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Hi-Fi Choice, a British print-only monthly magazine, has published its November (!) issue. Along with the usual smattering of columns and articles, the new issue includes reviews of the following components: Audio Research CD5 CD player Linn Classik Music CD player/stereo receiver Sonus faber speakers (model unknown) Marantz (model unknown) An “Ultimate Group Test” for headphones is also included. Order an old fashioned print subscription, then wait for it to arrive in your mailbox… Why

TNT-Audio has published a comparison test of various ECC88 vacuum tubes. Reviewer Maarten van Casteren evaluated the Euro Audio Team (EAT) ECC88 valve against the following: Golden Dragon Electro-Harmonix Philips JAN What did Maarten think of the EAT valve (aside from its unfortunate acronym)? Compared to top quality interconnects or vibration control it is not even that expensive, and I doubt if any of those other option will really make more of a difference than

Stereophile has posted its review of the Krell Evolution 505 SACD/CD Player ($10,000). Reviewer Fred Kaplan paired it with the Krell FBI integrated amp ($16,500) and CAST interconnect cables from Krell ($400/meter) and Nordost ($1,200/meter). As for the sound, Fred noted: In every sonic dimension, at every checkpoint down the list, the story was the same. Width was wider, depth was deeper, imaging was sharper—but, unlike some gear that excels at all these audiophile virtues,

New Zealand-based AudioEnz published its October issue today. Included are reviews of the following: Audio Analogue Verdi Settanta integrated amp (NZD 2,799) KEF Picoforte 3 iPod dock, amp and speakers (NZD 699) Dynavector P75mkII phono stage (NZD 699) The new issue also includes columns on vinyl and headphones, as well as music reviews and a reprint of a 1993 article on PRaT. Check out the entire issue, then check out another recent article on PRaT

Hi-Fi+ magazine has published Issue 60, which includes a ton of new high-end reviews. Here’s the list: Arcam C31 stereo preamp and P38 power amp Magico V3 speakers Eben Ayra C1 speakers Zanden Model 2500S CD player David Berning Quadrature Z monoblock power amp Wadia 581se CD/SACD player Kuzma 4POINT tonearm Vacuum State SVP-2 preamp Belles Labs MB-200 monoblock power amp Emille KI-40L integrated amp Classe CA-M400 monoblock power amp Spendor SA1 speakers Also included

6moons published a preview of the Musical Laboratory Paeonia passive preamp (EUR 1,895), and Bosanghwa monoblock power amps (EUR 2,400/pair) with outboard power supply (EUR 1,400-1,800). Intended primarily for high-efficiency speakers, these 30W chip amps were designed in the same minimalist spirit of 47 Labs. The preamp and monos are housed in jewelry boxes, while the power supply has a traditional metal case. Intrigued? Read the entire preview, complete with photos and inspirational Japanese poetry

Stereophile has posted a review of the Nagra VPS phono preamp ($5,995). Describing it as “a dedicated, no-compromise, moving-coil (MC) phono preamplifier,” reviewer Michael Fremer was suitably impressed. He did have some reservations about the fullness of the bass, however, remarking: …the Nagra might not be the ticket for those who prefer a leaner, more nimble approach, or whose systems might already be too warm and rich. Read the entire review, then check out Issue

10 Audio has reviewed two power amps from Balanced Audio Technology (BAT); the VK-220 ($3,000) and VK-250SE ($7,000). Longtime reviewer Jerry S. compared them to a variety of other high-end amplifiers, including models from Manley, Pass Labs, and Halcro. He made the following analogy after doing so: Do you remember Snoopy from the Charlie Brown comics and the way he danced when he was happy? That sense of openness and joy is largely missing from

GoodSound!, a site covering affordable hi-fi gear, has reviewed the NuForce Icon integrated amp ($249). Reviewer Thom Moon auditioned the unit with both the included 24W and optional 42W power supply ($29.95), along with an Onkyo DX-6800 CD player and PSB Alpha Mini speakers. Here’s an excerpt: All in all, the NuForce Icon is a fantastic small amplifier. I recommend it for any application in small spaces such as offices, bedrooms, dorm rooms, etc. With

Ultra Audio reviewed the Audience adeptResponse aR6-T power conditioner ($4,600) yesterday. Reviewer Doug Blackburn had this to say about the unit: My expectations of performance are very high for this kind of money, and, offering only six outlets for $4600, the adeptResponse aR6-T is deep in no-compromise territory. But the Audience delivered. Read the entire review, then check out SoundStage!’s 2003 review of the competing product Doug references; the ExactPower EP15A ($2,499).