Network Acoustics Origin Streaming Power Supply Once you have been around audio engineers for a while it becomes clear that they consider the power supply to be one of the most critical components in any piece of audio electronics. Electricity is the lifeblood of every audio device except loudspeakers, there are passive preamps of course […]
Node Audio SS-1 isolation feet Those of you who have followed my hi-fi scribblings for a few years (and I thank you for that) may recall that I have previously given very enthusiastic reception to Node Audio products. In 2023 The Ear published my thoughts on the extraordinary Hylixa loudspeakers and elsewhere I have given […]
Accuphase C-57 phono stage Accuphase is a little different from many of the Japanese brands most people are familiar with. They say they are not interested in mass production and what they see as “its inevitable compromises”. Their philosophy is to produce smaller runs of components that “focus on sound quality and that are a […]
Vitus Audio RI-101 MkII streaming amplifier The Danes appear to have a knack for producing great hi-fi. Vitus may be a niche brand for some but for those who have experienced the brand’s products, it is a name often mentioned in hushed tones. Indeed Vitus’s products, and particularly their range of amplifiers, are considered by […]
Revival Audio Sprint 4 speakers It is, and always has been, axiomatic that the ideal hi-fi system is the one that most faithfully reproduces the recording of the original musical performance. Yet never has the phrase ‘easier said than done’ been more crushingly apt. The problem here is ‘faithfully reproduces’ which, in purely pragmatic terms, […]
Fyne Audio Vintage 10 speakers I have long been a fan of dual-concentric, high-efficiency loudspeakers, which really complement amplifiers such as my Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister single-ended valve amp, but I have so far never had the opportunity to try one of Fyne Audio’s Vintage range at home. The underlying rationale behind the Vintage range […]
Silent Angel Bremen SL1P In general, there are two types of streamer product: the Times Square light show and the moonless night no show. The Silent Angel Bremen SL1P is firmly in the latter camp, easily one of the most inscrutably understated yet. A display-less, button-less metal slab you wouldn’t even know was switched on […]
Euphony Summus 2c and 4c server/streamer How do you like your network player interface? Full fat or lean? It’s a decision that undoubtedly goes in Roon’s direction most of the time. Roon offers a blend of usability, stability, search and curation functionality that taken in the round is frankly unbeatable. Still, alternatives to Roon there […]
PMC prophecy9 speakers The PMC prophecy9 is an impressive feat of design and engineering. Quite apart from its acoustic qualities the way that the vent for the transmission line has been incorporated in the prophecy speaker range has reduced the cost of construction in numerous ways. The top dog prophecy9 replaces the twenty5.26i model in […]
Audiolab 9000N streamer Audiolab has carved itself a firm niche in the market with affordable, value for money equipment, by designing in the UK and manufacturing in China. However, the 9000N is not a beer-budget model sitting, as it does, at the top end of their price range. The Audiolab engineers have lots of experience […]
Cambridge Evo 150 SE streaming amplifier Launched with its new branding to the fore, sans Audio, the Cambridge Evo 150 arrives sporting an SE suffix as a new version of this ‘all-in-one’ streaming amplifier in a condensed package bristling with digital and analogue facilities. But does new branding come at the expense of the sonics? […]
Moor Amps Angel 4i integrated amplifier I have often enjoyed listening to Moor Amps amplifiers and speakers at audio shows, especially the Angel 6 and Ascalon-8 speakers. The Angel 6 is the amplifier of choice of a couple of fellow reviewers, including The Ear’s esteemed editor, Jason Kennedy. So naturally I was keen to try […]