September 2019


Best Of 2019 Blue Note Equipment Awards

ELAC Alchemy DDP-2 DAC / Preamplifier / Streaming End-Point
Price: $2500
Click here to read the complete review.

  Audiophiles exploring the boundaries of RedBook CD Playback from the early to late nineteen-nineties will no doubt recall California based Audio Alchemy gear with great fondness; I know I do! Founded on the inspired design and engineering of one Peter Madnick, Audio Alchemy almost single-handedly set the stage for the acceptance and ascent of multi-box Compact Disc playback systems. Fast forward to early 2015, and we see the most significant iteration of technology yet to bear the original moniker, as Peter re-emerged from his time with Constellation Audio to re-launch with a line of even higher-quality and full-featured audio products.

Folks, that 2015 lineup of gear ROCKED! I got to hear the full complement—the DMP-1 digital media player ($1795 with ROON option), the DDP-1 DAC/preamp ($1995), the PS-5 power supply ($595), and the DPA-1-Mono power amplifiers ($1995 each) — all demonstrated by Peter at AXPONA 2016, driving a pair of Von Schweikert Audio/Endeavor Audio Engineering E-3Mk II loudspeakers ($8000 per pair). The system synergy was so staggering that I awarded it Best Sound (for the money) at that show, and added that it was, hands down, the best affordable sounding system I'd ever heard to that point in time!

ELAC Alchemy's  DDP-2 DAC / Preamplifier / Streaming End-Point may just be the best value in front-end electronics on the market today! Honestly, I cannot recall a device in my over three decades writing about this industry that more clearly expresses all the attributes of an honest "giant-killer!" Granted, I used it with nearly $250,000 worth of associated gear. But, if it can be dropped into such a reference-level system and still leave me with no real complaints, what kind of performance do you think it will deliver in a more real-world system? In short, the new ELAC DDP-2 sets a new standard in versatility per square inch, performance per pound, and value per dollar.

Click here to read the complete review.

Previous Annual Blue Note Awards

Product of the Year Awards 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.