- Listening #208: Rogers LS3/5a1 April 2020, 3:28 pm
In my January 2020 Listening column, I wrote about a place where three things overlap: the joys (and benefits) of being a record collector, the natural tendency to grow and challenge ourselves as listeners, and the need to forgive ourselves for the shortcomings of our youth. The hook was the story of how I started out disliking the music of guitarist John Fahey (1939–2001) and ended up loving it. But it could just as easily have been about cooking or hiking or Jethro Tull or any of a number...
- ProAc Response D2R loudspeaker31 March 2020, 4:54 pm
Between the mid-1980s and late 2000s, Stereophile published 14 reviews of loudspeakers from England's ProAc Limited. First came Dick Olsher's review of the ProAc Tablette in 1984. The latest—until now—was in 2010, when John Marks wrote about the ProAc Response D Two. Tue, 03/31/2020... - How to Help Musicians27 March 2020, 10:28 pm
You probably heard the news: record claims for unemployment benefits, indeed, five times the previous record from 1982. Our economy has never been shut down quite so completely and suddenly. Those most affected are service workers: cooks, waiters, retail clerks—and the people who make the music we love. Fri, 03/27/2020... - From 78 to 24/38427 March 2020, 5:03 pm
When I was 11, my father brought home the voice of tenor Enrico Caruso (1873–1921) in a three-LP box set whose faux leather cover and sepia-tinted photos I admired over and over. When he put on the Sextet from Lucia di Lammermoor, I exclaimed, "Daddy, I've heard that before!" "Yeah, you broke it when you were 2," he replied.Fri, 03/27/2020... - Vimberg Mino loudspeaker26 March 2020, 5:31 pm
The priciest loudspeaker ever to have taken up residence in my listening room was the Akira from German company Tidal Audio (footnote 1), which I reviewed in the November 2018 issue of Stereophile. Designed by Tidal founder and CEO Jörn Janczak, the Akiras cost $215,000/pair! "The sheer resolution of the Akiras continued to astonish me throughout my auditioning," I wrote in my review, concluding that "The Akiras are the best-looking, best-built, best-sounding speakers I have had in my liste...
- RCA Classic Film Scores on SACD1 April 2020, 5:14 pm
The RCA Classic Film Score Series has no equal among film music recordings, musically or sonically. Yet, despite the consistently high sound quality of the series, RCA butchered its initial release on CD in Dolby surround sound that largely eliminated the almost unprecedented combination of sonic richness and inner detail that characterized the original LPs. The series is also probably the best example of the unmatched acoustics (for recording) of Kingsway Hall. When Sony purchased RCA, it parti... - Qobuz Launches Gimme Shelter, Gives Its Share of Download Revenue to Creators During Crisis31 March 2020, 3:42 pm
The following is a press release issued by Qobuz. March 31, 2020 - Qobuz, the music service with the world’s largest Hi-Res catalog, has announced that it is waiving its revenue share on all download sales, passing 100% of this revenue through to the rightsholders for two full weeks beginning today. Dubbing the program Gimme Shelter, Qobuz USA Managing Director Dan Mackta said, "With hats off to Bandcamp for leading the way with this brilliantly simple idea, Qobuz will similarly put its pr... - Focal Chora 806 Loudspeaker31 March 2020, 1:55 pm
Chora is the successor to Focal’s lauded Chorus line that included models like the Chorus 705, which garnered more than its share of praise and was repeatedly selected for TAS’ Editors’ Choice award. But time marches on, and the French manufacturer saw opportunities to raise the bar on performance as well as visual appeal. The new Chora line includes the Chora 826 and Chora 816 floorstanding loudspeakers ($2190 and $1790 per pair respectively), and the subject of this evaluatio... - Robert Dick, Flutist30 March 2020, 4:22 pm
While jazz critics and listeners have elevated such flutists as Nicole Mitchell and Hubert Laws to the top of their polls, virtuoso Robert Dick has flown somewhat under the radar while doing nothing less than reinventing the sonic potential of the instrument. The New York City–bred composer, improviser, author, teacher, and inventor has been on a revolutionary musical road since the late 1960s. A recent spate of recordings—on a variety of independent labels and with an array of colla... - 2020 Editors' Choice: Disc Players Under $2,00027 March 2020, 12:40 pm
NAD C 546BEE $549 This entirely new design sports the latest 24-bit Wolfson DAC chips. The disc player’s sound is extremely natural, with rich detail, excellent retrieval of ambient information, deep black backgrounds, and a somewhat crisp overall presentation. Rotel CD14 CD $799 The CD14 CD player doesn’t try to be anything but a CD player. It uses a highly regarded Wolfson DAC chip, which is capable of sampling rates up to 192kHz; of course, as the sampling rate of CDs is 44.1kHz, ...
