Onkyo A-9010 Integrated Amplifier-DAC – Review
March 15, 2016 Comments Off on Onkyo A-9010 Integrated Amplifier-DAC – Review
“What surprised me, though, was how well the Onkyo’s phono section did against the Linn’s. With the Art Garfunkel and Earth, Wind & Fire cuts, the A-9010 sounded nearly as silky and smooth as the Majik-1P. I think the Linn was ever-so-slightly more detailed, with a minimally wider frequency response and a greater signal/noise ratio, but I’m splitting hairs. The Onkyo’s phono stage sounded better than it had any right to, given the amplifier’s low cost. And with the EW&F cut, the Onkyo strutted its punch as well as the Linn.”
Sonore Signature Series Rendu $2,895 Review
March 15, 2016 Comments Off on Sonore Signature Series Rendu $2,895 Review
” Using the DirectStream Junio’s remote, I was able to remain in the listening seat and switch between I2S and USB, and using my iPad mini, I was able to switch between Lin’s Kazoo remote app and Aurender’s own app. Basically I would just let the same music play on both so that I could simply switch between inputs to do my comparisons.
Thrax Audio Heros power amplifier review
March 13, 2016 Comments Off on Thrax Audio Heros power amplifier review
” Recreating the realistic sound illusion is too often a huge burden not many amplifiers being able to take. Many resolve in certain ability of sound recreation, yet sadly being more of an abstract processes rather then managing to encapsulate the real musical impact. Here Thrax Heros step in with their intrinsic ability to convey music close to what it really is.”
NAD Masters Series M22 power amplifier $3,000 Review
March 13, 2016 Comments Off on NAD Masters Series M22 power amplifier $3,000 Review
” The B&W 800 Diamonds’ recommended amplifier power is 50–1000W into 8 ohms on unclipped program; they were up to it, but my ears were not. With the single M22, I had no problem playing the 800 Diamonds as loudly as I could enjoy. In the brief moments I could tolerate a bit more, I detected a glazing-over of the choral voices in the Finale of Mahler’s Resurrection. Was it just my ears overloading? No, because with the bridged M22 minimonsters, the chorus sounded pristine—until my ears and my neighbors cried for mercy. That tells me that I could live happily with a single M22; others, with more maniacal demands, might see a great opportunity for a bridged pair.”
Ypsilon Phaethon Integrated Amplifier Review
March 12, 2016 Comments Off on Ypsilon Phaethon Integrated Amplifier Review
” The Phaethon laid bare all the characteristics of three speakers with completely different performances, with their virtues and sins. When I look back on what I have written, it felt like I reviewed the three different speakers rather than the Phaethon. This is actually positive, because the Phaethon is an integrated amplifier that does not have any audible character, is very dynamic, transparent in the true meaning of the word and one that performs without interfering with the music. Its controlled bass performance is of a quality that can set example to many amplifiers and it can go way deeper than its size may suggest. It is obvious that Demetris Backlavas, has not only toppled the accustomed audio trends but also the myth of Phaethon who could not control the wild horses of the sun chariot.”
Monitor Audio Bronze 6 Loudspeakers $1099 Review
March 12, 2016 Comments Off on Monitor Audio Bronze 6 Loudspeakers $1099 Review
” Though mostly neutral, the Monitor’s frequency response hinted at some clever contouring, with a slight mid-to-upper midrange emphasis that produced an exciting, involving sound. This speaker was decidedly not reticent or mellow, but the balance Monitor has struck in the Bronze 6 was spot on. So, too, was the performance of that C-CAM tweeter.”
PS AUDIO BHK SIGNATURE 300 MONO POWER AMPLIFIER $15,000 REVIEW
March 11, 2016 Comments Off on PS AUDIO BHK SIGNATURE 300 MONO POWER AMPLIFIER $15,000 REVIEW
‘ The Signature 300s were equally excellent with the best modern digital recordings that place similar emphasis on musical life and a natural soundstage, such as those by experts like Peter McGrath or ones that you find on the 4L and Channel Classics Labels. These were exceptional in providing depth with chamber music and choral performances that I’d heard live while the digital recording was being actually being made. As for natural image size and placement, centerfill, and soundstage width, the BHK Signature 300s do as well as any amplifiers I’ve heard at any price. As stated earlier, the limits are not set by the power amplifier; they are set by the way the recording was miked and produced, by the need to use only two speakers, and by the other components.”
Fiio X7 Player Review
March 11, 2016 Comments Off on Fiio X7 Player Review
” Immediately, the ES9018S DAC renders an evenly balanced sound signature that is neither colored nor unfaithful. Frequencies are well-presented with a neutrality that constitutes the backbone of the X7 sound. That is not to say that the sound is clinical or boring because that it isn’t. Rather, the clean macro-dynamics and slightly smooth character of the X7 instills some musicality that aids in the overall long-term listening experience. Bass notes are fast and yet full, mids are intelligible with some warmth and treble extends well with good detailing.”
Gold Note MEDITERRANEO REVIEW
March 11, 2016 Comments Off on Gold Note MEDITERRANEO REVIEW
“Maurizio’s turntable offers particularly enjoyable listening experience. Elements creating this impression are: a complete lack of brightness and harshness, a rich midrange and an inner richness of the sound that translates into sort of calm: calm or peace achieved via meditation and not castration (of dynamics and attack). Listener immediately focuses on midrange as this part of the range is most charming. Both range extremes are not so exposed compared to midrange, and lower should be more powerful. I confirmed that impression listening to Metallica’s Master of Puppets, the double 45 r.p.m. edition, AC/DC’s concert, or the latest Jean-Michel Jarre’s project. All these albums sounded good, I enjoyed them a lot even though I missed some more powerful, more immediate attack.”
Parasound Halo Integrated DAC-Integrated Amplifier Review
March 10, 2016 Comments Off on Parasound Halo Integrated DAC-Integrated Amplifier Review
“Part of the beauty of the Hint’s neutrality was how clearly it revealed the sonic characters of the components it was hooked up to. When I played “Brothers in Arms,” from Junkie XL’s soundtrack music for Mad Max: Fury Road (16/44.1 FLAC, Sony Music), through the KEFs and the JL sub, this frenetic track’s midrange fury of testosterone-addled drums, strung-out strings, and twitchy synths sounded richer and weightier than I’d grown used to hearing them through other speakers. Transient decays, and upper-midrange snap and articulation, were a touch muted through the KEFs in comparison with Monitor’s Bronze 6 towers. The Bronzes forwent smoothness and midrange heft, opting
for a more raucous sound characterized by pace, immediacy, and huge dynamic swings”
You must be logged in to post a comment.