McIntosh C2800 Review
November 29, 2024 Comments Off on McIntosh C2800 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/mcintosh-c2800
The more I used the C2800, the more I came to appreciate its blend of clarity and focus. Some might prefer a preamp with a simpler specification, or perhaps the multiband equaliser that’s writ large across the solid-state C55, but I have to admit I didn’t use its subtle tone controls beyond a brief period of experimentation to explore their effect. Frankly, I was more than happy with the basic rightness of the C2800’s sound, and the way so much functionality has been packed in seemingly with no deleterious effect on the performance.
‘Real-world’ isn’t a description many would apply to a product costing the thick end of £12,000, and probably requiring a similar amount to be invested in power amplification. However, I think what McIntosh has got here is an exceptional valve preamp with excellent performance, all the inputs almost anyone could ever want, and no sign of valve quirkiness to frighten the horses.
VPI Scout 21 Turntable
November 28, 2024 Comments Off on VPI Scout 21 Turntable
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/vpi-scout-21-turntable
Through the VPI Scout 21/VPI Shyla combo, I marveled at the fresh-scrubbed sonic details, and perhaps better instrument placement, than the Giles Martin mixes. I’ve never heard Beatles tracks so cleanly remastered with excellent back-to-front layering, and with a level of exacting placement and imaging within the mixes that brought new revelations, track after track. The Scout 21 let The Beatles’ eternal good vibrations shine through, from the deep-toned guitar goodness of “Day Tripper” (LP2, Side Three, Track 4) and the glowing introspection of “In My Life” (LP2, Side Four, Track 2) to the bleary-eyed, seemingly lost-at-sea daydreaming of “I’m Only Sleeping” (LP3, Side Six, Track 3). The Scout 21 made it all dead-eye clear and wide-eyes resplendent.
iFi ZEN CAN 3 $229 Review
November 28, 2024 Comments Off on iFi ZEN CAN 3 $229 Review
The ZEN CAN 3 is iFi’s 2024 update to the ZEN CAN series. Priced at $229, this dedicated desktop amplifier features a similar Class A circuitry iFi designed for the flagship iCAN Phantom. It comes with XBass+, XSpace, Movie, and Game Modes. Unlike digital DSP adjustments, the ZEN CAN 3’s modes are done within analog circuitry, keeping sound manipulation purely analog. The amp is powerful enough for many cans and IEMs on the market, and we’ll also pair it with the ZEN DAC 3 to evaluate it in this review. Without further ado, here are the specs & highlights of the ZEN CAN 3 below.
Fyne Audio F1-8S Loudspeaker $18,000 Review
November 27, 2024 Comments Off on Fyne Audio F1-8S Loudspeaker $18,000 Review
So, for a loudspeaker that does so many things well, are there any downsides to the F1-8S? Well, the Fyne is not a laid-back loudspeaker. Don’t get me wrong, the F1-8S is not forward or obstreperous in demeanor, but it made every musical performance an event, one that left me no option but to engage with the musical message. For those seeking a loudspeaker that blends into the background, the Fyne may be interpreted as being a little overly energetic. But, the F1-8S has a trick up its sleeve, namely those crossover Energy and Presence controls. With careful adjustment of one or both controls, the user can dial in the condign amount of soundstage perspective and/or treble vivacity. It’s this variability that affords the Fyne a level of flexibility not available with other loudspeakers.
Heroically constructed, with an exceptional fit-and-finish, the Fyne Audio F1-8S is a handcrafted masterpiece. More than that, the F1-8S is a sonic tour-de-force. With superior resolving powers, holographic imaging, and tonality that is spot-on neutral, the F1-8S disappears into the soundstage and brings music to life in a spellbinding manner, one that, once heard, is impossible to forget. The Fyne F1-8S is a music maker of the highest caliber, and in all my years as a reviewer, it’s the most accomplished loudspeaker I’ve experienced.
