Tag: high end audio systems
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Cyrus One Cast Review: A Remarkably Capable Integrated Amp With Chromecast And Apple Airplay Built-In!
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Cyrus Audio + Google Home App & Apple Airplay = Spellbinding Sound! It’s been about two years since Google discontinued their Chromecast Audio music streaming device, and I still don’t understand why. It was a handy little device that allowed you to stream or “Cast” music from your Android smartphone or tablet with just a…
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Best Buys: The Best Music Streaming Devices Under $1000! (2021)
While CDs and Vinyl still hold a special place in many an audiophile’s heart, wireless music streaming devices have become commonplace on the racks of hi-fi enthusiasts. That’s because they offer flexibility and a range of music discovery not possible in the olden days. With a good streamer, combined with a music service like Tidal…
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HI-FI Trends Product Of The Year Awards 2020: Best Amplifiers, Music Streamers
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in Bluetooth, Budget, DACs, Deals, Downloads, Headphone Amps, Headphones, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, MQA, Music, News, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Streaming, Uncategorized, Videos, WirelessIt’s that time again! This is when we look back at some of the best gear we’ve come across this year. The mission of HI-FI Trends is “Helping audiophiles to build affordable high-end audio systems,” and to that end, we’ve picked some of the best affordable high-end gear available right now. You can use these…
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Cambridge Audio Unleashes Impressive Power With Edge M Monoblock Power Amps
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in Best Buys, Budget, DACs, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Music, News, Power Amps, Preamps, Streaming, VideosCambridge Audio ups the ante with powerful new Monoblocks! Today, Cambridge Audio announced a potent new addition to their Flagship Edge components, the Edge M monoblock power amplifier ($4000). The 200W RMS (into 8 Ohms) amp is based on the same circuitry as the existing Edge W stereo power amp (dual toroidal transformers, Class XA…
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First Look: The Sensational PS Audio Stellar Strata Integrated Amplifier/Music Player!
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Our PS Audio Stellar Strata Review is up! Check it out here: https://hifitrends.com/2021/05/02/ps-audio-stellar-strata-integrated-amplifier-review-an-astounding-powerhouse/ PS Audio is known for its innovative, and in the case of their Stellar DAC and Power Amps, reasonably priced hi-fi separates. Led by their CEO and Founder Paul McGowan (check out his video below), they’ve spent many years championing the advantages…
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Bluesound Reveals PULSE SUB+, An Impressive Looking Wireless Subwoofer!
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in Bluetooth, Budget, DACs, First Impressions, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Music, News, Software, Speakers, Videos, WirelessToday, Bluesound announced the latest addition to its brilliant group of wireless hi-res multi-room audio components. It’s called PULSE SUB+, a BluOS compatible subwoofer that adds additional bass to any Bluesound system. Like all Bluesound components, it’s controllable from the BluOS app, allowing wireless configuration from a phone or tablet. This allows simple integration into…
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Audiolab 6000A Play Wireless Audio Streaming Amplifier/6000CDT CD Transport Review: Sensational!
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When I first heard about the $1299 6000A Play Wireless Audio Streaming Amp, I was ecstatic. I’ve been a huge fan of Audiolab’s $999 6000A Integrated Amp and their $649 6000N Play Network Streamer (one of our 2019 Products of the Year), so when they announced a combination product, I couldn’t wait to get my…
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Bluesound Powernode 2i Streaming Music Amp/PSB Alpha S10 Sub/Alpha P3 Bookshelf Speaker Review: A Thrilling Combo!
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in Bluetooth, Budget, DACs, Headphone Amps, Headphones, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, MQA, Music, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Software, Speakers, Streaming, Videos, WirelessI can’t believe I’m just getting around to reviewing the Bluesound Powernode 2i. Released as an upgrade to the 2nd generation Powernode back in 2018, this all in one audio system picked up some useful features that allow it to stand up to the competition even almost two years after it’s release. About everyone who…
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Audio By Van Alstine Set 120 Control Amplifer Review: Hypnotic High-End Sound Without The High-End Price!
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in Best Buys, Budget, Headphone Amps, Hi-Fi, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, Music, News, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, SpeakersFrank Van Alstine’s Hi-Fi designs have graced many an audio show over the years, promoting his affordable yet high-end gear to audiophiles all over the country. All of his stuff is made in the U.S.A., built to order, and sold directly to the consumer, cutting out the middle man so he can keep prices low.…
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Q&A: Should I Buy A Better Amp Or Better Speakers?
