- Sonus Faber Aida loudspeaker18 September 2018, 4:54 pm
In 1959, in their musical revue At the Drop of a Hat, the British musical-comedy team of Flanders and Swann sang their "Song of Reproduction." It's not about sex. The song mocks audiophiles (you thought this was something recent?) for how we spend "all of that money to get the exact effect of an orchestra actually playing in their sitting room." Before launching into the song, Flanders quips, "Personally, I can't think of anything I should hate more than having an orchestra playing in my sitting...
- What's Wrong With Classical Record Reviews18 September 2018, 4:52 pm
I attend at least a couple of dozen classical-music performances each year. I also read reviews of recordings and live performances, and have even dabbled in writing them. Why, then, do I find classical music reviews so frequently annoying? It's the vocabulary. In these reviews I often see words that I rarely see used elsewhere: scintillating, irresistible, delightful. One venerable reviewer for Gramophone magazine has used the word "beguiling" 100 times in some 900 reviews. When I read such wo... - Wonderful Times with <I>Wonderful Town</I>17 September 2018, 11:24 am
After umpteen serious reviews, penned in serious and somber times, it's high time to lighten up. Hence to Leonard Bernstein's Wonderful Town we go, and to Sir Simon Rattle's new SACD of the musical, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and a stellar cast that includes Danielle de Niese (Eileen), Alysha Umphress (Ruth), and Nathan Gunn (Bob).Mon, 09/17/2018... - KEF Meets Porsche in California14 September 2018, 9:07 pm
In late August, I attended the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Car Week at Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. Porsche sponsored its own "Porsche Werks Reunion" at the nearby Corral De Tierra Country Club. Walking around the golf course, I stumbled on a pair of KEF Blade Two speakers in the middle of a field of rare Porsche 911s!Fri, 09/14/2018... - Recommended Components: Fall 2018 Edition13 September 2018, 5:40 pm
Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. Whether a component is listed in Class A or Class E, we highly recommend its purchase. Each listing-in alphabetical order within classes-is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic characteristics and a code indicating the Stereophile Volume and Issue in which that product's report appeared. Thus the May 2017 issue is indicat...
- KEF Announces New Completely Revamped R Series Loudspeakers18 September 2018, 7:00 pm
The following is a press release issued by KEF. Maidstone, Kent, UK | September 18, 2018 – Globally-renowned audio pioneer, KEF, has announced the launch of its brand-new R Series, a complete, top-to-bottom transformation of what was already one of the world’s most acclaimed loudspeaker ranges. Boasting a hefty raft of technological innovations and design improvements, the new R Series draws on acoustic developments originally achieved in KEF’s flagship Reference Series, bringi... - Technics 2018 Turntable Preview Event at the PNW Audio Society18 September 2018, 4:53 pm
The following is a press release issued by Technics. September 18, 2018 - J-Corder is sponsoring a gathering to showcase the new Reference Series 2018 products from Technics. Please join us at the Pacific Northwest Audio Society event to see and hear the new SP-10R & SL-1000R Reference Class Turntables. Technics US Business Development Manager, Bill Voss, will be presenting the entire Reference Series system by Technics including the new turntables. We are honored to have Alan Taffel, Senior... - Schiit Audio Mani Phonostage18 September 2018, 2:53 pm
Young people are into vinyl. I know that’s a weird sentence, or at least it used to be. I think everyone’s aware by now that vinyl’s a viable format again. We’re all sick of hearing about it, but bear with me. Streaming is the big player in the audio space, but young people are realizing that streaming means they miss the album art, the liner notes, the physical thing in your hands. There’s something innately important about objects, especially a nice tip-on album j... - E.A.T Brings High-Performance Vinyl Playback Components to North American Market17 September 2018, 5:07 pm
The following is a press release issued by E.A.T. Lake Grove, NY | September 17, 2018 – VANA, Ltd. (www.vanaltd.com), the North American distributor for fine audio products has announced the arrival of the European Audio Team (E.A.T) Jo N05 moving coil cartridge, the LPS dual linear power supply and the 800-gram Massive Weight. All three components have been engineered to help vinyl enthusiasts truly elevate the performance of their turntable. Moving Coil Cartridge The Jo N05 moving coil c... - VAC Introduces Statement Integrated Amplifier at RMAF 201814 September 2018, 9:34 pm
The following is a press release issued by VAC. Sarasota, FL | September 14, 2018 – VAC/ Valve Amplification Company will introduce the latest member of its award-winning family of Statement audio components at the 2018 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, CO October 5-7. The new Statement 450i iQ Integrated Amplifier is an ultimate performance, cost-no-object instrument that establishes a new benchmark for sound quality in integrated amplifiers. Part of the secret of its performance is in...
- Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2018 Blue Note Awards31 August 2018, 11:34 am
EnjoyTheMusic.com's Best Of 2018 Blue Note Awards celebrates the many great achievements by audiophile manufacturers within the high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio industry. Our 2018 Blue Note Awards is a culmination of eighteen years of reviewing and carefully choosing what products have earned special recognition for our annual awards. Our Best Of 2018 Blue Note Award celebrates the finest products we have reviewed during the previous 12 months. Recipients have been carefully chosen after much deb... - Kralk Audio TDB-12 Professional Three-Way Studio Monitor31 August 2018, 11:33 am
Are the new Kralk AudioTDB-12 loud speakers as good as my first listening impressions suggested? I recently heard the TDB-12 at the North West Audio Show – that's the north west of England. It's a great show and venue; typically there are few new product launches but Kralk Audio brought their imposing new TDB-12. Along with many others at the show I was impressed with the sound of the TDB-12; it provided one of the best sounds at the show. Given that these speakers retail for £1,200 ... - Acoustic Signature Double X Turntable With TA 2000 Tonearm And Dynavector XX2 MC Cartridge31 August 2018, 11:32 am
The review turntable is the mid-priced Acoustic Signature Double X. This is the latest design from the German Company, AS Distribution GMBH. It replaces the Triple X turntable in their line. The company manufactures twelve different turntables and six different tone arms. The top four tonearm models can be purchased in three lengths, 9, 10, and 12 inches. Additionally you could chose three tonearm finishes, Gold, Black our Silver. In addition there are three different platters available. The bas... - Analogue Artisan A1 Series Turntable With Remote VTA/SRA31 August 2018, 11:31 am
There are quite a few high-performance high-end turntables for sale that may or may not perform or sound as good as Analog Artisan's turntable and tonearm, but without a side-by-side comparison I don't think I would be able to accurately describe the differences between them. But I do know what a good turntable sounds like, and so I will describe the sound of the A1 the best I can. One thing I didn't expect was a feature that I've never seen or heard on any turntable at any price – Analogu... - See More High-End Audio Reviews...30 August 2018, 11:30 am
EnjoyTheMusic.com has many more high-end audiophile articles and reviews available this month. Click here to see them all. ...
- KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY | Meeting #115: BRIPHONIC. Or: crazy ride. And also – the case of music files | JAPAN/POLAND1 September 2018, 10:00 pm
udiophiles love gadgets - we know that, right? Regardless of how much we would rationalize it, try to explain this weakness, we are particularly susceptible to logotypes, descriptions of techniques, new technologies, stories. But just because it is so common phenomenon is not worth to fight it, or to pretend to be something that we are not. Let's put it plain and simple: the so-called "price tag" is just as important to us as it is for those sitting at the catwalk during the Milan Fashion Week. ... - COVER REVIEW: Audia Flight F L S 10 | integrated amplifier ITALY | RED Fingerprint1 September 2018, 10:00 pm
COVER REVIEW very once in a while, the idea of the superintegrated amplifier is coming back to the mainstream - an integrated amplifier with high output power, extended functionality and high or very high price. My first contact with this type of devices was limited to McIntosh products, specifically the MC6850. It conquered markets, including Poland's, in the late 1990s. I found out about its success personally selling a dozen or so units - at that time I was working for a Polish distrib... - INTERVIEW | THE EDITORS SERIES: JOHN E. JOHNSON, Jr., PhD. Secrets Of Home Theater And High Fidelity – editor-in-chief | USA1 September 2018, 10:00 pm
ave you ever wondered who was first? I mean, who came up with the idea of having a web-based audio magazine? This interview will give you the answer to this question. Perhaps for many of you it will be the first contact with "Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity". I suspect, however, that many of us have been reading the articles of this American on-line portal (magazine) for quite some time. I first came in contact with it some seventeen or eighteen years ago, when I worked at Audioho... - REVIEW: Bergmann Audio GALDER + ODIN | turntable + tonearm | DENMARK1 September 2018, 10:00 pm
e have meet with Johnnie Bergmann Rasmussen many times during the High End exhibition in Munich. For years, we have also planned to test another turntable - the Sindre model with the tonearm using the same name was tested in 2009 (HF | No. 68), and the test result was special award – the Statement Award. Many things have changed since then. First of all, the company offers a new top model called Galder with the Odin arm. There is also have a new distributor in Poland, thanks to whom the te... - REVIEW: Black Cat Cables STARGATE | RCA interconnects | JAPAN1 September 2018, 10:00 pm
t the time of publication of this test on the BLACK CAT CABLE one will see following information: At this time we find Chris Somovogio, its owner and designer - and the only contractor – in the middle of a big change in his life. As he said in the short history of his company, which we have included in the test of cables 3202 and 3232, it is already the second move, this time back to the USA. In 2015, he found himself - together with his family - in Japan, where his wife came from, with...
- E.A.T Brings High-Performance Vinyl Playback Components to North American Market18 September 2018, 5:53 pm
The Jo N05 moving coil cartridge, LPS dual linear power supply and Massive Weight are upgrade essentials for vinyl aficionados (Lake Grove, NY) September 17th, 2018 – VANA, Ltd. (www.vanaltd.com), the North American distributor for fine audio products has announced the arrival of the European Audio Team (E.A.T) Jo N05 moving coil cartridge, the LPS dual... Read More » The post E.A.T Brings High-Performance Vinyl Playback Components to North American Market appeared first on Posi... - ModWright Instruments PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage18 September 2018, 5:50 pm
Presenting the new PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage, with on-the-fly loading and gain adjustment. Following in the footsteps of the Reference PH 150, the PH 9.0 offers much of the same performance and flexibility of the PH 150 at a lower price and smaller form factor. September 18, 2018 – ModWright Instruments, Inc., manufacturer of... Read More » The post ModWright Instruments PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Still Audio EL84 Integrated Amplifier: Affordable Handcrafted Exotica!16 September 2018, 4:07 pm
When Mark Still contacted me in June about reviewing his handcrafted Still Audio EL84 integrated amplifier (below) I was immediately intrigued, particularly when Mark urged me to give it a try with my pair of vintage Altec 832A Corona loudspeakers, whose visceral musicality I adore. I was impressed with Mark's chassis design for his Still... Read More » The post Still Audio EL84 Integrated Amplifier: Affordable Handcrafted Exotica! appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Ferguson Hill FH007 Loudspeaker System and FH008 Subwoofer15 September 2018, 6:36 pm
Ferguson Hill are a niche British designed loudspeaker company who have garnered notable interest for their innovative and striking horn-loaded speakers and Hi-Fi components. Headed by Tim Hill, a former aeronautical engineer, the company first set the scene with their £17,000 artisan FH001 full-size speaker system. Through research and more innovation, the company was able... Read More » The post Ferguson Hill FH007 Loudspeaker System and FH008 Subwoofer appeared first on Positive F... - Florida Audio Show Offers Warm Oasis for Music Lovers15 September 2018, 3:16 pm
Tampa, Florida—September 2018—The Florida Audio Expo is happening Friday–Sunday, February 8–10, 2019, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This inaugural FAE offers exhibitors and attendees a fantastic venue with acoustically isolated rooms in which to experience the finest audio equipment in the world. Among the latest exhibitors to sign on include local... Read More » The post Florida Audio Show Offers Warm Oasis for Music Lovers appeared first...
