- Volti Audio's revised Vittora with WiiM Ultra, Cary SLI-80, Mojo Mystique Z, Triode Wire Labs2 December 2025, 9:31 pm
Volti Audio's revised Vittora with WiiM Ultra, Cary SLI-80, Mojo Mystique Z, Triode Wire Labs Mark Henninger Tue, 12/02/2025 - 13:31 Show Promo Image My fondness for Greg Roberts's Volti Audio loudspeakers has been documented in reviews of the company's Rival and Lucera speakers. Ken Micallef 0 0 Volti Audio voltiaudio.com...
- Sound Chaser 4: John McLaughlin, Life in the Emerald Beyond2 December 2025, 3:01 pm
Sound Chaser 4: John McLaughlin, Life in the Emerald Beyond John Atkinson Tue, 12/02/2025 - 07:01 Show Promo Image If you find yourself in Monaco on a Sunday night, make your way to La Note Bleue, a rant and music bar on the beach by the Avenue Princesse Grace. There, you're likely to find a legendary world/fusion guitarist sitting in with a group of young jazz musicians eager to cut heads with the acknowledged maestro of inner awareness a... - SVS and Orchard Audio bring Ultra Evolution loudspeakers and Starkrimson power1 December 2025, 6:35 pm
SVS and Orchard Audio bring Ultra Evolution loudspeakers and Starkrimson power Mark Henninger Mon, 12/01/2025 - 10:35 Show Promo Image SVS Sound's Larry McGough and Orchard Audio's Joyanto (Joe) Goswami and Leonid (Leo) Ayzenshtat were at Capital Audiofest (CAF) to show several SVS-supported systems. Mark Henninger 0 0 SVS www.sv... - VK Music showcases Elekit TU-8400 and TU-8450 with Sun Valley SV-1645D1 December 2025, 6:28 pm
VK Music showcases Elekit TU-8400 and TU-8450 with Sun Valley SV-1645D Mark Henninger Mon, 12/01/2025 - 10:28 Show Promo Image Victor Kung brought his overachieving Elekit and Sun Valley amplifiers to CAF. Herb Reichert was there to welcome him. Ken Micallef 0 0 VK Music www.vkmusic.ca... - Songer Audio refines its field-coil formula with A3 SET amplifier and PS1 SE1 December 2025, 5:44 pm
Songer Audio refines its field-coil formula with A3 SET amplifier and PS1 SE Mark Henninger Mon, 12/01/2025 - 09:44 Show Promo Image "Songer Audio is pleased to return to the 2025 Capital Audiofest this weekend, where we will present two exciting premieres," the press release stated. "The show marks the East Coast debut of our A3 single-ended 300B amplifier, a design that unites the timeless beauty of early high-fidelity engineering with m...
- Forte Distribution Brings Shanling Electronics’ SCD3.3 Reference SACD Player to the U.S. Market3 December 2025, 1:09 pm
Montreal, Quebec, December 2, 2025– Forte Distribution, a leading distributor […] The post Forte Distribution Brings Shanling Electronics’ SCD3.3 Reference SACD Player to the U.S. Market appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Origin Acoustics Secures Industry Powerhouse Jeff Brewer as Executive Vice President of Sales3 December 2025, 1:04 pm
Las Vegas, NV — December 2, 2025 — Origin Acoustics, Origin Acoustics, […] The post Origin Acoustics Secures Industry Powerhouse Jeff Brewer as Executive Vice President of Sales appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Dynaudio Sub 6 Powered Subwoofer Review2 December 2025, 2:46 pm
This spring, I reviewed the new Dynaudio contour 20 Black […] The post Dynaudio Sub 6 Powered Subwoofer Review appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - ATC SCM20ASL2 December 2025, 2:42 pm
The active loudspeaker segment of the high end continues to […] The post ATC SCM20ASL appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Fred Hersch: The Surrounding Green2 December 2025, 2:05 pm
With more than 60 recordings as a leader, including three […] The post Fred Hersch: The Surrounding Green appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Music Lovers Rejoice Online As Holiday Sales Surge3 December 2025, 10:40 am
With many music lovers sourcing their rare music and high-end audio hardware online, online sales surged significantly this Thanksgiving, with total online spending over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend (Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday) reaching a record $44.2 billion! This is an impressive 7.7% increase from the previous year. On Thanksgiving Day alone, online sales hit a record $6.4 billion, up 5.3% from 2024. Black Friday also saw record online spending of $11.8 billion, an increase of 9.... - Warner Music Group And Suno Next-Gen Licensing AI Music Platform3 December 2025, 9:22 am
As human musicians continue to take a back seat to technology within popular music and movies, Warner Music Group (WMG) and AI music startup Suno announced a landmark partnership recently to develop next-generation licensed AI music tools that the companies say will expand computerized audio creation possibilities. Human music creators hope WMG will protect and compensate artists and songwriters for their efforts, which is why using AI brings financial benefits to music labs as it reduces the p... - Inside CAF 2025 Luxury Hi-Fi Show Part 1 — Capital Audiofest's Top Floors With 84 Rooms2 December 2025, 9:54 am
After driving down to Rockville from Rochester, NY, on Thursday afternoon, I got a fresh start on Friday morning to report on the Capital Audiofest 2025 luxury high-end audio show for EnjoyTheMusic.com. I figured I would need all three days to cover the entire show, but was able to spend the last couple of hours on Sunday doing a final sweep of the most prominent rooms. My Capital Audiofest 2025 show repot Part 1, seen here, covers the 84 rooms on the 8th, 7th, and 6th floors, and Part 2 (comin... - Reviewed: Nirvana Audio Chronos Optimizer -- Big Sound In A Small Package1 December 2025, 5:18 pm
One of the reasons I like to visit every room at audio shows is the possibility of discovering a truly outstanding new product. That's exactly what happened when I ventured into the Nirvana Audio room on the 5th Floor at AXPONA 2025 this year. Here is what I wrote in Part 7 of my show report: The name Nirvana struck a chord because of the American rock band, but I couldn't picture any audio components with that brand name. When I entered the room and saw some familiar gear hosted by a pair of A... - World Premiere Review! Stunning Design And Mind-Blowing Bass: MC Audiotech TL-8 Floorstanding Loudspeaker29 November 2025, 2:30 pm
I have had the MC Audiotech TL-8 floorstanding loudspeakers within my home for the past two months, allowing me to experience them thoroughly, given my experience with many recordings in a variety of genres, as well as comparisons between CD and LP sources. As I sat in my living room writing for EnjoyTheMusic.com, I felt like I was out on the lawn enjoying a concert under the stars in Saratoga Springs, the Mann Music Center, or Bravo Vail outdoor theaters. Few people look for speakers that capt...
