Tag Archives: Solid-state preamplifiers
Canadian audio electronics knowledgeable Moon by Simaudio has revamped its top-end vary. We have unique pre-Munich Show entry to the brand new Moon North 791 streaming DAC preamplifier and 761 200W stereo energy amplifier.
The new North vary by Moon is a six-strong line of electronics. The 791 and 761 are the primary two North designs out of the beginning gate. They will ship in September. The 125W 641 built-in amplifier and 681 Network Player will observe in October. Finally, the highest 891 streaming DAC preamplifier and 300W 861 stereo energy amplifier are anticipated by the top of the yr.
Product costs start at $/£11,000 for the Moon North 641 and $/£12,000 for the Moon North 681. The 791 and 761 previewed right here value $/£14,000 and $/£16,000, respectively. Ballpark costs for the 891 and 861 are $/£25,000 and $22,000/£23,000 respectively.
Moon North: The Joy of Six!
Moon’s North mission comes with a whole lot of product consolidation. North’s sextet of merchandise change many units within the present Moon line-up. A couple of specialist merchandise will doubtless be part of the road later. These ought to embody a top-end phono stage and an influence provide. However, a product just like the 791 acts as a line preamplifier, community participant, DAC and phono stage in a single.
This shouldn’t be distracting individuals with a brand new look whereas slimming down the product line. North distils what was good from earlier designs whereas including new expertise and industrial design. Although probably the most seen distinction is the transfer to a color OLED display on the 791, the amps bristle with new tech.
All the merchandise within the North vary profit from the model’s new Moon Damping Base to cut back vibration. This resulted in an entire cupboard redesign, with the brand on the highest plate performing as a chimney. In the method, this made the entire high of the chassis screwless. The Moon North 791 additionally makes use of the corporate’s new Moon Distortion Cancelling Amplifier circuit. This is claimed to cut back distortion to ‘beforehand unattainable’ ranges. A brand new MoonHyperlink additionally connects every product, permitting extra clever management performance between merchandise.
The bars connecting Moon merchandise are surprisingly widespread and retained right here. Different bars replicate the redesigned structure, that means you’ll be able to solely stack present Moon merchandise with Moon North merchandise if you happen to use a rack. However, the North merchandise look good on a shelf with their redesigned ft and extra rounded look. The all-black and all-silver variants of Moon merchandise are usually not carried North; from right here on, it’s the ‘panda’ look of silver edges with black centre panels.
It’s all about quantity
In talking with Moon’s crew, it’s clear there’s some obsession over quantity controls. Most engineers take into account the amount management a log jam in an amplifier’s design. Moon began from scratch, utilizing an optical encoder that sends quantity place information to an analogue circuit on the supreme level within the sign path for attenuation. This leads to a claimed error of lower than 0.1dB between channels and between quantity steps. It additionally lets Moon distant management the amount utilizing the Bluetooth-controlled BRM-1 handset.
Moon’s MiND 2 app helps so much right here, and the North fashions construct on its strengths. Audio lovers like obsessiveness, however these are merchandise for a broader enchantment. The Moon North vary is straightforward to make use of however not dumbed down. The person interface is an unlimited enchancment over the ‘Big Red LED’ of its predecessors. Installation is painless. Navigation is intuitive and fast. Operation is secure and bug-free. The solely strike in opposition to the 791 and 761 is attempting to maneuver 36kg of energy amplifier round with out noticeable handles. This is why I’m scripting this hunched over in a chair, ready for the painkillers to kick in as a substitute of creating a video. The video will observe.
Don’t blame the Moon
I’ve all the time appreciated Moon merchandise for his or her blamelessness. That’s not faint reward. Getting out of the best way of the music is extra difficult than it appears, however Moon does it properly. The amps don’t exaggerate or underplay their hand. Music sounds good in all the fitting methods on Moon with out accents and highlights. Stereo separation is nice. The dynamic vary is nice. Detail retrieval is great. Vocal articulation is first-rate. And every thing hangs collectively properly in a musically entertaining method. And these perceptions appear hopelessly outdated 10 seconds after listening to what Moon North amps can do.
This is a change of substances, a step change in efficiency. Moon North merchandise nonetheless have that honesty and integrity to the sound. They stay innocent. But now they take that efficiency to the subsequent degree. And about 10 seconds into enjoying the New Moon, you perceive the obsession with quantity management. From a whisper to a scream, the amplifiers have consistency. This, too, is uncommon; amps that play loud typically ‘crumble’ at decrease volumes.
Meanwhile, mild sonic souls typically lack the heart to wield a full orchestra enjoying Mahler or ear-bursting Motorhead. The precision of the Moon North 791/761 mixture means you’ll be able to play late-night jazz at holding the neighbours’ candy ranges. It additionally means you’ll be able to ship your Apple Watch into noise-warning apoplexy.
We need all of it, and we would like it now!
Things can be good if the Moon North 791 and 761 had been merely final season’s fashions with higher quantity management. But that’s barely the beginning of issues. Everything is improved. Everyone has a sonic set off, whether or not soundstage, absence of noise ground, dynamic contrasts, rhythmic precision, or what have you ever. Unless your sonic motivation is “I’d prefer it extra veiled and distorted”, what pushes your buttons is probably going handled right here.
Above all this, nevertheless, the Moon North fashions make music sound like enjoyable. They are extremely detailed, and exact and patently come from a spot of obsession. Yet, they don’t sound sterile or overly correct. Often, I discover amplifiers which are extraordinarily exact to be like that man on a quiz evening, the one which is aware of what model of footwear Miles Davis wore however is just interested by music for its trivia. Like its predecessors, the Moon North 791/761 combo shouldn’t be that man.
I need to save a extra thorough dialogue of sound high quality for the video (when my backbone heals) and the evaluate correct, however these amps stay as much as what Moon needs to do with its North vary; these are merchandise that fulfill the hardened audio fanatic but have an effortlessness and ease of use that makes them attain far past conventional audio listeners. Finally, the informal and intense listeners have one thing they’ll take pleasure in on their phrases and with one another.
And lastly…
There’s one last item. Moon has a repute for lengthy, gradual running-in occasions. The electronics initially sound good however get a lot better over the weeks and months. Moon North modifications that. They sound good out of the field, and 48 hours later, you’re about 99% there. There is perhaps some gentle enchancment over the subsequent few months, however Moon North settles rapidly!
Moon’s North launch is spectacular. It combines flexibility and ease of operation with some intelligent design features (each product and electronics), making a product that redefines the high-end much more than Moon did with the earlier vary. Unless you want a separate field for every operation and large crimson LEDs, I can’t see why you wouldn’t need to head North.
Contact Details
Manufacturer:
UK Distributor
Tel: +44(0)131 555 3922
The publish World unique preview: Moon North 791 and 761 appeared first on Hi-Fi+.
