Description: Digital/analog processor based on the ESS Sabre 9018S DAC chip. Digital inputs: One each USB, AES3, and S/PDIF on RCA and TosLink (optical). Accepted formats: PCM 44.1kHz–384kHz; DSD 64×, 128×. Analog outputs: Stereo pair single-ended (RCA) and balanced (on XLR). Digital outputs: one each AES3, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC. Output voltage range: 0.23V–7.5V balanced, 0.115V–3.75V single-ended at 0dBFS, selectable via rear-panel toggle switches. Frequency response: 0Hz–20kHz ±0.25dB (Fs=44.1kHz); 0Hz–40kHz ±0.8dB (Fs=88.2kHz); 0Hz– 80kHz ±2.5dB (Fs=176.4kHz…
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Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: Custom Intel/Win11 music server running JRiver Media Center v33, Roon 2, and DiracLive-ART. Merging Devices Hapi II DAC. QNAP TVS-873 NAS. Oppo Digital UDP-103 universal disc player.
Power amplifiers: Benchmark AHB2.
Loudspeakers: 3 × KEF Blade 2 Meta with IsoAcoustics GAIA II feet (L/C/R). KEF LS 60 Wireless (surround L/R), KEF KC92 and SVS SB2000Pro subwoofers.
Cables: Digital interconnects: Mogami Gold AES TD DB25-XLR0 snake. Analog interconnects: Mogami Gold AES TD DB25-XLR snake, In-wall Cat6 wiring per AES72 with Thomann…
Onkyo has introduced the C-30 CD player, the latest addition to its Icon Series of hi-fi components.
The player features Onkyo’s proprietary Vector Linear Shaping Circuit (VLSC), designed to remove pulse noise from the signal path. A 24-bit/192kHz DAC handles digital-to-analog conversion, and the company specifies a signal-to-noise ratio of 107dB. The C-30 also includes a ±10PPM clock intended to improve timing accuracy.
Connectivity options include RCA, coaxial digital, and optical outputs. Supported formats include standard CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA.
The C-30 joins…
I hadn't come across the distributor Aaudio Imports for a time—I learned they had moved from Colorado, to California—so it was interesting to see what was new in their world. In a rather large room, Laguna 1, the speakers were striking, even unusual looking. They are from AudioNec, a French brand that Aaudio recently began importing.
The AudioNec Evo 2 speakers ($54,000/pair) are modular, with a wideband array dubbed DuoPole (a dipole variant) that's said to cover 400Hz–10kHz. A supertweeter (10kHz–30kHz) with a ring radiator was positioned above the DuoPole within the same metal…
AudioQuest has announced Brave Heart, a new ZERO-Tech speaker cable positioned below its Mythical series in price but incorporating many of the same materials and design principles.
Brave Heart features a large-diameter construction measuring a mere 0.6mm smaller than the Mythical cables, and includes approximately one-third more Perfect-Surface Copper+ conductor material than prior models in its class. According to the company, the cable’s size and dual-round geometry—separating positive and negative conductors—contribute to improved damping factor over distance and a more stable…
Sidebar: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with Keel chassis, Karousel main bearing, Radikal motor control, Naim ARO tonearm, and Lyra Delos cartridge.
Digital sources: Naim UnitiCore network server and S/PDIF source; Roon Nucleus +; Naim ND555 Streamer-DAC with dual 555PS(DR) power supplies.
Phono preamplifier: Naim SuperLine-SuperCap DR.
Preamplifier: Townshend Allegri Reference.
Power amplifier: Naim NAP 250 (2023/4 series).
Loudspeakers: BBC LS3/5a 15 ohm (Marshall), FinkTeam KIM, Wilson Audio Specialties The WATT/Puppy.
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