- REVIEW: NORSE AUDIO X1 & X5 ⸜ power amplifier • stereo & power supply DC » SWEDEN1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba images by „High Fidelity”No 259 December 1, 2025˻ PREMIERE REVIEW ˼⌈ The NORSE brand was established this year (2025), and its first products are the X1 power amplifier and the X5 DC power supply. It is a new brand from Mike Bladelius, part of the Bladelius Design Group, which aims to focus on affordable, compact products. This is their WORLD PREMIERE. ⌋WE READ THE SLOGAN th... - REVIEW: SME Model 35 + Model Vi ⸜ turntable + tonearm » GREAT BRITAIN1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba images by “High Fidelity”No 259 December 1, 2025⌈ SME was founded in 1946 as Scale Model Equipment Company. In 1959, when its owner, Alastair Robertson-Aikman (1924-2006), designed the first turntable tonearm, SME Limited was established. Based on this design, the first commercial product, the 3009 model, was introduced to the public in September of the same year. Today, it is known for both its excell... - REVIEW: HAIKU-AUDIO Sol2 Pro ⸜ integrated amplifier » POLAND1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by MAREK DYBA images by Marek DybaNo 259 December 1, 2025⌈ HAIKU-AUDIO is a Polish company based in Krakow. It was founded in 2012 by WIKTOR KRZAK, a musician and audio enthusiast. It specializes in the design and manufacture of amplifiers and preamplifiers, including phono stages. Most of them are tube designs, but the company does not shy away from transistors. We are testing an integrated amplifier using the latter technology, the SOL 2 PRO. ⌋THERE... - REVIEW: ANCIENT AUDIO Lektor 30th Anniversary ⸜ CD player » POLAND1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba images by „High Fidelity”, Ancient AudioNo 259 December 1, 2025˻ PREMIERE ˼⌈ Founded in 1995, ANCIENT AUDIO is a Polish company based in Krakow, specializing in high-end electronics, particularly tube devices. Its product range also includes speakers and semiconductor devices. This year, the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a commemorative CD player model. ⌋... - REVIEW: ACOUSTIC REVIVE Absolute Power Cord-K ⸜ power cable AC » JAPAN1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Reviewtext by WOJCIECH PACUŁA translation by Marek Dyba photos by “High Fidelity”, Acoustic ReviveNo 259 December 1, 2025⌈ ACOUSTIC REVIVE is a Japanese company founded in 1997 and run by Mr. KEN ISHIGURO. It specializes in interconnect cables and anti-vibration products, but also offers innovative products frequently inspired by the University of Tokyo and industry. We are testing the latest version of the AC power cord, the Absolute Power Cord-K. &rfl...
- 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....
- UMe Launches Vinylphyle series of LPs3 November 2025, 5:44 pm
Why is this so cool? Because none other than Joe Nino-Hernes has mastered the first four titles. That’s why. If you aren’t familiar, Joe is the newest mastering engineer that’s been the rising star of analog for some time now. So we’re just gonna give you the whole press release. Coming November 14. I’ve got […]... - Record of the Day – 015: The Bad Plus24 October 2025, 6:30 am
Nearly everything The Bad Plus does is pretty trippy and off the map. And I say that in a really good way. This double LP set of classic covers on For All I Care might just trigger your inner art school kid. Or you might run away screaming. One thing’s for sure… You won’t hear […]... - Record of the Day – 014: Alanis Morissette21 October 2025, 2:11 pm
Do you remember when the video for “Ironic” broke on MTV? With that clip, no one knew (then) that Morissette’s third record was headed for five Grammy’s and 17x Platinum status, but it was stunning then, as it is now. 30 years later, this record is still a masterpiece, combining sublime musicianship and 90s angst, […]... - Record of the Day – O13: Iron Butterfly19 October 2025, 2:45 am
Im still in that 60s groove… Somehow Moby Grape and Steppenwolf always make me dig out In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Yeah, I know the new kids don’t care for this, but it’s my party and I’ll play 60s music if I want to. When I bought my original copy of this, I mostly just listened to the title […]... - Record of the Day-012: Sally’s Dream16 October 2025, 3:38 am
Sally’s Dream is the all-female punk band I wish I’d known about when I was hanging out at punk clubs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 80s. I wish I would have seen them. Unfortunately, it took till now to finally get the record out, but it’s just as awesome today as it was then. Ironically, […]...
- Arendal Sound 1528 Monitor 8 Loudspeaker1 December 2025, 5:00 am
Note: measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada’s National Research Council can be found through this link. I’d never heard of Arendal Sound prior to reviewing its 1723 Tower S loudspeaker early in 2024. I liked the pair, but I didn’t love them. They were solidly built and sounded remarkably smooth, even at high volumes. But they weren’t as detailed as some of the competition. Regardless, they performed well, and I concluded my review by remarking that I was e... - Perfect Timing: A Bruce Cockburn Evening and a Digital Upgrade for Treble Clef’s TCA-M Active Loudspeaker1 December 2025, 5:00 am
Although there are many reasons to like loudspeakers built around purely analog components—whether they’re all-passive or analog-based active designs—one benefit that owners of those loudspeakers can never enjoy is getting a digital upgrade that can improve the speakers’ sound and maybe even add new features. With digital active speakers, such benefits are possible. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Ortofon MC X40 Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge15 November 2025, 5:00 am
In August 2025, SoundStage! Ultra editor Jason Thorpe reviewed the Ortofon MC X40 moving-coil phono cartridge and concluded that it “is a fantastic cartridge for any price.” The MC X40 is the top model in Ortofon’s MC X line. At the time of the review, it was priced at US$999, CA$1449, £875, or €999, which Jason describes as “an aggressive price for a midrange moving coil.” Since Jason’s review was published, the US price has increase... - Rotel Michi Q5 CD Player–DAC15 November 2025, 5:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here. “Perfect sound forever”—that was the promise consumer-electronics and recording companies made back in 1982 when Sony’s CDP‑101 made its debut. The CDP‑101 was the first consumer CD player to hit the market. Although the validity of that initial claim has been hotly debated since the CD’s inception, it’s amazing that 40-plus years later, the format mai... - Focal Diva Utopia Streaming Active Loudspeaker System1 November 2025, 4:00 am
Even with the huge variety of products available today, high-end loudspeakers with built-in network streamers are still few and far between. There are quite a few streaming active speaker systems that target mainstream buyers, including those from major brands such as JBL, KEF, PSB, and Technics. But truly aspirational wireless speaker systems are rarer. Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 90 is one exception. There are a few others from the likes of Goldmund and Meridian—and more recently, ...
