- Challenges and Rewards27 January 2012, 4:44 pm
Sheriff Truman: Jelly donuts?...
- The Dirty Three: Toward the Low Sun27 January 2012, 3:17 pm
Last night, before giving in to sleep, I listened over and over to the Dirty Three’s upcoming record, Toward the Low Sun, the band’s first release in seven years and their first for the great Chicago label, Drag City. The Dirty Three (Mick Turner on guitars, Warren Ellis on violin, and Jim White on drums) has always shown a deep respect and admiration for those magical spaces in between—between the notes, between one another, between the music and the listener.... - Jessie Baylin26 January 2012, 9:35 pm
Being “old school” can be either a compliment or a nasty put–down depending on who’s doing the talking. In the case of Jesse Baylin, the jersey girl turned Nashville singer/songwriter who is married to drummer Nathan Followill of the now-on-hiatus Kings of Leon, her new record Little Spark is a very savvy exercise in blending lots of obvious reference points, from Dusty Springfield to the classic girl groups of the 60’s, yet keeping the sound and attitude contemporary.... - To Like or Not to Like: Stereophile on Facebook26 January 2012, 5:53 pm
Whether you knew it or not, Stereophile is on Facebook! The Stereophile Facebook livefeed is updated regularly with links to articles posted on the Stereophile website, new product releases and announcements from within the hi-fi industry, and entertaining tidbits on music, sound, and the science of hearing. Regular updates began in mid-November 2010. At this time, we had approximately 290 regular monthly users.... - Etta James21 January 2012, 12:55 am
Publishing has a way of keeping you humble. Many years ago, after a scheduled show by her had been abruptly canceled, a club owner told me that Etta James had died. He neglected to mention that the two of them had just engaged in a financial dispute and of course being a newly minted music writer, I never thought to ask about any extenuating circumstances to this sad news.... - The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show: A Better Way?21 January 2012, 12:07 am
Photo: John Atkinson It looks sort of pretty, doesn't it? Imagine how much prettier it would be if it were real. Imagine again how much prettier it would be if those bridges and roads and towers weren't there at all. Every time I stepped from the slow elevator and onto the casino floor at Harrah's, where Stereophile's editors spent their sleepless nights, my hatred for Las Vegas was revitalized. This was like some kind of bad joke, some kind of post-modern torture. Oh, god, I am still here....
- Woo Audio Releases WDS-1 DAC and WTP-1 CD Transport26 January 2012, 4:15 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not January 26, 2012, New York - WOO Audio is proud to introduce ... - Lycan Audio Announces Release of the Ulric Subwoofer23 January 2012, 7:31 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not January 23, 2012, La Quinta, California - Lycan Audio is... - AVguide SOPA/PIPA Awareness18 January 2012, 7:50 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not AVguide has partially interrupted its regular service today t... - Sensaphonics Gains Patent Protection for 3D Active Ambient IEM System17 January 2012, 3:08 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not (Chicago IL, January 12, 2012)-- Sensaphonics, the technology... - MartinLogan Motion SLM Slim-Line Speaker Offers Low-Profile Power13 January 2012, 9:24 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not Las Vegas, NV – International CES 2012 – January ... - Sennheiser HD 25 Amperior Headphones Revealed at CES 201213 January 2012, 9:06 pm
Channels: The Absolute Sound The Perfect Vision Hifi+ CyberListener Source: AVGuide Industry News: not Las Vegas, January 10, 2011 – Not prepared to make comp...
- Tutu By Miles Davis Now Available At HDtracks27 January 2012, 7:30 am
HDtracks has many legendary music albums in high rez.... - Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances Now On Vinyl LP27 January 2012, 7:30 am
Reference Recordings release new 200 gram LP.... - SNEAK PEEK: ModWright Instruments KWA 150 Signature Edition Amplifier26 January 2012, 7:30 am
Get our app and enjoy sneak peeks to reviews.... - HiFi World Volume 22 Number 1 March 2012 Is Now Online25 January 2012, 7:30 am
See the complete table of contents and read the complete editorial.... - HiFi Plus February Edition Now Available.25 January 2012, 7:30 am
Many new equipment reviews, think pieces and much more in this edition.... - Blumenhofer Acoustics Wiki Two Way Hornspeaker24 January 2012, 7:30 am
The Wiki uses a 2" compression driver and 16" paper woofer....
- ariniAUDIO SilverStarr RCA interconnect from Poland2 January 2012, 11:00 pm
Report published: ∙ in Polish on Dec 1st 2011, No. 92 ∙ in English on Jan 3th 2012, No.92 ariniAUDIO (the company insists to have its name written like this) is the newest, known to me, Polish cable manufacturer. It turned out, that this is the third Polish cable company that just starts business and about which I learned this year. Let me remind you, that those were Sevenrods (HERE) and Audiomica Laboratory (HERE), both tested in the “Polish” edition of “High ... - Eryk S. Concept KETSUS SPECIAL floorstanding loudspeakers from Poland2 January 2012, 11:00 pm
Report published: ∙ in Polish on Dec 1st 2011, No. 92 ∙ in English on Jan 3th 2012, No.92 Usually in this place I tell you about the philosophy of the company, product, or the history of the brand preparing for the listening part. But because Mr. Eryk Smólski, the owner of Eryk S. Concept has interesting things to say, so I decided to give word to him: “Ketsus Special is the newest version of the loudspeakers Ketsus, tested some time ago in “High Fidelity” in the v... - Argento Audio FLOW MASTER REFERENCE power cord from Denmark2 January 2012, 11:00 pm
Report published: ∙ in Polish on Dec 16th 2011, No. 92 ∙ in English on Jan 3th 2012, No.92 Argento Audio cables belong to the kind I decided to disregard a long time ago – this kind are silver PCs. It's not about all silver products being poor, as I know Siltech cables that deliver breathtaking midrange, incredible vocals and so on. Also many less expensive cables like silver plated Chord are capable of delivering exceptionally good sound. But when it comes to my own syst... - Burmester CD PLAYER 089 Compact Disc Player from Germany2 January 2012, 11:00 pm
Report published: ∙ in Polish on Dec 16th 2011, No. 92 ∙ in English on Jan 3th 2012, No.92 This is not my first meeting with a Burmester product. Earlier I tested the integrated amplifier 082 from the Classic Line series. But this time I could have a closer look at a device from the higher series, Top Line – so only the Reference Line remains uncharted. The CD player 089 is a belt driven player of the top loading kind. Traditionally this kind of drive is associated with ... - Pro Audio Bono ACRYLIC AP anti-vibration platform from Poland2 January 2012, 11:00 pm
Report published: ∙ in Polish on Dec 1st 2011, No. 92 ∙ in English on Jan 3th 2012, No.92 NOn the web page of the Polish company Pro Audio Bono it is hard to find any name for the company products. I mean there are names, but those are descriptive, like: “Standard platform without veneered edges” or “Standard platform in a massive enclosure”. From a marketing point of view – a disaster, but also a problem for journalists. So to put things in some or... - BEST OF 2011 awards for Best Products and Recordings of 20112 January 2012, 11:00 pm
We can discuss and debate about the sense of awards, not only in audio and not only in the magazine “High Fidelity”. This is good – discussion is needed and is healthy. I am not claiming, that every discussion will lead to a consensus, that the “bigger good” will prevail, I know myself and I know life a little, but exchange of opinions will refresh our attitudes, sometimes even unlock something inside us, and even if in a certain case nothing will change, there is a...
