- 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...
- Bowers & Wilkins announces its all-new Px7 S324 April 2025, 2:55 pm
Worthing, UK, April 24, 2025: Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned […] The post Bowers & Wilkins announces its all-new Px7 S3 appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Linn Klimax Solo 800 Power Amplifier24 April 2025, 2:05 pm
Most audio companies stay in their lane. They make electronics […] The post Linn Klimax Solo 800 Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Andover Audio Takes Its Gen 2 to the MAX24 April 2025, 1:53 am
April 2025—Boston-based Andover Audio is proud to announce the launch […] The post Andover Audio Takes Its Gen 2 to the MAX appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - AXPONA 2025: Loudspeakers Under $50k22 April 2025, 5:07 pm
In an increasingly unpredictable world, the fact that AXPONA 2025 […] The post AXPONA 2025: Loudspeakers Under $50k appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - AXPONA 2025: Electronics22 April 2025, 3:47 pm
As a veteran of more than a 100 hi-fi shows, […] The post AXPONA 2025: Electronics appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Interview: Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers24 April 2025, 11:16 am
With the nearly universal consensus of praise and earning many show awards during the Florida International Audio Expo 2023, the Acora Acoustics, VAC, Oracle Audio, Aurender, LampizatOr, and Cardas Audio room was a sound to behold! As one of the best-sounding exhibition room during the recent Tampa show, it brings us joy to showcase a very recent interview by The Absolute Sound's Lee Scoggins as he sits down with Acora Acoustics founder Valerio Cora. They both discuss Acora's relatively recent ... - The Audio Analyst's Conversation With Parasound's CEO David Sheriff24 April 2025, 11:15 am
Today we hear from the new CEO of Parasound, David Sheriff. He took the time to outline his thoughts and plans for the future of one of today's most respected audio manufacturers. Give him a listen and see what the future of Parasound holds. On December 14th (2022) I received an e-mail from Parasound's PR representative, Gorden Sell. It announced that Richard Schram had retired and sold the company he had founded in 1981 to an entrepreneur active in product growth and supply-chain management, D... - High-End Audio: Modern Recording And Replay Techniques23 April 2025, 11:51 am
Because recording sound (and moving images) have been with us from birth, we have a tendency to take them for granted. But, a combination of two things this month demonstrated just how much wonder we got from that first encounter with recorded sound. In researching this month's feature about sources, we went right back to the mid-19th century. That first recording that was finally transcribed into sound in 2009; to ears that are used to modern recording and replay techniques, this version of 'A... - Are We Audiophiles Going Too Far, Too Fast?23 April 2025, 11:50 am
As a premise for many articles that we review, support, and approve for audioXpress, there are many that actually suggest more questions than answers and essentially make us question our acquired knowledge. That's OK, and we encourage that. We should always look at new questions in order to find solutions for problems we ignored, disregarded, or simply were not aware existed. Please feel free to send us suggestions, abstracts, drafts, or fully expanded essays on audio-related topics. In any dis... - HIGH END 2025 Audiophile Show Report & Info23 April 2025, 11:49 am
The HIGH END 2025 audiophile / immersivephile event is an internationally renowned audio exhibition that will take place from May 15 to May 18, 2025, at the M.O.C. Event Center in Munich, Germany. This event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about high-quality audio technology, as it brings together manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and in open to consumers from over 40 countries. This year's brand ambassador is the Norwegian singer Anette Askvik, who embodies the event's motto "Passi...
- REVIEW: FEZZ AUDIO Olympia ⸜ integrated amplifier » POLAND1 April 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba images by „High Fidelity”, Fezz AudioNo 251 April 1, 2025˻ PREMIERE ˼⌈ FEZZ AUDIO is a company specializing in tube amplifiers. It is the audiophile brand belonging to the toroidal transformer manufacturer TOROIDY.pl, that are also used for audio applications. Fezz Audio was founded in 2014, and its first product was the LAURA integrated amplifier. We are testing its most powerful integ... - KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY ⸜ № 150!: XACT S1 Evo – file transport » POLAND1 April 2025, 12:00 am
KRAKOWintroduction and summary by WOJCIECH PACUŁA transation Marek Dyba images by Tomasz L. Lechowski, „High Fidelity”SONIC SOCIETY April 1, 2025⌈ KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY is an informal group of music lovers, audiophiles and friends who meet to learn something new about audio products, records, music, etc. The idea for KSS was born in 2005, although its roots go back several years. Below you will find a report from its 150th meeting. ⌋! – ... - REVIEW: WILK AUDIO PROJEKT Vega 3 ⸜ loudspeakers • floorstanding » POLAND1 April 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by MAREK DYBA translation by Marek Dyba images by Marek Dyba, Wilk Audio ProjektNo 251 April 1, 2025⌈ WILK AUDIO PROJEKT was founded by Mr. Paweł Stefański. For years, it has been mainly, but not only, involved in the design and building of loudspeakers. Most of their activities are custom projects, but the company has recently introduced its first standardized line of speakers called VEGA. We are testing the middle one of the three models currently av... - REVIEW: BURSON AUDIO Timekeeper Voyager Max V400 ⸜ power amplifier • monaural + DC power supply » AUSTRALIA1 April 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba images by “High Fidelity”No 251 April 1, 2025⌈ BURSON AUDIO was founded in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia, by MARK BURSON and JOHN DELMO. One of the company's aims was to oppose commonly used integrated circuits. Instead, the company proposed its own, “discrete” ones. Today, it offers not only OP AMP replacement chips, but also DACs, headphone amplifiers, preamplifiers and power amplifiers. ... - REVIEW: ACCUPHASE A-48S ⸜ power amplifier » JAPAN1 April 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation Ewa Muszczynko images “High Fidelity”No 251 April 1, 2025⌈ ACCUPHASE launched its first stereo amplifier half a century ago, in 1973. Since then, the Japanese brand has become one of the most recognized and respected around the world. The company has earned its reputation by offering primarily high-end amplifiers (including class A), preamplifiers, CD and SACD players. We are testing the A-48S power amplifier, opera...
