- A Big Surprise Among Three American Symphonies20 August 2018, 12:15 pm
How many of us, when asked to name great American symphonists, typically start and stop with Copland, Ives, Bernstein, Barber and, among living composers, Glass and Adams? In doing so, we often ignore a host of others from the mid-to-late 20th century, including Schumann, Piston, Diamond, Cowell, Hanson, Harris, and Hovhaness (to name but a few)...Perception could very well change with the release of Lance Friedel and the London Symphony Orchestra's recent SACD for BIS, American Symphonies (BIS-...
- Kalista DreamPlay One CD player16 August 2018, 5:13 pm
Some of my reviewer colleagues would have you believe that negative reviews are the most difficult of all to write, and that positive reviews fairly write themselves. What nonsense! As I write this, my copy deadline is three days away, yet I've succeeded at crafting little more than my heading (easy enough: it's just the product's name, followed by my name) and my Associated Equipment sidebar (also easy), leaving a great expanse of nothing in between. That's mostly because the Kalista DreamPlay... - Recording of Septenber 2018: Pärt: <I>The Symphonies</I>16 August 2018, 5:13 pm
Pärt: The Symphonies Tõnu Kaljuste, NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic ECM 2600 (CD). 2018. Manfred Eicher, prod.; Andrzej Sasin, Aleksandra Nagorko, engs. DDD. TT: 79:40 Performance ***** Sonics ***** Arvo Pärt is now so popular that it's no longer necessary to explain him. His piety is approachably beautiful and welcoming. He was not born composing his airy, contemplative, trademark "tintinnabular" (bell-like) music; up to the early 1970s, he cut his teeth on the 12-tone scale. His fou... - The 2018 EISA Hi-Fi Citations14 August 2018, 10:37 pm
EISA is the biggest and, at nearly 40 years, the oldest general consumer-electronics awards association in the world; its members include 50 special-interest magazines in over 23 European countries and, now, the US, Canada, India, and Australia. Through its annual Awards program, EISA has been celebrating the very best consumer-electronics products for over 30 years. Each spring, the editors of the member magazines in the Hi-Fi Expert Group vote on products that have been nominated in up to 15 c... - Zen & the Art of A/D Conversion14 August 2018, 5:06 pm
In a series of recent feature articles for Stereophile, Jim Austin has examined how the controversial MQA codec works: "MQA Tested, Part 1," "MQA Tested Part 2: Into the Fold," "MQA Contextualized," "MQA, DRM, and Other Four-Letter Words," and, most recently, "MQA: Aliasing, B-Splines, Centers of Gravity." I doubt there is a Stereophile reader who is unaware of the fracas associated with MQA, and I have been repeatedly criticized on web forums for describing its underlying concept as "elegant."...
- Paradigm’s New Defiance Subwoofers Offer Powerful Bass, App Control, Anthem Room Correction, and Much More20 August 2018, 5:24 pm
The following is a press release issued by Paradigm Electronics, Inc. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | August 20, 2018 – Paradigm Electronics Inc., global leader in speaker design and manufacturing, is proud to announce their new Defiance subwoofers. Featuring six subwoofers in two series (X Series and V Series), Defiance subwoofers deliver pure power, unleashed by clean, efficient amplification. Defiance X Series Everything is maximized with the new Defiance X10 / X12 / X15 subwoofers. Outp... - Audiophilia on Four Wheels20 August 2018, 12:45 pm
In late 2007 I was contacted by Jon Whitledge, who invited me to hear his ambitious car-audio system at the January, 2008 CES. I’d never heard of him, and the prospect of having my ears blown out by thumping bass at massive sound-pressure levels wasn’t my idea of fun. But then Jon described to me his goals for the system, his aesthetic, and the elaborate construction and technology behind what he called the “Magic Bus.” Jon had bought a Sprinter van solely as a platform f... - Q&A with Jorn Janczak of Tidal Audio16 August 2018, 3:08 pm
What ignited your interest in the high end? Did it come from the music side or the electronics side? Both! Disassembling our old TV, taking out the speaker, and building it into an Adidas shoebox. The first song I listened to was “The Sun Always Shines On T.V.” from A-ha, and it was a real wow experience for me when I was ten. What gear made up your first high-end system? I always had self-made gear, so the first “real system” was actually a Tidal one—15 years after... - Parasound JC 3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier15 August 2018, 2:12 pm
In the interests of transparency readers should know that the $2999 Parasound JC 3+ has been my reference phonostage since I reviewed it in Issue 245. I say this not because I’m partial to Parasound products in general, but because I flat out believe there is no better phonostage on the market within shouting distance of its price. For me, the John Curl designed JC 3+ has consistently drawn forth a wealth of musical and sonic detail from a range of cartridges. Its build-quality is superior... - KEF LS50 Wireless Nocturne Active Loudspeaker System14 August 2018, 4:35 pm
I’ve always been something of a night owl. And perhaps like many of you I enjoy listening to music later in the evenings. Lights low, wine glass in hand, ready to relax into stereo sound. For some reason I’ve also always gotten a kick out of stuff that glows: from amplifier tubes and fireflies to bioluminescent sea creatures, neon signs, and even a pair of glow-in-the-dark earrings. My fondness for such whimsy unexpectedly found its way to a modern hi-fi offering perfect for nighttim...
- REVIEW: EMM Labs DA2 Digital-To-Analog Converter (DAC)16 August 2018, 1:17 pm
So, when faced with the question, "What is the best high-end DAC made today?", the answer will likely start a debate among audiophiles, as there's more than one answer to that question. But, there is no doubt that EMM Labs' converters will be mentioned quite a few times. Why? Because not only has EMM Labs' Ed Meitner been there since the beginning of the implementation of the SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc, just in case you've forgotten) but also because he's one of the world's leading experts i... - KL International AV Show 2018 Report16 August 2018, 1:17 pm
Named in a tribute to the capital city, the KL International AV Show held in Kuala Lumpur is designed to showcase the latest technology and innovations that the world's audio and video consumer electronic companies have to offer discerning enthusiasts from all walks of Malaysian society. This year mark a momentous occasion for the KL International AV Show as it celebrates its 25th anniversary since its conception back in 1994. Returning once again to the excellent venue at Sunway Putra Hotel, Ku... - World Premiere Review! Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Stereo Tube Amplifier15 August 2018, 1:59 pm
There are some pinnacle names that simply standout in history, even that of high end stereo music playback. Take the Dyna Corporation, which was founded in Philadelphia back in October 1955 by none other than legendary audio inventor David Hafler and his colleague Ed Laurent. Although they began by designing and creating high quality transformers that also happened to work well for musical instrument gear, their true interest was in making high end audio components available at affordable prices... - World Premiere Review! VPI Industries Voyager MM / MC Phono Stage Amplifier15 August 2018, 1:58 pm
Compact disc recording became a reality in 1982 and the Sony Corporation advertised "Perfect Sound Forever". And so vinyl LP recordings were destined to die a slow death. Or was it? Indeed production of new music on black plastic slowly slipped away as digits did the dirty deed. Many an audiophile rode the ‘wave of the future' and many an audiophile turned analog into digital audio-files. And this brings us to my World Premiere review of VPI Industries' Voyager phono amplifier. Personally,... - See More High-End Audio Reviews...15 August 2018, 10:55 am
EnjoyTheMusic.com has many more high-end audiophile articles and reviews available this month. Click here to see them all. ...
