Audiophilepure

https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/mcintosh-ma8950

The MA8950 is a hugely impressive amplifier. McIntosh’s high-end experience shines through both in the thorough execution of the product and the way in which such a wide range of features have been so seamlessly integrated. We have slight misgivings about some aspects such as the remote handset and front panel control feel, but they are not enough to overshadow what is a very fine effort. Looking for a high-power integrated amplifier to cover any and all two-channel requirements? This one deserves to be high on the list.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1678-minidsp-shd-power-integrated-amplifier-dac

Those differences became more apparent when driving the MartinLogan loudspeakers in my main system. The miniDSP was able to drive the hybrid-electrostatic ESL 9s with greater ease than the Lyngdorf, which struggled to unravel complex passages at high levels. Playing Sting’s My Songs: Special Edition (24/44.1 FLAC, A&M Records / Interscope Records / Qobuz), “Desert Rose” had greater depth and width of soundstage and well-defined imaging of the vocals and instruments with the miniDSP. While the Lyngdorf’s presentation was a little vague, it still had that invitingly smooth Equibit sound. Adding the two JLA E‑Sub e112 subwoofers to the mix tipped the scales in favor of the Lyngdorf. While both amps benefited from the addition of the subs, the effect on the Lyngdorf, now freed of the requirement of amplifying the lower frequencies, was truly transformative. The mids and highs remained smooth and inviting but were more sharply focused. The synthesizer sounds and vocalizations of Sting and Cheb Mami swirled effortlessly between the speakers with wonderful openness, warmth, and coherence. The miniDSP too sounded better with the subs, but the soundstage did not open up as fully—the voices and instruments remaining more closely grouped together, and the sound remaining a little cool and not as lush.

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/primare-i2s-prisma

Some amps sound great and have fine powers of resolution and separation but show a tendency to homogenise, making contrasts – both bold and subtle – seem more similar than they should. The I25’s sound, conversely, cleaves towards a valued high-end ability to discriminate with meticulous care, not just in broad strokes but also in the finest detail. James Taylor’s latest album, American Standard, while hardly a stretch for the folksy balladeer and in danger of familiarity overkill, sounds more involving and emotionally invested than you’d credit, simple as that.

Clarity, speed, grip, strong dynamics, neutral tonality – the Primare has all its hi-fi ducks perfectly aligned in a row. But this counts for little if it fails to communicate the intention behind the playing and, again, we’re back in high-end territory. Irrespective of source – whether streaming the smooth soul of Anita Baker’s Sweet Love on Tidal or playing the densely layered musical complexities of Pat Metheny’s Imaginary Day on CD – the Primare combines impeccable timing with tight focus and a firm grasp of microdynamics, which does wonders for its ability to resolve nuance and inflection. It offers strong in-room presence where performers and instruments are portrayed with body and dimensionality in a truly spacious soundstage.

I had to remember that this was an amplifier designed to run electrostatic speakers effortlessly, so well does this amplifier drive dynamic loudspeakers; even loudspeakers with seemingly ‘punishing’ impedance loads. In fact, the load of a conventional speaker presents a much easier challenge to the Magtech. If you get the chance to demo the Sanders Sound Systems Magtech power amplifier you should take advantage of that opportunity. Like other products in the Sanders line, the Magtech amplifier is a remarkable piece of kit that deserves more attention from the press than it gets and comes very highly recommended.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reference-components/1684-recommended-reference-component-gryphon-audio-designs-apex-stereo-amplifier

The combination of size, weight, and price of the Apex Stereo means that it can only appeal to a select group of buyers—those who can afford it, but also don’t mind how big it is, how much it weighs, and how much heat its class-A output generates. Certainly, the Apex Stereo requires commitment from its owner—and a pair of Apex Monos more so. But it’s understandable why many would be drawn to this amp. Near the end of his review, Jeff wrote that he “expected greatness” from Gryphon’s latest flagship, but the “magnitude of improvement” over previous models he’s auditioned was “transformative.” Jeff concluded: “The Gryphon Audio Designs Apex Stereo is the most impressive electronic component I’ve yet reviewed.”

Having owned the original Ragnarok for a number of years, I remember rather well what it sounds like; I’m not sure that the differences between the two generations are enormous in that regard but I did think that the Ragnarok 2 delivered plenty of punch when called for but with good dynamics so quiet passages remained so.

I know that EIC Ian White disagrees with my assessment that the Ragnarok 2 is like a straight wire with gain; offering very little sound of its own. We’re both using rather transparent sounding loudspeakers so I doubt that we’re hearing the Ragnarok 2 on very different playing fields.

He finds the Ragnarok 2 to be slightly darker sounding and softer in the bass with his Magnepan LRS; he’s also comparing it to the $6,499 Cambridge Audio Edge A which is a lot more powerful than the Ragnarok 2 and far better at controlling the panels of the LRS with much less effort.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-su-g700m2-integrated-amplifier

At the beginning of this review, I was determined to find the similarities and differences between the Technics SU-G700M2 Grand Class integrated amplifier and its powerhouse kin, the Technics SU-R1000 Reference Class Stereo Integrated Amplifier. I took note of its similar components, similar specs, and the like. But midway through the review process, I forgot the past and got caught up in the present—in listening to music.

I enjoyed the Technics’s digital playback—even more its rendering of vinyl records via its authoritative phono stage. The G700M2 is a warm-blooded, even-keeled, dynamic, capable amplifier. Offering ample power, robust build, and good value, the Technics SU-G700M2 Grand Class integrated amplifier sounded great in my reference system. If $2699 is in your comfort zone, the G700M2 offers exceptional bang for your hard-earned bucks.