- The "Dark Horses" versus the (Orchestral) "War Horses," Part 220 April 2025, 2:10 am
John Marks is a multidisciplinary generalist and a lifelong audio hobbyist. He was educated at Brown University and Vanderbilt Law School. He has worked as a music educator, recording engineer, classical-music record producer and label executive, and as a music and audio-equipment journalist. He was a columnist for The Absolute Sound, and also for Stereophile magazine. His consulting... Read More » The post The "Dark Horses" versus the (Orchestral) "War Horses," Part 2 appea... - PS Audio Debuts Its New Top-of-the Line PMG Signature Series Audio Components18 April 2025, 8:16 pm
New PMG Signature Preamplifier, Signature 512 PureStream DAC, Signature Phono Preamplifier and Signature SACD Transport incorporate numerous design advancements to deliver extraordinary soun Boulder, Colorado, April 17, 2025 – In the most significant product introduction in its 50-year history, PS Audio announces its all-new PMG Signature Series of top-of-the-line ultimate-performance audio components. The four models... Read More » The post PS Audio Debuts Its New Top-of-the Line PM... - A Rare Musical Experience with Pianist David Fung17 April 2025, 11:35 pm
David Fung, Evening Conversations. Yarlung Records 2006 2025 (Pure DSD256) HERE Edit Master Sourced I found myself talking recently on the phone with my friend Bob Attiyeh, the creative founder and visionary of Yarlung Records. I'm always intrigued by these occasional calls with Bob. One never knows whence they may wander. That day, Bob... Read More » The post A Rare Musical Experience with Pianist David Fung appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Joni Mitchell's Classic Court and Spark now on Mobile Fidelity Limited Edition UltraDisc One-Step 45 rpm LPs13 April 2025, 4:44 pm
Last year Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab began releasing six of Joni Mitchell's most iconic albums, making them all available not only as hybrid SACDs, but also in MoFi's ne plus ultra analog statement format, their UltraDisc One-Step 180 gram LP set. The series began with Ladies of the Canyon (1970), then moved to Joni's deeply... Read More » The post Joni Mitchell's Classic Court and Spark now on Mobile Fidelity Limited Edition UltraDisc One-Step 45 rpm LPs appeared first on Positive Feedback... - Recent Finds No. 34 New Releases from HDTT11 April 2025, 9:01 pm
Bob Witrak has been busy these past months with additions to the HDTT catalog. The biggest news is that the International Phonograph Jazz recordings are back! See my earlier note about this great news, HERE. Below are some of the new reissues (not IPI) that have caught my ear in recent weeks. Witches Brew, Alexander... Read More » The post Recent Finds No. 34 New Releases from HDTT appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- Issue 12310 April 2025, 5:43 pm
Cover Story: Awards! Old School: The Focal XS Desktop systemAudiophile Apartment: The SVS Ultra Evolution TowerReview: The Finale 300B EVO Integrated AmplifierReview: The Voodoo Labs Witchcraft™ cablesReview: The Luxman D-07x DAC Cover Review: The Clarisys Auditorium Plus SpeakersMusic MINE – It Should Be Yours: Assorted fun things we think you’d like Music Playlists: We share our readers choices […]... - The FX-Audio L-07 Integrated Amplifier15 March 2025, 5:52 am
$200 for a 200-watt per channel integrated? That you can hold in the palm of your hand? Really? And it will drive a pair of Magnepans? You bet. I was really excited about the FX-Audio DS-07 DAC/PRE. We’ve just finished up a Distilled “first look,” and I have listened to both of these enough to […]... - Welcome to Distilled!15 March 2025, 5:12 am
Hello and welcome to 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 column. A quick overview […]... - Hagerman Piccolo ZERO – phono step up15 March 2025, 4:56 am
If you happen to be a moving coil cartridge enthusiast or are thinking about stepping up (pun intended), you’ll need a way to raise that signal to a level that your current MM stage can handle. Inexpensive ($400 and under) cartridges usually sound dreadful, with only a few exceptions. However, there are a handful of […]... - Black Ravioli’s Big Pad Plus14 March 2025, 11:51 pm
We’re huge fans of Black Ravioli products; over the years, they have kept improving their process. The latest Big Pad Plus is more efficient at isolating your components from vibrations in the environment that subtly blur the ultimate resolution of your system. The best thing about a set of these pads is that you don’t […]...
- Recommended Reference Component: EMM Labs DV2i Streaming DAC-Preamplifier15 April 2025, 4:00 am
In his April 2025 review on SoundStage! Ultra, Phil Gold discusses the EMM Labs DV2i, a high-end streaming DAC-preamplifier priced at $35,000 (all prices in USD). The DV2i, by integrating network streaming capability with advanced digital-to-analog conversion, marks an evolutionary step from its predecessors, the DV2 and the DV2 V2 (Phil’s reference DAC at the time), which lack this capability. ... - SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Loudspeaker15 April 2025, 4:00 am
Note: measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada’s National Research Council can be found through this link. When I moved from my one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa, Canada, to a detached house in the suburbs of Toronto several years ago, I was excited by the prospect of having a large unfinished basement where I could set up my stereo system. I figured I’d be able to enjoy bigger sound, which I could crank up from time to time without irritating my neighbors. That first part... - Hegel Music Systems H190v Streaming Integrated Amplifier1 April 2025, 4:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here. It’s well known by now that trends, philosophies, and designs are often recycled in hi-fi. Déjà vu is common; what was once old is new again. Hadn’t you seen that speaker or amp before, years ago? You’d be no guiltier than me for thinking this way about the Hegel H190v integrated amplifier. It looks much the same as its father product, the H190, and indeed, much like ... - Denmark’s Raidho Acoustics—Listening and Learning1 April 2025, 4:00 am
If you regularly read this monthly column or frequent our YouTube channel, you are likely aware of our ongoing globetrotting quest for primary-source material for our websites and videos. Frequently, the SoundStage! Network’s video team and I travel across North America and Europe to visit hi-fi companies, talk with key personnel, and learn about and listen to review-worthy products. We hope to expand our travel scope to Asia soon as well. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature Loudspeaker15 March 2025, 4:00 am
The latest version of the venerable 801 loudspeaker from Bowers & Wilkins, which debuted in 1979, is the 801 D4 Signature. In his review of the 801 D4 Signature, published on SoundStage! Ultra last December, senior editor Jason Thorpe writes that the original model made a deep impression on him and many others and that it was among a small group of “landmark stereo components that changed the direction of audio.” The 801 was indeed a seminal loudspeaker, one that set the course f...
- Beethoven Violin Concerto, Orchester Wiener Akademie, Martin Haselbock, conductor, Benjamin Schmid, soloist, recorded on August 8, 202020 April 2025, 9:14 pm
A unique recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto was made on August 8, 2020, during a live performance at the Musikverein in Vienna. Recorded in 24-bit 96K Hz resolution, the concerto was played by the period instrument ensemble Orchester Wiener Akademie, founded in 1985 by conductor Martin Haselbock. Soloist Benjamain Schmid, in an unconventional move, [...] The post Beethoven Violin Concerto, Orchester Wiener Akademie, Martin Haselbock, conductor, Benjamin Schmid, soloist, recorded on Augus... - One Man’s Dream Redux10 April 2025, 4:53 pm
In 2022, Fred Crowder and I travelled to California to hear a cost-no-object system, from which came Fred’s article, “One Man’s Dream”. It was a celebration of one man’s journey through audiophilia toward an incandescent experience of recorded music. Fred’s own journey was similar, even if not involving quite the same cash outlay, and the [...] The post One Man’s Dream Redux appeared first on Dagogo.... - Pass Laboratories XA200.8 10th Anniversary Review1 April 2025, 5:00 pm
Read the 2015 Pass Laboratoriess XA200.8 Review The first quarter of 2025 has proven to be most interesting thus far. Class D amplification has finally come of age with the release of a $2,499 analog class D monoblock amplifier, the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium, which I reviewed last month. There are uber [...] The post Pass Laboratories XA200.8 10th Anniversary Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - PS Audio Stellar Strata Mk2 integrated amplifiers Review, Part 2 of 224 March 2025, 7:14 pm
The first part of this review was sweeping in its perspective and discussed the larger topic of the efficacy of using a pair of integrated amps, specifically ones with DAC/pre/D topology. This segment will explore tuning that system configuration with the associated cables, especially HDMI cables used for transmission of the I2S signal favored [...] The post PS Audio Stellar Strata Mk2 integrated amplifiers Review, Part 2 of 2 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Orchard Audio Starkrimson 800 KHz GaNFET Mono Ultra Premium monoblocks Review15 March 2025, 8:00 pm
The New Jersey-based Orchard Audio has a compact class D monoblock amplifier that outputs 500 watts continuous and 1,000 watts peak into 4 ohms, costs $2,499 each, and it is an analog switching amplifier. The Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium monoblock, the subject of this review, employs the latest Gallium Nitride field-effect transistors (GaNFET), with [...] The post Orchard Audio Starkrimson 800 KHz GaNFET Mono Ultra Premium monoblocks Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- Meze Poet Review - A Stunner of a Headphone24 April 2025, 2:19 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Meze Poet Review: A Stunner of a Headphone at "only" $2,000 By Sajid Amit Meze is a high-end audiophile brand from Romania that is well-known and well-loved by audiophiles all around the world, particularly those with an appetite for artful tuning but not “objectivist” leanings (I am in the former camp, have to disclaim!). Founded by industria... - Axpona 2025 Part Two - Best In Show / Best In ANY Show17 April 2025, 4:48 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. At Axpona 2025, like all audio shows, I heard some good sound, some bad sound, and a ton of in between sound. Good sound at a show is tough to pull off. It takes a foundation of good equipment and good music combined with a team of skilled people who can adapt to the conditions and setup a system in a less than stellar environment. It also takes some luck ... - Axpona 2025 What A Show! Part One15 April 2025, 5:19 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Axpona 2025 is over, my drive home from Chicago was uneventful, and I’ve had a day to process everything I saw and heard at the show. Before getting into the details and some sonic impressions, I must say that I walked away from this year’s show feeling better than ever. Contributing to this good feeling were two things. First, I set the expectation, well before the sho... - Join Us for the Ins and Outs of Immersive Audio: From Recording to Playback9 April 2025, 3:50 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. I’m thrilled to finally be presenting at an immersive audio seminar at Axpona 2025! According to the official Axpona seminar page, we will be discussing the following. Immersive audio is designed to capture and reproduce recorded musical performances in a more realistic way, by recording with a multiplicity of carefully placed microphones, and playing back... - Review - Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC4 April 2025, 5:29 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. I’ve known about Rockna for many years, but it was always an illusive company to me. I didn’t have any contacts with anyone remotely involved with the products a Hail Mary email I sent years ago went unanswered. I get it, everyone is more than busy and an email from some unknown guy asking to review a product usually goes in the trash, next to a million other...
