Kharma Elegance dB7-S Loudspeakers $31,250 Review
January 11, 2019 Comments Off on Kharma Elegance dB7-S Loudspeakers $31,250 Review
“Listening to music at an audio show isn’t really enough, I’ve demonstrated audio products at thirty of them, in some really delightful cities in really terrible hotel rooms. And while the sound delivered can be sometimes described as impressive and able to highlight the strength of a given product, it really is not what a quality audio dealer can arrange. I also strongly suggest that you look, too, for actual a co-operative working relationship (a partnership of equals which most often reveals a foundation of natural respectful cooperation) with your store front audio provider, they actually do have your best interests in mind and built from a foundation of mutual trust, they and your sonic goals will be fulfilled, I promise.
In the case of the dB7-S, all these criteria are manifested to an extended level of distinction, from the excellent performance in all the important audio aspects via advanced drivers and meticulous crossover and enclosure design, to the extraordinary industry-leading fit and finish standards and on to the outstandingly attractive appearance further enhanced by a wide variety of optional and aesthetic customer configurable elements. In conjunction, all of these principles make up a convincing foundation for one judgment: that indeed, the dB7-S represents a true and extremely desirable high-end speaker system.”

Chord Electronics Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier $4495 Review
January 11, 2019 Comments Off on Chord Electronics Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier $4495 Review
“What I heard when spinning records while the Chord Electronics Symphonic MC phono preamp was in my system was music, with nothing added, nothing subtracted, and was as if I was hearing a direct connection to the potential of my analog set-up. This is because this phono preamplifier is obviously made by those who put a value not on any sonic exhibitionism, but only on the music. At the same time Chord Electronics also has on staff some very creative designers, because while the Symphonic is performing its job of expertly transferring the small signal from the phono cartridge to the linestage, it looks extremely good while doing it. To all those who use MC cartridges in their analog set ups, I highly recommend this phono preamp.”


iFi Audio xDSD DAC $399 Review
January 10, 2019 Comments Off on iFi Audio xDSD DAC $399 Review
” see two quite different “types” of audiophile as the primary customers for the xDSD. First, younger, more mobile-oriented audiophiles with smartphones and portable computers could find the xDSD to be the perfect “step-up” audio device to improve sound from all sources. Long-time audiophiles (the ones with the 25-year-old DACs that they still love for Red Book) could add an xDSD to their system as an auxiliary digital device that would give them access to all the newest high-resolution files, streams, and digital codecs for a pittance of the price they paid for their “main-squeeze” DAC. Both types of audiophile will be pleased and impressed by the xDSD’s flexibility, utility, performance level, and overall value. I know I was.”

Light Harmonic Stella $1,299 Review
January 10, 2019 Comments Off on Light Harmonic Stella $1,299 Review
“My stance on all this is simple. I don’t claim to know what happened with any certainty. Innocent until proven guilty. Always. I believe in that for the Courts, and in public opinion. Furthermore, I strongly believe mismanagement of past failures should have no relevance on whether or not I review a new product. If this were a pre-order, or another Crowdfunding project, I would feel differently. Their history would be of utmost relevance. But Stella exists, and is in-stock right now. Which means the only pertinent information is whether or not Stella is good. And if it is good, I want the community to know about it. That is, as I see it, my only real duty as a reviewer.”

Qobuz is bringing hi-res music streaming to the USA in 2019
January 9, 2019 Comments Off on Qobuz is bringing hi-res music streaming to the USA in 2019
PS Audio DirectStream DAC Review
January 9, 2019 Comments Off on PS Audio DirectStream DAC Review
“The hype is real. Snowmass is leaps and bounds better than the previous Redcloud OS – and you didn’t even have to pull out your wallet.
One could learn a lot about the designers from their best work. After having the pleasure of indulging in Ted Smith’s latest masterpiece, it’s obvious he is a music lover himself – and we’re reaping the benefits.
Snowmass reminds me of what we strive for when listening to music. It facilitates toe-tapping, dancing, and singalongs. What else do we want? For that, I really must commend Mr. Smith and PS Audio for continually providing appreciable value to their customers.”


KEF LSX $1099 Review
January 9, 2019 Comments Off on KEF LSX $1099 Review
“The room-placement freedom that wireless connectivity between the speakers unlocks will be a boon to urban apartment dwellers for their main system, or someone like me who is looking for that second system to add to their home or cabin. Hell you don’t even need wifi to run them thanks to Bluetooth 4.2 built-in. Look for the LSX to support full AirPlay 2 features coming in January.”

You must be logged in to post a comment.