CH Precision • L1 Preamplifier and A1.5 Stereo Amplifier $39,500 REVIEW

January 29, 2022 Comments Off on CH Precision • L1 Preamplifier and A1.5 Stereo Amplifier $39,500 REVIEW

https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/ch_precision_l1_a15.htm

The L1 and A1.5 are expensive. They might be the entry point as far as CH Precision separates are concerned, but they are still genuinely aspirational components, ones that will likely require some effort and expense to hear in a showroom or system. But they are innately musical in a way that is incredibly hard to find elsewhere. Are they 10 Series beaters? Of course not. To carry the food analogy a step further, the M10 provides a world tour, embracing a seemingly endless procession of equally impressive culinary opportunities. However, the CH Precision A1.5 shares the M10’s DNA and shares its fundamental magic. While you can label the L1 and A1.5 as “entry level” in CH Precision terms, perhaps it’s more accurate to think of the pair as entry-level ultra-high-end audio, marking, as they do, a step up in musical expectation.

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JBL Rhodes Speakers in Hostess bar

January 29, 2022 Comments Off on JBL Rhodes Speakers in Hostess bar

Sonus faber Olympica Nova II $10,000/pair REVIEW

January 28, 2022 Comments Off on Sonus faber Olympica Nova II $10,000/pair REVIEW

That finish is perfect, a slightly textured satin-wood with real grain, and trim without visible screws or attachment points. Visually, the entire speaker seems to float and does so with all the style of a high-end piece of Italian furniture. This is thoroughly modern Sonus faber and I can’t really argue with anything in the design, as it also feels both appealing and classic in a way very few speakers do. The folks over in Arcugnano really know how to do it right.

For those familiar with Sonus faber, this is where they usually excel. But they’ve taken their pedigree to another level with the long thin bass port hidden into a back side feature of the curved cabinet, an para-aperiodic vented box design known as Stealth Ultraflex. The stringed grille, a long-time standard, is back as well. Once set up with feet and grilles, these speakers have gotten more compliments than any I’ve had before. “Can we keep them?” was a phrase uttered more than once during the review period.

darTZeel NHB-18NS/NHB-468 Pre/Power Amplifier £81,000 Review

January 28, 2022 Comments Off on darTZeel NHB-18NS/NHB-468 Pre/Power Amplifier £81,000 Review

https://www.hifinews.com/content/dartzeel-nhb-18nsnhb-468-prepower-amplifier

Not that this amplifier combination reserves its talents for simple recordings. With the lush production of Elton John’s latest release, The Lockdown Sessions [EMI/Rocket EMICD 2051], the darTZeel amps’ big, weighty presentation kicked off the album with its throwback references of ‘Cold Heart’, complete with Dua Lipa singing the ‘Rocket Man’ chorus, to grand effect. Then the opening of the cover of The Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s A Sin’ sees the amps conveying the delicate quality of Olly Alexander’s voice before Our Reg slams in with full retro-disco pomp, all arpeggio’ing synths, pounding bass and strings.

Meanwhile the duet with Stevie Wonder, ‘Finish Line’, finds those big monoblock amps unleashing their power on the gospel-tinged arrangement, while keeping the distinctive voices front and centre. The production here is decidedly magnificent – not for Elton a few tunes accompanied by solo piano, recorded in a back room – and it sounds fabulous via these flagship amps.

Diana Phi TC Review

January 28, 2022 Comments Off on Diana Phi TC Review

Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Loudspeaker

January 27, 2022 Comments Off on Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Loudspeaker

https://www.hifinews.com/content/monitor-audio-silver-50-7g-loudspeaker

A key part of the Silver series seventh-generation overhaul is its stylistic refresh. There’s not that much of a difference compared to the outgoing 6G speakers, but the changes that have been made are very welcome. Driver surrounds are now better blended/colour-matched with the cabinet, and the supplied grilles, which affix magnetically, are now rounded only at the bottom-end, which – while obviously a very minor detail – results in a neater look. The speakers are, however, more eye-catching and subjectively transparent with them removed.

Finish options again fill the ‘something for everyone’ remit as you can choose from very smart gloss black and gloss white coatings, plus black oak, natural walnut or light ash veneers (the cherry finish of the last generation has been culled). Cabinet edges are smoothed, and the overall feel is of a conventional compact speaker given a deluxe treatment. Obviously, the new moulded ABS outrigger feet of the 7G Series floorstanders don’t make an appearance here.

HIFIMAN DEVA PRO REVIEW

January 27, 2022 Comments Off on HIFIMAN DEVA PRO REVIEW

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The build quality is impressive. The headphone consists of aluminum and faux leather, which combine beautifully together and feel premium in the hand. There’s plastic material on the connection points between the headband and the metal yokes, but those parts also feel very premium and rigid. All of the other parts of the headphone are metal. Overall, I have no doubt that this headphone will last with normal usage, and I couldn’t find any weakness in its build, particularly for the price.

Audiolab’s 6000A Review

January 27, 2022 Comments Off on Audiolab’s 6000A Review

Accustic Arts AMP V power amplifier $50,000 Review

January 26, 2022 Comments Off on Accustic Arts AMP V power amplifier $50,000 Review

https://www.stereophile.com/content/accustic-arts-amp-v-power-amplifier

Can any single review of audio equipment be definitive, given the differences in listening rooms, equipment configurations, and human sensibility? Perhaps not. Nonetheless, a few things about the AMP V are incontrovertible. It’s not just a powerhouse; it’s a musical instrument that produces bright colors, huge images, and seat-shaking bass. Nor does it skimp on detail. While I didn’t journey into heavy metal during my time with the AMP V—Bromberg, Holst, and Shostakovich on steroids were as close as I got—the AMP V sailed through numerous ultradynamic tracks whose cumulative percussion and brass would leave many a rock fan diving for cover.

The AMP V is one of the finest and most musically satisfying amplifiers ever to enter my audio system. Anyone with a spare $50,000 (and who doesn’t require easy portability) would be foolish not to give it a serious audition.

AMPSANDSOUND KENZIE OG REV 2 REVIEW

January 26, 2022 Comments Off on AMPSANDSOUND KENZIE OG REV 2 REVIEW

As with the original Kenzie, the OG Rev 2 is for the audiophile who wants to wring the full potential out of their headphones and simply listen to the best-sounding music available. Listening to music on the Kenzie was so involving that it was difficult to concentrate on the job at hand and pick out the different characteristics of the sound, and even more difficult to stop and change headphones.

Lastly, being the entry-level product for ampsandsound the Kenzie is a fantastic value. If you have a budget of around $3,000 this is the amplifier to buy, if you are a music lover this is the amplifier to buy, if you are a solid-state fan and don’t get what tubes are all about, this is the amplifier to listen to, it will change your mind, just be ready to cough up $2,500 because you will not be satisfied with solid-state afterwards. Thanks, Justin for once again reaffirming my love of tube amps and justifying my love for ampsandsound!