About the Grimm MU2 - Part 1 - The Digital partAlpha Audio2024-10-23 | About the Grimm MU2 - Part 1 - The Digital partHOW AND WHY we test network switches...TheAlphaAudio2022-11-17 | We love streaming audio at Alpha Audio. But it's not because it's plug and play... because it isn't. There is a lot involved when you want to get the best possible performance. We have been into network switches for a long time now. In this video we discuss the WHY and the HOW we test network switches. And we explain the 'ins and outs' of the next big test of network switches.
More information: https://www.alpha-audio.nl alpha-audio.netSample Test - Auralic Aries G1.1 streamer (versus Metrum Ambre and Alpha AudioPC)TheAlphaAudio2022-11-15 | We have de brand new Auralic Aries G1.1 in our listening room. We compare it to our own AlphaPC and the 'good old' Metrum Ambre. What streaming bridge do you prefer?
- Pass Labs XP-12 pre-amp - Pass Labs X150.8 power amp - Sonnet Pasithea dac - Mutec MC3+ USB reclocker - TAD Evolution 2 speakers - Driade Flow Reference speaker cable - Grimm TPM interconnects - YETI Power cables - Isotek Titan and Aquarius filter (V5)Presentation - Streaming Audio Networks - Noir & Blanc hifi show 2022 - Alpha AudioTheAlphaAudio2022-11-07 | At the first edition of the Noir & Blanc Hifi Show in Brussels, we did a presentation about Streaming Audio Networks. We explained very shortly how networks work, the different media you can use to build a network and how to tweak it. And yes: we talked about the importance of decent equipment. Incluiding measurements to prove it :-).Actieve of Passieve luidsprekers - Wat is beter? Een interview Helios AudioTheAlphaAudio2022-11-03 | Wat is nu beter? Actief of passief? In de wereld van luidsprekers dan. Ulmt van der Linden van Helios Pro Audio legt het ons uit. En gaat in op zijn interessante demo op het Dutch Audio Event van 2022 waar hij een actieve en passieve ATC SCM50 had staan. Want ja... het komt ook - zoals altijd - aan op smaak!
Meer informatie: www.alpha-audio.nl en www.helios.nlAlpha Audio Review Update - November 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-31 | We have a lot of gear on review at the moment. We wanted to share some of it beforehand. Just to tease you!
You can support us on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioInterview Cris Rutgers - Hepta - We maken hifi oplossingenTheAlphaAudio2022-10-26 | Hepta is nadat Philips gestopt is met productie, één van de oudste - zo niet het oudste - speakermerk van Nederland. Cris Rutgers praat kort over de geschiedenis van het merk en gaat in op hoe ze in deze moderne tijden opereren. Want hifi nu is écht totaal anders dan Hifi in de jaren '70, '80 of '90. Mensen eisen meer, willen niets meer zien staan en willen toch goed geluid. "Wij maken oplossingen", zegt Cris. Wat voor oplossingen? Bekijk ons interview!
Hepta: https://www.hepta.nl/
Steun ons op Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioSample Test - ASR Emitter 1 versus Pass Labs XP12 / X150.8TheAlphaAudio2022-10-24 | We have a serious battle this time! The Pass Labs XP12 / X150.8 combination versus the ASR Emitter 1 with PSU and battery power supply. So, the full stack! Let us know which one you like most!
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioCan you hear a difference in streaming audio software? We are going to find out!TheAlphaAudio2022-10-23 | We are going to check out some streaming software packages. Nerdy? YES! Definately. But also very interesting. Is there a difference in sound quality? We are VERY curious.
0:00 - 07:25 - Intro 07:26 - 08:34 - Start of the stream 08:35 - 26:50 - Introduction of the streaming setup 26:51 - 29:44 - A bug in the machine 29:45 - 51:56 - Windows Media Player 51:57 - 59:22 - Another bug in the machine 59:23 - 1:18:44 - Foobar 1:18:45 - 1:47:20 - Audirvana 1:47:21 - 2:09:51 - Roon 2:09:52 - 2:24:11 - JRiver 30 2:24:12 - 2:27:50 - Revealing the software 2:27:51 - 2:34:11 - In succession 2:34:12 - 2:35:33 - Compared to the Alpha Audio PC 2:35:34 - 2:38:33 - Conclusion 2:38:34 - 2:59:51 - After show experimentingRoon Arc - Your personal, high-end streaming serviceTheAlphaAudio2022-10-11 | Recently, ROON added the possibility to stream music from your ROON Core to a mobile device... anywhere in the world. That practically makes ROON your personal streaming service. Cool!
We take a look at ROON Arc and tell you how to install and activate it. We also check out some competitors, like Plex and Bubble UPnP, as well as some NAS drive options.dCS - Software 2.0 - Apex upgrade - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-10 | At the Dutch Audio Event 2022, we asked Liam from dCS about the 'new' software 2.0 and the new APEX dac-boards. Want to know the upgrade-price and availability? Check out the short interview.McIntosh - Sonus Faber - MC3500MK2 - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-10 | We praten met Juul van McIntosh over de nieuwe MC9500MK2 buizen eindversterker. En nog wat andere, nieuwe McIntosh producten. Ook lichten we een tipje van de sluier over nieuwe Sonus Faber modellen.Plixir: kabels, Conditioners, Voedingen - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-10 | Martin vertelt ons op het Dutch Audio Event 2022 over de nieuwe Plixir power cables én de line-up van Power Conditioners en voedingen.Dion Audio / Pura - Switch - Voeding - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | We hebben Miquel Blauw voor de camera weten te zetten om te praten over de nieuwe Pura Switch en Voeding. Wees voorbereid op een Nerd College over clocks en uVolts ruis!
Support ons: patreon.com/alphaaudioEstelon - New MK2 models - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | We have a short interview with Alfred from Estelon. We talk about the new MK2 models. If you want to know more... we had an extensive interview about a year ago.
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioFinal Audio - Actieve modellen - nieuw productieproces - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | We hebben Maarten Smits van Final Audio op de bank geplaatst voor een kort interview. Hij vertelt ons meer over het nieuwe productieproces én nieuwe actieve modellen.MOON Voice 22 - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | We asked Costa Koulisakis from MOON everything about the new MOON Voice 22 monitor speaker. We were specifically interested in WHY they created a speaker... You want to know why? Check out the interviewBassocontinuo Revolution Rack - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | We had a short talk with Lorenzo from Bassocontinuo. We talked about the new Revolution rack. The V2 is full carbon and performs even better than the old one. Why? Well... check out the interview!
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioReference Sounds - Dutch Audio Event 2022TheAlphaAudio2022-10-09 | Op Dutch Audio Event 2022 lopen we uiteraard even binnen bij Reference Sounds. Michael Huigen legt uit waar ze mee spelen.
Support ons op Patreon! patreon.com/alphaaudioAudio Network Tweak Test - Fiber - Copper - Switch PriorityTheAlphaAudio2022-10-07 | For some it's just nonsense: tweaking the network for better sound quality. We at Alpha Audio try tweaking the network - and other stuff - all the time and definately believe it has an impact. This time we went a bit further... we also tweaked some priorities in the managed switches... Check out the impact on sound quality.
You can support our work: patreon.com/alphaaudioSample Test - JBL 4305P active streaming speakerTheAlphaAudio2022-10-06 | We have the compact, but very nice sounding JBL 4305P active speakers in our listening room. Of course we want you to have a taste as well! Check out these (very) compact, but large sounding active monitors!
Support our work on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioTriple Test - PMC Fact. 12 - TAD Evolution Two - Perlisten S7t - 20.000 Euro speaker shootoutTheAlphaAudio2022-09-25 | We are going all out this time. Three beautiful floorstanding speakers. The PMC Fact12, TAD Evolution Two and the Perlisten S7t. All around 20.000 Euro per pair. We will be using our own referenc system to power it... with a twist... the Halcro power-amp will be feeding the speakers. A beautiful power amp.