Garrard 301 Advanced Review
November 26, 2024 Comments Off on Garrard 301 Advanced Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/garrard-301-advanced
With my Ortofon Cadenza Black MC fitted, the 301 Advanced provided a trip down memory lane. To my shame, my own Garrard 301 has been unused for several years, but I was instantly reminded of everything that I always loved about it, such as its sheer drive, power and timing. This turntable locks onto rhythms and basslines with scarcely believable precision. Low-end elements simply arrive, stun you with their impact and leave. There is no wallow, no overhang and no uncertainty. And if that bass note is a proper deep, juicy one, then you’ll know about it.
And yet the 301 Advanced can be soft, subtle and beautifully restrained when the occasion demands. It can reveal everything on the record and has an impressively wide dynamic range. Sounds ranging from a very
soft background effect to a huge percussive crescendo are handled with ease, the former helped by something that may be a concern to many reading about an idler drive deck… Don’t worry – the 301 Advanced is as quiet as a church mouse in terms of background noise and rumble.
MasterVibe Preamplifier & The Linear B Monoblocks | REVIEW
November 26, 2024 Comments Off on MasterVibe Preamplifier & The Linear B Monoblocks | REVIEW
https://pt.audio/2024/09/27/tom-evans-the-mastervibe-preamplifier-the-linear-b-monoblocks-review/
On Acute Inflections’ brilliant album, Electric Psychology, the Tom Evans gear was able to highlight the stripped-down and focused pop structure delivered from just a singer (Elasea Douglas) and a stand-up bassist (Sadiki Pierre), covering everyone from Nina Simone to Childish Gambino. While Douglas’ voice is beautiful and angelic, I love this album because Pierre’s fingers and hands are capable of delivering as much music as the tones coming off the strings. I could easily imagine how he was standing and perhaps weaving rhythmically behind his instrument, and even leaning back when it’s time to let Douglas carry the weight for a bit. That’s audio realism in a nutshell, when you think you see things you’re only hearing.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated HiFi Amplifier Review
November 26, 2024 Comments Off on Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated HiFi Amplifier Review
Home Theater! McIntosh House Of Sound Tour
November 26, 2024 Comments Off on Home Theater! McIntosh House Of Sound Tour
Simaudio Moon 891 Streaming Preamplifier $25,000 Reviews
November 24, 2024 Comments Off on Simaudio Moon 891 Streaming Preamplifier $25,000 Reviews
This review reminded me of the importance of perspective. The Moon 891 proved to be a captivating performer across all inputs. It is built like a tank, is almost ergonomically perfect, offers a plethora of digital and analog inputs, and comes equipped with a proprietary streaming platform and an onboard phono stage that can hold its own against dedicated options costing south of $5000. It took comparing the Moon 891 to a set of standalone components that together cost significantly more to hint at any shortcomings—and therein lies the importance of perspective. The Moon 891 was designed to replace such products while costing thousands less, saving space, and reducing cable count and component clutter. When measured using those metrics, Simaudio’s Moon 891 streaming preamplifier is a triumph. Highly recommended.
dCS Ultimate Headphone System Review $52,950
November 24, 2024 Comments Off on dCS Ultimate Headphone System Review $52,950
Music lovers who want the best system available at any price should audition for this magnificent system. While 40K is not inexpensive, with modular components, you can write checks individually for the components and always step up listening to headphones completely. People who can write the check for the dCS mega system will be rewarded with the best listening system for headphones currently available. None better I know of, on the mark, and this system is future-proof. Every dCS component is upgradeable via firmware, making this a system that will be fresh and exciting years for years to come.
Consider the cost of an investment that will get you off the musical merry-go-round and last a lifetime. Moon Audio’s fantastic cables gave it more air and transparency, and added the final touches to start your listening session. The dCS Lina Master Clock and Bartók APEX is simply breathtaking and in my opinion is worth the money for your long-term enjoyment. A strong contender for our product of the year, I will surely miss this great system when it leaves, but I will always remember the sessions that brought joy to my soul.
Audiophilepure 
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