OSD Black Trevoce 12 EQ DSP Subwoofer $600 Review
February 28, 2022 Comments Off on OSD Black Trevoce 12 EQ DSP Subwoofer $600 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/osd-black-trevoce-12-eq-dsp-subwoofer-review
Starting out in the music room, I first streamed Steven Wilson’s “King Ghost” from his album The Future Bites (24-bit/96kHz FLAC, Qobuz). The swells of bass in this song were rendered in a clean and very dynamic manner. There was also a distinct fullness to the low end that added warmth to the overall sound and provided a solid foundation for the electronic drums, synths, and ethereal vocals to float upon. Comparing the sub’s performance with EQ switched off, the bass came across notably muddier, and dynamics were muted as well.
The same qualities I noted in the Wilson track carried over when I next spun “Valley” from The Orb’s 1995 album Orbus Terrarum on CD. This electronic track features truly deep, subsonic bass, and I was impressed with how much of it I was hearing with the Trevoce 12 in my setup. The cascading rise and fall of the synthesized bass line had a clean quality, while the occasional low slam of percussive elements was conveyed with impressive power and tactile impact. I was also able to push the volume to near-uncomfortable levels and not experience loss of clarity—the sub tracked the loudness increase in an easy, agile manner.
Nordost QSOURCE Linear Power Supply $2749 Review
February 27, 2022 Comments Off on Nordost QSOURCE Linear Power Supply $2749 Review
Multitasking in audio—as in life—often proves a poor choice. Many LPS models can be adapted to drive multiple devices, but this very often results in a watered-down version of the single device performance. When I ordered the fittings to attach a second device to my CH Precision X1 External Power Supply, it was not as good as when only one CH device was attached. When I listened to the Fidelizer Nikola powering two devices, then turned one off, the sound improved. With these two power supplies, a single connected device was the way to go.
The QSOURCE has six outputs, four of which are dedicated to the Nordost QPOINT product (sold separately). The remaining two can be adjusted to variable output voltages and are suitable to replace the wall-warts used by many music servers, NAS drives, etc. I powered up the QSOURCE with two devices attached, then switched one off, with the expectation that it would follow the pattern and show an improvement—but it didn’t. The QSOURCE is the exception to the multitasking rule.
Prima Luna EVO 300/Floyd Design Integrated Review
February 27, 2022 Comments Off on Prima Luna EVO 300/Floyd Design Integrated Review
The PrimaLuna EVO 300/Floyd Design Integrated
PrimaLuna’s vacuum tube amplifiers are all built with point-to-point wiring (except for the small auto-bias board that eliminates the need to bias the output tubes) and feature a fanatic level of attention to detail. Those arguing point to point wiring can’t compete with the consistency offered by printed circuit boards have never looked inside a PrimaLuna! The EVO 300/Floyd still uses point-to-point wiring, but there are three PCBs now. These boards are 2.4mm thick with 105um gold-plated copper traces, for maximum longevity and highest signal integrity.
Fit and finish elsewhere is equally fantastic. PrimaLuna has always set the standard for execution, using their signature dark blue metallic for the chassis, mated to a thick aluminum front panel with silver or black anodizing. The only thing feeling out of place on recent PrimaLuna products is the control and selector knobs. The rough, pebbly finish does not look as “finished” as the smooth ones used in earlier PL products. This is truly my only complaint with the EVO300/Floyd, but it is something that other PL owners have talked about online. Perhaps offer an upgraded, machined pair of knobs as an add-on?
SHANLING M9 REVIEW
February 26, 2022 Comments Off on SHANLING M9 REVIEW
Now the other aspects are done with, we can focus on the sound output. The Shanling M8 is still a wonderful player and I still recommend it if you can find it at a bargain. However, the M9 takes the M8’s sound and refines it to be incredibly balanced and wide. To be honest, I was expecting this model to be an update in terms of software, design and hardware (CPU and RAM), and I expected to hear a similar sound. I was wrong.
The M9’s sound is like a perfected M8. The mids are cleaner, the stage is wider, layering is better, bass performance has been improved and the player doesn’t sound as warm as the M8. It has better texture and fidelity, with better definition and transparency in mids and treble. This I think is one of the best DAPs you can find in the market right now.