- MUSIC | THE ALBUM |1|: STAN GETZ | Stan Getz in Poland | POLAND31 July 2018, 10:00 pm
his is an album that was not to be. But it is. It was created on the run, because of the Polish side's insistence. It was an expression of the ambition of Polish jazzmen and their record label, Polskie Nagrania “Muza”. It is one of the few studio recordings by Stan Getz, which were created outside the Verve Records label, he was bound with the contract, and with his owner Norman Granz – with friendship. As we read in the Roman Waschko description posted on the cover: &ldqu... - REVIEW: Avatar Audio NUMER 3 BAMBOO | Loudspeakers / floorstanding | POLAND | RED Fingerprint31 July 2018, 10:00 pm
should say: he's a perfectionist in every way, if not for the fact that it sounds at least silly, and the matter is quite serious. And that's because Cezariusz Andrejczuk, the designer behind the Numer 3 Bamboo loudspeakers, is an absolute perfectionist. He refines his products in a way that no other company would consider worth doing, because it takes a lot of time and money. Cezariusz does not care, because each of his products is not only a commodity to sell, but also a part of his own music ... - INTERVIEW: MARK WALDREP / AIX Records | USA31 July 2018, 10:00 pm
ark Waldrep’s CV is impressive: he has been the founder and main engineer for AIX Records, author of articles published in professional audio magazines (e.g. “MIX”) and audiophile magazines, speaker at AES conventions, and member of the CTA/CEA audio section, The Recording Academy (NARAS) and the Audio Engineering Society (AES). For the last 20 years, he has been teaching sound engineering students about sound at a university. For a long time, Mark Waldrep has been known in ... - REVIEW: Aurum Cantus LEISURE 2 LUXURY MkII | Loudspeakers / monitors | CHINA31 July 2018, 10:00 pm
oo many audio manufacturers tell me the same story: “If I don’t charge a premium price for my products, the audiophile community doesn’t take me seriously.” Thus begins a vicious circle and at least a part of the reason audiophile gear is so expensive. I’ve owned and reviewed many different speakers. Martin Logan, Merlin, Von Schweikert, Usher, Acoustic Zen, Magnepan, Thiel, ZU and Tekton, to name a few. Some were expensive and some medium-priced by audiophile ... - REVIEW: Lavardin Technologies ISx REFERENCE RED EDITION | Integrated amplifier | FRANCE | RED Fingerprint31 July 2018, 10:00 pm
mall companies, including audio companies, do not change their lineup often. If we look closely, it turns out that there is really no such thing as "lineup" in their case. At least if by lineup one understands the ordered, structured logically fitting to different price shelves set of devices, then only medium and large size manufacturers are able to plan the lineup and refresh it on regular basis. For specialists companies, such as the French LAVARDIN TECHNOLOGIES, it's an advantage and dis...
- Remembering our Friend, Carrie Ellyn Fisher20 August 2018, 11:04 pm
Carrie Ellyn Fisher, January 19, 1959 - August 4, 2018. Carrie Ellyn Skokut Fisher of Reston, VA, born on January 19, 1959 in Garfield Heights, Ohio, to the late Margaret Skokut and the late Miller Skokut, passed away at age 59 on August 4, 2018 in Reston, Virginia. Carrie graduated from Independence High School in... Read More » The post Remembering our Friend, Carrie Ellyn Fisher appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Aretha Franklin – Some Vibrations Linger Longer17 August 2018, 10:01 pm
Radio Free Chip The French have a phrase for it. The bastards have a phrase for everything and they are always right. To say goodbye is to die a little. Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye It’s always too damn soon to say goodbye. I have always believed...well, postulated in any event, the notion that when... Read More » The post Aretha Franklin – Some Vibrations Linger Longer appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Lee Hazlewood's Woodchucks, Cruisin' for Surf Bunnies17 August 2018, 9:37 pm
Light in the Attic Records LITA169, colored LP $22, LP $20, CD $12, available at lightintheattic.net "Lee Hazlewood wasn't a cowboy, but he sure played the part. He never took LSD but made some far-out, psychedelic records, and he sure as shit didn't surf…but he had a brief yet prolific output of surf music. The... Read More » The post Lee Hazlewood's Woodchucks, Cruisin' for Surf Bunnies appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Peter Ledermann is the Artisan Smithy of Sound, Part 2: The New Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III Phonograph Cartridge!17 August 2018, 9:29 pm
If you read Part 1 of this Soundsmith review series in Positive Feedback Issue 98 (HERE), where I wrote about the new Carmen Mk II phonograph cartridge, you know that I found the Carmen Mk II to be one of the most musically enjoyable phonograph cartridges I have ever written about. The Carmen Mk II... Read More » The post Peter Ledermann is the Artisan Smithy of Sound, Part 2: The New Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III Phonograph Cartridge! appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Impressions: The Playback Designs MPS-8 Reference SACD/CD Player with Quad DSD DAC and StreamX Streamer Module, Part 115 August 2018, 3:22 am
Ye Olde Editor, Happy Valley, Oregon, 2018. Portrait by John Robinson. Playback Designs has returned again…with a vengeance! Their Dream Series of digital audio designs debut here at PF River City with their MPS-8. Part one of my impressions is here…read on for my take on what Andreas Koch and company have achieved. The powerful... Read More » The post Impressions: The Playback Designs MPS-8 Reference SACD/CD Player with Quad DSD DAC and StreamX Streamer Module, Part 1 ...
- A Small Miracle From Jern13 August 2018, 7:36 am
After an impressive showing at this year’s Munich High End show, the tiny Jern 14EH monitors are indeed impressive at first listen. Combining high quality ScanSpeak drivers, a 6db/octave crossover network and a cast iron enclosure that redefines the word “inert,” put in perspective of the new Wilson desktop speakers tipping the scales at nearly [...]... - dCS announces their new Bartok DAC10 August 2018, 6:45 pm
dCS has just announced the official release of their new Bartok DAC. John Quick and Jesse Luna were kind enough to show me the final prototype at this year’s Munich show, but I promised to keep it under wraps. At $13,500, the Bartok effectively replaces the past Debussy, with only a very minimal price increase [...]... - EATs E-Glo Phono9 August 2018, 6:49 pm
There’s just something synergistic and entirely analog about vacuum tubes and vinyl. Part romance, part legend, who knows? Placebo or not, vinyl just takes on a different vibe when played through an all tube front end. And EAT’s top of the line E-Glo is a perfect example. Playing “Edith and the Kingpin” from Joni Mitchell’s [...]... - The PS Audio P20 Power Plant8 August 2018, 8:53 pm
-Photos courtesy of PS Audio What’s a power conditioner review doing in discussion about analog? Considering how faint the signal coming from your phono cartridge is, anything you can do to keep that precious signal intact is a good thing. Many analog enthusiasts agree that the integrity of the source is paramount, so starting with [...]... - hORNS!7 August 2018, 9:31 am
We’ve just received the new “Atmosphere” speakers from hORNS in Poland. You can read more on their website, at horns.pl. This two-way speaker has an additional, rear firing woofer than can be switched in and out as room placement demands, no doubt, part of the reasoning behind the name. With a rated sensitivity of 84db/1-watt, [...]...
