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What Hi-Fi?, the most confoundedly named of the British hi-fi mags, has published a review of the DALI Lektor 6 floorstanding speakers (GBP 750). These are essentially a “stretched version of the smaller Lektor 1,” which What Hi-Fi? previously awarded five stars. The uncredited reviewer got to the point early (which is always nice), then concluded: The Lektor 6s are well worth taking time to listen to. The richness of the sound is compelling and
6moons, Srajan Ebaen’s audio review extravaganza, has published four more reviews of high-end componentry. These include: Elekit TU-879S tube integrated amp ($500-670) Esoteric X-05 SACD/CD player (EUR 5,000) Zu Audio Definition 2 floorstanding speakers ($11,000/pair) Esoteric X-03 SE CD player vs. P05/D05 separates Check out the reviews, and leave a comment if you are able to get through all six pages on the Elekit. I love David Kan’s reviews, but I wish they were shorter!
Stereophile has posted a review of the Luxman M-800A solid state stereo power amplifier ($16,000). This is a 107 lb beast (photo), with 60Wpc into 8 ohms (120Wpc into 4 ohms) of class-A goodness. Reviewer Michael Fremer compared the unit to a pair of Musical Fidelity kW monoblocks. He liked its warm, smooth sound, and concluded: …unless your system is warm and soggy and you’re looking for relief, the M-800A’s sound leaves little to be
StereoMojo has reviewed the Revolver Cygnis floorstanding speaker ($10,999). This is a tube-friendly (91dB sensitivity) “three-way design with two separate enclosures (photo), similar to what you’d find in a Wilson Watt/Puppy.” Reviewer James L. Darby liked the speaker’s lush midrange and tight bass. He also liked the width of the soundstage, but noted others may think it is “slightly exaggerated.” He also mentioned: …if you have older tube gear that is substantially rolled off on
The SoundStage! Network, a group of sites devoted to reviewing and discussing home audio/video equipment, has posted an update. The following hi-fi component reviews are included: Audio Research VS115 hybrid stereo power amplifier ($6,495) Crystal Cable CrystalConnect Dreamline interconnects ($6,250/pair) CrystalSpeak Dreamline speaker cables ($13,000/pair) B&W CCM 818 in-ceiling loudspeakers ($1,600/pair) Check out the reviews, then check out the review of the PSB Imagine B speakers ($1,000/pair) and the article on Paul Barton on GoodSound!.
Hi-Fi Choice has published its December issue. Included in it are the following glowing audio component reviews, most of which appear as part of the magazine’s online identity, TechRadar: ATC SIA 2-150 integrated amplifier (GBP 2,203) Aurousal VS floorstanding loudspeakers (GBP 1,650/pair) Denon AH-D7000 headphones (GBP 900) Esoteric X-05 SACD/CD player (GBP 3,495) Marantz PM8003 integrated amplifier (GBP 630) NAD M4 tuner (GBP 1,200) Pro-Ject Phono Box II USB phono stage (GBP 85) Spendor SA1
The Audio Critic, perhaps the most objectivist audio magazine ever published, has posted a review of the Linkwitz Lab Pluto-2 floorstanding speakers ($2,995/pair with built-in power amps). The design of these speakers is unique (photo), to say the least, making use of PVC pipe instead of conventional cabinets. Reviewer Peter Aczel is a longtime fan of Linkwitz designs, and his views on this model are quite complimentary. He liked its performance-to-cost ratio, although he points
HomeTheaterReview.com, a newly-launched site from former AVRev.com publisher Jerry Del Colliano, has posted a wide variety of high-end audio component reviews. Among them: Definitive Technology Mythos 2, 3 & Gem Speakers Escient Vision Series Multiroom Media Server Qsonix Q110 Music Server NuForce Icon / S1 Amplifier Krell KAV-400xi Integrated Amplifier Krell FBI Integrated Amplifier Zvox 425 Sound Bar KEF Muon Floorstanding Loudspeaker NAD Master Series M25 Seven-Channel Amplifier NAD Electronics T-975 Seven-Channel Amplifier Check out
Computer Audiophile, by far the best place to find information about using PCs as sources, has reviewed the Trends Audio UD-10.1 USB audio converter ($169). This small device (photo) can take “a USB input signal from a PC or Mac and output bit perfect coax, optical, or AES digital audio.” Reviewer Chris Connaker compared it to his much more expensive Lynx AES16e digital I/O card ($700) and concluded: The Trends Audio UD10.1 is not in
Positive Feedback Online has reviewed the Dakota Collection of audio component racks from Audio Elegance (photo). These are custom made from solid hardwood. They feature mass loading compartments and solid brass cone footers. Reviewer Peter Davey was impressed with the build quality and aesthetics. After going on at some length, he concludes: I can tell you that this is some of the sturdiest, most aesthetically pleasing audio equipment furniture that I’ve ever come across. I