- Sonata Music Server Review26 January 2012, 4:38 am
My first impression is that I could be convinced to listen to music with the Sonata Music Server software. Just imagine… A vast selection of music presented in the easiest to locate method. Your tastes catered to with a simple touch. In this case a Dell ST2220T Multi-touch monitor. It doesn't hurt to have the Arcam asynchronous USB rDAC, Stax SR-007 headphones and matching headphone amplifier which add that je ne sais quoi -- over the rainbow quality to the entire experience. Clearly, Digibit ... - Introducing New CA Contributor Kathy Geisler23 January 2012, 6:17 pm
After four years of writing every review and in-depth article on Computer Audiophile it’s time to add some diversity to these pages. I’m very happy to introduce new CA contributor Kathy Geisler. Kathy will bring a refreshing and creative perspective to Computer Audiophile. She has vast experience as a producer with a passion for classical music and an ear for good sound quality. read more... - CES 2012 Show Notes16 January 2012, 4:34 am
Wireless was everywhere. Music servers were everywhere. DACs were everywhere. CES 2012 was good for computer audiophiles and those looking to take the next step in high performance audio playback in the home. New Xeo wireless powered speakers from Dynaudio were among several wireless and/or powered speakers at the show. Audioengine showed its engineering prowess with its D2 wireless DAC at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Music servers from Weiss, Bladelius, and Merging Technologies showed much ... - CA Bits & Bytes Volume 3: 2012 CES, Upcoming Reviews9 January 2012, 2:51 am
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show is finally here! I'm very excited about the show this year. Many manufacturers will announce computer audio and desktop audio components over the next few days. Every year more and more of the specialty and major audio manufacturers cater to the next phase of home audio reproduction, computer based audio. This year I also plan to spend more time at the main convention center in addition to the standard high end suites at the Venetian. I don't care how much the ... - Drobo FS Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review28 December 2011, 3:08 am
There's no need to beat around the bush. Drobo FS is the simplest network attached storage device I've used to date. Period. The FS doesn't have many bells and whistles but that's a good thing for audiophiles seeking a simple yet robust storage solution for their music. Computer Audiophile readers who don't know or don't want to know much about storage solutions should cut to the chase and check out a Drobo FS. read more... - Peachtree Audio DAC•iT Review (AKA DACiT)14 December 2011, 2:28 pm
I'm not a big fan of blind listening tests. I rarely put myself through blind tests when reviewing products. My standard reviewing methodology is to listen to familiar components for a few hours, or even days, then place the piece of reviewed gear into the system. No matter the price difference between the components I can at least identify sonic differences as a starting data point. Sonic differences are much easier for me to identify after long listening sessions as opposed to short A/B type s...
- Lindemann
USB-DAC 24/196
as reviewed by Andre Marc15 January 2012, 3:21 pm
The USB-DAC 24/192 sounds as elegant as it looks. It has a beguiling analog like quality.... - Jorma Designs S/PDIF Cable
as reviewed by Robert H. Levi10 January 2012, 3:21 pm
My never-ending search for the best S/PDIF digital cable has now taken me to Sweden to examine the Jorma Design digital cable, a fine high-end cable manufacturer whom I rely on as one of my interconnect/speaker cable references.... - Notes from the Field: Yet Another Comparison of Portable Listening Devices (Unillustrated)
by Andy Schaub10 January 2012, 3:21 pm
For what it's worth, I do prefer the Edition 8's with the SR-71B to the T5p's. It's just a more natural match to me.... - JH Audio Pro 13 In-Ear Headphones
as reviewed by John Zurek10 January 2012, 3:21 pm
You see plenty of travelers with in-ear products, full-size headphones, and a lot of of the noise-cancellers from the brand that so many think are high-end.... - The Neoteric Listener and the Ayon Orion II
by Dean Seislove10 January 2012, 3:21 pm
The Orion II's tactility in providing the space for each frequency to be delineated, while still imbuing each instrument and effect with its full character, all contributes to a sound that pins your ears back better than you could get by just blowing your ears out.... - Electra-Fidelity Silver 45 SE Integrated Amplifier
as reviewed by John Hoffman10 January 2012, 3:21 pm
Jack Elliano founded Electra Print-Audio in 1977, and became firmly established in the market place due to his skill of winding custom transformers....
- Issue 4324 January 2012, 7:37 pm
TONEAudio’s Music Annual By The TONE Staff New for 2012! A complete list of our record reviews for the past year along with a comprehensive overview of our concert coverage and artist interviews, with an issue by issue listing at the end. A perfect recap for your record purchases this year! Keep this one on [...]... - Mark Lanegan24 January 2012, 4:42 pm
“If tears were liquor/I would’ve drunk myself to death,” confesses a troubled Mark Lanegan on the allegorical “St. Louis Elegy,” a haunting organ-laced ballad that stands in as the second cousin to the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” and reinforces the afflicted moods coursing through Blues Funeral. Spectacularly diverse and consistently impressive, the vocalist’s [...]... - Funk Firm Has A Winner…22 January 2012, 4:05 am
Refinement constitutes the difference between P1 and P6 on the Formula One grid. The same can be said for analog reproduction. While there’s precious little genuinely new under the sun, careful refinement of existing technology continues to extract more information from the grooves of our vinyl collections. And it’s a huge bonus when performance increases [...]... - Editor Bob Gendron’s new blog…9 January 2012, 10:08 pm
It’s All One Song By Bob Gendron January is traditionally a slow time for live shows. Yet soon enough, announcements for spring dates, the excitement associated with South By Southwest, and the unveiling of lineups for destination festivals will put everyone back into a virtual club—or, in the case of Lollapalooza, a virtual lakefront park). [...]... - Audion Premier Phonostage8 January 2012, 11:50 pm
It’s easy to get jaded and confused about today’s analog options. Still, if you have big bucks, the choice is practically made for you given that nearly all of the extremely costly phono cartridges are either low- or medium-output moving coil designs. This also means having to purchase a high-quality phonostage (read: expensive) to extract [...]... - Rega Apollo – R8 January 2012, 6:16 am
We’re starting the new year off big, with something small. (but mighty) Rega’s new Apollo-R CD player is fantastic, redefining what can be expected for $1095. If you still enjoy playing your shiny little discs, this player will do a fantastic job. If you’re on our “like” list on Facebook, you’re automatically entered, but we [...]...
- Epos ELS-8 standmount loudspeaker review16 January 2012, 8:01 am
A meta-review of a discontinued loudspeaker from Epos whose presentation isn’t as bold as the language used to cover it. “What separates these standmounts from the sub-$500 competition is they don’t try to sound exciting or showy. They don’t try at all. Instead, they walk in the opposite direction: easy to get on with, easy [...]... - REDGUM RGi120ENR integrated amplifier review16 January 2012, 7:57 am
Remarking that REDGUM amplifiers look unusual is akin to describing the Mona Lisa’s smile as enigmatic – it lacks imagination. Instead, let’s run with a Star Wars analogy from the off: REDGUM’s top integrated amplifier possesses extensive Midi-chlorian punch; The Force is strong within this one. She’s the Millennium Falcon of integrated amplifiers: as Han [...]... - QLS introduce QA-100 digital integrated amplifier27 December 2011, 11:22 pm
Here’s something interesting. Well, interesting because it’s super cheap. The QLS wizz-kids – them behind the QA-550 WAV player – now a have digital amplifier with in-built DAC ready to ship direct from Shen Zhen for US$320 (+ US$50 shipping). It probably won’t sound as good as your Krell, but it’s certainly a possibility for [...]... - Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier review27 December 2011, 9:06 am
This slower-moving moving UK manufacturer re-makes, remodels its long-standing Brio amplifier into a ‘R’ revision (remote control, half-width box) and catches the competition flat on its feet. “Rega just made it that bit harder to justify spending more than a grand on integrated amplifier. Twin the Brio-R with its Rega DAC brother and you’d struggle [...]... - Calyx Coffee DAC/Head-amp (ESS Sabre 9023) review28 November 2011, 9:45 pm
“My veal cutlet came down the counter to beat the shit outta my cup of coffee…but my coffee wasn’t strong enough to defend itself” – Tom Waits “The Calyx Coffee is picture-perfect desktop audio: it looks wonderful, sounds superb with easy to drive cans and doesn’t fray at the edges when faced with more challenging [...]... - Australian AV Show 2011 highlights21 November 2011, 8:34 pm
UK exhibition outfit The Chester Group teamed up with the chaps behind Australian Hifi and descended on Melbourne at the end of October for the first hi-fi show in several years. Guest contributor Chris Hornby went along with camera in-hand to check it out. You can read Chris’ two-part coverage here and here....
