SCHIIT AUDIO VALI 2++ TUBE HYBRID HEADPHONE AMP/PREAMP $149

December 3, 2022 Comments Off on SCHIIT AUDIO VALI 2++ TUBE HYBRID HEADPHONE AMP/PREAMP $149

For first-time buyers, if you match it up with the Schiit Audio Modi DAC and say the HIFIMAN DEVA Pro Headphones you would have an audiophile quality system for less than $500. And for die-hard solid-state buffs, you can see what all the fuss is about and experience a whole new world of musicality for the cost of one less Starbucks a day for two weeks. If you like to tinker, and many of us started in this hobby for that very reason, the VALI 2++ is a great way to explore the world of tube rolling, something I really looked forward to, but as it turned out, none of my 50-year-old tubes fit the pinout of the 6N3P but as you can see by the list above, there are plenty that do (many for as low as $19).

GigaWatt PF-1e, PF-1 EVO, and PF-2 EVO Power Strips

December 3, 2022 Comments Off on GigaWatt PF-1e, PF-1 EVO, and PF-2 EVO Power Strips

The PF-2 EVO Power Strip is equipped with six high-quality power sockets GigaWatt G-040 Schuko, designed and manufactured by the company. The brass connectors of those sockets were silver-plated at the factory, without the usage of intermediary metals, like copper or nickel, which could introduce unfavorable series resistance and voltage loss. The increased area of contact and the thick layer of silver guarantee sure contact with the plug pins. The sockets were additionally subdued to cryogenic modification and a demagnetizing process. In order to effectively protect children, the G-040 sockets were equipped with integrated anti-surge shutters (increased protection against touching, conform with VDE 0620). The PF-2 EVO is also available with outlets of type NEMA 5-20R, used in North America and some Asian countries, and with Australian outlets of type AS/NZS 3112.

Being much taller and at 4,9 kilograms again significantly heavier, the PF-2 EVO’s chassis is built differently than the other two. All internal elements of the Power Strip are closed in a double metal chassis. This enclosure is a perfectly tight shield against RFI and EMI noise. The strip is also equipped with a LED indicating proper operation of the device and a circuit indicating wrong polarization of the power line or wrongly connected grounding.

PSB’s Passif 50 Review

December 3, 2022 Comments Off on PSB’s Passif 50 Review

Clearaudio Reference Jubilee Turntable £17,500 Review

December 1, 2022 Comments Off on Clearaudio Reference Jubilee Turntable £17,500 Review

https://www.hifinews.com/content/clearaudio-reference-jubilee-turntable

The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee is a fitting milestone for this German brand – taking its first turntable design and updating it with 30 years of experience. Yes, setup is a little fiddly, but the effort is amply rewarded by the performance on offer. The deck can wear its ‘Reference’ tag with pride and with the hope that it sires a permanent version, as this stunning LP spinner begs to break free of its limited-edition shackles.

Sony Xperia 5 IV $999 Review

December 1, 2022 Comments Off on Sony Xperia 5 IV $999 Review

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sony-xperia-5-iv

The Xperia 5 IV really does feel like the middle child of the current Xperia range. It doesn’t get the fanfare of the all-singing, all-dancing Xperia 1, nor does it get the praise of the Award-winning budget performance of the 10. However, when given the chance to shine, the Xperia 5 IV is a really vital addition to the Xperia line for those who want something in between. 

If you want the quality build, audio performance and features of the 1 IV, and could happily live without the costly 4K screen in favour of a still very likeable 1080p alternative, then the Xperia 5 IV deserves your attention.

BIGGEST SOUND SYSTEM in the PHILIPPINES | featuring 108 Sub 

December 1, 2022 Comments Off on BIGGEST SOUND SYSTEM in the PHILIPPINES | featuring 108 Sub 

ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP3000 DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER $3,700 REVIEW

November 30, 2022 Comments Off on ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP3000 DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER $3,700 REVIEW

The Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 is like having the portable audio equivalent of a high-performance luxury sport sedan in your jacket pocket. It’s heaver, has all the bells and whistles (more than you can count in many respects), is built to an impeccable luxurious standard, is intuitive to use, brimming with technology, and with a particular focus on edge-of-the-apex performance. It is a thing of both sonic and physical beauty and as such you will pay dearly for it. It is not meant for someone who merely wants a good quality DAP. It is for the audio enthusiast who demands the very best on all counts. Does its price and position cause it to suffer the pitfall of being just another pretentious status symbol consumer product? Go out and listen to one and then give me your answer. As far as I’m concerned, it is the finest portable digital audio player I have ever come across.

Audiolab Omnia £1,599 Review

November 30, 2022 Comments Off on Audiolab Omnia £1,599 Review

As long as you steer clear of dirt-cheap garage rock and the like, though, there are remarkably few downsides to Audiolab Omnia ownership. Its rather rustic control interface aside (and we’re not including the blameless DTS app in that, you understand), keep both the price and the extensive functionality uppermost in your mind and it’s an almost startlingly accomplished piece of equipment. Its power output may not look anything special when written down – because it isn’t – but the Omnia is resolute and deep-breathing enough to deal with any loudspeakers that can realistically be considered appropriate partners.

If you want a fine-sounding and extensive system without the whole ‘extensive’ thing getting too badly out of hand, the Omnia is more than worthy of lining up in direct competition to the likes of Cambridge Audio’s fêted (and similarly priced) Evo 75. With the Omnia, Audiolab has faced facts, bitten bullets and emerged with its reputation enhanced.

LTA Z40+ TUBE AMPLIFIERS REVIEW

November 30, 2022 Comments Off on LTA Z40+ TUBE AMPLIFIERS REVIEW

SIVGA Oriole $200 Review

November 28, 2022 Comments Off on SIVGA Oriole $200 Review

In their marketing materials, SIVGA promised the Oriole would have “a smooth, balanced, rich sound with a wide soundstage, good instrument separation, and high-resolution clarity.” After listening to these headphones for some time now, I think they made good on a lot of what they promised.