Blog draft

Computer Audiophile, a site that focuses on desktop audio and music servers, has reviewed the HeadRoom Ultra Micro DAC ($699) and Ultra Micro Headphone amp ($699). Reviewer Chris Connaker praised the combination for its small size and good synergy, but had a couple of minor quibbles about the design. The Ultra Micro components definitely don’t suffer any performance hits because of their size, but they do have some design compromises that should be considered before

StereoMojo has reviewed another LSA integrated amp. This time it’s the flagship model, the Statement ($9,000). Reviewer James L. Darby describes the differences between it and the other integrated amps in the LSA line (the Standard and the Signature). He also compares it to the Plinius 9200 integrated and a set of Halcro separates. On the sound, Darby said: The Statement just reaches out, grabs and caresses you and pulls you into the performance in

6moons posted their much-anticipated review of the NuForce Icon integrated amp ($249). Reviewer David Kan, known for his affinity for NuForce gear, put the 12W Class D unit through its paces using a variety of partnering speakers. Since the amp is targeted primarily at the consumer electronics crowd, Mr. Kan offered both an “audiophile” and “consumer” conclusion. Here’s an excerpt from the “audiophile” conclusion: Whereas the Trends and KingRex have perfect synergy with my Klipsch

Budget bookshelf fans take note, Stereophile just posted their review of the Polk RTi A1 speaker ($349/pair). Reviewer Robert J. Reina compared them to the Paradigm Atom v.4 ($250/pair), the Infinity Primus 150 ($198/pair), and the Epos ELS 3 ($399/pair). His impression? Here’s an excerpt: I enjoyed every minute I spent with the RTi A1. The speaker’s greatest strengths—the natural and detailed midrange, the excellent bass extension—are unheard of at this size and price… Read

Playback published their September issue today. As usual, it focuses primarily on mainstream home entertainment. However, it does contain an interesting review of the Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver ($699). Chris Martens described this 100W “RetroReceiver” (with phono stage) as: …a product I plan to use as my “go to” recommendation when people ask me for suggestions on how to get started in high-performance stereo. Read the entire review (PDF format), then check out Andy

The Audiophile Voice (TAV) magazine has a new issue out. It includes several new articles and columns, as well as reviews of the following hi-fi equipment: Mark & Daniel Omni-Harmonizer add-on tweeter ($950/pair) Avantone MixCube mini reference monitor ($199/pair) This print-only magazine is described by owner and editor Gene Pitts as having: No jargon, no cult of personality, no arrogant insiders, no engineering degrees needed, no nonsense. Sound refreshing? If so, check out the contents

The Absolute Sound (TAS) is out with their October issue. Unfortunately, most of its pages are devoted to the Editor’s Choice Awards, which would actually be valuable if they ranked the components relative to one other instead of simply listing them in order of price. In terms of new content, the following components are reviewed: Simaudio Moon i-1 integrated amp ($1,500) Simaudio Moon CD-1 CD player ($1,500) Pass Labs XA100.5 monoblock power amps ($16,500/pair) Hansen

Audiogon member Bezimienny has posted an informative and entertaining review on the Usher Be-718 ‘Tiny Dancer’ speakers ($2,795/pair). He compares them to his Wilson CUBs, which he describes as follows: These are bachelor speakers. They’re sixty centimetres deep, have grills made of air-conditioner foam or, alternately, a spray of chrome screws like buckshot embedded across their faces… About the Usher Be-718s, the reviewer observes: In contrast, the Be718s are polite and well-dressed. They too have

TNT-Audio has published a review of the Italian-made North Star Sapphire CD player (GBP 1,500). Reviewer Maarten van Casteren had this to say of its sound: It is more analytical than musical, but not to the point where this could ever be seen as a flaw. It has control and precision in spades, combined with excellent resolution, bandwidth and focus. It is a very honest player that gets more information from the disk than any

CEDIA Expo 2008 took place during the past four days in Denver, Colorado. The event was covered by a variety of audio publications. Here is a wrap-up of the show reports: Audio Federation Audioholics Home Entertainment Magazine Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity Sound & Vision SoundStage! Network Stereophile: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 TONEAudio Blog