Tabla de contenidos para November 2023 en The Absolute Sound

Change Our Name? As a long-time subscriber looking backward in time, I find myself a bit irked about the “absolute sound”/“straight wire with gain” theory perpetrated on us. Back in the 70s, the mantra was “straight wire with gain” as the path to true realism in playback—the theory being “less is more” in the way of signal through electronics. But nowadays that theory has been replaced by “subjectivism.” Today, component systems are espoused by TAS as a path to making music sound “as you like it.” Gone is the theory of trying to bring the “real” musical event into your listening rooms. Instead, we should enjoy whatever sounds good to us. “Straight wire with gain” was a fallacy—or maybe a deliberate marketing strategy to sell product. The fact was and…

Choosing a Loudspeaker Match the speaker to the amplifier driving it. • Pay attention to the speaker's sensitivity and impedance when matching the speaker to an amplifier. A low-sensitivity speaker (say, 85dB) driven by a low-powered amplifier (say, 30Wpc) will be restricted in how loudly it will play and in its dynamic range. • The higher the speaker's sensitivity, the less amplifier power you need. Every 3dB increase in speaker sensitivity (say, 88dB to 91dB) is exactly the same as doubling the amplifier power in terms of how loudly the speaker will play. • Speakers with a very low impedance need an amplifier capable of high current output, indicated by the amplifier's ability to increase its power output into low impedances. Choose a speaker appropriate for your room's size, appearance,…

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore $649 The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore all-in-ones (with 5.25” aluminum cone woofers and 1” aluminum dome tweeters powered by internal Class D amps generating 100Wpc for the woofs and 20Wpc for the tweets) look boxy and simple and just fine on a desktop. Equipped with assorted analog and digital inputs and a built-in Bluetooth receiver, they can handle just about any source. For streaming, they don't need anything more than Chromecast to produce solid sound—and even that's unnecessary if you use Bluetooth. Deep enough bass, nice midrange clarity, even a little sparkle on the uppers give them better than decent sound: You can't ask for too much more for the convenience and the money. (301) KEF LSX II Meta $1399 The LSX IIs are clothwrapped, compact,…

PSB Alpha T20 $799 PSB takes budget seriously, and the short-tower two-way T20 is a serious ground-up redesign. It targets the essentials of musicality first and lets everything else fall tunefully into place. A very approachable, high-output speaker, its overall character retains PSB's familiar-and welcome—warmish slant. Midrange integrity has improved, as has dynamic output and low-level resolution. Driver coherence is excellent, as per PSB tradition. Bass response is solid, though the midbass is not always as sharply controlled or pitch specific as that of more elaborate offerings (though the T20 never veers too far astray). Staging could be more dimensional, and the T20 is a bit dry on top but never dull. The perfect way to impress those highfalutin’ audio friends. (302) Magnepan LRS+ $995 (Maggie stands, $289) The original…

Schiit Audio Aegir $799 Within its power limit of 20 watts per channel, the Aegir stereo basic amplifier (no volume controls, no Class D, pure analog circuitry) offers truly superb performance, both technically and musically. With speakers of suitable (higher) sensitivity, it gives the sonic purity, tonal beauty, and intrinsic clarity that admirers of SET amplification are always talking about, but the Aegir's solid-state circuitry has none of the peculiarities of SETs. A pair of Aegirs operated in bridged mode will expand the possibilities for suitable speakers. (335) Odyssey Khartago Stereo/Mono $995/$1975/pr. Although the 130Wpc Odyssey Khartago solid-state stereo amp has been around for better than a decade, it was new to JV until amp-connoisseur Alon Wolf (of Magico) told him he used it in his shop, and it was…

Schiit Audio Magnius $199 The reason that audiophiles pass over modestly priced components for higherpriced options is often the “grayness” or perceived lack of resolution and detail of budget gear. There simply isn't enough there there, for an experienced audiophile. That was not an issue with the Schiit Magnius preamplifier and headphone amplifier. Power-supply tweakers be warned—the Magnius requires its own AC-to-AC, 1.5-to-2 amp, 14-to-16-volt power supply, instead of a more usual AC-to-DC type. The Magnius’ soundstage characteristics, including depth, image precision, width, and dimensionality, were exactly what reviewer Steven Stone expected from reference-level component, regardless of price. If you can live with just two inputs, the Magnius may well be all you really need. (311) Schiit Audio Freya+ $849 ($899, Black) The Freya+ is a tube-based preamplifier with three…

Arcam CDS50 $1320 Unimposing in its dimensions and weight, the Arcam CDS50 employs a SABRE 9038 Reference chipset for D-to-A conversion—up to 32-bit/192kHz for PCM sources as well as (DoP) DSD. The disc drawer is a slow-loading plastic affair that doesn't inspire confidence, but the player delivers gutsy electric bass/kick drum sound on well-engineered rock recordings. The soundstage presented is somewhat narrower than with competing (and more expensive) products. Downloading the iOS/Android MusicLife app to a phone or tablet gets one connected to several streaming services and to Internet radio. (300) Yamaha CD-S1000 $1799 Available for a decade and with its list price recently reduced by $500, the CD-S1000 is something of a “senior citizen” among digital source components. There are no streaming or networking capabilities, but if all you…

AudioQuest DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, DragonFly Cobalt $129/$229 /$349 AudioQuest practically invented the low-cost, high-performance USB DAC in stick form with the original DragonFly. It was a massive success. But these three newer models greatly improve on the sound of the original, and the $129 Black version comes at a lower price, to boot. Although the Black sounds superb, the Red and Cobalt are worth the difference in cost. The Red at $229 delivers striking sonic quality, with exceptional transparency, resolution, timbral realism, and wide dynamics. The Cobalt, with its upgraded DAC and processor chips, delivers greater smoothness and resolution than the Red, with a more refined character. Dynamics are also improved, along with a more robust bottom end. No matter which model you choose, you can't go wrong. Add…

• Quality turntables range from a $400 unit with integral tonearm and cartridge to separate turntables and tonearms costing six figures, with everything in between. • The platters of most turntables are driven by a motor directly attached to the platter (direct drive) or by a motor off to the side connected to the platter by a belt (belt drive). • There are good examples of both, but most high-end turntables are belt driven. Better turntables are characterized by: • Speed stability in the platter rotation. • A high-quality platter bearing for low noise and long life. • Rigid construction that resists vibration. • Massive platter for smoother rotation (the “flywheel effect”). • Some turntables are sprung (sometimes called “suspended”) and others are unsprung. In a sprung turntable the plinth…

Rega RB330 $675 For decades, turntable manufacturers who didn't build their own ‘arms frequently packaged their models with Rega's terrific-sounding and affordable RB300 tonearm. Musically compelling, with excellent balance and good detail, if not the final word in any one category, the improved RB330 is still a superb buy. (127) Acoustic Signature TA-1000 NEO $2495 One of Acoustic Signature's best sellers, this 9” tonearm features a dual-layer carbon arm tube and precision miniature ball bearings. It provides for adjustable VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating force. VTF is adjustable via a brass counterweight. The ‘arm is available in both SME and Rega mounting styles and is a perfect match in terms of effective mass (9.3g) and cartridge balance range (6 to 16g) for most mc cartridges. It was reviewed with the Acoustic…

J-Corder Technics 1500 Starting at $5995; $7995 with enhanced Record/Playback Option J-Corder offers beautiful cosmetic choices with completely rebuilt Technics prosumer reeltoreel machines that not only preserve the Technics’ original functionality but also bring those highly reliable decks back to their original specifications—and beyond with J-Corder performance options. Its $2000 Record/Play option significantly upgrades the electronics with higher-quality parts and a custom-calibrated, matching headblock to coax out another 8dB of recording headroom while significantly improving the deck's sonics. Whereas the J-Corder 1520 has switchable IEC equalization, other J-Corder models need the optional second playback head output married with external electronics to play prerecorded CCIR-compatible tapes, like those from The Tape Project. However, these decks are really designed for users to make incredible recordings of their favorite tracks. A great way…

