Product Reviews & Awards
ANTIPODES Oladra music server review by Part Time Audiophile
RRP NZ$35,000 incl GST
With the Antipodes Oladra, I felt as if I entered that world for the first time, a world without limits, where I could do anything I wanted, and it all sounded magnificent, it’s shaped my music server expectations in a profound way.
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this is about you, the knowledgeable digital audiophile who is looking for the finest sound possible
It goes back to the days when I was importing and distributing and exhibiting at those same shows, and I was still flipping LPs and swapping CDs while the smart guys were sitting in their comfy chairs and running a flawless demo with just a smart phone or tablet.
I wanted to be one of those guys. It seemed so easy, and the results were stunning and suggested the unlimited future of high-end digital audio. With the Antipodes Oladra, I felt as if I entered that world for the first time. It was a world without limits, where I could do anything I wanted, and it all sounded magnificent in a strangely easy way. I have no idea–yet–if the Antipodes Oladra is the “best” music server out there. I just know it’s shaped my music server expectations in a profound way.
ANTIPODES K50 music server review Jason Serinus - Stereophile
RRP NZ$25,000 incl GST
The K50 was 1st launched in 2020 and updated in 2023 with G4 Oladra technology trickled down from the flagship Oladra, taking the K50's music-making ability to an entirely new level.
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Antipodes K50 music server distinguished itself as the finest-sounding music server ever to grace my system. Image size and weight, colour saturation, bass control, and transparency were the best my system has ever delivered.
Listening was the most enjoyable and reI strongly suggest the latter approach: If a NZ$25,000 music server is within your price range, or you want to hear all that a $25,000 server can deliver, audition the K50. Class A+ all the way. rewarding I’ve ever experienced at home. That is cause for celebration.
ANTIPODES K41 music streamer reviewer: Hifi-Advice
RRP NZ$13,000 incl GST
K41 is a Music Server only. The K41 plays to the Ethernet input on networked DACs. You can upgrade with a K22 player (for USB and reclocked synchronous outputs S/PDIF, AES3, and I2S).
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The K21, K22, and K41 are Antipodes’ K-Series Modular Options. To explain these models, it’s easiest if we start with the all-in-one K50 that I reviewed in September 2020. The K50 is a single unit but it contains three separate processing engines for the Server apps, Player apps, and the Reclocking outputs.
The K41 server and streaming via a standard gigabit Cisco network switch to the CH Precision C1.2 DAC’s network input, the Antipodes server has an engagingly soulful delivery. It’s meaty, dense, smooth, and full-bodied, as well as upbeat and toe-tappingly rhythmic, and beautifully liquid and continuous. It has the kind of sound that is easy to get into and that is relaxing without being laid back.
ANTIPODES K22 music server reviewer: Hifi-Advice
RRP NZ$12,000 incl GST
The K22 includes the K50 Player and Reclocker engines to play to the USB, S/PDIF, AES3, or I2S inputs of DAC. The K22 is ideal if one already has a server and only requires a high-quality endpoint.
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Percussion, meanwhile, had a greater impact with a higher ‘shock’ value when each drum was hit while cymbals offered a broader splash when they were hit, giving the percussion a more important place within the mix. The surrounding brass, finally, featured a clean, rather shiny and brassy performance that added pizazz during crescendos.
The lowering of inherent and sonically damaging noise creates a generally improved suite of sonic frequencies that will serve any audiophile looking to upgrade from budget cables very well indeed. As you can see, even those of you who own the original Black cables should take a serious look at the new Black II cables.
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The K21, K22, and K41 are Antipodes’ K-Series Modular Options. To explain these models, it’s easiest if we start with the all-in-one K50 that I reviewed in September 2020. The K50 is a single unit but it contains three separate processing engines for the Server apps, Player apps, and the Reclocking outputs.
he K22 also incorporates a server and thus can be used all on its own. As it contains the all-important reclocker section, would it also offer a substantial portion of the full combo’s sonic performance? My listening tests soon answered that question with a resounding “You bet it does”!
