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SonicFlare
United States
Приєднався 11 вер 2012
SonicFlare | UA-cam Records, HiFi, High-End Audio and the occasional sidestep to other spinning and round things | Tech Geek | HiFi Reviewer with 20+ years of published credits | Thank you!
Windsor, Maine
DK
Windsor, Maine
DK
A Swedish do-it-all phono amp? Hell yeah! Check this out... Moonriver 505 phono amp | Review | Vinyl
Moonriver makes two products, in Sweden no less... the 404 integrated amplifier and the 505 phono amplifier, reviewed here at SonicFlare Studio A.
Let's take a dive into the world of Moonriver...
Available through fine dealers worldwide!
💰 Suggested retail price: USD $5,999- / 5,000- EUR
Moonriver website:
moonriveraudio.com
🍿 Popcorn time!
01:52 pipes or cigars?
03:32 review intro - Moonriver 505
10:19 construction
14:02 sound quality
27:20 conclusion & final thoughts
🎻 Equipment currently setup in Studio A:
EINSTEIN The Preamp einstein-audio.de
EINSTEIN The Last Record Player, CD player
EINSTEIN The Perfect Pickup, MC current sensing phono
EINSTEIN The Poweramp, hybrid Circlotron dual-mono amplifier
EMMlabs MTRS, solid state stereo amplifier www.emmlabs.com
EMMlabs DS-EQ1, optical cartridge "energizer" x 2
Meitner MA3, DAC + Streamer
Kuzma XL Air + Safir, turntable + arm www.kuzma.si
Bergmann Galder Signature + Odin, turntable + arm bergmannaudio.com
ReVox H1 Cassette tape deck
Telefunken M15A reel to reel tape machine x 2
Nagra IV-S reel to reel tape machine www.nagraaudio.com
Wilson Audio Sasha V www.wilsonaudio.com
Wilson Audio Loke x 2
DeVore Fidelity O/96 devorefidelity.com
SonoruS Audio proximity bass controller sonorusaudio.com
Tascam DA1000, A/D converter + digital recorder
QNAP 8 bay 32TB NAS
Tidal, Apple Music streaming services
Audirvana Studio media playback app audirvana.com
eero Pro 6 WiFi network
🎼 Cables used in Studio A:
Black Cat Cable blackcatcable.com
Graceline L3, speaker + interconnect
LessLoss C-MARC Classic power cables www.lessloss.com
🔈 Music used for evaluation -
Freddie Hubbard - Keep Your Soul Together
Kruder & Dorfmeister - Conversions
Randy Travis - Storms Of Life
Black Uhuru - Chill Out
Oscar Peterson & Nelson Riddle
Nucleus - Alley Cat
La Planete Sauvage
Brian Eno - Apollo 2 LP
Ahmad Jamal - Chamber Music Of The New Jazz
Duke Ellington - Indigos (2024 65th anniversary IMPEX reissue)
📝 About SonicFlare
Danny Kaey has been a published audio and HiFi reviewer for almost 25 years in online and printed publications in the US, Canada and Europe. In the hobby for over 40 years, his tastes have varied through the decades, though now have settled for what music is all about: dynamics, slam, resolving power and tonality. DK believes that like many personally experienced tastes, there are many flavors to HiFi, though in all cases HiFi should aim to replicate music as closely as possible.
🤩 If you like this channel and content please help support me by liking and subscribing here on UA-cam and Instagram.
Instagram: sonicflare
Please DM me with inquiries for future reviews or interviews.
#audio #music #hifi #stereo #records #sonicflare
Thanks so much for watching this episode, Have I finally found my golden super amp? Cheers!
Let's take a dive into the world of Moonriver...
Available through fine dealers worldwide!
💰 Suggested retail price: USD $5,999- / 5,000- EUR
Moonriver website:
moonriveraudio.com
🍿 Popcorn time!
01:52 pipes or cigars?
