22 December 2024
The SW1X DAC III is available in three base versions, which can be further distinguished into special derivative versions. In this review, I'll compare two DAC III versions: the DAC III and the DAC III Balanced SP (Special Edition).
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21 December 2024
JPLAY, the premier software for audiophiles seeking ultimate sound quality, has released a new version of its music playback application, introducing groundbreaking features to elevate the listening experience even further.
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4 December 2024
The subjects of this review are the brand-new Carbon Fiber and Panzerholz Decoupling Discs for use primarily with the Exoteryc Audio Racks and Aire Floor Platform. However, when pairing them with optionally available Artesania 100-mm Stainless Steel discs, they can be used with any other spiked rack, platform, or speaker stand.
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26 November 2024
Driade Premium Model 9
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The Premium Model 9 is an advanced yet natural-sounding monitor speaker with a linear reproduction for the entire frequency range. While the famous Rogers LS3/5A has inspired some of its qualities, it also has a lot in common with the larger Driade Model 2S floorstander, topped off with a remarkable twist all of its own.
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10 November 2024
JCAT unveils the NET Card XE EVO
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JCAT, a leader in high-performance streaming-specific products, is thrilled to announce the release of the NET Card XE EVO, a next-generation network card that sets a new benchmark for audiophile-grade network audio.
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23 October 2024
The Melco E100A audiophile hard disk drive offers an extra 8 TB of audio-grade storage for all audio systems relying on HDD storage. Naturally, this includes Melco Digital Music Libraries, as well as systems running Windows 11, MacOS, exFAT-compatible Linux-based equipment, and the Raspberry Pi.
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14 October 2024
With the AUVAs, British manufacturer Stack Audio developed an alternative to spikes and compliant couplers. Enclosed within the AUVA’s machined aluminum cases are cells containing a mixture of particles which, when excitied by vibrations, dissipate the energy virtually instantaneously, removing remove masking vibrations.
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1 October 2024
Velikinac Audio Lab Sirius
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The Sirius is a four-way speaker using a mix of compression drivers for treble and midrange and conventional drivers for the lower midrange and bass, designed to convey the soul of the music in the purest manner.
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22 September 2024
Laiv Harmony DAC
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Building on an extensive background in industrial automation, Singapore company Laiv is passionate about revolutionizing the world of audio through innovative and user-centric design in which technology adapts to us, not the other way around. In this review, I will listen to the gorgeous looking Harmony DAC.
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10 September 2024
Mafico is proud to announce a new brand in their already quite impressive brand portfolio. From now on they distribute the Morel Hifi brand in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.
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8 September 2024
XACT is proud to announce the launch of two groundbreaking products that set new benchmarks in high-fidelity audio performance: the XACT S1 EVO Music Server and the XACT PHANTOM USB and LAN Cables.
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17 August 2024
In addition to the existing UPnP, HQ Player, and HQ Player Core + NAA modules, Aqua has introduced a Squeezelite renderer module for the LinQ Network Interface, adding ongoing significance to this streamer's future-proof nature.
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9 August 2024
XACT S1 Music Server
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With a custom 100% linear power supply with 100% linear regulation, a fully custom motherboard, a custom Operating System written from scratch and optimized for the hardware, and proprietary Femtoserver software running, all under control from the superb JPLAY for iOS app, the XACT S1 is a truly unique proposition.
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3 August 2024
Network Acoustics are excited to introduce the all-new eno2 range of 1Gb/s Ethernet products: eno2 Ethernet Filter, eno2 Streaming Cable, and eno2 Streaming System.
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2 August 2024
Melco N5-H50
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The Melco N5 Digital Music Library features a sleek build and very solid build quality. The N5 has all-new electronics, with a new mainboard, high-grade low-noise internal linear power supply, and extensive pro-grade Amphenol and Neutrik connectivity.
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1 August 2024
This is a follow-up to the main review, now including a second turntable with different cartridges, leading to new insights and an updated conclusion.