Canadian audio electronics knowledgeable Moon by Simaudio has revamped its top-end vary. We have unique pre-Munich Show entry to the brand new Moon North 791 streaming DAC preamplifier and 761 200W stereo energy amplifier.
The new North vary by Moon is a six-strong line of electronics. The 791 and 761 are the primary two North designs out of the beginning gate. They will ship in September. The 125W 641 built-in amplifier and 681 Network Player will comply with in October. Finally, the highest 891 streaming DAC preamplifier and 300W 861 stereo energy amplifier are anticipated by the tip of the yr.
Product costs start at $/£11,000 for the Moon North 641 and $/£12,000 for the Moon North 681. The 791 and 761 previewed right here value $/£14,000 and $/£16,000, respectively. Ballpark costs for the 891 and 861 are $/£25,000 and $22,000/£23,000 respectively.
Moon North: The Joy of Six!
Moon’s North challenge comes with a whole lot of product consolidation. North’s sextet of merchandise change many units within the present Moon line-up. A number of specialist merchandise will doubtless be part of the road later. These ought to embody a top-end phono stage and an influence provide. However, a product just like the 791 acts as a line preamplifier, community participant, DAC and phono stage in a single.
This will not be distracting folks with a brand new look whereas slimming down the product line. North distils what was good from earlier designs whereas including new expertise and industrial design. Although probably the most seen distinction is the transfer to a color OLED display screen on the 791, the amps bristle with new tech.
All the merchandise within the North vary profit from the model’s new Moon Damping Base to cut back vibration. This resulted in a whole cupboard redesign, with the brand on the highest plate performing as a chimney. In the method, this made the entire high of the chassis screwless. The Moon North 791 additionally makes use of the corporate’s new Moon Distortion Cancelling Amplifier circuit. This is claimed to cut back distortion to ‘beforehand unattainable’ ranges. A brand new MoonHyperlink additionally connects every product, permitting extra clever management performance between merchandise.
The bars connecting Moon merchandise are surprisingly well-liked and retained right here. Different bars replicate the redesigned structure, that means you’ll be able to solely stack present Moon merchandise with Moon North merchandise when you use a rack. However, the North merchandise look good on a shelf with their redesigned ft and extra rounded look. The all-black and all-silver variants of Moon merchandise usually are not carried North; from right here on, it’s the ‘panda’ look of silver edges with black centre panels.
It’s all about quantity
In talking with Moon’s group, it’s clear there’s some obsession over quantity controls. Most engineers think about the quantity management a log jam in an amplifier’s design. Moon began from scratch, utilizing an optical encoder that sends quantity place knowledge to an analogue circuit on the splendid level within the sign path for attenuation. This leads to a claimed error of lower than 0.1dB between channels and between quantity steps. It additionally lets Moon distant management the quantity utilizing the Bluetooth-controlled BRM-1 handset.
Moon’s MiND 2 app helps so much right here, and the North fashions construct on its strengths. Audio fans like obsessiveness, however these are merchandise for a broader enchantment. The Moon North vary is straightforward to make use of however not dumbed down. The person interface is an unlimited enchancment over the ‘Big Red LED’ of its predecessors. Installation is painless. Navigation is intuitive and fast. Operation is steady and bug-free. The solely strike towards the 791 and 761 is making an attempt to maneuver 36kg of energy amplifier round with out noticeable handles. This is why I’m scripting this hunched over in a chair, ready for the painkillers to kick in as an alternative of constructing a video. The video will comply with.
Don’t blame the Moon
I’ve at all times preferred Moon merchandise for his or her blamelessness. That’s not faint reward. Getting out of the best way of the music is extra sophisticated than it appears, however Moon does it nicely. The amps don’t exaggerate or underplay their hand. Music sounds good in all the proper methods on Moon with out accents and highlights. Stereo separation is nice. The dynamic vary is nice. Detail retrieval is great. Vocal articulation is first-rate. And all the things hangs collectively nicely in a musically entertaining method. And these perceptions appear hopelessly outdated 10 seconds after listening to what Moon North amps can do.
This is a change of drugs, a step change in efficiency. Moon North merchandise nonetheless have that honesty and integrity to the sound. They stay innocent. But now they take that efficiency to the subsequent degree. And about 10 seconds into enjoying the New Moon, you perceive the obsession with quantity management. From a whisper to a scream, the amplifiers have consistency. This, too, is uncommon; amps that play loud typically ‘crumble’ at decrease volumes.
Meanwhile, mild sonic souls typically lack the heart to wield a full orchestra enjoying Mahler or ear-bursting Motorhead. The precision of the Moon North 791/761 mixture means you’ll be able to play late-night jazz at conserving the neighbours’ candy ranges. It additionally means you’ll be able to ship your Apple Watch into noise-warning apoplexy.
We need all of it, and we would like it now!
Things could be good if the Moon North 791 and 761 had been merely final season’s fashions with higher quantity management. But that’s barely the beginning of issues. Everything is improved. Everyone has a sonic set off, whether or not soundstage, absence of noise flooring, dynamic contrasts, rhythmic precision, or what have you ever. Unless your sonic motivation is “I’d prefer it extra veiled and distorted”, what pushes your buttons is probably going handled right here.
Above all this, nevertheless, the Moon North fashions make music sound like enjoyable. They are extremely detailed, and exact and patently come from a spot of obsession. Yet, they don’t sound sterile or overly correct. Often, I discover amplifiers which are extraordinarily exact to be like that man on a quiz evening, the one which is aware of what model of footwear Miles Davis wore however is barely fascinated by music for its trivia. Like its predecessors, the Moon North 791/761 combo will not be that man.
I need to save a extra thorough dialogue of sound high quality for the video (when my backbone heals) and the assessment correct, however these amps dwell as much as what Moon needs to do with its North vary; these are merchandise that fulfill the hardened audio fanatic but have an effortlessness and ease of use that makes them attain far past conventional audio listeners. Finally, the informal and intense listeners have one thing they’ll take pleasure in on their phrases and with one another.
And lastly…
There’s one last item. Moon has a fame for lengthy, sluggish running-in instances. The electronics initially sound good however get a lot better over the weeks and months. Moon North adjustments that. They sound good out of the field, and 48 hours later, you’re about 99% there. There is perhaps some delicate enchancment over the subsequent few months, however Moon North settles shortly!
Moon’s North launch is spectacular. It combines flexibility and ease of operation with some intelligent design facets (each product and electronics), making a product that redefines the high-end much more than Moon did with the earlier vary. Unless you want a separate field for every operation and large crimson LEDs, I can’t see why you wouldn’t need to head North.
