FiiO Q15 Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Music DAC And Headphone Amplifier $399 Review
January 7, 2024 Comments Off on FiiO Q15 Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Music DAC And Headphone Amplifier $399 Review
Using the FiiO Q15 with my Sony Walkman instead of the Sony Walkman without the Q15 wasn’t like night and day. An audiophile description I first used nearly 30 years ago was “a small but significant improvement in sound quality.” This perfectly describes the experience of using the Q15 with my Sony Walkman. Sound quality improvement was much more noticeable when listening to high-resolution files, especially DSD. There was an improvement in sound quality across the board, including the size and scale of the sound field, its apparent frequency response, micro- and macro-dynamics, and, most importantly, the perceived realism of acoustic instruments and voices.
Of course, the level of improvement the FiiO Q15 rendered depended on the recording quality and headphones used. Connecting the Q15 to the USB output of my music server was not to embarrass it when compared to my usual DAC in the main system in my dedicated listening room, the mighty EMM Labs DA2. Yet I was very impressed with this FiiO DAC, as it displayed the audiophile traits I listed above when used with my Sony portable player. A more modest desktop system would appreciate the FiiO Q15 much more than my high-end system.
Lejonklou Boazu Stereo Integrated Amplifier $4195 Review
January 6, 2024 Comments Off on Lejonklou Boazu Stereo Integrated Amplifier $4195 Review
We’d like to thank Jules Coleman and Enjoy the Music.com for the lovely review of the Lejonklou Boazu integrated amplifier. It is always great when people really get what we are all about – the reproduction of music without editorializing but leaving it up to the musicians, engineers, and producers to convey their vision to you. We fully agree on the importance of music in our lives and allowing you to be as fully engaged with it as possible, by getting the electronics out of the way so the music can flow through, is our primary goal.
Another goal is to make the equipment as affordable as possible so the largest number of music lovers can enjoy it. As noted in the review the products are well-built but relatively plain-looking. This is by design as money only goes into making each unit as musical as possible. There isn’t much in the way of bling, thick and curvaceous front panels, big knobs, or meters as we want you to thoroughly enjoy listening to them and that is where all the money goes. That the Boazu is being mentioned in such august company in this review (and it’s not the first time) is a good indication that we have achieved our goals.
Burmester 216 power amplifier $35,000 Review
January 3, 2024 Comments Off on Burmester 216 power amplifier $35,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/burmester-216-power-amplifier
The Burmester website lists basic specifications, like power output; some others appear in the owner’s manual. I’ve placed these in the Specifications sidebar. Here are some of the important ones. In stereo, the 216’s maximum output power is 100Wpc continuous into 8 ohms, 165Wpc into 4 ohms, and 245Wpc into 2 ohms. Continuous power when bridged to mono is quoted only as a maximum: a formidable 490W—no load impedance mentioned. In response to a query, Pope told me it was safe to report that when bridged, the 216 is capable of doubling the stereo output. For more on the 216’s technical performance, see the Measurements section.
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 Loudspeaker Review
January 3, 2024 Comments Off on Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 Loudspeaker Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/bowers-wilkins-703-d3-loudspeakers-review
One of my favorite tests of a speaker’s mettle is “Disc Wars” from the Tron: Legacy soundtrack. It’s Daft Punk’s synths plus the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s thick, and it is easily diminished by a speaker that can’t keep up with the dual demands of a full orchestra and relentless subwoofer-crushing synth bass.
I auditioned the track at live music volume levels three separate times. First with the 703 S3s alone, 2.0, no room correction. Then as a 2.1 system, with just one DB3D pitching in below 40 Hz while the speakers run full range, again no room correction. And then I let loose the big guns and ran all four subs along with the speakers while using a 60 Hz crossover and applying room correction below 300 Hz—which is roughly where room effects start to dominate the bass response. The result? Three distinct presentations, each with its merits.
VISION EARS VE10 REVIEW
January 1, 2024 Comments Off on VISION EARS VE10 REVIEW
The design of the shells contributes significantly to this level of comfort. Despite housing a complex 10-driver hybrid setup, Vision Ears has achieved a remarkable feat in engineering by ensuring a compact and snug fit that remains comfortable. The seamless integration of the 10-driver hybrid design into such a compact shell proves Vision Ears’ expertise in ergonomics.
For those who might not find SpinFit as their ideal choice, Vision Ears offers an alternative; the AZLA SednaEarfit SE1500. Crafted from 100% medical-grade silicone, these prioritize comfort and aim to reduce skin irritation. They not only deliver a supremely comfortable experience but also enhance isolation compared to SpinFit, catering to different preferences and needs.
Métronome Technologie Launches Their World-Class Kalista Mantax DAC $64,000
January 1, 2024 Comments Off on Métronome Technologie Launches Their World-Class Kalista Mantax DAC $64,000
As I would learn in conversations after the keynote address, the Mantax had been cycled through a good number of the possible filter and playback combinations during the two hours of playback, which may in part explain why I’d had such difficulty in pinning down any specific attribute or signature sonic characteristic of its playback envelope. What I can say is that the Mantax had turned in a stunning first act!
This launch event was an overwhelming success, one that was not only a stirring achievement, but one that has deeply aroused my further interest. The Mantax, as heard with this array of extraordinary associated gear, had proven itself to be an exceptional performer, one that clearly provides a uniquely authentic and engaging voice to digital sources. I cannot express strongly enough my appreciation to Jean Marie Clauzel, and his entire team, for having been allowed to attend and to share this experience with my audience.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs B&W Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones
January 1, 2024 Comments Off on Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs B&W Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones
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