My Reference Audiophile HiFi Set-up Tour 2024 (Analog Version)

February 2, 2024 Comments Off on My Reference Audiophile HiFi Set-up Tour 2024 (Analog Version)

Børresen M3 Loudspeakers Review

February 1, 2024 Comments Off on Børresen M3 Loudspeakers Review

Is the M3 a perfect loudspeaker? Of course not, no speaker, or any audio product for that matter, is. Yet at its price, while clearly not within the means of most, these elegant and beautiful transducers boldly represent the realization of the striking potential possible when known boundaries are pushed. 

What Børresen Acoustics and Audio Group Denmark have accomplished with the implementation of the wide-ranging scope of inventive and original technologies that they have created and champion results in the achievement of a new milestone. To dismiss the Børresen M3 loudspeakers because you are unable, or unwilling, to afford them would be to ignore their singular gift to music lovers, and those who do “get it,” will enjoy a specific level of playback that is, in my experience, simply unavailable from any other loudspeaker available as of this writing.

Audio-Technica AT-VM750SH Phono Cartridge Review

February 1, 2024 Comments Off on Audio-Technica AT-VM750SH Phono Cartridge Review

I’ve reviewed my share of Audio-Technica cartridges over the years, perhaps because there are so many to choose from, perhaps because the company continually rolls out new models, but more likely because they’re always worthwhile musically and solid monetarily. The VM750SH may not be a stone-cold bargain like the 150MLx was, but darn if it isn’t close in ways that matter most. It’s another exceptional cartridge in a long line of them. That’s never been more important than now, when high-res streaming is as close as your cell phone. The VM750SH delivers analog with digital-like precision, without sacrificing too much of the liquidity and mental ease of record reproduction. Highly recommended–just watch that darn capacitance. 

BOB CARVER RAM 285 

February 1, 2024 Comments Off on BOB CARVER RAM 285 

Leak Stereo 230 integrated amplifier $1695 Review

January 31, 2024 Comments Off on Leak Stereo 230 integrated amplifier $1695 Review

https://www.stereophile.com/content/leak-stereo-230-integrated-amplifier

The class-AB Leak provided a sense of color, ease, purity, and expressiveness I don’t normally associate with class-AB topology. Maybe with class-A? Maybe with tubes?

Any nitpicks? Bend my arm, and I might concede that the 230’s highs might not have been as airy or extended as those from some of the more expensive gear I’ve heard, but the Leak brings so much to the table—quality sound, sturdy build quality, functional versatility, a 3-year warranty—that I feel a bit cheap nitpicking. I didn’t hear a $1500 product; I heard a well-designed product regardless of price. The Stereo 230 exceeded my expectations. But you probably expected me to say that.

Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX

January 31, 2024 Comments Off on Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX

Wilson Audio writes: “We’re delighted to share the results from a recent installation at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN! The Alexandria XLF has been successfully upgraded to the new Chronosonic XVX finished in Cranberry Pearl, significantly enhancing the university’s world-class music library audio experience.”

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back

January 31, 2024 Comments Off on Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back

Goldmund Telos 2800

January 30, 2024 Comments Off on Goldmund Telos 2800

The Telos 2800 delivers a maximum power output of 450 Wrms on 8 Ω with 1% THD, demonstrating its impressive audio prowess. Its distortion level nearly inexistent boasts less than 0.05% IMD (SMPTE) and THD+N, unloaded, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 30 Vrms output. The input noise floor is below 3 μV from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
With a gain of 35 dB and a dynamic range of 110 dB within a 22 kHz measurement bandwidth, the Telos 2800 ensures clarity and depth in audio reproduction. A damping factor of 600 at 1 kHz / 8 Ω highlights the amplifier’s ability to control speaker drivers for precise audio output.

LINKWITZ LX521.4MG OPEN BAFFLE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM $25,000 REVIEW

January 30, 2024 Comments Off on LINKWITZ LX521.4MG OPEN BAFFLE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM $25,000 REVIEW

One thing you certainly can’t call the Linkwitz LX521 is “conventional.” Veneer and finish choices notwithstanding, it is very much a “form-follows-function” type of design that eschews any attempts at overt “beautification” in favor of what is needed for ultimate performance. I don’t know that I have had a more aesthetically polarizing speaker in my home before. Opinions ranged from “Wow, that’s different and cool looking!” to “A speaker that only an audio nerd and his mother could love!” I guess that means I technically fall into both categories! Seriously though, I think the design is unique and some of the finish options that Linkwitz offers (such as the full American Walnut and the Aluminum/Panzerholtz options) can look quite striking.

Burmester 101 Integrated Amplifier Review

January 30, 2024 Comments Off on Burmester 101 Integrated Amplifier Review