- Lifestyle & Design: Bauhutte Digital Audio Workstation & High-End Audio Bed1 April 2020, 6:11 pm
Wake up and move from bed to desk in a matter of seconds as your bed 'transforms' into a digital audio workstation (DAW nearfield monitors. It can also be used as a gaming bed as well. In addition, those who add more speakers may enjoy a truly immersive experience! Stuck in Staycation 2020 due to the Coronavirus? This problem is solved by The Gamebed from Japan. It features a lifting headboard that adds functional storage to the bedside and a bed desk that can be set at the foot of a single bed.... - Audio Hi-Fi Tweaking Without Limits1 April 2020, 6:10 pm
Sometimes, dear reader, we hear of tweaks that leave us scratching our heads- how could anyone be so foolish? The HST, or Head Scratch Threshold varies by person — some would lump cables in here (not me!) and some would say that the quantum effects touted by some are totally legit. Many times, perhaps even most of the time, these tweaks are as phoney as a stuffed mermaid. But in some cases, it is simply a lack of understanding that leads to dismissive attitudes.---> Read more about hi-f... - World Premiere Review! Sozy Wulkmun High-Rez Audio Turntable1 April 2020, 6:10 pm
Look, I'll make this preview brief as spy photos and an advanced copy of their upcoming advertisement just hit my desk. While I'm bound to this desktop torture getting this story out fast, your music LPs soon will have a newfound freedom away from their homeward bondage. With vinyl LP sales experiencing double-digit growth, it appears that the LP is once again becoming a major force within the music industry.---> Learn more about Sozy's Wulkmun High-Rez audio turntable. ... - Lifestyle & Design: Toilet Paper DIY Separator 84671 April 2020, 6:09 pm
Introducing the cost-savings Toilet Paper Splitter for those on Staycation 2020. As many know, finding a roll of TP is a challenge during these tough times due to the Coronavirus. The incredible TP Separator 8467 quickly separates your two-ply toilet paper into two individual rolls! ---> Read More about the Toilet Paper DIY Separator 8467. ... - What It Takes To Make EnjoyTheMusic.com's Review Magazine1 April 2020, 6:04 pm
Getting out a new issue of the EnjoyTheMusic.com Review Magazine takes much effort and concentration. First comes the many hours of deep meditation. As is customary, a minimum of four hours are spent each and every day seeking the divine wisdom to the Audio G-ds. We search only for His knowledge and wisdom as handed down to us though the ages. Meditation for my soul. After much reflection and deep meditation the Audio G-ds answer with reviews sent to us for publication by magical Elves who we ch...
- REVIEW: FoilFlex FOILFLEX | speaker cables | AUSTRALIA31 March 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ CABLES: 1. «a thick line made of a strain of insulated metal wires» | CHORD: 1. «an element of an electrical circuit connecting power source with a receiver» | WIRE: 1. «a thin, flexible, metal rod», 2. common. «telegraph or telephone wire» (Polish Language Dictionary PWN, accessed: 26.02.2020). ⌋ have a task for you - please close your eyes and quickly imagine: a CABLE. What do you see You will probably se... - COVERAGE | AUDIO SHOW: Audio Video Show PRAGUE 2020 | CZECH REPUBLIC31 March 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ The AUDIO VIDEO SHOW PRAGUE is an exhibition of audio products organized every year, around February and March, by DANIEL BŘEZINA and his colleagues. It takes place at the DON GIOVANNI Hotel, the only member of the Great Hotels of The World in the Czech Republic. This hotel is located in Prague, right next to the Želivského metro station (line A), which takes you to the historic city center in 5 minutes. This year, the Audio Video Show Prague exhibition was held for the ... - REVIEW: NORDOST QRT |pt. 3| QSOURCE6 • DC power supply | USA31 March 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ NORDOST is a company that was set up in 1991 by Joe Reynolds. It specializes in manufacturing connectors and its first designs were developed for the needs of the space industry in cooperation with the NASA. Apart from cables, the company also offers products from the QRT series used to supply power to devices and eliminate RF, as well as electromagnetic interference. ⌋ power supply seems to be one of the most important elements of a whole audio system.” Does this sou... - REVIEW: Audio Reveal SECOND | integrated amplifier | POLAND31 March 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ AUDIO REVEAL is a brand that was set up in 2016 on the initiative of Mr Michał Posiewka. He has been manufacturing equipment since 1989, but he initially produced alarm systems. Audio Reveal is the outcome of his audiophile passion. We are testing the second amplifier offered by the company – a model called the SECOND. ⌋ There is something extremely attractive in the simplicity of single-ended tube amplifiers, i.e. ones with class-A output tubes amplifying the wh... - KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY | Meeting #125: 1ST PRESS – what is it? | POLAND/Krakow31 March 2020, 10:00 pm
⌈ The Definition of a first pressing or pressed vinyl record, is a record that was pressed from the 1st original masters. There seems to be some controversy between record collectors of what is a first pressing as opposed to first issues. source: www.mootzproductions.com, accessed ” 12.02.2020 ⌋ | Text: Wojciech Pacuła lready this brief introduction introduces an element of uncertainty to the topic of the "1st press LP". And the matter could seem simple - we're ...
