search
There's no need to consult my notes. The memory of the sound of the Audio Research 330M monoblock amplifiers ($90,000/pair) at AXPONA 2025 is so vivid I can still recall what I heard and felt. I sat front and center in a room sponsored by Quintessence Audio, before a system featuring Kubala-Sosna Realization cables, Critical Mass Maxxum-Ultra equipment racks and isolation, dCS Vivaldi APEX streaming DAC/Master Clock/ Upsampler, Sonus faber Stradivari speakers, an Audio Research Ref 10 preamplifier, and the Audio Research Reference 330M monoblock amplifiers. The sound was so colorful, rich,…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured one of the DeVore Fidelity Gibbon Super Nines that had been auditioned by KM; it had the serial number S915B112. I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone with an Earthworks microphone preamplifier for the farfield frequency behavior and dispersion measurements. I used an Earthworks QTC-40 mike for the nearfield responses and Dayton Audio's DATS V2 system to measure the impedance magnitude and electrical phase angle.
The quiet evenings leading up to a DeVore Fidelity Monkeyhaus event are passed by searching through your record collection for the perfect LPs. Every attendee will offer their own ideas of interesting and exciting music, and you will not be outdone by some other audiophile. You decide to bring one of your 2009 R2D4 selections, Lo Dice Todo by Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino; Richard Hayman's Genuine Electric Latin Love Machine, not only for the persuasive content but also for the outstanding album art; and El Guincho's Alagranza! because you're pretty certain it'll…
Sidebar Measurements
I performed a complete set of measurements on one of the Audio Research Reference 330M amplifiers (serial number 056438) with my Audio Precision SYS2722. The amplifier preserved absolute polarity, ie, was noninverting, with the balanced input and the 8 ohm and 4 ohm output transformer binding posts. However, the 330M inverted polarity with the single-ended input. The gain is specified as 26.3dB with the balanced input and 34dB with the single-ended input, both into 8 ohms. I measured 26.5dB and 32.5dB, respectively, into 8 ohms from the 8 ohm output tap. The gains…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: dCS Vareèse five-piece music system, dCS Rossini CD/SACD transport; EMM Labs DV2i DAC, Meitner MA3 Integrated DAC; Innuos Nazaré 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 (2); Nordost QSource linear power supply (2); Sonore Audiophile Linear Power Supply; Synology 5-bay 1019+ NAS with Ferrum Hypsos linear/switching hybrid power supply; ASUS AX6000 and RT-AX88U Pro mesh routers and Netgear Nighthawk modem; Apple 2023 iPad…
Description: Tubed, fully balanced class-AB mono amplifier with 20A IEC connector, autobias, fan-speed control, tube hour meter, and monitor. Tube complement: Three matched pairs KT170 (Power Output positions V1-6), two 6H30 (Gain stage V7 and regulator driver V10), one 12AX7/ECC83 (Gain stage V8), and one 6550 (Regulator V9). Inputs: One pair XLR (balanced), 1 pair RCA (single-ended). Outputs: 4 and 8 ohm. Power output: 330W @ 1kHz 0.92% THD+N 10Hz–80kHz unweighted; 1W @ 1kHz 0.013% THD+N 10Hz–80kHz unweighted. Frequency response: (–3dB points at 1W) 5Hz–99.5kHz. Input sensitivity: 2.…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: J.Sikora Standard Max Supreme turntable with KV9 tonearm and Aidas MC Tru-stone Gold Web cartridge.
Preamplifiers: Sugden LA-4, Rogue RP7 (line). Tavish Audio Design Adagio, Manley Chinook (phono).
Integrated amplifiers: Riviera Labs Levante, Unison Research S6 Black Edition.
Power amplifiers: Air Tight ATM-1 2024 Edition, Doshi Audio Evolution Stereo Amplifier, Rogue Audio Stereo 100, Elekit TU-888 monoblocks.
Cables: Interconnects: AudioQuest Pegasus and Firebird, Triode Wire Labs Spirit II (RCA), "Spirit 75" S/PDIF (RCA/…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: 2.5-way, reflex loaded, floorstanding loudspeaker with solid bamboo, plywood, and composite enclosure. Drivers: one proprietary 0.75" (19mm) textile-dome tweeter and two 7" (178mm) paper cone woofers. Frequency range: 28Hz–38kHz. Sensitivity: 91dB/W/1m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
Dimensions: 37" (940mm, not including feet) H × 8.5" (216mm) W × 13.75" (349mm) D. Weight: 55lb (25kg).
Finishes: Cherry, Mahogany, Mink.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: S915B112 (both).
Price: $9990/pair. Approximate number of US dealers: 20. Warranty: 5…
Good news!
You now have the chance to win the Eversolo Play—an all-in-one HiFi hub that seamlessly integrates a streamer, DAC, and amplifier, and is the proud winner of the EISA Best Value Streaming Amplifier 2025–2026 award.
With its minimalist design, smart interactive experience, and exceptional high-fidelity sound, Play redefines the way you connect with your music.
This is more than just a giveaway—it's your ticket into the world of Hi-Fi audio.
The Eversolo Play features a CNC-machined aluminum chassis paired with a 5.5-inch…
Greg Takesh's GT Audio Works Giulietta Bellissima planar ribbon speakers and OB subs, in their US debuts, are handmade in upstate New York, where he even makes his own drivers.
His CAF system consisted of a Small Green Computer sonicTransporter i9 music server ($4000); a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe music streamer ($5350); a LampizatOr Genya DAC ($18,995); a Trafomatic Audio Tara 30A SET amplifier ($79,000); and WestminsterLab Rei class-A monoblocks ($37,900/pair), accompanied by an AnTek BP-1300 Balance Isolation Power Supply ($388) and assorted Magnan Audio cables. Oh, and the…