Langerton Loudspeaker Review

In his review of the Langerton speakers from Germany, Wojciech Pacula writes:

These are speakers that show the soundstage as it really is. Instead of creating it, they do their best to re-create it as faithfully as possible. The price for it is a smaller optimal listening field and smaller sound sources further down the soundstage. The advantages are truly amazing, however. I believe that you will hear many of the elements that create recording’s holographic dimension for the first time, no matter what kind of speakers you currently use.

Read the full review >>

Genesis G7c Loudspeaker Review

In his review of the Genesis G7c Loudspeakers, Andre Marc writes:

The Genesis G7c is the first product I have heard in my own system from the Seattle-based company, and it makes me want to hear more. At $6000 they are not entry level, and there are many speakers at this price range to choose from. But I would venture to guess few offer the wide-open, transparent, low distortion, effortless presentation the G7c does. The company’s legacy is second to none, and they service generations old Genesis products in the field.

Read the full review >>

Devialet 110 Amplifier Review

In his review of the Devialet 110 Amplifier, Jeff Dorgay writes,

For the music lover that doesn’t want to sacrifice sound quality for aesthetics, I can think of no finer choice than the Devialet 110, except maybe one of the higher-powered units, should your speakers require it. The journey doesn’t end here, either. The 110 will be easily upgradable via software as the Devialet engineers develop new functionality, so this is an investment you can live with for the long haul. Lifestyle is no longer a dirty word when it comes to hi-fi.

Read the full review >> 

KEF Blade Loudspeaker Review

In his review of the $30,000/pair KEF Blade Loudspeakers, Jeff Dorgay writes:

The Blades are easy to set up and work incredibly well with almost all amplifiers, making them a great choice for a system anchor from which you can build and improve as your time and budget allow. After a year of living with these speakers, I just don’t see the need to spend more money on a speaker—ever. And, to us at TONE, that level of value deserves an award.

Read the full review at TONEAudio >>

SVS Announces High Performance, Low-Cost 2000 Series Subwoofers

The SVS PB-2000 will go down to 17Hz for only $799.

SVS has announced two new high performance, low cost subwoofers at CES 2014. The $699 SB-2000 and $799 PB-2000.  The subwoofers feature Sledge STA-500D amplifiers with DSP control.  The amplifier is rated at 500 watts RMS and can hit 1100 watt peaks.    The SB-2000 will go down to 19Hz and the PB-2000 will go down to 17Hz.

Audio Research Reference 75 Amplifier Review

Commenting on the Audio Research Reference 75 Amplifier, Harry Pearson writes, "This has become a go-to reference amplifier here in Sea Cliff. It helps you forget what you’re listening for because you can only listen to. I have no doubts that this will soon become what I already consider it to be: a legendary amplifier in its own right."  Read the full review at HP Soundings.

dCS Vivaldi Digital Playback System Review

In his review of the dCS Vivaldi digital playback system, Michael Fremer writes, "The dCS Vivaldi components produced a texturally supple, delicate, musically involving sound filled with color and life. Their soundstaging and imaging capabilities surpass what I thought was possible from digital."  Read the full review online >>

Ultimate Guide to Headphones and Headphone Amps Now Available

If you're looking for a consolidated guide to headphone and headphone amps, then Stereophile's "The Ultimate Headphone Guide 2013" may be just what you're looking for.  The guide features listings for over 500 headphones and headphone amps.  You can order the guide online via Stereophile's online store or pickup a copy at your local newsstands.  The guide costs $9.99 and if you order online, you'll need to factor in another $5 for shipping.

Review of Lindell AMPX Power Amplifier

In his review of the Lindell AMPX power amplifier, John Marks writes in Stereophile,

I believe that the Lindell AMPX, despite its lowish nominal power, belongs in Class B of "Recommended Components." And remember, to be listed in Class B is not a slight, but high praise. Class A is reserved for "the best of the best, regardless of price or practicality." In my book, Class A is the province of the darTZeel NHB-108 and other amplifiers every bit as good; as nice as the AMPX is, it is not a drop-in replacement for the darTZeel. Class B is supposed to be the "next best thing [to Class A]," and I think that that is where the AMPX belongs. A great amp and an amazing bargain. I've shipped it to JA for measurement. Highest recommendation.