- The PrimaLuna HP Integrated Amplifier16 September 2018, 1:09 am
Do any of you know someone that knows what you want, even before you know you want it? Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio and PrimaLuna US is that kind of guy. Known the world over as a top purveyor of vacuum tubes, he and Herman Van den Dungen started PrimaLuna about 13 years ago with [...]... - The Pass Labs XA200.8 Monoblocks9 September 2018, 4:43 am
Over the past 20 years, it remains exciting to review such a range of products from so many unique audio manufacturers. Each new component provides a narrative of where the designer is in their creative process. Changing out components from one manufacturer to another is like changing the channel from one show to another featuring [...]... - Focal’s Kanta No.3 Speakers6 September 2018, 5:11 pm
Unboxing a new pair of Focal speakers is always special. It’s like getting handed the keys to a new car, a great car. That feeling. Their new Kanta No.3 has the same level of attention to detail that their Grande Utopia EM does. The execution of mechanical assembly, cabinet finish and signature glass top is [...]... - Burning Amp 2018 on the Horizon!30 August 2018, 2:22 am
Hey DIYer’s, this year’s Burning Amplifier Festival is arriving a little bit early. Sunday, September 30, to be exact and it will be held again at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. Legendary amplifier designer Nelson Pass will be there with Wayne Colburn and Roger Modjeski to look and listen to your designs, should you bring [...]... - Issue 9023 August 2018, 12:03 am
Features Old School: Jerold O’Brien revisits the Shure V15 III! 995: REGA’s FONO MC is a steal By Jerold O’Brien Journeyman Audiophile: The Boulder 508 Phonostage By Jeff Dorgay In Praise of the Party Table: Get Something for the whole family MINE Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews Kate Koeppel Record Dividers Van Halen Board Shorts Big Chill [...]...
- Gryphon Audio Designs Diablo 120 Integrated Amplifier-DAC15 September 2018, 4:00 am
Note: Measurements can be found through this link. The Gryphon. Just say it -- the name rolls regally off the tongue, sounding as mythical as it is. How do you live up to such a name? By producing audio components that look and sound beautiful. Gryphon Audio Designs’ reputation for excellent sound quality had for years been on my radar -- when offered the opportunity to review their Diablo 120 integrated amplifier-DAC ($15,450 USD as reviewed, with DAC option), I couldn’t say n... - T+A Elektroakustik DAC 8 DSD Digital-to-Analog Converter1 September 2018, 4:00 am
Herford, a town in the lowlands of northern Germany, is the home of T+A Elektroakustik. T+A -- aka Theory and Application in the Field of Audio Technology -- is an engineering- and science-based, family-owned and -operated business that has been designing and building audio equipment in Germany since 1978, and collaborates with universities and technical schools in the design of powered speakers and digital signal processing (DSP). Other than the music itself, their current product lines include... - A Feature-Rich, Fully Modern Hi-Fi System You Can Begin, Live, and Grow With -- for $926.951 September 2018, 4:00 am
In the last few years I’ve reviewed some very expensive hi-fi gear (all prices in USD): Constellation Audio’s Revelation Taurus Mono amps ($40,000/pair) and Revelation Pictor preamplifier with optional DC filter ($23,000); EMM Labs’ DA2 Reference digital-to-analog converter ($25,000); Muraudio’s SP1 speakers ($14,700/pair) -- and, still to come EMM Labs’ Pre preamplifier ($25,000) and MTRX2 monoblock ($85,000/pair). ... - Days of Future Past1 September 2018, 4:00 am
Despite the best efforts of certain brands, and in the waning years of our beloved hobby/passion/industry, high-end audio remains one of precious few fields with zero respect for its history. There are museums for peanut butter, rubber bands, sex toys, and shoes, alongside the obvious motorcar, aviation, watch, and other museums. Hi-fi’s lack of regard for its own achievements isn’t simply a disappointment; it’s a worry. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Simaudio Moon 888 Mono Amplifiers1 September 2018, 4:00 am
Each measuring 22”W x 14”H x 27”D and weighing 230 pounds, and priced at $118,888 USD per pair, the Simaudio Moon 888 mono amplifier is as big and heavy as it is expensive and powerful. Simaudio says it can deliver at least 888W into 8 ohms or 1776W into 4 ohms from a typical 120V, 15A power source. But it wasn’t all that power, size, weight, or cost that most impressed Aron Garrecht, who reviewed the Moon 888 this month on SoundStage! Ultra -- it was that “Their so...
