Preamplifier Reviews
1 August 2022
Denafrips has 3 analog preamps in their portfolio: the entry-level Hestia, the Hades, which is based on the Hestia with improvements in key areas, and the Athena, which is the top model. For this review, I will be listening to the Hesta and the Athena.
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14 June 2022
Now that most DACs are equipped with volume control so that they can be connected to a power amp directly, what could there be to gain by switching another component in the signal chain? In other words, when everything on the source end is digital, what is the use of a pure analog preamp? With this article, I hope to shed some light on this quandary.
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30 January 2022
After a listening session at Callas Audio, Ron Ploeger directed my attention to a neat-looking DAC by Concert Fidelity. With two rear-lit 12AU7 tubes sticking out vertically from its rear panel, the DAC-040 has an aesthetically clean and simple appearance, yet is also technically interesting. In this mini-review, I will describe how it sounds in my own system.
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12 January 2022
The Impera Reference is easily the most powerful-sounding preamp that I have heard. Its bass rivals that of many solid-state preamplifiers in terms of solidity, precision, and drive while its overall impact, expression, and dynamic slam are either on par with or actually outperform other preamplifiers.
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Network Player Reviews,
SPDIF DAC Reviews,
USB DAC Reviews,
Phono Preamp Reviews,
Preamplifier Reviews
10 November 2021
The D10 is a highly versatile control point, built in a modular fashion. As standard, it contains a preamp and DAC. Optionally, one can add a streaming input and a phono preamp. With every input that it offers, the D10 has surprised me with consistently fantastic performance.
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11 September 2021
When you frequently review products, and especially when the target is usually the high-end segment, true surprises are few and far between. So, it's a treat when a product comes along that truly brings something new to the table.
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28 March 2021
Vermeer Audio TWO
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Vermeer Audio is a relatively new French company that was started by a group of technicians and passionate investors that have roots in another famous French company, Audio Aero. In its curvy enclosure, the TWO houses a streaming endpoint, a DAC, and an analog tube preamp, all of superb quality.
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1 March 2021
In the initial NuPrime AMG review, I have focused mainly on the AMG-STA power amplifier. For this second installment, I have been sent a second AMG-STA power amplifier so that I can use a pair in mono-mode as well as an AMG-PRA analog preamplifier to round off the NuPrime system.
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Network Player Reviews,
SPDIF DAC Reviews,
USB DAC Reviews,
Power Amplifier Reviews,
Preamplifier Reviews
22 February 2021
The third-generation Delta product line includes the STEREO amplifier, MONO amplifiers and the PRE preamplifier with built-in DAC and streamer, and conceptually based on the CP-800. Reviewed here are the preamp and stereo power amp.
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14 December 2020
From an American audio brand with a long history, one might expect a stereotypical big and ballsy "American" sound. When talking about transistors this would be maybe something in line with the classic Krell or perhaps McIntosh sound and when talking about tubes, in general, a warm, rich and juicy-liquid sound. But just like modern Audio Research tube amplifiers do not have that kind of sound, neither do the Manley products that I have on visit for review. So, what do they sound like? Read on to find out!
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27 January 2020
CH Precision L1 Preamplifier
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The L1 is easily the most highly resolving and most transparent preamp that I have heard. Besides, it also excels in terms of functionality, offering more user-selectable parameters than I have ever seen on a preamp before.
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26 November 2019
Smooth, fluid, transparent and extremely finely detailed, they relay music with a finesse and lyricism that is rare in generic and in this price class in particular.
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16 October 2019
Encased in a simple but robust cabinet, the STR series has refreshingly different looks, but these components also distinguish themselves from the masses in terms of sound.
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17 September 2019
Smooth and seductive, organic, big and powerful, and utterly realistic - the Zesto system does it all.
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31 March 2019
Designed and built in China, Audio GD products provide serious competition for much higher priced European or American gear. Part 1 contains the introduction, info about Magna Hifi and a description of the performance of the complete Audio GD system.
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27 October 2018
Zanden 8120 and 3100
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Combining the best of transistors and tubes while avoiding all of the typical flaws of either of these designs, these components provide technical excellence and a highly emotional performance in equal measure.
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15 April 2017
Physically huge preamp with solid operation and powerful sound
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15 April 2017
Classic Rowland preamps definitely have a their charm, but the more recent models do provide new insights.
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7 March 2017
The Corus is already an excellent preamp, but when combined with the PSU its performance is raised to an insane level. Corus + PSU = heavenly refined, breathtakingly brilliant sound!
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20 October 2016
After changing my setup, with different speakers, and on the other side of the room, the Corus deserved a second audition
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19 July 2016
Conrad Johnson CT5 tube preamp
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Smooth and natural sounding charmer with great dynamics
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13 February 2016
The Capri 2s and 125 are the brand's latest and most affordable pre-power amp combo.
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28 August 2013
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2
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Placed between Synergy 1 and 2i, the Synergy 2 is a rare beast. How does it compare?
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20 August 2013
A new reference preamp from JRDG is always big news. Although still expensive, it costs considerably less than its forebear the Criterion.
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15 June 2009
Coherence II: The legend compared to its offspring
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