- 2012 CES, Part V: Kondo Audio Note, Dionysus, Avantgarde, Pathos, Vienna Acoustics, Davone, NTT Audio Lab, Piega, Meridian
... - Shindo silver cables
... - 2012 CES, Part IV: King Sound, Bob Carver LLC, GamuT, Pass Labs, TNT, McIntosh, Acapella Audio Arts, Enigma Acoustic, Esoteric, LAMM, Electrocompaniet
... - Update: The Dagogo Poll
... - An Interview with Doug Hurlburt of Dynamic Sounds Associates, LLC
... - 2012 CES, Part III: Tube Technology, Thorens, Vincent Audio, Benz Micro, VTL, Lyra, Tannoy / VAC, Basis Audio, Palmer, Funk Firm, Pass Labs, Grand Prix Audio, Burmester
...
- Dynaudio Focus 260 Loudspeakers15 January 2012, 5:00 am
There are so many ways to design and build a high-quality loudspeaker that thinking outside the box has become a requisite simply to remain in the game. If, in 1977, you asked someone on the streets of Denmark what was required to build a decent-sounding speaker, he or she might have said “high-quality drivers” or “decent cabinet construction” -- or, if really clever, “flat frequency response.” Pose the same question to someone in the offices of Dynaudio and your question would most ... - Ayre Acoustics VX-R Stereo Amplifier1 January 2012, 5:00 am
Note: Measurements performed by BHK Labs can be found through this link. Solid-state amplifiers are often the least inspiring components to review. Not all solid-state amps sound the same, as some would have you believe, but many sound quite similar to each other, and few have a sound that really lights my fire. It’s probably because of this “sameness” that so many still swear by tube amplification, not to mention the fun that can be had by mixing and matching different models of the same... - Eximus DP1 Digital-to-Analog Converter/Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier15 December 2011, 5:00 am
If, like me, you get a thrill from components with innovative styling, outstanding build quality, advanced features, and great sound, all for a price that an average-income audiophile can afford, then you’ll want to read this review. But before I get into the details of the new Eximus DP1 DAC/preamplifier/headphone amplifier ($2995 USD), I’ll explain how this product came to be. ... - Carnegie Acoustics Contemporary CST-1 Loudspeakers1 December 2011, 5:00 am
Note: Measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link. There are times when a boss seeks a volunteer for an assignment because the job is dirty or thankless or boring. But when SoundStage! Network editor-in-chief Jeff Fritz asked me to review Carnegie Acoustics’ Contemporary CST-1 loudspeaker, I coveted the assignment -- Jeff had described the speaker as “interesting.” In Jeffspeak, interesting usually means based on solid en... - Blue Circle Audio BC509 Digital-to-Analog Converter1 December 2011, 5:00 am
Jason’s an analog guy . . . I usually don’t review D/A converters. For the past decade my beat has been analog, and I’ve covered a fair bit of it. Digital has left me cold -- I’d rather curl up with vinyl, for both the sound and the aesthetic. Ignoring for a minute the warmer sound of LPs (which, you could argue, isn’t as accurate as digital), perhaps the biggest impediment to my enjoyment of CDs was my intense distaste for the discs themselves -- their cold, thin, sterile look and fe... - Bryston BDP-1 Digital Player1 December 2011, 5:00 am
As high-end computer-based audio flourishes, and the number of products and product categories continues to grow, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out where certain things fit in, or what they should even be called. When the Bryston BDP-1 was released earlier this year, it created a new breed of digital-playback source that many, including myself, didn’t quite know how to categorize. At first, I wasn’t sure there was even a need for such a product at a price of $2195 USD. Now, hav...
- Elemental Designs EL8.3t Loudspeakers15 January 2012, 5:00 am
For a short while I owned a Saab station wagon (too short for me; not short enough, saith my wife) that was, at the same time, the sweetest and the most frustrating ride I’ve ever had. Saab must have made a vow at some point in its history that its cars would never be propelled by any engine having more than four cylinders, no matter how large their cars became or how much power the car-buying public demanded. This was basically true even during GM’s ownership of Saab and its attempts to wor... - DH Labs Odyssey Speaker Cables, White Lightning Interconnects, Silversonic USB Digital Interconnect, Encore Power Cord1 January 2012, 5:00 am
Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity, which he explained in a 1905 paper, ushered in a paradigm shift in the study of physics. Two-century-old Newtonian mechanics, which viewed space and time as fundamentally independent of one another, were superseded by a framework of space-time in which space and time existed coextensively. One of the consequences of Einstein’s theory was that certain absolutes could no longer be counted on as empirical constants, and one of those was time. Spec... - Dynamique Audio Cyclone Speaker Cables, Tempest Interconnects, Firelight USB Cable, and Horizon Power Cords15 December 2011, 5:00 am
Evolution Darwinism is more than 150 years old, and while it serves as a cornerstone of modern biology, it has not found universal acceptance. Irrespective of its 19th-century origins, however, the notion of evolution manifests itself in today’s world with a rapidity that is difficult to keep up with. Divorced from its biological underpinnings, the evolution of modern technology is such that radical new hardware, software, and Internet services seem to appear every few months. Companies like ... - Paradigm Shift A2 Active Loudspeakers1 December 2011, 5:00 am
When I was asked to review Paradigm’s new A2 active monitor, I was more excited than I’ve been about a product in a long time. The A2 is the first product in Paradigm’s new Paradigm Shift line, which has been in development for some time. I’d been checking the Paradigm Shift website for months, seeing only a launch date that never seemed to arrive. When the review samples finally appeared, I opened their boxes with great anticipation. ... - Aperion Audio Verus Forte Tower Loudspeakers15 November 2011, 5:00 am
For many years, one of my obsessions has been to find really good, reasonably priced small speakers. I’ve reviewed a number and owned several: the KEF Coda 7, Britain’s best-selling speaker in the mid-1990s; and the Celestion 3, long a favorite of mine. Then there was the PSB Alpha A/V, an early model of that company’s high-value, low-price line. When I was asked to review the Aperion Audio Verus Forte Tower speaker ($1090 USD per pair), I jumped at the chance due to the very high perceive... - Atlantic Technology AT-1 Loudspeakers1 November 2011, 5:00 am
I wrote recently about how, concerning their new DM 3/7 loudspeaker, Dynaudio may have struggled to find anything new and exciting to crow about. The DM 3/7 sounds wonderful, to be sure, but even Dynaudio’s own publicity department was at pains to find anything new or cutting-edge about the speaker’s design. I wondered whether that could be chalked up to the high cost of European manufacture, which will account for a good bit of the speaker’s price of $1995 USD per pair. Atlantic Te...
