TONEAudio Magazine
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<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-11486" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-media-maestro-50-digital-amplifier/attachment/2-57/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11486" title="2" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/268.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="408" /></a>The Maestro-50 digital amplifier from AVA Media is about the size of a hefty paperback novel and is aimed at the computer- and desktop-audio worlds.* This diminutive amplifier takes the approach of keeping the audio signal in the digital domain until the last possible step before it crosses over into analog.</strong></p>
<p>The simple configuration of the $359 Maestro-50 begs the user to power it up first and examine it later. *I begin by connecting the amp to my MacBook using the TOSLINK cable, with a Shunyata Venom 3 power cord delivering the juice and Cardas speaker cables connecting it to a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3s.* The solo piano of a live version of Jamie Cullum’s “Wheels” pops forth with all the quickness one would expect from ICE-powered amplification.* Having listened to live music in the lounge where this recording was made, I’m impressed by how the Maestro-50 gets the basics of the room’s tonal quality correct right out of the box.</p>
<p>Revisiting this track after a week of burn-in reveals less edginess and a more open high end. *The rolling keystrokes accompanying this catchy tune rapidly move from calm to intense, with Cullum’s slightly hoarse vocals now more clearly dominating the track—a definite improvement.</p>
<p><strong>Simple, but Not Too Simple</strong></p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is a basic-looking but handsome piece of equipment, with an enclosure sculpted from aluminum and anodized in a brushed black finish.* The CNC millwork is hand-finished with rounded edges.* The box measures 7 inches wide, 4.6 inches deep and 1.75 inches tall, with the front panel showing only an off-white LED and a small push-button volume knob—the ultimate in simplicity.* The back panel is just the opposite.* AVA was able to maximize this tiny bit of real estate to include a horizontal power-toggle switch, three-prong power-cord receptacle, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, subwoofer RCA out inputs and left and right female banana connections for the speaker outputs. *A USB-to-S/PDIF convertor can be ordered for an additional $62.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 produces 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling into 4 ohms, which is plenty of juice to give impressions via the relatively inefficient Harbeths.* I incorporate a pair of ACI Emerald XL speakers (86 dB/watt) for the remaining listening sessions via my desktop system, also with excellent results.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom by AVA, which is careful to point out that there is no built-in DAC in the amp’s conversion process.* The company use a process similar to that used by Steinway Lyngdorf, NAD and a few others, demodulating the signal right before it goes to the speaker outputs.* A full technical explanation is available at the website of Pure Audio Stream, a division of AVA Media that provides direct supply of AVA Media’s digital amps: <a href="http://www.pureaudiostream.com/technology">www.pureaudiostream.com/technology</a>.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is all about conveniently accessing music in a manner consistent with 21st-century convenience.* Users with an Apple AirPort Express can merely set up the Maestro-50 as a zone to be accessed with his or her iDevice, or even a Windows machine.* As with all digital amplifiers, electricity usage is minimal, so leaving it powered 24/7 will barely impact your electricity bill.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-11487" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-media-maestro-50-digital-amplifier/attachment/1-60/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11487" title="1" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/173.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="268" /></a>Further Listening</strong></p>
<p>Sampling some Blue Note favorites, I find John Coltrane’s epic album <em>Blue Train</em> highly satisfying.* Coltrane’s signature sax sound is open, albeit slightly dry, but not enough to be a deal-breaker.* The Maestro-50’s quick transient response allows me to appreciate</p>
<p>Coltrane’s masterful finger work in the title track.* Lee Morgan’s trumpet is deliciously clear, making for foot-tapping fun.</p>
<p>The vocal harmonies of Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey” come through smooth and clear, with plenty of country twang.* The only place the Maestro falls short is with rich, resonant and more robust male vocalists like Johnny Cash.* The test speakers at my disposal all had a somewhat thin presentation here.</p>
<p>The amp’s lower bass output is respectable, with some punch, but those desiring a more robust bass response would do well to take advantage of the subwoofer output, adding the powered sub of their choice to the mix.* Our publisher reveals that the Maestro-50 does perform well with a more sensitive pair of speakers, like those from Zu Audio or Klipsch, so consider that as another option, should you really like to rock.</p>
<p><strong>Final Score</strong></p>
<p>The Maestro-50’s fresh design makes it an intriguing amplifier for the desktop and convenience-driven crowds.* By staying in the digital domain for inputs, it targets users who crave computer-based audio, and its sound quality makes for enjoyable all-day listening.</p>
