Tuesday, February 17, 2009
TNT-Audio has reviewed the Passion &ound PS3 premium full range compact monitors (EUR 900). These are front ported designs with 5″ full range drivers (photo).
Reviewer David Holgate liked their “fine directionality and imaging,” but was put off by their dry sound and “handbuilt” look of the grills. In his conclusion, he notes:
I do emphasise the need for correct matching, as they can show up the weaknesses of poor sources or inappropriate amplification, sounding a bit dry and even peaky. It would be ideal if buyers could audition these first…
Read the entire review, then check out the review of the Passion &ound PSi15 integrated amp (EUR 900). I have to admit, I’m intrigued by Tripath amps and single driver speakers, but these just look cheap to me. Maybe it’s the ridiculous name or the cheesy name plates.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SonicFlare has reviewed the Salk Signature Sound SongTower floorstanding speakers ($1,695/pair). The QWT stands for “Quarter Wave Tube” and the design is a two-way with 5″ woofers in an MTM configuration (photo).
Reviewer Sean Fowler liked the soundstage and speedy, integrated sound. He also thought they had “great SPL prowess.” As for shortcomings, he noted a slight boxiness, overly tame treble, and lack of ultimate bass impact.
Compared to the Totem Acoustic Sttaf ($1,695/pair), Sean noted:
If you’re in a small to medium sized room and like a warm, holographic, more immediate presentation, then there’s a good chance that you will enjoy the Sttaf. If you tend to prefer a more neutral sound that has strong dynamics, a killer midrange and a more balanced presentation, then the SongTowers will be for you.
Check out the full review. If you’re interested in purchasing the Salks, you might want to get on the list. Apparently they are backordered.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Computer Audiophile has reviewed the mCubed hFX silent fanless music server ($3,000), which is offered as a turnkey PC audio product by Goodwin’s High End. Actually, it’s made by a company called End PC Noise, but Goodwin’s High End customizes it and sends it to the customer.
Reviewer Chris Connaker thought the build quality was on par with other high-end audio components. As for the sound, he ultimately preferred his Zalman TNN300. He concluded:
Many machines advertise extremely quiet or even silent operation, but these terms often fall into the category of marketing speak. ThemCubed hFX Music Server from End PC Noise really is silent and has the makings of a fabulous music server that would fit nicely in an audiophile system.
Check out the full review for all the details.
Monday, February 16, 2009
SoundStage! Network has posted a trio of new reviews:
Enjoy!
Monday, February 16, 2009
What Hi-Fi? has posted a bunch of new audiophile component reviews. Among them:
I honestly have a hard time referring to these as “reviews.” Some are certainly better than others, but on the whole, the bar seems incredibly low.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stereophile has posted a pair of audiophile CD player reviews:
I may never buy another physical disc player again, but if I do, it will have to include SACD playback. SACDs are truly superior to Rebook, in my opinion. Now if I could just rip them to my hard drive…
Thursday, February 12, 2009
TNT-Audio posted a pair of new reviews a few days ago. They are:
Not much happening in the audiophile press the last couple of days…
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hi-Fi Choice has posted a few new reviews on its TechRadar web site:
Sorry. Slow audiophile news day…
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
6moons has posted a handful of new reviews. Among them:
Check out all the reviews. Also see all the upcoming reviews and previews while you’re there.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Stereophile has published its March issue. It includes reviews, articles, or follow-ups of the following:
- YG Acoustics Anat Reference II Professional speakers ($107,000/pair)
- Aurum Cantus V2M bookshelf speakers ($1,890/pair)
- Chord SPM 650 power amplifier ($4,995)
- Simaudio Moon Evolution P-7 preamp ($6,900)
- Parasound Halo JC 2 line preamp
- Hansen Prince V2 floorstanding speakers ($39,000/pair)
- VTL MB450 II Signature monoblocks ($13,500/pair)
- Revel Ultima Salon2 speakers ($22,000/pair)
- Benchmark DAC1 Pre DAC/headphone amp/preamp
- LFD NCSE integrated amp ($5,995)
- Cambridge Audio DacMagic DAC ($449)
- Audio Note TT3 Super turntable
- Bel Canto Ref1000 Mk.II class-D monoblocks ($5,990/pair)
- Pioneer BDP-51FD Blu-ray player ($599)
- Audyssey MultEQ Pro room correction software
Subscribe or purchase at newsstands today. Also check out the staff’s newest list of Records To Die For. Good stuff!