After hearing the mesmerizing magic of the K41+K22 combo, I prepared to move back a few rungs on the sonic ladder with the K22-solo but as I played through my test tracks, the K22 ticked so many of the same boxes of the combo that my critical assessment was momentarily halted and the question sort of floated into my mind if this server was any less accomplished than the combo, where would that be? It offers the exact same tonal balance and it sure wasn’t reducing the musicality or involvement. Moreover, even in terms of resolution, transparency, and texturing, the K22-solo was not yielding to the combo.
So, where do the differences lie? The K22 actually sounds a little leaner and tighter than the combo, arguably slightly nimbler but also a little drier, not quite as smooth and luxurious, a little less deeply saturated, and spatially a little less deep and enveloping. But that’s it. Otherwise, I had the feeling of listening to the big combo!
Operationally, the K22 also feels very fast, just like the K41, it responds immediately to play/next and other commands. The only area where you can feel that it contains a less powerful processor than the K41 is in the loading of new screens in Roon with cover art tiles or artist photos. The loading of data is just a tad less instant but still quick. So, I guess the only practical downside of its more humble processing power is precisely as Antipodes indicate: not intended for huge libraries (>8TB) or heavy DSP functions.
Tellurium Q Statement II cables Editors Choice & 5 Hearts awards
RRP NZ$TBA
I am giving the interconnects our top Editor’s Choice . The Statement II speaker cables I am awarding our 5 Hearts award.
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Sound Quality:
Apparent speed and cleanness to the sound
Nothing is over-pushed
The interconnects are akin to the effect of grounding systems in a system with relation to noisefloor
The interconnects performed the best in our system and outperformed our reference
The speaker cables sound excellent, but overall I prefer our current reference, though there’s not a lot in it
All the cables have an apparent naturalness to them
Tellurium Q Silver Diamond cables review by Ear.
RRP NZ$TBA incl GST
I highly suggest considering them the next time you’re considering spending some money on a system upgrade.
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With a US$10k price tag, these cables still provide a dramatic enough improvement to be worth the price asked. In every possible system configuration I could scratch together, the results are the same.
Value is a highly relative subject; cable is nearly always a hotspot and I admit to being more prejudiced against spending big money on it, yet the Tellurium Q Silver Diamond speaker cables deliver more music than anything I’ve yet experienced. I highly suggest auditioning them the next time you’re considering spending some money on a system upgrade.
Tellurium Q Ultra Black II cables review by Hi-Fi+
RRP NZ$TBA incl GST
Communication is the aim of the game and these TQs are a fine conduit.
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Tellurium Q Ultra Black II is a remarkably coherent and ‘well-timed’ cable. It’s not the richest in tonal terms but more than makes up for this with an ability to make all manner of music sound engaging and enjoyable. It works with all sorts of music too, because it puts the message before the sound. Communication is the aim of the game and these TQs are a fine conduit.
Tellurium Q Black II cables review by Hi-Fi+
RRP NZ$TBA incl GST
Percussion, had a greater impact with a higher ‘shock’, while cymbals offered a broader splash when they were hit……
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Percussion, meanwhile, had a greater impact with a higher ‘shock’ value when each drum was hit while cymbals offered a broader splash when they were hit, giving the percussion a more important place within the mix. The surrounding brass, finally, featured a clean, rather shiny and brassy performance that added pizazz during crescendos.
The lowering of inherent and sonically damaging noise creates a generally improved suite of sonic frequencies that will serve any audiophile looking to upgrade from budget cables very well indeed. As you can see, even those of you who own the original Black cables should take a serious look at the new Black II cables.
ZESTO - Eros 500 Select class-A Monoblocks
RRP NZ$46,995/pr incl GST
PF WRITER’S CHOICE AWARD, 2023
The new Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A Monoblocks are, in my judgment, the most advanced and powerful all-tube amplifiers with unique full-time class A operation on the market today.
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Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A Monoblocks
Positive Feedback - Awarded by Robert H. Levi
I have grown tired of expensive tube amplifiers designed by committees utilizing ancient circuits like class AB and triode that are full of warmth and color when the sources are not. Well, guess what?
