- 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...
- PS Audio Debuts Its New Top-of-the Line PMG Signature Series Audio Components17 April 2025, 1:23 pm
Boulder, Colorado, April 17, 2025 – In the most significant […] The post PS Audio Debuts Its New Top-of-the Line PMG Signature Series Audio Components appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- AXPONA 2025: Loudspeakers $50,000 and Up17 April 2025, 12:30 pm
It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. […] The post AXPONA 2025: Loudspeakers $50,000 and Up appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - AXPONA 2025 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms16 April 2025, 9:42 pm
Schaumburg, IL (April 16, 2025)—AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) welcomed […] The post AXPONA 2025 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - The Six Major Problems of Audio Believability16 April 2025, 9:38 pm
What are we trying to accomplish? Musical Enjoyment. It is […] The post The Six Major Problems of Audio Believability appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - The Pixies: The Night the Zombies Came15 April 2025, 3:04 pm
Led by Black Francis, the Pixies have performed with many […] The post The Pixies: The Night the Zombies Came appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Part 1: AXPONA 2025 Show Report 16th Floor18 April 2025, 2:57 am
Ze'ev Schlik had a fine-sounding rig with a new two-way Duet15 Horn1 open baffle speaker with a compression horn on top, starting at $7,350. As in recent shows, the rig was wired with Silversmith Audio cables — the ribbon speaker cable and their new interconnects. Note the Silversmith 3-D printed cable risers. A Luminous Audio Technologies Axiom II Walker passive line stage caught my eye, which undoubtedly helped with the transparency of this rig. A Pass Labs First Watt SIT 4 amplifier dr... - Alsyvox Audio Design Botticelli X Loudspeaker Review17 April 2025, 12:22 pm
The first week of September last year brought a highly rewarding conclusion to an audio quest that was more than five years in the making. Since my very first exposure to the Alsyvox Audio Design Botticelli full-range ribbon loudspeaker — back in May of 2017 in Munich, it has been my goal to spend some serious time in front of these gorgeous and utterly remarkable sounding loudspeakers. I was first introduced to the seductive voice of these remarkable Spanish planar dynamic loudspeakers a... - Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source Loudspeaker Review17 April 2025, 12:21 pm
Do you remember as a kid when you first heard an excellent quality music system? It was exciting, right? That first time I heard music on a good stereo, I was completely mesmerized as if real musicians were performing in the room! It was an emotional experience beyond the thrilling sound. That feeling came back a few months ago at the Capital Audio Fest when I visited the Songer Audio room and heard the S1 Speakers for the first time. I had been listening to music in many different demo rooms w... - Shure Celebrates Their 100th Anniversary17 April 2025, 12:20 pm
Shure Incorporated is celebrating their special 100th anniversary! With a century of research, development, innovation, and desire to achieve the best audio possible, Shure continues to offer industry-leading products to recording engineers, musicians and music lovers alike. "S.N. Shure started the Company in downtown Chicago in 1925 selling radio parts kits. In 1932, Shure became one of only a few U.S. microphone manufacturers with the introduction of the Model 33N microphone. Since then, the ... - Audio Expo North America Show 2025 Prelude16 April 2025, 12:28 pm
I had requested a Press Pass weeks ago and packed my bags on Thursday, but as the time to depart approached I had misgivings about going. It was going to be a pleasure trip without writing a show report but I was only halfway through my Montreal report from that show, two weeks earlier. There was still much writing ahead. As I sat at my computer after dinner, the phone rang while I was scanning the internet for political news at 6 p.m. and trying to decide whether to go or stay. Steve Rochlin, ...
- 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...
