Paradigm Prestige 2000SW Subwoofer Reviewed
February 15, 2016 Comments Off on Paradigm Prestige 2000SW Subwoofer Reviewed
” The CEA-2010 output measurements I got from the Prestige 2000SW are very close to what I got from another 15-inch subwoofer I recently reviewed, the Klipsch R-115SW; for all but one test frequency, the two subs run within 1 dB of each other, which is within the repeatability spec of CEA-2010. You can’t consider them equal, though, because the 2000SW hits its internal limiter (i.e., does not break the CEA-2010 distortion thresholds) at all of the standard CEA-2010 test frequencies, down to 20 Hz. This is a rare occurrence, something I can remember seeing only in a couple of top-of-the-line models from SVS”
JDS Labs The Element $350 Review
February 15, 2016 Comments Off on JDS Labs The Element $350 Review
” I don’t have anything to complain regarding the soundstage too, it is open and has good positioning, all of these are very well present for 349USD. There are always some space between you and the music, sometimes I will found that there is too much distances (not as forward) between me and the music, it another words, I do found that The Element lacking some of the transparency that I am asking for, it is also not a really clean sounding DAC/Amp, far from being veiled though, but I believe this is what keep it separate from some higher end headphone amplifier.”
Cary DMC-600SE Digital Music Center Reviewed
February 15, 2016 Comments Off on Cary DMC-600SE Digital Music Center Reviewed
” Unlike the upsampling-rate feature, the sonic differences between the tube and solid-state outputs were easily discernable regardless of the source, sample, or bit rate. Part of this was due to the differences in output levels–the tube output is several dB less loud than the solid-state output. However, even when their relative levels are equal, the tube output sounded softer and sweeter, but with less dynamic punch and low-bass control and extension. The tube output also had a slightly richer lower midrange and upper bass, as well as a less analytical perspective overall. My own personal preference the majority of the time was for the solid-state output, but on aggressively mixed pop music, the tube output was a useful and welcome alternative.”
Koss ESP-950 headphone Review
February 15, 2016 Comments Off on Koss ESP-950 headphone Review
” he headphone and amp are mostly made of plastic, so I was disappointed they don’t have the solid feel or look of high-end designs. On the upside, I found the ESP-950 comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The tiny E-90 amp measures a scant 4.3 by 7 by 2.5 inches and works with its wall-wart power supply or the included battery-power supply for portable use. You also get a 6-f”
oot headphone extension cable, and a handsomely designed leather carry bag for the headphone, amp, and accessories. The bundled price of the ESP-950 headphone and E-90 amp is $1,000 (the headphones aren’t sold separately).
Astell & Kern AK380 Music Player Review
February 14, 2016 Comments Off on Astell & Kern AK380 Music Player Review
” High-resolution audio raised the ante. Madeleine Peyroux’s vocal in her cover of “Gentle on My Mind” (44.1-kHz/24-bit) was holographically imaged. In Led Zeppelin’s “Dancing Days” (96/24), the snarling multitracked guitars didn’t obscure the softer cymbal hits. The high-frequency sounds of chiming percussion in “Ben’s Farm in Vermont” (192/24), from David Chesky’s The Zephyrtine: A Ballet Story, were more open and fully resolved with the Sennheiser than with the Oppo, which softened them, or the Sony, which etched them. While the Sennheiser couldn’t provide full bass extension for the opening pedal in the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony (176.4/24), the A&K had enough low-end control to firm up Aston Barrett’s line in Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Satisfy My Soul” (96/24) and enough midbass definition to capture Roger Glover’s distinctive growl in Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” (96/24).”
Antipodes Audio DS music server review
February 14, 2016 Comments Off on Antipodes Audio DS music server review
” The Antipodes DS’ cosmetics are subtle and sleek, with minimal external controls. It’s a compact but hefty, squared-off unit encased in a matte-finish aluminum alloy with barely visible heat-sinks protruding from each side. The internal CD ripper’s access slot is visible near the top of the faceplate. Once powered up via a switch-mode power supply, a front panel button brings the DS to life; its blue light also glows from within the DS’s internals through a see-through top plate. Antipodes recommends leaving the unit on 24/7″
Questyle CMA800i DAC/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
February 14, 2016 Comments Off on Questyle CMA800i DAC/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
” Lastly, the Questyle has an extremely low noise floor, which helps boost its overall dynamic range. I listened to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (Telarc CD converted to FLAC) and found it to be extremely dynamic and detailed. The background was extremely quiet even through the sensitive RBH in-ear monitors and the Audeze headphones with their extended high-frequency capabilities, which tend to reveal less-than-stellar noise floors.
Stoner Acoustics EGA headphone Amp $450 – Review
February 13, 2016 Comments Off on Stoner Acoustics EGA headphone Amp $450 – Review
” At USD450, the Stoner Acoustics EGA is a steal, especially if you already have a full balanced DAC and headphone to pair with, if you don’t have Stoner Acoustics is very happy to sell you their excellent EGD (Full balanced DAC). The sound quality is like what a good headphone amplifier should do, a neutral and balanced sound signature, yes, I think that an ‘audiophile type of bass boost’ feature should have been included, but no headphone amplifier at this price range really did this, so no complain here, I will have to stress that again, the bass is not lacking, it is very clean and tight.”
Noble 3 Universal Fit In-Ear Monitors Review
February 12, 2016 Comments Off on Noble 3 Universal Fit In-Ear Monitors Review
” Simply put, the Noble 3’s have a nice, tight, and controlled sound. Lyrics are clean and not muffled. Highs are well presented with a very fast attack and long delay were consistent throughout the highs as appropriate within the music. The midrange is clearly the Noble 3s playground, as they are a bit more pronounced in any mix. The lows are solid, but you don’t get the subwoofer oomph that you know are there. Midway through my testing I purchased a set of Comply Foam Isolation Plus Tx-500 replacement tips. I wanted a better fit than I was getting as sweat was causing my right ear IEM to slip out at the gym. These spring-foam tips were recommended, too. The result? Instant bass boost! My soft ear-tips were very comfortable, but didn’t provide much isolation from extraneous sounds”
Devialet Silver Phantom Loudspeakers $2,300 Review
February 12, 2016 Comments Off on Devialet Silver Phantom Loudspeakers $2,300 Review
“Definitive Technology’s Mythos ST-L ($4999.90/pair), however, is a different kettle of fish. Each ST-L has a built-in 1200W amplifier powering its 10” x 6” “racetrack” bass driver, which is augmented by two passive radiators of the same size. The DefTech is a true full-range design that can play ridiculously loud. Its bass level can be tailored via remote control or rear-mounted buttons, and its bass is less punchy than the Silver Phantom’s but better controlled. Like the KEF R900, the Mythos’s bass output remains linear well past the point where the Devialet’s begins to struggle. The Mythos ST-L — my long-term reference — is decidedly a “big room” speaker. But bass aside, I preferred the Silver Phantoms to the Mythos ST-Ls. The Devialets’ stupendous imaging, gorgeous midrange, and punchy, full-range bass at reasonable listening volumes will make them excellent companions in the right space.”
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