A+:
Merging+Hapi MkII: $8411 with 2 DA8P D/A cards
See Digital Processors. (Vol.47 No.1 WWW)
StormAudio ISP Evo immersive sound preamp/processor: $18,999–$22,999 depending on channel count and digital format
See Digital Processors. (Vol.47 No.3 WWW)
A:
Arvus H2-4D multichannel Dolby ATMOS® digital processor: $4990
The H2-4D combines HDMI and word clock inputs with 16-channel digital (AES3), balanced analog, and LAN outputs. It decodes and renders all extant varieties of Dolby (…
Accuphase DG-68 Digital Voicing Equalizer: $18,975
See Digital Processors.
AudioPraise VanityPRO HDMI audio extractor: $1699
The VanityPRO extracts a digital audio signal from the HDMI stream and offers several options for processing and outputting the extracted audio for playback on a high-quality audio system. KR appreciated the opportunity to apply DSP, channel-level adjustments, active crossovers, and room correction while playing discs, without redundant D/A–A/D conversion. “It's a pleasure to run DiracLive—to balance channels and…
AC Nexus Advanced Power Distribution & Ground Enhancement System: $20,000
Steve McCormack, once the proprietor of The Mod Squad, is the man who introduced the concept of accessory isolation feet—his Tiptoes were aluminum cones with flat tops and sharply pointed feet. Now he's brought to market this passive AC-power filter, whose Panzerholz enclosure contains two fist-sized silver-conductor capacitors from Duelund. The IEC AC inlet is a Bocchino Audio Marriner10 and the AC outlets are four Furutech Nano Crystal Formula duplexes. Four Cardas ground…
Enter the full-function Soulution 727 preamplifier ($74,975; footnote 1), whose optional MC/MM phono section ($11,975) will be evaluated in a future issue (footnote 2).…
Putting Soulution's best to the test
Depending on how high on your rack you wish to place the 727, you may need assistance hoisting its 62lb into place. Although it comes with its own specially designed feet, I placed Wilson Audio Pedestals beneath it because (a) I use them under my reference preamp and other components, and (b) listening confirmed that they contributed a bit more air and depth to the sonic presentation. Depending on the sonic isolation and sound of your rack—few supports have no sound of their own—your results may differ.
During the review, I auditioned the…
Description: Dual-mono, two-channel preamplifier with home theater bypass, remote control, and optional field-upgradable phono module. Inputs: 3 pairs balanced (XLR), 2 pairs unbalanced (RCA). Outputs: 2 pairs balanced (XLR), 1 pair unbalanced (RCA). Optional phono input: moving magnet/moving coil with adjustable gain and loading. Frequency response: DC–20MHz, –3dB. Phase shift: 0.2° at 20kHz. Channel separation: >135dB, 20Hz–20kHz. Input impedance: 4.4M ohms balanced (XLR), 4.4M ohms, unbalanced (RCA). Maximum input voltage: 9Vpp. Maximum output voltage:…
Digital sources: dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC, Vivaldi Upsampler Plus, and Vivaldi Master Clock; Innuos Statement Next-Gen Music Server and PhoenixNET network switch; Small Green Computer Sonore opticalModule Deluxe (2); Broadcom/Avago AFBR-5718PZ 1GB SX-SFP, Gen 5 Fiber Optic modules; Nordost QSource linear power supply (2); Sonore Audiophile Linear Power Supply; Synology 5-bay 1019+ NAS with Ferrum Hypsos linear/switching hybrid power supply; Linksys MR9000 mesh router and Arris modem; Apple 2023 iPad Pro and 2017 MacBook Pro laptop with 2.8GHz Intel i7, SSD,…
I measured a different sample of the Soulution 727 preamplifier than that auditioned by JVS. Mine had the serial number 727-0053. I primarily used my Audio Precision SYS2722 system to measure the Soulution, repeating some tests with the magazine's higher-performance APx555.
Looking first at the performance of the 727's line-level inputs, the maximum gain for the balanced and unbalanced inputs to the balanced outputs was a little lower than the specified 4dB, at 3.7dB. The maximum gain from the balanced and unbalanced input to the unbalanced outputs was –2.…
My old pal George Stanwick, who worked at Stereo Exchange, spotted me walking up Broadway through the store's window, whereupon he ran out and literally dragged me off the street pulling me by the arm—against my mumbled protests.
I followed George into Stereo Exchange's luxurious back room, where, spotlighted in front of me, I saw what looked like an expat's spin on trad-…
Listening
I collect black discs from the early 1950s because back then the vinyl was thick and heavy and its labels and covers used superior quality inks with super-saturated colors, often with gold or silver metallic lettering. My favorites among these classic beauties are discs made in Britain by EMI, Decca, and Argo. Lately, I've developed a special fondness for mono Argos pressed in England during the late '50s to early '60s. Their sound has a burnished gleam I find uniquely appealing.
On the first day of my Totem Element Fire auditions, I played my favorite composer,…