- A Rare Musical Experience with Pianist David Fung17 April 2025, 11:35 pm
David Fung, Evening Conversations. Yarlung Records 2006 2025 (Pure DSD256) HERE (Release date: 4-18-2025) 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 was... 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.... - BEAVER & KRAUSE ALL GOOD MEN & GANDHARVA, THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET BLUES ON BACH, ROD STEWART ATLANTIC CROSSING, AND ZZ TOP TRES HOMBRES11 April 2025, 5:48 pm
iRHINO QUADIO BEAVER & KRAUSE AND ROD STEWART PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED IN QUADRAPHONIC SOUND QUADRAPHONIC ALBUMS DIGITIZED FROM ANALOG FOUR-TRACK QUAD MIXES NOW ON BLU-RAY WITH QUADRAPHONIC AND HI-RES STEREO ORDER HERE (April 11, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA) Rhino’s Quadio series continues with a brand-new collection of high-quality quadraphonic releases - Beaver and Krause's All Good... Read More » The post BEAVER & KRAUSE ALL GOOD MEN & GANDHARVA, THE MODERN JAZZ QUA... - Rare, Limited Edition, and Cool Colored Vinyl LPs from Rhino for Record Store Day April 202510 April 2025, 11:39 pm
Record Store Day typically always takes place on the third Saturday of April in any given year, but for 2025, that date fell on what is a bank holiday across much of the globe, so the date was pushed forward to April 12. Rhino is again offering a broad selection of 47(!) limited edition LPs... Read More » The post Rare, Limited Edition, and Cool Colored Vinyl LPs from Rhino for Record Store Day April 2025 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...
- 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.... - Sound Lab Majestic 945PX electrostatic panel loudspeakers Review27 February 2025, 8:05 pm
A pair of the nine feet tall Sound Lab Majestic 945PX electrostatic panel speaker system costs $60,000, and it is the flagship model in the Majestic series. The ”945” nomenclature denotes the panel being nine feet high in a 45-degrees curving radiating surface. It is essentially a large canvas of mylar diaphragm stretched inside a [...] The post Sound Lab Majestic 945PX electrostatic panel loudspeakers Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- 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... - Rockna's Nicolae Jitariu Interview - Wavedream Reference Signature and Design Details2 April 2025, 5:06 pm
Audio: Listen to this article. I’ve had the Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC in for review for about a month. During this time I’ve corresponded with Rockna designer Nicolae Jitariu about the what makes Rockna special and the specific design details of the DAC I’ve been listening through. The answers I’ve received from Nicolae have been refreshing and really spoke to me...
- AXPONA 2025 Show Report, First Impressions Edition, Part 3: TEAC16 April 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome welcome welcome to Part 3 of my AXPONA: First Impressions series. Considering how odd and wonky the weather has been ’round here these past few post-show days, it seemed only fitting that today’s as-I-write-it listening companion was yet another great vinyl acquisition of mine in Expo Hall — the Analogue Productions 2LP 45rpm edition of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble’s 1984 Epic perma-sizzler, Couldn’t Stand the Weather (APB 097-45). I could spend an... - AXPONA 2025 Show Report, First Impressions Edition, Part 2: Clearaudio & Quintessence Audio Ltd.15 April 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome back to Part 2 of my AXPONA: First Impressions series. Today’s as-I-write-it soundtrack was quite symmetrical. Since I missed Record Store Day this past Saturday, April 12, 2025, while I was ensconced at the big show, I decided to pop out to a pair of my favorite local indie record shops right after lunch today to see if there were any key RSD leftovers I could score that were on my “must have” list.I’ll share more about the balance of the great RSD finds that ... - AXPONA 2025 Show Report, First Impressions Edition, Part 1: Grimm Audio and Revox14 April 2025, 12:00 am
It seems like only yesterday we were at AXPONA 2025 — well, actually, it was exactly yesterday, April 13, 2025, that we spent our last day at AXPONA, and what a deeply fulfilling show it was overall. AXPONA just seemed to fly on by this year, even though it was busier, “hustlier,” and “bustlier” (to coin a phrase) than it was last year.True, cueing up with our fellow showgoers at the Renaissance elevator bank to get up to the next room appointment brought back m... - AXPONA 2025 Preview: SME Model 8 Turntable10 April 2025, 12:00 am
If there’s one product category I want to see in droves at AXPONA, it’s gotta be turntables. Luckily, I got an early look at a cool new table before heading off to the airport today, and since I promised to post a few new gear previews before touching ground at the big show, here’s the next one — namely, SME’s new Model 8 turntable.SME and their team at Monarch System Ltd. have let us know that, besides the Model 8 table you’re seeing here, they’re al... - Top Things to See, Hear & Do at AXPONA9 April 2025, 12:00 am
As we get ready to head off to AXPONA in just a day’s time, we wanted to post a macro-level primer that sets the broader table for what we expect to see and hear at the show before we dial deeper into analog-centric minutiae in our firsthand show reports. Spoiler alert — we will also be posting a few previews about some cool new analog gear we’re already privy to ahead of the show, so stay tuned for those!First, AXPONA’s organizers tell us that this year’s show &...
