Blog draft

Computer Audiophile has reviewed the Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC ($5,000). This is a slim (photo) and full-featured DAC capable of accepting hi-res, 24/192 input. It was designed by the same team who brought us HDCD, so it decodes that format too. Plus, it has a high quality digital volume control, so it can be connected directly to a power amp. “Indispensable” is how reviewer Chris Connaker described its feature set. After connecting it to

SonicFlare, taking a break from its auto show coverage (?), has reviewed the Ducale bookshelf speakers ($3,950) from Goldenote (formerly Bluenote). These Italian “bombshells” (photo) employ a 2-way double front reflex design and inverted ceramic tweeters. Reviewer Danny Kaey compared them to his Harbeth Super HL5 speakers and observed: I can say with all certitude that at least with rock music, I preferred the Ducales over my Harbeths. Despite the Ducales being smaller, they excelled

Stereophile has posted its products of the year awards. Some of the components included in the list are: Sooloos music server system ($7,900–10,500) KEF Reference 207/2 floorstanding speakers ($20,000/pair) Revel Ultima Salon2 floorstanding speakers ($22,000/pair) Rega Planar 3-24 turntable and RB-301 tonearm ($895–1,295) Conrad-Johnson ACT2 Series 2 preamplifier ($16,500) Parasound Halo JC 2 preamplifier ($4,000) Paradigm Atom v.5 bookshelf loudspeakers ($298/pair) Read the entire article, then tell me if you’re planning to spend $10K on

6moons has published a pair of syndicated reviews from German publication, fairaudio: Octave V-80 tube integrated amp (EUR 6,800) AudiaZ ETA floorstanding speakers (EUR 14,400/pair) Check out the reviews, and be glad people are willing to translate reviews like these. Thank you!

6moons has reviewed the Thorens TD-550 turntable with Ortofon AS-309S tonearm ($11,900) and EMT TSD15SFL cartridge ($1,800). Reviewer Ken Micallef was enamored with the unit’s Maccassar wood and chrome finish (photo), as well as its sound. Ken felt its strength fell into the categories of microdynamics, bass response, naturalness, and flow. He concluded: The Thorens TD550 is a stellar piece of LP playback machinery. Though its lack of setup diagrams was frustrating, its sound was

Hi-Fi Choice has published a new issue (#315), or at least reviews from the new issue are showing up on parent site, TechRadar. New reviews include: Bowers & Wilkins 684 floorstanding speakers (GBP 699) Advance Acoustic MAP 305DA II integrated amp (GBP 680) and MCD 403 CD player (price unknown) Yamaha A-S1000 integrated amp (GBP 900) and CD-S1000 CD player (price unknown) Roksan Kandy K2 integrated amp (price unknown) and K2 CD player (GBP 750)

Affordable$$Audio has published its December issue. Included are the following HIGH-end component reviews: Bolder Cable Ultimate IV Squeezebox Power Supply ($950) Grant Fidelity B-283 Tube Processor/Buffer ($219) LaJoie SJ1 Jumpers: Multi-Writer Mini-Review  ($75) Pathos Acoustics Classic One MK III hybrid integrated amp ($2,995) Marigo Audio TR ($659) and VX ($699) Mystery Feet A Fun Comparison: Three Fine Monitors: Era Design 5, Polk LSi9, and Totem Rainmaker The new issue includes Part Two of Stew Nelless’

TNT-Audio has reviewed the Lehmann Black Cube Statement phono preamp (EUR 300). According to reviewer Geoff Husband, this is a “very flexible stage, offering not only the usual MC/MM option, but also variable loading via DIP switches.” He compared it to his Black Cube SE, and noted: The SE now pulled out a clear lead, most noticeable was a sense of focus it gave to the soundstaging. The Statement could sound rather diffuse, almost as

What Hi-Fi? has reviewed the Rega Elicit integrated amplifier (GBP 1,498). The “review” clocks in at just over 300 words and can be summarized as follows: It’s a decent amplifier, but not outstanding at this price level. Perhaps more surprising than the brevity of the review is the number of stars the reviewer bestowed on the product: only three. This is a welcome change to the everything-gets-five-stars approach… Wow, that amp must really suck! Read

Positive Feedback Online has published a new two-part review covering the following components: Virtue Audio TWO class-T integrated amp ($349) Silverline Audio Prelude floorstanding speakers ($1,200/pair) Reviewer Dean Seislove summed up the pairing of these two pieces as follows: The combination of the TWO and the Silverline Audio Preludes really worked well together. For roughly a grand and a half, you can enjoy an audiophile experience that should cost many times the price. They may