- ModWright20 November 2023, 12:00 am
Dan Wright of ModWright Instruments Inc., partnered with Cardas Audio, Acora Acoustics, and Woodsong Audio to bring his new compact, affordable 9-series products, which are "based on our Reference Designs," Wright told me in a preshow email.The ModWright room featured a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse turntable ($10,500) with an SME V tonearm ($5500) and an Ortofon Winfeld Ti MC cartridge ($5999) as well as a prototype ModWright step-up transformer ($2000), ModWright Analog Bridge ($3900), ModWright PH... - TAD + PAD20 November 2023, 12:00 am
Japan’s Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TAD) brought several products to CAF, including the US debut of the TAD Grand Evolution One (GE1) floor-standing speakers ($65,000/pair) and new TAD C1000 preamplifier ($24,950). Also in Room 651—hosted by Professional Audio Design (PAD)—were the TAD TAD-D1000MK2 disc player ($21,000), TAD-DA1000TX DAC ($15,900), and, driving the GE-1s, a pair of TAD TAD-M700 monoblocks. Synergistic Research supplied cables, including SR30 Sp... - VK Music20 November 2023, 12:00 am
It was hard to find focus in Victor Kong's room. Between the nearly invisible AER BD3B/650mm full-range open-baffle speakers ($9800/pair) and the various amps on static display—Sun Valley SV-1616D 300B integrated amp ($2450), or the Elekit TU-8900 ($3050) or Elekit TU-8850 ($1850) power amps—my palms felt sweaty, my head, dizzy. Is this SET-amp lover’s heaven?Victor’s active setup included a VPI 40th Anniversary HW-40 Direct turntable ($22,000) with the fantastic Hana ... - Voxativ20 November 2023, 12:00 am
Voxativ's Ines Adler and Christopher Cunningham brought the full Voxativ experience from Berlin to Rockville, including the new and revised Voxativ Ampeggio back-loaded horn with AC-1.9 full-range driver loudspeaker ($12,900/pair).Back in 2011 Art Dudley named the original Ampeggio a Stereophile Product of the Year, so this room held special meaning for industry folk and civilians who cherished Art's unique writing, big ears, and generous humanity of spirit.The original Ampeggio awarded by A... - Nexxus Audio Technologies17 November 2023, 12:00 am
Nexus Audio Technologies' Walter Schofield presented a rig consisting of the VPI Avenger Direct turntable with Fatboy tonearm ($36,000), VPI Shyla cartridge ($2500), and Primare R35 MM/MC phono preamp ($2000); the 432 EVO Master Music Server with Roon core endpoint ($18,000); the Primare PRE35 Prisma DM36 streaming preamplifier featuring the new DM36 advanced DAC module with MQA processing ($5250); and two Primare A35.2 stereo amplifiers ($3900 each) bridged to mono. Walter also presented the S...
- FENDER STRATOCASTER® 70TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK16 April 2024, 12:52 am
April 2024 – Country, blues, jazz, rock…the Fender Stratocaster® has […] The post FENDER STRATOCASTER® 70TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - PowerZone by GRYPHON DEBUTS AT AXPONA13 April 2024, 12:51 pm
Schaumberg, IL 12 April 2024: Gryphon Audio Designs ApS, designer […] The post PowerZone by GRYPHON DEBUTS AT AXPONA appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - The Beatles in Red and Blue12 April 2024, 8:17 pm
Even by Beatles standards it was a stunning announcement—that in […] The post The Beatles in Red and Blue appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Oswalds Mill Audio K3 Turntable12 April 2024, 8:12 pm
In 1967 Blue Note released a record by tenor saxophonist […] The post Oswalds Mill Audio K3 Turntable appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - 2023 Golden Ear: Schiit Freya S Preamplifier12 April 2024, 7:59 pm
$599 Over the years I’ve found that the most sonically […] The post 2023 Golden Ear: Schiit Freya S Preamplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- T.H.E. Show SoCal 2024 Discount Hotel Rooms Available16 April 2024, 11:23 am
North America's longest running hi-fi audio trade show, T.H.E. Show, is set to take place from June 7th through 9th at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa. T.H.E. Hotel Room Block is now available for our attendees at a very special discounted rate so make sure to book your rooms now. With this booking link, attendees will also be entitled to a special parking rate of $20 per day per vehicle (last year it was $28 so they are pleased to offer an even deeper savings).... - Montreal Audiofest 2024: Best Rooms And Honorable Mentions15 April 2024, 2:31 pm
The playing field at audio shows is never level. The room itself can make a huge difference as was notably evident to me this year. And mishaps can happen. A piece of music might be playing that doesn't show off the greatest strengths of a system. After 286 photos and over 17k babbling words, out of 66 rooms it came down to six I thought were outstanding and another nine I could live very happily with... plus another couple if headphones were my destiny. The Best Rooms did not all sound alike, ... - Chuck's Sunday FUNday At AXPONA 202415 April 2024, 1:03 pm
With the AXPONA 2024 (Audio Expo North America) show's last day in the books, EnjoyTheMusic.com's Chuck Bruce gives us his final 'preview'. Within his Sunday FUNday update Chuck reports on an excellent assortment of high-end audiophile gear. We're sure there's something within our many AXPONA 2024 show reports you'll love. As always... enjoy the music.... - Greg Weaver's Saturday Preview: AXPONA 202414 April 2024, 3:30 pm
Once again we're honored to have many fantastic photos and incredible info from the AXPONA 2024 show. Our Senior Editor Greg Weaver has sent us even more info for your visual pleasures. We also feature Qobuz's David Solomon too, plus new great that's not to be missed. All this and more within today's AXPONA 2024 show report update from Greg Weaver. As always... enjoy the music!... - Michael Bump's Saturday AXPONA 2024 Show Report14 April 2024, 1:06 pm
Michael Bump heard many great pieces of high-performance audio gear. From turntables and Hi-Res Audio DACs to lossless music streamers, reference-quality loudspeakers, tweaks and so very much more. There was quite a bit of high-end audiophile quality stereo equipment to see during the AXPONA 2024 show. As always... enjoy the music!...
- REVIEW: Norma Audio Electronics REVO IPA-80 ⸜ integrated amplifier » ITALY2 April 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtext WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation Marek Dyba images „High Fidelity”, Bartosz Łuczak/Piksel StudioNo 239 April 2, 2024˻ WORLD PREMIERE ˼⌈ Norma Audio Electronics is an Italian company founded in 1987. Initially specializing in amplifiers, with its first product being the NS 123 integrated amplifier, it was bought by Opal Electronics in 1991. It took nearly seven years of research and development to come up with an entirely new series ... - KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY ⸜ meeting № 145: POLSKIE NAGRANIA (Polish Recordings label) on SACD, with Damian Lipiński onboard » POLAND/Kraków2 April 2024, 12:00 am
Krakowtext and transcription from the tape WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation Marek Dyba Photos by "High Fidelity"Sonic Society April 2, 2024⌈ SUPER AUDIO CD is a format created to replace Compact Disc. It offers high-resolution stereo and multi-channel sound (up to 6 channels). Conceived as an archival format, it has become a de facto audiophile format. Last year the first discs belonging to the Polish rock archive of all time were released. ⌋DAY "ZERO" FOR TH... - REVIEW: Marton OPUSCULUM OMNI V1.0 ⸜ integrated amplifier » POLAND2 April 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtekst MAREK DYBA zdjęcia P.A. LABS, Marek DybaNo 239 April 2, 2024˻ WORLD PREMIERE ˼⌈ The history of the Marton Audio brand is impressive, as its roots date back to the 1970s. It is now owned by P.A. Labs, which manufactures power conditioners, power strips and cables under the GigaWatt brand. Marton's lineup is modest, as it is only two models of amplifiers, but how impressive these two are! We are testing a smaller GREAT amplifier, the Opusculum Om... - REVIEW: Fezz Audio EQUINOX EVO ⸜ digital-to-analog converter » POLAND2 April 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation Marek Dyba pictures "High Fidelity" | Fezz AudioNo 239 April 2, 2024˻ WORLD PREMIERE ˼⌈ FEZZ AUDIO is a company specializing in tube amplifiers. It is the audiophile branch of toroidal transformer manufacturer, TOROIDY.pl, also for audio applications. Fezz Audio was founded in 2014, and its first product was the LAURA integrated amplifier. We are testing its Equinox digital-to-analog converter. This is its first t... - REVIEW: Carbide Audio CARBIDE BASE ⸜ anti-vibration feet » USA2 April 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation Marek Dyba photos "High Fidelity", Carbide AudioNo 239 April 2, 2024⌈ CARBIDE AUDIO is based in the city of Llano located east of Austin, in the mountainous part of Texas. Founded in 2019 by JEFFREY JENKINS, this specialized audio company focuses on anti-vibration feet. It makes almost all the components for them in-house, using CNC machines, measurements and listening. We test its top-of-the-line CARBIDE BASE DIAMOND model. &...
