Core Power Technologies AV EquiCore 1000
February 3, 2022 Comments Off on Core Power Technologies AV EquiCore 1000
A strong empirical example of the amazing noise reduction powers of the Core Power Technologies AV Equi=Core 1000 was what occurred when I first got the Equi=Core and the LSA Warp 1 Amplifier. Due to a series of mishaps, I ended up powering up the Warp 1 without an input connected which due to the design of the Warp 1 caused a loud humming sound. Since I had set up the Equi=Core at the same time, my first impulse was to bypass the Equi=Core in case that was the source of the issue and the noise was a magnitude louder with a significantly wider bandwidth of noise. Or to put in terms of the effect of the Equi=Core, the noise was reduced to about 10% of the level without the Equi=Core and reduced in frequency to say about 60 Hz, which one would expect if they had a pure 60 cycle AC signal without injected noise from other sources. The difference was jaw-dropping and while this is not a normal test case, it does parallel the effect of inductive noise that is not filtered out by a component’s power supply.
For active listening tests, I decided to use the Questyle CMA Fifteen (Review Pending) as Questyle is well known for their over-built power supplies which should make for a spectacular challenge. For headphone, I chose my Noble Zephyr IEM’s as they are one of my most efficient and articulate IEMs, and to maximize noise potential I put the amplifier in high gain and used the 4.4mm balanced output. At about half volume with the player (JRiver) on pause (IE: no signal but not open), I could hear the transistor noise. With the Equi=Core bypassed you could hear spurious noise added to the steady hiss of the transistors
BRYSTON BP2-20 MM/MC PHONO PREAMP REVIEW
February 2, 2022 Comments Off on BRYSTON BP2-20 MM/MC PHONO PREAMP REVIEW
In my estimation, the Bryston BP2-20 MM/MC is a top-flight example of what a phono stage should be. Unlike some phono preamps that provide so much adjustability that they become almost glorified tone controls; the BP2-20 is focused on simply amplifying those tiny cartridge voltage inputs in the cleanest, most robust manner possible. And while keeping distortion and noise levels impressively low it also manages to remain musical and full sounding with several different cartridge combinations. Its design also has plenty of headroom, pretty much guaranteeing you will not find an LP groove big enough to overload BP2-20 regardless of the cartridge used. No, the Bryston is not an inexpensive proposition, but its performance is competitive, and in some cases superior, to a few more expensive phono stages out there. If you are an inveterate tweaker then the BP2-20 may not satisfy your urges to dial in just the right sound. If you simply want to enjoy some of the best sound possible from your vinyl, without expending a ton of effort (or grief), the Bryston BP2-20 MM/MC is right up your alley. It could quite easily be the first and last phono stage you’ll ever need.
BAT VK-80i Integrated Amplifier
February 1, 2022 Comments Off on BAT VK-80i Integrated Amplifier
https://www.hifinews.com/content/bat-vk-80i-integrated-amplifier
BAT’s revamp of its integrated amplifier stable continues in style – the VK-80i is a remarkably insightful listen, with an enviable talent for delicate detail and butter-smooth soundstaging. Power-hungry loudspeakers might be better served by the stablemate hybrid VK-3500, but tube devotees will cherish this amp’s way with music, and will likely find it more than juicy enough for their existing setup.
Theater Zuidplein by Studio RAP
February 1, 2022 Comments Off on Theater Zuidplein by Studio RAP
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2022/01/theater-zuidplein-by-studio-rap.html
The main shape of the acoustic walls is designed as a fluid embracement of the audience and stage. Necessary openings are made for entrances and stage lights. Installations are covered. The shape of the hall is analysed and divided in different areas. According to these areas the shape of the envelope is optimized. Because of the even spread of sound every visitor can have a great experience of the performance.