The time index of the stream: 0:00 - 3:18 - Intro 03:19 - 16:10 - Start of the stream - Live music 16:11 - 24:05 - Introduction of the band 'Al Andalus' and their instruments 24:06 - 33:33 - Introduction of the speakers 33:34 - 46:05 - The recording of the live track 46:06 - 53:42 - Perlisten S7t 53:43 - 57:08 - Entr'acte : system configuration and the Halco power amplifier. 57:09 - 01:16:15 - More Perlisten S7t 01:16:16 - 01:28:19 - Swapping speakers: live performance 01:28:20 - 01:54:32 - TAD Evolution 2 01:54:33 - 02:05:44 - Swapping speakers: live performance (amazing perscussion piece!) 02:05:45 - 02:23:00 - PMC Fact 12 Signature 02:23:01 - 02:33:48 - Concluding 02:30:49 - 2:39:44 - Last live performance
If would like Alpha Audio to create more of these live streams, please consider to support us. Thank you! patreon.com/alphaaudioSample Test - Advance Paris A12 (X-i180) integrated amplifierTheAlphaAudio2022-09-22 | This time we have the impressive and 'glowing' Advance Paris A12 integrated amp with integrated DAC. We connected it to our Sonnet Pasithea and TAD Evolution 2 and gave it a spin!Massive Sample test - Ten audio plugin filters - Are there differences?TheAlphaAudio2022-09-17 | We have created another MASSIVE Sample test. This time: ten filters. Because of that, we need to switch quickly. But no worries: if you want more: we have all the samples in lossless format in our database (available after the Live stream test, 17th september 2022).
Contenders: - Akiko Tuning Stick - Ansus Sparkz TC2 - Ansus Sparkz EU - Furutech NCF Clearline - IFI AC Purifier - Isotek Isoplug EVO3 - Kemp SNS Plug (New one) - NordOst QK1 - NordOst QV2 - No filter - just pure
These tests / sample video's take a LOT of work. If you want to support us: you can do that with Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioLive Plug In Filter test - LIVE - 10 plug in filters tested BLINDTheAlphaAudio2022-09-17 | We are going to test ten - YES: TEN - Plug in filters. LIVE. Now, this live stream is not meant as an entertainment show. It's just for pure transparency. You can see us check out ten plug in filters. And we are going to audition them BLIND.
As a preparation, we measured all filters (well, one guy did, and he is not going to audition them...:-)). In our written article you can check out all measurements, and see if there is actually a corrolation to be found.
Index 0:00 - 17:47 - title / set-up 17:47 - 26:35 - Introduction 26:36 - 30:13 - The difference in filters 30:14 - 31:58 - The listening test setup 31:59 - 33:41 - Disclaimer 33:42 - 38:34 - Why we measure and listen 38:35 - 57:00 - Baseline listening (no filter) 57:01 - 1:05:55 - Filter 1: Kemp SNS 1:05:55 - 1:18:22 - Filter 2: Akiko Tuning Stick 1:18:23 - 1:29:23 - Filter 3: Isotek Isoplug 1:29:24 - 1:37:59 - Filter 4: IFI AC Purifier 1:38:00 - 1:48:29 - Filter 5: Ansuz TC2 1:48:30 - 2:35:39 - Surprise and Lunch 2:35:40 - 2:43:17 - Baseline again 2:43:18 - 2:52:57 - Filter 6: Furutech NCF 2:52:58 - 3:05:39 - Filter 7: NordOst QRT QV2 3:05:40 - 3:15:11 - Filter 8: Ansuz Sparkz EU 3:15:12 - 3:25:53 - Filter 9: NordOst QK1 3:25:54 - 3:31:17 - Isotek Aquarius V5 3:31:18 - 3:36:06 - Back 2 Back: Conclusion 3:36:07 - 3:42:29 - Explaining some measurements 3:42:30 - 3:59:44 - Revealing the brands 3:59:45 - 4:07:05 - Discussing the relative value of filtersFirst Look - JBL 4305P active speakerTheAlphaAudio2022-09-09 | We take a first look at the JBL 4305P. An active speaker with all sorts of connection options. Bluetooth, wifi, ethernet, XLR, TRS, usb and optical... yes... that's a lot. And it doesn't stop there. You can also use Chromecast, Airplay, UPnP and ROON... well... and all that for 2500 Euro. Not bad!Do power cables make a difference? - High End YETI Power cables VS stock cable!TheAlphaAudio2022-09-08 | Do power cables make a difference in sound? We sampled two typers of high-end YETI power cable and sampled a stock power cables (the black 'dropveter' as we call it). You can hear for yourself if it makes a difference.
As usual we have the lossless audio samples available on our cloud-storage. Just login to Alpha Audio and go to the database.
You can support our work on Patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioMass Test plug in filters - A short update and view on the contendersTheAlphaAudio2022-08-22 | We are in the middle of our mass test of "Plug in Filters". You know: these simple plugs that take away noise on the grid. We are measuring the effectiveness. That seems easy. But it isn't. We explain what we do and how we are going to proceed.
Kemp SNS (old and new) Isotek Isoplug Furutech NCF Clearline Ansuz Sparkz (2 x) IFI AC Purifier Akiko Tuning Stick Nordost QRT (not in the video)Sample Test - 12 high end speaker cablesTheAlphaAudio2022-07-09 | This sample video is part of a huge test of speaker cables. We made extensive measurements on all the cables, sampled them, and did a blind test (live).
Stock cable Audioquest Type 9 (with and without DBS) Chord Company Epic XL Driade Flow John van Gent M.L Reference MIT EVO Three Ricable Dedalus Elite Shunyata Venom Supra Sword 3 Transparent Van den Hul The Inspiration HybridLive Speaker Cable test - LIVE - 12 speaker cables tested BLINDTheAlphaAudio2022-07-09 | We are going to test twelve - YES: TWELVE - speaker cables. LIVE. Now, this live stream is not meant as an entertainment show. It's just for pure transparency. You can see us check out twelve speaker cabkes. And we are going to audition them BLIND.
As a preparation, we measured all cables (well, one guy did, and he is not going to audition them...:-)). In our written article you can check out all measurements, and see if there is actually a corrolation to be found.
Check out https://www.alpha-audio.nl / alpha-audio.net for more information, samples and measurements.
Shunyata MIT Transparent Chord Company Van den Hul Supra John van Gent Ricable Audioquest (2x) Driade Standaardkabel (Gamma)
Index: 0:00 - 18:54 - Getting ready 18:55 - 25:29 - Introduction 25:30 - 41:15 - Cable 1 (electricity wire) 41:15 - 54:04 - Cable 2 54:05 - 1:08:49 - Cable 3 1:08:50 - 1:25:24 - Cable 4 1:25:25 - 1:41:59 - Cable 5 1:42:00 - 1:57:10 - Cable 6 1:57:11 - 3:04:42 - Cable 7 (and lunch break) 3:04:43 - 3:20 :51 - Cable 8 3:20:52 - 3:33:19 - Cable 9 3:33:20 - 3:46:29 - Cable 10 3:46:30 - 4:01:32 - Cable 11 4:01:33 - 4:13:19 - Cable 12 4:13:20 - 4:19:42 - Reveal of the cables 4:19:43 - 4:26:02 - Top 3 and conclusionSample Test - Denon PMA 1700NE - Digital Coax vs Analog inputTheAlphaAudio2022-07-04 | We have the all new Denon PMA-1700NE amplifier in our listening room. We hook it up to our system and check the musical performance of the analog input and the digital coaxial input. Have a listen!
