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
Decware SE84UFO2 Zen Triode Amplifier $1499 Review
February 23, 2024 Comments Off on Decware SE84UFO2 Zen Triode Amplifier $1499 Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2023/6/11/49fkfmqfnubr67p4v3hwqf1mmlipym
Decware comments “This is a pure Class/A single-ended triode amplifier with 2 high-current watts per channel and the ability to drive speakers between 2 and 16 ohms (my unit had a switch for both 4 and 8 ohm speakers). It features a potentiometer volume control (which I used during the listening period) and two pairs of input jacks making preamps completely optional. Also, it can be bridged into mono for around 6 watts. “Because of our floating output stage design, a pair of these amps can even be run as fully differential balanced monoblocks”
Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker $3599 Review
February 23, 2024 Comments Off on Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker $3599 Review
First on the CD tray was Jerry Garcia and David Grisman’s Shady Grove (Acoustic Disc ACD-21), one of my go-to discs. Whenever I set up a new pair of speakers, I start by positioning them exactly where my reference speakers normally stand. This has often been a useful starting point, but it doesn’t always work. With the Arendals, it didn’t: in that position, their imaging was more diffuse than I would have liked. I moved the two speakers several inches closer to each other and toed them in so that their tweeters’ axes passed just outside my ears. After some tweaking of the speakers’ positions and toe-in, while playing “Off to Sea Once More,” I was able to bring images into focus. Instrumental outlines were sharper and their positions on the soundstage were more precise. The greater coherence of the presentation solidified the image of the bluegrass ensemble at the front of the room. The more I listened, the more I agreed with Arendal’s characterization of their tweeter as sweet-sounding. It was incredibly smooth, making listening easy and inducing me to turn up the volume.
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