Read the full review on Stereophile.com

Classé Announces Class D Amplifier

Classé has announced the availability of a new Class D amplifier—a first for the company. The CA-D200 stereo amplifier will deliver 200wpc and carries a proprietary Classé-designed switch mode power supply and switching amplifier stages.


The Classé CA-D200 will be available this month for $4,000.

Review of Pass Labs x350.5 Stereo Amplifier

Commenting on his experience with the Pass Labs x350.5 stereo amplifier, Kirk Midtskog writes:

Considerably more than merely good sonic performance awaits X350.5 owners. It provides truly compelling listening sessions with your music collection—fatigue-free, imagination-inspiring, emotion-filled listening sessions. Its prodigious power, natural tonal balance, and liquidity impart a solid foundation to even the most demanding music while caressing delicate passages with a silky fine touch. I can’t think of a more powerful and non-fatiguing amp close to its asking price. Highly recommended.

Read the full review online >>

Review of Definitive Technology Incline Desktop Speakers

"These speakers have audiophile pedigree written all over them," writes reviewer Theo Nicolakis on Audioholics.com. He continues:

The Incline speakers are smart, stylish, and really great sounding. I enjoyed my time with them immensely. They keep a small footprint while delivering rich audio and exceptional bass response without the need for a sub. You can use them for both music and movie watching and, if the great bass response still isn’t as controlled or good enough for you, then you still have the option to add an external sub....The Inclines certainly won’t make you jettison your audio or home theater dedicated setup. Yet, for the Audiophile who wants a quality audio experience at his desk, the Definitive Technology Incline speakers are an easy top pick and should be at the top of your Christmas list.

Read the full review of the Definitive Technology Incline Desktop speakers at Audioholics.

NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold Loudspeaker Review

"I'll say it here and now", writes Harry Pearson in his review of the NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold speakers, "these are the most fluidly musical loudspeakers I have ever heard."  He goes on to write:

The NOLA Concert Grand Reference Gold loudspeakers give you everything you could possibly want from a large “super” speaker. They are dynamic as hell and have a massive soundstage. They push enough air on loud passages to convince your insides that an actual orchestra of humans set up shop in your listening room.  But where the CGRG stands alone is the ability to properly, and thoroughly, reproduce all variations of music, including the smaller, the softer, and more delicate moments.

Read the full review online at HPSoundings.

Review of Wilson Audio Alexia Loudspeakers

In writing about the Wilson Audio Alexia loudspeakers, John Atkinson writes in Stereophile:

Yes, $48,500/pair makes the Alexia still an expensive loudspeaker. But its clarity, its uncolored, full-range balance, its flexibility in setup and optimization, and most of all its sheer musicality, are, if not unrivaled, rare. If I were to retire tomorrow, the Wilson Alexia would be the speaker I would buy to provide the musical accompaniment to that retirement.

Read the full review of the Wilson Audio Alexia loudspeakers at Stereophile.

Review of Goldenear Triton Seven Loudspeaker

In writing about the Goldenear Triton Seven loudspeaker, reviewer Chris Martens writes:

If you want to find out just how much high-end goodness $1399 can buy in a pair of loudspeakers, then you absolutely must audition the Triton Sevens. I consider this speaker a masterpiece of value-oriented audio engineering—one that sets a performance standard that will not easily be matched or surpassed.

Read the full review here at The Absolute Sound.

Review of KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speaker System

In his review of the KEF X300A Digital Speaker System, reviewer Neil Gader writes:

KEF’s versatile coincident driver, the Uni-Q, has been cast in a new role—a part, in my humble opinion, it has always been destined to play. It’s the X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speaker System. I’ve admired this unique transducer for some time but most recently when I evaluated the KEF LS50 (awarded a Golden Ear in Issue 235). I continue to feel it’s one of the most satisfying compact two-way speakers I’ve encountered in the last couple years. The speaker is not only visually arresting; it also boasts superb midrange sonics, full-bodied presence, and potent midbass punch. I always thought it could be the basis for an outstanding nearfield or portable monitor. And whaddya know—with the X300A KEF engineers have taken that next logical step and reimagined the LS50/Uni-Q for desktop duty and the world of computer media.

Read the full review at The Absolute Sound online.

