DALI Epikore 9 Loudspeaker $40,000 Review
March 7, 2025 Comments Off on DALI Epikore 9 Loudspeaker $40,000 Review
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1261-dali-epikore-9-loudspeaker
This time, I focused on Roger Daltrey’s voice in “Behind Blue Eyes.” Here I noted that unique dynamic initiation of the waveform again, but now through the midrange. The Epikore 9s gave Daltrey’s voice a solid, meaty feel, making the image of his head seem slightly larger than life, as if his mouth was about a foot wide. I heard the same effect when I switched over to the Steven Wilson remix of Larks’ Tongues in Aspic from the King Crimson 1972–1974 box set (Discipline Global Mobile KCLPBX503). I always get a giggle out of hearing John Wetton in “Easy Money” trying to play the bass line in 3/4 time while singing in 4/4 time—it sounds like he’s really concentrating. Here, Wetton sounded full, rich, and appropriately chocolatey; no surprise, given what I’ve already noted.
iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC/Amp $3249 Review
March 6, 2025 Comments Off on iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC/Amp $3249 Review
Eons ago, our hearing evolved as a continuous predator warning system—does the space around us sound normal and safe or not? Danger was often a matter of audible impulse (location), plus loudness and echoes (distance), pretty much how the latest Atmos fright-film makes the audience shriek. Even today, the faintest mosquito buzz immediately gets your attention, and you have to look for it and kill it first. I could suggest that, as with inverted phase, the brain gets a “bit confused” when things digital don’t quite sound normal as they would in the real world—and perhaps pre-ringing plays a role. But I don’t even play a digital expert on TV, let alone on the Internet.
Yes, other DACs provide a choice of filters, or at least third-party chip manufacturers can. However, I suspect it is unusual for a DAC manufacturer to research, develop, and implement a “bespoke” filter like the GTO in a sub-$1000 product like the Neo 2. (Or, if you need portable, GTO is also available in the $599 iFi Gryphon)
7Hz Timeless II Review $229
March 6, 2025 Comments Off on 7Hz Timeless II Review $229
Its bronze finish, accented with hints of gold, gives it a premium vibe. The cable separator and chin slider also reflect the geometric design found on the Timeless II’s faceplate, tying the whole look together.
Switching between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks can be confusing at first since the mechanism isn’t conventional. You need to hold the golden connector firmly and twist the geometric cover with the 7Hz logo to release and swap the jack.
The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are labeled with L and R, making it easy to know which side to plug into the IEMs. They also carry the same geometric theme, maintaining consistency across the cable’s design.
FiiO’s FT7 flagship headphones $800
March 5, 2025 Comments Off on FiiO’s FT7 flagship headphones $800
FiiO has announced its latest flagship headphones. The FT7 follow on from the FT5 and FT3, but they are a considerably more premium proposition.
FiiO claims the Patent Pending Gold + Silver Precious Metal Multi-Layer Coating Technology will result in improved sound and durability. Inside are 106mm full-size planar drivers and a 1μm ultra-thin film diaphragm, while there are also 18 high-performance N52 neodymium magnets on each side.
Shunyata Research Theta Speaker Cable Review
March 5, 2025 Comments Off on Shunyata Research Theta Speaker Cable Review
Throughout my listening to Shunyata Research’s Theta speaker cables, all genres of music flowed with transparent immediacy that rivaled a live performance. Most impressively, the sotto voce portions of the music I auditioned were audible and clearly defined. The Theta speaker cables provided nuanced detail, clarity, and focus, along with exceptional dynamics. I had a preternatural sense of hearing deeper into all the music I auditioned without feeling overwhelmed with information. I was extremely sad to see these cables leave my system. I recommend Shunyata’s Theta speaker cables to enthusiasts who want exceptional performance without needing to take out a second mortgage.
Audiophilepure 
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