Novafidelity X14 Review
June 6, 2019 Comments Off on Novafidelity X14 Review
“Connecting to the 3.5mm headphone socket, the X14 starts out respectably with Nils Frahm’s Sunson – a 16/44.1 stream via Qobuz once again – but as the track continues it lacks some control as the headphone stage appears to be trying to manage too many elements and struggles to drive the Grado SR125 headphone (HFC 389) as effectively.
Conclusion
The X14 has to be praised for the degree of functionality it manages to squeeze into such a compact and elegant chassis. Its well thought out and practical approach will see it attract those looking to take the first steps into network audio, and it makes a great starter or second-room music hub that’s easy to enjoy. LD ”
Audio Hungary Qualiton A50i Integrated Amplifier Review
June 6, 2019 Comments Off on Audio Hungary Qualiton A50i Integrated Amplifier Review
“To put the Qualiton A50i to the test in more of a brute-force way, I cued up “Back in Black” from AC/DC’s album of the same name. While some would argue that tube amps are for more refined music, my tastes are broad, and I never know what the mood brings, so any amplifier in my system needs to stand up to whatever the occasion brings.
Thankfully, the A50i delivered. The amp maintained the grit and energy of Brian Johnson’s raspy voice, and struggled not in the slightest with the song’s driving bass. There was no indication of distortion, but I did notice some loss of energy at the very bottom end, which had more to do with the QLN Signature 3’s 42Hz low frequency response, not the A50i’s 30Hz -3dB point.”
Bose Earbuds 500 true wireless headphones
June 6, 2019 Comments Off on Bose Earbuds 500 true wireless headphones
Balanced Audio Technology VK-56SE power amplifier $8495 Review
June 5, 2019 Comments Off on Balanced Audio Technology VK-56SE power amplifier $8495 Review
“The BAT VK-56SE had a fine talent for pumping bass out of Harbeth’s M30.2s, but no one would mistake it for a solid-state amp. With the M30.2s, the VK-56SE’s midrange was exceedingly lush and overtly textured. But with Harbeth’s smaller P3ESR speakers it sounded distinctly not lush. Driving the mini-Harbeths, the BAT sounded more precisely focused, more like solid-state. Consequently, it made the P3ESRs “disappear” even more than they usually do. Björk’s Gling-Gló was depicted with a surprising, bright clarity and a breathy, wide-open effortlessness. The soundstage was big in every direction. Björk was now better described and easier to “see.” I noticed less electronic-ness in the space between her and her voice mike. In my room, the BAT amp sounded its absolute best with the little Harbeth P3ESRs. But . . .
When I removed the VK-56SE and connected the P3ESRs to First Watt’s astute, 25Wpc SIT-3 solid-state amplifier ($4000), which I reviewed in February 2019, I noticed, first, a slight loss in apparent woofer grip, which I perceived as a reduction in image contrast. Punch and drive were also reduced. However, these losses were accompanied by a radical increase in the density of small-scale information. The SIT-3 made trumpets, drums, guitars, and human voices sound more complex—more fully expressed, and microscopically textured. Both amplifiers sounded extremely good with the extremely good Harbeth P3ESRs, but I think I favored the BAT’s extra oomph and push.
Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth turntable $200 Review
June 5, 2019 Comments Off on Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth turntable $200 Review
“The PS-LX310BT is more than just an excellent ‘my first turntable’ option. For those wanting a fully automatic deck with built-in phono stage, it’s one of the best we’ve heard.Players such as the 2018 Award-winning Rega Planar 1 (£250), might offer a superior sound, but the manually-operated Rega lacks a built-in phono stage or Bluetooth.What the Sony lacks in terms of top-quality sound, it makes up for by being fun, ridiculously user-friendly and resoundingly listenable.”
Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/Amp Quick Review
June 5, 2019 Comments Off on Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/Amp Quick Review
1More True Wireless $99 Review
June 4, 2019 Comments Off on 1More True Wireless $99 Review
“They did equally well with binaural recordings, resolving spatial cues, position, and distance with uncanny precision. The Tucker Zone, one of the best binaural demonstrations I’ve ever heard, was rendered with startling realism and will have you flinching, jumping, and reaching to answer a phantom cell phone. It’s mind-blowing, my 12 year old uses it to freak out his friends when they come over. I also recommend checking out Redscape Audio’s excellent binaural processing demonstration. It transforms regular stereo and multi-channel source material into a spacious headphone soundscape.
Pairing the STWs with various devices was simple and automatic. Though typically used with smartphones, these and any Bluetooth IEMs, headphones, etc. can be used with your laptop, Bluetooth streamer, or my favorite, the Apple TV for late night catching up on episodes of Saturday Night Live while my wife sleeps.”
Bergmann Audio Magne Turntable Review
June 4, 2019 Comments Off on Bergmann Audio Magne Turntable Review
“When we first attempted to level the arm, we grossly over rotated the Allen wrench and it made the arm wobble. Somewhere on the internet, I read the arm level adjustment is achieved with microscopic turns. No more than a 16th of a turn on both screws set the level perfectly. I have a bi monthly reminder on my iPhone to check level of plinth, platter and arm with a bullseye level.
Magne makes the super fine tuning of the arm’s level very easy by providing the owner with a simple plastic cylinder that fits over the arm tube. The tube floats elegantly over the 18 minute air holes in the top of the arm. The slightest imbalance and the tube floats and rolls almost imperceptibly to the left or right of the arm. When level, no movement. Ingenious. And super accurate.
Pangea Audio Vulcan X Brace Four Shelf Audio Rack
June 4, 2019 Comments Off on Pangea Audio Vulcan X Brace Four Shelf Audio Rack
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