Is a DAC or Transport sonically more important?
June 26, 2024 Comments Off on Is a DAC or Transport sonically more important?
FIIO JD1 REVIEW
June 25, 2024 Comments Off on FIIO JD1 REVIEW
But, this time it’s all about an IEM and, more importantly, an affordable one! Meet the Fiio JD1. Last time I reviewed the FiiO JD3 which introduced their new entry-level dynamic range, followed by the JH3 a few months after. Both stood apart from the FA9 (full-BA) and FH7 (hybrid) by using a sole Beryllium-coated diaphragm, with good measure. Then came the FiiO JH5, another great-sounding-cheap-priced multi-drivers IEM with a new design and top specs.
And today, we are keeping on that trend, as we review another sub $20 USD IEM, the FiiO JD1! Another addition to the Jade audio series, following the FiiO KB3 we previously reviewed – amazing keyboard IMO, go check that review too – to the ever evolving range of the Chinese brand.
TIDAL Removes MQA And Sony 360 Reality Audio
June 25, 2024 Comments Off on TIDAL Removes MQA And Sony 360 Reality Audio
https://www.enjoythemusic.com/news/0624/
TIDAL, a music streaming platform that has offered hi-res music files for years, is removing the proprietary music formats MQA and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio on July 24th. As many Hi-Res Audio enthusiasts know, FLAC is a long-trusted and known lossless audio standard. FLAC is also royalty-free, plays on all modern devices, plus there are no added licensing costs to encode / decode proprietary file types. According to TIDAL, “For stereo sound, FLAC was chosen as the format we’ll support going forward because it is open source – meaning any artist can deliver their music in high quality directly to TIDAL without the involvement of a third party. This makes it easier for their fans to experience music in the highest possible sound quality on all their devices.”
And while music lovers enjoy the longstanding stereo format, modern immersivephiles can enjoy Dolby Atmos as the chosen format on TIDAL. Overall, TIDAL may be making these choices to “support the very large number of compatible devices, catalog availability, and artist adoption of the format. Through our continued partnership with Dolby, we’ve given artists the opportunity to expand on their sonic vision, allowing their fans to experience their music like never before.” Those with playlists that have MQA track(s) will have them automatically substituted with the highest quality FLAC version on TIDAL. Please note, “If you have an MQA track or album downloaded for offline access, you will need to update to the latest version of the app on July 24. You will then be prompted to redownload these tracks. This will download the replacement FLAC version of any MQA track you previously downloaded.” See TIDAL’s upcoming changes page for more information.
Audio HP8 Mk II Headphone Amplifier Review
June 25, 2024 Comments Off on Audio HP8 Mk II Headphone Amplifier Review
Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-to-Reel Tape Player
June 23, 2024 Comments Off on Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-to-Reel Tape Player
All of the TP-1000’s mechanical parts are made in the company’s own facilities, and “all units” are assembled in their HQ in the northern region of Bretagne in France. The belt-driven reels and capstan using low-torque, Swiss-made DC motors “in the best Studer Digitec tradition,” as AAD puts it. The constant tape tension is microprocessor-controlled, in combination with a “unique” strain-gauge design that is said to maintain voltage within 1ms and with an accuracy of 0.5g.
Besides the touchscreen indicators for all of its playback parameters, the TP-1000 also features two classic VU meters. AAD supplies an optional infrared remote for the player, but the TP-1000 itself sports an RJ45/Ethernet interface so that it can be controlled via Wi-Fi on a smartphone or tablet. The integrated web server also enables internal firmware updates and external maintenance.
IFI AUDIO IDSD DIABLO 2 PORTABLE DAC/AMP $1299 REVIEW
June 23, 2024 Comments Off on IFI AUDIO IDSD DIABLO 2 PORTABLE DAC/AMP $1299 REVIEW
When the Diablo 2 came out it was advertised as having 5 watts output. That’s quite a lot for a portable amp, and as it turned out, that 5 watts was really a peak power measurement, not an RMS or continuous power measurement as most users were expecting. iFi says it has learned from the storm of negative press coverage, and now states the RMS power of the unit. Consumers can expect 1-3 watts of continuous power, and I do think the initial spec was misleading. Still, the box for the Diablo 2 features “up to 5,180 mW output” which could confuse some buyers. The company would do itself a favor and drop any reference to peak power.
WESTONE AUDIO AM PRO X30 $479 REVIEW
June 22, 2024 Comments Off on WESTONE AUDIO AM PRO X30 $479 REVIEW
Let’s talk a bit about the cable. Westone’s collaboration with Estron Linum is well known at this point, especially in their Mach series, as the majority of the line-up arrived bundled with Linum cables. While the AM Pro X30 is listed as using the Estron T2 connector, it is not explicitly stated whether the cable is from Estron Linum. Nevertheless, the thinness and shape of the cable suggest an Estron design, although the connectors have a different housing than those used in the Mach series.
Detective work aside, the cable’s build quality and feel are impressive. The outer jacket is soft to the touch, and the microphonic effect is minimal. In addition, the shrink-wrapped earguides are thin and comfortable to wear. Terminated with a gold-plated L-type jack, this cable and its sturdy T2 connectors should last many years without damage.
Fern & Roby Amp No. 2 integrated amplifier Review
June 22, 2024 Comments Off on Fern & Roby Amp No. 2 integrated amplifier Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/fern-roby-amp-no-2-integrated-amplifier
One night, as I was listening to my system with the Amp No. 2, I found myself thinking, Omg! This amp is really lighting up those DeVores! I wondered how F&R managed to get this much vivid, high-energy excitement out of an amp that looks laid-back and tasteful. Then I remembered that the Amp No. 2’s designer, Michael Bettinger, and his company G.A.S. have carried on a 40-year relationship with the designs of one of my heroes, James Bongiorno, chief designer at SAE, G.A.S., and Sumo.
As I remember it, Bongiorno’s wild-style Ampzilla was the opposite of tasteful and domestic. It had an industrial look and a type-A personality, and it was the first solid state amp I felt I could marry and settle down with. During these auditions, Fern & Roby’s Amp No. 2 performed like a silk-suited version of that renowned monster. And that is extremely high praise.
| Reproduced by Lowther Loudspeakers
June 22, 2024 Comments Off on | Reproduced by Lowther Loudspeakers
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