RDacoustic Hybrid diffuser
February 26, 2022 Comments Off on RDacoustic Hybrid diffuser
World Premiere Review!Aric Audio Custom 300B PSET Amplifier $6995 Review
February 25, 2022 Comments Off on World Premiere Review!Aric Audio Custom 300B PSET Amplifier $6995 Review
The rectifiers are two 6CG3 damper diodes that are quieter than regular tube rectifiers and can handle the extra current. The power supply is connected to the amplification unit via two Speakon connections, which I have to say, are the most intense power connectors I’ve seen in a home-use amplifier. The amplifier section of the Custom 300B PSET starts with 6SN7 input tubes in SRPP mode. Those are coupled using Audyn True Copper foil coupling capacitors to triode-strapped 6V6 driver tubes. The drivers are then coupled to the 300Bs using custom-made interstage transformers. This is where it gets really interesting and makes the Custom 300B PSET so unique.
You then have the choice of running the amp in either SET mode with one pair of 300Bs or PSET mode with four 300Bs. As you can imagine, in PSET mode you have twice the power. Plus those four 300Bs in quad formation look so cool. There are a lot more great features in this amp that I won’t go into detail about here. I must add, this is a beautiful amplifier. Both bases are constructed of alternating light and dark woods, and cool retro ammeters on the front of the amplifier unit.
Nordost QSOURCE Linear Power Supply $2749 Review
February 25, 2022 Comments Off on Nordost QSOURCE Linear Power Supply $2749 Review
For the audio consumer, the laws of price and performance are writ in stone. You get what you pay for. Certainly that applies to the three linear power supplies that I auditioned over the last year or two.
Beyond any doubt, eliminating the wall-wart that came with the ethernet network switch is major. The entry-level Sbooster at $399 got me started. For a couple of hundred more, you might consider the Fidelizer Nikola Signature at $695, an all-around respectable device that will move performance up to mid-fi level. The improvement is sizable; the Nikola Signature is a good value.
However, if your destination is the Hi-End, there’s still a hill to climb. To introduce intangibles like atmosphere and timbral finesse, along with tangibles like deep resolution and transparency out to the corners, you might consider the Nordost QSOURCE. It’s at a different price point, but I don’t think you’ll be able to get the top-tier performance it delivered for less. Frankly, the level of refinement the QSOURCE LPS brought exceeded my expectations; my quest for a Hi-End LPS ends here.
METERS OV-1-B-Connect Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones Review
February 24, 2022 Comments Off on METERS OV-1-B-Connect Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones Review
This is often used because it provides a lot of presence and excitement when listening to music. However, this type of sound can be overdone, which becomes fatiguing to the ear over time.
Unfortunately, this is the case with the OV-1-B-CONNECT, as I found the bass to be just a little too boomy on heavy bass tracks, and I also found the upper treble to be a bit too forward overall. This manifested in shoutiness on certain songs, especially with horns and high-pitched vocals.
Icon Audio LA4 MkIII Signature Line Preamplifier $3095 Review
February 24, 2022 Comments Off on Icon Audio LA4 MkIII Signature Line Preamplifier $3095 Review
Specifically, I was interested in trying out the 7N7 and 7AF7 loctals, 6SN7 near-equivalents via adapters, albeit with a loss in overall gain. Note that I only replaced V1 and V2, the gain stage tubes, leaving the cathode follower (V3) alone. In particular, the 7AF7 worked extremely well for the end result I was after; namely, textural sweetness galore. It wasn’t as focused or tight in the bass as the CV181, but it nicely vitalized textures when partnering solid-state designs. Neutrality or warmth—both are possible with the right 6SN7. And that is the important point about tube rolling: It allows the end user to voice the LA4 to match a particular system or sonic preference.
It would seem that David Shaw has cracked the code for preamp excellence. His classic recipe includes a 6SN7 gain stage, a tube buffer, and a tube-rectified power supply. This combination, together with excellent engineering and parts selection, makes the Icon Audio LA4 Signature into a formidable line preamp. This is one preamp I could live with happily ever after.
Wilson Audio Alexx V Loudspeaker £139,000 Review
February 23, 2022 Comments Off on Wilson Audio Alexx V Loudspeaker £139,000 Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/wilson-audio-alexx-v-loudspeaker
What the Alexx V represents, to this veteran Wilson listener, is the utopian midpoint between the WATT’s focus and scale of the Chronosonic XVX. This enormous system delivers the soundstage and presence expected of a coffin-sized construct, yet it produces detail and precision to rival any point-source. It’s dangerous to say these words, but here goes… the Alexx V is the best damned speaker I have ever heard.
Audiophilepure 
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