03:32 review intro - Moonriver 505
10:19 construction
14:02 sound quality
27:20 conclusion & final thoughts
🎻 Equipment currently setup in Studio A:
EINSTEIN The Preamp einstein-audio.de
EINSTEIN The Last Record Player, CD player
EINSTEIN The Perfect Pickup, MC current sensing phono
EINSTEIN The Poweramp, hybrid Circlotron dual-mono amplifier
EMMlabs MTRS, solid state stereo amplifier www.emmlabs.com
EMMlabs DS-EQ1, optical cartridge "energizer" x 2
Meitner MA3, DAC + Streamer
Kuzma XL Air + Safir, turntable + arm www.kuzma.si
Bergmann Galder Signature + Odin, turntable + arm bergmannaudio.com
ReVox H1 Cassette tape deck
Telefunken M15A reel to reel tape machine x 2
Nagra IV-S reel to reel tape machine www.nagraaudio.com
Wilson Audio Sasha V www.wilsonaudio.com
Wilson Audio Loke x 2
DeVore Fidelity O/96 devorefidelity.com
SonoruS Audio proximity bass controller sonorusaudio.com
Tascam DA1000, A/D converter + digital recorder
QNAP 8 bay 32TB NAS
Tidal, Apple Music streaming services
Audirvana Studio media playback app audirvana.com
eero Pro 6 WiFi network
🎼 Cables used in Studio A:
Black Cat Cable blackcatcable.com
Graceline L3, speaker + interconnect
LessLoss C-MARC Classic power cables www.lessloss.com
🔈 Music used for evaluation -
Freddie Hubbard - Keep Your Soul Together
Kruder & Dorfmeister - Conversions
Randy Travis - Storms Of Life
Black Uhuru - Chill Out
Oscar Peterson & Nelson Riddle
Nucleus - Alley Cat
La Planete Sauvage
Brian Eno - Apollo 2 LP
Ahmad Jamal - Chamber Music Of The New Jazz
Duke Ellington - Indigos (2024 65th anniversary IMPEX reissue)
📝 About SonicFlare
Danny Kaey has been a published audio and HiFi reviewer for almost 25 years in online and printed publications in the US, Canada and Europe. In the hobby for over 40 years, his tastes have varied through the decades, though now have settled for what music is all about: dynamics, slam, resolving power and tonality. DK believes that like many personally experienced tastes, there are many flavors to HiFi, though in all cases HiFi should aim to replicate music as closely as possible.
🤩 If you like this channel and content please help support me by liking and subscribing here on UA-cam and Instagram.
Instagram: sonicflare
Please DM me with inquiries for future reviews or interviews.
#audio #music #hifi #stereo #records #sonicflare
Thanks so much for watching this episode, Have I finally found my golden super amp? Cheers!
Переглядів: 3 384
Відео
Have I finally found my golden super amp? The emmLabs MTRS Stereo review! 🇨🇦🇦🇹 It's bonkers!!!
Переглядів 2,8 тис.2 місяці тому
Ed Meitner needs no introduction. The Austrian electronics designer has forged so many new ways in HiFi that his resume is literally a mile plus long... with his company emmLabs, he now has a full assortment of digital and analog components in play. Today, we look at the latest analog creation, his powerhouse MTRS Stere amplifier. Enjoy the show! Available through fine dealers worldwide! 💰 Sugg...
10 Cool jazz records, perfect for summer time! | Record Reviews | Vinyl Insanity | Jazz DJ
Переглядів 2,4 тис.2 місяці тому
Let's check out these cool jazz rekkids, perfect for summer time! Also, check out the new review of the emmLabs MTRS Stereo amp, coming this Sunday! Stay tuned for more... World Pacific Records WPM 411 - Bud Shank & Bob Cooper, The Swing's to TV Warner Brothers WS 1356 - Paul Desmond, Paul Desmond & Friends Emarcy MG-36078 - Helen Merrill, Dream of You Elektra 113 - Norene Tate, Tenderly Bethle...
Interview: The Jazz Bums! | Epic | Jazz Club | Jazz Bar | Jazz Kissa
Переглядів 1,4 тис.2 місяці тому
Join me and the Jazz Bums for an afternoon of chit-chat amongst friends! The Jazz Bums have created quite the following since their launch and both their UA-cam and Discord have been on fire lately! Please welcome Felipe, Mike and Chris to the show! You can reach these three bums at............ Jazz Bums UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@JazzBums Jazz Bums Discord: discord.gg/eHPYsc2UxB Jazz Bums Instag...