Stillpoints Ultra Mini/Ultra SS V2/Ultra II/Ultra 5 V2/Ultra 6 V2/Ultra 7/LPI V2 $150/$299/$430/$839/$1079/$1299-1399/$659 Stillpoints’ Ultra SS and Ultra 5 isolation devices are extremely effective in reducing vibration in components. They can also be positioned under speakers, replacing spikes or footers (Stillpoints offers a range of threaded adapters to fit any speaker). Whether deployed under preamps, power amps, DACs, or speakers, Stillpoints’ isolation devices can produce a significant improvement in the sound, specifically resolution of low-level detail and the ability of the speaker to disappear into the soundstage. The Ultra SS and Ultra 5 differ in the number of “pockets” of isolation mechanisms within the footer. The effect of more Ultra devices is synergistic; the more you add, the greater the apparent gain. The LPI applies Stillpoints’ technology to a record…

For this year's annual Buyer's Guide issue, we've added some new features that we hope will make the guide even more useful to readers. The first is a “NEW” icon that calls your attention to products making their first appearance in our special annual issue of top recommendations. These are products we've reviewed in the past year that have earned our praise, as well as components that are under review with publication pending that have proved themselves worthy. The NEW icon is a red circle in the header before the product name. NEW for 2024 The second new feature debuting in this issue is a series of short Expert Advice features that offer basic guidance to the major product categories. I hope that these bullet-point lists of essential considerations will…

Magnepan Mini Maggie System $2095 The Mini-Maggie system is a three-piece, ribbon-tweeter-equipped, planar-magnetic, dipole speaker system intended primarily for desktop use. Featuring small tweeter/midrange panels that sit atop the desk and a stereo mid/bass panel that sits in the footwell below, it is arguably the finest desktop speaker ever made. In fact, in detail, resolution, purity, freedom from grain, soundstage width and depth, and, above all, coherence, the Mini-Maggie rig sounds for all the world like a pair of Magnepan's exceptional 3.7i's on a smaller scale. (223) Audience The One 1+1 V5 $3495 The One is a single full-range driver shoehorned into a small box. The driver itself is the same unit, the A3A, that Audience uses in its $2960 1+1 V3. According to Audience, the A3A has exceptionally flat…

GoldenEar ForceField 30 $900 The ForceField 30 brings the build and sonic qualities of GoldenEar's own elite SuperSub into the sub-$1k market. Driven by 1000W digital amp, the forward-firing, long-throw 8” driver is enhanced by a downward-firing passive radiator. The ForceField 30 drops into the upper twenty cycle range with conviction with little in the way of overhang artifacts or “slowness.” Dynamic impacts exit as cleanly as they enter—a tribute to the effective and controlled tuning of the passive radiator. Beyond the visceral impression of deep bass, the FF30 also helps to complete the ambient sonic landscape. A serious musical achievement, not to mention a flat-out blast. (335) REL Acoustics T/7x $1099 A special round of applause is due this mini-sub for music lovers. The new T/7i is even faster…

NAD C 328 $599 NAD calls its new integrated amplifier a “Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier,” a moniker that hints at its digital prowess. The C 328 can handle a wide range of digital sources, and indeed, features a topology that keeps signals in the digital domain until the switching output stage. Although the amp is rated at 50Wpc, Paul Seydor found that the C 328 wasn't lacking for power in real-world situations. The C 328 also acquits itself excellently in nuance and resolution. A tremendous bargain and a worthy successor to NAD's legendary 3020 integrated amplifier. (291) PS Audio Sprout100 $799 Though the original Sprout's compact, retro-modern form factor remains the same, the new Sprout100 offers a number of upgrades and improvements, including a redesigned phonostage and headphone amp, a…

