Digital sources: Innuos Statement, Roon Nucleus+ server/streamers; Bel Canto Black, CH Precision C1.2 DACs.
Preamplifier: Pass Laboratories XP-32.
Power amplifiers: CH Precision M1.2, Pass Laboratories XA60.8.
Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx V.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Carbon & Cinnamon & Coffee (all USB); CAD USB Cable; Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 (Ethernet). Interconnect: AudioQuest. Speaker: AudioQuest Thunderbird ZERO. Power: AudioQuest Tornado High-Current C13, NRG-X3, and Monsoon.
Accessories: PS Audio…
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Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
For music listening circa 2024, streaming is both the present and the future. Physical formats are still around, and they are still the best choice in some cases, as with deluxe reissues of beloved albums, which may add value with extra live performances, full-resolution surround sound, and other perks. The niche vinyl market continues to thrive, and that business model obviously works for releases of a few thousand copies. (It also works, apparently, for releases of hundreds of thousands of T-Swift platters to be displayed on shelves and hung on walls.)
But facts is facts: Streaming is…
StreamMagic is similar enough to dCS's Mosaic app, which I use all the time with my Bartók streaming DAC, that it didn't take long to figure out. The Library tab lists all the streaming sources, and the app connects transparently to MinimServer running on my NAS, same as Mosaic. I started playing files from my digital library, with the MXN10 connected to a McIntosh MA6500 integrated amplifier in my old-school office system; its only permanently connected digital component is a Rega Jupiter CD player. This system usually plays CDs and vinyl, but can also connect to my office computer via…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
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+,…
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…