Description: Inputs: Ethernet, USB-A (mass storage), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Outputs: Line Out (Unbalanced), Digital Out (S/ PDIF on RCA, TosLink). DAC: ESS Sabre ES9033Q. Frequency response: 20Hz–70kHz +0/–1dB. Ethernet connectivity: IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T. Wi-Fi connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 Dual Band 2.4/5GHz. Bluetooth Connectivity: 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC and AAC. Supports UPnP, USB Media, internet radio, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready. Supported audio formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+,…
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Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: dCS Bartoók streaming DAC, Oppo DV-981HD universal disc player, Rega Jupiter CD player.
Preamplifier: Benchmark LA-4.
Power amplifier: Benchmark AHB2.
Integrated amplifier: McIntosh MA6500.
Loudspeakers: B&W 801 D4 Signature, B&W 808, Amphion One18.
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 650, AKG K240.—Tom Fine
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Before measuring the Cambridge MXN10 with my Audio Precision SYS2722, I installed the StreamMagic app on my iPad mini. After the Cambridge's Ethernet port had been connected to my network, I used the app to perform a factory reset and check that the firmware was up to date. I measured the Cambridge using test-tone files stored on a USB stick plugged into the processor's rear panel or via my network with Roon. (The Cambridge is a Roon Ready device.) TF told me that he auditioned the Cambridge with its output level set to Fixed, so all the testing was performed in…
It has become a virtual axiom of show reports: When Jeremy Bryan does the setup, an MBL system sounds excellent. In the sweet spot—MBL speakers have one, and it’s not very wide—sound was ideally focused, warm, and pleasing.
Nouela’s cover of “The Sound of Silence” was lovely and clear, with the perfect blend of wet and dry warmth. Marc Cohn’s “Ghost Train” sounded gorgeous, mellow, and touching. After the volume was raised at my request, an oldie but goodie—a bit of Claude Bolling and Jean-Pierre Rampal’s Baroque and Blue Suite for Flue and Jazz Piano Trio—grew in size. Beyond a certain…
TIDAL made a fine showing in the room sponsored by one of its three US dealers, Christopher Thornton's Artisan Fidelity. Totally drug-free I swear, I melted into the exceptional smoothness and beauty of "The Girl from Ipanema" on vinyl.
Stan Getz's saxophone sounded absolutely right, the color contrasts between percussion and Astrud Gilberto's voice delicious. Turning to files, I loved the mellowness at the center of tones on Clare Teal's "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and Ayana Wilter-Johnson’s "The Nearness of You." That's a lot of pronouns.
Heard: TIDAL Piano G3…
When “What a beautiful midrange!” is the first phrase that floats through your brain as you settle down to listen to a hitherto unknown system, you can be pretty certain you’re in for a rewarding time.
In the case of AXISS Audio’s system second (of four) on the 16th floor—the highest exhibit floor at AXPONA, easily reachable by AXISS Audio’s own express elevator—my initial impression proved true.
The first artist to benefit from this system’s beguiling midrange was Peter Cincotti, whose “He’s Watching” was an ideal vehicle for his seductive vocals. During the next track, Renée…
I jumped at the chance to review T+A's $47,900/pair Solitaire S 530 loudspeaker for a few reasons (footnote 1). First, because T+A is a well-established company with an approach I like and respect: They make hi-fi equipment of the highest quality but with prices that, though substantial, are in line with their technology and execution. Their stuff is very handsome with impressive industrial design, but T+A doesn't do audio jewelry. What's more, though T+A is aggressive in R&D—their "Company" webpage says, "Actually, we're scientists ..."—but they are selective in the use of new technology…
T+A's James Shannon stopped by a week later to check in and help with setup. I'd already, on my own, moved the speakers back a couple of feet and out about 7" farther, and I was happy with how things were progressing. Jim's impressions were the same as mine: that the speakers and room were working together well, the system was detailed and articulate, and the transitions between the drivers were essentially inaudible.
But we also agreed that the system was bass-shy, so that's where we started. By the end of the day, we'd moved the speakers back another 2', toed them in a bit more, moved…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Three-way, floor-standing loudspeaker. Drive units: 33.5" (850mm) long, 1.65" (42mm) wide Magnetostat tweeter; 24" (610mm) long vertical array of seven 3.5" (90mm) long, 2.5" (60mm) wide aluminum-cone Oval Membrane midrange drivers; two 8.75" (220mm) aluminum-cone woofers. Driver enclosure types: bottom-ported woofer, sealed midrange, sealed tweeter. Crossover frequencies: 180Hz, 1.8kHz. Frequency response: 29Hz–45kHz, ±1.5dB. Power rating: 200W music, 250W maximum. Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83V/m. Impedance: 4 ohms.
Dimensions: 50.5" (1280mm) H (inc.…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Spiral Groove SG2.1 turntable and Centroid tonearm, VPI HR-X turntable and JMW Memorial tonearm; Grado Epoch, The Reference, and Signature Reference; MicroBenz SL, Audio-Technica AT-MONO3/LP phono cartridges.
Digital sources: Audio Research CD6E CD player,
Mytek Brooklyn+ DAC.
Preamplifiers: Sutherland Line Blocks, Phono Blocks Refined, and Phono Loco.
Power amplifier: VTL Ichiban Signature.
Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Specialties Sasha DAW.
Cables: Shunyata Sigma v2 NR and XC AC cords; Shunyata Delta v2, Alpha v2, and…