McIntosh Audio System For Grand Wagoneer Concept Will Make You Linger In Your Car
September 13, 2020 Comments Off on McIntosh Audio System For Grand Wagoneer Concept Will Make You Linger In Your Car
“The collaboration is a great American comeback story — the return of the original premium SUV and the return of the McIntosh luxury audio brand to automobiles. The prestige of the Grand Wagoneer was the perfect stage to showcase McIntosh’s first-ever automotive Reference system. It has been meticulously designed to deliver world-class audio performance for life on the road. McIntosh Reference systems have long been the gold standard in luxury home audio with an uncanny ability to transport the listener onto the stage with the performer. The McIntosh Reference system found in the Grand Wagoneer concept will reset the bar for luxury car audio, challenging perceptions on just what’s possible. And with screens for the rear passengers, having a McIntosh system in the Grand Wagoneer Concept just might make this car the best place for a great night in.”
Synergistic Research Foundation Cable Review
September 13, 2020 Comments Off on Synergistic Research Foundation Cable Review
Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amplifier $7499 Review
September 12, 2020 Comments Off on Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amplifier $7499 Review
“Few audiophiles—perhaps none—will buy the A-S3200 for its amp section alone. But because they may use it by itself if they subsequently purchase a separate preamp, I checked it out. Switching briefly from balanced to single-ended interconnects, I used the integrated’s “Main In” jacks to bypass the preamp section and let the Rossini control the volume. On went the “Chicago, 2012″ movement from Mason Bates’s Alternative Energy, performed by the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas on the Jack Vad–engineered hybrid SACD, Mason Bates: Works for Orchestra (SFS Media 0065). This music is more than a bit facile—Bates has written much better—but its multiple sound effects, including far-left–to–far-right, back-and-forth zooms of particles in a Fermi accelerator, zingy computer effects, deep bass, groovy orchestral rhythms, and percussive snap make for a challenging listening test.”
Naim Mu-so 2nd generation wireless music system
September 12, 2020 Comments Off on Naim Mu-so 2nd generation wireless music system
Alpha Design Labs Stratos
September 11, 2020 Comments Off on Alpha Design Labs Stratos
“A CD of string quartets by Alec Roth performed by the Allegri Quartet showcases the delicate fingering of the strings in the pizzicato sections of Dancing (1) from String Quartet No.2. The energetic and lively plucking is believable, superbly clear and the four instruments occupy well-defined locations within the soundstage.
Switching to the USB input with a 16-bit/44kHz file on my PC of Cécile McLorin Salvant singing Nothing Like You, the clarity of the double bass and drums is superb with each instrument in a clearly defined location within the soundstage – as is McLorin Salvant. Connecting the line output of the Stratos to my hi-fi, I am once again bowled over by the clarity of this piece – in particular, the hi-hats, which are crisp and mellifluous. Furthermore, the balance of the piano is absolutely spot on.”
Hidizs AP80 Pro Review
September 11, 2020 Comments Off on Hidizs AP80 Pro Review
“As with all the AP80 variants, the AP80 Pro is no different in tonality presentation with EQ deactivated. The experience is a bit dry and lacking. It isn’t until the MSEB or EQ is activated and used properly that the experience is a blessing for portable consumers in this hobby.
The AP80 Pro fidelity factor is still very good for the price, but again, this is a can-do all or most things well DAP. So, that doesn’t shock me in the slightest.
Due to the extra power of this model, the entire bass experience feels more solid and dense. A noticeably different low-end texture and presentation, although I feel the fidelity to be the same as the previous model.
B&W 800 D3, MCINTOSH C1100 MC1.25KW
September 11, 2020 Comments Off on B&W 800 D3, MCINTOSH C1100 MC1.25KW
FOSTEX TH909 REVIEW
September 9, 2020 Comments Off on FOSTEX TH909 REVIEW
“Here’s my take on the overall design: I think it’s a love it/hate it kinda vibe. Whereas the TH900 gloriously celebrates itself with those big red cups, the TH909 looks somewhat confused, and compromised. While it did grow on me during the time that I spent with it, I think the grilles don’t really reconcile with the Urushi outer cups. And with the big hole cut in the middle of the cups, you wonder if it was worth going to the trouble of getting that fancy laquer at all on the TH909. Still, when you hold them you do recognise that you’re holding something special. Quibbles with the headband aside, they very much fit the bill of ‘flagship’ not only in terms of the materials used but also the emotions they invoke – while I didn’t buy this pair (and I don’t get to keep them either), I reckon I’d feel pretty proud to have them taking pride of place on my desktop.”
Legacy Audio i·V 7 Seven-Channel Amplifier $7,950 Review
September 9, 2020 Comments Off on Legacy Audio i·V 7 Seven-Channel Amplifier $7,950 Review
When I later moved the i·V 7 into my music-listening room and connected it to the JBL tower speakers, the amp proved whisper-quiet once I powered everything up for playback. Listening to “Alexandra,” (16/44.1 FLAC, Tidal) a track by British singer-songwriter Laura Marling with an early 1970s-era Joni Mitchell vibe, I was struck by the intimate, warm, and completely unstressed quality of the sound. Vocals were full and rich, and the acoustic guitar, electric bass, and drums all came through distinctly in the mix.
Playing something more challenging such as the track “Hudson” by jazz supergroup Hudson from its self-titled album (24/44.1 FLAC, Qobuz), the interplay between Larry Grenadier’s standup bass and Jack DeJohnette’s drums was thoroughly dynamic, with the slapped strings of the close-miked bass cleanly delineated from the hi-hat cymbal and snare hits. In listening comparisons with the 2 x 150-watt Hegel integrated amp, the i·V 7 delivered firmer control over the low end, fleshing out the individual bass notes while maintaining a strong foundation. Meanwhile, John Scofield’s electric guitar floated above everything, coming across as clean without being overly crisp.”
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