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16 July 2024
Mad Scientist Audio Prime USB
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This brand new Mad Scientist product is called Prime not just because it is the company's best cable but mainly because it uses prime numbers to define the sizes and positions of various elements to create a non-resonant "bad antenna" design that reduces noise and interference. Does this cable really make a unique proposition, or have we heard it before?
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11 July 2024
JCAT Unveils USB Card XE EVO
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JCAT Unveils USB Card XE EVO: The Next Generation of USB Audio Performance.
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9 July 2024
With the AMG STA-SE, the company has issued a successor to the AMG STA. With this new model, the company sought to narrow the gap between the different sound characteristics of models such as the ST-10 and Evolution STA on the one hand, and the AMG STA on the other
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20 June 2024
From the collaboration of Jesús Alejos (ATM-audio) and Daniel Reina (Admire Audio), three products associated with the AA4, AA3, AA2, and Monitor models are born.
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8 June 2024
Denafrips Ares 12th-1
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Based on the entry-level model Ares II (recently renamed to Enyo), the Ares 12th-1 is Denafrips' Anniversary Edition DAC, offering various performance enhancements over the Ares II/Enyo.
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6 June 2024
Clarisys Audio Minuet Plus
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Remember how smitten I was with the Clarisys Audio Minuet when I heard it one year ago (2023) at PUUR hifidelity? Now, go figure that the speaker company issued an improved "Neodymium" model called Minuet Plus that does everything the previous Ferrite model did but with higher efficiency and improvements across the board.
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27 May 2024
Manunta offers the richly-featured EVO Phono 3 MM/MC phono stage at a very attractive price. In this review, I will compare it with its higher-end stable mate, the M2Tech Nash.
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20 May 2024
A visit by Rick Paap of Dynamic Solutions proved invaluable for me and a true turning point after following his advice positively transformed the acoustics of my room, and with it, the sound of my system.
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15 May 2024
Highlights from Munich High End at the MOC and HifiDeluxe 2024 at the Marriott Hotel
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9 May 2024
Artesania Audio, the high end rack company, will be at Munich High End and HifiDeluxe, with two dedicated rooms and lots of collaborative exposure.
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8 May 2024
Recently, Thorens issued a new tonearm, the TP 160, which is now fitted as standard to the TD 1600 and TD 1601 turntables instead of the TP 92 arm. In this review, I will assess how these two arms compare using Thorens TAS 1600 and TAS 1500 MC cartridges.
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29 April 2024
Chord Ultima Integrated
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Chord products have always appealed to me, and I love the bold industrial aesthetic. Yet, somehow, a review never materialized. Until now!
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4 April 2024
Honestly, I did not think the moment would come that another transistor amplifier would put up serious competition for my treasured CH A1.5, but here we are. Read all about it in the review.
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22 March 2024
In this review, I will compare the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro Ethernet Switch with the new Bonn NX Ethernet Switch, first on its own and then augmented by the Genesis GX Word Clock.
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4 March 2024
Diptyque DP 140 MkII
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With sleek and stylish new looks, improvements in structure and rigidity, optimized PPBM technology and higher tolerances across the board, the DP 140 MkII defines the sweet spot for Diptyque.
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1 March 2024
Thorens TAS 1500 and TAS 1600
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Further to my review of the Thorens TD 1600 with the new TP 160 tonearm, I've taken the time to carefully compare the TAS 1500 and TAS 1600 cartridges, using the new arm as well as the older TP 92 arm.
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15 February 2024
Network Acoustics tempus
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tempus is the most recent addition to the Network Acoustics portfolio, a precision ultra-low noise Ethernet Switch with dedicated hybrid power supply.
