Klipsch The Nines integrated loudspeaker system
February 26, 2024 Comments Off on Klipsch The Nines integrated loudspeaker system
https://www.stereophile.com/content/klipsch-nines-integrated-loudspeaker-system
I closed my eyes, forgot I was listening through little wooden boxes (and worked hard to ignore the vinyl ticks and clicks). Lo and behold, there he was in front of me, to my right, blowing that wonderful solo.
But can these speaker-gadgets rock? My acid test for speakers—for determining whether they have any hope of compatibility with my listening tastes—is the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” from Sticky Fingers. The version I have preferred lately is on the Japanese SACD, which claims to be a “flat transfer” of the master tape. It preserves the dynamics I remember from the LP—nice, crisp drumbeats and distinct and varied guitars—as opposed to recent CD reissues, which are superloud with almost no dynamic range and so sound mushy. To my surprise, The Nines played the DSD file on my hard drive (ripped from the SACD by a friend who knows the “PlayStation method”) through the Foobar2000 player with the DSD/SACD plug-in.


Richard Gray’s Power Company RGPC 1200 Custom Solution $2600 Review
February 26, 2024 Comments Off on Richard Gray’s Power Company RGPC 1200 Custom Solution $2600 Review
The rhythm section of Bill Evans’ piano, Paul Chambers’ upright acoustic bass plucks, and Jimmy Cobbs’ ride cymbal shimmers with life and sets the stage for what’s to come. Miles Davis’ understated trumpet takes over, front and center, in “So What.” With Cobbs keeping time on the left channel, and Evans on the right, it’s very organic and lifelike (Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. Vinyl. Columbia Records, August 17, 1959). John Coltrane’s saxophone solos next on the right, then Cannonball Adderley takes over on the left. With the Panamax, it sounds very good, but the imaging seems a touch tarnished by comparison—most notably on Miles’ trumpet solo. Like brass burnished with buffing compound, the RGPC 1200 adds a little polish, luster, and life to the listening session.


Audionet Humboldt Integrated $58,750 Amplifier Review
February 25, 2024 Comments Off on Audionet Humboldt Integrated $58,750 Amplifier Review
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1220-audionet-humboldt-integrated-amplifie
Audionet’s Humboldt integrated amplifier isn’t just a reference-level integrated amplifier; it’s a statement-level integrated amplifier. At a scarcely believable $58,500, it damn well should be. And after months of listening across a variety of partnering loudspeakers, I can report that it’s not only the highest performance class-AB integrated amplifier I’ve reviewed but also the most enjoyable. I found its combination of deep power reserves, extreme transparency, and cavernous soundstaging beguiling. Allied to a dead-neutral frequency response, I’m not sure you could ask for anything more from a topflight, modern integrated amp. It’s costly, but the best often is.

ORIOLUS MONACHAA REVIEW
February 25, 2024 Comments Off on ORIOLUS MONACHAA REVIEW
Upon opening the cardboard box, you will notice that the package content is minimal as is typical with Oriolus. The package features a premium VanNuys case that is made in Japan. In my opinion, this is a fantastic case that is very useful and thoughtful overall. The IEMs are wrapped around a VanNuys round twin-tube and placed inside the case, which is an authentic package design that I greatly appreciated.

Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
February 24, 2024 Comments Off on Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a 125-watt device designed by Chord Electronics’ founder, owner and chief engineer, John Franks. It features the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, plus the company’s unmistakable industrial aesthetic.
The amplifier takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies, devices offering exceptionally low noise and outstanding operation.


Cambridge Audio’s CXN100 Network Player Review
February 24, 2024 Comments Off on Cambridge Audio’s CXN100 Network Player Review
“It’s fitting that 2023 saw our iconic CXN V2 inducted into the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame, commemorating a remarkable reign as the best streamer in its class. Because even with CXN V2 still on the throne, we’ve not rested on our laurels,” says James Johnson-Flint, owner of Cambridge Audio. “We’ve taken the next step, and CXN100 represents the next generation of network player. It’s here to take the crown.”

Michell TecnoDec Turntable Overview
February 24, 2024 Comments Off on Michell TecnoDec Turntable Overview
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