Amplifier Reviews
Review: Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier & Grandioso S1X Power Amplifier
I hope they sound as good as they look.
HiFi Reviews
Digital Reviews
Imersiv D-1 DAC Followup & Some Thoughts on System Building
I reviewed the Imersiv D-1 DAC back in March and bought the review unit.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse Tube Linestage & Atlas Eclipse Power Amplifier
In the land of Aesthetix, the Eclipse versions of the Calypso preamp and Atlas amp are the top of the line, sitting above the Classic and Signature versions. What makes an Eclipse different?
Loudspeaker Reviews
Review: Peak Consult Sinfonia Loudspeakers
Peak Consult, the new Peak Consult, describe their raison d’etre as “a passion project.”
Digital Reviews
Review: Wattson Audio Madison Power S Power Supply for the Wattson Madison Streaming DAC
Or, how to make a good DAC even better.
Analog Reviews
Review: Technics SL-1500CS Direct Drive Turntable
Variations on a classic. When it comes to reviewing a Technics turntable, that’s exactly what we’re talking about—a variation on a classic design that dates back some 40 years.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Aragon Tungsten Preamplifier / Iridium Monoblock Stack
Reviving a classic brand comes with perceived pluses and minuses.
Digital Reviews
Review: Imersiv UTB Universal Transformer Interface
The Imersiv UTB Universal Transformer Interface is an add-on device meant to accompany the company’s wonderful D-1 DAC for people who want to connect it to their hifi via unbalanced RCA interconnects. People like me.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Aurorasound HFSA-02 Integrated Tube Amplifier
These days I get most excited about exceptional performance which is exactly what I heard when I sat down and listened to the Aurorasound HFSA-02.
HiFi Reviews
Review: Dynaudio Confidence 60 Loudspeakers
Imagine a big speaker that doesn’t behave like a big speaker.
Analog Reviews
In Barn for Good: Aurorasound AFE-12 MC Step Up Transformer
Sometimes I mix business with pleasure.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Devialet Astra Opéra de Paris Integrated Amplifier System
When it comes to hifi, can we really have it all—looks, style, substance, and great sound? This is one question the Devialet Astra Opéra de Paris Edition raises and my answer, after having lived with one, is a very confident hell ya!
Digital Reviews
Review: LAiV Crescendo Verse DAC
LAiV Audio is three for three when it comes to delivering affordable DACs that don’t sound cheap.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Musical Fidelity M8xi Integrated Amplifier
Sometimes there’s no way around Watts. And pounds.
HiFi Reviews
Review: Perlisten S7t Black Edition Loudspeakers
The S7t Black Edition loudspeakers are the 4th pair of Perlisten speakers to have graced the Barn with their sound presence.