- TEAC AP-507 class D stereo power amplifier Review1 October 2025, 7:50 pm
Rediscovery of TEAC as a serious audiophile brand was one of my highlights of 2024. The moderately affordable VRDS-701 Preamp/DAC/CD Player (the actual name is longer, so I have shortened it) and accompanying CG-10M-X Master Clock Generator set a new standard in preamplification and CD playback in my system and opened my eyes to the [...] The post TEAC AP-507 class D stereo power amplifier Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Tchaikovsky The Seasons23 September 2025, 6:55 pm
Major Classical/Romantic Era composers of the 17- and 18-century such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, etc., published piano solo pieces that are the gems of culture and civilization. Retrospectively, there are a few notable names that perused the symphonic form almost exclusively in addition to the occasional opera, such as Richard Strauss. [...] The post Tchaikovsky The Seasons appeared first on Dagogo.... - Aurender AP20 reference all-in-one music server class D integrated amplifier Review21 August 2025, 7:52 pm
The South Korea-based Aurender manufacturers high-end digital playback systems, several of which have been reviewed by Dagogo, including the $3,300 N100SC caching music server and streamer, the $16,500 A20 reference analog output network player, and the $13,750 N20 ultra high performance digital output network transport. The company established its reputation early on with its cache [...] The post Aurender AP20 reference all-in-one music server class D integrated amplifier Review appeared first ... - Degritter Mark II ultrasonic record cleaning machine Review13 August 2025, 4:05 pm
My ears continue to tell me that vinyl, at its best, can present the most realistic and satisfying portrayal of a musical event when compared to other formats, with the possible exception of open reel tape. My use of the qualifier “at its best” is very important here; I recognize that high resolution digital is [...] The post Degritter Mark II ultrasonic record cleaning machine Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Evolution Acoustics Model One bookshelf speakers Review30 July 2025, 7:51 pm
It’s nearly a case of six degrees of separation. Considering my involvement with speaker brands that he has designed for, it was only a matter of time before Kevin Malmgren and I would meet. As a speaker designer, he has worked with Egglestonworks, a speaker brand that I have admired from a distance and has [...] The post Evolution Acoustics Model One bookshelf speakers Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- JPLAY for iOS Now Supports CarPlay2 December 2025, 4:50 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. JPLAY for iOS continues to get better. Two months ago I wrote about its fantastic, user friendly, customization options. Today I installed the 1.3.12 update before driving my daughter to school, so I could test JPLAY’s latest CarPlay integration. Based on one roundtrip to and from school, I have to say it works much better than Roon ARC. Like, much much ... - Gustard R30 Discrete R2R DAC Review2 December 2025, 3:21 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. Gustard’s one of those Chinese hi-fi companies whose reputation exceeds its online presence. Its English-language website offers detailed information and technical measurements but little in the way of company history. As far as I can tell, the Shenzhen-based firm emerged in the early 2010s. That’s around the time I came across laudator... - Good Music At The Opposite Ends Of The Continuum25 November 2025, 6:11 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. I love music and what it does for me. I have a suspicion readers of Audiophile Style feel the same way. Music is magical and comes in all flavors. No flavor is better or worse than others. It’s art. Judging art is for fools. I prefer to listen to music because of the way it makes me feel. This means my listening habits can change with the seasons, my moo... - Aurender A1000 Review20 November 2025, 3:03 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. On this, the 18th birthday of Audiophile Style, it’s only fitting that I publish a review of a product from Aurender. When I started this site, servers like those that Aurender manufacturers were only a dream. Back then we were using Windows XP, OS X, or Linux on commodity hardware and fighting with the operating systems every step of the way. ... - Apos x Community Rock Lobster Review18 November 2025, 6:31 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. My first experience with Oakland-based retailer Apos came a few years ago, when I bought my trusty Matrix X-SABRE Pro DAC. At the time, Apos’s appeal lay in its selection of Chinese hi-fi products paired with U.S.-based returns and a generous 45-day trial period. Since then, the company’s catalog has expanded to include international br...
- Unboxing Video: Pear Audio Kid Howard Blue Turntable2 December 2025, 12:00 am
Time for another sneak preview! Check out Ken Micallef’s unboxing video of Pear Audio’s nifty-new Kid Howard Blue turntable, via the YouTube clip below.A full review of the Kid Howard Blue from Ken is coming to Analog Planet fairly soon — but for now, see how this table looks right out of the box, and how he gets it ready to be put through its analog paces. . .... - Gestalt Audio Present a Pair of Great Turntables From PrimaryControl and TW Acustic at Capital Audiofest 20252 December 2025, 12:00 am
There were plenty of European turntables seen and heard at Capital Audiofest 2025 — and Nashville-based dealer Gestalt Audio, who also act as a distributor for some of them, hosted two demo rooms at CAF (323 and 325) that showed off some of the best tables from across the Pond.One such Euro-design seen and heard at CAF 2025 courtesy of Gestalt’s largesse was the PrimaryControl Kinea II turntable ($24,995), which, at a glance, appeared like a typical design but instead incorporated... - Holiday Gift Ideas: Technics Grand Class Master Edition SL-1200GME & 1210GME Turntables1 December 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to December, my fellow analog-o-philes. Since we are now also in the prime of the holiday season, we here at AP felt it would be a good idea to begin sharing a number of analog-related gift-giving suggestions for the most deserving and discerning listeners on your list — not only for the best vinyl options to spin on their (and your!) favorite turntable(s), but also for the best gear to play them on.First up, we wanted to turn our (and your) attention to a pair of limited-editio... - Record Store Day 2025: Masked But Not Anonymous28 November 2025, 12:00 am
Hello from the front lines! I rallied to take part in Record Store Day here on November 28, 2025. I say “rallied” because I’m still recovering from a nasty cold, and I wanted to protect my fellow vinyl fanatics, er, RSD 2025 customers at the same time — hence, the mask you see me wearing in the photo above (and later on, in another one below).I’m long past the days of venturing out crack-of-dawn early to line up before the official 8 a.m. opening time for RSD &m... - Self-Titled Wings 180g 3LP Box Set Reminds Us Just How Fab Paul McCartney’s Post-Beatles Collective Was, and Is, on Vinyl26 November 2025, 12:00 am
Before we all drive and/or fly off to our respective Thanksgiving festivities for the long weekend ahead, I wanted to share the full aural bounty that comprises today’s New Wax Wednesday column. This one is all about Wings, a self-titled 180g 3LP compilation of 32 tracks culled from the better-than-you-may-think output of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles 1970s band that was released on November 7, 2025, via MPL/Capitol/UMe. The simply named Wings collection is a wonderful reminder that...
