Welcome to the June 2024 Newsletter #40; catching up on reviews and videos from the last month and looking forward to the summer ahead.
Reviews
Auralic S1 VEGA streaming DAC
This month has seen several reviews, notably on the Auralic S1 VEGA streaming DAC, an ‘entry-level’ Auralic product, where we noted;
… the VEGA S1 does retain is all the important stuff from the G2.2 flagship products…
And we said;
Sonically, this is magic… the VEGA S1 is effortless with the Angel 6 power amplifier.
Concluding;
… it is the clean, crisp, resolving sonic signature that sets this VEGA S1 apart at this price level…
PowerGrip YG-2
We had the S1 and the associated external power supply connected to the PowerGrip YG-2, an active electrical clean power filtering system with six mains sockets, in pairs, at the rear that are configurable to high current needs, like power amplifiers, digital circuits, like DACs, or straight analogue needs, like preamplifiers or record players. There was a massive drop in measurable mains noise, which you see in the review and the picture here. We noted that;
’38’ (on the Mains Noise Analyser) represents a 90% reduction in mains noise…
Volumio Motivo headphone amplifier
This month, we also reviewed the Italian Volumio Motivo headphone amplifier. It is an innovative screen-based amplifier designed for the contemporary listener. We commented;
… the Motivo is interactive, intuitive, and innovative.
Node Audio SS-1
This month, we have had tremendous fun with the Node Audio SS-1s, a ‘modular component support ecosystem’ designed to drain mechanical vibrations and focus stray magnetic fields around sources, DACs, turntables, etc. They were particularly effective with the Chord Electronics Hugo 2 on the desktop and under the Rekkord F400 turntable directly on the chassis, where the presentation was improved. We said;
…the presentation certainly offers a heightened experience to the listener
A cable riser version is a work of art and it is totally functional (see picture below).
Videos
This month, we have a new video on the North West Audio Show, held at the de Vere Cranage Estate. The show report is here, and you can watch the walkthrough here.
Coming Up This Summer
This Summer, we will review the Triangle Borea BR10 floor-standing loudspeakers, which are currently driven by the impressive Naim Audio New Classic NAP 250. Separately, we will review the new REL Classic 99, which presently supports the Kudos Titan 505 loudspeakers. The listening room is a dream, particularly as the source has been upgraded with a Melco S100 data switch with an SFP ADOT optical data feed. The Melco data switch and library have a Plixir Statement power supply upgrade, which will be reviewed in due course.
From the sublime to the crazily outrageous WiiM Amp, which will also be reviewed this summer, we expect delivery of the Meze Audio ALBA in-ear headphones launched a couple of weeks ago.
Music
Our Listen to… section has featured some fantastic new releases this month. Most notably, Laufey brought a special edition of her Bewitched album with a few extra tracks, particularly Goddess, which is such a lovely track. The album Goddess is out on Blue vinyl. Arooj Aftab released a new album called Night Reign, which is also very listenable. We’ve also been enjoying Madeline Peyroux’s album, Let’s Walk.
This North West Audio Show Playlist was generated from the rooms at the show and has some excellent review tracks.
