Michael Laurance, Author at Positive Feedback

Play All the Records! - The Criton 3TD-X Loudspeakers

Michael Laurance — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 16:39:56 +0000

Perhaps the principal joy in attending audio shows is sitting and auditioning insanely expensive speakers, many with six-figure price tags. As long as I live, I will never tire of it. If nothing else, it puts everything in the audio world into some sort of perspective. At the most recent AXPONA, I heard plenty of... Read More »

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Lightning In a Bottle - Cambridge Audio MXN10 Digital Audio Streamer

Michael Laurance — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:39:24 +0000

Quite possibly, if you were to ask my non-audiophile friends, their perception of me would be one of a guy who is on the cutting edge of technology. They walk into my home and are usually overwhelmed by all the whiz-bang gadgets adorning my listening spaces. However, the truth is I was slow coming into... Read More »

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Affordable Magic - the SOTA Pyxi Phono Stage

Michael Laurance — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:06:07 +0000

Recently, I was reading about a leading industry engineer who strived for components that were "one-noters." What they meant by that phrase was simple: a piece of audio gear should create an impact in your listening environment from the first note you hear through it. Tall order. It certainly gave me pause for thought. How... Read More »

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Running the Gamut- PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier

Michael Laurance — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:05:02 +0000

The Stellar Phono Preamplifier is now the third piece from PS Audio's Stellar line that has graced my listening room. Somehow, while it was exceptionally difficult, I mustered the gumption to return those first two amazing pieces back to PS Audio after the earlier reviews. However, this may be the phono stage that I cannot... Read More »

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Rock and Roll All Night… I Just Might! - Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 Loudspeakers

Michael Laurance — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 23:09:27 +0000

A common topic among audiophiles or collectors of HiFi gear is the piece of gear you regret selling the most. Often, this results in a list of equipment we lament relinquishing to the wild. You have yours and I have mine. What's my regret? A gorgeous set of Wharfedale Pacific Evo tower speakers that I... Read More »

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Locally Sourced - SOTA Quasar Turntable with Zephyr Tonearm

Michael Laurance — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 20:13:51 +0000

Over the past several years, increasing emphasis has been placed on products made in the U.S.A., and moreover, those hand-crafted by artisans. Entire fairs have sprung up showcasing wares by craftsman and more attention is being paid to the sources of materials of each product. Whether it is the farm-to-table movement, or your daily deliveries,... Read More »

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Wide Open Spaces - Canor Audio DAC 2.10

Michael Laurance — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:51:21 +0000

It used to be that when traveling out of state, I would tell people I was from Chicago. But in reality, it couldn't be further from the truth. I live in a suburb more than an hour north of Chicago and largely avoid going into the city. Lately, I have begun to be more truthful,... Read More »

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The Great Painters - MayFly MF-201A Loudspeakers with MF-201A Stands

Michael Laurance — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 21:45:49 +0000

Most times, equipment reviews begin smoothly, and progress from there. Occasionally, though, they start with a bit of thud. In this case, my review of the MayFly 201A loudspeakers began with a disheartening rattle. The shipper had apparently not been kind in their transit of the four boxes. Upon connecting the speakers, it was readily... Read More »

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Escapism with the Sendy Apollo Headphones

Michael Laurance — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:36:42 +0000

I have very little need for escapism. I live in a very peaceful area, surrounded by lakes, trees, and very little traffic. My listening room is in my basement, further isolated still. My marriage is a happy one, and we have no kids at home. Only the occasional visit from the parents, siblings, nieces, nephews,... Read More »

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Sonic Occupation - Atlantic Technology AT3 Loudspeakers

Michael Laurance — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 17:10:18 +0000

After considerable thought, I decided that I would begin this review in a somewhat unconventional manner. Normally, my articles launch with a clever anecdote, short tale, or muse to pull you, the reader, in closer. However, in this case, I'm going to begin right away talking about the challenges and ultimate rewards that came with... Read More »

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Command Performance - Parasound JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier

Michael Laurance — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 17:32:40 +0000

Every once in a while, a piece of gear comes into the listening room that immediately makes its presence known as something special, something just a bit elevated from the other shiny boxes that make our hearts beat faster. Such was the case with arrival of the Parasound JC 5. However, in all fairness, I... Read More »

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Dual Duty - Questyle CMA Twelve DAC / Headphone Amplifier

Michael Laurance — Wed, 12 May 2021 23:21:23 +0000

It's funny. As we move up through the echelons of the audio world, the pieces that produce our sonic magic become more and more singular in function. The jobs which devices perform move into larger and more separate boxes as if no component can do two things well at once. Stay in your lane. In... Read More »

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Taking it With You - Clarus CODA DAC

Michael Laurance — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:01:51 +0000

In December of 2020, Clarus Cable released the Coda DAC/headphone amplifier ($300), giving the audiophile on-the-go a new and elevated option for taking music everywhere. Utilizing the ESS Professional Series SABRE DAC, the CODA plugs directly into your laptop via USB-A, and features a 3.5mm headphone jack on the other end. Inside the solidly-constructed device... Read More »

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