Simaudio Moon 860A v2 Stereo/Mono Amplifier $19,500 Review
January 15, 2022 Comments Off on Simaudio Moon 860A v2 Stereo/Mono Amplifier $19,500 Review
But if my seven numbers ever came up on that lottery ticket I never buy, there’s no question in my mind that I’d give the 4B3 to my brother-in-law and pick up a Simaudio or two. Why? Well, it’s undoubtedly a matter of degree. Where the Bryston provides a quiet, clear background, the Simaudio ups the ante by a hair, adding just a touch more depth to the soundstage. The Simaudio is just a touch more restrained in the highs, nipping just a leetle bit off the top of cymbals and sibilants, which is more to my own personal taste.
The main difference between these two amplifiers is more of an overall presentation thing. For an extra $13k or so, you get a more sophisticated-sounding amplifier, one that can more realistically rebuild the original recording space in your very own listening room.
It didn’t take long for me to determine that—yes—the 860A v2 is the better-sounding amplifier. Rather, it took me a long time to figure out why and to distill my thoughts in a coherent manner. And that’s really as it should be—throwing more money at a problem can only go so far in audio, and when you get to these extremely high-end products, improvement is no small feat.
Jason is sad
Simaudio has done it, though. With the 860A v2, they’ve made an amp that’s notably better than my own Bryston, which is already really, really good. The 860A v2 is a true statement product. Without even listening to the thing, it’s easy to see that this amp exudes quality and workmanship.
Really—there’s nothing about the 860A v2 that I didn’t like. Searching back over my time with this amp, I honestly can’t think of any areas for improvement, in either sound quality, build, or functionality. That is truly rare for me, as I can usually muster some sort of quibble, something I’d like to change. But that’s not the case here.
Velodyne MicroVee X Review
January 13, 2022 Comments Off on Velodyne MicroVee X Review
https://stereo-magazine.com/review/velodyne-microvee-x-review
The Velodyne-typical “Digital Drive Control System” (DDCS) is supposed to ensure extremely low distortion. It should be clear that the MicroVee X, which weighs almost ten kilograms, was not designed to be combined with floorstanding speakers the size of telephone booths or extremely loud low bass orgies. Let‘s be honest here: everyone wants bass, but you wouldn‘t want to see an accompanying or even necessary subwoofer.
The MicroVee X is an ideal, extremely ambience-friendly solution for helping a rather compactly designed music system or even a small home theater corner to significantly more emphasis in the lower registers – and that already in its third generation. It can indeed do this with an astonishing authority and sovereignty. In contrast to many a competitor that works around dominant frequencies and is also larger, it reveals itself to posses an extremely subtle spirit. Through physics, the sub furthermore also ensures that the impression of spaciousness can be dramatically improved when using it. Lower tones indeed suggest a much larger room. Textures in the bass, for example from the classic albums “Crime Of The Century” by Supertramp, Pink Floyd‘s “The Wall” or “Rumours” by “Fleetwood Mac”– which I probably know better than any other record – can be followed very clearly and cleanly with the MicroVee. And what about some “Boom” in the home theater? No problem either, in fact, quite the contrary. As a very good addition to smaller speakers, it com
MOONDROP VARIATIONS REVIEW
January 13, 2022 Comments Off on MOONDROP VARIATIONS REVIEW
The Variations IEMs have an elevated, impactful, and full-bodied bass reproduction. The sub-bass is slightly more prominent than the rest of the bass range, however, the bass feels abundant all together. The textured, powerful bass contributes to the fun factor of the IEM. The Moondrop tuned it carefully to prevent the bass from bleeding into the lower mid section. The detail level is also good. The Variations perform well in this regard, the bass is controlled, very powerful, and quite exciting to listen to.
Sonus faber Olympica Nova II | REVIEW
January 12, 2022 Comments Off on Sonus faber Olympica Nova II | REVIEW
Sonus faber, as demonstrated by the Olympica Nova II, has been slowly morphing their traditional sound into something that skillfully reconciles the difference between the professed music lover and the true audiophile listener. I can’t overstate that the sound is really very refined and the midrange is just stunningly good for a speaker at the $10,000/pair level.