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14 February 2024
Antipodes G4 K22
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Review samples supplied by Antipodes Audio Retail price (world) USD 9.000 excluding storage Upgrade price G3 to G4 USD 2.000 Storage can be included at purchase or later installed by the user Available in Black or Silver Part of the KALA series, the Antipodes K22 offers the best performance the New Zealand company can squeeze […]
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31 January 2024
Ansuz PowerSwitch X-TC3 and D3
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The Ansuz X-TC3 and D3 PowerSwitches are hugely effective products with almost magical properties. But don't dismiss the Ansuz ethernet cables, especially the D2 with its active Tesla Coils, when powered by one of these PowerSwitches.
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31 January 2024
JCAT is proud to announce the launch of its flagship linear power supply, the ULTIMO.
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16 January 2024
Antipodes G4 Oladra
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The original Oladra performed better than any Antipodes server before it. While some of the Oladra technology has recently trickled down into the other models, these latest G4 updates ensure the Oladra comfortably retains its head start.
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4 January 2024
JPLAY for iOS
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JPLAY is a wonderful app that offers a rich yet slick and easy-to-use interface combined with superb sound quality.
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1 January 2024
With the AT-OC9XML and AT-OC9XSL, I wanted to investigate the relative performance of the Special-) Fine Line versus MicroRidge/MicroLinear stylus shapes. And what better way to do this than by using otherwise practically identical cartridges of the same brand?
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31 December 2023
Grimm MU2
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Principally, the MU2 does not deviate all that much from the MU1, which is a good thing! But instead of relying on active digital speakers or an external DAC, the MU2 includes the company's proprietary 'Major' DAC and a relay-based analog preamp section.
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16 December 2023
Denon has a strong reputation for its direct-drive designs of the past and the DP-3000NE is their current flagship premium direct-drive turntable. For this review, I will listen to it using the Denon DL-103 and DL-103R MC cartridges.
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8 December 2023
After a long and arduous search for the necessary components, M2Tech is pleased to announce that the Joplin MkIII A/D Converter will be available again starting December 14, 2023.
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7 December 2023
JPLAY is excited to announce the latest update to its iOS app (version 1.0.14), now featuring integration with TIDAL MAX. This update represents a significant leap forward in digital music streaming, offering unparalleled audio quality for JPLAY iOS app users.
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4 December 2023
Here's a special combination: the Bergmann Magne Air-Bearing turntable with Air-Bearing tonearm with the DS Audio W3 cartridge and phono equalizer. As it turns out, they work together seamlessly.
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12 November 2023
I only just recently heard the dCS Puccini CD/SACD Player and DAC and Paganini Master Clock/USB Interface in the context of my own system. Since many people are shopping in the second-hand market, I thought it would be worth sharing my Quick Impressions of these products.
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3 November 2023
Streaming specialists Network Acoustics introduce tempus, their flagship Ethernet Switch.
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2 November 2023
Wires 4 Music, a company making handcrafted high-end cables since 2018, is proud to introduce four new products, completing the OSIRIS SIGNATURE range.
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31 October 2023
Connected between the CH Precision C1.2 DAC and L1 preamp, the Ensemble Dynaflux FSF Interlink surprises by sounding nothing like its appearance might suggest.
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29 October 2023
Mad Scientist introduces two new ranges: Black Magic Ultra and Black Magic Gold. Reviewed are four cables: Black Magic Ultra speaker cables, Black Magic Gold balanced analog interlink, Black Magic Ultra Power cable, and Black Magic Gold USB cable.
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17 October 2023
Michael Huigen and Nick Spier of Reference Sounds kindly hosted a private session for yours truly and two colleagues. Having attended Reference Sounds demos before, I knew this was already promising to become a great day, almost no matter the audio system. But this was not just any audio system, very far from it!
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1 October 2023
Manunta By M2Tech is a new daughter company from M2Tech, devised to offer audiophiles and music lovers a large portion of the M2Tech product quality at a lower price. The Evo DDC 3 can be seen as the successor of the HiFace Evo that I have used for over a decade. In this review, I am putting the sleek yet versatile Evo DDC 3 to the test and I will investigate how it performs and how it compares to its older nephew.
