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Author Archives: Muse Kastanovich

World News

2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

$949

The Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 is an all-in-one stereo (or multi-room) system for modern times, incorporating wired and wireless streaming, DAC, analog inputs, and power amp, with full control from the BluOS app, which can be run on (almost) any computing or mobile platform. It includes everything you might need except for phono preamplifier, speaker cables, or speakers, in a compact and unobtrusive chassis. The real story here is the surprisingly good sound for the price. The Powernode Gen 3 easily fits into systems that include other components (even cables) that cost as much or more than the Bluesound unit itself without embarrassing itself sonically. Slightly on the mellow and forgiving side of neutral, it should pair well with a wide variety of speakers and rooms; yet it still provides plenty of detail and microdynamics for a surprising amount of satisfaction from all genres of music. Also surprising is the amount of power available—130W (8 ohms) and 220W (4 ohms) of IHF dynamic power for musical peaks.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

$949

The Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 is an all-in-one stereo (or multi-room) system for modern times, incorporating wired and wireless streaming, DAC, analog inputs, and power amp, with full control from the BluOS app, which can be run on (almost) any computing or mobile platform. It includes everything you might need except for phono preamplifier, speaker cables, or speakers, in a compact and unobtrusive chassis. The real story here is the surprisingly good sound for the price. The Powernode Gen 3 easily fits into systems that include other components (even cables) that cost as much or more than the Bluesound unit itself without embarrassing itself sonically. Slightly on the mellow and forgiving side of neutral, it should pair well with a wide variety of speakers and rooms; yet it still provides plenty of detail and microdynamics for a surprising amount of satisfaction from all genres of music. Also surprising is the amount of power available—130W (8 ohms) and 220W (4 ohms) of IHF dynamic power for musical peaks.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier

$949

The Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 is an all-in-one stereo (or multi-room) system for modern times, incorporating wired and wireless streaming, DAC, analog inputs, and power amp, with full control from the BluOS app, which can be run on (almost) any computing or mobile platform. It includes everything you might need except for phono preamplifier, speaker cables, or speakers, in a compact and unobtrusive chassis. The real story here is the surprisingly good sound for the price. The Powernode Gen 3 easily fits into systems that include other components (even cables) that cost as much or more than the Bluesound unit itself without embarrassing itself sonically. Slightly on the mellow and forgiving side of neutral, it should pair well with a wide variety of speakers and rooms; yet it still provides plenty of detail and microdynamics for a surprising amount of satisfaction from all genres of music. Also surprising is the amount of power available—130W (8 ohms) and 220W (4 ohms) of IHF dynamic power for musical peaks.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Bluesound Powernode Gen 3 Streaming DAC and Integrated Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

2022 Golden Ear: Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker

$3700

These are really very special speakers, offering a wide array of sonic strengths—detail, dynamics, coherence, realism, imaging, agility—at an affordable price. They aspire to compete sonically with speakers at twice the price. (I listened to well-regarded competitors at $6000 and $5000/pair, and the Founders won the comparison.) Incorporating multiple driver-diaphragm materials, special cabinet design, and vibration-isolation mounting and feet advancements, these are some of the most sophisticated speakers Paradigm has ever made. Extension at the frequency extremes, evenness of response, good driver integration, time alignment, nearly inert cabinets, low overhang and ringing, all contribute to low-coloration sound. Their ability to make individual instruments or singers pop out of the mix in front of you with startling immediacy and precise location always brings a smile; it’s almost as if you had paid for a private concert. Their high sensitivity, moderate impedance, controlled dispersion, and bottom port all mean they can be used with a wide variety of amps (including low-powered ones) and listening rooms. They are very honest and revealing; increases in fidelity from remastering, high-resolution files, and improvements in source components, amplification, and cables will all be easily heard (and enjoyed); and they are attractive, with refined and elegant cosmetics that should be domestically appealing for most. 

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

2022 Golden Ear: Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker

$3700

These are really very special speakers, offering a wide array of sonic strengths—detail, dynamics, coherence, realism, imaging, agility—at an affordable price. They aspire to compete sonically with speakers at twice the price. (I listened to well-regarded competitors at $6000 and $5000/pair, and the Founders won the comparison.) Incorporating multiple driver-diaphragm materials, special cabinet design, and vibration-isolation mounting and feet advancements, these are some of the most sophisticated speakers Paradigm has ever made. Extension at the frequency extremes, evenness of response, good driver integration, time alignment, nearly inert cabinets, low overhang and ringing, all contribute to low-coloration sound. Their ability to make individual instruments or singers pop out of the mix in front of you with startling immediacy and precise location always brings a smile; it’s almost as if you had paid for a private concert. Their high sensitivity, moderate impedance, controlled dispersion, and bottom port all mean they can be used with a wide variety of amps (including low-powered ones) and listening rooms. They are very honest and revealing; increases in fidelity from remastering, high-resolution files, and improvements in source components, amplification, and cables will all be easily heard (and enjoyed); and they are attractive, with refined and elegant cosmetics that should be domestically appealing for most. 

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Paradigm Founder 80F Loudspeaker appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

2022 Golden Ear Awards: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Player

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Player

$1299

In my initial review, I was impressed by the CXN V2 network player but thought it a bit bright. Now, after adjusting cables, feeding it from a fiber-optic Ethernet link via Sonore’s optical- Module, and listening to it for months with many different speakers, I judge it genuinely accurate and very revealing. I have not heard a wide variety of recent DACs, but I have heard some, including several that are more expensive. The CXN V2 brings music to life in a way that is exciting and engaging. It provides plenty of detail, impressive micro- and macro-dynamics, a wide and deep soundstage, and very analog-like smooth and rich timbres, particularly on high-res tracks. It has no MQA decoding, yet MQA tracks sound wonderful on it as well (noticeably higher resolution than 16/44). Thanks to the superior sound of albums—high-res, MQA, and remastered—streamed through this attainable wonder, my CD collection is now just a backup (though you can play CDs through it, too). The free Cambridge StreamMagic app works quite well for browsing music and has been improved. A great-sounding and functional streamer/DAC at an affordable price, the CXN V2 has proven to be distinctly superior to less expensive options—and a good competitor with similarly priced units. 

The post 2022 Golden Ear Awards: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Player appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

Naim Mu-so Second-Generation Compact Stereo System

Posted on by Muse Kastanovich

Naim Mu-so Second-Generation Compact Stereo System

I almost owned a Naim CDI player as my main source component back in the early 90s. That is more of a positive recommendation than it sounds. I did not change equipment very often, and my choice had been narrowed down to just the Naim and one other. It ended up being fortunate later that I chose the Kinergetics, as it was a more flexible platform for modifications and tweaking. However, I did feel the Naim sounded better, justifying its higher price. There was a special “Naim look” that lasted for many years, ultra-simple and clean layout and controls, with …

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