- Rare and Classic Top Shelf Reissue LPs from Jazz Dispensary and Craft Recordings14 April 2024, 6:02 pm
Jazz Dispensary is a specialty imprint of Craft Recordings that's dedicated to mining the riches of parent company Concord Music's vast catalog of labels. The label employs what they call "sound sommeliers" to search the archives to find the finest original sources there for underappreciated masterpieces of funk, soul, jazz, and all the related genres... Read More » The post Rare and Classic Top Shelf Reissue LPs from Jazz Dispensary and Craft Recordings appeared first on Positive Feedback... - Classic Contemporary Label Jazz Reissues from Craft Recordings in Combination with Acoustic Sounds14 April 2024, 5:53 pm
Craft Recordings has announced the latest group of reissues from their Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds series, which features twelve LP reissues along with high-resolution digital files that will be released periodically throughout 2024. The exciting roster of Contemporary Records artists chosen for the current installment of the series includes classic titles from Art Pepper, Shelly... Read More » The post Classic Contemporary Label Jazz Reissues from Craft Recordings in Combination ... - Waters on the Hardware: Qln Signature Loudspeakers (5th generation)10 April 2024, 11:20 pm
Dean Waters at Pacific Audio Fest 2023: a portrait (photograph and image processing by David W. Robinson) The Qln Signature Series, Fifth Generation, front view with magnetically attached grill cover For the last several weeks I've been gleefully enjoying listening to and marveling at the 5th generation Signature series speakers from Qln. These are 2-way... Read More » The post Waters on the Hardware: Qln Signature Loudspeakers (5th generation) appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - SVS Debuts New Ultra Evolution Speakers at AXPONA 202410 April 2024, 8:53 pm
The newly launched Ultra Evolution Series ascends as the new flagship series representing the culmination of advancements in SVS audio design to achieve performance that transcends class. SVS will feature the new speakers with music in a pair of 2-channel stereo systems and cinematic content in an immersive 5.2.2 multichannel home theater system. AXPONA 2024... Read More » The post SVS Debuts New Ultra Evolution Speakers at AXPONA 2024 appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Stratton Acoustics heads to the windy city for its North American debut10 April 2024, 7:37 pm
April 11, 2024: Stratton Acoustics Ltd, the UK-based high-end loudspeaker manufacturer, is taking its Element 12 loudspeaker to the AXPONA 2024 high-end audio exhibition, set to take place in Chicago’s Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Centre (April 12-14). Recently launched to great acclaim at the Audio Deluxe Show in the UK, the Element 12, a 2-way,... Read More » The post Stratton Acoustics heads to the windy city for its North American debut appeared first on Pos...
- The Wireworld Stratus™ and Electra™Shielded Mini Power Conditioning cords10 April 2024, 6:41 am
You Can’t Unhear em! Wireworld founder David Salz makes some of the world’s finest cables, used by audiophiles and endorsed by recording engineers the world over. He’s a big thinker, and this time he’s solved a problem that a lot of us didn’t know we had – mini power cords. Applying their Fluxfield™ technology, he’s […]... - The Formula xHD DAC (rev.2) and La Diva Transport8 April 2024, 7:16 pm
It seems appropriate to begin listening to the Aqua combination with Emerson, Lake, and Palmer’s “Still, You Turn Me On..” Even though the compact disc format was less than immersive when introduced backin the early 80s, it has been transformed over the years. Personally, I abandoned the “digital sucks”posture around 1990, and things have only […]... - GETZ/GILBERTO by Impex!7 April 2024, 5:18 pm
Last year at Axpona, Abey Fonn and Nick Getz introduced their collaboration in the form of an Impex Records Limited Edition (7500 numbered pressings) in the One Step Getz/Gilberto album, originally released in 1964. Mastered from the original 2-track stereo production master analog tapes by Bernie Grundman, the album is resurrected for the first and […]... - Welcome to Distilled!7 April 2024, 3:00 pm
Hello and welcome to our new section – Distilled. We are not abandoning our standard reviews, but for those of you that would like a little more than the canned press releases everyone else is posting, but not sure if you want to make the time investment in a full review, we present the distilled […]... - Audio Research I-50 Integrated Amplifier5 April 2024, 5:37 pm
$6,500 – $8,500 (config. Dependent) audioresearch.com Generating as much excitement as a new In-N-Out Burger restaurant, ARC’s I-50 integrated amplifier has taken about two years for supply to start to catch up with demand, and a review sample is finally available. In Midwestern fashion, let’s cut the pleasantries – this is a fantastic product in […]...
- Recommended Reference Component: Hegel Music Systems H30A Stereo/Mono Amplifier15 April 2024, 4:00 am
Hegel Music Systems is best known for its highly regarded integrated amplifiers. The company’s flagship model in this category, the H600, was the subject of a review on this site by Philip Beaudette in September, 2023, which earned it a Reviewers’ Choice award and Recommended Reference Component honors. Five months before the H600 review—in fact, exactly one year ago today—Jason Thorpe reviewed Hegel’s H30A stereo/mono power amplifier, also on this site, declaring i... - Estelon Aura Loudspeaker1 April 2024, 4:00 am
Note: measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link. When I received a pair of Estelon Aura loudspeakers for review in the middle of last year, I proceeded to cover them in my “System One” column confident it would be sufficient for all I’d need to say. That writeup, which was published last November, earned the Aura a 2023 Product of the Year award for Aesthetics and Sound. After the article was published and t... - From Aura to Extreme—Experiencing Estonia’s Estelon1 April 2024, 4:00 am
My travel dynamics—frequency and range After 25 years of almost monthly travel to interview audio designers and to shoot images and videos, I am almost certain I’ve visited more hi-fi companies than anyone else on the planet. To me, frequent travel is a key part of the job that, time-consuming as it is, feels quite natural; but it seems to baffle some of my peers. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Rotel Diamond Series DT-6000 CD Player–DAC15 March 2024, 4:00 am
Rotel’s Diamond Series components—the RA‑6000 integrated amplifier–DAC ($4499, all prices in USD), reviewed by Roger Kanno last February, and the DT‑6000 CD player–DAC ($2299), reviewed by Roger last April—are touted as “celebrating 60 years of performance synonymous with the brand’s Japanese heritage.” In the case of the DT‑6000, this catchline seems particularly apt. ... - Sonus Faber’s Lumina II Amator Loudspeaker—Luxury and Beauty for Small Rooms and Budgets1 March 2024, 5:00 am
In the last installment of this column, I wrote about the Estelon Aura loudspeaker, which retails for $19,900 a pair (all prices USD). The amplifiers I used to power the Auras ranged from the $2499 Marantz 40n integrated amplifier (reviewed in August 2022) to the $30,000 duo of Simaudio Moon 791 streaming preamplifier (reviewed in November 2023) and 761 power amplifier. This month’s installment takes the “System One” column back to its roots, when it focused on more affordable ...
