Articles

Sonic Studio Amarra Software

17 Nov 2009 02:18
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2009) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $995

Website: www.sonicstudio.com/amarra/

He said: Is all of this worth $995? For me it is. That may sound like a lot to spend on a computer program, but in high-end audio, $995 isn’t all that much. If you’re using a Mac as your hi-fi audio source, then I think Amarra is must-have.

Read the SoundStage! review.

The gist: Audiophile iTunes essential.

Arcam FMJ CD37 SACD/CD player

17 Nov 2009 02:18
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2009) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $2199

Website: www.arcam.co.uk

He said: After listening to the Arcam FMJ CD37, I can understand why so many audiophiles listen to SACDs. Its performance with these high-resolution recordings was breathtaking.

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Read the SoundStage! review.

The gist: Buy it for your SACDs.

Audio Research CD5 CD Player

17 Nov 2009 02:18
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2009) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $5995

Website: www.audioresearch.com

He said: The performance I heard from the CD5 told me silver discs hold more information than I previously thought -- and Audio Research has figured out how to deliver it at an honest price.

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Read the SoundStage! review.

The gist: A sure bet for your last CD player.

Audio Research DAC7 Digital-to-Analog Converter

17 Nov 2009 02:18
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2009) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $3495

Website: www.audioresearch.com

He said: It is a beautiful-sounding component that captures the gestalt of finely recorded music. It might not be the absolute champion in terms of high-frequency transparency and upper-treble extension, but I’m not sure how musically relevant those areas are to the majority of music selections recorded at 16-bit/44.1kHz.

Read the Ultra Audio review.

The gist: Digital solid-state from a company known for analog tube amps.

Bel Canto Design e.One DAC3 Digital-to-Analog Converter

17 Nov 2009 02:18
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2009 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2009) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $2495

Website: www.belcantodesign.com

He said: The Bel Canto e.Ones also made my short list of gear that encourages further listening. The pleasure of my extended listening sessions with them was characterized by a desire to hear “just one more CD,” regardless of the hour. That, to me, distinguishes the best from the rest.

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Read the SoundStage! review.
Read the Ultra Audio review.

The gist: Good now, and upgradeable in the future: a solid buy.