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in Best Buys, Bluetooth, Budget, Deals, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, Music, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Speakers, Streaming, Videos, WirelessA Reader Writes: Q: Hello, I’m looking for some advice about whether to upgrade my speakers first or my amplifier as I don’t think I afford to do both simultaneously. First my current setup: a 1978 Yamaha CR820 Receiver and a Technics turntable from the same era. I stream Spotify into the aux input from…
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Audiolab’s 6000A Play Combines Their Top Notch Integrated Amp And Music Streamer
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in Best Buys, Bluetooth, Budget, DACs, Headphone Amps, Headphones, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, MQA, Music, News, Power Amps, Preamps, Streaming, WirelessIf you follow this site, then you know that we’re big fans of both Audiolab’s 6000A Integrated Amp and their 6000N Play Music Streamer (which we made our 2019 Product Of The Year). So you know we were pleased to hear about their new 6000A Play Wireless Audio Streaming Player, which is a combination of…
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Q&A: How Much Should I Spend On An Integrated Amp?
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in Best Buys, Bluetooth, Budget, DACs, Deals, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, Music, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Speakers, Streaming, WirelessQ: I have a question. I am new to home audio but I’m trying to learn as much as possible. I currently have a Yamaha receiver. Do you think a Cambridge Audio integrated amp is the right choice to replace it? I want the CXA 81. It has all of the features I want. It’s…
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Polk Legend L100 Bookshelf Speaker / DENON PMA-1600NE Integrated Amplifier Review: This Dynamic Duo Will Thrill You!
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in DACs, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, Music, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Speakers, Streaming, VideosAs I said in my first impressions post, I first came across this combo at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2019. It was the public reveal of Polk Audio’s Legend Series, a new speaker line developed to put Polk back in the specialty hi-fi game. It’s been about ten years since they’ve had new products to…
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World Premiere! The Enchanting Audio By Van Alstine SET 120 Integrated Amplifier-First Impressions And Unboxing
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While many Audiophiles, including myself, enjoy whiz-bang mass-market Hi-Fi, we should never forget the essence of this hobby lies in gear produced by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. These (usually) small scale manufacturers pour over every detail, not to meet a price point or marketing strategy, but to obtain the best possible sound for the money. One…
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Awesome! The Best Integrated Amplifiers Around $1000 (2021)
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Check out our latest list: Best Buys: Best Budget Amplifiers For Audiophiles (2022) If you’re looking to build an affordable high-performance hi-fi system, then you should be looking at a quality integrated amp to be the heart of it. The Integrated Amplifier, a combination of pre-amp and amplifier, will play traffic cop for your sources…
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The Phenomenal Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics!
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Check out our full review of the Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier here! As I said in my post about the Polk Audio Legend L100 speakers, I first came across the $1599 Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was the amp they used to support the L100 demo, and it…
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Product Of The Year 2019-Amps/Preamps: Cambridge Audio’s Jaw-Dropping CXA81 Integrated Stereo Amplifier!
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in Best Buys, Bluetooth, DACs, Hi-Fi, Hi-Res Music, Home Audio, Integrated Amps, Music, Power Amps, Preamps, Reviews, Streaming, Videos, WirelessThe Hifitrends.com Product Of The Year is an award given to an exceptional product that has passed across our desk– or through our listening room– this past year. It’s not a “Best Of” award, it’s just us giving recognition to gear we found to have extraordinary value and performance within its category. Also, since we…
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Stereo Integrated Amplifier Review: Magical Mind-Blowing Musicality!
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I always get a little bit nostalgic when talking about Cambridge Audio, because they made the first audiophile oriented amplifier I ever purchased. It served me well for many years and fetched a pretty penny when I finally decided to upgrade. Cambridge Audio amps are robust powerhouses, engineered to provide long-term listening pleasure. They’re almost…
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Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Amplifier Review: This Mind-Blowing Amp Will Make Your Speakers Sing!
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As I said in my first impressions post, I initially came across the $1195 Parasound NewClassic 200 at this year’s Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was part of what happened to be my favorite system that day, running some massive Tekton MOAB speakers that seemed like they took up most of the room. I was…
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The Astounding Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier In The House! First Impressions And Unboxing Pics!
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Our full review of the CXA81 is up on the site…check it out here. Ever since I had a chance to do a review of the Cambridge Audio CXA60 integrated amp, I’ve been a big fan of their CX Series components. Cambridge Audio always aims to provide huge value for the money and that line…