The new Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A Monoblocks are, in my judgment, the most advanced and powerful all-tube amplifiers with unique full-time class A operation and zero feedback on the market today. Someone tell me who else does this? With a circuit exclusively designed by the award-winning George Counnas, these monoblocks are audiophile heaven able to drive any speakers on the planet to their fullest potential.
ZELLATION Plural Evo floorstand speakers
RRP NZ$135,000/pr incl GST
One speaker that comes closest to bringing that dream to fruition - namely combining openness, transient bass attack, micro and microdynamics, seamlessness, treble purity, low coloration and transparency into one speaker are ZELLATON's new Plural Evos.
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It became increasingly clear by the end of the review—despite new speakers not being a priority during the pandemic—that the Plural evos were leaving the listening room over my dead body. The Plural Evos really ticked all the important boxes for me: a luscious midrange, musicality, huge soundstage, transparency, resolution and most importantly the ability to greatly expand the number of records I was listening to when not involved in a review. Plus, the efficiency of the the Plural Evos allows me to use or review a wider range of amplifiers than with the Magicos. And so, I ponied up the dollars.
ACCUSTIC ARTS AMP V - scores 99/100 in Lite-magazine review
RRP NZ$89,995 incl GST
SUBLIME SERENITY SENSATIONAL ACCURACY SOLIDITY & ELEGANCE AMP V provides a strong statement. With astonishment, we enjoy the kind of purity, calmness and reserves the Accustic Arts Amp V delivers.
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Lite-magazine - Sublime Serenity / Sensational Accuracy scores 99 / 100 points
AMP V stereo power amp - ACCUSTIC ARTS statement in terms of audiophile power amplifiers 2x 1,500 watts on 2 Ω 2 x 1,360 watts on 4 Ω 2 x 900 watts on 8 Ω
With their brand-new power amplifier, Amp V Accustic Arts provides a strong statement. This high-end behemoth offers a maximum output of 3,000 watts.A separated circuitry in the dual-mono design an opulently dimensioned power supply section ensures the cultivated reference sound. It makes exclusive use of selected premium components up to the phalanx of amplifier stages with 40 dedicated transistors. With astonishment, we enjoy the kind of purity, calmness and reserves the Accustic Arts Amp V can deliver from these resources.
Conclusion: As an impressive power amplifier in dual-mono design, the Accustic Arts Amp V delivers an impression of overwhelming power and outstanding sound culture. His nearly limitless power of up to 3,000 watts enables breath-taking levels. But this potency is just the means for a perfect re-production: The boundless vigour and the endless reserves allow for an effortless intonation of sound. The Amp V works with incredible calmness, stays completely relaxed and offers a sublime serenity. Its subtle and rough dynamic abilities are sensational on their own. This power amplifier impersonates what is possible in regards to precise and accurate reproduction. That, in turn, is further optimised by a selectable damping factor linearisation – and so the sound is even more refined. This way, listening to music becomes an exquisite pleasure and an emotional experience. This excellence comes with a high price tag – again, the rule is the same as with the Preamp III: Those who want to experience High End at this reference level will willingly pay it.
Stereo mag reviews ACCUSTIC ARTS Preamp III
RRP NZ$24,995 incl GST
It now occupies a top position among our list of reference preamplifiers, the playback suddenly possessed an unusually authentic quality. It contained such a high-end aura of completely undisguised naturalness and stupendous homogeneity,
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"Saturday Night" – an authentic club jazz song by the Red Norvo Quintet, which is uniquely fresh – was laid out widely in every direction in front of the listener. The performance, dominated by the vibraphone strokes that "exploded" concisely and with heavy impulses, was dense and vibrant, but also light and transparent. It almost seemed as if you could understand individual scraps of words from the audience babbling quietly in the deep ends of the room, even though no artificial brightening feigned brilliance. The pitch-black background remained completely calm and undisturbed, so that the tiniest details sparkled and stood out clearly against it.
AUDIO SOLUTION Virtuoso-S floorstand speaker
RRP NZ$44.995/pr incl GST
The “small” Virtuoso-S have musicality and sound in a noble way,
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The AudioSolutions Virtuoso S from Lithuania showed, that they are no stranger to musicality.
