- Stereophile's Products of 19955 June 2020, 4:08 pm
This is the fourth year Stereophile has named a select few components as "Products of the Year." By doing so, we intend to give recognition to those components that have proved capable of giving pleasure beyond the formal review period. Fri, 12/01/1995... - Talisman S MC phono cartridge4 June 2020, 6:14 pm
The Talisman S represented, ca 1983, the top of Sumiko's moving-coil cartridge line and shared its design philosophy and external appearance with the Talisman A and B, the remaining two cartridges in the Talisman family before the introduction of the Virtuoso line. The three differed only in cantilever material and stylus shape. The A, the least expensive, had an aluminum alloy cantilever and an elliptical diamond stylus. Sat, 07/01/1989... - Audio-Technica AT-ML 150/OCC phono cartridge3 June 2020, 4:31 pm
How can two meticulously built, high-technology, high-performance, premium-quality moving-magnet cartridges that measure so well (according to their manufacturer-supplied specs) sound so different?Thu, 07/01/1999... - Gramophone Dreams #37: JSikora Initial turntable & Grado Aeon3 phono cartridge2 June 2020, 4:34 pm
My most cherished intangibles—love, beauty, glimpses of higher realms—enter my awareness only after I prepare my psyche to receive them. Extended bathing, lighting candles, making tea, and preparing food are ritual work forms that prepare my senses to accept both pleasure and illumination. In like manner, collecting LPs and storing them properly, setting up turntables, aligning cartridges, and cleaning styli are ritual actions that prepare me for the high moments of focused musical ple... - Listening 210: Guns N' Neuroses, the Life of a Used-Gear Specialist29 May 2020, 4:45 pm
During the years I lived in New York City and environs, I never learned my way around Brooklyn—something I now regret, given that borough's emergence as a hotbed of audio creativity: our industry's Laurel Canyon, so to speak. Such gone-but-not-forgotten brands as Futterman and Fi were manufactured there, and today Brooklyn is home to DeVore Fidelity, Lamm Industries, Mytek Digital, Grado Labs, Ohm Acoustics, and Oswalds Mill Audio.Fri, 05/29/2020...
- The Jim Carroll Band: Catholic Boy5 June 2020, 1:18 pm
Jim Carroll, a prodigious young New York poet, arrived in Bolinas, CA circa 1975 to spend time in exile and recover from his heroin habit. Little did he know that he would soon be fronting an influential rock band and jamming with Keith Richards and Lou Reed. The Catholic Boy (1980), now reissued courtesy of Fat Possum (thank you, guys!), was the Jim Carroll Band’s debut. It features pure dynamic rock ’n’ roll with punk-paced compositions that sound remarkably fresh 40 years la... - Raidho TD1.2 Loudspeaker5 June 2020, 11:48 am
Danish loudspeaker-maker Raidho initially caught my attention at CES 2012 with its C1 mini-monitor. It had wonderful resolution and outsized musical swagger. In underdog-rooting fashion, I like how some small stand-mounted speakers can deliver satisfying, larger-than-expected sound, and the C1 certainly did just that. Subsequently, the C1 went through several model revisions; then the similar looking, better performing, and more expensive D1—with a diamond-coated mid/woofer—took Raid... - Q&A with Jean Marie Clauzel of Métronome4 June 2020, 4:08 pm
Did your interest in the high end come from the music side or the electronics side Definitely from the music side. I’ve been a music lover from childhood. I can remember at the age of 5–6 in the mid-Sixties listening to 45rpm vinyl on a Radiola RA2225. For me electronics are just a tool, not an end. What gear made up your first high-end system? Actually it depends on what you call “high end.” I had my first system at 14, purchased with my summer work salary. At 20 I bough... - Stenheim Alumine Three Loudspeaker2 June 2020, 8:00 pm
Neil Young introduces his “Journey Through the Past” to his audience (Live at Massey Hall 1971, Reprise) with a little humor: “I’ve written so many new ones (i.e. songs) I can’t think of anything else to do with them other than sing ’em.” Like most things that make us laugh, there’s a nugget of truth buried in this throw-away line. And the truth revealed here is that music is performance art. As Mr. Young says in his video interview for the Musicia... - Albert Von Schweikert - March 13, 1945 – May 29, 20201 June 2020, 4:35 pm
Though born in South America in 1945 to a US military officer and the daughter of one of the principal engineers of the Panama Canal, the Von Schweikert family moved to Heidelberg, Germany while he was still quite young. Living in Europe until he was 16, Von Schweikert studied violin and piano at the Conservatory of the University of Heidelberg, a pursuit which he hated at the time. Looking back as an adult, he acknowledges that it was this invaluable experience that had helped shape his love of...
- Jadis JS2 MkIV Hi-Res Audio DAC5 June 2020, 1:19 pm
Jadis' new JS2 MkIV DAC ($8995) is an iteration of their popular JS2 with features and technology derived from the award-earning JS1. The JS2 MkIV has a completely redesigned digital circuitry coupled to an optimized USB digital interface, which allows input rates up to 24-bit/384kHz. It also assures compatibility with a wide range of Hi-Res Music files including DSD. Digital processing is performed by a pair of the latest-generation AKM 4497 DAC chips arranged for symmetrical processing, a tech... - Hi-Fi+'s June 2020 High-End Audio Magazine5 June 2020, 11:13 am
Hi-Fi+ magazine's June 2020 issue features many wonderful articles and a contest with Amy LaVere, the Memphis singer-songwriter's new album, plus you can win one of 10 copies! Equipment reviews include the Vertere Acoustics DG-1 turntable and arm combination, CH Precision A1.5 two-channel power amplifier, Naim Audio Nait XS 3 stereo integrated amplifier, Engstrom Arne valve integrated amplifier, Innuos PhoeixUSB USB reclocker, Townshend Audio Allegri Reference autotransformer preamplifier, Gold ... - TBT Review: Nagra Classic Preamp4 June 2020, 12:44 pm
Nagra is a Swiss company that has a well-established reputation as a leading manufacturer of professional recording equipment. They were founded about 60 years ago, but it wasn't until 1997 that they also started making high-end audio equipment for home use. I was already afflicted with the audiophile bug back when Nagra introduced their first components for the high-end market, and it was then that I knew that I wanted to own one, or, at the very least hear one. I finally have a Nagra component... - CEDIA Expo 2020 Plans for Virtual Experience4 June 2020, 12:42 pm
As reported on May 17th within EnjoyTheMusic.com's Industry News page, "Emerald Holding Inc. (NYSE: EEX), one of the few true professional event producers that also support the consumer electronics industry, has released their Q1 2020 results. Note that the company paid extra for a communicable disease rider insurance policy that should provide for a payout equal to the gross revenues, less avoided costs, plus certain costs related to taking remedial action." CEDIA has announced they are going p... - Schiit Audio Modius Balanced Hi-Res Audio DAC3 June 2020, 1:36 pm
Here's the deal: Schiit Audio just announced their new $200 DAC. It's called Modius, as in "Modius Maximus." As in "a bigger, better, badder-ass Modi." It has four inputs, including Schiit's Unison USB and AES/EBU. It has XLR balanced and RCA single-ended outputs. Furthermore, the Modius is based on the excellent AK4493 D/A converter and a whole pile of precision parts according to Schiit, including a 200MHz, 32-bit Microchip microprocessor, the TI LME49724 balanced amplifier, and the OPA1662.--...
