Wednesday, October 8, 2008
StereoMojo has reviewed the new Super Victory floorstanding speakers ($9,499/pair) from Canadian manufacturer, Coincident. These are 3-ways with ribbon tweeters and a claimed sensitivity of 92.5 dB. Reviewer James L. Darby had this to say about the sound:
The Coincident Super Victory’s are extraordinary in some areas such as their ability to play at significant levels with very low output amplifiers such as SET’s and their uncanny ability to sound very good with many types of amplification without being “forgiving†or compromising the sound quality.
Read the entire review (just ignore the typos).
10 Audio has reviewed the Wyred 4 Sound ST-1000 stereo amplifier ($1,999), a 500 watt, class D, ICEpower-based design. Reviewer Jerry S. compared the unit to several high-end amps, including models from BAT, Pass Labs, Manley, and Marantz. The verdict?
The ST-1000 offers a very balanced sound – not bright or laid back, nor forward or recessed. Resolution in the treble is much better than other ICEpower amplifiers that I have heard.
Read the entire review, then check out the reviewer’s system and some of his recent posts about amps on Audio Asylum.
Computer Audiophile, a site devoted to using PCs as high-end sources, has reviewed the AVI ADM9.1 active bookshelf speakers with integrated preamp and DAC ($2,999). Reviewer Chris Connaker had this to say of the British all-in-one two-ways:
The AVi ADM9.1 active loudspeakers really are something special. It would be very hard to piece together a system of separates that performs this well and offers this level of convenience for less than the $2999 asking price of the ADM9.1s.
Read the entire review, then check out Computer Audiophile’s posts about listening to high-res downloadable music from companies like HDTracks, Reference Recordings, 2L, High Definition Tape Transfers, and Music Giants.
TNT-Audio has reviewed yet another Tripath integrated amp. This time, it’s the battery-powered PSi15 from the unfortunately-named Passion &ound (apparently pronounced, “passion and sound”).
Reviewer David Holgate liked the appearance of the wood construction on the Spanish-made unit, but was less enthused about its single input and questionable ergonomics. He paired the amp with both the Xavian Mia II bookshelf speakers and the Passion &ound PS3 Premium full range compact monitors. On the sound, he noted:
My listening notes over a number of sessions use the words, smooth, clean, clear, precise again and again. I have found that this amp is best suited to playing well-recorded classical or acoustic music, jazz or classic pop at low volumes.
IMHO, I doubt the Xavian Mia II speakers (86dB sensitivity) had much of a chance of rocking out with this amp’s 14 watt output (into 4 ohms). In David’s previous review of the Xavians, he even mentioned that “Xavian recommends power amplification of 30-120W,” so I’m not sure what he was thinking.
Anyway, read the entire review, then let me know if I am missing something here (very possible).
6moons has reviewed the Stahl-Tek Vekian DAC ($20,000). This is a US-made DAC with a claimed 127dB S/N ratio. Reviewer Linnman compared the unit to the Zanden Model 5000s and Orpheus Labs Heritage DACs. His conclusions are mixed, but his final assessment of the Vekian includes the following:
In my humble opinion, the Vekian DAC by Stahl-Tec is a true breakthrough product in digital high-end converters.
Read the entire review, then check out Linnman’s reviews of the Zanden and Orpheus DACs mentioned in the review.
Hi-Fi Choice, publishing online as part of TechRadar, has reviewed the Jadis Orchestra DiP tube integrated amp (GBP 2,995). This is a French-made 40-watt integrated with iPod docking capability. Of the sound, reviewer Jimmy Hughes said the following:
Sonically, the Orchestra DiP is greater than the sum of the parts. It’s one of those low-powered valve amps that punches well above its weight. It produces a big sound that’s rich, warm, full-bodied and strongly profiled.
Read the entire review, then check out the other 86 amp reviews on the TechRadar web site.
DAGOGO just published its October issue, which includes reviews of the following high-end audio components:
Check out the entire issue. Take special note of the B&W review. It is insightful because it was written as a result of living with the speakers for over four years.
StereoMojo has posted a review of the Eastern Electric M156 tube monoblock power amps ($5,000/pair). Reviewer James L. Darby gave them the following high praise:
By every standard, the amps proved themselves to have a very high level of audio performance at any price and an extraordinary level at their current price…
Another new review on the site is that of the Saxon CD700Mk2 SE CD player ($2,249). Reviewer Clark Hertz liked the bass from this British piece, saying:
The Saxon is a good player for the money with it’s balanced outputs, well controlled bottom end, good looks and accurate presentation.
If your system is mellow from tubes or has bass that is ill controlled, then I recommend this player like a personal trainer for the overweight couch potato.
If you visit StereoMojo, I recommend turning the images off in your web browser first. I can understand how web designers can get carried away with Photoshop effects, but this site is OVER THE TOP.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
SoundStage! published several new equipment reviews yesterday, including:
Also check out the review of the Monitor Audio Bronze BR2 bookshelf speakers ($450/pair) on SoundStage! sister site, GoodSound!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity has reviewed the Zu Audio Druid Mk.4/08 high-sensitivity floorstanding speakers ($3,400/pair). On first listening, reviewer Chris Groppi writes:
Very seldom do the first few seconds of listening to a new component leave me open mouthed. The aliveness and realism of the Druids are nothing short of amazing, and exceed any loudspeaker I have ever heard.
He goes on to compare the Druids to his Gallo Reference 3.1s, primarily using electronica music with deep bass:
The bottom octave was simply gone, as it should be with a limited low end. This is where the Gallos really were superior to the Druids.
Read the entire review, then check out the Gallo Reference 3.1 review Chris wrote for Secrets in 2007.