- NuForce DAC-9 Digital-to-Analog Converter15 January 2012, 12:00 am
Call me a dinosaur, anachronistic, or snatch a bon mot from one of the uncharitable cranks who sound off on some online forums, but listening to vinyl records on a decent-quality, properly set-up turntable still provides the best approximation of real music that I have heard. There’s just something intrinsically right or more real about it: LPs sound more open, fluid, textured, detailed, dimensional, and -- this is where the magic is -- effortless than their digital counterparts. Our number-c... - Audience adeptResponse aR6-TS Power Conditioner1 January 2012, 12:00 am
Many people, perhaps most, think of power conditioners as providing some degree of protection for their audio systems -- protection they’re happy to have, so long as it doesn’t interfere with the sound quality. The adeptResponse (aR) power conditioners made by Audience, based in San Marcos, California, turn that thinking on its head: Their raison d’être is to improve a system’s sound. In the mid-2000s, Audience added power conditioners to its line of accessories, tweaks, and cabl... - EAR MC 4 Step-Up Transformer15 December 2011, 12:00 am
As I write this, fall weather has come on just over a week ago here in Oregon. Two or three days of coolish, overcast days were followed by a day and a half of soft rain showers. Then, clean, crisp, coolish mornings gave way to a lovely slanting light of afternoon, warm and yellow, bathing the plum and Japanese maple trees, both on the verge of turning, subtle tonal colors of their varied green leaves shining in the rich luminescence of the new autumn. Things in the garden that had seemed blonde... - PBN Audio Montana InnerChoic Liberty Loudspeakers1 December 2011, 12:00 am
Buy an audio component and you buy its designer’s vision. Buy a loudspeaker, amplifier, or turntable from PBN Audio, and it’s Peter Noerbaek’s vision you’ve brought home. PBN’s success is a testament to the power of his vision, and proof that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in high-end audio. Founded by Noerbaek as a part-time business in 1992 and full-time since 1993, PBN Audio took a while to gestate. Although trained as an electrical engineer in his native Denmar... - Simple Design Sonore Music Server15 November 2011, 12:00 am
Only a few years ago, the conventional audiophile wisdom was that the best sound from computer audio could be had for the price of a Mac computer and downloaded aftermarket music-player software from the likes of Amarra or Decibel. There wasn’t much else you could do to improve that setup, except maybe a few tweaks to make the computer run its best: RAM upgrades, better USB cables, and so on. But computer audio continued to evolve: Enter the standalone music server, built not for the ma... - Herron Audio VTSP-3A Preamplifier1 November 2011, 12:00 am
Years ago, when I was first getting into high-end audio, I remember walking into a dealer’s showroom in Austin, Texas, interested in listening to some subwoofers for two-channel music. At the time I was using a simple two-way speaker that was restricted to about 40Hz, so I figured a good sub would help fill in what I’d been missing. The dealer had a stereo set of subs set up with a pair of speakers that were also restricted in the deep bass. When the subs were switched in and out, I heard a ...
- Audio News for January 27, 201227 January 2012, 8:01 am
CE Devices Tops During Holiday Shopping; LG Wins International 3D Award; Dynaudio Wireless Speakers; Onkyo and TEAC in Cross-Ownership... - From Straight to Bizarre (2012)27 January 2012, 8:01 am
The inside story on Zappa’s two independent labels, made without the cooperation of most of the performers or labels.... - Westchester Jazz Orchestra – Maiden Voyage Suite – WJO Records26 January 2012, 8:01 am
A sharp re-imagining of Hancock’s iconic compositions.... - Dick Hyman & Octet – From the Age of Swing – Reference Recording 200-gr. 45 rpm (2 discs)25 January 2012, 8:01 am
A fabulous fidelity trip back to the late 1930s small-group swing era.... - PUCCINI: La fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West) – Blu-ray25 January 2012, 8:01 am
Are we really ready for a Hollywood modernist takeoff on the old West?... - ACROSS THE SEA = Chinese-American Flute Concertos. ZHOU LONG: Concerto; BRIGHT SHENG: Flute Moon; CHEN YI: The Golden Flute – Sharon Bezaly, flute /Singapore Sym. Orch./ Lan Shui – BIS25 January 2012, 8:01 am
Four Chinese-American flute concertos demonstrate the creative integration of two different musical cultures in this beautifully recorded disc....
- Samson ZOOM H2n(ext) Handy Digital Recorder - ZOOM Forges Ahead of the Pack…
"I've admired and owned ZOOM products for a few years now, both H4 and H2 passing through my studio and out into the field. Those reviews have already been published, and this Japanese company has now taken over its own worldwide distribution of its newest products..." ... - A Trialogue on Historical Recording Restoration by AM, JEB, & BO
"Even the process of removing recording noise that often obscures the first and second overtones ensures that they cannot be synthesized out of thin air, again, literally. In a mono recording all the noise and distortion are part and parcel of the production, and cannot be removed except at a cost..." ... - Audio Ideas, December 2011 - Recent SACDs, CDs, Blu-rays, & Other Confections (Or Not)!
"These two titles couldn't be any different from each other, I'm sure, but they share an excellence of production and execution, and each focuses on a major musical talent whose careers started more than 40 years apart. Chasing Sound is a look at the career and guitar and recording innovations of Les Paul, not to forget his spectacular musical dexterity with the electric guitar he invented. Paired with the irrepressibly pitch-perfect Mary Ford, they became a hit machine in the early 50s, his dev... - Ox Box #10 - Music from Jimmy Cobb, Mozart, Martinu and Robert Plant
"Most collectors will be attracted to the Chesky discs because of great care the Chesky team takes to get the most “natural” sound they can obtain. On the end of a horizontal arm they attach a single microphone around which the musicians gather, except when Roy Hargrove is part of the group. Because of the sound stage is so clearly defined you know he likes to move around...." ... - Sony BDP-SX1000 Portable Blu-ray Player - HD redux!
"This player was very impressive right out of the box, especially with Blu-ray music discs, with a truly photographic picture that is yards ahead of my Samsung 10" DVD portable, which died on me a couple of years ago. The first generation Blu-ray portables proved to be very expensive, as were the early DVD ones (I paid $1500 for my first Panasonic), so I waited a bit on this one, finding the BDP-SX1000 on eBay at prices from $288.88USD (what I paid) to well over $500..." ... - Anthem MRX 700 A/V Receiver - An Anthem That Is More Than Patriotic!
"Before I delve into the installation, a little more info about the MRX 700. It is the top-of-the-line A/V receiver from Anthem, and sports a polite and tidy front panel with a brushed black face. All the basic buttons are present to navigate, but, as with most A/V products you need your trusty flat screen TV to set everything up. A nifty thin sliding door reveals easy front access for a USB input, headphone jack, and RCA audio/video jacks..." ...
- Review: Urbanista London Headphones23 January 2012, 4:01 pm
According to Urbanista's website, 3.5 billion people live in 'urban environments'. That's a pretty big potential market, and Urbanista is targeting city dwellers with fancily-designed gadgets to make inner-city living that bit more exciting and glamorous. Each gadget is named after a city. Copenhagen gets some over-ear headphones, Las Vegas gets iPod cases and London gets some in-ear headphones. It could be worse – New York gets a…uh…trolley for shopping and luggage.So what makes the Londo... - Review: Bayan Audio Bayan 719 January 2012, 9:30 am
The Bayan Audio Bayan 7 is a curious-looking speaker dock which looks more like an oven that slots into a wall than a high-end iOS speaker dock (a black version is also available). But on closer inspection, it soon reveals its true purpose. Set into its clear Perspex facia is a hefty bass subwoofer that also acts as its stand. The rest of the sound is supplied by twin 5cm full-range speakers and two 2.5cm tweeters. The Bayan 7 has two amplifiers, one for the bass and one for the middle and high-... - Review: Philips Fidelio SoundSphere27 December 2011, 9:30 am
The Philips Fidelio SoundSphere is one of the best-looking Airplay speaker systems we've ever seen – and, we're extremely happy to report, its beauty is far from skin-deep. Comprising two forward-leaning cylindrical speakers clad in a classy gloss black, it's accompanied by a simple iPod/iPhone/iPad charging dock, remote control and all the cables you need to get it up and running quickly and simply. Inside one of the speakers you'll find a 2x 50W RMS amplifier, while each speaker also include... - Review: Revo K222 December 2011, 9:30 am
Designing an audio product presents manufacturers with a dilemma. Do they forego convenience and build a great sounding but bulky system, or sacrifice audio quality in favour of a smaller footprint? Thankfully, Revo's new K2 iOS dock, radio and audio streamer makes no such compromises. The K2's square-shaped base with sides of just 10.6cm and two alarm settings make it ideal for your bedside table. But its brushed aluminium bodywork, black rubber details and invisible-until-lit OLED means it loo... - Review: Sony SRS-BTV2516 December 2011, 11:35 am
The peculiar Sony SRS-BTV25 Bluetooth wireless speaker is aimed at the smartphone, iPod, iPad and iPhone market.It will work with any device capable of connecting to a Bluetooth speaker, though, which includes most tablets and a fairly large wealth of MP3 players.Bluetooth speakers aren't exactly new, and even stylish ones are fairly commonplace. But even so, it takes Sony design to make us sit up and listen. The Sony SRS-BTV25 not only looks incredible, available in black or white, but the surp... - Review: Logitech Wireless Speaker Adaptor2 December 2011, 11:18 am
Streaming music wirelessly via Bluetooth is excellent. Pretty much all smartphones these days not only hold a hefty chunk of our music collection, they also have Bluetooth connectivity that enables music to be streamed to a compatible stereo. It's so much easier than plugging in the phone via a cable - especially if someone were to ring you mid-song and you have to dash to unhook the phone before you miss the call. Bluetooth's high bandwidth serves to stream music almost without any noticeable l...
