Electrocompaniet ECM 1 MKII Review
October 28, 2024 Comments Off on Electrocompaniet ECM 1 MKII Review
World Premier Review: Audeze CRBN2 Electrostatic Headphones Review
October 27, 2024 Comments Off on World Premier Review: Audeze CRBN2 Electrostatic Headphones Review
Mechanically, I found that when my big ears touched the inner driver cover of the original CRBN, it crackled. It apparently is an inherent problem with the original CRBN. This is completely fixed in the CRBN2. The CRBN2 is now as stable and solid as any non-electrostatic headphones. The wire supplied with the CRBN2 is 2.5 meters of OCC monocrystal copper and appears a bit thicker than the wire supplied with the CRBN. Both are terminated with a five-pin Pro Bias connector for 580 VDC and compatible with all electrostatic energizers.

HoloAudio Serene KTE Review
October 27, 2024 Comments Off on HoloAudio Serene KTE Review
The Serene KTE is a neutral sounding pre-amplifier that produces a rich, organic and full sound. It has superb low-end body and texture, a neutral but natural midrange and a delicate and extended top. It delivers heaps of resolution and an open vocal presence that fills the room. The Serene doesn’t color the music much but offers an enormously clear view of it without the added harshness.
The bass of the Serene KTE is well pronounced and offers high end levels of texture and resolution. It is precise and dynamic, with an excellent body and weight. Bass feels natural and organic throughout. The Serene KTE reaches deep with good authority and thunder. It has a life-like body and presentation, where low-ends come out with nice impact and heft.


PMG Audio Apx SE $6.000 Review
October 26, 2024 Comments Off on PMG Audio Apx SE $6.000 Review
The PMG Audio Apx SE immediately stands out with its thoughtfully crafted design, blending sleek lines and high-end materials to deliver both visual and tactile appeal. Its minimalist aesthetic, paired with premium finishing, results in a product that effortlessly complements any setting—whether it’s placed on a desk, displayed on a shelf, or used while travelling. The Apx SE radiates a sense of sophistication and luxury.

Simaudio Moon 891 Streaming Preamplifier Review
October 26, 2024 Comments Off on Simaudio Moon 891 Streaming Preamplifier Review
Cueing up the 24/96 FLAC version of “Love Letters” highlighted two key differences. First, when used just as an analog preamp, the Moon 891 is utterly transparent. Subsequently, I realized that the Moon’s and the T+A’s DACs sound very different. Through the 891’s streaming module and DAC, instruments and vocals exhibited body and dimension, but compared to the T+A, lacked a bit of sizzle. The T+A MP 3100 HV painted more holographic images within a larger soundstage, while placing those objects closer to me. Bass performance was nearly indistinguishable. I say “nearly” because the 891 sounded ever so slightly more controlled in the bottom end, with deep notes able to be felt in my chair just a wisp more than from the T+A. Focusing on the orchestra, the MP 3100 HV added a bit of scale but didn’t quite lock down instruments with the same precision I heard through the 891. The same observation rang true with Krall’s vocals. Through the 891, Krall sounded as if she was two to three rows further back on the stage, yet was drawn more sharply. Malone’s electric guitar lost a fraction of tonal color through the 891. Additionally, the T+A presented Erskine’s brushes of the cymbals and Krall’s piano through a clearer lens, perhaps because it positioned these elements closer to me, which I enjoyed.


Auralic Aries S1 streamer + PSU option REeivew
October 26, 2024 Comments Off on Auralic Aries S1 streamer + PSU option REeivew
Piega Coax 811 Gen2 loudspeaker $30,000 Review
October 24, 2024 Comments Off on Piega Coax 811 Gen2 loudspeaker $30,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/piega-coax-811-gen2-loudspeaker
The Piega Coax Gen2 811 loudspeakers are a solid deal, even at 30 big ones. A (let’s say) Focal Maestro–level presentation costs more than twice what these speakers do, and you’d achieve maybe a 10% improvement, if such things are even quantifiable.
The 811s are easy to drive, visually attractive, neutral yet sonically arresting, musical to a T, and built, simultaneously, like a fine watch and a brick outhouse. I felt happy, even spoiled, every day that they were in my system. They coddled my ears and ticked my boxes, and I’m pleased to roar my approval.


Matrix Audio Element M2 $3,099 Review
October 24, 2024 Comments Off on Matrix Audio Element M2 $3,099 Review
The center of the front-panel is used by a 3.46” LCD touchscreen. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of touchscreens in HiFi. Most of the times I am sitting on my couch, roughly three meters away from the unit, when listening to music. I understand its appeal for desktop users who listen to music through headphones with the Element M2.
On the right-hand side of the front panel, you’ll find the volume knob, which gives you control over the output volume. Push it to mute the device.
Overall, the build quality of the Element M2 is very good. The design of the Element M2 is also quite modern and I’m sure many people will like it as much as I do. It’s simple, sleek and elegant.


Woo Audio WA24 Flagship 20th Anniversary Headphone Amplifier Review
October 24, 2024 Comments Off on Woo Audio WA24 Flagship 20th Anniversary Headphone Amplifier Review
HiFi Rose RS201E Review
October 23, 2024 Comments Off on HiFi Rose RS201E Review
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/hifi-rose-rs201e
This quirky but talented all-in-one does an awful lot more right than it does wrong. If you need to connect vast swathes of equipment to it, the HiFi Rose might be a little limited in terms of inputs, but judged by any other metric this is a tremendously accomplished device that leverages all of the considerable promise of the company’s streaming front end and turns it into something that works very well indeed. This still might not be the most recognisable brand name currently in this category, but the virtues of this innovative little box are considerable and it deserves to be on any shortlist at the price

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