PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid integrated amplifier $6995 Review
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid integrated amplifier $6995 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-integrated-amplifier
The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid disrupted my preconception that pure tube amps are superior to amps with a solid state component. From the first note, the EVO 300 established itself as a modern classic, reproducing music fresh-scrubbed, juicy, spatially adroit, dynamically adept, and powerful. It possessed the liquidity and richness of a good tube amp, never crossing over into syrup or schmaltz. It boasts an undeniable aliveness that grabs you from the first note and never lets up. It’s got drive. It engaged me in the music for many blissful hours.
I’m no longer agnostic regarding hybrid tube/solid state integrated amplifiers, let alone committed to the all-tube approach. At least when it comes to the PrimaLuna 300 EVO, I’m a hybrid believer.
EAT C-Dur Review
August 14, 2024 Comments Off on EAT C-Dur Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/eat-c-dur
I tested this by trying two other cartridges that are easily distinguished from the Jo No5, one rather ‘cool’ sounding, yet the vivacity of Wilson’s delivery was undiminished. I did the same with another singer of similar intensity but a completely different mien, Judee Sill via her eponymous debut from 1971.
While the Wilson album is brassy and bold in places, Sill’s exquisite singer-songwriter effort is in the early Joni Mitchell vein. As intimate as any work in the genre, the superb sound of this 45rpm 2LP pressing digs deeper, and both Sill’s delicate singing and piano playing were showcased perfectly by the C-Dur. Conversely, they enabled the deck to perform of its best – and please note that I was listening to it in absolutely stock form, as befits any review.
If any instruments embody the capabilities of the C-Dur, it’s the two most difficult to reproduce: voice and piano. In tandem, as Sill’s were heard here, the C-Dur displayed proficiencies so close to decks at twice the price that it is now my reference in the £3000-£5000 sector. Yes, it’s that good.
Eversolo DMP-A8 Review
August 12, 2024 Comments Off on Eversolo DMP-A8 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/eversolo-dmp-a8
This live album contains recordings made at different locations over a two-year timespan, which gives some tracks a very different feel than others, and the precise portrayal delivered by the DMP-A8 revealed the changes. Maalouf’s ‘Beirut’ for example, which recounts his childhood story of wandering off into his war-torn hometown and witnessing something so horrible he can only relate it via music (which explains the mad Led Zeppelin-infused outro), was so pitch-perfect that I felt almost present in the Nantes hall in which it was recorded.
Maalouf has a customised trumpet with an extra valve to sometimes play shrill-sounding quarter-notes. On some playback systems this can be a bit much, but Eversolo’s DMP-A8 seemed able to steer clear of stridency. In any case, if the combination with certain loudspeakers had introduced some harshness, the DSP in the Eversolo streamer would have allowed me to slightly roll off the high frequencies, making for a more mellow representation.
MOJO AUDIO MYSTIQUE Y D/A CONVERTER REVIEW
August 12, 2024 Comments Off on MOJO AUDIO MYSTIQUE Y D/A CONVERTER REVIEW
PCM format files up to 24-bit/192kHz are converted via a galvanically isolated XMOS USB input module with incredibly accurate ultralow-noise Femto clocking, and an independent power supply powers the digital circuitry completely isolating it from the analog circuitry. Two Belleson SPX ultralow-noise ultrahigh-dynamic regulators are used to isolate the USB input from the USB output and from all other power supplies eliminating the need for USB bus power or any external USB reclocking or regeneration devices.
Franco Serblin Accordo Goldberg loudspeaker $13,475 Review
August 11, 2024 Comments Off on Franco Serblin Accordo Goldberg loudspeaker $13,475 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/franco-serblin-accordo-goldberg-loudspeaker
A summary of this loudspeaker’s qualities cannot do justice to the actual listening experience. While it is not the loudest in its class, nor does it have the deepest bass, it might just be the most beautifully made and finished speaker I’ve encountered. But the Accordo Goldberg manages to transcend the build technology and the machinery within to build a closer relationship with your ear. It plays with a superbly natural timbre, especially violin, piano, and voice, while defining wide, deep, and well-focused sound images that almost breathe with life. With the Goldbergs, you can readily distinguish wholly analog sources from digital.