- REVIEW: CS Port IME1 | static eliminator/demagnetizer | JAPAN31 May 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ Static electricity is a term that refers to phenomena occurring when an imbalanced electrical charge is generated in materials characterized by low electrical conductivity (dielectrics, insulation materials), or in conductive objects isolated from the Earth (e.g. human body, elements of devices, etc.). The charges generate an electrostatic field around them, whose value is proportional to the electrostatic charge value. pl.wikipedia.org ⌋ saw the first advertisements of the CS... - TECHNIQUE | MITSUBISHI ProDigi. Digital reel-to-reel recorders – from X-80 to X-880 | PART 1: before MITSUBISHI | JAPAN31 May 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ DIGITAL SOUND RECORDING – method of preserving sound in which audio signals are transformed into a series of pulses that correspond to patterns of binary digits (i.e. 0’s and 1’s) and are recorded as such on the surface of a magnetic tape or optical disc. „ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA” | www.britannica.com; access: 09.04.2020⌋ IGITAL SOUND RECORDING – method of preserving sound in which audio signals are transformed into a series of pulses t... - REVIEW: Miyajima Laboratory DESTINY | cartridge MC | JAPAN31 May 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ MIYAJIMA LABORATORY is a company specializing in designing of phono cartridges. Established on March 27, 1980, has its headquarters in Fukuoka-shi, Japan. Its owner is Mr. NORIYUKI MIYAJIMA-san. ⌋ homas Alva Edison (1847 - 1931) belongs to the pantheon of American inventors and is known mainly for his two inventions: the light bulb and the phonograph. Of these two, the first one was considered by his contemporaries to be the most important invention. This was best demonstrated ... - REVIEW: I-O Data SOUNDGENIC HDL-RAS2T | music server/audio files transport | JAPAN31 May 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ I-O DATA was founded in 1976 in the Japanese city of Kanazawa. I-O Data is one of the largest manufacturers of computer peripherals in this country. In 2016, an offspring brand called FIDATA was founded within company, whose audio files transports / music servers are intended for the "premium consumer market" ". In 2019, they decided to offer more attractively priced products under the I-O Data brand.⌋ -O Data Soundgenic HDL-RAS2T is a small device with an USB output. It is a... - REVIEW: Aurorasound ViDA | phonostage MM/MC | JAPAN31 May 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ AURORASOUND is a Japanese company founded in 2010 by Mr. SHINOBU KARAKI. The current lineup includes preamplifier, power amplifiers, as well as headphone amplifier, but above all phonostages. One can choose between three models, and for the first test we received the first one ever made, currently the middle one called VIDA.⌋ ver the past several years, the world has shrunk considerably. Today, the term "global village" is rarely used, but probably only because we all got used ...
- Chord Electronics announces new distribution partner for the US and Canada3 June 2020, 9:32 pm
3rd June 2020, Kent, United Kingdom: Chord Electronics is delighted to announce a new partnership with US company, The Sound Organisation, to distribute its British-built audio ranges in North America and Canada; the Kent company’s decision to appoint The Sound Organisation is effective immediately. Chord Electronics would like to take the opportunity to thank Jay... Read More » The post Chord Electronics announces new distribution partner for the US and Canada appeared first on Posi... - Cai Thomas and the Bourne Ensemble: "Lascia ch'io pianga" (Handel)2 June 2020, 6:14 pm
Herein the latest from our goodly colleague, John Marks, editor of The Tannhauser Gate, his worthy and informative blog site. He points us to a male soprano whose voice would delight the angels. O! Can he sing! Dr. David W. Robinson, Ye Olde Editor "Well, the Welsh do sing, do they not?" I murmured to myself, upon... Read More » The post Cai Thomas and the Bourne Ensemble: "Lascia ch'io pianga" (Handel) appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - The AURALiC G2.1 Series - Breathing New Life into Your Music!1 June 2020, 9:36 pm
AURALiC introduces a category-wide update to its award-winning G2 and GX Product Range: Series G2.1/GX.1. The G2 Series now stands as one of AURALiC’s most successful projects. The effects of this effort have served as an important lesson to the team: that digitally oriented audiophiles prize above all else: sonic performance, industrial design, and diversity... Read More » The post The AURALiC G2.1 Series - Breathing New Life into Your Music! appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - The Leben HiFi Stereo Company CS-600X Integrated Amplifier – An Old Friend Gets Even Better!1 June 2020, 8:14 pm
I've had my Leben HiFi Company CS-600 integrated amplifier for over a decade now. I purchased it after the review, and I have enjoyed every minute with it. My Leben CS-600 has been totally reliable, excels musically & sonically, and it is beautiful to look at. The CS-600 was also a very well thought out... Read More » The post The Leben HiFi Stereo Company CS-600X Integrated Amplifier – An Old Friend Gets Even Better! appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale extended through June 30!1 June 2020, 7:03 pm
Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale extended through June 30. Thanks to the enthusiastic response, our Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale raised $1,500 for the selected charities in May 2020. As the Covid crisis continues, we have extended the sale through June 30. The same conditions apply; see the Danacable Web Site for details. The post Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale extended through June 30! appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- The Luxman L-509x Integrated Amplifier22 May 2020, 8:47 pm
Sammy Hagar once said in a song, “There’s only one way to rock,” but after listening to the new Luxman L-509x, I beg to differ. Luxman actually makes a full lineup of tube and transistor electronics (separates and integrated amplifiers), and should you take the solid-state path, they offer more options. Luxman makes a pair [...]... - Sumiko Audio now distributing ROTEL5 May 2020, 4:30 pm
Rotel has been a manufacturer of fine audio gear for decades now, always offering maximum value at a reasonable price. Today, they have joined forces with Sumiko Audio to strengthen their distribution channel. For those not familiar, they have also added a new, premium line – MICHI to their offerings. Senior management at Sumiko, Rotel [...]... - The Core Power Diamond Power Cord1 May 2020, 1:21 am
Do any of you remember the famous Dr. Seuss story Green Eggs and Ham? It’s about a guy who doesn’t want to eat green eggs and ham, no matter what. “Not on a boat, not on a goat,” he says. But Sam keeps pestering him, all the way through to the end of the story, his [...]... - Fake News and Audio Reviews28 April 2020, 12:03 am
Now that we are well into our 16th year of publication, it seems apparent that there are still some in the audience that don’t fully understand what we do, why we do it, and what sets us somewhat apart. Now is as good a time to clarify as ever, eh? Many of you have been [...]... - Lockdown – Day 5822 April 2020, 5:47 pm
Almost two months into this, the local and global landscape has certainly changed. I’m guessing that all of you have been touched by this now, one way or another. We’ve lost a couple of friends here, and have had a number of others go through the current virus and come out the other end in [...]...
- Pro-Ject Audio Systems VC-E Record Cleaner -- More Stuff to Wash1 June 2020, 4:00 am
This month I try out the new VC-E record-cleaning machine from Pro-Ject Audio Systems, one of the world’s largest makers of turntables. At $499 (all prices USD), the VC-E isn’t the cheapest record cleaner out there, but it’s far from the most expensive, and costs less than Pro-Ject’s VC-S2 ALU ($649), on which the VC-E is based. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Magico A1 Loudspeakers1 June 2020, 4:00 am
Magico’s A1 loudspeaker measures only 15.6”H x 8.5”W x 12”D but weighs 48 pounds -- all of its cabinet walls and internal braces are made of 3/8”-thick aluminum. The A1 costs $7400/pair USD and is as solid-feeling a loudspeaker as you’re likely to find outside of something made of concrete or stone. But its density isn’t its main calling card; instead, as Doug Schneider wrote in his review on this site last month, the A1’s “full, rich, superb... - Victor Goldstein and Gianni Nasta1 June 2020, 4:00 am
Of all the types of writing I hate, as a full-time hack, it’s preparing news items I loathe the most. The boredom factor is overwhelming because all that’s required is rewording the press releases. Some scribblers -- the cut-and-paste-from-Wikipedia generation of semi-literates which now rules the world -- don’t even bother doing that. On the other hand, most hi-fi press releases are so poorly written that preparing them for publication as news is more of an editing job. ... - Hegel Music Systems H120 Integrated Amplifier-DAC1 June 2020, 4:00 am
Hegel Music Systems, of Norway, does things a little differently from many audio manufacturers. They make pre- and power amplifiers, standalone D/A converters, even a CD player, but they’re best known for their integrated amplifier-DACs, of which they currently have five models in production. Their SoundEngine technology uses feed-forward correction, a type of circuitry quite unlike the negative feedback used in most class-AB amplifiers. And since long before the practice was as common as ... - Purifi Audio's Pint-Sized Powerhouses1 June 2020, 4:00 am
After assembling in my listening room the best-sounding stereo system I’d heard anywhere, and writing about it in April, I did something to that extraordinary setup that most audiophiles might find unthinkable: I disassembled it. I needed the room to explore some cutting-edge products with features and technologies that might get me close to the sound quality of that ca.-$150,000 system (all prices USD) for a lot less money. The first of those products was Anthem’s STR preamplifier (...