- Technics SU-R1000 reference stereo integrated amplifier Review5 April 2024, 5:43 pm
A few short years back, some large Japanese global conglomerate poured its vast engineering resources into creating three components; the first, a D/A converter that would be the envy of all, one that decodes all known codecs, and performs at equivalent level as others’ flagship designs. Then it turned its attention to the creation of [...] The post Technics SU-R1000 reference stereo integrated amplifier Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Computer Audio Design GC 1.1 & GC3.1 Ground Control external grounding systems Review26 March 2024, 4:06 pm
Several months ago a local dealer, Timbre Audio, hosted an open house featuring the principals of the company Computer Audio Design: Isabel Whitley and Scott Berry. CAD designs and manufactures passive external grounding boxes, among other products. Although I had heard of the company and had even read one or two reviews, I was [...] The post Computer Audio Design GC 1.1 & GC3.1 Ground Control external grounding systems Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Andy Grove of Audio Note UK on IO LTD13 March 2024, 3:54 pm
Read: Audio Note UK IO Ltd field-coil cartridge system Review I group audio engineering kung-fu into 3 main categories: Concepts which have a solid theoretical basis. Concepts which have a plausible, but tenuous or inadequately researched theoretical basis. Pure Magic, based on intuition and experimentation! What we are talking about here, the sound of [...] The post Andy Grove of Audio Note UK on IO LTD appeared first on Dagogo.... - Audio Note UK IO Limited field-coil cartridge system Review11 March 2024, 10:19 pm
There are lots of cartridges out there, a handful of manufacturers being responsible for the vast majority of the technologies and shapes of them. Swapping cartridges in and out of the system to enjoy a slightly different flavor of one’s favorite music is part of the charm of the analog experience. That said, when [...] The post Audio Note UK IO Limited field-coil cartridge system Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - EMM Labs MTRX monoblock Input Board Upgrade Review7 March 2024, 7:51 pm
Have you ever encountered someone who refuses to leave well enough alone? Almost as soon as my original review of the EMM Labs MTRX amps had been submitted, Ed Meitner began tinkering with the design of the amps’ input boards. In the next five years, three iterations of the boards appeared on my doorstep, [...] The post EMM Labs MTRX monoblock Input Board Upgrade Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- Back From Axpona Update - Audirvana on Linux, Immersive Audio In Munich, and More15 April 2024, 4:21 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. What a week, and I’m far from complaining. After spending three days upgrading my immersive audio system, I headed to Chicago for Axpona on Thursday. Full articles about each experience are coming soon. Today is the first day I’ve had a chance to sit down at my keyboard and collect my thoughts about what’s going on and what I&r... - System Install Prep and Deep Purple Pep4 April 2024, 2:00 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Next week is a big one for a couple reasons. Early in the week representatives from Wilson Audio arrive to help me install my eight new Alida CSC speakers and Mezzo CSC center channel. Late in the week Axpona starts! It’s a dream week for this audiophile. This week I’m prepping for the installation. Most likely, members of this commu... - Audiophile Travel Musings from Jakarta, Indonesia2 April 2024, 1:00 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Audiophile Travel Musings from Jakarta, Indonesia By Sajid Amit Hello Audiophiles! As you may know, if you have been a regular reader of this wonderful publication, I post occasional audiophile travel blogs. This one captures moments and experiences from my recent trip to the wonderful country of Indonesia... - I Bet You’ve Never Heard This … #228 March 2024, 4:01 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Welcome to the second installment of I Bet You’ve Never Heard This, where I recommend albums you actually may have heard, but you get the gist of what I’m saying. These “Never Heard” albums should be in all of our libraries, but for one reason or another we missed them upon original or rerelease. After publishing the firs... - Audio Fun and New Possibilities With Raspberry Pi 526 March 2024, 5:54 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. It has been quite a while since I wrote about using a Raspberry Pi or other single board computer in my HiFi system. The main reason for this lack of articles is because audio manufacturers have created some amazing products to fill the void I attempted to fill with my How-To articles. For example, when I first started writing about this stuff, Sonore hadn&rsq...
- AXPONA, Day 1: A Brief Photo Essay12 April 2024, 12:00 am
Behold Luxman’s PDA-191A turntable ( $12,495), which is fitted with the Luxman LMC-5 cartridge ($2,695), in action in the Prosperity room.AXPONA Day 1 is officially in the books! We’ll have our first full in-depth report up in a day or so, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here are more than a few in-the-room photos to whet your analog whistle, including cool new gear from Luxman, Thorens, Vertere, SAT, and Manley. Details follow in each photo caption.Luxman head honcho John Pra... - We Are AXPONA Bound!10 April 2024, 12:00 am
We are officially on our way to AXPONA (cue “Leaving on a Jet Plane”), and we’ll be bringing you a number of firsthand reports during and/or after the course of the big show, so stay tuned!Ahead of our travels, we’ve been diligently previewing a number of products we’re looking forward to seeing firsthand at AXPONA. Our partner/sister sites, Stereophile and Sound & Vision, both have great preview perspectives of their own, but also be sure to check them both ... - AXPONA Preview: Aidas Mammoth Gold Limited Edition Cartridge9 April 2024, 12:00 am
One day closer to AXPONA means we still have time for at least one more product preview, and today’s subject is the noted Lithuanian company Aidas and their Mammoth Gold Tusk Limited Edition cartridge — a.k.a., the Tusk.According to Aidas, the Mammoth Gold LE cart features “carefully selected” white, ultra-pure mammoth tusk material, and it employs an upgraded magnetic system featuring a larger Alnico-5 magnet that is said to ensure “stable and rich magnetic fiel... - AXPONA Preview: J.Sikora Standard Max 15th Anniversary Turntable8 April 2024, 12:00 am
With AXPONA now only just a few days away, we’re continuing onward with our new-gear preview series, right up until we arrive at the show itself. Today, we zero in on some exciting news from the Poland-based company J.Sikora, who have announced the unveiling of the 15th Anniversary Edition of their Standard Max turntable as a “worldwide premiere” at AXPONA.Some background is warranted here. Back in 2009, company founder Janusz Sikora completed the design of his first turntab... - RSD Preview Review: Nat King Cole’s Intimate, 1953 Small Club Gig, Live at the Blue Note Chicago, Makes Its Vinyl Debut on April 20 Via 180g 2LP Set Pressed at RTI5 April 2024, 12:00 am
The first question I asked myself when contemplating the newly unearthed 1953 concert recording of Nat King Cole duly dubbed Live at the Blue Note Chicago — which is earmarked for release on the next upcoming Record Store Day, April 20 — is why would audiophile-leaning vinyl enthusiasts and jazz fans alike want it in their collections? The combination of great performances, of-era sound quality, and pricing topped my requirements list, and, fortunately, Live at the Blue Note Chicago...
- HOW-TO be a HAPPY AUDIOPHILE + 4 Viewer Systems!10 April 2024, 4:30 pm
... - Cooler SCHIIT! The AEGIR 2!6 April 2024, 4:15 pm
... - AUDIOPHILIAC: KEEPING it REAL or GOING AI?1 April 2024, 4:30 pm
... - MODWRIGHT LS99, Your First Tube Preamp?24 March 2024, 8:00 pm
... - Spectacularly Great JBL, Klipsch, OJAS, and Avantgarde Acoustic Horn Speakers!17 March 2024, 6:00 pm
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- Saturday AXPONA Highlights | AXPONA 202414 April 2024, 4:52 pm
Welcome to my Saturday AXPONA highlights. (If you want to see the Friday highlights, click here.) Is it time to start talking about awards for AXPONA 2024? If so, then I nominate this Garrard 401 [...]... - Friday AXPONA Highlights | AXPONA 202413 April 2024, 3:03 pm
I was a little nervous about attending AXPONA 2024–last year’s high-end audio show in Chicago was a huge, successful show, but the PTA team had a difficult time in covering all of it. As the [...]... - BAT VK-85 and REX 300 Debut at AXPONA | Announcements10 April 2024, 8:00 am
The PTA crew will get a chance to hear the BAT VK-85 preamplifier and REX 300 power amplifier at AXPONA this weekend, in Suite 348. Here’s the official press release from MoFi: BAT introduces the BAT [...]... - AXPONA 2024 Preview | AXPONA 20249 April 2024, 8:00 am
Of all the high-end audio shows I covered in 2023, the toughest was undoubtedly AXPONA. Why? Because this Chicago-based show has become huge post-pandemic, so much so that most people in the industry now consider [...]... - Qln Reference 9 Introduced at AXPONA | Announcements8 April 2024, 6:26 pm
The PTA staff has known about the development of the Qln Reference 9 for the last year or two, and we’ve been eagerly anticipating its debut in the US. The Qln Reference 9 is the [...]...
