A multi-tool made by a veteran of the field, Peter Madnick, which may not catch your eye but leaves you truly satisfied to a great extent, apart from some details... the construction initially, to the eye, seems a bit lacking but ultimately deceives as it is a well-built machine with a decent weight that is made to last for years, although a bit unattractive for some... its slim profile saves the day... I would like a slightly better construction on the volume control as well as a slightly better remote control... a slightly more impressive display wouldn't hurt anyone, but let's not exaggerate...
Many conveniences and connections are available as the machine is perforated, making the user's life much easier as this "slice" is a hi-end preamplifier that at the same time, in the same device, has a hi-end DAC... the cherry on top is that it also works as a streamer with Spotify and Roon ready... I would of course like the same for Tidal and Qobuz...
The Elac Alchemy DDP 2 amplifier definitely makes the ideal pair (personally I have the combination of the two) but it certainly pairs well with others on the market... be careful with the interconnect cable as a good cable (personally I preferred XLR) will reveal what the machines truly have to offer...
Its sound is quite neutral, dynamic, analytical, fast, and clear, with full and punchy bass, very accurate mids neither forward nor behind, and perfectly balanced highs that I wouldn't say remind me of a digital machine, and after some hours of breaking in, you wonder where this sound is coming from and you have a smile on your face for your purchase as you don't even believe it yourself... it is neither sweet nor bright, just enough to make it ideal for all listening and for pairing with various speakers of different styles... in many reviews abroad, they praise it by equating it with machines of multiple times the value...
A true multi-tool in every way and indeed very VFM!!!