Articles, Reviews and Measurements of Audio Products
NAD C298 Stereo Amplifier Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of NAD C298 stereo class D power amplifier based on Purifi Eigentakt modules. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $2,399.
The unit is quite heavy for a class D amplifier. The front is plain as most power amps are. I was not a fan of the status LED. On power up, it turns orange. If you hit the power button, it initially goes red making you think there is a fault. But eventually switches to blue saying it is on. Back panel shows some nice features such as fixed and variable gain and selectable level for trigger input (auto power on):
I realize NAD reserves their exquisite casing for their "Master" series but if I am paying $2,400 for an amplifier, I expect something better than stamped sheet metal cover and utilitarian...
The unit is quite heavy for a class D amplifier. The front is plain as most power amps are. I was not a fan of the status LED. On power up, it turns orange. If you hit the power button, it initially goes red making you think there is a fault. But eventually switches to blue saying it is on. Back panel shows some nice features such as fixed and variable gain and selectable level for trigger input (auto power on):
I realize NAD reserves their exquisite casing for their "Master" series but if I am paying $2,400 for an amplifier, I expect something better than stamped sheet metal cover and utilitarian...
Topping E30 II Lite DAC review and measurements
Here is a review and measurements of the recent
Topping E30 II Lite DAC
Here you see it on top of the gorgeous Topping A70 Pro, to give an idea of its size.
Yes, it's a very small DAC.
I purchased it new from Audiophonics for around 100€.
This is one of the cheapest DACs with SPDIF inputs, level control and remote.
It comes with usual connectors: USB, Optical and coaxial (RCA) SPDIF inputs, and of course a pair of unbalanced analog RCA outputs.
In the box, there is also a remote, but NO power supply (nor batteries for the remote)
This for sure helped to lower the price.
The DAC may be powered from any USB source, so just a USB power cable is provided.
It worked for me from any USB power source I had at hand, including a power bank.
There are 2 modes: DAC (fixed volume) and "Pre" (where volume is variable with the remote control).
In...
Topping E30 II Lite DAC
Here you see it on top of the gorgeous Topping A70 Pro, to give an idea of its size.
Yes, it's a very small DAC.
I purchased it new from Audiophonics for around 100€.
This is one of the cheapest DACs with SPDIF inputs, level control and remote.
It comes with usual connectors: USB, Optical and coaxial (RCA) SPDIF inputs, and of course a pair of unbalanced analog RCA outputs.
In the box, there is also a remote, but NO power supply (nor batteries for the remote)
This for sure helped to lower the price.
The DAC may be powered from any USB source, so just a USB power cable is provided.
It worked for me from any USB power source I had at hand, including a power bank.
There are 2 modes: DAC (fixed volume) and "Pre" (where volume is variable with the remote control).
In...
Focal Dome Flax Speaker Review
This is a review, listening tests and measurements of the Focal Dome Flax home theater lifestyle speaker. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $689 by itself or $4,000 as part of a 5.1 package with a subwoofer.
The Dome is extremely attractive especially in this white color. Everything but the cover for the bottom is made out of metal and the dome rotates from facing up to about 20 degrees relative to horizontal (as seen). Wiring is on the bottom and I was pleasantly surprised that it accepted pretty thick wire (screw terminal). Alas, routing that cable out caused the cover to not fully close.
For testing I left the grill on assuming that is how anyone buying this speaker would use it. I propped the speaker forward so that the speaker was almost vertical (probably still slanted back 5 to 10 degrees). In other words, the measurements are more or less the on-axis...
The Dome is extremely attractive especially in this white color. Everything but the cover for the bottom is made out of metal and the dome rotates from facing up to about 20 degrees relative to horizontal (as seen). Wiring is on the bottom and I was pleasantly surprised that it accepted pretty thick wire (screw terminal). Alas, routing that cable out caused the cover to not fully close.
For testing I left the grill on assuming that is how anyone buying this speaker would use it. I propped the speaker forward so that the speaker was almost vertical (probably still slanted back 5 to 10 degrees). In other words, the measurements are more or less the on-axis...
Sabaj A20d 2023 DAC & HP Amp Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the 2023 edition of Sabaj A20d balanced DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $420.
As with last generation, the A20 comes in gorgeous packaging that completely sets it aside from its competitors. The display is ultra clear and very responsive and I like the large volume level indicator. Back panel shows what you expect:
The labels were a bit hard to read but that is a one-time aggravation.
The 2023 revision switches from ESS DAC to AKM AK4499EX.
Sabaj A20d 2023 DAC Measurements
When I first started to test the unit, I was getting high harmonic distortion, sinking expected SINAD by some 15 dB. It took a bit of looking but then found four "sound color" settings with all...
As with last generation, the A20 comes in gorgeous packaging that completely sets it aside from its competitors. The display is ultra clear and very responsive and I like the large volume level indicator. Back panel shows what you expect:
The labels were a bit hard to read but that is a one-time aggravation.
