NAD Masters Series M32 DirectDigital D/A integrated amplifier Review
May 5, 2018 Comments Off on NAD Masters Series M32 DirectDigital D/A integrated amplifier Review
“I noted the same difference with the Linn recording of Monteverdi’s Vespers 1610. Philip Hobbs has done his usual excellent job of capturing a natural-sounding balance of performers and performing space, and the M32 presented that space with a better sense of depth than the Luxman had managed. This was not what I’d expected, given that the combination of the Luxman and the PS Audio DAC costs $15,494, not including cables, and the NAD only $3999. But to send AES/EBU data to the NAD I was using the Meridian 518, which cost $1650 when last available. So I reverted to the long plastic TosLink connection from the M50.2. The sweetness of the M32’s mid-treble was slightly diminished, but other than a slight reduction in depth, the excellent soundstaging remained intact.”
STST MOTUS II TURNTABLE REVIEW
May 4, 2018 Comments Off on STST MOTUS II TURNTABLE REVIEW
“With Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ [España, NSO, Chasing the Dragon] the Motus II produced massive depth of soundstage alongside nice transients and complete control, the mezzo soprano voice remaining assured and extended regardless of the tracking challenge. It’s one of those source components that gives the impression of having all the time in the world to resolve the recording, it’s not slow but it won’t be rushed. There are better timed turntables on the market to be sure and if you are looking for the propulsive drive of jazz and rock they might be preferable, but if you enjoy instrumental and vocal tone in the context of a stable but lively presentation, there is an awful lot to like about the STST Motus II. What the turntable does so well is make music that is so rewarding all other considerations are set aside, which is not something you can say of all turntables by any means. If you want a turntable that does both fine detail resolution and emotional communication this is definitely one for the shortlist.”
Soundstage and Imaging of Headphones – Video
May 4, 2018 Comments Off on Soundstage and Imaging of Headphones – Video
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 loudspeaker $4500 Review
May 3, 2018 Comments Off on Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 loudspeaker $4500 Review
“What about the really big stuff—orchestra and chorus, mebbe a pipe organ? I chose something that had it all—Mahler’s Symphony 2, “Resurrection,” in an underappreciated performance by Andrew Litton and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (SACD/CD, Delos SA 3237)—and found out that the 702 S2s liked to be played loud. Throughout this masterpiece, but especially in the long final movement, the sound was glorious, the experience overwhelming. The bass was full and firm, and the orchestra balanced across the soundstage. The solo singers were a bit closer, almost in the plane of the speaker baffles, but the chorus was spread wide and extended to the back of the hall, and I could hear nearly every voice, All of the recorded dynamics were delivered, including the foundational organ-pedal notes at the end.”
Pass Labs XP-12 Preamplifier And XA30.8 Stereo Amplifier Review
May 3, 2018 Comments Off on Pass Labs XP-12 Preamplifier And XA30.8 Stereo Amplifier Review
“The Pass Labs combination is astonishingly informative dynamically, digging deep into the heart of the source signal and presenting the subtlest of fine pressure changes with finesse and, to my ears, more true-to-life veracity than most. This dynamic agility enables it to sound much more powerful than might be expected for ‘just’ 30W, though power doesn’t necessarily equal dynamic agility, and loudness and dynamics are not the same thing either.”
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label portable DAC Review – Video
May 3, 2018 Comments Off on iFi Nano iDSD Black Label portable DAC Review – Video
Kharma loudspeakers NAGRA HD amplifiers AXPONA 2018 – Video
May 2, 2018 Comments Off on Kharma loudspeakers NAGRA HD amplifiers AXPONA 2018 – Video
Dynaudio Special Forty Loudspeakers $ 3,000 Review
May 2, 2018 Comments Off on Dynaudio Special Forty Loudspeakers $ 3,000 Review
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If you seek a new set of speakers in this price range, be sure to put the Dynaudio Special Forty on your audition list. I offer sincere kudos to Dynaudio for putting this level of sonic performance, build quality, and beauty within the financial reach of so many who prioritize music in their lives. Given this benchmark of performance, I cannot wait to hear what Dynaudio has up its sleeve to celebrate their golden anniversary a decade from now!”
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