I’m not a maker of big plans for the New Year. No diets (although I should), no new exercise routines (ditto), no abstinence, no resolutions other than to keep on keepin’ on.
While I do have plans for review gear that stretch out until about late Spring, which I’ve already shared with Patrons, I’ve arisen from my brief holiday slumber to share what’s already here in one place, er, post, to give you a quick refresh on what to expect in the near term when it comes to reviews.
The Luxman L-505Z Integrated Amplifier (more info) has been playing in Barn since September, driving a number of speakers with a few different front ends. As one might expect, it walks the walk.
Canton’s curvy Reference 2 Floorstanders (more info) have been making a party of sound on the Barn’s A-Side since their arrival in November where they’ve been paired with my reference digital and analog gear that’s comprised of the Grimm MU1 (review) serving the totaldac d1-unity (review) via an AudioQuest Diamond AES cable while my vinyl is handily handled by the lovely & classic Michell Gyro SE with a Sorane SA1.2 tonearm and EMT ESD 006 cartridge that sends its delicate signal out to the Aurorasound VIDA MK II phono stage.
And…
…the monstrous Pathos InPol Heritage MKII Integrated Amplifier (more info) has been powering the Ref 2’s to Barn rattling heights with its powerful sounding 80 Watts of dual mono hybrid Pure Class A power.
Speaking of power, the Soulution 331 Integrated Amplifier (more info) has also been taking turns powering a rotating cast of speakers on the Barn’s B-Side. Would you be surprised to learn that the 331 exhibits more than a family resemblance to its much loved (by me) predecessor, the Soulution 330 (review)?
The stealthy Gauder Akustik Capello 100 Loudspeakers also arrived in November and they’ve been filling the Barn’s B-Side with some very impressive sounds since. And I do mean very impressive.
Finally, the Aurender A1000 Music Server / Streamer / DAC / Preamp (more info) and its newfound Roon Ready-ness is busy at work playing my Favorite Albums of 2024 and more.
Truth be told, I’m also not big on making a big deal of a new year and prefer to appreciate each new day as it comes. It used to be the case that the biggest part of a new year meant remembering to write that new year on checks (a check was a thing made from paper used as currency and sent through the mail in an envelope).
That said, Happy New Day!
