Audio

June 14, 2022

AURENDER N20 Music Server – The Absolute Sound review

Within the last decade, we’ve seen the emergence of a market for a new type of high-end audio component: the digital-music server/streamer. Integrating the functions of a computer, music server, network bridge, and Internet gateway, the server/streamer provides the flexibility of listening to music files from a disc drive (spinning or solid-state) as well as from high-quality music-streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz. Aurender has a been one of the pioneers and innovators in this market for some time, and as we shall see, the N20 represents a fresh, formidable, and innovative offering.
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June 7, 2022

REL T7x – HST Studio were impressed by the quickness and musicality of the T/7x

“I think it’s designed 75% more for HiFi 2 channel music use, but still has the ability to perform in home cinema. The speed of the T/7x is its outstanding feature. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a subwoofer like it for a similar price.”READ MORE

May 31, 2022

GOLD NOTE DS-10 PLUS > Fedelta review

THE AUDIO SOURCE FOR THE CONTEMPORARY AUDIOPHILE

The DS-10 is a versatile state-of-the-art streaming DAC, designed for the contemporary audiophile: it features a new generation D/A Converter, UPnP-DLNA Streamer, Line Preamplifier and a Headphone Amplifier. It combines its extended connectivity features with the exceptional high-resolution of the Bluetooth 5.0 – for the first time ever on a High-End audio product – and the headphone double power GAIN output.
The DS-10 is also equipped with analogue input to become a complete preamplifier for analogue and digital sources, both the analogue line input and the preamp stage operate in a fully analogue way to preserve the purest audio quality.
The technology of the DS-10 is enclosed in a compact-sized aluminium chassis, which makes it the perfect addition to a modern High-End audio system.

May 24, 2022

New > ELECTROCOMPANIET AW 800 M power amplifier

A Legend Reborn The All-New Reference Amplifier

The AW 800 M is Electrocompaniet’s brand new, from the ground up re-engineered flagship power amplifier. It replaces the legendary AW 600 NEMO as our most powerful monoblock power amplifier. The amplifier showcases an updated, yet unmistakable and distinctive Electrocompaniet design that is a perfect match for all current and legacy Electrocompaniet products.
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May 17, 2022

MELCO N100 > What Hi-Fi review

The Melco N100 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-quality streamer with storage built-in and already have a capable DAC. The company’s computer heritage shines through in the slick, fuss-free operation, making the N100 highly recommended.

May 3, 2022

AUDIOQUEST – Mythical Series Interconnects

AudioQuest’s 42-year history of designing and refining analog interconnects has been a long, steady climb up a mountain, the summit of which can never be reached…READ MORE

April 26, 2022

GOLD NOTE IS-1000 DELUXE > TAS – Editors’ choice 2022 Award

Treble octaves were smooth and non-fatiguing. Transient behavior was natural, rather than overly etched and prickly. Brass ensembles fared well with sharp assertive attacks that were not overly metallic and with a nice trailing openness on decays. The spark and intensity of aggressively bowed violins were revealed, but never to the point of upstaging the resonant wooden bodies of the instruments. Imaging was unclouded, and localization of players could be observed seemingly at a glance, as if you were actually seated comfortably in the audience about mid-hall.

April 19, 2022

COPLAND CSA70 > Stereonet America – Applause Award

Copland’s new CSA70 is a solid-state amplifier delivering a claimed 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 130W into 4 ohms. It sports three unbalanced analogue line inputs, MM phono stage, coaxial, optical, and USB digital inputs via a built-in DAC, plus a headphone socket. Unlike the company’s other integrated amps, the entry-level CSA70 is not a tube/transistor hybrid. If you want a valve line stage, you’ll need to look at the pricier 100W CSA100 or 150W CSA150 models.
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April 12, 2022

ATC SIA2-100 > Audiograde Review

All that you want

Inputs wise this amp is very well and sensibly served, making sure all bases are covered for most music fans. The rear panel offers two sets of line-level (RCA) analogue inputs alongside optical (TOSLINK), coaxial (S/PDIF) and USB (Type B) digital sockets. The latter three are handled via an AKM 32-bit DAC chip, with the USB input catering for PCM signals up to 384kHz and native DSD256 for PC and DSD128 for Mac. The amp’s front panel also sports a 3.5mm auxiliary socket for hooking up analogue inputs in a hurry and a 6.35mm headphone jack to keep partners and neighbours happy.

April 5, 2022

Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review

The CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.
Score 10 out of 10