Munich High End 2024, the biggest HiFi show in the world! ... new toys!!! | Show report | Music
Переглядів 1,9 тис.2 місяці тому
Munich's High End 2024 just finished last week, let's take a look and see what's what! Cheers and enjoy the show! 🍿 It's popcorn time! 00:40 Intro! 01:55 Munich High-End 2024 - Opinion 09:06 Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 10:49 Gryphon Apollo 14:55 Technics x Lamborghini? 16:32 Rockport Lynx 19:37 SonicFlare Studio A update! 🎻 Equipment currently setup in Studio A: EINSTEIN The Preamp einstein-audio.d...
Turntable cartridge setup 101 - let's debunk many of the myths with Arian Jansen! | vinyl
Переглядів 3,1 тис.3 місяці тому
We return with Arian Jansen of SonoruS audio for another episode! Today's topic? Debunking lots of high-end audio cartridge setup bullshido! Indeed, there is so much nonsense out there with regards to setting up your prized cartridge - no matter the price or model - that it's time we called in the big guns to debunk... Cheers and enjoy the show! To contact Arian for cartridge setup or his tape ...
Studio A unboxing. Episode 2! Let's dig | HiFi | Turntables | Music
Переглядів 2,9 тис.4 місяці тому
Ok, so now that we are in Studio A, what's next? Setup of course... let's dig! For a deep dive into how we ended up in Maine... 🎥 ua-cam.com/video/yKmdc1-OSS4/v-deo.html Arian Jansen's Proximity Bass Controller - everything you know about bass is likely wrong! 🎥 ua-cam.com/video/yUO6vEvkLBE/v-deo.html 🍿 It's popcorn time! 🎻 Equipment currently setup in Studio A: EINSTEIN The Preamp einstein-aud...
It's DONE. We are in Studio A!!! | moving | studio | HiFi | setup
Переглядів 2,1 тис.4 місяці тому
Finally, we are in Studio A! Let's hear all about it and what's to come!!! For a deep dive into how we ended up in Maine... 🎥 ua-cam.com/video/yKmdc1-OSS4/v-deo.html 🍿 It's popcorn time! 00:00 Coffe time! 01:17 Snow time! 3:53 Studio A update! 07:20 Porter & Nina! 🎻 Equipment used for evaluation and sonics - Studio B setup EINSTEIN The Pure loudspeakers EINSTEIN The Last Record Player CD player...
Classical music vinyl records - finally an episode that counts! REVIEW 🎻 | Classical Records
Переглядів 3,1 тис.4 місяці тому
Classical music vinyl records - finally an episode that counts! REVIEW 🎻 | Classical Records Finally, a classical music video from SonicFlare! Let's take a quick primer into classical music, why it's so important and what the records are we are looking at today! 🍿 It's popcorn time! 00:00 Intro 01:16 Debussy Preludes - Marcelle Meyer DF211-212 10:54 Michael Murray - The Great Organ 11:46 Berlio...
A slice of superb sound, from a French all in one integrated amplifier. B.audio Alpha One REVIEW 🇫🇷😎
Переглядів 2,5 тис.5 місяців тому
Let's check out what the French are up to ... today we review the B.audio Alpha One, all-in-one integrated DAC and streamer. A slice of audio heaven, no really, it is! Available through fine dealers worldwide, or through Monarch Distribution here in the US. 💰 Suggested retail price: USD $17,000.- B.audio info and deep-dive: www.b-audio.com www.monarch-systems.com 🍿 It's popcorn time! 00:00 Intr...
INTERVIEW: Bob of IMPEX records joins us for a hearty 1:1 around HiFi, vinyl and of course IMPEX!
Переглядів 1,5 тис.5 місяців тому
Yep, it's been a long time coming, the moment is finally here - Bob Donnelly of IMPEX records, joins us for a hearty 1:1! We discuss everything around vinyl, collecting, HiFI and of course... IMPEX records and the insane and crazy process they go through reissuing our beloved records! IMPEX records can be found here - www.impexrecords.com And are available to purchase at many exclusive dealers,...
REVIEW: Auris Audio Bayadere 3 'table and W9 arm! A high-end bargain??? | record player | vinyl
Переглядів 2,1 тис.5 місяців тому
Today, a review... Serbia's Auris Audio has been on a roll for a few years, with killer headphone amps having cause quite the stir on the market. Can they replicate their success with their new line of turntables and tonearms? Let's find out! 00:00 Splash 00:03 Today’s topic! 01:05 Auris Audio introduction 02:30 Bayadere 3 W9 tonearm presentation 05:42 Let’s not get hung up on this, that, the o...