- QUAD 2912X The Most Natural Sounding Speaker I've Heard1 December 2025, 5:15 pm
... - Ranger L/S Sonically Superior24 November 2025, 5:15 pm
... - LUXMAN's Ultimate Phono Preamp, the E-0717 November 2025, 5:15 pm
... - MUSICAL FIDELITY B1xi Checks all the boxes10 November 2025, 5:15 pm
... - Technics SL-50C: The one you've been waiting for!3 November 2025, 5:15 pm
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- Turnbull Audio Prestige Cables | REVIEW30 November 2025, 8:00 am
First ThoughtsInside Turnbull Audio CablesSet-UpSoundListening SessionsConclusions First Thoughts Here we are, in late 2025, and we're still debating the importance of high-quality cables in a highly resolving hi-fi system. pt.AUDIO is one of the few high-end audio review sites where we still take on cable reviews, and that has provided a somewhat amusing trend in [...]... - CAF 2025’s Best Sound of Show | CAF 202529 November 2025, 8:57 pm
At the end of the 2024 Capital Audiofest last year, I felt really positive about the show. It had been a few years since I last attended--the pandemic and then geography made it difficult. But the 2024 CAF had grown so much in recent years that I pledged to never miss it again. Now here [...]... - Genesis and The Wand and the Last Room of the Show | CAF 202529 November 2025, 6:30 pm
The Genesis and The Wand room was the last exhibit room I visited at the 2025 Capital Audiofest, and it almost didn't happen because I still had so much to see and do in those final moments. One of the ongoing discussions among the audio press concerns the growing size of the high-end audio shows, [...]... - Angie Lisi and Avantgarde Acoustics | CAF 202529 November 2025, 8:00 am
I have an awkward confession to make. I've been avoiding exhibit rooms at high-end audio shows that feature Avantgarde Acoustics speakers, simply because I've somewhat recently concluded that these dramatic, giant horn loudspeakers really aren't my thing. Much of the blame can be placed at the feet of the Avantgarde Acoustics exhibit room at the [...]... - Turnbull and TIDAL and The Voice That Is | CAF 202528 November 2025, 9:59 pm
Ah, the three Ts: Turnbull and TIDAL Audio and The Voice That Is. If you see any of these three names on the sign at the entry of a high-end audio show, you should probably clear your schedule and go inside and learn about what is possible in our truly rewarding hobby. Many of us [...]...
- Sennheiser HDB 630 review (vs. Momentum 4 Wireless)2 December 2025, 8:12 am
Sennheiser’s HDB 630 enters a crowded wireless headphone market with clear intentions. The newcomer positions itself well above the Momentum 4 Wireless, which have been my preferred affordable Bluetooth headphones for the past two years. At €499, the HDB 630’s price jump suggests premium ambitions, but the execution reveals a […] The post Sennheiser HDB 630 review (vs. Momentum 4 Wireless) first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be... - Chord’s Mojo 2 gets balanced 4.4mm output, USB-C charging1 December 2025, 5:20 pm
Chord Electronics has quietly updated its Mojo 2 DAC/headphone amplifier with two changes that matter: a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and USB-C charging. The 4.4mm socket replaces one of the original’s two 3.5mm outputs, addressing what was becoming a compatibility issue with modern balanced-terminated headphones. Before anyone gets too excited, […] The post Chord’s Mojo 2 gets balanced 4.4mm output, USB-C charging first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No par... - The most and least important components in a hi-fi system (and everything in between)30 November 2025, 5:07 pm
[Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of fifteen observations from fifteen years of audio writing] I used to think a better DAC would fundamentally transform the sound of my hi-fi system. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Six years ago, I sat comparing a US$10,000 DAC to a […] The post The most and least important components in a hi-fi system (and everything in between) first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-pur... - Shanling’s SCD3.3 is an SACD player w/ R2R DAC, tubes & touchscreen28 November 2025, 3:59 pm
Shanling has announced the SCD3.3, a top-loading CD/SACD player that combines optical disc-spinning capabilities with contemporary digital flexibility. The Chinese manufacturer’s latest model puts three key pieces of audiophile catnip on board: 1) an R2R ladder DAC, 2) a tube-buffered output stage and 3) a 5″ 854 × 358px touchscreen, […] The post Shanling’s SCD3.3 is an SACD player w/ R2R DAC, tubes & touchscreen first appeared on Darko.Audio.------------------... - How I flatten warped vinyl records at home28 November 2025, 2:54 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 0:00 […] The post How I flatten warped vinyl records at home first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduce...
- Audiophilia Products of the Year 20251 December 2025, 11:32 am
Our writers are lucky to intersect with the gear we do. Even more fortunate to have the kit in our homes and review it for you. There are numerous requests for reviews that we do not have the manpower to cover. Imagine the hundreds of pieces we miss.With that in mind, please consider our “winners” and rate accordingly. The equipment chosen is for a list we admire unreservedly. We hope you can listen to the kit in your system. We loved it in ours.The equipment must have been fully rev... - Audiophilia Recordings of the Year 20251 December 2025, 11:32 am
These are the finest recordings/performances we listened to this year. We discussed some of the recordings on our social media channels, used them in equipment reviews, reviewed them on YouTube or received full reviews at Audiophilia. For the latter and YouTube, clicking on the image will take you to the review. The format and initials of the nominating reviewer appear under the selection. The CDs and LPs are available at many online or artist sites or as streamed on Qobuz. For general nominatio... - Jerome Sabbagh – Stand Up (Analog Tone Factory, 2025)28 November 2025, 12:30 pm
Analog Tone Factory has quietly become one of the most exciting boutique labels in contemporary jazz and high-end audio. Any imprint dedicated to recording new music direct to analog tape will get my attention — but the fact that the records are filled with superbly performed, original compositions is what truly sets this label apart.My introduction to Analog Tone Factory came through Keepers of the Eastern Door by saxophonist Chris Cheek, a release that impressed me enough to review it on... - Sibelius: Symphony No. 1/Vienna Philharmonic/Lorin Maazel—ESOTERIC Mastering vinyl reissue [2025]21 November 2025, 5:31 pm
Prolific conductor Lorin Maazel (1930–2014) doesn’t get much love from the classical community, except from professional musicians. The stories are legion of leading orchestral musicians who admire Maazel’s unmatched stick technique and his ear blessed with perfect pitch, and his photographic memory. Famously, he rehearses scores from memory. I never got to play under Maazel, but my dear friend and Audiophilia colleague Jim Norris has performed with Maazel extensively and talks... - Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2/Wilhelm Backhaus, piano/Vienna Philharmonic/Karl Böhm—ESOTERIC Mastering vinyl reissue [2025]20 November 2025, 6:23 pm
I discovered this magnificent performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 83 (1878-1881) on a Qobuz HiRes stream, researching a “Building a Library” segment for Audiophilia’s weekly livestream, Everything Classical Music Livestream. With the artists performing and the 1967 Decca Vienna recording lineage, I should have already been aware of it. After listening to it several times and its natural competitors (Gilels, Pollini, Curzon, etc), it vaulted to number one on my l...
