Fiio M11 Pro Digital Audio Player
December 24, 2019 Comments Off on Fiio M11 Pro Digital Audio Player
O”verall, Fiio have created a strong contender within the realm of digital audio players. The M-series of DAPs takes it a step further with an even more cohesive UI, beautiful aesthetics, and strong sound profile. Many users such as myself are happy with the inclusion of streaming services like Tidal and Spotify, which not all DAPs have the functionality to offer. Coupled with the powerful amplifiers and neutral but refined sonic presentation, the M11 Pro is an all-in-one solution equipped to service the modern audiophile’s needs. It will be intriguing to see what the Chinese audio firm will be next to release. Do stay tuned”
DUNU DK-3001 PRO $469 REVIEW
December 23, 2019 Comments Off on DUNU DK-3001 PRO $469 REVIEW
https://headfonics.com/2019/12/dunu-dk-3001-pro-review/
“How you receive and react to the bass response of the DK-3001 depends a bit on experience and expectation. One might think a 13mm dynamic driver would chuck out tons of coloration and smash something like the ultra-V shaped heavy-hitting Polaris 2 out of the park. That is not the case here with the DK-3001 PRO. This is a very linear and controlled low-end with a lighter than expected overtone.
Whilst the timbre is still a dynamic driver DUNU seems to have done an admirable job of reducing the worst excesses of dynamic drivers. That means it is fairly quick and tight sounding, very nicely layered and does not overpower the lower-mids with what I would describe as a very smooth transition from the upper bass into the lower-mids.”
Aurender ACS10 Music Server/Streamer/CD Ripper/HDD Storage
December 23, 2019 Comments Off on Aurender ACS10 Music Server/Streamer/CD Ripper/HDD Storage
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/aurender-acs10-music-serverstreamercd-ripperhdd-storage/
“The primary reasons that the ACS10 is a closed system rather than a UPnP-compliant open system is for the control over all internal processes that a closed system can offer. Aurender’s position is that it can deliver superior stability with a closed system compared to an open one. During the review the ACS10 was tethered to the Mytek Manhattan II DAC’s USB input from the ACS10’s USB output.
All the D/A and USB conversion functions were performed by the Manhattan II’s DACs, as would be true of any DAC connected to the ACS10. When I compared Tidal, Qobuz, and my own hi-res and Red Book music files played back either via the ACS10 or via Roon or MControl to the also-Ethernet-tethered Mytek Manhattan II, I could not discern any sonic differences between the two different signal sources. At the worst I found the Aurender ACS10 using the Aurender “Conductor” app the sonic equal to the Roon-connected source during my listening sessions. “
MartinLogan 60XTi floorstanding speakers Review
December 22, 2019 Comments Off on MartinLogan 60XTi floorstanding speakers Review
https://www.dagogo.com/martinlogan-60xti-floorstanding-speakers-review/
I recommend you listen to the MartinLogan Motion speakers at good audiophile stores where they are properly set up using good components because, even though they don’t require much to sound great, you should be able to hear the spectacular wide open soundstage they can deliver.
Whether you listen to a turntable such as me or stream your music, with the MartinLogan 60XTi you can put together a system for under $6,000 that will give you a wonderful listening experience for years, if not decades to come. Listen to these MartinLogans for yourself and I think you will agree.
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Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic review
December 22, 2019 Comments Off on Vertere Acoustics MG-1 MkII/Mystic review
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/vertere-acoustics-mg-1-mkiimystic
“The newest member of this package is Vertere’s first in-house cartridge, the Mystic. This 9.1g moving coil is arguably the most conventional design of the trio of components but still has a rigid aluminium body that’s machined from solid. Its top plate isn’t flat as is the norm but has three small raised sections that ensure a stable fit with the tonearm, even if the headshell isn’t machined perfectly flat. The body is carefully designed to work well with the internal generator providing good support and control of unwanted mechanical vibrations.
The Mystic’s body uses an aluminium tube cantilever and a micro elliptical stylus that’s claimed to track the record groove well without suffering from excessive surface noise or compromising on high-frequency response. An output of 0.5mV is healthy enough and shouldn’t cause any gain issues with sensibly designed partnering phono stages.”