NEW RECORDS! A new episode covering the newest, latest and greatest! | vinyl records | collection
Переглядів 2,8 тис.5 місяців тому
So, it's been a while. Let's check out some of the latest additions to the collection... stay tuned for cool stuff coming! 00:00 Start! 00:17 What’s new? 03:03 Camel - Nude 03:48 Helen Merrill - The Feeling Is Mutual 04:31 Roger Waters - DSOTM Redux 05:21 Electronic Jugoton 07:04 Pablo Bolivar - Distances 08:05 Boris Blank - Resonance 08:58 Dominique Fils-Aimé - Our Roots Run Deep 09:57 Rio Fuk...
Jennifer Warnes: Famous Blue Raincoat MEGA shootout! Vinyl vs. Stream vs. Crystal Disc! CRAZY!
Переглядів 2,6 тис.6 місяців тому
Hey, hey, in this episode, we check out the mega shootout of Jennifer Warnes' Famous Blue Raincoat. Yes, I know, it's been an audiophile favorite for many decades now... Alas, it never sounded any better, especially the newly reissued IMPEX 1 Step! Let's check out how it fares against the Crystal Disc and Tidal stream! elusivedisc.com/jennifer-warnes-famous-blue-raincoat-1step-numbered-limited-...
Masters tapes need a proper playback machine. Let's discuss! | Master Tapes | HiFi | Stereo
Переглядів 8116 місяців тому
Part five of our interview series with Arian Jansen of SonoruS Audio is all about reel to reel tape machines, specifically his all new ATR 10 Mk II, which he just released a few months ago. Let's take a deep dive into the format and what to look out for if you are interested in the format and tape decks. If you want to catch up on the previous interviews, here they are - Everything you want to ...
SonicFlare Studio A real world update!!!
Переглядів 1,3 тис.7 місяців тому
SonicFlare Studio A real world update!!!
Everything you know about HiFi subwoofers is... wrong*.
Переглядів 5 тис.7 місяців тому
Everything you know about HiFi subwoofers is... wrong*.
Stereo on Stereoids??? You'll never listen to Stereo again... SHI from Arian Jansen!
Переглядів 2,6 тис.7 місяців тому
Stereo on Stereoids??? You'll never listen to Stereo again... SHI from Arian Jansen!
Interview series, part two. HiFi science: advancing audio playback
Переглядів 7227 місяців тому
Interview series, part two. HiFi science: advancing audio playback
Happy new year 2024 + HiFi science: Arian Jansen, SonoruS Audio.
Переглядів 1,1 тис.7 місяців тому
Happy new year 2024 HiFi science: Arian Jansen, SonoruS Audio.
Hey. Let's check out the best music of 2023! | reviews | music | stereo | HiFi | records | CD
Переглядів 2 тис.7 місяців тому
Hey. Let's check out the best music of 2023! | reviews | music | stereo | HiFi | records | CD
5 accessories for every HiFi. Yes, every HiFi! | accessories | must have | shopping ideas | holidays
Переглядів 3,3 тис.8 місяців тому
5 accessories for every HiFi. Yes, every HiFi! | accessories | must have | shopping ideas | holidays
Your records deserve the best restoration process. A visit to PVF | vinyl | records | restoration
Переглядів 4 тис.8 місяців тому
Your records deserve the best restoration process. A visit to PVF | vinyl | records | restoration
How to reissue a record... it's not so easy or is it? | records | record label | HiFi | stereo
Переглядів 8268 місяців тому
How to reissue a record... it's not so easy or is it? | records | record label | HiFi | stereo
REVIEW: Syng Cell Alpha. Is this the best HiFi loudspeaker?
Переглядів 2,2 тис.11 місяців тому
REVIEW: Syng Cell Alpha. Is this the best HiFi loudspeaker?
Is Minimal HiFi better??? | HiFi reviews | vinyl records | HiFi equipment | vinyl record review |
Переглядів 3,8 тис.Рік тому
Is Minimal HiFi better??? | HiFi reviews | vinyl records | HiFi equipment | vinyl record review |
Massive channel UPDATE! | vinyl records collection | rare vinyl records | vintage hifi equipment |
Переглядів 3,1 тис.Рік тому
Massive channel UPDATE! | vinyl records collection | rare vinyl records | vintage hifi equipment |
Review: DS Audio 003 + Meitner EQ2 | MC/MM Killer | |record playback | hifi equipment | video review
Переглядів 3,7 тис.Рік тому
Review: DS Audio 003 Meitner EQ2 | MC/MM Killer | |record playback | hifi equipment | video review
$900 box set warped records??? | PVF is BACK! | record review | problems with records | record care
Переглядів 2,1 тис.Рік тому
$900 box set warped records??? | PVF is BACK! | record review | problems with records | record care
Nicolai EBOXX 2023 review. Mountainbikes made in Germany. One at a time!
