iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC/Amp $3249 Review
March 6, 2025 Comments Off on iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC/Amp $3249 Review
Eons ago, our hearing evolved as a continuous predator warning system—does the space around us sound normal and safe or not? Danger was often a matter of audible impulse (location), plus loudness and echoes (distance), pretty much how the latest Atmos fright-film makes the audience shriek. Even today, the faintest mosquito buzz immediately gets your attention, and you have to look for it and kill it first. I could suggest that, as with inverted phase, the brain gets a “bit confused” when things digital don’t quite sound normal as they would in the real world—and perhaps pre-ringing plays a role. But I don’t even play a digital expert on TV, let alone on the Internet.
Yes, other DACs provide a choice of filters, or at least third-party chip manufacturers can. However, I suspect it is unusual for a DAC manufacturer to research, develop, and implement a “bespoke” filter like the GTO in a sub-$1000 product like the Neo 2. (Or, if you need portable, GTO is also available in the $599 iFi Gryphon)
7Hz Timeless II Review $229
March 6, 2025 Comments Off on 7Hz Timeless II Review $229
Its bronze finish, accented with hints of gold, gives it a premium vibe. The cable separator and chin slider also reflect the geometric design found on the Timeless II’s faceplate, tying the whole look together.
Switching between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks can be confusing at first since the mechanism isn’t conventional. You need to hold the golden connector firmly and twist the geometric cover with the 7Hz logo to release and swap the jack.
The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are labeled with L and R, making it easy to know which side to plug into the IEMs. They also carry the same geometric theme, maintaining consistency across the cable’s design.
Shunyata Research Theta Speaker Cable Review
March 5, 2025 Comments Off on Shunyata Research Theta Speaker Cable Review
Throughout my listening to Shunyata Research’s Theta speaker cables, all genres of music flowed with transparent immediacy that rivaled a live performance. Most impressively, the sotto voce portions of the music I auditioned were audible and clearly defined. The Theta speaker cables provided nuanced detail, clarity, and focus, along with exceptional dynamics. I had a preternatural sense of hearing deeper into all the music I auditioned without feeling overwhelmed with information. I was extremely sad to see these cables leave my system. I recommend Shunyata’s Theta speaker cables to enthusiasts who want exceptional performance without needing to take out a second mortgage.
Eversolo DMP-A10 Review
March 4, 2025 Comments Off on Eversolo DMP-A10 Review
Just like the A10, the A8 has a generally balanced signature with exceptional technical abilities. And I expected the laws of diminishing returns to fully kick in before I heard the A10. But once the A10 replaced the A8 in my chain, it was especially the detailing and rendering where the A10 left its sibling behind.
The DMP-A10 produces a more expansive and higher resolved sound, where everything appears more polished. It’s like there’s a veil lifted from the A8 to the A10. With the DMP-A10 you get finer details and a more precise sound from top to bottom. Every note appears with higher accuracy, finer texture and on a blacker background.
Degritter Mark II Ultrasonic Record Cleaner $3,280 Review
March 4, 2025 Comments Off on Degritter Mark II Ultrasonic Record Cleaner $3,280 Review
However, when your catalog starts getting into the multiple hundreds, cleaning time and efficiency start becoming important factors and this is where ultrasonic record cleaners become more appealing. I’ve seen all sorts of DIY and consumer ultrasonic record cleaning systems, but I’ve never had the opportunity to personally mess with any of them. I had heard of the Degritter record cleaner before, having seen their displays at various audio shows, and after speaking with the company, they sent along their Degritter Mark II for me to try out and evaluate.
Margules I-240 Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
March 3, 2025 Comments Off on Margules I-240 Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/2/1/margules-i-240-tube-integrated-amplifier
There are certain things about the I-240 that I wish could be different. For one thing, it could have a wider sound characteristic, it’s centred and pristine yes, but this is where I believe the 25 watts have their limit; it isn’t that volume and intensity lack, it’s more the limitations of a more expansive soundstage. There’s no phono stage, only RCA connections, and for purists, the additional dBs from XLR are not present. Not including digital inputs will drive away some audiophiles. However, Margules set out to create a very high-end, pure-sounding amp, as well as a beautiful component, and that’s what they delivered: they set their sights on sound.
The Margules I-240 at USD 7000 has to make a Sisyphean climb in the mountain of integrated amplifiers today. I would invite you to look for Margules at audio expos or go to your audio dealer and ask to listen to one. If you do this, I can imagine that the decision to pull the trigger will be easier. It was for me. This is a marvellous and beautiful integrated amplifier and is highly recommended.
You must be logged in to post a comment.