THE REVIEWS
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ATOHM GT1-HD - REVIEW
Let me state right off that I do not write negative reviews. Lukewarm yes, but not negative. When I first pulled the subject of this write up, ATOHM’s GT1-HD, out of it’s fabric cover in turn well protected by foam inserts and triple layer cardboard packaging and set them playing, I was a bit surprised. Here was a gorgeous stand–mounted speaker whose sound was both sharp and grating. I had some audio geek buddies over and one of them said, “Please get rid of those.” Not a ringing endorsement. After a few weeks of playback, the GT1-HD lost their aggressive stance, settling down into a slightly retro ’70s vibe. But, I’m getting ahead of myself…
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO MXN10+DACM200 - REVIEW
The DacMagic line stretches back to 1995, almost two decades ago, when most of what we take for granted in consumer digital audio these days, such as streamers and USB DACs, did not exist. Since then, the DacMagic’s price has doubled while still being affordable, and the skill set offered has remained almost the same.
AUDIO ART STATEMENT CABLES - REVIEW
“Wires” are an interesting aspect of most high end hi–fi systems. Some folks consider them interchangeable, with lowest cost being the most important factor. After all, how important can resistance and capacitance be when cable lengths are often a meter or less? Some budget–driven enthusiasts have compared a wire coat hanger with a dedicated “audio” cable and found no discernible difference. How can that be if cables are that important?
MCINTOSH C8 PREAMPLIFIER - REVIEW
Making a success of any consumer electronics venture is an exceedingly hard thing to do. The high-end audio industry roots out incompetence and mediocrity with a ruthless vengeance. Very few audiophile OEMs reach their tenth anniversary. Founded by Frank McIntosh in 1949, McIntosh Labs™ has now been in business for 75 years(!). No, that’s not a misprint.
SHANLING ONIX SACD/CD TRANSPORT - REVIEW
It’s a funny thing, that is, when we’ve immersed ourselves in the highly marketed source-of-the-day—streamers—and then return to its predecessor—CD players—and discover rather potent truths, re-found wonders. This would be the second time that such a truth was revealed to me in high-end audio.
GRIMM AUDIO SQM CABLES - REVIEW
I have gone on in some detail regarding those who assume an almost ideological belief in the fact that “there is no difference in the sound of cables, any cables.” And I have heard noted audio manufacturers echo or believe this very same statement. I must admit that the latter revelation was indeed both perplexing and shocking. How could someone in the audio industry, some one who sets about building components with their various microchips, resistors, capacitors, power sources, differing wires, etc., not know? I have pondered long and hard on this, and have arrived at two conclusions.
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.