- 2018-2019 EISA Awards Video Introduction14 August 2018, 11:00 pm
Welcome to the first presentation of EISA’s product awards in which SoundStage! Hi-Fi has taken part. SoundStage! Hi-Fi became an EISA member in June 2018, and is the organization’s only Canadian member. ... - Muraudio SP1 Loudspeakers1 August 2018, 4:00 am
Note: Measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link. My experiences with Muraudio’s new, unconventional, two-way, stand-mounted hybrid loudspeaker, the SP1, began last March in Montreal, where I saw and heard its debut at the Montreal Audio Fest. (A single hybrid speaker has drivers based on different technologies; in the SP1’s case, electrostatic and dynamic.) We covered the SP1 on SoundStage! Global during the ... - "SoundStage! Hi-Fi" Inducted into EISA1 August 2018, 4:00 am
If you’re reading this article before August 15, you won’t see a new menu option on this site that says “EISA.” But on or after August 15, it will be there -- you’ll be able to click it and see submenu items, including one for the EISA 2018-2019 product-award winners, as well as another for an EISA-related video that we produced. But even if you’re reading this before August 15, at the top you’ll see EISA’s logo alongside our SoundStage! Hi-Fi logo... - Speaking of Sad Bastards1 August 2018, 4:00 am
Unless one is an active member of an audiophile club, like the Boston Audio Society or a similar group, it’s easy to feel detached from anything approaching a “high-end culture.” Unless one works in the audio industry, whether manufacturer or retailer, regular contact with fellow hi-fi enthusiasts might be limited at best. Isolation is fine for components -- not so much for anything else. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 Headphones1 August 2018, 4:00 am
When Brent Butterworth began listening to the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 headphones for SoundStage! Solo (the review was published July 10), he was “skeptical” about them: “At first glance, they don’t really seem all that different from their stablemates,” he wrote -- and while he’d liked the sound of A-T’s previous open-back headphones, he hadn’t thought any were “world-class.” Also, at $1999 USD, the ATH-ADX5000s are more than three t...
- 2018 CAS Report by Marc Silver, Part 113 August 2018, 5:43 pm
Day One, 2018 CAS (CAS8), Pt I I was able to start my morning at CAS8 a little before the show opened. This was Constantine Soo’s 8th show, and I for one was looking forward to seeing and hearing what was ahead for me over the weekend. Since I am writing this article post [...] The post 2018 CAS Report by Marc Silver, Part 1 appeared first on Dagogo.... - 2018 CAS Report by David Blumenstein9 August 2018, 6:37 pm
The California Audio Show 2018, affectionately known as CAS8 has come and gone, but not without a fair share of sadness and nostalgia. Regional Hi-Fi shows are the lifeblood of the industry. We are talking about an industry which has the number of brick and mortar foot trafficked dealers dwindle precipitously the regional shows fill [...] The post 2018 CAS Report by David Blumenstein appeared first on Dagogo.... - Audio Note UK DAC 0.1x Review24 July 2018, 1:47 pm
The Audio Note UK DAC 0.1x is part of Audio Note UK’s entry level zero system. At first glance, the DAC 0.1x can seem to be a tough sell in a 2018 marketplace with far more modern DA converters competitively priced, most of them having half a dozen inputs and outputs and impressive techno babble [...] The post Audio Note UK DAC 0.1x Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - CAS Exhibitor Profile: Joseph Audio23 July 2018, 4:27 pm
Respondent: Jeff Joseph, Joseph Audio, Room 5216. What’s the “elevator speech” description of your company? Globally acclaimed Joseph Audio loudspeakers are designed to deliver the natural clarity of your recordings with effortless musicality. What makes your company and products special – how do they stand out from the pack? Our exclusive crossover technology [...] The post CAS Exhibitor Profile: Joseph Audio appeared first on Dagogo.... - Clarus releases video series on cable design18 July 2018, 8:49 pm
ORLANDO, FL, July 18, 2018 — Clarus®, the high-end audio cable brand that is a “sister” company to Tributaries A/V cables, is introducing a nine part series of consumer-informational videos: “Interviews with Jay Victor Cable engineer” that explain, in a straight-forward manner, the intricate processes that are behind the development of their Clarus Crimson and [...] The post Clarus releases video series on cable design appeared first on Dagogo....
- Kii THREE Loudspeaker Review17 August 2018, 4:00 pm
The Kii THREE’s are the first loudspeakers to come into my room where I did not feel the need to apply external Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to smooth the frequency response. As some of you know, I am big into DSP. The frequency and timing response of these loudspeakers are just about “textbook” perfect and translate extremely well into my room with a simple tweak using the Kii Controller. The Kii THREE’s produce a “big” color free sou... - Live Rock For The Audiophile9 August 2018, 2:15 pm
Introduction Three live concerts: Dead & Company, Yes, and Radiohead. From somewhere in the front 10 rows and back of the venue. The Grateful Dead, in 1974, introduced the famous "Wall of Sound" to bring a better amplification system for the audience at their concerts. Much has been written but the basic concept was that each instrument had its own amplifier resulting in less intermodulation distortion. The key to getting the best sound at a rock concert remains with this ide... - Aurender S5W True Wireless Speaker Review3 August 2018, 6:05 pm
Aurender is widely known for pioneering high end music servers and continuing to launch industry leading audiophile products. The company also offers a category of products under the heading Premium Audio. These premium products are a bit less known by audiophiles, but not for lack of quality or innovation. The Aurender Flow DAC & Headphone amplifier (discontinued) was so far ahead of its time that many people still don't comprehend its features. As a company Aurender is lead by doers. P... - American Routes - Listen, Learn, Enjoy27 July 2018, 1:44 am
Chalk this one up in the "where have I been" category. I just stumbled upon the American Routes radio show when listening to the local Minneapolis public radio Jazz station Jazz 88 (KBEM). The American Routes show has been on the air since 1998. The first episode I heard and the one that made me a huge fan, was called Rock Routes & Cajun Stardom: Boz Scaggs and Jimmy C. Newman. It was full of great music and an interview with Boz about his roots. This episode is just the t... - Should You Rent or Buy Audio Software?25 July 2018, 8:20 pm
When CA started in 2007 audiophiles had a handful of choices for playback and library management applications. Some popular apps were iTunes, JRiver Media Center, Foobar2000 and MediaMonkey. Over the years many apps have come and gone, some haven't changed much, and others have continued to get better. The fact that we have options is a great thing. If I was still stuck with iTunes on macOS and the Apple Remote app on iOS, my listening experience wouldn't be nearly as good as it is today.&nb...
- Rick Rubin's Road to Ruen—The Ruen Brothers' "All My Shades of Blue"20 August 2018, 6:18 pm
The faded Crown (or Coronet) Records cover art, the borrowed “360 Sound” “Stereo” arrows in the top strip where “Ruen Brothers” replaces “Stereo” and the retro attitudinal looks on the faces of the two brothers, one wearing string tie, one not, hint at what’s in the grooves of this audacious Rick Rubin produced debut of the brothers RUpert and hENry Stansall also known as the Ruen Brothers. They are not poseurs. They are serious. They are on ... - Analog Corner #9120 August 2018, 12:07 pm
There was a reference to a SOTA turntable in an episode of The Sopranos in the fall of 2002. Tony's son, A.J., and a pal were visiting a wealthy girlfriend when the pal popped out from the hallway and exclaimed, "A mint copy of Rubber Soul! That must be worth a fortune! And a SOTA turntable!" This was in or near the same episode in which Tony was outfitted with a sophisticated front-projection home-theater system. I'd wondered since the first season why a man of his means has been watching a 27"... - Looks Good Enough to E.A.T. JO Nº 5 Moving Coil Cartridge16 August 2018, 7:29 pm
This revolutionary cartridge comes in two flavors: plain and peanut. When the stylus wears out instead of having the cartridge re-tipped, you eat it. It melts in your mouth, not in your hands. Best for “mint” LPs, etc.... - The Wonderful Sounds of Female Vocals16 August 2018, 3:33 pm
Humungous conflict of interest alert! I wrote this compilation’s liner notes and created the 22 song track order. Chad Kassem selected the female artists and the individual tracks sourced from albums he’d previously licensed and released on vinyl, SACD and high resolution download (maybe even R2R tape). The concept was simple enough: a collection of well-recorded female vocalists revered by audio enthusiasts as well as by music lovers in general.Primary Category: Album ReviewsCa... - Navigating Through Our "Shows" Dropdown Menu15 August 2018, 10:58 pm
Your editor hadn't looked in a while at the "drop down" menu under "Shows". When he did he was kind of shocked to see how few shows were there compared to how many have been covered....