- 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
... - BUCHARDT's New Speaker Kicks Butt!24 March 2025, 4:15 pm
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- CAD and Stenheim and Turnbull Audio | AXPONA 202518 April 2025, 7:00 am
You may know by now that I'm a big fan of CAD (Computer Audio Design), and I'm still using their very effective Ground Control GC1.1 earthing device in my reference system more than a year after reviewing it. In other words, I'm always going to make a point of visiting Scott Berry and Isabel Whitley [...]... - HiFi Highlights And Best-Of-Show | AXPONA 202517 April 2025, 5:12 pm
What was the best sound at AXPONA 2025? What hidden gems did the pt.AUDIO crew of writers uncover at the largest audio show in the US? The tell-all manuscripts from the weekend play out in elegant detail in the latest episode of The Occasional Podcast thanks to the dedicated efforts of Marc Phillips and Graig [...]... - Sonner and Audion | AXPONA 202517 April 2025, 1:00 pm
Saturday at AXPONA 2025 was a frustrating day in general. Attendance seemed off the charts, much stronger than on Friday, and it wasn't too long before the hotel elevators started to buckle under the pressure. It took forever to get anywhere, and I soon felt like I running behind schedule and i had so much [...]... - Innuos Stream | AXPONA 202517 April 2025, 7:09 am
I always visit the Innuos room at high-end audio shows for at least a couple of reasons. First, they offer some of my favorite digital products in the market, and I've found that they're super easy to use--at least for someone who struggles with the digital audio learning curve such as me. Second, I love [...]... - Konzertmeister from Audio Note UK | AXPONA 202516 April 2025, 5:35 pm
Ever since I reviewed an entire Audio Note UK system for pt.AUDIO a couple of years ago, I've been trying to figure out Round Two from this legendary UK marque. One of the issues I'm having is that my current listening room, which is shaped around a panoramic set of picture windows facing the lake, [...]...
- 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... - In Berlin for review: Luxman’s L-505Z integrated amplifier15 April 2025, 12:45 pm
The L-505z from Luxman is an all-analogue integrated amplifier that promises 100wpc into 8 Ohms. That’s one watt for every year Luxman has been in the hifi business. The Japanese company was founded in 1925 and is currently celebrating its centenary. The output stage on the L-505z is a “parallel […] The post In Berlin for review: Luxman’s L-505Z integrated amplifier first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled o... - In Berlin for review: Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube14 April 2025, 9:49 am
Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube is a tube of tubes. It’s a tube buffer that sits in the signal path between the source device and the integrated amplifier (or pre- and power amplifier) to 1) improve the impedance relationship between those two devices and 2) infuse the sound with a little E88CC […] The post In Berlin for review: Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed with... - Vertere updates its DG-1 turntable to the DG X11 April 2025, 3:29 pm
One of the most visually striking turntables not to sell for crazy money just got an update. Vertere’s ‘entry-level’ belt-driven DG-1 has become the DG X. The new model comes in three colours – gloss black, red and white – and features a new tonearm, a redesigned plinth/chassis and a […] The post Vertere updates its DG-1 turntable to the DG X first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purpose...
