- 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...
- 2023 Golden Ear: Stenheim Alumine Five SE Dynamic Loudspeaker30 April 2024, 3:32 pm
$72,000 In 2021, I had the pleasure of reviewing one […] The post 2023 Golden Ear: Stenheim Alumine Five SE Dynamic Loudspeaker appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Audiovector QR 5 SE Loudspeaker Review | Tom Martin reports30 April 2024, 3:26 pm
Tom talks the Audiovector QR 5 SE. Impressed by its […] The post Audiovector QR 5 SE Loudspeaker Review | Tom Martin reports appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Focal Utopia (updated) Headphone Review26 April 2024, 6:21 pm
Tom Martin reviews the Focal Utopia headphones, their warm upper […] The post Focal Utopia (updated) Headphone Review appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Never Mind Pro Tools, Here’s the White Stripes26 April 2024, 4:48 pm
The third album by the White Stripes, Elephant was released […] The post Never Mind Pro Tools, Here’s the White Stripes appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Oneohtrix Point Never: Again26 April 2024, 4:44 pm
Conceptualized as “a speculative autobiography,” the tenth studio album from […] The post Oneohtrix Point Never: Again appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Today Is International Jazz Day 202430 April 2024, 1:32 pm
Back in 2011 we welcomed UNESCO's decision to officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day. In hopes of bringing great music while also uniting people globally, International Jazz Day features legendary jazz pianist / composer Herbie Hancock as UNESCO's Ambassador. According to their website, "International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and... - HIGH END 2024 At Munich's M.O.C. Show Report29 April 2024, 12:07 pm
From May 9th to 12th, 2024, the 41st HIGH END trade show in Munich will once again shine a spotlight on luxurious premium music reproduction systems, inspiring listening enjoyment and exquisite audio technology. HIGH END continues to be one of the most important marketplaces and trading rendezvous for the audio industry, with many international trade visitors from around the world. Music lovers from over 90 countries visit Munich to discover high-performance audio industry trends, exchange view... - Best Of AXPONA 2024 Blue Note Awards!27 April 2024, 1:39 pm
Here are Senior Editor Greg Weaver's Top Five Rooms / Best Of AXPONA 2024 Blue Note Award winners, presented in the same order as the main show report is laid out, starting on floor 16 and working down to the ground floor. Keep in mind that, given your personal biases and musical preferences, ANY of these Top Five Rooms might have filled your top honor qualifications. They were ALL fabulous and deserving of such remarkable recognition. Let's literally, "Take it from the top...."... - The Big AXPONA 2024 Show Report By Greg Weaver27 April 2024, 1:38 pm
This most recent AXPONA (Audio eXPO North America), held Friday, April 12th through Sunday, April 14th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center for the fifth time (COVID-19 took its toll affecting the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events), managed to break all its previous records by welcoming 10,391 attendees from 42 states and 31 countries. ... - Review: Eminent Technology LFT8c Loudspeaker Review26 April 2024, 11:36 am
A linear field transducer or LFT has a foil/Mylar diaphragm with conducting traces etched into it like a circuit board that are controlled by magnets in the frame which operate in push-pull. The effect is a presentation that is much more electrostatic in character than one finds in Magnepans or in full ribbon designs. Drawn to electrostatics, Thigpen sought to replicate their way with music – especially the midrange – without the difficult loads that electrostatics typically present...
- REVIEW: Cyrus CDi-XR ⸜ Compact Disc player » GREAT BRITAIN1 May 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtext WOJCIECH PACUŁA images Cyrus, „High Fidelity”No 240 May 1, 2024⌈ CYRUS is an English company that began its operations in 1983 as a separate brand of MISSION, and its first products were called MISSION CYRUS. Since 1984 it has been operating independently as CYRUS, and it was in 1984 that it launched the ONE and TWO amplifiers, which set the form of its devices for the following years. The special feature of its products is their shape - they ar... - INTERVIEW: ENRICO ROSSI ⸜ Norma Audio Electronics • designer » ITALY1 May 2024, 12:00 am
INTERVIEWText by WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images by „High Fidelity”, Marek MichalczykNo 240 May 1, 2024⌈ 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 of devices, many of which are still offered today. We speak with M... - REVIEW: S.M.S.L PL200 ⸜ Compact Disc player (MQA-CD) » CHINA1 May 2024, 12:00 am
ReviewText by WOJCIECH PACUŁA images by „High Fidelity”No 240 May 1, 2024⌈ Founded in 2009, Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Electronics (S.M.S.L) is a manufacturer based in the industrial part of China's Schenzen province. It offers nicely made products for audiophile market, such as D/A converters, headphone amplifiers and power amplifiers. We are testing its PL200 Compact Disc player. ⌋TWO, MAYBE THREE YEARS AGO, when writing about a Compact Disc player... - REVIEW: Ayre EX-8 2/0 ⸜ integrated amplifier » USA1 May 2024, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA Photos by „High Fidelity”No 240 May 1, 2024⌈ AYRE ACOUSTICS was founded in 1993 by: CHARLES HANSEN, KATIE LEHR and PETER BOHACEK. Leading it in the ensuing years, Hansen was previously a speaker designer and founder of a major American brand, Avalon Acoustics. Its first product was the V-3 power amplifier. Charles passed away in 2017, and Ariel Brown became his successor. AYRE’s products are made in Boulder, Colorado, and... - REVIEW: Audio Reveal HERCULES ⸜ digital-to-analog converter » POLAND1 May 2024, 12:00 am
ReviewText by MAREK DYBA Images by Marek Dyba, Audio RevealNo 240 May 1, 2024˻ WORLD PREMIERE ˼⌈ AUDIO REVEAL is a Polish brand specializing in the design and manufacture of single-ended tube amplifiers. However, the latest product of this company, that premieres herewith, belongs to a different category, although familiar elements are still there. It is the latest product in the lineup, the Hercules DAC, which belongs to the rare genre of tube DACs. What's mor...
