Articles

Densen Audio Technologies Beat B-130 Integrated Amplifier

28 Dec 2011 01:38
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2011) Integrated Amplifiers and Receivers

Densen Beat B-130 Price: $3700

Philip said: With its neutrality, transparency, and power, I think you’ll find your listening experience infused with the sort of energy and excitement that will remind you why you got into this hobby in the first place. Add the fact that it comes with a plethora of upgrade options and a lifetime warranty, and the B-130 could be the last integrated amplifier you’ll ever buy.

Reviewers' Choice

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The gist: Unique features, sleek look, great sound.

April Music Aura Groove Integrated Amplifier

26 Sep 2011 08:44
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2011) Integrated Amplifiers and Receivers

Aura Groove Price: $1895

Website: www.aprilmusic.com

Philip said: A buyer of the Aura separates will be treated to a highly engaging sound whose warmth, midrange clarity, and solid low end offer all the ingredients of a wholly involving listening experience. The fact that they also offer so much functionality and connectivity is just the icing on the cake. Some of their competitors would be wise to follow their example.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Lifestyle mixed with audiophile.

Boulder Amplifiers 865 Integrated Amplifier

27 Jun 2011 09:54
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2011) Integrated Amplifiers and Receivers

Price: $12,500

Website: www.boulderamp.com

Randall said: The Boulder 865 is the most detailed and transparent integrated amplifier I’ve heard over the past year: Its highs and lows were impressively extended and detailed, and its midrange was very smooth and natural. If I were banished to a desert island and could bring only one integrated amplifier with me, the Boulder 865 would be it. It’s the best option I know of for someone who doesn’t want separates but still wants reference-grade sound.

Reviewers' Choice

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The gist: A reference for integrated-amp performance.

Octave Audio V 40 SE Integrated Amplifier

31 Jul 2011 02:15
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2011) Integrated Amplifiers and Receivers

Price: $4900

Website: www.octave.de

Graham said: The Octave Audio V 40 SE is more than a bit special. It combines the grip and drive of a much more powerful amplifier with levels of transparency and detail that you’d be happy to find in a far more expensive product. It appeals to both the heart and head, and delivers a sound that modernizes traditional notions of what a tube amplifier at this price point can be and do.

Reviewers' Choice

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The gist: The line between tubes and solid state continue to blur.

Music Culture Elegance MC 701 Integrated Amplifier

27 Jun 2011 09:53
Written by Administrator
Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2011) Integrated Amplifiers and Receivers

Price: $4495

Website: www.music-culture.com

Uday said: You may or may not have that problem, but if you’re in the market for a new integrated amplifier, I strongly urge you to consider the Elegance MC 701. It’s just that good. Even if you’re not in the market, check out this paradigm-shifting component, which achieves outstanding sound at a real-world price. Value just got redefined.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: MBL for the masses.