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Equipment Reviews

Ultra Audio's site platform was changed in August 2010. For equipment reviews previous to that, use this link to transfer to the old site.

Audio Research Reference 160S Stereo Amplifier

Written by: Jeff Fritz
Created: 01 December 2020

When you’re sitting in front of the Audio Research Reference 160S stereo amplifier ($22,000 USD), it’s hard not to see the appeal. Its GhostMeters are a brilliant design touch that modernizes the look of a metered power amplifier. So named because their needles appear at the front of an otherwise transparent pane of acrylic graduated in watts, the GhostMeters let the user simultaneously watch the needles dance along with the amp’s power output while peering past the meters to the glow of eight KT150 output tubes. Listening to music over a high-end stereo system can delight more than one sense -- if this sort of visual delight supports your pleasure in listening, then a plain ol’ slab of thick aluminum just won’t do.

Read more …

Rotel Michi M8 Mono Amplifiers

Written by: Aron Garrecht
Created: 15 November 2020

Reviewers' ChoiceIn 1993, Rotel released the first three models in what became their critically acclaimed Michi line of electronics: the RHB-10 power amplifier, the RHC-10 passive controller, and the RHQ-10 equalizer. Rotel claimed that the Michis represented the very best they then had to offer in terms of design, technology, and sound quality. Over the next few years Rotel released five more Michi models, including a smaller power amplifier (RHB-5), an active preamplifier (RHA-10), an FM tuner (RHT-10), and a mammoth CD player (RHCD-10). The Michis were easily identified by their deep-gray cases of heavy-gauge steel, complemented by meticulously finished side panels of Japanese redwood -- but it was the many progressive technologies implemented in each that made them special.

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Black Cat Cable Trøn USB and Trøn Kløk Digital Links

Written by: Howard Kneller
Created: 01 November 2020

Some 15 years ago, after improving the sound of my two-channel audio system by upgrading all of its cables, I looked into doing the same for my home-theater rig. An obvious place to begin was with the Monster Cable coaxial S/PDIF interconnect that was between my DVD player and A/V receiver. Remember, this was around the time HDMI cables first appeared.

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Dynaudio Contour 20i Loudspeakers

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 01 November 2020

Reviewers' ChoiceMy very first hi-fi purchase was a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk.II floorstanding speakers, in 2002. My local dealer had set up a head-to-head with Bowers & Wilkins’s vaunted Nautilus 804, a beautiful loudspeaker that I fully expected to take home a pair of. But something about the boxy Dynaudio spoke to me.

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Mola Mola Tambaqui Digital-to-Analog Converter

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 15 October 2020

Reviewers' ChoiceWhen I heard I’d be reviewing Mola Mola’s Tambaqui DAC, the first thing that came to mind was not its bespoke field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture, nor that it was designed in part by class-D amplifier luminary Bruno Putzeys. No, what came to mind was an easily Googleable Facebook post about the Mola Mola, aka the ocean sunfish, that went viral in 2017. The relevant passage of that foul-mouthed screed:

Read more …

Synergistic Research PowerCell SX Power Conditioner

Written by: Howard Kneller
Created: 01 October 2020

In 2007, Synergistic Research developed a DC-biased, electromagnetic (EM), AC-filtering cell that they claim improves the quality of AC by affecting the movement of electrons through its conductive materials. According to Synergistic, the cell works without current restriction -- the Achilles’ heel of many early power conditioners, and of more than a few still sold today. In fact, Synergistic says, the more AC-powered devices are fed through the cell, the better it works.

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Focal Diablo Utopia Colour Evo Loudspeakers

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 15 September 2020

I don’t like the idea of meeting my heroes. The athlete likely takes performance-enhancing drugs and womanizes. The inspired yet tortured artist’s genius no doubt springs from a lifetime of trauma, haphazardly managed through substance abuse. And the stunning object -- a car, watch, loudspeaker -- is ultimately only that: an object, a thing, designed and made by beings as imperfect as you and I. The more I obsess about these people and things, the greater the expectation, and ultimately the greater the disappointment.