Contact Details
Manufacturer:
UK Distributor
Tel: +44(0)131 555 3922
The publish World unique preview: Moon North 791 and 761 appeared first on Hi-Fi+.
This AXPONA was simply essentially the most upbeat, finest organized, and nicely attended present outdoors Munich. But what actually made this 12 months’s occasion so heartening was the range of the attendees. The halls and exhibit rooms had been filled with younger individuals and {couples} in search of new methods to discover music. Fortunately, this present had loads of inexpensive merchandise for them to see and listen to, and with options and capabilities focusing on how they wish to entry music.
Here are my picks of essentially the most attention-grabbing new electronics on the present.
5 Most Significant New Products
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Phonostage
PrimaLuna, the corporate identified for delivering superb worth and excessive build-quality, has launched a “swing-for-the-fences,” all-tube phonostage with the EVO 100. Nearly all tube phonostages make use of a step-up transformer or transistor achieve stage on the enter earlier than the tube stage to maintain noise ranges low. Realizing 65dB or extra of achieve with simply tubes can lead to a poor signal-to-noise ratio. PrimaLuna has addressed this problem with a large all-tube energy provide that makes use of a pair of EL34s, a tube normally present in a power-amplifier output stage. The EVO 100’s tube complement contains 4 12AX7s within the entrance finish, a 6922 for extra moving-coil achieve, and a pair of 5AR4 tubes as rectifiers. The EVO 100 presents three achieve settings (52dB, 56dB, 60dB). The first manufacturing items simply began transport from distributor/retailer Upscale Audio. Price: $3695.
Aesthetix Pallena Preamplifier and Dione Power Amplifier
Aesthetix has a protracted historical past of constructing exceptionally musical merchandise, a practice continued within the new Pallena preamp and Dione energy amp. The Pallena is a totally balanced tube preamp with a switched-resistor quantity management primarily based on that of the Calypso preamp. An ideal characteristic is the flexibility to customise the Pallena to your wants or add functionality later. Specifically, you possibly can add an elective phono module with achieve and loading changes. These changes could be constructed from the entrance panel or distant management. A second module provides digital-to-analog conversion that helps as much as 384kHz/24-bit PCM and DSD64 and DSD128. The Pallena comes normal with a headphone amplifier, or you possibly can go for a totally discrete differential-input headphone amp. The modules are $1250 every.
The matching Dione energy amplifier is a hybrid design with a tube achieve stage and solid-stage output stage. The amplifier options zero suggestions and has differential balanced-bridged circuitry by means of the output stage. All inputs are supplied on each unbalanced and balanced jacks. The energy transformers are, unusually, wound in-house. Power output is rated at 160Wpc into 8 ohms and 320Wpc into 4 ohms.
The Pallena and Dione are priced at $6500 every and are a step up from the spectacularly nice Aesthetix Mimas built-in amplifier that’s Neil Gader’s reference.
Cabasse Abyss Amplifier
One of essentially the most outstanding demos at this AXPONA wasn’t with one of many present’s greatest methods, however with one in every of its smallest. French speaker maker Cabasse confirmed its Abyss “High-Resolution Connected Active Amplifier,” a 120Wpc built-in amplifier with built-in streaming. What’s particular concerning the Abyss is the DSP processing inside that may enormously enhance the sound of any speaker, most dramatically with fashions from Cabasse. The DSP means that you can inform the system the place your loudspeakers are positioned relative to room boundaries and the DSP will regulate the frequency response for smoother bass. You also can regulate the tonal stability with the integral tilt controls. But right here’s the most effective half: When used with a passive Cabasse speaker, the amplifier will interact a DSP program particular to that speaker to easy out response. The frequency profiles of a variety of Cabasse audio system are programmed into the Abyss; you simply choose which one to interact. The DSP filter has 30 bands, permitting for very exact adjustment. Non-Cabasse audio system profit from a generic DSP algorithm. In addition, the Abyss has a patented processing algorithm referred to as Dynamic Fidelity Enhancer (DFE) that analyzes the sign’s dynamics and degree in actual time and modifies the sign to revive the music’s dynamics and bass extension at low listening ranges. Price: $1795.
Naim NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier, NAP 250 Power Amplifier, and NPX 300 Power Supply
Naim confirmed the brand new 200-Series, comprising the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier, NAP 250 energy amplifier, and NPX 300 energy provide. The NSC 222 options Naim’s personal streaming engine that helps each streaming platform, Internet Radio, UPnP servers, and can be Roon Ready. A front-panel show exhibits the album artwork. The new preamp is managed by the Naim App, which additionally supplies multi-room management over all of the Naim parts on the community. A high-quality headphone amplifier, inherited from the superb Uniti Atom Headphone Edition, is included. Price: $8999.
The NAP 250 energy amplifier carries the mannequin designation of an iconic Naim amplifier launched in 1975. This new sixth-generation mannequin is, after all, considerably up to date with the newest expertise and design. It advantages from some circuitry developed for Naim’s quarter-million-dollar Statement energy amplifier, together with discrete power-supply regulation and the similar transistors within the output stage. The NAP 250 outputs 100Wpc. Price: $8999.
Finally, the NPX 300 energy provide continues a long-held Naim custom of offering an improve path by means of a really high-quality energy provide in a separate chassis. The NPX is designed to enhance the efficiency of the NPX 222 by delivering exceptionally clear DC energy to the streaming preamplifier. Price: $8999. I’ve heard a number of demonstrations of Naim’s outboard energy provides, and the development in sound high quality was important every time. The three items within the 200-Series share similar styling for a unified look. They are additionally housed in superbly machined aluminum chassis with distinctive build-quality.
Balanced Audio Technology VK-80t
MoFi Distribution confirmed the brand new all-tube BAT VK-80t energy amplifier to rejoice BAT’s 25th anniversary. The VK-80t outputs 60Wpc from the high-current 6C33C-B output tube, the identical tube present in BAT’s flagship REX 3 energy amplifier. This tube has a better present capability that the 6550 discovered in lots of amplifiers. The enter stage is constructed round a 6H30 “SuperTube.” This new BAT could be operated as a stereo amplifier or a 120W monoblock. An auto-bias circuit simplifies possession. Available in black or silver. Deliveries of the $9995 unit start in Q2.
Auspicious Debuts
Air Tight ATC-7 Line Control Amplifier
The venerable Japanese artisanal producer debuted its reference linestage, the ATC-7 Line Control Amplifier. In growth since 2018, the ATC-7 is Air Tight’s assertion in linestages. The all-tube unit options three unbalanced and two balanced inputs, two pairs of 12AX7s, two pairs of 12AU7s, and a extremely superior new quantity management together with an modern energy provide. The styling harkens again to basic merchandise of the previous, with giant front-panel knobs slightly than a digital show. Much consideration was paid to the look and tactile really feel of the knobs; Air Tight wished to convey again the enjoyment of hands-on involvement in working an audio system on this age of touchscreens. In that spirit, the ATC-7 contains 4 separate changes for tonal stability, two for “Presence” and two marked “Bass Compensator.” These mean you can dial within the sound to your significantly loudspeakers, room, and style. The stability management is a pair of knobs (one for every channel) marked “Gain Trim.” As with all Air Tight merchandise, the ATC-7 is constructed by hand to the best normal.