- High End by Oz UK, our UK branch, is the new distributor for Viva Audio in the UK.26 April 2024, 9:37 pm
London, UK - High End by Oz UK is pleased to announce its exclusive partnership with VIVA Audio, a renowned manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. As the newly appointed distributor for the United Kingdom, High End by Oz will bring VIVA Audio's exceptional range of audio products to the discerning British market. IVA Audio is... Read More » The post High End by Oz UK, our UK branch, is the new distributor for Viva Audio in the UK. appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Patricia Barber's Companion, Now Available on 45 rpm 1STEP from Impex Records25 April 2024, 10:24 pm
Impex Records continues to roll out the hits with another superb choice for their next deluxe 1STEP LP treatment, reaching again into the catalog of classic albums from jazz composer, pianist, and vocalist Patricia Barber. For this release, Impex has chosen Barber's fifth album, Companion (1999, Premonition Records), which was recorded live at Chicago's Green... Read More » The post Patricia Barber's Companion, Now Available on 45 rpm 1STEP from Impex Records appeared first on Positive Fee... - Do Streaming Services Have a Sound?25 April 2024, 10:12 pm
I'm pleased to introduce this article by my audio friend, Ferenc Koscsó, founder of My Reel Club™ and eminent recording engineer. As so often in today's world, Ferenc (who lives in Budapest) and I have never met in person, but over the past five years we've shared many online communications about things audio. His goal... Read More » The post Do Streaming Services Have a Sound? appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Octave Records Releases the Newest in The Art of Hi-Fi Series With Volume 4: Strings25 April 2024, 6:13 pm
– The beauty and clarity of stringed instruments is showcased in spellbinding high-resolution DSD audio, in a wide variety of styles and sounds – April 24, 2024 – There’s something elemental and captivating about the sound of stringed instruments, and The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 04: Strings from PS Audio’s Octave Records showcases them to spellbinding effect, in stunning high-resolution Pure... Read More » The post Octave Records Rele... - AXPONA 2024: Manley Labs Preaches a Vinyl Gospel25 April 2024, 4:27 pm
Manley Labs has always kept its feet planted in two lands. Known for keeping the tube faith on the Pro side of audio—their mic preamps and processors are legendarily for their natural detail, color, and overall juiciness. They are used at many of the best studios and mastering houses. They also make some of the... Read More » The post AXPONA 2024: Manley Labs Preaches a Vinyl Gospel appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- We Visit The Music Room18 April 2024, 5:31 am
We spent some time with The Music Room and saw how much they’ve grown since our last visit! The best place to buy and sell used gear with total confidence. And a super helpful crew too! Please click here to watch the video.... - REL Tzero MKIII Subwoofer17 April 2024, 12:42 am
All REL! We’ve put a lot of emphasis on REL’s larger sub bass systems, but their smallest offering is affordable, approachable, and easy to use. The new TZero MKIII is the current iteration of their 6.5″ sub, featuring a 100 watt class-D amplifier, in a cabinet that is only 8.5 x 9.5 x 10.5 inches. […]... - 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 […]... - Our YouTube Channel is Live!10 April 2024, 5:23 am
Better late than never, eh? We’re finally broadcasting on YouTube, so if you’d like to stop by, just CLICK HERE:... - 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 […]...
- 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 ...
- PureAudioProject Quintet15 with Voxativ AC-X field-coil open-baffle loudspeaker system Review27 April 2024, 3:30 pm
The hierarchy of large loudspeakers in my experience begins at the top with the Sound Lab Prostat 922 at the Kimber Kable Exhibit at 2008 RMAF, Acapella Audio Arts Excalibur Triolon with its plasma tweeter, colossal midrange horn and a complete woofers column, followed by the Destination Audio Vista horn, the Dynaudio Evidence Master, the [...] The post PureAudioProject Quintet15 with Voxativ AC-X field-coil open-baffle loudspeaker system Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - 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....
