Bowers & Wilkins 804 D3 Floorstanding Speakers Reviewed
July 2, 2016 Comments Off on Bowers & Wilkins 804 D3 Floorstanding Speakers Reviewed
” Comparisons with the Revel Performa3 F206 that I use as a reference speaker showed the few places where the 804 D3 might be faulted. It doesn’t sound quite as open as the F206; the dispersion doesn’t seem quite as broad; then again, few conventional cones’n’domes speakers can match the Performa3 tower speakers in this regard. Yet I heard no cupped-hands coloration with the 804 D3, and the sound was still plenty spacious.”
Playback Designs Sonoma Series: Syrah Server, Merlot DAC, and OpBox
July 2, 2016 Comments Off on Playback Designs Sonoma Series: Syrah Server, Merlot DAC, and OpBox
“The Merlot does not rely on standard chips for digital processing, but utilizes Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) programmed with proprietary algorithms developed by Andreas. “The use of the FPGA approach allows a higher precision arithmetic than feasible in standard off-the-shelf components, but also new and unique algorithms that no other manufacturer has.” Another technology used in the Merlot is PDFAS (Playback Designs Frequency Arrival System) a technology developed by Andreas Koch that eliminates the need for conventional PLLs, also known as “Phase Locked Loops” to reduce jitter. Playback Designs claims that their PDFAS, regardless of the source, reduces jitter to a level far lower than what can be achieved with conventional PLL designs.”
Baetis Audio Revolution III Media Server Review
July 1, 2016 Comments Off on Baetis Audio Revolution III Media Server Review
” Reviewing a music server is fairly straight-forward. I’ve found that most every server and streamer I’ve had here for review offered similar sonic benefits—to varying degrees. These benefits include a lower perceived noise floor which reveals more of music’s micro-detail, nuance, and color, while also improving the sense of the space in the recording and image/player stability. The Baetis Revolution III certainly delivered on all these counts to varying degrees depending on the DAC.”
Markaudio-Sota Viotti One Stand-Mounted Speaker Review
July 1, 2016 Comments Off on Markaudio-Sota Viotti One Stand-Mounted Speaker Review
” For most of us however the Viotti One are very easy to live with and when you sit down a really listen to what they can do you realize they are smooth but also incredibly atmospheric. Their abilities transcended my expectations. I like to listen via speakers which allow my music to wash over me and be heard in a way that tricks me into almost believing there is a band in my room. To achieve this, a loudspeaker needs to be very open sounding, detailed, throw a wonderful soundstage, and be very well balanced across the frequency range as well as go reasonably loud or what I’d call realistically loud. They must also not scream at you. Lightweight and electrically efficient drivers should also be able to play well quietly, not needing to be running hard before you get the impression of dynamics. The Viotti One do all of this.”
Bifrost Multibit digital converter
June 30, 2016 Comments Off on Bifrost Multibit digital converter
” Comparing the Bifrost Multibit to my older, identical-looking Schiit Bifrost Uber the first differences I noted were scale and resolution. The Bifrost Multibit’s sound was more dynamically alive, the sound had more palpable texture, and resolution of quiet details was much better. The Bifrost Multibit makes my system sound more powerful, the Bifrost Uber sounds “grayed out” by comparison. Bifrost Uber sounds great, until you hear what the Bifrost Multibit can do, then there’s no turning back!”
Audioengine HD6 powered speakers Review
June 30, 2016 Comments Off on Audioengine HD6 powered speakers Review
” Anyway, the bass sounded much deeper than the 50Hz quoted in the specifications. I think it’s because of the scale and power this little package delivered. Anyway, I found the bass very satisfying and involving without hooking up my subwoofer, even when watching movies.
McIntosh MC75 Monoblock Tube Amplifier Review
June 29, 2016 Comments Off on McIntosh MC75 Monoblock Tube Amplifier Review
“One thing that always concerns me with tube gear is noise but with these two units it never became an issue. This combination of C22 preamplifier and MC75 amplifiers was a joy to have in my home. Not only did they sound marvelous but their throw-back look took me back to a time of my youth that was wonderful to remember. While it is impossible to go back to those days it certainly is possible to purchase these units with which to enjoy music today. Buying older McIntosh gear is fun but here with this combination you need not worry about restoring the units physically or electronically and guess what? They come with a McIntosh factory warranty and to me that means a great deal. If pushed to sum up my experience with the C22 and MC75 in just one word it would have to be “amazing”. I loved them both and each one gets a big thumb up! Bravo to the people at McIntosh Labs.”
Focal Utopia audiophile headphone $3,000 Review
June 29, 2016 Comments Off on Focal Utopia audiophile headphone $3,000 Review
” If one headphone tops the Utopia it’s the Abyss AB-1266. In head-to-head comparisons the AB-1266 was even more vivid, with a more spacious, precisely focused soundstage. Returning to the Utopia the sound lost some immediacy, but I’d readily concede that most people, including a lot of audiophiles, would choose the Utopia over the heavier and bulkier AB-1266. The Utopia is a lot more comfortable, and since it’s easier to drive, it’s a lot less finicky about amplifiers. Oh, and the AB-1266 ($5,495, which is about £3,800 or AU$7,400) is more expensive than the Utopia.”
Zu Audio Soul Supreme loudspeaker Review
June 29, 2016 Comments Off on Zu Audio Soul Supreme loudspeaker Review
” When I’m not listening to Scott Walker or Miles Davis, I’m dreaming back to those times before our colonies rejected British rule. I’m especially fond of the music of Henry Purcell (1659–1695). I wish, dear reader, that you could have been here with me, sitting on my couch, as my beloved Deller Consort played and sang extracts from Purcell’s King Arthur, sung to a text by John Dryden (LP, Harmonia Mundi HMC E200). Oh solemn joy and mild voices! Act I,ii opens with pomp and pageantry that gradually develops into restrained foreboding: even the choruses and solos that follow are less than joyful. My joy was in the listening. The Soul Supremes and LM-518IA played this semi-opera in a most enlightening way. The textures and spaces were revealed with a clarity and tangible realism that made for an enjoyable intimacy with the performers. Images were well drawn, in a way that enhanced my understanding of Deller’s and Purcell’s intentions. These American speakers responded supremely to the British Dryden-Purcell-Deller consortium. Joy and odes!”
1More Mk801 headphone Review
June 28, 2016 Comments Off on 1More Mk801 headphone Review
“Summing up: The 1More Mk801 won’t be the first choice for buyers craving maximum detail, but this headphone won’t make you cringe with harsh or glaringly bright recordings. The Mk801 has above-average build and sound quality for the money; it’s highly recommended.”
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