Clearaudio Concept Active MM revi
February 22, 2021 Comments Off on Clearaudio Concept Active MM revi
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/clearaudio-concept-active-mm
The turntable itself has some points of interest. At the rear, next to the set of RCA outputs, are flick-switches to adjust gain (low, medium or high), choose between MM and MC cartridge modes, and apply a Subsonic filter that aims to reduce any unwanted low-frequency noise. The final one determines whether your RCA output is passive (for when bypassing the integrated phono stage and connecting to an outboard one), variable (for using the connected integrated or pre-amplifier’s volume control) or active (for adjusting volume via the Concept Active’s on-unit dial).
Thankfully for those keen to listen to their vinyl through headphones, the 6.3mm headphone output doesn’t join the switches at the rear, instead taking up a place on the right-hand side panel. Its location does, however, mean that those who use the smart power supply will have to place it on the left-hand side of the deck, or some centimetres away from it altogether, so as not to physically block the socket.
Those rear-panel discreet switches and the right-edge socket aside, the Concept Active is an advert for modern minimalism, with its business-looking matte black plinth sitting on a choice of silver or black, or the more premium-priced light wood or dark wood chassis, with nicely rounded corners. For the benefit of symmetry, though, we wish the small roller volume wheel on the plinth’s front right-hand side matched the larger rotary speed dial on the opposite side.
Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/Headphone Amplifier Review
February 22, 2021 Comments Off on Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/Headphone Amplifier Review
The Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/Headphone Amplifier
With so much emphasis put on high-resolution files, it’s easy to forget about 16/44. Considering that most of us still either have or stream the bulk of our music at this resolution level, it’s important to note that Questyle hasn’t abandoned CD quality resolution in pursuit of high res. Whether we were playing files from a streamer or disc transport (and we highly suggest the $599 Cambridge CXC for this task) the CMA Twelve shows just how engaging CD playback can be in the year 2021.
The overall sound of the Questyle is dynamic and neutral – neither embellishing nor detracting from the music being played. You can easily fine-tune to your personal preference with your choice of headphones. Questyle offers a high/low bias switch on the CMA Twelve’s front panel, offering more current drive for lower impedance phones. Even with a few lower impedance phones, we struggled to hear a difference with this switch in either position, in this case, your mileage may vary, and this is worth investigating.
Acoustic Energy AE2 loudspeaker $2500 Review
February 21, 2021 Comments Off on Acoustic Energy AE2 loudspeaker $2500 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/acoustic-energy-ae2-loudspeaker
I found the AE2 to be very fussy both when it came to finding the optimum placement in the room and in choosing source components that enabled it to sing. Although it is relatively expensive even without stands, the dedicated stands are also essential, in my opinion, to getting the most from the AE2. This, of course, puts the system price almost up to $3800, where even small faults become of paramount importance. Its small but noticeable midrange-coloration level might then be thought by some to be a major failing. But if you are more concerned about superb presentation of detail and dynamic impact, coupled with a smooth, uncolored treble, particularly if your tastes run more to rock music, then the AE2 must be considered as one of the finest speakers in this price class.
SHANLING M8 REVIEW
February 21, 2021 Comments Off on SHANLING M8 REVIEW
The bass quality is especially noticeable from the first listen as it has great PRaT. The bass region has great detail and texture. It has a nicely controlled bass response but it gives its authority whenever the record calls for it. The mids are liquid and lush with great resolution and transparency. It gives you a great instrument timbre as well. The mid-range is slightly lifted and closer to the listener in a good way. The instrument realism is wonderful here and the mids are full sounding with a good body.
Sonus Faber Il Cremonese ex3me $62,000
February 20, 2021 Comments Off on Sonus Faber Il Cremonese ex3me $62,000
The heritage of Sonus faber is entrusted to the hands of these artisans who seamlessly combine their know-how with the legacy of values which have been preserved throughout the brand’s history.
Distinguished sound is the result, allowing the listener to immerse in a natural musical experience. Sonus faber preserves the integrity of its roots while evolving its craft through the use of innovative materials, intense design research and electro-acoustic solutions.