- PMI Belles Aria Preamplifier and Monoblock Amplifiers Review17 September 2018, 6:46 pm
It’s all about simplicity, and it is something audiophiles tend to forget. It seems the machinery of industry always wants to push a new feature, another aspect of operational complexity. Our cars are becoming technologically laden, far more so than computers of ten years ago. Phones are ubiquitous with the continual addition of functionality. Bluetooth [...] The post PMI Belles Aria Preamplifier and Monoblock Amplifiers Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Exogal Interview12 September 2018, 11:01 pm
Publisher’s note: Doug Schroeder sits down with Jeff Haagenstad and Jim Kinne, two of the four co-founders of Exogal, at 2018 AXPONA and talks about the company’s new product called the Streamer. Video format: MP4 Duration: 26 minutes The post Exogal Interview appeared first on Dagogo.... - Siegfried Linkwitz (1935-2018)12 September 2018, 5:35 pm
Siegfried Linkwitz (November 23, 1935 – September 11, 2018) September 11, 2018 (San Francisco Bay Area): On this day, we have lost an industry giant. Renowned audio industry veteran Siegfried Linkwitz passed away in his Sea Ranch residence on September 11, 2018 after battling prostate cancer at the age of 82. Linkwitz was the co-inventor [...] The post Siegfried Linkwitz (1935-2018) appeared first on Dagogo.... - Barbara Lashley, A Love Affair with Song10 September 2018, 4:49 pm
Singer Barbara Lashley (1935-1992) was a bright light in San Francisco Bay Area jazz during the 1980s. This article offers an introduction via her best but long out-of-print 1983 record album and three newly recovered live performances. The live sessions are not polished enough for commercial publication yet recall her love affair with song and [...] The post Barbara Lashley, A Love Affair with Song appeared first on Dagogo.... - Studio Electric M4 stand mount loudspeakers Review8 September 2018, 8:01 pm
I first came into contact with the Studio Electric M4 speakers in 2017 at a show, where I met company founder David MacPherson for the first time. We would and have met regularly since then at shows. There was something about these speakers that I could not shake. It was as if I had heard [...] The post Studio Electric M4 stand mount loudspeakers Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- My Quest for a New DAC, Part 3 - Denafrips Terminator12 September 2018, 3:55 pm
In this installment of my article series on my quest for a new DAC, I'll be evaluating the Denafrips Terminator. When I revealed my shortlist and the criteria by which I selected DACs I'd evaluate, the Terminator was easily the one for which I received the most questions and anticipation. Clearly, this DAC has many people intrigued. And why not? On paper, it appears to deliver formidable value for its cost (US MSRP $4299). But let's back up. I first heard about this DAC, and t... - Dutch & Dutch 8c Loudspeaker Review4 September 2018, 3:45 pm
The D&D 8c’s are the first loudspeakers to come into my room where I could achieve studio control room frequency response accuracy of 21 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB at the listening position without any external DSP. Also, the first loudspeaker where my preferred high frequency response (i.e. neutral) was just about perfect right out of the box. Other speakers I have tested required a -5 dB shelf from about 3 kHz to 20 kHz to sound neutral. Plus, the fir... - Definitive Guide: How To Copy Favorites and Playlists from Tidal to Qobuz29 August 2018, 1:26 am
The reign of Tidal for audiophiles here in the US is nearly over. Yes, I can't believe I wrote the words reign and Tidal in the same sentence, but it's true. Tidal has been the only lossless streaming service supported on high end platforms here in the US for several years. Hold your letters, calls, and emails to notify me about the lossless service offered by the Scottish Nose Whistle label streaming at 32 bit / 768 kHz. For all intents and purposes in the US it has been Tidal or nothing (u... - My Quest for a new DAC, Part 2 - Ayre QX-823 August 2018, 2:22 pm
As I described in the introductory article a few months ago, I am on a quest for my next DAC. Over the course of several articles, I'll be describing my evaluation of various candidate DACs that I try out. My requirements and criteria were laid out in the introductory article. In Part 1, I evaluated the first candidate, the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ with Uptone JS-2 power supply. Much as I loved this combination, I looked forward to evaluating several more stellar candid... - 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...
- Analog Corner #9517 September 2018, 11:29 am
Whether it's to offer a "relaxed fit" to make life easier for analog lovers, or because both Scan-Tech and Immutable Music believe that they've found a way to offer better performance with higher output, the Lyra Titan ($5000) and Transfiguration Temper W ($4000) offer considerably higher output than the "statement' models they replace.... - "Listen" to SAT's Original Pickup Arm And Compare It to the new LM-09 and CF1-0913 September 2018, 10:42 pm
In a July 2nd story, we announced four new costly arms from SAT(Swedish Analog Technologies): two models each available in 9" and 12" versions. The least expensive of the four, the LM-09 was reviewed in the just shipped October, 2018 Stereophile.... - Siegfried Linkwitz RIP12 September 2018, 6:37 pm
Sad to report the passing of legendary loudspeaker designer/innovator Siefried Linkwitz. Mr. Linkwitz had been suffering with prostate cancer for some time and had been receiving home hospice care.... - Analog Corner #9412 September 2018, 12:54 pm
I first spotted this chrome-trimmed beauty in the UK a few years ago, when Avid still had no American importer. The opportunity to review it finally arose last January, right after CES, and while I still had the SME 30/2 turntable. The $10,000 Avid Acutus is every bit as deserving of a full review as the 30/2—I am reviewing it in "Analog Corner" only because this is my best chance of getting a review into print so soon after my March 2003 report on the SME.... - Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor, Du Pré, Barbirolli, LSO Reissued By Electric Recording Company11 September 2018, 1:12 am
It's difficult to believe that British born cellist Jacqueline Du Pré was but 20 years old on August 19th, 1965 when she delivered this recorded performance in famed Kingsway Hall with Sir John Barbirolli conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. The original E.M.I. His Masters Voice pressing (ASD 655) doesn't fetch the huge amounts some ERC reissues manage (around $100-$125), but that's in part due to the record's great popularity. Until then, Elgar's contemplative piece written in the a...
- High expectations for a low-power audiophile amplifier - CNET15 September 2018, 5:17 pm
The First Watt SIT 3 stereo amplifier looks rather plain, the sound is anything but.... - Why you should consider buying music on vinyl, CD and music files - CNET15 September 2018, 3:47 pm
Yes, it's 2018 and YouTube, Spotify and Pandora are pretty great, but hear me out.... - More proof the CD format isn’t dead: the NAD C538 player - CNET8 September 2018, 8:30 pm
If you’re still buying CDs or have a large collection the NAD C538 player is well worth checking out.... - The Audiophiliac's best-of-the-best affordable audio guide - CNET8 September 2018, 4:17 pm
The Audiophiliac takes real joy in finding overachieving audio. Here’s the best of the best stuff!... - Did you buy the wrong speaker? - CNET1 September 2018, 4:47 pm
It happens, but it may not be the speaker's fault -- it could be the wrong kind of speaker for you....
