T+A HA 200 Review
September 24, 2023 Comments Off on T+A HA 200 Review
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/ta-ha-200
Regardless of whether it’s driving the P9 Signature or Focal Clear, the HA 200 effortlessly creates an entirely coherent, ‘out-of-the-head’ listening experience. And all without having to experiment with the crossfeed control, which can make things a bit confused if not employed carefully. Listening to the Vasily Petrenko and Oslo Philharmonic’s recording of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer force of the large orchestra, persuasively recorded to emit a free-breathing, uncompressed and hugely dynamic sound.
Over the years, the Oppo PM-1 has been a favourite go-to option for testing headphone amps, but it’s difficult to think of anything that’s driven it with such authority that it takes on even greater weight or percussion with effortless ease. All of which is ideal for material like Snarky Puppy’s Live At The Royal Albert Hall with its large musical forces, tumbling rhythms and palpable audience presence.
Aurender A20 reference analog output network player Review $15,000 Review
September 23, 2023 Comments Off on Aurender A20 reference analog output network player Review $15,000 Review
At AXPONA 2023 I was able to finalize my plan for this review. Ari Margolis, Aurender America’s Director of Sales and Business Development, assisted me in selecting the A20. The A20 is an integrated streamer, server, DAC, and preamplifier in one chassis. Its design is based on the ideal of a high quality, complete digital source solution and is nearly the entire system sans amplifier and speakers. I struggled to decide whether I wished to have a CD ripping function as well and contacted Ari to switch the review to the A30, which is the same as the A20 but with a CD player/ripper. My logic was that I had a great deal of older and esoteric music that I thought would not be found on streaming services. At least it was not found when I first started streaming several years ago using Tidal’s upper tier service.
YG Acoustics Cairn $25,000 Review
September 22, 2023 Comments Off on YG Acoustics Cairn $25,000 Review
Raw tech just for tech’s sake isn’t worth diddly if it doesn’t work. The YG speakers succeed on every level and are one of the easiest to set up and integrate into a wide range of cables and components I’ve yet experienced. That’s worth a lot, especially to those entering the realm of high-end audio, as their capability for some of the fussiness that seasoned audiophiles take for granted hasn’t developed yet.
The YG Cairns offer an exceptional amount of performance for the most demanding music enthusiast, and so we are more than happy to award them an Exceptional Value Award for 2023. These speakers are the most thought-out product I’ve had the chance of using, ever.
PQ-303’s Linear Noise-Dissipation
September 22, 2023 Comments Off on PQ-303’s Linear Noise-Dissipation
The PQ-303’s Linear Noise-Dissipation comprises Differential-Mode filtering (30kHz–1GHz), which addresses asymmetrical noise already present on the utility line or backwashed via electronic appliances and components. The PQ-505 adds Common-Mode filtering (30kHz–100MHz) to address symmetrical noise, which is typically picked up by the AC Line, Neutral, and Ground leads. In the PQ-707, Noise Dissipation is taken even further with a wider-bandwidth (8kHz to 1GHz) Differential-Mode filter.
The PQ-707 also includes Transient Power Correction (TPC). In the PQ-707, TPC provides a current reservoir of up to 45 amps peak on-demand power for any amplifier (up to 25mS), supplying the low-impedance current the amp needs to produce thrilling dynamic contrasts, bass extension, and control.
Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 Preamplifier $8945 Review
September 21, 2023 Comments Off on Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 Preamplifier $8945 Review
On the Shostakovich piano concerto, the all-Chord combination delivered a beautifully rich piano tone that conveyed the power and gravitas of the magnificent concert grand. Again, the pianist’s technique of playing with light and shade was amply revealed. The whole performance was very moving, due to the system’s ability to resolve fine details. There was still a lack of sparkle on the highest notes compared to sitting on a piano stool at the keyboard of a Steinway, but that would be the case with any preamp / power amp pair; most likely, it’s due to limitations of the recording. Ornamental trills were superbly delineated, and the Chord setup ranged the accompanying orchestra across a large soundstage with impressive acuity.
FIIO K9 REVIEW
September 21, 2023 Comments Off on FIIO K9 REVIEW
Distinguishing the K9 from the K9 Pro ESS are several key elements: it features a slightly different PSU, employs dual 9068AS DAC chips as opposed to dual 9038PRO, includes a newer USB controller (XUF308 instead of XUF208), and lacks official MQA support. Moreover, the K9 is 40 grams lighter, has a similar but slightly modified aesthetic, and lacks a side USB-C OTG port. Priced about $350 USD cheaper than the K9 Pro ESS, the K9 stands as a compelling alternative. Initially, I expected it to launch at around $650, so discovering such a technically impressive all-in-one unit at $500 was a pleasant surprise. Once again, the FiiO team has outdone themselves.
ampsandsound Casablanca Monoblock Amplifiers REVIEW
September 20, 2023 Comments Off on ampsandsound Casablanca Monoblock Amplifiers REVIEW
But the ampsandsound Casablanca just kept saying, “I’ve got more in the tank. You just can’t hear it.” So, I’d certainly encourage consideration on speaker pairing, leaning towards high efficiency speakers. Justin does lots of his voicing on horn and LS 3/5A speakers. Justin is also a speaker builder, but that’s a story for another day.
As Rick Blaine walks into the evening fog with Louis Renault as the plane departs for America, if you purchase a pair of these wonderful ampsandsound Casablanca monoblocks you too will say, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Rythmik FV15HP 15″ Ported Subwoofer Review
September 20, 2023 Comments Off on Rythmik FV15HP 15″ Ported Subwoofer Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/rythmik-fv15hp-15-ported-subwoofer-review
For the past couple of years, there have been comments on the Sound & Vision website on virtually every subwoofer review as to when we were going to review a Rythmik sub. To those readers, your patience is being rewarded, and I owe all of you a big Thank You! Without your prodding, I’m not sure if this review would have ever happened.
While I’ve reviewed countless subs over the years, there are very few that have had this type of visceral impact on me. In fact, there’s only one—the MK Sound X15+. What’s so amazing about the FV15HP2, is that you can buy two of them for the price of one X15+ and have about $1500 left in your wallet. I’ve been in bass heaven since employing two of these subs, and now the real fun begins—convincing the person who must not be crossed that they need to be a permanent fixture in our theater. Wish me luck!
Sota Escape Turntable $1900 Review
September 19, 2023 Comments Off on Sota Escape Turntable $1900 Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2023/6/8/090gfqtttce59cwgdsoq4zb6ccw55p
The clean aesthetic and modest footprint of the Sota Escape turntable belies its high-end materials and carefully considered design. This turntable, unique even within the Sota lineup, offers a massive upgrade in sonic performance over an entry-level audiophile turntable. Essentially the $1900 Escape combines a “buy it for life” sound with a “buy it for life” ownership experience. I can confidently send the Escape off with a Star Component Award. Don’t be surprised if it reappears in our year-end issue as well.
Audiophilepure 
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