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27 September 2023
Network Acoustics believe there’s always a way to improve the sound of music streaming. Their latest innovation is the muon2 USB Cable, the ultimate version of the award-winning muon digital interconnect.
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24 September 2023
Building on the highly refined and musical sound of its 1.1 predecessor, the updated 1.2 model's seemingly subtle tweaks (new chassis ground parts and a specific fastening torque) yield distinct advantages.
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24 September 2023
Aequo Audio is going to expand considerably and has started the construction of a new production facility of 1200 m2. This will be the new home base for the loudspeaker manufacturer from Eindhoven in the coming years.
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6 September 2023
AG Lifter Apollo Modular Rack
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The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. Apollo is the top-of-the line product with a modular nature which allows users to start with a single module and build out the system precisely as needed.
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3 September 2023
Before the introduction of the Statement series, the Reference series was Vermouth's very best. The new Statement series, using OCC silver/gold conductors, promises further elevated performance.
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29 August 2023
For the past five years, HRS has worked on the EXR system to get the performance and modularity on the desired level while also offering a 30% cost reduction over the model it replaced. As a result, the EXR Stand System is the brand's most cost-effective system to date.
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5 August 2023
Along with the Marten Parker Trio loudspeakers that I recently reviewed, I was also handed a trio of Jorma cables. As I found, these cables turned out not only to work superbly synergistically with the Parker Trios, but they also proved a smashing success overall. As such, I felt they deserved their own review.
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4 August 2023
Antipodes Audio is proud to announce their updated server/streamer line-up for 2023, with updates to the existing flagship OLADRA and the K Series range. Coupled with the release of the updated range is the Antipodes Audio Upgrade Program for all existing OLADRA and K Series owners, which brings their units up to the corresponding new model specification.
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4 August 2023
Dutch Audio Event 2023
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Mark your calendars for a new edition of the Dutch Audio Event on October 7 and 8 2023!
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1 August 2023
Marten Parker Trio
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Marten may be known primarily for its luxurious cost-no-object Mingus and Coltrane series, but fortunately for those with more modestly-sized wallets, the range also extends to the other side. The Oscar series is the starting point into the world of Marten. Positioned above is the Parker series which offers a considerably more lavish build with non-parallel walls, a so-called multi-diverse crossover technique, and more exotic drivers.
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1 August 2023
Ansuz Darkz Resonance Control
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As I wrote review after review of Audio Group Denmark products, Darkz Resonance Control footers were always involved in one way or another. As I quickly found, Darkz have a profound impact, leading to my using several sets in my two systems as well as in many other reviews since then. But so far, the info was scattered across various articles. To make the info more easily attainable, I decided to create a separate article.
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31 July 2023
Goldmund Tethys
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The beautifully understated and elegant Tethys is the latest addition to Goldmund's portfolio and it marks the brand's very first passive loudspeaker. Given that all other Goldmund loudspeakers are active designs, that is a pretty big deal.
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25 July 2023
The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. The Crescendo Power Amp Stand is a relatively affordable standalone product that offers a very large chunk of what a full AG Lifter rack solution can do for an audio system.
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19 July 2023
Originally, I had intended to limit this review just to a listening impression of the new 801 D4 Signature. However, during my visit to Bowers & Wilkins in Eindhoven, I was provided with such a wealth of information that I felt I could not just keep it all to myself and only focus on the review. As a result, what you can read below is a bit of Company History, a Factory Tour, and of course, a Listening Impression of the 801 D4 Signature.
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13 July 2023
Aqua LinQ Squeezelite Module
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The Squeezelite Module for Aqua LinQ is now ready! Its performance and sound quality are at the same high level which characterizes the other LinQ modules. The Squeezelite module allows users to stream to the Aqua LinQ Network Interface directly from any Squeeze Server.
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