<p>AVA Media Maestro-50 Digital Amplifier</p>
<p>MSRP: $359</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ava-media.com/">www.ava-media.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pureaudiostream.com/">www.pureaudiostream.com</a></p>
[Source: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-media-maestro-50-digital-amplifier/]
<p>The simple configuration of the $359 Maestro-50 begs the user to power it up first and examine it later. *I begin by connecting the amp to my MacBook using the TOSLINK cable, with a Shunyata Venom 3 power cord delivering the juice and Cardas speaker cables connecting it to a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3s.* The solo piano of a live version of Jamie Cullum’s “Wheels” pops forth with all the quickness one would expect from ICE-powered amplification.* Having listened to live music in the lounge where this recording was made, I’m impressed by how the Maestro-50 gets the basics of the room’s tonal quality correct right out of the box.</p>
<p>Revisiting this track after a week of burn-in reveals less edginess and a more open high end. *The rolling keystrokes accompanying this catchy tune rapidly move from calm to intense, with Cullum’s slightly hoarse vocals now more clearly dominating the track—a definite improvement.</p>
<p><strong>Simple, but Not Too Simple</strong></p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is a basic-looking but handsome piece of equipment, with an enclosure sculpted from aluminum and anodized in a brushed black finish.* The CNC millwork is hand-finished with rounded edges.* The box measures 7 inches wide, 4.6 inches deep and 1.75 inches tall, with the front panel showing only an off-white LED and a small push-button volume knob—the ultimate in simplicity.* The back panel is just the opposite.* AVA was able to maximize this tiny bit of real estate to include a horizontal power-toggle switch, three-prong power-cord receptacle, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, subwoofer RCA out inputs and left and right female banana connections for the speaker outputs. *A USB-to-S/PDIF convertor can be ordered for an additional $62.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 produces 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling into 4 ohms, which is plenty of juice to give impressions via the relatively inefficient Harbeths.* I incorporate a pair of ACI Emerald XL speakers (86 dB/watt) for the remaining listening sessions via my desktop system, also with excellent results.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom by AVA, which is careful to point out that there is no built-in DAC in the amp’s conversion process.* The company use a process similar to that used by Steinway Lyngdorf, NAD and a few others, demodulating the signal right before it goes to the speaker outputs.* A full technical explanation is available at the website of Pure Audio Stream, a division of AVA Media that provides direct supply of AVA Media’s digital amps: <a href="http://www.pureaudiostream.com/technology">www.pureaudiostream.com/technology</a>.</p>
<p>The Maestro-50 is all about conveniently accessing music in a manner consistent with 21st-century convenience.* Users with an Apple AirPort Express can merely set up the Maestro-50 as a zone to be accessed with his or her iDevice, or even a Windows machine.* As with all digital amplifiers, electricity usage is minimal, so leaving it powered 24/7 will barely impact your electricity bill.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-11487" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-media-maestro-50-digital-amplifier/attachment/1-60/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11487" title="1" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/173.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="268" /></a>Further Listening</strong></p>
<p>Sampling some Blue Note favorites, I find John Coltrane’s epic album <em>Blue Train</em> highly satisfying.* Coltrane’s signature sax sound is open, albeit slightly dry, but not enough to be a deal-breaker.* The Maestro-50’s quick transient response allows me to appreciate</p>
<p>Coltrane’s masterful finger work in the title track.* Lee Morgan’s trumpet is deliciously clear, making for foot-tapping fun.</p>
<p>The vocal harmonies of Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey” come through smooth and clear, with plenty of country twang.* The only place the Maestro falls short is with rich, resonant and more robust male vocalists like Johnny Cash.* The test speakers at my disposal all had a somewhat thin presentation here.</p>
<p>The amp’s lower bass output is respectable, with some punch, but those desiring a more robust bass response would do well to take advantage of the subwoofer output, adding the powered sub of their choice to the mix.* Our publisher reveals that the Maestro-50 does perform well with a more sensitive pair of speakers, like those from Zu Audio or Klipsch, so consider that as another option, should you really like to rock.</p>
<p><strong>Final Score</strong></p>
<p>The Maestro-50’s fresh design makes it an intriguing amplifier for the desktop and convenience-driven crowds.* By staying in the digital domain for inputs, it targets users who crave computer-based audio, and its sound quality makes for enjoyable all-day listening.</p>
<p>AVA Media Maestro-50 Digital Amplifier</p>
<p>MSRP: $359</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ava-media.com/">www.ava-media.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pureaudiostream.com/">www.pureaudiostream.com</a></p>
[Source: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-media-maestro-50-digital-amplifier/]