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I used my Audio Precision SYS2722 system to measure the HiFi Rose RA280. While the manufacturer describes the RA280 as a "class-AD" design, it appears to have a class-D output stage for its two channels. Because class-D amplifiers emit relatively high levels of ultrasonic noise that would drive my analyzer's input into slew-rate limiting—the RA280 emitted enough RF noise to interfere with reception on the portable FM radio I keep in my test lab—I inserted an Audio Precision AUX-0025 passive low-pass filter between the test load and the analyzer. This filter…
Description: Two-channel, "class-AD" integrated amplifier with phono stage. Inputs: 3 line-level RCA unbalanced, 1 line-level XLR balanced, 1 trigger. Outputs: Two pairs loudspeaker output terminals, subwoofer (RCA), trigger. Power output: 250Wpc into 4 or 8 ohms (21.15dB or 24.15dB). Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz. Input impedance: 47k ohms unbalanced. Output impedance: 30 milliohms. Input sensitivity: 600mV for full output, RCA and XLR line inputs; 5mV phono input. Bandwidth: 20Hz–20kHz: ±0dB, 10Hz–66kHz: +0dB, –1dB. Damping factor, speaker output: >250. Tone…
Analog sources: Thorens TD 124 turntable with Korf TA-SF9R tonearm, HS-A02 ceramic headshell, Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cartridge, Kuzma CAR-30 MC cartridge with Grimm PW1 phono preamplifier.
Digital sources: Tascam CD-200 iL CD player, HoloAudio May DAC.
Integrated amplifiers: Riviera Labs Levante, Unison Research S6 Black Edition.
Loudspeakers: GoldenEar BRX, Voxativ Ampeggio 2024, Wharfedale Super Linton.
Cables: Interconnects: AudioQuest Pegasus and Firebird, Triode Wire Labs Spirit II (RCA), Spirit 75 S/PDIF (RCA/BNC). Speaker:…
Sound quality is just the beginning. Consider economics. An integrated amplifier is gentler on the wallet than often-cumbersome separate pre and power amplifiers. It's the Marie Kondo of the audio world, decluttering your hi-fi rack with hardnosed efficiency. Fewer connections mean even more value—fewer expensive cables—less fuss, and a refined, all-inclusive electrical architecture tucked into one (often but…
Adrian Belew had an itch that needed some serious scratching. The iconoclastist/vocalist had a hankering to perform material from the three King Crimson albums he fronted during the proto-prog band's 1980s revival—October 1981's Discipline, June 1982's Beat, and March 1984's Three of a Perfect Pair—but how could he go about it in a way that pays respect to and expands upon their original intent, all at once?
First order of business: Make sure King Crimson founder and guitar visionary Robert…
Digital was delivered via a CDT Four (CDT-Four) CD transport ($23,100) aided by the US premiere of the Izvor ladder DAC ($TBA).
The Meishu Konzertmeister 300B integrated amplifier ($65,100) drove the AN-E/SPx Ltd. field coil loudspeakers ($65,000/pair) which I reviewed…
EMC 1 held two large systems. System one comprised Aavik separates: SD-588 Streamer/DAC ($30,000), I-588 integrated ($30,000), P-588 stereo power amplifier ($30,000). Børresen M2 flagship floorstanding speakers ($199,500/pair) and Børresen A3 BBM active bass modules ($21,000/ea.) were also employed.
An Ansuz D3 loom of cables and accessories included Ansuz Mainz8 D3 power distributor ($10,000), Ansuz…
Larry's system consisted of The Wand 14-4 Master turntable ($8450) with The Wand Dark-Light tonearm ($8500; $15,255 ifor the 'table–arm combo). The cartridge was an Ortofon 2M Black ($750). A Heed Thesis Delta CD player ($4200) and a Heed Abacus S DAC ($1900) processed digital music.
A Heed Elixir integrated amplifier ($1750) drove…
Marc Gomez, SAT's designer, holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering and materials science. Before dedicating himself to creating the SAT tonearm—by far the finest sounding and performing arm I've yet encountered (as unanimously corroborated by…