Wizard High-End Audio Blog
Friday, July 25, 2025
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Stellavox IDEM
Thursday, May 29, 2025
icOn 5 Dual
The Dual version is a true high-end Jolly Joker autoformer-based line control unit. It features both RCA and XLR input and output sockets, making it an ideal match for most audiophiles with both analogue (like vinyl) and digital sources (DAC, CD player). It offers remarkably precise volume adjustment capabilities, spanning 136 steps within an 83 dB range. The Dual has a fully passive analogue signal path between the RCA sockets and active, electronically balanced circuits between the XLR sockets.
The inclusion of the optional input buffer, coupled with the lower inductance autoformers, along with the finely adjustable volume control in increments of 0.5 dB and the tilt control, results in an astonishingly lifelike auditory experience.
Features:
Unprecedented 136 steps over an 83 dB attenuation range
0.5 dB steps from +3 dB to -47 dB with the buffer and 1 dB from -48 dB to -80 dB or without the buffer
Unbalanced operation between the RCA sockets, electronically balanced between the XLR sockets
1 RCA + 1 XLR input & 1 RCA + 1 XLR output
Improved linearity and transparency due to the new, lower inductance autoformer
The silver winded autoformers are our own production with 80% Ni core
Optional input buffer for the total source compatibility
FET switches for the autoformer taps' selection
Max. input level: 8V RMS (22.6 Vpp)
Balance, mute and standby mode
Optional tilt control (defeat-able) with 8x0.5 dB steps for fine-tuning the record and room acoustic imbalances
Remote-controlled output selector
Large (0.8") 3-digit white or orange display with 2 brightness and night mode
Apple remote-compatible IR remote controller
Optical encoder and touch button for the manual operations
90mm high BLACK enclosure (W 124mm x L 260mm)
"Power" users can increase the number of inputs anytime with the icOn I/O Expander (+2 RCA & 2 XLR sockets)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
ALIENO Phono Extremo
Specs:
Three Rca inputs, selectable from the front panel; output on Rca and XLR connectors.
Three equalizations available, selectable from the front panel: Decca, R.I.A.A., Columbia
Stereo-Mono switch on the front panel.
Gain: 66 – 60 – 54 dB selectable from the rear panel.
Cartridge load: via Rca plugs of the following values: 100, 220, 330, 470, 750, 1000 Ohm.
Signal to noise ratio: > 80dB @ 1mV input.
Total harmonic distortion: < 0,05 %.
Equalizations frequency response: +/- 0.1dB.
Headroom (max. output level with zero distortion): over 25 Vrms.
Output impedance: 250 Ohm, low value ideal also for driving line preamp or integrated amplifiers with critical impedances starting from 2500 Ohm.
Tubes: 12AY7 and ECC83, low-noise amplifier cascode stage;
E8CC driver stage of equalization networks;
ECC82 further amplifier stage;
E88CC buffer stage to drive the output.
Power supply unit with Virtual Battery Powered technology: 240-115 V~ ±10% / 50-60 Hz
Main fuse: T1Ampere (T2Ampere for 115 V).
Power consumption: 100VA approx.
Dimensions:
Amplifier section: L x P x H, cm/inch. 45/17,7” x 41/16,1” x 22/8,6, weight 15 kg – 33 lb.
Power supply section: L x P x H, cm/inch. 33/13” x 32/12,6” x 10/4”, weight 9 kg – 19,8 lb.
ALIENO Phono Preamplifier
Specs:
Two Rca inputs switchable from the rear panel; Rca and XLR output.
Gain: 66 – 60 – 54 dB, selectable by internal dip-switches.
Cartridge load: via Rca blind plugs: 100, 220, 330, 470, 750, 1000 Ohm.
Weighted signal/noise ratio: > 80dB @ 1mV input.
Harmonic distortion: < 0.05 %.
RIAA equalization frequency response: +/- 0.1dB.
Headroom (maximum undistorted output level) over 25 Vrms.
