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10 Audio has reviewed the Marantz MA-9S2 Reference Series power amplifiers ($15,000/pair). The design of these monos is classic (photo). Reviewer Jerry S describes the design as “a 300 watt monophonic golden beauty.” After a six month audition, Jerry had this to say on the sound: The tube-like midrange continues into the upper frequencies and there is not the slightest trace of hardening or brittleness as the frequencies increase. This is such a significant departure

Stereophile has posted its review of the Benchmark DAC1 Pre USB D/A headphone amplifier ($1,575). This is a compact unit (photo) described as a “D/A processor/preamplifier/headphone amplifier with volume control, 2 headphone outputs, single-ended and balanced analog outputs, and UltraLock clock circuit.” Reviewer Sam Tellig liked its versatility, auditioning it as a DAC, preamp, and headphone amp. He said this of its sound: As for the Benchmark’s overall sound, I thought it tipped slightly toward

TONEAudio has published its 2008 Product of the Year and Exceptional Value Awards, as well as its December issue. The new issue includes the following hi-fi equipment reviews: Old school: MartinLogan CLS floorstanding speakers ($2,995/pair in 1984) ACI Emerald XL bookshelf speakers ($800/pair) Vintage cartridges: Shure M91, Empire 999, Denon DL-160 Meridian DSP7200 speakers ($32,500/pair) and 808.2i CD player ($15,995) Musical Surroundings Phonomena II phono stage ($600) Lyra Skala moving coil cartridge ($3,200) MartinLogan CLX

HIGH Fidelity has published its year-end awards list. The main award was given to the following high-end components: Ancient Audio Lektor Grand SE (PLN 68,000) Reimyo CDT-777 (EUR 8,700), DAP-999EX (EUR 8,200), CAT-777 (EUR 16,000), PAT-777 (EUR 23,000) Many additional products received awards in their respective categories. Check out the full list, then take a look at a new review: Art Audio Conductor Preamp (PLN 21,000) and Diavolo power amp (PLN 21,500)

Computer Audiophile has posted a review of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic DAC ($399). This is a versatile half-rack sized unit (photo) that upsamples to 24/192. It has coax, optical, and USB inputs along with coax, optical, balanced, and unbalanced outputs. Reviewer Chris Connaker was impressed with the build quality for the price. As for the sound, Chris had this to say: Fortunately the DacMagic was enjoyable from start to finish. Listening to Rock and Acoustic

Hi-Fi World has announced its January issue. It includes reviews of the following: Rega P3-24 turntable Marantz PM8003 integrated amp Monitor Audio Radius 90 speakers Shanling MC-30 Music Center CD/receiver Klipsch RB-61 bookshelf speakers Exposure 3010S CD/integrated amp KEF XQ30 floorstanding speakers Audio Logic Model 34MXL DAC DALI Lektor 6 floorstanding speakers Robson Acoustics Greystoke and Kingsound Princess II speakers Guru QM10p bookshelf speakers Adam HM3 bookshelf speakers Electrocompaniet Nemo 10 monoblock power amp Naim

6moons has posted two new reviews of high quality speakers: JohnBlue Audio Art JB4 single driver bookshelf speakers ($1,030/pair) Neeper Acoustics Perfection One floorstanding speakers ($20,000/pair) Read the reviews, then check out the 6moons writers’ favorite discoveries of 2008.

Stereophile has posted new reviews of the following high-end components: Snell Illusion floorstanding speakers ($50,000/pair) Chario Academy Sovran floorstanding speakers ($17,000/pair) Simaudio Moon i-1 integrated amplifier ($1,500) Gini Systems “LS3/5a” bookshelf speakers ($560/pair) Read the reviews, then check out Fred Kaplan’s Best Jazz Albums of 2008.

Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity has reviewed the Emotiva XPA-2 stereo power amplifier ($799, direct). This is a powerful and handsome unit (photo) with 250 watts into 8 ohms and both balanced and RCA inputs. Reviewer Adrian Wittenberg liked its build quality and bass output compared to his reference integrated amp (model unspecified). He concluded: The Emotiva XPA-2 is an excellent two-channel power amplifier that will deliver dynamic ranges to your speakers that

StereoMojo has posted reviews of the following hi-fi components: Saxon A700 MKII integrated amp ($1,995) Peachtree Audio Decco hybrid tube integrated amp ($800) If you’re interested in the Saxon, you may want to jump on it now. According to the review, it is currently being sold by USAHIFI.com for $999–nearly half the price of retail.