- This straight-up audiophile turntable costs less than you'd think - CNET18 August 2018, 5:47 pm
Looking to step up your vinyl game? The $999 MoFi StudioDeck looks, sounds and feels terrific -- and it’s made in the US.... - Listening test: Sennheiser’s iconic headphone comes in for a makeover - CNET18 August 2018, 4:17 pm
The flagship Sennheiser HD 800S isn’t going away, but now with the HD 820 there’s a closed-back version. I gave it a listen.... - A hippie musician's tasty collection of audio gear (and guitars) - CNET17 August 2018, 7:50 pm
Show Us Yours: Gene's lifelong passions for audio and music adorn his cozy Greenwich Village pad.... - These tiny speakers will throw a party for your ears - CNET13 August 2018, 4:33 pm
Totem's Acoustic KIN Mini speakers and KIN Sub make a sweet little three-piece system for music and movies.... - Q Acoustics 3050i tower speakers, ready to rumble - CNET4 August 2018, 4:17 pm
If you're ready to move up to tower speakers, the Q Acoustics 3050i towers deserve serious consideration -- so says the Audiophiliac....
- In Memoriam: John Stancavage18 August 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile by Kerry Malone “Never leave a friend behind. Friends are all we have to get through this life — and they are the only things from this world that we could hope to see in the next.” — Dean Koontz First, John wanted you to be sad he’s gone, but, more than that, happy to have him as a friend. He surely was happy to be your friend. He’s sad he’s gone, too. He had so much in life that he still wanted to do. John was the onl... - Monthly Spins: August12 August 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile July slipped by rather quickly and here we are with a new edition of Monthly Spins for August 2018. A rather light month compared to those recently. Still, a great deal of lovely music for you to check out. Enjoy. Chancha Via Circuito: Bienaventuranza File Under: Cumbia and electronic wizardry This is what you want when someone decides to honor a traditional art form like Cumbia or Andean folk music, not a slavish field recording but bringing to a joyous and upbeat sound and... - How do we attract more younger listeners? | The Listening Room11 August 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile [Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the spring/summer edition of The Occasional, Part-Time Audiophile’s free, downloadable print/web magazine. You can read previous columns and other exclusive stories in that issue here.] I was checking my email recently when I noticed a breathless announcement from Best Buy that “AUDIOFEST IS HERE,” with “Incredible Savings on Amazing Sound.” OK, worth a look, I thought as I clicked o... - Pure Fidelity Eclipse Turntable Review10 August 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile Pure Fidelity Eclipse Turntable Review: Total Eclipse of the Art, as originally seen in The Occasional Magazine. The post Pure Fidelity Eclipse Turntable Review appeared first on Part-Time Audiophile.... - Luxman L-550AXII Integrated Amplifier Review4 August 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile By Steve Folberg Memory Lane Long before the Luxman L-550AXII ever graced my door, there was a stereo system. I bought my first real system just out of graduate school in 1985: a Systemdek turntable (with a glass platter and the worst suspension system ever slapped into a turntable), a used Linn Basik tonearm with some long forgotten Audioquest cartridge, a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp, and a pair of the original Vandersteen 2C loudspeakers, bi-wired with some fat, ugl...
- Bowers & Wilkins regenerate 600 Series20 August 2018, 12:25 pm
British loudspeaker company Bowers & Wilkins have today announced the sixth generation of their 600 Series. This entry-level loudspeaker range first came to market in 1995 and comprises four loudspeaker models – one floorstander, two standmounts and a centre channel – to talk to stereo and home theatre enthusiasts alike. From […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed withou... - We eat first with our eyes20 August 2018, 11:35 am
What’s the biggest problem with digital audio? For this audiophile, it’s that there’s nothing to look at whilst listening. Vinyl playback gives us the turntable and its rotating record plus a large sleeve with liner notes. But with music streaming from across our home network or from the cloud, from […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use... - HiFiBerry announce DAC+ DSP for the Raspberry Pi18 August 2018, 11:18 am
The Raspberry Pi (Raspi) deployed as an audio device can often sound weak to audiophile ears. Its digital (USB) output is electrically noisy and the onboard D/A conversion puts the Raspi’s 3.5mm analogue output on par with the average smartphone. Not great. Extending the Raspi with a HAT board, like […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyr... - Letters to the editor: A matter of give and take17 August 2018, 7:15 am
Are you a giver or a taker? In the wake of articles going up on these pages comes a slew of reader emails (that were once comments – RIP). The majority of emails request opinions on hardware not included in – and so implicitly beyond the scope of – the […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2018 · Darko.Audio ... - EISA awards 2018/19 ring the bell for Future-Fi16 August 2018, 5:46 am
EISA. The European Image and Sound Association is a conglomerate of (some of) the world’s finest tech journalists who annually bestow awards on the best in in-car electronics, mobiles devices, home theatre, photography and hi-fi equipment. Winning EISA awards in the hi-fi for 2018/19 are: Micromega M-One M150 for ‘High-end […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission...
- My new reference loudspeaker—Alta Audio Celesta FRM-21 August 2018, 3:22 pm
Several years ago, I experienced Mike Levy’s original loudspeaker design, the FRM-1s, at a well attended CES. The sound was wonderful but the design was hamstrung somewhat, needing four channels of amplification and DEQX room calibration. Score one for the sound, but zero for the needs of everyday audiophiles. For more than a few years after the show, Levy received requests to modify the speaker to a standard two channel amplification design so the beautiful sound c... - Pass Labs XP-12 Preamplifier27 July 2018, 12:17 pm
When Pass Labs comes out with a new piece of gear the audio industry takes notice. Well known for the quality of its products, the longevity of its designs and the seriousness to which it addresses the ever evolving science and art of sound reproduction, the XP-12 Preamplifier arrives. The XP-12 is the replacement for the XP-10, which had been their entry level, reference, one-box line level preamp for nearly a decade. What have they done to improve performance? The new XP-12 starts with ... - Brahms: The Symphonies—Daniel Barenboim25 July 2018, 5:59 pm
I began this review period disliking much of what I heard from the first, casual run through of this new set of Brahms Symphonies by Daniel Barenboim and his Staatskapelle Berlin. My ears were perked, but the style was not what I was used to. A few weeks later, with many cycles heard under my belt, I felt far more comfortable with Barenboim’s very Romantic and 'urtext' approach. Some of my initial reservations were clouded by my reverence for the Brahms of K... - Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 11 “The Year 1905”24 July 2018, 6:11 pm
This July 2018 release is the third of Andris Nelsons' DG Shostakovich Symphony cycle and contains live performances of the 4th [1936, but withdrawn 'till 1961] and 11th [1957] Symphonies. Nelsons is performing his Shostakovich cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The first two instalments were remarkable successes, with definitive performances of the 5th and 10th Symphonies. The 5th was paired with the 8th and 9th, the 10th stood alone. To be fair, not much could foll... - Mojo Audio Deja Vu Music Server with Linux, Roon, Tidal, and HQPlayer Software19 July 2018, 6:16 pm
Five years ago I began using a music server and DAC in lieu of a compact disc player, thus starting my journey into digital audio streaming. Keeping in mind that music servers are in fact computers, my main motivation came from discovering Mojo Audio, a company which at the time modified Mac mini computers to be serious music servers by (among other changes) replacing their internal power supplies with Mojo's own high-end external linear power supplies. Over the last 5 years I have kept th...
