We look back at 2025. For Alpha Audio a somewhat quieter year, but not for your editors. This is Geoffrey’s retrospective.
Weiss DAC204 d/a converter (€3500)
Maybe it is due to my new speakers, the Canton Reference 9, but the combination with the Sonnet Morpheus was not quite right anymore.
The visit of the Weiss DAC204 made this immediately clear. More detail and resolution and better dispersion. The DAC204 took the level of my set to unprecedented heights.
That’s why I recently got the pared-down version, the Weiss DAC205, in my system. Only two connections, optical and coax, but of bizarrely high quality. Meanwhile, the Morpheus has found a new home and I am very happy about that. Because it is and remains a special converter that I have enjoyed listening to for many years.
PSB Synchrony B600 monitor (2800 euros)
The PSB Synchrony B600 could just as easily have become my new reference but fell just short due to the lack of a matching stand. That sounds trivial but for me, a good stand is essential both visually and sonically to achieve optimum results.
The PSB delivers tons of listening pleasure with a tight and deep low that defies the laws of logic. A delightful speaker with a slightly warm midrange and a gossamer, velvety high. A top monitor at an affordable price. Definitely give it a listen.
Primare A35.2 power amplifier (3200 euro)
The preamp is excellent, especially in combination with the power amp, but the latter could charm me just a little bit more. The fact that I didn’t want it out of the set says it all.
However, I have a nice Moon and the extraordinary Sonnet Kratos monoblocks on display, but the Primare was at a matching level with those amplifiers. It delivered music in an stress-free, controlled way that allowed you to listen to it for hours. A real workhorse too that produces enough watts to never run out of steam, or rather current. And the price is once again not too bad. Absolutely recommended.
Audiolab 9000N streamer/dac (2800 euros)
At the end of last year, we received this one and actually we would like to hear it again because it fitted so well in the set that it is still missed.
With the right filter, importantly, I had nothing left to comment on. Apart from the lack of digital outputs, this is a perfect unit for those looking for an affordable streamer/dac. Sober design, clean but involving sound and excellent build quality. Very nice product.
Sbooster power supply (varying in price)
And then an honorable mention for my two Sboosters. One an already older model that feeds my router. The other a new version that makes my Weiss dac sing.
Both bring life to the sound. Literally. There are faster, more neutral and better measuring power supplies, but Sbooster is my personal preference. They are ideal for eliminating digital artefacts in a set and are extremely competitively priced.
See you in 2026!
These were our retrospectives; 2025 draws to a close. How fast time flies. Enjoy your listening and see you next year!