Technics SU-GX70X Streaming Integrated Amplifier
Technics’ new SU-GX70X streaming amplifier is filled with a bunch of superior options. The amplifier is digital, which means it retains digital enter alerts within the digital area during the amplifier. Digital-to-analog conversion happens as a part of the switching output stage. The unit outputs 40Wpc into 8 ohms and 80Wpc into 4. It options Technics’ LAPC processing that “appears to be like” on the traits of the speaker the amplifier is driving and processes the sign to higher match the amplifier to the loudspeaker load. The SU-GX70X has two line inputs, mm phono, networking, Internet Radio, FM radio, Bluetooth, and each streaming service you possibly can think about. It additionally does DSD as much as 5.6MHz. An HDMI enter is included with Audio Return Channel (ARC) for straightforward integration with a TV. You can management the unit through the entrance panel, distant management, or app. Price: $1999, with availability starting in late July.
AVM CS 5.3 and CS 30.3 All-in-One, and PAS Preamplifier
Udo Besser of Germany’s AVM was available to indicate me the corporate’s new CS 5.3 all-in-one unit. The CS 5.3 is a community streaming amplifier with each streaming perform possible, HDMI enter for integrating with a TV, a phonostage with adjustable loading and achieve, and a whopping 330Wpc of Class D output energy. The CS 5.3 could be ordered as a hybrid unit with a tube enter stage at $12,800, or with a solid-state enter at $10,000.
If you don’t want that a lot energy, take into account the brand new CS 30.3 all-in-one, a part of the brand new 30.3 line that brings AVM’s expertise and build-quality to a cheaper price tier. The $5000 CS 30.3 is totally loaded functionally however presents 125Wpc of output energy. The 30.3 sequence comes with the identical superbly machined aluminum distant management as AVM’s high fashions.
If you have already got an influence amplifier and wish to add extra options to your system, AVM confirmed the PAS preamplifier, which is actually a CS 5.3 with out the facility amplification stage. Price: $8000 with tube enter stage.
All the AVM merchandise are supplied in black, silver, and chrome finishes, the latter carrying a small upcharge. Commendably, AVM has written its personal streaming engine software program and invested significantly in making a management app. I noticed a demo of the app and was enormously impressed by its energy, visible magnificence, and ease of use. The app has an ingenious graphic show for multi-room management of an AVM system with a number of parts all through the house.
Rotel Michi Series 2 Integrated Amplifiers and Preamplifier
After a protracted quiet spell, Rotel launched three formidable merchandise within the upscale Michi Series. The first of two built-in amplifiers is the Michi X3 Series 2. The X3 options greater than 90 element upgrades, ESS ES9028PRO DACs, and reengineered energy provides. This powerhouse delivers 350Wpc into 4 ohms and features a full complement of analog and digital inputs, in addition to an mm phonostage.
If you need much more energy, the Michi X5 Series 2 will present 600Wpc into 4 ohms thanks partially to twin, in-house-manufactured, shielded, low-noise toroidal transformers. The X5 additionally advantages from element upgrades and contains selectable mm or mc phono enter.
Finally, the Michi P5 Series 2 preamplifier options the ESS SABRE DAC tailored to “mono” mode for enhanced efficiency. It presents a full suite of analog and digital inputs together with MQA decoding, DSD as much as 4x, and mm and mc phono inputs. The X3 Series 2 is priced at $5799; the X5 is $7999; and the P5 is $4599. Availability begins in April.
WestminsterLab REI Class A Monoblock Amplifier and Quest Preamplifier
I noticed and heard an formidable new energy amplifier and preamplifier from an organization new to me, Hong Kong-based WestminsterLab. The compact amplifier, referred to as the REI, operates in Class A to ship 100W; but, the amplifier ran cool to the contact because of the VARI-BIAS expertise and heatsink design. The amplifier can double its output energy because the impedance is halved, all the way in which all the way down to 2 ohms. The direct-coupled, no-global-feedback circuitry is totally discrete and realized with hand-matched parts. The REI could be bridged for 400W. The minimalist industrial design is uncommon and delightful, realized with CNC-machined aluminum and carbon fiber. The matching Quest preamplifier is equally tweaky, with a dual-mono totally balanced design and a discrete stepped attenuator. Prices: $32,900 per pair for the REI, and $25,100 for the Quest preamplifier. WestminsterLabs merchandise are distributed by HearThis in Newport Beach, California.
SoTM sPQ-100 Phonostage
Korea’s SoTM, maker of dozens of high-tech digital parts for community streaming, launched its first phonostage, the sPQ-100. Housed in SoTM’s acquainted wedge-shaped chassis, the sPQ-100 presents banks of DIP switches for high-quality changes of the equalization curve. One place on every change is marked “RIAA” for setting the unit to accurately equalize for the worldwide normal. No pricing was introduced, however the sPQ-100 is predicted to promote for about $800 plus the price of one of many outboard energy provides supplied by SoTM.
Mola Mola Lupe Phonostage and Perca Stereo Amplifier
The acclaimed phonostage constructed into Mola Mola’s Makua preamplifier has now been become a stand-alone unit with its personal energy provide. The new Lupe options three single-ended inputs and one balanced enter, balanced and single-ended output, and a subsonic filter, all housed in a half-sized chassis. Unusually, the mm and mc levels are utterly separate; in most phonostages the mc sign merely goes by means of a further achieve stage. Any of the 4 inputs could be routed to the output to accommodate turntables with a number of tonearms. Price: $9850.
Mola Mola additionally confirmed a brand new stereo energy amplifier, the Perca. It delivers 150Wpc into 8 ohms and may double that score into 4 ohms. Price: $9850.
Leak Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier
Talk a few legendary title from the previous. Leak confirmed, by means of its U.S. distributor MoFi Distribution, the brand new Stereo 230 built-in amp. The unit options mid-century-modern styling together with a brand new DAC part that gives full MQA decoding, DSD512, and decoding of any PCM sign. An HDMI enter with Audio Return Channel (ARC) permits the 230 to breed tv sound. An mm phonostage and devoted headphone amplifier are included. The 230 is Roon examined, however certification is pending. Power output is 75Wpc into 8 ohms, and 110Wpc into 4 ohms. Price: $1695
Robert Harley’s Best of Show
Best Sound (value no object)
I’ll title three methods, in no specific order.
