SME is a British manufacturer of high-end turntables and tonearms.

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In a recent move that has caught the attention of audiophiles worldwide, PS Audio has expanded its acclaimed Stellar Series with the introduction of the StellarGold DAC. This addition isn't just another piece in their lineup; it represents a significant leap forward in digital-to-analog conversion technology. With its sleek design featuring a gold-plated front panel, the StellarGold DAC isn't just about looks; it's a statement of performance and sophistication.

What sets the StellarGold DAC apart is its advanced engineering. By utilizing four high-performance digital-to-analog converters for each channel, PS Audio has managed to achieve astonishingly low noise and distortion levels. This isn't just an incremental improvement; it's a groundbreaking approach that challenges the performance of any DAC in the market, regardless of price.

The StellarGold DAC offers an array of user-selectable digital filters, allowing listeners to fine-tune their audio experience to their exact preferences. Whether you're a fan of warm, rich tones or crisp, detailed notes, this DAC adapts to meet your needs. Compatibility with a wide range of high-resolution audio formats, including PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 256 (11.2 MHz), ensures that users can enjoy their music in the highest quality possible.

The device's parallel DAC architecture is a game-changer. By using multiple DACs in parallel, the StellarGold effectively averages out individual non-linearities of each converter, resulting in a more accurate and consistent sound. This means listeners can enjoy a purity of sound that was once only a dream for even the most dedicated audiophiles.

Despite its advanced features and superior performance, the StellarGold DAC is priced at $3,999, a testament to PS Audio's commitment to bringing high-end audio to a broader audience. This launch is not just about a new product; it's about setting a new standard in the audio world and continuing the legacy of a brand that has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible in sound reproduction.

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Gold-Plated Elegance Meets Audio Precision in the StellarGold DAC

PS Audio is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, DACs, preamps, and power conditioners. They are known for their innovative and performance-driven products.

PS Audio

High-fidelity audio with StellarGold's DAC, boasting extensive format compatibility and a revolutionary parallel architecture

When delving into the world of high-fidelity audio, particularly through the lens of McIntosh Laboratory's latest offerings, the C55 Solid State Preamplifier and the C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, we're greeted with a blend of technological sophistication and classic design ethos. These pieces not only embody the rich auditory heritage McIntosh is known for but also signal a forward-looking approach to audiophile-grade sound reproduction.

The C55, a solid-state device, carries forward McIntosh's tradition of precise audio control with its 8-band analog equalizer. This feature allows audiophiles to fine-tune the audio output to match their preferences or to compensate for room acoustics, ensuring the listener's experience is as close to the artist's intention as possible. On the other hand, the C2800, with its vacuum tube configuration, harks back to the golden age of audio fidelity, offering a warmth and depth of sound that many enthusiasts crave. This model also emphasizes user control over the audio experience, with a focus on minimizing noise and distortion for a clearer, more immersive listening experience.

Both models are notable for their extensive connectivity options, including 16 inputs that ensure compatibility with a wide range of audio sources and equipment. This flexibility speaks to McIntosh's understanding of the modern audiophile's diverse and often complex setup, providing a central hub that can handle both current and future technological needs.

In terms of design, these preamplifiers stay true to McIntosh's iconic aesthetic, with the C55 sporting a sleek, modern look that would fit seamlessly into any contemporary audio setup. The C2800, meanwhile, combines modern technology with a nod to the classic, featuring the visually appealing glow of vacuum tubes that adds an element of warmth not just to the sound but to the room it occupies.

One of the standout features across both models is the incorporation of the McIntosh Connect app, a nod towards the increasing demand for smart, interconnected home audio systems. This app enhances the user experience by allowing for easier control and adjustment of the preamplifiers, marrying the high-quality sound McIntosh is renowned for with the convenience and accessibility expected in the digital age.

In essence, the C55 and C2800 are not just audio equipment; they are an invitation to experience music and sound on a more intimate, detailed level. Whether you're drawn to the clean, precise sound of solid-state or the rich, enveloping warmth of vacuum tubes, McIntosh offers a window into the pinnacle of audio excellence. These models encapsulate the brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless joy of music, making them worthy of consideration for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience.

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Mcintosh  Presents Next Generation Preamplifiers C2800 Vacuum Tube and C55 Solid State

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

McIntosh

McIntosh's new C2800 Vacuum Tube & C55 Solid State preamplifiers for superior sound quality and innovation in audio technology.

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Marantz, a stalwart in the audio equipment landscape, has once again demonstrated their commitment to melding classic design with contemporary technology in the form of two new offerings: the CD 50n Premium CD and Network Audio Player, and the MODEL 50 Premium Integrated Stereo Amplifier.

The CD 50n emerges as a testament to Marantz's 70-year evolution, boasting an ability to handle ultra-high resolution audio—supporting PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 128. This feature is a boon for enthusiasts seeking to experience the full breadth of their high-resolution recordings. Its inclusion of HDMI ARC allows listeners to enjoy their TV, movies, and games with the warmth and spaciousness that Marantz is known for. True to their legacy, Marantz integrates custom digital filters to ensure their sound signature is preserved throughout the digital to analog conversion process.

This player is not just a treat for the ears but also the eyes, with its elegant design embodying a balance between timeless aesthetics and modern needs. Furthermore, it is engineered for seamless streaming, courtesy of HEOS® Built-in, which incorporates services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and TuneIn Radio, among others.

Complementing the CD 50n is the MODEL 50 Integrated Amplifier, designed to drive loudspeakers with total control through its 70 watts per channel capability. It features a Class A/B amplifier and a collection of six analog inputs, including a Moving Magnet Phono stage that amplifies the nuanced tones of vinyl records. The MODEL 50's design omits digital audio to prioritize analog purity and simplicity, ensuring intuitive operation and eliminating the risk of interference from digital circuitry.

Both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 share a promise of quality, with Marantz affirming that every unit is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, aimed at delivering the 'Most Musical Sound'. Each comes with a generous 5-year warranty, a testament to the confidence Marantz has in its products' longevity.

For the prospective buyer, the decision between these two might come down to personal need and the existing components in their audio setup. Marantz encourages customers to trust their own ears when considering these products, as personal preference is paramount in the experience of music.

In the conversation around these new releases, questions have arisen regarding their interoperability and whether the advanced converters in the CD 50n make a significant difference when paired with the likes of the Marantz Cinema 50, or if it's compatible with Blu-ray disc playback (it is not, as it's designed solely for Compact Discs).

As for the MODEL 50, queries have been addressed regarding its amplifier stage and power output compared to other models like the Stereo 70s. Marantz clarifies that the Model 50 boasts a more refined amplifier stage with advanced power supplies that can manage more demanding speaker loads, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of loudspeakers and better control across various volume levels.

In conclusion, both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 represent Marantz's unwavering pursuit of audio excellence, merging their historic attention to sonic detail with the demands of modern audio environments. Whether one is diving into the depths of streaming audio or seeking the authoritative drive of a robust amplifier, these new entries into the Marantz family stand ready to enhance the listening experience.

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Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity

Meet Marantz's latest masterpieces: the CD 50n and MODEL 50. These state-of-the-art audio components.

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Interesting articles

Gold-Plated Elegance Meets Audio Precision in the StellarGold DAC

Mcintosh Presents Next Generation Preamplifiers C2800 Vacuum Tube and C55 Solid State

Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity