Musetec MH-DA006 DAC and MH-SA001 Pre-amplifier Review
September 22, 2025 Comments Off on Musetec MH-DA006 DAC and MH-SA001 Pre-amplifier Review
Volume control is independent for each input source, which can be useful in certain situations, for instance, to adjust for a source with a deviating output level. However, it can be inconvenient that this behavior cannot be changed. When switching between inputs to compare different sources, you have to adjust the volume for each source repeatedly. This can also lead to unexpected and unpleasant experiences if you leave a previously used input at a loud level, switch to another source, and then lower the volume. In this case, you might be caught off guard by the sudden loudness when you return to the first input.
The inputs for the Preamp and DAC can only be toggled through from the front panel, so only up/forward, not down/back.
The volume can be adjusted in 0.25 dB steps, which is a rare but very welcome feature. However, the volume adjustment operates at a single speed and does not increase when the volume dial is turned quickly or the remote control’s volume button is pressed for a longer duration. This means that more turns are needed to achieve the same level change as with the more common volume controls that use half-dB or whole-dB steps.

Aavik U-588 Unity Amplifier Review
September 18, 2025 Comments Off on Aavik U-588 Unity Amplifier Review
I was forewarned that my review sample was brand new and would need some running in, but that it would get on song relatively quickly. Before listening, I just switched it on and left it idling for several days.
For my initial listening impressions, I positioned the U-588 on an Artesania Organic Line Modular Floor Platform and connected it using a long Belden 19364 power cable. The Antipodes Oladra music server was used as a source, connected directly to the U-588 via Belden RG59 coax and simultaneously also via I2S to the LAiV uDDC and Harmony DAC. This way, I could test the Aavik’s analog preamp section and perform comparisons with its built-in DAC. Finally, to enable UPnP streaming via the network, I connected the U-588 via an Ethernet cable
\


Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System $2,999 REVIEW
September 18, 2025 Comments Off on Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System $2,999 REVIEW
https://pt.audio/2025/07/27/technics-sc-cx700-wireless-speaker-system-review/
The Technics SC-CX700 is a thoughtfully engineered speaker system that manages to combine high-resolution wireless playback with serious audio performance. Its coaxial driver design and dual-amp configuration produce excellent imaging, tonal clarity, and low-end control. The wireless platform is comprehensive and well-executed, and the system handles a wide variety of source material with confidence. While the all-digital sound signature may be a little forward sounding, the convenience of direct streaming shouldn’t be underestimated.
Build quality and aesthetics may not appeal to everyone, especially at this price point. And for those already invested in high-quality DACs and passive monitors, a traditional two-channel setup may offer more flexibility or better value. But for listeners looking for an elegant, fully integrated solution that doesn’t compromise on fidelity, the Technics SC-CX700 is a compelling option. It’s not just a wireless speaker. It’s a real playback system.

Avantgarde Acoustic New Mezzo G3 plays Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio
September 18, 2025 Comments Off on Avantgarde Acoustic New Mezzo G3 plays Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio
Mola Mola Perca Power Amplifier REVIEW
September 17, 2025 Comments Off on Mola Mola Perca Power Amplifier REVIEW
https://pt.audio/2025/08/03/mola-mola-perca-amplifier-review/
The Mola Mola stack is much like milk and cookies – no one notices how good the milk is if the cookies suck. The Makua is definitely the cookies and it’s a great cookie. The Perca is the milk and matches it perfectly, elevating the combination. The Mola Mola gear seems to be tailored to work best together as a system and not as separates. You could match the Makua with other gear as I did and have success with that, but I didn’t feel that the other gear I had on hand brought out the best in the Mola Mola Perca. I think the Perca showcased the other flaws in the system, being a “garbage in, garbage out” endeavor in some ways. If you are amplifying an altered signal it’s going to be louder, but still altered and perhaps even worse than you realized. So this is a bit unfair for the Perca, but I think it showcases how critical it is to have a quality upstream signal. It also shows that the Mola Mola Perca is honest and not going to fix system problems for you. I think you can find other gear that would be a good match for the Perca, but you’d have to do some hunting finding gear that is clean and clear. So why would you when there’s already an option that was designed from the beginning to be this good?



SVS SB-5000 Subwoofer $1,999 Review
September 17, 2025 Comments Off on SVS SB-5000 Subwoofer $1,999 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/svs-sb-5000-subwoofer-review
ARE has been in the offing since last year, when I asked SVS about it they provided me insight behind the delay in releasing this feature. It was an “off the record” conversation though, so I’m not at liberty to divulge much, but I can say they were working overtime ensuring it would function correctly across the wide spectrum of cellphone makes and models available. They’re targeting the official launch of Auto Room Equalization for CEDIA 2025, which is in September, so it may be available around the time you’re reading this. SVS will likely provide an official press release as well.
Tuning aside, another part of any subwoofer setup that can prove challenging is cabling; it’s not always easy to find an aesthetically pleasing way to route a cable from your electronics to a distant subwoofer. SVS has you covered there with the optional SoundPath wireless adapter. The SB-5000 comes standard with the requisite USB port to accommodate one, should the need arise. The SoundPath is quite affordable, especially when you factor in how much easier it can make your life.

Breaking Down Stevie’s Impossible Masterpiece
September 17, 2025 Comments Off on Breaking Down Stevie’s Impossible Masterpiece
Innuos Nazaré server/streamer $50,000 Review
September 16, 2025 Comments Off on Innuos Nazaré server/streamer $50,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/innuos-nazar%C3%A9-serverstreamer
When used as an all-in-one, the Nazaré’s internal PreciseNET serves as the RJ45 input and takes the place of either the PhoenixNET or the improved NazaréNET; the Nazaré’s PreciseUSB boards take the place of the NazaréFLOW’s reclocker stage, I2S via HDMI output, reclocked USB output, and DAC-specific outputs.What happened to the Statement Next-Gen? It has been discontinued. Innuos has simplified its product line to three series of products: STREAM series, ZEN Next-Gen, and Nazaré. Anyone who bought a new Statement NG from an authorized Innuos dealer from September 2024 on is eligible to trade in the Statement and apply a credit for its full purchase price to the price of the Nazaré. The offer is good through March 2026.

SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Loudspeaker $5000 Review
September 16, 2025 Comments Off on SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Loudspeaker $5000 Review
Now, with that all sorted out, how did these bad boys actually sound? Pretty darned good, all things considered. I combined the big SVS Speakers with a variety of amps, including my dual mono Benchmark AHB2 amps, my big Anthem STR power amp, bi-amplified using four channels of my AXIOM ADA-1000 5-channel amp, and a pair of XA60.8 Class A Monoblock power amps from Pass Labs. The speakers seemed to revel in the gobs of available power on tap from each combination. I’d be hard-pressed to pick an amplifier pairing from this lot that I liked best or that I thought subjectively sounded “superior.” If you put the preverbal “gun-to-my-head,” though, I would say the Pass Labs amps had a certain level of smoothness and just the right appealing level of warmth to their sound that mated especially well with these speakers. All the other amps were clean, transparent, and also sounded excellent in use, no question about it. However, using the Benchmark preamp, Pass Labs amps, and SVS speaker chain just had that little extra special something that made it “all systems GO!” Some out there might scoff at the notion of the SVS speakers being worthy of the Pass Labs amps, but I beg to differ.

You must be logged in to post a comment.