TH500RP by Fostex
September 26, 2015 Comments Off on TH500RP by Fostex
Compared to the bass and midrange, treble performance is not as great as it could be. I would have much liked there to have been more extension and sparkle to uplift treble-tilted tracks. While by no means treble-anaemic, there is an apparent roll-off where the very high frequencies are concerned. Both the Sennheiser HD598 and HE-400S therefore eclipse the TH500RP in treble performance offering more height and air in this part of the frequency range. The only benefit of this type of tuning is the obvious reduced levels of fatigue that can normally be experienced from a brighter headphone model.
Bowers & Wilkins 683 S2 loudspeaker
September 26, 2015 Comments Off on Bowers & Wilkins 683 S2 loudspeaker
The 683 S2s’ tonal balance was generally excellent with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra’s classic recording of Boccherini’s La Musica Notturna delle Strade di Madrid on Die Rohre—The Tube (SACD, Tacet S 74). Here was all the detail of bow on string—I could almost see the accompanying cloud of rosin—while warmth of tone from the wood of the instruments filled the recording venue. There was a similar rendering of detail with the brass outbursts in the first movement of the Shostakovich Ninth, mentioned above. These were striking, as intended, but in dynamic and tonal proportion. The 683s did as well with choral music as orchestral, and pop and jazz groups benefited from a lively presentation.
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Bacillus Tilia by Erzetich
September 26, 2015 Comments Off on Bacillus Tilia by Erzetich
Soundstage was another area where the Bacillus Tilia could have been better when compared to others in the price range. While listening to Yosi Horikawa’s Bubbles, I found that while the amp provided a decent width, the depth and height weren’t as prominent. The same held true for Pink Floyd’s Money and Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.
IFI IDSD
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on IFI IDSD
The treble is… gentle. It is there, and again, provides good detail, but it doesn’t have that sparkle that I often like. It obviously isn’t harsh, and it isn’t rolled off into oblivion, but those who like their treble to make a stand, probably aren’t going to be satisfied with the Micro iDSD.
Sharkwire Bull Shark Cable
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on Sharkwire Bull Shark Cable
In the final analysis I found the Sharkwire Bull Shark to be among the best cables I have heard (in my downstairs rig) at allowing the music to flow unfettered and unforced, yet at the same time, present the music with such vitality and detail. It was only through their addition that I found myself leaning more toward a softer, airier and more gentile presentation offered by G9 Audio’s compliment of push/pull KT120 tubes. However, the addition of the Sharkwire Bull Shark added more zest and zeal to my all tube setup than I would have believed possible. Again, frequency extremes reach further out with a increase in both speed and articulation I have not experienced prior from this rig.
GamuT RS5 Loudspeakers
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on GamuT RS5 Loudspeakers
GamuT’s new RS speakers build on all the strengths of the S series, and while the cabinets look the same from the outside, everything is different from the cabinet construction, to the drivers, including the internal wiring. No stone was left unturned to wring even more performance from these fine loudspeakers.
Vinnie Rossi LIO modular integrated amplifier
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on Vinnie Rossi LIO modular integrated amplifier
The unique, iconic sound of dropping the needle on a black disc with the volume turned up—that attention-getting scratch of stylus on vinyl—shifted my memory machine into Drive. Almost instantly, I could hear Dad’s voice and see his gold-toothed smile. The Rossi Tubestage plus phono stage presented my father’s favorite song as a deeply felt lullaby. The LIO was extremely good at getting out of the way and letting this music have its way with me.
Magico Q7 Mk II Loudspeakers
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on Magico Q7 Mk II Loudspeakers
Summing up the differences between the Q7 and the Q7 Mk II is pretty easy: The new version sounded less forced, more accessible — in short, more enjoyable to listen to. And it accomplished this feat with absolutely no loss of transparency; in fact, I heard more detail in the highs than I had with the Q7. The midrange was also more revealing than the Q7 could manage, while the transition from the midrange to the highs was less obtrusive. The treble was, surprisingly enough, even more airy and delicate.
LIFE Headphones Review
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on LIFE Headphones Review
Compared to the LIFE Headphones, the Rockets have slightly greater bass quantity and depth while maintaining similar bass quantity/tightness. The midrange of the Rockets is more forward, while the treble is more laid-back. The Rockets are smoother and more forgiving of harshness and sibilance, but also sound a little dull in comparison to the LIFE at times. The LIFE, on the other hand, has bright and energetic treble. The Rockets are also much less sensitive than the LIFE Headphones and will take a lot more power to hit the same volume levels.
Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker
Lastly, don’t let the 86db sensitivity rating fool you. The Mini-Ts are incredibly easy to drive and will provide more than satisfying sound pressure levels in a modest room with 20 watts of tube power. I found the Retro i-50 integrated we reviewed last issue to be more than enough in my 10 x 13 foot room. Of course, more power will provide more dynamics, especially in a larger room and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Mini-Ts delivered an equally impressive performance in y large room with the Pass Labs Xs 300 monoblocks. These are definitely speakers you can grow with!
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