The manufacturer implemented a knob on the rear, which allows to change 3 modes of the cross-over from detailed, balanced, to a golden honey one. This makes the tested heroes capable of fitting into even very demanding systems.
This leaves me no choice, than to a very honest recommendation to all music lovers, especially those on a road crossing, to test them out, it will be a success, the selectable modes of the cross-over will make you resist further changes for years. And what should you expect more ……. Jacek Pazio
AUDIO SOLUTION Virtuoso-S floorstand speakers
RRP NZ$44.995/pr incl GST
The Virtuoso S are extremely elegant, Its the ELEGANCE, COHERENCE and REFINEMENT that to my mind in the long listening hours.
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The Virtuoso S are extremely elegant loudspeakers and I am talking here both in terms of the external appearance and their performance. It is the ELEGANCE, COHERENCE and REFINEMENT that first come to my mind when I think about the long listening hours I spent with the Virtuoso S, and that I will remember them by in the future. Plus, of course, VERSATILITY, or the ability to "tune" the sound to my own taste in a very simple way.The smaller representative of the Virtuoso series is also absolutely versatile in terms of the musical repertoire. They did great in my favorite acoustic music, built a unique atmosphere and soundstage for good live performances, impressed with super punctual pace and rhythm and high energy in blues and rock recordings, or the momentum and scale of music when playing large classical pieces. The vocals sound great, convincing and present with these speakers, but also the slightly lesser in terms of recording quality tracks/albums can sound really good, better than usual, because some of their flaws may be slightly tempered. Whether I listened to an acoustic trio, a rock band or a large symphonic orchestra, the Virtuoso S treated every challenge the same - in an unforced, effortless way but still a highly precise one, and the only limitation to the quantity and quality of information reproduced by the speakers, was the signal they received, i.e. the quality of the recording and the system that „prepared” signal for the Virtuoso S.These are excellent loudspeakers for top, well-balanced systems. the Virtuoso S are to be "only" the last, key element of a system that will convey its full potential without taming it or imposing its own character. These are truly classy, high-end speakers! ………….Marek Dyba - High Fidelity
AUDIO SOLUTION Overture 0305F floorstand speakers
RRP NZ$11,995/pr incl GST
The ability of the O305Fs to deliver exactly the sound of her voice in all these circumstances was exemplary.
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Whatever the genesis of the soundtrack, there’s massive amounts of deep and not-so-deep bass and all of it was reproduced wonderfully well by the 0305Fs. The clarity of the AudioSolutions’ bass delivery made it easy to hear and appreciate the subtle changes in pitch and intonation in the bassIn my opinion, the ability of the O305Fs to deliver exactly the sound of her voice in all these circumstances was exemplary. The title track that follows has her singing as well as speaking and her breathy vocals were extraordinarily-well realised by the AudioSolutions speakers. The background percussion in this track is precise and the way the speakers delivered the sound of the ‘bounce’ of the skin on the drums was a joy for me. Rarely do I hear this done so well. What’s most impressive when you listen to ‘Sour’ is that when the album delivers power and drama, the AudioSolutions O305F delivers that power and drama, but when it switches to ‘soft and girly’ the O305F also moves straight into ‘soft and girly’, so becoming a perfect mirror to the music.To reprise those final words from that previous paragraph, “mirror to the music” is a fitting way to describe this superlative third-generation design from Gediminas Gaidelis, whose signature sound is writ large in the O305F’s acoustic DNA. Whatever speakers you thought you might be looking for for your own listening room, you owe it to yourself to consider this new model from AudioSolutions……. Greg Borrowman - Australian Hi-Fi
AUDIO SOLUTIONS Figaro MK2 floorstand speakers
from RRP NZ$13,995/pr up to NZ$32,000/pr incl GST
“Audio Solutions Figaro speakers have been reborn.New Figaro is not only a visual face-lift its also takes a significant step forward.”