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
Nicolai EBOXX 2023 review. Mountainbikes made in Germany. One at a time!
If that’s your listening room then, are you really listening to speakers/gear or just your acoustically challenged room? Looking for a friend. Not poking just a reality.
There’s two rooms I have to listen in. ✌🏼
Thanks for this. By the way, Rick's name is pronounced Be-A-tow.
Ha! Good to know ✔️✌️
First thing rub all the records with a cloth? Are you serious? No thanks
Didn't know airto was on bitches brew. I had been listening to jazz in general back long ago. But i had no idea what i was listening to years ago! I was listening, but i wasn't hearing the sounds and players on all these recordings. At 54, I've learned more to appreciate these awesome artists, they've got all my love today!!!!!!!
I'M ON SOME "TRUE ROMANCE" WITH THIS VINYL THING.😊
Any news on when you are going to start doing more videos from this exciting new space Danny?
Soon… had to attend to my mom’s passing. She made it to 90.
"record" is just a word for recording, as is "album". They are records on lacquer.
Every word Bob speaks on here is the absolute truth. I’m now a huge fan! Another thing - he says he and Analgoue Productions used the same tape for Getz/Gilberto. However, the channels are swapped, at least on the AS 45. The Impex version is correct, or at least it matches my early reissue. And, the Impex is the superior sounding version, more emotionally engaging, coming close to my best early reissue.
Cheers! 🥂
Your video is supposed to be about loudspeakers. And You are talking about coffee. Buy buy.
Tootles!
yes! the best
Try the Greece Lab12 melto2. Input and settings are similar to the 505. soundwise? I didn’t hear the 505 but your words meant for me that both are in the same direction. I have the Lab12 melto2 for three years much more better than an EAR 834 what I had before - much more. But not that good like my phono stage built in Backes&Müller ICE 525. That’s a killer. If you are looking for a Line stage with DAC and Phono under 13k that’s the way to go.
That is a beautiful system, I can't wait to hear the differences between the turntables. I love the room colors, it matches your emblem. This room has so much potential, good luck with it. We will all sit back and enjoy the ride!!!
Thank you - I'm excited for it ... look forward to posting more Studio A room content soon.......... cheers!
Yes, got a Peterson system pipe and the other is my grandfather’s Parker London from the 60’s. My pick for the best summer tobacco is Rattray’s Exotic passion. 😉🍷
Andrew from Parlogram Auctions channel has an Australian production dub tape of Sgt. Pepper's. The same one used for the legendary 497 copies of the album released as audiophile. And he took it to Abbey Road to play it. The tape is damaged, It was probably left next to a heat source or a magnet and there is a thump on "Within You Without You" which in my humble opinion, probably improved it. But it also extended to the other tracks, unfortunately.
For decades, since I was a kid, I would drool over audiophile magazines, wishing I was one of those guys with those expensively handcrafted super-stereos, with a glass of scotch in one hand and a record on the other, in my smoking suit. Then a few years ago I started going to those audiophile shows where vendors would display their products and play albums. I was more impressed with the beauty and the prices than with the performance. They were good, but everything sounds "good" or "great" if you play pieces such as 3 piece jazz or a guy with a guitar singling Blues, or sometimes classical. The equipment doesn't have to work hard to bring out the sound, and since I don't listen to any of those types, it's very hard for me to justify spending big money on equipment that specializes on music that isn't what I listen to. Yet, there are enough suckers who spend entire retirement funds or mortgages on such equipment to keep these vendors in business year after year. It also helps when the vendor has a British accent. Gives their product more credibility. It's all an illusion. If the album brings out the emotions in you, then it has achieved its purpose. A better mastered album played on a better stereo may enhance that feeling but to a certain point, and certainly not worth paying the price of a new car for a tonearm. Michael Fremer caters to those guys because it means big money and getting million dollars in free stereo equipment to play with (not to keep, though). Everything is either about sex or money, but more often than not, both.
