Tuesday, December 30, 2008
10 Audio has reviewed the Marantz MA-9S2 Reference Series power amplifiers ($15,000/pair). The design of these monos is classic (photo). Reviewer Jerry S describes the design as “a 300 watt monophonic golden beauty.”
After a six month audition, Jerry had this to say on the sound:
The tube-like midrange continues into the upper frequencies and there is not the slightest trace of hardening or brittleness as the frequencies increase. This is such a significant departure from the stereotypical solid-state sound character that it is time to put aside this outmoded and old fashioned idea of this technology. The MA-9S2 is, without exception, the ideal blend of the best traits of solid-state and tube sound.
He gave them a perfect rating of “10 LPs” and concluded:
Let me state unequivocally that I love the sound of these very fine amplifiers. Their extraordinary performance and easy livability are everything I have ever wished for in a power amplifier.
Intrigued? Read the entire review.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Stereophile has posted its review of the Benchmark DAC1 Pre USB D/A headphone amplifier ($1,575). This is a compact unit (photo) described as a “D/A processor/preamplifier/headphone amplifier with volume control, 2 headphone outputs, single-ended and balanced analog outputs, and UltraLock clock circuit.”
Reviewer Sam Tellig liked its versatility, auditioning it as a DAC, preamp, and headphone amp. He said this of its sound:
As for the Benchmark’s overall sound, I thought it tipped slightly toward the lean side of neutral. It wasn’t sterile or hard, by any means; perhaps what I heard was accuracy. In any event, don’t look to the Benchmark to impart richness and warmth to your system.
Check out the entire review, then tell me how it is different from this one. Hint: One of these reviews was written by someone who actually listened to the device before “reviewing” it.
Monday, December 29, 2008
TONEAudio has published its 2008 Product of the Year and Exceptional Value Awards, as well as its December issue. The new issue includes the following hi-fi equipment reviews:
- Old school: MartinLogan CLS floorstanding speakers ($2,995/pair in 1984)
- ACI Emerald XL bookshelf speakers ($800/pair)
- Vintage cartridges: Shure M91, Empire 999, Denon DL-160
- Meridian DSP7200 speakers ($32,500/pair) and 808.2i CD player ($15,995)
- Musical Surroundings Phonomena II phono stage ($600)
- Lyra Skala moving coil cartridge ($3,200)
- MartinLogan CLX floorstanding speakers ($22,000-30,000)
- PS Audio Digital Link III DAC ($995)
- Shunyata Hyrdra V-Ray power conditioner ($3,995)
- Spiral Groove SG-2 turntable ($15,000, without arm)
- Clearaudio Maestro Wood moving magnet cartridge ($1,000)
- Pro-Ject Tuner Box tuner ($249)
Also included are a variety of articles and record reviews. Download the entire issue (50MB PDF), or check out the 2008 awards list.
I was surprised to see the $22,000 MartinLogan CLX speakers get an Exceptional Value award, but everything is relative, I guess. I heard the CLXs with McIntosh electronics and was not crazy about their upfront sound. At 1/10 the price, I’d be interested to hear the CLSs Jeff liked so much in the old days. Sounds like they are tough to find used, though.
Friday, December 26, 2008
HIGH Fidelity has published its year-end awards list. The main award was given to the following high-end components:
Many additional products received awards in their respective categories. Check out the full list, then take a look at a new review:
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Computer Audiophile has posted a review of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic DAC ($399). This is a versatile half-rack sized unit (photo) that upsamples to 24/192. It has coax, optical, and USB inputs along with coax, optical, balanced, and unbalanced outputs.
Reviewer Chris Connaker was impressed with the build quality for the price. As for the sound, Chris had this to say:
Fortunately the DacMagic was enjoyable from start to finish. Listening to Rock and Acoustic music this DAC sounds great and has no trouble sending out analog exactly what came in as digital.
Classical Music with a wide dynamic range was a little different story. The DacMagic doesn’t extend up or down as far as I prefer and the sound was congested at times.
Conclusion?
The DacMagic’s very good sound quality is what we’ve all come to expect from Cambridge Audio. In typical Cambridge fashion the price of this DAC is very reasonable as well. The DacMagic’s high quality upsampling implementation is a big reason why this DAC competes with major high-end audio players.
Read the entire review, then tell me how disappointed you are that the DacMagic probably doesn’t sound as good as the highly praised 840C CD player. Now THAT would have been a bargain!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hi-Fi World has announced its January issue. It includes reviews of the following:
- Rega P3-24 turntable
- Marantz PM8003 integrated amp
- Monitor Audio Radius 90 speakers
- Shanling MC-30 Music Center CD/receiver
- Klipsch RB-61 bookshelf speakers
- Exposure 3010S CD/integrated amp
- KEF XQ30 floorstanding speakers
- Audio Logic Model 34MXL DAC
- DALI Lektor 6 floorstanding speakers
- Robson Acoustics Greystoke and Kingsound Princess II speakers
- Guru QM10p bookshelf speakers
- Adam HM3 bookshelf speakers
- Electrocompaniet Nemo 10 monoblock power amp
- Naim Nait XS integrated amp
- Philips SRU8015 universal remote
- Quad ESL63 64 electrostatic speakers
The print edition goes on sale December 31, and print subscriptions are available. As for the web edition, well, there isn’t one. I think they are waiting to see if this whole Internet thing is going to catch on…
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
6moons has posted two new reviews of high quality speakers:
Read the reviews, then check out the 6moons writers’ favorite discoveries of 2008.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Stereophile has posted new reviews of the following high-end components:
Read the reviews, then check out Fred Kaplan’s Best Jazz Albums of 2008.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity has reviewed the Emotiva XPA-2 stereo power amplifier ($799, direct). This is a powerful and handsome unit (photo) with 250 watts into 8 ohms and both balanced and RCA inputs.
Reviewer Adrian Wittenberg liked its build quality and bass output compared to his reference integrated amp (model unspecified). He concluded:
The Emotiva XPA-2 is an excellent two-channel power amplifier that will deliver dynamic ranges to your speakers that you never knew you needed or wanted. Emotiva is offering this product at an exceptionally low price and you can take advantage of additional holiday savings right now.
Check out the full review. The holiday pricing the reviewer is referring to is the current direct price of $699. Despite the odd assault of Emotiva ads that appear on the pages of this review, I have to admit I am intrigued. Could be quite a bargain if it sounds good.
Friday, December 19, 2008
StereoMojo has posted reviews of the following hi-fi components:
If you’re interested in the Saxon, you may want to jump on it now. According to the review, it is currently being sold by USAHIFI.com for $999–nearly half the price of retail.