- New Album Releases Project 2020-6-66 June 2020, 9:53 pm
We need music now more than ever for reasons I don’t have to go in to. And for anyone who needs to have the explained, perhaps, quite possibly, music is NOT for you. What an odd assortment and as for the ReIssues and ReMaster section of the list not a clinker in the bunch: Sinatra [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-6-6 appeared first on Dagogo....
- New Album Releases Project 2020-5-3030 May 2020, 8:54 pm
We need music now more than ever for reasons I don’t have to go in to. And for anyone who needs to have the explained, perhaps, quite possibly, music is NOT for you. Having overseen this project for 2+ years I keep my eyes on the frequency and volume of releases. And this week stands [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-5-30 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Pro-Ject Records Richard Strauss Don Juan, Tod und Verklarung, Also Sprach Zarathustra 180g Import 2LP Review26 May 2020, 10:17 pm
Press Release: Pro-Ject Records releases the Vienna Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan LP Tracks: Side A: Don Juan, Op. 20 Side B: Tod und Verklarung, Op. 24 Side C & D: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (1-7) Prelude (Sonnenaufgang) Von den Hinterweltlern Von der grossen Sehnsucht Von den Freuden und Leidenschaften Das Grablied Von der [...] The post Pro-Ject Records Richard Strauss Don Juan, Tod und Verklarung, Also Sprach Zarathustra 180g Import 2LP Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Audio-Technica now shipping ATH-ANC300TW QuietPoint in-ear headphones26 May 2020, 5:17 pm
The following is a press release from Audio-Technica. Stow, OH 04-24-2020 – Audio-Technica is now shipping its new ATH-ANC300TW truly wireless in-ear headphones, which combine Audio-Technica’s next-generation truly wireless technology with newly-designed digital hybrid active noise-cancelling (ANC) electronics. The result is improved high-fidelity sound and superior noise cancelling performance, all without requiring any connecting wires. [...] The post Audio-Technica now shipping AT... - Book Review: Better Days Will Come Again – The Life of Arthur Briggs by Travis Atria25 May 2020, 5:28 pm
Better Days Will Come Again: The Life of Arthur Briggs – Jazz Genius of Harlem, Paris and a Nazi Prison Camp By Travis Atria Chicago Review Press (2020), bibliography and index, 60 photos, 300+ pages. Arthur Briggs (1901-1991) was considered the premier Jazz trumpet player of Europe between the two world wars. Living in France [...] The post Book Review: Better Days Will Come Again – The Life of Arthur Briggs by Travis Atria appeared first on Dagogo....
- Music and Sonic Favorites: Jazz Piano4 June 2020, 5:55 pm
After a hiatus from pieces on jazz piano, and with all this time on my hands, I thought it time to return to my favorite recordings, both musically and sonically, from a few of my favorite jazz pianists. As I have already covered those of Monty Alexander and Benny Green, I will cover a few more here. Some are no longer with us and can no longer be experienced live and others, very much so. There are quite a few here that are very well known and others, not such much. It is my hope that you c... - Simple Raspberry Pi Fun Without a Power Supply1 June 2020, 6:09 pm
This afternoon I decided I needed a small project. This happens once in a while. For some reason I'll think of a project that I've had on my mind for literally years, and finally decide to get it done. Today's project was to setup a Raspberry Pi 4 B as a Roon Bridge and HQPlayer NAA. But, that's not what excited me about the project. I've done the aforementioned setup a trillion times. The exciting part that I've wanted to try for years is to power the Raspberry Pi with the PoE HAT. Using po... - The Value Proposition In Computer Audio: Nuts, Bolts, and Building Blocks - Building a Home for Your Player Software Part 228 May 2020, 2:40 pm
THE VALUE PROPOSITION IN COMPUTER AUDIO: NUTS, BOLTS AND BUILDING BLOCKS – BUILDING A HOME FOR YOUR PLAYER SOFTWARE PART 2: OPERATING SYSTEMS FOR LITTLE BOXES INTRODUCTION For use as a music storage and management system, server, renderer, and streamer, there’s still no substitute for a big box. The x86 hardware platform can easily be built to amazingly high levels of performance, reliability, and utility for ast... - Review | APL HiFi DSD-SR MK2 DAC26 May 2020, 2:37 pm
The APL HiFi DSD-SR MK2, I'm told it's priced between the flagship DSD-MR MK2 ($40,000) and the new entry level DSD-AR ($7,000). That's seriously what I know right now. I'm sure if I look through some old emails there will be a price in there, but as it stands now, I have no clue. In certain circles, all reviews should be done this way, while in other circles it makes the desired value judgement and class comparison impossible. That said, I'm charging forward with my assessment of this terri... - Reality Quest: Going to Extremes with the Taiko Audio SGM Extreme (Part 5 of 5)22 May 2020, 5:05 am
Part 1 - Introduction and Digital Audio Optimization Foundations (Link) Part 2 - Enter the Extreme (Link) Part 3 - First Impressions and Basic Configuration (Link) Part 4 - Tweaking Up the Extreme (Link) Part 5 - Extended Listening Impressions, Learnings, and Conclusions So enough A/B testing and back-breaking lifting and moving. Time for some extended listening with the Taiko Audio SGM Extreme! (for details on each track and what I listen for for each...
- "A Night For Austin" 6/10 Benefit Promises Two Hours of Great Music For A Good Cause5 June 2020, 10:44 pm
The lineup is like "Austin City Limits" on steroids for this two hour live video and audio stream organized by Paul Simon, Edie Brickell, Willie and Annie Nelson and their organizations in conjunction with Luck Reunion to support and celebrate hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic Austin, Texas.... - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit—<i>Reunion</i>3 June 2020, 6:47 pm
Jason Isbell might just be a genuine modern country legend in the making. After his early years (2001-2007) with the alternative country-rock band, Drive-By Truckers Isbell went solo, releasing several critically acclaimed albums: some under his own name and others with the support of his backing band, the 400 Unit. Isbell quit drugs and alcohol in 2012 and subsequently married his second wife: songwriter, backup singer and fiddle player, Amanda Shires. They had their first child in 2015.Primary... - The Berlin Philharmonic's Direct-to-Disc Bruckner Symphony #7 Box Set1 June 2020, 6:06 pm
Last May 11th 2019 guest conductor Bernard Haitink conducted the BPO in his final performance with the orchestra. At the time plans were made to record the performance of Bruckner's 7th symphony "Direct-to-Disc" neither the orchestra nor the conductor knew it would be their last collaboration. Haitink announced his retirement shortly after the concert.Primary Category: AAA VinylCategory: AAA VinylAlbum ReviewsArtist: The Berlin Philharmonic Conducted by Bernard HaitinkAlbum: ... - These Six Upcoming Blue Notes Will Have a Vinyl Edition28 May 2020, 8:24 pm
Blue Note yesterday announced six upcoming jazz titles that will be issued on vinyl. We haven't an image for the Frisell album at this time.... - Technics Launches New Limited Edition SL-1210GAE 55th Anniversary Turntable28 May 2020, 7:42 pm
Based on the Grand Class SL-1200G, the new 1210GAE is wholly made in Japan with a "significant level of hand-made processes" and features a full black anodized black brush hairline finish and black buttons....
