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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.

Sonus Faber Heritage Collection Maxima Amator Loudspeakers

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 15 January 2021

In his inimitably matter-of-fact fashion, Magico’s Alon Wolf once told me that “We make loudspeakers, not furniture.” The statement seemed to imply that, for him, form must always follow function. I suspect that the philosophies of most discerning audiophiles are similar. That’s one reason why ultra-high-end systems are often found in dedicated rooms replete with treatments, cable lifters, and fastidious attention paid to ensure that those systems are performing optimally, no matter the imposition. Everything else is subordinated to the pursuit of maximum sound quality.

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Vinnie Rossi L2i Signature Edition Integrated Amplifier-DAC

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 01 January 2021

When I unboxed Vinnie Rossi’s new L2i Signature Edition integrated amplifier-DAC, two things stood out: 1) It’s good-looking and extremely well built. 2) I didn’t see how it could be worth $22,490 (as reviewed, with optional DAC module; all prices USD). It wasn’t until I’d spoken with founder-owner-designer Vinnie Rossi himself that I began to appreciate what I’d been sent. (See my profile of Rossi and his company.)

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Linear Tube Audio Z40 Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Hans Wetzel
Created: 15 December 2020

So you’re on the hunt for an integrated amplifier in the mid- to high four figures. There are many options, and in some ways it would be hard to end up with one that wasn’t at least very good. But you’re a discerning shopper, with a refined taste who can’t be bothered with any of the run-of-the-mill, high-powered, class-AB options littering the audioscape. Class-D amps are out due to their lack of character. Most tubed amps require that the owner bias and occasionally replace the tubes -- and what are you, a mechanic? No, you’d rather be listening. Finally, you go weak in the knees when you see a product proudly emblazoned with “Made in the USA.”

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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.

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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:

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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 …

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

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210x600 T+A Solitaire P SE (20230726)
PMC Fenestria
Simaudio
767x500 T+A Soltaire P SE (20230726)
Vitus Audio
Vitus Audio

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