Read more …

Gryphon Audio Designs Essence Stereo Amplifier

Written by: Jeff Fritz
Created: 01 September 2020

It’s easy for reviewers to digest a company’s products by starting at the bottom of a manufacturer’s line and working their way up to the top models. You’re initiated into what that company can do at a lower price, and hopefully you see and hear more and better as you ascend their price ladder. It seems to make psychological sense to experience a company’s line this way, and it often works out just as you’d hope: the higher the price, the better the qualities of build, appearance, and sound.

Read more …

Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated 1.0 Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 15 August 2020

Few spirited e-mail threads are exchanged among the SoundStage! Network’s editorial staff. With so many articles coming out each month that need eyes on them to ensure that they’re squeaky clean for your reading pleasure, I find myself weighing in only when I spot something amiss, or I see a chance to lob a snarky remark at the infallible Jeff Fritz or the Napoleonic Doug Schneider. Recently, however, an objectivist/subjectivist discussion broke out that prominently featured the topic of “bias.” No matter where you are on that continuum, bias is of course unavoidable, and to suggest otherwise would be ignorant.

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Plinius Reference A-150 Stereo/Mono Amplifier

Written by: Jeff Fritz
Created: 01 August 2020

I’m not a member of the Everything Matters camp. I won’t list here all the things audiophiles do to alter the sound of their systems, but suffice it to say that I don’t spend hour after hour comparing footers or cable elevators in attempts to season the sound of my stereo to suit my palate. But most things, of course, do matter, and that’s where I focus my attention.