- Cambridge Audio readies CXA81 MKII integrated amplifier12 April 2024, 2:25 pm
Cambridge Audio has announced a second version of its CXA81 integrated amplifier. The MKII model promises 80wpc but into how many Ohms the press release doesn’t say into 8 Ohms (now confirmed by Cambridge). No mind. The revised Class A/B amplifier circuit is juiced by a large toroidal transformer with […] The post Cambridge Audio readies CXA81 MKII integrated amplifier first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purp... - The madness of Dolby Atmos for music fans12 April 2024, 12:04 pm
🎥 Camera: John Darko 🎬 Editor: John Darko 🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss 🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko 💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan 🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video – and other videos – can be found on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/johndarko Further information: Dolby 👉 As […] The post The madness of Dolby Atmos for music fans first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS fe... - Audiolab adds Plexamp to its 9000N streaming DAC11 April 2024, 4:44 pm
Last September, Audiolab announced its flagship streaming DAC: the crisply-dressed 9000N (€2799). You can read more about the hardware here because today’s story is about a recent software update that formally activated Roon Readiness and added support for Plexamp. The latter has come about due to Audiolab’s collaborative work with […] The post Audiolab adds Plexamp to its 9000N streaming DAC first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to... - MoFi Electronics rolls out SourcePoint 888 floorstander9 April 2024, 5:41 pm
Mofi Electronics has announced the SourcePoint 888 — a new floorstanding loudspeaker from Andrew Jones that extends the SourcePoint 8 standmount design with two additional 8-inch paper bass drivers to relieve the coaxially-mounted midrange driver – also an 8-incher – of all bass duties. 888 = 3 x 8-inch drivers. […] The post MoFi Electronics rolls out SourcePoint 888 floorstander first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduc... - Wishful thinking is endemic to the hi-fi show experience9 April 2024, 4:03 pm
Wishful thinking. For audiophiles, it starts at home: “There is nothing wrong with the sound of my room”. Never mind that no room is perfect and all untreated rooms have reverberation issues above 100 – 200Hz (the Schröder Frequency) and bass modes below it. Many acoustically treated rooms, including my […] The post Wishful thinking is endemic to the hi-fi show experience first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced,...
- Harold Land: The Fox—Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series (Vinyl)3 April 2024, 6:39 pm
Harold Land (1928 – 2001) is yet another tenor player who had escaped my (limited) scope of jazz knowledge. Not only an escapee but a giant among tenorists. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Sonny, Stan and Coltrane. If you don’t know his playing, yes, it’s that good. Of course, jazz aficionados have known about Land all along; his giant hardbop/postbop chops and his accomplishments in composition. The Fox, from 1960 is a perfect vehicle to highlight both. But much like Booker... - Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE1 April 2024, 9:17 am
Bluesound has built a leadership position in the audio streaming landscape by offering attainably priced, real-world-oriented components. A brand in the Lenbrook portfolio, Bluesound sits at the intersection of mainstream and audiophile markets. This is my first review of a Bluesound product but I have known the brand by reputation for both their streaming hardware and their software ecosystem known as BluOS which is used by other Lenbrook brands such as NAD. For the last couple of months, ... - Tektron Italia Neptune Reference Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier1 April 2024, 9:16 am
I have for you here the drop-dead-gorgeous Italian-made Neptune Vacuum Tube Integrated Single-Ended Triode Amplifier with 211 Tubes by Tektron from Catania, Sicily (USD 19,500). This beauty is the quintessential example of “form following function,” in the best of Italian manufacturing traditions, where style and elegance are always the Janus-headed partners of form. Since the Renaissance, the best of Italian creations have integrated form with style, and the Neptune is a wondrous ex... - Audio-Technica AT33MONO MC Phono Cartridge.1 April 2024, 9:16 am
To Mono, or not to Mono, that is the question… I was excited to hear Audio-Technica had released an anniversary edition of their AT33Mono MC cartridge. Most of my mono albums are in the jazz category (vocal and instrumental), but I also have some stellar pop and rock albums, too, that would now be able to get the proper mono treatment they deserve. As an avid record collector in many genres, I generally prefer and choose stereo pressings over mono pressings. This was always due to m... - Booker Ervin: Texbook Tenor—Bluenote Tone Poet Vinyl Series [March 2024]22 March 2024, 5:40 pm
With the plethora of new jazz vinyl reissues from many excellent labels, we are bound to find some artists new to us. Just so with this new Booker Ervin LP, TexBook Tenor. This March 2024 release is from the Bluenote Tone Poet Vinyl Series, Joe Harley’s project to bring superior remastering and production values to the mainstream for a reasonable price. As such, all the Tone Poets I’ve reviewed to date have been pressed very well, everything centred and the records flat. The same for...
- BAT introduces the BAT VK-85 Preamplifier and REX 300 Power Amplifier9 April 2024, 2:10 pm
April 9, 2024 – Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) introduces the […] The post BAT introduces the BAT VK-85 Preamplifier and REX 300 Power Amplifier appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Lotus Hifi of London, in conjunction with distributors Boyer Audio, bring Wadax to the UK28 March 2024, 3:47 pm
23 March 2024 – “Lotus Hifi of London, in conjunction […] The post Lotus Hifi of London, in conjunction with distributors Boyer Audio, bring Wadax to the UK appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Audio Show Deluxe 2024: A photo show report28 March 2024, 1:10 am
The second annual Audio Show Deluxe took place this weekend. […] The post Audio Show Deluxe 2024: A photo show report appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Music Interview: Jah Wobble27 March 2024, 6:48 pm
English bassist Jah Wobble has been making music inspired by influences from all over the globe for almost half a century. Sean Hannam met him, to discuss his four-CD compilation. The post Music Interview: Jah Wobble appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Reiki Audio SuperSwitch Master Pro + Servant Pro27 March 2024, 6:23 pm
It may sound like the Downton Abbey of audio. Still, this one-input, highly filtered Ethernet system and its optional power supplies are some of the best, according to Jason Kennedy. The post Reiki Audio SuperSwitch Master Pro + Servant Pro appeared first on hi-fi+....