• A phonostage amplifies the tiny signal produced by the phono cartridge and performs RIAA equalization. • RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is an equalization curve applied during disc mastering that attenuates the bass and boosts the treble. On playback, the phonostage applies the inverse equalization curve to restore flat response. • Phonostages are referred to as “mm” (moving magnet) or “mc” (moving coil), indicating the type of phono cartridge the phonostage is compatible with. • An important phonostage specification is the amount of gain, or amplification. Phonostage Features • Variable gain. Some phonostages offer only one or two gain settings; others provide much finer gain adjustment and a wider range of gain that allow you to optimize the phonostage for your particular cartridge (see below). • Variable loading.…

Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital $499 The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital offers audiophiles a very high-value DAC/digital preamp at an almost ridiculously low price. Not only does it include a plethora of important features and capabilities, but it sounds good, has an elegantly designed control surface, and is expandable. Perhaps the best way to view the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 (and most of the components in the Pro-Ject S2 line) is as a sonic building block or Lego. You can acquire Pro-Ject components to do exactly what you need, no more and no less, and acquire them as you need them. While not quite bespoke audio, the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 is one small part of an elegant system that gives even audiophiles with limited means a way to…

• In its most basic form, a music server stores music on internal hard-disc or solid-state drives and outputs a digital signal to a DAC. • Nearly all music servers today include streaming capabilities, allowing you to access music from a subscription service such as Tidal or Qobuz. • Some music servers require an outboard DAC to convert the server's digital output to an analog signal. Other servers include an integral DAC. • A server connects to the internet either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet (the latter is preferred) and also to your local area network where it can access digitally stored music files from storage devices connect to the network. • A streamer offers all the functions of a music server but lacks integral music storage. Music Server Features •…

Pro-Ject T1 $449 The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is an attractive entry-level turntable with important ease-ofuse upgrades and a high level of fit and finish. It includes a defeatable, built-in phono preamp that sounds very solid, electronic speed switching between 33rpm and 45rpm, and a cartridge pre-mounted and aligned. Unusual at this price, the T1 features a glass (rather than plastic) platter, and the included felt mat is simple but effective. Setup is as easy as it gets, and the sound is fantastic—especially at this price point. Overall tone is warm-to-neutral with lively dynamics and a lot of heft, particularly on more upbeat tunes. A fun deck and a fantastic starting point. (339) Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO $599 The EVO is Pro-Ject's upgrade to its popular entry-level deck, and it…

Overview • A phono cartridge converts the groove modulations in an LP to an electrical signal. • Phono cartridges come in two varieties, with their names describing how they produce an electrical signal—moving magnet and moving coil. • In a moving-magnet cartridge, the coils are fixed, and tiny magnets attached to the cantilever (the thin post protruding from the cartridge that holds the stylus) move in response to groove modulation. • In a moving-coil cartridge, the magnets are fixed, and the coils move. • A third type of cartridge, the optical cartridge, works on an entirely different principle (using light rather than magnets and coils) and is making a strong move into the market. • Other less-common cartridge types include the strain-gauge and moving-iron cartridges. Cartridge Output Levels • Cartridges…

Schiit Loki Mini+ $149 ($159 silver) The Loki Mini+ is a four-band (20Hz, 400Hz, 1.2kHz, 20kHz), line-level EQ device intended for use as a tone control to adjust the broad-band balance of recordings. No matter how neutral your system may be in whatever sense you interpret that concept, no recording will have been monitored on a system that matches yours exactly, so it is inevitable that recordings will benefit from perhaps subtle but still meaningful adjustments, case by case. This used to be taken for granted, and tone controls were part of all preamps. But this is no longer the case in general. With minimal signal alteration outside the adjustable balance change, a price that is startlingly low, and convenient easy operation, you can take control of tonal-balance adjustments in…

Shunyata Research Venom Defender $300 Power conditioning systems tend to give, and to take away. But the eminently affordable Venom Series power products from Shunyata blind-sided NG. Whether assembled individually or in one not-sobiggulp, PS8/Defender clarified, finetuned timbre and character, and released heretofore hidden musicality from his system. Begin with the ruggedly built PS8 six-outlet conditioner, then consider adding even further refinement with the big-time surge protection and flagship filtration technology of the pint-sized Defender. If you have an AC outlet, you're good to go. Bravo to Shunyata for designing a system that acknowledges the fact that not everyone has the cash, space, or inclination to run dedicated lines into a listening room. Apartment dwellers take note. You'll never look at power strips and AC power quite the same way…

