STELLAVOX and SEPEA products reviewed in Taiwan

SEPEA audio external power stabilizer for STUDER A80 (2020/9 by River)

"After my comparison, it is indeed better sounding and there is lower background noise floor of music material. This should be the advantage to the original power supply. Since my A80R has already used the SEPEA audio Stabilizer Upgrade Card, the sound difference was not too big. But I believe that if A80 would use original Studer Stabilizer Card, the sound will be greatly improved by SEPEA audio power source upgrade."

Read whole story here.
Original review please find here (chinese).

Used STELLAVOX TD9 master tape recorder (2020/6 by River)

"Get one used Stellavox TD9. I will briefly explain basic design logic of TD9. In fact, the transport part of TD9 can support all speeds of 3.75-30ips, and even film speed can be selected. But it is different from common recorders on the market. Reproduction & record amps are not in the mainframe, but integrated in the head module. And each head module can only be equipped with two EQ boards at most. Therefore, each head module can only optimize at two EQ at most. If you want more, you must purchase additional head module. Although somewhat inconvenient (compared to the Studer/Nagra/Ampex/TFK... etc.) you will get used to it. The advantage is that the customer does not have too many unwanted options and as the soulution is simple, it has very good sound performance. The second special feature of TD9 is, that the time required to switch between different head specifications (Ex. 1/2" & 1/4") is very fast. Because only the replacement of left and right roller modules and head module is required. Similar logic is probably available only on Ampex ATR-100/2. But TD9 integrates audio amp in the head module, so not even the audio does need to be adjusted. This proove the advanced design of Stellavox at that time with no compromises."

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Original review please find here (chinese).

STELLAVOX TD9 master tape recorder (2020/9 by River)

"Finally Stella TD9 arrived - A beautiful beast!.

Of course, for music enthusiasts, the sound performance is the most important. After about a week of run in, I can say that TD9 is definitely F1 performance. Crystal clear transparency is even higher than Nagra T. But it will not lack bottom end, TD9 has its own style, worthy the high price. Although there was no direct comparison to Studer A820, I would say, that its "mini petite" volume, well designed control interface, Patek Philippe like craftsmanship and rarity, it is definitely the first choice for enthusiasts with rich taste!"

Read whole story here.
Original review please find here (chinese).