- PranaWire Announces The Annapurna Platform/Collector From Its New Himalayan Series17 March 2020, 8:05 pm
The PranaWire Annapurna 4” Platform/Collector The PranaWire Annapurna 4” Platform/Collector PranaWire is proud to announce the release of its new series of Platform/Collectors. These are designed to connect to our Super Enhanced Ground Plane boxes or other grounding devices for maximum effect. The top plate of the Annapurna is 3/8” thick brass that is electrically... Read More » The post PranaWire Announces The Annapurna Platform/Collector From Its New Himalayan Series ap... - Synergistic Research PowerCell ONE Line Conditioner16 March 2020, 8:35 pm
Just a mere month ago, Audio Tourism looked like the next new thing. Given the continuing demise of brick-and-mortar retail salons, regional, national, and international audio shows were popping up all over—how brilliant was having a show in Florida in February, not in Miami, not in Orlando, and not during school vacation week? But then,... Read More » The post Synergistic Research PowerCell ONE Line Conditioner appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Schitt Vidar Power Amplifier13 March 2020, 7:09 pm
With a strong pride for American-built products, Schiit are the company behind some of the best value for money propositions in the amplifier and DAC market. Their playful style and thematic nomenclature have helped entice a wealth of consumers into the entry-level market, earning them many accolades from across the globe. The Schiit Vidar is... Read More » The post Schitt Vidar Power Amplifier appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Montreal AudioFest 2020 Latest Update - Postponed12 March 2020, 8:56 pm
Although we approve this wise decision, it is with sadness that we welcome the decision of the Government of Quebec to limit or ban public gatherings of over 250 people in Quebec until further notice. We all invested time and money in this project and just like you and the visitors we were really excited... Read More » The post Montreal AudioFest 2020 Latest Update - Postponed appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - An update from THE Show 2020 about the coronavirus and this year's event12 March 2020, 8:53 pm
We have just received the following letter from THE Show 2020's Show Director, Maurice Jung, regarding the coronavirus and this year's event. We publish it to keep our readers well informed about T.H.E. Show's plans in this very troubled year.... Dr. David W. Robinson, Editor-in-Chief The post An update from THE Show 2020 about the coronavirus and this year's event appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- Issue 1011 April 2020, 7:36 pm
Features Old School: Headphone Art: The Audiophile Apartment: Shanon Says: Mine: It Should Be Yours Music Playlists: We share our readers choices from around the world Future Tense Gear in our immediate future Cover Feature:... - The Nagra Classic Preamplifier1 April 2020, 4:37 pm
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Nagra products. I can’t hide that from you and keep a straight face. But the admiration is for a good reason – they make fantastic products. Having been to their factory several times now, the team at Nagra is a group dedicated to excellence in [...]... - Rega’s New P10 Turntable28 March 2020, 12:55 am
We’ve always been bonkers about Rega’s (almost flagship, they also make the $50k Naiad) turntable, the P10. Building on what they started with the P9 over a decade ago, with it’s machined subplatjer and ceramic composite platter, the P10 is a piece of visual as well as analog fine art. The refinement provided by every [...]... - Lockdown: Day 1526 March 2020, 9:51 pm
As somewhat of a self-imposed hermit anyway, I’m keeping my head down, staying out of the traffic pattern, and staying busy. There’s plenty of work to do here, and we will continue to produce content at TONE as if things were back to what we used to consider normal. Our hope is to produce a [...]... - Gold Note CD1000 MkII CD player/DAC18 March 2020, 5:21 am
Even though there is a wealth of streaming options available to music lovers, the CD is quietly making a bit of a comeback. Not everyone wants to be an IT person, and some really enjoy the simplicity of putting a disc in and pushing play. Not to mention, there are some great deals to be [...]...