Shunyata Research Venom 14 $145 Shunyata's entry-level is a quantum leap over the standard, no-name cord. Flexible and UL-approved, Venom 14 adds transient pop and image stability, opens the soundstage, and peels away the veiling that inhibits transparency and resolution. A bit forward in character, the Venom 14 provides an excitement that really lights up the soundstage. Although low-level dynamics and deep bass could use further refinement, Venom 14 is an audiophile-level product that makes it fun to spend less. (208) Audience forte F3 powerChord $250/1.75m Sheer excellence in the entry-level power-cord bracket, the Audience forte F2 powerChord is a definite winner. It will lift the performance of any system as it lowers the noise floor, improves transient attack, and permits a wider expression of dynamic contrasts and low-level details.…

DALI Rubicon 6 C $8798 DALI's Rubicon 6 C is the largest of four powered-loudspeakers offered by the Danish manufacturer, a 2.5-way floorstander. The tweeter is a soft-dome/ribbon hybrid that's fast and extended, smoothly blending with the drivers below. The two cone midrange/woofers employ a material for the pole piece called “Soft Magnetic Compound” (SMC) that has standard magnetic properties but virtually no electrical conductivity, which eliminates hysteresis-related distortion. A compact streaming preamp (the “Sound Hub”) is part of the package; it wirelessly pairs to the loudspeakers, a reliable and sonically invisible connection. The system doesn't play favorites with musical genres. Power pop, small group jazz, opera, female vocals—everything is reproduced with natural detail and abundant character. (315) ATC SCM50 ASLT $24,499 The tower version of the famed pro monitor,…

General Guidelines • Decide on a separate preamplifier and power amplifier or integrated amplifier. An integrated amplifier incorporates, in one chassis, a preamplifier and power amplifier. • Integrated amplifiers are more cost-effective, simpler to install and use, and take up less space than separate components. • A separate preamplifier and power amplifier often deliver superior performance and more power than an integrated amplifier. In addition, separates allow you to upgrade just the power amplifier, for example. • Match the amplifier to the loudspeaker and room size. A speaker of low sensitivity, as well as a large room, requires a more powerful amplifier to achieve an adequate volume. (See Expert Advice: Loudspeakers in this issue for details.) • Loudspeakers of low sensitivity, or of low impedance, or with an impedance dip…

A preamplifier receives signals from source components, allows you to select one of those sources for listening, and controls the volume. Some preamplifiers include additional inputs and features: • Integral phonostage (necessary if you intend to play LPs). • Integral streaming for listening to music from a subscription service such as Tidal or Qobuz. • Integral digital-to-analog converter; converts a digital datastream to analog from streaming source or an external digital source such as a music server. • Roon compatibility. • Remote control. • Theater bypass: this feature sets one of the preamplifier's inputs at a fixed gain (“unity gain”) when using the preamplifier as part of a multichannel home-theater system. • Headphone amplifier.…

Schiit Audio Mani $149 ($159 silver) Sporting the same compact design that Schiit's famous for and offering a surprising amount of flexibility, the Mani is one of the most cost-effective phono preamps on the market. It has four gain settings and two loading options via dip switches on the bottom and works equally well with both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, though sonically it may favor the mm group. The Mani did a fantastic job of presenting soundstage depth while keeping the noise floor to a minimum. It handled even complex music with grace and toe-tapping fun. This is the perfect phonostage for anyone interested in fantastic sound, reasonable cost, and the ability to use multiple cartridge types. (285) MoFi Electronics StudioPhono $349 Renowned recording and remastering experts Mobile Fidelity Sound…

