Analog

Rick Becker has posted a review of the Charisma Audio Reference One phono cartridge ($2000) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “At less than $2000 it is an excellent starter cartridge for the Kronos Sparta, as well as an excellent cartridge for turntables that cost a whole lot less.” You can read the full...
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Kriz Tan has posted a review of the iFi micro iPhono phono stage ($) at Hi-Fi Senses. His conclusions: “I would have to say that at this budget price range, the iPhono could kick those devices double or triple of its price. But beyond two grand benchmark, iPhono will face fierce competition and torture....
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Kriz Tan has posted a review of the Balanced Audio Technology VK-P12SE Superpak phono stage ($12,500) at Hi-Fi Senses. His conclusions: “The VK-P12SE Superpak produces excellent holographic soundstage and vivacious presentation that one yearned for in the listening session.” You can read the full review here.
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Transrotor Jupiter turntable (~€3475) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “If you choose Jupiter, you’ll get a nice looking, good sounding turntable that will allow you to enjoy music, a lot! You can upgrade it later but it’s a choice. Just buy more records and enjoy listening...
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Michael Fremer has posted a review of the Pro-Ject’s MM/MC Phono Box RS phono stage ($999) at AnalogPlanet. His conclusions: “The Pro-Ject Phono Box RS is a remarkably well-constructed, uniquely featured MM/MC phono preamplifier that offers for $999 fully balanced, dual-differential performance, low subjective noise and rich, fully bodied sonics.” You can read the...
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Frederic Beudot has posted a review of the Lounge Audio LCR MK3 phono stage ($300) and Copla step-up preamplifier ($270) at 6moons. His conclusions: “To be fully transparent, my first conclusion was to award the LCRMk3 because it is an outstanding MM phono preamp with no equal I know of at its price; but...
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Frederic Beudot has posted a review of the Nagra VPS phono stage (€6995) at 6moons. His conclusions: “Overall I felt that in my system the Nagra did better with leaner cables like the Ocellias and more neutral cartridges like the Ortofon Quintet Black. That’s because it did not need any of the tonal or...
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Dick Olsher has posted a review of the Audio by Van Alstine Vision phono stage ($499) at The Absolute Sound. His conclusions: “With its smooth textures and precise transient control, the Vision was able to hold its own in the company of far more expensive gear. Partnered with the new Audible Illusions L3A line...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the SME Model 15/A turntable (~€10,200) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “This turntable is both – precise and full of passion. It has its limitations but it manages to overcome them so that they don’t spoil the pleasure of listening to the music. It offers a well...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Transrotor ZET 3 Infinity turntable (~€4150-~€14,500) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “Original design of the device, an opportunity for many upgrades resulting in even better, and/or different performance is something that makes this deck a life-time choice. Whichever version, whichever state of upgrade, Zet 3 always...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Stein Music Aventurin 6 Mk2 phono cartridge (~€6975) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “In short – this cart offered a very rich, highly enjoyable performance. Sure there are few carts that are even more resolving, offer better definition, but still I liked this lively, soulful performance...
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Jack Roberts has posted a review of the Margules Audio Magenta FZ47DB phono stage ($799) at Dagogo. His conclusions: “The little Magenta from Margules Audio isn’t better than any of those, but it is insanely good for the money, and it’s dang good for any price. If they had put it in an expensive...
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Michael Fremer has posted a review of the Dr. Feickert Analogue Firebird turntable ($12,500) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “But if you’re looking for an all-in-one turntable that avoids the hassles of outboard tonearm and motor pods and can accommodate two or more 12″ arms, the Firebird is well worth considering. I greatly enjoyed my...
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Julie Mullins has posted a review of the GEM Dandy PolyTable ($1495) at The Absolute Sound. His conclusions: “If you’re an analog lover who doesn’t have a big living space and/or a big budget, this high-value, small-footprint, belt-driven turntable could be just your ticket. From setup to playback to overall musical enjoyment, I found...
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Frederic Beudot has posted a preliminary review of the Nagra VPS phono stage (€6995) at 6moons. His conclusions: “Overall I felt that in my system the Nagra did better with leaner cables like the Ocellias and more neutral cartridges like the Ortofon Quintet Black. That’s because it did not need any of the tonal...
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Thom Moon has posted a review of the Onkyo CP-1050 turntable with OC-105 phono cartridge ($499) at SoundStage! Access. His conclusions: “The CP-1050 seemed to have its own sound, and would match well with a slightly better, lively sounding, moderate-cost cartridge with elliptical stylus from Audio-Technica or Ortofon. If you’re in the market to...
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Michael Fremer has posted a review of the SOTA Moonbeam turntable ($1086) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “The SOTA Moonbeam, made in the USA, is an attractive, modestly priced turntable fitted with the excellent Rega RB202 die-cast tone arm. It was a warm, solid sounding performer “stock” but could be greatly improved with some “add-ons”.”...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Pro-Ject Primary The Rolling Stones Edition turntable (~€349) and Phono Box E phono stage (~€75) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “It’s a really good, budget turntable, and a cool piece of audio equipment too. But to be clear I have to write a bit about its...
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Oliver Amnuayphol has posted a review of the Octave Audio Phono EQ.2 phono stage ($1899) at SoundStage! Access. His conclusions: “If you’re looking for something that can properly load your cartridge, makes marathon listening a breeze, and — most important — never fails to make compelling music, do yourself a solid and check out...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the J. Sikora reference turntable (~€12,500) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “This deck offers an ultra-stable performance that allows to uncover even deepest layers of every recording and of recorded music. This device combined with Kuzma’s tonearm and cartridge differentiate recordings in the most remarkable way. This...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Gold Note Mediterraneo turntable (€4865 deck; €10,950 system) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “he Mediterraneo turntable looks, sounds and makes one feel like a wonderful, high quality Italian product should. Chic and style plus many years of experience. It is not a perfect all-rounder as some...
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Maurice Jeffries has posted a review of the Parasound Halo JC 3+ phono preamplifier ($2995) at Stereo Times. His conclusions: “The JC 3+ hits well above its price and weight class, delivering near reference-caliber performance for a very fair tariff. In a perfect world, I would be forgiven for requesting a bit more in...
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