I performed a full set of measurements on the TEAC UD-701N using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system. I started the testing by examining the performance of the UD-701N's DAC. I used the coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, both of which accepted data sampled at rates up to 192kHz, and USB data sourced from my MacBook Pro running on battery power. I also connected the UD-701N to my network and installed the TEAC HR Streamer app on my iPad mini. The app doesn't appear to allow access to the processor's settings, however; it's just for playback including the usual…
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Turning to the UD-701N's analog line inputs, these preserved absolute polarity for all four output types. The single-ended line input impedance was a fairly high 23.4k ohms at 20Hz and 1kHz, 19.6k ohms at 20kHz. The balanced input impedance was much lower, at 1920 ohms at all audio frequencies. With the volume control set to the maximum, "100," the voltage gain with a 1kHz balanced input was 18dB from the balanced line output and 25.3dB from the balanced headphone output. The gain with an unbalanced input was 5.8dB higher from all the outputs. Setting the line outputs to "Fixed 0dB" gave the…
I have a day job at a museum. One of my favorite things about working there is taking the elevator from my office down to one of the floors open to the public; I walk into the galleries through a discreet panel in the wall. This makes me feel like I'm in one of those horror-movie manors with a tunnel concealed behind a bookshelf. Sometimes I startle people, which I kind of enjoy.
Mostly I like spending time looking at art, especially in the early mornings when the galleries are empty. Lately, I've been watching art handlers hanging a roughly 100'-long tapestry depicting some manner of…
Listening to the Leben makes what he means rather obvious. The first thing I noticed is the ample drive, grunt, and dynamic freedom—for me, the first and least things a good amp should accomplish. On "Intro" from an LP of 2009's eponymous record by The xx (Young Turks YT031LP), the programmed drums hit with such stupefying force that I sat grinning until the side ended. The Leben rendered those beats with real snap and with vanishingly little temporal smearing or hangover. The record is most remarkable for how effectively the band uses silence and dynamics. This, I thought, is how their…
VPI Industries: Pure Audio Project, Stenheim, Audio Research, Gryphon Audio, Luminous Audio, Nordost
Mat and Harry Weisfeld presented two dedicated rock ‘em, sock ‘em systems at last month's CAF2024 show. The first room marked the debut of the new VPI Forever Series Model One turntable, which is currently in house at Chez Micallef under review.
In the Adams Room, two VPI Forever Series Model One ‘tables ($5250 each) were up and running a VPI Shyla MC cartridge ($2000) and a VPI Goldy MC cartridge ($1300), respectively.
An Audio Research Reference 3SE Phono Stage ($17,000) ran analog signals to an Audio Research Reference 6SE linestage ($17,000), into Audio…
Register to win a pair of Chesky Audio LC1 Bookshelf Monitor speakers (MSRP $996) Stereophile is giving away.
Introducing the LC1 Bookshelf Monitor – Bringing Hi-End Audio to New Audiences. The Ultimate Hi-Fi Bookshelf Speaker, crafted to set a new standard in sound quality. Using a high density polymer cabinet, the LC1 embodies the sound of a speaker 10 times its size. Amaze yourself with this ultimate listening experience.
Superior audio quality is evident in every aspect of the LC1. Opting for a hands-on approach, no printed circuit boards are used; instead, each…
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Miles Davis came back to New York City. Miles was escorted by Acoustic Sounds' Chad Kassem. This "from beyond the grave" appearance was one of the most memorable listening sessions I have ever experienced. Kassem previewed for us his Analogue Productions' issue Miles Davis—Birth of the Blue (Sony/Columbia APJ 172, 2024). Birth of the Blue will be available on 180gm vinyl and SACD. The release date is set for December 13th.
Innovative Audio hosted the sessions in their listening rooms on 58th Street in New York. We heard the vinyl, played by a top-tier…
This article is not about Seattle band The Head and the Heart (above). But read on . . .
Movie characters pondering momentous decisions are sometimes subjected to a raging debate between an imaginary angel on one shoulder and an imaginary devil on the other. Think of Larry "Pinto" Kroger deciding whether to take advantage of his passed-out-drunk date during the infamous Animal House toga party.
Audiophiles, too, are often pulled in opposite directions. But instead of angel's wings or devil's horns, our imaginary duelists are decked out in T-shirts, one with a logo that says "…
Forty years ago, moving-coil cartridges were exotic. Now they're mainstream. The main advantage of MCs is obvious: rather than the system used in moving-magnet cartridges, in which relatively heavy magnets attached to the stylus's cantilever are moved past a stationary coil-and-armory assembly to create the electrical signal, moving coils, as the name implies, move the relatively lightweight coil and armature past the magnets. The lower the cantilever assembly's moving mass, the lower the system's response time. The lower the response time, the faster and more detailed the reproduction of the…
German high-end audio manufacturer T+A elektroakustik has introduced its Pulsar S 130 loudspeaker, which the company says is part of an ongoing modernization of its speaker offerings. According to T+A, this model integrates technologies and design concepts from its higher-level Solitaire and Criterion series speakers, and is priced at $7490/pair. The company says it aims to bring these techniques into a price class that is more accessible than its flagship products.
According to T+A, the development of this product was not merely cosmetic; it is part of a larger plan to apply foundational…