Ken Micallef

Short Cuts
AnalogPlanet’s Top Jazz Albums of 2022
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. . .

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Turntable Reviews
Acoustic Signature’s Maximus NEO Turntable Is Max Quiet With a Clean Soundstage and Excellent Dynamics
Ken Micallef  |  Jan 17, 2023  |  First Published: Jan 17, 2023  |  18 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. . .

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Cartridge Reviews
Ortofon’s Concorde Elite Moving-Magnet Cartridge Delivers a Performance Worthy of Its Storied Pedigree
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. . .

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Turntable Reviews
U-Turn’s Orbit Theory Turntable Transforms High Performance, Imaging, Dynamics, and Tonality Expectations Into Playback Reality
Ken Micallef  |  Nov 03, 2022  |  First Published: Nov 02, 2022  |  6 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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Turntable Reviews
The Thorens TD 1500 Turntable Is a Belt-Driven, Suspended Subchassis Marvel
Ken Micallef  |  Sep 28, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 28, 2022  |  29 comments

Thorens has a longstanding history of turntable excellence. Does the company’s new TD 1500 ’table continue to uphold that mantle? Read Ken Micallef’s review to find out if the belt-driven, suspended subchassis TD 1500 is up to spec. . .

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Phono Preamp Reviews
Manley’s Magical Chinook MC/MM Phono Preamplifier
Ken Micallef  |  Aug 22, 2022  |  First Published: Aug 22, 2022  |  15 comments

The Manley Chinook MC/MM phono preamplifier is one of the most highly regarded, favorably reviewed phono stages on the market. A true hi-fi bargain in audiophile terms — a veritable giant killer, you might even say — we think it’s a perfect candidate for an AnalogPlanet review. So, just how good is the Chinook? Read on to find out. . .

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