- Recommended Reference Component: PSB Alpha P5 Loudspeakers1 April 2020, 4:00 am
Last month, we added to our list of Recommended Reference Components Focal’s Chora 806 loudspeaker ($990/pair). This month, we add a speaker that costs less than half as much: PSB’s Alpha P5 ($399/pair, all prices USD). Hans Wetzel reviewed the Alpha P5 for SoundStage! Access in March 2019, when it cost even less ($349/pair). ... - Will COVID-19 Take Out High-End Audio?1 April 2020, 4:00 am
Aware that I am of the date this goes live, let me assure you that, no, this isn’t meant to be humorous, satirical, or anything other than a straight-from-the-heart reaction to COVID-19. This accursed plague, arriving seemingly out of nowhere, has upset the day-to-day existence of every person on the planet, save for those idiots who don’t accept the gravity of the situation. Even if this pandemic doesn’t slaughter 1/1000th of the number the Spanish Flu of 1918 took, believed t... - Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum II Stereo Amplifier1 April 2020, 4:00 am
Rogue Audio has been designing and building tubed electronics in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, for over 20 years. In that time, the company has established a reputation for exceptional performance at reasonable prices. To achieve his performance goals, Rogue’s president and chief designer, Mark O’Brien, believes in applying solid engineering principles, careful parts selection, and attention to details and in manufacture. What O’Brien doesn’t believe in is showy marketing... - A Schiit-Hot Integrated Amplifier -- The Ragnarok 21 April 2020, 4:00 am
What’s in a name? For Schiit Audio, established in 2010 in Valencia, California, by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, it’s been a schiitload of marketing opportunities. From the beginning, they’ve delighted in playing with their company’s name in ads and other marketing materials, and it’s given them strong name recognition in the audiophile marketplace. It’s also given birth to their own retail store, The Schiitr, and a book written by Stoddard: Schiit Happened... - After 25 Years -- Is This the World’s Best Audio System?1 April 2020, 4:00 am
I founded the SoundStage! Network in November 1995 and have been here ever since -- which puts me in a fortunate position. In our 25 years we’ve not only launched a family of online audio publications covering a wide range of products, we’ve also traveled the world to report on the inner workings of many hi-fi companies, and what we see and hear at audio shows. Our longevity and global reach have meant that we’ve been able to review products of pretty much every shape, size, pr...
- New Album Releases Project 2020-3-2829 March 2020, 12:26 am
As we become somewhat more accustomed to this new way of life, there remains so much with which me re-accustom ourselves. This week a number of both sombre and reflective compositions. Something tells we’re not in Kansas and that the … is yet to come Until things return to a degree of relative normalcy all [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-3-28 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Tri-Art Audio Series B System Review23 March 2020, 3:00 pm
Cage match Budget audio is like a cage match, with manufacturers pitted against each other in a battle to be declared the best value in audio. Two perennial loudspeaker contenders are Vandersteen and Magnepan, and for the sound quality each presents, they deservedly reap their share of customers. The principles at each company must breathe [...] The post Tri-Art Audio Series B System Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-3-2222 March 2020, 2:38 pm
Consider yourself sequestered, consider yourself quarantined, consider yourself one of us. Music can make the time go … Until things return to a degree of relative normalcy all the weekly selections shall be bolded. The groupings of New Releases, Re-issues, Re-masters and Miscellany shall stay the same. Within Miscellany one might find all manner of [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-3-22 appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-3-1414 March 2020, 5:04 pm
Consider yourself sequestered, consider yourself quarantined, consider yourself one of us. Music can make the time go … I have BOLDED those selections which caught both my eye and ear this week. The groupings of New Releases, Re-issues, Re-masters and Miscellany shall stay the same. Within Miscellany one might find all manner of live performances, [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-3-14 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Kanto Audio Introduces YU Compact Powered Speaker13 March 2020, 12:09 am
The following is an official press release New high-value speaker system features Bluetooth® streaming connectivity, simple operation and smooth, natural sound COQUITLAM, BC, CANADA, March 12, 2020 – Kanto today announced the introduction of its YU powered speaker, a compact, high-value stereo speaker system that is simple to use and delivers outstanding sound quality. Kanto’s [...] The post Kanto Audio Introduces YU Compact Powered Speaker appeared first on Dagogo....