- Bricasti M1 Review: Balancing Head and Heart16 September 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile Perks of the trade Looking at the Bricasti M1 reminds me of one of the coolest perks of reviewing high-end audio equipment: I get to hear lots of different types of gear in the comfort and familiarity of my own listening room. I love mixing and matching different pieces, trying to get the best out of each component that I evaluate. Even so, there are very few “aha” moments in this game for me; much of the gear I get to review is very good, indeed, and a lot of it... - CEDIA 2018: Whitledge Designs Magic Bus15 September 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile A study by Texas A&M found that on an average, an American spends 38 plus hours per year waiting in traffic. For me, its music that gets me through the grind and takes me to my happy place. Unfortunatel,y most car audio systems, and even the fancy overpriced audio upgrades from various car manufacturers are disappointing. Very few, if any car audio systems get me excited (except for the B&W system in the Volvo XC90). Everything changed when I bumped into ... - CEDIA 2018: JBL L100 Classic returns and we fancy orange14 September 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile The JBL L100 is considered the best selling speaker in JBL’s history. It will always be remembered for its looks, sound and its role in the famous Maxell ad, “The Blown-away Man”. Popular since the 1970’s, the L100 re-emerges in 2018 with its iconic look and modern technology. “The original L100 speakers were not only JBL’s all-time, best-selling loudspeakers, but, from all indications, they were the best-selling loudspeaker sys... - CEDIA 2018: Simaudio Moon 390 hits a GRAND SLAM11 September 2018, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile We’re fortunate to get to learn, listen and play with lots of great products. But sometimes we come across something that surprises us. In the Roon Labs booth at CEDIA, they had assembled an army of the best streaming DACs for attendees to listen to over Audeze headphones. In that sea of great devices, one stood out from the rest…. All of the usual suspects were lined up the booth: dCS, T+A, MyTek, Bryston, Moon by Simaudio to name a few. All of whic... - AXPONA 2020 moves to overcrowded fall schedule10 September 2018, 10:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Big news today from JD Events, the organizers for the AXPONA show. AXPONA MAKES THE RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER ITS PERMANENT HOME AND MOVES TO FALL FOR 2020 AND BEYOND SCHAUMBURG, IL (September 6, 2018) – – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is pleased to announce its permanent home at the first-class Renaissance Schaumburg venue in the Chicago area, facilitating a transition to fall dates and accommodating a new dedicated “Trade &a...
- KIH #61 – Let’s get physical18 September 2018, 10:36 am
RIP. Rest in peace. That’s what many have said or thought about CD already years ago. My recent encounter with the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MkII looked at this reality in perspective; another RIP. Yes, sales of physical CD are down; way down. But the Redbook standard behind them which etched […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-... - A short film about the Meze 99 Classics18 September 2018, 6:09 am
Sunday, Sunday here again, tidy attire. You read the colour supplement, the TV guide. Music on, hi-fi world off. With six and a half days of the week devoted to hi-fi reviewing – couriers, packing/unpacking, setups/configurations, listening, note-taking, write-ups, photo/video shoots and associated editing – Sunday morning calls timeout on the day […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycle... - Become more active with DEQX’s HD amplifiers15 September 2018, 10:45 am
Active loudspeakers – they can bring forth numerous aesthetic and audible advantages over their passive brethren. The case against centres on the elimination of choice. With electronics living inside the loudspeaker cabinet, no longer are we free to select our own amplifier or DAC. For many audiophiles, being able to […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For priva... - KORG’s Nu 1: MM/MC phono, ADC, DAC, Nutube in one box13 September 2018, 2:57 pm
In July 2016, we introduced you to the DS-DAC-10R from KORG: a USB DAC/headphone amplifier whose primary raison d’être was tandem deployment with the Japanese manufacturer’s AudioGate software for a vinyl-ripping ADC. (Line-level or) phono MM analogue inputs could be encoded to DSD (or PCM) with EQ (RIAA) curve correction […] More-------------------------------------------------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permi... - Letters to the editor: Paying it forward12 September 2018, 6:54 pm
Nicolas P. writes: I write in relation to the observations of some of your readers on the pros and cons of WiFi versus wired. Because of the layout of my house and the headache that would be caused setting up a wired network I have no choice but to use […] 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 · All Right...
- The Audio by Van Alstine Vision SET 400 Amplifier14 September 2018, 4:38 pm
Over the years it’s been my good fortune to have reviewed and/or been exposed to many fine power amplifiers. These ranged from solid state Class A, a variety of tube amplifiers, with and without transformers, to the latest solid state Class D designs. I concluded there is no one right way to achieve excellent sound quality. We all hear differently and we all have our individual preferences. So, it can be difficult to review a product that will make an impact on a field of quality pro... - Audiophiles and YouTube7 September 2018, 4:36 pm
The approximately 400,000 people worldwide who call themselves audiophiles are ravenous when digesting information about every facet of our avocation. In the past, other than the original word of mouth, print was the favourite, which became the legacy press, then as the internet overtook all in its path, the computer and mobile phone became the weapons of choice. One medium on the internet has eluded the audiophile information stream. Video. YouTube, specifically. The same as TV, video bri... - My reference system changes—2018 (Anticables, Alta Audio, Sutherland Engineering, Phasemation)7 September 2018, 4:26 pm
2018 was a banner year for my reference system. My Hi-Fi has been a work of passion for 25 years and has gone through a myriad of changes, analogue and digital, tubes and solid state, and everything in between. I demonstrate audio zealotry the same as any other thrill seeking audiophile. It's been that way for many years—but in 1997, the journey took an upward trajectory with the creation of Audiophilia. It took a couple of years and the support of tremendous writers, readers ... - Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018 coming in ONE month—Denver, CO2 September 2018, 5:55 pm
Unless knee deep in a surprise Rocky Mountain snowstorm, Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Denver, CO, one of the coolest, most progressive cities in the USA. It's a place that reveres craft beer (there's even a museum in the airport dedicated to the subject), has many fine restaurants, and where you can get high. Legally. In addition, the local audiophiles run what has become one of the finest high end audio shows in the world. And my favourite. Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (R... - Pure Fidelity Eclipse Turntable24 August 2018, 3:58 pm
If the number of phone calls, emails and texts regarding every aspect of a review, equipment setup, discussion and follow up is the benchmark of meticulousness, then Vancouver's John Stratton, head of Canadian analogue startup, Pure Fidelity (PF), is the epitome of it. Never have I experienced a fellow so involved in the details of a particular Hi-Fi subject. Hey, when you have spent the past few years investing lots of your time and money into perfecting an exacting piece of high en...
