iFi Audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier Review
April 10, 2025 Comments Off on iFi Audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier Review
In some ways, the iFi iCAN Phantom is probably overkill for most headphone listeners. The full array of headphone connections, the ability to drive both dynamic and electrostatic cans (ANY electrostatic cans), the choice of solid-state or two types of tube drive, along with the various processing and setting options to play with makes this a drive unit for the truly committed headphone enthusiast. Someone who appreciates the inherent differences in various headphones of all types. Enough that they already own several sets of cans or plan to build a collection. The iFi iCAN Phantom can accommodate them all, drive them to their full potential, and be either a clean sheet of sonic glass or a tweaker’s delight. The choice is yours. On second thought, maybe the iCAN Phantom IS for everybody after all! Recommended!
Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Premium Amplifiers Review
April 10, 2025 Comments Off on Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Premium Amplifiers Review
https://pt.audio/2025/03/14/orchard-audio-starkrimson-mono-premium-amplifiers-review/
Maybe times have changed. Perhaps we audio nuts don’t have as much of a bias against “newer” technology such as class D amplification and all of the advantages it can offer. Whatever the case, the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Premium amplifiers never called attention to themselves in such a way that I ever worried about them being class D. In fact, it rarely even crossed my mind. I was just so involved in listening that nothing else really mattered, and that’s about the best one can expect from a really good stereo setup. And the other advantages? Well, moving the Pass Labs X250.8 from one side of my room to the other was a task, not that I really minded. But handling the little Starkrimson amps was nothing- each could be balanced easily in the palm of my hand. I will give the Pass Labs amp points for running a bit warm though, as my listening space tends a tad cool for comfort in the winter. Ask me again next summer, and I’m sure I’ll tell you a different story.
Denon PMA-900HNE Integrated Network Amplifier Review
April 10, 2025 Comments Off on Denon PMA-900HNE Integrated Network Amplifier Review
Bad idea? Building a high-end loudspeaker with solid maple and walnut.
April 10, 2025 Comments Off on Bad idea? Building a high-end loudspeaker with solid maple and walnut.
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch 2 Review $3,200
April 9, 2025 Comments Off on Lotoo PAW Gold Touch 2 Review $3,200
Of course, you can go the extra mile and send the data from your phone to the DAP via Bluetooth or Lotoo’s lossless transmission protocol, given you also bought an LTTP transmitter. More on that a little later.
The PGT2 can also be used as a USB DAC, using its USB C (3.1) input. It features two sets of outputs, with a 3.5mm single ended and a 4.4mm balanced connector. Exactly like the original. However, this time Lotoo has given both outputs different output power ratings.
The second gen PAW Gold Touch now has a rated output power of 1,000mW per channel balanced and 460mW single-ended. This is quite a lot, but we know that output power can bring us only so far, but when it comes to driving headphones more values have to be factored in. So, don’t throw out your desktop amps just yet.
IsoAcoustics Delos 2216W1 Turntable Isolation Platform
April 9, 2025 Comments Off on IsoAcoustics Delos 2216W1 Turntable Isolation Platform
Which platform works best for you would likely depend on your specific rig, and the physical configuration of your room. Since my rack sits on a concrete slab, I obviously don’t have issues with floor-borne vibrations. If your room has a sprung floor, I would wager that the suspension of the Delos would make the IsoAcoustics more effective than the suspensionless Mitmat.
Both platforms delivered imaging benefits, but the Mitmat pulled slightly ahead here, helping to place instruments in space with just a little bit more precision. On the other hand, I found the dynamic improvements delivered by the Delos to be of tremendous value. Once I’d become accustomed to the need to adapt my listening levels, the Delos helped make the music jump out of the speakers in a most endearing manner.
But where the Delos soared was in its exceptional control of the bass and the bass-related oddities that infest the analog reproduction chain. For sound quality, you’ll have to make your own decision, as both platforms have their merits. But in my system, the Delos won out. And with its lower price, the Delos is also the winner for value.
Simply the 10 BEST Cassette Decks ever made
April 9, 2025 Comments Off on Simply the 10 BEST Cassette Decks ever made
DIY Bass Traps That Actually Look GOOD! High End Appearance With All The Functionality
April 9, 2025 Comments Off on DIY Bass Traps That Actually Look GOOD! High End Appearance With All The Functionality
YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker $46,800 Review
April 8, 2025 Comments Off on YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker $46,800 Review
Why? Because I don’t think I’ve ever heard a CD of symphonic music that is so totally involving. We hear the full orchestra and we hear individual instruments with a clarity and color that connect us directly to Mahler himself. What is he telling us? What pain is his in? Not how low can this speaker go, or can I locate the first violins from the second. Through the YG Hailey 2.2 there is no sense of strain at any volume. The music just emerges in living color. It is by turns angry, explosive and sorrowful. The midrange’s precise definition extends all the way down into the low end which is both colorful and impactful. The brass in particular is so very present and realistic. Mahler’s writing for brass has never been surpassed.
FiiO K17 $899 Review
April 8, 2025 Comments Off on FiiO K17 $899 Review
Positioned between the K9 Pro ESS and K19, the K17 switches from THX amplification to discreet circuitry and 4000mW max output per channel, giving it plenty of power for various headphones.
It sounds dynamic, with plenty of headroom while maintaining good tonal balance and resolution alongside an otherwise full-bodied presentation.
Unlike the cleaner sounding K19, the K17 is more intimate than neutral across the mids. It puts more stress on the treble on the higher gain modes while sounding fuller in bass and quite rounded in treble with the lower gain levels.
Audiophilepure 
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