BLACK ICE FUSION F11 VACUUM TUBE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER $1,499 REVIEW
February 27, 2021 Comments Off on BLACK ICE FUSION F11 VACUUM TUBE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER $1,499 REVIEW
Lights abound, whether you like them or not… In addition to the white-lighted “Black Ice Audio” script on the amplifier’s front panel, and the lighted Black Ice logo on the same panel (that doubles as the on/standby switch), an additional pilot light is placed atop the transformer cover box. Even in standby mode, the on/off logo, pilot light, and “Black Ice Audio” logo remains lit. I find this distracting when the amp is not even playing and wish these lights were defeatable, but many won’t care. As delivered, the only way to turn off all amplifier lighting is to use the on/off switch on the back of the amplifier that may be less than readily accessible in some equipment racks.
Hi-Fi Stereo in 2021 – New Wilson Alexandria + VTL Siegfried II & New Reel to Reel’s Tour
February 27, 2021 Comments Off on Hi-Fi Stereo in 2021 – New Wilson Alexandria + VTL Siegfried II & New Reel to Reel’s Tour
Moon 680D review $9000
February 26, 2021 Comments Off on Moon 680D review $9000
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/moon-680d
The Moon 680D sounds pretty good from cold but improves considerably over a few weeks of use. Given time, it becomes clearer and more transparent, gaining an appreciable amount of openness in the process.
We start with the digital inputs, which prove remarkably consistent. In our experience, many high-end companies struggle to make their USB inputs sound as good as the others. We suspect that has something to do with the fact that the USB receiver module tends to be a ready-made unit bought from third-party suppliers that may not match up to the standards of the rest of the DAC circuitry. We’re pleased to report that Moon avoids any such issues.
Regardless of the input chosen, the sonic signature is familiar enough. The company’s products have always been smooth and refined performers and this one is no different. It’s a friendly and accommodating balance – one that isn’t easily provoked by bright or aggressive recordings.
Scansonic MB6 B Loudspeaker Review
February 26, 2021 Comments Off on Scansonic MB6 B Loudspeaker Review
https://www.hifinews.com/content/scansonic-mb6-b-loudspeaker
So yes, you certainly need to take a bit of care when it comes to positioning these loudspeakers to get the best of that bass, but do that and the MB6 Bs aren’t afraid to rock out, whether with the pomp of ‘Thunder Child’ from that famous War Of The Worlds recording [Columbia DPCD960000] or the sheer drive and slam of The Who’s ‘You Better You Bet’ [Face Dances; Geffen 96kHz/24-bit download].
The clarity here is a major factor, but the speakers never stray into ‘too much information’ territory. Instead, they deliver a sound that’s both satisfying in hi-fi terms and musically compelling, too.”
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Schiit Audio Jotunheim 2 Headphone Amplifier Review
February 26, 2021 Comments Off on Schiit Audio Jotunheim 2 Headphone Amplifier Review
Kennerton Gjallarhorn GH50 Review
February 25, 2021 Comments Off on Kennerton Gjallarhorn GH50 Review
The Gjallarhorn is one of the more unusual headphones in the high-end space, offering a darker tuning thanks to an attenuated treble section. In stark contrast to its smooth highs, the Gjallarhorn presents one of the more-captivating and potent bass sections in the contemporary space. Thankfully, the company avoids the pitfalls of an overly-bloated bass section by tweaking the low-end to provide just the right amount of bass. Couple that with a world-beating presentation, replete with gobs of texture, and you’ve got one heck of an enjoyable basshead headphone.
It’s not all bass, bass, bass, though, as the Gjallarhorn offers a solid rendition of a lush and weighty vocal response. With decent-to-good levels of technical finesse, the Kennerton headphone produces instruments and voices in a well-defined stage.
Sonus Faber Extrema Review
February 25, 2021 Comments Off on Sonus Faber Extrema Review
https://www.whathifi.com/us/features/that-was-then-sonus-faber-extrema
Detail levels are pleasing, though outright resolution and distortion levels are areas in which advancements in drive units and cabinet designs have resulted in significant improvements since the Extremas were made. A good modern high-end speaker will simply sound cleaner and clearer, but is it more enjoyable? Now, that’s open to debate. In much the same way that many enjoy driving a classic car more than a modern equivalent, so it is here.Advertisementhttps://39e25acc62da76679a6e3c478aec02db.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
We put on Bjork’s Vulnicura set and revel in the sonic textures and dynamic shading. There’s plenty of punch here, and the Extrema are more than happy to play at high volume. We enjoy the insight and effortless fluidity, not to mention their ability to make listening to music really feel like an all-enveloping experience rather than just a mere activity to pass the time. The Extrema seem to have a little bit of magic baked into their sonic DNA.
Willsenton R8 Tube Integrated Amplifier 2 Review
February 25, 2021 Comments Off on Willsenton R8 Tube Integrated Amplifier 2 Review
Classé Audio Delta Mono Amplifiers $21,998 Review
February 24, 2021 Comments Off on Classé Audio Delta Mono Amplifiers $21,998 Review
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1013-classe-audio-delta-mono-amplifiers
The Classé Delta Mono balanced the audible advantages of tubed and solid-state amplification better than has any other amp for south of $30,000 that I’ve reviewed. It conveyed all of the qualities of sound I love in the McIntosh MC1.25KW—e.g., the latter’s robust, punchy bass and beautifully fluid midrange—but expertly balanced them with some of what I love about the Simaudio Moon Evolution W-7M: high levels of resolution, transparency, power, focus, and unrelenting drive. And the Delta Mono is cheaper than either.
The Delta Mono fell short in the materials of which its case is made. The McIntosh MC1.25KW, with its thick faceplate of solid glass, huge backlit wattmeter, massive rack handles of solid aluminum, and elaborate case of stamped and polished stainless steel, is one of the most robust-looking amplifiers on the market. Similarly, the Moon Evolution W-7M and all its successors have 1/2″-thick faceplates, huge corner posts machined from billet, 1.5ʺ-thick heatsinks, and beautifully milled and textured top panels—all of solid aluminum. While Classé’s Delta Mono, with its 3/4″-thick wraparound front plate, may look robust, closer examination reveals thicknesses of little more than 1/8″ everywhere else on the case. But while the Delta Mono may not feel as robust or as vault-like as the others mentioned here, as one who’s lived with these amps for over three months now, I urge you not to judge a book by its cover.
Wilson Benesch Precision P2.0 Review $14,000
February 24, 2021 Comments Off on Wilson Benesch Precision P2.0 Review $14,000
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/wilson-benesch-precision-p20
That same ability to dig up low-level details gives us convincing instrumental textures and a degree of finesse in tracking subtle dynamic shifts that we haven’t heard bettered at this price. Of course, there’s muscle here too, with crescendos rendered with conviction and no shortage of brute force. We’ve heard rivals with more in the way of punch, but nothing that combines that with the degree of control and delicacy these towers have.
Stereo imaging is well planted, with precisely located instruments and a wonderfully stable presentation. Things stay layered and focused even when the music becomes demanding or volume levels rise. We find the Precision P2.0 have a fairly narrow sweet spot, though, so you need to be careful about where you sit relative to them.
Audiophilepure 
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