THE REVIEWS
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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.
HIFIMAN ISVARNA HYBRID HEADPHONE - REVIEW
The HIFIMAN Isvarna is a truly exceptional headphone with great technical aptitude, extended frequency response, via its hybridization, a sublime naturalness in line with its brethren—Susvara Unveiled, Susvara—though not quite at their level, and it too is truly immersive. I’ve listened for long hours via the Isvarna late into the night and was alway happy and content.
TRAFORMATIC HEAD 2SE - REVIEW
Musically, the Traformatic HEAD 2SE is superb, as it handles the entirety of the frequency range with aplomb, is highly transparent and resolving, beautifully detailed, and it brings the midrange to life in a natural and very refined manner. Bravo.
TRAFORMATIC RHAPSODY 300B - REVIEW
The Traformatic Rhapsody 300B is absolutely not your pop’s or your grand pop’s 300B amplifier. It is a very much new and improved version with reach—frequency response—that other 300B’s fantasize about or, at the very least, dream about. It’s got bass, the proverbial 300B midrange, though there is an argument for it being even better than most 300Bs here, and it’s got good treble extension.
VIENNA ACOUSTICS HAYDEN SIGNATURE - REVIEW
There are very few bookshelf speakers that I can recommend which combine a down to earth price and crowd–pleasing performance. From the first moment I got them situated and playing, I was impressed by the level of sheer musicality they delivered. I’ve heard plenty of two–way, stand–mounted loudspeakers at audio shows, from sub $1000 entry level models to wicked spendy examples.
ALLNIC H-10000 OTL/OCL SIGNATURE PHONO-STAGE - REVIEW
The ALLNIC H-10000 OTL/OCL Signature Phono-stage Preamplifier represents the Korean manufacturer Allnic’s latest addition to it’s line up, and also it’s new flagship phono preamp. What makes this new addition quite an eye opener is Allnic’s decision to integrate an OTL/OCL (Output Transformer-Less / Output Capacitor-Less) design into a phono-stage is essentially new territory.
DeVORE FIDELITY Orangutan O/96s - REVIEW
Yeah. What can work with amplification from five measly watts to 400 watts, provide tonal/timbral renderings that harken back to the original venue, and even take you there, grab your heart like it’s sitting on your chest, and leap over tall buildings with a single bound? Okay, skip the building thing. But the rest is spot-on and of course you know the answer: the Orangutan O/96s.