The publish 2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Preamplifiers with DACs $5,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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Denon Unveils the DNP-2000NE Network Player
The following is a press launch issued by Denon.
May 2, 2023 – Denon, a world-renowned chief in high-quality audio gear, broadcasts the DNP-2000NE Network Player—a state-of-the-art music participant that delivers superior sound high quality and versatile connectivity.
Designed to work completely with the Denon PMA-1700NE Amplifier and DCD- 1700NE CD Player, the DNP-2000NE is full of superior options to offer an immersive music expertise like no different.
- HEOS integration for seamless music playback permits customers to stream music wirelessly from their favourite on-line companies corresponding to Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and others. This characteristic supplies entry to hundreds of thousands of songs with excessive constancy sound high quality capabilities.
- Unmatched sound high quality utilizing Denon’s Ultra AL32 Processing Plus and DAC Master Clock design. The participant additionally incorporates a excessive precision quad digital-to-analog converter configuration which delivers clear and detailed sound.
- Maximum connective versatility that includes a wide range of choices, together with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth. It additionally helps AirPlay 2 and DLNA for seamless wi-fi streaming of music from appropriate gadgets. Additionally, the participant is provided with two optical and one coaxial digital inputs, in addition to a USB-DAC enter for direct connection to a pc.
- Directly connect with your TV by way of a single HDMI ARC connection to regulate the quantity together with your tv or amplifier distant, offering a extra immersive music expertise.
The DNP-2000NE Network Player might be out there on the market at Denon.com and approved Denon retailers starting May 26, 2023.
The submit Denon Unveils the DNP-2000NE Network Player appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
The put up 2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Digital Interconnects $1,000 and Above appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
The following is a press launch issued by PS Audio.
Boulder, Colorado, April 6, 2023 – At AXPONA 2023 PS Audio shall be showcasing all kinds of its high-end audio lineup together with the award-winning flagship aspen FR30 loudspeaker, the brand new FR20 speaker, the distinctive PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2, the ultimate-performance BHK Signature Mono 600 energy amplifiers and extra. The audio system and parts shall be demonstrated utilizing high-resolution music from PS Audio’s acclaimed Octave Records label, and different high-res sources.
The exhibit will even function a preview of the upcoming PS Audio AirLens, a flexible high-resolution music streamer with modern options comparable to one hundred pc galvanic isolation for noise-free efficiency from community audio, and a full vary of connectivity choices.
As a thanks to AXPONA 2023 attendees, PS Audio shall be providing 20 % off instructed US retail pricing on most merchandise (besides audio system, the Sprout100, the DirectStream DAC MK2, and energy cords).
Winner of the 2022 Ultra-High-End Loudspeaker of the Year award from The Absolute Sound, the aspen FR30 is a sublime 3-way floorstanding tower that includes terribly low-distortion planar-magnetic and dynamic drivers and a number of progressive applied sciences to ship exceptional musical realism. (SRP: $29,999.00 USD)
The PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2 encompasses a host of newly-developed PS Audio applied sciences to ship distinctive sonic excellence in digital audio playback, together with FPGA gate array processing, fully-balanced operation and compatibility with PCM sources as much as 705.6 kHz and DSD 256. The DirectStream DAC MK2 additionally features as a digital preamp with quantity management. (SRP: $7,999.00 USD)
The new aspen FR20 loudspeaker brings the magic of the FR30 into extra peoples’ houses. Designed for extra modestly-sized rooms, the FR20 incorporates the applied sciences and engineering developments of its bigger sibling, together with symmetrical push-pull midrange and high-frequency drivers and full-range frequency response, in a smaller configuration. (SRP: $18,999.00 USD)
The BHK Mono 600 energy amplifier is the best amplifier ever created by PS Audio. The remaining product to be designed in collaboration with the legendary Bascom H. King, the fully-balanced BHK Mono 600 delivers 600 watts of energy into 8 ohms (1,500 watts into 4 ohms), and encompasses a vacuum-tube enter stage working at the side of an unique N-channel MOSFET output stage. (SRP: $32,498.00 USD)
A bunch of extra PS Audio merchandise shall be on exhibit together with the corporate’s standard-setting PowerPlant energy regenerators, the ultimate-performance BHK Signature Preamplifier, the PerfectWave SACD Transport, and plenty of extra.
These merchandise shall be demonstrated at AXPONA 2023 at Room Schaumburg A within the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL, April 14 – 16, 2023.
The submit PS Audio to Exhibit Flagship aspen FR30 Loudspeaker and High-End Audio Components at AXPONA 2023 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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dCS’s Lina Ring DAC and Master Clock Review
Tom Martin opinions the dCS Lina Ring DAC and Master Clock, going in-depth to to dCS’s strategy to resistor alignment, the significance of timing, and naturally the ability dCS brings to system enhancement.
The submit dCS’s Lina Ring DAC and Master Clock Review appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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2023 Editors’ Choice: Disc Players $2,000 – $10,000
Technics SL-G700M2-S
$3499
Meticulously constructed with 4 separate inner compartments to accommodate the facility provide, digital and analog circuits, and the die-cast aluminum disc drive, the Technics SL-G700M2-S is designed with a watch in direction of minimizing each digital interference and mechanical vibration. The D-to-A circuit options dual-mono structure with two AK4497 chips outputting “native” DSD as much as 11.2MHz and PCM as much as 384kHz. Ethernet, wi-fi, and Bluetooth connectivity are supplied; the SL-G700M2-S can be geared up for full MQA decoding. The participant excelled at revealing refined dynamic gradations, right scaling of devices, and picture specificity and spatiality on good recordings. AQ, 300
Marantz SA-K1 Ruby
$3999
The nice audio designer Ken Ishiwata made his status with an exceptionally musical-sounding modification of an early Marantz CD participant. The SA-KI represents his newest, probably his final, digital element and is his best work, providing one of the best SACD and CD playback from a single unit that TAS’s Paul Seydor has had in-house, and among the greatest he’s heard anyplace. Its excellent onboard DAC can be utilized with a music server to stream and play downloads in each decision generally obtainable, together with native DSD as much as 11.2MHz. Those looking for the proverbial “final” disc-spinner want look no additional. PS, 302
Bryston BCD-3
$4495
Reviewer Alan Taffel started his evaluation by questioning if a CD participant just like the BCD-3 was even related in right now’s digital world. He found, to his shock, that it was. His subsequent discovery was simply how good the BCD-3 sounds, and the way a lot of an enchancment it represented over even wonderful last-generation CD gamers. Then, the Bryston went toe-to-toe with probably the greatest CD gamers obtainable—with out embarrassing itself within the least. Lastly, he found that the BCD-3’s improve path, which consists of turning itself right into a transport to work with future or costlier DACs, actually works. Put this collectively and you actually do have what could possibly be your final CD participant. “If I have been selecting a CD participant that wouldn’t break the financial institution however was unflinching in its musical and sonic generosity,” Alan concluded, “the BCD-3 could be on the prime of my listing.” AT, 289
McIntosh MCT500
$5500
The MCT500 SACD transport was launched for audiophiles who already personal a McIntosh preamp, built-in amp, or receiver geared up with one of many firm’s proprietary DAC modules. It will deal with just about any 4.75″ disc on the planet and, after all, hybrid SACDs. With no built-in DAC, the MCT500 permits direct entry to the DSD recordsdata on an SACD disc through a proprietary cable that may be related solely to different McIntosh merchandise with the reciprocal MCT jack. It’s thus unattainable to talk of its sound as a result of its sound is that of the partnering McIntosh element. As auditioned by PS with the C52 and C53 preamps, its replica was pretty much as good as he has skilled with another SACD/CD gamers or DACs, bettered by none and equaled solely by a only a few. PS, 315
T+A MP 200
$5900
T+A’s MP 200 is greatest regarded as a CD transport plus a Roon-compatible streamer. There’s no DAC inside, however the MP 200 does the whole lot to tee up a number of digital sources—together with HDD, SDD, and thumb drives—for a downstream DAC. When mixed with T+A’s DAC 200, the 2 act as a single unit. The MP 200 is a superb-sounding streamer, maybe as a result of it homes the identical streaming module as T+A’s prime separates. Further, the in-house-built CD transport rivals one of the best on this planet. Add in a stunning, petite kind issue plus nice worth, and also you’ve acquired a house run. AT, 335
Mark Levinson No5101
$6050
With a disc drive that may play CD and SACD, together with a totally geared up streaming DAC, the Mark Levinson No5101 will deal with nearly any digital supply. The participant is appropriate with PCM as much as 32-bit/384kHz, in addition to DSD as much as 4x. On the technical aspect, the unit has a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC with user-selectable digital filters and a proprietary jitter-reduction circuit. The output stage is absolutely discrete, direct-coupled, and twin monaural, with the sign output on RCA and XLR jacks. You can function the unit through a conventional handheld distant management or through a customized app, referred to as 5Kontrol. The participant has wonderful sound high quality, significantly within the transition from the higher bass to the decrease midrange, which preserves the pure heat of music with out softening it. AHC, 322
Aesthetix Romulus
$9000–$10,000
Another residence run for Aesthetix, the tubed Romulus combines a disc participant and DAC (USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF inputs) in a extremely practical and great-sounding element. The extra $1000 from the bottom value buys you an revolutionary quantity management that lets you drive an influence amplifier instantly. The build- and parts-quality are first-rate. Sonically, the Romulus provides an exceptionally pure sound with a terrific sense of ease and an expansive soundstage. RH, 243
MBL Cadenza C31
$9600
In right now’s computer-driven market the C31 CD participant can simply as fairly be thought-about a “DAC with transport.” Either means, its efficiency is uncompromising. With Red Book discs the slot-drive transport will get a slight nod for its extra intimate and luxurious perspective; nevertheless, with 24-bit/96kHz materials the asynchronous USB wins arms down. A jewel of a participant. NG, 228
T+A MP 2000 R MKII
$9825
Not only a glorified music pc, T+A’s R-Series MP 2000 R MkII is extra precisely a hybrid of CD transport and DAC with potent community/streaming-client functionality. Thus, it accommodates most of right now’s digital sources, from discs to sensible units, USB thumb drives, outboard storage like a NAS, plus Internet radio and music companies similar to Tidal. CD and community playback are unerringly excellent, with naturalistic timbres and harmonics, midrange bloom, and ripe bass resonance and management. NG, 275
The put up 2023 Editors’ Choice: Disc Players $2,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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2023 Editors’ Choice: DACs $3,000 – $10,000
PrimaLuna EVO 100
$3395
With candy, correct midrange sonics and durable development that ought to final a very long time, this mid-priced tube DAC has a stout tube-rectified energy provide for every channel. While that’s uncommon for a DAC, it assures dynamic vary shall be broad and dynamic shifts lightning quick. Perhaps the EVO 100 is lacking the very deepest lows and highest highs, however there’s not a lot else to quibble about. VF, 300
Bryston BDA-3.14
$4195
The purpose of the BDA-3.14 was easy in idea, however more difficult in observe—so as to add a streaming operate to the BDA-3 platform whereas retaining the identical excessive sound high quality because the BDA-3. Reviewer Steven Stone thinks Bryston’s efforts have been profitable. The DAC part for the BDA-3.14 is constructed round a pair of AK4490 chips, similar to that of the BDA-3. Instead of constructing a server from scratch Bryston started with a Raspberry Pi 3 minicomputer as its Internet gateway machine. Why a Pi? Because it really works reliably and has glorious and persevering with assist from Pi. In brief, the BDA-3.14 is a first-class part that might be the middle of any high-performance digital audio system. SS, 309
Denafrips Terminator II
$4900
Denafrips is finest recognized for its personal line of R-2R DACs, by which the Terminator at the moment sits second from the highest, eclipsed solely by the Terminator Plus. The Terminator handles PCM as much as a sampling frequency of 384kHz, and DSD as much as 11.2MHz (DSD256) in native mode. Both RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs are supplied. The analog voltage sign is output straight with no buffer or acquire stage, which places the accountability on the matching preamp to supply ample acquire and drive sign. Sonically, anticipate a tonally impartial and dynamic presentation. A real reference and at the moment DO’s favourite DAC. DO, 316
Lampizator Baltic 3
$5975
This ultra-tweaky tube based mostly DAC from Poland options tubes within the audio circuit in addition to within the energy provide. The Baltic 3’s copy of timbre is exemplary, each with respect to accuracy and determination of refined harmonics. While it’s notably robust at imaging and soundstaging and at resolving, layering, and spatially defining complicated musical displays (e.g. symphonies, bands, or complicated recordings), it’s simply as beguiling on recordings with minimal devices or solo vocals. Reproduction throughout the frequency vary is deep, broad, and full, from string bass or bass drums within the decrease octaves to the extension and shimmer of cymbals and bells within the higher registers. While all these attributes are correct in describing the Baltic 3, for a possible buyer I believe it’s extra significant to say that it creates such immersive, beguiling, and interesting experiences. SSc, 323
PS Audio DirectStream
$5999 ($6899 with Bridge II)
Sometimes it’s good to start out over from scratch when designing a brand new part. That’s what designer Ted Smith did—he began from the premise that DSD recordings sound good and constructed a DAC round that premise. PS Audio’s Paul McGowan heard a prototype, liked it, and agreed to construct it. VF thought it was simply the most effective digital sound he’d heard, however the DAC wants heaps—in all probability 500 hours—of break-in. VF, 245
Chord Hugo TT2/M Scaler
$6725/$5650
The Hugo TT employs a proprietary and complicated “long-tap” digital filter that reportedly leads to waveforms from standard-resolution sources as correct as these of hi-res ones. The DAC part can also be customized and helps PCM as much as 768kHz and as much as DSD512. The Hugo TT sounds very good by itself, however the efficiency is taken up a number of notches with the addition of the Hugo M scaler, which upsamples all incoming indicators to 768kHz with an FPGA. The outcome really represents a brand new means ahead in digital audio—one the place customary 16/44 materials in each means sounds nearly as good as (or higher than) even the highest-resolution recordsdata. A technical and musical triumph. CM, 295
The publish 2023 Editors’ Choice: DACs $3,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
With 70 watts/ch into 8 ohms and 140 watts/ch into 8 ohms the G700M2 is uncommon in its practically full digital strategy to amplification.
The put up Technics SU-G700M2 Integrated Amplifier Review | A Real Digital Amplifier? appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
In this assessment, Tom discusses the Legacy Wavelet DAC/Preamp/DSP, the JL Audio Dominion subs, and the dilemma in dialing in DSP and subs.
The put up The Legacy Wavelet DAC/Preamplifier & JL Audio Dominion Subwoofers | DSP Dilemma & System Review appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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Future TAS: Ideon Audio IΩN DAC
The Ideon Audio IΩN DAC utilizes significant trickle-down technologies and R&D gained from Ideon’s extensive work with its flagship Absolute Epsilon DAC. Most of the Epsilon DAC’s innovations and designs are found in the IΩN, which is also available with an optional analog preamplifier. As with all Ideon components, the IΩN DAC is a fully proprietary design, using audio technologies developed in-house—a bespoke, handcrafted product housing an innovative combination of high-performance design features and best-of-breed quality components. These include an in-house fully balanced design and an ultra-low-noise linear power supply. There’s native support and playback for all DSD and PCM formats and sample rates. Includes two balanced inputs.
Price: IΩN DAC, $17,900; IΩN + DAC/preamp, $22,000.
The post Future TAS: Ideon Audio IΩN DAC appeared first on The Absolute Sound.