Thanks for watching and the insightful "long" post ... there is unfortunately a lot of nonsense in high-end audio. It's very much a super niche industry with little to no oversight or outside influence to right whatever wrongs there are. That translates to open season for all sorts of charlatans and snake oil sellers to grift from unsuspecting, feel good, believe anything you tell them, customers. I have tried to voice my sometimes contrarian opinions over the past 20+ years of being a reviewer and published writer to the extent that you can given the constraints of publishers and advertisers, etc. When I launched my YT channel, I wanted to free myself from those constraints and be as forthcoming as possible - granted, you always have to have some sort of "filter", so there is that... Of course none of this matters if you are a gear-head with 10 records and a half million dollar HiFi. There's plenty of those audio fools out there too! Cheers mate!
all that smoke isn't good for your audio electronics 🤣🤣🤣
😝
From the given price that is one very nice designed product and they really got it with that powerful psu and dual mono which reminds me about my own Accuphase C47 albeit double the money. Try it out but be aware the C47 takes +350 hours to break in otherwise you will never hear it in its full splendor as it is night and day from 0 hour.
Good to know! Cheers! 🥂
@@SonicFlare Try it! Fully balanced which makes a good difference to SE at least on input.
I have a Parasound JC3+ phono pre. Absolutely love it. But I wish it would have more more than 1 input for multiple tonearms
Yep, it’s convenient for sure, though, again, all these switches and adjustments are in the signal path!
Please store your records perfectly vertical😎
😝
The Peterson Deluxe Navy Rolls!
Great review! By the time you got to the end of all the features I thought this unit would be costing way more than it actually does... Still a little bit more than what I'm looking for, but I love the versatility and look of this thing.
Agreed - fully featured and reasonably priced!
@1:10 New Ring Tone! Thanks!
Get out! Ha! Love it.
I wonder if the would consider making a single input version with all the same facilities? Or a two input version? I like what’s on offer and a slimmed down version would be a super product. The styling is so appealing! It’s not crazy priced for what it is either.
Great question - I doubt it. Then again, who knows! I have been asking to add an optical cartridge input!
Ok I had to laugh. I was curious if you were going to catch that you said 'cartridge'. Good catch!!!
😝
If you can sh.. money,go for it.🧐
Functionality similar to that of Cyrus Signature
Haven’t heard it - speaking of… I wonder how they are doing. Been a little quiet lately!
Moonriver makes two products, in Sweden no less... the 404 integrated amplifier and the 505 phono amplifier, reviewed here at SonicFlare Studio A. Let's take a dive into the world of Moonriver... Available through fine dealers worldwide! 💰 Suggested retail price: USD $5,999- / 5,000- EUR Moonriver website: moonriveraudio.com 🍿 Popcorn time! 01:52 pipes or cigars? 03:32 review intro - Moonriver 505 10:19 construction 14:02 sound quality 27:20 conclusion & final thoughts 🎻 Equipment currently setup in Studio A: EINSTEIN The Preamp einstein-audio.de EINSTEIN The Last Record Player, CD player EINSTEIN The Perfect Pickup, MC current sensing phono EINSTEIN The Poweramp, hybrid Circlotron dual-mono amplifier EMMlabs MTRS, solid state stereo amplifier www.emmlabs.com EMMlabs DS-EQ1, optical cartridge "energizer" x 2 Meitner MA3, DAC + Streamer Kuzma XL Air + Safir, turntable + arm www.kuzma.si Bergmann Galder Signature + Odin, turntable + arm bergmannaudio.com ReVox H1 Cassette tape deck Telefunken M15A reel to reel tape machine x 2 Nagra IV-S reel to reel tape machine www.nagraaudio.com Wilson Audio Sasha V www.wilsonaudio.com Wilson Audio Loke x 2 DeVore Fidelity O/96 devorefidelity.com SonoruS Audio proximity bass controller sonorusaudio.com Tascam DA1000, A/D converter + digital recorder QNAP 8 bay 32TB NAS Tidal, Apple Music streaming services Audirvana Studio media playback app audirvana.com eero Pro 6 WiFi network 🎼 Cables used in Studio A: Black Cat Cable blackcatcable.com Graceline L3, speaker + interconnect LessLoss C-MARC Classic power cables www.lessloss.com 🔈 Music used for evaluation - Freddie Hubbard - Keep Your Soul Together Kruder & Dorfmeister - Conversions Randy Travis - Storms Of Life Black Uhuru - Chill Out Oscar Peterson & Nelson Riddle Nucleus - Alley Cat La Planete Sauvage Brian Eno - Apollo 2 LP Ahmad Jamal - Chamber Music Of The New Jazz Duke Ellington - Indigos (2024 65th anniversary IMPEX reissue) 📝 About SonicFlare Danny Kaey has been a published audio and HiFi reviewer for almost 25 years in online and printed publications in the US, Canada and Europe. In the hobby for over 40 years, his tastes have varied through the decades, though now have settled for what music is all about: dynamics, slam, resolving power and tonality. DK believes that like many personally experienced tastes, there are many flavors to HiFi, though in all cases HiFi should aim to replicate music as closely as possible. 🤩 If you like this channel and content please help support me by liking and subscribing here on UA-cam and Instagram. Instagram: instagram.com/sonicflare/ Please DM me with inquiries for future reviews or interviews. #audio #music #hifi #stereo #records #sonicflare Thanks so much for watching this episode, Have I finally found my golden super amp? Cheers!