- 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...
- 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+.... - Dynaudio Evoke 30 floorstanding loudspeaker16 April 2025, 10:44 am
Inflation, perhaps second only to time, makes fools of us […] The post Dynaudio Evoke 30 floorstanding loudspeaker appeared first on hi-fi+....
- 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... - Audiophile: Audiophile Vinyl, March 202517 April 2025, 12:00 am
Lori Lieberman Perfect Day LowSwing Records LSOW 012 (45rpm One-Step 140g vinyl) Like Reason opposite, here are two originals and six cover versions from contemporary sources as Lori has already shown her skills with the Great American Songbook. The title cut is the oft-covered Lou Reed classic, sounding as fine as any interpretation yet, while others include Tracy Chapman’s ‘Can I Hold You’, The Cure’s ‘Love Song’, and one each from the undervalued Ron Sexsm... - Audiophile: Digital, March 202517 April 2025, 12:00 am
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets Indoor Safari Yep Roc YEP3085 If any word describes nearly every Nick Lowe album, it’s ‘eclectic’. This time, it’s as if he wanted to delight audiophiles in particular, with what almost amounts to a throwback to the 1950s music of Martin Denny – but this is absolutely not ‘loungecore’. The title refers to the sit-back-and-wallow capacity of the material, all easy-on-the-ears, Lowe-composed songs or collaborations, an...
- Audio-Technica’s $9,999 Hotaru Turntable: A Floating, Glowing Sci-Fi Dream Straight Out of Blade Runner18 April 2025, 6:18 am
Audio-Technica unveils the Hotaru, a $9,999 floating turntable combining cutting-edge levitation technology with premium audiophile performance.... - Because Your Ethernet Cable Isn’t Fancy Enough: SilentPower’s OMNI LAN Switch Targets Audiophile Setups18 April 2025, 5:01 am
If you have an extensive home AV network, the OMNI LAN network switch might be worth considering... - Qobuz and ACT Music Join Forces for an Unbeatable Jazz Experience—TIDAL, Take Notes18 April 2025, 4:36 am
Qobuz partners with ACT Music for an exclusive, high-res jazz experience, offering playlists, videos, and 24-bit downloads.... - Netflix Q1 2025 Earnings Soar: AI Search, New Jersey Studio & No Tariff Tantrums17 April 2025, 11:54 pm
Turns out, streaming global movie and TV content isn't so tariff-sensitive. Netflix just reported a 13% jump in revenue.... - 25 Essential Films That Explain America Better Than Your History Teacher Ever Did17 April 2025, 10:54 pm
Think you’ve seen it all? These 25 essential American films are the ones every true movie lover should own....
- 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.... - Testing the BluOS Wireless System with a NAD Masters M66 Streaming Preamplifier and PSB ALPHA IQ Wireless Speakers2 April 2025, 12:00 pm
BluOS is one several wireless music-playing formats that are currently available to consumers. It was released by the Lenbrook Group... The post Testing the BluOS Wireless System with a NAD Masters M66 Streaming Preamplifier and PSB ALPHA IQ Wireless Speakers appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled Planar Magnetic Headphones31 March 2025, 12:00 pm
When HIFIMAN introduced the Susvara Unveiled, it was fair to say that it created a minor shock wave through the head-fi world. The post HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled Planar Magnetic Headphones 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...
