Hello Damien,
We remember! What you describe comparing D-Premier to the new models matches our impressions. Moreover, we feel the same about the later firmware versions for D-Premier; they lack what attracted us to the D-Premier when it was introduced. That plus the upgrade policy towards the new version which in our opinion deflates the initial investment in a D-Premier, not to mention the price point of the new models in respect to the second-hand value of D-Premier - all of it made us stick to our two D-Premier with the oldest version firmware possible. The sonic outcome is still satisfactory for our purposes, like one D-Premier doing chores as DAC/Amp in our TV setup while the other is commissioned for streaming background music in Marja’s workshop. In the looks department, both our D-Premier suffer from something similar to what happens to silver. The plating is oxidizing to create a nasty look. Cleaning the casing with a micro fiber cloth like the one provided by Devialet only has a temporary effect.
Onto the Kaluga. Well, they outclass the D-Premier many times. As you say, they got the flow, the dynamics and the power to control any speaker connected while being immune to cable influences and environmental radiation from other equipment in the vicinity. As the review was focussed on the power amps, our time with the Makua preamp in place only touched the surface of the capabilities. We merely used the attenuation capacity which—as we wrote—offers more steps compared to the Music First passive. Sonically there was not much difference when comparing at the same SPL in the listening spot. Makua’s ultra-silent design is on par with the passive attenuation transformers and both allow, only depending on speaker sensitivity, very low volume listening. The Makua sample we used was equipped with a phono stage and can be augmented with a Bruno-style DAC. Fine-tuning of Makua is possible by means of an app, currently (?) only available for Android devices. So when the budget allows, a full Mola Mola setup will tick all your preferences and thank you for asking, we’re doing fine!
Best, M&H
6moons.
Let's look at the Apple Mac Mini.
If you're an audiophile, like Srajan Ebaen of 6moons.com, it very well may be the computer you choose.
The Mac Mini comes in a few vintages. Let's compare the (Late 2012) vintage with the present.
Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: Two 1TB (5400-rpm) hard drives
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 Mini DisplayPort output (2560 x 1600)
Performance: 11319
Processor: 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 2TB Fusion Drive
Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics Mini DisplayPort (2560 by 1600) x 2 HDMI (4096-by-2160)
Performance: 6358
The increased resolution to 4K is everything, though at a low frame rate (24), along with the option for dual monitors. RAM remains constant. Performance CPU is 44% lower.
Let's compare (Late 2010) with (Late 2012), the model we chose - initially. If you are a programmer, or a music utilization specialist, you may appreciate the Intel Quad Core i7 CPU of the 2012. If you are a music lover, and a oenophile - ToneAudio - you may appreciate the CD drive of the 2010.
Note that clock speed of the current (2015) model is consistent with the 2010. Note also that both these models feature support for dual monitors - a big bonus for the user - you.
Processor: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P8600)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 500 GB
Graphics: GeForce 320M HDMI (2560x1600) Mini DisplayPort (1920x1200) Dual Display
Memory remains consistent at 16 GB from 2010 to present. The present model is non-alterable, however, so be sure to buy at the maximum capacity. You'll have a 15 day return policy at Apple.com otherwise, though they may make allowances. Note that your Hi Fi Art subscription is non-alterable.
In the 2010 Mini, you'll find that while storage is a low 500 GB - about right for 1,000 CD albums, or more MP3's, it's presently for sale for about $400 on the used market.
We'd say it's about perfect for the casual user, or the audiophile - like us - wishing to add a CD drive to their Mac Mini, and not liking the aesthetic of the SuperDrive.
JP 2015/09/04
www.hifiart.ca
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