Audiophilepure

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/copland-cta407

Stereo imaging is expansive. There is admirable precision in the way this amplifier locates instruments from left to right while also layering them convincingly when it comes to depth. Few rivals we’ve heard can transport us to the recording venue so easily.

We are pleased to report that the built-in phono stage is a good one. As we listen to a range of music, from Mary J Blige’s No More Drama and Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, it becomes clear that this phono circuit mirrors the ability of the line stages well. Its sonic character remains pleasingly balanced, controlled and revealing. We have no issues with excessive hum or high levels of background noise, which suggests a careful implementation of the phono stage circuitry.

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano

That said, the Nano struggles more when it comes to providing a piece with sufficient dynamic perceptiveness to turn a pretty painting into an incomparable masterwork. Easygoing and robust as You And Whose Army? sounds through the Bluesound, it’s hard to escape the lack of drama that ensues as the track builds toward its supposed climax, with the titchy streamer tending to smooth over dramatic crescendos and decrescendos, to the detriment of a song’s emotional impact.

It’s easily beatable for rhythmic capabilities, too. That smooth nature could be less charitably described as a little leaden, and it’s certainly true that much of the sonic momentum of Hans Zimmer’s Up Is Down from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is cast overboard and lost in Davy Jones’ proverbial locker. Core rhythmic patterns are often poorly conveyed, a deficit that shows up particularly starkly when listening out for the distinctive drum pattern on Born To Die. Squint your ears and you’ll detect it, but it requires noticeable effort on the part of the listener. If you want more rhythmic snap and insight, the cheaper WiiM Pro Plus would be the logical alternative.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/moon-861-stereomono-power-amplifier

That’s the “revolutionary” bit. In addition, the size of the 861’s power supply and chassis have increased, as have output power and weight. Its dual-mono design, balanced circuitry, low-impedance proprietary Moon output transistors, and parts quality are similar to its predecessor’s. To meet European safety standards and allow a more secure fit, the company has replaced WBT binding posts with Furutech binding posts that accept bigger spades. Currently, however, the narrow opening for spade lugs is only on the bottom. That works well for people who don’t want their speaker wires to show but less well for owners with low racks who want to prevent cabling from touching the floor.