- RME ADI-2 Pro : a Technical Overview29 July 2018, 4:00 pm
"I recently found myself intrigued by an interface from the pro-sound world, the RME ADI-2 Pro," writes John Reekie. This line-level convertor and audio interface is billed as RME's "reference" A/D and D/A convertor, but also has a solid complement of onboard processing, two powerful headphone amps, and technical performance good enough for use as a measurement front end.... - Droidisk – Playing music28 July 2018, 1:01 pm
John Reekie wraps up his articles on inexpensive SBC-based music servers, with instructions on how to install music-related services on the ODroid HC1. This time, he's also using an Android tablet as the renderer.... - Music In The Mountains20 February 2018, 7:49 am
"In year’s past, the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) has been hampered by an aging, rather stale venue, and backward looking management. This year, things were looking up with the hosting hotel being newly refreshed and the exhibitors better able to cope with the remodeled rooms." Oliver Masciarotte provides his retrospective of the 2017 show.... - Droidisk – An inexpensive compact music server11 February 2018, 12:49 pm
John Reekie revisits his Raspberry Pi based music server with a new offering: the ODroid HC1 ("home compute server"). "The HC1 has the distinguishing feature of a SATA port, so that it connects to a hard drive without going through USB. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a much faster processor than the Pi." Get ready to sharpen your command line skills!... - JWM Acoustics Alyson AML II24 December 2017, 12:20 pm
JWM Acoustics aims to deliver custom-designed products to meet the needs of individual audiophiles who purchase for the long haul. Patrick Dillon spends time with their standmount Alyson AML speakers and finds them capable of performance that marries unique style to exceptional musical resolution....
- EluneVision Reference Studio 4K NanoEdge Screen Review20 August 2018, 2:00 pm
The EluneVision Reference Studio 4K NanoEdge screen is designed with a thin frame for performance and luxury. As a near-perfect Lambertian diffuser with zero surface texture, the finest details of the 4K home video format will be seen from all seats. The post EluneVision Reference Studio 4K NanoEdge Screen Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Revel Performa M126Be Bookshelf Speaker Review15 August 2018, 2:00 pm
The Performa M126Be loudspeakers are part of Revel’s popular Performa series. The Revel Performa M126Be speakers are bookshelf-sized and are intended to be stand-mounted. Although the speakers can serve as side or rear surrounds, their price and performance make it unlikely that too many will be used for that purpose. These are superior speakers for smaller rooms where articulation, detail, and imaging are the main goals. The post Revel Performa M126Be Bookshelf Speaker Review appeared fir... - Technics ST-G30 Music Server Review13 August 2018, 2:00 pm
The fine people of Technics USA sent along an ST-G30 music server that I evaluated with my review of the Grand Class SU-G30 Network Audio Amplifier. The post Technics ST-G30 Music Server Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - E.A.T. E-Glo S Tube Phono Preamplifier Review6 August 2018, 2:00 pm
High-End tube design phono preamplifier inspired by its successful but pricier predecessor, the EAT E-Glo S revealed everything in my system’s potential. Switching from moving magnet (MM) to moving coil (MC) cartridges is simply accommodated while providing flexibility for any system. The post E.A.T. E-Glo S Tube Phono Preamplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - ViewSonic PX727-4K Ultra HD DLP Projector Review1 August 2018, 2:00 pm
Today, I’m checking out ViewSonic’s PX727-4K Ultra HD DLP Projector. For just $1499, it offers Ultra HD resolution from a .47” DLP chip, HDR10, a built-in speaker, and a compact form factor. If you’re thinking of trying one of these budget DLPs to add 4K to your theater, it’s worth serious consideration. The post ViewSonic PX727-4K Ultra HD DLP Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Darwin Cable Company Truth II Interconnect and Power Cables22 March 2017, 8:45 pm
There is one thing that all high end audio components require to function as a system, and that is signal and power cables. No getting around it. Of course, there is no market segment more controversial than audiophile cabling. This is partially due to questionable scientific claims and pricing that would make even true believers raise an eyebrow. The great Read more...... - Audioengine HD3 Powered Speakers & DAC Review7 February 2017, 4:02 am
Multi-function powered speakers are all the rage in 2017, and no other company has been more at the forefront than Audioengine. They have been making affordable, great sounding, and versatile powered monitors since 2005, along with DACs, headphone amps, and accessories. There are a number of things I find refreshing about Audioengine. First, their pricing makes Read more...... - Burson Cable+ Active RCA Cable Review24 January 2017, 5:10 pm
A lot of excellent HiFi products are designed and produced in Australia, and none more than Burson Audio belong in the upper tier of offerings from Down Under. Not only do Burson’s products sound excellent, but they also do not make cookie cutter gear, and inject original thinking into the process. I reviewed and loved Burson’s superb Read more...... - Bryston BCD-3 CD Player Review10 January 2017, 9:17 pm
Canadian heavy hitters Bryston surprised everyone a few years ago with their introduction of a speaker line, which now, after wide acceptance and a slew of positive reviews, are considered class leaders in many circles. In fact, the Mini T three-way monitor is my current reference. Possibly more surprising is Bryston’s introduction of the BCD-3 CD Player, with Read more...... - Okki Nokki RCM-II Record Cleaning Machine5 December 2016, 6:37 pm
At the beginning of the year, a good friend called me over to his garage and surprised me with a gift of around 500 vintage vinyl records he had little patience to deal with. I gladly took them off his hands. When I got home and started sifting through the albums, I realized there were hundreds of original pressings of Read more......
- Campfire Audio Polaris and Andromeda universal-fit earphones17 August 2018, 4:44 pm
I first became aware of Campfire Audio at T.H.E. Show 2016, where the guidebook for the event featured close-up advertising photos and revealed the exotic and purposeful looks of Campfire’s newly launched range of universal-fit earphones. In high-performance audio it is usually not a good idea to judge books by their covers, but sometimes products like the Campfire earphones show such careful attention to construction details and overall design that one can’t help but be impressed. A... - Roon Nucleus+ music server17 August 2018, 4:43 pm
Streamed music always seemed to me like a great idea, but one that, over the years, I have had begun to have serious doubts about. I know that, in many households, music has been somewhat relegated to commodity-level these days, but the systems I was hearing had left me unimpressed, despite the hype. As I began to dip my toe into the world of high-end streaming I was encouraged by the process but still generally disappointed with the overall quality I was hearing. Would it take years before we h... - Linn Products Urika II phono stage17 August 2018, 4:42 pm
Recently, we looked at the Linn Lingo 4 power supply, which transforms the Akurate-level LP12 turntable. It was formed from many of the concepts used in the top Klimax-grade Linn Sondek LP12. Technically, there’s not a lot to improve on that top-of-the-tree turntable, with its Radikal DC motor, high-precision Ekos arm, Keel subchassis, Kandid cartridge, and Urika phono stage all offering substantial (and upgradable) improvements over the Akurate LP12. Or so it seemed at the start of the ye... - Black Rhodium Overture/Polka/Stream cables17 August 2018, 4:42 pm
In pro audio the answer to the question what’s the best cable? Is “the one that is the right length to make the connection.” In domestic audio, as we know, it’s not quite that straightforward! We appreciate that getting the whole signal from A to B without losing crucial information along the way is far harder than it should be. This is why many call cabling the weakest link in the system, the place where more losses occur than anywhere else. Graham Nalty – one of t... - ELAC Adante AS-61 standmount loudspeaker15 August 2018, 12:34 pm
When it comes to designing loudspeakers, Andrew Jones is one of the sharpest tools in the box. He has the magic touch and seldom puts a foot wrong in the products that fall under his purview. There is a string of loudspeaker ‘hits’ attributed to him, at every level from the distinctly affordable to the disturbingly expensive. But arguably, it is the ELAC Adante AS-61 that truly makes his bones. The Adante range was the third series out of the ELAC gates for Jones, with the more down-...