The 2023 revision switches from ESS DAC to AKM AK4499EX.
Sabaj A20d 2023 DAC Measurements
When I first started to test the unit, I was getting high harmonic distortion, sinking expected SINAD by some 15 dB. It took a bit of looking but then found four "sound color" settings with all...
Stax SR-009S Electrostatic Headphone Review
This is a review, listening test, EQ and measurements of the Stax SR-009S electrostatic headphone. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $4545.
The SR-009S has the look of feel of typical Stax headphone using nice mix of leather and metal. It fit loosely on my head even at its tightest setting. So if you have a small head, it may not work for you. Comfort was very good.
Stax SR-009S Measurements
The owner didn't send me an amplifier so I dug into my stash of vintage Stax amplifiers and landed on SRM-313. It is solid state and I feel that it has less distortion than its two other tube brethren. Here is our standard frequency response:
Starting from left, we have flat bass with a bit of a shelf down. We then ahve some kind of...
The SR-009S has the look of feel of typical Stax headphone using nice mix of leather and metal. It fit loosely on my head even at its tightest setting. So if you have a small head, it may not work for you. Comfort was very good.
Stax SR-009S Measurements
The owner didn't send me an amplifier so I dug into my stash of vintage Stax amplifiers and landed on SRM-313. It is solid state and I feel that it has less distortion than its two other tube brethren. Here is our standard frequency response:
Starting from left, we have flat bass with a bit of a shelf down. We then ahve some kind of...
Topping PA5 II Stereo Amplifier Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping PA5 II stereo balanced amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $219 (sale). There is a plus version with higher current power supply for $289.50.
The fonts are hard to see but there is not much to read anyway. A power input button nicely lets you set trigger setup as well (so another device can power it on). The other switch lets you select between balanced and RCA which lets you use it as a pre-amp in a minimalistic system. I like the red ring around the volume control. There are large slots on each side for cooling (not shown). And regulatory certifications underneath (again, not shown). Back panel is what you expect:
I like that the binding posts are separated allowing...
The fonts are hard to see but there is not much to read anyway. A power input button nicely lets you set trigger setup as well (so another device can power it on). The other switch lets you select between balanced and RCA which lets you use it as a pre-amp in a minimalistic system. I like the red ring around the volume control. There are large slots on each side for cooling (not shown). And regulatory certifications underneath (again, not shown). Back panel is what you expect:
I like that the binding posts are separated allowing...
Paradigm Millenia LP 2 Review & Measurements
I had been looking for a low-profile center channel for a while. The Kef T301c was very disappointing, though the Revel C10 looks good--it's simply deeper than I was targeting.
The Paradigm Millenia LP 2 retails for $549.
The speaker is solid feeling and only 1.75" deep. It has the tradition MTM center channel design. The outer two woofers are passive. It comes with a stand for horizontal or vertical mounting and is designed to be used either way.
Paradigm advertises it as ±3 dB from 120 Hz – 21 kHz.
Measurements were taken at 1m with about a 6ms gate providing resolution to 176hz. The remaining response was spliced in from hyper near-field measurements after baffle step...
The Paradigm Millenia LP 2 retails for $549.
The speaker is solid feeling and only 1.75" deep. It has the tradition MTM center channel design. The outer two woofers are passive. It comes with a stand for horizontal or vertical mounting and is designed to be used either way.
Paradigm advertises it as ±3 dB from 120 Hz – 21 kHz.
Measurements were taken at 1m with about a 6ms gate providing resolution to 176hz. The remaining response was spliced in from hyper near-field measurements after baffle step...
JBL Studio 590 Speaker Review
This is a review, listening test and detailed measurements of the JBL Studio 590. I bought a pair last year on sale for US $800 but costs $999.95 each currently.
This is a hefty speaker that even comes with (vibration absorbing) outriggers. I should definitely file for hazard pay for lifting it 5 feet on the platform to measure it with Klippel NFS and then dragging it to our living room to listen to!
I have taken off the grill which unfortunately has plastic tabs rather than being magnetic. I don't have a picture of the backside but there are two oversized ports there.
Here are the company specs:
Finish Black
Crossover Frequencies1.5kHz
Sensitivity(2.83V@1m) 92dB
Frequency Response 35Hz-40kHz...
This is a hefty speaker that even comes with (vibration absorbing) outriggers. I should definitely file for hazard pay for lifting it 5 feet on the platform to measure it with Klippel NFS and then dragging it to our living room to listen to!
I have taken off the grill which unfortunately has plastic tabs rather than being magnetic. I don't have a picture of the backside but there are two oversized ports there.Here are the company specs:
General Specifications
Type2-1/2-way dual-woofer, floorstandingFinish Black
Audio Specifications
Nominal Impedance 6 ohmsCrossover Frequencies1.5kHz
Sensitivity(2.83V@1m) 92dB
Frequency Response 35Hz-40kHz...