- Improve Your Audio System - Tonight!30 April 2024, 3:09 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. I was inspired to use the title of this article, Improve Your Audio System - Tonight!, by a grocery store tabloid I saw many years ago. It was so preposterous that I never forgot it. The big headline on the tabloid was, “Lose Ten Pounds - Tonight!” However, the title to my article is 100% true. The vast majority of audiophiles can improve their aud... - Axpona 2024 Best of Show and Wrap Up25 April 2024, 3:40 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Audio Expo North America 2024 is in the books, and I look forward to 2025. The best part of this year’s show was seeing and talking with Audiophile Style contributors Rajiv Arora @austinpop , Bob Fairbairn @bobfa , and Joe Whip @JoeWhip ! When we get together to chat, you’d think we all attended different audio shows because our tastes are dif... - Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter In TrueHD Dolby Atmos22 April 2024, 7:03 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. This month the Sun, Moon, and Earth aligned, record store day fell on 4/20, and Pearl Jam released a new album. One of the aforementioned items made my eyes well up, delivering an emotion experience about which I’ll be talking for a long time. Eclipses are neat and 4/20 meant more to me back in the day, but the new Pearl Jam record, Dark Matter, is somet... - Great Music In A Difficult Environment17 April 2024, 3:40 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Release week is finally here for Pearl Jam’s new album Dark Matter! It should come as no surprise to members of the Audiophile Style community that I’ve been a diehard Pearl Jam fan since August of 1991 when I purchase the band’s debut album Ten. In fact, I’m sure many people are asking themselves if they really need to h... - 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...
- High End Munich 2024 Preview: Origin Live Demo System and Renown Tonearm29 April 2024, 12:00 am
Origin Live has given the green light to discuss their plans for what they’ll be showing at High End Munich 2024, and we’re more than happy to share what’s what with the internationally renowned — pun intended (and you’ll soon enough see why) — turntable and tonearm company.At High End Munich — which will be held this year from May 9-12, 2024 — Origin Live has confirmed that they will be exhibiting (and, naturally, demo’ing) a number of th... - Review Explosion, Short Cuts Edition, Vol. 14, RSD 2024 Roundup, Part 1: New, Top-Shelf Live LPs From Talking Heads and Fleet Foxes27 April 2024, 12:00 am
Record Store Day 2024 was an especially fun time this year, the first installment of which fell on last Saturday, April 20, 2024. Me, I was in San Francisco, which was abuzz with unofficial celebrations, and much music-is-love energy was also in the air — literally, in certain parts of town!I was situated mere footsteps from the entrance to Golden Gate Park, happily ensconced with several-hundred vinyl-loving music-fan friends waiting in line for Amoeba Music to open its doors on Haigh... - Checking in With Fidelity Record Pressing, Whose Oxnard, California, Pressing Plant Has Been Up and Running Since January and Making Many of the Records We Love to Spin26 April 2024, 12:00 am
We do love it when a pressing vinyl matter comes to fruition — or, in this case, the actual pressing of vinyl. Back in Q2 2022, we reported on the imminent opening of Fidelity Record Pressing here, and we’re long overdue with an update on when they got the presses rolling, and how they’re doing what they do.Here’s what we’ve learned. In January 2024, following their two-year-long, from-the-ground-up build, Fidelity Record Pressing officially opened their new Ox... - David Gilmour Set to Release New Solo Album, Luck and Strange, on 1LP Vinyl on September 624 April 2024, 12:00 am
His solo career is on an island no longer. Today, David Gilmour announced his new album Luck and Strange will be released on September 6, 2024 on Sony Music in multiple formats, including (of course) vinyl. The single LP will be available in both black vinyl (SRP: $35.99) and translucent sea blue vinyl ($36.99) options. Both versions are available for pre-order via the Music Direct links here for the color vinyl, and here for the standard black vinyl. A deluxe LP box set will be announced, acco... - AXPONA 2024 Show Report, Part 1: Turntables From SOTA, Lenco, Cyrus Audio, AMG, Technics, Brinkmann, Rega, and Music Hall23 April 2024, 12:00 am
Above, meet the Cyrus Audio TTP turntable. All photos in this story by Julie Mullins.The hi-fi community — audiophiles and music lovers, mainly — had much reason to celebrate another year at AXPONA. The big show was held once again at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumberg, Illinois, in the greater Chicago metro area, this time from April 12-14, 2024.AXPONA — acronymed as a shorter way of saying “Audio Expo North America” — has grown ...