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. January 22nd, 2012.26 January 2012, 9:38 pm
By James Norris Program Adams: The Chairman Dances Hindemith: Nobilissima visione Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 ‘Leningrad’ Shostakovich was on his way to a football game when it was announced that Russia had been invaded by the German army in 1941. Instead of attending the match, he went immediately to the nearest recruiting office to sign up to fight in the [...]... - Parrot Zik Bluetooth Headphones15 January 2012, 6:09 pm
‘The Headset for the Smart Generation’ Before Bluetooth-hating, headphone enthusiasts go running for the hills, take a look at these gorgeous headphones from Parrot. I was watching Leo Laporte’s CES coverage on his Twit Network and the Parrot rep was talking up the company’s new Philippe Starck designed Zik headphones. If they sound as good as they [...]... - Audiophilia Star Recordings of the Year 201111 January 2012, 11:14 am
When our writer Andy Fawcett suggested a Recommended New Releases (RNR) post nearly two years ago, little did I know it would morph into one of our most popular recurring posts. As such, we felt the natural progression was to institute the recording equivalent of our very popular Star Component moniker. Thus, the Audiophilia Star [...]... - French Impressions — Joshua Bell, violin. Sony Classical10 January 2012, 1:33 pm
by Anthony Kershaw This came in the post today. I put it on as accompaniment to the writing of an equipment review. I’d get to the CD review at a later date. No such luck. The musicality and sheer brilliance that came flooding out of the speakers was immediate in the form of the unknown to me, [...]... - CEntrance Ships ‘Audiophile Desktop’ Bundle10 January 2012, 12:08 am
I first met Michael Goodman at the 2011 Toronto Audio Show. Goodman is Managing Director of CEntrance, maker of the DACport USB Headphone Amp I reviewed last year. I was so impressed with the kit that that I wanted to meet the guys behind the gear. I dropped by their booth at the Toronto Show [...]... - Get DEQXified at CES 20128 January 2012, 9:48 pm
Former Stereophile writer and all around great guy, Jonathan Scull now runs Scull Communications. The company does the PR for Australian company DEQX. Longtime readers will know of our affinity for all the things DEQX — two of our writers use its room calibration products in their reference systems. Scull passed on the news of [...]...
- Philips Fidelio SoundCurve DS8800W25 January 2012, 11:20 am
Product category Dock systems Philips has a number of iPod speakers carrying the Fidelio tag, but this is the first dockless AirPlay unit we’ve reviewed. Taking the standard 30-pin iPod connector out of the equation hasn’t dramatically changed the speaker’s appearance form the rest of the dock-toting Fidelio range. The curved, rounded off chassis certainly looks the part, while the letter-box-like opening spruces up the speaker’s appearance, extending all the way back where it turns int... - Libratone Live25 January 2012, 10:52 am
Product category Dock systems This iPod AirPlay speaker stands head and shoulders above the competition… well figuratively speaking, at least. Product Live Pros Interesting appearance; carry handle; expressive mids Cons Expensive; ill-defined bass performance Abstract Looks the part, clad in Italian cashmere, but should sound better We Say Great... - Audyssey Lower East Side Audio Dock Air25 January 2012, 10:42 am
Product category Dock systems With a name as long and convoluted as this, we’re a little disappointed that the Audyssey Lower East Side Audio Dock Air is little more than a dull black-box. Being honest, we’ve seen lunch-boxes with more character. Yes, it’s a cheap AirPlay speaker so we’re not expecting a design icon, but something even marginally jazzier than this would raise levels of enthusiasm beyond “meh”. Product Lower East Side Audio Dock Air ... - Altec Lansing inAir 500025 January 2012, 10:30 am
Product category Dock systems The Altec Lansing inAir 5000 shouldn’t be taken lightly – quite literally, in fact. It’s a weighty unit, but it’s also no Neanderthal in the looks department: attractive touches such as the teardrop-esque side profile and brushed metal trim take it a step above the other docks in this test. Product inAir 5000 Pros Solid build; impressive finish; easy to setup Cons Overblown... - NAD Viso 124 January 2012, 9:40 am
Product category Dock systems Given how popular iPod docks have become in recent years, it’s surprising that hi-fi specialist NAD has taken so long to launch one of its own – but its new Viso 1 system has been well worth the wait. In fact, it’s good enough to worry class-leaders such as the Geneva Model M, which is some achievement for a first-time effort. Product Viso 1 Pros Smooth, cohesive and hugely powerful sound; extensive speci... - Dynaudio Focus 16020 January 2012, 4:23 pm
Product category Hi-fi speakers Some products just sound right from the off. It’s not that they’re perfect, more that their sonic attributes gel in such a way that any shortcomings don’t intrude on the listening experience. Dynaudio’s Focus 160 speakers are just such a product. For speakers that stand just 35cm high, they deliver high volume and deep bass with impressive confidence. More than that, it’s the naturally fluid way they handle tracks such as Little Dragon’s rhythmically...
- New Peachtree Line at CES
Peachtree Audio featured six new products at CES 2012... - Thiel CS1.7 Mystery
Thiel appeared to have surprised itself by releasing the CS1.7 at CES2012 before anyone knew anything much about it... - Audio Research: Refreshed at CES
The most exciting product in Audio Research’s room at CES was the company’s Digital Media Bridge... - Thiel SmartSub USS and SS2.2
‘World’s most intelligent subwoofer systems’ claims Thiel’s Kathy Gornik, at CES 2012... - Bryston SP-3 at CES
Legendary Canadian manufacturer releases full-featured home theatre preamp/processor at CES 2012... - PSB Imagine T2 at CES
PSB used CES 2012 to introduce the new ‘Imagine T2’ tower speakers,...