Read more …

  1. dCS Bartók Digital-to-Analog Converter
  2. EMM Labs DV2 DAC-Preamplifier
  3. Wells Audio Commander Level II Preamplifier
  4. Audience frontRow Interconnects, Speaker Cables, and Power Cords
  5. McIntosh Laboratory C1100 Preamplifier
  6. Xavian Electronics Classic Quarta Loudspeakers
  7. Estelon YB Loudspeakers
  8. Simaudio Moon 700i v2 Integrated Amplifier
  9. Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A12 Power Conditioner and Venom NR-V10 Power Cord
  10. Merrill Audio Jens Phono Stage
  11. Gryphon Audio Designs Zena Preamplifier
  12. EgglestonWorks Nico Evolution Loudspeakers
  13. Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III Loudspeakers
  14. Audience Au24 SX Interconnects and Speaker Cables
  15. McIntosh Laboratory MC1.25KW Mono Amplifiers
  16. Sonus Faber Heritage Collection Electa Amator III Loudspeakers
  17. Rockport Technologies Avior II Loudspeakers
  18. Theoretica Applied Physics BACCH-SP adio 3D Sound Processor
  19. PMC Fact Fenestria Loudspeakers
  20. GigaWatt PC-4 Evo+ Power Conditioner
  21. Luxman D-380 CD Player
  22. SGR Audio Model III Symphony Equipment Rack
  23. TAD Evolution One TX Loudspeakers
  24. McIntosh Laboratory MT10 Turntable
  25. Magico A3 Loudspeakers
  26. Merrill Audio Element 118 Mono Amplifiers
  27. Valve Amplification Company Master Preamplifier
  28. Constellation Audio Revelation Andromeda Phono Stage
  29. Audio Research Reference 6 Preamplifier
  30. Essential Sound Products MusicCord Pro Power Cord
  31. Gryphon Audio Designs Mojo S Loudspeakers
  32. Synergistic Research Galileo SX Interconnects, Speaker Cables, and IFT Jumpers
  33. Auralic Vega G2 Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  34. Cocktail Audio X45Pro Music Server-DAC
  35. Luxman L-509X Integrated Amplifier
  36. Vivid Audio Kaya 45 Loudspeakers
  37. Audio Research Reference 160M Mono Amplifiers
  38. Weiss Engineering DAC501 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  39. EgglestonWorks Kiva Loudspeakers
  40. VPI Prime Signature Turntable
  41. AVM Ovation SD 6.2 Preamplifier-DAC-Streamer
  42. Shunyata Research Hydra Typhon QR Power Distributor
  43. Burmester Ambience BA71 Loudspeakers
  44. GIK Acoustics 2A Alpha Diffusor/Absorber Acoustic Panel
  45. Linnenberg Elektronik Telemann DAC-Preamplifier
  46. Top Wing Blue Dragon Phono Cartridge
  47. Simaudio Moon 888 Mono Amplifiers
  48. Synergistic Research SR25 Limited Edition Power Cord
  49. Balanced Audio Technology VK-53SE Preamplifier
  50. Sumiko Reference Starling Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge
  51. Tidal Piano G2 Loudspeakers
  52. ZYX Ultimate 4D-X MC Phono Cartridge
  53. European Audio Team E-Glo S Phono Stage
  54. Balanced Audio Technology VK-255SE Stereo Amplifier
  55. T+A Elektroakustik PA 3100 HV Integrated Amplifier
  56. Furutech NCF Booster Cable Holder
  57. Raidho Acoustics XT-5 Loudspeakers
  58. Waversa Systems WDAC3 Mk.II Digital-to-Analog Converter
  59. Rethm Maarga Loudspeakers
  60. Audience Au24 SX powerChord Power Cord
  61. McIntosh Laboratory MA9000 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  62. VPI MW1 Cyclone Record-Cleaning Machine
  63. Esoteric Grandioso G1 Master Clock Generator
  64. Pro-Ject RPM 10 Carbon Turntable with 10cc Evolution Tonearm
  65. Esoteric Grandioso K1 SACD/CD Player-DAC
  66. Sonus Faber Homage Amati Tradition Loudspeakers
  67. TAD Micro Evolution One Loudspeakers
  68. Paradigm Persona 7F Loudspeakers
  69. Dynaudio Contour 60 Loudspeakers
  70. VAC Signature 200iQ Stereo Amplifier
  71. Synergistic Research Galileo UEF Speaker Cables, Interconnects, and IFT Jumpers
  72. Mytek Digital Brooklyn DAC-Phono Stage-Preamplifier-Headphone Amplifier
  73. Moon by Simaudio Evolution 860A Stereo Amplifier
  74. Esoteric K-05X SACD/CD Player/DAC
  75. Audio Physic Codex Loudspeakers
  76. Furutech FI-50 NCF Series Power Connectors and FP-TCS31 Alpha PC-Triple C Bulk Power Cord
  77. Vivid Audio Giya G1 Spirit Loudspeakers
  78. Audio Research Foundation DAC9 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  79. Vandersteen Audio Model Seven Mk.II Loudspeakers and M7-HPA Mono Amplifiers
  80. JPlay JCAT USB Card and USB Isolator
  81. Monitor Audio Platinum II PL300 II Loudspeakers
