“Since the advent of the CD, listeners have been deprived of the full experience of listening.” - Neil Young PonoPlayers...
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Digital
exaSound e12 DAC
Ted Brady has posted a review of the exaSound e12 DAC ($1999) at Computer Audiophile. His conclusions: “At $1999 msrp (throw in a hundred bucks or so for HQPlayer) the exaSound e12 challenges other sub-$2k DACs to get serious about deserving a place at the table of your main high-level audio system. We now...
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Cocktail Audio X40 Music Server
Sathyan Sundaram has posted a review of the Cocktail Audio X40 music server ($2695) at SoundStage! Hi-Fi. His conclusions: “Despite the few problems described above, I was, on the whole, very impressed with the Cocktail Audio X40. This was the first music server I’d encountered that convinced me of the usefulness of this product...
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Roon Music Software
Jeff Dorgay has posted a review of the Roon music software ($119-$999). His conclusions: “Not only is Roon the future of digital music delivery, it’s the most fun way to do it, and like Sooloos, the team at Roon has set the bar so high, I doubt anyone will ever catch up. We still...
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Naim ND5 XS Streamer-DAC and XP5 XS Power Supply Upgrade
Martim Colloms has posted a review of the ND5 XS Streamer-DAC () and XP5 XP5 power supply upgrade () at Hi-Fi Critic. His conclusions: “The ND5 XS works really well straight out of the box, and gains a Best Buy, a rating that was achieved after a few weeks running in from new. It...
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Wadia 321 DAC
Andrew Everard has posted a review of the Wadia 321 DAC (£2798) at Hi-Fi News and Record Review. His conclusions: “Beautifully built and with a style all its own, the Wadia 321 manages to combine value for money (in high-end terms) with the fl exibility of both a standalone DAC and ‘digital preamp’. The...
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Krell Industries Connect Stream Player
Greg Petan has posted a review of the Krell Industries Connect Stream Player ($2500; $3500 with DAC) at Dagogo. His conclusions: “Musical density, effortless transparency and a bass presentation that takes you all the way there — with the Connect Stream Player, Krell is back on top as far as I’m concerned.” You can...
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Music Technology Oppo BDP-95 Universal Disc Player Modification
John Gatski has posted a review of the Music Technology Oppo BDP-95 universal disc player digital clock/discrete analog output modification ($1800-$2400) at Everything Audio Network. His conclusions: “Based on my listening experience, the Music Technology mod is worthy of an Everything Audio Network Stellar Sound Award, but as with most audiophile mods that I...
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APL Illumi-Fi DSD-S DAC
Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the APL Illumi-Fi DSD-S DAC (€6000) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “There was an amazing amount of space – it was much broader than from the reference player – and the dynamics was also excellent. It is important to remember to match the DAC with a balanced...
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Gryphon Audio Designs Atilla Integrated Amplifier and Scorpio CD Player
Roy Gregory has posted a review of the Gryphon Audio Designs Atilla integrated amplifier (€6950) and Scorpio CD player (€6950) at The Audio Beat. His conclusions: “Despite being only the first rung on the Gryphon ladder, these products are impressive enough to constitute all the CD player or amp many of us might ever...
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Totaldac d1-twelve DAC
Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the Totaldac d1-twelve DAC (€29,500) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “Here and now, the sound of the French converter appeals to the whole of me, to every corner of my musical universe. It introduces a new perspective into recordings, freeing them from a spell cast by other...
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Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 Music Streamer
Chris Templer has posted a review of the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 music streamer ($999) at TNT Audio. His conclusions: “The Cambridge is a very versatile streamer and also a pre-amp which I did not test. It’s playback of digital files surpasses that of anything I have ever had in my system...
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Resolution Audio Cantata MC Music Server and M100 Monoblock Amplifier
Edgar Kramer has posted a review of the Resolution Audio Cantata MC music server ($6990) and M100 monoblock amplifiers ($9800/pair) at 6moons. His conclusions: “The Cantata MC proved flawless in operation and extraordinarily capable whether performing the role of CD player, DAC or preamplifier. The M100 monoblocks were equally adept in their more simplistic...
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PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player Transport
Chris Martens has posted a review of the PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player Transport CD transport (£2999) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Nevertheless, the PWT once again offered superior rendition of low-level treble details, more crisply drawn transient edges, and perhaps somewhat more dramatic or incisive dynamic contrasts—sonic qualities that are very desirable in their...
