Allnic Audio Rose MC Cartridge

Allnic Audio Rose MC Cartridge

Karl Sigman
Analog, Star Component Award

The new Allnic Audio Amber MC Cartridge ($4500) was recently reviewed very favorably by Audiophilia where it was also mentioned that Amber had an equally new twin sister, the focus of my review here: the Rose MC Cartridge which retails at the significantly lower price of $2900.

Although not an identical twin of Amber—for it comes in a beautiful rose-colored Duralumin 5052 housing (versus amber-colored) with the name ‘Rose’ written elegantly in white on its right side—it is identical looking otherwise, almost identical in construction and, like the Amber, is handbuilt by master Allnic Audio designer Kang Su Park. As I discovered and will elaborate on in this review, the Rose is a true bargain, handily performing above its price point, so beautiful to look at and very easy to install.

Sonos Arc—Three months later (incl. Sound & Installation)

Sonos Arc—Three months later (incl. Sound & Installation)

Anthony Kershaw
Loudspeakers, Digital

The excitement in late Spring 2020 was palpable. Sonos was debuting its most exciting product for years, the Arc ‘Premium Smart Soundbar’ ($799), successor to Sonos’ very popular and very fine Playbar.

Getting an Arc was a challenge, with (communication) hurdles at every level, corporate, distributor, dealer and mass market. I dug deep and found one nailed to the floor of my local ‘Sonos Platinum’ dealer. As usual, the staff were very kind and allowed me a long stretch with its sole Arc for the day. You can read my thoughts here.

Icon Audio Stereo 40 MkIV 'Plus' Integrated Amplifier

Icon Audio Stereo 40 MkIV 'Plus' Integrated Amplifier

Anthony Kershaw
Amplifiers, Star Component Award

Icon Audio’s Canadian distributor, Warren Lavender, has been excited to share products with Audiophilia for review. I echoed his excitement for Icon’s remarkably good phono stage, the PS1 Mk.II. It was such good value at $2400, I purchased the unit for my mono setup (it has a rare ‘mono switch’).

Lavender was equally excited about Icon amplification and preamp designs, including integrated amplifiers. As Icon owner/designer David Shaw calls them, ‘All Valve’. Brit-speak for tubes. As such, Lavender requested a review of the 50W (Ultralinear) 30W (Triode) Stereo 40 MkIV Integrated Amplifier. The MkIV is a KT88 based design. The 4 KT88s are a matched set.

Beethoven Symphonies: Barenboim—Dolby Atmos Music on Tidal HiFi

Beethoven Symphonies: Barenboim—Dolby Atmos Music on Tidal HiFi

Anthony Kershaw
Music

As Julius Baker would say when hearing of 600 applications for the next top flute job, ‘there’s always room for a great player’. I feel the same about Beethoven symphony cycles. James Norris’ review of the Steinberg/Pittsburgh/DG Beethoven cycle was published here only a few weeks ago.

This very fine Barenboim set with his Staatskapelle Berlin (the opera orchestra rejuvenated from the pit of East Berlin’s Unter den Linden opera house, equally rebuilt umpteen times since commissioned by Frederick the Great in 1741) was originally released on Teldec CDs twenty year ago. Warner re-released them in 2017.

Allnic Audio Amber MC Cartridge

Allnic Audio Amber MC Cartridge

Anthony Kershaw
Analog, Star Component Award

The star products from South Korea’s Allnic Audio continue to arrive on the island for review. Usually, the delivery guy/gal is cussing me under his/her breath wrangling the massive boxes in which the Allnic tube amps and preamps arrive. This time, no grumbling. A tiny cartridge.

The new Allnic Audio Amber Moving Coil Cartridge, in fact, the more expensive sister to the equally new Rose MC Cartridge ($2900—now in Karl Sigman’s hands—review up late August). The MSRP of the Amber Moving Coil Cartridge is $4500.

Allnic Audio A-2000 25th Anniversary Power Amplifier

Allnic Audio A-2000 25th Anniversary Power Amplifier

Anthony Kershaw
Amplifiers

This is the 25th Anniversary edition of Allnic Audio’s A-2000 stereo power amplifier. The 25th is both a 100 watt (pentode) and 50 watt (triode) push-pull design that retails for $9,900. The pentode/triode feature is switchable ‘on-the-fly’.

Changes from the original A-2000 include upgraded output transformers, a modified chassis with a newer, swept look and a power tube swap from KT88s to KT150s. Designer Kang Su Park also made some circuitry changes for greater stability and tube longevity.

Streaming the Classics: Berlioz—Roméo et Juliette

Streaming the Classics: Berlioz—Roméo et Juliette

Charles Brown
Music

Do you ever type a streaming query in Roon for a classical work and are overwhelmed by the choices? Rather than clicking on any old recording or the first one you see, Audiophilia will make things a little easier for you and do the heavy listening.