- AXPONA 2025 Show Report, Part 4: Monarch & SME24 April 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to Part 4 of my AXPONA show report series. At least two rooms at AXPONA 2025 featured SME turntables, including the Monarch Systems Distribution setups in Room 434. Monarch cofounders Jon Baker and Rich Mays present quality demos with attention detail and a sense of fun — and with a different theme each year.This time around, there were custom-designed, vintage-style travel posters on the walls, one of which is seen above. Each poster featured a photo depicting the city/countr... - AXPONA Video Report: New Turntables From Well Tempered Lab, TriangleArt, TW Acustic, Vertere, AVM, and More!23 April 2025, 12:00 am
Our in-depth AXPONA 2025 coverage continues! In today’s installment, our chief product reviewer Ken Micallef shares video footage of as many turntables that he could get on camera in 9 minutes (give or take) — plus he zeroed in on a few cool new tonearms and cartridges too, to boot. You can now watch Ken’s video report below, as well as on the official Analog Planet YouTube channel.Among the tables you’ll see above are new offerings from the likes of Well Tempered La... - AXPONA 2025 Show Report, Part 3: Wilson Benesch22 April 2025, 12:00 am
Hello and welcome to the third installment of my AXPONA show report series. As usual, a number of turntables and other analog products that made their U.S. and/or North American debut at AXPONA 2025. One such big launch — both metaphorically and physically — was that of the Wilson Benesch Prime Meridian turntable system. This new table was on demo in a full-scale reference playback system that also included Wilson Benesch Omnium loudspeakers, which are the second from the top of the... - AXPONA 2025 Show Report, Part 2: Manley21 April 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to Part 2 of my AXPONA show report series. In addition to turntable debuts at AXPONA, some companies also introduced their new phono preamplifiers. Well, “new” is a relative term — “latest and greatest” might be more apt. And “latest and greatest” likely better applies to Manley’s most recent creation, the Manley Precision line and phono preamp.MANLEY I had the chance to speak with EveAnna Manley, president of Manley Laboratories, Inc... - AXPONA 2025 Show Report, Part 1: Thiele, Rega, AVM18 April 2025, 12:00 am
AXPONA is back, and bigger and better than ever. People packed Chicagoland’s Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center’s rooms and hallways the weekend of April 11-13, 2025, particularly on Friday and Saturday.On Wednesday, show organizers JD Events provided some figures solidifying AXPONA’s status as the largest consumer audio event in North America. Based on provided stats — and the daily elevator traffic! — attendance was up again, increasing by 5%...
- My Favorite Audio Show: AXPONA 202521 April 2025, 4:15 pm
... - Do You Know What Good Sound Sounds Like? Not a Trick Question15 April 2025, 4:15 pm
... - Gummies and Audiophiles15 April 2025, 4:01 pm
... - TRIANGLE BOREA BR04 vs KLIPSCH RP 600M MkII7 April 2025, 4:15 pm
... - Meet the (AI) BEATLES!1 April 2025, 4:15 pm
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- TEAC and Vienna Acoustics | AXPONA 202525 April 2025, 7:00 am
Japanese audiophiles are a different breed from their United States compadres. Exceptionally polite, imminently quirky, and perhaps even more passionate than the hardest core American audiophile. The Japanese audiophile is a refreshing perspective of just how far down the rabbit hole one can go and not become a hopeless curmudgeon. I had the pleasure of [...]... - Lounge 64 from Lab12 | Announcements24 April 2025, 7:13 pm
We just received good news from our friends at Lab12 in Athens, Greece--the opening of a new high-end audio lounge where you can relax and listen to some of the finest tube amplification we've heard. Here's the official press release from Stratos Vichos, the founder of this exceptional manufacturer, on the new Lounge 64: Lounge [...]... - Advance Paris, PMC and Playback Distribution | AXPONA 202524 April 2025, 10:00 am
What is Advance Paris? I'm only familiar with this French manufacturer because they always host a room at the Munich show, and I'm always obsessed with the looks of these products. There's something about the organization of the faceplate that reminds me of the great '70s receivers, but at the same time the black and [...]... - Silent Pound and Perreaux | AXPONA 202524 April 2025, 7:00 am
Jeff Fox of Notable Audio asked me to check out the new Silent Pound loudspeakers from Lithuania--not because he's the distributor, but because Jeff has been instrumental in raising awareness about Lithuanian high-end audio brands like Aidas. I did cross paths with Silent Pound in Munich, where I was impressed with the sound despite the [...]... - Songer Audio A3 Integrated Amplifier | AXPONA 202523 April 2025, 6:49 pm
It shouldn't be a surprise that I made the Songer Audio room at AXPONA 2025 one of my top priorities--ever since I reviewed Ken Songer's S2 field coil loudspeakers last year, I'm grappling with the idea that these extraordinary transducers, along with a fantastic 300B amplifier, is what I really want out of my obsession [...]...
