Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium DAC $1499 Review
November 19, 2024 Comments Off on Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium DAC $1499 Review
https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php
For someone looking for a quality streamer and a serious pair of mono amps as a nice little just-add-speakers system, a PecanPi+ Streamer Premium and a pair of Starkrimson Mono amplifiers, at just under $4000, represent a solid value.
The PecanPi+ Streamer Premium’s no-frills approach is admittedly a bit weird in the current hi-fi landscape, one where there’s a push to offer as many features in a single product as possible. But that allows it to pack the latest AKM Velvetsound chip under the hood and keep under $1500. That it also incorporates a great touch screen and top-notch audio circuitry is very unusual at this price level; few bare-bones network streamers at a comparable price offer that.
Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier $18,900 Review
November 18, 2024 Comments Off on Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier $18,900 Review
Here’s an interesting bit of information about Jadis electronics. They stay in circulation for very long periods of time. Favorite Jadis amps, like the long out-of-production Defy 7, are always in demand. Another bit of interesting info. There have been many reviews of the DA88S MkII integrated over the years. But it seems that reviewers are always keen to get their hands on one to listen to for themselves. Rarely have I heard of a component that is consistently praised by so many reviewers of very different tastes. And now I know why.
JPLAY AVS Technology Partner
November 18, 2024 Comments Off on JPLAY AVS Technology Partner
https://www.monoandstereo.com/jplay-avs-technology-partner/
Marcin Ostapowicz has made music file playback an art form. A similar philosophy, based on the art of listening, guides Adam Mokrzycki, the founder and organizer of the Audio Video Show.
“For the 26th year, the Audio Video Show invites fans to a musical quest for perfect sound. This year, we again have 160 presentation rooms, each showcasing a different approach to music presentation, allowing guests to choose and objectively compare the capabilities of various systems. This time, we’ve invited a new technology partner, JPLAY—a Polish company whose advanced music player by Marcin Ostapowicz is known as the best-sounding hi-fi app in the world. We are proud to join forces with Marcin to give visitors the chance to experience this reference app and enjoy hassle-free streaming.
MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review
November 16, 2024 Comments Off on MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review
The Mahi put out 20 watts each in triode mode and 40 watts in ultralinear. I appreciated the additional power of ultralinear, but the tonal quality of triode mode was the winning ticket for me. The ultralinear mode accentuated the sharp edges of notes that became tiresome while the triode mode softened them up slightly and gave the music a healthy share of liquidity that benefited the MACARIA. Using a quartet of EL84 tubes in each Mahi with the MACARIA provided a good portion of the benefits of the SET tubes used earlier while providing a tighter bass and continuity of tone from top to bottom. I considered bi-amp’ing with Eddie Wong’s 300B monoblocks on top but I had to draw the line to finish the review.
Abendrot Colt DAC ReviewKharma
November 16, 2024 Comments Off on Abendrot Colt DAC ReviewKharma
https://www.monoandstereo.com/abendrot-colt-dac-review/
Every one of my reviews starts with a straightforward yet profoundly simple premise: “If it’s interesting to me, it’ll be interesting to you”, with my pedantic brain focusing on the concentration of quality while keeping the enthusiasm unbottled.
Regardless of technology, novel ideas, or price tag, many modern DACs can still sound harsh and one-dimensional. This is often closely associated with streamlined manufacturing, which Abendrot escapes by all means, drawing its design choices from an impressive track record working with some of the most renowned studios worldwide.
PS Audio AirLens and DirectStream DAC Mk2 $7,999 Review
November 15, 2024 Comments Off on PS Audio AirLens and DirectStream DAC Mk2 $7,999 Review
The remote for the Mk2 was not available, so a PS Audio system remote had been tweaked to run the DAC. A note with the packaging instructed the owner to use two buttons that were reprogrammed to give full access to the Mk2’s features. I found the remote to work seamlessly with the DAC, but it is rather cluttered. As the manufacturing lag subsides, purchasers can request the Mk2’s remote be sent to them gratis. Even though the remote buttons are backlit, they are small. It would be nice to have a smaller, simpler working remote for basic operations of its DACs or preamps.
The MK2’s notable features include Pre-emphasis, which allows the user to counter recording techniques used on some compact discs which emphasize high frequencies. The owner can select On, Off, or Auto. The default setting is Auto. Other options allow inputs to be named, the ground on each input or output lifted, the shield or shell of an XLR interconnect lifted, and Polarity inverted. I was particularly interested in the Shell Lift feature, which the Owner’s Reference states may slightly improve the sound. There are many fine points to operation that can be studied by viewing or downloading the Owner’s Reference found at the PS Audio website.
Grado Signature HP100 SE Open Air Review
November 15, 2024 Comments Off on Grado Signature HP100 SE Open Air Review
The Grado Signature HP100 SE Open Air Headphone is a true audiophile reference headphone and as such it is not forgiving of source nor electronics, yet the musicality and presentation make for an absolutely pleasurable experience, in fact, the Grados seem to lend something to every genre of music whether it was Classical, Folk, Rock, Jazz, Lounge or even stark New Wave like The B52s. I found myself racing through my playlist looking for new challenges, but felt it redundant to catalog every piece I heard as the experience was the same, massive soundstage, blistering speed, savage impact, epic dynamics, and luscious musicality. Like all Grado headphones in my experience, the HP100 SE is extremely efficient meaning though you want an amplifier of a sound quality commensurate with the Grados power is not an issue, in fact, you most likely will want something with a low gain option and a significantly low noise floor to take full advantage of them.
PSB Speakers M4U TWM—True Wireless Micro Planar Earphones $199 Review
November 14, 2024 Comments Off on PSB Speakers M4U TWM—True Wireless Micro Planar Earphones $199 Review
In conclusion, these PSB earbuds feature a unique dual driver, a planar magnetic transducer paired with a dynamic transducer, as far as I know, a first for a true-wireless component. This combination results in a sweet and natural sound. At USD 199, they are priced well. If you’re into the tech that comes with earbuds at that price, these PSB earbuds may not be for you. However, if you’re looking for a more analog sound, comfortable, and natural-sounding earbuds that can be used anywhere, even in the gym, with buttons instead of those dreadful touch sensors, then these PSB earbuds are your best bet.
Audiophilepure 
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