- Meet The Audiophile Style Community | Volume 130 March 2020, 8:47 pm
Over the years I've met many members of the Audiophile Style community and have always been amazed by the intellect, character, and enthusiasm of everyone. Given that we're all isolated from each other because of the current global coronavirus pandemic, there's no better time than now to kick off our series introducing members of this community to each other. I'll go first, answering the same questions I've sent out to those who've expressed interest in being interviewed for this series. ... - Review | NAD M10 BluOS Streaming Amplifier26 March 2020, 2:25 pm
Typically, you might see more of an introduction here, but these days everyone is just so darn busy being busy. Instant gratification is the only solution. I wish there was an app that would read my mind. Me wantee... now! I hear you. Let’s get to it... The NAD - M10 ($2749) streaming amplifier is not your typical audiophile component — mostly because it’s not audiophile. At least, not in the sense that an experienced listener would consider it to be au... - Review: Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 319 March 2020, 3:55 pm
Berkeley Audio Design is a unique company to say the least. When USB audio was the darling of the HiFi industry, Berkeley said no way to putting a USB interface inside its DACs. When another three letter audio format named DSD started coming back to life from the ashes of SACD, the company also kept the format out of its DACs. Over the last several years Ethernet has become a major part of many audiophile systems, yet Berkeley's founders again say the technology isn't for them (to include in... - RCA Victrola 711V3 2020 | His Master's Voice Reimagined16 March 2020, 2:35 pm
RCA Victrola 711V3 2020 “HIS MASTER’S VOICE”Re-imagined As a child, when we visited my grandmother's house, there was this radio console along the wall of her living room. I wish I had a picture of that room; my memory is a bit fuzzy. Fast forward a decade or more, my grandmother became too ill to stay in her home and that console ended up in the basement of my father's home. There it sat for another eternity... - UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Review and Comparison10 March 2020, 3:00 pm
UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Review and Comparison Rajiv Arora Introduction The UpTone Audio EtherREGEN (shortened to eR for the rest of this review) is a diminutive Ethernet switch with a bold value proposition. UpTone claims it “...is capable of producing surprisingly audible sonic improvements in fine music systems.” In this review, I’ll evaluate this claim of sonic improvements, and pit the eR against a couple of ...
- High Performance, High Value Hana ML and MH Cartridges1 April 2020, 11:33 pm
Though AnalogPlanet reviewed the low output $750 Hana SL cartridge back in 2017 in a “shootout” with the $999 Ortofon Quintet Black S, we’re kind of “late to the fair” on these two newer Hana models, in part because they’ve been reviewed by others in Stereophile (and of course elsewhere), where I mostly (but not exclusively!) cover the top end of the high performance market.... - Big Thief's <i>U.F.O.F.</i> Steals a Page From '60s era Psych-Folk Rockers31 March 2020, 2:15 pm
Brooklyn- based quartet Big Thief formed after all four of its members— Adrianne Lenker (guitar, vocals), Buck Meek (guitar, backing vocals), Max Oleartchik (bass), and James Krivchenia (drums)— had graduated from the Berklee College Of Music.Primary Category: Album ReviewsCategory: Album ReviewsArtist: Big ThiefAlbum: U.F.O.F.Cred Label: 4AD 4AD0129LPCred Prod: Andrew SarloCred Eng: Dom MonksCred Mix: Dom Monks?Cred Mast: Greg Calbi at S... - A Dream of a One Step <i>Monk's Dream</i> From Mo-Fi30 March 2020, 11:11 pm
If you're saying Monk's creative juices had begun to dry up by the time he signed with Columbia Records and released this 1963 label debut album you'll get no argument from me. But Monk, all of 46 when this was recorded, had a secret weapon: his rock'n'roll band of the hard-blowing Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, John Ore on bass and Frankie Dunlop on drums. They rocked!Primary Category: Album ReviewsCategory: AAA VinylAlbum ReviewsArtist: The Thelonious Monk QuartetAlbum: Monk's... - Easy to Warm Up to ELAC Alchemy’s $1250 PPA-2 Phono Preamp29 March 2020, 7:55 pm
ELAC Alchemy designer Peter Madnick is well-known to veteran audiophiles as the man behind, among other companies, Audio Alchemy, the “high end” brand that during the 1990s made high performance affordable. With Madnick designing and the business side run by Mark Shifter—a guy who could sell ham to a Hasid—Audio Alchemy had a formidable, decade long run before it folded.... - Parasound Z Phono XRM MM/MC Phono Preamp Offers A lot For $59527 March 2020, 9:46 pm
Parasound’s $595 ZPhono XRM is a compact, versatile MM/MC phono preamplifier that offers flexibility and features not usually found at this price point including gold-plated balanced XLR outputs (and gold-plated single-ended RCA outputs), a mono switch, an 18dB/octave rumble filter and for its MC input, continuously variable loading from 50ohms to 1050ohms. ...