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AudioSolutions writes: “we unveiled our Figaro MK2 speakers. The most successful speaker series ever among Audio Solutions products has been reborn. The visual change is quite significant as it became much more modern as well many other technical aspects which made Figaro (mk1) a superior speaker in its price range. New Figaro is not only a visual face-lift its also takes a significant step forward.”“Figaro now has dedicated Bass drivers compared to mid-bass units in the previous version for Sonic response and articulation are improvements. The Mini-Horn has also seen improvement as well with wider working range, especially in the very top band of the frequency. Crossovers were updated with thicker wire air-coils as well as a new PCB layout for less cross-talk”. “The most important and biggest update is of course in the cabinet structure itself with a completely different approach which does not bind the cabinet to one monolythical structure but rather has some plasticity between different mass and density surfaces which converts vibration energy to heat in the junction between two surfaces”.“Figaro Mk2 now features a fully functional Cabinet-In-a-Cabinet (CIC) enclosure directly taken from our much more expensive Virtuoso series. This is the major and most significant update for new Figaro speakers”. ……….by Matej Isak - Mono & Stereo
Revival Atalante-3 stand mtg speakers
RRP NZ$4,795/pr incl GST
EAR - “Best of 2023 Awards”
“The Atalante 3s are one of those rare products that this reviewer really does not want to return. In fact I have decided to buy a pair.
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EAR - “Best of 2023 Awards”
“The Revival Atalante 3s are one of those rare products that this reviewer really does not want to pack-up and return. In fact this is so unappealing that I have decided to buy a pair, my first speaker purchase in over a decade. They are clearly well-engineered, beautifully constructed and offer a value-for-money option for high-quality listening.The Atalante 3s did almost everything my beloved Harbeth M30.1s do, and some things that they can’t, in a package that is half the price. This is what we must call a bargain. Anyone looking for loudspeakers that re-create what the recording engineer intended should put these on their shortlist for a personal audition. I will now be using them as my reference monitors”.
Revival Atalante-5 stand mtg speakers
RRP NZ$9,495/pr incl GST
“I would sum up the performance of the Atalante 5 as full-bodied, detailed, and dynamic, with a wide and deep soundstage.”
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“I would sum up the performance of the Atalante 5 as full-bodied, detailed, and dynamic, with a wide and deep soundstage. They sounded good with all types of music and often provided an entertaining rendition of poor recordings…..What the Atalante 5 does so well is allow you to enjoy the majority of your collection and do an excellent job reproducing the power and scale of the musical performance….the depth and power of the bass is a highlight, yet it is also well-controlled. I would encourage those in the market for top flight entertainment to take a serious look and listen to the Atalante 5
Revival Sprint-4 floorstand speakers
RRP NZ$3,595/pr incl GST
Excellent design and sophisticated sound…..“The new Sprint 4 has an eye-catching design and a sound that you can really listen to.
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Excellent design and sophisticated sound…..“The new Sprint 4 has an eye-catching design and a sound that you can really listen to. The French 2-1/2 way speaker has some surprising features that make it something very special. An inventive spirit, an ambitious design studio and price-conscious design has produced a very interesting product. The Sprint 4 is ideal for medium-sized rooms and not only offers an attractive design with numerous refinements, but also a precise sound for all occasions that leaves nothing to be missed. The carefully compiled materials prove their quality. You can turn up the volume quite a bit without having to worry about the membranes. On the other hand, delicate sounds are no problem, scoring points both in terms of pricing and sound. As a bonus, there is a ten-year guarantee!”
Revival Sprint-3 bookshelf speakers
RRP NZ$1,995/pr incl GST
“Revival has another winner in the Sprint 3 and one which could cost a great deal more. Sprint 3 balance allows the music to be enjoyed as intended by the recording engineer,.
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ZESTO Leto Ultra II preamplifier
RRP NZ$22,995 incl GST
"With a presentation so convincingly and musically right while remaining totally neutral, the Leto Ultra II Preamplifier is the best tube preamp I have ever heard or reviewed."