- Bowers & Wilkins introduces Px7 S3 Bluetooth headphones25 April 2025, 8:31 am
Bowers & Wilkins has once again overhauled its Px7 on-ear Bluetooth headphones to bring them to S3 status. Let us count the ways… The S3 version is reportedly the slimmest Px7 to date: “Px7 S3’s all-new design and profile has been carefully engineered for comfortable, extended listening, with a notably […] The post Bowers & Wilkins introduces Px7 S3 Bluetooth headphones first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduce... - WiiM’s tvOS app puts ‘now playing’ info on your TV23 April 2025, 9:13 am
With vinyl and CDs, we have the sleeve and the booklet — but what do we look at when we stream music? One answer is a screen on the front of the streaming device that shows cover art and metadata. But this begs another question: why put a screen on […] The post WiiM’s tvOS app puts ‘now playing’ info on your TV first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use ... - In Lisbon for review: Marantz’s Model 10 integrated amplifier22 April 2025, 12:14 pm
Marantz Model 10: the story so far. A new flagship integrated. Supersedes 2018’s PM-10. 250wpc into 8 ohms, 500wpc into 4 ohms. Bi-ampable for more. Two loudspeaker outputs. No DAC. No streamer. All analogue. Fully balanced from input to output. Four line-level inputs (two of which are balanced). ‘Best ever’ […] The post In Lisbon for review: Marantz’s Model 10 integrated amplifier first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be ... - Luxman L-505Z video review17 April 2025, 12:17 pm
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss 🎬 Editor: John Darko 🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss 🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko 💰 Ad segment: John Darko 🎵 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 Luxman L-505Z video review first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or r... - Shanling teases portable CD player w/ R2R DAC & tubes16 April 2025, 8:37 am
Shanling knows how to tease its forthcoming Munich High-End presence. Instead of pulling the covers off a new product at the show to serve only the company’s ego, the Chinese manufacturer has opted for the visitor-centric approach: partially announcing a new product ahead of time so that we know to […] The post Shanling teases portable CD player w/ R2R DAC & tubes first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purpo...
- Gunter Wand. “Striding across the 20th Century of Music Maestros”7 April 2025, 7:12 pm
A few days ago I was checking the dates of some of my favourite conductors whose work I’ve valued greatly most of my musical life. I was struck by the fact that a clutch of these conductors were all born within twenty years of each other but have left a vastly different audio footprint to posterity. Carl Schuricht (1880-1967) is the earliest whose recordings have left a lasting impression. He was sadly let down by EMI who wouldn’t lend the French EMI arm of Angel stereo equipmen... - K.D. Lang - Ingenue/Because Sound Matters One Step Vinyl (2025)7 April 2025, 3:12 pm
K.D. Lang’s Ingenue made quite a splash in 1992, the record earning six Grammy nominations, and a well-deserved Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the big single, “Constant Craving”. Yet, I was aware of this incredible talent before Ingenue hit, from her previous solo effort, Shadowland. I also recall her amazing duet with Roy Orbison for his famous song “Crying”. Ingenue strayed a bit from Lang’s country roots and presented her fabulous vo... - EAR Yoshino Phonobox Tube Phono Stage1 April 2025, 9:29 am
I first heard the precursor of the EAR Phonobox, the 834P Phono Stage, in 1998, a few years after its debut. I loved the look of the quarter-size component and was intrigued by its tube circuitry designed by the legendary Tim de Paravicini (1945 – 2020). Our reviewer loved it, as did the rest of the Audiophilia staff. It had good looks, produced lots of detail and was brushed with a tube sound for which de Paravicini was famous. It’s still popular on the used market 30 years later an... - Infigo Audio Streamer Model IS-1 (Cryogen version)1 April 2025, 9:29 am
Estimates today show that a worldwide figure is closing in on 1 billion streaming music users, which is expected to double in several years. “Streaming,” here, in its most technically challenging form, usually means listening to music as its digital bits are sent over the internet to you in real-time from somewhere else (far away servers from Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, for example), versus, playing a digital music file sitting on your hard drive, or using a CD transport which sends the d... - The Volumio Rivo+ Streaming Transport1 April 2025, 9:29 am
Streaming music is part of our daily life. A helpful filter that can untangle the debris of so much noise. I use a Digital Audio Player (DAP), the iBasso DX180; this small component is a cool toy. I can spend hours searching for music that can parallel my mood, in my office, coffee shop or walking—portability is its purpose. However, like countless others, I stream from my main audio setup, whether in our living room or desktop. The tone and outcome of the musical experience change dramati...
- Fell Audio’s Amazon tie-up brings affordable British-made hi-fi to millions24 April 2025, 4:51 pm
24 April 2025, Carlisle, Cumbria: Fell Audio, the disruptive new […] The post Fell Audio’s Amazon tie-up brings affordable British-made hi-fi to millions appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Out of The Box – Mon Acoustics16 April 2025, 4:28 pm
We find out more about Mon Acoustics The post Out of The Box – Mon Acoustics appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Out of The Box – Lyngdorf Audio16 April 2025, 3:52 pm
Read about Lyngdorf Audio here The post Out of The Box – Lyngdorf Audio appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Out of The Box – Linkwitz16 April 2025, 3:21 pm
Find out about Linkwitz here The post Out of The Box – Linkwitz appeared first on hi-fi+.... - KEF LS60 Wireless Active floorstanding loudspeaker streaming system16 April 2025, 10:57 am
What’s better than a wireless all-in-one audio system? A wireless […] The post KEF LS60 Wireless Active floorstanding loudspeaker streaming system appeared first on hi-fi+....
- Classical, March 202523 April 2025, 12:00 am
Gilchrist, Neary, Coleman Chamber/vocal music by Pamela Harrison Resonus RES10351 (downloads to 192kHz/24-bit resolution)Born two years after Britten, in 1915, Pamela Harrison lived until 1990. Sample the magical web of strings to open her cycle of Herrick settings, The Kindling Of The Day, and the comparison should make sense. There are tints of VW’s modal harmony in her Octetto Pastorale but you might just as quickly hear neoclassical Stravinsky. Harrison’s own voice is not di... - Jazz, March 202523 April 2025, 12:00 am
Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory Magnum Opus Banger Factory Records, digital download: BF007; LP: BF007LP (two discs)As trumpeter/leader Kavuma says, ‘Everyone has a part to play’, in the London ensemble that’s now grown to 20 or more members, and this time some fine horn arrangements come to life thanks to the great rhythm section. There are songs written and sung brilliantly by Sahra Gure (‘Lucky To Be Loved’) and Marcina Arnold (‘Woulda Coulda Shou... - Charles Ives American visionary17 April 2025, 12:00 am
Modernist, patriot, man of faith, insurance broker: a new box illuminates one of classical music’s most singular voices, and his recording legacy, explored by Peter QuantrillIt did not take Schoenberg long, after emigrating to the US in 1933, to size up the local scene. ‘There is a great Man living in this Country – a composer. He has solved the problem how to preserve one’s self and to learn. He responds to negligence by contempt. He is not forced to accept praise or ... - John Cale Fear17 April 2025, 12:00 am
The Velvet Underground founder’s fourth solo LP is the perfect distillation of his genre-crossing genius, says Steve Sutherland, as he faces up to the 180g reissuePop quiz! Which artist musically links Happy Mondays, Nick Drake, Sham 69, The Stooges, Patti Smith, Brian Eno, Jonathan Richman, Nico and Squeeze? Answer: Lou Reed. Only joking! It’s his old Velvet Underground buddy John Cale, of course, otherwise why would we be mentioning it here?Anyway, yeah, it’s Cale, who at... - Hi-Res Downloads, March 202517 April 2025, 12:00 am
Pat Metheny Bright Size Life (96kHz/24-bit, WAV) www.ecmrecords.com; ECM 1073Nearly 50 years old, guitarist Metheny’s solo debut of 1976 is a gorgeous, intimate start for a career that has so far produced more than 50 albums. Performing here on 6-and 12-string electric guitar, Metheny was backed by his then-touring band consisting of the late, legendary Jaco Pastorius on bass and Free Spirits co-founder Bob Moses on drums. This is one for the sort of listener who adores the likes of Bar...
