Fiio X5 Gen III Digital Audio Player $399 Review
September 3, 2017 Comments Off on Fiio X5 Gen III Digital Audio Player $399 Review
“The X5 Gen III/F5 combo is a winner on all levels; they’re both attractively priced, especially when you consider the impressive sound quality and feature set offered by the pair. The build quality and appearance of both is superb, and the pair performs at a much higher level than their combined price would suggest. I loved everything about the X5—it’s a near-perfectionist unit that will leave you wanting for very little in a digital audio player, and it performed throughout the review period with nary a hiccup of any kind. And the connectivity of the unit is outstanding; whether driving powered speakers with either wired or Bluetooth connections, the performance was always flawless. ”
Kii Audio Three loudspeaker $11,500 Review
September 3, 2017 Comments Off on Kii Audio Three loudspeaker $11,500 Review
“The Kii Audio Three is an outstanding loudspeaker. However, it took a bit of getting used to—in addition to visual bias, under all but the most ideal situations each of us is adapted to the effect of his or her room on the sound. While I was struck by the transparency of the Kii Threes’ soundstaging and transparency, freed as they are from most acoustical influences, the result was somewhat surreal. I found myself groping for explanations that apply more to conventional speakers: What happened to the warmth? Isn’t it a bit bright? Is there a midrange suckout? Are the rear-mounted drivers spraying sound out the back to be washed back at me from the front wall?”
Audio Research Foundation VT80 Stereo Amplifier $8000 Review
September 2, 2017 Comments Off on Audio Research Foundation VT80 Stereo Amplifier $8000 Review
” y comparison of the two ARCs’ sounds quickly devolved into nitpicking. Immediately, the D300 came across as sounding not harsh, but brighter in the highs — high-pitched guitars, sibilants, and cymbals all sounded a bit more forward and drew more attention to themselves. Through the D300, the voices of Amy Winehouse and Bono lost some of the beautiful three-dimensionality they had through the VT80, and sounded rawer in detail and flattened in emotional range. When I tried to approximate the volume level of a rock concert, the D300 had greater deep-bass presence that I could feel through its stronger characterization of bass guitar, and the bigger-sounding drums and bass pedals in the Rush recording — no doubt because of its much higher power output.”
Shaling M2s Review $150
September 2, 2017 Comments Off on Shaling M2s Review $150
” Based on the reviews I read on forums and on other sites, the Shanling M2s does have a smooth and warm sound. It has decent level or clarity and detail; soundstage and layering is not so stellar though. But the general consensus is that sound quality is okay for its price. Don’t expect too much though, after all, this is an entry-level DAP.”
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Legacy Audio Focus SE speakers $10,600 Review
September 1, 2017 Comments Off on Legacy Audio Focus SE speakers $10,600 Review
‘”The Legacy Focus SE loudspeaker is elegant, robust, and aesthetically agreeable. I usually prefer listening with cosmetic speaker baffles removed, but for once they don’t impose a tax on performance and I find them handsome, although many will prefer exposing the sexy high tech edge of the front baffles.”
Campfire Vega Review
September 1, 2017 Comments Off on Campfire Vega Review
“The high frequencies are sussed out in smooth but detailed manner. They help define the overall signature not quite as “fun” in the exaggerated manner, but more of a level-headed response to excitement and more importantly, a solid take on reality. Not fatiguing in the least, reach upward is decent with doses of “special”, depending on source material .The mids may be a spectacular as the Andromeda, but the emphasized bass shifts perception away from the vocals. This isn’t so say that the low end covers the mids in any way, but rather produces a slightly different voicing between the two. Retrieval of information is the centerpiece here, with the bumps and valleys of FR playing second fiddle to the overall intent of piece. The feel is dynamic as the driver suggests, but also lively with a dash of spice on either end of the spectrum. It’s a hair less dry than what one might expect from your typical BA construct, with layers of organic response pieced together for a tack sharp image that makes its way to the furthest edges of the frame.”
ROKSAN RADIUS 7 PINK REVIEW
August 31, 2017 Comments Off on ROKSAN RADIUS 7 PINK REVIEW
“Compared to a more expensive VPI Prime, the Radius does surprisingly well. This is a better comparison than it might first seem as both use unipivot tonearms. The two go largely toe-to-toe at the upper and midrange points, but where the Prime pulls ahead is in the bass. While the Roksan delivers a clean, taut bass, the VPI delivers a clean, taut, and deep bass. The Roksan is not bass light though, indeed, partnered as might be appropriate given the Radius’ price, the lack of overhang may be better suited to systems than more stentorian designs, which can sound stodgy in context. It’s just that the decay of the left hand of a piano seems to be less noticeable on the Radius.”
SONY WM1Z WALKMAN – REVIEW
August 31, 2017 Comments Off on SONY WM1Z WALKMAN – REVIEW
” The Sony WM1Z gives the fullest and most complete bass I’ve heard from a DAP. It’s a huge bass response but neither midbass or subbass stands out in the recordings, unless the recording has such a trait in itself. It has a wonderful bass control and balance in terms of that, while continuously giving the body. Lows feel so complete all the time and that way you hear an atmospheric sound, especially with live recordings.”
Mytek Brooklyn DAC Review
August 30, 2017 Comments Off on Mytek Brooklyn DAC Review
“The Mytek Brooklyn is a great DAC for consumers seeking a lot of features and functions in one box. There’s not much it doesn’t do which is fantastic at its price point. With MQA on the precipice of becoming mainstream, the Brooklyn represents a great value proposition for those who want to take full advantage of this high-quality format. I used the Brooklyn as my main DAC for several months and would describe it as an above-average performer across the board. If you seek good performance with a full arsenal of features, you can confidently consider the Mytek Brooklyn for your stereo audio system”
MAGICO S1 MK II FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER REVIEW
August 29, 2017 Comments Off on MAGICO S1 MK II FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER REVIEW
“The Magico S1 Mk II is a product of superlatives. You can’t express that without appearing to be a rabid fan of the product, because if you like loudspeakers that are neutral, you are a fan of the product, and if you’ve heard the original S1, you’re an even bigger fan of the S1 Mk II. So, yes, the superlatives come with the territory. The Magico S1 Mk II is, quite simply, outstanding. Very highly recommended!
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