Monday, September 15, 2008
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 a purchasing decision is made.
Read the entire review, then check out the Computer Audiophile Forums to learn more about using your PC or Mac computer as a high-end audio source.
Friday, September 12, 2008
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 a way few amps at any price or configuration can achieve.
Read the entire review, then check out StereoMojo’s reviews of the LSA Signature, the LSA Standard, the LSA Reference MK III, and so on…
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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 Synergy F2 and Loth-X BS-1, the Icon proved to be too soft and laid-back.
And here’s an excerpt from the “consumer” conclusion:
If you desire soothing music more than a sonic body massage, the Icon/S-1 fulfills the definition of consumerism by equating personal happiness with a $500 purchase.
These conclusions appeared to come as a surprise to 6moons publisher Srajan Ebaen, who commented that:
…at NuForce’s pricing for the Icon and S-1, audiophile reviewers are severely challenged to adapt their expectations and review contexts to a realistic level befitting the intended target audience.
So, will non-audiophile readers (huh?) be able to tell the difference and appreciate the Icon for the mainstream value that it is? Mr. Ebaen continues:
I know how NuForce feels about it. I’ve had numerous e-mails about it with Jason already and appreciate his frustration.
I have to say I am surprised by these comments. The publisher appears to be undermining the conclusions of his own reviewer and sympathizing with the manufacturer regarding the potential negative repercussions of the review. He is also inferring that readers shouldn’t value the reviewer’s conclusions because they are coming primarily from the perspective of an audiophile. Isn’t 6moons an audiophile publication?
Read the entire review, then read a review of a similar product that exceeded audiophile-grade expectations (for even less money), then leave a comment if you think I am missing something here.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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 the entire review, then contemplate why any sane maker of hi-fi gear would go out of its way to use an italic letter in its model name.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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 Downing’s review of “The Hawk Is Howling,” the newest album from the brilliant Scottish quintet, Mogwai.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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 of back issues listed on the TAV pages on Enjoy the Music.com, and look for instructions on how to obtain a free issue.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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 Audio “The Prince” V2 speakers ($39,000/pair)
In addition, the Absolute Analog column includes auditions and evaluations of the following:
- Clearaudio Maestro cartridge ($995)
- Koetsu Onyx Platinum cartridge ($8,000)
- Ultimate Analog Test LP ($39.99)
There is also another painful editorial from Robert Harley on the subject of double-blind listening tests. Given the reaction this subject is known to elicit, I am guessing that TAS and the other major glossy are using it as bait for people to visit their online forums. TAS even has a sub-forum dedicated to it.
Personally, I’m tired of it (like many other people).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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 a plane of gloss black, but this is more evocative of the effect of a Prada handbag, rather than the monolith from “2001â€.
Read the entire review, then check out contrasting opinions in 6moons, Audioholics, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, SoundStage!, and Stereophile.
Monday, September 8, 2008
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 player I’ve tried in this price range.
Read the entire review, and check out Mark Wheeler’s editorial on the elusive concept of PRaT.
Monday, September 8, 2008
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: