The publish 2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Preamplifiers with DACs $5,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
Tag Archives: Digital Sources
MOON North Collection unveiling coming this weekend
Following the profitable press launch of the North Collection earlier this month, MOON will show two fashions from the brand new vary on the HIGH END in Munich subsequent week. Visitors are in for a deal with because the journalists who obtained an unique preview described the North Collection as “high-end hi-fi heaven” with “buttery easy distant management”, it “redefines the high-end” and “ushers in a complete new degree of superior”.
At the present, MOON will current a system comprising a 791 Network Player / Preamplifier and a 761 Power Amplifier. The 791 combines a high-performance streamer (constructed on the brand new MDE2 digital engine) and an distinctive phono stage in a state-of-the-art analog preamplifier with an excellent new color show for album cowl artwork, observe particulars, and set-up capabilities. Its abundance of options is surpassed solely by its unmatched construct and sound qualities. The 761 effortlessly delivers delicate audio alerts with authoritative finesse and transparency because of an modern MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) circuit, which reduces distortion and coloration with out the usage of international suggestions, to beforehand unattainable ranges. The 791 and 761 are a pure pairing and supply a flexible consumer expertise with audio efficiency to rival the very best methods on the earth.
The North Collection options handcrafted floor particulars and beautiful curved vertical heatsinks, a novel industrial design that improves efficiency. The MOON BRM-1, a brand new clever distant management, unifies the whole MOON ecosystem along with its luxurious quantity knob, modern contact controls, visible suggestions, and lavish refinement. It may be the very best distant from any hi-fi producer proper now!“
We are delighted to unveil these two new fashions on the prestigious HIGH END Munich present,” exclaimed Etienne Gautier, MOON CCO. “Our group has labored tirelessly to create the North Collection, and it’s an absolute pleasure to have the ability to reveal it eventually. Its modern applied sciences and ground-breaking type develop the frontiers of the audio business. I’m sure that guests to the present will love how they fill our room with unsurpassed sound.”
HIGH END 2023 takes place May 18 – 21, 2023at the MOC Event Center Messe München
MOON will characteristic the North Collection in Atrium 3.1, Room 120.
For extra data:
www.highendsociety.de/high-end-44.html
The publish MOON to unveil North Collection at HIGH END Munich 2023 appeared first on Hi-Fi+.
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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.
2023 AXPONA broke records with over 9000 attendees, 200 rooms, 500+ manufacturers, and a number of product introductions. Additionally, I seen an elevated variety of showgoers within the variety of girls, youthful aged audiophile/audio curious of us, and folks of shade. The present organizers are shifting in the appropriate course by increasing the pool of attendees, which I’m certain added to the 20% improve in attendance this 12 months. With 200 rooms to see, there isn’t any means I may handle to go to all of them. The gadgets that I used to be conscious of, from contacts or press releases acquired, had a good shot of being visited. If I missed a number of, which I’m certain I did given the scale of the present, I provide my apologies. Let’s have a look at a few of the new product introductions I discovered.
Most Significant
DS Audio Grand Master EX cartridge
Improving on the Grand Master, the Grand Master EX ($22,500) provides a unified one-piece diamond cantilever/stylus. That’s proper, the micro-ridge stylus and the 0.22mm cantilever are one steady diamond lower, with out the same old bonding required for nearly all different cartridges. This advantages the cartridge with better structural stability, extra correct transmission of groove modulation in addition to extra exact alignment of stylus to cantilever since it’s a one-piece diamond. Paired with the Grand Master EQ (optical cartridge equalizer), Clearaudio Ref Jubilee ’desk with Universal 9” tonearm ($30,000), D’Agostino Momentum HD preamp ($42,500) and M400 MvX amps ($79,950), and Wilson Alexx V audio system ($145,000) related with Transparent cables, with all elements sitting on Bassocontinuo Revolution X racks, the sound was a lot improved. Playing Lady Blackbird’s “Blackbird” monitor from the Black Acid Soul LP revealed good vocals, clear and clear bass, drums, and piano. Save for a little bit of bass bloat (because of room points) and a slight breakup at one level on a vocal crescendo, the system produced satisfying sound. Look for a evaluation of the Grand Master EX in a future concern.
exaSound s82 Mark II Streaming DAC and Roon Server
The exaSound s82 Mark II Streaming DAC and Roon Server ($7599) was paired with the VAC Master preamplifier ($38,000) and Master 300 amplifier ($42,000), and Gershman Acoustics Studio XdB audio system with built-in bass-trap stand ($12,000) and Cardas cables. On an “Autumn Leaves” monitor, the sound was clear on vocals with subjectively fast and nimble bass. The s82 Mark II options the ES9038PRO DAC (DSD512, DXD as much as 352.8kHz, PCM and MQA to 384kHz), impartial single-ended and balanced output levels, headphone amplifier, inner quantity management, asynchronous USB streaming, galvanic isolation, low-jitter sign paths, selectable reconstruction filters, twin exterior energy provides, and an Intel i5 powered Roon server module with further server help for UPnP, HQPlayer, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Tidal, Qobuz, and YouTube. The s82 Mark II provides a whole all-in-one Server, streamer, and DAC answer with a high-quality headphone amplifier.
Kalista DreamPlay Twenty-Twenty turntable and DreamPlay XC CD/SACD Player/DAC
The Kalista DreamPlay Twenty-Twenty ’desk ($54,000) and XC CD/SACD participant/DAC ($79,000) have been paired with a full set of Karan Acoustics electronics: LINEa preamplifier with exterior energy provide ($41,000), PHONOa phono preamplifier with exterior energy provide ($38,000), and POWERa mono energy amplifiers ($106,000). The audio system have been the exact same Vimberg Tonda Ds I reviewed within the pages of TAS in Issue 320. Connecting the system have been Crystal Cable Art Series’ Van Gogh and Da Vinci traces. Additional grounding was tied to the system utilizing the Entreq Olympus Infinity Ten floor field ($12,000). The DreamPlay XC options CD/SACD transport, native DSD as much as 256, PCM, DXD as much as 384kHz, Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, Ethernet, coax, I2S, and USB inputs, AES/EBU outputs, a built-in DreamPlay XC D/A converter, RCA and XLR analog outputs, and an exterior energy provide. Unfortunately, the Twenty-Twenty turntable part of Kalista’s web site was unavailable for specification retrieval on the time of this writing. Using both Kalista supply (analog or digital), the sound exiting the Tonda D was wonderful whether or not enjoying classical music through silver disc or spinning vinyl enjoying Lady Blackbird. The soundstage was expansive, the presentation had truthful readability, and instrument/vocal timbres have been spot on and as sensible as I bear in mind the audio system sounding throughout my evaluation.
Innous Pulsar Network Music Player
The Innous Pulsar Network Music Player ($6899) was launched at this present. Paired with a Magico A5, a Vinni Rossi BRAMA built-in amplifier, an MSB Premier DAC, a PS Audio P15, and Kimber Kable cables. The Pulsar contains a bead-blasted anodized aluminum chassis, 300VA toroidal transformer, inner PhoenixUSB Lite reclocker, optimized USB output, and twin, impartial CX voltage-regulator modules. Brief listening within the above configuration yielded a complete system sound that was mild and crisp in timbre.
Oracle Reference 1 Tonearm
The Oracle Delphi Reference ’desk ($13,920) hosted the Reference 1 tonearm ($6000) and Lyra Atlas Lambda cartridge ($11,995). This mixture was paired with the VAC Statement Phono ($80,000), VAC Statement Linestage ($80,000), and VAC Statement 452 amplifiers ($75,000 every), driving Acora Acoustics VRC audio system in Pearl Granite ($218,000 est.). All cables have been sourced from Cardas. The digital front-end contained the Aurender N30SA ($25,000), Aurender MC20 ($30,000), Lampizator Horizon DAC ($50,000), and Oracle CD 2000 MK IV ($13,500). The Reference 1 tonearm is a 4-bearing design that options VTA, anti-skate, and azimuth changes, a silicone trough for ’arm damping, a carbon-fiber armtube, 20g efficient mass, an end-of-record auto-armlift, 223mm pivot-to-spindle distance, and an efficient size of 240.3mm. In-room sound was excellent to wonderful relying on the music tracks performed. Considering the large room measurement, this method did surprisingly effectively.
Auspicious Debuts
VPI Avenger Direct Turntable
The VPI Avenger Direct ’desk ($36,000) internet hosting a Lyra Etna (non-lambda, $8995) was paired with the VTL Signature Phonostage ($15,000), VTL Line Preamplifier Series III ($35,000), VTL MB-450 Series III Signature mono amps ($30,000 pair), and the Stenheim Reference Ultime Two ($155,000) related with a full loom of high Nordost merchandise (cables, energy, isolation gadgets, community swap, and so on.). The different supply on this system was the dCS Rossini Apex DAC ($32,800) with Rossini Master Clock ($10,850): which sounded excellent enjoying a stay BSO efficiency of Shostakovich’s 11th symphony. Vinyl playback was top-notch with the system enjoying Lady Blackbird, Duke Ellington’s Jazz Violin Sessions, and the superb Rossini L’Italiana in Algeri sinfonia.
Lumin
Lumin confirmed three new merchandise: the U2 Network Music Transport ($5000), T3 ($4990) streamer/renderer/DAC, and the U1-X Network Music Transport. A number of of the U2 and Y3’s options embody an all-new processor, devoted USB output, linear energy provide, fiber community enter, DSD512 and PCM 768kHz playback, MQA decoding, and LEEDH quantity management. The U1-X combines the options of the U1 digital transport with the X-1 energy provide that’s stated to yield improved sound staging, element, heat, and general presence. The system was paired with the Lumin XAMP ($13,990) and a set of Matthew Bond cables.
SME 60 Turntable
The SME 60 was proven for the primary time at AXPONA 2023, though already reviewed by Michael Fremer in Issue 333. Most of the options are coated in that evaluation. The SME 60 with VA Series tonearm is a piece of engineering precision and creativity geared in the direction of enhancing on SME’s legacy designs. Based on all indications introduced throughout a proof of the design, the product is a hit. Listening to the SME 60 with VA ’arm in a system with AVM 8.3 Phono ($13,995), AVM 8.3 preamp ($18,385), AVM 8.3 amplifiers ($44,995/pr.), and Canton Reference 3K loudspeakers ($13,995) related with Kubala-Sosna cables, confirmed the analog front-end to be quiet and managed whereas tracing the groove with ease.
SonoruS ATR10 mkII Tape Deck
Scott Walker Audio confirmed the brand new SonoruS ATR10 mkII tape participant ($32,500). This unit is a plug-and-play, turnkey reel-to-reel tape deck. After the unique ATR10 was launched over a decade in the past, the brand new mkII mannequin options up to date electronics and redesigned mechanical elements. The output options tube playback electronics which might be stated to supply wonderful “dynamic vary and low bass authority with minimal coloration.” Other options embody the compact chassis of the ATR10 mkII, DC Coupled Stabilized Loop Gain Technology, regulated tape rigidity of provide reel and take-up reel, 7.5ips and 15ips velocity choice, IEC and NAB EQ, captive NAB spindles, motor-assisted quick breaking, library wind, and optical chief tape detection. In system, the ATR10 mkII was feeding the VAC Master Preamp ($30,000), VAC Master 300 iQ amplifiers ($42,000 ea.), and Von Schweikert Ultra 7 loudspeakers with Shockwave V-12XS subwoofer ($16,500) related with Masterbuilt Ultra cables. Brief listening to the ATR10 mkII enjoying SonoruS Holographic Imaging tapes confirmed promising efficiency. I wish to discover this tape machine’s efficiency additional.
Other turntable debuts embody: The AMG Giro MkII, Technics 1500C White ($1299), and Luxman’s PD-191A ($12,495). Bel Canto premiered the BLACK DAC System ($40,000) that features three analog inputs with one being an mm/mc phonostage. The new and improved Spin-Clean report washer ($79) with snap-in curler, wedge-fit brushes, and simple clear basin was additionally proven.
In Other News
Axiss Audio launched a brand new model of the Yuki AP-01 turntable ($TBD) from Japan. This unique-looking, all-metal turntable was on show the primary day of the present. I managed to get an image of it however didn’t hearken to it on that day. When I returned, the Yuki AP-01 was on static show with no cartridge. Unfortunately, that meant no listening to it or observing its operation. However, there was one thing else of curiosity on this room. That merchandise was the Gauder Akustik DARC 200 loudspeakers ($149,000). Being aware of Gauder Akustik’s Berlina RC 9, which I reviewed in April of 2016 (TAS 262), I used to be intrigued with the DARC 200. The speaker takes the Berlina rib development to new heights with the implementation of aluminum as a substitute of a dense fiber materials. In addition, the crossovers and drivers are new and have been improved through the years. The speaker options some adjustability when it comes to linear bass output degree and selective enhance/lower between 30Hz–60Hz (typical drawback areas for a lot of rooms). Driven by a full suite of Accuphase electronics or alternately a full suite of Soulution electronics and sourced by a Transrotor TT with Airtight Opus 1 cartridge, the DARC 200 audio system sounded very promising and simply confirmed the subjective user-preference-based distinction between the 2 units of electronics: one leaning in the direction of wealthy and heat whereas the opposite being faster and having barely extra perceived low-level decision. The efficiency was satisfying sufficient to foresee a evaluation of a DARC loudspeaker within the close to future.
Belgium primarily based firm, AM Belgium nv, has been in enterprise since 1969. The firm has in-house functionality to make repro and report tape heads for skilled and industrial tape decks. For sure fashions of the tape heads that AM Belgium shares, the client can order the correct various head in a single amount. For various substitute heads that aren’t stocked, the minimal order varies from 5 to 10 heads relying on whether or not the corporate has the substitute head design from a earlier order or it’s a new substitute head design. AM Belgium additionally provides relapping and reconditioning providers.
AJ’s Analog Best of Show
Best Sound (cost-no-object): A tie. The Wynn Audio room with Vimberg Tonda D/Karan Acoustics phono, preamp, amp, Kalista digital supply and turntable with Xquisite cartridge, and Crystal Cable Da Vinci wiring, and the Stenheim Reference Ultime Two with VTL phono, preamp, amplifiers, dCS DAC, and VPI turntable with Lyra cartridge.
Best Sound (for-the-money): The full Yamaha Flagship HelloFi Series 5000 system. While the price was greater than some lower-priced choices on the present, this was the very best sounding system on the lowest price that I heard.
Most Significant Product Introduction: The new and improved Spin-Clean Record Washer equipment for brand spanking new and budding vinyl playback audiophiles to begin cleansing their records.
Most Significant Trend: Diversity at AXPONA 2023. I noticed extra children, girls, and folks of shade than at earlier reveals. The present organizers are increasing their attain. This is an efficient factor for the business and our interest.
Most Coveted Product(s): Gauder Akustik DARC 200 loudspeakers, SonoruS ATR10 mkII tape participant, and Kalista DreamPlay XC SACD/CD Player/DAC.
The submit The 2023 AXPONA Show: Andre Jennings on Analog and Digital Sources appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
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Innuos Statement subsequent gen music server
Steve from Innuos talks us by way of their flagship music server, the following gen Statement.
For extra data on this product, click on right here.
There is much more audiophile content material to see on the hi-fi+ YouTube channel, together with dozens extra product opinions, present stories, Audio Basics and rather more.
If you haven’t seen our opinions of the Magnepan LRS+ or Magnepan Ultra-wideband Bass System woofer, cease what you’re doing and watch now!
You may discover stories from completely different audio reveals all over the world, together with Audio Show Deluxe, Bristol Hi-Fi Show, Florida International Audio Expo, Warsaw Audio Video Show, Capital Audio Fest and rather more. Soon it is possible for you to to see new product launches and in-depth data on merchandise featured at AXPONA 2023.
We don’t simply do stories at audio reveals spanning the globe, we even have product launches and inside data on merchandise from many alternative producers, together with Focal Naim, Acora Acoustics, Schiit Audio, and Innuos, simply to call just a few.
There are informational sequence like Tea Time with Alan and Pete, the place Hi-Fi+ Editor Alan Sircom and Publisher Pete Collingwood-Trewin speak about what’s taking place within the high-end audio world, and reveal the 2022 Product of the Year.
Another sequence is History of Audio, which goals to show viewers just a little in regards to the History of Audio, which is likely to be a visit down reminiscence lane for a lot of. It additionally hopes those that watch will be taught from the various experiences of different audiophiles by way of their trials and tribulations with completely different tools.
While you’re on our YouTube channel, you’ll want to try our Audio Basics sequence. So far, this sequence has lined what makes an excellent stereo system and the right way to discover an excellent stereo system.
Be positive to subscribe to the YouTube channel so that you don’t miss any episodes!
The put up Innuos Statement subsequent gen music server appeared first on Hi-Fi+.