Output impedance: 250 Ohm, low value ideal for driving even line preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers with critical impedances starting from 2500 Ohm.
Tubes: 12AY7 and ECC83, low noise cascode amplification stage;
E88CC equalization network driving stage;
ECC82 additional amplification stage;
E88CC buffer stage for output driving.
Power supply unit with Virtual Battery Powered technology: 240-115 V~ ±10% / 50-60 Hz
Main fuse: T1 Ampere (T2 Ampere for 115 V).
Power consumption: approximately 80VA.
Amplifier section dimensions: L x D x H, cm/inch. 45/17,7” x 41/16,1” x 18/7”, weight 12 kg – 26,4 lb.
Power supply section: L x P x H, cm/inch. 33/13” x 32/12,6” x 10/4”, weight 9 kg – 19,8 lb.
ALIENO Amplifier 150-120 LTD
Same characteristics of ALIENO 100, but ALIENO 150-120 can use the two most famous direct heating triode tubes at the user’s choice: the 300B to deliver 150 Watts per channel, or the 2A3 to deliver 120 Watts per channel.
In addition to the power supplied, this amplifier also modifies its sonic characteristics respecting the type of tube used.
A double display on the front panel shows the type of tube installed, to confirm to the user that ALIENO has simply and automatically adapted all the parameters for the chosen tubes, avoiding the need for external modifications or the use of any tools.
Optimal load impedance 2 – 8 Ohm. XLR and RCA input connectors.
Like all ALIENO amplifiers, the 150-120 also uses the proprietary LTD (Loudspeaker Tube Direct) technology, in pure Class A, OTL-OCL and totally absent negative feedback.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Rotaxis Core64
Introducing the Rotaxis DAC – A New Era in Digital-to-Analog Conversion
After years of listening, testing, and rethinking what digital audio should be, I’m proud to introduce something that isn’t just another DAC—it’s a redefinition of what digital audio can sound like when built without compromise. This is the Rotaxis DAC.
It’s not just designed for measurements. It’s not another op-amp box wrapped in marketing.
Rotaxis is a ground-up, time-domain focused, passive resistor ladder DAC built for one purpose:
To render music in time, not in code.
What Makes It Different?
Most DACs today rely on high-speed digital correction tricks like delta-sigma modulation, noise shaping, or digital filters that manipulate the signal to achieve good measurements. Rotaxis does none of that.
Instead, it’s built around a unique architecture:
1. PulseAxis Ladder Design
At the core is a true resistor ladder array using 24 bits of resolution. Each bit is represented by a series of precision-matched resistors ( typically 64 for each exponentially weighted bit) arranged in a circular configuration we call the PulseAxis Array. These aren’t just resistors lined up on a board—they’re strategically interwoven in rotational rings to reduce electromagnetic interference, thermal drift, and crosstalk.
Each bit doesn’t fire statically. It fires with clock-controlled precision at 11.2mhz base rate with sub clocking nearing 100mhz— firing each ladder in timed quarter clock time quadrants grouped by current weighting (MSB’s first)—to allow each resistor to settle before the next one activates. This gives a completely clean handoff across voltage levels, with no overlap, no popping, and no zero-crossing errors. The averaging effect per bit outperforms the best laser trimmed monolithic designs and even approaches metrology levels, and is SCALABLE for everything from a future accessible entry level product with only 32 level unary rings per exponential bit, all the way to 4 rings of 64 in each singular bit!!! With physically interwoven rings on the PCB that rotate in opposite polarities to eliminate EMI RF. A self-cancelling noise system.
2. Thermaphase Averaging
Instead of applying digital noise shaping, the Rotaxis uses a proprietary analog system called Thermaphase, which is deterministic rotation per bit that ensures perfect thermal symmetry as well as injecting inaudible ultrasonic dither into the 8 LSB’s where real music lives. Rotaxis behaves the way true analog signals behave in the real world.
