Marshall Nack
Argento FMR power cord $8200/2 m
The Argento Flow Master Reference power cord belongs in the category of imported luxury goods, even if it happens to be big, heavy, and unwieldy. Its girth suggests use with power amplifiers—people find it counter-intuitive when they are advised first placement is on their digital front-end (transport, or server, and DAC).
I already had an FMR on my DAC, but was hesitant about putting a second on my transport which sits on the top shelf of my rack, fearing it would stress and possibly damage the IEC jack. But when I mustered the courage I was shocked to find digital transformed. About 80% of the artificiality dropped away. It acquired an acoustic tic. At the same time it nudged further away from resembling typical "Hi-Fi" sound.
For the moment my digital front-end began to outstrip my analog—horrors, that ain't supposed to be! No other power cords have the ability to do that.
Read more HERE
Furutech NCF Booster Products $350/ea for Power Cords, $215/ea for Signal Wires
For as long as I've been involved with this hobby I have been looking for a sturdy, height-adjustable cable support. Finally, we have the Furutech NCF Booster. One look and you will understand it accomplishes the task handily. It is a perfect example of form follows function.
The kicker is a mysterious second feature. The Boosters are coated with a nano particle material which Furutech calls Nano Crystal2 Formula. The Booster doesn't plug into the wall, but it is described as "active," meaning it will change the sound. Introducing a single Booster unleashes serious damping and resonance suppression properties. If that's what your system needs they are extremely effective.
The caveat is if you've already addressed resonance control it will likely become over-damped. When I put my first one in, the lights went out—it became dark and closed in. Once I understood how the Boosters effects overlapped with other room treatments I had on the walls—the GIK acoustic absorption panels and the Harmonix RFA-78i Room Tuning Discs—I began making a swap and pulling them out. I replaced a boatload of these tweaks with six Boosters. Much better sound resulted.
Read more HERE
STEALTH Audio Helios Phono Cable $10,400/1.5 m
The STEALTH Audio Helios Phono Cable incorporates many breakthrough technologies, including ultra-thin conductors 0.001" inch thick (approximately 50 gauge) made from amorphous material. Ultra-thin conductors are known to attenuate noise and boost signal to noise ratio. This the Helios does exceedingly well, shunting noise to the side and achieving new heights of resolution and purity.
What does playback with enhanced SNR sound like? The repercussions are pervasive. Because there is no noise in the spaces between them, each instrument is surrounded by a quiet zone, a buffer between it and the other players. Music emerges out of an extremely dark background that is closer in feel to digital than the velvety darkness we are accustomed to with analog.
What the Helios does for vinyl playback—noise reduction without music attenuation—dwells in the realm of analog fantasy. It is analog like you've never heard it, and a definite contender.
Read more HERE
Mark Pearson
Déjà vu Music Server $6155.55
The Mojo Audio Deja Vu server is my nomination for the Digital Product of the Year award. From my original review, here are the details describing the server:
The Déjà vu Windows 10 Pro server is designed to be used with USB DACs and comes with JRiver MC23 installed as well as Audio Optimizer. The Déjà vu server is running an Intel Celeron N3160 quad core 1.60 GHz CPU and has 8 GB of ram installed on an ASROCK motherboard powered by a linear power supply. The version of Windows 10 is Windows 10 Pro. I will tell you that the version of the Déjà vu server sent to me for review lists for $6155.55 and had the following options installed:
- JCAT Femto USB PCIe card with internal regulator module
- 1 TB Samsung 850 Pro SSD for music library with internal regulator module
Having a server was something that I took for granted and underestimated its importance prior to reviewing the Déjà vu server. The Déjà vu server showed my thinking about servers was totally incorrect. If someone had blindfolded me and installed the Deja Vu server in my system without my knowledge and plopped me down into my listening chair to hear my system, I would have sworn they changed the DAC out to a much better sounding DAC. That is how significant the change was for me in my system. The other startling revelation for me was that the Déjà vu server shattered my previously held belief that DSD was superior to PCM. After listening through the Déjà vu server, I became format agnostic. Unless you already own a top-flight server, it's hard for me to imagine that the Déjà vu server won't have a profound positive impact on the quality of your digital reproduction.
Read more HERE
Dean Seislove
Selecting my Writer's Choice Awards for this year was difficult, just as it has been for the previous nine years. I don't know if it's because I watched too many Charlie Brown Christmases or what, but every year I go through an existential crisis over what the awards stand for. Best sound? Innovation? Health for the hobby? Plain old cool and fun? I always overthink it. I just can't go out and buy a tree...
In the end, I just pick the things that I can recommend wholeheartedly, and hope that the reader goes to the full review to find out why. So, kettle drum roll, please, here are my selections for the PF Writer's Choice Awards for 2018.
The Black Cat Cable Stargate Series $5599.95 per 1.0 meter (RCA termination)
A new product from cable designer supreme, Chris Sommovigo. The Stargate Series demonstrates that premium interconnects can be slim and stylish, yet still capture music's detail, verve, and richness. What's more, the Stargates are as musically fulfilling as any tow-rope sized interconnect currently weighing down countless audio racks. During my review the Stargates conjured musical enjoyment out of systems both humble and high-born. A first-class product in every respect. For those who enjoy music delivered effortlessly, but not forensically, the Stargate Series is a clear winner.