- At Last: 3-D print super quiet, ultra-hi-res LPs at home1 April 2020, 12:00 pm
... - Audiophiles biggest mistake: Chasing perfect sound30 March 2020, 12:00 pm
... - Mark's fascinating exploration of phono preamp design29 March 2020, 12:00 pm
... - Meet PJ, he reviews and compares the KEF LS50 with Technics SB-C700 speakers28 March 2020, 12:00 pm
... - The best sounding headphone on the planet -- Abyss AB 1266 TC27 March 2020, 12:00 pm
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- ModWright Instruments Unveils New HAL 9000 Supercomputer1 April 2020, 10:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile AMBOY, WA (PTA) — We received a press release this afternoon from who (or what) we believe to be Dan Wright of ModWright Instruments announcing the company’s newest model HAL 9000 Supercomputer. I reached out to the ModWright factory through Dan Wright’s email, but the email came right back as if the address no longer existed. It is possible that the ModWright company may be going through a little web reconstruction during this downtime, so I instead reache... - Sunset Canyoneers | The Vinyl Anachronist1 April 2020, 7:11 pm
Part-Time Audiophile How many of y’all love The Flying Burrito Brothers’ Gilded Palace of Sin or The Byrd’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo? How about Nashville Skyline? Despite the fact that I was alive during the great California country-rock movement of the early to late ’70s, my exposure to this music was limited to The Eagles, whose music was friggin’ everywhere. I didn’t know about the really good stuff until I was an adult and, ironically enough, no longer livi... - Dave Soldier, Zajal | The Vinyl Anachronist31 March 2020, 2:16 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Whenever I see an album from Dave Soldier in my review pile, I know that I have to put on my thinking cap or open my mind or just generally be prepared for anything. I’ve reviewed quite a number of his releases over the last few years, and he’s the type of instrumentalist who’s always analyzing sound for sound’s sake. He is a man of stunning ideas and curiosity, even when his explorations are too abstract for about 99% of the population. I’ve ju... - John Vanore, Primary Colors | The Vinyl Anachronist30 March 2020, 3:37 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Out of the blue, I’ve developed a fascination with the flugelhorn. I’ve even gone online once of twice to shop for one. At my age I’ve thought about really trying to learn one more musical instrument–to date I’ve flirted with the violin, drums, saxophone, guitar, ukelele and clarinet but I never invested enough time to stick with any of them and become, well, adequately skilled. But there’s something about the flugelhorn that appeals... - PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier | Review29 March 2020, 9:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile After arranging to review the PS Audio Stellar phono preamplifier, I realized that the first time and only time I’ve reviewed a PS Audio product was way back in 2008, when the GCPH phono stage arrived on my doorstep. I evaluated about a dozen phono stages in the $800 to $1200 range over the course of that year and while I ultimately chose the Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE as the one I liked the best (I bought it and still have it around somewhere), I was equally impresse...
- Waversa’s WSlim-LITE is a streaming amplifier with FM tuner1 April 2020, 8:32 am
Streaming amplifiers might be the minimalist audiophile’s ticket to ride in 2020 but how many can boast a profile as low as the WSlim-LITE from Waversa Systems? According to the South Korean company, their streaming amplifier is milled from a single piece of aluminium and is the size of a […] 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 Rig... - Period pain (a second stab)1 April 2020, 5:20 am
Does the earth revolve around the sun or the sun around the earth? It is only in the last five hundred years that we’ve known with any certainty the answer to this question. Prior to the 17th Century, most people thought the earth was the centre of our solar system. […] 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 Rights Reserved... - KIH #75 – Superiority complex31 March 2020, 6:19 am
Pop went the weasel. There goes our weasel word musicality. Kapoof. Good riddance. That’ll be John Darko. He hates it. Rightfully so. “How was your food?” “Delicious!” “How was your weekend?” “Just fine.” “What did you think of those speakers?” “Awesome, dude.” Throwaway answers of no real meaning are legion. […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed withou... - Podcast #20 – Snake Oil27 March 2020, 12:31 pm
SSSSSSssssss. There’s someone slithering in the grass. A forked tongued creature draws near. Not with an ointment of dubious efficacy but with an allegation: that the efficacy our hi-fi product of choice is but a fabrication of our own imagination. How could we be hearing first-hand something that the accuser’s […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 ·... - Prize giveaway #12: Three AudioQuest DragonFlys25 March 2020, 1:07 pm
Extraordinary times call for extra-ordinary kindness. Social distancing measures and lockdowns are in place to minimise our exposure to those who might unwittingly infect us but also to keep us from unwittingly infecting others. In slowing the coronavirus’ spread, we are called on to put the needs of others above […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Dar...
