Vera-Fi A40 Power Amplifier – World’s 1st review!
August 28, 2024 Comments Off on Vera-Fi A40 Power Amplifier – World’s 1st review!
Keeping the A40 in context with the gear I’d probably pair it up with if I were building a system for about 10-15k is a home run. An out-of-the-ballpark, across the fence, into the parking lot home run. Using an older ARC SP-9 preamplifier (about $900 – used), the Naim CD5is CD player (about $2k new), a used SOTA Sapphire turntable (again about $1,500) along with the Harbeth Monitor 30 speakers, Magnepan 2.7X speakers, and the Vera-Fi Vanguards. Altogether, these Legos were combined to build systems worth about $6,000 to about $20k.
It’s also worth mentioning that the A40 does an excellent job driving the MartinLogan ESL9s we have on hand. If you have a pair of MLs around, this can be your amplifier, too, if you don’t need to blow the windows out. Great success was had with my vintage Acoustat 2+2 ESL speakers, so this might just be a FAB amplifier to pair up with a pair of Quad 57s too. Finally, the A40 perfectly matches the new SVS Ultra Evolution Towers. We’ve got a pair of those in on review, too, and their highly resolving diamond tweeter might be a bit too much for some, but the combination of the modestly mellow A40 and the up-front SVS speakers is a killer combo.
In conclusion, the A40 is an excellent anchor for a sub-$20k hifi system without having to go used or DIY. While you can’t bridge them (again, there goes the magic), using a pair of these in a vertical biamp type system could be incredibly good for those craving more dynamic headroom.
Acoustic Revive RHR-21 review
August 28, 2024 Comments Off on Acoustic Revive RHR-21 review
Westone Audio Pro X10 Review
August 27, 2024 Comments Off on Westone Audio Pro X10 Review
Listening to the Headphone Classics playlist on Tidal, I was pleased with the separation I picked up through these IEMs. I didn’t expect such depth from a single-driver IEM like this one. Everything I played on the Pro X10 had nice dynamics and was fully fleshed out. They sounded like a little hi-fi system plugged into my ears.
If I had any issues with the Pro X10’s sound, it would be a bit of shoutiness in the upper mids on certain songs, but for me, it wasn’t too distracting, and I truly enjoyed these earphones regardless. They could also use just a touch more warmth, but I’m nitpicking now. Overall, these earphones should make those looking for a balanced, mid-focused sound very happy.
KECES Audio S300+ Power Amplifier Review
August 27, 2024 Comments Off on KECES Audio S300+ Power Amplifier Review
Diptyque DP 115 Speakers $12,000 Review
August 26, 2024 Comments Off on Diptyque DP 115 Speakers $12,000 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/diptyque-dp-115-speakers-planar-magnetic-attraction
First, the caveats. Unsurprisingly, high-performance sound comes at a cost. That cost is literal; the MSRP of $12K is the highest of any speakers I have reviewed for this magazine. You also need to have a beefy amp to drive these speakers properly, a bargain AVR will not do the trick. So, you have to invest in speakers and power. Plus, the 40 Hz extension is pretty much determined by the laws of physics, so if you want to play deeper you need a sub that can keep up with speakers of this quality, representing another sizable investment.
But if you do take that path, the reward is tremendous. In previous issues, I have discussed how I have begun to weigh the benefits of fewer but better channels versus adding ever more speakers to a system. These days, a 13.4.6 system is doable with a high-end AVR. But the bottom line is maxing out an AVR like that costs even more than buying a nice stereo, and yet these days even high-end 2-channel gear accommodates eARC and streaming, so it really is OK to put a pair of awesome speakers in your living room, use them for everything, and call it a day.
THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII REVIEW
August 24, 2024 Comments Off on THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII REVIEW
The Oracle series represents ThieAudio’s interpretation of budget tribrid studio monitors, designed to deliver a signature suitable for studio or artist environments with solid technical capabilities at a reasonable price. Since the launch of the MkI and MkII, ThieAudio has introduced several technological innovations with the Hype series that they are excited to implement in the Oracle series. By listening to feedback from both audiophiles and professionals, they seem to have found a middle-ground signature that will keep both parties happy. ThieAudio claims the MkIII retains the original Oracle DNA as a capable studio monitor, with bass elevation restricted to the sub-bass shelf to provide instrument body for drummers and bass guitarists while keeping the mids flat and neutral thie-style. Also, the treble has been modified to be smoother than its Oracle MkII predecessor. They also state that upgrading the 3-way crossover to a more complex 4-way crossover system allowed them to utilize the drivers to reach their maximum potential.
Audioquest PowerQuest 303 Power Conditioner Review
August 24, 2024 Comments Off on Audioquest PowerQuest 303 Power Conditioner Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2023/11/4/audioquest-powerquest-303-power-conditioner
Everyone needs an amplifier and speakers to make music but not everyone needs a power conditioner. In that sense, power products like the AudioQuest 303 will not be necessary for everyone. On the other hand, everyone does need power and if that power is not feeding a high-end system cleanly, there is a problem in need of a solution. In this case, the AudioQuest PowerQuest 303 ($459) is a perfect place to start. It’s practically designed, accessibly priced and widely available. I found it had a positive effect on a basic power issue without negatively impacting the sound of my system which is exactly what I would hope for from a power conditioner. Anyone looking to add power conditioning to their system would do well to maintain their healthy skepticism for the all exotic and expensive power products on the market and just give the Powerquest 303 a try. It may well be the perfect real-world power solution.
ZMF BOKEH $1,098 REVIEW
August 22, 2024 Comments Off on ZMF BOKEH $1,098 REVIEW
We already know that ZMF like using different ear pads as they can easily that to alter the headphone’s tuning. The Bokeh pads are an evolution of ZMF’s Caldera pads design, and there are different versions available: Hybrid, Suede and Protein (see pics). All of the pads incorporate a distinctive fluted design, asymmetrical ear-side hole orientation, and a skewed Z-Axis angle for an optimal seal on the submental space of your neck, ensuring unparalleled comfort and sound. The driver side’s inner diameter can adapt seamlessly to airflow requirements, without messing up your sensory experience via the outer diameter that touches the skin thanks to the fluted design. Tweak the circular axis on the baffle to make these pads your own, so the thickest part matches perfectly with your unique contours
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