- Qobuz and ECM Records Present a Musical Advent Calendar Featuring 24 Exclusive Masters in 24-Bit/192 kHz3 December 2025, 1:18 pm
Paris, 02 December 2025 – Qobuz, the independently-owned high-quality streaming […] The post Qobuz and ECM Records Present a Musical Advent Calendar Featuring 24 Exclusive Masters in 24-Bit/192 kHz appeared first on hi-fi+.... - hi-fi+ issue 250: the Awards2 December 2025, 3:15 pm
The stars aligned, as our 250th Issue coincides with the annual hi-fi+ Awards. With retrospectives, future-gazing, the latest reviews and the best products to buy, it’s this year’s star buy! The post hi-fi+ issue 250: the Awards appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Doves: Constellations For The Lonely2 December 2025, 2:55 pm
After a five-year break and worries over Jimi Goodwin’s substance misuse, indie rockers Doves are back with their sixth studio album, and Sean Hannam believes they are finally at peace! The post Doves: Constellations For The Lonely appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Xact S1 Evo2 December 2025, 2:40 pm
From the people who brought you JPLAY software comes the company’s most ambitious electronics project to date: the Xact S1 Evo music server and streamer. Jason Kennedy is very impressed! The post Xact S1 Evo appeared first on hi-fi+.... - Nordost Red Dawn 32 December 2025, 1:25 pm
A Nordost user– his system features Tyr 2 cables from the Norse line– how will Steve Dickinson react to Red Dawn 3 cables from the company’s more affordable Leif range? The post Nordost Red Dawn 3 appeared first on hi-fi+....
- Hi-Res Downloads, November 20257 November 2025, 12:00 am
The Art Of HiFi Volume 06: Guitars (44.1-352.8kHz/24-bit, WAV; DSD64-512) www.psaudio.com/products; Octave Records 0054Releases from Octave Records provide the opportunity to compare not just SACD with CD, but also eight ‘grades’ of downloads. The latter will prove the most intriguing as we’ve long been able to pit CD against SACD or other 5in discs such as Blu-Spec or SHM-CD. At the risk of annoying Octave’s boss, Paul McGowan, I definitely prefer the label’s ph... - Top 20 Halloween-themed tracks7 November 2025, 12:00 am
’Tis definitely not the season to be jolly, as Steve Sutherland brings you a selection of musical chillers guaranteed to scare away those Halloween trick-or-treatersWelcome to the inaugural Hi-Fi News ‘Themed Playlist’, which will be available to stream via Qobuz, the pioneering digital music service established in 2007. Each HFN playlist will have, at its heart, a topical issue – perhaps something seasonal or newsworthy – with many selections offered in ‘hi... - Audiophile: Digital, November 20256 November 2025, 12:00 am
Stella Cole Stella Cole la.reserve LRD73001 One of the benefits of social media is enabling musicians to bypass record labels and create their own careers, eg, London’s Emma Smith. Ms Cole has been charming fans of the Great American Songbook for a couple of years, and we’ve been clamouring for her first album. It was worth the wait. Her taste is impeccable, covering lesser-known gems rather than the more obvious choices, so alongside ‘Moon River’ and ‘Over The R... - Rock, November 20256 November 2025, 12:00 am
Suede Antidepressants BMG 964174092; LP: 964174111 The title of Suede’s tenth album appears to revisit Brett Anderson’s fascination with life’s darker moments, which he explored in song when they broke into the early-’90s pre-Britpop scene. But with age comes perspective and the title track addresses the possibilities of simple joy in an over-diagnosed, over-medicated world. With spiky pop tunes allied to rock swagger, Suede sound as fresh and vital as ever, and long-t... - Classical, November 20256 November 2025, 12:00 am
BBC PO/Andrew Davis, Martyn Brabbins ‘King Of Kings’ – Bach Orchestrations by Andrew Davis Chandos CHAN20400 (downloads to 44.1kHz/16-bit resolution) As the final album made by Sir Andrew Davis before his death in 2024, this is a sentimental choice, but a worthy one all the same. For anyone familiar with Bach transcriptions by Stokowski, Schoenberg or the gothic ruin that is Mitropoulos’s take on the G minor BWV542, Davis’s versions are more Bachian – more ...
- Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds Add Auracast Support: A Practical Bluetooth LE Upgrade for 20253 December 2025, 8:12 am
Technics adds Auracast support to the EAH-AZ100 earbuds, enabling easy Bluetooth LE audio sharing and broader compatibility without changing the sound or the price.... - FiiO Unveils DM15 R2R Portable CD Player: CDs Are Back, Baby And FiiO’s Betting Big on the Silver Disc Revival3 December 2025, 3:53 am
At $269, FiiO’s DM15 R2R portable CD player debuts with an in-house DAC, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, Bluetooth transmit mode, and a high-voltage amp stage which brings real modern performance to the compact disc revival.... - Focal Naim America Drops “Mixed on Focal #7” Because Great Mixes Deserve Great Monitors3 December 2025, 3:23 am
Focal Naim America debuts “Mixed on Focal #7” and the “Holiday Cheer Mix,” highlighting new tracks mixed or mastered on Focal’s professional studio monitors.... - Hottest Tech Gifts this Holiday Season2 December 2025, 10:48 pm
Celebrate the season with sound that connects us all. DTS powered audio gifts, from headphones to home theater systems, bring crystal-clear cinematic thrills for every taste and every budget.... - Netflix Cuts Off Casting to Google TV and New Chromecasts: What Subscribers Need to Know2 December 2025, 6:58 pm
Netflix has ended casting support on most new Chromecasts and Google TV devices, cutting playback options for subscribers as its control over streaming grows....
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones25 November 2025, 12:00 pm
The Bowers and Wilkins Px8 S2 over-ear noise-canceling headphones are not just another pretty headphone. Though beautiful, it is the... The post Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Vienna Acoustics Haydn SE Signature Bookshelf Speakers Review24 November 2025, 12:00 pm
I was able to enjoy the Vienna Acoustics Haydn SE Signature Speakers over a generous review period. They were set up in a room that is new... The post Vienna Acoustics Haydn SE Signature Bookshelf Speakers Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus Projector Review19 November 2025, 12:00 pm
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus Projector isn’t just a display; it’s a multimedia center with Google TV, and it links to your smartphone. The post Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - SVS Ultra Evolution Tower Speaker Review17 November 2025, 12:00 pm
Though the Ultra Evolution Towers are the smallest floor-standing speakers in the Ultra Evolution series lineup, they still pack a powerful... The post SVS Ultra Evolution Tower Speaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition Integrated Amp and Streamer Review12 November 2025, 12:00 pm
Naim builds on the Uniti Nova integrated amp and streamer design with a higher-powered version that totals 150 WPC @ 8 ohms in the... The post Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition Integrated Amp and Streamer 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 […]...