- Anker Nebula X1 Projector: Life Moves Pretty Fast—So Pause It for a Backyard Movie Night25 April 2025, 7:32 am
Go wireless with the Anker Nebula X1 projector—perfect for creating a backyard movie theater without the hassle of cords. Maybe one.... - Podcast: Best TVs of 2025 with Caleb Denison of CalebRated24 April 2025, 10:26 pm
On this episode Caleb Denison, formerly of Digital Trends, shares his thoughts on 2025 TVs along with the launch of his new YouTube channel, CalebRated.... - Built Ford Loud: Garmin Unleashes JL Audio C6 Speakers and Stealthbox Subwoofer for F-150 Trucks24 April 2025, 9:43 pm
Upgrade your Ford F-150's audio with Garmin's new JL Audio C6 three-way speakers and Stealthbox subwoofer. Experience powerful sound and custom fit for your truck’s interior – built Ford loud!... - Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Headphones: Better Sound, Better Noise Cancellation, But at What Cost?24 April 2025, 7:00 am
Some of our favorite over-ear wireless noise cancelling headphones are getting a major update. But will tariffs make these practically unaffordable in the United States?... - Andover Audio SpinBase MAX 2: More Power, Deeper Bass—Is This the Turntable Speaker System to Consider Below $550?24 April 2025, 3:33 am
Designed to sit under any turntable, the $549 SpinBase MAX delivers room-filling sound with minimal footprint—ideal for vinyl lovers seeking performance and convenience in one sleek package....
- BenQ GP520 4K Living Room Projector Review23 April 2025, 12:00 pm
BenQ’s GP520 4K Living Room Projector is super easy to set up and delivers a bright and colorful image up to 180 inches, diagonal, onto a... The post BenQ GP520 4K Living Room Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Focal Diva Utopia Connected Loudspeaker System Review21 April 2025, 12:00 pm
The year was 1979 when Jacques Mahul, an engineer with a love for music and hi-fi, founded Focal as a manufacturer of what would become a... The post Focal Diva Utopia Connected Loudspeaker System Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Shanling CR60 CD Transport/Ripper Review14 April 2025, 12:00 pm
It’s just been a few weeks since I reviewed the FiiO DM13 portable CD player. Now, another player has crossed my desk: the Shanling CR60. The post Shanling CR60 CD Transport/Ripper Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Questyle M15C Mobile Headphone Amp Review9 April 2025, 12:00 pm
Listening to digital music on your smartphone or your home computer is as easy as just plugging in your headphones. Or at least, it used to... The post Questyle M15C Mobile Headphone Amp Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - iFi Audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier Review7 April 2025, 12:00 pm
A Jack-of-all-Trades headphone amplifier for the headphone completist in your life. The post iFi Audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Mobile Fidelity Master Phono Preamplifier28 October 2024, 7:17 pm
The Mobile Fidelity Master Phono preamplifier has been available for a number of years with reviews available. This review is posted to give you another data point to factor in if you are considering acquiring this component. Executive summary: Consider it! Read on to grok that advice. The Master Phono, $5,995, has a number of […]... - Atma-Sphere Class D Amplifiers – MINI-REVIEW30 July 2024, 8:00 pm
Please see Important Notes on the Reviews page. This is a Mini-Review with no formal rating because after about a week of listening to this product, its strengths and weaknesses were apparent. A longer listening interval, which would be normal for a full review, was not required to draw the following conclusions. The reference system […]... - 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 […]...
- Review: Cardas Clear AES/EBU Digital Data Cable15 March 2025, 7:24 pm
Review: Cardas Clear AES/EBU Digital Data Cable Steve Graham tackles the sonic differences of digital cables. I know, I know Cable reviews, yawn. They aren’t the first things I read, and you likely don’t either. I’ll try to be as concise as possible. A quick summary, for you instant gratification types Expensive? Yes Good? Very https://www.cardas.com/clear Before we proceed Rating cables is a lot like ranking vacuum... - Moonriver 404 Reference: A Gold Star Integrated From Sweden11 March 2025, 11:13 pm
Moonriver 404 Reference Amplifier Review – A World Wonder! An ‘In the House’ Review by David Neice MSRP: Base price without any options is $6400 (Canadian). As tested the price is $7145 configured with the optional MM/MC phono stage. Up to $1100 needs to be added for DAC options. Verdict: Very simply I am conservatively rating this component as the best solid state integrated amplifier I have ever auditioned. In that respect it is something of a world wonder.... - Review: FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp4 February 2025, 4:20 pm
Review: FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp Steve Graham wonders if a $230 resistor ladder DAC can improve a $400 streamer Audio Friends I’m storing some audio gear for a friend while he is on an extended winter escape. With permission, I got a chance to listen to his FiiO K11 R2R. Audio friends, just what a reviewer on a strict budget needs. R2R? There’s a bit of a to-do, of late, about R2R ladder DACs. I’m stretching a bit to explain thi... - Review: Bluesound NODE Nano Streaming DAC27 November 2024, 12:26 am
Hello Bluesound Node Nano! Goodbye Raspberry Pi? Steve Graham ponders the possibility of a Node Nano sending his music-playing Raspberry Pi into early retirement. True Confessions Up to this point, I haven’t taken the Bluesound Nodes seriously. I mean, no thick aluminum front panel? Come on! No full width chassis? Get real! Audio snobbery at its worst? Guilty as charged. Don’t get me wrong, my NAD Masters... - Review: Mission 778x Integrated Amplifier23 November 2024, 1:23 am
The Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier – Mid-Range Magic on a Budget. MSRP: $999 Canadian. Review by David Neice Verdict: Can an amplifier costing just less than a grand Canadian do duty as a serious audiophile component? Enter the new Mission 778X, an amplifier with mid-range magic to spare and an ‘oh so smooth’ character that lights our fuse. Mission (via IAG) has revisited its 80’s era past (when it manufactured more than just speake...
- EarMen L-Amp Review23 April 2025, 11:55 am
Lynn reviews the EarMen L-Amp, a new dual JAN6418 NOS vacuum tube portable headphone amplifier and DAC with up to 1W of output power. It is currently priced at $399. 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 EarMen for their support. Click here to learn more about EarMen products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which yo... - FiiO SNOWSKY Wind Review21 April 2025, 10:34 am
Today, Meldrick reviews the FiiO SNOWSKY Wind, an entry-level set of on-ear 40mm dynamic driver headphones with a retro-inspired design. They are currently priced at $19.99. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank FiiO and SNOWSKY for their support. You can click here to learn more about the FiiO SNOWSKY audio products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This post f... - Audeze LCD-S20 Review19 April 2025, 11:43 am
Today, Marcus reviews the Audeze LCD-S20, the company’s most affordable set of closed-back LCD series headphones featuring SLAM technology. They have an introductory price of $499. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank the team at Audeze for their support. Click here to read more about the Audeze products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics. This arti... - LETSHUOER Mystic 8 Review18 April 2025, 10:51 am
In today’s feature, Nihal reviews the LETSHUOER Mystic 8, a new high-end 8 balanced armature driver universal IEM tuned for neutral lovers. It is currently priced at $989.00. 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 LETSHUOER for their support. Click here to read more about LETSHUOER products previously tested on Headfonics. This article follows our latest s... - HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT Review16 April 2025, 10:43 am
Today, Marcus reviews the HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT, a new ‘audiophile’ edition of these unique open-back Air Motion Transformer driver headphones. They are priced at €2,199. Disclaimer: This sample was purchased with a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. Many thanks to HEDD Audio for their support You can read here about previous HEDD Audio products I have previously reviewed on Headfonics. This ...
