Brainwavz Alara $500 Review
February 22, 2019 Comments Off on Brainwavz Alara $500 Review
“On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the headphones dutifully reproduce powerful deep lows, and at top, powerful volume levels, there’s no distortion. But there’s deeper, more subtle bass out there, and recent recordings are starting to get clever with it in ways that many speakers and headphones aren’t equipped to handle.
For instance, on tracks with what almost seems like hidden sub-bass that takes a back seat in the mix—Sharon Van Etten’s new “No One’s Easy to Love” and Panda Bear’s “Dolphin” are two fine recent examples—the headphones lay down a foundation of sub-bass that seems like a magic trick. But it’s not about how much bass is happening, just how low in the frequency range the headphones can reach to push out the full range of audio. The entire picture is in the frame.”
JDS LABS EL DAC REVIEW
February 21, 2019 Comments Off on JDS LABS EL DAC REVIEW
Sonically, the EL can be considered a baseline. It maintains that distinct level of clarity and simple detail in everything it does irregardless of the complexity thrown at it. It leans on the slightly warmer side of things (relatively) and pairs well with most amps and headphones I’ve used. For better or worse, just like its outer shell, the EL DAC is mostly free of any strong sonic characteristics save its penchant for a wider and more open sound stage.This can leave listeners say wanting more bass kick, or a thicker mid range, or a more intimate performance. The EL is smack dab in the middle and it likes it there.”
Meze Empyrean $3,000 the world’s best headphone in 2019?
February 21, 2019 Comments Off on Meze Empyrean $3,000 the world’s best headphone in 2019?
Ultrasone Edition 11 $1,000
February 21, 2019 Comments Off on Ultrasone Edition 11 $1,000
The Edition 11 is a beautiful looking headphone but more than that it has a tuning that I think a lot of people might want to hear, especially those who have never considered Ultrasone before. The price point is tempting also. I have had a few dynamic driver woodies last year at this price point including Erzitech’s Mania and Kennerton’s Vali but this one may yet push those 2 in the shade.
At 32Ω and being an open-back for home listening does demand more exploration and testing in our main review because I think it does work fine from portable sources. The only issue is that has no isolation whatsoever so not a commute friendly headphone. Also cable-rolling with that 2-pin termination. That could well be the most fun part of the main review!”
Mytek HiFi Manhattan DAC II Review
February 20, 2019 Comments Off on Mytek HiFi Manhattan DAC II Review
“I have read the Manhattan II’s optional phono card is very competitive and the headphone amplifier is a revelation for those who use headphones. It wouldn’t surprise me, knowing Jurewicz’s design prowess. It also doesn’t surprise me that he has designed a superb volume control for both the digital and analog domain. Your choice, or bypass them completely, and it’s potentiometer heaven. The network card is also a very viable downsize option if you dig streaming above all.
But it’s the conversion and myriad of settings that’s the star turn. And why I would purchase it. The 55K Black is out of reach for most, but the Mytek Manhattan DAC II, ten times cheaper, gives you much of what Black delivers.
Devialet Phantom Reactor $1300 Bluetooth Speaker
February 20, 2019 Comments Off on Devialet Phantom Reactor $1300 Bluetooth Speaker
MrSpeakers Ether 2 Over-The-Ear Headphones $1999 Review
February 19, 2019 Comments Off on MrSpeakers Ether 2 Over-The-Ear Headphones $1999 Review
“The reduction of weight is just one of the many improvements that Ether 2 has over its predecessors. It boasts an entirely new motor designed around MrSpeakers TrueFlow technology. This also includes a diaphragm that’s 70% lighter than used in previous models. The driver baffle is composed of carbon fiber, helping further reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. MrSpeakers employs their trusty flexible NiTinol metal headband support system, while upgrading the headband strap to webbed leather. Further helping comfort are high quality synthetic leather ear pads that utilize an ear shaped opening (opposed to a rectangle or oval shape). Finally the all metal cup and mounting arm not only looks fantastic, but feels premium and built to last.
Also introduced with the Ether 2 is MrSpeakers new premium VIVO cable, which replaces the venerable DUM cable used with previous Ether models. The DUM cable was a quality cable, but the VIVO is a big upgrade in many ways. The VIVO feels robust, yet is incredibly flexible without being microphonic. It also uses silver plated OFHC copper which is an excellent match to the Ether 2’s tuning. Included as well is a standard black MrSpeakers clamshell hard-case and certificate of authenticity.”
McIntosh C2600 Tubed Preamplifier Review
February 19, 2019 Comments Off on McIntosh C2600 Tubed Preamplifier Review
“Delicate, signal-centric analog and digital sections are kept separate thanks to an internal, two layer dual-chassis design which according to the company was developed to prevent signal corruption, shielding intricate circuitry from RF and EMI interference. Analog inputs consist of three balanced (XLR), four unbalanced (RCA – gold plated, solid brass) and dedicated MM and MC phono stages (40dB/60dB voltage gain respectively). Digital inputs include one asynchronous USB Type-B, two coaxial, three optical and one proprietary McIntosh MCT (DIN) which offers a secure DSD connection for McIntosh SACD/CD transports. A headphone amplifier featuring McIntosh’s Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) is built-in as well “to allow high quality recordings to image like conventional speakers in your headphones” according to the company (A claim I can attest to after extensive listening sessions, the sensation is less ‘in the centre of your head’ if I had to briefly describe it). You can utilize or bypass Tone controls and all inputs can be individually named to custom tailor them to your specific gear or nomenclature and be input level-matched to +/-6dB, bass and treble settings can also be adjusted on a per-input basis. The unit also has a Home Theatre PassThru, Power Control Output (one main, four trigger), RS232 Control Input and a rear panel IR sensor input.”
Audiophilepure 
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