- Remembering my friend Andy Singer23 April 2024, 5:45 pm
... - AUDIOPHILIAC and HERB REICHERT, the SECRET LIVES of AUDIOPHILES21 April 2024, 5:15 pm
... - AUDIOPHILIAC's BEST-OF AXPONA 2024!18 April 2024, 6:30 pm
... - 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
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- WestminsterLab, LampizatOr, VSA and Hear This | AXPONA 202429 April 2024, 9:10 pm
What’s a British-created and Hong Kong-based cable and electronics company doing running VR-55 Special Edition loudspeakers with Foundation/ARC bass controllers ($85,000/pr) from Von Schweikert Audio? Making fabulous music! I first heard WestminsterLab playing on Von [...]... - Orangutan Bronze from DeVore Fidelity | AXPONA 202429 April 2024, 6:59 pm
John DeVore’s room at AXPONA this year was a delight on many levels. Not only was he showcasing a new speaker, but he was way off the reservation with music selection in a good way. [...]... - Fidelity Imports | AXPONA 202427 April 2024, 8:00 am
Distributor Fidelity Imports had six rooms on the 12th floor with various iterations of gear from their catalog of brands. Many of the rooms sounded great, but there were a few that really got a [...]... - Zesto and TIDAL Audio | AXPONA 202426 April 2024, 7:00 pm
The Zesto Audio and The Voice That Is room, which also included Cardas, TIDAL Audio, Ortofon, Dr. Feickert Analog, Stillpoints and Tri-Planar, benefitted from the set-up talents of Doug White. Doug White, if you don’t [...]... - TAD Laboratories | AXPONA 202426 April 2024, 5:00 pm
Distributor and custom studio designers PAD had the sponsors of the AXPONA badge lanyards, TAD Laboratories, in rooms 1239 and 1240. TAD president Shinji Tarutani-San was in attendance, showing that TAD is serious about making [...]...
- Coming soon: WiiM Ultra vs. Shanling SM1.330 April 2024, 8:57 am
If the touchscreen-fronted streaming DAC door was opened by Hifi Rose and then kicked clean off its hinges by Eversolo, WiiM and Shanling will soon walk through with touchscreen streaming DACs of their own. WiiM teased its soon-to-be-launched Ultra in a forum post the week before last. Specifics are thin on […] The post Coming soon: WiiM Ultra vs. Shanling SM1.3 first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed wit... - KEF LSX II LT + KUBE 8 MIE video review28 April 2024, 12:57 pm
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss 🎬 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 […] The post KEF LSX II LT + KUBE 8 MIE video review first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduce... - A hi-fi smartphone for 2024: Moondrop’s MIAD0128 April 2024, 8:43 am
China’s Moondrop – who recently gave us the DiscDream portable CD player – return this week with another head-turner: the MIAD01 is a smartphone designed with audiophile sensitivities in mind and is loaded with two headphone sockets. From the top, the MIAD01 is a 5G-capable smartphone whose native Android 13 […] The post A hi-fi smartphone for 2024: Moondrop’s MIAD01 first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, rec... - LAiV Harmony DAC review26 April 2024, 8:12 am
KrautFi? It’s hifi from Germany. Yet nobody calls it that. So why ChiFi? More than a decade ago that audio slang stood for cheap‘n’cheerful kit from the Middle Kingdom routinely based on tubes. The slightly derogatory – if then perhaps not entirely unfounded – connotation was unproven reliability; possibly dubious […] The post LAiV Harmony DAC review first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re... - I hate to say it but Peter Gabriel’s i/o needs remastering25 April 2024, 6:30 am
In recent installments, we’ve looked at remastered albums from The Cure, Pixies and Orbital. Today we turn our attention to Peter Gabriel’s i/o. It’s not a remaster but it already needs one. Let me explain… i/o is Peter Gabriel’s first album in 21 years; his first since the respectable (if […] The post I hate to say it but Peter Gabriel’s i/o needs remastering first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduce...
- Audiophilia Dream List ©30 April 2024, 1:00 pm
UPDATED APRIL 30, 2024.This list will be updated regularly. The latest additions appear at the top. When the latest update appears, the previous update selections will be placed in genre sections for easier viewing. Welcome to the Audiophilia Dream List. A list of original (OG) or reissue vinyl of all genres compiled by me. I’ll post the list at the top of the review page and link it across our social media anytime it’s significantly updated. As vinyl has become prohibitively expensi... - 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
Ian Kershaw—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 w...
