps that will drive the 20.7s with the ease and alacrity of the Aavik is not an easy or inexpensive undertaking. The U-300 is the first solid-state preamp and amp combination I have auditioned, in my own system, that offers a fully satisfying alternative to high-powered tubes.”
Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Integrated Amplifier Review
October 2, 2016 Comments Off on Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Integrated Amplifier Review
” What I love about the sound is the balance and timbral accuracy. Look, there’s no way an aesthete like Jeff Rowland is going to allow anything in his kit that isn’t first class. At the price and logistics, I’m sure he made some compromises. But you’ll be hard pressed to find them under day to day listening conditions.”
Questyle Dual Mono Reference System Price: $12,495 Review
October 1, 2016 Comments Off on Questyle Dual Mono Reference System Price: $12,495 Review
“No less impressive is the performance of bassist Tommy Shannon. The Questyle Golden stack captures the intent behind his performance masterfully, in terms of both resolution and dynamics – laying back a bit on the bass, always ensuring Stevie remains the center of attention, pushing where it is needed, but taking care never to step out of turn. Gaining so much insight into such a nuanced background performance says quite a bit about the excellent resolution and powerful dynamics the system has to offer. It is truly something special.”
Recommended Components: Fall 2016 Edition
October 1, 2016 Comments Off on Recommended Components: Fall 2016 Edition
Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. Whether a component is listed in Class A or Class E, we highly recommend its purchase.
Each listing—in alphabetical order within classes—is followed by a brief description of the product’s sonic characteristics and a code indicating the Stereophile Volume and Issue in which that product’s report appeared. Thus the May 2016 issue is indicated as “Vol.39 No.5.”
Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 300 Integrated Amplifier-DAC €17,600 Review
September 20, 2016 Comments Off on Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 300 Integrated Amplifier-DAC €17,600 Review
“I expected Gryphon’s übermasculine he-amp to sound boorish and something of a lout, with punctuated highs and overemphatic bass. But the Diablo 300 had all the grace and finesse of a ballet dancer. Like a Navy Seal who joins a seniors’ book club, or a lumberjack addicted to yoga, the incongruity was almost risible. That’s not to say that the demonic Dane was too kind to recordings. No, Gryphon’s flagship integrated expressed itself quite comfortably.”
FIRST WATT AMPLIFIERS BY NELSON PASS F7 REVIEW
September 20, 2016 Comments Off on FIRST WATT AMPLIFIERS BY NELSON PASS F7 REVIEW
“Solo soprano exhibited plenty of energy and presence via the J2/Druid pairing. Perhaps there wasn’t quite the sense of silky smoothness I heard when using the SIT-1s, but the extension and presence were greatly appreciated and enjoyed. The J2 also did a fine job of letting the microdynamics of the female voice shine through, as I easily registered those slight variations in tone, texture, and volume that a really good vocalist can call upon when required. Oh, and the massed choral voices …. Oh my”
Bryston Limited 4B³ Stereo Power Amplifier Review
September 19, 2016 Comments Off on Bryston Limited 4B³ Stereo Power Amplifier Review
“Much of what makes these qualities stand out is the superb quietude the amp exudes. No mechanical or electrical artifacts intrude on the listening experience. No hum or faint buzzing clouds the sonic picture. Superbly low distortion levels allow the amp to capture tonal signatures fully intact, meaning that one needn’t sacrifice accurate tonal reproduction for maximum detail retrieval. The 4B³ lets listeners have their cake and eat it too.”
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