Axiss Audio’s demo of the Gauder Akustik DARC 200 loudspeaker pushed by Soulution electronics with a Transrotor turntable and Air Tight Opus One cartridge. Spectacular dynamics, hard-hitting bass, fast, clear, non-fatiguing, and simply plain musical.
The Acora Acoustics VRC loudspeaker ($218,000) pushed by VAC Statement electronics sourced by an Oracle Delphi Reference turntable and cabled with Cardas all through. The sense of presence and immediacy was beautiful, as was the large three-dimensional soundstage.
MBL’s lately upgraded 101 Mk.II loudspeaker pushed by all-MBL entrance finish and electronics delivered the standard dose of MBL virtues—a shocking sense of lifelike presence, top-to-bottom coherence, enormous soundstage, and great bass extension and impression. Because of the 101’s omnidirectional nature each seat in the home was within the candy spot.
Best Sound (for the cash)
The Cabasse Rialto energetic loudspeaker. This small dice combines a concentric forward-facing driver with a rear-firing woofer, integral amplification, streaming, and even DSP room correction. You’ve heard the expression, “Just add audio system.” The Realto is, “Just add music.” The sound was stunningly nice for $4000 a pair. As a showgoer stated, “It’s scary good.” I couldn’t agree extra.
Most Significant Product Introduction
Magico S3. This new $45k speaker brings the sonic qualities of Magico’s flagship merchandise to its less expensive fashions. I’d have thought I used to be listening to one in every of Magico’s M-Series audio system.
Most Significant Trend
Great enhancements in app-based consumer interfaces. Once crude and clumsy, the most effective interfaces are quickly turning into slick and highly effective. Examples: Server-maker Innuos’ spectacular customized music-management system and AVM’s app management of its all-in-one methods with multiroom functionality. That form of software program growth is extraordinarily costly however delivers a superior buyer expertise.
Most Coveted Product
The Hill Plasmatronics plasma tweeter. Dr. Alan Hill, the physicist who invented the plasma tweeter 40 years in the past, was available to witness the primary public show of his driver in 4 a long time. The plasma driver, which has no diaphragm and thus no shifting mass, was paired with an Eminent Technology LFT-8c, crossed over at 1kHz. The sound was extremely lifelike and easy—essentially the most pure and sensible replica of upper-midrange and treble I’ve ever heard. Thanks to Tony Salsich, Joe Galanti, and Ron Hoering for spending the time, effort, and expense to showcase this outstanding expertise and landmark piece of high-end historical past.
The submit The 2023 AXPONA Show: Robert Harley on Electronics appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
Music First Audio is Jonathan Billington, a transformer winding specialist who was born right into a enterprise began by his father and a companion method again in 1963 and carried on by his mom after his father handed away. It wasn’t till audio tweak-meister extraordinaire Thorsten Loesch managed to seek out Jonathan and persuaded him to make some transformers with which to construct a transformer-based preamplifier (or TVC as they’ve turn into identified) that Billington bought the thought to make passive preamplifiers and joined the hi-fi fraternity.
The relaxation is sort of historical past, since then Music First Audio has established itself because the premium model in TVCs with a variety of preamplifiers and step-up transformers primarily based on transformers wound in a workshop close to Rye in East Sussex. Up till now all Music First Audio passive preamplifiers have been primarily based on a mechanical swap that selects particular person faucets from a transformer for every channel. Each faucet represents a level of attenuation and the amount vary of the preamp is outlined by the quantity of positions on the swap. I used to be below the impression that it was the variety of faucets fairly than the controller that’s the limitation, however plainly nobody makes a swap with something close to the quantity of steps that Jonathan needed to supply within the new Reference V2; even the Baby Reference V2 has a mechanical swap and affords 30 steps plus mute.
The Reference V2 achieves its 60 instances 1dB quantity steps through the use of relays together with a transformer that has 30 secondary faucets and two primaries; the relays toggle between the 2 to offer this unusually big selection. It’s one thing that Townshend Audio has achieved with its high passive preamplifier and permits not solely wider and finer gradations of quantity however supplies the choice to show the extent as might be seen on the Music First Audio. Given that the management knob itself shouldn’t be motorised and thus doesn’t transfer it is a helpful indicator of what to anticipate when it comes to quantity. The second LED exhibits which enter is chosen, Music First Audio makes use of letters to indicate inputs, which is uncommon however simple to familiarise your self with. Well it’s in case you solely have two sources related. Those who use all six of the inputs provided will want an excellent reminiscence. Another advantage of the relay system is that it permits distant management of each enter choice and quantity, and Jonathan has had the nice sense to produce an Apple IR distant for the job. Not solely is that this a fantastically made factor, it additionally has such huge dispersion that it’s going to management the receiver nearly no matter which method it’s pointed; you may actually be beside the preamp and level the distant on the reverse wall and it’ll work. No devoted hi-fi remotes obtain this in my expertise… and it even has a mute button.
Sensitive elements
The Reference V2 is notably bigger than something Music First Audio has inbuilt latest instances but it surely follows a sample shaped by the unique Reference mannequin which was usurped by the Baby Reference a couple of years in the past. The further area that the total width case supplies is beneficial on the subject of spacing out the elements inside, the relays used for degree setting want energy so there may be the potential for stray fields and with the ability to hold delicate elements away from them is a helpful. There isn’t any mains transformer, the ability is equipped by an exterior Longdog Audio linear energy provide. The unique plan was to make use of a top quality switched mode provide (SMP) as a result of the sign shouldn’t be amplified and the ability is simply there to function the relays, the issue with that is that an SMP if it’s not designed for audio (see costly) injects noise into the mains and that undermines the efficiency of lively elements such because the amplifier and supply.
This preamp’s six inputs are cut up into 5 single-ended pairs on prime quality WBT sockets plus one pair of XLRs, the unit equipped for overview had a pair of clean covers below the inscription ‘tape out’, suggesting that that is an choice ought to it’s required. On the output aspect, you get two pairs of RCA phono sockets and two pairs of XLRs, however the guide discourages utilizing each RCAs and XLRs collectively. As every preamp is made to order, it’s doable to have the Reference V2 with any mixture of XLR and RCA connections. Each pair of outputs additionally has a floor/elevate swap with a view to fight hum points attributable to floor loops, which is a helpful characteristic that’s not seen fairly often outdoors of valve electronics.
I used the Reference V2 with a Moor Amps Angel 6 energy amplifier and a wide range of audio system together with PMC twenty5.26is and Vivid Giya G1 Spirits, the latter proving notably insightful as you may think. Being a passive machine this preamplifier could be very quick on character. In truth, it appears to be completely devoid of the colorations and distortions related to even high-end lively designs. It’s neither quick and ahead nor gradual and clean; it sounds very very like the supply you connect to it and its sins corresponding to they’re, are strictly of omission. In quick, it doesn’t add something to the sign and an enormous quantity of that sign will get via to the ability amplifier.
