Listening Tests
Test System Used
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Player: Winamp 5, Foobar 2000, KS output.
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Audio Files: FLAC
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Transport: M2Tech HiFace
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Source: Beresford TC-7520 DAC (THS4032 OPAs), Guru3D Review
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Speakers: AV123 ELT 525m Monitors, Guru3D Review
Cables:
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S/Pdif: JPS Ultra conductor 2, DV reference
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Speakers: JPS Ultra conductor 2
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Interconnects: JPS Ultra conductor 2
Through feedback, we were asked to provide more details on our audio test systems so for those interested we will start making better notes on our testing gear.
Test system Notes:
We used a high quality M2Tech HiFace low jitter S/Pdif source connected to a Beresford TC-7520 DAC with high grade opamps using an Ultra Conductor DV reference S/Pdif cable.
The Mass Preamp was connected to the DAC using JPS Ultra-Conductor interconnects. The Big Joe IVs were linked to the left and right speaker channels using JPS speaker cables.
The DAC was set for fixed output to allow the Mass preamp to handle all level control.
Lets have look at the Mass and Big Joe IV all wired up and ready to party! We will note that the RCA and Banana jacks were secure when connecting up the cables.
From a design standpoint the RCA I/O are gold plated on the Mass Preamp module.
Listening impressions
We found the output of this system to be very clean and clear. Even during our power tests the Big Joe provided clean power that never sounded as if the amp was straining. The units are very surprising with the level of clearness and detail of the audio.
The amps produced an excellent soundstage, offering wide crystal imaging. The amps are very transparent producing very little to no coloring. The frequency response produced was very balanced and natural. The music produced offered and excellent tight bottom end, warm midrange and very clear highs without being shrill or cold.
This is a solid-state amplifier but offers a great deal of musicality as the audio is crystal clear but not sterile in presentation. The system had our testers bobbing their heads on every genre we played.