- European Premiere of Origin Lives Ultra-High-End Renown Tonearm30 April 2024, 2:33 pm
April 2023 – Origin Live is reaching a milestone this […] The post European Premiere of Origin Lives Ultra-High-End Renown Tonearm appeared first on hi-fi+.... - AXPONA 2024 Show Report Part Two26 April 2024, 3:18 pm
Even a select list of the best audio from AXPONA 2024 runs to dozens of rooms. Our round-up of the finest sounds in Schaumberg (and Skokie) draws to a close. The post AXPONA 2024 Show Report Part Two appeared first on hi-fi+.... - CH Precision acquires high-value electronics brand Wattson Audio25 April 2024, 1:36 pm
April 2024 – Swiss high-end audio manufacturer CH Precision has […] The post CH Precision acquires high-value electronics brand Wattson Audio appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined24 April 2024, 11:51 am
A well-established and well-loved, family-owned loudspeaker manufacturer enters its next chapter as it goes full circle, with a neat twist. Eric van Spelde visits Copenhagen, and the Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined. The post Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined appeared first on hi-fi+.... - German Physiks omnidirectional speaker open day at HiFi Lounge22 April 2024, 7:33 pm
April 2024 – HiFi Lounge will host an open day […] The post German Physiks omnidirectional speaker open day at HiFi Lounge appeared first on hi-fi+....
- Classical, April 202429 April 2024, 12:00 am
BBC Nat Orch Wales/Jonathan BermanSchmidt – The Symphonies Nos. 1-4, Notre Dame excerptsAccentus ACC80544 (four discs; downloads to 96kHz/24-bit resolution)With slower-than-usual tempi and an opulent, bass-rich soundstage, Berman colours the quintessentially Viennese palette of Schmidt's orchestral imagination. Better still, he draws sharper distinctions between the profile of each symphony than either Järvi cycle. The ebb and flow of rubato tightens arguments which often seem d... - Jazz, April 202429 April 2024, 12:00 am
QOW TrioThe Hold UpUbuntu Music UBU0151; LP: UBU0151LP (two discs)Recorded after a successful tour, this is a vibrant second album from an ebullient sax/bass/drums trio, the unstoppable Riley Stone-Lonergan backed by uninhibited and enjoyable drumming from veteran Spike Wells, and the muscular bass of Eddie Myer. Named for the Dewey Redman tune played on their first album, the band's original inspiration was the classic 1950s Sonny Rollins Trio recordings. You get 'I'm An Old Cowhand' as a... - Rock, April 202429 April 2024, 12:00 am
MinistryHOPIUMFORTHEMASSESNuclear Blast 4065629701642; LP 4065629701611In the '90s, Ministry were best known for their souped-up anthem 'Jesus Built My Hotrod', but times have changed with their recent 'Just Stop Oil' – although the industrial metal band are still doing metaphorical handbrake turns across your mind. Ministry are multiple Grammy award nominees whose music has been used in blockbuster movies, but Al Jourgensen has said he's not prepared to 'shut up and play ball' and ... - Hi-Res Downloads, April 202425 April 2024, 12:00 am
Carducci QuartetShostakovich: String Quartets Nos. 9 & 15 (96kHz/24-bit, WAV)signumrecords.com; Signum SIGCD786Biting accuracy and straightforward fidelity to the score go a long way to opening out these notoriously elusive works. There's so much more to the Fifteenth Quartet than another desiccated chronicle of a death foretold: the Carduccis bring out the antique Russian charm of the Nocturne and the undimmed passion of the Funeral March at relatively swift but not metronomic tempi, ... - DPA DSP-200S/DPA-200S Preamp/Amp23 April 2024, 12:00 am
Rising phoenix-like from the ashes of Deltec Precision Audio in 1992, the 'continuity brand' DPA retained designer Robert Watts' flair for innovation. How does it fare today?The story of DPA is not uncommon among small and specialised hi-fi manufacturers. Arriving in 1992, it actually represented the second iteration of a company co-founded by Robert Watts (who has since gone on to be digital design consultant at Chord Electronics). And while Deltec Precision Audio, which debuted in 1984 with ...
- Atlantic Technology Announces Nexa 1 Portable Music System30 April 2024, 10:00 am
At only $199, Atlantic Technology's first portable Bluetooth speaker sports a robust 60-watt amplifier and 15 hours of battery life.... - LAST DAY TO ENTER: Win Q Acoustics M40 Wireless Speakers With QED Cables ($1,370 value)30 April 2024, 7:46 am
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.... - Mother’s Day Gift Guide: A/V Tech She Will Actually Use29 April 2024, 9:54 pm
Impress Mom this year with the latest top-rated tech gifts this Mother's Day that are guaranteed to be useful all year long.... - Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus Headphones: Review29 April 2024, 10:00 am
At $479, Sennheiser's HD 490 Pro Plus are two headphones in one with interchangeable ear pads that dramatically alter the sound.... - Podcast: Best Wireless Speakers of 202428 April 2024, 9:35 pm
On this episode Editor in-Chief, Ian White discusses his picks for the best wireless speakers of 2024 (so far) under $4,000....
- Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL Phono Stage29 April 2024, 12:00 pm
The UK has always had an affinity for consuming and producing outstanding HiFi products, and London-based Musical Fidelity has been... The post Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL Phono Stage appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Quad Revela 2 Floor-standing Speaker Review.22 April 2024, 12:00 pm
An elegant and buttoned-down loudspeaker that can still “kick it,” old school! Because of this whole “reviewing” thing, I've been given... The post Quad Revela 2 Floor-standing Speaker Review. appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Sonus faber Lumina II Amator Bookshelf Speaker Review17 April 2024, 12:00 pm
Sonus faber delivers high style and high performance from its Lumina II Amator Bookshelf Speakers. At $1,499, they represent a great path... The post Sonus faber Lumina II Amator Bookshelf Speaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - 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....
- My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum Moving Coil Phono Cartridge – MINI REVIEW21 April 2024, 3:55 pm
This is a Mini Review: short term audition, impressions below, no rating. A broken-in My Sonic Labs Signature Platinum moving coil phono cartridge recently visited my listening room for a couple of weeks. In that time, there were opportunities to audition the cartridge on both an Acoustic Signature TA-7000 Neo tonearm and an Origin Live […]... - 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 […]...
- Book Review: Deep Inside the Blues by Margo Cooper17 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...
- Alpha Omega Ra Review29 April 2024, 9:06 am
In this feature, Nihal reviews the Alpha Omega Ra, which is a new universal tribrid multi-driver IEM featuring a mix of dynamic, BA, and electrostatic drivers. It is priced at $590. 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 the team at Alpha Omega for their support. Click here to read more about the Alpha Omega gear we have previously assessed on Headfonics. […] Alpha Omeg... - FiiO KA17 Review27 April 2024, 9:02 am
In this feature, Louis reviews the FiiO KA17, which is the company’s flagship dual ES9096Q dongle DAC capable of up to 650mW of balanced output power. It is priced at $149.99. Disclaimer: This was sent to me as a sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank FiiO for its support. You can click here to learn more about the FiiO audio products we have previously assessed on […] FiiO KA17 Review... - Colorfly CDA-M2 Review26 April 2024, 9:01 am
Today, Kurt reviews the Colorfly CDA-M2, which is the company’s flagship dongle DAC featuring a dual CS43198 chipset and up to 250mW of balanced output power. It is priced at $159. 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 Colorfly & Shenzhen Audio for this opportunity. To read more about Colorfly products that were previously covered on Headfonics click here. Note, that [&h... - HarmonicDyne Black Hole Review24 April 2024, 9:04 am
Today, Lynn reviews the HarmonicDyne Black Hole, which is a set of affordable 50mm dynamic driver semi-open headphones with a strong focus on comfort. It is priced at $99. 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 Linsoul for this opportunity. To read more about HarmonicDyne products previously covered on Headfonics please click here. Note, that this article follows our latest scoring... - Campfire Audio Cascara Review21 April 2024, 9:03 am
Today, Thomas reviews the Campfire Audio Cascara, which is a new 10mm dual magnetic dynamic driver universal in-ear monitor from their Chromatic Series. It is priced at $499. Disclaimer: This sample unit was sent to me in exchange for our honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank the team at Campfire Audio for their support. Click here to read more about Campfire Audio products we previously covered on Headfonics. Note that this […]...
- Event Highlights And Best Of Show – AXPONA 202425 April 2024, 3:58 pm
Another AXPONA show is behind us and this year’s was definitely one of the biggest ever on US soil. The The post Event Highlights And Best Of Show – AXPONA 2024 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Auralic Introduces A New S1 Steamer, V10 Software23 April 2024, 6:22 pm
On the eve of the big European Munich Audio show, Auralic has announced a new entry-level audio streamer called the The post Auralic Introduces A New S1 Steamer, V10 Software appeared first on AudioHead.... - AXPONA In 25 Videos – AXPONA 202423 April 2024, 1:11 am
The big HiFi show in Chicago gets bigger every year. Attendees topped 10k this year and listening rooms were up The post AXPONA In 25 Videos – AXPONA 2024 appeared first on AudioHead.... - 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....
- AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 429 April 2024, 6:00 am
Welcome back to our coverage of AXPONA 2024, I would like to especially thank Vera-Fi Audio, manufacturer of fine loudspeakers The post AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 4 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 324 April 2024, 6:00 am
Welcome back to our coverage of AXPONA 2024, I would like to especially thank Vera-Fi Audio, manufacturer of fine loudspeakers The post AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 3 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 222 April 2024, 6:00 am
Welcome back to our coverage of AXPONA 2024, I would like to especially thank Vera-Fi Audio, manufacturer of fine loudspeakers The post AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 2 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 118 April 2024, 6:00 am
Welcome to our coverage of AXPONA 2024, Lee and I spent three days in Chicago taking in all that Audio The post AXPONA 2024 coverage sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio Part 1 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Introducing Puron Resolve17 April 2024, 6:22 pm
The post Introducing Puron Resolve appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- PMC unleashes Activetwenty5i series30 April 2024, 12:00 am
PMC has introduced its Activetwenty5i series, four two-way models, which function without the need for a separate power or integrated amplifier. The company says all the user needs to do is add a preamp or a streaming device to create a complete hi-res system.Each drive unit in the Active twenty5.21i, 22i, 23i and 24i models is directly coupled to a dedicated 100W power amplifier. In circuit before the power amplifiers is a custom-designed analogue crossover, which splits the frequency bands o... - THX Onyx30 April 2024, 12:00 am
There are many speakers and home cinema systems that boast THX Certification, but the company has now released its first home-grown hardware product in the form of the Onyx portable DAC.Like many converters designed for use with smartphones and tablets, the Onyx has a highly compact design that measures just 210mm long, so you can slip it into your pocket. It’s a little chunkier than some of its rivals, but that’s down to the use of both an ESS ES9281 Pro for the primary DAC chip a... - Sennheiser debuts Accentum Plus wireless headphone29 April 2024, 12:00 am
Sennheiser has introduced its Accentum Plus wireless headphone, which claims a “class-leading” 50 hours of listening between charges and quick charge feature that adds an extra five hours of listening time in about 10 minutes. The provided USB-C cable also allows the listener to stream music from a class-compliant audio device like a laptop while charging.The Bluetooth 5.2 headphone supports all popular codecs including aptX and boasts a 37mm dynamic transducer with Sennheiser&rsqu... - Sonus faber Lumina I29 April 2024, 12:00 am
Representing the entry-point for Sonus faber ownership, the Lumina range is significantly different to any other speaker from the company that has preceded it. We have already looked at the larger floorstander of the family, the III in HFC 469, and now it’s the turn of the I; the smallest and most affordable Sonus faber speaker money can buy.The I is a two-way standmount design that makes use of the same Damped Apex Dome tweeter as the rest of the Lumina range. This is a localised dampi... - Bang & Olufsen introduces Beoconnect Core streaming box26 April 2024, 12:00 am
Bang & Olufsen has launched its Beoconnect Core, a new streaming box that turns legacy B&O speakers into a wireless system. The Beoconnect Core means users can stream music from their favourite app to Bang & Olufsen speakers dating back more than 30 years, connect their B&O turntable or music system to its speakers, or speakers to any TV.The company explains: “Our aim is to build product icons that can last a lifetime and Beoconnect Core is an important addition to our pr...
- 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....
- Focal Bathys — among the best ANC headphones23 April 2024, 1:40 am
REVIEW: Focal's Bathys has much going for it, especially if you have audiophile sensibilities, but there's serious competition... - 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....
- 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...
- Ascendo The16 SUB Active Sealed Subwoofer Review23 April 2024, 1:13 am
Tony O'Brien shakes the foundations of his movie room with this serious sealed box sub…... - AURALiC Aries S1 Streaming Processor Review23 April 2024, 12:52 am
David Price samples this intriguing new purpose-designed network music player and comes away highly impressed…... - Tannoy Stirling III LZ Special Edition Loudspeaker Review20 April 2024, 12:57 am
Chris Frankland gets into the groove with this cleverly engineered, exciting-sounding floorstander…... - Roksan Attessa CD Transport & Integrated Amp Review18 April 2024, 1:12 am
James Michael Hughes auditions an attractive new silver disc spinner and amplifier combination…... - Pro-Ject CD Box E CD Player Review17 April 2024, 1:14 am
John Pickford is surprised by the quality of this extremely inexpensive little Compact Disc player…...
- An Audiophile’s Axpona Adventure: Day 2 Highlights22 April 2024, 9:50 pm
As an audio expert, Axpona, or Audio Expo North America, is a paradise. I spent Saturday, Day 2, basking in the sonic bliss of some of the world’s finest audio brands and stumbled upon a few hidden gems. Here’s the rundown of my favorite moments: The Open-Baffle Wonders On Day 2, I usually start on […] The post An Audiophile’s Axpona Adventure: Day 2 Highlights appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - SoundMAGIC Releases E80D Wired Earphones with USB-C Connectivity17 April 2024, 8:42 pm
SoundMAGIC, a popular manufacturer of value-priced audio equipment, has announced the release of the E80D, an update to its popular E80 wired earphones. The key difference? A USB-C connector for wider compatibility with modern devices. Built on a Solid Foundation The E80D is said to retain the qualities that made the original E80 a favorite […] The post SoundMAGIC Releases E80D Wired Earphones with USB-C Connectivity appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - AXPONA 2024: Day One Big Rooms– Gear Overload and a Sensory Awakening16 April 2024, 10:03 pm
I woke up Friday morning with the giddy excitement of a kid visiting a world-class candy store. AXPONA 2024 had officially kicked off, and as a dedicated audio enthusiast and writer, I was ready to dive headfirst into the ocean of high-end audio gear. When I stepped through the doors of the Schaumburg Convention Center, […] The post AXPONA 2024: Day One Big Rooms– Gear Overload and a Sensory Awakening appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - iFi Zen DAC 3 Released: Your Digital Audio Just Got a Serious Upgrade16 April 2024, 3:58 pm
iFi Audio, a renowned manufacturer of high-value audio equipment, today announced the launch of its iFi ZEN DAC 3. Building upon the success of its predecessors (which are always on our “best of” lists), the Zen DAC 3 brings a refreshed design and upgraded features to elevate audio experiences for gamers, casual listeners, and audiophiles. […] The post iFi Zen DAC 3 Released: Your Digital Audio Just Got a Serious Upgrade appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - 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....
