Noam Bronstein has posted a review of the Elekit TU-8500 tube preamplifier kit ($550) at Wall of Sound. His conclusions: “I’ve owned many preamps over the years, both tube and solid-state (as well as passive). For me, the Elekit strikes an impressive balance of performance, usability, and low cost. The key point being, it’s...
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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 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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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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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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Alan Sircom has posted a review of the The Bespoke Audio Company passive magnetic preamplifier (£9000) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Personally, I love the idea of having a preamplifier made for me, even if it’s something I cannot afford at this time. It’s the ultimate in audio self-expression, a statement of audiophile intent up...
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Aron Garrecht has posted a review of the Constellation Audio Inspiration Preamplier 1.0 ($9900) at SOundStage! Ultra. His conclusions: “While it may not be the quietest preamp I’ve heard, and its operation is less than intuitive, the Inspiration Preamp 1.0 redefines what $9900 can buy in terms of transparency, refinement, sophistication, inner detail, color...
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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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Srajan Ebean has posted a review of the Aurorasound Preda preamplifier (£7999-£15,999) at 6moons. His conclusions: “A sonic tutorial for the Preda would call it an uncompromised passive on sheer transparency. Uncompromised means zero impedance/drive issues no matter the ancillaries including cable lengths. On speed, drive and control, it switches gears to behave like...
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Garrett Hongo has posted a review of the Zanden Audio Systems Model 3100 preamplifier ($17,250) at SoundStage! Ultra. His conclusions: “With the 3100, the many subtle and formidable elements of listening simply disappeared as isolated, enumerable things; when apparent at all, they seemed ephemeral events — otherwise, this preamp’s sound didn’t expressly feature any...
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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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Christiaan Punter has posted a review of the Meridian 818v3 digital preamplifier, MC200 music server, and DSP5200 SE loudspeakers at Hi-Fi Advice. His conclusions: “he Meridian 818v3 is a superb machine. Even in plain DAC-guise it is up there with the best DACs I have heard. But add in its preamp facilities, Sooloos/Roon compatibility,...
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Ken Kessler has posted a review of the Audio Research Reference 6 preamplifier (£12,000) at Hi-Fi News and Record Review. His conclusions: Audio Research has never put a foot wrong with its Reference models. I’ve played with most, and must admit that some stand out more than others. The REF 6, I believe, will...
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Vade Forrester has posted a review of the YBA Passion PRE550A preamplifier-DAC ($8000) at SoundStage! Ultra. His conclusions: “The Passion PRE550A looked and sounded gorgeous, is built like a brick privy, has a thoughtfully designed remote control, and no significant vices. I could, and did, happily live with a PRE550A in my system. Very...
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Wojciech Pacula has posted a review of the NAIM Mu-so Qb music system (€900) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “It comes from the same family but its performance is difference and it is meant for a different customer group. And it makes it better, much better. Because audio involves making choices all the time,...
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Matej Isak has posted a review of the Alluxity PRE ONE preamplifier (€6750) and Power ONE amplifier (€9250) at Mono and Stereo. His conclusions: “Alluxity The PRE ONE and Power ONE amplifier packs the power and control without stepping into the the reserved territory. While Alluxity The PRE ONE acts on its own as...
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Oliver Masciarotte has posted a review of the Tisbury Audio Mini Passive Preamplifier II ($149) at HiFiZINE. His conclusions: ” For modest or minimalist systems, the Mini Passive is a no–brainer; versatile, compact, low cost and aurally unobtrusive. All in all, highly recommended!” You can read the full review here.
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Michael Wechsberg has posted a review of the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.1 linestage ($2995) at Positive Feedback. His conclusions: “Now properly equipped with an improved power cord, and sitting on top of the Townshend vibration isolation base the Rhumba became an even more wonderful performer that gave me many thrilling moments during several weeks...
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TONEAudio has posted a review of the GamuT D3i dual mono preamplifier ($8250). Their conclusions: “. If you find yourself trying to justify the investment of a D3i, here’s one way of thinking about it: For many dedicated audiophiles, flipping equipment is a regular habit. Over time, the losses associated with the trades add...
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Alan Sircom has posted a review of the Naim Audio Mu-so Qb music system (£595) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Ultimately, I’m not surprised Mu-so Qb was one of the big hits of CES – it puts a smile on your face! In truth, I’ve possibly spent more time just listening to sounds through the...
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Mike Wright has posted a review of the Aurorasound Preda preamplifier ($12,790) at Stereo Times. His conclusions: “At just under $13K the PREDA will easily compete with preamps in the $20K price-range. And when you combine it with its matching phono stage, the VIDA, you have a killer preamp setup that both digital and...
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Srajan Ebaen has posted a review of the Phison Audio PD2 preamplifier-DAC (€6000) at 6moons. His conclusions: “A hifi’s true test sits, sharp pen and test score in hand, at the opposite end. How satisfying, compelling and addictive is it at low volumes? The Phison aced that test with flying colours. It worked flawlessly...
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WL Low posted a review of the Tobian Tube Stereo Console SC12 and Push Pull Mono Tube Amp MA 70 at av2day.com. His conclusions: “The Tobian system is special in that way that each listening session, brings about a new, undiscovered dimension to each musical performance, even on songs that you’ve heard all your...
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Dwayne Carter has posted a review of the iFi Audio retro audio system ($1995) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “So how do I wrap up my experience with the iFi Audio Stereo 50 and LS3.5 speakers? Well, I was sad to return them and miss having the ability to listen to virtually any...
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Jason Kennedy has posted a review of the Luxman C-700u preamplifier (£6995) and M-700u stereo power amplifier (£6995) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Luxman remains a brand to be contended with; its sound is ultra refined, which mean that it can deliver a fully rendered, high-resolution sound that is tonally stronger than a great many...
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