LEHMANN BLACK CUBE LINEAR

 

his headphone amp is from the

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same German company that

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makes the phono preamp

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black nor a cube, but

 

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oh well. The power

 

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supply is built in, and so

 

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it has a standard IEC cord.

 

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The two sets of phono jacks

 

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(the second set is an output, so

 

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that the Lehmann can actually be

 

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used as a simple preamp) are reasonable,

 

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and were a tight fit with our reference

 

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interconnects.

 

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ROOM

THE CEC HD53-R

But the front panel is where the inter- esting stuff lies. There are two volume controls, and at first we thought they

EDBACKNINGF

LIST

If the Lehmann amplifier had seemed expensive, what to think of this one? In fact it is only a little more expensive than the Lehmann,

and that would be fine…if its perfor- mance turned out to be substantially superior.

And the CEC is rather more versa- tile than most headphone amps. On its picture on page 42, you can make out the output binding posts at the rear. Why would a headphone amp need binding posts? It’s because this is also an amplifier of not insubstantial power (10 watts into 4 ohms according to the specs, which we didn’t confirm), and it is actually possible to connect speakers to it. More on this shortly.

This is an all-in-one amp, with

40 ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine

the power supply in the quite heavy aluminum case, and with the usual IEC plug for the cord of your choice. The phono input jacks are — as on the CEC integrated amplifier reviewed in our last issue — not inspiring. On the other hand there are also XLR balanced jacks if you have the appropriate source.

A small rear panel switch adjusts the amplifier’s gain so that you can have a good range of volume. In our setup (we were, you’ll recall, running it from the output of the Benchmark converter) we needed to select the +6 dB position in order to avoid running the volume control nearly all the way up. We could hear a bit of hiss with that setting, but it was so slight that it was inaudible with even the softest musical passage.

controlled the left and right channels respectively. Not so. The HD53 actually has two independent headphone ampli- fier sections. It’s perfect for couples. Each of you gets a headphone jack (actually two headphone jacks, one for a full-sized phone plug and the other for a miniplug), and an independent volume control. Compare that to what you get with most headphone amplifiers, and it’s clear that you’re getting something extra for your money.

At least if the performance is ade- quate, you are.

We began with Margie Gibson’s song The Best Thing For You, and we were pretty sure we had a winner. Gibson’s voice was clearer than with either of the other two amplifiers, but without even a hint of strain. Her “S” sounds were

Page 42
Image 42
Koss 76 manual CEC HD53-R

76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

One of the standout features of the Koss 76 is its open-back design, which allows sound to travel freely in and out of the earcups. This design not only adds a sense of spaciousness to the audio but also contributes to a more natural listening experience. Users appreciate the open-back headphones for their ability to create a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying nuanced details in music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Another key characteristic of the Koss 76 is its lightweight build, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just a few ounces, these headphones provide ease of use without compromising on sturdiness. The plush ear cushions ensure that users remain comfortable, even after hours of wear, making them suitable for both casual listening and more extended use during activities such as gaming or working from home.

In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.