- Sad news from Mosaic21 April 2024, 7:05 pm
... - 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...
- Chord Ultima Integrated29 April 2024, 7:33 am
Chord products have always appealed to me, and I love the bold industrial aesthetic. Yet, somehow, a review never materialized. Until now!... - 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....
- 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
- HiFi Thoughts: Audiophile Ethernet Switches & Paper Shades30 April 2024, 9:00 am
Some of my relatives on my mother’s side lived in trailer parks. The thing about mobile homes that are immobile is some are nicer than others. Just like houses. I’ve seen newspaper pages used as window shades along with sheets and curtains and in some [...]... - Audiovector Goes Back to the Future With the Trapeze Reimagined Loudspeakers29 April 2024, 11:50 am
The first pairs of Audiovector’s wedge-shaped Trapeze loudspeakers hit the market back in 1979 when Donna Summer had 3 singles in Billboard’s Year-End Top 100. The Trapeze was also Audiovector’s first commercial loudspeaker and the new Reimagined version builds on the original foundation while getting [...]... - In Barn for Review: A ModWright Stack—LS 99 Balanced Tube Preamp | KWA 99 Monoblocks27 April 2024, 3:33 pm
A tower of power. The ModWright LS 99 Balanced Tube Preamplifier comes with a pair of new JJ E88CC/6DJ8 family of miniature nine-pin medium-gain dual-triodes and a single Sovtek5AR4 for the tube rectified solid state outboard power supply. The front face is matter of fact, [...]... - #NewMusicFriday: April 26, 202426 April 2024, 12:00 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. Confidenza OST by Thom Yorke Thom Yorke: Confidenza (Original Soundtrack) (XL Recordings) Brian Eno: [...]... - Album of the Week: Still House Plants | If I don’t make it, I love u26 April 2024, 10:00 am
Difficult music can be a blessing. Some days, many days, the last thing I want to hear coming out of my hifi is the familiar. Still House Plants is Finlay Clark on guitar, Jess Hickie-Kallenbach on vocals, and David Kennedy on drums. That’s it, a [...]...
- Kinera Imperial Verdandi Review29 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article, we review the Kinera Imperial Verdandi, a quadbrid IEM. It retails for $1,199.99 USD. Disclaimer: HifiGO provided the Verdandi IEMs for... The post Kinera Imperial Verdandi Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Dethonray Listening M1 Review27 April 2024, 9:00 pm
Today we share the full review of the $2,599 USD Dethonray Listening M1 DAC/Amplifier. Disclaimer: The Dethonray Listening M1 was arranged for us... The post Dethonray Listening M1 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Rose Technics RT-5000 Review24 April 2024, 9:00 pm
In this review, we take a close look at the Rose Technics RT-5000, a new desktop DAC/AMP selling for $619,99 USD. Disclaimer: the Rose... The post Rose Technics RT-5000 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Austrian Audio The Composer Review22 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article we look at the Austrian Audio The Composer headphone, selling for €2.499 Euro. Disclaimer: The Austrian Audio The Composer was... The post Austrian Audio The Composer Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - 2024 Reader voted Best Gear polls – Update 2!20 April 2024, 9:30 pm
In this article we give you a second status update on the 2024 Reader voted best gear polls. It’s been about four months... The post 2024 Reader voted Best Gear polls – Update 2! appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/...
- Linkin Park Curates a Prime Selection of “Papercuts”29 April 2024, 11:00 pm
One of the 21st century’s best-selling groups releases its first singles collection... - Kronos Quartet's Deepest Album Now on Vinyl for the 1st Time28 April 2024, 9:00 pm
Crumb's "Black Angels" and Shostakovich's 8th get double-LP treatment... - Catching Up With The Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series28 April 2024, 8:00 pm
Three Funky Jazz/R&B Organ Records from 1969... - AXPONA 2024 Day 3 Video Coverage27 April 2024, 8:00 pm
almost an hour's worth... - Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’: Perversely Fascinating, Subtly Disastrous27 April 2024, 12:00 am
Failures at this level are rare. Enjoy them when they happen....