- Discount Digital Audio: $13K Performance for $3K? (Part 1)23 September 2025, 12:07 am
A Steve Graham magnum opus, in which attempts are made to replicate a $13K digital front-end for $3K. Part 1 If -You have an aversion […]... - Review: Advance Paris Playstream A5 Amplifier17 August 2025, 6:43 pm
Review by David Neice Advance Paris A5 Playstream Amplifier: A Swiss Army Knife MSRP: Playstream A5 $1,875.00 Canadian (BT X-FTB01 receiver included) Upgrade: X-FTB02 Bluetooth […]... - 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 […]... - 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 […]... - 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 […]...
- Vision Ears XCON Review3 December 2025, 10:53 am
Marcus reviews the Vision Ears XCON, a new custom-designed 6 BA driver IEM with a magnet-based switch that offers 2 unique sound signatures. It is currently priced at €2,200. Disclaimer: This was sent as a sample in return for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I would like to thank the team at Vision Ears for their support. Click here to read more about Vision Ears products I have reviewed on Headfonics […] Vision Ears XCON ... - iBasso D17 Atheris Review1 December 2025, 11:49 am
Marcus reviews the iBasso D17 Atheris, a new portable R2R and 1-bit dual discrete DAC with an integrated 1.2W capable tube headphone amplifier. It is currently priced at $1999.00. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank iBasso for this opportunity. Click here to read more about the iBasso products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This article follows our current sc... - FiiO JT7 Review30 November 2025, 11:32 am
Marcelo reviews the FiiO JT7, a new set of affordable open-back proprietary 95x86mm planar magnetic driver headphones with a foldable design. They are currently priced from $109.99. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I want to thank FiiO for their support. You can click here to learn more about the FiiO audio products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This post follows our current scori... - Cayin RU3 Review29 November 2025, 10:35 am
Marcelo reviews the Cayin RU3, an entry-level ES9069Q-equipped dongle DAC with app integration and up to 560mW of balanced output power. It is currently priced at $99.00. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. I thank Cayin for their support. You can click here to learn more about Cayin products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This article follows our current scoring guidelines, which you can read in more [&... - FiiO SNOWSKY Tiny Review28 November 2025, 10:25 am
Kurt reviews the FiiO SNOWSKY Tiny, an affordable dongle DAC supporting up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256 with 10-band PEQ integration. It is currently priced at $21.99. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I want to thank FiiO for their support. You can click here to learn more about the FiiO audio products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This post follows our current scoring guidelines, [&h...
- The Audiophile Black Friday and Cyber Monday Guide 202523 November 2025, 10:04 pm
Black Friday Deals For Audiophiles. We have put together the best deals in HiFi for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and The post The Audiophile Black Friday and Cyber Monday Guide 2025 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Highlights From Capital Audiofest 202520 November 2025, 5:36 pm
The children cheered and music played. No, it’s not a classic fairytale from high middle ages, it’s Capital Audiofest 2025. The post Highlights From Capital Audiofest 2025 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Schiit Announces Jotunheim 3, Just In Time For The Holidays12 November 2025, 11:31 pm
Schiit Audio announced the Jotunheim 3 this week, a fresh redesign aimed at driving both stubborn headphones and delicate IEMs The post Schiit Announces Jotunheim 3, Just In Time For The Holidays appeared first on AudioHead.... - Focal And Naim Announce The Mu-so Hekla8 November 2025, 3:01 am
Focal Mu-so Hekla: The one soundbar to rule them all. The press release on Focal/Naim’s latest all-in-one unit (usually known The post Focal And Naim Announce The Mu-so Hekla appeared first on AudioHead.... - All The New Audiophile & HiFi Product Announcements For The Holiday Season6 November 2025, 6:44 am
It’s go time for audioheads. As the holidays creep closer, the HiFi world doesn’t slow down — it turns up. New loudspeakers, The post All The New Audiophile & HiFi Product Announcements For The Holiday Season appeared first on AudioHead....
- HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE SERENADE DAC/Headphone Amplifier1 December 2025, 8:00 am
I have had the HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE SERENADE DAC/Headphone Amplifier for a couple of months now, as many of you might The post HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE SERENADE DAC/Headphone Amplifier appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Noire Friday is here.27 November 2025, 6:06 pm
No strings attached – just a free $200 cable upgrade Controlling prices consistently is important to us, which is why The post Noire Friday is here. appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - MOON AUDIO Engineered for Excellence Offer Ends Soon27 November 2025, 5:11 pm
Don’t miss out, the offer ends soon. CLAIM MY FREE CABLE NOW The post MOON AUDIO Engineered for Excellence Offer Ends Soon appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Meze Black Friday Is Here24 November 2025, 11:00 pm
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON OFFERS ONCE IN A BLUE MOON OFFERS EXPLORE OFFERS EMPYREAN II B-STOCK The evolution of The post Meze Black Friday Is Here appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Headphone: A Second Listen24 November 2025, 8:00 am
I trust that both regular readers of Headphone.Guru and the intrepid denizens of the personal audio space are no strangers The post Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Headphone: A Second Listen appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- HFC January 2026 now on sale27 November 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to the January 2026 issue! Sometimes what you’re looking for is right there under your nose staring you in the face. Searching for a theme to sum up this issue – dated Jan 2026, but worked on in late ’25 – it occurred to me that it’s shouting loud and clear on the masthead: Hi-Fi CHOICE.What we’ve been dedicated to doing over the past 12 months, and are determined to continue long into the future, is to present the widest range of affordable choices... - Bowers & Wilkins Pi612 November 2025, 12:00 am
Clearly intended as a more affordable alternative to B&W’s Pi8 (£350), the Pi6 is available in a variety of colours and is smaller than previous models. Though they feel perfectly comfortable, I’m not sure they’re secure enough to cope with more energetic jogging. However, there are four sizes of ear-tips included to help you get a good fit, and the earbuds are rated IP54 for resistance to water and dust if you’re in the big outdoors.The most obvious differenc... - PMC twenty5.23i Active31 October 2025, 12:00 am
The ever-changing shape of hi-fi systems has been something of a boon for active speakers. As well as the rise of the self-contained ‘smart active’ speaker, in a world where large swathes of source equipment is also a preamp, more conventional active speakers are also seeing a resurgence. PMC has considerable experience in this field, but the bulk of its active models keeps the amplification external – simply using a powered crossover in front of it.The latest offering is a l... - December issue on sale now30 October 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to the December 2025 issue! Taking our cue from the recent UK Hi-Fi Show Live, where brands from all over the globe assembled to show off their high-end wares (see our five-page roundup starting on p38), this issue proudly sources its contents from the very best of the UK and some rather farther-flung regions as well.Among our reviews you’ll find the Nagaoka MP-700 cartridge from Japan, Poland’s Unitra GSH 630 Fryderyk affordable direct-drive turntable, the classy ELAC Con... - Will you be getting involved in Black Friday Record Store Day?29 October 2025, 12:00 am
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- Klipsch Unveils Jurassic Limited Edition Sevens for Sweepstakes12 June 2025, 9:49 pm
KLIPSCH UNVEILS LIMITED-EDITION JURASSIC WORLD SPEAKERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT’S JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH Collector Alert: Limited Edition Klipsch The Sevens Are Rare SpecimensJurassic World Rebirth arrives in theaters July 2, 2025 Enter here! https://www.klipsch.com/jurassic-world-rebirth#enter-to-win June 5, 2025 (Indianapolis, IN) — Klipsch, a globally renowned American audio brand, has created a limited-edition […] The post Klipsch Un... - AXPONA 2025 – Show Report & Awards1 May 2025, 1:54 am
Every year, I’ve made it a point to visit every room at the show – lugging a DSLR and gimbal through hundreds of setups. But heading into my mid-40s, that pace no longer makes sense (especially with this new dad bod). This time, I came with a single goal: to find the most romantic, warm-sounding […] The post AXPONA 2025 – Show Report & Awards appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - 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...
