Quad 33 Preamp and 303 Amp Reviewed

Not a whole lot to say about Quad that hasn't already been said-they're good at what they do and have a hugely loyal fan base reticent of Apple. Whether you harbor feelings for their speakers or their electronics one thing remains the same, once you hear a Quad system it's hard to listen to anything else. Continue Reading

Musical Fidelity X-Pre Preamp Reviewed

Musical Fidelity is so prolific in terms of manufacturing that it can be tough to keep up at times. Their latest line of audiophile goodness carries the moniker of X, which unlike traditional components is far more compact, not to mention affordable. The X-Preamp reviewed here is the gateway drug if you will of the Musical Fidelity brand. Continue Reading

darTZeel NHB-18NS Preamplifier Reviewed

Not a whole lot of "noise" coming out of Switzerland in terms of audiophile products-unless of course you're ignoring the darTZeel NHB-18NS Preamplfier, which Home Theater Review is not. While it may be a bit on the esoteric side-okay it's waaaay esoteric-its unique sound is truly captivating. Continue Reading

EAR-Yoshino Stereo Preamp Reviewed

What do you really need in a preamplifier? A few inputs, an output (or two) and a stepped volume control. Everything else is just garnish and as any die-hard audiophile knows, garnish can quickly ruin any good audiophile system. Well the folks over at EAR have the solution, the Yoshino Stereo Preamp, all of the performance you crave with none of the additives. Continue Reading

Sutherland Director and Ph.D preamp and phono stage

There is minimal and then there is the Director solid-state preamp from Sutherland. Possessing only one dial on its façade the Director is an all out assult on the Zen principle. Or as Det. Friday said in the classic TV show Dragnet, "just the facts ma'am." Continue Reading

McIntosh Laboratories C-220 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed

With its smooth and accurate midrange this $4000 tube preamp features both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. Although its top end is slightly rolled off in comparison with other McIntosh preamps, its flexibility and superb build quality make it a winner. Continue Reading

Z-Systems RDP-1 Room Correction Device and EQ Reviewed

The digital-onlyRDP-1 is both a preamp and an equalizer. With 99 presets, it can be used to improve trashy recordings more than room correction. Transparent, the RDP-1 is very useful in simplifying an all- digital music system, while maximizing its sonic quality. Continue Reading

Classe Thirty Preamp and the Seventy Power Amp Reviewed

Classe's entry-level preamp and power amp deliver plenty of sonic panache as well as balanced connections, a dedicated remote control, and impeccable styling. While not quite as transparent as Classe's flagship models, these two units still capture all their musicality. Continue Reading

Cello Audio Palette, Performance II Amps, Cello Stradivari Grandmaster Speakers Reviewed

Instant classics well before their maker closed his doors, this Cello system is the epitome of what Mark Levinson made. Pristine, exclusive, and rare, the Cello Continue Reading

Metaxas Opulence Preamp and Soliloquy Power Amps Reviewed

Australian audiophile institution Kostas Metaxas makes elegant electronics that try to push the limits. The Opulence and Soliloquy combination has more finesse than his previous designs. These aptly named pieces deliver sumptuous sound for reasonable money. Continue Reading

Krell MD-20 CD Transport, Krell Studio DAC and KRC Preamp Reviewed

Remember what it was like the first time you rode a bike without the training wheels? Passed your driving test?... Continue Reading

Metaxas Solitaire Power Amp and Marquise Preamp Reviewed

The Metaxas Marquise is a two-box preamp that is completely dual mono. Placement is critical to get the best from the Marquise. It needs to be well away from any mains power supplies and your cable choices will have a big influence on the quality of the overall sound. Continue Reading

Sinfonia Preamp and Amp Reviewed

Made by Musical Fidelity exclusively for the Korean hi-fi community, the Sinfonia Preamp is a purist product designed to deliver maximum fidelity and minimum frills. With elegant looks and a surprisingly low price, too bad you'll never see it outside of Korea. Continue Reading

Gryphon Limited Edition Preamp Reviewed

Danish audio at its best, the Gryphon Limited Edition preamp lives up to its name. Visually stunning with six distinct chassis and a 24-step passive resistor network that must be hand-assembled, Gryphon proves they can make a world-class preamp. Continue Reading

Da Vinci Typhoon Preamp Reviewed

A rare Anthony Michaelson-designed tube preamp, the Typhoon uses eight ECC8 tubes in a parallel cascade output configuration. With clean minimalist yet elegant lines the Typhoon shows how elegant British hi-fi can be, Continue Reading

Counterpoint SA-1000 Preamp and SA-100 Amp Reviewed

Counterpoint was a California-based audio manufacturer who specialized in tube gear. The SA-1000 was their entry-level preamp. It has a pair of 12AX7 and a single 6dJ8 for tubes, solid-state regulation, and a MOSFET line stage buffer. Continue Reading

Rothwell Passive Preamp Reviewed

This British passive has six inputs and a stepped attenuator. It disappears in the signal chain, but its overall fit and finish and crude ergonomics prevent it from being a fun product to use. Is its transparency worth its operational idiosyncrasies? Continue Reading

Audio Research LS2 Line Stage Preamp Reviewed

A hybrid preamp that uses a single 6DJ8 tube and FET devices, the LS2 is one of the preamps that helped define Audio Research's reputation as the premier tube electronics manufacturer. Superb-sounding and ergonomically austere, the LS2 is a special preamp. Continue Reading

Music & Sound's DCC-1 Digital Control Centre Reviewed

A digital preamp capable of handling multiple digital sources has a maximum throughput of 48/16, making it a virtual antique in the modern world of 96/24 and 192/24. But if you see one, now you'll know what it is. Continue Reading

Classe DR-5 Preamp and DR-5 Power Amp Reviewed

The DR-5 is the preamp that cemented Classe's reputation as a top-echelon audio manufacturer. With adjustable gain range between 20 and 40 dB, MM and MC phono section, the DR-5 offers top-flight performance, especially in terms of dimensionality and imaging. Continue Reading