dCS Lina DAC $13,650 Review

September 8, 2023 Comments Off on dCS Lina DAC $13,650 Review

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/dcs-lina-dac


Large-scale dynamic shifts are rendered with skill while more delicate changes in intensity are reproduced with the finesse they deserve. We could break down the performance by input but there isn’t any need here. While there has never been any question about the quality of dCS’s DAC designs we haven’t always been totally convinced that the streaming module performs to quite the same standards. That isn’t an issue here, as we’re as happy using the Lina as music streamer, across any of its sources, as we are using the digital inputs.

We give the various headphone processing modes a listen and find that the standard Crossfeed setting works well, as does the first Expanse option. Both of these manage to shift our reference Yamaha YH-5000SE’s soundstaging more to that which we hear from speakers, and we notice little in the way of distracting phase effects. Of the two, we end up listening to the dCS Expanse the most. The second Expanse mode doesn’t work so well for us, sounding a little disjointed.

MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 8 loudspeaker $2999 Review

September 8, 2023 Comments Off on MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 8 loudspeaker $2999 Review

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-8-loudspeaker

To say that I am pleased with the Mobile Fidelity SourcePoint 8 speakers is an understatement. But before I sum up, let me get the few caveats out of the way. First, these speakers do not delve into deep bass, though except on a few specific tracks (including those with prominent low-Fs and F#s on piano or bass) and in direct comparison to much larger speakers, you’re unlikely to notice that anything is missing. Second, although I have enjoyed larger loudspeakers at higher levels than the SourcePoint 8s are capable of, this would not be a practical constraint for most serious listeners. Third, the SourcePoint 8s should be evaluated at ear level. Truly, these are less caveats than application notes.

U-TURN Orbit (GEN 2)

September 8, 2023 Comments Off on U-TURN Orbit (GEN 2)

HIFIMAN Arya Organic Review

September 8, 2023 Comments Off on HIFIMAN Arya Organic Review

Perlisten Audio S5t Loudspeaker $13,990 Review

September 6, 2023 Comments Off on Perlisten Audio S5t Loudspeaker $13,990 Review

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1198-perlisten-audio-s5t-loudspeaker

Perlisten Audio’s S5t loudspeaker manifests the no-nonsense, performance-first approach you’d expect from a decades-old company that is continuing to refine a winning formula. This process of refinement is still fueled by the desire to build something unique, which spurs technical innovation. Marked by its sterling neutrality across the frequency band, the S5t’s most distinctive feature is its DPC array, which produced one of the most convincing and holographic stereo images I’ve heard. While not quite full range in my listening space, the S5t, thanks to its well-controlled, linear bottom end, should be nearly full range in listening rooms of more typical dimensions. The S5t is built to a high standard, and the high-gloss finish of my review samples looked beautiful. It would complement any modern decor. All aboard the hype train: Perlisten’s S5t is the real deal.

Audio Note UK M2 Linestage / Preamplifier And Conqueror Power Amplifier Review

September 6, 2023 Comments Off on Audio Note UK M2 Linestage / Preamplifier And Conqueror Power Amplifier Review

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0823/Audio_Note_UK_M2_Linestage_Preamplifier_Conqueror_Power_Amplifier_Review.htm

As I continued to listen to music with the Audio Note UK M2 linestage and Conqueror stereo amplifier pairing, this intimate experience prevailed, no matter the recording or the medium. Before I knew it, there were stacks of records and CDs in my living room because I was too eager to grab a new album before putting the old one away. My listening sessions had become tranquil meditative experiences. Now I was sitting in a Sukhasana pose on the forest floor. The woodland creatures moved past me, unconcerned with my presence. Shure, I had to continue along the path at some point, but at that moment, I was happy where I was.

I don’t know how much of a Music lover Robert Frost was. Heck, I’m not sure I truly understand “The Road Not Taken”. I do know that my exploration of high-end audio has been a very interesting journey. I’ve been really lucky to meet people, in person and online, who have been kind with their time and helped me find what I was looking for. Is my journey over? Not by a long shot. Right now, I just want to thank all of the good people of Audio Note UK who have been kind enough to fulfill a long-time dream and allow me to listen to their equipment in my home. My time in the woods will come to an end soon. I just need to enjoy it before I have to move on.

Cayin N7 DAP Review $2000

September 6, 2023 Comments Off on Cayin N7 DAP Review $2000

Technics SU-GX70 $1999 Review

September 5, 2023 Comments Off on Technics SU-GX70 $1999 Review

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/technics-su-gx70

Technics has crafted a system that’s appealing, hugely versatile and delivers plenty of musical prowess. The SU-GX70 is a refined, musical system, if not quite the all-rounder in sound quality. If you’re after one-box convenience with all the music-playing methods you can wish for (and don’t require a huge amount of bass or power for your music) then it’s certainly worth considering.

YANYIN CANON II REVIEW

September 5, 2023 Comments Off on YANYIN CANON II REVIEW

In terms of fit, the Canon II stands the test of time. Even after a long 14-hour session, I did not notice any discomfort. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with no evident flaws. The IEMs offer a snug fit, ensuring no irritation even whilst walking around. As for isolation, the solid acrylic shell provides great passive noise cancellation for a universal IEM.

Franc KUZMA’s Listening Room

September 5, 2023 Comments Off on Franc KUZMA’s Listening Room