- Audiolab 9000N Network Streamer/DAC15 April 2024, 12:00 am
The third and final component in Audiolab's three-strong 9000 series has landed – an app-driven network DAC with balanced outs. But what, if any, is the Lumin connection?Arriving to crown Audiolab's top-flight 9000 series, which launched with the 9000A integrated amplifier and 9000CDT CD transport [HFN Aug '23], the 9000N is arguably the most intriguing model in the range. This streaming DAC, priced at £2499, and styled to match, marks a point of departure for the brand as its asso... - Micros Can Be Mega12 April 2024, 12:00 am
Miniature components claiming high-end performance... Martin Colloms hears French company Micromega's Microdrive, Variodac and MicroampSitting in a neat stack on the desk in front of me as I write, the subjects of this review remind me of those pretty Toshiba Aurex units of yesteryear [HFN Apr '16]. There are three Micromega components in all: the Microdrive CD transport (an improbably small device, this); the Variodac, comprising a Bitstream digital-to-analogue converter with remote power vol... - Canor Audio Virtus I2 Integrated Amplifier11 April 2024, 12:00 am
This Slovakian design and production facility takes pride in its tube selection, in-house PCB 'milling' and other innovations. Here's the new flagship 'Premium Line' integratedCanor Audio, based in Slovakia, is certainly not the most famous of hi-fi brands, but has been around for longer than many will realise. And, cunningly, it sidesteps the minefield of online rage surrounding tube versus solid-state amplification by manufacturing hybrid amps, a solid-state design, and fully fledged tube pr... - Joan Baez Vol. 110 April 2024, 12:00 am
The teenage singer with the vibrato soprano shunned the commercial trappings of a major label deal to record this stripped-back collection of traditional folk songs, launching a career that would later see her performing at the White House...In July 1959, aged just 18, Joan Baez played at the first Newport Folk Festival at Freebody Park, Rhode Island, and created an instant reaction. Coming off the stage she was approached by newspapers, the student press and Time magazine, who all wanted to s... - Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista DAC USB DAC8 April 2024, 12:00 am
The miniature nuvistor 'tube' continues its inexorable march through Musical Fidelity's latest separates, defining the flagship products in its range. Now it's the turn of the DACSince Heinz Lichtenegger acquired Musical Fidelity in 2018, the company has appeared truly revitalised, particularly at the upper end of its range. Working with the UK design team, the Pro-Ject boss has resurrected the nuvistor tube-based Nu-Vista line with a slew of new models. And Lichtenegger is a big believer in s...
- Trinnov Brings Perfect Home Theater Bass for All One Step Closer with Waveforming Design Tool16 April 2024, 2:20 pm
Trinnov's advanced Waveforming bass optimization technology is getting easier to access and use for custom installers and DIY home theater enthusiasts alike.... - iFi’s ZEN Phono 3 is Designed to Help You Rediscover & Reconnect With Your Record Collection16 April 2024, 9:00 am
At $249, the 3rd generation iFi ZEN Phono preamp handles both MM and MC cartridges with a subsonic filter that removes imperfections.... - iFi’s ZEN DAC 3 Offers Some Serious Flexibility Options for Music Listeners and Gamers16 April 2024, 5:39 am
At $229, the 3rd generation iFi ZEN DAC adds a USB-C digital input and improves hi-res audio decoding up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM.... - Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2: Review15 April 2024, 9:00 am
Do the Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2 Loudspeakers compare favorably with the competition below $500? They should be on your audition list for sure.... - Win Q Acoustics M40 Wireless Speakers With QED Cables ($1,370 value)14 April 2024, 9:36 pm
Feeling lucky? Enter for a chance to win a pair of Q Acoustics M40 Wireless Speakers with QED Cables. Must be 18+ and U.S. or CA resident and enter before 11:59pm PDT on April 30, 2024....
- Soulnote A-1 Integrated Amplifier Review15 April 2024, 12:00 pm
The newest integrated amplifier from Soulnote is the A-1. This amplifier is designed by ear first with fanatical attention to its musical... The post Soulnote A-1 Integrated Amplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Stenheim Alumine Two.Five Loudspeaker Review11 April 2024, 4:00 pm
If on your radar was a pair of Stenheim loudspeakers but the cost may have persuaded you otherwise, the new, floor-standing Alumine... The post Stenheim Alumine Two.Five Loudspeaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Spirit Torino Twin Pulse Beryllium IEM Review8 April 2024, 12:00 pm
Italian headphone manufacturer Spirit Torino, known for its unique technical and design approach, applies those same sensibilities to... The post Spirit Torino Twin Pulse Beryllium IEM Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - HumminGuru Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner & Accessories3 April 2024, 12:00 pm
Simple is BETTER. Much, Much Better. The HumminGuru Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner began development in 2019. By the end of 2020, a... The post HumminGuru Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner & Accessories appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Epson EpiqVision LS650 UST Laser Projector Review.31 March 2024, 12:00 pm
Epson’s LS650 UST Laser Projector is a great way to put a 120-inch picture in your living room with easy setup and installation. The post Epson EpiqVision LS650 UST Laser Projector Review. appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Audience frontRow USB Cable22 February 2024, 7:16 pm
There has been a lot of discussion about digital cables, centering on the fact that digital data simply contains 1 and 0. The 1 is 5 Volts, and the 0 is zero Volts. Either “on” or “off”. What could go wrong? This is the heart of the controversy, since some folks seem to be convinced […]... - Hana Umami Red Phono Cartridge and Musical Surroundings Phonomena III Phono Preamplifier9 December 2023, 11:10 pm
A proper Japanese translation of the word umami is the “essence of deliciousness”. Still another suggests the literal translation to be a “pleasant, savory taste”. These definitions apply to the Hana Umami Red moving coil phono cartridge, which is not only a real treat to hear, but is also a treat for your wallet at […]... - KEF LS50 Meta Loudspeakers31 October 2023, 9:17 pm
There have been many reviews of this modern high-tech loudspeaker, so the purpose today is to add another data point of opinion about this popular speaker. The observations below focus on reference level comparisons, not considering the speaker’s price against similarly priced competition. The $1,599 LS50 Meta is available in four colors: Carbon Black, Titanium […]... - Clearaudio Ovation Turntable and Universal Tonearm11 September 2023, 3:22 pm
Clearaudio is a well-respected manufacturer of turntables, tonearms, phono cartridges, phono preamplifiers, and accessories. Their home base is in Germany. The Clearaudio Ovation turntable has been in production for several years. The Ovation turntable features a rectangular footprint, belt drive, electronic speed control and Clearaudio’s patented CMB – Ceramic Magnetic Bearing. The CMB obliterates the […]... - Audience Studio TWO USB Cable28 June 2023, 7:59 pm
Bits is bits, right? Maybe the computer bits really are just little blocks of information, static and unchanged and unchangeable from the recording studio to your awesome music system. However, the reality is that the way those bits travel from one point in the recording process to the final point in the listening chain can […]...
- Book Review: Deep Inside the Blues by Margo Cooper9 April 2024, 7:18 pm
Deep Inside the Blues by Margo Cooper Book Review by Andrew Matthews When Noam asked me if I was interested in reviewing this book, I was both excited and nervous. Excited, because I love music, books, writing and photography; nervous, because I do not consider myself to be much more than a novice when it comes to this essentially limitless genre of American music. Further, the blues is so inextricably linked to the culture from which it emanates that I had serious doubts as to wheth... - Review: Schiit Audio Aegir Stereo Power Amplifier4 April 2024, 7:30 pm
The Schiit Audio Aegir Stereo Power Amplifier: Soon to be a CHE? By Steve Graham I’m ba-ack. Sort of. After one of history’s shortest retirements, I’ve discovered there is still a lot to share with you lovely audiophiles. Recently, I revealed that my hearing had deteriorated. When it comes to parsing the fine details of an audio component’s performance, I don’t, for the most part, feel confident passing judgement. However, ... - Wall Of Sound Is 10 Years Old1 March 2024, 7:59 pm
Sometime in February 2014, I decided to start this website, for fun and perhaps a bit of income. Predictably the income part didn’t work out, but it has been fun – I’ve met some great people, some have become close friends, and I’ve had a chance to lead and be part of a very capable team, that’s reviewed a pretty nice spread of interesting and desirable gear, and music. I think we’ve succeeded in focusing, to a large extent, on our local {Canadian} audio scene... - Spendor Classic 3/1 Vs Graham/Chartwell LS6: A British Battle Royale25 January 2024, 12:14 am
Big Battle of the Brit Two-Ways: Spendor Audio Classic 3/1 Vs Graham Audio/Chartwell LS6 by David Neice Spendor Audio Classic 3/1: MSRP $5600 (Canadian). This speaker’s dedicated stand (not reviewed) retails for $1625 Canadian per pair Graham Audio/Chartwell LS6: MSRP $5600 (approximate) Canadian, Factory Stands: $1500 (USD), Artesania Decoupling Footers: $750 (USD) Verdict: There is a sweet spot in two-way stand mounts, my favourite speaker design. That sweet spot embraces ne... - Why The Vinyl Renaissance Is (Mostly) Not For Me6 January 2024, 11:06 pm
Why the Vinyl Renaissance is (Mostly) Not for Me By Steve Graham Spoiler alert: If you love vinyl, what comes next might not be to your taste. The intention of this report is not to dis vinyl lovers or change anybody’s mind. My take on the vinyl resurgence, and why it leaves me (mostly) flat, is just an opinion. If that opinion does not coincide with yours, I think we can be adult enough to agree to disagree. If you favour music as reproduced by the vinyl medium, I’m happy for...