IBASSO DC05 REVIEW
January 12, 2022 Comments Off on IBASSO DC05 REVIEW
The iBasso DC05 is a good little DAC, capable of great lengths once paired with a good IEM, or portable headset. Sound quality is surprisingly good, as is the build quality, and the conception design makes it the perfect companion for your smartphone – even if iPhone users still have to get an adapter like the ddHiFi TC28i.
It won’t replace your Dragonfly, Sparrow or Hi-mDAC, but, if you want a cheap/sturdy solution, that allows you to use your hi-res streaming subscription, and makes a real difference on the long run, this is a very serious option. I liked it!
LSA HP-Diamond Headphones Review
January 11, 2022 Comments Off on LSA HP-Diamond Headphones Review
https://www.audiopursuit.com/2021/11/lsa-hp-diamond-headphones.html
Audiophile headphones are a unique addiction. Over the forty years I’ve been a part of this hobby I’ve been truly enamored three times before this review. The first was the budget lightweight Sennheiser 477, then came the Master & Dynamic MD40 , and finally the Sennheiser HD800. Now I can add the LSA HP-Diamond to the list. The planar magnetic, easy to drive design provides an exciting listening experience, especially for percussion fans. Just select any Tito Puente song, sit back and let the dynamic immersion begin. For $1990 ordered directly from Underwoodhifi.com, the HP-Diamond headphones are a gourmet meal to the ears.
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Review
January 11, 2022 Comments Off on PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Review
https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-integrated-amplifier-review
PrimaLuna has achieved a fine feat with the EVO 300 Hybrid, conjoining the best aspects of both valve and solid-state into a reasonably affordable amplifier that sounds thoroughly modern, transparent, open and enjoyable. Its general punch and bass heft will suit those with inefficient loudspeakers or large listening rooms, but this amplifier also works wonders with smaller sized loudspeakers – letting them reach their full potential. The pricing of this amplifier is where it should be and is good value compared to separates but without all the fussiness. Do try to audition it – you may just walk out of your local dealer with it under your arm, if you’re strong enough!
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 Loudspeaker Review
January 10, 2022 Comments Off on Q Acoustics Q Active 200 Loudspeaker Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/q-acoustics-q-active-200-loudspeaker-review
To sum up, Q Acoustics’ Q Active 200 system is a fascinatingly different design, and I enjoyed my sojourn with it. It’s dead-perfect for the listener who might otherwise buy a brand-S or brand-B (or a Google or Amazon or Apple) all-in-one, but desires, and is willing to pay for, something much better, which this system most decidedly is. Could you, for the same money, get a bit better performance from conventionally wired passive speakers? Certainly, but you will sacrifice the integration, simplicity, and, of course, wireless-ness. And you’ll need to spend significant bucks for sources and for amplifiers as well. For anyone who finds the Q Active 200’s just- add-music concept alluring, I strongly recommend pursuing a serious audition.
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X Loudspeaker £4995 Review
January 9, 2022 Comments Off on MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X Loudspeaker £4995 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/martinlogan-electromotion-esl-x-loudspeaker
This is more observation than criticism, as I’m wary of expecting too much from a loudspeaker at this price that performs so admirably in other areas. For instance, the EM-ESL X steers clear of HF nasties. Hi-hats and cymbals were always distinct and well separated, avoiding splash or brightness. Metallica’s ‘Dyer’s Eve’, which closes an album famed for a treble-heavy ‘scooped’ guitar tone […And Justice For All; Vertigo 836062-2] was perhaps more listenable than I’ve ever heard it, helped by the EM-ESL X’s speedy transducer keeping its frantic rhythms and riffs astonishing clear.
Lastly, for a simple five-minute demonstration of what this loudspeaker can do, give Elton John’s ‘Honky Cat’ [Honky Chateau; Mercury 528 162-2] a whirl. Huge piano accompaniment, dynamic trombone and saxophone hits, a drum track that sounds almost three-dimensional and Reginald Dwight throwing out rhyming couplets right into your listening room. It sounded… electrifying.
Audiophilepure 
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