“A long time ago, there were ‘radios,'” writes Oliver Masciarotte in opening his review of the Audioengine B2 Bluetooth speaker, a genre he considers the “modern equivalent of a hi-fi clock radio, without the clock.” A step up from battery-powered portables, most of which fail to meet his expectations, Oliver considers the B2 “a tough one to beat.”
Now in its fifth year, the California Audio Show provides an ears–on listening experience for the nerdiest region of our nation. Of particular interest were local and lesser known brands, along with a few product debuts. Since all work and no play makes for a desultory OMas, a late night field report is also on offer.
Supertweeters have gone in and out of vogue over the years, with moving coils, ribbons, quasi–ribbons and piezos to choose from.” writes Oliver Masciarotte in his review of the ENIGMAcoustics Sopranino supertweeter. “… Why bother with ultrasonics?” Oliver discovers the sonic effects of a modern implementation of the concept with three different loudspeakers.
“I am not a Bits Are Bits kinda guy,” writes Oliver Masciarotte. “Just because I do not yet have a theory that explains the underlying mechanism of an effect, that doesn’t invalidate my sensory experiences.” Oliver dives into the perplexing world of USB cables and concludes that “The VU-1 is an affordable tweak that really does improve any USB source.”
“The diminutive MyDAC is Micromega’s first foray into the standalone DAC market ” writes Oliver Masciarotte in his evaluation. “This is not a ‘me too’ product, but yields a high level of performance at an entry level price. Its welcome ability to extract the essence of a file is a beautiful thing… MyDAC is a strikingly tremendous performer.”
“There is a giant living amongst the modest homes, strip malls and wetlands: the venerable Magnepan, Incorporated, known for the quality and value of their relatively large planar loudspeakers.” Oliver Masciarotte tours the Magnepan factory with Wendell Diller on the hottest day of summer, and survives to report back for HifiZine with his insights into the processes and values of this family-run company.
Oliver Masciarotte surveys the field of “plugins” for audiophile music players, explaining what they are and how they can benefit your listening experience. From shufflers and measurement tools to the dreaded EQ, there is much benefit available to the open-minded audiophile willing to explore the possibilities. Oliver lists his favorites and recommendations, from free to not-so-free, and explains how to evaluate plugin quality.
“These days, DACs come in a wide variety of packages and price points, with a broad range of features and sometimes questionable benefits,” writes Oliver Masciarotte is his opening salvo in demystifying the vast range of DACs in the $500 – $2000 range now on the market. He looks at the key features that make a DAC worthy of consideration for a two-channel hifi enthusiast, and why, based on his inside knowledge of studio and mastering practices.
Oliver Masciarotte pens his thoughts on the 2012 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. With his unique insider perspective, Oliver finds things to love and other stuff, not so much.