PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Loudspeakers $2799 Review
December 11, 2022 Comments Off on PSB Synchrony B600 Bookshelf Loudspeakers $2799 Review
https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2022/7/20/lu42g19hck98c7glxikj5f7p536war
My B600 review samples were well into their press tour so break-in was not a concern. Popping them on the stands for the first time the highs seemed a bit hot but I acclimated to this quickly. After swapping things back and forth I determined this was wholly attributed to my familiarity with my laid-back Wharfedale Diamonds. If the B600s were preceded by, say, a pair of Focal Arias which I reviewed recently the effect would certainly be negated.
I found the B600 ($2799/pair) to be relatively easygoing in terms of their placement. The one major consideration is they need room to breathe. I have more notes on bass below but be warned, there’s plenty. The final presentation can be dialled in by briefly playing with toe-in. I preferred them firing just outside my shoulders but season the high-frequency energy to taste.
The Digital Director Introduction
December 11, 2022 Comments Off on The Digital Director Introduction
Thorens TD 1500 Turntable Review
December 10, 2022 Comments Off on Thorens TD 1500 Turntable Review
Now, some vintage gear fans might say, for $2,400, you could get an OG Thorens TD 124 ’table — the best of all worlds if you are indeed a vintage maestro. That said, you’d have to refurbish the machine and add a tonearm and a cart, which could easily raise the price above the TD 1500’s $2,999 asking price. For comparison’s sake, MoFi Electronics’ UltraDeck with a tonearm is $2,499, while the Pro-Ject Debut PRO with tonearm and cartridge is a bargain at $999. But for me, the Thorens TD 1500 is a slam dunk.
For its stupendous dynamic range, rich tone, excellent soundstage abilities and consistently awesome scale, as well its given ability to switch out carts on the fly, the Thorens TD 1500 turntable is a no-holds success. If you’re in the $2,999 neighborhood, including tonearm and cartridge, the TD 1500 is a must-listen. It rocked my world, set me straight, and garnered fantastic enjoyment from my collection of cherished black discs.
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
Audiophilepure 
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