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"With a presentation so convincingly and musically right while remaining totally neutral, the Leto Ultra II Preamplifier is the best tube preamp I have ever heard or reviewed.""I am so totally sure about the extraordinary performance of the Leto Ultra II that I bought the review sample. It will now be used in my reference system to judge all future preamplifier designs. As far as I am concerned, the Zesto Audio Leto II Preamplifier is the best of the best, and most highly recommended.""I was stunned to hear a tube preamplifier as quiet and musically adept as any great solid-state piece. The Leto's fantastic imaging and wonderful sound staging are just state-of-the-art and the production of depth without distortion is shocking. It is, without a doubt, the quietest tube preamplifier on the market I know of today." …….Robert H. Levi - Positive Feedback - Issue 130
ZESTO Bia 200 Select stereo amp
RRP NZ$29,995
“Big, bold, but not brutish, we're all wired for the particular sounds that make our particular hearts sing. The Bia 200 is wired in a way that, for the right person, can make that happen."
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I've owned a Shindo Haut Brion, a 6L6-powered stereo amplifier that is specified as putting out 20Wpc, for almost as long as I've been writing hi-fi reviews. Art Dudley, Stereophile's late, great, much-missed former deputy editor, also owned one, and they sounded different from each other. As an experiment, we traded Haut Brions in order to experience the other amplifier's point of view. He preferred the darker tone of mine; I preferred the superior resolution of his. He kept mine. I kept his. I still have his.The Haut Brion—both versions—is a wonderful, expressive amplifier. But it has nowhere near the sparkle, precision, resolution, or extension of the Bia 200. It also lacks the Bia 200's tight, well-controlled, tuneful low end. It compensates by seeming more immediate, organic, and natural than the Bia 200. Both exist to serve the music, but they do it in different ways. The Bia 200 is transparent, powerful, resolving, fun. Maybe it's the top end that seems to go out for miles, or the sonorous bass, or how it steps out of the way of recordings and lets them shine on their own terms. …….Ken Micallef - Stereophile
ZESTO Andros Deluxe II phonostage
RRP NZ$15,995
2022 Phonostage “Product of the Year” The Absolute Sound"The Andros Deluxe II is a dynamic, detailed, tonally extended, and super-quiet phono- stage.
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The Andros Deluxe II is a dynamic, detailed, tonally extended, and super-quiet phono- stage. I found it extracted information from some grooves I didn’t know was there, but with that it is not a forgiving or relaxed component. Bad recordings are not going to be able to hide with the Andros Deluxe II, though good recordings will be reproduced with exceptional quality. Unlike many tube products, the Andros does not emphasize the midrange. I found the Andros to be mostly neutral in tone with perhaps a little emphasis on the top octaves of the midrange and lower treble, which resulted in perceptibly more detail without any sense of fatiguing brightness. I could easily listen to this phonostage for hours on end and, in fact, did so during the review period. It was a pleasure to spend time with the Andros, and I was not happy to send it back. My compliments to Carolyn and George for producing such great sound in a fine-looking piece of audio gear at an attractive price. If a phonostage in this price range is of interest, do not pass up the opportunity to audition Zesto’s Andros Deluxe II. It is highly recommended. ………Rives Bird - The Absolute Sound
ZESTO EROS 500 Select, 250w class A monoblocks
RRP NZ$46,995/pr
State of the Art Tube Designs for Music Lovers!
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The Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A monoblocks are a totally unique offering in today's high-end marketplace. Their topology in my estimation is a design that has never been done successfully before now. The Eros 500 monoblocks are unique and new, and I have not even mentioned the Selector that allows the user to dial in four current tube types making the Eros future-proof.The Eros 500s are the most neutral, realistic, and natural-sounding amplifiers that have graced my home in this century. They get out of the way of the musical flow and just exists. With 250 Watts of Class A power at the ready, they sound like 500 Watt amps. Weighing in at just 79 pounds each, they will not take over your studio space or heat up the house. The lights dimmed just a bit with turn-on but then ran perfectly on a 15-Ampere circuit. Over the entire review period, they performed exquisitely without quibbles. The fit and finish of these amplifiers are exceptional and the design elements all contribute to user satisfaction. I am at a loss for words to describe my excitement listening to the groundbreaking Eros 500 monoblocks. I was expecting excellence, but not ball-busting greatness.
