Description: Media player-streamer with D/A processor. Inputs: 1 Ethernet, 2 USB, 4 S/PDIF (1 BNC, 1 RCA, 2 TosLink). Formats supported: AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, PITA (AD made up that last one). Resolutions supported: PCM to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD to DSD128 (streaming, USB); PCM to 24/192, DSD over PCM to DSD64 (BNC, RCA); PCM to 24/96 (TosLink). Internet radio formats: AAC, MMS, MP3, OGG Vorbis streams, Windows Media–formatted content. Power consumption: 11W (typical use), <2W (standby), <0.5W (deep sleep).
Dimensions: 17" (…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Garrard 301, Thorens TD 124 turntables; Audio-Creative GrooveMaster II, EMT 997, Sorane ZA-12 tonearms; EMT TSD 15, Ortofon SPU Century & SPU Wood A, Shindo Laboratory SPU pickup heads.
Digital Source: Hegel Music Systems Mohican CD player.
Preamplification: Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 & T2 step-up transformers, Shindo Laboratory Monbrison (2017) preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Shindo Laboratory Haut-Brion.
Loudspeakers: Altec Flamenco, DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/93.
Cables: Interconnect: Audio Note AN-Vx, Luna Red…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured the Naim ND5 XS 2 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). I used the Audio Precision's optical and coaxial S/PDIF outputs as well as test-tone files sourced from Roon over my network, once I'd installed the Naim app on my iPad mini. (When I first connected the ND5 XS 2 to my router, the Naim checked with its manufacturer that its firmware was up to date; it was.) The ND5's TosLink inputs accepted PCM datastreams with sample rates up to 96kHz, and its coaxial S/PDIF inputs accepted data sampled at up to 192kHz. Over…
For all those who love Beethoven, for all who wish to honor conductor Bernard Haitink's 90th birthday earlier this month (March 4), and for all who've been posting variations of, "Jason, for the love of God, free us from the horrors of contemporary music," this one's for you. Live from the London Symphony Orchestra, we present Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.2, Triple Concerto in C for piano, violin, and cello, and Leonore Overture No.2, Op.72a from LSO Live (LSO0745D). Although identified as a "CD" by arkivmusic.com and Amazon, this is a hi-resolution SACD, recorded in DSD64.
Reflecting…
If you've ever dipped your toe into some form of high-performance motor sport, you know: The best race-car engines spin torque and exhale horsepower—with intoxicating ease. They're engineered to be responsive. Depress the clutch, toe the throttle, and watch the tachometer instantly pin itself. Engage the clutch—your chest contracts and your head gets light. Then later . . .
Back in your Ford Fiesta, its revving engine sounds distant, muffled. Your body can't feel the powerplant's power. In gear, the Ford feels soft and hesitant, not responsive.
That's how Klipsch's highly…
I first noticed this contracted soundstage with Georg Solti and the Vienna Philharmonic playing the prelude to Act 1 of Wagner's Die Walküre (5 LPs, London OSA 1509). I noticed this effect only when I listened for it, and it was more than offset by the RP-600Ms' grand ability to direct my attention toward rhythm and melody. The RP-600Ms slightly emphasized the leading edges of notes, which in turn allowed those notes to do an extraordinary job of emphasizing the beat, diagramming the melody, and propelling Wagner's drama. Think ultimate PRaT.
Compared to the Harbeth P3ESR
Besides…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-way, rear-ported, stand-mounted loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) titanium-dome tweeter with hybrid cross-section Tractrix horn; 6.5" (165mm) Cerametallic-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 1.8kHz. Frequency response: 45Hz–25kHz, ±3dB. Sensitivity: 96dB/W/m. Impedance: 8 ohms. Power handling: 100W continuous, 400W peak.
Dimensions: 15.7" (400mm) H by 8" (200mm) W by 11.9" (300mm) D. Weight: 16 lb (7.3kg).
Finishes: Black Ash (vinyl), Walnut, Piano Black Gloss.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: 106580418290330A & B.
Price: $…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable with Jelco KT-850L tonearm, AMG Giro G9 turntable & 9W Turbo tonearm; AMG Teatro, EMT TSD 75, Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue, Hana SL, Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum, My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Ex cartridges.
Digital Sources: Mac mini computer running Audirvana Plus 3.2; JVC X-Z1010 CD player (transport only); Chord Qutest, HoloAudio Spring "Kitsuné Tuned Edition" Level 3 DACs.
Preamplification: Auditorium 23, Bob's Devices CineMag 1131, Dynavector SUP-200, EMIA MC step-up transformers;…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 mike for the nearfield responses. I left the grille off for the measurements, The Klipsch's specified sensitivity is an extraordinarily high 96dB/2.83V/m. My estimate was much lower, at 89.6dB(B)/2.83V/m, though this is still higher than is typical for a small two-way speaker. Fig.1 shows that the RP-600M's impedance magnitude (solid trace) remains above 10 ohms for the entire treble,…
Like most serious pursuers of the audio hobby, I've known about J E Sugden & Co. Ltd. for years. For many of those years, though, it was easy to forget about them, and I mostly did—until, quite recently, Sugden gear began popping up at audio shows, including the 2016 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. In his report on that show, Herb Reichert described the midrange of Sugden's A21SE Signature, a pure class-A integrated amplifier, driving DeVore Fidelity speakers, as "shroom-like" and contrasted the sound with what he called class-D's "fake cocaine." That got my attention.
Sugden again showed…