EarMen Staccato/Tradutto/CH-Amp and PSU-3 Streamer/Headphone Amp
December 10, 2022 Comments Off on EarMen Staccato/Tradutto/CH-Amp and PSU-3 Streamer/Headphone Amp
https://www.hifinews.com/content/earmen-staccatotraduttoch-amp-and-psu-3-streamerheadphone-amp
While its Staccato’s streaming experience could use more polish, this EarMen stack should still appeal to headphone buffs looking for an all-in-one system offering the advantages of separate components. The adroit CH-Amp can handle most cans, and the Tradutto digital hub is no slouch either. It really is a miniature powerhouse, bringing a very big performance to very limited deskspaces.


Nordost Sort Kones – Introduction and Placement Guide
December 10, 2022 Comments Off on Nordost Sort Kones – Introduction and Placement Guide
Shunyata Research Venom-X Speaker Cable $1999 Review
December 9, 2022 Comments Off on Shunyata Research Venom-X Speaker Cable $1999 Review
Venom-X speaker cables aren’t cheap, but as Shunyata claims, they provided performance beyond what I would expect from the fairly modest price (by high-end standards); they compared quite favorably with my more expensive reference cables. So if you have made a significant investment in a high-end audio system, the Venom-X could be just what you are looking for in a speaker cable, and at a price that is lower than what you might expect to pay for its level of performance.

dCS Rossini Apex DAC $32,800 Review
December 9, 2022 Comments Off on dCS Rossini Apex DAC $32,800 Review
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/dcs-rossini-apex-dac
We switch to Massive Attack’s Mezzanine and the dCS responds just as we hope. There is lots of detail and an impressive degree of organisation, but accompanied by a surefooted rhythmic ability that allows tracks like Atlas Air to motor along full throttle. Low frequencies are painted with power and grip with a good dose of agility thrown in. Move up the frequency range and you’ll find a wonderfully open and expressive midrange that communicates the passion and nuances in vocals superbly.
Over our test sessions, we try the various digital inputs and different file types from 24-bit/88.2kHz PCM files of Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall and Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions in DSD to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in 24-bit/192kHz, and the dCS takes it all in its stride. There are no hiccups when changing file formats and no unexpected differences in the way different formats sound. The Rossini Apex DAC delivers transparency of the highest order.

Atohm GT1-HD Loudspeaker $4499 Review
December 8, 2022 Comments Off on Atohm GT1-HD Loudspeaker $4499 Review
https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1736-atohm-gt1-hd-loudspeaker
Second, are standmount speakers your only option (or preference) over floorstanding speakers? If yes, then you should definitely audition the GT1-HD. In my opinion, the Atohm performs as well as many floorstanders. If you are not committed to the bookshelf format, then consider including floorstanding speakers in your audition. At this price point, there are some solid options out there.
Lastly, are you someone who appreciates a product that is designed and manufactured by an independent company, where the owner is also the designer, and there’s a story and a face behind the product? Or are you a diehard audiophile who feels that the end product is all that matters? If you are the former, then the GT1-HD just might check another box. The combination of all these attributes could make the Atohm GT1-HD an irresistible prospect.

Questyle M15 Portable DAC & Headphone Amp $269 Review
December 8, 2022 Comments Off on Questyle M15 Portable DAC & Headphone Amp $269 Review
https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/questyle-m15-portable-dac-headphone-amp-review-r1148/
The only fault that I can find with the Questyle M15 is the absence of a volume control, either physically or in software. The DragonFlys all have a software volume control that allows for very fine control of the unit’s volume. The M15, on the other hand relies on the source component’s (phone, pad or computer) volume control to set the SPL of the playback. I don’t know of any device which doesn’t digitally control its sound output, but I’m sure some exist. This is, in my humble opinion, a serious omission on Questyle’s part. Perhaps they couldn’t find a way to include a volume control without compromising audio performance, in which case, I kind of understand, but still…
I heartily recommend the Questyle M15 for all of one’s portable headphone listening. When introduced early in 2022, the M15 sold for US$249. Since then the price has increased to US$269, but in this writer’s opinion, this is still a reasonable price for such a premium product. Whether your private listening preferences run to IEMs or high-end, over the ear headphones, the Questyle M15 will drive them with ease

Meze Liric closed-back Headphones Review
December 8, 2022 Comments Off on Meze Liric closed-back Headphones Review
NAD C 700 Review
December 7, 2022 Comments Off on NAD C 700 Review
The musicality brought forth by the NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier has to be heard to be believed. This amp has just about perfect tonal balance and scale, making it a magic box that handles any music you throw at it with remarkable finesse.
In addition, the simplicity and elegance of its design are hard to beat for the price. This little powerhouse is remarkably flexible from a streaming standpoint, so you can just hook up your favorite speakers and go. The only thing it’s really missing is a Phono input, but Phono pre-amps aren’t that hard to come by. This is my new favorite amp under 2k!
If you’re looking for an amp to be the centerpiece of a modern yet capable hi-fi system, you should check this one out! Highly Recommended!


Grado Labs Statement Series 3000x Headphones $1995 Review
December 7, 2022 Comments Off on Grado Labs Statement Series 3000x Headphones $1995 Review
The Grado Labs Statement Series 3000x Headphones are musical masterpieces and killer cans. No matter whether I tried them with my phono source, A&K DAP, Paravicini HP4 Headphone Amp, or my restored McIntosh MR80 FM Tuner with a headphone jack, they performed with pure sophistication and high definition. More definition overall for any Grado Headphone I know of, they always communicated with a neutral and extremely linear presentation. Their sense of reality is state of the art. Their big surprise is their huge dynamic range and sub-woofer-like bass. What great fun! I happily give the new Grado Labs Statement Series 3000x my highest “buy” recommendation.

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