- 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 ... - TANGZU Zetian Wu Legend Review14 April 2025, 10:52 am
In this feature, Kurt reviews the TANGZU Zetian Wu Legend, a 2nd generation dual-planar driver IEM with an attractive Abalone-like finish. It is currently priced at $259. Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank TANGZU and Linsoul for their support. You can click here to learn more about Linsoul’s provided gear previously reviewed on Headfonics. This post follows our cu... - FiiO SNOWSKY ECHO MINI Review12 April 2025, 11:09 am
Today, Meldrick reviews the FiiO SNOWSKY ECHO MINI, a retro-inspired, budget-friendly digital audio player with up to 250 mW of balanced output power. It is currently priced at $49.99. 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 audio products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This pos... - Flare Audio Definition Review11 April 2025, 11:00 am
In this feature, Louis reviews the Flare Audio Definition, a carefully crafted set of 3D-printed ear inserts designed to reduce distortion during playback. They are priced at £39.95. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or partnerships. I thank the team at Flare Audio for their support. Click here to read more about the Flare Audio products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This article foll... - ORIVETI bleqk Dynabird Review9 April 2025, 10:57 am
Today, Louis reviews the ORIVETI bleqk Dynabird, an affordable beryllium-coated 9.2mm dynamic driver universal in-ear monitor priced at $99.99. Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or partnerships. I thank the team at ORIVETI for their support. Click here to read more about the ORIVETI products previously reviewed on Headfonics. This assessment follows our current scoring g...
- 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.... - Is The Term “Yacht Rock” Offensive? A Derogatory Term?13 March 2025, 12:30 am
Is the term “Yacht Rock” offensive to the musical genre? I didn’t think so, but watching HBO’s Yacht Rock: A The post Is The Term “Yacht Rock” Offensive? A Derogatory Term? appeared first on AudioHead.... - Highlights From The Florida Audio Expo 202527 February 2025, 7:56 pm
Big sounds, big speakers and big crocodiles in the parking lot. The Florida Audio Expo 2025 (or FLAX) really had The post Highlights From The Florida Audio Expo 2025 appeared first on AudioHead....
- 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.... - Bathys, The Must-Have Wireless Hi-Fi Headphones from Focal, Get a New Finish: Deep Black18 March 2025, 5:16 pm
March 18, 2025 – In October 2022, Focal made a brilliant entry into the Bluetooth® hi-fi Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) headphones The post Bathys, The Must-Have Wireless Hi-Fi Headphones from Focal, Get a New Finish: Deep Black appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- 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
... - May 2025 issue now on sale17 April 2025, 12:00 am
Welcome to the May 2025 issue! There are several reasons why retro design is a thing in hi-fi at the moment. Firstly, business gravitates towards the money and in these impoverished times, if there’s any loose change knocking about, it’s most likely to be found in the pockets of senior citizens who wish to indulge in a nostalgia buy that reminds them of the good old days.Then there’s the subconscious style association with the vinyl revival and the notion that the very best ... - Triangle Capella15 April 2025, 12:00 am
After decades of being a technically respected but somewhat niche solution, active speakers are suddenly becoming very big business. By combining them with streaming and a decent smattering of inputs, speaker manufacturers have spotted a way to use existing engineering and make sales at the expense of electronics manufacturers. And when times are tight, all is fair in love and war.Triangle has been dabbling in this field with powered versions of its Borea range of speakers, and very good they... - Wharfedale Diamond 12.214 April 2025, 12:00 am
For any product line to have survived a dozen model revisions is notable in itself. The Diamond series, Wharfedale’s premier range of affordable speakers, has managed this feat while competing in one of the most keenly contested product categories going, making the achievement more impressive still. The twelfth generation comprises three standmounts, two floorstanders and one centre. The 12.2 here is the largest of the standmounts.The biggest difference between the latest Diamonds and t...
- 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....
- 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…... - Linn Majik DSM 5G One-Box System Review3 April 2025, 1:07 pm
David Price auditions this seriously special small system from a famous Scottish name…...