- 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....
- Qlearsoul One-S All-In-One Turntable Reviewed5 November 2025, 11:40 am
Another excellent all-in-one turntable from Qlearsoul, let down only by the lack of anti-skate. Still, better than a Crosley... - Glasshouse Speaker Kit No. 1 Full Build & Review18 August 2025, 12:31 pm
Little sealed speakers with a big sound and some-assembly required. Satisfying to build resulting in a true hi-fi bargain. THey punch well above their weight and are worth the effort.... - Spartan 20 Phono Stage By Michael Fidler Reviewed21 May 2025, 9:05 am
Fidler's first combined unit, bucking audio industry trends and providing real performance for modest money. Upholds Michael's unsurpassed record for offering objectively the finest, and subjectively the most uncoloured, phono stages you can buy at the moment.... - QlearSoul SoulBox S1 All-In-One Turntable System Reviewed20 May 2025, 10:27 am
a stylish package that’s well-built and offers a lot of performance for the price. It’s a great first step into vinyl and a good choice for those who want an integrated system to fit a smaller space.... - 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....
- Marantz AMP 20 AV Power Amplifier Review3 December 2025, 2:35 am
Tony O’Brien auditions this new 12-channel ‘reference-quality‘ powerhouse…... - Lumin U2x Network Streamer Review28 November 2025, 4:45 am
Eric Teh auditions this prestigious looking flagship network music player…... - Tiglon TPL-3000A-WT Power Cable Review26 November 2025, 2:32 am
Eric Teh gets his teeth into this expensive Japanese mains cord, known to its friends as White Tiger…... - Denon DP-400 Turntable Review25 November 2025, 12:20 am
Michael Darroch reckons this dashing new design is the sweet spot of the company’s vinyl spinning offerings…... - Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road in Volvo EX90 Review24 November 2025, 4:05 am
Adam Rayner says this special DSP mode in Volvo’s latest luxury SUV makes it one of the best car systems he’s ever heard…...
- Grado Labs Introduces Signature S750: New Driver and Cushion Highlight Signature Line Expansion17 October 2025, 1:53 pm
BROOKLYN, NY — Grado Labs has officially announced the launch of the Signature S750 headphones, establishing the third model in the company’s acclaimed Signature Line, building on the stature of the HP100 SE and S950. These new open-air, dynamic headphones are defined by a newly developed S2 50mm driver design and the simultaneous debut of an innovative acoustic cushion. The […] The post Grado Labs Introduces Signature S750: New Driver and Cushion High... - Audiolab 9000N Among the First to Gain Qobuz Connect Streaming21 May 2025, 6:16 pm
Audiolab has announced the integration of Qobuz Connect into its 9000N network audio streamer ($3,699). This new feature was announced at the HIGH END show in Munich on May 15, 2025, and the 9000N is amongst the first to incorporate it. This new feature lets users stream music directly from the Qobuz streaming service. Control […] The post Audiolab 9000N Among the First to Gain Qobuz Connect Streaming appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - EVO 5: Wharfedale’s Next-Gen Speakers Aim to Redefine Mid-Tier Audio16 May 2025, 7:22 pm
Wharfedale has launched its new EVO 5 Series loudspeakers, succeeding the popular EVO 4 range (which we loved on the site). The new series features upgrades to drive units, cabinets, and crossovers, aiming to deliver enhanced sound performance. According to the company, the EVO 5 Series maintains accessible price points while incorporating design and engineering […] The post EVO 5: Wharfedale’s Next-Gen Speakers Aim to Redefine Mid-Tier Audio appeared first on HIFI Trends.... - WiiM Introduces Remarkable New Audio Products for Later This Year: WiiM Amp Ultra, WiiM Sound, and WiiM Sub Pro14 May 2025, 10:00 am
WiiM, the global technology company known for its high-value audio gear, is announcing the release of several new audio products: the WiiM Amp Ultra, the WiiM Sound, and the WiiM Sub Pro. These products expand the WiiM ecosystem and aim to provide high-fidelity audio, seamless integration, and whole-home control. WiiM Amp Ultra The WiiM Amp […] The post WiiM Introduces Remarkable New Audio Products for Later This Year: WiiM Amp Ultra, WiiM Sound, and WiiM Sub Pro appeared first on HIFI Tr... - Final DX6000: Magnesium Driver Innovation Redefines Open-Back Listening29 April 2025, 3:54 am
Final Audio has announced the release of the DX6000, the first model in their new DX Series of headphones. A brand new design from the ground up, Final states that the DX6000 utilizes advanced driver technology to deliver a transparent and expressive listening experience. Driver Technology The DX6000 features a newly developed large-diameter dynamic driver […] The post Final DX6000: Magnesium Driver Innovation Redefines Open-Back Listening appeared first on HIFI Trends....