With an iFi Pro iDSD DAC it’s each exact and pure in its presentation, very properly outlined however with none of the grain related to all however the very best lively preamplifiers. That’s the good thing about passive operation, you eliminate the challenges inherent in energy provide design in a single fell swoop. If the recording has good stage depth you realize all about it; there’s a actual sense of sonic holography with stay performances which were properly captured no matter whether or not its Ryan Adams or Mari Samuelsen. The latter’s album Mari is extraordinarily properly made and the Music First Audio lets you realize all about it, delivering the finesse of her phrasing together with the stress and emotional impression of the items she performs. There’s an electrical ambiance on lots of the items that’s totally revealed by the uncanny silence of the Reference V2.
Uncanny constancy
I’ve observed that some TVCs lack the bass punch and extension discovered with the higher lively preamplifiers, however this isn’t certainly one of them. That a lot grew to become clear on all kinds of tracks that have been performed. It goes down so far as you want and might kick just like the proverbial mule when the sign requires it. Voices are additionally very properly catered for, the diploma of transparency on supply which means that a lot of the intonation and expression of the midrange comes via that it takes little or no to droop disbelief. With the very best performances this provides you goose bumps such is the energy of realism and presence. But readability is just one a part of the equation, timing is equally important to the tip outcome and that is one other space the place the Reference V2 responds to the supply with uncanny constancy. There is not one of the emphasis that some designers use to make a product sound pacey and thrilling, simply clearly outlined main edges which have impression however no exaggeration.
For a little bit of distinction I hooked the Reference V2 as much as a pair of Valvet A3.5 Class An influence amps that are extra consistent with the type of amps that Music First Audio use for dems and growth. And it labored properly, the additional openness and finesse made every part that was performed that rather more partaking and thrilling. Keith Jarrett’s piano enjoying was completely absorbing due to the benefit with which the notes flowed via the system, the Reference V2 is clearly able to delivering actually fluent, cohesive music the place the tonal depth and the expressiveness of enjoying take priority over energy and assault. It’s all concerning the musical message, and for that matter the spoken one. Joseph Malik’s ‘Tavistock’ combines spoken phrase with low key jazz backing to tremendously highly effective impact, its understatement reinforcing the best way he communicates a perspective that’s so pertinent at this time. Clara Baker’s ‘Things to Burn’ can be very efficient in the best way that it combines mild vocals with aggressive guitar, the dynamic distinction being maximised by the extraordinarily low noise of the preamp.
Music First Audio has achieved good with this new vary topping preamp, it’s among the many highest in school but because of respectable fairly than elaborate casework the worth shouldn’t be stratospheric. It’s not cheap both however preamplifiers that sound this good by no means are, and infrequently what you’re paying for is machined aluminium, right here you get what it says on the tin: reference grade management par excellence.
Technical specs
- Type Passive transformer primarily based preamplifier with distant management
- Analogue inputs Six pairs of inputs which might be any mixture of XLR connectors and RCA jacks
- Analogue outputs Two pairs of XLR outputs, two pairs of single-ended outputs (by way of RCA jacks), elective Tape Output (by way of RCA jacks)
- Gain 0dB
- Dimensions (H×W×D) 100 × 410 × 355mm
- Weight 7kg
- Price £7,720
Manufacturer
Stevens & Billington
+44 (0)1424 858260
The publish Music First Audio Reference V2 appeared first on Hi-Fi+.
In the movie Caddyshack, the character Ty Webb (performed by Chevy Chase) is an affable businessman and crack golfer who even performs properly when blindfolded. At one level, he undertakes to provide some free recommendation to the formidable teenage caddy named Danny (Michael O’Keefe). As the duo survey the course on the venerable Bushwood Country Club, Webb recites a saying that he fancifully attributes to the well-known Seventeenth-century Japanese thinker and haiku poet Matsuo Basho: “A flute with no holes in it isn’t a flute. A donut with no gap is a Danish.”
So, what does that make the Danish Gryphon Commander—a black aluminum two-chassis design with no exterior knobs or switches that primarily does virtually nothing to the audio sign? I’m no thinker, however I can attest that it makes the Commander not only a preamplifier however one thing of a magical instrument.
Your eyes will let you know a variety of the story. Put bluntly, the Gryphon Commander preamplifier is a commanding object. Its separate containers are related by three cables, that are the one slender factor about it. The hefty energy provide sits silently, whether or not in operation or not. So does the signal-processing chassis. No noise, no vibration, no nothing. Just obsidian silence. Quite a feat for a big energy provide that incorporates 4 custom-made 36VA toroidal transformers, two for every left and proper channel, that go a great distance towards rendering this preamp as potent as a variety of amplifiers. The energy provide can be able to powering a forthcoming phono- stage from Gryphon in addition to a digital supply. A considerable distant management with a rubber pad on the again to keep away from scratching furnishings controls the Commander, until you resolve to make use of your fingers and make use of the 4.3″ TFT capacitive touchscreen.
Situating the Commander in my {custom} HR-X stand required two folks to make sure that the preamp didn’t get dented or scratched or take a bit out of the stand itself. Fortunately, Jeff Fox of Command Performance AV in Falls Church, Virginia, and Anthony Chiarella, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Gryphon North America, had been each available to assist set up it safely. All the fuss proved to be well worth the effort. The Commander, which is the successor to the corporate’s earlier Pandora preamplifier, didn’t open up an auditory Pandora’s field. Instead, it provided a reminder of the significance of nice energy exercised with duty.
In the previous few years, I’ve listened to quite a lot of wonderful preamps, together with the Boulder 3010 and the Ypsilon PST-100, Mk. II. My present reference is the Swiss battery-powered darTZeel NHB-18NS, which features a phonostage. The Commander introduced its personal distinctive mix of attributes to the sonic desk. I didn’t solely take pleasure in listening to it; I reveled in its dynamic prowess and its means to resolve fantastic particulars, each of which will be traced to its superlatively low noise ground. Throughout my audition, the Commander did as little to change the sign emanating from digital or analog sources as I’ve ever heard a preamp do. It could be exhausting to consider a extra linear and immaculate part.