- REVIEW: The price is right, the $399/pr Emotiva T-Zero tower speakers6 June 2020, 12:00 pm
... - I'll be back on June 6th2 June 2020, 12:00 pm
... - More from Nelson Pass, he's up to new tricks, including higher power amps...1 June 2020, 12:00 pm
... - Zooming with Nelson Pass about the sound of amplifiers31 May 2020, 12:00 pm
... - Sound quality? Of a speaker, amp, DAC, or turntable, can you measure how good it sounds?30 May 2020, 12:00 pm
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- Trenner and Friedl Osiris Loudspeakers | Review5 June 2020, 9:00 am
This is the final entry borne from that magical In Living Stereo room at last year’s Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. I started with the precious, jewel-like Mactone MH-120 power amplifier and XX-7000 preamplifier, continued with the mighty yet affordable Hana ML phono cartridge and now I’m finishing up with the very product that lured me into that room in the first place—the Trenner and Friedl Osiris loudspeakers. As I’ve mentioned in those other reviews, I chose to cover the ... - Vandersteen introduces Model 2Ce Signature III4 June 2020, 10:31 am
Hanford, CA (PTA) — Now in its 8th generation, the new Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature III marks over forty-three years of being in the conversation when it comes to genuine audiophile loudspeakers. Forget that it’s always been a tremendous value, the Model 2 has always been a contender and perennial favourite with journalists and most importantly those who own a pair. The new Model 2Ce Signature III receives an even more purified signal path by removal of its contour controls. Along... - Technics Introduces the New SL-1210GAE Turntable | Announcement2 June 2020, 9:00 am
Back in the days when Technics SL-1200 turntables ruled the earth, you had a choice when it came to colors. The classic Technics SL-1200 turntables came in gunmetal and chrome and looked as durable and reliable as, well, they actually were. The Technics SL-1210 and SL-1210 mk 2 were basically 1200s gussied up in black and gold. Even though the differences between the original 1200 and the 1210 were supposed to be primarily cosmetic, I’ve heard from a least a few Technics users that the 121... - dCS Legends: Bob Ludwig and Dire Straits’ 20th Anniversary Brothers in Arms | The Vinyl Anachronist1 June 2020, 5:00 pm
I can still remember that radio DJ saying that “the single greatest reason to buy a CD player is Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms.” You can probably guess the era plus or minus a couple of years–Brothers in Arms was released on LP in 1985, and that’s how I purchased it. It was also released on CD around the same time, and was one of the first all-digital (DDD) releases. Even though I was one of the first among my friends to take the CD plunge, I also frowned upon gett... - Albert Von Schweikert (1945-2020) | Announcements31 May 2020, 6:00 pm
The following obituary for legendary speaker designer Albert Von Schweikert came from Greg Weaver. The staff at Part-Time Audiophile, The Occasional Magazine and The Occasional Podcast extend our love to all Von Schweikert family and friends. Albert Von Schweikert – March 13, 1945 – May 29, 2020 Founder and Chief Designer: Von Schweikert Research/Von Schweikert Audio Though born in South America in 1945 to a US military officer and the daughter of one of the principal engineers of th...
- A pragmatist’s preference: Roon, Spotify and Chromecast5 June 2020, 10:00 am
“Sound quality is all that matters”, says our internal idealist. On streaming service quality, we keep him/her satisfied by subscribing to Tidal and Qobuz for CD/hi-res audio. We might then wrap one of both in Roon for seamless integration with our local library and a non-linear UX that’s as informative […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · D... - Talking transparency with Campfire Audio’s Andromeda 20204 June 2020, 8:52 am
Transparency. Transparency to what? We weren’t at the concert hall to hear the orchestra play. We know not which make/model microphones were used to capture the recording – like loudspeakers, microphones can colour the sound. Nor do we know how many microphones were used or where they were placed: sitting […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko... - Schiit announces US$199 Modius DAC2 June 2020, 2:35 pm
We’re big fans of the Schiit Modi at Darko.Audio but have you ever wondered what a bigger, badder version might look like? Maybe a Modi with more inputs, more outputs and better USB receiver chip? Wonder no more because Schiit’s new Modius takes the Modi Blueprint and specifies a better […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio · All... - AURALiC bumps G2 Series to G2.11 June 2020, 8:13 pm
AURALiC emerges from its Corona lockdown phase with a refresh of its top-tier digital audio separates: a streamer (Aries G2.1), a streaming DAC (Vega G2.1), a reference clock (LEO GX.1) and an upsampler (Sirius G2.1, pictured above). From the press release we note five key talking points: 1. For improved […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio &middo... - Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker review29 May 2020, 12:12 pm
Scary Monsters. And super creeps. David Bowie. And Robert Fripp. Listen intently to the album on a decent hi-fi system and you’ll not miss the King Crimson founder’s “Applied Frippertronics”: guitar sounds routed through a twin-tape-machine delay that tears at the very fabric of songs like “Fashion”, “It’s No Game […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private...
- Graham Slee Accession MC Phono Preamp5 June 2020, 12:50 pm
I noticed several things almost immediately when opening the box of the Graham Slee Accession MC Phono Preamp. Its diminutive size & weight and the four toggles/knob on the front fascia. More on these somewhat rare recording curve and playback options later. Though small, it’s a handsome piece and is priced at $1949, including the upgraded PSU1 Enigma power supply. Knock off a couple of hundred bucks with the standard PSU1. My Accession was the moving coil version. Slee manufact... - Green—Hiroshi Yoshimura28 May 2020, 10:59 pm
Too often ‘ambient music’ is defined by what it lacks. Describing it as music without standard melody, rhythm and structure provides a cursory reference point to pop and classical music for the unfamiliar. Unfortunately this overlooks the many truly engaging ambient records which contain creative, nuanced and powerful artist statements. GREEN, the recently remastered and reissued ambient classic by Hiroshi Yoshimura, is one such record. Like a lot of ambient music, GREEN is mel... - Streaming the Classics/The Dream of Gerontius—Elgar26 May 2020, 3:05 pm
Do you ever type a streaming query in Roon for a classical work and are overwhelmed by the choices? Rather than clicking on any old recording or the first one you see, Audiophilia will make things a little easier for you and do the heavy listening. These choices are for streaming only. Is the best in streaming also the best vinyl recording and performance? That’s for another article. A few criteria: Recording must be on Qobuz and/or Tidal HiFi. It does not have to be HiRes or MQA. ... - Easy to find Classical Mono LPs that should be in your collection25 May 2020, 3:28 pm
Notice, I didn’t write ‘cheap’. Forthcoming, a classical part 2 and matching jazz/popular posts. All LPs are available at Discogs, in good shape and for a variety of prices. Too expensive (Furtwängler/Eroica!)? Use Discogs as a starting point for a search. And, don’t forget garage sales & record shows where mono magic money has not yet reached. The images link to a Discogs or Ebay for sale post. Audiophilia has no affiliation with Discogs, Ebay or the orig... - PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 1222 May 2020, 11:40 am
The failure of my reference power conditioner had me reaching out for a replacement to manufacturers I deemed outstanding in legacy builds. I had extensive experience with a few at one time or another and thought I’d give conditioners from two highly regarded companies a whirl and report my findings to you. AudioQuest sent me their entry level $995 Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System for review. It had far from entry level performance, enjoying lots of trickle down t...
- Virtualizing Roon ROCK5 December 2019, 7:00 am
John Reekie continues his virtualization experiments with Roon, this time virtualizing the ROCK software appliance. Performance seems to be about the same as the virtualized Roon Server. He writes "I’m ambivalent about whether I prefer ROCK or Roon Server in a virtualized setting... instructions are here for anyone who would like to try it."... - Virtualizing Roon Server – Part 22 December 2019, 10:51 am
John Reekie continues his article on virtualizing Roon Server with more load measurements. He discovers that the virtualized Roon Server is difficult to break. "I'm impressed by how well it handled the loads I threw at it. I declare the experiment a success!"... - Virtualizing Roon Server1 December 2019, 8:54 am
"In my last article on running Roon Server on the ODroid H2, I initially spent some time worrying about whether this little computer would be powerful enough for Roon," writes John Reekie in the introduction to this article on running Roon Server in a virtualized environment. He walks through the installation procedure and runs a set of experiments on it.... - Roon Server on ODroid H210 July 2019, 10:22 am
John Reekie tests out the ODroid H2 SBC (single board computer) as a Roon Server. "Ever since I discovered how easy it is to set up a DLNA music server on a Raspberry Pi or an ODroid HC1, I’ve been reluctant to dedicate a 'proper' computer as a music server," he writes, to explain the appeal of this inexpensive x86 computer. After walking through the install, he runs some UI tests.... - How to stream Qobuz to almost anything4 July 2019, 2:55 pm
John Reekie decides it's time to branch out from the Raspberry Pi and start streaming to a greater variety of devices. He summarizes the architecture that enables Qobuz to stream to "almost anything" and how to set it up. As a bonus, he provides installation instructions to turn any Linux SBC into a compatible audio player....
