GUSTARD X16 REVIEW
May 12, 2021 Comments Off on GUSTARD X16 REVIEW
Midrange acts similar to the low region. Absolute clarity, flat response, raw presentation. Gustard X16 will reveal if there is anything bad about the mastering. If you also like detailed, reference DACs like me, but also prefer a tad warmer midrange, I would suggest pairing the X16 with something like LCD-X or HD58X, rather than Hifiman DEVA for example. I paired X16 with the SMSL SH-9 and they made a brilliant couple, however, they’re nitpicking Tidal MQA tracks so beware. Pairing it with Archel 2.5 Pro resulted in a more effortless presentation. If you have a brilliant archive of well-mastered tracks, Gustard X16 will make you incredibly happy. Returning back to the midrange, vocals are presented with plenty of detail. It does not feel dry even though it is very flat. I can’t hear any mid-bass bloat or upper-mid harshness. Tonality-wise everything feels in place, however, note-thickness or weight, whichever you prefer, depends a lot on the equipment you pair it with. The accuracy is the most impressive side of this DAC.
Parasound Halo JC 5 Power Amplifier | REVIEW
May 12, 2021 Comments Off on Parasound Halo JC 5 Power Amplifier | REVIEW
Parasound Halo JC 5 Power Amplifier | REVIEW
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I really enjoyed what the Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier brought to my rig. It provided a fine balance between the fork in the proverbial audiophile road of good sound and accuracy. Inherently neutral, accurate without being dry, no solidstate etching or harshness whatsoever, and imaging and soundstage that could compete with similarly priced tube amps – this all adds up to what I think is a big win for Parasound.
Parasound’s design objective for the JC 5 was to meet customer requests to distill the essence of the acclaimed JC 1+ monoblocks into a stereo power amp. I haven’t heard the JC 1+ yet so I cannot comment on that, but in my opinion the Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier is a winner. If you are looking for a beefy solid state power amplifier under $10k I suggest giving the JC 5 an audition. Highly recommended.
UNIQUE MELODY 3DT REVIEW
May 11, 2021 Comments Off on UNIQUE MELODY 3DT REVIEW
However, the soundstage is quite narrow and the instruments play a bit close to each other, which creates a cramped feeling at times. The width is not spectacular in this case. The depth is on good levels and there’s good layering here. The only thing missing is the sound-stage width. As a result, the positioning is not the best here.
Tonality is very good, especially when you consider the fact that this is a v-shaped IEM (although not substantially). Instruments have a very realistic tone with good breath, and I especially liked the guitar with the 3DT. The separation is also very good but that takes a hit because of the sound-stage width. The IEM has excellent control, especially in lows.
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5.2 $599 Review
May 11, 2021 Comments Off on Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5.2 $599 Review
The art of loudspeaker design is producing a product with a Uni-Fied and refined voice that sounds like music, not a patchwork of sonic criteria. I think Elac’s success in this regard is, in part, the reason for the sonic leap I hear in this next generation of Uni-Fi. Elac’s UB5.2 has taken the well-deserved success of its immediate predecessor, ratcheted up the sonic positives, and, where they merited attention, minimized the shortcomings. In my book, there’s nothing better than witnessing a maturation process that improves the breed—and all for an extra hundred bucks. A terrific speaker that I can recommend without reservation.
Siltech Crown Princess Interconnect $5500/m Review
May 10, 2021 Comments Off on Siltech Crown Princess Interconnect $5500/m Review
The Crown Princess sounds thoroughly modern, the sound of our time, with a cluster of characteristics that those of us who’ve been around a while would consider shouldn’t coexist in a single product; they would seem to cancel each other. At once unfailingly beautiful, yet quite capable of unleashing controlled aggression that’ll strain the capacity of your room, all while acting as if it’s no big deal. Rich sounding, but on the cool side. And there’s nothing timid about the thrust of her lower register. It’ll be the envy of your pals.
MSB Technology S202 Stereo Amplifier $29,500 Review
May 10, 2021 Comments Off on MSB Technology S202 Stereo Amplifier $29,500 Review
Early in 2021, as I finished my review of the Estelon X Diamond Mk II speakers, I vowed to then clear my schedule so that I could experience MSB Technology’s ecosystem of gear. Although that journey had actually begun the previous summer, when I bought an MSB Discrete DAC, I could now hear MSB’s D/A conversion directly driving MSB amplification. This is a review of MSB’s S202 stereo amplifier; it’s also an exploration of what MSB gear can do when entrusted with the entire signal path, right up to the loudspeakers.
ROCKPORT CYGNUS SPEAKERS
May 9, 2021 Comments Off on ROCKPORT CYGNUS SPEAKERS
ROCKPORT CYGNUS SPEAKERS
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2021/05/rockport-cygnus-speakers.html
Like all Rockport Technologies loudspeakers, the singular purpose to re-create a musical experience is echoed in each design choice, and every detail of the Cygnus is finished to the highest standard. The result is a loudspeaker that transcends the boundaries of technical excellence and enters the realm of actually making music.”
Thorens TD 148A Turntable Review
May 9, 2021 Comments Off on Thorens TD 148A Turntable Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/thorens-td-148a-turntable
The TD 148A is an appealing turntable with slick automation that is both easy to set up and user-friendly. Yes, it falls a little short of Thorens’ manual decks in terms of performance, particularly when it comes to soundstaging, but compromise is the name of the game here. So I’m not entirely sure it heralds the start of a new automated revolution but, as a convenient package, it succeeds admirably.
Mytek HiFi Brooklyn AMP+ power amplifier $2495 Review
May 8, 2021 Comments Off on Mytek HiFi Brooklyn AMP+ power amplifier $2495 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mytek-hifi-brooklyn-amp-power-amplifier
Mytek keeps making little boxes that do big things, which makes me wonder what Jurewicz might do with bigger boxes. The company’s forthcoming monoblocks will be built in full-size chassis, part of Mytek’s new Empire series. “AMP+ has newer, faster MOSFETs for a more squared wave,” Jurewicz told me, “but it’s not yet 100% what could be accomplished. For a better squarewave, you need newer transistors called GaN-FETs. It’s a game changer for class-D. In the next few years, we will see examples of class-D proving to be the best sounding amplifier technology with the use of GaN-FETs.”
Salk Sound SS9.5 speaker $9,995 Review
May 8, 2021 Comments Off on Salk Sound SS9.5 speaker $9,995 Review
Just over seven years ago I reviewed the Salk Sound Soundscape Speakers for Dagogo. I recall that they were built with what were generally considered to be some of the most accurate drivers available, chiefly the RAAL ribbon tweeter and Accuton ceramic midrange. A couple of months ago I sold the Vapor Audio Joule White speakers that I owned following review in 2016. These were of a similar ilk, with larger RAAL ribbons and Accuton ceramic midrange drivers. Owning those speakers, I was certainly on a quest for resolution!
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