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Pulsar Network Music Player Debuts at AXPONA
The following is a press launch issued by Innuos.
April 12, 2023 | PULSAR is the most recent Innuos product and represents the flagship mannequin of the PULSE collection of community music gamers. While PULSAR has been menBoned beforehand, North America would be the first place to really hear the PULSAR on the Axpona present in Room 1410 from 14 – 16 April, 2023. The occasion takes place on the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & ConvenBon Center, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA. Innuos may even be demonstraBng its flagship STATEMENT music server/streamer alongside the PULSAR in Room 1410, and guests can get palms on with the Innuos SENSE app and meet with Innuos staff in Room 1408 on the present.
The PULSE Network Music Player collection consists of three gamers: PULSEmini, PULSE and PULSAR, which can be good for music lovers who principally wish to play music from HiFi streaming providers like Qobuz and TIDAL, or who simply need one other zone of their residence linked to their foremost music server.
Beneath its glossy exterior, PULSAR has a customized ARC6 module with acBve recBficaBon, over 130000 µF of Mundorf capacitors, a big inductor and a large 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer.
PULSAR has an opBmized USB output to take sound high quality to the PULSE Series’ highest degree by incorporaBng a PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker. The reclocker is powered by a customized CX Regulator Module and gives a clean but quick and detailed sound.
The innuOS OperaBng System’s SSD within the PULSAR can be upgraded to a SLC (Single-Level Cell) module, versus the extra widespread TLC (Triple-Level Cell) for the very best sturdiness and decrease operaBng energy noise. The SSD can be powered by a customized CX Regulator Module.
In addiBon, guests will be capable of take heed to the Innuos PULSAR for the first Bme ever, request music tracks, and expertise the Sense app whereas listening to the PULSAR or the flagship STATEMENT Music Server/Streamer with Next-Gen Power Supply.
The featured system in Room 1410 contains the Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile-grade community swap delivering a gentle information stream to the Innuos PULSAR and STATEMENT. A pair of Magico A5 audio system will render the music for listeners and they are going to be pushed by an MSB Technology Premiere DAC and Vinnie Rossi BRAMA built-in amplifier. The Mains block is offered by a PS Audio P15, cables will probably be from Kimber Kable. A Quadraspire SV2T rack will host all of the parts.
Key members of the Innuos group will probably be on the present to take quesBons and exhibit, together with Kevin Jackson, North America Sales Manager and Steven Gomes, Head of Sales.
The publish Pulsar Network Music Player Debuts at AXPONA 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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CAD CAT – Computer Audio Transport
Isabel Whitley from Computer Audio Design reveals us the CAT – Computer Audio Transport.
For extra info on these merchandise, click on right here.
You can see rather more on the Hi-Fi+ YouTube Channel, equivalent to merchandise from Warsaw Audio Video Show and Capital Audio Fest, in addition to Tea Time with Alan and Pete.
Hi-Fi+ Editor Alan Sircom and Publisher Pete Collingwood-Trewin discuss what’s occurring within the high-end audio world, and reveal the 2022 Product of the Year.
Tea Time with Alan and Pete is simply one among a number of new collection on the Hi-Fi+ YouTube channel designed for audiophiles of all ranges.
Another collection is History of Audio, which goals to show viewers a bit concerning the History of Audio, which could be a visit down reminiscence lane for a lot of. It additionally hopes those that watch will be taught from the various experiences of different audiophiles by their trials and tribulations with totally different tools.
While you’re on our YouTube channel, be sure you try our Audio Basics collection. So far, this collection has coated what makes an amazing stereo system and find out how to discover an amazing stereo system.
Soon, you will discover studies from producers at audio reveals from world wide. You can see the likes of Aurender, Focal Naim, AudioThesis, Schiit Audio, and Magnepan, simply to call a couple of. Right now, you possibly can see what debuted at AXPONA 2022 and a bit from the Texas Audio Roundup, together with background on the Magnepan LRS+. You can even see movies from Pacific Audio Fest in Seattle, CEDIA 2022 in Dallas, and Capital Audio Fest.
You can even see extra product opinions in addition to extra from the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, Florida International Audio Expo, and Capital Audio Fest on the hi-fi+ YouTube channel coming quickly.
Be certain to subscribe to the YouTube channel so that you don’t miss any episodes!
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