These choices are for streaming only. Is the best in streaming also the best vinyl recording and performance? That’s for another article.

A few criteria:

  1. Recording must be on Qobuz and/or Tidal HiFi.

  2. It does not have to be HiRes or MQA.

  3. No more than ten recommendations in no particular order, then my top three for streaming in order of preference.

SONOS Arc

SONOS Arc

Anthony Kershaw
Digital, Loudspeakers, Star Component Award

Driving with cabriolet top down on a particularly sunny Spring day last month, I heard the CEO of Sonos, Patrick Spence, being interviewed by Nilay Patel of The Vergecast. Spence was particularly smooth and spoke mostly in corporate talk but did take responsibility for the debacle last year where some bright spark at Sonos decided to brick older products when new software updates were applied. Even with a healthy discount, my older purchased review units were expensive and not ready for the landfill. As such, the anger was not typical of the ‘faux-outrage’ you read every day on social media. It was visceral.

The tenor of the Verge interview got me thinking about the birth of Sonos and its exponential growth based on superior engineering and brilliant marketing. Word of mouth, too. And then my thoughts turned to more challenging days—the massive layoffs, the paradigm shift to ‘smart’ speakers and how Sonos navigated those minefields. Finally, the transition to the new products and post debacle marketing.

Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro D/A Converter

Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro D/A Converter

Karl Sigman
Digital, Star Component Award

The vast majority of modern audio DACs use a Delta-Sigma DAC chip because such chips are now tiny, manufactured by companies that sell them in mass relatively cheaply, and have become outstanding in quality. Examples of such chips include the California USA Company’s ESS Technology 9038PRO SABRE chip used in many of the highest-end DACs. Even their slightly lesser chip, the ESS Technology 9028PRO SABRE has been used impressively in some high-end DACs with which I am familiar such as the Mytek Brooklyn DAC + at only $2195.

There are, however, a few companies that use other methods. One novel alternative is illustrated by PS Audio’s DirectStream (DSD) DAC at $6000 that stands out because of its use of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) which is a circuit board that is programmed with software (that can be upgraded on a regular basis) to perform the essential conversion, and does so using DSD. This FPGA method for use in Hi-Fi audio, however, requires sophisticated software to run which most audio designers do not have the knowledge to assure (PS Audio, for example, leads their effort with one incredibly talented man: Ted Smith). The DirectStream DAC has been my reference for a number of years now.

Ortofon 2M 78 Phono Cartridge

Ortofon 2M 78 Phono Cartridge

Jesús González-Monreal
Analog

Why does vinyl have such a strong hold on audiophiles? Perhaps it’s the ritual of the LP, the ‘warm’ sound of the grooves, the quality of the sound, that one can play around with cartridges, speakers, cables and preamps not to mention turntables. A little over two years ago, I started getting more serious about vinyl, wanting more from my music. Spending years collecting records was not just a hobby, but a way to experience sound. Collecting LPs of favorite composers and conductors as well as researching great recorded performances is a passionate activity for those of us who are immersed in music and its sound.

The listener or audiophile researches how to get the best sound out of their vinyl. Reading, watching videos, visiting chatrooms, all information about LPs pressings, labels, mono, stereo, types of grooves, cartridges, have but one goal—the clarity of sound and the experience of it. Having some experience with the LPs, I decided to start my journey into the oldest type of mass produced records, the 78rpm shellac. With a very introductory setup (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB Turntable, a Pro-Ject Phono Box MM preamp and Edifier R1280DB Loudspeakers) and acute curiosity, I dove head first into this new world of the 78rpm.

Beethoven: The Symphonies—Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra/Steinberg

Beethoven: The Symphonies—Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra/Steinberg

James Norris
Music

William Steinberg (1899–1978) was a conductor much loved and respected by musicians with a clear and concise beat and an unassuming manner who was much in demand from the world’s leading orchestras and soloists for much of the 20th Century. His recordings with Heifetz, Milstein and Firkusny are among the best to be found anywhere and have stood the test of time for over 60 years in the catalogue.

He held conductorships in London and Boston and founded the Israel Philharmonic with Hubermann, but it was as the successor to his earlier teacher and friend Klemperer in Pittsburgh which cemented his fame and reputation.

Graham Slee Accession MC Phono Preamp

Graham Slee Accession MC Phono Preamp

Anthony Kershaw
Analog

I noticed several things almost immediately when opening the box of the Graham Slee Accession MC Phono Preamp. Its diminutive size & weight and the four toggles/knob on the front fascia. More on these somewhat rare recording curve and playback options later.

Though small, it’s a handsome piece and is priced at $1949, including the upgraded PSU1 Enigma power supply. Knock off a couple of hundred bucks with the standard PSU1. My Accession was the moving coil version. Slee manufactures a moving magnet version with the standard power supply for $1299. It’s been my experience phono stage quality takes bucks, more than any other high end component. My only lengthy experience with one approaching the Accession’s price point was the excellent Rega Aria Phono Stage.