- Top 10 Best Speakers Of 202522 April 2025, 5:12 pm
Some Of The Top 10 Best Speakers Of 2025, Listed From Cheapest To Most Expensive One could argue that the The post Top 10 Best Speakers Of 2025 appeared first on AudioHead.... - AXPONA 2025 Highlights19 April 2025, 3:07 pm
Highlights From AXPONA 2025 The big Chicago Audio show AXPONA 2025 took place the second weekend of April, and it The post AXPONA 2025 Highlights appeared first on AudioHead.... - Focal Pushes Wireless Headphones To New Heights With the Bathys MG26 March 2025, 5:07 pm
Focal has lead the market in terms of headphone selection ever since they launched their first line of full-sized HiFi The post Focal Pushes Wireless Headphones To New Heights With the Bathys MG appeared first on AudioHead.... - Win A VIP Experience to AXPONA 202520 March 2025, 6:15 pm
The big Chicago audio show is coming up quick, and pt.AUDIO and AXPONA 2025 have teamed up to give away The post Win A VIP Experience to AXPONA 2025 appeared first on AudioHead.... - The Current State Of Physical Media In HiFi18 March 2025, 5:38 pm
What is the current state of physical media? CD players all but vanished a few years ago. Vinyl had a The post The Current State Of Physical Media In HiFi appeared first on AudioHead....
- AXPONA 2025 – Coverage Sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio – Part 121 April 2025, 6:00 am
AXPONA is, I believe, the largest dedicated Audio Show in the U.S.A., and AXPONA 2025 was no exception, having what The post AXPONA 2025 – Coverage Sponsored by Vera-Fi Audio – Part 1 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Vera-Fi Audio to Sponsor Headphone.Guru AXPONA Coverage11 April 2025, 2:07 pm
“Some names push product. Vera-Fi Audio pushes peace of mind.While others chase specs and trends, we return to the essentials: The post Vera-Fi Audio to Sponsor Headphone.Guru AXPONA Coverage appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Audeze CRBN2 Electrostatic Headphones – from performance to perfection10 April 2025, 6:00 am
Being the owner of a pair of Audeze CRBN Electrostatic Headphones I was thrilled to get the opportunity at last The post Audeze CRBN2 Electrostatic Headphones – from performance to perfection appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Schiit Audio Skoll F Balanced Discrete Class A Zero Feedback Remote Control Phono Preamp7 April 2025, 6:00 am
A week ago at this writing, I received a very exciting set of packages at my front door, included in The post Schiit Audio Skoll F Balanced Discrete Class A Zero Feedback Remote Control Phono Preamp appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Focal Pushes Back the Boundaries of Wireless Sound Excellence Bathys MG Headphones26 March 2025, 11:00 am
March 26, 2025 – Focal presents Bathys MG, Bluetooth® headphones with active noise cancelling, delivering high fidelity sound with unparalleled purity The post Focal Pushes Back the Boundaries of Wireless Sound Excellence Bathys MG Headphones appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- Bowers & Wilkins Pi824 April 2025, 12:00 am
Providing impressive sound quality worthy of their top-of-the-range price, B&W’s Pi7 and Pi7 S2 (HFC 478 and 504 respectively)earbuds also introduced a genuine innovation with their ‘smart’ charging case that doubled up as an aptX transmitter for use with wired audio sources. The Pi7 models did have some limitations, though, and their battery life and noise-cancelling features weren’t quite in the same league as some rivals. So, the company went back to the drawing b... - Pro-Ject Debut EVO 223 April 2025, 12:00 am
Pro-Ject’s Debut series of turntables has done a huge amount to shape the affordable turntable market and its positioning has shifted over time to best reflect this. The Debut EVO took the basic pattern that makes a Debut – a belt-driven unsuspended design with an 8.6in tonearm – and beefed up the constituent parts to compete at a higher price point, and very successful it was too. The EVO 2 is intended to continue the theme.The wrinkle to this is that, when the EVO was laun... - Advance Paris X-i50 BT22 April 2025, 12:00 am
Affordable high-end is a familiar phrase from the hi-fi handbook. Trouble is, it sounds like an oxymoron with little chance of being realised in the truest sense. And why should it? While it would probably never occur to the amply minted customer to weigh the pros and cons of a value-based purchase, the cost-no-object lure of a mega-amp is, just as starkly, dream fodder for most.The biggest difference between the latest Diamonds and their preBut it really is time to stop dreaming. As I’... - DALI Rubikore 217 April 2025, 12:00 am
One of the long-running tenets of hi-fi is ideas that appear at the top of a particular range will eventually make their way down to more terrestrial price points over time. Companies do this with varying degrees of success, but DALI’s latest attempt is notable because not only has technology from higher up the range made the trip, so has the name. The outgoing Rubicon series of speakers has been replaced with the Rubikore – reflecting an influx of thinking from the £85,000 ra... - Do you use a dedicated headphone amplifier?17 April 2025, 12:00 am
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- Treating Small and Medium-Sized Rooms for Better Sound4 March 2025, 11:50 pm
I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of figuring out how best to treat a difficult listening room. It’s a pretty small room, about 12′ x 13′ with plenty of windows. I’ll get into what worked for me at a later time but I felt like a quick guide on room acoustics wouldn’t be a […] The post Treating Small and Medium-Sized Rooms for Better Sound appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Bowers & Wilkins Unveils New Finishes for PX7 S2e & PX8 Headphones18 September 2024, 7:00 am
18th September, Worthing, UK: Renowned British audio brand, Bowers & Wilkins, has introduced two new premium finishes to its portfolio of high performance, multi-award-winning over-ear headphones, Px7 S2e and Px8. The new Px7 S2e Ruby Red and Px8 Dark Forest finishes expand on the already extensive range of colors available – the widest choice of colors […] The post Bowers & Wilkins Unveils New Finishes for PX7 S2e & PX8 Headphones appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - XACT unveils revolutionary XACT S1 EVO Music Server and PHANTOM Cables5 September 2024, 6:44 pm
XACT is proud to announce the launch of two groundbreaking products that set new benchmarks in high-fidelity audio performance: the XACT S1 EVO Music Server and the XACT PHANTOM™ USB and LAN Cables. These new offerings cater to the most discerning audiophiles, delivering exceptional sound quality through advanced engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative design. XACT […] The post XACT unveils revolutionary XACT S1 EVO Music Server and PHANTOM Cables appeared first on Aud... - Zeitgeist Germany Launches with Extraordinary IEMs11 July 2024, 9:01 pm
THE ART OF NOISE: INTRODUCING ZEITGEIST GERMANY AND ITS MISSION TO HANDCRAFT UNIQUE EARPHONES FROM EXTRAORDINARY MATERIALS Featuring freshly emptied whisky barrels, Fabergé-Egg-worthy Karelian birch, and rare timber – you haven’t seen, heard or felt earphones like this before. Zeitgeist Germany is on a mission to bring art and soul to the mundane world of […] The post Zeitgeist Germany Launches with Extraordinary IEMs appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - JCAT Unveils USB Card XE EVO: The Next Generation of USB Audio Performance 11 July 2024, 2:27 am
JCAT, a leader in high-performance streaming-specific products, is proud to announce the release of the USB Card XE EVO, an enhanced version of the highly acclaimed USB Card XE. This new model brings significant improvements and innovations, setting a new standard for USB audio performance. Building on Excellence The USB Card XE EVO is designed […] The post JCAT Unveils USB Card XE EVO: The Next Generation of USB Audio Performance appeared first o...
