Ken Micallef has posted a review of the Unison Research Unico Primo integrated amplifier ($2400) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “The Primo wowed me with its ability to ally impact with resolution, and visceral dynamics with graceful detail and musicality. That it failed to resolve the deepest low-end notes with equal gumption in no way...
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Anthony Nicosia has posted a review of the McIntosh C22 tube preamplifier ($6000) and MC75 monoblock tube amplifier ($7500/pair) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “This combination of C22 preamplifier and MC75 amplifiers was a joy to have in my home. Not only did they sound marvelous but their throw-back look took me back...
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Alan Sircom has posted a review of the Moon Audio Neo ACE integrated amplifier-DAC ($3500) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “This is the best bit because it retains all the characteristic Moon Neo performance parameters: a deeply unfatiguing yet remarkably satisfying sound, with an extremely large, walk-in-and-make-yourself-comfortable soundstage, excellent precision of dynamic range, image placement,...
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Alan Sircom has posted a review of the Burmester Phase 3 music system (£23,800) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Burmester Phase 3. It needs no excuses made for its performance, because it’s a true high-end system in a box (well, two crates actually). A lot of systems...
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John Atkinson has posted a review of the Pass Labs HPA-1 headphone amplifier ($3500) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “Yes, it’s an expensive headphone amplifier; but I venture to suggest that, in bass clarity and authority and in midrange transparency, the Pass Labs HPA-1 is without peer.” You can read the full review here.
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Vince Hanada has posted aq review of the Cocktail Audio X12 music server-integrated amplifier ($699) at SoundStage! Access. His conclusions: “The small amp in its diminutive case makes the X12 best suited for use in smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or dorm rooms. In that context, and with the right speakers, the addition of...
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John Grandberg has posted a review of the Cayin iDAC-6 DAC ($999) and iHA-6 headphone amplifier ($999) at InnerFidelity. His conclusions: “At $999 each, these two straddle some sort of line…I’m sure some would call them “affordable” while others would balk at that price as being way out of reach. Personally I think it’s...
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Doug Schroeder has posted a review of the Spread Spectrum Technologies Thoebe II preamplifier ($3500) and Son of Ampzilla II amplifier ($3500) at Dagogo. His conclusions: “Having used them with electrostatic, dynamic hybrid and full range, supplemented speakers and finding laudable sound, I’m confident they will reward you as well, and when well set...
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Srajan Ebaen has posted a review of the Diablo 300 (€12,800) integrated amplifier and Pantheon loudspeakers (€35,000/pair) at 6moons. His conclusions: “To recapitulate the Pantheon essence when driven by its Diablo 300 stablemate integrated amplifier: it behaves like a minimalist maxi monitor except for bass power/presence and dynamic life where it’s very clearly a...
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Jason Kennedy has posted a review of the Naim Mu-so wireless sound system (£595) at The Ear. His conclusions: “It’s detailed, dynamic and transparent enough to let you know how good the original recording is, so if something really good comes along you enjoy it nearly as much as you do on a big...
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Julie Mullins has posted a review of the NuPrime IDA-8 integrated amplifier ($995) at The Absolute Sound. Her conclusions: “In summary, the IDA-8 is a winner, and a force to be reckoned with in its category (and beyond it). Though a touch dark in character (à la Class D), it delivers substance and warmth...
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Peter Roth has posted a review of the Mola Mola Kaluga monoblock amplifiers ($16,500/pair) at SoundStage! Hi-Fi. His conclusions: “They may be a small instance of the monoblock category audiophiles have grown accustomed to, and they don’t weigh a ton — or even 20 pounds each. Nevertheless, they’re sonic heavyweights, and one of the...
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David Abramson has posted a review of the Acoustic Imagery ATSAH NC500 monoblock amplifiers ($1995/pair) at Stereo Times. His conclusions: “No the ATSAHs are definitely not the only game in town, but they are to my eye the most streamlined and sexy value-priced implementation of Bruno’s revelatory creations. To wit, they are well-built, lightweight,...
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Greg Voth has posted a review of the Parasound Halo 2.1 integrated amplifier ($2495) at Stereo Times. Hiss conclusions: “It’s certainly a well-built piece with a very nice internal DAC, adjustable analog crossover, flexible phono stage for duty in both stereo and surround sound applications, with our without subwoofers. The Halo does sound very...
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Marvin Bolden has posted a review of the Digital Amplifier Company King Maraschino Cherry monoblocks ($3800/pair) at Stereo Mojo. His conclusions: “As with any component, it is important to make sure you match pieces for synergy. In my system they were great performers with speed, accuracy, balance, and swing. Just remember, soundwise they are...
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Marcin Olszewski has posted a review of the VTL TL-5.5 Series II Signature preamplifier and S-200 Signature power amplifier at Sound Rebels. His conclusions: “There are devices that have something in them, that when we switch them on, we subconsciously become addicted to them. Slowly, yet steady, we become listening junkies. And the VTL...
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Chris Martens has posted a review of the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC (£1980) and Ragnarok headphone amplifier (£1580) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Rarely have I been as favourably impressed by a DAC and headphone amplifier as I have been by the Yggdrasil and Ragnarok. Though neither component comes anywhere near being the most expensive...
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Jim Austin has posted a review of the Meridian Explorer2 headphone amplifier-DAC ($299) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “Leave MQA out of the mix, and the Meridian Explorer2 is a fun, capable audio device at a cost that audiophiles—and anyone else who’s accustomed to audiophile prices—will likely find more than fair … But when you...
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Dave Clark has posted a review of the PS Audio BHK Signature 250 power amplifier ($) at Positive Feedback. His conclusions: “The Vandersteen Quattro Carbon Wood loudspeakers with the PS Audio BHK 250 seeing the PS Audio DirectStream DAC as my digital feed, with either the Aurender N100H or the Aries from Auralic (HERE),...
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Rafe Arnott has posted a review of the darTZeel CTH-8550 integrated amplifier (~$25,000) at Part-Time Audiophile. His conclusions: “hile it didn’t necessarily present the deep, blossoming bass that I typically gravitate towards (as from EL84, 300B in particular, and some 6L6 tube-based amplifiers), this racy-red Swiss powerhouse sounded far closer to the type of...
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Paul Seydor has posted a review of the Benchmark AHB2 amplifier ($2995) at The Absolute Sound. His conclusions: “Because accuracy allied to absolutely reliable performance is the goal of all the Benchmarks, they are not products that tend to attract cults or other sorts of starry-eyed enthusiasts, wholly lacking any of the quirks, foibles,...
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Venoth Nair has posted a review of the Bryston 4B SST3 at av2day.com. His conclusions: “Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the Bryston 4B Cubed in its own right and when paired with its own family members it absolutely shines. Its ravenous power, expert control and amazing delivery makes this an amplifier which is far more...
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Steven R. Rochlin has posted a review of the Dynaco ST-1 preamplifier ($1500) and ST-70 power amplifier ($2500) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “Upon seeing the new ST-70 i was in awe of the very solid build quality. Much care has been taken to provide a long and trouble-free life. Sure we could...
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Eric Neff has posted a review of the Spread Spectrum Technologies Son of Ampzilla II power amplifier ($3500) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “To sum up, my time with the Son of Ampzilla II has been both a revelation and a privilege. I have never found such a high performing solid-state amplifier at this price...
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Roy Gregory has posted a review of the VTL S-400 Series II Reference stereo amplifier ($33,500) at The Audio Beat. His conclusions: “Ultimately, all choices when it comes to audio equipment are personal, and part of the reason the S-400 II has left such a deep impression on me is that it dovetails so...
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