Digital Reviews
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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3 June 2023
This is not an in-depth review but a Quick Impression of these two streamers with the aim of providing a high-level (overall) comparison of their features and performance.
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27 May 2023
The Amber 4 DAC is the most recent incarnation of Lampizator's most affordable offering. This is not a full in-depth review but a Quick Impression.
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25 May 2023
Antipodes Oladra
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The Oladra offers the familiar Antipodes qualities such as deep tonal saturation, lushness, liquidity, and organic flow but is more articulate, crisper, more expressive, airier, and more highly resolving than ever before. Amazingly, it does all this without sounding even the tiniest bit cooler or more analytical.
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10 April 2023
Due to a busy schedule and the DAC III only being with me for 1 week, here's a "Quick Impression" article, as an appetizer, or teaser review, if you will. The DAC will return and an in-depth review will follow later.
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3 April 2023
Antipodes servers have always offered a wide range of server and player apps and this makes them unique in a world dominated by single-purpose servers and streamers. But the brand's core quality is that they are all about conveying the soul of the music.
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31 March 2023
Playback Designs MPD-6
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The Playback Designs MPD-6 is a discrete DAC with integrated analog volume control. As part of the Edelweiss series, the MPD-6 has its roots in the Dream series from which it borrows key technologies and combines these with new ones to create a more compact and cost-effective package.
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5 March 2023
Playback Designs MPS-X
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The concept behind the MPS-X Interface is to connect digital sources such as computers, servers, network-attached storage, internet streaming services, and any other digital sources to it rather than directly to the sensitive circuits of a DAC. The MPS-X is a full-fledged standalone Network Endpoint / Streamer compatible with streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, and vTuner, as well as local storage solutions on a NAS via DLNA/UPnP, and importantly, Roon.
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8 January 2023
Following the May 2022 Press Release, CH Precision has recently issued the new C1.2, an update of the longer-running C1 DAC. After having my unit updated, I was so impressed with the results that I simply had to share my findings.
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30 October 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 3
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Of late, ongoing changes on the streaming front have led to my reassessing the CD medium. But more pertinently, I have made a very interesting discovery that led to a newfound admiration for the Aqua M2 drive.
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16 October 2022
The DAC2-Mk3 can be seen as the successor of the DAC2 Signature that I reviewed in December 2019 and the CDT3-Mk3 is Jay's Audio's new Flagship CD transport. Read on to find out how they perform individually and as a pair.
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15 March 2022
Ever wonder what spending extra on the next level DAC from the same company gets you? Let's find out by directly comparing all the DACs that Denafrips currently has on offer.
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4 February 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 2
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After my review of the La Diva M2, Marco of Hexagon Audio was so kind to leave both La Diva models with me for some time. This has allowed me to carry out some more comparisons.
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1 December 2021
Aqua La Diva M2
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Ever since I was aware that a new model was coming, I had been awaiting its arrival with immense anticipation. Fortunately, the M2 delivers on its promise. It is not only a successor with a different CD mechanism but indeed a wholly different player.
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23 November 2021
Recently, Antipodes updated the firmware to from V3.0 to V3.1 to support the upcoming changes in how Roon runs on home servers and they took this opportunity to also further streamline and enhance their User Interface. Interestingly, I also noticed significant sonic benefits with the K50!
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10 November 2021
Lejonklou Källa Network Player
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When Lejonklou launches a network player, you better believe that it will be anything but ordinary.
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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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22 October 2021
Grandinote Volta Network Player
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Contrary to many similar devices that offer every conceivable input, output, and protocol, the Italian Volta does not try to be the equivalent of a Swiss army knife. Rather, it focuses on a single task that it aims to perfect.
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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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19 August 2021
Denafrips Terminator Plus
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This DAC not only sets the standard at its retail price, but it even presents a challenge for the top-performers in the business.
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26 May 2021
The Core + NAA module marks the perfection of the LinQ as the universal and class-leading network player.
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15 May 2021
Grimm MU1
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After countless Music Servers and Streamers, not to mention various server software and playback applications that I have tried throughout the years, I figured that, by now, surely, there'd be no more large surprises for me. Well, of course, that's when a new server entered my premises and totally surprised me.
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2 May 2021
Mola-Mola Tambaqui
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Originally available only as a two-board stack for use inside the Mola-Mola Makua preamp, the DAC with its special proprietary design is also available as a separate unit.
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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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28 February 2021
After having given Qobuz a new chance, and having compared several of my self-ripped albums and tracks to the downloaded files and the streaming content available on Qobuz, I am happy to conclude that the quality of the service has improved so much to make the decision between local playback and streaming a non-issue.
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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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5 November 2020
he addition of the HQPlayer module allows using Roon and all of its benefits along with even better sound than was possible using the now-discontinued RoonReady module. Additionally, Aqua's modularity ensures that the product remains up to date.
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28 September 2020
Antipodes K50 Music Server
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Having reviewed several Antipodes Music Servers and having owned the CX and EX for close to two years as my references, I was excited to hear of the OLADRA project and even more so the arrival of an all-new range with the K50 as the King of the Hill.