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iFi Audio Micro iPhono Phono Stage and iDSD DAC
Panagiotis Karavitis has posted a review of the iFi Audio Micro iPhono phono stage ($399) and iDSD DAC ($499) at Part-Time Audio Audiophile. His conclusions: “Not every single detail is happening right in front of you, but you are there, seeing the action, and absurdly close to those who spent several times more. Both...
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PS Audio Sprout Integrated Amplifier-DAC
Hi-Fi Choice has posted a review of the PS Audio Sprout integrated amplifier-DAC (£650). Their conclusions: “While its lower bass is not quite as clean as some rivals, its top end is nicely refined with a strong and confident soundstage presence for such a modest output. If you’re building a fuss-free second system, the...
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McIntosh C1000T Premplifier, MC2301 Amplifier, and MCD1100 SACD Player
Jacek Pazio has posted a review of the McIntosh C1000T preamplifier ($9000), MC2301 amplifier ($22,000/pair), and MCD1100 SACD player ($11,000) at Sound Rebels. His conclusions: “It was the first time I hosted a complete set made by the American McIntosh and only now I can make any statement about it. I was really surprised...
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Burson Conductor Virtuoso Headphone Amplifier-DAC
Michael Lavorgna has posted a review of the Burson Conductor Virtuoso headphone amplifier-DAC ($1495-$1995) at AudioStream. His conclusions: “The Burson Audio Conductor Virtuoso is one solid performer delivering a compelling sound image portrayed with exacting detail and delineation. While some care needs to be taken when mated with high sensitivity headphones, the right match...
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Melco N1A Digital Music Server
Jason Kennedy has posted a review of the Melco N1A digital music server (£1600) at The Ear. His conclusions: “But for the money it gets you closer than most of the alternatives, the CAD CAT (a turbocharged PC) is similar but costs a lot more, and there are undoubtedly some pretty slick PC based...
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AURALiC VEGA DAC
Mark Gusew has posted a review of the AURALiC VEGA DAC ($$4,499) at StereoNet. His conclusions: “It’s extremely versatile, easy to use, good looking and even better sounding, with the benefit of playing almost anything you can throw at it, including DSD128. It certainly deserves to be tagged as reference grade, it is that...
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Calyx M High-Resolution Digital Audio Player
Steven Stone has posted a review of the Calyx M high resolution digital audio player ($999) at HomeTheaterReview. His conclusions: “If you are ready for an outstanding portable player and don’t need or want streaming or the ability to run third-party apps, the Calyx M could be your best option in a great-sounding, high-resolution-capable...
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LH Labs Geek Out 1000 Headphone Amplifier-DAC
Patrick Dillion has posted a review of the LH Labs Geek Out 1000 headphone amplifier-DAC ($299) at HiFiZine. His conclusions: “Whether you’re starting out in your HRA adventures, or need a USB DAC that’s as compact and convenient as can be, the Geek Out offers exceptional engineering at a down to earth price. It’s...
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AudioAanZee Reference Flow Integrated Music Server
Christiaan Punter has posted a review of the AudioAanZee Reference Flow integrated music server (€2799) at Hi-Fi Advice. His conclusions: “The AudioAanZee Reference Flow not only comfortably beats my previous digital audio reference in the expected areas, but adds to this by sounding much more emotional and engaging. It does this by presenting the...
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Burson Virtuoso Conductor Headphone Amplifier-DAC
Frank Iacone has posted a review of the Burson Virtuoso Conductor headphone amplifier-DAC ($1995) at Headphone.Guru. His conclusions: “If you in the market for a product that delivers value and musicality the Virtuoso should be on your short list for audition and may be exactly the product that can get you closer to your...
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DEQX PreMate Premaplifier-DAC
Dave Clark has posted a review of the DEQX PreMate pramplifier-DAC ($4995) at Positive Feedback. His conclusions: “The PreMate is that good as a DAC. The music is clean, articulate, grain-free, extended, palpable, loads of texture and space… it is damn good. But it is also a preamp… and corrects for speaker and room...
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Aurender Flow Digital Audio Player
Amos Barnett has posted a review of the Aurender Flow digital audio player ($1295) at Part-Time Audiophile. His conclusions: “Prior to owning the Aurender Flow and Chord Hugo, I had a vastly more expensive rack of gear to provide my music listening needs. Now I have not one, but two devices that have abolished...
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