- Adjustments, abuse, and a few additions29 December 2011, 4:25 am
Well, that review of the Harbeth's I wrote for the Dec issue of HiFi'Zine seems to have generated more traffic than one might think such a niche product warrants. I've had several personal notes from people about the review, mostly positive (thank you) but have been called a 'retard' and a 'sycophant' on one forum so clearly there are strong feelings out there about small speakers. Regardless, I stand by my assessment, the P3ESRs are exceptional.It being the time for a few days off work I manage... - HiFi'Zine Dec 2011 issue released16 December 2011, 6:39 pm
In this one I present two reviews: the wonderful Harbeth P3ESR speakers, and the equally excellent Harmonic Technology HDMI 1.4a cable. Lots of other great stuff in the mag and again, let me remind folks, this is a totally volunteer effort at creating a truly independent audio publication (no advertising, no dealing in reviews for gear, no paid articles). If you want to be part of it, let me know, we welcome new writers.... - Wish you were here - experience anew11 November 2011, 4:21 am
I first heard this album as a 14 year old when my school friend bought it, unheard, and lent it to me to play while his record player was repaired. It's hard to explain the impact this LP had on my young ears but I memorized every lyric and was enraptured by Gilmour's guitar lines on Shine on You Crazy Diamond. Soon I bought my own copy (I ended up with a funny copy with the same label on both sides), then a regular CD, in turn replaced by a later remastered version. Something of my youth and ea... - New music continually surprises8 November 2011, 2:27 am
There are always new recordings coming into my home, by choice, and most of them are very good. But sometimes I hear something that truly stops me in my tracks. One such recording is "Guaillibh a cheile" by Doimnic Mac Giolla Bridhe and Griogair Labhruidh, a collaboration of two Celtic musicians, one Irish, the other Scottish, exploring the rich traditions and commonalities of both forms. I doubt that most of you can listen to this music and understand a word that is sung, literally, but I doubt... - Mikey visits Shunyata in the Audio Beat4 November 2011, 8:20 pm
I enjoyed this article from the excellent Audio Beat where Michael Fremer visited Shunyata Research to get an inside look at their new measurement process for determining power cord differences. You can read the arguments yourself but one practical piece of advice from Caelin Gabriel of Shunyata for those unwilling to spend much on cords is to replace the connectors on the stock wire that came with your component for a better one he assures you of a positive improvement. Got to say that at the c... - Box set mania: U2 can spend a fortune29 October 2011, 8:02 pm
I like U2's music as much as most casual fans so perhaps this not aimed too directly at me but, much as I enjoy Achtung Baby, I cannot fathom spending nearly $600 on the new boxed set anniversary edition. You can see the details on the Elusive Disc website but really, double 180g vinyl, multiple 7" singles, 6 cds and 4 DVDs spells overkill to this fan. I've nothing against collectible releases, after all, I was there when U2 released their first single in Ireland and I bought one of those number...
- Audioengine's terrific, tiny USB DAC/headphone amp25 January 2012, 3:35 pm
Company has a knack for making great sounding desktop gear; the new D1 is the perfect music "interface" between your computer and speakers or headphones.... - Velodyne's first headphone is a bass lover's delight22 January 2012, 3:49 pm
Velodyne is a big name in subwoofers, but the company is just now venturing into the headphone market. Its first model, the vPulse, makes a ton of bass!... - Audiophiliac readers show off their sweet systems21 January 2012, 6:23 pm
In response to a request for photos of home setupss, Audiophiliac readers were all too happy to deluge Steve Guttenberg with images of their beloved systems. Here's a look at some of the standouts.... - Poll: Why do young people play LPs?18 January 2012, 3:36 pm
Is it more than a little strange that so many people buying LPs didn't grow up playing records? What's the appeal?... - High-end audio rocks CES, part 215 January 2012, 3:36 pm
Smartphones, tablets, and OLED displays may get the lion's share of attention at CES, but what about audio? Here's a choice sampling of the very best of CES.... - High-end audio rocks CES14 January 2012, 3:36 pm
Smartphones, tablets, and OLED displays may get the lion's share of attention at CES, but what about audio? Here's a choice sampling of the very best of CES....
- Harbeth P3ESR14 December 2011, 12:00 am
After encountering the Harbeth P3ESRs at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, Patrick Dillon had to hear them again on his home turf. Here he takes a pair through their paces. "There is something ineffably right about these speakers... If someone told me now that I had $2k to spend on speakers and I would have to live with my choice for years without chance of exchange, I’d buy these Harbeths on the spot."... - Sonic Studio’s Amarra Computer Music Player13 December 2011, 10:00 pm
"In the world of high-end audio, ‘computer audio’ is now almost as common as a CD player. Software applications that bypass a computer’s native OS audio process and provide their own method of processing an audio file are referred to as music players." Sonic Studio's Amarra was one of the first such players on the market. Joe Quinn reviews Amarra 2.3.... - Listening-Room Reflections and the Energy-Time Curve13 December 2011, 10:00 pm
In our listening rooms reflected sounds – sounds that bounce off walls and other objects – are more often louder than the direct sound from our loudspeakers. Nyal Mellor and Jeff Hedback explain how reflections affect our perception of sound, and how the Energy-Time Curve (ETC) can be used to assess the nature of reflections in a given listening room.... - Sonist Concerto 313 December 2011, 9:00 pm
"This review has been a long, long, long time in the making," writes Thad Aerts of this review of the Sonist Concerto 3 loudspeaker. While designed for use with single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers, Thad exercises it with the AMC hybrid push-pull amplifier. "They have the ability to seduce you away from what you are doing and get you to sit down in front of them to listen to music."... - Grant Fidelity W-30GT Integrated amplifier13 December 2011, 8:00 pm
"I have also grown tired of many components being connected by many wires in a large jumble in my living room." Jake Montzingo explores joys of simplicity and high-fidelity with the Grant Fidelity W-30GT integrated amplifier... "an amplifier that I could enjoy listening to every day for the rest of my life; and that’s better than perfection."... - Harold Budd – In The Mist13 December 2011, 7:00 pm
"It was an early morning in the studio in late April, 1980. Black turned to indigo, then to purple, red-orange and finally a golden sun was in through the high studio windows. It was the first light of the morning, and “First Light” from Harold Budd & Brian Eno’s Ambient 2 - The Plateaux of Mirror was playing. This was my introduction to the first of many Harold Budd works," writes Walker Burns....
- Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge Projection Screen25 January 2012, 8:00 am
When designing a home theater, the screen is often the last consideration in the plan. After all, it’s much more interesting to research electronics and their associated specs than to look through screen material samples and frame designs. Other than size, few of us think much about our choice of screen. Screen Innovations markets projection screens in all sizes, aspect ratios, and gain (screen brightness). In this review, we take a look at their Black Diamond Zero Edge projection screen. ... - Energy Veritas V-6.3 Speakers (5.1 System)23 January 2012, 8:00 am
Energy speakers have been around since 1973. They came into prominence with the Pro 22 and later with the Veritas v2.8 speakers which were a big hit in the mid 90’s. At an MSRP of around $6,000, the Veritas v2.8’s were known for an excellent price/performance ratio. Here, I'll review their latest iteration of the Veritas line, the V-6.3's in an all-Veritas 5.1 system! Read more...... - A Collection of New Vinyl Releases for the Audiophile - January, 201218 January 2012, 8:00 am
Read more...... - Definitive Technology BP-8040ST SuperTower Speakers16 January 2012, 8:00 am
Pssst….want to hear a really cool speaker, but you have to keep it a secret. The voice was familiar but I looked around for the white van, none to be seen. Sure, but they’d better not have fallen out of the back of a truck I replied. Nah he said just come up to my private room in this hotel. Up the exterior stairs we went to his suite, nice. Now I want to show you what’s in this other room behind this curtain. Hmmmm. There they were, the Definitive Technology BP-8040ST SuperTower Speaker... - Onkyo TX-NR809 Wireless Network 7.2 A/V Receiver9 January 2012, 8:00 am
Having both reviewed and owned several Onkyo receiver models over the last few years, I have come to expect an excellent product that is both packed with features and performs extremely well. The Onkyo TX-NR809 network receiver was announced in May of 2011, and right away, it made me salivate. So, here is the review. Read more...... - Crystal Acoustics TX-12SUB THX Ultra2 Certified Subwoofer4 January 2012, 8:00 am
Crystal Acoustics is an Internet-direct manufacturer that specializes in THX certified 5.1 and 7.1 systems. I’ve reviewed two sets of Crystal Acoustics 5.1 systems, both of which earned high marks for their high value at low cost. Those systems incorporated a THX Select certified subwoofer. The unit reviewed here is the TX-12SUB THX ULtra2 Certified subwoofer. Read more......