- Topping Centaurus DAC17 November 2025, 4:00 pm
Click here for YouTube reviewListening to music is all about the engagement and how the notes from the instruments touch the listener. As I've dived deeper into this hobby, I find myself less concerned with some specifications and far more influenced by how each piece of equipment reproduces the tones, imaging, and sound stage, as designed by mixing engineers in the case of studio recordings, or the venue from a live recording. You name it. I believe it's why I don't consider myself a fan ... - Vera-Fi Audio Ranger Bookshelf Speakers8 November 2025, 1:58 am
Watch the YouTube ReviewIf you are familiar with Vera-Fi Audio’s magical mid range, $299pr Vanguard Scout bookshelf speakers, or the LSA signature 80s, then the Rangers are going to surprise you. They are a wake up and hear the top end sound. In many ways, it reminds me of Focal’s budget speakers as well as Paradigm models. There is no fear in reproduce the upper note sparkle. At the same time for $149 a pair, there is some serious clarity in the notes without being painfully s... - Eversolo Play vs. WiiM Amp Ultra31 October 2025, 4:00 am
Click to Watch the YouTube VideoIt’s important to emphasize up front that both the Amp Ultra and the Play are lifestyle units. They are not audiophile quality. Therefore, while my observations are based from hundreds of pieces of equipment and my rather fanatical pursuit of this hobby, I put everything I say in this video within the context of the purpose for the vast majority of buyers. Frankly, I could live with either set up, but there are some important differences.Dim... - WiiM Amp Ultra19 October 2025, 1:59 am
Link to YouTube VideoIn March of 2024, I reviewed the WiiM Amp. At that time I labeled this small form-factor integrated amplifier/DAC/Streamer a “lifestyle” audio product, as its target audience are people that, in reality, are not dedicated audio fans but music lovers that desire a one piece music solution while they enjoy life. That particular WiiM Amp along with the WiiM Ultra both of which I bought from Crutchfield, still resides in my home as a second system for relaxed, ... - Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra Stereo Amplifier26 September 2025, 3:01 pm
Watch The YouTube VideoIt’s time to take a look at an exceptional audio upstart company, Orchard Audio led by Leo Ayzenshtat. The amplifier product line revolves around class D amplification but unlike Chi-fi class D, Leo designs his equipment from scratch, in the last few years he developed quite a dedicated following.Having done several class D reviews, and hearing the growth from the flat, cold, sterile sound of nearly 20 years ago to what is now, a mainstream amplification option...
- Final Model 15+1 December 2025, 9:16 am
Final electrostatics work unlike any other electrostatic speakers. Thanks to a very clever proprietary technique, they avoid certain longstanding downsides of electrostatics while retaining everything these speakers traditionally do so very well.... - Artesania Audio Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit21 November 2025, 3:09 pm
Following the introduction of the Exoteryc Rack Pro, Artesania Audio introduced two Upgrade Kits for Exoteryc Racks and Aire Floor Platforms. In this review, I will assess the Pro Upgrade Kit, which brings existing Exoteryc racks and Aire Floor Platforms up to the same specifications as the Rack Pro.... - Playback Designs SPA-8 Stereo Amplifier – Quick Impression14 November 2025, 11:28 am
Measuring 73 cm wide, 86 cm deep, and 34 cm tall, and weighing 137 kg, the Playback Designs SPA-8 stereo power amplifier can truly be described as an absolute beast. As part of the company's State-Of-The-Art Dream Series, the Playback Designs SPA-8 showcases what can be achieved when cost is no consideration and the design team is given free rein.... - Clarisys Audio Basel Showroom Visit30 October 2025, 7:57 am
Last month, I visited the Clarisys Audio headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. Read all about their latest models, including the Aria and Atrium, as well as my listening impressions of the Atrium.... - Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) Additional Base Experiments5 October 2025, 12:39 pm
Investigating the effect of adding an HRS E1 Base to the EXR Audio Stand, assessing the impact of the E1 Base's Broadband Isolation Footers, and comparing the effect of combining the Base with a range of third-party footers....
- 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...
- Twittering Machines Favorite Gear of 20252 December 2025, 10:00 am
Sometimes it’s as if these lists write themselves. 2025 was a great year for gear here in the Barn bettered only by an endless flow of great new music. There are days, most days, when I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my life listening and [...]... - Wattson Audio Rolls Out the New Madison Streamer1 December 2025, 2:11 pm
As regular readers know, I was impressed with Wattson’s Emerson Analog Streaming DAC, Madison Streaming DAC, and Madison LE (Lounge Edition). Three for three that hit my Favorite Digital List hard. Wattson Audio recently announced a consolidation of sorts with the Madison Streamer which replaces [...]... - #NewMusicFriday: November 28, 202528 November 2025, 2:00 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. Pink Siifu: ONYX’! (Dynamite Hill) Madonna: Bedtime Stories – The Untold Chapter (Warner Records) [...]... - Album of the Week: FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise (IA11 edition) by jaimie branch28 November 2025, 12:59 pm
Jaimie Branch’s FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise was originally released in the fall of 2019, a follow up to her stellar debut FLY or DIE released the year prior. Here we have a brand new reissue from International Anthem’s 11th Anniversary Editions. [...]... - The Compound and DeVore Fidelity Collaborate on DEF COM: A Hi-Fi Speaker Blending Art, Sound, and Culture28 November 2025, 11:00 am
“This speaker is for those who appreciate the artistic and technical aspects of sound,” Set Free explains. “It’s more than a listening device—it’s an art piece that belongs in the homes of those who value creativity and craftsmanship.” Am I dreaming? Regular readers with good [...]...
- Blog: 2025 Guangzhou International Headphone Expo2 December 2025, 10:30 pm
In this Guangzhou International Headphone Expo preview article, we take a look at the 11th Expo. 2025 Guangzhou International Headphone Expo The China... The post Blog: 2025 Guangzhou International Headphone Expo appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Eversolo T8 Review1 December 2025, 10:30 pm
Today we review the Eversolo T8 Streaming Transport. It retails for $1,380 USD and Euro. Disclaimer: Eversolo supplied the T8 for this review... The post Eversolo T8 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Shanling M7T Review1 December 2025, 7:22 am
In this article, we review the new Shanling M7T DAP, which costs $1,249. Disclaimer: The Shanling M7T was sent to us directly from... The post Shanling M7T Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Hiby R3 Pro II Review29 November 2025, 11:55 pm
Today‘s review is about the HiBy R3 Pro II DAP. It is selling for $199 USD. Disclaimer: HiBy Sent us the unit in... The post Hiby R3 Pro II Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - Hidizs AP80 Pro Max Review29 November 2025, 7:30 am
Today we review the Hidizs AP80 Pro Max the brand’s latest compact DAP, priced at just $159 USD. Disclaimer: the Hidizs AP80 Pro... The post Hidizs AP80 Pro Max Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/...
- Rosalìa Goes For The Jugular On New Album 'Lux'2 December 2025, 8:30 pm
The Catalan Singer Collaborates With Björk And The LSO On A Searing Set Of Flamenco-Tinged Torch Songs... - Hear Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Live2 December 2025, 8:00 pm
A long-time bootlegged KBFH broadcast gets an official release for RSDBF... - Caelan Cardello's "Chapter One" Drops December 8th on Jazz Bird/Liam Records!2 December 2025, 2:06 am
vinyl edition mastered by Dave McNair... - Bright, Not Brilliant: Neil Young's 'Tonight's The Night' at 501 December 2025, 10:00 pm
With missed opportunities, wild nights, and one big, bad choice, the 50th anniversary release of 'Tonight’s The Night' is as uncanny as the original... - Relaxed or Not Relaxed? That is The Question1 December 2025, 9:30 pm
here's the answer...