It’s the end of the year again! And that means we are going to come up with lists again. Jaap now shares his TOP-5 with you! And no, like Geoffrey’s, it’s not just overpriced stuff.
Now regular readers will know that we at Alpha Audio have done some particularly deep research and testing this year. Think of the 32 interlinks and speaker cables. But research into the influence of a data network on playback has not been idle either. These studies are not really product tests, so it is difficult to include them in this top five. Still, I am going to do so, as the cable tests in particular have provided a lot of insight. But now I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning…!
ATC SCA2 preamplifier
What an insanely beautiful preamp ATC has launched with this SCA2. This pre-amp is transparent, gives an impressive kick and energy and offers ample connectivity. No: there is no d/a converter or streamer in it. But it doesn’t have to… at least: I don’t see that as a limitation. Looking for a fine, analogue and ‘old-fashioned good’ pass-through device? Grab this ATC off the shelf at the dealer’s!
64 cables
What a test this was. Frankly, it was a lot more work than your author thought it would be. A bit of a war of attrition even. Anyway: we did it. But we’re not going to do it again…. sorry. Here is the link to the interlinks. And here to the speaker cables.
We at Alpha did learn a huge amount from these tests. Price says nothing for example. It’s purely about the match between your system and the cable. So above all, try a lot of cables. Then see what one you like. Then you might want to look in our tests at the descriptions and signatures of the cables we tested.
MOON 800 North Collection
Not many pricey devices win Alpha Approved. This Moon 800 Series North Collection is an exception. What an incredibly fine duo this is! Control, grip, flow, stage, insight, layering… it’s all there. Along with the famous ‘Moon Kick’ which I also particularly appreciate. Surely this is ‘end game’ audio for a lot of fans, I estimate. I couldn’t wish for more in any case. Absolute top notch!
Mutec REF10 Nano
Yes… i’m a nerd. I love clocks, digital audio and researching why things are the way they are…. And partly because of that, I can greatly appreciate it when a manufacturer delivers a super decent product at a somewhat normal price. Mutec undoubtedly does just that with the REF10-nano. The 10 MHz clock is of exceptionally high quality – and the crystal is extremely expensive, we know from experience – and the usability is great thanks to multiple outputs. In short: are you looking for an affordable but very nice reference clock? Actually, then you can’t ignore this Mutec.
Bladelius ASK
It’s a brand your author hadn’t come across before. Bladelius… but how glad we are to have tested it. The ASK is a beautiful all-in-one. The sound is very reminiscent of Pass Labs, which is not surprising given that the designer – Mike Bladelius – worked with Nelson. As an overall picture, this Bladelius ASK doesn’t drop a single stitch. It really is a case of ‘just add speakers’. Very fine product!
Honourable mentions
We would like to mention a few other very fine products. Think of the new Naim 200-series which also left a very good impression. Or the Yeti Reference filter that we have been playing with for some time. Finally, the new Volumio Motivo streamer that plays at a particularly high level (actually just above the price tag) and the QSA Lanedri Ultimatum power cable; simply the best power-cable we have ever tested.