THE REVIEWS
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AURORASOUND HFSA-01 INTEGRATED - REVIEW
The Aurorasound HFSA-01 ($4,290) is a compact, light weight, multi-functional integrated, which incorporates a Moving Magnet Phono Section and a 6.33mm Headphone amplifier. The HFSA-01 provides 14-watts via four EL84 tubes and it paired beautifully with the DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/96. I’m told it also works well with marginally efficient speakers (90dB+).
SOTA COMET VI TURNTABLE - REVIEW
SOTA Sound Inventions has been one of the most respected manufacturers in the hi-fi industry for over four decades. They have a devoted user base and are rightly known for their high value products and virtually unrivaled dedication to servicing and repairing legacy products. SOTA proudly makes their products in their manufacturing facility in Delavan, Wisconsin.
GRIMM AUDIO PW1 PHONO PREAMPLIFIER - REVIEW
The Grimm Audio PW1 is a new reference for us in phono stages under $10,000. It simply checks every box imaginable. Its virtues are many, and its flaws are nonexistent to these ears. Superb transparency and spaciousness, and a perfect balance between tube-like warmth and solid-state clarity are it’s calling cards.
AURORASOUND VIDA PHONO PREAMPLIFIER - REVIEW
Japanese HiFi manufacturer Aurorasound is one of those firms that defines the mythical standing of the Japanese artisanal philosophy. That, in particular, means building gear in small numbers, with great attention to detail, and not being shy about carving their own paths in design and features if they feel it should be so. Many of these products are also examples of David and Goliath in the modern era, with small shops competing with behemoths like Sony and Marantz.
PARASOUND HALO JC3+ PHONO PREAMPLIFIER - REVIEW
The Parasound JC3+ is not entry level, but at a buck under $3200, it is a stone cold bargain. Finding fault with the sonics and build is a fool’s errand. If you want pure solid state, accurate vinyl playback, the JC3+ is a standard bearer. If you want colored sound, tube flabbiness, or audio jewellery, look elsewhere. If you have spent upwards of ten grand on your turntable and cartridge, the JC3+ is a must audition.
AUDIO HUNGARY QUALITON PHONO PREAMPLIFIER - PREVIEW
Audio Hungary made quite an impression on us with their X200 tubed integrated amplifier. We were eager to hear more of the company’s products. The Qualiton tubed phono stage arrived to satisfy that desire. Our review unit came smartly finished in polished stainless steel, and features an outboard power supply. The unit retails for $5000.