Audiophilepure

https://www.stereophile.com/content/dan-dagostino-master-audio-systems-relentless-line-preamplifier

After a walk with my dear friend Anna Frank, who some months back spent time alone with Pink Floyd in my music room, I invited her to take another listen to the 2023 50th Anniversary remaster of The Dark Side of the Moon (24/192 FLAC, Legacy Recordings/ Qobuz). After declaring that the impending doom of “On the Run” left her short of breath, she reported that she heard elements of hi-hat, keys, and bass lines that she had “actually not noticed before.” Individual instruments sounded crisper and more location-specific, and the album’s concluding heartbeat had a lower depth of tone than heard previously. “I’ve listened to this album 100+ times, but I loved this listen more than any,” Anna declared.

I felt similarly when I turned to a beloved fave, the final movement of Mahler Symphony No.4 performed by soprano Kathleen Battle and the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Lorin Maazel (16/44.1 MQA, Sony (Columbia)/Tidal). The expanse and warmth of the hall, the natural acoustic surrounding the voice, and every small vocal nuance stood out as never before. For an alternative to the Mahler heavies, play this movement and the rest of the Fourth Symphony and discover a succession of rare instances when Mahler allowed himself to be happy for more than a few minutes at a time.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/grimm-audio-mu2-streaming-preamplifier

The Grimm MU2 is a bang-up success. It combines cutting-edge digital processing and digital-to-analog conversion with a Roon Core and a remarkably transparent volume control and input/ output selector. It would be an ideal central element in a sophisticated stereo system in which streaming and file playback are the most important music sources but where other sources, analog or digital, are supported without compromise. The MU2 is not inexpensive, but it offers completely satisfying sound and flawless ergonomics. It is worthy of the very best amplifiers, speakers, and critical listeners.

Pass Labs XP-32 Line Level Preamplifier | REVIEW

Colburn, an audio veteran, built his first amplifier when he was thirteen. It was for his younger brother’s Gibson guitar. His brother had spent all his money on the instrument and couldn’t afford an amp, so Wayne went to the local Radio Shack and started soldering from a kit and other things. He hasn’t stopped building electronics or looking for ways to improve audio equipment since. In college, he studied consumer electronics and broadcast gear for radio. And, in 1989, while working for General Electric’s radio division, he spotted what was a now famed “help wanted” ad placed by Nelson Pass in a trade journal. “High Pay No Work All Glory,” the ad said, regarding openings for audio enthusiasts with analog technical skills and experience constructing prototype audio equipment. “Apply to Nelson Pass, Threshold Corp.” and it gave the address of its original Auburn, California location

The VAC Renaissance SE continues to amaze me during every listening opportunity. Regardless of the musical genre, I find myself totally enraptured as I slowly but surely work my way through many of my favorite LPs. The late night listening sessions have been plentiful, but also very satisfying. Build quality, functionality, aesthetics, performance—the Renaissance SE has it all in spades! If your budget is anywhere near the $14,000 MSRP, this is a must audition. Even at twice this budget or more, this is a must audition. Highly recommended!

https://www.stereophile.com/content/eversolo-dmp-a8-streaming-preamplifier

Photos of the unit’s exceptionally well-organized innards reveal two power supplies, one linear, one switching. Eversolo says this approach eliminates “interference and noise between the system circuit and the audio circuit.” The linear PSU circuit consists of a multi-winding toroidal transformer “designed to match the characteristics of analog audio circuits.” The switching power supply, meanwhile, is tailored for the system circuit, where it aims to reduce “ripple and magnetic leakage interference,” theoretically resulting in increased purity of sound. The A8 autosenses the voltage coming from the wall and adapts accordingly: You can use it in the US or overseas without flicking a manual switch.