- Chord Electronics appoints new US/Canada distribution partner4 June 2020, 7:03 am
3rd June 2020, Kent, United Kingdom: Chord Electronics is delighted to announce a new partnership with US company, The Sound Organisation, to distribute its British-built audio ranges in North America and Canada; the Kent company’s decision to appoint The Sound Organisation is effective immediately. Chord Electronics would like to take the opportunity to thank Jay Rein and his team at Bluebird Music for their hard work in helping to raise awareness of the Chord Electronics brand over the p... - Triangle Borea BR03 stand-mount loudspeakers2 June 2020, 2:28 pm
“Never mind the quality, feel the width”. Citing the title of a ‘60s UK sitcom is not the most zeitgeisty way to begin a review, I realise – but it’s nevertheless appropriate, for no other reason than Triangle’s brand-new Borea BR03 standmounting loudspeakers aren’t the most zeitgeisty product. These days, a modestly priced pair of speakers like this tends to be designed as either a gateway drug into a life of hi-fi hedonism or as an accompaniment to a c... - Mark Levinson No. 515 turntable2 June 2020, 2:15 pm
It says something about the state of the vinyl revival that established high-end brands which existed in the day of vinyl supremacy are building its first-ever turntables. That is the case with the Mark Levinson No. 515, which is the first turntable to bear that name in the history of the marque. Eagle-eyed record player enthusiasts will notice however that this turntable bears a striking resemblance to those from a well-known US turntable specialist, namely VPI. Mark Levinson make no bones abou... - Norma IPA-70B integrated amplifier2 June 2020, 2:10 pm
I did wonder why this company has the name it does but a quick scan of founder Enrico Rossi’s background indicates that he’s a big fan of opera, and an Italian, so it didn’t take much of a leap to guess that the name comes from Bellini’s opera of the same name. Rossi’s company is based in Cremona, an Italian city that’s steeped in musical history thanks to the craftsmanship of Guarneri, Amati and Stradivari. Names that will be familiar to Sonus faber enthusias... - Krell K-300i Integrated Amplifier2 June 2020, 2:05 pm
The first time I heard the name Krell was in the 1956 sci-fi movie Forbidden Planet that was a remake of Shakespeare’s The Tempest but set on a world far, far away. Glorious colour and Theremin-fuelled range of sound effects, groundbreaking at the time, leant an atmosphere of shimmering scientific achievement. The extinct Krell were so technologically advanced that they had driven themselves to extinction, leaving behind their accumulated knowledge in the shape of great glistening machines...
- Extraudio X250T Integrated Amplifier5 June 2020, 3:49 pm
An artisan brand with its own take on Hypex's tried-and-tested Class D amp module offers both tube and transistor variants to taste. Here's the low-down on the latter Hybrid amps have always amused me. I still dream of Radford's TT100. This hi-fi equivalent of grafting two plant species hopes – ideally – to combine the best of a brace of disparate technologies. Too often, they marry the worst. Extraudio's X250T represents a first for me in that it promises to take efficient, compac... - Hi-Res Downloads, May 20204 June 2020, 6:53 pm
This month we review and test releases from: Wolfgang Muthspiel, Scott Colley & Brian Blade, Marc van Roon Trio, Johan Dalene, Oslo PO/Vasily Petrenko and Morrissey.... - Hi-Fi Show <i>Live</i> Postponed... Not Cancelled!3 June 2020, 7:50 pm
As one more issue of Hi-Fi News goes to press under lockdown we give thanks not only to the frontline workers but also to the gift of music recreated by the equipment at the heart of our shared passion. This is a time to count our blessings and appreciate that ours is a 'home hobby' – to tweak, to play and to listen... and to keep us all sane. ... - Rotel Michi P5/S5 Pre/Power Amplifier3 June 2020, 6:51 pm
A sleek new look heralds the return of Rotel's premier sub-brand, and its new control amplifier – or preamp – and stereo power amp have the wherewithal to succeed Michi is back: last marketed in the 1990s, Rotel's elite sub-brand has rejoined the hi-fi fray after a three-year development project, and the establishment of a dedicated facility within the company's factory to hand-build the new products. And I have to admit to a pang of nostalgia for I reviewed the company's RHCD-10 pl... - Audiophile: Vinyl, May 20202 June 2020, 9:27 pm
This month we review: The Kinks, Gene Clark, Al Dimeola/John Mclaughlin/Paco Delucia, and Grateful Dead. ...
- Test your knowledge by completing the lyrics to these Radiohead singles5 June 2020, 3:02 pm
If you know your Radiohead, you'll doubtless know the band's biggest-selling singles. So you'll easily finish these lyrics, right?... - How to listen to Radiohead in chronological order5 June 2020, 3:00 pm
How to navigate all the albums, EPs, soundtracks and solo works of one of the world's biggest bands.... - Best cheap TVs 2020: the best budget 4K TVs5 June 2020, 2:37 pm
Our pick of the best cheap TVs that still offer a good picture, smart features and great all-round performance.... - The best Sonos deals and sales – June 20205 June 2020, 2:24 pm
This month's Sonos deals include savings on the Sonos Beam soundbar, Play:5 and Sonos Connect.... - Best Dolby Atmos soundbars 2020: the best Atmos TV speakers5 June 2020, 2:15 pm
Add a sprinkling of immersive audio to your TV listening with our pick of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars....
- BenQ CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector Review3 June 2019, 2:00 pm
BenQ isn’t just about compact value-oriented DLPs; witness the CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector. It offers premium clarity from a single-chip light engine, 1800 ANSI lumens, HDR, DCI-P3 color, and generous lens shift at the very reasonable price of $2499. I’m checking it out today. The post BenQ CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Audio Research LS28 Triode Stereo Preamplifier Review29 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Audio Research as a company is half a century old, founded in 1970 by William Johnson. They are one of the pioneers in hi-fi equipment design. The post Audio Research LS28 Triode Stereo Preamplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Powered Speaker Review28 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Vanatoo engineers Gary Gesellchen and Rick Kernen have recently updated their award-winning desktop speakers with a new powered model, the Transparent One Encore. It aims to be an affordable, high quality audiophile system that meets the needs of music enthusiasts with portability, a small footprint, big sound, and deep bass; combined with the ability to stream music from a computer or phone. Six years after the original Transparent Ones, the powered Vanatoo Transparent One Encore improves upon ... - VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Review22 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Today, I’ll be checking out VAVA’s 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector. It projects an image up to 150 inches diagonal while sitting only 16.7 inches from the wall. It sports Ultra HD resolution courtesy of a pixel-shifted DLP chip with support for HDR. The post VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Starke Sound Halo Elite 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System Review20 May 2019, 3:00 pm
Looking for a home theater speaker system that makes a statement in both the visual and aural sense? Then the fine folks at Starke Sound have an impressive looking system to tempt both your eyes and ears! The post Starke Sound Halo Elite 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Dynaudio Evoke 30 & 25C Loudspeakers30 April 2020, 2:02 pm
“Born in Jupiter”. This is the headline on the Dynaudio Web site product page. I had no idea what that means. Further digging on the site revealed that “Jupiter” is the name of Dynaudio’s test and development center, a very large room reportedly measuring 13 meters (42.6 feet) in every dimension. In Jupiter, “(a) speaker can be measured individually or, given the room’s size, engineers can install several speakers at once to simulate the typical home aud... - Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier15 March 2020, 8:01 pm
The Benchmark AHB2 solid-state stereo power amplifier immediately grabbed the audio world’s attention about 7 years ago when it was introduced. Combining state of the art specifications, cutting-edge technology, and amazingly small size and light weight, the $2999 amplifier quickly became a must-audition. There are already a number of reviews, so the purpose of this one is to add another data point, another reaction to add to the knowledge base of this remarkable amplifier. Just look... - Cable Lifters19 February 2020, 11:15 pm
Dry wood is one of the best electrical insulators, behind diamond and air. All of the parts for these cable lifters came from Hobby Lobby: 2" x 3" wood bases, dowel rods, thread spools, and wood glue. Sandpaper and paint are optional. Glue the dowel rods to the bases, with a nice amount of glue forming a ring or collar around the rod at the base. Let dry. Lay the spools on a table, flat end down, spaced evenly apart. Squirt some wood glue on the tops of the spools, in a line. Lay a dowel rod on ... - Holbo Turntable System6 February 2020, 10:47 pm
The Holbo Turntable System is made in Slovenia by Bostjan Holc. The $7900 model has been available for a couple of years and consists of two very interrelated components: the airbearing turntable, where the platter rides on an airbearing; and the linear tracking tonearm, also incorporating an airbearing. There is no metal-to-metal contact anywhere in this novel and very effective design. For example, there is a huge non-magnetic stainless steel ring - mounted to the plinth - under the platter wh... - Adcom GFA-555se Stereo Power Amplifier11 January 2020, 10:55 pm
The Adcom GFA-555 stereo power amplifier has a long history. The original version was introduced in March, 1985. Designed by Nelson Pass, the amplifier weighed 30 pounds and cost about $680. The newer SE version is a redesigned amplifier that weighs 36 pounds and carries a list price of $1299. Adcom retained the styling of the original model, so look closely and you will see “model GFA-555se” above the power switch on the front panel. The distortion figures are markedly improved ove...
