Reviews
Classé Audio Delta PRE Mk II Preamplifier
- Details
- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 July 2024 15 July 2024
On its website, Classé Audio states that the new Delta PRE Mk II preamplifier can be the “foundation of your perfect system”. In this case, it’s quite sensible marketing parlance because I’m also of the opinion that the good ole preamplifier is, indeed, the very heart of an audio system. On paper, the extra circuitry and interconnecting cable required to connect said preamplifier should be a backward step when compared to the simplicity of interfacing a DAC, for example, directly to a power amplifier. After all, there’s more than enough output voltage on tap there and most have an in-built volume control (bit-stripping notwithstanding). Yet, it’s been my experience that having that preamp intermediary almost always equates to a more engaging and dynamic sound. Never mind the obvious accommodation of additional sources. So, how would a high-tech, fully featured, 21st century preamplifier like Classé Audio’s new Delta PRE Mk II perform then?
Rega Research Naia Turntable
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- Written by Mark Busby Mark Busby
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
Having started out my hi-fi journey in the early 1980s with a Rega Planar 3 turntable, I jumped at the chance to hear and review the latest flagship model from Rega. Called the Naia, this turntable offers all the accumulated technical knowledge gained during the existence of Rega Research’s 51 years of knowledge. The Naia package in this review includes the option for a factory fitted Aphelion 2, Rega’s top of the line moving coil cartridge.
in-akustik Referenz LS-4005 AIR Loudspeaker Cable
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- Written by Barry James Johnston Barry James Johnston
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
Snake oil! Reviewing cables can be both a controversial and simultaneously difficult audio review task. What are we comparing after all? Soke copper and some other copper? The gauge of a wire? Conductor type? Dielectric? The velocity of propagation? Capacitance? What does it all mean in the real world and to your ears? How do the electrical properties of a length of metal affect the way a piece of music sounds? Let’s get stuck in before the hoards gather outside my studio.
Naim Audio Uniti Nova PE Streaming Amplifier
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- Written by Barry Jones Barry Jones
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 June 2024 15 June 2024
I’ve long been a fan of Naim audio, having owned a plethora of products over the years, beginning with what could be considered as one of my first serious systems. That was the NAC 150, NAP 150 and CD 150X running a pair of Sonus faber Concerto speakers. That system had many friends and visitors in awe whenever I spun their favourite tunes. Realising this was only the entry point to the Naim sound, I thirsted for more and quickly contracted the upgrade bug… from those early days, the audio voyage now sees me once again enjoying the music making skills of a Naim product: the new Naim Uniti Nova PE.
Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 June 2024 01 June 2024
Large amplifiers… yeah, digital amplification notwithstanding, high-end amps tend to be bulky. Think Oscar Wilde’s “Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess” – that phrase sums up most top-tier high-end integrated amplifiers. As big and bold integrated amplifiers go, there are only a few units mixing it up with Gryphon Audio Designs’ monumental Diablo 333. It’s the Danish company’s newest, and by gosh, meanest-looking integrated amplifier. Yet paradoxically, it combines brutal brawn build with industrial design elegance. It’s a Helluva statement piece… now, beyond its magnetically charismatic aura, how does the Diablo 333 sound?
Microphase Audio Design SAT MK3 Loudspeakers
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- Written by Barry James Johnston Barry James Johnston
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 June 2024 01 June 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of audio excellence, the Microphase Audio Design SAT MK3 loudspeakers emerge as a beacon of true passion and craftsmanship. Crafted by the visionary Australian-based, French speaker designer Jean-Marie Lière, these bookshelf loudspeakers stand as a testament to his dedication to pushing the boundaries of sonic artistry. With a blend of technical precision and artistic flair, the SAT MK3 speakers promise to captivate audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Hulgich Audio Nina Statement Loudspeakers
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- Written by Tom Waters Tom Waters
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 May 2024 15 May 2024
When the box arrived, I thought… this is a company that cares about product safety and presentation. Two speakers were contained in one reenforced wooden box, very neatly made and finished, with subtle but effective company labelling on all sides. There were strong straps around the box as well. You could easily get the speakers out through the side labelled “front”, without removing the straps. Inside, the box was padded with thick Styrofoam that cradled all sides of the speakers. Each speaker was then in its own padded bag. So, who goes to all this effort before you even get to listen? With the new Nina Statement loudspeakers, Hulgich Audio does.
