Vintage Tubes 101: Are They Magic or Myth?

June 6, 2025 Comments Off on Vintage Tubes 101: Are They Magic or Myth?

Would DSD sound better than tape?

May 26, 2025 Comments Off on Would DSD sound better than tape?

Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 mains distribution block Review

May 18, 2025 Comments Off on Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 mains distribution block Review

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/chord-company-powerhaus-p6-mains-distribution-block

The 13A mains plugs in my system are held very tightly by the PowerHAUS P6 and are noticeably more secure than the sprung metal strip connections provided by the sockets of a standard mains block. My only quibble is that having the 16A IEC mains input socket on the top makes it a bit cumbersome when you plug in the mains lead, but that may not be a problem in all setups. In comparison with a standard mains block, I am conscious of a lower noise floor when using the PowerHAUS P6. With a lovely recording of Jupiter from Holtz’s The Planets Suite performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the quiet transition into the music of the stately section seems clearer and I can sense more of the detail in the flutes. In summary, the reasonably priced PowerHAUS P6 is beautifully made and is a very high-quality mains power block. NR

 k.d. lang’s All-Analog Ingénue

May 8, 2025 Comments Off on  k.d. lang’s All-Analog Ingénue

https://www.stereophile.com/content/revinylization-64-kd-langs-all-analog-ing%C3%A9nue

Opening with strummed guitars and accordion, “Constant Craving,” the only radio hit of lang’s solo career, won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. As Ingénue‘s closing statement, it seems absolutely right, eloquently embodying the searching and desiring that energize the album.

Did Ingénue single-handedly create a new genre—one that no one else could follow because they lacked lang’s monumental vocal prowess and versatility? Perhaps. Whatever its larger significance, this was clearly a peak moment in a musical career that remains unique, an album utterly unlike anything else made before or since. It has never sounded better.

The most expensive music format (in the world)

April 29, 2025 Comments Off on The most expensive music format (in the world)

Infigo Audio Streamer Model IS-1 Review

April 21, 2025 Comments Off on Infigo Audio Streamer Model IS-1 Review

https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/3/3/infigo-1

To isolate the streamer from external vibrations, the Cryogen has four footers, which are disks that you attach with (3) small ball bearings between. Instead of standard stainless steel bearings, the Cryogen model comes with beautiful blue sapphire gems (yes, real ones). You attach them (patiently/carefully) when you set up the unit; they come in small velvet sacks and are pre-sized to be equal. I did not experiment with swapping them out for stainless steel ones for a sound comparison; attaching the bearings is a bit dicey—I did not want to be chasing after rolling sapphires in my home!

HumminGuruNovav Review

April 16, 2025 Comments Off on HumminGuruNovav Review

180g 45rpm 4LP Vinyl Reissue of Buena Vista Social Club: Where Outstanding Performances

April 15, 2025 Comments Off on 180g 45rpm 4LP Vinyl Reissue of Buena Vista Social Club: Where Outstanding Performances

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/analogue-productions%E2%80%99-180g-45rpm-4lp-vinyl-reissue-buena-vista-social-club-where-outstanding

I know I was feeling that while working on my portion of our recent three-man review of the 200g 45rpm 2LP UHQR edition of Steely Dan’s March 1975 ABC classic Katy Lied (click here in case you missed our team review), the core album’s 2LP expansion in the 2023 3LP edition of Los Lobos’ May 1992 masterpiece on Slash, Kiko (click here for that review), and the aforementioned Skylarking 2LPs-at-45rpm set. Another classic album — Elvis Costello and The Attractions’ February 1980 Columbia LP Get Happy!! — benefits greatly from the multidisc treatment, breaking its original 20-song single LP into five songs per side across a 2015 2LP set from UMe (as was also done on its previous 2011 2LP offering from Mobile Fidelity).

Audiolab DC-Block 6 Review

April 12, 2025 Comments Off on Audiolab DC-Block 6 Review

IsoAcoustics Delos 2216W1 Turntable Isolation Platform

April 9, 2025 Comments Off on IsoAcoustics Delos 2216W1 Turntable Isolation Platform

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1266-isoacoustics-delos-2216w1-turntable-isolation-platform

Which platform works best for you would likely depend on your specific rig, and the physical configuration of your room. Since my rack sits on a concrete slab, I obviously don’t have issues with floor-borne vibrations. If your room has a sprung floor, I would wager that the suspension of the Delos would make the IsoAcoustics more effective than the suspensionless Mitmat.

Both platforms delivered imaging benefits, but the Mitmat pulled slightly ahead here, helping to place instruments in space with just a little bit more precision. On the other hand, I found the dynamic improvements delivered by the Delos to be of tremendous value. Once I’d become accustomed to the need to adapt my listening levels, the Delos helped make the music jump out of the speakers in a most endearing manner.

But where the Delos soared was in its exceptional control of the bass and the bass-related oddities that infest the analog reproduction chain. For sound quality, you’ll have to make your own decision, as both platforms have their merits. But in my system, the Delos won out. And with its lower price, the Delos is also the winner for value.

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