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2 July 2020
Aqua LinQ Network Interface
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Never before has a digital interface, network or otherwise, behaved so utterly consistently and dependently. The LinQ has the uncanny ability to improve the quality of upstream components but it does this while refraining from imposing any discernible character onto the proceedings.
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14 May 2020
The DAC502 is an absolute reviewer's dream. It contains every function that one could ever want, poured into a very responsive UI with direct access to every function, topped off with utter stability. Soundwise, this is a dead-neutral, highly-revealing DAC with a solid, punchy, crispy and no-nonsense delivery.
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9 May 2020
APL DSD-AR DAC
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While resolving the heck out of everything you play with retina-like resolution and lightning-fast transients, the DSD-AR simultaneously has an almost subconscious easy-going aspect, a certain organic quality that makes for highly lyrical music making and an immediate emotional involvement that makes one forget about all the technical details.
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27 March 2020
Ayon CD-10 II CD Player
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The CD-10 II impressed me enormously. Regular readers will know that I am used to listening to very esoteric gear but somehow Ayon always manages to stir my music-loving soul, and, as it turns out, even with their entry-level products.
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27 February 2020
The CDP-707 is an integrated Tube CD player, powered for this review by the company's best PSU-707 unit. The Digicode S-192 is a Tube DAC, powered by the company's best PSU-DC 192 unit.
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15 February 2020
Denafrips Venus
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Visually a more compact and arguably even more handsome version of the Terminator, the Venus is Denafrips' 2nd-tier flagship DAC and, as such, it is built around a very similar architecture.
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1 February 2020
Bryston BDA-3.14 Renderer+DAC
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The BDA-3.14 is Bryston's current reference DAC and with its many inputs, streaming capacity and built-in volume control, it is meant to perform the central role in a multiple-digital-source system.
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9 January 2020
As my experiments show, Room correction is not only beneficial for heavily compromised setups and terrible rooms. Even when the speakers have already been positioned ideally, the results are still far from subtle.
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6 December 2019
Chinese-made products have not always enjoyed the same reputation as well-known western brands but, based on recent experiences in general and based on how these Jay's Audio products perform in particular, I am confident in stating that it is about time to change our collective minds about this.
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3 December 2019
Ayon S10-II Signature
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The S-10 MkII is not only a streaming endpoint and a DAC but also an analog preamp complete with two analog inputs. And, unlike many competing products, the Ayon's preamp can actually replace a very good separate analog preamp.
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7 November 2019
Who says that electronics circuits are for nerds? I mean, look at this board! Isn't it a work of art? With the V2 output board, the Formula xHD's position as the King of the Crop is reaffirmed.
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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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29 September 2019
The C1 has simply never sounded better than via this new connection. And as a bonus, you get to use the superb Roon interface. It's a win-win!
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19 August 2019
With the new DIGITAL IN HD board, the team at CH has managed to further improve the C1's already stellar performance.
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1 June 2019
Aqua La Scala mkII DAC
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Giving away very little compared to the Formula xHD, costing less and possessing of that midrange magic that only tubes seem to bring, the La Scala mkII DAC may well hold the sweet spot in the Aqua DAC lineup.
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18 April 2019
Matrix Element-X
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The Matrix Element-X could be regarded as an upgraded X-Sabre Pro with added functionality, such as UPnP streaming, Airplay, App-control in addition to IR remote control, Tidal, and MQA. Additionally, the unit contains a dual-mode headphone amplifier consisting of four independent amplifier units.
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17 April 2019
It baffles me why the Bricasti brand does not pop up everywhere, it certainly should. Beautifully sculpted and with immaculate build quality, these components are not inexpensive but in context, they surely are also not extravagantly priced.
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2 April 2019
Almost 3 years ago I wrote the review of the original Reference Flow music server. In the meantime, a lot has happened in the digital audio world and AudioAanZee has not been sitting idle, either.
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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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18 February 2019
Pink Faun 2.16x Music Server
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A super-precise and highly refined beast of a music server that can be outfitted with any combination of SPDIF, USB and I2S interface boards.
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16 December 2018
A complete network music software package that features JPLAY femtoServer, an ultra-light and ultra-optimized UPnP media server and JPLAY FEMTO UPnP Renderer which supports virtually all audio formats and resolutions.
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10 December 2018
There comes a time when a reviewer just lacks the superlatives to describe the latest experience and for me, this is it. This combination is, quite simply, the very best digital front end that I have heard.
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18 November 2018
These two Kinki components make for highly involved and enthusiastic listening. They consistently make my foot tap to their supremely confident, rhythmic and dynamic presentation.
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Amplifier Reviews,
HFA Audio Setup History,
Passive Speakers Reviews,
SPDIF DAC Reviews,
USB DAC Reviews
18 August 2018
Finding my next reference speakers and amplifiers - part 3
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Amplifier Reviews,
HFA Audio Setup History,
Passive Speakers Reviews,
SPDIF DAC Reviews,
USB DAC Reviews
18 August 2018
Finding my next reference speakers and amplifiers - part 2
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11 August 2018
Home Audio Fidelity offers Loudspeakers & Room digital correction services, via custom-made Convolution Filters that can be loaded in a wide range of audio player applications.
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