xDuoo XA-02 Review
February 26, 2025 Comments Off on xDuoo XA-02 Review
Headphone amplifiers that use ESS chips are normally on the warmer side of the listening spectrum, and the XA-02 is no different. Using ELNA capacitors contributes to this warmish tonality, but not so much that the signature is too smooth.
Instead, the XA-02 exudes a mature sound that sounds good across various genres, without minimizing each genre’s impact on the sound.
In other words, a brighter, more energetic sound still comes across with a bit of verve, just not as much as a DAC/amp with a brighter tone to it, might. Instead, the signature still emulates the intention quite well.
Fosi Audio V3 Mono Power Amp Review
February 25, 2025 Comments Off on Fosi Audio V3 Mono Power Amp Review
Speaking of numbers, thanks to the use of Japanese Nichicon filter capacitors, ELNA capacitors, German WIMA capacitors, and Japanese Sumida inductor, the V3 Mono is able to reach THD as low as 0,006%, SINAD of 101dB and an SNR as high as 123dB. Impressive values, helped by a four-layer PCB, further optimizing the work done by the manufacturer upstream.
Another nice feature of the Fosi Audio V3 Amp, is the use of swappable op-amps. If provided with two Texas Instruments NE5532 by default, the amp can also be fitted with chips like the Burson V7, the MUSES02 or even the classic Ti OPA2604.
Dan Clark Audio – DCA Noire X Review
February 25, 2025 Comments Off on Dan Clark Audio – DCA Noire X Review
Inside the box is dominated by the hard case that houses the folded-down DCA Noire X headphones with both the single-ended and balanced cables sitting in their zip-lock bags under it and paperwork hidden in the very bottom. In terms of papers, we get a quick user guide that explains the basics of using the DCA Noire X and a slightly comically old-timey-looking authenticity certificate complete with gothic lettering.
The included hard case seems quite sturdy and will protect the headphones inside from bumps and scratches when traveling. My only gripes about it are that while it houses the folded headphones nicely, there’s no room for the cable. And the fully folded DCA Noire X headphones seem to squish the earpads’ upper portion, which didn’t feel right to me for long-term storage.
Shanling EH1 $229 Review
February 23, 2025 Comments Off on Shanling EH1 $229 Review
The tonal balance of the EH1 is quite good. The delicate and smooth treble response pairs nicely with the meatier mid-bass, and the richer than neutral mid-bass can be a boon for genres like EDM, R&B, and hip-hop, though it might work against more congestion-prone genres such as metal or alternative rock. I did observe that the depth perception improved when I supplied power through the 12V adapter. However, I couldn’t achieve as clean a background on DC power as I did on USB, which makes me think that using the EH1 with just any adapter isn’t the best idea despite the manual. While a dedicated power supply like iFi’s iPower might further enhance its performance, it would push the total budget to around 350 USD and open the door to other, more capable devices, so there is no point going that route as well.
Douk Audio A5 2 Channel $89 Amplifier Review
February 23, 2025 Comments Off on Douk Audio A5 2 Channel $89 Amplifier Review
PS Audio Aspen FR5 loudspeaker Review
February 22, 2025 Comments Off on PS Audio Aspen FR5 loudspeaker Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/ps-audio-aspen-fr5
Therefore, as also evidenced by its joyful, snappy handling of Artemesia’s ‘Bits And Pieces’ [Hooj Choons HOOJCD031], PS Audio’s loudspeaker is great for when you want your listening room to feel like a nightclub at 1am. But what of more audiophile concerns? Given Maria João Pires’ recitals of Chopin’s ‘Nocturnes’, a ‘4D audio’ recording at both Munich’s Musikhochschule and London’s Henry Wood Hall [Deutsche Grammophon 447 096-2], it convincingly evoked the sense of listening at a distance, as piano notes smoothly decayed into an echoey ambience.
On this solo piece the music ebbs and flows at Pires’ command, but on Wagner’s Das Rheingold [Decca Music Group; 192kHz/24-bit], it is Georg Solti (figuratively) pulling the strings of the whole Vienna Philharmonic. Listening to both pieces back-to-back proved the FR5’s chameleonic nature, as it widened its focus on Wagner’s prelude (‘Vorspiel’) to dig deep into the low basses, convey the moving air of the horns, and let the mass of strings build up, and up, to the memorable crescendo. This is a small speaker that makes a big impression.
Moon 891 streaming preamplifier $25,000 Review
February 22, 2025 Comments Off on Moon 891 streaming preamplifier $25,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/moon-891-streaming-preamplifier
After switching cables and apps, I revisited some of the same tracks using the considerably more expensive Innuos Statement Next-Gen/PhoenixNet combo with the Innuos Sense app and InnuOS. The sound wasn’t incrementally better; it was way better. Leaps and bounds better. Bass that had lacked firmness was now absolutely firm and clear. Fuller as well, and in correct proportion to instruments and voices higher in the range. Transparency and air notably increased, the soundstage grew dramatically in sound and depth, etc., etc. Amen. You know the story. Veteran review readers have heard it a thousand times. But that doesn’t make it any less true.
This was anything but a case of “diminishing returns.” It was a major improvement, albeit one costing well over double the price. (Hey, if you use cables as costly as mine, you’re approaching triple the price.) An unfair comparison, to be sure. But it confirmed something friend Scott had said over 850 words ago: Given a better streaming source, the excellence of the 891’s DAC and preamplifier stood out. Together, they reach into music’s heart and soul, lay it out for all to hear, and do so with a transparency and truth that deserve copious praise.
Clearaudio Signature turntable & Tracer tonearm $5000 Review
February 21, 2025 Comments Off on Clearaudio Signature turntable & Tracer tonearm $5000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/clearaudio-signature-turntable-tracer-tonearm
The final element in the Musical Surroundings Signature package is the Clearaudio Professional Power outboard power supply, which powers the Signature AiR motor and electronics. “The Professional Power supply uses a vibration-damped, toroidal transformer in conjunction with stiff regulation, providing clean power to the AiR motor,” stated a press release.
A discrete rocker switch on the rear of the power supply summons the unit to life, its presence reflected in a blue LED on the front. A plump, 1.5″ wide, tapered dial atop the plinth presides over the platter’s speed, a single press coaxing it into 33 1/3rpm, a second to 45rpm. A halo of blue light encircles the button when energized, a sensual design flourish that signals completeness, at least to me
Dali Epikore 3 $15,000 Review
February 21, 2025 Comments Off on Dali Epikore 3 $15,000 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/dali-epikore-3
They take a measured approach to music replay where control and composure take priority. Added to their excellent detail resolution and insight this means that they can track low-level instrumental strands in a dense composition with ease and continue to sound organised even when the music becomes demanding. There are no hard edges or signs of stress even when the speakers are pushed hard, and when cracks do start to appear it is at far higher levels than we would usually listen at.
Audiophilepure 
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