But that is as nothing compared with their supremely tactile microdynamic and seductive quality, which draws the listener into the musical performance. On its own terms and at a modest scale, there is more satisfaction to be derived here than with many a larger, far more costly technical powerhouse. Highly Recommended.
T+A R 2500 R multisource receiver $18,880 Review
August 11, 2024 Comments Off on T+A R 2500 R multisource receiver $18,880 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/ta-r-2500-r-multisource-receiver
While the R 2500 R was situated in the office, I tested it as a USB-connected computer audio interface, with my aging Lenovo desktop PC. I downloaded and installed the T+A Windows USB driver with no problems, and the R 2500 R was immediately recognized and worked as expected with no further tweaking. I did some production editing and CD authoring using the T+A amp instead of my regular RME soundcard, and everything worked as expected. Based on all the listening I did from the computer, I’d say the R 2500 R’s DAC is pro-grade as far as neutrality and the smooth operation of its USB driver. I also plugged a bus-powered Western Digital hard drive into the USB socket of the R 2500 R. Using the phone app, I was able to navigate the file menus and play anything I desired. It was in this mode that I first experienced the R 2500 R’s excellent DSD DAC, playing files ripped from SACDs. My ears perked up, because I heard a clarity and naturalness that not all DACs seem able to convey from DSD material.
IFI AUDIO NEO IDSD 2 $899 REVIEW
August 10, 2024 Comments Off on IFI AUDIO NEO IDSD 2 $899 REVIEW
iFi also replaced the external wireless antenna with an internal one, which resulted in a plastic area for BT signals. This change somewhat detracts from the original streamlined design. The build quality is excellent. The volume knob feels sturdy and is made from aluminium. The chassis gives a solid and durable impression, as do the inputs and outputs.
Lorenzo Audio Labs LM1 Speakers Review €215,000 EUR Review
August 9, 2024 Comments Off on Lorenzo Audio Labs LM1 Speakers Review €215,000 EUR Review
Lorenzo Audiolab LM1 is one of the rare, larger, box-shaped wooden loudspeakers that have that “magic” that draws you into the music and never lets go. There is no fatigue, the music is evenly distributed across the entire frequency spectrum and there are no frequency jumps.
FERRUM AUDIO ERCO 2 REVIEW
August 9, 2024 Comments Off on FERRUM AUDIO ERCO 2 REVIEW
With the full reprogramming of ERCO’s software in combination with crucial changes in the analog circuitry, we are introducing a newer and better ERCO. The ERCO Gen 2 will bring our entry-level DAC one step closer to the performance levels of WANDLA, our flagship converter.
DAC-wise the ERCO 2 still features an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO chip but it now allows PCM up to 768k@32bit and DSD up to 512 (22.6 MHz / 24.6 MHz). For the full sample rate overview, check out the technical specs below. The ERCO 2 does render MQA for those who believe in and like to listen to the format.
The ERCO sports ultra-wideband ICs and according to Ferrum they’re fine-tuned for audio use to achieve the best possible analog quality. All digital ports are optimized for audio, MQA decoding and rendering is optimized for use with internal ARM chip. The signal path in this device is truly balanced
ONIX OVERTURE XM5 REVIEW
August 8, 2024 Comments Off on ONIX OVERTURE XM5 REVIEW
Inside, the XM5 features a flagship ES9039 PRO DAC chip, paired with two TPA6120A2 amplifiers, delivering 1W @ 32 Ohm. The player’s UI is based on the Ingenic X2000 platform for core music navigation and operation, and it supports Hi-Res Tidal streaming over WiFi.
While primarily a portable player, the ONIX XM5 is versatile, fitting into various roles. It can stream YouTube via Bluetooth, serve as a USB DAC/Amp with your laptop, provide digital output for standalone DACs, or act as an independent DAC for powerful amplifiers.
The XM5 boasts a 7000 mAh battery, 32bit/768 kHz and DSD512 support, an OLED touchscreen, an aluminium chassis, Bluetooth 5.2, and an XMOS XU316 chip for USB DAC connection.
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