- Marantz launches the 10 Series Collection2 September 2024, 2:06 am
NEWS: Marantz pitches for the big league with its newest range of high-end products... starting off with the Model 10 Reference integrated amplifier.... - Auris Audio’s MYSTiK is a plug-n-play turntable28 August 2024, 2:17 am
NEWS: Auris Audio's MYSTiK turntable makes for a hassle-free entry into the world of vinyl.... - Cambridge Audio Evo One… all-in-one entertainer13 August 2024, 2:28 am
NEWS: The Evo One is Cambridge Audio's commendable push to capture a slice of the lifestyle hi-fi market... - Ruark Audio R410 – beyond the box sonically29 July 2024, 1:46 am
REVIEW: One box that does it all? The well-endowed Ruark Audio R410 certainly fits the bill when it comes to a lifestyle audio system with sonic chops... - McIntosh updates its Bluetooth transceiver with the MB2518 June 2024, 3:11 am
NEWS: The MB25 Bluetooth transceiver brings streaming options to systems that have yet to get in with the trend....
- FiiO SR11 Streamer Reviewed28 March 2025, 10:41 am
If FiiO developed the software to the standard of a WiiM Mini, but kept to the streaming transport format (I.E a simple bridging device with no DAC of its own) they’d have the kind of streaming transport that many are looking for at a far more sensible price than the current streaming bridges on the market. At the moment, it's held back by its limitations.... - QlearSoul One-Q All-In-One Turntable Reviewed26 March 2025, 3:59 pm
the One-Q is an excellent Bluetooth speaker and a perfectly acceptable turntable for occasional playback, and is easy to recommend over any of the typical alternatives currently on the market.... - Cambridge Audio Azur 350A Amplifier Repair And Review21 October 2024, 8:40 am
A 2010s amplifier that is normally very reliable, providing a dealer’s incompetent technician doesn’t carry out unnecessary ‘service’ work. Fortunately an easy fix had this one making music again. Fantastic amplifiers from an era where they were simple, analogue and well built.... - Acoustic Research Drawings Archive18 October 2024, 8:49 pm
These drawings were released by Acoustic Research into the public domain in 1990. An index of the archive was made available on the Classic speaker Pages website in an Adobe flash format. The demise of flash meant the archive was impossible to access and though some work was done to index the drawings in a… Continue reading Acoustic Research Drawings Archive... - Aiyima A08 PRO Bluetooth Amplifier Reviewed3 June 2024, 6:22 pm
a cracking little desktop amp with high-res bluetooth for about £120. It has plenty of power to drive sensible loudspeakers and appears to be well built. Some of its internal components are running close to their ratings, especially with a 48V power supply....
- Fosi Audio i5 Headphone Review22 April 2025, 2:00 pm
Eric Teh auditions this stylish-looking new planar magnetic headphone from a burgeoning brand…... - Audio-Technica AT-ART1000X MC Phono Cartridge Review11 April 2025, 11:38 pm
Lachlan Doehmann auditions this illustrious Japanese company's flagship moving coil…... - WiiM Vibelink Amplifier Review11 April 2025, 6:10 am
Eric Teh reckons this compact new Class D integrated amp offers fine value for money…... - Samsung S90F OLED TV Review7 April 2025, 9:07 pm
Steve May reckons the 65-inch (GQ65S90FAT) OLED version of this new telly is a wolf in sheep's clothing…... - Lyrebird EL84/4 Integrated Amplifier Review6 April 2025, 11:22 pm
Mark Gusew auditions a new Australian tube amplifier with a distinctly classic sound…...
- ACT Music Joins Qobuz for High-Resolution Streaming Collaboration18 April 2025, 6:23 pm
Qobuz, the French platform for high-quality streaming and downloading (1-month free trial here), announced a new international partnership with ACT Music, the legendary German jazz label. The two companies announced the partnership on April 17, 2025. ACT Music is an independent label founded by Siggi Loch in 1992. The collaboration will provide an enhanced musical […] The post ACT Music Joins Qobuz for High-Resolution Streaming Collaboration appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - Is a Cheap Music Streamer Good Enough? What You Need to Know Before You Buy8 April 2025, 2:16 am
The allure of high-fidelity audio streaming has never been stronger. With vast music libraries available at our fingertips, the days of physical media dominating our listening habits are firmly in the rearview mirror. Yet, as we embrace this digital sonic landscape, a crucial question arises, particularly for those mindful of their budgets: Is a cheap […] The post Is a Cheap Music Streamer Good Enough? What You Need to Know Before You Buy appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - The Ultimate Wireless Companion? Noble FoKus Apollo Review & Verdict4 April 2025, 7:26 pm
Noble Audio, known for its high-fidelity audiophile in-ear monitors (IEMs), has made an enticing entry into the over-ear headphone market with the FoKus Apollo. According to the company, this is not just another pair of wireless headphones; it is a statement piece designed to redefine the concept of wireless audio excellence. The FoKus Apollo showcases […] The post The Ultimate Wireless Companion? Noble FoKus Apollo Review & Verdict appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - Introducing Focal Bathys MG: Magnesium Drivers and Next-Level Wireless Sound27 March 2025, 3:34 am
Focal, the renowned French audio innovator, has launched its latest masterpiece: the Bathys MG wireless headphones. Designed for discerning consumers and audiophiles, the Bathys MG promises to redefine wireless listening, blending high-fidelity sound with advanced active noise cancellation. Focal’s commitment to quality is indicated by the choice of premium materials, including genuine leather, magnesium, and […] The post Introducing Focal Bathys MG: Magnesium Drivers and Next-Level... - iFi iDSD Valkyrie: The New Portable DAC/Amp for Audiophiles Who Demand More26 March 2025, 12:00 pm
iFi Audio has introduced the new iDSD Valkyrie, a new flagship portable DAC/Amp. iFi designed the iDSD Valkyrie for users who desire control over their sonic signature for the most musicality. The Valkyrie merges customization and technology in a compact form. It features K2HD Technology, DSD Remastering, six digital filters, and iFi’s impressive analog processing. […] The post iFi iDSD Valkyrie: The New Portable DAC/Amp for Audiophiles Who Demand More appeared first on HIFI Trends....
- Audio Craftsmen Laval Speakers: Written and YouTube Review4 February 2025, 4:28 am
Link to the YouTube reviewA great lament over so many audio, reviewers, and true audio fans, is that seemingly the great technology in speakers went to the development of the drivers while the crossover was somewhat ignored. Most likely because it was hidden inside the cabinet, it was seen as a great area to cut cost rather than an opportunity to deliver absolute first rate sound.While, as a teacher economics to my high school students, I fully understand cost in price point is critical in... - Buchardt S400 MKii Stand Mount Speaker: Written & YouTube Review30 December 2024, 4:58 am
Watch the YouTube Review2024 has been a great year to review Stand mount speakers,. From the surprising and engaging Verify Audio Scouts, to the airy KEF R3 Meta and now a direct competitor, the Buchardt S 400 MK2. In the past few years wave guide technology has come to the forefront of speaker design with regards to the tweeter, the S400s are the most obvious example of this technology. The .76in dome tweeter, surrounded by substantial aluminum cone (for lack of better word) is the g... - Galion Audio TS A75 Amplifier: YouTube & Written Review26 December 2024, 3:44 pm
Watch the YouTube Video ReviewFor all my fandom over the latest generation of class D amplification, I’ve been searching for a true solid state AB amplifier. While I enjoyed my quite neutral Parasound A-23 amplifier, designed by John Curl, I still desired something with greater auditory and emotional impact. Well, I found it in a new product from long time Canadian audio retailer, and YouTube HOME audio promoter, Thomas Tan. Working with amplifier designers Tan has come up with a pro... - Vera-Fi Audio Snubway & Mainstream Power Conditioners: Witten & YouTube Review26 December 2024, 6:02 am
Watch the YouTube VideoHave you ever sat down to listen to a favorite album or video, and somewhere in the house someone turns on a blender, hairdryer, vacuum, even simple power supplies? While you may not hear the appliance, but depending on the item, you definitely notice a difference. Noise in the audio and video signal acts as a haze that limits our ability to enjoy the full experience of the artists. Much like smog restricts the natural saturation of a blue sky. Audiophiles at th... - Best of 2024 Awards: Written & YouTube Review26 December 2024, 6:01 am
Watch the YouTube VideoLet’s begin with the “Bang for the Buck Award” This recognition is for the product that punches above its price class and does the basics of home audio exceptionally well. There was one new product that pushed other pieces out of my reference system and totally captivated me. The mini-stand mount Vera-Fi Audio Scouts just flat-out stole my audio heart. The midrange is absolutely beguiling for just $299, while the bass frequencies avoid the slop...
