Patrick Dillon listens to the Blackhawk Limited Edition amplifier, the upgraded version of the Raven Audio Nighthawk reviewed earlier in HifiZine, and enjoys its fuss-free operation and excellent sonics. “In a world of mass-marketed, cookie-cutter products, the Raven Audio Blackhawk LE offers something a little different, and in my view, something a whole lot better.”
Patrick Dillon takes a look at the Audioengine B2 speaker previously reviewed by Oliver Masciarotte in HifiZine. Less versed than Oliver in the wiles and ways of digital music, Patrick comments: “I want to add a few more listening and use observations from the perspective of someone dipping their toes into digital convenience.”
“All of my audiophile life, I’ve been a solid state guy…” writes Patrick Dillon in his review of the Raven Audio Nighthawk integrated tube amplifier. From budget speakers through to his high-end reference, Patrick experiences the joys of the Nighthawk. “Everything seemed just right: smooth vocals, a sufficient sense of space, clear instrumental lines, and a vibe that just made listening effortless.”
“Setting up a turntable is not always the simplest of tasks… ” Patrick Dillon challenges his fingers, eyesight, and patience installing the Furutech La Source 101 headshell leads and auditioning with multiple cartridges, and concludes: “The La Source 101 leads brought obvious improvements in all areas of reproduction… Unhesitatingly recommended.”
Phono cables might carry the most delicate signals in an audio system, connecting the minute outputs of a cartridge to an amplification or step up stage. Patrick Dillon tries a couple of higher-end offerings from Purist Audio and Furutech in his rig and finds that some cables really do make a difference.
“You may be surprised every now and then by a product that defies the imagined rules,” writes Patrick Dillon in opening his review of the Maraschino Class D monoblock amplifiers from Digital Amplifier Company. After months of putting the Maraschinos through their paces, Patrick concludes “I find myself seduced by the quality of music provided by the Maraschinos. Recommended for music lovers.”
“Mini by name but not by nature” writes Patrick Dillon of the latest foray by the renowned Bryston company. He continues “If I had to characterize the sound of these speakers in a word, it would be ‘smooth’. The Mini-Ts present the most even, coherent, full-range sound I’ve heard from a non-floorstander.”
“As vinyl addicts know, the search for sonic satisfaction via LP involves a seemingly endless and interacting series of variables that must be controlled, driving perfectionists to distraction and putting the faint-of-heart off the medium completely.” Patrick Dillon weighs in with his assessment of the vibration isolation platforms from specialist manufacturer Minus K.
“There seems to be no end of new, state-of-the-art designs that are beyond the reach of most people. Open any glossy audiophile magazine and you will routinely find models that hit six-figure prices,” writes Patrick Dillon. He looks instead at the SVS Ultra Towers, aimed at those seeking audiophile quality sound on a budget: “Impressive value, great looks, and easy set-up; the cost of entry to full-size high end speakers is lower than ever.”
One of the lessons you learn as an audiophile is to give some thought to placing your components for optimal performance. The choices can bewilder even the most enthusiastic of audiophiles. While there are countless approaches to platforms, shelves and footers, nobody has combined an isolation platform with a line conditioner… nobody that is, until the clever folks at PS Audio developed the PowerBase. Patrick Dillon investigates.