dCS Varèse Music System D/A Processor Review
May 28, 2025 Comments Off on dCS Varèse Music System D/A Processor Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-var%C3%A8se-music-system-da-processor
A new, downloadable Mosaic ACTUS app (footnote 7) for iOS or Android, designed especially for Varèse, that enables playback from streaming services, USB stick, or (with the I/O Module) external computers, streamers, and network-attached storage (NAS). Networked servers must be UPnP compatible. The app helps with setup, guiding you through initial system update and remote configuration. It also detects audio sources and controls volume. Google Cast enables streaming from phone, tablet, or computer; you can also use it for multiroom casting with Cast-compatible speakers. Apple AirPlay, Roon, and Tidal Connect are other options.
The Mosaic ACTUS app enables you to configure all system options, audio sources, streaming services, local network inputs, Digital I/O Module inputs, and signal path settings including filters, conversion modes, and mappers. dCS offers six PCM filter choices, four usable DSD filter choices, three mapper choices, five conversion mode choices (DXD oversampling or DSD/DSD2/DSD4/DSD8 oversampling), absolute phase choice at the analog output, output voltage choice, and more. Thanks to Mosaic ACTUS, it’s far easier to change these than in other dCS DACs and music systems. Everything is visible on the app—no more pushing buttons on the front panel—and filter settings have been blessedly simplified
Playback Designs MPT-8 Dream Transport Review
May 28, 2025 Comments Off on Playback Designs MPT-8 Dream Transport Review
When a CD transport enters the arena, I must compare it to my reference at its price point: the Aqua La Diva M2. The Diva M2 has a huge heart and is my favorite player under 10.000 Euros. Its main fortes include fluidity, delicacy, refinement, air, and flow. Connected via a Mogami 3080 Neglex AES/EBU cable, the La Diva M2 sounds seductively smooth, lush, and deliciously delicate. However, there is no denying the MPT-8’s transport has spoilt me with its vitality and expression. In comparison, the Aqua is a little rounder than strictly neutral and lacks a measure of control and impact in the low and mid-bass. Otherwise, though, the Aqua keeps up remarkably well, providing similar measures of resolution, transparency, and, importantly, musicality.
While I greatly admire what the La Diva M2 achieves at its comparatively modest price point, this is also a reminder of what is possible in still higher tiers. The MPT-8 may cost more than three times as much, but it beautifully underlines the performance level that Playback Designs achieved with this product.
World Premiere Review!Trilogy Audio Systems 914 Preamplifier And 994 Monoblock Power Amplifier Review
May 26, 2025 Comments Off on World Premiere Review!Trilogy Audio Systems 914 Preamplifier And 994 Monoblock Power Amplifier Review
Hours (literally many) were spent trying to capture the essence of what this Trilogy 914 / 994 combo does, Even now I’m not sure my words have gone far enough. If I asked you to describe the color of a glass of red wine you could easily write a tome the size of War And Peace and still not cover everything. I feel here I’ve barely scratched the surface of how good this kit is. For the price, I think many who value a musically engaging experience plus an utterly simple and unfussy setup, the Triology Sound Systems 914 / 994 stereo system might not be beaten for quite some time. The amount of music I played through Trilogy Audio Systems’ 914 preamplifier and 994 monoblock amplifiers, plus the time I spent with each pair of loudspeakers connected, was partly because I wanted to make sure I did justice when reviewing these luxurious high-end audio products.
Shanling EH2 $369 Review
May 23, 2025 Comments Off on Shanling EH2 $369 Review
The EH2 can be classified as a neutral-to-warm DAC, featuring tone controls that facilitate quick adjustments to its sonic signature.
In its default setting, the sound profile presents a balanced response characterized by a subtly accentuated mid-bass and a conservatively tuned treble—attributes that align with typical Shanling house sound.
The audio delivery is notable for its balanced, relaxed, and smooth presentation, while still achieving precise stereo imaging.
Philharmonic Audio BMR Monitor loudspeaker Review
May 23, 2025 Comments Off on Philharmonic Audio BMR Monitor loudspeaker Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/philharmonic-audio-bmr-monitor-loudspeaker
When the subject of where the speaker is made came up, Ken replied, “From across the world. It’s hand-assembled in the US, but we source components from China, Serbia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. When you buy our speaker, you’re supporting the GDP of five countries.”
The BMR’s sensitivity is rated at 86.5dB/2.83V/m, a figure Ken said was conservative; he puts it closer to 88, 89dB; we’ll see what JA’s measurements show. As for the speaker’s lowish 4 ohm impedance, Ken said it’s very linear and smooth and shouldn’t present a difficult load to the amplifier. He suggested a minimum power requirement of between 40 to 60Wpc, adding, “we know people who use 300B amps with it and are happy, so it really depends on how far your listening distance is and how loud you play your music.”
EAT Fortissimo/F-Note turntable/arm Review
May 22, 2025 Comments Off on EAT Fortissimo/F-Note turntable/arm Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/eat-fortissimof-note-turntablearm
If anyone understands that high-end audio is (or should be) considered part of the ‘luxury’ universe, it’s EAT. The Fortissimo is far from being as costly as the dearest decks on the market, yet it ranks with the classiest. Fortunately, the sound matches this turntable’s sheer presence, and the F-Note is an ideal arm choice for neurotic cartridge fetishists. At the price, and by today’s measures? A bargain.
Audiophilepure 
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