Green—Hiroshi Yoshimura

Green—Hiroshi Yoshimura

Maxwell Geiger
Music

Too often ‘ambient music’ is defined by what it lacks. Describing it as music without standard melody, rhythm and structure provides a cursory reference point to pop and classical music for the unfamiliar. Unfortunately this overlooks the many truly engaging ambient records which contain creative, nuanced and powerful artist statements.

GREEN, the recently remastered and reissued ambient classic by Hiroshi Yoshimura, is one such record. Like a lot of ambient music, GREEN is mellow enough for heavy rotation while logging mandated work-from-home hours but it stands up to deeper listening as well.

Streaming the Classics/The Dream of Gerontius—Elgar

Streaming the Classics/The Dream of Gerontius—Elgar

James Norris
Music

Do you ever type a streaming query in Roon for a classical work and are overwhelmed by the choices? Rather than clicking on any old recording or the first one you see, Audiophilia will make things a little easier for you and do the heavy listening.

These choices are for streaming only. Is the best in streaming also the best vinyl recording and performance? That’s for another article.

A few criteria:

Recording must be on Qobuz and/or Tidal HiFi.

It does not have to be HiRes or MQA.

No more than ten recommendations in no particular order, then my top three for streaming in order of preference.

Easy to find Classical Mono LPs that should be in your collection

Easy to find Classical Mono LPs that should be in your collection

Anthony Kershaw
Music

Notice, I didn’t write ‘cheap’.

Forthcoming, a classical part 2 and matching jazz/popular posts. All LPs are available at Discogs, in good shape and for a variety of prices. Too expensive (Furtwängler/Eroica!)? Use Discogs as a starting point for a search. And, don’t forget garage sales & record shows where mono magic money has not yet reached.

The images link to a Discogs or Ebay for sale post. Audiophilia has no affiliation with Discogs, Ebay or the original for sale posters. Proceed at your own risk. If you search around, you may find some real bargains. I lucked out in my mono search.

PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12

PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12

Anthony Kershaw
Accessories

The failure of my reference power conditioner had me reaching out for a replacement to manufacturers I deemed outstanding in legacy builds. I had extensive experience with a few at one time or another and thought I’d give conditioners from two highly regarded companies a whirl and report my findings to you.

AudioQuest sent me their entry level $995 Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System for review. It had far from entry level performance, enjoying lots of trickle down technology from its more expensive siblings, the Niagara 3000 ($2995), Niagara 5000 ($4995) and Niagara 7000 ($9499).

Audio Art Cable Statement e2 AC Cable

Audio Art Cable Statement e2 AC Cable

Karl Sigman
Cables, Star Component Award

After two reviews of Audio Art Cable products already under my belt, I am now presenting the 3rd: Audio Art Cable Statement e2 Cryo AC Cable. It is a power cable at 15A, IEC, with solid, classy-looking, silver colored Furutech Nano Crystal Formula FI-50(R) NCF and FI-48(R) NCF plug sets.

They retail for $1, 380/metre; I was sent two for my review to use with my monoblock amps. As with the other two cables I reviewed, this AC cable is from the Statement series, their flagship level of cabling, and has a similar, attractive Techflex sleeving. It is the thickest of the three cables, about 1” in diameter, but relatively easy to manipulate and connect. The wiring is a 10 gauge, 6N pure single crystal UP-OCC copper/silver plated UP-OCC hybrid array. The Furutech plug sets used are considered some of the very finest available for power cable termination.

Allnic Audio M-2500 Monoblock Amplifiers

Allnic Audio M-2500 Monoblock Amplifiers

Anthony Kershaw
Amplifiers, Star Component Award

The new Allnic Audio M-2500 Monoblock Amplifiers are available in three tubed versions: PX25, 300B (both Triode) and the subject of this review, KT150 (Pentode). The MSRP for the KT150 tube model is $14,500/pair. 

Audiophilia has reviewed a number of Allnic products, preamps, phono stages and cables, but no power or integrated amplifiers. All reviewed so far have received Star Component Awards and a few were included in our Products of the Year lists.

Audio Art Cable Statement e IC Cryo Interconnect Cable Pair Silver XLR

Audio Art Cable Statement e IC Cryo Interconnect Cable Pair Silver XLR

Karl Sigman
Cables, Star Component Award

This is my second review of Audio Art Cable products; the first review was for speaker cables. This time round, a pair of balanced (XLR) interconnects: Audio Art Cable Statement e IC Cryo Silver XLR; again from their Statement series which is their highest level.

These XLR cables offer the same attractive grey look with a braided Techflex sleeving as the speaker cables, but are thinner (3/8” diameter versus 1/2”). The cable’s MSRP is $960/1 metre pair. I was sent a 1.5 meter pair for this review at $1040. This is not expensive in the realm of high-end audio where a pair of XLR interconnects can be found at prices that can compete with a car.

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