Sonus faber Sonetto III Loudspeakers $3999 Review
February 20, 2023 Comments Off on Sonus faber Sonetto III Loudspeakers $3999 Review
It is not common to be able to compare two excellent loudspeakers from the same manufacturer, on the same systems, in the same room, for a long enough period to truly understand the differences between them. I am extremely thankful for this experience. Both the Lumina V, which still hold a spot in the listening line-up, and the Sonetto III represent the entry of what “real” Sonus faber loudspeakers can do. Undoubtedly, the Sonetto III present the sound in a manner that is worth their price of $3999.99 per pair. They are $1000 better than the Lumina V, however be warned: The Sonetto III is an honest and sophisticated loudspeaker capable of tremendous staging and dynamics that belie its small size. This means they will reveal weaknesses in recordings and problematic electronics. The Sonetto III however, are certainly recommended, and a great representation of modern loudspeaker technology.
Auris Blume Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver Review
February 19, 2023 Comments Off on Auris Blume Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver Review
$169
If your looking to add music streaming to your system without the need for additional software or Wi-fi, the Auris bluMe Pro is a great sounding and affordable option. It will be a godsend for people in rural areas that don’t have speedy Wi-fi service.
I also like the screen that shows you what’s going on along with the music being played, even if it may be hard to read while sitting on your listening chair. Additionally, its well built with top notch components and its easy to use.
If you have a very analytical system, and you want add a little warmth to your setup, you may want to check out the iFi ZEN Blue V2, but if you’re looking for a flatter, more neutral sounding Bluetooth DAC, then you’ll probably like the bluMe Pro. The ability to use the Auris unit as a USB DAC (which the iFi unit doesn’t do) is also a nice touch. Highly Recommended!
JBL 4349 2-Way Loudspeaker $8250 Review
February 18, 2023 Comments Off on JBL 4349 2-Way Loudspeaker $8250 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/jbl-4349-2-way-loudspeaker-review
These powerful and precise JBLs made everything I listened to through a pair sound fresh and vital. The 1970s studio monitor styling may not suit everyone’staste, but the mesmerizing sound they produce is sure to captivate any music lover’s imagination.
When it comes to speakers, I’ve learned not to judge a design by its looks. But when you first meet a JBL 4349, it’s impossible not to start thinking about the company’s professional studio monitors. The prominent horn, with its curved and bulging shape, takes center stage. The woofer is hidden behind a removable cloth grill, while the horn remains exposed. This speaker takes the tried-and-true hardware combination of a 12″ paper cone woofer plus a compression driver horn-loaded tweeter, combining them to deliver near-perfect sonic performance with refined precision
CH Precision C1.2 D/A processor $36,000 Review
February 18, 2023 Comments Off on CH Precision C1.2 D/A processor $36,000 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/ch-precision-c12-da-processor
In my review of the D1.5, using it as a player, digital conversions carried out by its dual-mono DAC boards, I found—this surprised me—the external clock made a big, meaningful difference. I did not find that to be the case this time, with the C1.2. I heard differences, subtle and difficult to describe, but none that substantially increased or decreased my pleasure in listening. The X1 power supply made a bit more difference, adding, I thought, a touch more flesh, more tangibility, to acoustic objects, but I could live without that, too. Call me easy to please, but I’m willing to settle for just the $38,500 version (with the options I’d need installed)—although I’d also be tempted to include the analog input board for another $2500. I guess a $40,000 DAC—this $40,000 DAC—is good enough for me. So sue me.
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 REVIEW
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 REVIEW
Just out of interest I put on a few DSD tracks. This is not generally my format of choice but it seems that some DACs deal with it rather better than others. Bill Evans’ Explorations swings beautifully and avoids the papery airiness that often seems to accompany DS and instead it sounded natural and relaxed which are the more appealing characteristics of the one-bit system. Another contrast was made between the USB and streaming inputs, both supplied by a Melco N10 music library/server. Here the streaming option had quieter backgrounds, fuller bass and less time smear. Which is quite an achievement given that the ethernet cable has to be about a tenth of the price of the USB that was making the connection. USB had the advantage in timing, image scale and smoothness of delivery, however, so it’s safe to say that the ALTAIR is a very capable DAC.
The most comprehensively equipped member of AURALiC’s G2.1 family does an awful lot of what matters in high-resolution streaming with consummate ease. It doesn’t offer the upgradeability of AURALiC’s separates but those looking to hear what a serious streamer is capable of will find an awful lot to like in this superbly executed piece of kit. Build quality is first class and ease of use via the Lightning app is top notch. Combine the ALTAIR G2.1 with a good pre and power amp, or perhaps a pair of those active ATC loudspeakers AURALiC used at Axpona, and you’ll have a system that’s going places.
GoldenEar ForceField 40 Subwoofer $1200 Review
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on GoldenEar ForceField 40 Subwoofer $1200 Review
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/goldenear-forcefield-40-subwoofer-review
Where the ForceField 40 shines is with reproducing instruments like kickdrums, so tracks such as “Life’s Been Good” from The Eagles: Farewell 1 Live from Melbourne Blu-ray highlight the positives this sub brings to the table.
Unfortunately, those of us who love movies want to dig a bit deeper than this sub can go, which limits its audience. In a similar size package and price, you could get an SVS SB3000 with a larger 13-inch woofer, allowing it to hit those lower notes easily and offering an app for fine-tuning the output. That caveat aside, the GoldenEar is an excellent performer for its size. It is a well-built option for music lovers to complement their bookshelf or compact tower speakers without fear of annoying the neighbors or waking the dead.
Bel Canto C6i, A VERY COMPACT HIGH-END AMPLIFIER!
February 17, 2023 Comments Off on Bel Canto C6i, A VERY COMPACT HIGH-END AMPLIFIER!
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