Fantastic setup. I hope you repost when it's all complete. Thanks for sharing.
For sure! Cheers Mark.
Why they offer such high capacitance loadings I don't know. In my experience, phono leads struggle to have low enough capacitance for most situations in the first place, let alone adding hundreds more pF.....
Fair point - what's it all mean in the end? Who knows.
Mom and dad smoked cigarettes in 60's. Mom started spitting blood she quit after the doctor told her you could quit or die . Dad took up pipe as less chemicals. Then, eventually, quit early 70's. Phono I use an old Technics phono stage as my NAD hasn't got one. I was using a Kenwood but it had some transformer buzz.
Buzzzzzzzzzzz. It kills the joy, doesn't it. Glad you solved it with Technics! Pipe are cool. Cheers!
Ha. Remember me asking about the Moonriver 505 and the Soulnote E2 last year? I went for the Soulnote because it also opens the door for an optical cartridge in my budget range. It would be great if you get your hands on this one as well. Would be great to hear your thoughts on it.
Too funny, YES!!! Soulnote I a little difficult to get a hold of here... I'll try!
Great review with clear and precise explanations! My Phasemation EA-320 phono stage (similar price) doesn't have any manual adjustments (just MM/MC - Mono/Stereo) so I'm kind of stuck with Phasemation cartridges... Thanks!
Thanks much! I try. I fail often. LOL! Heard good things about Phasemation!
@@SonicFlare The Phasemation EA-1200 is the best phonostage I've ever heard, unfortunately slightly out of my budget so I opted for a Zanden Model 120 that I received last month, and I love it !
@@jbcasalta8622 Slick! Enjoy!
@@SonicFlare thank you Danny !;)
Smörebröd is danish :)
I knew I screwed up something!!! 😝
Thanks for a great review - i like your tak om purism in the end. I use a Holfi SuperBattriaa with batteries in PSU. VERY purist - and very quiet and costummade for my Hana SL by Peter Holstein.
Purism... it's the antithesis to the Moonriver and similar designs! Cheers!
Great review! Used to smoke a pipe... Usually el cheapo corn cob pipes with different types of aromatic tobaccos, most of which were variations of Black Cavendish or Black Cavendish + Virginia tobacco. After my cancer diagnosis (not tobacco related), I've abstained from using tobacco, but I get why people love it. My favorite phono preamps are from Jim Hagerman of Hagerman Audio Labs. Unparalleled bang for the buck and he still carries kits for DIYers. Maybe we'll see you do a review of his TOTL Trumpet MC at some point? It's a fraction of the cost of the Moonriver and I'm guessing (based on his other phono preamps) sounds fantastic. Jim is also offers lots of wonderful information on his page AND publishes his schematics. Wish others did that as well. Cheers!!
Oh no, sorry to hear about your cancer! Well wishes my friend. Heard of Jim's stuff a bunch of times, you are right, I should request a review of his gear... thanks for the tip! Stay tuned...
@@SonicFlare Sorry, should have mentioned that diagnosis and treatment was years ago. Doing well now, but thank you for the well wishes. Yes, definitely check out the Hagerman Labs gear. Jim and I chat from time to time, so I'd be happy to help facilitate that now that you have Studio A rollin.🥳👍 Just let me know.