- Chord Suzi / Suzi Pre now available24 April 2025, 8:06 am
The Modular Suzi system is designed to offer various usage options and to offer existing Hugo2 / Hugo2 + 2Go users an amplifier with ULTIMA technology in a similar space-saving housing as BerTTi did before in the TT series.... - Ayon Scorpio III and AudioSolutions Figaro B214 April 2025, 12:10 pm
A high-quality yet affordable system with a seductively fluid, spaciously enveloping, and toe-tappingly engaging sound that positively encourages long listening sessions.... - Playback Designs MPT-8 Dream Transport11 April 2025, 7:23 am
How often does it happen that I come across two products in a row that both truly amaze me? Indeed, very rarely. But just like the MPD-8 Dream DAC before it, the MPT-8 Dream Transport delivers an absolutely amazing performance.... - Driade Premium Model 9 in Custom Finish9 April 2025, 8:14 am
This update showcases the Driade Premium Model 9 a special custom finish, that will be the HFA monitor speaker reference in its price class, and quite a bit beyond.... - Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC24 March 2025, 8:03 am
Every once in a rare while, review components manage to amaze me, and this was the case with the Playback Designs components. The range is called Dream Series, and with very good reason!...
- A New Way to Evaluate Audio Systems22 October 2024, 7:16 pm
Dedicated music lovers would like to identify and use the best quality audio equipment. That way they could, potentially, have a richer musical experience. Yet, as Norwitz and Qvortrup identify in Are You On The Road To... Audio Hell?,” none of the methods frequently used to evaluate systems, measurements and specifications, blind tests, double-blind tests, boogie factors, or comparisons to real music, have been definitive. The post A New Way to Evaluate Audio Systems appeared first on Res... - A Visit to Audio Note UK8 October 2024, 7:49 pm
I was being hosted for two weeks at the Audio Note factory and was charged with a variety of tasks from documenting the hub of the company, situated in the picturesque country hamlet of Hove, to interviewing the proprietors of several small studios and mastering companies namely Gearbox Records and The Electric Recording Co. The post A Visit to Audio Note UK appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - The Stooges Fun House an Electric Recording Co. Release27 September 2024, 6:32 pm
Fun House is the second studio album released by The Stooges and continued the band’s growl-heavy, proto-punk sonic assault introduced on their first LP, 1969’’s The Stooges and continued on their subsequent 1973 outing Raw Power. The post The Stooges Fun House an Electric Recording Co. Release appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Tour of Gearbox Records23 September 2024, 5:57 pm
Gearbox Records opened in 2009 and has locations in King’s Cross London and Tokyo. The company focuses mainly on jazz, electronic and folk releases and got its start as a means for Sheinman to produce records the way he wanted to. The post Tour of Gearbox Records appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - The Troubadour in the Age of Musical Superstars15 September 2024, 8:01 pm
The troubadour sharing musical messages in small and intimate settings seems an anathema to blockbuster songs by superstars. They have so many views, and so many fans, that the number only makes wildly abstract sense, how many stadiums filled with people could such a number even be? Like popping a young boy’s soap bubbles, it is perhaps too easy to point out that many songs that garner huge interest are superficial, shallow, sham show tunes. The post The Troubadour in the Age of Musical Su...
- HiFi Thoughts: The Great Violin Scam!22 April 2025, 11:00 am
Did you know that most violins are made of wood? No matter how much they cost? This is the sad truth about The Great Violin Scam. You can buy a brand new violin, made of wood, for about $100 on Amazon and that includes a [...]... - In Barn for Review: Aesthetix Mimas Integrated Amplifier21 April 2025, 10:00 am
A hybrid affair. The Aesthetix Mimas integrated amp is one of those products people have been whispering in my ear about for some time. “Have you heard one?” “Not yet.” “You should.” “I shall!” The preamplifier section of the Mimas uses one 6DJ8 (6922) vacuum [...]... - Axpona 2025: Final Thoughts19 April 2025, 3:00 pm
HiFi shows are many things but I think their most important function is one of introductions and reacquaintance. In terms of getting to know gear, a hifi show can introduce us to things that pique our interest, kinda like meeting someone at a dinner party—there [...]... - Axpona 2025: Notable Products19 April 2025, 1:00 pm
Products of note. There were lots (and lots) or things at Axpona 2025 I wished I could get to know better having been bit by their charms during my fleeting time in their company. Ø Audio Icon 12 Perhaps the most buzz at Axpona 2025, [...]... - #NewMusicFriday: April 18, 202518 April 2025, 6:44 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. John Zorn and Ikue Mori: The Bagatelles Vol. 4 (Tzadik) Send A Prayer My [...]...
- Cosmic Ears C8A Review24 April 2025, 5:14 am
Today, we are reviewing the Cosmic Ears C8A, the latest – and highest – custom in-ear from the brand. A CIEM, assembled by hand... The post Cosmic Ears C8A Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Shanling EH2 – Tonal balance21 April 2025, 9:30 pm
We in this two-page article are taking a look at the $369 USD Shanling EH2 compact desktop DAC/AMP. Disclaimer: Shanling sent us the... The post Shanling EH2 – Tonal balance appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Dethonray Clarinet Review19 April 2025, 9:26 pm
Today, we review the Dethonray Clarinet portable DAC/Amplifier. It sells for $223 USD. About Dethonray Dethonray is a boutique audio brand, and the DTR1... The post Dethonray Clarinet Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Maytak Audio M6 Review16 April 2025, 9:30 pm
In this review, I’ll see what Maytak Audio brings to the table with their M6 custom IEMs. They start at $949.99 USD and upwards.... The post Maytak Audio M6 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - xDuoo XA-02 Review14 April 2025, 9:30 pm
In this review, we’re taking a look at the new $199 USD xDuoo XA-02 DAC & AMP. Disclaimer: Linsoul sent us the XA-02 in... The post xDuoo XA-02 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/...
- P-VINE Reissuing Clifford Jordan's Mapleshade Albums on CD and Vinyl24 April 2025, 12:30 pm
first time on vinyl and first time in Japan on any format... - The Persisting Significance of the String Quartet24 April 2025, 11:00 am
“Eat Your String Quartets! They Are Good for You!”... - Going for the Gold: The Score for "Goldfinger" Remastered and Reassessed - PART 123 April 2025, 10:00 am
LaLaLand Records’ latest offering of John Barry’s iconic score is an Essential Slice of Pop Culture History, one worth exploring... - 78 Year Old Record Producer/Engineer/Songwriter Roy Thomas Baker R.I.P.—Died April 12th, Family Just Announced22 April 2025, 4:03 pm
your record collection is surely filled with his work... - Nancy Harrow, Jaki Byard, Memphis Slim: Candid Records’ Reissue Campaign Does Justice To Its Original Run21 April 2025, 4:37 pm
IT’S FASCINATING THAT THIS LABEL EXISTED AT ALL — AND WE’RE REAPING THE BENEFITS IN 2025...