EAT Jo No5 M/C cartridge
RRP NZ$1,995 incl GST
hi-fi+ Analogue Awards 2023 - Highly recommended
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“The Jo No 5 will bring a lump to your throat and send a shiver down your spine when Billie sings, ‘I’m a Fool to Want You’……It’s got the same sense of energy and vibrance, the same richness and depth to the sound and even some of the shimmer of the very best….. however for the most art you wont give a damn because you’ll be too busy enjoying the music.Quite simply, the EAT Jo No 5 is the best £5,000 cartridge you can buy for £1,000” ………hi-fi+ - Alan Sircom
EAT Jo No8 M/C cartridge
RRP NZ$4,500 incl GST
Writers' Choice Review Award. “An incredible bargain in the market. It can go toe to toe with cartridges costing twice as much on any day.”
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“In a nutshell, I am wondering if Jozefina would take a trade of My Koetsu for the Jo No. 8? I think that sums it up nicely. I doubt there can be more of an endorsement more serious than that! This cartridge should be on everyone's list who are considering upping their game to a mid priced cartridge. It would take years to get to the point of looking at anything more expensive if it ever came to that at all. A rare over achiever in a world of sometimes over hyped under performers. Make it part of your journey to check out the Jo No8 and look for it at some point in the future to make it to my reference system list” ………..Positive Feedback - Gary Lea
EAT Forte-S turntable w C-Note TA & Jo No5 M/C cart.
RRP NZ$15,995 incl GST (also available with alternative tonearms & cartridges)
Hi-Fi World 5 Globes award
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Reviewer: Inner Audiophilia - Karl Nevalaine“It’s a combination for the rest of one’s life. The turntable itself is of so high quality, technically and sonically, that I’d stop looking for a better...”Reviewer: Hi-Fi Choice - David Price“Premium turntable with Powerful weighty sound, passion and precision aplenty, smooth, sweet tonality, expansive soundstaging but relaxed yet involving nature and easy going by nature. It retains much of its bigger brother the Forte. A great value package
EAT Fortissimo turntable w Forte 12” TA and Jo No8 M/C cart
RRP NZ$35,000 incl GST (also available with alternative tonearms & cartridges)
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“I’ve described the Fortissimo as a complete package and not broken out the F-Note or Jo No 8 for a reason; there’s no need to do so. I’d struggle to think of an arm that’s a better match to the Fortissimo that isn’t a Graham Phantom Elite (which doubles the cost) or a cartridge that isn’t something that wasn’t in the £5,000-£9,000 price bracket….. the EAT Fortissimo is a substantial flagship turntable in a market where similarly-specified ‘flagships’ can cost an order of magnitude more. Couple that with the F-Note arm and Jo No 8 cartridge and you have a package costing just over NZ$30,000 that will easily see off many turntable systems costing twice that… possibly more. Put simply; this is a true reference grade, high-end flagship turntable without the flagship price. …….. hi-fi+ - Alan Sircom
Karan Acoustics Master Collection PHONOa phonostage
RRP NZ$57,995
This is the best phono stage I’ve heard, and by no small margin. none make it sound quite as ‘right’ as the Master Collection PHONOa.
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There is so much more to say about the Karan Master Collection PHONOa at NZ$57,995, but it’s just more of the same. This is the best phono stage I’ve heard, and by no small margin. Sure, there are some remarkable phono stages, and many make music sound fabulous, but none make it sound quite as ‘right’ as the PHONOa. Honest without brutality, detailed without edginess or etched sound, tonally perfect, dynamically unparalleled and producing a soundstage that is only constrained by the record before it and the system afterwards. This is how music should sound through the very best of the best. ………HiFi+, Alan Sircom - Feb 23
KARAN ACOUSTICS Master Collection POWERa stereo
RRP NZ$ TBA
The final result amplifiers of, unsurpassed natural musicality, transparency, dynamic headroom, transient speed, vanishingly low noise floor, and utterly lifelike,
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Milan Karan knows only too well that all the academic perfection he has been putting into his creations for more than 20 years, is of no ultimate value unless the resulting sound did not noticeably improve on what has become a trade-mark of the Karan Acoustics brand. Hundreds of ours of listening tests and fine tuning of all crucial components within the audio and power supply circuits have taken place…the final result are audio amplifiers of, in our view, unsurpassed natural musicality, transparency, dynamic headroom, transient speed, vanishingly low noise floor, and utterly lifelike, almost physically tangible, 3D holographic palpability.