- 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....
- Focal Clear Headphones Review12 September 2018, 2:00 pm
All these headphone designs are circumaural open back designs. They don’t seal you away from your environment, and people sitting near you can hear (faintly) audio coming from the headphones. The post Focal Clear Headphones Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - NAD M17 V2 Surround Sound Preamp Processor Review5 September 2018, 2:00 pm
For premium sound from home theater separates, the NAD M17 V2 Surround Sound Preamp Processor merits serious consideration. It brings supremely accurate and detailed audio to that special place occupied by only the finest audio components. The post NAD M17 V2 Surround Sound Preamp Processor Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone Review29 August 2018, 2:00 pm
If wireless noise cancelling headphones happen to be on your purchasing radar, the Bowers & Wilkins PX are definitely worth your time and consideration. They offer rakishly good looks, advanced design and more than a few clever touches to augment their compelling sound quality. The post Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Optoma UHD51A Ultra HD DLP Projector Review27 August 2018, 2:00 pm
The Optoma UHD51A Ultra HD DLP Projector offers 3840x2160 resolution, HDR10, 3D, and 2400 lumens in a compact chassis for less than $1700. It also includes a built-in media player and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. I’ll be checking it out today. The post Optoma UHD51A Ultra HD DLP Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Audioengine A5+ Wireless Powered Speakers Review22 August 2018, 2:00 pm
Audioengine’s 5+ wireless powered speakers can bring big sound into small and varied spaces. They are substantial and bring surprisingly big sound from such a small package. The post Audioengine A5+ Wireless Powered Speakers 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......
- Crystal Cable system18 September 2018, 1:25 pm
As the name suggests, Crystal Cable is best known for its range of interconnects, loudspeaker cables, and power cords. However, keen-eyed readers will note that the brand has spent all of this decade manufacturing loudspeakers, and for the past few years has been showing a distinctive amplifier (and plinth-like subwoofer) at Munich, Las Vegas, and more. Finally, that system is ready for prime-time. However, unlike the other systems tested iin this issue, we took a step-by-step approach to assemb... - Acoustic Energy AE1 Active powered standmount loudspeaker18 September 2018, 1:13 pm
The Acoustic Energy AE1 is a long-standing fixture in the British audio firmament. The standmount loudspeaker has been around in some guise or another since 1987. We tested the AE1 Classic way back in Issue 51, and it had already been around for decades then. It’s been through enough changes that the only thing the speaker has in common with the original is the name and the number of drive units, but the concept remains the same: a small monitor-like loudspeaker that makes a surprisingly b... - FiiO X7 Mk II Digital Audio Player18 September 2018, 1:06 pm
FiiO is an approximately 10 year-old Chinese firm that enjoys a reputation for building high performance, high technology, and high value personal audio products. No wonder the company’s whimsical slogan, which translates only imperfectly into English, reads, “Born for Music and Happy!” One musical FiiO component that recently has made us happy is the firm’s flagship X7 Mk II high-resolution digital audio player. The full-featured X7 MkII’s DAC section is based on a... - Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset binaural recording earphones18 September 2018, 12:56 pm
Sennheiser’s Ambeo Smart Headset is an Apple Lightning powered, App-augmented earphone with microphones at the ears for noise cancellation… or binaural recordings without the need for a dummy head. The former is commonplace, but the latter is unique, and truly outstanding. The earphone is a single driver design, the size of which is not specified. It’s sonically on a par with a pair of Sennheiser’s sub-$100 earphones, which means good mid-band and high-frequency clarity ... - RME Launch ADI-2 FS at IBC 201812 September 2018, 11:16 am
London Colney, UK - RME have chosen IBC 2018 to unveil the new RME ADI-2 FS, the latest addition to their range of professional AD/DA converters. A compact and flexible 2-channel AD/DA and format converter, the ADI-2 FS offers high-end analogue audio conversion to and from SPDIF, AES and ADAT, at sample rates up to 192 kHz. The three digital connections provide compatibility with a wide range of professional and consumer audio devices, with options for both SPDIF/ADAT optical I/O, and SPDIF/ AES...
- Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2v2SE 10th Anniversary Limited Edition DAC16 September 2018, 1:45 am
State of the art precision. State of the art focus. State of the art harmony. The Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2v2SE 10th Anniversary Limited Edition digital-to-analog converter does not sound like a digital component. It much more closely performs as an excellent analog source. When you compare a good CD with this DAC in your system to the sound of your analog rig, you will almost certainly have the same reaction that this listener experienced: a big smile! The musicality and level of enjoyment that Wyred... - 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...
- DIY All-Tube High End Phono Preamp Project10 September 2018, 5:52 pm
DIY All-Tube Phono Preamp Project (Update) by Steve Graham The response to my proposed DIY Phono Preamp project has been a bit tepid. So, once more with feeling: WoS is looking for a patron to finance this project. The kind person that fronts this project will, at the end of it, receive a phono stage very similar to the one pictured here. The preamp pictured here (my prototype) uses a Tubecad Tetra phono amplifier board and PS-3 power supply. It is a bit of a mashup from bits ... - Top Of The Line HiFi Gear From Yamaha Announced25 August 2018, 11:58 pm
Well, well. First it was Technics, and now Yamaha…. Back in the 1970’s, Yamaha was a formidable player in the audio world. And ever since, really. The lower and mid-priced gear gained huge market acceptance. Some of their higher end electronics were made in partnership with Accuphase, while their top turntables like the GT-750 and GT-2000 were collaborations with Micro-Seiki. This TOTL stuff from the 70’s and 80’s is still sought after today. And the trickle down effect ... - 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 ...