Stillpoints ESS Rack and Amplifier Stand Review
February 20, 2021 Comments Off on Stillpoints ESS Rack and Amplifier Stand Review
Another performance that demonstrated the proficiency of the racks was the recent live recording from Chick Corea with Christian McBride and Brian Blade called Trilogy 2. The ESS rack helped bring the last degree of articulation of this trio to the fore. It was simply a delight to hear the complicated rhythms on Thelonious Monk’s fiendishly difficult song “Work” unraveled with such accuracy and aplomb and verve.
Indeed, the ESS rack profoundly improved the performance of my audio system, allowing it to further resolve the very fine micro-details that enhance a sense of musical verisimilitude. The improved resolution and clarity were so palpable that at times I found myself listening at lower volume levels with total satisfaction. For anyone intent on obtaining a more suave and supple, refined and precise sound, Stillpoints delivers the goods.
CLARUS CODA USB DAC / HEADAMP REVIEW
February 19, 2021 Comments Off on CLARUS CODA USB DAC / HEADAMP REVIEW
Either way, for $299, this DAC isn’t going back.
And if it’s good enough for my reference rig costing tens of thousands of US$,It’s also a huge gateway for someone starting out on their very own high-end audio journey.Got phone, tablet, or laptop — will travel.Or start with a pair of active speakers and evolve as far and as loud as you want to rock.
FIIO BTA30 HIGH FIDELITY BLUETOOTH TRANSCEIVER RECIEW
February 19, 2021 Comments Off on FIIO BTA30 HIGH FIDELITY BLUETOOTH TRANSCEIVER RECIEW
The ability to convert any non-Bluetooth digital device to Bluetooth V5.0 with the superior sound quality options of LDAC or aptX HD makes the BTA30 a boon to fans of wireless audio and smart technology. Whether you want to watch television with High Definition sound quality in your own head a 3 AM without disturbing others or stream music from your phone to your old HiFi system, the BTA30 is a must-have and will prove useful for a multitude of applications without putting a heavy lien on your pocketbook. Definite thumbs up and highly recommended product.
Technics SL-1200G Direct Drive Turntable Review
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on Technics SL-1200G Direct Drive Turntable Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2021/1/1/technicssl1200g
The sonic signature of the 1200 was consistent at various locations, attached to several phono stages, cartridges, etc. Meaning, you’re investing in a specific sound pretty well immune to outside, deleterious influences. The 1200’s personality is such that an addiction to its sound will transcend any financial constraints or worries you have on initial system build. As such, no matter entry level equipment or the finest in high end ancillaries, the Technics will always give of its best, highlighting its own musical personalities. In that way, even at $4000, the SL-1200G is a well nigha perfect turntable for those audiophiles who want legacy, style and convenience (the Coreless Direct Drive Motor, the headshell, plug ‘n play, etc). Hook it up to a basic Rega phono stage with a good solid state amp, and you’ll be in vinyl heaven. Dynamic, stable with an especially glorious treble (more on that later).
Okto dac8 Stereo D/A processor $1285 Review
February 18, 2021 Comments Off on Okto dac8 Stereo D/A processor $1285 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/okto-dac8-stereo-da-processor
I streamed the DSD128 files of the Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble’s Musica Sacra album (Opus 3 19516) from Roon. I left the DSD low-pass filter set to “Auto”; the word “Native” appeared on the Okto’s display. The unaccompanied singers in Bach’s chorale “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Savior of the nations, come) were surrounded with a richly ambient acoustic, but that ambience did not obscure the position of the singers. Courtesy of the dac8 Stereo, the solo organ interlude in the work’s second half unambiguously occupied the same space, with rich low frequencies.
Throughout my auditioning, I continued to be impressed by the combination of upper-bass weight and leading-edge definition offered by the Okto processor. The lower register of Chris Jones’s fretless Fender Jazz bass guitar on Live at Merkin Hall sounded as lifelike as I remembered it sounding at the concert.
Audiophilepure 
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