Specs !nputs: 2x balanced (XLR) and 2x unbalanced (RCA) Power output: 2×650w @ 8ohm / 2×1.100w @ 4ohm / 2×1.800w @ 2ohm (peak power output: 800W at 8ohm) Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0 dB; (DC to 300kHz, -3 dB) Power supply: 2pcs of 2.100VA low noise toroidal transformers, 210.000uF custom made capacitors bank Dimensions: 504Wx292Hx603D mm Weight: 105kg Warranty: 5 years, parts and labor
KARAN ACOUSTICS Master Collection POWERa monoblock
RRP NZ$135,995/pr incl GST
The Master Collection POWERa mono power amplifiers. They are the best amplifiers I have heard.
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This amplifier’s power output is impressive even by the brute-force standards of some of the biggest big hitters. It puts out an impressive 2,150W into eight ohms and pulls up to 6kW into two ohms, it means the amps will deliver the signal’s total bandwidth and dynamic headroom into any loudspeaker load while delivering the potential for excellent transient speed and extremely silent circuit operation. There are some exceptional amplifiers on the market at the top end, and there’s a solid argument to say there’s one no one path up that mountain (the long-winded version of YMMV: ‘Your Mileage May Vary’). But there is a personal path up that mountain, and for me, that means the NZ$135,995/pr Karan Acoustics Master Collection POWERa mono power amplifiers. They are the best amplifiers I have heard so far. ………HiFi+, Alan Sircom - Jul 22
KARAN ACOUSTICS Master Collection LINEa preamplifier
RRP NZ$52,995 incl GST
A preamplifier that carves out its own niche as the best choice for the widest number of listeners. I can’t help but think the LINEa ticks that box brilliantly.
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There’s a category error made by some, in thinking that because well-recorded acoustic instruments in a live space is an audiophile Gold Standard, that’s all good audio can do. However, the same goose-bumps moments apply equally to everything from electronica to hard rock, too. Of course, to fully realise that goal, you need a preamp as musically honest as the LINEa.I feel the Karan Acoustics LINEa is the perhaps the most approachable and universal of the ultra-preamplifiers. That could have gone one of two ways; the preamplifier that the highest of high-end respected… as they were buying another preamplifier, or a preamplifier that carves out its own niche as the best choice for the widest number of listeners. I can’t help but think the LINEa ticks that second box brilliantly. If a NZ$52,995 preamp could be called ‘the preamp of the people’, the Karan Acoustics LINEa is that preamp! ……….HiFi+, Alan Sircom - June 20
KARAN ACOUSTICS Master Collection PHONOb phonostage
RRP NZ$ TBA
The more I played records the more records I wanted to play. The PHONOb is extremely impressive, it is a phono stage suited for long-haul listening. It is truly exceptional.
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March 23The more I played records through the PHONOb, the more records I wanted to play. The more albums I wanted to hear renewed and played through that astonishingly quiet background. Yes, some of that wanting to hear more is down to the extraordinary levels of detail and soundstage retrieval it has, and that detail – along with the even more powerful dynamic range – are the only notable concessions the PHONOb gives to its bigger brother. in terms of outright sound quality, the PHONOb is extremely impressive delivering close to 85% of the sonic performance of the PHONOa, giving that last scintilla of detail, dynamic range, and transparency to its bigger brother. In fact, by pulling back from the near ‘information overload’ of the PHONOa, The PHONOb is a phono stage better suited for long-haul listening. Given that’s the PHONOa we’re talking about, the PHONOb is far removed from a ‘stripped down’ model. To have one world-class phono stage in your line up is rare; to have two is exceptional, and the Karan Acoustics Master Reference PHONOb is truly exceptional ………HiFi+, Alan Sircom -