Ken Micallef

Ken Micallef  |  Jul 31, 2023  |  First Published: Jul 31, 2023  |  9 comments

The Gold Note PH-5 phono preamp comes ready to do the job at hand with nine impedance inputs, four gain options, and a choice of using either an MM or MC cartridge with it — plus, the PH-5 offers three separate EQ curves, something we’ve yet to see at this price point. Read Ken Micallef’s review to find out if the PH-5 was indeed able to deliver clean, smooth, and well-balanced sound and a deep soundstage. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jun 26, 2023  |  First Published: Jun 26, 2023  |  4 comments

When you take a closer look at the lineup of gear available from Austrian manufacturer European Audio Team — perhaps better known by their more precise acronym, E.A.T. — you’ll find beautiful electro-mechanical designs reflected in graceful lines, unusual exterior choices, and well-appointed materials. Read Ken Micallef’s review to find out if E.A.T.’s latest offering, the C-Dur turntable, is able to match natural, nuanced, and detailed sound with the company’s equally outstanding design acumen. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jun 06, 2023  |  First Published: Jun 06, 2023  |  5 comments

After previewing Vincent Audio’s PHO-701 MM/MC hybrid phono preamp earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before we got one in hand for a proper review, and our man Ken Micallef was eagerly up to the task. Read on to see if the PHO-701’s big sound, wide stage, and generous character make it a prime contender in the $800 phono preamp price range. . .

Mike Mettler,  |  Apr 24, 2023  |  First Published: Apr 24, 2023  |  5 comments

Last week, AXPONA ruled large in Chicagoland, and we tasked our main product reviewer Ken Micallef to shoot as much video footage as he could of all the cool turntables he came across at the show. Check out the videoclip that’s embedded within this story to see a cavalcade of great turntables, as well as some interesting cleaning products in action, a few new cartridges and tonearms — and some choice vinyl too. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Apr 12, 2023  |  First Published: Apr 12, 2023  |  13 comments

The Kuzma family of moving coil cartridges is such a fine sight to see. To wit: Meet the Slovenian company’s CAR-30, which dependably revealed the peculiarities and personalities of individual records during the course of our review period. Read on to see Ken Micallef’s expert take on all the Kuzma CAR-30 has to offer, and how well it stacks up with its MC cart competition. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Feb 21, 2023  |  First Published: Feb 21, 2023  |  13 comments

We’re always on the lookout for good — if not certainly great — phono preamps to get our hands on to review here for the AnalogPlanet faithful, and Pathos’ In The Groove MM/MC phono preamp certainly fits the bill. Read Ken Micallef’s detailed review to see if this well-crafted solid-state phono stage is right for you. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jan 25, 2023  |  First Published: Jan 25, 2023  |  5 comments

AP editor Mike Mettler asked ace reviewer Ken Micallef to come up with a list of his Top 10 jazz releases on vinyl for 2022, and Ken happily complied, and compiled accordingly. Read his list of new and historical jazz LPs of note from the past listening year right here. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jan 17, 2023  |  First Published: Jan 17, 2023  |  17 comments

Some turntables can be true objects of art. Regardless of any turntable’s looks, bells, and whistles, at the end of the day, it all comes down to solid and experienced engineering. This is where Acoustic Signature’s Maximus NEO turntable comes into the picture. Read Ken Micallef’s review to find out how something that looks this classy actually performs as a top-notch turntable. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Dec 13, 2022  |  First Published: Dec 13, 2022  |  7 comments

When is a DJ cartridge not a DJ cartridge? Danish manufacturer Ortofon seeks to bridge the DJ and hi-fi worlds with their top-of-the-line Concorde Elite moving-magnet cartridge ($439 SRP), one with a clear nod to audiophile listening. Does it hold up as a hi-fi cartridge? Read Ken Micallef’s review to see if the Elite is indeed worthy of Ortofon’s storied pedigree. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Nov 03, 2022  |  First Published: Nov 02, 2022  |  5 comments

When we first previewed U-Turn’s Orbit Theory turntable back in late August, we had high expectations about its performance. Read on to find out if the Orbit Theory delivered the goods in terms of clarity, layering, punch, transients, physical dynamics, and more . . .

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