MTI100 Integrated Turntable $6,500

February 6, 2019 Comments Off on MTI100 Integrated Turntable $6,500

Power, volume and input selection can be controlled by either the included remote or via two knobs on the unit. An illuminated McIntosh logo is located in the top glass panel, while a classic McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badge adorns the front of the chassis.
Orders for the MTI100 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in January 2019. Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $6,500 USD.

Revel Ultima 2 Speaker Series Review

February 6, 2019 Comments Off on Revel Ultima 2 Speaker Series Review

Gryphon Audio heaven

February 6, 2019 Comments Off on Gryphon Audio heaven

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64Audio A6t $1299 Review

February 5, 2019 Comments Off on 64Audio A6t $1299 Review

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“Amongst the sea of sub-$2000 do-all in-ears in the market today, 64Audio’s A6t emerges as a true cut above – thriving on youthful zing, tonal finesse and an outstandingly solid midrange. While it boasts a similar liveliness as its peers, a unique physicality accompanies its rhythmic drive. Instruments are not only fun to listen to, but they’re tangible as well. Although it may lack the effortlessness and transparency of 64Audio’s monstrous flagships, the technology that’s trickled down onto the A6t ensures admirable performance at a fraction of the cost. With 3D-Fit and apex, you have yourselves one heck of a package. Whether on the go, on stage or behind the desk, the A6t unfailingly delivers punchy, accurate and refined audio. It may not necessarily be 64Audio’s poster child, but I smell a clear best-seller for years to come.”

Meet David and his very tall speakers

February 5, 2019 Comments Off on Meet David and his very tall speakers

Fluance RT84 turntable Review

February 5, 2019 Comments Off on Fluance RT84 turntable Review

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“The RT84 would be a fine choice for your first turntable, or a nice upgrade over your first budget or hand me down turntable from your parents or relatives. You’ll be sure to notice how much quieter and clear all of your LPs and singles sound. Better yet when your music isn’t competing with the sound of clicks, pops, and other noises it sounds better. The RT84 frees the music from the LPs grooves, so you hear deeper into your tunes.

If the Fluance RT84’s price puts it out of reach, no worries, their RT81 at $249 is still an outstanding ‘table, a great way to dip into the wonderful world of analog audio, try it, you’ll like it.”

Qobuz

February 4, 2019 Comments Off on Qobuz

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“Roon’s Radio Mode includes the Qobuz library and, of course, your own library (and Tidal’s if you also have a subscription). When Radio Mode is turned on, Roon continues to reach out on its own accord (an example of ‘machine learning’) to consecutively choose and play other tracks of music for you from among all libraries it has access to. One major way I took advantage of Radio Mode (in addition to personal selection and comparisons not using Radio Mode) was to have only the Qobuz library turned on for it; that way I was able to listen to an enormous sampling of Qobuz music—by just keeping Radio Mode on for hours at a time. If I wanted to change genre or another attribute, I could simply intervene and insert a chosen track to cause the music to drift in a new direction. As a reviewer, this was golden.”

Meze Empyrean $2999 Review

February 4, 2019 Comments Off on Meze Empyrean $2999 Review

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“On initial impressions, the leather pads feel a bit more reference in their presentation and the detail is indeed excellent. I don’t honestly find the leather pad tonal alterations to produce a cold or clinical sound, an HD800 it is most certainly not.

However, With the leather pads, you get quite a neutral sound with a little more upper mid and lower treble emphasis which seems to jive with the perception of the Empyrean having a very linear and flat low-end to 1k frequency response. It sounds incredibly coherent but may lack a little warmth and body compared to the Alcantara pads juicier and more expansive presentation.”

EMIA Audio

February 3, 2019 Comments Off on EMIA Audio

Devialet Expert 220 Pro Integrated Amplifier Review

February 3, 2019 Comments Off on Devialet Expert 220 Pro Integrated Amplifier Review

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“This is an exceptionally quiet amplifier whatever source is selected. Only when using the phono-stage did I ever hear any noise, though that is to be expected. All sources go through a choice of 24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz digital stage, the heart or “intelligence” of the Pro as they refer to it, though at no time in my listening did I even consider this could degrade the sound. First listening was digital via the excellent Krell KPS20i CD player. Vincent Belanger “Pure Cello” is a beautiful CD, produced by Audio Note. This was an engaging performance. The solo cello playing was a positive and forceful performance without being over-powering or tiring. Indeed, all analogue sources I connected into the line input gave a positive performance in terms of accuracy of sound and covering all frequencies with a flat response. Listening to ‘Live at the Citadel’ from my friends The Enid was deep in bass yet top frequencies were equally detailed and clean, with a good sense of being there in the audience. I originally heard the band in the 1970’s and fell in love with the references to Rachmaninov in much of the music as well as the use of synthesiser. The soundstage was large and detailed, without sounding clinical. Listening to sources via USB and SPDif was equally detailed and spacious giving some of the best performances whether FLAC, WAV or DSD. Pat Metheny ‘The Way Up’ and the second track confusingly named “Part One” had a great top end and bass that was relaxed but authoritative. Similarly, Muse Resistance album and “Uprising” has a deep bass at the start which was clean and clinical, though no less enjoyable. Listening to Supertramp ‘Breakfast in America’ on CD the sound was noticeably digitised than when I play my vinyl version of the album. Interestingly, playing it from vinyl, which still goes through a 24/192 ADC, sounded superior. The Devialet performed well in all I played, whether analogue or digital, though vocals and mid-frequencies were more forward in the presentation. Indeed, whilst the Expert 220 Pro worked great with all types of music and instrumentation my only slight concerns as a critical reviewer was a very slight sibilance with some vocals (mainly female), and the sound lacking some warmth in performance.