  82. Audiodesksysteme Gläss Vinyl Cleaner Pro
  83. Gryphon Audio Designs Antileon Evo Stereo Amplifier
  84. Symposium Acoustics Osiris Stealth Ultimate Equipment Rack
  85. Focus Audio Liszt Concerto Mono Integrated Amplifiers
  86. Magico MPod Support System
  87. Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 Mk.II Stereo Amplifier
  88. Synergistic Research PowerCell 12 UEF SE Power Conditioner
  89. van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius Phono Cartridge
  90. Devialet Expert 1000 Pro Mono DAC-Integrated Amplifiers
  91. Audience adeptResponse aR6-TSSOX Power Conditioner
  92. Audio Physic Avanti Loudspeakers
  93. High Fidelity Cables CT-1 Ultimate Digital Link, Interconnects, Speaker Cables, and Power Cords
  94. Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 300 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  95. Constellation Audio Inspiration Stereo 1.0 Amplifier
  96. Kharma Elegance dB9-S Loudspeakers
  97. Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty Integrated Amplifier
  98. Luxman EQ-500 Phono Stage
  99. fo.Q Modrate HEM-25 Pure Note Insulators
  100. Constellation Audio Inspiration Preamp 1.0 Preamplifier
  101. Zanden Audio Systems Model 3100 Preamplifier
  102. YBA Passion PRE550A DAC-Preamplifier
  103. Skogrand Cables Ravel Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  104. Soulution 560 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  105. Synergistic Research Atmosphere Level 4 Speaker Cables and Interconnects, Atmosphere Level 3 Power Cords, Grounding Block and HD Ground Cables
  106. Merging NADAC ST-2 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  107. Zanden Audio Systems AT-1 Acoustic Tubes and AP-1 Acoustic Panels
  108. Rockport Technologies Cygnus Loudspeakers
  109. Esoteric K-07X SACD/CD Player/DAC
  110. Moon by Simaudio Evolution 850P Preamplifier
  111. Stanford Research Systems PERF10 Rubidium Audio Clock
  112. Wadia di322 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  113. Reference 3A Nefes Loudspeakers
  114. Ayre Acoustics KX-5 Twenty Preamplifier
  115. Nordost Norse 2 Tyr 2 Speaker Cables, Interconnects, and Power Cords
  116. Ayre Acoustics MX-R Twenty Mono Amplifiers
  117. Aqua - Acoustic Quality La Voce S2 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  118. Magico Q7 Mk II Loudspeakers
  119. Highend-AudioPC AudiophileOptimizer Computer Audio Software
  120. Soulution 711 Stereo Amplifier
  121. Rogue Audio RP-5 Preamplifier
  122. Moon by Simaudio Evolution 760A Stereo Amplifier
  123. AudioQuest Cinnamon Ethernet Cable
  124. Spatial Audio Hologram M1 Turbo Loudspeakers
  125. Audio Research Reference 10 Preamplifier
  126. Bryston Middle T Loudspeakers
  127. Vienna Acoustics Imperial Liszt Loudspeakers
  128. Exogal Comet Digital-to-Analog Converter
  129. NAD Masters Series M22 Stereo Amplifier and M12 Preamplifier-DAC
  130. Ascendo C6 Loudspeakers
  131. Hegel Music Systems HD12 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  132. Esoteric Grandioso P1 SACD/CD Transport, Grandioso D1 Mono Digital-to-Analog Converters, and G-01 Master Clock Generator
  133. Blue Circle Audio BC60X1 Power Conditioner
  134. Octave Audio V 110 Integrated Amplifier
  135. JL Audio CR-1 Active Subwoofer Crossover
  136. fo.Q Damping Products and AB-4045 Audio Board Isolation Platform
  137. Devialet 400 Mono Integrated Amplifier-DACs
  138. Audio Research VSi75 Integrated Amplifier
  139. Triangle Magellan Cello Loudspeakers
  140. Audience Au24 SE powerChords, Interconnects, and Speaker Cables
  141. Zanden Audio Systems 120 Phono Stage
  142. Grimm Audio LS1 Loudspeakers and LS1s Subwoofers
  143. Aurender W20 Music Server
  144. Transfiguration Phoenix S Phono Cartridge
  145. M2Tech Young DSD Digital-to-Analog Converter
  146. Audio Research SP20 Preamplifier
  147. Magico S3 Loudspeakers
  148. Synergistic Research High Frequency Transducer (HFT) and Frequency Equalizer (FEQ) Room Treatments and XOT Crossover Transducer
  149. Ayre Acoustics KX-R Twenty Preamplifier
  150. Resonessence Labs Invicta Mirus Digital-to-Analog Converter
  151. Vivid Audio Giya G4 Loudspeakers
  152. Aurender X100L Music Server
  153. Sonus Faber Olympica I Loudspeakers
  154. Clarity Cable Organic Speaker Cables, Interconnects, Digital Interconnect, and Vortex Power Cord
  155. EgglestonWorks Nine Signature Loudspeakers
  156. Light Harmonic LightSpeed USB Cable
  157. David Berning Company ZH-230 Stereo Amplifier
  158. Esoteric Master Sound Works C-02 Preamplifier
  159. Vivid Audio Oval V1.5 Loudspeakers
  160. Daedalus Audio Argos v.2 Loudspeakers
  161. Octave Audio V 70 SE Integrated Amplifier
  162. KR Audio VA910 Mono Amplifiers
  163. T+A Criterion TCD 110 S Loudspeakers
  164. Birch Acoustics Raven Loudspeakers
  165. Monitor Audio Platinum PL200 Loudspeakers
  166. Essential Sound Products Essence Reference-II Power Cords and Reference-II Power Distributor
  167. JE Audio Dyad S400 Stereo Amplifier
  168. Dynamique Audio Celestial Speaker Cables, Zenith Interconnects, Firelight USB, and Infinite Power Cables
  169. Music Culture Elegance MC 501A CD Player-DAC
  170. KR Audio VA340 Mk.II Integrated Amplifier
  171. PMC IB2i Loudspeakers
  172. Cabasse Pacific 3 Loudspeakers
  173. Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 Loudspeakers
  174. Hegel Music Systems HD25 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  175. EMM Labs DAC2X Digital-to-Analog Converter
  176. Esoteric P-02 SACD/CD Transport and D-02 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  177. Vivid Audio Giya G3 Loudspeakers
  178. PBN Audio Scan-Speak B741 Loudspeakers
  179. Blue Circle Audio BC109 Preamplifier
  180. Dynaudio Confidence C2 Signature Loudspeakers
  181. First Watt J2 Stereo Amplifier
  182. Simaudio Moon Evolution 810LP Phono Stage
  183. Boulder Amplifiers 1060 Stereo Amplifier
  184. SMc Audio VRE-1C Reference Preamplifier
  185. Blue Circle Audio NSL Stereo Amplifier
  186. Audio Research Reference 250 Mono Amplifiers
  187. Von Schweikert Audio VR-35 Export Deluxe Loudspeakers
  188. Vitus Audio Signature SM-010 Mono Amplifiers
  189. YG Acoustics Kipod II Signature Loudspeakers
  190. Vandersteen Audio Treo Loudspeakers
  191. Magico Q1 Loudspeakers
  192. Hemingway Audio Prime Reference Mk.II Speaker Cables, Interconnects, and Power Cords
  193. Synergistic Research Element Copper, Tungsten, and Copper-Tungsten-Silver Interconnects and Speaker Cables
  194. Crystal Cable Arabesque Mini Loudspeakers
  195. EgglestonWorks Fontaine Signature Loudspeakers
  196. AudioQuest Diamond and Carbon FireWire 800 Cables
  197. Artos Audio Sunrise Loudspeakers
  198. Esoteric I-03 Integrated Amplifier
  199. NuForce DAC-9 Digital-to-Analog Converter
  200. Audience adeptResponse aR6-TS Power Conditioner
  201. EAR MC 4 Step-Up Transformer
  202. PBN Audio Montana InnerChoic Liberty Loudspeakers
  203. Simple Design Sonore Music Server
  204. Herron Audio VTSP-3A Preamplifier
  205. Copland CDA825 CD Player
  206. TW-Acustic Raven 10.5 Tonearm
  207. Artisan Silver MC Phono Stage
  208. MSB Technology Universal Media Transport
  209. Well Tempered Lab Amadeus Turntable
  210. Purity Audio Design Purity Reference Preamplifier
  211. Silverline Audio Sonatina Mk.IV Loudspeakers
  212. Ayre Acoustics DX-5 Universal A/V Engine
  213. Coda Technologies 15.0 Stereo Amplifier
  214. LessLoss Firewall Power Conditioner and DFPC Signature Power Cable
  215. Miyajima Laboratory Premium BE Mono Cartridge
  216. Magnum Dynalab MD 309 Integrated Amplifier
  217. Audio Research Reference 5 Preamplifier
  218. VAC Phi 200 Stereo Amplifier
  219. Ortofon Cadenza Mono Phono Cartridge
  220. Ultrasone Edition 8 Headphones
  221. YG Acoustics Carmel Loudspeakers
  222. Atma-Sphere Music Amplifier M-60 Mk.3.1 Mono Amplifiers
  223. AudioPrism Ground Control Grounding Cables
  224. Nordost Norse Frey Interconnects and Speaker Cables
  225. Ayre Acoustics KX-R Preamplifier and MX-R Mono Amplifiers
  226. Raysonic SP-300 Integrated Amplifier
  227. Synergistic Research Galileo Universal Interconnect and Speaker Cells, and Mini Power Couplers
  228. VAC Renaissance Mk.3 Preamplifier
  229. Accustic Arts Reference Tube-DAC II SE DAC and Reference Drive II CD Transport
  230. Silent Running Audio VR fp isoBASE Equipment Platforms
  231. EAR 890 Stereo Amplifier

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210x600 T+A R Criterion S (20240601)
Gryphon Audio Essence
 Electrocompaniet - AW300M
Dynaudio Contour 20BE
Vitus Audio
Vitus Audio

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