NEW LCDI3 PORTABLE IN-EAR HEADPHONES REVIEW
December 21, 2019 Comments Off on NEW LCDI3 PORTABLE IN-EAR HEADPHONES REVIEW
“While the LCDi4 offers a more balanced and neutral presentation, the LCDi3 offers a touch of warmth and sweetness that will be more forgiving of your upstream source and offer a very pleasing and easy listening experience for long periods of time. Throwing in pretty much every accessory that you’ll need (except for maybe the kitchen sink), these new in-ears will have you off to the races regardless of how you want to use them (Apple iDevice, wirelessly, or wired to a fantastic source). If you’ve always wanted the LCDi4, but wanted to save some money at the same time, I strongly suggest you give the LCDi3 an audition and strong consideration; you won’t be disappointed!””
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III
December 21, 2019 Comments Off on Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III
https://www.hifichoicemag.com/content/rogue-audio-cronus-magnum-iii
“Any niggles with the setup soon evaporate once you start listening. It is a rare pleasure to run my relatively insensitive Neat Momentum 4i floorstanders on the end of a valve amp and the result is extremely satisfying. This is unquestionably a valve amp in the way it performs – I don’t believe that Rogue Audio set out for it to sound any other way – but thanks to the power in reserve, it manages to have a level of drive and authority that gives it traits you might more commonly associate with solid-state designs.
The 24/96 Qobuz stream of The National’s You Had Your Soul With You demonstrates this to wonderful effect. With a SOtM SMS-200 Neo network audio player (HFC 449) and Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC (HFC 425) acting as a neutral source for it, the Cronus Magnum III is still a big, lush and wonderfully invigorating performer. Voices leap out of the mix, not because there is any unnatural emphasis to them, but simply as they are startlingly vivid. There is an effortless three-dimensionality to the music with the relationship between the performers feeling utterly self explanatory. As I close my eyes, the music is happening in a meaningful fashion right in front of me.”
JBL 4312G LOUDSPEAKER $2,500. REVIEW
December 20, 2019 Comments Off on JBL 4312G LOUDSPEAKER $2,500. REVIEW
https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/bookshelf/jbl-4312g-loudspeaker-review/
“Of course, there may have been more at play here than just the sound that was giving me the “warm & fuzzies” with these speakers. The overall look of the JBL 4312G was bringing on a healthy dose of nostalgia to these eyes. Memories came flooding back of similar-looking speakers from various Toronto Hi-Fi shops where I spent an inordinate amount of my time as a youth. The 4312G also looked like miniature versions of the monster-sized StudioLab speakers my college friend’s dad had in their rec-room so many years ago. We listened to tons of Pink Floyd, Genesis and Rush on those beasts and a very similar fondness returns to me when I turn up the volume on these JBLs”
GOLD NOTE PA-10 POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEW
December 20, 2019 Comments Off on GOLD NOTE PA-10 POWER AMPLIFIER REVIEW
http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/gold-note-pa-10-power-amplifier/
“The PA-10 features a lot of innovations which have always distinguished Gold Note’s design. Its most unique function is a GN property Adjustable Damping Factor that allows for an ideal matching of the power amplifier with almost any kind of loudspeaker. Use the default setting for large speakers or activate the low damping factor via an easy button on the rear when driving high sensitivity or mini-monitor speakers.
Moreover, the proprietary GN LINK technology allows putting the PA-10 into a Master-Slave-Mode with other sources like the DS-10 or a second PA-10. When connected via the GN Link cable, the unit will go in standby mode and will re-activate itself only when receiving a signal from the master unit. The GN Link-Function guarantees major user-friendliness since you will be switching ON/OFF the entire audio chain from one source only.”
BEYERDYNAMIC XELENTO WIRELESS REVIEW
December 19, 2019 Comments Off on BEYERDYNAMIC XELENTO WIRELESS REVIEW
https://headfonics.com/2019/12/beyerdynamic-xelento-wireless-review/
Lower mids on the Xelento wireless are dipped so some of its instrumental timbre lacks a little presence despite the good bass fundamental.
Lower pitched male vocals slip and slide among the instruments and sound a little distant. Mind you they do not lack clarity and the separation is better than what I was expecting for a V-shape. If your main fare is hard rock or classic indie guitar work where a lot of energy comes from 500Hz to 800hz including male vocals you might find the Xelento is not the most ideal pairing.
However, that 1-5k gentle rise does tease out some cracking higher pitched vocals, especially female vocals such as Winona Oak and Samantha James. This is where I feel the Xelento wireless really excels.
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