- Time to give up on TAS20 August 2018, 9:41 pm
... - New (to me) site worth checking out: RealAudio11 July 2018, 5:42 pm
... - Clarus Produces Video Series on Cable Design10 July 2018, 1:52 am
... - Audiogon's new design not impressing regulars6 July 2018, 3:45 pm
... - Remembering Doc Watson on Independence Day5 July 2018, 12:49 am
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- B.M.C. MCCI Signature ULN Phono Preamplifier29 July 2018, 10:42 pm
The original B.M.C. Audio MCCI phono preamplifier earned very positive reviews when it was introduced in 2013. Carlos Candeias used his designs for the $1400 Aqvox Phono 2Ci, reviewed here on 10 Audio, and introduced a much-upgraded model as the MCCI under his own brand, B.M.C. Audio. The MCCI ($3890) was replaced with the MCCI Signature ($4298) in 2016. The model under review today is the MCCI Signature ULN ($4690) which hit the market in March, 2018. B.M.C. Audio builds large numbers of each m... - GoldenEar Triton Seven Loudspeakers24 June 2018, 9:01 pm
GoldenEar Technology was started in 2010 by Sandy Gross and Don Givogue. Mr. Gross might be familiar to audiophiles from his association with Polk and Definitive Technology, both of which he co-founded. Mr. Givogue also co-founded Definitive Technology and holds a patent for multi-driver bi-polar speaker arrays. The GoldenEar Triton Seven was born not from some tinkerer’s basement, but from people with extensive knowledge and experience in speaker design, manufacturing and marketing. There... - Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 Preamplifier10 May 2018, 3:47 pm
The Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE line stage preamplifier was originally introduced in 2009 and has been gradually updated and improved over the years. This latest, top of the line model includes many parts and technology that we find in cost-no-object preamplifiers from some of the most respected and expensive brands. There are three variants of the STP-SE preamplifier. All are available in basic black or silver and include over 164,000 uF of capacitance, more than many power amplifiers. The STP-SE, $19... - Paradigm Persona B Loudspeakers7 April 2018, 10:29 pm
The Paradigm Persona B is the smallest speaker in the new Persona product line. It is a stand mounted, 2-way speaker using beryllium for the dome of the tweeter and also for the cone of the mid-woofer driver. While this very light and strong material is being used by several manufacturers in their tweeters, Paradigm is the only one to apply a beryllium cone to a woofer. The Persona B has a list price of $7000 for a pair, and the dedicated stands are $1200 per pair. The included aluminum brackets... - Valvet E2 Stereo Power Amplifier17 February 2018, 11:22 pm
Valvet High-End Audio, of Bargteheide, which is near Hamburg in northern Germany, has been making high quality audio components since 1982. Owner and designer Knut Cornils has a goal for all of his components: “(T)he transmission of music free from artefact or manipulation, music that stimulates the senses! A simple but well-thought-out circuit, short signal paths and the best, reliable components”. This sounds like a great goal, so let’s see how successful he is with the E2 po...
- Review: Beteran KZ ATE Dynamic Balanced Armature IEM’s – Great Sound for $23 Cdn?25 July 2018, 3:51 pm
Ultra-Affordable Equipment Review: Beteran KZ ATE Dynamic Balanced Armature IEM’s ($23 Cdn on Amazon) In Ear Monitors that are a bargain for audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike Click for a larger view As I write this, the temperature outside is over 30ºC – but the humidity makes it feel like 40. The electrical grid in my neighbourhood is so loaded down that the normal line voltage of 118 to 123 is running around 107 to 109. My PS Audio AC Regenerator ... - Review: Finale Audio’s New F-168-II Integrated Tube Amplifier16 July 2018, 8:19 pm
Finale-ly: A Finale F-138 FFX Owner Takes The New F-168-II Integrated For An Extended Spin It’s always a pleasure when Frank Ng of Finale Audio/Triode Lab drops by. His cheery disposition is part of the reason, but playing with amplifiers is my idea of a great time! On that sunny afternoon, Frank left a diminutive Hammertone grey 13.5″ x 9″ case known as the Finale Audio F-168 II integrated amplifier. Frank is the lead person on many fine amplifiers made by Finale and its siste... - Upcoming Review: NAD 50.2 Digital Music Player19 June 2018, 3:55 pm
Upcoming Review by Steve Graham And now, for something completely different – The NAD 50.2 Digital Music Player In a complete about-face from the LP groove I’ve been in lately, a NAD 50.2 Digital Music Player has taken up residence in my system. Before you analogists start sending off nastygrams to my long-suffering editor, please note that no records or turntables were damaged, abused or displaced during this process. My ancient, but well-loved, Cambridge 840C CD ... - Data Privacy Statement 5/25/1825 May 2018, 2:51 pm
Posted by Noam Bronstein Boring housekeeping stuff, no audio content. Today, the European Union implemented G.D.P.R., their new data privacy internet regulations. This is to protect all EU users and customers from improper collection and use of their personal data. Just to cover our butts, I’d like to make the following points about our business model, since Wall of Sound does have readers in the EU. WoS is a free service, we have never collected personal information about our audience. Ac... - Ortofon Quintet Red Vs. Quintet Bronze Comparison Review15 May 2018, 4:30 pm
Comparison review By Steve Graham Ortofon vs Ortofon… Quintet Red vs Quintet Bronze… Low Output Moving Coil vs Low Output Moving Coil… Elliptical Stylus vs Fine Line Stylus The Quintet Red The Quintet Bronze, though it looks more orange to me I’m a long-time Stereophile subscriber, but there are times when I feel like an even poorer relation than usual, while reading the monthly exploits of Messrs. Fremer, Dudley and Reich...
- Feliks Audio Echo Review19 August 2018, 12:28 pm
8.5Score$452Feliks AudioDisclaimer: The Feliks Audio Echo sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to Feliks Audio for giving us this opportunity. Another day, another Feliks Audio amplifier review. It seems like these guys crank out magnificent sounding gear almost every few […] The post Feliks Audio Echo Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Chord Electronics’ Hugo 2 is an EISA Award Winner!18 August 2018, 9:49 am
Chord Electronics’ ground-breaking Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amplifier has won Europe’s most prestigious DAC award: EISA DAC 2018/19. The award from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) reflects the pooled experience of EISA’s expert magazines in Europe, the USA, Canada, India, Hong Kong/China, Japan and Australia, and acknowledges Hugo 2’s long-established position as the world’s […] The post Chord Electronics’ Hugo 2 is an EISA Award Winner! a... - Sony Expand Their One Signature Sound Series17 August 2018, 12:23 pm
On August 9th, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, Sony launched an expanded line up of their One Signature Sound Series and entered the In-Ear Stage Monitoring market for the first time officially. Unless you have been living under a rock these last few years you may have been aware of Sony’s big […] The post Sony Expand Their One Signature Sound Series appeared first on Headfonics.... - Lear Kaleido Review15 August 2018, 12:17 pm
Tonality8Build Quality8.5Comfort & Fit8.8Matchability8 8.3Our ScoreHK$1,699.00LearDisclaimer: The Lear Kaleido sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to Lear for giving us this opportunity. It has been a few years since we last covered a Lear IEM. Back in Summer and Xmas 2016, […] The post Lear Kaleido Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - iFi Audio xDSD is an EISA Award Winner!15 August 2018, 6:59 am
xDSD: EISA BEST PORTABLE DAC 2018. SOUNDS GREAT! You can read our recent review on the EISA Award-Winning xDSD here – https://headfonics.com/2018/08/ifi-audio-xdsd-review/ The Award Winner iFi’s new portable DAC and headphone amplifier, the xDSD, has won what’s sure to be the first of many awards. EISA, the most respected awarding body in the sound and […] The post iFi Audio xDSD is an EISA Award Winner! appeared first on Headfonics....
