savoy014

Introduction You just can't stop the onslaught of discrete R2R DACs. The Denafrips Pontus is a R2R DAC with separate resistor networks for both PCM and DSD. Really solid build, a lot of nice ideas and a price tag that will not break the bank - S$2,200.  Denafrips is a China manufacturer with a line-up of 4 DAC models, ranging from the very budget friendly base model, Ares (retailing for the very auspicious sum of S$ 888) to the top of the range model, Terminator (no Arnold jokes please ! This retails for S$ 5,860). At the time of writing, the exchange rate was about S$ 1.35 for US$ 1. The model on review here is second from the bottom. Description Pontus was a sea god in Greek mythology. This Pontus is a rather petite landlubber. Measuring just 320 x 330 x 80 mm, the Pontus weighs 8.5 kg. It is very well equipped with a total of 7 digital inputs (coaxial RCA, coaxial BNC, twin AES / EBU inputs, Toslink, I2S (my sample uses HDMI, but RJ45 can be specified), and USB. The output stage...

Introduction Acrolink's new Mexcel range of power cords landed in Singapore last month. Is it time to break the piggy bank ? Readers may want to take a moment to read my previous review of the Mexcel 9500 and 7500 power cords here .  For the unfamiliar, the Mexcel series is the flagship range of cables for Acrolink. Mexcel cables are particularly popular in Asia where they enjoy considerable popularity amongst audiophiles that demand the highest levels of performance.  Description The Mexcel power cord range was originally m ade up of three models, the PC6100, 7100 and 9100. The second generation introduced a fourth member, the PC5100 as an entry level model. At the moment, only the two power cords on review here have been released in the fourth generation lineup of Mexcel power cables. Mexcel power cords have a mind of their own. They do not take kindly to manipulation or threatening instructions. Their girth and stiffness are not the worst in class, but a little bit of effor...

Introduction Here is a special edition of the ever popular Acrolink 7N-4030 power cable. This has been one of my favourite cables over the years. You may want to have a look at my earlier posts on the 6N-4030 and the 7N-4030II . Description The Anniversario is available both in factory terminated version (the Anniversario CB) and off-the-reel. A smaller gauge version is also available in the form of the 7N-PC4020 Anniversario. The Anniversario continues to use 7N DUCC copper conductors. However,  this model uses larger diameter copper strands but with less strand count compared to the it's predecessor ( 50 strands of 0.37 mm diameter copper  vs. 100 strands of 0.26 mm diameter). The outer copper foil shield gets a drain wire which permits you to ground the shield if desired.  The black jacket of the 7N-4030II had a rubbery feel to it, and the very fragile wording reminded me of some of my NOS vacuum tubes - a touch and that was the end of the print ! I much prefer the ne...

PURE ART INDIGO XLR Interconnects Zoltán Matrix Conductor InterPole Matrix shield Low Density Microporous ePTFE Insulator Nylon Multifilament Jacket OYAIDE “FOCUS 1” XLRs Handcrafted by Chris Sommovigo in his Yoshihama workshop in Yugawara, JAPAN http://www.blackcatcable.com Indigo RCA Cables: 1.0mpr : $11,499.95 (+ $2,000 per additional 1/2m pair) Indigo XLR Cables: 1.0mpr : $12,499.95 (+2,000 per additional 1/2m pair) Indigo Speaker Cables:   1.5mpr / Standard : $11,499.95 (+ $2,000 per additional 1/2m pair) 1.5mpr / Shotgun : $17,499.95 (+ $2,000 per additional 1/2m pair) 1.5mpr / Shotgun BiWire : $17,499.95 (+ $2,000 per additional 1/2m pair) Nothing like some tantalizing pictures to get your heart pumping and blood flowing right ? Here are some really nice pictures from Chris Sommovigo of Black Cat Cable.