It might sound paradoxical, however the quiescence of the Commander was instantly audible. It offered silky black backgrounds on recording after recording. One CD that I very a lot loved listening to on the Commander, as an illustration, was a reside recording from December 2010 of the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass part enjoying all the pieces from Bach to Percy Grainger, from Gabrielli to Prokofiev. All the facility on faucet meant that the Commander was in a position to situate every instrument securely in its personal area. This was notably noteworthy, because it had been, on a spooky piece by the Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas known as “Sensemaya.” The tuba emerged from what appeared like prehistoric depths with an virtually voluptuous tone, conveying properly the instrumental rendering of the Cuban poet Nicolas Guillen’s saga a couple of ritual Afro-Caribbean chant that’s recited throughout the killing of a snake. And drumsticks had a extra authoritative and life like crack to them. Then there was the CSO brass’ rendition of Bach’s C minor Passacaglia and Fugue which vividly shows the clarion would possibly of the ensemble. The precision of soundstaging on Bach’s blockbuster work was actually marvelous, and the piccolo trumpets had a piping high quality to them that was wholly endearing.
Another factor all the facility of the Gryphon buys you is easy rest—not the soggy variety that you simply discover when collapsing right into a La-Z-Boy, however one thing a lot tauter and extra elegant. The sheer exactitude of the Commander meant that there was no sense of smearing or bloat, which translated into an enviable readability of musical line. This attribute was abundantly obvious after I streamed Roberta Flack, who made an abortive try at a profession as an opera singer then took R&B to new heights, singing “Jesse” or “I’m the Girl” on her traditional album Killing Me Softly. The Commander’s lack of grain and its iron-fisted management allowed it to spotlight the lilting and lissome high quality of her voice. Something comparable occurred on a Concord LP of the Warren Vache Trio known as Midtown Jazz. The elegant breathiness of Vache’s cornet enjoying on numbers akin to “I’m Old Fashioned” was by no means extra in proof on my stereo system. On Count Basie Remembered [Nagel Heyer Records], which options the New York All Stars enjoying reside in Hamburg, Germany, all the pieces snapped into place. When a preamp exerts the type of grip that the Commander does, it turns into rather a lot simpler to hint the interaction of an ensemble, in addition to its circulation. The rhythm turns into audibly snappier on swing music, because the devices, from piano to guitar, appear to cease and begin only a hair extra rapidly. The command of the Commander supplies that “you’re there” sensation that each one audiophiles in good standing are inclined to covet.
The would possibly of the Commander additionally signifies that it could actually distill the music to its essence, stripping away any digital detritus or encrustation. This got here dwelling to me whereas listening to the well-known German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She made many recordings beneath the supervision of her husband, Walter Legge, who headed the classical music division at EMI/Angel. One such LP was a 1975 launch on the EMI label known as Songs I Love that I not too long ago picked up off eBay. Its very good high quality instantly displays the notoriously authoritarian Legge’s fastidious consideration to element (he was recognized, amongst different issues, as “the autocrat of the turntable”). Two notable songs on this recording are Schubert’s “To Silvia” and “Still Sea.” In her insightful memoir of Legge, On and Off the Record, Schwarzkopf observes, “Schubert didn’t soak himself in his poets; his nature was so filled with music, so wealthy in melody, that just about any piece of verse was sufficient to stimulate his creativeness.” Still, it virtually goes with out saying that these two songs, which set to music poems by Shakespeare and Goethe, traverse the very best inventive peaks, no matter Schubert’s inattention to poetry. In listening to them via the Commander, I heard an unprecedented stage of readability on the vocal traces and within the relationship between voice and piano that made it simplicity itself to comply with each the textual content and Schwarzkopf’s musical intention. In this regard, it jogged my memory of the mesmerizing transparency that I skilled when not too long ago visiting my buddy Ali Saad’s elaborate Avantgarde Trio setup in Beverly Hills.
More Schubert was on faucet after I reached for the Austrian baritone Florian Boesch’s 2012 recording of the Viennese composer on the Hyperion label. As you’ll count on, Hyperion did a bang-up job, however the Commander took it to a brand new stage by way of pellucid playback. It could be simple to confuse the calm that the Commander conveys with placidity. But that’s actually not the case in any respect. Rather, the reserve energy signifies that essentially the most delicate tonal shadings at pianissimo ranges—these umbratile passages that may be so haunting in classical music—are conveyed with stupendous constancy on songs akin to “Der Wanderer.” My consideration didn’t wander. On the opposite, on quite a few recordings I used to be impressed by the Commander’s means to seize the tonal shadings of quite a lot of singers.
As you’ll count on, the brute pressure of the Commander additionally signifies that it exerts a level of management within the bass that’s fairly uncommon. On jazz recordings, the place the recording of the standup bass can typically be slightly murky, the Commander reached proper down into the nether areas to clear issues up. And on numbers the place you simply rock out—Pharrell Williams’ Girl or Isaac Hayes’ Shaft—the Commander, in tandem with darTZeel 468 amplifier, offered a bass basis that was each richly sonorous and rock stable. On Williams’ hit music “Happy,” the cymbal within the background might hardly be crisper. What’s extra, there was merely no sense of bass bloat on numbers akin to “Gush,” the place Williams evocatively croons about “eager to get soiled, woman.” Suffice it to say that the efficiency of the Commander is all the time pristine.
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to explain the Commander is as a preservation machine. It preserves the sign about in addition to a Boulder preamp however provides a level of silkiness to the proceedings. And it’s received actual cojones. If you’re the type of individual that desires to go straight to the supply, as my colleague Jonathan Valin likes to say, then the Commander actually needs to be at your beck and name. Compared to the darTZeel preamp the Gryphon lacks a little bit of the supernatural musical circulation and midrange bloom that’s the hallmark of that preamplifier. But the Commander has superior dynamics, a decrease noise ground, higher management of the bass, and extra correct transient pitch definition. The Commander occupies a spot on the very apex of musical playback and casts a fascinating spell, whether or not or not you occur to be a devotee of the fabled Basho.
Specs & Pricing
Inputs: Four pairs XLR balanced, two pairs RCA single-ended
Outputs: Two pairs XLR balanced, one pair RCA single-ended
Input impedance: 18k ohms balanced, 12k ohms single-ended
Gain: 18dB
Frequency response: 0.1Hz–1.5MHz at –3dB
Dimensions: Audio/management unit, 18.8″ x 9.3″ x 17.9″; energy provide, 18.8″ x 9.29″ x 17.3″
Weight: Audio management unit, 67.2 lbs; energy provide, 84.2 lbs.
Price: $63,000
GRYPHON AUDIO NA Inc.
9 Lynn Court, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, USA
Anthony Chiarella, Director of Sales & Marketing
(201) 690-9006 (workplace)
(201) 264-7217 (cell)
[email protected]
The publish Gryphon Commander Preamplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
Audible Illusions L3B
$5295
A purist design based mostly on a single Russian 6H23n-EB triode per channel, the L3A distills one of the best attributes of recent tube sound: exact transients, an in depth presentation, and pure but non-euphonic textures. It is its insistence on the sonic reality that defines it as a real reference line preamp. The L3A’s potential to retrieve the music’s rhythmic drive and drama makes it probably the most sonically persuasive line preamps in the marketplace. Audible Illusions’ greatest effort thus far and top-of-the-line line preamps DO has auditioned over time at any value: audible illusions on a grand scale! DO, 259
PrimaLuna EVO 400
$5295
The EVO 400 just isn’t solely PrimaLuna’s greatest line preamp providing ever, but it surely additionally holds its personal in opposition to ultra-high-end competitors. It’s laborious to flee the impression that it was designed from the bottom up on an influence amplifier chassis. It options huge and complicated energy provides, high-voltage regulation, unique passive components, and tube rectification through a pair of 5AR4s. Miraculously, it manages to mix the virtues of recent tube sound with the tonal heft and timbral realism afforded by classic tube preamps. If purity of expression and tonal realism are sonic priorities, get able to embrace the EVO 400. DO, 305
Atma-Sphere MP-3
$5590 ($6500 with LOMC phono)
This no-frills tubed preamp from Atma-Sphere is a must-hear for the purist music lover. Offering a crystal-clear, clean, and concise window on the music, the MP-3’s expansiveness is an ideal match for each tube and solid-state amplification. Balanced-only operation, phono non-obligatory. SK, 184
Aesthetix Calypso/Calypso Signature
$6000/$8500
The all-tube Calypso delivers many of the efficiency of Aesthetix’ two-box $13,000 Callisto linestage for a couple of third the worth. Sonically, the Calypso is characterised by extraordinarily good dynamics and dynamic nuance. Although the treble is clean and considerably laid-back, transparency and backbone are first-rate. Noise flooring is very depending on tube high quality, which has been variable. Competes with the megabuck preamps. The Signature model improves on the Calypso’s already terrific efficiency with an expanded soundstage, richer portfolio of instrumental textures, extra air, longer decays, and better-defined bass. AT discovered that the Signature model imparted a hotter forged to timbres. RH, 151; AT, 196
Pass Labs XP-12
$6100
The XP-12 line-level preamp forgoes dual-chassis extravagance however sonically you wouldn’t understand it. Music abounds with gorgeous orchestral layering and complicated three-dimensional soundspace vistas. There’s a stage of harmonic bloom throughout the spectrum, most notably within the infusion of resonance and decay cues round strings and winds. Anchored by the precision of Wayne Colburn’s single-stage digital quantity management from the Xs line, the XP-12 produced an nearly eerie sense of music spontaneously bursting forth within the right here and now. An outright discount. NG, 286
Lamm Industries LL2.1
$8490 ($8790, deluxe model)
This all-tube linestage preamp (with tube rectification) captures 80% of the sound of price-no-object preamps for a fraction of their price. Never in-your-face analytical, the LL2.1 frames particulars organically throughout the cloth of the music. Treble, bass, and transparency may be improved by utilizing the appropriate after-market tubes. DO, 198
McIntosh C53
$8500
McIntosh’s C53 preamplifier replaces an entire shelf-full of elements, rolling a state-of-the-art linestage, phono- stage, DAC, equalizer, and headphone amp right into a single elegant, albeit massive field, with no compromises in efficiency. With 16 inputs and three outputs, the C53’s connectivity is unequalled, its DAC supporting each widespread digital format, plus an ARC HDMI enter that appropriately decodes and mixes down film and TV sources for individuals who demand first-class AV copy by way of their two-channel setups. Its two phonostages are ok to obviate the necessity for separates. In addition to all this, the C53 gives battleship building and appears that simply radiate class, style, and elegance. One of PS’ reference preamplifiers. PS, 315
Aesthetix Janus/Janus Signature
$9000/$13,500
The Janus combines Aesthetix’ Calypso linestage with a scaled-down Rhea phonostage in a single chassis. The Signature model options upgraded components within the similar circuit. The models share quite a few qualities: velocity and element; a low noise flooring; exact rhythms; dynamics which are nearly reference-caliber; and a laid-back perspective. The quiet background and clean highs add as much as lengthy hours of wonderful, fatigue-free listening. AT, 196
MBL Cadenza C11
$9200
With civilized sonics, each ethereal and open, dynamics which are vigorous, and dimensionality and imaging which are distinctive, the C11 is a pleasure to make use of in live performance with different Cadenza gear, the place management and communication through Ethernet hyperlink is glitch-free. It can also be outfitted with probably the most sonically clear analog quantity controls (through a motorized potentiometer) that we’ve come throughout. NG, 228
Mark Levinson No5206
$9900
Part of the extra inexpensive (for Mark Levinson) 5000 Series, the No5206 sports activities a number of superior circuits and options. The dual-monaural sign path is direct coupled and pure Class A in operation. The audio path contains a single achieve stage mated to a digitally managed resistor-ladder quantity management. The No5206 is fitted with an integral DAC with MQA decoding and rendering and Bluetooth connectivity; the unit can deal with PCM as much as 384kHz/24-bit in addition to DSD as much as 11.2MHz. The No5206 even features a headphone jack with sufficient present drive to energy any ’telephones. The icing on the cake is an excellent mm/mc phonostage that includes a hybrid achieve expertise with an infrasonic filter and unusually complete cartridge-loading adjustment. The preamp is excellent with low-level passages, with decision restricted solely by the supply, not the preamplifier itself. AHC, 322
Pass Labs XP-22
$9975
The XP-22 is a big improve from the earlier mannequin on this slot. Based on new semiconductors and a brand new quantity management, the two-chassis XP-22 vaults the efficiency into one other league. The dual-mono energy provides function double-shielded toroidal transformers for even decrease noise. The output stage is extra sturdy, with the power to drive lengthy cable runs. The XP-22 is so clear that it improves upon the sound of operating a supply part instantly into an influence amplifier—not one thing each linestage can declare. Musically significant element and backbone are wonderful. If the recording possesses the knowledge, the rendering of area may be dramatic and dynamics startling. AQ, 316
Yamaha C-5000
$9999
Yamaha put some coronary heart and soul into its return to the audio deep finish. While the NS-5000 audio system and GT-5000 turntable are more likely to entice many of the 5000 Series consideration, the C-5000 preamplifier deserves its personal highlight. This totally balanced, solid-state preamp incorporates an exquisite, totally discrete phonostage with a large 80dB of potential achieve. There’s a sense of a sign unimpeded. The C-5000 doesn’t require a sonic counterbalance elsewhere within the system. It additionally occurs to be probably the most rewarding elements to simply put your palms on and use. An fascinating and distinctive possibility in high-end preamplifiers, particularly if a turntable is a vital a part of your system. AM, 308
The publish 2023 Editors’ Choice: Preamplifiers $5,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.
In this evaluate, 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.