- dCS Bartók network DAC features all-new Class A headphone amplifier19 August 2018, 4:45 pm
High fidelity seems to be more and more focused on the inclusion of headphone amplification within not only the strict definitions of preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers, but also for the decidedly digital side of things, where more seems to get packed into the equation for the discerning consumer.... - Audeze Arrivals18 August 2018, 1:45 am
It was a big box, it was sitting in my front hallway when I opened the door and had Audeze markings on the side. This excited me. This made me happy. It had been a long week and boxes of new gear always puts a smile on my face.... - Astell & Kern SR15 and SE100 preview8 August 2018, 4:20 pm
Despite continuing successes, A&K do not seem content to rest on their technological or industrial-design laurels. They continue to push the boundaries of their research and development, the results of which are the new SR15 and SE100 portable digital players.... - Kenzie Encore Headphone Amplifier Review3 August 2018, 5:40 pm
I must admit, this review is a little different for me. ... - AV Tech Media review policy reminder1 August 2018, 4:03 pm
Due to a number of recent unauthorized solicitations to high-fidelity manufacturers, distributors and media-relations personnel for review equipment, we feel it necessary to post this policy reminder....
- Bartók network DAC replaces dCS Debussy17 August 2018, 10:47 pm
When a company as serious about music reproduction as the UK’s dCS (data Conversion Systems) sets out to replace one of their most popular and long-lasting DACs there is no room for error.... - Aurender N10 preview and a lack of subtlety15 August 2018, 1:19 am
I’ve heard tell that subtlety is an art, but I feel that sometimes the art lies in not being subtle at all.... - Aqua La Voce S3 Discrete arrival4 August 2018, 12:39 am
Musicality, resolution and realistic timbre to instruments seems to be the overarching focus of the engineering behind the proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding (with no digital filtering) and the discrete R2R ladder DAC design the newly-upgraded S3 now sports. ... - AV Tech Media review policy reminder1 August 2018, 4:05 pm
Due to a number of recent unauthorized solicitations to high-fidelity manufacturers, distributors and media-relations personnel for review equipment, we feel it necessary to post this policy reminder.... - Summertime Music Mix31 July 2018, 10:04 pm
Where the best winter music celebrates solitude, summer selections should be generously inclusive: Like nachos, cold beer, and BBQs, this music is meant for sharing. ...
- Emotiva Launches Two New Subs and Stealth Series PA-1 Monoblock Amp15 August 2018, 12:10 am
Every day that passes we start to collectively inch forward towards the big product launch season. First out of the... - How to: Buy A Pair Of High Fidelity Headphones9 August 2018, 4:45 pm
It may be easier than you think. Purchasing a new pair of headphones with the intent of improving your listening... - Review: Sonarworks True-Fi26 July 2018, 7:38 am
While signal EQ doesn’t run very deep into typical audiophile setups, some products like Schiit’s 4-band Loki are pulling together... - Review: Woo Audio WA33 Balanced Headphone Amplifier18 July 2018, 4:50 pm
When asked how to break up a budget for a headphone rig, the best advice is usually to spend the... - Amazon Prime Day 2018 – Audio Deals16 July 2018, 6:04 pm
This year Amazon’s black friday-ish Prime Day will actually last a day and a half starting on July 16 at...
- iBasso IT01 Review – Phenomenal $99 IEMs21 August 2018, 5:00 am
The post iBasso IT01 Review – Phenomenal $99 IEMs appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - Igor Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite14 August 2018, 5:00 am
The post Igor Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - The Audeze LCD-4z Flagship Headphones: A Brilliant New Take on a Classic!13 August 2018, 5:50 am
The post The Audeze LCD-4z Flagship Headphones: A Brilliant New Take on a Classic! appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - Sennheiser HD 660 S Dynamic Headphones7 August 2018, 5:00 am
The post Sennheiser HD 660 S Dynamic Headphones appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 Class A Headphone Amplifier – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM1 August 2018, 5:00 am
The post HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 Class A Headphone Amplifier – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on HeadPhone.guru....
- Remembering Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018)17 August 2018, 12:55 am
At 76, Aretha Franklin has passed away from advanced pancreatic cancer. She was active from 1956 to 2017. FIVE decades. Let that sink in. If that isn’t a love and passion for the music, I don’t know what is. She was only in her 20’s when she became the Queen of Soul in the 60’s.... Read More The post Remembering Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018) appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Yoke Lore – Spotify’s Sexy and Intimate Fans First Event16 August 2018, 7:00 am
Venue: No Vacancy Sexy lingerie, hidden staircases, and a unique stage. We were invited to the “Spotify’s Fans First” event featuring the indie pop artist Yoke Lore (Adrian Galvin). Yoke’s a pretty eccentric dude – but the crowd was loving it! It was a fantastically electric performance on banjo and drums. The guests were friendly and... Read More The post Yoke Lore – Spotify’s Sexy and Intimate Fans First Event appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - How Does It Sound? – Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 and Hugo M Scaler15 August 2018, 2:21 am
Ken Davis from Brooks Berdan invited me over for a quick discussion on Chord Electronics’ new products. I had such a wonderful time. Not too bad for 3 hours of sleep! This was the same room the world’s first Chord Electronics Blu Mk.2 review was written and it’s great to be back. I’ve written some... Read More The post How Does It Sound? – Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 and Hugo M Scaler appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - The Audiophile’s Short List – The Best Digital Coaxial Cables11 August 2018, 10:09 am
With the release of the Chord Electronics Blu Mk.2 and recently announced Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler, I’ve gotten many inquiries about the best digital BNC cables to use. These digital products still sound great with stock cables but, as you’ll see, there are huge gains with a better digital cable. With a more affordable M... Read More The post The Audiophile’s Short List – The Best Digital Coaxial Cables appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - A Visual Microphone: Music from a Video of a Bag of Chips6 August 2018, 12:17 am
Researchers at MIT, Microsoft, and Adobe have developed an algorithm that can reconstruct an audio signal by analyzing minute vibrations of objects depicted in video. In one set of experiments, they were able to recover intelligible speech from the vibrations of a potato-chip bag photographed from 15 feet away through soundproof glass.In other experiments, they... Read More The post A Visual Microphone: Music from a Video of a Bag of Chips appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- At the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 201813 August 2018, 1:51 am
FEATURE: It may not be one of the key hi-fi events in the circuit, but the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show certainly didn't lack esoteric hi-fi equipment or variety.... - Sony launches DMP-Z1, IER-Z1R, MDR-Z7M2 and IER-M9/7 (updated)9 August 2018, 9:37 am
NEWS: Sony uses Hong Kong to hold its world premiere for some cool new gear targeted at headfi people and stage users.... - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II – is this the one?7 August 2018, 2:58 am
REVIEW: The lure of tubes proves too much for our reviewer, just as he was consider a move to solid state... the latest iteration of the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum amp wove its magic on him.... - Exposure’s new flagship is the 5010 range2 August 2018, 3:03 am
NEWS: Exposure trades design individuality for in-house conformity in its new flagship 5010 range, but there's no compromising on sonic performance, we're assured...... - Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones – a study in contrasts31 July 2018, 1:59 am
REVIEW: The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... this does describe our reviewers' experiences with Bowers & Wilkins' very nifty-looking PX wireless cans that sport active noise cancellation....