- Focal Clear Headphones27 March 2020, 4:01 pm
The Focal Clear open-back headphones will be familiar to anyone who has navigated the head-fi world over the past few years. It made quite a splash upon release, priced at $1500 it competes with many flagship and reference models from major players in the market, such as the Sennheiser HD800S ($1699), the Audeze LCD-X ($1699), the Hifiman Arya ($1500), and many others. And let’s face it, for many people $1500 is end-game territory with regard to headphones. Sure, you have plenty of g... - Streaming the Classics/Concerto for Orchestra—Bartók24 March 2020, 4:40 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: 1. Recording must be on Qobuz and/or Tidal HiFi. 2. It does not have to be Hi... - Apple AirPods Pro24 March 2020, 4:04 pm
Late to the game, here. After my excellent user experience with Apple’s original AirPods, I organized a review pair of the AirPods Pro ($249). The AirPods were far from an audiophile product. But, a ‘Pro’ designation, at least in Apple-speak, indicates higher price as well as an upgrade in hardware. And sound? The upgrades include sound cancellation technology, improved Bluetooth functionality (seal tests for a customizable fit, a ‘Transparency’ mode for walk... - Anticables Level 6 Speaker Wires20 March 2020, 3:56 pm
For the last several years, my speaker wire of choice has been AntiCables’ top-of-the-line model, the Level 5 Signature. While not inexpensive—$2,800/8 ft. pair—I felt their performance matched or exceeded cables twice the price. Recently, Paul Speltz, the man behind Anticables, introduced a new top-of-the line effort, the Level 6 ($5660/8 ft. pair), and the subject of this review. As I stated in my review of the Level 5s, the use of ACElectrum Silver/Gold alloy signal w... - Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE ‘Signature Edition’ Integrated Amplifier12 March 2020, 5:31 pm
I spent a good portion of 2019 in the company of Vinnie Rossi’s superb L2 Signature Preamplifier ($16,995). My review was in three parts—the Line Stage proper, the added DAC module and finally the Phonostage module. The two modules ($3495/each) increased the price just shy of a not inconsiderable 24K. However, fewer large boxes clogging up your rack and a superior, lifetime component. Jump to September 2019 and the introduction at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest of the new Vinnie Ro...
- 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....
- Breaking the isolation: Concerts in your home1 April 2020, 12:44 pm
As we are all coming to terms with locking down to beat this medical tornado called COVID-19, many of us are also having to come to terms with missing a season of great concerts and events that have all been cancelled. This is entirely understandable, especially as the disease is already taking its toll within the musical community, and we – of course – wish that butcher’s bill be light, that those laid low with this awful disease (from all walks of life) recover swiftly and fu... - Grand Prix Audio Monza equipment support system31 March 2020, 11:53 am
When it comes to product names, some are more fanciful than others, but in the case of Grand Prix Audio’s Monza equipment support system, it’s easy to make the connection. With each level employing 16 bolts (each using one of three different Allen bolt sizes, while eight also sport a self-locking 3/8th inch hex nut), a carbon-fibre base, a bamboo platform, a quartet of one of several different sets of weight-matched viscoelastic interfaces between the two, with Apex feet beneath the ... - PrimaLuna Evo 300 preamplifier and power amplifier31 March 2020, 11:22 am
Let’s be brutally honest about high-end audio; sometimes it’s a bit full of itself. The combination of ever-soaring prices and elaborate and often exaggerated claims can sometimes make even the most enthusiastic supporter of high-end audio shout ‘Stop The Insanity!’. Fortunately, there are a few brands that seem to share the desire to create products that perform well without recourse to making outlandish claims or creating eye-watering price tags. PrimaLuna is one such b... - iFi Audio PowerStation and AC iPurifiers31 March 2020, 11:08 am
iFi Audio is best known for its several successful families of high-tech and high-value personal audio electronics products, but what is perhaps not so widely recognised is that the firm also make a host of innovative cables, accessories, and power products. This review will focus on two of iFi’s most significant power products: the recently released PowerStation power conditioning and power distribution module (£499, $499 US) and the firm’s clever, modular AC iPurifier devices... - WIN! Meze RAI Penta universal-fit in-ear monitors worth £94931 March 2020, 9:34 am
We have teamed up with the clever folks from Meze Audio to bring you an exciting competition and a chance to win RAI Penta universal-fit in-ear monitors worth £949. Alan Sircom reviewed the excellent (and now Editor’s Choice-winning) Meze RAI Penta in Hi‑Fi+ issue #181 (pages 75-78) where he wrote, “The Penta features five drivers in its equally elegant anodised aluminium body. The Penta is a hybrid design, too, featuring four balanced armature drivers with one dynamic dr...
