High End Audio

Chris Connaker has posted a review of the Luxman DA-06 DAC ($6000) at The Computer Audiophile. His conclusions: “The perfect component will remain elusive to those seeking perfection where it... Visit the Ultra High-End Audio and Home Theater Review for more...

Introducing the Burson Conductor SL9018 and Conductor SL1793. The Conductor SL9018 is a streamlined version of the Conductor which has been established as a benchmark in the industry. The Conductor... Visit the Ultra High-End Audio and Home Theater Review for more...

Laurel Halo's Quarantine was The Wire magazine's number 1 album from 2012. While there's not much need to say more in terms of a recommendation, Quarantine took me some time to cozy up to. Its sound is so foreign, sounding perfectly extraterrestrial or if you prefer its as if you woke up within a William Gibson novel, it took me a few listens to sink comfortably into the rather uncomfortable landscapes that Laurel Halo paints. Show Promo Image Laurel Halo's Quarantine was The Wire magazine's number 1 album from 2012. While there's not much need to say more in terms of a recommendation, Quarantine took me some time to cozy up to. Its sound is so foreign, sounding perfectly extraterrestrial or if you prefer its as if you woke up within a William Gibson novel, it took me a few listens to sink comfortably into the rather uncomfortable landscapes that Laurel Halo paints. Now, listening to Quarantine is a special trip with each listen. Michael Lavorgna May 24 2013

May 23, 2013 Audio Electronics by Cary Audio Lightning digital to analog converter (DAC) is NOW SHIPPING and is available for purchase through Audio Electronics by Cary Audio’s online store (www.aebycary.com/shop), Audiogon, or Music Direct. The Lightning DAC was designed to provide … Continue reading →

Update from down under Burson Conductor that received Mono & Stereo Sound & Value award ; reviewed here just got updated line. Here is official info: Introducing the Burson Conductor SL9018 and Conductor SL1793. The Conductor SL9018 is a streamlined version of the Conductor which has been established as a benchmark in the industry. The Conductor SL1793 is an enhanced version of the legendary HA-160D. Through our collection of Conductors, Burson is offering head-fiers the best at every price level. Conductor SL9018 RRP1550USD Conductor SL1793. RRP1250USD Releasing in June, 2013 http://bursonaudio.com Matej Isak. Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine. All rights reserved. 2006-2013. www.monoandstereo.com. ..:: None of the original text, pictures, that were taken by me, links or my original files can be re-printed or used in any way without prior permission! ::..

Legend lives on Yesterday I had a pleasure to visit Laboratorium, that carries on Franco Serblin legacy by his son in law and family. I'll write up a full review in few days. Find below few teaser pictures. www.francoserblin.it www.laboratorium-yter.com Matej Isak. Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine. All rights reserved. 2006-2013. www.monoandstereo.com. ..:: None of the original text, pictures, that were taken by me, links or my original files can be re-printed or used in any way without prior permission! ::..

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} A while ago we ran a news item on the Coffman Labs G1-A preamp and thought you might also be interested in their new, tubed H1-A Headphone Amplifier which will debut at the Newport Audio Show in a couple weeks Externally, the H1-A has a strong family resemblance to the G1-A. The design includes variable impedance output for both quarter-inch and mini headphone plugs, four inputs and an RCA line out for those wishing to use it as a preamp. It uses a 6C4 tube for the gain stage which drives a pair of 50L6 or 25L6 tubes in push-pull mode which Coffman Labs say should be enough to drive almost all headphones and even high efficiency loudspeakers. Three separate output impedances are provided and you get four inputs (Three on the rear of the unit and a mini jack on the front). Right and left volume controls are provided on the front panel along with a source switch. Like the G1-A it’s an all analogue design, completely hand-built in Hillsboro, Oregon USA. Price is $2,295

The Audio Electronics by Cary Audio Lightning digital to analog converter(DAC) is now shipping and is available for purchase. The Lightning DAC uses Asynchronous Streamlength™ Class 2.0 USB audio technology for streaming computer USB audio. The Lightning DAC also has coaxial and Toslink inputs up to 24 bit/192 kHz resolution. The Lightning DAC starts with a custom-built power transformer and a high-current power supply. A Wolfson WM8805 chipset is used as the input receiver for the two SP/DIF digital audio inputs whilst the XMOS USB chip does asynchronous processing of USB computer based music. It is able to handle multiple 24 bit/192kHz channels with extremely low latency, all at 500 MIPS. Once the digital bitstream is managed it is sent to the digital to analog conversion section, comprised of two ESS Sabre ES9023 24/192 DAC chipsets. Dimensions: 13.5? L X 14? W X 2.5? H Retail price: $1,295

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Burson have introduced two new products aimed squarely at the headfi marketplace, the Burson Conductor SL9018 (pictured) and the Conductor SL1793. The Conductor SL9018 is a streamlined version of the company’s already well established Conductor whilst the Conductor SL1793 is an enhanced version of Burson’s HA-160D. The SL9018 will retail for $1550 whilst the SL1793 will be available for $1250. Both products will be released in June. The SL9018 is a headphone amplifier, 32bit 200K DAC and 24bit 192K USB asynchronous DAC with fully discrete circuitry, a fully symmetrical FET input stage and will operate in pure class A mode. The 2 levels output stage will deliver 0.18W to 2W which Burson say will offer perfect control for any headphone. The SL9018 has 1 line level input using RCA inputs and 3 digital inputs. The SL1793 is also a headphone amplifier and DAC and offers the same output power, uses the same USB receiver but differs in that it uses a Burr Brown 24 bit 192 PCM1793 DAC rather than the ESS9018 Sarb DAC of the SL9018.

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