- final ZE8000 MK2 Review15 April 2024, 8:56 am
Today, James reviews the final ZE8000 MK2, which is a 2nd-generation True Wireless System (TWS) with improved ANC performance and a new “Shield Fin” design. It is priced at $399. Disclaimer: This was sent to us as a sample for our honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. We thank the team at final and Jack Rabbit Media for giving us this opportunity. To read more on the final products we have previously featured […] final ZE800... - Austrian Audio The Composer Review13 April 2024, 9:04 am
Today, Marcus reviews the Austrian Audio The Composer, which is a set of flagship open-back 49mm dynamic driver headphones priced at €2,499. During this review, I will also be indirectly assessing the company’s new desktop solid-state discrete balanced headphone amplifier, the Full Score One, priced at €1,499. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or partnerships. I thank Austrian Au... - ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 Review12 April 2024, 8:52 am
In this feature, Meldrick reviews the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2, which is an affordable balanced 4.4mm USB Dongle DAC equipped with a dual CS43131 DAC. It is priced at $99.99. Disclaimer: This is a sample that was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. Many thanks to ddHiFi for their support You can read about previous ddHiFi products we have previously featured on Headfonics here. Note, that this article follows […] ddHiFi TC4... - KEFINE Delci Review10 April 2024, 11:01 am
In this feature, Thomas reviews the KEFINE Delci, which is a new entry-level and highly affordable single 10mm DLC dynamic driver universal IEM. It is priced at $59. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank KEFINE for their support. To read more about planar magnetic IEMs we have previously featured on Headfonics click here. Please note, that this article follows our […]... - LETSHUOER Cadenza4 Review8 April 2024, 9:02 am
Today, Nihal reviews the LETSHUOER Cadenza4, which is an affordable hybrid single 10mm dynamic and triple BA driver universal IEM priced at $249.00 SRP. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank LETSHUOER for their support To read more about LETSHUOER products previously tested on Headfonics click here. Note, that this article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read here. LE...
- Class D and GaN – The Latest Updates & More From Mytek Audio5 April 2024, 7:22 pm
Class D is fighting to join the ranks of acceptable audiophile technologies. The last five years has seen even more The post Class D and GaN – The Latest Updates & More From Mytek Audio appeared first on AudioHead.... - ampsandsound Delivers New “House Sound” With 3 New Products2 April 2024, 7:04 pm
New Vintage might be the way to describe the latest from LA-Based hifi shop ampsandsound. “Chief Mensch” Justin Webber just The post ampsandsound Delivers New “House Sound” With 3 New Products appeared first on AudioHead.... - SVS Unveils Their New Flagship Ultra Evolution Series27 March 2024, 3:04 pm
SVS has really made a big splash in the market the past few years. Their expansion from subs to audiophile The post SVS Unveils Their New Flagship Ultra Evolution Series appeared first on AudioHead.... - Schiit Audio’s Newest Tube Amp Costs $15025 March 2024, 8:13 pm
The latest tube amplifier from the US-based Schiit Audio still maintains a very-wallet friendly price as it moves into its The post Schiit Audio’s Newest Tube Amp Costs $150 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Audio Note UK – A Deep Dive With Peter Qvortrup19 March 2024, 9:40 pm
How many 2-channel companies out there make all the components to listen to music from end-to-end? A few might, but The post Audio Note UK – A Deep Dive With Peter Qvortrup appeared first on AudioHead....
- Meet Vera-Fi Audio, LLC – Exceptional Audio – High End Performance, Undeniable Value11 April 2024, 12:11 am
Simply put, at Vera-Fi Audio we offer unique, innovative, and leading-edge products that represent the absolute best in SOUND QUALITY and VALUE The post Meet Vera-Fi Audio, LLC – Exceptional Audio – High End Performance, Undeniable Value appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Vera-Fi Audio Puron Plug In AC Power Conditioner To Sponsor Our AXPONA Coverage!!!10 April 2024, 11:08 pm
The post Vera-Fi Audio Puron Plug In AC Power Conditioner To Sponsor Our AXPONA Coverage!!! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Grado SR325x – Prestige Redefined2 April 2024, 6:00 am
The holy grail of audiophile sound is the family-owned, American designed and hand-assembled boutique audio manufacturer, and dating back to The post Grado SR325x – Prestige Redefined appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - HIFIMAN Introduces the True Wireless TWS450 Earbud27 March 2024, 4:54 pm
Bringing High-End Performance to a Mass Market Pricepoint BELLMORE, NY, March 26, 2024 –HIFIMAN, the leader in high fidelity personal The post HIFIMAN Introduces the True Wireless TWS450 Earbud appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - The Sineaptic SE-1: A Value Proposition that is Off the Charts!25 March 2024, 6:00 am
Headphone technology has come a very long way over the past 15 – 20 years. When I started in this The post The Sineaptic SE-1: A Value Proposition that is Off the Charts! appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- MOON by Sim Audio announces new North Collection16 April 2024, 12:00 am
MOON by Sim Audio has unveiled its new North Collection of components. First out of the blocks is the £11,000 MOON 641 integrated, which the Canadian company says will drive: “even the most demanding of loudspeakers”. Boasting a new MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) design, it features an independent circuit with precise signal correction to significantly lower noise and distortion, with a claimed 125W into 8ohm loads and 250W into 4.Next up is the MOON 681 Network... - Introducing new In-Ceiling Speaker by Sonos and Sonance15 April 2024, 12:00 am
Direct from California comes the 205mm In-Ceiling Speaker by Sonos and Sonance, extending the Sonos Architectural line of passive speakers. This new one provides installers and customers with a fresh size option that the company says sits: “discreetly within the ceiling and delivers powerful, balanced and clear sound”.Designed and tuned by Sonos and custom-built by Sonance, the 205mm In-Ceiling Speaker features an enlarged driver and high-excursion motor: “for a smooth midran... - JBL introduces 8-channel DA850 and 16-channel DA165 distribution amplifiers11 April 2024, 12:00 am
US distributor Harman Luxury Audio Group has confirmed its new JBL DA Series distribution amplifiers are about to go on sale in the UK. Engineered to work with any existing JBL architectural loudspeaker, the 8-channel DA850 and 16-channel DA1650 provide four and eight zones of audio, respectively, in a compact 1U design while offering bridgeable outputs to meet high-power requirements.Both the DA850 and DA1650 offer a claimed 50W for each of their Class D channels into 8ohm loads and 110W into... - Do you use a power amplifier?10 April 2024, 12:00 am
... - Kestrel Audio unveils KT-100 turntable10 April 2024, 12:00 am
Kestrel Audio has introduced its new KT-100 Turntable, which the company describes as: “striking a perfect balance between affordability and performance, making it an ideal choice for discerning audiophiles seeking an upgrade from their entry-level setup”.Boasting a 9.5in unipivot carbon fibre tonearm selected to suit its smaller format plinth, it’s available in a choice of nine finishes: Black, White, Oak, Walnut, Red, Navy Blue, Olive Green, Slate Grey and Saffron Yellow. A...
- Treehaus Audiolab Brings “The A/Machines” New 300B Amplifier22 March 2024, 6:49 am
Treehaus often avoids calling a product “The Best.” The world of audio is far too subjective to ever use such a term seriously. That said, the A/Machines are confidently one of the top five 300B Single-Ended Triode (SET) amplifiers ever produced. It is the culmination of over a decade of research, development, and testing of […] The post Treehaus Audiolab Brings “The A/Machines” New 300B Amplifier appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Meze Audio Liric 2nd Generation Headphones7 March 2024, 9:53 pm
Next-generation headphone developed with community feedback to deliver an even better listen and a stunning new striped ebony finish. Meze Audio is delighted to introduce LIRIC 2nd Generation, a major evolution of its acclaimed LIRIC closed-back headphones with performance enhancements, a stunning new striped ebony wood finish and more modularity for easier upgrades and a […] The post Meze Audio Liric 2nd Generation Headphones appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - TIDAL Audio Welcomes Audio Ultra to Its Dealer Network27 February 2024, 9:13 pm
TIDAL Audio, the world renowned manufacturer of luxury high-end audio speakers and electronics, is delighted to announce the addition of a prestigious new dealer to its family. The newest member of the TIDAL Audio dealer network, Audio Ultra, located at the West Coast, now joins the esteemed ranks of Artisan Fidelity as an Authorized Partner […] The post TIDAL Audio Welcomes Audio Ultra to Its Dealer Network appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Treehaus Audiolab introduces new “Texture Black Metallic” finish 10 February 2024, 10:38 pm
Treehaus Audiolab introduces new “Texture Black Metallic” finish at the Florida International Audio Expo 2024 with Geshelli Labs February 10, 2024 Treehaus Audiolab will make its debut appearance at FLAX, supplying speakers to Geshelli Labs for a special listening room. Audiophiles can experience Treehaus Audiolab speakers on superb solid-state equipment in Florida for the first […] The post Treehaus Audiolab introduces new “Texture Black Me... - Review: PGGB – Your Personal Music Upscaler8 February 2024, 4:14 am
As an audiophile constantly in pursuit of the pinnacle of sound quality, I’ve had the opportunity to explore various tools and technologies designed to enhance digital audio. One such tool that has caught my attention is PGGB, a sophisticated piece of software that aims to elevate the hobby through advanced up-sampling techniques. Developed with a […] The post Review: PGGB – Your Personal Music Upscaler appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- Node SS-1 – revolutionising equipment support27 March 2024, 1:40 am
NEWS: Looking for support? For your hi-fi equipment, that is... Node has some options.... - Classé Audio Delta PRE Mk II takes it to the next level22 March 2024, 6:10 am
NEWS: What's a high-end preamp without streaming, eh? Classé Audio gives you the works with its Delta PRE Mk II... - Clearaudio’s Concept turntable upgraded to Signature26 February 2024, 3:32 am
NEWS: Clearaudio does its Concept turntable package with even greater flair... the new Signature update has significant enhancements,... - Exposure launches 360 turntable… and it looks familiar16 February 2024, 1:04 am
NEWS: A turntable to match your Exposure amp now... the 360 looks suspiciously familiar to us.... - Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X gets a Limited Edition14 February 2024, 2:34 am
NEWS: The legendary Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO gets a special edition for the company's centennial celebrations....
- WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review13 February 2024, 11:07 am
the best combination of hardware and software I’ve seen in the hi-fi streaming sector to date, and represents the kind of value for money that is never given the recognition it deserves by the industry, especially the press. If you want to stream audio to a hi-fi, this is the little box you should buy.... - Spartan 30 Headphone / Line Preamplifier By Michael Fidler Reviewed7 February 2024, 12:30 pm
A small desktop headphone amp with line preamplifier, ideal for miniaturised systems with active speakers. What it lacks in modern conveniences it makes up for in linearity, power and low distortion.... - Acoustic Research AR48S Restoration Part 119 December 2023, 11:55 am
Dodgy drivers thwart my attempt to restore these classic Acoustic Research AR48S speakers, for now.... - Technics RS-B11W Cassette Deck Thoughts & Repairs14 December 2023, 11:22 am
Technics proved that doubling the decks didn’t mean halving the performance and the results speak for themselves. Probably one of the best bargains in cassette decks at the moment.... - Sony TC-WR645S Cassette Deck Repairs13 December 2023, 11:57 am
A well-featured machine even if it wasn’t Sony’s finest in terms of its construction quality. These make decent recordings, and are fine playback decks especially if you want the convenience of autoreverse. I’d probably still go for the more modern TC-WE475 or TC-WE675 for its simpler mechanics and better build quality...
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 In-ear Monitors Review3 April 2024, 3:49 am
Matthew Jens goes on a sonic sojourn with this talented new in-ear monitor design…... - Leica Cine 1 Cinema TV (Short Throw Projector) Review3 April 2024, 2:51 am
Tony O'Brien is bedazzled by this seriously classy, short-throw projector from a world-famous optics manufacturer…... - Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated Amplifier Review21 March 2024, 4:02 am
Chris Frankland auditions this very high-achieving, premium-priced powerhouse…... - Optoma UHZ55 4K Projector Review21 March 2024, 3:58 am
Steve May sets his sights on this high-achieving yet reasonably affordable new 4k HDR laser projector…... - Nordost QNET Network Switch Review18 March 2024, 1:22 am
Mark Gusew banishes noise from his high-end digital front end with this premium-priced device…...
- Mission 750: A New Classic Bookshelf Speaker With Modern Tech4 April 2024, 5:28 pm
British hi-fi specialist Mission revives the spirit of its iconic speakers with a compact, retro-inspired design In celebration of its rich history, speaker specialist Mission is introducing a new bookshelf speaker, the Mission 750. This new speaker takes design cues from the iconic British loudspeakers of the 1980s and ’90s, particularly the landmark Mission 770 […] The post Mission 750: A New Classic Bookshelf Speaker With Modern Tech appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - BASN MTPro Review: Planar Power in a Pocket-Friendly Package2 April 2024, 9:57 pm
Considering these IEMs? Our in-depth BASN MTPro Review covers their build, features, sound quality, and our final verdict. Planar magnetic drivers used to be exclusively associated with first-rate over-ear headphones, but they’re increasingly appearing in affordable IEMs (in-ear monitors). The $219 BASN MTPro is one of the latest examples, bringing planar benefits to a more […] The post BASN MTPro Review: Planar Power in a Pocket-Friendly Package appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - Focal Vestia N1 Review: Sophisticated Sound on a (Relative) Budget30 March 2024, 8:38 pm
Considering the Focal Vestia N1 speakers? Read our in-depth review for sound impressions, pros, cons, and our final verdict. The Focal Vestia N1 bookshelf speakers are part of their mid-priced Vestia range, bringing Focal’s refined audio experience to a slightly more accessible price point. The name is inspired by the goddesses of hearth and home, […] The post Focal Vestia N1 Review: Sophisticated Sound on a (Relative) Budget appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - WiiM Amp Achieves Roon Ready Certification, Enhancing Streaming Options29 March 2024, 4:22 pm
The WiiM Amp is now Roon Ready – transform how you explore and enjoy music with rich artist info and intuitive browsing tools. WiiM, a technology company known for affordable, connected audio products, today announced that Roon Labs has officially granted its WiiM Amp Roon Ready certification. The WiiM Amp, released in November 2023, is […] The post WiiM Amp Achieves Roon Ready Certification, Enhancing Streaming Options appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - Melomania M100 Arrives: Cambridge Audio’s Latest Earbuds Feature Lossless Audio & ANC28 March 2024, 4:38 pm
The New Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 promises CD-quality lossless audio, powerful ANC, and impressive battery life. Cambridge Audio, a British audio company with a rich history in delivering accessible high-fidelity products, has added the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 to its award-winning Melomania series of true wireless earbuds. This latest model introduces cutting-edge features like Lossless […] The post Melomania M100 Arrives: Cambridge Audio’s Latest Earbuds Feature Lossles...
