THE REVIEWS
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ROTEL DX-3 - REVIEW
If a “personal” system is what you seek and $1.5k is around your target budget, then I’d recommend you try to audition the embellishment–free DX-3. It combines excellent value with a crowd and audiophile–pleasing voice that keeps the listener engaged in their songs. Rotel’s mantra is designing “…no–frills audio components that emphasized musical accuracy, superb build quality, and affordability.” I can’t agree more!
MADISON LOUNGE EDITION STREAMER - REVIEW
The Lounge Edition version of the Madison I had embodies many upgraded components in the signal path, as well as upgraded power supply storage capacitance in the unit itself. To further distinguish the two models, the LE has a warm, pale buff finish. My review sample came with a small, external aluminum PSU.
PSVANE SUMMIT KT88 & 6SN7 TUBES - REVIEW
My recent experience with the PSVANE Summit tubes has led me to consider these tubes, in particular, as a component-level change and not just a tube change. Why? I answer this question in fairly good detail below.
ALLNIC D-15000 OTL/OCL SIGNATURE DAC - REVIEW
Prior to this review, we had not heard Allnic’s digital source components, but that changed when the new D-1500 OTL/OCL Signature Digital to Audio converter arrived from the factory in South Korea. Visually, the D-15000 is both minimalist and monumental. The industrial design exudes weight and elegance, and refined control. Dual bias meters with amber lights add a touch of vintage instrumentation to the otherwise sleek presentation. This is a DAC that looks stout enough be from a bygone era yet modern enough to fit into any current system.
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?