- Franco Serblin Accordo loudspeaker review preview25 January 2012, 3:58 pm
Beauty reinventedFranco Serblin Accordo loudspeaker exclusive preview and upcoming review In few days I'll post a review of upcoming Franco Serblin Accordo two way loudspeakers.Yes, Franco real passion were always little monitor speakers. Just remember the heritage he left at Sonus Faber and what he was most known for.I'll elaborate on Franco Serblin Accordo vs Sonus Faber Evolution as many of you requested. For me this is one of the best looking small cabinet loudspeakers on earth. S... - DALBY AUDIO DESIGN D7 ULTIMATE PREAMPLIFIER25 January 2012, 3:58 pm
BEAUTY UNABRIDGED. ULTIMATE PREAMPLIFIERWhen it comes to high-end and ultra high-end we often feel, that aesthetic are on second plane (and plan) with designers. It's great to see someone going all the way to every small nuances in creating a truly ultra high-end music box.Enter the world of Dalby Audio Design.Everything feels premium with Dalby. From logos, design, materials etc. Dalby Audio Design holds the same aura as Patek Philippe do in high-end watch indu... - LessLoss Firewall21 January 2012, 11:03 pm
Ultimate powerIn our continuing testing venture with LessLoss here comes another addition. LessLoss Firewall. Filtering power without side defects :)? No caps, no coils?In a combination with Furutech e-TP609E as suggested by Louis Motek, this should raise bar above what happened so far with the company cabling solution. We approached this unique so called audiophile experiment as whole. So importance of synergy and solution from one source. So far it was surprisingly great quest.... - NAT Audio magnetic preamplifier18 January 2012, 9:48 pm
No coils just musicDesign Features- transformer coupled circuit (without any capacitor on direct or indirect signal path)- absolute zero feedback circuit- approx. 1.000.000uF of capacitance in analog power supply section- pure dual mono construction- custom designed ultimate wide-bandwidth output transformers (with perfect square wave response)- ten precise selected high performance j-fet device per channel- two additional separate transformers for digital control and analog supply- attenuation ... - Miro Krajnc SoulSonic Wave loudspeaker16 January 2012, 10:04 pm
Waves's of emotionsEncounter of a second kindYesterday I had a pleasure of visiting Miro Krajnc and finally hearing his SoulSonic speakers. They are a smaller version of the bigger brother Impulse, that caused quite a stir at THE SHOW and CES and set fire to the Slovenian audio scene and forums.My last visit to Miro was about ten years back. He was, and still is, a well known speaker enthusiast within the local scene and known among friends in the audio industry and socie... - Interview with Simon Yorke15 January 2012, 10:08 pm
Matej Isak talks to Simon Yorke of Simone Yorke DesingsHello Simon. Much appreciated, that youtook the time and efforts.Where and how did it all start for SimonYorke? How did you come into contact with music?It’sin my genes. Both of my parents were professional musicians, so it’s nosurprise that music runs in my blood. I ‘knew’ this from a very early age.You came in your life to the point ofcreating your first record player. When and why did that happen?Iwas given my first record-player,...
- Review: The Sonos iPad APP23 August 2011, 6:26 pm
With a little practice, anyone can control all their music easily. Are you, like I am, tired of fighting with your sluggish and ill-behaved laptop computer? Are you fed up with juggling multiple remote controls when switching between Pandora, the radio, and your personal music library? When you get home from work and all you want to do is unwind to some relaxing tunes, the last thing you want to do is battle with temperamental technology. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, waiting for... - Review: Peerless HD Flow Wireless High Def.14 July 2011, 1:06 pm
Easy-to-use product lets you cut the HDMI cord. There’s a time and a place for everything, unfortunately you can’t always find the time or the place to run a new HDMI cable clear across your house or your ceiling to hook up a home theater projector or a flat panel TV. Wouldn’t it be nice to connect said gear wirelessly? Well, of course it would, but that’s like saying wouldn’t it be nice to get an actual photo of bigfoot. It doesn’t sound so hard, but then why don’t people do it e... - New Media Center Unveiled Today26 October 2010, 1:51 pm
Today, Western Digital (WD) announced the debut of its new Live Hub media center. Actually, it was unveiled at a press bash at Siren Studios in Hollywood, last night. Awesome party. Live Hub's 1 TB hard drive will store music, videos, vacation slideshows, photos and other personal entertainment. For you non-techies, a terabyte is in excess of over one thousand gigabytes. That's big. Sporting 2 USB ports, Live Hub is also expandable. Live Hub supports a wide variety of video formats. It is also a... - The Poetry of Motion17 August 2010, 9:01 pm
MartinLogan’s newest loudspeakers have us questioning the old adage about getting what you pay for The sad fact of the matter is that most readers of Home Entertainment will take one look at the prices of MartinLogan’s new Motion Series loudspeakers and never even consider auditioning them. That’s a curious thing to say, perhaps, in a publication that has reviewed and enthusiastically endorsed speaker systems with stickers comparable to a Porsche 911 Carrera 4, but without the installment ... - Linn Majik DS-I Review16 July 2010, 7:38 am
Brèagha ceòl: Linn's new Majik DS-I combines the best bits of their digital player, preamp and digital amplification, all squeezed into one package. To be honest, I think Linn is an odd company. Looking at their product lines, you have to wonder if they lack a decent spell-check or are just lifting names straight out of the Ikea catalog. read more... - iPad @ hOme9 July 2010, 8:55 am
Sure it's cool and trendy, but what can the iPad do for the A/V Enthusiast? Well, quite a lot it turns out.Somewhere after the time the fanboy lines abate and before it cures cancer or something, the iPad turns out to be a ridiculously useful device for the ePerson. read more...
- AVRev's CES 2012 Post-Show Wrap Up19 January 2012, 10:20 pm
Las Vegas was yet again host to CES, where hundreds of industry folks, journalists, and just plain revelers converged to see the latest trends in technology, communications, entertainment, and lifestyle products. Every major manufacturer and media company was exhibiting, and there were wonders to behold. Aside from the massive Las Vegas convention center, the show was spread across half Read more...... - Wireless HD and 3D Streaming Product Overview6 January 2012, 2:08 am
Being to able to access content anywhere in the household, in premium quality, without a tangle of wires and a stack of boxes is what many have come to see as the ideal home entertainment set up. A number of companies have been offering higher end solutions with built in flexibility and virtually unlimited bandwidth. The technology is changing so Read more...... - Marantz PM6004 Integrated Amplifier Review20 December 2011, 9:23 pm
Integrated amplifiers are probably more popular than ever before. Today, many companies offer a one box, convenient solution loaded with features and requiring fewer cables / less rack space, which allows for full system control with just one remote. That is not to mention that advances in design have made it possible for audio engineers to produce great sounding, Read more...... - Musical Fidelity V-DAC II Review9 December 2011, 3:26 am
Legendary British HiFi firm, Musical Fidelity, has been at it for about 25 years now. They have been widely praised for decades for their amplifiers, hybrid tube designs, and digital source components. Musical Fidelity’s head honcho, Antony Michaelson, is very well respected as a designer, engineer, and is even a professional musician. It's fair to say that many Read more...... - Bel Canto Design CD3t Disc Transport Review29 November 2011, 7:52 pm
... - Stager Silver Solids Interconnects REVIEW8 November 2011, 10:44 pm
Very few categories in high end, perfectionist audio are as controversial as cables. There are endless debates about silver or copper,shielded or not, soldered or crimped, cryo’d or not, and probably dozens more age old arguments. Only one aspect of the whole topic of cables is not up for debate, and that is you need them to connect your components Read more......