@@terrywho22 that would be great!!! Thank you!!! 🙏🏼
@@SonicFlare Sure thing! Best to use icloud mail or other method for communication? (sorry for being cryptic... YT is blocking my replies.)
@terrywho22 ya - that’s fine, or you can DM me on Instagram
Great video Danny! Greeney here from Portland. I smoke a 20yr old Savinelli pipe. It’s called the “Gandalf” and Is a bit of a collectors item as Saveinelli got into some legal battles with lord of the rings. I smoke it while listening through my Meitner DS energizer!
Cheers mate, pipes galore! Meitner rocks! Analog for life.
Great Sunday review / show and tell! Planete sauvage is a great sonic treat.
🎯😎
Hi it’s Craig messaging from Spain on my Wife’s UA-cam account to say I love the videos and particularly this one with the pipe. My Grandfather smoked a pipe and I still love the smell of his preferred backy as he called it which was either Murray’s Erinmore or Balkan Sobranie. I’ve actually bought myself a pipe and some Erinmore to have with a single malt. I think I will once my system is set up again. 🎵🙏🏻
Love it! Cheers and enjoy your pipe!
I heard DS-audio at BAV2024. I screwed my ears and don't want to go back.😅
LOL yep, happens! 🤣
Have you tried the Block audio amps? I think that those amps could give you what you are describing.
No. I heard of them; hard to come by stateside… those are Class A if I’m not mistaken.
@@SonicFlareyes, the Blocks are class A but when you described the Einstains amps it remained me of the Blocks.
@rcarloz got it… would love to hear them some day.
Where's the amp?
Nice room Danny! Oh the gorgeous bergmann table, handcrafted in Denmark. Wish I could hear it in personal and you my all tube setup. But we live not "next door" unfortunately... 😢 DS Audio Ionizer, a must have I can confirm. Best "brush" ever! Cheers! 🙂
Cheers! 🍻 hey, maybe one day!
Hi Danny, what an gem this emmLabs, glad you finally found your sound! Same happened to me when I tried ayre v-5xe evolution in my own system, my emotions were the same. The last design of Charles Hansen, I believe, and what a great one, I must say! Last but not least, great list of records, my wallet is crying🙂Been collecting more classical lately, maybe you can show more of your own some day soon again. Great fun, thx!
When it “clicks”, it clicks! Cheers!
Obviously this is not your listening space, echo galore sounds like my bathroom.
Wait. You have one of those too? 🤣
Fabulous review Danny! Would love to see your review on the MC3500 MK II sometime soon!
Eh, that’s no coming unfortunately - I canceled the review due to 2 of 3 pairs being faulty… 😮🙃
From your description I get the same vibe as when I listened to the new Halcro amplifier… music!
I hope it’s better than the OG Halcro!
@@SonicFlare Definitely, but it may also be system dependent, I liked what I heard..
I get that it's technically very demanding to make a solid state amp sound musical. Obviously Ed Meitner delivered! 👍🏻 In semi nearfield listening in my somewhat smaller room I have found a "worldclass solution" for my ears: LS 3/5A, 15 Ohm, two REL T-Zero MK III (fast enough to blend in seamlessly) and of course, the star of this setup, a 6L6GC (or KT66) SE valve amp without any negative feedback. Lot's of second order harmonic distortion, when you crank this thing up a bit. 🙃 Cheers!
LS 3/5A is good stuff!!! I use GE 6L6 in my Quad II Jubilee! 🎯😎
Hey Danny looking dapper my friend . I really enjoyed those summer jazz pulls. That Ahmad Jamal is a must his piano work is sensational. Never seen that Hampton Hawes and Milt Jackson on Pablo i definitely have to seek them out thanks for sharing Danny you pulled some outstanding records I need to seek out brother .
Cheerios! Your wallet will always thank you 😊🤣
I believe it was some Russian who said, " There is always someone greater and lesser than yourself." So is this amp the best or worst of its kind, no.
Old Assyrian proverb says… There’s an amp for everyone!
@SonicFlare True, I've got 6 and still not sure.
The Sumerians had a saying… beware of the you with 6 amps, but always be ready for 7. 🤣
Great selection! Will be part of my summer for sure
Woot woot!