- Campfire Audio Atlas Review16 September 2018, 12:13 pm
Tonality9.2Build Quality9Comfort & Fit8.7Matchability9 9Score$1299Campfire AudioDisclaimer: The Campfire Audio Atlas sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to Campfire Audio for giving us this opportunity. Campfire Audio came out with two new IEMs this summer 2018, the Comet and the Atlas. […] The post Campfire Audio Atlas Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - FiiO M3K | First Contact14 September 2018, 12:04 pm
Disclaimer: The FiiO M3K sent to us for the purposes of this video is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to FiiO for giving us this opportunity. Note to watch the video simply click on the play button in the middle of the picture above. The FiiO M3K is a […] The post FiiO M3K | First Contact appeared first on Headfonics.... - Chord Company Launch The SignatureXL Speaker Cable!13 September 2018, 11:50 am
Chord Company has launched SignatureXL, the latest evolution of a classic Chord speaker cable and one that introduces modern technology plus the new silver-plated ChordOhmic plugs. Chord Company’s all-new SignatureXL speaker cable is the first product from the Wiltshire company to feature the new high-performance dielectric, XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene). The introduction of XLPE follows the […] The post Chord Company Launch The SignatureXL Speaker Cable! appeared first on Headfo... - SMSL DP3 Review12 September 2018, 11:56 am
8Score$278.99SMSLDisclaimer: The SMSL DP3 sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to SMSL for giving us this opportunity. Not too long ago, SMSL sent me their $278.99USD DP3, which is a bit of a Swiss Army Knife of an audio product. […] The post SMSL DP3 Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Erzetich Mania Review9 September 2018, 11:53 am
Tonality8Build Quality8.8Comfort & Fit8.8Matchability8 8.4Score€1199ErzetichDisclaimer: The Erzetich Mania sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Thank you to Erzetich for giving us this opportunity. Erzetich was established in 2012 and are located in Slovenia. The company is the brainchild of Blaž Erzetič (hence Erzetich) who […] The post Erzetich Mania Review appeared first on Headfonics....
- Quad ERA-1 review Part 117 September 2018, 9:28 pm
Quad hits the headphone-market landscape running with their new ERA-1 planar-magnetic over ear, open-back model. ... - Cayin N5iiS review12 September 2018, 9:17 pm
Cayin's new N5iiS – a surprise release that hits the sweet spot. ... - Astell & Kern launch SP1000M10 September 2018, 1:40 am
Astell & Kern are at it again, the company seems intent on rolling out new tech in 2018 at a breakneck pace and the new A&ultima SP1000M is the latest in a series of new players the company has debuted in the past couple months, this time in a smaller chassis to round out their flagship line.... - Audeze Mobius Preview5 September 2018, 6:26 pm
Audeze’s Sankar Thiagasamudram was curious if I’d be interested in his company’s latest effort – the $399 USD Mobius – targeted mainly at gamers and multi-channel audio-mastering professionals in the film industry.... - InnerFidelity Podcast No. 131 August 2018, 7:39 pm
Welcome to the premiere edition of the InnerFidelity Podcast featuring a brief shout out from new managing editor Rafe Arnott and then an in-depth interview by Brian Hunter with Campfire Audio CEO Ken Ball....
- Download of the Week: DJ Kicks: Kruder & Dorfmeister18 September 2018, 10:56 pm
This duo has been a go-to staple of mine for chill-out listening sessions and critical review use alike because all their LPs are filthy with dense vocal, synth, drum machine and instrument layering.... - YG Acoustics Hailey event hosted at Hi-fi Centre14 September 2018, 9:41 pm
Being able to hop in a car, or a jump into a cab and in 10 minutes be at a bricks & mortar high-fidelity store of substantial selection and really personalized service is an experience that is becoming more rare.... - AXPONA shifts to fall show schedule for 2020 and beyond12 September 2018, 6:14 pm
It looks like the massive success and impact of High End at Munich is taking control of the spring high-fidelity trade show schedule in North America as the Audio Expo of North America (AXPONA) just announced that the while the venue will remain at its brand new digs in the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Centre Hotel, it will be moving from its usual mid-April dates to late October/early November ones.... - McIntosh MC611 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier Review11 September 2018, 8:00 pm
The dog raised his head from where he had been sprawled out on one of the living-room rugs and looked at me with what appeared to be real fear in his eyes.... - Prince - Unreleased Music From His Infamous Vault5 September 2018, 4:57 pm
Introduced to the world with a debut that had him writing, producing, and performing as well as playing all of the instruments, the bashful 17-year-old from St. Paul’s Minneapolis became one of few artists to live up to being labeled a prodigy. ...
- Astell & Kern Downsize Their Flagship DAP, Tease Android APK Support12 September 2018, 9:55 pm
Earlier this year DAP maker Astell & Kern signaled that they would be extending each of the three new, refined... - AXPONA Audio Show Moves To 10/29 For 202010 September 2018, 9:56 pm
After years of continued growth the Chicago-based audio show AXPONA (run by industry event company JD Events) has decided to... - CEDIA, IFA, RMAF… Showtime.6 September 2018, 5:43 pm
The start of holiday prep is a special time for the audio media. The inboxes the world over fill with... - Review: Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier31 August 2018, 3:31 pm
It came as the perfect pairing for the matching DAC3 digital converter and pre. A full loom of Benchmark cabling... - RHA Goes Planar – The New CL2 IEM23 August 2018, 4:22 pm
The team from Glasgow has a new IEM to chat about and while its size and shape may borrow heavily...