Review of Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblock Amplifiers

In reviewing the Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblock Amplifiers, Fred Crowder writes:

The speed of delivery for instruments and voices is stunning.  There is no hint of any distortion or noise.  Nothing in the musical presentation takes away from any other element.  The air, space, depth and apparent room ambience of the recording are palpable.  Each instrument has its own dynamic envelope which allows a pianissimo strike of a triangle to exist alongside a forte gong crash, with each instrument perfectly distinguished, each part of the musical whole, but also being appreciated as their own notes.  The amps rendered it effortlessly.   I cannot imagine that I would ever want more power.  The stage is three-dimensional, images are stable and placed believably on that stage, each surrounded by its own cushion of air.  Bass is powerful and at the same time taut, articulate and well controlled.  With my speakers, which each employ four 10-inch dynamic drivers to reproduce the range below 170 Hz —  there appears with these amps to be an extra half octave of extension at the bottom.  Noise is vanishingly low, grain is for all practical purposes non-existent.  Most importantly, these are musically natural and emotionally satisfying.

Read the full review of the Pass Labs Xs 150 Monoblocks on the Dagogo.com audiophile review web site.

Review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable

In his review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable, reviewer Paul Seydor of The Absolute Sound writes:

There’s much to be said for a product that precisely defines its purpose and then proceeds to fulfill it to near perfection. The British designer Jon Palmer set out to make a high-end turntable that would be essentially plug-and-play without serious compromise in performance at a price that, though far from inexpensive, is by no means unreasonable in the world of high-end audio. The result is the Palmer 2.5 turntable, the domestic price $7995. Allow me to anticipate my conclusions by saying that in my judgment, Palmer has not only realized his brief, but made a turntable that I have no hesitation calling sonically, aesthetically, and functionally one of the most satisfying I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. It’s a design I could happily close up shop with tomorrow and enjoy thereafter without a moment’s regret or thought for something else.

Read the full review of the Palmer 2.5 Turntable here.

Review of Bryston Mini T Loudspeakers

In his equipment report on the Bryston Mini T Loudspeakers, Ron Doering of The Absolute Sound writes:

Indeed, these are one of the few speakers I’ve experienced which do the trick of realistically putting a singer, guitarist, bassist, what have you, in the next room. Doing my laundry I could swear on a stack of TAS back issues that Ella Fitzgerald was right there next door in the listening room. Well of course “she” was, as that is where my stereo is, but my point is that it sounded as if a real person were singing in the other room. Try this and you’ll see what I mean (or not).

Read the full review of the Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker here.

SPECS & PRICING

Driver complement: One 8" ceramic-coated aluminum cone woofer, one 5.25" ceramic-coated aluminum cone midrange, one 1" titanium dome tweeter
Crossover frequencies: 160Hz and 2.3kHz
Loading: Bass-reflex
Frequency response: 37Hz–22kHz (+/-3dB)
Maximum SPL: 118dB
Min/Max recommended power: 10–250W
Sensitivity: 85dB (1 watt, 1 meter anechoic)
Impedance: 4 ohms nominal
Dimensions: 10.5" x 22.5" x 9.8"
Weight: 42 lbs. each
Price: $3195/pair in real wood veneer; $2695/pair in vinyl; $499/pair for custom stands although Bryston suggests any quality stand 18–24 inches in height

Top Tower Speakers For Under $3,000

Looking for a pair of tower speakers?  The Absolute Sound is promoting their "2013 Buyer's Guide: Floorstanding Loudspeakers Under $3,000".  From the $1298 PSB Image T6 that the TAS staff write:

"The PSB Image T6s offer a very high level of sonic performance for their price: bass to below 40Hz in-room, natural warmth a little further up (where floorstanders often dip), a largely neutral midrange, and a clean treble. The T6s play more loudly, with less of the distortion or compression expected from speakers of this size."

All the way up to the $2998 GoldenEar Triton Two where the TAS staff remark:

The Triton Two is a three-way, five-driver, dualpassive-radiator-equipped floorstander with a built-in powered subwoofer. Voiced from the top down, it handles high frequencies via a shockingly good ribbon, the all-important middle frequencies via dual ultra-wide-bandwidth midrange drivers, and the low end via a sophisticated subwoofer powered by a 1200-watt, DSP-controlled amplifier. The result is an elegant, full-range floorstander that sounds astonishingly refined, delivers spectacular 3-D imaging, and provides robust, full-bodied dynamics.

Click here to read the full buyer's guide.