Soulnote A-3 Integrated Amplifier
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 May 2024 01 May 2024
What do you get when high-level ex-Marantz, Philips and NEC personnel, with a combined experience into three-figures, join forces with a fervent desire to penetrate the higher echelons of high-end audio? You get Soulnote, that’s what, a Japanese company HQ’ed in Kanagawa, Japan. Soulnote has hit the market with a stream of analogue and digital components featuring innovative engineering, a mature design language, and world-class build quality. The company is highly revered in its home country while also receiving high praise, and increasing interest, from audio enthusiasts around the globe. Yeah, it’s also earning some sideways glances from high-end competitors, I’m sure. So, here, I present Soulnote’s top-tier, solid-as-a-brick A-3 integrated amplifier.
Dellichord FR2035 Active Loudspeakers
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 April 2024 01 April 2024
The concept of coupling a fully realised monitor speaker and a matching powered low-frequency module, as a cojoined loudspeaker architecture per channel, has been somewhat underapplied in the industry, despite its ample merits. When crafted by a skilled designer, the capabilities of that unified configuration can be manifested through excellent sonic performance. Evidently, young Australian design house Dellichord thoroughly understands the principle. The company has crafted the amplified, uniquely styled FR20 ‘IsoActive Bass Module’, which also serves as a complementary platform for the accompanying FR35 ‘Bookshelf Monitor’ perched above. Dellichord calls it the FR2035 IsoActive system.
Estelon AURA Loudspeakers
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 March 2024 15 March 2024
When I heard Estelon’s brand new AURA speakers at High End Munich 2023, I thought, “Note to self: These, I need to review.” In a rare experience, AURA presented the most ‘outside the speakers’ enveloping soundfield I’d heard at any show. Anywhere. Ever. And then there was that auric glow, that magnetic attraction from what, in my humble opinion, must be one of the most striking loudspeaker designs in high-end audio. Well, some months after that memorable show encounter, AURA materialised in my listening room, aglow in radiant white. Will AURA sonically enchant as it did at that remarkable Munich showing?
Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Streaming Digital-to-Analogue Converter
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 March 2024 01 March 2024
Man, clutter is… old. Your average high-end system espousing separate dedicated components could see a head count of eight or nine boxes, each needing power and interface cable. That’s a lot. Partly with those aspects of placement and cabling logistics in mind, Italian audio specialist Gold Note devised a high-end digital hub which greatly reduces your component inventory while saving you some hard-earned. The promise is there too, for elevated sound quality. Gold Note is renowned for high performance products – whether analogue or digital – with build quality and engineering being consistent trademarks. Enter the DS-1000 EVO Streaming DAC.
Perreaux Audio VP4 Phono Preamplifier
- Details
- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 February 2024 15 February 2024
Today, in a digital age no less, the turntable enjoys an arguably stronger market presence than ever among audio enthusiasts. Based on just product choice too, let alone materials and technology developments. Yet, as we know, the turntable is a part of an analogue playback system. It requires a set of supporting ancillaries. To fill that requirement, there are a plethora of tonearm, cartridge, and phono cabling choices. Heck, there’s even an embarrassment of options for just pucks, dust brushes, and other accessories/tweaks. Yet, once the TT’s support team is assembled, the final component of necessity, the music delivery conduit, is the phono preamplifier. For the most part, the ‘Phono Stage’ has seen little change in decades. Until now. I’m looking at Perreaux Audio’s VP4, the company’s newest, and one which truly differentiates itself from the vast majority of its competitors. How? Well, by offering innovative features – perhaps even unique – elevating it above the maddening crowds. VP4 is a phono stage intelligently engineered for 21st century analogue playback.