- Monitor Audio’s Bronze Series returns28 May 2020, 7:53 am
Sixth generation of the Uniform Dispersion Waveguide-packing speaker is here... - Vertere bundles Magneto with DG-1 turntable27 May 2020, 8:43 am
Dynamic Groove vinyl spinner ships with new cartridge... - Astell&Kern introduces new A&norma SR25 portable26 May 2020, 8:40 am
Meet the latest A&norma addition... - Yamaha's new A-S Series integrateds and NS-3000 standmount22 May 2020, 1:23 pm
New A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200 amps and premium loudspeaker set to impress... - Sbooster Best Of Two Worlds Power & Precision ECO MkII21 May 2020, 9:25 am
It's time to give your system's sound a boost...
- An Interview With Frank Ng Of Finale Audio / Triode Lab27 May 2020, 8:25 pm
A conversation with Frank Ng, head of Canada’s Triode Lab and Finale Audio. Thanks for doing this, Frank. First of all, is every one in good health, and how are you managing through the pandemic at this stage? Thanks for asking, Noam. Like most Canadians, the family is sheltering at home, and family, friends and colleagues are all in good health. That said, as with many small business owners, we have noticed a sharp decrease in orders. We have also been challenged with supply... - Review: iFi Zen Blue, A Budget Bluetooth Streaming DAC14 May 2020, 5:44 pm
Review by Noam Bronstein Continuing my Bluetooth / aptX journey begun a few weeks ago, here is the first of a series of mini-reviews of audio gear that tries to make the most of these technologies. iFi Audio’s Zen Blue is a wireless DAC – specifically, it’s billed as a high-resolution Bluetooth streamer. This is a dedicated Bluetooth unit: it has a range of output options, but the only way it can receive a signal is from a Bluetooth device (smartphone, tabl... - Review: MayFly Audio Systems MF201A Speakers26 April 2020, 11:39 pm
May jump? May fly? Will fly? Review by Noam Bronstein It’s not every day that a truly interesting, unique new speaker crosses my path. Nor a term like “Skyline Diffuser”. But both things happened after Trevor May contacted me in late December about reviewing his MF201A. Ignore that stack of magazines, close your eyes and just listen Trevor’s startup is called MayFly Audio Systems, and is based in our nation’s capital, Ottawa – a city which has a long history w... - Review: Audioquest Carbon Balanced AES/EBU Digital Data Cable25 April 2020, 4:47 pm
by Steve Graham Cable. Is there a more unloved audio component? I think I’m with the majority that finds them a necessary evil. I mean, how can any sane person get excited by mere wire? Except perhaps the people selling them. Once you’ve closed a deal on say, a new pair of speakers, that likely have a low profit margin, you will be encouraged to enhance their performance with a new set of cables. Cables that likely have a fairly high margin.... - Review: Xavian Premio (Esclusivo) Speakers8 April 2020, 11:34 pm
In the House, with David Neice Test Review of the Xavian Premio (Esclusivo) Standmount Speakers MSRP (as tested): | Speakers $6195 | Stands $1295 | (Canadian) Currently offered at an introductory price of $4895 and $995. See also – https://stereo-untypical.com/xavian Disclosure: These speakers were reviewed while on loan from their importer and Canadian retailer, Noam Bronstein, at Stereo Untypical. Noam is also the publisher of ‘Wall of Sound’, and special care was take...
- PAF Announces New Show Amongst Cancellations22 May 2020, 8:54 pm
Hot on the heels of RMAFs cancellation, as well as the cancellation of pretty much every other show in 2020, Lou Hinkley of Daedalus Audio and Gary Gill of Capital Audio Fest have recently announced the Pacific Audio Fest, to be held near Seattle in 2021.... - Decomposition and Breakdown: Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple3 May 2020, 8:42 am
Fiona Apple’s newest Album Fetch the Bolt Cutters has been causing quite a stir in the popular music world and is proving to be a bit of an enigma for many folks. I’ve had enough folks request I shed some light on what’s going on that I figured it was worth doing a full breakdown of the album. We’ll be looking at everything: composition, lyrics, production, sound quality - the works.... - Totaldac offers 80 per cent Money Back19 April 2020, 3:06 pm
Vincent Brient, the man behind the totaldac brand – which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary – is offering new totaldac owners a unique service in these difficult financial times – anyone ordering a DAC, streamer or driver between the 1st April 2020 and the 31st August 2020 will be able to return it and get 80 per cent of the cost back (excluding shipping costs) up to 12 months after purchase.... - Songs For Self Isolation17 April 2020, 8:06 pm
I never thought my time spent as a reclusive artist would turn out to be a survival skill.... - AXPONA 2020 Livestream Friday at 10 a.m. CST – The (Virtual) Show Goes On15 April 2020, 7:51 pm
AXPONA 2020 organizers have partnered with 25 hi-fi industry heavyweights to bring you a content-rich Livestream this Friday, April 17th, at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time via the AXPONA Facebook page....
- Audiosense DT200 Review6 June 2020, 11:02 am
The Audiosense DT200 is a competitively priced dual Knowles balanced armature driver 3D printed universal In-ear monitor. It is priced at $149.00. Disclaimer: The Audiosense DT200 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at HiFiGo for giving us this opportunity. To read more about IEM products we have […]... - Sony WF-1000XM3 Review – Wireless Weekend5 June 2020, 12:07 pm
The Sony WF-1000XM3 is a TOTL TWS or True Wireless System featuring noise cancel, a 6mm dynamic driver, touch control, and 360 Reality Audio. It is currently priced at $229. Disclaimer: The Sony Sony WF-1000XM3 was purchased by me directly from a fellow enthusiast and not a sample. If you wish to read up on […]... - Lotoo PAW S1 Review3 June 2020, 10:57 am
The Lotoo PAW S1 is a new hi-res integrated portable amplifier and DAC dongle featuring PMEQ and up to PCM 32/384 and DSD 128 decoding. It is priced at $165. Disclaimer: The Lotoo PAW S1 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Lotoo for giving […]... - Shanling M6 Pro Review31 May 2020, 10:26 am
The Shanling M6 Pro flagship DAP improves on the original M6 release with a new dual AK4497EQ DAC and a more powerful 600mW amplifier. It is priced at $759. Disclaimer: The Shanling M6 Pro sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Shanling for giving us this opportunity. […]... - Effect Audio Horus X Review30 May 2020, 11:08 am
Effect Audio Horus X is a new twist on their previous flagship Horus cable. This is a 26 AWG 8-Wire OCC Gold Plated Silver (GPS) cable with EA Ferrite Guard Technology priced at $2499. Disclaimer: The Effect Audio Horus X was sent to us in advance of retail release to allow us to complete this […]...
