This is the third product we’ve reviewed from Java HiFi, and we are definitely looking at three for three in terms of sound quality, build quality, and stylish excellence.

Matching the casework of their other designs, this solid-state preamplifier’s uniqueness comes from the LDR attenuator. Nearly all other preamplifiers use either a stepped attenuator with fixed resistors at each point or a very high-quality potentiometer.

The LDR circuit actually uses the volume control on the front panel to vary the light intensity of an LED striking a light-dependent resistor (hence the name) that changes value with the amount of light cast upon it. There are no mechanical parts to add noise or degrade over time.

Designer Martin Bell says it’s the quietest way to handle this function. Though we don’t have a non-LDR version of his preamplifier to compare, it is damn quiet. Like their power and integrated we reviewed, the Java pre features a neutral tonal balance, with smooth, grain-free high frequency response. Bass is tight and powerful.

Beyond the great sound, this preamplifier is tremendously flexible. With seven pairs of XLR inputs and three pairs of XLR outputs (two variable, one fixed), you can connect multiple power amplifiers, a powered sub, or even a tape deck! How great is that? However, there are no RCA inputs or outputs, so it will need to be in an all-balanced system. Finally, there is an onboard headphone amplifier that worked well with all of the phones we had at our disposal.

It looks super stylish. It has several different faceplate and casework options, so it should look great in any décor.

From $5995 (finish dependant)

Please click here to read our in-depth review for those wanting more info.

You can visit the Java HiFi site by clicking here.

Now that it’s official that the CD is making a bit of a comeback, TMR has an incredible selection of slightly used players from OPPO (!!) under a thousand bucks, all the way to some more serious hardware like an EMM Labs player around $12k.

If you still have a collection of SACDs and DVD-a discs, this player is the droid you need. Not only does it sound fantastic, it plays all shiny disc formats. There are still some decent titles out there on DVD-a to be found and usually at a reasonable price, with so few players left in the field. This one of my personal favorites – and you can pick it up for a fraction of it’s original price. TMR has gone over it (as they do everything) to be sure all is right functionally.

This one has a few little scrapes, hence the great price. With balanced XLR and RCA outputs, you can put it in any system, and there is a digital output as well – it’s a very versatile performer. A recent call to Ayre confirms that they can still service this one down the road. Good to know on a digital player.

Please click HERE to purchase.

Here’s your chance to get a huge helping of what the big Focal Utopias deliver at a fraction of the price.

With price increases over the last couple years and the tariffs looming, this is your chance to get a gently used pair of Sopra 3’s for a fraction of a new pair. And they are red. Remember, Sammy Hagar said “Green ain’t me compared to red.”

The Sopra no.3 takes full advantage of Utopia technology in a more modest sized cabinet (though still about 150 lb. each!) These sexy French floorstanders go all the way down to 26Hz – more than enough to capture the lowest bass notes, regardless of your musical tastes, thanks to a pair of 8-inch woofers and a floor-facing vent. This also makes the Sopra no.3 that much easier to place in your listening environment.

These speakers feature a 91.5 sensitivity rating, so anything above 35 watts per channel will drive them, and from hands-on experience, they are very tube friendly.

A bit of time at a friends’ house listening to the Sopra no. 3 for the better part of a day led me to revisit my review, written some time ago, when the bright orange Sopra no.3 graced our cover, and became my personal reference for a few years. Staffer Earle Blanton still uses his Sopra no.3’s as his reference, along with a pair of REL 212SX subwoofers. A formidable combination.

Here’s a link to our updated review:

https://tonepublications2.com/project/revisiting-the-focal-sopra-no-3/