Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
February 24, 2024 Comments Off on Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a 125-watt device designed by Chord Electronics’ founder, owner and chief engineer, John Franks. It features the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, plus the company’s unmistakable industrial aesthetic.
The amplifier takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies, devices offering exceptionally low noise and outstanding operation.
Cambridge Audio’s CXN100 Network Player Review
February 24, 2024 Comments Off on Cambridge Audio’s CXN100 Network Player Review
“It’s fitting that 2023 saw our iconic CXN V2 inducted into the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame, commemorating a remarkable reign as the best streamer in its class. Because even with CXN V2 still on the throne, we’ve not rested on our laurels,” says James Johnson-Flint, owner of Cambridge Audio. “We’ve taken the next step, and CXN100 represents the next generation of network player. It’s here to take the crown.”
Decware SE84UFO2 Zen Triode Amplifier $1499 Review
February 23, 2024 Comments Off on Decware SE84UFO2 Zen Triode Amplifier $1499 Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2023/6/11/49fkfmqfnubr67p4v3hwqf1mmlipym
Decware comments “This is a pure Class/A single-ended triode amplifier with 2 high-current watts per channel and the ability to drive speakers between 2 and 16 ohms (my unit had a switch for both 4 and 8 ohm speakers). It features a potentiometer volume control (which I used during the listening period) and two pairs of input jacks making preamps completely optional. Also, it can be bridged into mono for around 6 watts. “Because of our floating output stage design, a pair of these amps can even be run as fully differential balanced monoblocks”
Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker $3599 Review
February 23, 2024 Comments Off on Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker $3599 Review
First on the CD tray was Jerry Garcia and David Grisman’s Shady Grove (Acoustic Disc ACD-21), one of my go-to discs. Whenever I set up a new pair of speakers, I start by positioning them exactly where my reference speakers normally stand. This has often been a useful starting point, but it doesn’t always work. With the Arendals, it didn’t: in that position, their imaging was more diffuse than I would have liked. I moved the two speakers several inches closer to each other and toed them in so that their tweeters’ axes passed just outside my ears. After some tweaking of the speakers’ positions and toe-in, while playing “Off to Sea Once More,” I was able to bring images into focus. Instrumental outlines were sharper and their positions on the soundstage were more precise. The greater coherence of the presentation solidified the image of the bluegrass ensemble at the front of the room. The more I listened, the more I agreed with Arendal’s characterization of their tweeter as sweet-sounding. It was incredibly smooth, making listening easy and inducing me to turn up the volume.
Phillips Design OH-16 Omnidirectional Loudspeaker $8,800 Review
February 22, 2024 Comments Off on Phillips Design OH-16 Omnidirectional Loudspeaker $8,800 Review
The intimacy of a musical performance is what we all strive to reproduce. The feeling of “being there” without putting up with the sky-high ticket prices, parking, and crowds. We all want to have Pink, singing in our Audio Room (but that’s probably not going to happen). The best we can do is to take the time (and what’s left of our savings) and assemble a sound system; that reproduces our music of choice, to the best of its capabilities.
With just hours to spare, the Phillips Design OH-16 omnidirectional three-way loudspeakers could do just that. They reproduce music with such a wide dynamic range that you would assume they stood six feet tall. They reproduce vocals with such detail and clarity, and in fact, you’d assume they cost twice as much. With the Bryston amplifier, the bass was present and properly forward and strong. Nice, tight, fast responsive bass.
Matrix Audio Element X2 Pure Network-Attached DAC Review
February 21, 2024 Comments Off on Matrix Audio Element X2 Pure Network-Attached DAC Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/matrix-audio-element-x2-pure-network-attached-dac
As a networked DAC/preamp, there are various ways to use the Element X2 Pure, but for much of my listening I ran it straight into the aforementioned Primare A35.2 power amp, streaming via Roon. This made for a fuss-free, clutter-free system and long, jukebox-style listening sessions where the DAC’s defined, open sound appeared suited to every flavour of music.
The genre-hopping exuberance of Amadou & Mariam’s Dimanche À Bamako album [Because Music; 44.1kHz/16-bit], where African, Middle Eastern and Western instruments bubble away in a blues/reggae-tinged melting pot, spotlighted the Element X2 Pure’s ability to capture timbral differences and microdynamics. The grooving gait and vocal presence of ‘Senegal Fast Food’ was so enjoyable I tried to sing along – despite not understanding the French lyrics
Trafomatic Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier Review
February 21, 2024 Comments Off on Trafomatic Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/trafomatic-rhapsody-integrated-amplifier
Trafomatic’s Rhapsody ensured that I wallowed in the room-filling, full-blown orchestral readings of ‘White Christmas’, ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’, some wholly (or holy) instrumental, others with multiple voices to the fore. What was not compromised, despite the Rhapsody amplifier eschewing lushness for the sake of it, was that silky sheen which endears SET designs to the faithful. The best way to describe it is an inherent antidote to listener fatigue.
If there is any limit to this amplifier’s sheer command, it might prove to be the wattage, but that only affects your choice of loudspeaker. When paired with high-sensitivity models, the Trafomatic Rhapsody earns the most glowing testimony I can bestow on a product by simply stating one fact: my first listening session ran for seven uninterrupted hours. Yes, seven. The only downside? Looking at the smart meter in my listening room.
YG Acoustics Tor Stand-mount Speakers with Descent Subwoofer$10,500 Review
February 20, 2024 Comments Off on YG Acoustics Tor Stand-mount Speakers with Descent Subwoofer$10,500 Review
Luxman L-509Z integrated amplifier $12,495 Review
February 20, 2024 Comments Off on Luxman L-509Z integrated amplifier $12,495 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-l-509z-integrated-amplifier
Some amplifiers make you work to understand their meaning and message. Others shout their personalities like “Swifties” about to see their heroine. The Luxman L-509Z never shouts, barks, or begs. Its message is clarity, balance, coherence, seamlessness, quietude, and a certain invisibility—in keeping, I believe, with a Japanese audio aesthetic of delivering music artifact free, above all else.
As Luxman’s evolving noise-suppression technologies make the company’s amplifiers more silent, what is left behind is purity and focus. The L-509Z builds on tradition without losing the plot. It’s an exacting integrated amplifier with a good phono stage, a bevy of control options, and plenty of power. The Japanese company’s flagship integrated merits a “Sai-kōkyu” designation. We call it Class A.
Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker REVIEW
February 19, 2024 Comments Off on Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker REVIEW
This, my first encounter with Arendal Sound left a positive impression. The 1723 Tower S combines distinctive styling, rock-solid construction, and engaging sound at an attractive price. I can now appreciate the confidence behind the company’s generous return policy. With its smooth top end, the Tower S can be enjoyed for long periods and at high volumes without fatigue. If you’re a listener who prioritizes detail above all else, however, you may find other speakers in this price range more satisfactory.
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