- A new (to me) local company -- Introducing Austin AudioWorks26 March 2024, 8:11 pm
... - Times must be getting tight at Blue Note!3 February 2024, 7:33 pm
... - Hey boomer....New music?26 January 2024, 2:58 pm
... - Jim Winey of Magnepan, RIP16 January 2024, 12:05 am
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- Peachtree Audio Carina GaN Integrated Amplifier: Full Review and YouTube video3 April 2024, 3:55 pm
Watch the YouTube videoA little over a year ago, Peachtree Audio cleared their deck, and introduced the Carina Integrated Amplifier. From the front panel to the internals, much of the design was new. I was fortunate to have one of the first review models and it was both intriguing and sonically stunning. Led by the inclusion of a pair of ESS 9068 DAC chips, with menu controls that allowed for personal preference in how the output sounded. This onboard DAC design was a showstopper.For 2024,... - HiFi Rose RS520 Integrated Streaming Amplifier15 March 2024, 2:02 am
Click to watch the YouTube VideoStunning and loaded with features, the HiFi Rose RS520 is one of the few standard-bearers of streaming integrated amplifiers on the market. From the tablet approach to controls, to the GaNFET amplification, and the built-in software for multiple streaming services, the RS520 is a true one-piece hub home audio system.www.dailyaudiophile.com... - The WiiM Amp: A Game Changer In Streaming Audio Amplifiers2 March 2024, 6:08 pm
Watch The YouTube Review What does it take to hit a grand slam in home audio? Start with a clean, simple exterior design. Pack in enough features to satisfy virtually everybody with a specific want. Make sure it can stream from an endless number of platforms/services. Include a robust, tested software app package. Provide enough power for all but the most demanding of speakers. Finally, put it at a price point that leaves the audio community slack-jawed. The WiiM Amp is all that!www.d... - The Groove Tickler: Stylus Replacement Expert27 February 2024, 3:47 am
Click Here For The YouTube ReviewA broken stylus is not the end of your cartridge, especially if it is out of production. JosephLong, aka The Groove Tickler can get you back to listening to your vinyl collection in a few short weeks.www.dailyaudiophile.com... - Vera-Fi Audio VBH-1 Isolation Feet: YouTube & Mini-Review4 February 2024, 2:13 am
Click here for videoMini-Review. Watch the video for the full review. Vibration is the enemy. While all of us are aware of sounds that tell us that something isn't tightly screwed, clamped, nailed, or leveled. A Braun electric toothbrush will prove that real quick. Between the type of spikes on the bottom of speaker bases or stands, to the various creative cones or feet on the bottom of higher end audio gear, isolating vibration is a known quest in audio world.After market isolation bases though...
- Halcro Eclipse Stereo Power Amplifier4 April 2024, 8:59 am
Honestly, I did not think the moment would come that another transistor amplifier would put up serious competition for my treasured CH A1.5, but here we are. Read all about it in the review.... - Main System 12 – March 202425 March 2024, 2:46 pm
This is a quick summary of the Main System as it was in March 2024.... - Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro and Bonn NX Ethernet Switches and Genesis GX Clock22 March 2024, 9:38 am
In this review, I will compare the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro Ethernet Switch with the new Bonn NX Ethernet Switch, first on its own and then augmented by the Genesis GX Word Clock.... - Diptyque DP 140 MkII4 March 2024, 8:51 am
With sleek and stylish new looks, improvements in structure and rigidity, optimized PPBM technology and higher tolerances across the board, the DP 140 MkII defines the sweet spot for Diptyque.... - Network Acoustics tempus15 February 2024, 9:07 am
tempus is the most recent addition to the Network Acoustics portfolio, a precision ultra-low noise Ethernet Switch with dedicated hybrid power supply....
- Westone MACH 70 Review28 January 2024, 10:10 am
Westone Laboratories, Inc. was established in 1959 by Ron Morgan in Colorado, USA. With a background in…... - Schiit Yggdrasil + OG DAC Review26 November 2023, 4:45 pm
Schiit are a company well-versed in high-end personal audio with a focus for value and…... - Sineaptic SE-1 Review22 November 2023, 6:41 pm
Gary Liu, together with his colleague Rocky from the tech world, founded Sineaptic. With a…... - Westone AM Pro X1022 October 2023, 10:26 am
Westone Laboratories, Inc. was established in 1959. In the 1980s, they developed balanced armature drivers in custom-made…... - Fiio FF1 Review17 September 2023, 6:41 pm
Fiio was established in 2007 in Guangzhou, China. The company markets high-resolution digital audio players,…...
Resistor Mag
- Axpona 2024 Coverage: Preamble16 April 2024, 3:31 pm
My approach to covering a show the size of Axpona 2024 is the same way I approach a meal at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I’m selective. Which is also to say I’m not all inclusive so let me apologize up front to all the exhibitors whose [...]... - #NewMusicFriday: April 12, 202412 April 2024, 1:00 pm
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen. Up On Gravity Hill by METZ Metz: Up On Gravity Hill (Sub Pop Records) [...]... - Album of the Week: Adrianne Lenker | Bright Future12 April 2024, 12:41 pm
I could survive on the music Adrianne Lenker makes for its warmth, kindness, compassion, and beauty. Her latest offering, Bright Future released on 4AD last month, is another ray of raw emotion. From the liner notes: On bright future, adrianne lenker, a songwriter known for [...]... - In Barn for Review: LAIV Harmony DAC11 April 2024, 9:00 am
A balanced discrete R-2R DAC. NOS or OS is your call with I2S as an option. Based on a modular design, the discrete Harmony DAC relies on an Intel Altera Cyclone FPGA to control the D to A conversion performed by a network of resistors [...]... - Review: Treehaus Audiolab ‘Phantom of Luxury’ Field Coil Loudspeakers9 April 2024, 9:00 am
Trees, ‘hauses, audio, and labs are some of my favorite words as they, when combined, bring to mind all manner of lovely hifi things past and present. And these words weren’t chosen at random, their references to wood, vintage German hifi from companies like Siemens [...]...
- FiiO K9 AKM Review15 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article, we review FiiO’s revised all-in-one unit, the FiiO K9 AKM. It retails for $529.99 USD. Disclaimer: FiiO provided the FiiO... The post FiiO K9 AKM Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Devialet Gemini II Review13 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article we’re looking at the Devialet Gemini II, the latest TWS of the famous French brand. It is selling for €399 USD.... The post Devialet Gemini II Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Dekoni x Hifiman Cobalt Review10 April 2024, 9:01 pm
In this article, we review the Dekoni X Hifiman Cobalt, a closed-back headphone made in partnership with the famous Chinese brand, selling for $399... The post Dekoni x Hifiman Cobalt Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Audeze MM-100 Review8 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article we look at the Audeze MM-100 studio headphone, selling for $399 USD. Disclaimer: The Audeze MM-100 was sent to us... The post Audeze MM-100 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - iBasso DC-Elite Review6 April 2024, 9:30 pm
Today, we review the iBasso DC-Elite USB DAC/AMP dongle. It is selling for $449 USD. Disclaimer: iBasso sent us the DC-Elite for this review.... The post iBasso DC-Elite Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/...
- Lost Recordings Finds Getz Quartet and Astrid Gilberto Live at the Berlin Jazz Festival 196616 April 2024, 2:00 am
analog stereo recording in Berlin Philharmonie acoustics... - At AXPONA 2024 Musical Surroundings Introduces Clearaudio Introduces $4000 Signature Turntable12 April 2024, 3:00 am
& DS Audio E3 Entry Level Optical cartridge & Equalizer ($2750)... - At AXPONA 2024 Musical Surroundings Launches Clearaudio Master Jubilee Turntable+ Unity Tonearm12 April 2024, 2:00 am
limited edition 45th anniversary turntable... - Charles Lloyd's Zen Wonder10 April 2024, 8:00 pm
The "West Coast Coltrane," still vibrant at 85... - Le Cure...la réédition10 April 2024, 6:00 pm
Seminal Post-Punk Gods The Cure Revive 1993 Live Recording...