McIntosh MA252 integrated amplifier $4,000 Review

October 16, 2019 Comments Off on McIntosh MA252 integrated amplifier $4,000 Review

Read Here

“In a straight comparison of the MA252’s internal phono stage with the standalone Parasound JC-3, the internal unit was understandably less capable, but I wouldn’t make too much of it. It still sounded highly enjoyable and gave every indication of being able to accommodate a better cartridge than the Linn K18-ii in use. Its performance when used with an SUT-coupled low output MC was detailed and satisfying. As for the headphone output, I also had little to complain about – it handled a Sennheiser HD650 well enough, with good space and depth perceived, so should be adequate for most users.

Sonus faber’s Olympica Nova Loudspeakers $13,500 Review

October 16, 2019 Comments Off on Sonus faber’s Olympica Nova Loudspeakers $13,500 Review

Read Here

“There is very good news afoot for those that aspire to join the Sonus faber family, or perhaps upgrade from a past model. The Olympica Nova line opens up serious high end sonics to a broader audience via accessible prices, while offering a sonically rich, musically balanced performance. Sonus faber has managed to capture some of the magic I heard in the Aida 2, and yet created a line of speakers that truly stand upon their own merits. Beautiful design through an edited use of material (the Olympica Nova come in matte natural walnut and a darker wenge wood) wins the day. A compact foot print making room integration a breeze—and did I mention those sonics?

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amp Review

October 16, 2019 Comments Off on Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amp Review

Google’s Pixel Buds 2 hands-on first impressions

October 15, 2019 Comments Off on Google’s Pixel Buds 2 hands-on first impressions

ampsandsound Leeloo Mono Tube Amplifiers $5500/pair Review

October 15, 2019 Comments Off on ampsandsound Leeloo Mono Tube Amplifiers $5500/pair Review

Read Here

“When my US-made, 250-wpc Acurus amplifier fell victim to a lightning strike seven years ago, I took a serious chance and went over to the dark side with a Chinese-made, 250-wpc Emotiva XPA-2. Essentially because it was the best amp I could afford, and my Maggies needed lotsa watts. My happiness with that amp led me to take an even bigger chance on the pair of 35-watt XPA-1L’s, which I hoped would pair well with the new Zu Omens (they did!). For me, even thinking about dropping down to 3 watts per channel with the Leeloos required a tremendous leap of faith! Totally no worries; the ampsandsound Leeloos are perfectionist-built amplifiers with ample power to drive highly efficient speakers to at-or-near reference levels—with the Zu loudspeakers, they’re a match made in heaven. And they employ time-honored construction practices from the golden age of tube glory; if you have the financial means, you won’t be disappointed in any aspect of their performance. And for high-end headphone users seeking the grail, these amps could very well satisfy your thirst for that very elusive cup. Very highly recommended!”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Focal Spectral 40th Loudspeakers Review

October 15, 2019 Comments Off on Focal Spectral 40th Loudspeakers Review

READ HERE

“I loved the Focal Spectral 40th. It exhibited the finest midrange I’ve heard in my room, and a near-perfect top end. Men’s and women’s voices were reproduced with a spooky vibrancy and presence and, more important, with no hint of glare or edge. I found its seemingly impossible marriage of a very upfront, detailed, and forward-sounding midrange to a buttery-smooth ease of sound absolutely intoxicating to listen to. The top end had superb “out-of-cabinet” extension, and delicate decay. On a few tracks that leaned toward sibilance, I did wish for 1-2dB less energy in the highest octaves, but this also reflects my personal preference for a downward-sloping response between 2 and 16kHz, a range in which the Focals measured essentially flat. But in this regard, my reference Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 speakers, playing unequalized, are far worse. The Focals’ bass was tight, fast, ample, and completely satisfying, without ever booming in my relatively small room”

Sony WF-1000XM3 vs. Master & Dynamic MW07

October 15, 2019 Comments Off on Sony WF-1000XM3 vs. Master & Dynamic MW07

Clearaudio Performance DC Wood Turntable with Tracer Tonearm Review

October 14, 2019 Comments Off on Clearaudio Performance DC Wood Turntable with Tracer Tonearm Review

Read Hewre

“Another example of the DC Wood’s evenhandedness (of drive system and unimpeded playback ease) serving repetitive percussive beats well and heightening their impact would be the tambourine strikes and funky bass lines on “Turn the Light” and “Woman” from Danger Mouse and Karen O’s Lux Prima. The variations of her idiosyncratic vocal style, by turns sweetly soothing and primally near-screechy, were also convincingly presented with requisite raw emotion. Ditto the prominent shakers and claves on “Fake Fur” from Calexico. On other tracks the album’s atmosphere was further enriched with rich and robust textures, combined with greater expansion and dispersion (due also in part to the MBL magic) into a wide-open desert space. I also noticed significant low-end presence and enhanced imaging, particularly in the beautifully natural sound and dimensional body of a multitude of instruments: mandolin, guitar, accordion, cymbals, etc. Each emerged from the three-dimensional sonic picture then returned to the ensemble without losing its individual outline and qualities.”

AudioSolutions Figaro M $7,500 REVIEW

October 14, 2019 Comments Off on AudioSolutions Figaro M $7,500 REVIEW

READ HERE

“We could go on and on, with this track and that, but the bottom line with the Figaros is the level of music they reveal. While $7,500/pair can bring you a considerable glimpse into the upper strata of high-end speakers, Audio Solutions delivers a masterpiece. In the context of a $10k – $100k system, they’d probably be the last thing I’d upgrade if I did at all. The only key is that if you like this “sound” as much as I do. If you’re more of a mega detail person, these may not be the droids you want. I can’t think of a speaker in the last decade that’s delivered more sonic enjoyment than the Figaro Ms do for $7,500 a pair. Hence, I am happy to give them one of our Exceptional value awards for 2019. This is a lovely pair of speakers without fault, that could easily be the last pair of speakers you buy.”

State of True Wireless Earbuds

October 14, 2019 Comments Off on State of True Wireless Earbuds