- Campfire Audio Announces Ara, Solaris, Andromeda IEMs15 May 2020, 8:09 pm
I’ve always really enjoyed Campfire’s lineup of IEMs - they make fantastically well-built pieces, and they aren’t afraid to offer a variety of tunings to suit many tastes. Now they have new ones to announce! ... - LIttle Richard Dead at 879 May 2020, 11:04 pm
The legendary artist who was nicknamed the "Architect of Rock & Roll" has died of Cancer at age 87. ... - A&norma SR25 Digital Audio Player Review28 April 2020, 12:26 am
Typically I try to avoid reviewing particularly similar products so close together, however in this case I’m making an exception because I think the opportunity for a comparison of sorts is too good to pass up. ... - Headphone Music for Self Isolation17 April 2020, 8:37 pm
When you're already in self isolation, why not take it up a notch and isolate further by throwing some headphone music for self isolation on? Let's get meta.... - AXPONA 2020 Facebook Livestream Friday at 10 a.m. CST15 April 2020, 8:12 pm
Figuring out ways to connect with people stuck at home during a global health crisis and bring them the news and details they want is no easy task, but AXPONA 2020 organizers decided that partnering up with 25 of the hi-fi industry’s big brands for a content-rich Livestream might just do the trick....
- Schiit Audio Debuts New $200 DAC, The Schiit Modius2 June 2020, 5:39 pm
Schiit Audio debuts a new step up DAC to their successful Modi line, the Schiit Modius. Priced at just under $200, the product is an inexpensive add to the sea of more expensive audio products aimed at this market. The post Schiit Audio Debuts New $200 DAC, The Schiit Modius appeared first on AudioHead.... - Auralic Updates The G2/GX Series1 June 2020, 10:36 pm
Auralic makes some changes to the G2 and GX line of digital products. New upgrades are designated as the G2.1 and GX.1, respectively. The post Auralic Updates The G2/GX Series appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sennheiser Hits 75th Anniversary, Discounts The Classic HD 25 Headphone1 June 2020, 5:22 pm
Sennheiser marks its 75th anniversary with discounts, including the HD 25 and a Limited Edition run. The post Sennheiser Hits 75th Anniversary, Discounts The Classic HD 25 Headphone appeared first on AudioHead.... - Technics Reveals The SL-1210GAE Turntable And SU-R1000 Integrated28 May 2020, 6:46 pm
Technics celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, so in order to ring in the celebration properly they have put together The post Technics Reveals The SL-1210GAE Turntable And SU-R1000 Integrated appeared first on AudioHead.... - An Audiophile’s Guide To Mastering & Remastered Albums21 May 2020, 8:09 pm
In PartTimeAudiophile’s most recent podcast, they dive into the vast realm of music mastering, and how it impacts sonic enthusiasts The post An Audiophile’s Guide To Mastering & Remastered Albums appeared first on AudioHead....
- Neil Young Archives – High-Res Streaming Content Added to BluOS Devices in Canada and the United States4 June 2020, 5:37 pm
Unique fan-focused service comes to BluOS enabled products via previously announced adaptive streaming protocol PICKERING, CANADA, MAY 26, 2020 – The post Neil Young Archives – High-Res Streaming Content Added to BluOS Devices in Canada and the United States appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale extended through June 301 June 2020, 6:25 pm
Thanks to the enthusiastic response the Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale raised $1500 for the selected charities in May 2020. As The post Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale extended through June 30 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - JadeAudio EA3 IEM Review1 June 2020, 5:00 am
JadeAudio is a less expensive subsidiary brand of FiiO (I know, I can hear you saying, “Less expensive than FiiO?”). The post JadeAudio EA3 IEM Review appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - HELM Launches Groundbreaking Portable Headphone Amplifier1 June 2020, 5:00 am
Studio-quality audio for smartphones & mobile devices with the THX Certified DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier powered by THX AAA The post HELM Launches Groundbreaking Portable Headphone Amplifier appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - AUDEZE Spring Steal!23 May 2020, 5:56 pm
Save 25% off NEW Mobius Carbon or B-Stock LCD-1 while supplies last! Starting now, and lasting through 12pm PST on The post AUDEZE Spring Steal! appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- Audio Art Cable Statement e SC Cryo Speaker Cable3 June 2020, 11:59 pm
Real, hardcore audiophiles pay attention to all sounds in the natural world. As I’m writing this, and for the last five hours, I’ve been listening to helicopters, explosives, protestors, and police sirens. And also an ice cream truck. #LARiots2020 As a result, the next time Snoop Dogg puts out an album, I could evaluate audio […] The post Audio Art Cable Statement e SC Cryo Speaker Cable appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - English Electric’s NEW 8Switch Audiophile Ethernet Switch14 May 2020, 1:11 am
Chord Company brand English Electric officially launches its first-ever product: the 8Switch 13th May 2020, Wiltshire, Great Britain: English Electric (a Chord Company brand) has officially launched its first-ever product, the 8Switch data switch. The announcement follows English Electric’s international debut at the UK’s biggest audio event, The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2020, in February. With […] The post English Electric’s NEW 8Switch Audiophile Ethernet Switch appear... - Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale3 May 2020, 8:32 pm
To ease your isolation blues and help out during the Covid-19 crisis, Danacable is holding a special sale for the Lazuli line of headphone cables for the entire month of May: You make a donation to one of the following charities, which are helping in the fight against Covid-19: World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org) Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.org) […] The post Danacable Lazuli Isolation Sale appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - AXPONA 2020 Officially Cancelled30 April 2020, 6:11 pm
AXPONA 2020 is officially cancelled. Below is the community message. It’s important to note that exhibitors are not getting a refund. This is because the deposits were spent on salaries, marketing, and other expenses. However, JD Events is planning to find other sources of funding (SBA PPP) in order to roll a portion of exhibitors’ […] The post AXPONA 2020 Officially Cancelled appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - FREE: Leema Acoustics Speaker Calibration Secrets21 April 2020, 6:24 pm
April 21, 2020, Wales, UK: With the UK lockdown extended until May at the earliest, Leema Acoustics has published a free comprehensive speaker calibration guide for locked-down music lovers wanting to get the best from the hardware they already own. The Welshpool-based manufacturer, founded by two ex-BBC sound engineers in 1998, has teamed up with Andy Moore, […] The post FREE: Leema Acoustics Speaker Calibration Secrets appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- HiFiMan Jade II electrostatic headphones – superbly cohesive3 June 2020, 3:07 am
REVIEW: Electrostatic headphones are not for all seasons, but with the right music, HiFiMan's Jade II shines.... - Kuala Lumpur to get new hi-fi/AV event next year31 May 2020, 11:19 am
NEWS: There's a new hi-fi and AV show in the works, and it promises to be more than just another show... coming up in 2021.... - Denon PMA-150H – for all your digital needs27 May 2020, 3:58 am
REVIEW: Digital devices can be a headache to set up, but getting Denon's PMA-150H going is a breeze... and it sounds fab, too!... - PS Audio’s new Stellar Strata is a ‘do everything’ amp19 May 2020, 2:43 am
NEWS: Expectations run high for new hi-fi gear, and PS Audio's Stellar Strata seems to tick all the boxes.... - Sony adds HT-G700 soundbar, three Extra Bass wireless speakers13 May 2020, 2:49 am
NEWS: Exciting news for AV enthusiasts and party people... Sony's new soundbar and wireless speakers are coming......
- Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable Full Teardown3 June 2020, 12:11 pm
A simple yet effective turntable design of perfectly acceptable quality and very well executed given the asking price. The post Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable Full Teardown appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Analogue Innovation In Sole Elastomer Isolators Reviewed1 June 2020, 9:48 am
Analogue Innovation's elastomer isolator kit brings considerable sonic advantages while removing most of the frustration inherent with the ownership of a suspended turntable. The post Analogue Innovation In Sole Elastomer Isolators Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - A Fix For the Pro-Ject VC-E Exhaust Vent Moisture Issue24 April 2020, 7:48 pm
A fix for the Pro-Ject VC-E record cleaning machine, whereby moisture can be blown onto the record underside via the exhaust vent. The post A Fix For the Pro-Ject VC-E Exhaust Vent Moisture Issue appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Musical Fidelity M6 Vinyl Phono Stage Reviewed11 March 2020, 10:00 am
Switchable inputs, plenty of adjustment, accurate RIAA equalisation and a neutral sound. The post Musical Fidelity M6 Vinyl Phono Stage Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Musical Fidelity M6sPRX Power Amplifier Reviewed9 March 2020, 10:00 am
sonically neutral, untroubled by challenging or variable loads and able to push just about any speaker to high levels with ease. The post Musical Fidelity M6sPRX Power Amplifier Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- Audiophile/Videophile Review!Essence For Hi Res AudioEVOLVE II-4K HDMI InterfaceMultichannel DAC/De-Embedder!26 March 2020, 6:49 pm
... - EAN Audio Show Spotlight!Florida Audio Expo 2020 Part II:The South's Up And Coming Hi-Fi Show!12 March 2020, 7:14 pm
... - EAN Audio Show Spotlight!The Florida Audio Expo 2020:The South's Up And Coming Hi-Fi Show!2 March 2020, 11:02 pm
... - 2019 Capital Audiofest!Electronics, Live MusicEmbody Best Show In The East!31 December 2019, 8:29 pm
... - EAN Audiophile Review!iFi Pro iDSD D/A ConverterHP Amp/Line Preamplifier“Feature-Filled DAC, Impressive Sound!”21 December 2019, 5:09 am
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- BENQ TK850 4K DLP Projector Review3 June 2020, 3:44 am
Tony O'Brien spends quality time with this capable new home entertainment-focused projector…... - Spendor Classic 4/5 Mini Monitor Review1 June 2020, 4:13 am
Mark Gusew samples Spendor’s modern re-imagining of the classic BBC LS3/5a mini monitor…... - Neat Acoustics Ministra Bookshelf Loudspeakers Review29 May 2020, 4:14 am
This technologically innovative little standmounter is a new rose among small speakers, says David Price…... - dCS Bartók DAC Review29 May 2020, 2:44 am
One of the most important high end streaming DACs of this generation gets an in-depth StereoNET review.... - Line Magnetic LM-805iA Integrated Amplifier Review28 May 2020, 6:57 am
This interesting new mid-price Chinese valve amplifier gives Mark Gusew a warm glow…...
- #NewMusicFriday…New Record Releases You Need To Hear feat. Run The Jewels +17 Other Artists!6 June 2020, 3:20 am
Every #NewMusicFriday, I pick a bunch of the best sounding new albums so you can get your audiophile music fix!… As usual, it’s a very eclectic mix (Albums are arranged with more traditional audiophile genres like Jazz and Blues at the top, and the non-traditional audiophile stuff towards the bottom). Here are my picks for this continue reading... - Here Are The Best Speakers, Headphones And Electronics On Sale Right Now! (6/5/20)5 June 2020, 5:24 pm
Hifitrends.com has always been about pointing out the best values in Hi-Fi, so it’s only right that we point out the best deals on Hi-Fi every week. There’s a lot of stuff on sale out there, but we only point out the things worth buying. To determine that, we put a premium on sound quality, followed continue reading... - Triangle’s Majestic BOREA BR08 Floorstanding Speakers In The House! First Impressions And Unboxing Pics5 June 2020, 3:14 am
Since it was released last year, the Triangle BOREA series speakers have been a hit with reviewer after reviewer, including me. Most reviewers have fallen in love with the BOREA BR03 Bookshelf, myself included. I even went as far as making the BR03 my 2019 Product of the Year, calling them the new “King” of continue reading... - Here Are The Best Speakers, Headphones And Electronics On Sale Right Now! (5/28/20)28 May 2020, 9:29 pm
Hifitrends.com has always been about pointing out the best values in Hi-Fi, so it’s only right that we point out the best deals on Hi-Fi every week. There’s a lot of stuff on sale out there, but we only point out the things worth buying. To determine that, we put a premium on sound quality, followed continue reading... - Audiolab’s 6000A Play Combines Their Top Notch Integrated Amp And Music Streamer28 May 2020, 2:33 am
If you follow this site, then you know that we’re big fans of both Audiolab’s 6000A Integrated Amp and their 6000N Play Music Streamer (which we made our 2019 Product Of The Year). So you know we were pleased to hear about their new 6000A Play Wireless Audio Streaming Player, which is a combination of continue reading...
- Core Power Technologies A/V USBe Perfect28 May 2020, 2:46 am
Tweaks. It’s the bastion of audiophiles in the pursuit of wringing the last ounce of audio gold out of the music. It’s also the point where derision from those who don’t relate to our hobby like to inject verbal venom. Granted, over the years there’s been some rather “out there” tweaks, such as the infamous magic marker on cd’s. At the same time audiophiles were the first to hear a weird phenomena, later identified as jitter.Let’s be clear, a wonde... - Peachtree Audio amp50026 March 2020, 11:43 pm
High power amplifier. Those are three words difficult-to-drive speaker owners want to hear. Especially when one is a reviewer. The desire to hear even more of what a pair of panel speakers can do gets the heart racing. When Jim Spainhour of Peachtree Audio contacted me with an offer to review their new top-line amp500, no way was I going to turn down the opportunity. In less than two weeks the piano black oval-cased beauty was at my front door.The amp500 resides in the standard Peachtree cabinet... - Cherry Amplifier Maraschino Desktop Mono Amplifiers20 March 2020, 1:40 am
SpecificationsIn the audio industry there are a handful hyper-driven designers/engineers that are truly advancing the industry. One of them is Tommy O'Brien, founder of Digital Amplifier Company. Along with Andrew Jones for speakers and Nelson Pass with solid-state amplification, O'Brien is the resident leader in class D amplification. Since 1996, he has been designing digital amplification topology from scratch. I first heard of the Cherry lineup of amplifiers a decade ago thru one of my ... - Chord Mojo Portable DAC10 October 2019, 8:22 pm
Link to SpecificationsRecently, I’ve been searching for a DAC that would go effortlessly with my vintage Adcom system. I desired something simple, and if possible, with a very small footprint. I had tried various USB stick DAC’s. While they were nice and the perfect size, I always felt they were a bit compromised sound-wise. When the opportunity came to review the Chord Mojo I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity.I will admit that in my mind I wrongfully expected the Mojo ... - Audioengine 512 Portable Bluetooth Speaker10 July 2019, 4:36 pm
Link to SpecificationsLet's face it, there are times when one's big audio system just doesn't work for the situation at hand. The small barbecue gathering on the deck/patio, the picnic in the park, laundry day, the list is endless. Enter the value of bluetooth speakers and their easy portability and instant sound. But, being honest, most small bluetooth speakers sound little better than the transistor radios of the 1970's.While Audioengine has been making bluetooth speakers for several...
- Digital Cables compared – USB and Ethernet5 June 2020, 11:28 am
In order to assess a high-end digital cable, one needs to refer to a standard. But what defines the baseline? And how do USB and Ethernet cables compare to the traditional S/PDIF and AES/EBU cables?... - Pink Faun Digital Interlink LAN5 June 2020, 11:27 am
To many, high-end Ethernet cables are still a controversial subject. While plenty of experiments have proven to me that their influence is not imaginary, it sure is annoying that, so far, we have not been able to come up with a proper scientific explanation for why these cables can alter the sound. However, these differences are actually easy to hear and the Pink Faun Digital Interlink LAN cable with its unique presentation turns out to be an ideal candidate to take away any remaining doubts.... - Way Cables Champagne Plus USB Cable29 May 2020, 9:00 am
The Champagne Plus has a smooth, rich and lush presentation with juicy-liquid mids and a very gentle and airy treble. There is an immense sense of freedom with this cable, an almost magical and rather un-electronic manner of music-making indeed.... - Way Cables Substance Plus Power Cable29 May 2020, 9:00 am
The Substance Plus power cable honors its name by sounding quite substantial indeed. It has a sonorous delivery with very solid and full-bodied bass, a warm and liquid midrange and airy and super-refined, decidedly non-forward and very well-behaved treble.... - Analysis Audio Epsilon19 May 2020, 9:20 am
The Analysis Audio Epsilons produce a sound so clean, clear, open, transparent and so utterly uncolored that many traditional cabinet speakers can only aspire to....
- 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 […]...