Singxer Audio SU 6 USB audio bridge
February 1, 2022 Comments Off on Singxer Audio SU 6 USB audio bridge
Cyrus One HD Integrated Amplifier / DAC Review
January 31, 2022 Comments Off on Cyrus One HD Integrated Amplifier / DAC Review
The Cyrus One HD Integrated Amplifier has to be looked at holistically to be fully appreciated. The amp alone is quite good, but not quite as good as some at the $1500 price point. Likewise, the phono stage is good, but can be bettered by other stand alone pre-amps. The headphone amp is impressive but again not as good as a dedicated headphone amplifier.
It is the overall performance of the entire package that makes the Cyrus One HD so intriguing. $1500 is not an insignificant amount of money for a single component if you’re building a $3000 stereo system.
Cayin Introduces new Tube Amplifier CS-805A
January 30, 2022 Comments Off on Cayin Introduces new Tube Amplifier CS-805A
https://stereo-magazine.com/article/cayin-introduces-new-tube-amplifier-cs-805a
Besides the two 805A output tubes, Cayin’s new CS-805A also features WE6SN7 tubes in the voltage amplification stage and 300B tubes in the driver stage for the output tubes. With an integrated bias indicator, bias adjustment for the 805A tubes is said to be straightforward; in addition, the 300B tubes can be levelled via a hum balance control. The negative feedback can also be switched between 0 and -3db via the included remote control.
Roksan Attessa Turntable Package Review
January 30, 2022 Comments Off on Roksan Attessa Turntable Package Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/roksan-attessa-turntable-package
Don Henley’s vocals on the title track from The Eagles’ Long Road Out Of Eden [Universal 0602517546950] have seldom sounded more vivid and securely placed centre stage, with a level of projection out into the room that was quite uncanny. I’ve heard decks many times the cost of the Attessa make a far worse job of this and I was hugely impressed. Despite its apparent simplicity and relatively budget nature, the arm here clearly follows in the estimable footsteps of its more expensive Roksan stablemates.
The same album also hinted at the deck’s good speed stability – there are some fine keyboard effects throughout the track and it doesn’t take too much to give them a subtle tremor. But through the Attessa they sounded solid, suggesting its drive system is more than capable. This also paid dividends at the low end with a detailed bass, and individual notes easy to pick up on and follow.
VPI Aries Turntable Review
January 29, 2022 Comments Off on VPI Aries Turntable Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2016/5/25/the-vpi-aries-turntable
The VPI Aries lends much credence to the belief that it is the turntable, not the tonearm or cartridge, that is of supreme importance when it comes to the faithful extraction of an LP’s embedded analogue signal. While the Audioquest PT-6 tonearm and Benz-Micro MC Gold phono cartridge used for this evaluation are both budget overachievers, they are more likely to find their way into a relatively modest analogue front end than one with state-of-the-art aspirations. Yet under the expert guidance of the Aries, the performance of both the PT-6 and MC Gold was elevated to a level which was quite unexpected – leaps and bounds, in fact, ahead of their performance when partnered with lesser turntables. Little wonder that VPI highly recommends the budget Audioquest arm for use on both the Aries and TNT if VPI’s own JMW proves financially prohibitive.
CH Precision • L1 Preamplifier and A1.5 Stereo Amplifier $39,500 REVIEW
January 29, 2022 Comments Off on CH Precision • L1 Preamplifier and A1.5 Stereo Amplifier $39,500 REVIEW
https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/ch_precision_l1_a15.htm
The L1 and A1.5 are expensive. They might be the entry point as far as CH Precision separates are concerned, but they are still genuinely aspirational components, ones that will likely require some effort and expense to hear in a showroom or system. But they are innately musical in a way that is incredibly hard to find elsewhere. Are they 10 Series beaters? Of course not. To carry the food analogy a step further, the M10 provides a world tour, embracing a seemingly endless procession of equally impressive culinary opportunities. However, the CH Precision A1.5 shares the M10’s DNA and shares its fundamental magic. While you can label the L1 and A1.5 as “entry level” in CH Precision terms, perhaps it’s more accurate to think of the pair as entry-level ultra-high-end audio, marking, as they do, a step up in musical expectation.
K
Audiophilepure 
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