This allows for incredibly smooth low-level performance—something most DACs struggle with. In Rotaxis, the bottom bits—the bits where the soul of music lives—are given the most care: the best resistors, the most error-averaging, and the cleanest timing.
Idle tones are a thing of the past. The 64 bit rings prevent audible pattens, and send whatever is left well into the ultrasonics which is filtered by a 4 pole RC filter into oblivion.
3. GlitchLock Timing
Instead of relying on one massive clocked update cycle, Rotaxis staggers its activity with a timing system called GlitchLock, breaking the update cycle into quarter-clock pulses within the DAC, and eighth-clock offsets between the two polarity ladders. This ensures that current never surges or overlaps across bit boundaries, minimizing distortion and noise.
The result is ultra-low distortion—without any digital filtering or shaping.
4. Transformer-Coupled Class A Output
We don’t use op-amps. The Rotaxis output stage is fully Class A, discrete, and transformer-coupled using premium Lundahl components. This preserves phase, eliminates ground loops, and gives the kind of dynamic immediacy you’d expect from the best analog gear.
5. Modular and Upgradeable
The Core64 model launches with:
• USB, SPDIF, and I²S inputs
• Galvanically isolated power (external PSU only)
• No touchscreens, no noise—just a small LED volume and sample rate indicator
In the future, an external streaming and control box will connect via I²S over HDMI, letting Core64 owners expand their system without changing the DAC core.
Measured Performance?
THD+N better than –124 dB, real-world.
No noise shaping. No feedback. No tricks.
Just physics, design, and care.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Marten Coltrane Supreme Extreme
Coltrane Supreme Extreme is the most advanced loudspeaker we have ever created. With its dual-tower and bespoke drivers, it delivers outstanding resolution and dynamic power. It features the largest beryllium midrange ever created, Crystalid mid-bass units, and a carbon fibre monocoque cabinet strengthened by solid wood and aluminium. Each pair takes over 800 hours to build, complete with Jorma Paragon cabling and custom Marten terminals. Shown as a static display, it offers a rare chance to see our most ambitious project ahead of its official launch later this year
We invite you to discover the next evolution of the Marten sound – uncompromising in approach, pure in expression, without limits.
Specs:
1″ pure diamond tweeters
3″ pure diamond high midrange
7″ pure beryllium midrange (largest ever built)
Four 8″ Crystalid mid-bass drivers
Five 10″ aluminium sandwich bass drivers
Ten 10″ aluminium sandwich passive radiators
Proprietary first-order crossover
Jorma Paragon internal wiring
Carbon fibre faceplate
Bespoke Marten terminals
Mirror-polished stainless steel stands with new upgraded Marten Isolators
Finishes: Matte Walnut, Matte Cherry,
Matte Maple, Matte Oak
Dimensions: Main – 30 × 182.2 × 63.5 cm
(140 kg) Bass – 70 x 182.2 x 63.5 cm (270 kg)
Retail price: €950,000/set
Monday, May 12, 2025
Analog Manufaktur Germany Ventus
Introducing VENTUS – The New Benchmark in Phono Design.
Over two years in the making, the VENTUS phono stage by Analog Manufaktur Germany is a bold statement of what’s possible when engineering precision, audiophile passion, and handcrafted excellence come together.
Unveiled for the first time at High End 2025 in Munich, the Ventus redefines analog music through uncompromising attention to detail, a fully discrete architecture, and innovative features.
The VENTUS isn’t just a phono stage – it’s a sonic experience crafted for those who demand the finest.
3 inputs and 1 output each independent, fully balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connections
True dual-mono construction housed in precision machined solid aluminum chassis
Two gain stages
Fully adjustable gain and loading for each input
Mechanical decoupled PCB
Fully discrete design with JFET & MOSFET circuitry
Open loop with zero negative feedback
RIAA PPS and PP silver & gold capacitors
See it live at Room F129, Atrium 4.1 – High End 2025