- Five 1980’s Singles You Thought You’d Forgotten26 July 2018, 5:09 pm
But here, to make you either cringe or smile from ear to ear are five corker ear-worms of 1980's singles you thought you had forgotten. The post Five 1980’s Singles You Thought You’d Forgotten appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Vinyl Record Cleaning fluids Compared, Pro-Ject & Vinyl Shelter6 July 2018, 2:45 pm
Vinyl Shelter offer an excellent cleaning product, perfectly suited to the cleaning of vinyl records. While we only tested two fluids here, the results did not conclusively prove that one fluid was vastly superior to the other. The post Vinyl Record Cleaning fluids Compared, Pro-Ject & Vinyl Shelter appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Technics SL-L20 Linear Tracking Turntable Service10 May 2018, 11:02 am
I’ve yet to come across a Technics that didn’t at least sound good, and I had great fun spinning 7” singles on the L20 before returning it to its rightful owner ready to deliver another few decades of faithful service. The post Technics SL-L20 Linear Tracking Turntable Service appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Edifier S880DB High-Res Certified Speakers Review8 May 2018, 10:16 am
Truly excellent both physically and sonically and packing quality components into a pair of compact enclosures, the S880s represent real value for money. Highly recommended. The post Edifier S880DB High-Res Certified Speakers Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Meze Audio 99 Classic Headphones Review11 April 2018, 3:58 pm
These are some of the best headphones I’ve heard regardless of price or brand status. They simply must be heard because until you wear a pair on your own head you don’t know what you’re missing. The post Meze Audio 99 Classic Headphones Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- Audiophile Review!Benchmark HPA4Headphone Amplifier/Line-Stage Preamplifier:"Precision Volume, Pure Transparency"31 July 2018, 5:28 pm
... - Audiophile Review!Essence HDACC II 4KHeadphone Amp/DAC/Preamp“Low Cost, Versatile HDACCGets Major Performance Boost”27 June 2018, 8:00 pm
... - Home Recording Studio Review!PreSonus Studio 192 Command Center24-Bit Audio Recording Interface17 May 2018, 5:16 pm
... - Digital Converter Review!Benchmark DAC3-DX Dual-Buss Output DAC:More Output Options,Incredible S/N Performance!23 January 2018, 6:54 pm
... - EAN Bench Test!Doing The Numbers OnThe Benchmark DAC3-DX DAC18 January 2018, 12:42 am
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- REVIEW: NAD ELECTRONICS HP70 NOISE CANCELLLING BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES21 August 2018, 1:39 am
What better way to test noise-cancelling, Bluetooth over-ear headphones than on a flight? Read on for this real-world test of NAD's HP70 headphones.... - REVIEW: DENON AVC-X8500H 13.2 CHANNEL AV AMPLIFIER7 August 2018, 4:16 am
Denon has cooked up a storm with its latest AV Amplifier. How good? Read on to see if Denon's AVC-X8500H earns just one, or a trio of Michelin stars.... - REVIEW: AROMA AUDIO EARLY & TWINS IN-EAR MONITORS14 July 2018, 3:53 am
Aroma Audio is a relatively new player in the audiophile headphone market from Japan. A subsidiary of TopWing Cybersound group, we take a closer look at its Early and Twins In-Ear Monitor headphones.... - REVIEW: PRO-JECT 175TH ANNIVERSARY VIENNA PHILHARMONIC TURNTABLE9 July 2018, 2:11 am
When turntable brand, Pro-Ject decided to commemorate the Vienna Philharmonic’s 175th birthday, the occasion demanded something a wee bit special and that's exactly what transpired. We take a closer look.... - REVIEW: NAD ELECTRONICS C388 HYBRID DIGITAL DAC AMPLIFIER2 July 2018, 5:55 am
NAD Electronics’ C388 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier is a bit of a mouthful, but it's an accurate description of NAD’s new integrated architecture. We take a closer look at this well-equipped integrated amplifier....
- Comparison listening test: Sennheiser HD 820, HD 800S, Audeze LCD XC, Sony Z1R headphones20 August 2018, 10:08 am
... - The Audiophiliac Daily Show is one year old!19 August 2018, 10:15 am
... - Review preview: MoFi StudioDeck turntable17 August 2018, 9:57 am
... - Here's something you might not know about Aretha Franklin16 August 2018, 3:18 pm
... - Can you stop being an audiophile?16 August 2018, 10:17 am
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- Vinyl Review: John Coltrane – Coltrane’s Sound (ORG Music, 180g, 45RPM)11 June 2018, 1:25 am
Sound: 7.2 Pressing/packaging: 9.2 Value: 8.4 ORG Music reissue released in 2014. 180g vinyl, 45RPM, 2LP, limited edition, numbered. Catalog Number: ORGM-1091. Mastered by Bernie Grundman. Pressed by Pallas in Germany. UPC: 711574708413. MSRP: $49. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction This LP was originally released by Atlantic Records in 1964. It consists of tracks recorded in […]... - Vinyl Review: Chopin – Polonaises Nos. 1-7, Maurizio Pollini (Deutsche Grammophon 180g)3 June 2018, 7:08 pm
Sound: 7.6 Pressing: 7.4 Value: 5.0 Deutsche Grammophon reissue released in 2016. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: 479 6653. UPC: 028947966531. MSRP: $23. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction I’ve been on a Chopin rampage lately (if such a thing could ever exist). As far as solo piano works go, I spin Chopin more than any other composer. […]... - Vinyl Review: Sibelius – Violin Concerto, Oistrakh, Ormandy, Philadelphia Orch (Speakers Corner 180g)2 April 2018, 2:35 am
Sound: 8.8 Pressing: 8.4 Value: 9.0 Speakers Corner reissue released in 2017. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: Columbia MS 6157. UPC: 4260019715333. MSRP: $35. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction Speakers Corner is mining the Columbia vaults for early stereo gems, of which this title is one. There are some legendary titles and performances from that era, but […]... - Vinyl Review: Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come (ORG Music, 180g, 45RPM)15 March 2018, 2:45 am
Sound: 9.8 Pressing: 3.5 Value: 8.5 ORG Music reissue released in 2013. 180g vinyl, 45RPM, 2LP. Catalog Number: ORGM-1081. Mastered by Bernie Grundman. Pressed by Pallas in Germany. UPC: 711574707218. MSRP: $49. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction Much has been said about this, Ornette Coleman’s shot across the bow of jazz as it was known in […]... - Vinyl Review: Stravinsky – The Firebird, Dorati, LSO (Speakers Corner 180g)4 March 2018, 3:15 am
Sound: 9.2 Pressing/Packaging: 9.4 Value: 9.7 Speakers Corner reissue released in 2008. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: Mercury SR90226. UPC: 4260019714978. MSRP: $35. Buy on Amazon.com Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete). London Symphony Orchestra. Antal Dorati, conductor. Introduction As per our review philosophy, we focus reviews here exclusively on sound quality. Lots of analysis out there […]...