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.

Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2M Loudspeaker

Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2M Loudspeaker

Anthony Kershaw
Loudspeakers, Star Component Award

This is the first update since its debut in 2013 to what I consider Michael Levy’s finest loudspeaker design. Others would disagree as to his finest—the Hestia Titanium ($32,000/pair) or the Alec ($10,000/pair) as examples—but the Celesta FRM-2 is certainly my favourite. For almost 8 years, it has led the pack in its $15,000/pair price range. In my experience, to match or better the musical and aural experience from the Celesta stand mount (one could hardly call the FRM-2 a monitor-style or bookshelf speaker with its heft and girth), you would have to purchase speakers such as the Raidho D1 at $28,000/pair or the Magico Q1 at $26,500/pair. To be sure, both speakers are exceptional and do things that are very special, but so does the Celesta—for far fewer dollars.

In business since 2011, Alta Audio is based on Long Island and has a plant in Connecticut. They manufacture a discerning line of loudspeakers to fit a variety of room sizes and budgets. Audiophilia has reviewed most of them. Like the very best loudspeaker companies, Alta Audio has a ‘house sound’.

Audio Art Cable Statement e Speaker Cable

Audio Art Cable Statement e Speaker Cable

Karl Sigman
Cables, Star Component Award

Days before the World Health Organization proclaimed a pandemic in early March, 2020, I was introduced to Rob Fritz, Founder of Audio Art Cable, based in San Diego, CA; a company founded in 2005. After several emails and a phone conversation, I was impressed with what I learned and thus agreed to review from a variety of their very reasonably priced, high end, hand-made cables from among speaker, interconnect and power. The Audio Art Cable website also contained an intriguing statement that caught my eye and impressed me further:

There’s a good chance, after you’re done evaluating the performance improvement of Audio Art Cables in your system, that you’ll forget about your new cables—as you should. The music will captivate you, pull you into its magical spell, as you dance, or hum, or tap...and smile...

I would add after ‘smile’, ‘and distract you from worries’.

AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System

AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System

Anthony Kershaw
Accessories, Star Component Award

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to AudioQuest’s ‘Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System’ products by a deep dive shootout at my place with the local dealer followed by an Audiophilia review of the 5000 model ($4999). The introduction continued with a lengthy demonstration of the top of the line unit, the 7000 ($9499), at a Vancouver dealer event. Not only were the differences between each model easy to hear, but the overall effect of AudioQuest’s Low-Z products was very impressive. The Niagara Series models include the 3000 ($2995), 5000, 7000 and entry level 1200 ($995), the subject of this review.

AudioQuest’s Senior Director of Engineering, Garth Powell, has put an inordinate amount of time into the design and development of the Niagara Series of power conditioners. Anybody listening to his three hour evangelical lecture/demos will know that. The Passion According to St. Garth.

Miyajima Laboratory Infinity Monaural Cartridge

Miyajima Laboratory Infinity Monaural Cartridge

Anthony Kershaw
Analog, Star Component Award

Back in 2019, I was very fortunate to get a first look at an extensive record collection from the estate sale of a grand lady of the Canadian diplomatic corps. As the refined collection of classical LPs were primarily monophonic, purchase of 100 of them was the perfect catalyst to dip my toes into the fabulous world of monophony.

First up was the need for a monophonic cartridge. I played many of the LPs with my reference stereo cartridge, the Phasemation PP-2000 MC Phono Pickup Cartridge ($6000). It did a very good job, if hampered a little by the specific geometry and physics required by the mono record groove. A cartridge wired and setup correctly for monaural with a mono switch on the phono stage lowers the noise floor considerably. But, that’s just the beginning of why a mono-specific cartridge can be so important to the vinyl collector.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 5–Currentzis

Beethoven: Symphony No. 5–Currentzis

James Norris
Music

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is probably the most well known piece of classical music in the world, or at least the first four notes. It was used as a wartime victory sign and as the definitive idea of ”fate“ in a musical capacity knocking on the door. After this, however, the remaining thirty five minutes of it are sometimes glossed over and the effects and orchestration of the work which terrified listeners on its first hearing is now taken for granted in a world which has since heard The Rite of Spring and music of the Second Viennese school.

Greek conductor/actor Teodor Currentzis has a reputation for analysing and deconstructing the score to its component parts and has both exhilarated and generated the ire of audiences and critics around the world. However, many grudgingly admit to having a unique musical experience which some loudly protest they don't want again. This has resulted in record sales not seen since the days of Karajan.

Streaming the Classics/Requiem—Verdi

Streaming the Classics/Requiem—Verdi

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.

Streaming the Classics/Concerto for Orchestra—Bartók

Streaming the Classics/Concerto for Orchestra—Bartók

Anthony Kershaw
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.

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro

Anthony Kershaw
Headphones

Late to the game, here. After my excellent user experience with Apple’s original AirPods, I organized a review pair of the AirPods Pro ($249). The AirPods were far from an audiophile product. But, a ‘Pro’ designation, at least in Apple-speak, indicates higher price as well as an upgrade in hardware. And sound?

The upgrades include sound cancellation technology, improved Bluetooth functionality (seal tests for a customizable fit, a ‘Transparency’ mode for walkabout/city safety & ordering coffee at Starbucks without switching off) and new drivers.

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