- Denon PMA-1700NE - TAD Evolution Two / E2 - Sonnet Pasithea DAC - Mutec MC3+ USB - Alpha Audio PC (Jcat XE USB and Ethernet) - YETI, Grimm and Driade cabling - Isotek filters
Recording Gear:
- DPA 4006A - Schoeps MK8 with CMC6 - Grace M108 pre-amp with Dante - Mutec MC3+ clock
Index: 0:00 - 6:30 - Conjure One - Brave for me 6:31 - 9:20 - Jacques Loussier - Little Fuge in G Minor 9:21 - 14:06 - Steven Wilson - PariahSample Test - Alpha Audio Reference Audio SystemTheAlphaAudio2022-07-01 | Because a lot of you wanted to hear our 'clean' Alpha Audio reference system, we made some samples. That way, you have an idea of our 'baseline' and testing system. We hope you like it!
- Pass Labs X150.8 - Pass Labs XP-12 - TAD Evolution Two / E2 - Sonnet Pasithea DAC - Grimm UC1 DAC - Mutec MC3+ USB - Alpha Audio PC (Jcat XE USB and Ethernet) - YETI, Grimm and Driade cabling - Isotek filters
Recording Gear:
- DPA 4006A - Schoeps MK8 with CMC6 - Grace M108 pre-amp with Dante - Mutec MC3+ clock
Index:
0:00 - 3:49 - Bettye Swan - Then you can tell me goodbye 3:50 - 6:38 - Jacques Loussier - Little Fuge in G Minor 6:39 - 12:25 - Mammal Hands - Three Good Things 12:26 - 17:05 - Blof - Mooie DagSample Test - DALI Opticon 6 MK2TheAlphaAudio2022-06-28 | We have the very affordable DALI Opticon 6 MK's in our listening room. We hook up our reference system and hit the gas! :-)
- Pass Labs X150.8 - Pass Labs XP-12 - DALI Opticon 6 MK2 - Sonnet Pasithea DAC - Mutec MC3+ USB - SOtM Audio PC - YETI, Grimm and Driade cabling
Recording Gear:
- DPA 4006A - Schoeps MK8 with CMC6 - Grace M108 pre-amp with Dante - Mutec MC3+ clock -Our reference hifisystem is FINALLY finished! And its Awesome :-).TheAlphaAudio2022-06-22 | YES! We have finally finished our new reference hifi systemen. With the arrivial of the TAD Evolution Two speakers, we can now say the system is complete. We discuss our choices, our mistakes and our future plans in this video. Enjoy!
Pass Labs XP-12 pre-amp Pass Labs X150.8 power amp TAD Evolution Two speakers Sonnet Pasithea DAC Grimm UC1 DAC Alpha Audio PC with Mutec MC3+ USB and Jcat pci-e cards Isotek Titan V5 and Aquarius V5 filters YETI Power cables Grimm TPM interlinks Driade interlinks and speaker cablesSample Test - Purifi Eigentakt EVAL2 DIY kitTheAlphaAudio2022-06-17 | We build some Purifi Eigentakt EVAL2 monoblocks. Of course we want to share its performance with you! So... here we go.
- Purifi Eigentakt EVAL2 - Pass Labs XP-12 - TAD Evolution Two (E2) - Sonnet Pasithea DAC - Mutec MC3+ USB - Alpha Audio PC - YETI, Grimm and Driade cabling
Recording Gear:
- DPA 4006A - Schoeps MK8 with CMC6 - Grace M108 pre-amp with Dante - Mutec MC3+ clock -Workshop - DIY kit - Purifi Eigentakt EVAL2 mono amplifierTheAlphaAudio2022-06-14 | In this workshop we build the Eigentakt EVAL2 mono amplifier for you. The DIY kit is complete and available at SoundImports.