- 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.... - Questyle’s Top of The Line M18i DAC/Headphone Amp Slashed to $299 in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale!25 March 2025, 8:15 pm
Questyle M18i Sale: Audiophiles, rejoice! The highly acclaimed Questyle M18i Headphone Amplifier, widely considered the best portable DAC/headphone amp on the market, is now available at a significant discount.” Questyle M18i Sale: Questyle M18i Headphone Amplifier Bluetooth 5.4 Receiver Portable USB DAC Amps High Resolution with 4.4mm and 3.5mm Dual Outputs “I’ve been reviewing audio […] The post Questyle’s Top of The Line M18i DAC/Headphone Amp Slashed to $299 in...
- 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...
- 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!... - Vermouth Audio Introduces Reference 01 and Reference Mini Studio Monitors23 March 2025, 3:42 pm
Vermouth Audio introduces two beautiful Studio Monitors, intended for mixing and mastering: the Reference 01, and the Reference Mini....
- 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...
- Axpona 2025 Favorite Rooms: Audio Note17 April 2025, 9:00 pm
Audio Note is another company whose gear I’ve enjoyed for more than years. We’re talking decades. I still remember talking to Audio Note’s Peter Qvortrup at CES 2008 where he shared, at least as far as my memory recollected, “Your system is only as good [...]... - Axpona 2025 Favorite Rooms: Fern & Roby | Network Acoustics17 April 2025, 6:00 pm
I don’t know about you, but I like to look at hifi too. Between you and me, I also enjoy the feel. Look, I know that sounds weird if you come from the cloistered school of hifi thought that shuns pleasure of any kind. But [...]... - Axpona 2025 Favorite Rooms: LAiV Audio | Pure Audio Project17 April 2025, 4:00 pm
While it’s nice to review components, I find it even more interesting to hear a system, especially when that system is largely comprised of a single company’s stuff. Such was the case in the LAiV Audio room at Axpona 2025 where they paired a small [...]... - Axpona 2025: Favorite Rooms: Fidelity Imports | Unison Research | Opera Loudspeakers17 April 2025, 2:00 pm
I had the good fortune of seeing and hearing an early example of the Unison S6 Black Edition at the company’s HQ located near the nearly unbelievably picturesque city of Treviso in northern Italy. In one of 7 (!) rooms hosted by Fidelity Imports at [...]... - Axpona 2025 Favorite Rooms: Tone Imports17 April 2025, 11:01 am
I first met Jonathan Halpern of Tone Imports when I was auditioning a pair of Cain & Cain Abby single driver loudspeakers some 20 or so years ago. I’d like to say time flies but experience suggests time is not that predictable. What is predictable [...]...
- 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/... - Chord Electronics Alto Review12 April 2025, 9:30 pm
In this review, we check out the Alto amplifier by Chord Electronics. This is their studio speaker and headphone amplifier made available for the... The post Chord Electronics Alto Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - SMSL RAW-DAC1 Review9 April 2025, 9:00 pm
In this review, we’ll look at the latest SMSL AKM-based DAC, the SMSL RAW-DAC1. The unit costs $499 USD and can be bought from... The post SMSL RAW-DAC1 Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/... - FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini Review7 April 2025, 9:30 pm
In this article, I’m reviewing the FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini portable player. The unit costs $49,99 USD. Disclaimer: FiiO is not related to... The post FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini Review appeared first on https://www.headfonia.com/...
- AXPONA 2025 Video Coverage Part 317 April 2025, 4:50 pm
even more to come!... - The Zombies: Odessey, Oracle, and Other Oddities17 April 2025, 10:00 am
An Interview with Author Robin Platts About His Book... - Behind The Scenes of The Doors’ “Strange Days”17 April 2025, 7:28 am
Unearthed rough mixes unleashed for RSD 2025—but don't expect "sonic wowness"... - AXPONA 2025 Video Coverage Part 216 April 2025, 6:00 pm
many world and North American Premiers!... - AXPONA 2025 Video Coverage Part 115 April 2025, 6:11 pm
many new products introduced much fun was had...