Overview • A DAC converts a digital datastream from a music server, disc transport, or other source into an analog signal that can be amplified by your preamp or integrated amp. • DACs vary widely in their features, size, cost, and intent, from a $100 unit that looks like a USB memory stick to a six-figure, multiple-chassis, state-of-the-art behemoth. • Some DACs simply decode digital signals input to them (such as from a disc transport or music server) while others include preamplifier functions such as multiple inputs, source switching, and volume control. • The sound of DACs has improved massively in the past 10 years. • Today's DACs may include a wide range of features and capabilities. DAC Features • Number and type of inputs. Some DACs have two or…

Roon 1.8 Music Management, Discovery, and Streaming Platform $9.99/mo., billed annually; $12.99/mo., billed monthly; $699, lifetime subscription For readers who are unfamiliar with Roon, it is an application that claims to be “the ultimate music player for music fanatics.” Roon accomplishes this in several ways. First, it unites home libraries and streaming services libraries from Tidal, Qobuz, and Dropbox into one comprehensive, cohesive, and completely searchable library. Roon's latest version, 1.8, finally makes finding music, both in your home library and Roon's supported streaming services, almost as easy and intuitive as grabbing an album off the shelves. And while longtime users won't find radical changes in the layout, ergonomics, and playback methodology, they will discover that Roon now uses its troves of meta-data in a far more feature-rich manner. (315)…

• The tonearm's major components are the bearing, counterweight, armtube, and headshell. • The counterweight's position determines the tracking force, or the amount of downward pressure the stylus applies to the LP. • Most tonearms are pivoted, with a fixed pivot point at the bearing end of the arm, and with the cartridge end of the arm following an arc as it tracks the record. • The linear-tracking tonearm doesn't pivot, instead moving the entire arm over the LP as it plays, maintaining the same geometric relationship between stylus and groove at any disc radius (and also the same stylus/groove relationship as the cutting head that made the record). • The tonearm should have low friction in its bearings and be well damped to resist vibration. • The two common…

Ortofon 2M Red $99 The swansong design of Ortofon's former chief engineer Per Windfeld, the entry-level 2M Red uses an elliptical-tipped stylus. Though a little dry in the treble and lacking the Ortofon Black's velvety finesse and harmonic finish, the 2M Red is still one sophisticated cartridge for the money. (182) Audio Technica VM540ML and VM760SLC $279 and $649 These two pickups are grouped together because they are part of A-T's VM line and despite the price gap sound far more alike than different. Judged according to the highest standards, PS found they acquitted themselves astonishingly in every aspect of performance, including frequency response, tracking ability, transparency, and dynamic range. Their only tonal anomaly is a smooth, mild rise beginning at 5kHz to a maximum of 4–5dB at 11kHz–12kHz, which…

Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII $79 The Spin-Clean System is a purely manual design—nothing to plug in. A little elbow grease and fresh air do all the work. Fill the taxicab-yellow basin with distilled water, add a capful of the cleaning solution, and spin the record between the brushes. Ambient air and a couple of swirls of the supplied lint-free cotton cloths do the rest. It's also a truly green product, totally off the grid. And the results speak for themselves—clean surfaces mean less noise and more fully resolved music. For lighter duty it's tough to beat. (201) Record Doctor VI $329 For those who love and care for their vinyl but don't want to break the bank on a cleaner, the Record Doctor VI (its latest iteration) offers a smart…

Straight Wire USB-Link $60/1m, $72/1.5m This well-made, great-sounding USB cable is a relative bargain, delivering outstanding dynamics, timbral fidelity, and transparency. (Not reviewed) AudioQuest Forest USB $69.95/0.75m; $89.95/1.5m For those on a tight budget, Forest is a large upgrade over a generic USB cable that was never designed for audio. Compared to standard USB cables, Forest offers a larger and more dimensional soundstage, more liquid and lifelike timbres, and greater transparency. (Not reviewed) AudioQuest Carbon USB $179.95/0.75m; $229.95/1.5m One of the go-to USB cables for computer-audio fans and highly recommended by USB pioneer and guru Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio, the Carbon is neutral without sounding bleached, dynamic without sounding piercing, detailed without sounding analytical. (Not reviewed) Wireworld Platinum Starlight Series 8 $275/1m, $350/2m Ethernet; $1800/1m 110-ohm AES/EBU; $800/2m USB…