- Re: What are you listening to right now?28 January 2012, 5:15 am
Steve Miller Band: [color=nav...... - Re: FS Definitive Technology BP10 w new drivers, pick up 44118 (Cleve., OH)28 January 2012, 4:52 am
... - Re: Compromises28 January 2012, 4:50 am
Quote from: DaveNote on Today at 03:06 AMI happened on KRK KNS8400 studio monitors at a pro music shop. I own Grado SR80, and I like the KRKs much better. Comfortable, well built, lots of sound isolation. Very lin...... - Re: FS Definitive Technology BP10 w new drivers, pick up 44118 (Cleve., OH)28 January 2012, 4:50 am
Can see the...... - Re: FS Definitive Technology BP10 w new drivers, pick up 44118 (Cleve., OH)28 January 2012, 4:47 am
Scratches do......
- an old Heathkit amp...still works perfectly!28 January 2012, 1:57 am
This is a Heathkit model AA-32 stereo amp I built from a kit 46 years ago. For some reason I've always kept it although this is the first time it's been on for at least 25 years...works perfectly!!! Jeff B.... - Rega Brio R + DAC vs. Peachtree Nova27 January 2012, 11:54 pm
Anyone had a chance to compare a Rega Brio-R + Rega DAC to a Peachtree Nova? *I'd be interested in hearing opinions. *... - best cheap over-ear earphones?27 January 2012, 11:25 pm
Can anyone recommend some that are not too expensive?... - Dual 1214 Thrift Store Find27 January 2012, 11:00 pm
I can't resist a Dual TT. This specimen was in very nice and in slightly used condition. It was missing some parts; the cartridge sled and center spindle. The selling point for me was the included dustcover. I paid $15.00 for it. Luckily I still have a walnut plinth from a Dual that was destroyed except for some very useful parts. Oh, and it sounds very nice with a Shure M75 ED cartridge. Here are some pictures. The 1st 2 are the before.... - I live next to the train line27 January 2012, 10:17 pm
Hi, I'm new here, hi everyone :) I've been thinking about getting a turntable. However, my house is, err, quite close to a main train line. I live in the UK. When a train goes past the house it can be heard, but the house also vibrates. This is particularly true upstairs but downstairs will presumably also have problems. Should I give it up as a bad idea? Thanks :cheers:... - Splitting Inputs27 January 2012, 9:17 pm
I tried to search for this without much success. In regards to analog 5.1 from SACD players and DVD Audio's......can I use a Y adapter to split the inputs? My receiver only has 1 5.1 input section. Provided the 2 players are never on at the same time will this be OK? SACD has made me seriously think about installing the surround setup once again....
- Rega Brio R + DAC vs. Peachtree Nova27 January 2012, 11:53 pm
Anyone had a chance to compare a Rega Brio-R + Rega DAC to a Peachtree Nova? I'd be interested in hearing opinions. ... - Naim Aro27 January 2012, 11:39 pm
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NAIM-ARO-TONEARM-boxed-late-example-2002-/300656159116?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item460080e98c#ht_2198wt_1225 " part of a collection from an eccentric collector who had 6 naim Aros so little used !" one of us ?????????:rolleyes:... - Any news of Linn Upgrade Offer?27 January 2012, 6:40 pm
This time last year Linn were offering 10% discount on LP12 upgrades (I had mine Circussed along with a SH Lingo and Ekos upgrade). Was this a one-off by Linn, or do they make similar LP12 upgrade offers each year?... - suggestions for £50 s/h headphone amp27 January 2012, 4:14 pm
I'm looking for a second hand headphone amp that'll suit the ears of an 80 yr old. Preferably £50 s/h but maybe he'll have a bit more than that. Headphones are Grado Prestige, not sure which model, they cost c.£90 new. Amp is onix oa21. The source: planar 3 with a and r p77 cartridge; digital radio and cd player separates are also regularly used. Any suggestions welcome... thanks!... - Rothwell Audio Rialto - High end Riaa at a discount?27 January 2012, 3:06 pm
Looks like a interesting RIAA. http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/rialto_mm_mc_phonostage.html "The Rialto is phonostage pre-amp compatible with both moving magnet and low output moving coil cartridges. Discrete transistor circuitry is used throughout for maximum fidelity and lowest noise, and audiophile polypropylene capacitors are used for both the RIAA equalisation and signal coupling. the design brief Although this is our first new phonostage for several years, phonostage d... - Should I buy new vinyl or the CD?27 January 2012, 12:42 pm
This is a serious question for those who have what might be called 'high-end' equipment. I use a Weiss DAC202 to play ripped CDs and a high quality vinyl spinner equipped with a DV XV1-s cart. What I notice is that when a recording is good there really isn't anything between them in sound quality other than 'wine tasting'. So I notice some stuff being released on both vinyl and CD. In the past I've gone for the more expensive 180g vinyl but its so variable in quality and sometimes not real...
- Thinking of geting a turntable...28 January 2012, 1:13 am
I don't want to spend a lot of money as this is my first turntable, but I do want quality. I've narrowed my search down to late 70's/early 80's DUAL and Thorens turntables. From my searches on...... - Looking for Graphic EQ suggestions27 January 2012, 6:07 pm
I’m looking for a Graphic Equalizer for one of my 2-channel systems and would like to know if there are any non-used ones available these days. I’d like one with a spectrum analyzer display and...... - Noise Reduction on an Open Reel Tape Recorder27 January 2012, 12:14 pm
Good day to all and happy New Year! I just acquired an open reel Akai GX-630D (http://www.obsoletemedia.com/tapedecks/akaigx630d.htm) tape recorder and I intend to use it extensively. The deck is...... - Need Audiophile Help to Connect a "Sub"26 January 2012, 4:01 pm
Need Audiophile help please. I have an old but much loved Carver preamp/power amp stereo system. I would like to add a wireless subwoofer...the question is how? and can it be done? The preamp only...... - Excessive and extreme speaker vibration24 January 2012, 11:46 pm
As of yesterday, I had a cambridge magic dac and a kenwood kd40r turntable being fed into my onkyo 2 channel receiver, last night I bought a yaqin ms12b with upgraded electro harmonix tubes. For...... - Anyone familiar with Consonance turntables?24 January 2012, 3:57 pm
Specifically I am looking at a Consonance LP6.1 with a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge. There are limited reviews online which are all positive just wondering if anyone was any real world experience with......
- Technics Speakers new drivers crossover28 January 2012, 4:31 am
*Drivers used:* Vifa DX25TG05-04 Tweeter Vifa/Peerless P13 WH 00-08 (5inch) Peerless Woofer 830669 (12inch) *Crossover used ( Wes Comepents...... - Bookshelf speakers?28 January 2012, 4:12 am
Hello all, i have just bought a pair of Gainclone monoblock amps with a Cambridge Audio Pre-Amp. I am looking for a pair of Bookshelf speakers to...... - The 25 Ultimate Audiophile Speakers of All Time28 January 2012, 3:59 am
Any views, comments? http://audiophilereview.com/audiophile/the-25-ultimate-audiophile-speakers-of-all-time.html... - Jensen AVX 17 speaker crossover upgrade28 January 2012, 3:38 am
:partyhello I bought my Jensen speakers used. Origianl crossover had okay wire to the speakers (tinned copper), crossovers had ceramic...... - Jobs which are beneath Aussies!28 January 2012, 2:54 am
Here is an interesting article about certain jobs which are predominantly filled by migrants. So I guess migrants don't take jobs from Aussies after...... - Thought you'd heard it all?28 January 2012, 1:40 am
Blow me down--who'd thunk!!!-- Willco http://vimeo.com/30501143...