If you use these affiliate links we ears some money.High End Munich 2022 - Van den HulTheAlphaAudio2022-05-24 | We visit Van den Hul at the High End Munich. They have a completely new phono pre-amp. Well... it's a complete new design. Higher performance, less components, and more flexibility are the key differences.High End Munich 2022 - Estelon Extreme MK2TheAlphaAudio2022-05-24 | Alfred explains they key differences between the Estelon Extreme and Extreme MK2. We have some new units, a motorised front (height) and an adjustable tweeter (depth).High End Munich 2022 - VolumioTheAlphaAudio2022-05-24 | We visited Volumio on the High End Munich. Of course they had some interesting news. Actually: they had three new products. Martijn explains everything you need to know!High End Munich 2022 - MerasonTheAlphaAudio2022-05-23 | Merason Audio unfortunately didn't introduce a new dac, but that is definately comming :-). What we did see is some new finishes. We show you what you can expect.High End Munich 2022 - InnuosTheAlphaAudio2022-05-23 | We check out the all-new Pulse-series from Innuos. These are affordable streaming solutions, designed and build by the well known brand Innuos. The main difference is, is that the Pulse series is a streamer only. So no server!High End Munich 2022 - Advance ParisTheAlphaAudio2022-05-23 | Advance Paris introduced a lot of new products. A new all-in-one, some active speakers, three new cd-players and a new intergrated amp. We show all of them in this video!High End Munich 2022 - Primare SPA25TheAlphaAudio2022-05-22 | Primare introduced the new SPA25 receiver. A 9 channel Dolby Atmos receiver. It's impressive in more ways than just a lot of channels. We discuss the new product on the high end Munich 2022.High End Munich 2022 - Focal VestiaTheAlphaAudio2022-05-22 | We saw the all new Focal Vestia loudspeakers at High End Munich. An interesting range in terms of pricing (Vestia No1 will be 500 Euro, Vestia No2 around 1000 Euro and the Vestia No3 around1500 Euro per pair). Focal took the units from the Chora range and put them in a better- more rigid - cabinet. We check the new Focal Vestia out in this video.High End Munich 2022 - AKMTheAlphaAudio2022-05-22 | AKM has had some tough times. But they are recovering! We saw - and heard - a new dac-solution (AKM 4499EX) and have heard that production has already started. So that's great news!High End Munich 2022 - DALI KORETheAlphaAudio2022-05-21 | DALI has a new flagship speaker! The KORE. And what a beast it is. 80.000 Euro per pair. But you definately get something special. Lars Worre - CEO of DALI - explains everything about the new speaker.High End Munich 2022 - Dynaudio Focus ActiveTheAlphaAudio2022-05-21 | At the High End Munich 2022, Dynaudio introduced their Focus active series. Three new loudspeakers, based on WISA technology. You just need the speakers. That's all. That's an interesting option for a serious, yet simple hifi system!High End Munich 2022 - Audio Physic MedeosTheAlphaAudio2022-05-21 | We have an interview with Audio Physic about their new Medeos high end (limited) loudspeaker. We talk about the brand new midrange unit, the 4-way system and of course the performance of this 160.000 Euro beast of a loudpeaker!High End Munich 2022 - Day 2TheAlphaAudio2022-05-20 | Our second - and last - day at the High End Munich 2022. It was a blast! We had a decent interview with Audio Physik, had a lovely experience with the Estelon Extreme MK2... had a listen at DALI (KORE) and - for example - listened to the Van den Hul The Grail... We discuss it all in this video.
Support us on patreon: patreon.com/alphaaudioHigh End Munich 2022 - AtollTheAlphaAudio2022-05-20 | We were at the boot of Atoll. They have two new products to show: the ST300 streamer and the all-in-one SDA300. The ST300 is around 300 Euro, the SDA300 will set you back around 4000 Euro.High End Munich 2022 - Weiss (OEM division)TheAlphaAudio2022-05-20 | Daniel Weiss recently started creating oem products. We think that is great news, because now more people are able to enjoy Weiss quality. We ask Daniel what products are now available.