Woo Audio WA11 Topaz Portable Amp/DAC $1399 Review
October 22, 2019 Comments Off on Woo Audio WA11 Topaz Portable Amp/DAC $1399 Review
“Similarly, on “Gibraltar” from Weather Report’s Black Market [Columbia, DSD64], the Woo shows how the brilliant keyboardist Josef Zawinul has used multiple synthesizers to lovingly shape individual imaginary instruments to fit the needs of the song. Through the WA11, Zawinul’s brilliance is on full display. But even more of the track’s emotional content is expressed through the highly interactive “conversational” interplay between Zawinul, saxophonist Wayne Shorter, bassist Alphonso Johnson, and percussionists Chester Thompson and Alex Acuña. Again, the Topaz shows the meanings and intentions underlying the notes.”
50 Greatest Bargains in High-End Audio – 2019
October 22, 2019 Comments Off on 50 Greatest Bargains in High-End Audio – 2019
Cables, Power Products, and Accessories
AudioQuest conductive fiber record brush, $22.95
Caig Deoxit contact cleaner, $32.95
Shunyata Research Venom 14 AC power cord, $95
Synergistic Research Foundation Series, $499/$599
Mid-Priced
Excel Sound Corporation Hana SL phono cartridge, $750
GoldenEar Technology SuperSub X subwoofer, $1249
Monitor Audio Silver 300 loudspeaker, $2000
Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC, $2399
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 loudspeaker, $2500
Vandersteen Audio Model 2Ce Signature II loudspeaker, $2700
First Watt F7 power amplifier, $3000
Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R monoblock amplifier, $3598/pr.
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo, $4000
SONY DMP-Z1 SIGNATURE SERIES DIGITAL MUSIC PLAYER WITH HEADPHONE AMP AND DAC $8,499 REVIEW
October 21, 2019 Comments Off on SONY DMP-Z1 SIGNATURE SERIES DIGITAL MUSIC PLAYER WITH HEADPHONE AMP AND DAC $8,499 REVIEW
“The good news is that these few quirks in no way diminish the DMP-Z1’s essential riches, which are its sonics. The sound reminds me of the Sony NW-WMZ1 portable player—it is lush without being sluggish and detailed without sounding mechanical. The bass through the Abyss Diana headphones connected via its balanced output extended down to the depths. And while with some amps the Sony MDR-Z1R headphones can sound bass-heavy, the DMP-Z1 tightly and successfully controlled the MDR-Z1’s low bass. Spatial characteristics through both headphones mentioned were superb—tight, well defined, with effortless three-dimensional imaging.
If you are searching for a great all-around, flexible, and ergonomically elegant DAC/headphone amp for your desktop look at Sony’s superb TA-Z1ES. But if you want to experience the bleeding edge of high-resolution DAC/headphone amplifier design and execution (with some limited flexibility) I encourage you to investigate the Sony DMP- Z1 further. It has the most beautiful sound (and volume knob) I have experienced from a desktop-based DAC/headphone amplifier so far.”
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt Headphone Amplifier/DAC $299 Review
October 21, 2019 Comments Off on AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt Headphone Amplifier/DAC $299 Review
“The Cobalt perhaps lacks the last iota of dynamic ceiling as compared to some megabuck, big-component outboard headphone amp/DACs, but then again, maybe not. Either way, I was very impressed with just how “high-end” the best hi-res music sounded via AudioQuest’s pocket wonder. Price no object, can you buy better DAC-based headphone sound? Probably. Can you do so for less than two or three times the Cobalt’s $299 price? Doubtful. Very doubtful.
Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx Loudspeaker $109,000 Review
October 20, 2019 Comments Off on Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx Loudspeaker $109,000 Review
”
The Alexx is a milestone loudspeaker for Wilson Audio in many ways. Absent any context, it is simply a superb transducer. But when viewed as a reflection of Daryl Wilson’s design talents and musical aesthetic, the Alexx also makes a bold statement about the direction and future of this iconic brand.
It would have been safer and easier to simply make minor changes to existing products, and to pursue the sonic qualities that have endeared so many to Wilson Audio’s products over the past 45 years. But the Alexx doesn’t take the safe route, and in the process breaks new ground for Wilson Audio in midrange smoothness, liquidity, low coloration, transparency, and the feeling of musical communication and intimacy those qualities engender. Moreover, the Alexx is the best Wilson yet in the bass, combining greater speed and transient fidelity with tremendous power, weight, and extension. ”
Linn Selekt DSM Katalyst with Integrated Power Amplifier Review
October 20, 2019 Comments Off on Linn Selekt DSM Katalyst with Integrated Power Amplifier Review
“My unit came loaded in its Selekt DSM Katalyst with Integrated Power Amplifier guise ($8,625 USD as configured) with all the options available in the two-channel model (if you want Surround Sound, there are differing processing and input/output options). This included the base network music player, an upgraded Katalyst spec’d DAC, built-in digital preamplifier section driving an bespoke Linn-designed, 100-watt/channel bridged Class-D power amplifier – an option not seen in either the Klimax or Akurate models. This integrated design is shared only with the Majik configuration (90-watt Chakra amplification for Majik) in the DSM lineup. Connected support (no wi-fi or Bluetooth here, Linn believes in the sanctity of the wired connection for the highest quality sound possible) is native for FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, WMA (not lossless), MP3, AAC and OGG all up to 24-bit/192kHz along with DSD 64 and DSD128. THD+N is a rated 0.0002 per cent for line-out and 0.001 per cent for the power amp section with a listed dynamic range of 117dB/110dB respectively.”
How To DIY Bluetooth Speaker Use PVC Pipe
October 20, 2019 Comments Off on How To DIY Bluetooth Speaker Use PVC Pipe
Stax SR-009S Electrostatic Earspeaker $4325 Review
October 19, 2019 Comments Off on Stax SR-009S Electrostatic Earspeaker $4325 Review
Finally, the SR-009S offers bass performance superior to the SR-009, both in resolution and dynamic wallop. The “Lopsy Lu/Silly Putty” medley from S.M.V.’s Thunder [Heads Up, 16/44.1] made this abundantly clear, as master bassists Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten took turns showing off their chops and the distinctive voices of their instruments. Thunder is a serious low-frequency challenge, but the SR-009S tackled the track with an exuberant dynamic swagger and punch the SR-009 could not have matched.
Has Stax’s SR-009S reclaimed the title of performance “king of the hill?” I think that it has, although the MrSpeakers Voce comes very close and at a lower price. The SR-009S is a masterful achievement that expands upon the SR-009’s strengths, offering heightened detail and focus, more nuanced and expansive dynamics, and superior bass.”
Audiophilepure 
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