- Bluewave GET Review – Your Portable Swiss Army Tool17 September 2018, 5:00 am
The post Bluewave GET Review – Your Portable Swiss Army Tool appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - Florida Audio Show Offers Warm Oasis for Music Lovers14 September 2018, 7:33 pm
The post Florida Audio Show Offers Warm Oasis for Music Lovers appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - VPI Industries Voyager MM / MC Phono Stage Amplifier – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM11 September 2018, 5:00 am
The post VPI Industries Voyager MM / MC Phono Stage Amplifier – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - InEarz Audio Euphoria Review10 September 2018, 5:00 am
The post InEarz Audio Euphoria Review appeared first on HeadPhone.guru.... - The Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC Headphones – A Brilliant Finishing Touch4 September 2018, 5:00 am
The post The Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC Headphones – A Brilliant Finishing Touch appeared first on HeadPhone.guru....
- Florida Audio Show – A Warm Oasis for Music Lovers15 September 2018, 1:50 am
Tampa, Florida—September 2018—The Florida Audio Expo is happening Friday–Sunday, February 8–10, 2019, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This inaugural FAE offers exhibitors and attendees a fantastic venue with acoustically isolated rooms in which to experience the finest audio equipment in the world. Among the latest exhibitors to sign on include local... Read More The post Florida Audio Show – A Warm Oasis for Music Lovers appeared first on ... - CEDIA Expo 2018 – Show Coverage12 September 2018, 7:27 am
The Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo is a trade show for industry professionals in the world of home technologies. This includes security providers, manufacturers, installers, and retailers. There were over 500+ exhibitors this year at the San Diego Convention Center. CEDIA has everything from smart blinds to HDMI over IP gear, to... Read More The post CEDIA Expo 2018 – Show Coverage appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling9 September 2018, 6:03 pm
There seem to be two major camps when it comes to Bluetooth headphones: Bose or Sony. Let’s get this out of the way. The Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs are surely comfortable but the tonal balance always sounded a bit uplifted to my ears. I feel the Sony WH-1000XM2 has more accurate tonality but imaging is... Read More The post Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphone Review – STILL the King of Noise-Canceling appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC Lambskin – Not Your Daddy’s Ear Pads1 September 2018, 12:55 am
As a reviewer, my system’s in constant flux. I frequently swap out gear as new discoveries are made. I only have a handful of pieces that have remained with me during this journey. The Abyss AB-1266 headphone is one of those pieces – and has been my reference headphone for the past 3+ years. I reviewed... Read More The post Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC Lambskin – Not Your Daddy’s Ear Pads appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - A Night of Jazz & Blues – Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe28 August 2018, 9:28 pm
We were at Los Angeles’s amazing Viaduct for some live music. The legendary Karl Denson’s just killing it on the flute and sax! Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, highly regarded as one of the best live bands on the planet, gets back on the road showcasing material from their long-awaited forthcoming studio album, as well as previous... Read More The post A Night of Jazz & Blues – Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- Stoner Acoustics UDX DAC – toe-tapper, with a caveat or two14 September 2018, 2:58 am
REVIEW: You can't have everything perfect for the price of this Stoner Acoustics UDX DAC... but it images like no other in its range and certainly gets your toes tapping.... - Vitus Audio – keeping it as real as possible11 September 2018, 2:05 am
FEATURE: We sit down for a chat with the renowned high-end designer from Denmark, who shares his thoughts and philosophy on amp design...... - Cayin iDAP-6 player – tasty source of digital7 September 2018, 2:55 am
REVIEW: Some bugs aside (and which digital audio player is free of them?), the Cayin iDAP-6 certainly holds promise of great musical times for the desktop user.... - Sony improves its noise-cancelling tech with the WH-1000XM3 headphones3 September 2018, 10:12 am
NEWS: Need a quieter pair of cans while on the move and, with it, stunning sound? Sony promises both with its latest noise-cancelling, wireless model, the WH-1000XM3.... - Audience takes the ONE and 1+1 speakers to the next level29 August 2018, 2:28 am
NEWS: Classy compact monitors from Audience have their performance upped with some new technologies......
- Edifier S350DB Review13 September 2018, 1:40 pm
If you’re after plenty of inputs, smart aesthetics and convenience features with better sonics than the average one box solution, these are worth a look. For no compromise audio performance, look elsewhere. The post Edifier S350DB Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Clear Groove Vinyl Record Cleaner28 August 2018, 2:08 pm
Herein we feature the products of Clear Groove, a family run business specialising in the design and supply of products for vinyl and CD care and cleaning The post Clear Groove Vinyl Record Cleaner appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - SweetVinyl SugarCube SC-1 Vinyl Click & Pop Remover Review21 August 2018, 1:26 pm
The SugarCube enhances the listening experience with vinyl old and new, and for that it earns a thoroughly deserved recommendation. The post SweetVinyl SugarCube SC-1 Vinyl Click & Pop Remover Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - 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....
- 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: SENNHEISER HD 820 FLAGSHIP CLOSED-BACK HEADPHONES7 September 2018, 10:45 pm
When it comes to high-end closed-back headphones, the choices are surprisingly slim. Do Sennheiser's new HD 820 and its first foray into the high-end, audiophile level closed-back headphones have what it takes?... - BLU-RAY REVIEW: DEADPOOL 2, PLUS WIN A BLU-RAY7 September 2018, 1:53 am
Deadpool 2 is undoubtedly bigger than the original and for the most part just as entertaining. To conicide with the Blu-ray review, StereoNET has five copies to give away thanks to Klipsch. Read on ...... - REVIEW: ELAC MIRACORD 70 TURNTABLE29 August 2018, 1:36 am
The more affordable little brother to Elac's Miracord 70, it reflects important milestone's for Elac's rich heritage. So how does this sub-$2000 turntable perform? Read on.... - REVIEW: NAD ELECTRONICS HP70 NOISE CANCELLING 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....
- Is there one ‘correct’ volume level for each piece of music?18 September 2018, 10:08 am
... - The fallacy of accuracy, we just like what we like17 September 2018, 10:06 am
... - Do headphones make better monitors than speakers?16 September 2018, 10:24 am
... - Does your new audio toy sound good, sometimes it’s not so easy to tell14 September 2018, 10:08 am
... - New feature: Audiophiliac for a Day13 September 2018, 10:26 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 […]...