Read more HERE
Schiit Vidar Intelligent Amplifier $699 each and Glow Audio Amp Two $1508 (but now on sale for $880)
Two integrated amps, two engineering approaches, two ways of getting wonderful sound. The Schiit Vidar Intelligent Amplifier continues the company's use of smart, resourceful product design to offer electronics known for sturdy bass and surprisingly sweet mid and upper frequencies. Tons of features ensure that the Class-AB topology dishes up delightful sound, while busy microprocessors work hard to guarantee that nothing stutters or fails. The Glow Audio Amp Two Tube Amplifier, meanwhile, is an old-school package of tubes and metal, all in service of that classic warm and rich sound that so many products recollect, aim for, and miss. Well protected in its stylish cage, the Glow Audio Amp Two is a glimpse into an audio past of sumptuousness and leisurely repose.
Which amp is better? As always, impossible to say, depends on what makes yer bells ring and your flippers fly. Both amps are well worth the asking price, however, and both produce a unique slice of audiophile delight.
Read the review of the Schiit Vidar Intelligent Stereo/Mono Power Amplifier HERE
Read the review of the Glow Audio Amp Two HERE
There you have it, three products that deliver excellent sound and high value, even though their market niche is considerably different. It's instructive to know that I used the Stargates with both the Vidar and the Amp Two, and, though it's true I know that the cables had plenty left in reserve, all three products behaved beautifully and were dressed in their company best. I like audio purchases that don't ruin the holidays for other gear or make me choose between music I like. Applause, applause all around for three noteworthy products.
Robert S. Youman
Synergistic Research Galileo SX Cable (price varies)
Without question, the Synergistic Research Galileo SX are the finest cables that I have used in my system. Through this new innovative design, Synergistic Research continues their all out assault on the noise floor which allows for a blacker and deeper background. Music just seems to naturally flow and radiate from the soundstage. Two words kept coming up in my notes as I listened to these cables extensively. Those two words were "ringing" and "smear" or the amazing lack of both. This is all executed without the traditional Synergistic Research implementation of active shielding which has been succeeded by a combination of Matrix UEF shielding, ground plane connectivity, and extensive use of graphene materials. A must audition for those seeking the very best.
Read more HERE
Pass Laboratories INT-250 Integrated Amplifier $12,500
Pass Labs continues the legacy with another gem in their extensive lineup. I found that the INT-250 can compete with the very best integrated amplifiers in the marketplace, but it also measures up with the very best separate components. All of this and at a price considerably less than the competition in either category. Performance at all frequencies was absolutely superb, but what really stood out for me was the quality of bass output. Deep, tight, and plenty of slam with layers and layers of information. Yep, I am using the descriptive "layers" when describing the quality of bass performance. As I said in my review, when compared to other superb integrated amplifier benchmarks that rattle the walls, the INT-250 will shake the very foundation of your listening room. Truly a high value component with no concessions. Let's not forget the world class build quality and customer support that Pass Labs is known for.
Read more HERE
van den Hul Crimson XGW Stradivarius Moving Coil Cartridge $5495
I knew that the van den Hul Crimson XGW Stradivarius was something special from the first track that I played. At .9mV output, there was a significant decrease in background noise and a definite increase in what I would call "reach out and touch" immediacy. The Crimson XGW Strad demonstrated a level of coherence and tangibility beyond any other cartridge that I have heard in my listening room. It was almost as if what had come before was slightly compressed and flat in presentation. There was a liquidity and richness of color that was exceptionally expressive and moving. Analog lovers should rejoice. A.J. van den Hul is still working his magic and the Crimson XGW Strad is one of his finest efforts to date.
Read more HERE
John Zurek
Gingko ARCH $199 - $399
Although I was skeptical at first, the Gingko ARCHs won me over quickly. It's an honest, affordable accessory that works, and is reasonably priced.
I was not prepared for the overall improvement the ARCHs made. Compared to the sound of the speakers and stands sitting on spikes, the improvement to overall transparency and clarity was immediately obvious. The mid-range was less colored, and imaging was better defined. Mid-bass response was enhanced and leading-edge transients were more pronounced. More energetic momentum and timing with a nice ease of flow and a silkiness urged me to get up and dance—and I'm not a dancer. The changes were not subtle, and truly enhanced the listening experience.
This is the most effective tweak I've ever used, and honestly, was better than many of the component upgrades I've had over the years that cost much more. For $199 you can easily improve your speaker's sound.
The Gingko ARCHs is my favorite new accessory. Kudos to Vinh Vu and the Gingko team!
Read more HERE
DENAFRIPS Pontus DAC $2200
I fell hard for the DENAFRIPS Pontus DAC. It connected me with the music on a high level, and transported me closer to an analog experience. At its reasonable price, I can't really find any downside. Listening to converted ones and zeroes has become much more enjoyable. This R-2R DAC is smooth, relaxed, and detailed.
The Pontus celebrates subtle detail with intricate and refined delicacy. This DAC gives the space between notes the accuracy it deserves. It is very well organized, like a good bass player and drummer that are locked into a groove that gets your head bobbing. Complicated passages, whether electric jazz, orchestral, acoustic bluegrass, or acoustic jazz were rendered faithfully. The Pontus strikes a very nice balance of pace and timing, great tonality, and a relaxed presentation that both engages and leaves the listener craving for more.
Analog is still my undisputed first choice. But the DENAFRIPS Pontus is narrowing the gap between digital and analog performance. I'm listening to and enjoying more digital than ever before.
Read more HERE
