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That number surprised even this diehard vinyl advocate. The $279 direct-drive AT-LP120X looks somewhat like a Technics SL-1200; it could almost be a knockoff. For a few hundred dollars, it includes a tonearm that won't ruin your records, a built-in phono preamp, and an AT-VM95E cartridge—an upgrade from the AT-95SE, which is already…

The SME 6 is a slow starter, but unless you plan on using it at a disco, that's no problem. To fine-tune the speed: With the motor running, hold down the large rotary knob until the speed LED blinks, then turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the speed. Once set, push the large knob down again. The Model 6 holds speed…

In my words: Triode vacuum tubes (like those in the Vali 2+) are simple glass-and-metal devices that when used as audio-frequency amplifiers give rise naturally to some amount…

Then I replaced the Z10e with the…

Description: Hybrid tube headphone amplifier and preamplifier employing one 6BQ7A/6DJ8/6922 dual-triode tube. Inputs: 1 pair single-ended (RCA). Outputs: 1 pair line-level (RCA) and one ¼" headphone jack. Power output: 1500mW into 32 ohms, 1000mW into 50 ohms, 400mW into 300 ohms, 200mW into 600 ohms. Input impedance: 50k ohms. Voltage gain: 5× (14dB), or 1× (0 dB). Output impedance: 1.8 ohms (headphone output).
Dimensions: 2.75" (70mm) H × 5" (127mm) W × 3.5" (90mm) D. Weight: 1lb (0.453kg).
Finish: Silver.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 122+01026…

Analog sources: Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable with Schick 10.5" tonearm; Koetsu Rosewood Signature, My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Ex, Hana Umami and ML moving coil cartridges.
Digital sources: Apple Mac mini running Audirvana+; HoloAudio May (Level 3) D/A processor with Itona USB 3.0 Isolator; Mytek HiFi Brooklyn DAC+.
Headphones: Sony MDR-Z1R, HiFiMan Susvara, JPS Labs Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC, T+A Solitaire P, ZMF Vérité, Focal Clear and Stellia.
Headphone amplifiers: Ampsandsound Bigger Ben, Schiit Asgard (original) and Jotunheim 2,…

After installing the single GE 6BZ7 dual-triode tube, I measured the Schiit Vali 2+ with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"), repeating some tests with the magazine's sample of Audio Precision's current top-line APx555. I took a full set of measurements from both the front-panel headphone jack and the single-ended preamplifier outputs on the rear panel in both the High and Low gain settings.

The Schiit's input impedance is specified as 50k ohms. I measured 45k ohms at 20Hz and 1Hz, and an inconsequential drop to 40k ohms…

Daniel Lanois may not be a household name as a solo artist, but over four decades he has gained great notoriety as a producer. After serendipitously catching Brian Eno's attention with his homespun recording projects in the late '70s, Quebec-born, Ontario-based Lanois became protégé and then partner to the ambient/pop tastemaker; together, they innovated sonic techniques and worked with such…

Etymotic Tuning
As I said at the very top, Etymotic is a hearing health company and come to the design of IEMs from a particular angle. One might say from the perspective of a hearing aid maker—they don't make the hearing aids, but they do make equipment hearing aid manufacturers use in their development work. Etymotic's idea of accurate, from my understanding, is to be able to perfectly reproduce at the ear drum what you would hear if you were listening to a person three feet away outdoors. And I firmly believe they're able to achieve that.

The problem is that's not the way…

ER4SR Measurements

Raw frequency response plots of these earphones show they are essentially identical above about 800Hz, where they follow the neutral target well. Below 800Hz, the XR is very flat until it begins to gently roll-off around 80Hz; the XR starts a gentle rise at around 500Hz to a broad peak centered at 45Hz about 3dB higher. While I like the extra bass of the XR, the bump is too broad extending into the mids. If…