Audio-Technica AT-VM750SH Phono Cartridge $449 Review
January 28, 2024 Comments Off on Audio-Technica AT-VM750SH Phono Cartridge $449 Review
I’ve reviewed my share of Audio-Technica cartridges over the years, perhaps because there are so many to choose from, perhaps because the company continually rolls out new models, but more likely because they’re always worthwhile musically and solid monetarily. The VM750SH may not be a stone-cold bargain like the 150MLx was, but darn if it isn’t close in ways that matter most. It’s another exceptional cartridge in a long line of them. That’s never been more important than now, when high-res streaming is as close as your cell phone. The VM750SH delivers analog with digital-like precision, without sacrificing too much of the liquidity and mental ease of record reproduction. Highly recommended–just watch that darn capacitance.
BRAND NEW Sennheiser HD490 First Impressions
January 28, 2024 Comments Off on BRAND NEW Sennheiser HD490 First Impressions
VPI Prime 21+ Review
January 27, 2024 Comments Off on VPI Prime 21+ Review
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/vpi-prime-21
Taking the headseat at a table that incorporates Naim’s Supernait integrated, Anatek’s MC-1 phono stage and PMC’s twenty5.24 floorstander, it takes little more than half a track to realise that the latest incarnation of the Prime is really rather special. The VPI immediately underlines its status as a VIP (or should that be VIT – very important turntable) with a performance that is confident without ever feeling hurried or flustered. Regardless of the vinyl you place on the platter (we try everything we can), it’s never heavy-footed in its unaffected sense of ease and solidity. The foundation to this performance is a rock-solid bass that is typically deep, robust and rich. While the Prime 21+ is an undoubted window rattler when it comes to those low frequencies, it is just as adept when more intricacy is required – resolving fine low-end details with seemingly effortless precision.
Marchand Electronics LN112 MC Phono Preamp Review
January 27, 2024 Comments Off on Marchand Electronics LN112 MC Phono Preamp Review
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/marchand-electronics-ln112-mc-phono-preamp
Overall, I had a great time listening to those five RVG Blue Note LPs with the Marchand Electronics LN112 phono preamp. As I mentioned back in the Setup section, the LN112’s lack of a power button was a bit of a nuisance — but, as Dr. Marchand noted in his earlier direct response, he will (hopefully) correct that soon enough. Other than that pesky nit, I can confirm the Marchand Electronics LN112 is a musical-sounding — and quite satisfying — MC tube phono preamp that, without question, deserves an audition, so I say go ahead and give it a shot.
OBRAVO CLIO REVIEW
January 26, 2024 Comments Off on OBRAVO CLIO REVIEW
oBravo Clio Review
n the intro part we also always look at how the company’s marketing departments describe the unit’s sound. Building on the new AMT6 platform oBravo wanted a more resolving, more mature sonic performance from Clio. The goal was to develop an earphone that adds further texture to the low frequencies over Venus and focuses specifically on Clio’s voice, ensuring amazing transparency and exceptional resolution. In the case of the Clio, we found the following description:
With a special tilting design, oBravo combines Air Motion Transformers and dynamic drivers to deliver powerful, crisp bass, well-balanced mids and crystal-clear high notes. Enhancing low frequency performance, its crystal-clear highs and rich, warm bass conveys a vibrancy second to none and brings you into a new realm of fine audio fidelity. Let the goddess of history be moved by the plot and warmth of the music, and tell you with a soft and pulsating bel canto voice.
Leema Acoustics Tucana II Anniversary Edition Integrated Amplifier Review
January 26, 2024 Comments Off on Leema Acoustics Tucana II Anniversary Edition Integrated Amplifier Review
Leema’s Tucana AE now joins the ATC SCM40, Rega Planar 10, and Michell GyroDec on my list of high-end bargains. In an age of inflated pricing and a trend towards ludicrous uber-fi, it’s reassuring to find some firms still building beautifully engineered, affordable audio equipment here in the UK. It’s also comforting to realize that there’s no need to outsource all our manufacturing capability to the Far East. We can build things economically in Europe or North America if we apply manufacturing synergy and intelligence to the challenge. Frankly, it does matter to me where products are built, for all sorts of reasons. I like it when I see “Manufactured by SME Ltd, Steyning, Sussex, England” on a tonearm box, or “Minnetonka, Minnesota” and “Made in U.S.A.” on the rear panel of an Audio Research amplifier. For me, there’s a line in the sand with respect to high-end audio, and I’m drawing it!
The UK, the rest of Europe, the US, and Canada have proud audio-engineering heritages, and as consumers we need to be mindful of our purchasing decisions if we want to preserve them. I had begun to fear that in another ten years, the only brands actually still making audio electronics in the West would be those with the highest price tags, but I think that Leema Acoustics, Rega, ATC, and a few others are really pointing the way forward here.
Plinius Reference A-150 power amplifier $14,995 each Review
January 24, 2024 Comments Off on Plinius Reference A-150 power amplifier $14,995 each Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/plinius-reference-150-power-amplifier
As labor-intensive, time-consuming, strenuous, and challenging as accurate measurement can be, it is easier to draw meaning from numbers than it is to quantify feelings. But put together, the two approaches can help shed light on the mysteries of musical reproduction. I look forward to reading JA’s technical assessment.
I had many pleasurable listening experiences with the Plinius RA-150. A better match for my speakers in bridged mono configuration than in stereo, a pair of RA-150s delivered abundant midrange warmth, fine bass, true timbres, and emotionally compelling sound. With less-demanding speakers, a single stereo would likely approach this level of performance. If you’re in the market for an amp of its quality and price, the Reference A-150 deserves a serious listen.
IFI AUDIO HIP-DAC 3 REVIEW
January 23, 2024 Comments Off on IFI AUDIO HIP-DAC 3 REVIEW
The hip-dac 3 is a slim and portable device that makes a great companion for smartphone and slim laptop users. You can easily connect it to your device using a USB cable and start using it right away. The device is plug-and-play for smartphones and PCs, but it’s recommended to install the iFi firmware on your Windows laptop for full functionality.
If you’re a fan of EDM tunes, you’ll find the xBass button useful. However, if you prefer a more natural sound, you can keep this feature turned off. The device supports all file formats, including 24-bit files from streaming services like Qobuz. You can listen to your favourite music flawlessly using USB Audio Player Pro on your smartphone.
Canor AI 2.10 Integrated Hybrid Amplifier $4000 Review
January 23, 2024 Comments Off on Canor AI 2.10 Integrated Hybrid Amplifier $4000 Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2023/11/29/canor-ai-210-integrated-hybrid-amplifier
One of my favourite test LPs is the Mehta/LA/Decca Varèse, both sides. Side 1 for “Arcana”, a wild assault on the senses which demands gobs of power from your amp and Side 2 for “Intégrales”, a delicate, tactile percussion and wind piece that makes equally tough demands, but in timbral accuracy, imaging and soundstage. I was surprised at the Canor’s effortless ability to portray the power of “Arcana”, and just as easily the timbral beauty of “Intégrales” but with a tubey leading edge on all transients. It was very beautiful. I was expecting less power. The 2.10’s massive toroidal power supply will give you enough visceral energy and grunt for most repertoire and all but the most problematic of titles.
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