- 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....
- 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... - Conrad-Johnson Classic Sixty-Two SE Stereo Power Amplifier11 November 2019, 7:37 pm
Dr. William Conrad and Dr. Lewis Johnson, both accountants and committed audiophiles, began selling their vacuum tube amplifiers and preamplifiers in 1977. Many of their current designs evolved from these early circuits. The Classic Sixty-Two SE can trace its lineage back to the Classic 60, various LP series models, and the older MV amps. Some of this rich history are treasured by collectors and serious cognoscenti. Many of these amplifiers share a similar layout: transformers in the rear, tubes...
- EL84 DIY Amp Project, Part 6 (Conclusion): Sonic Evaluation and Output Mode Options25 February 2020, 6:11 pm
DIY EL84 Project: Part 6 Sonic Evaluation and Output Mode Options By Steve Graham A Tale of Two Amplifiers A recent post on one of the DIY electronics forums was, in my opinion, very observant. The poster basically stated that “DIY’ers want something for nothing.” Sorry to burst your bubble, amp builders, but a decent amp costs considerably more than nothing. If you want performance to rival good commercial amps, money must be spent. Sure, I&rsquo... - DIY EL84 Project, Part 5: Optional Volume Control and Input Switch Assembly, Power-Up and Testing22 February 2020, 2:02 am
DIY EL84 Project: Part 5 Optional Volume Control and Input Switch Assembly, Power-Up and Testing By Steve Graham Warning If you’ve already started to build this amplifier, you probably don’t need this warning: Several hundred volts are cruising around inside an operating tube amplifier. Taking this lightly and doing the wrong thing can be FATAL. If care and common sense are exercised, it’s not that dangerous. If after building this amp, you are hesitant to po... - DIY EL84 Project, Part 4: Chassis, Board and Transformers, Integration and Wiring18 February 2020, 3:51 pm
DIY EL84 Project, Part 4: Chassis, Board and Transformers. Integration and Wiring By Steve Graham **NOTE to Builders: Some of the attachments in Part 1, 2, and 3 have been revised. See below. Our project will really start to take shape in this installment. Once the transformers, choke, circuit board and other parts are assembled to the chassis, the checkered flag is in sight. But first, some corrections/updates for attachments to previous parts of the project.&nb... - DIY EL84 Amp Project: Part 3, Circuit Board Assembly6 February 2020, 5:17 pm
By Steve Graham DIY EL84 Project: Part 3 Circuit Board Assembly: Finally, We Get To The Fun Part! News Flash: Potential amp builders living in the U.S.A., please note: Antique Electronic Supply, https://www.tubesandmore.com/ is offering a 10% discount on all Hammond products through to March 2, 2020. If you have been sitting on the fence, now might be the time act. ***Cap upgrade: Our patron decided to splurge on four Mundorf Supreme coupling caps: these cost about $9 US (each) more... - Review: Jean Marie Reynaud Bliss Jubilé Speakers5 February 2020, 4:21 pm
Review by David Neice In the House! Owner Review of Jean Marie Reynaud’s Bliss Jubilé Speakers Speakers: MSRP:$2990 Cdn JMR Magic Stands: MSRP:$890 Cdn Disclosure: These speakers are not on loan from a distributor; instead, I own them. I purchased them from George Taylor at Entracte Audio, an authorized J.M. Reynaud dealer in Markham Ontario, and they are definitely not being returned. Verdict: These are superb stereo speakers. Factoring in my listening preferences they are eas...
- Audiophile Sumo: Separates Can Offer Listening Lessons1 April 2020, 3:29 am
“Unnnnnnggggg…” I hissed and cursed softly under my breath, shifting my stance, pulling harder. The amplifier barely budged. My one-year-old daughter sat passively watching me like I was a documentary television program from her perch on the love seat several feet away. ... - Sonore opticalModule Review28 March 2020, 3:48 am
Some people might say that I’ve gone to extremes to minimize noise and maximize resolution. I, however, feel that I’ve only done what’s necessary.... - Audiophiles: How Did You Go Digital?25 March 2020, 9:00 pm
Switching to digital meant I spent less time in record shops and more time at home with a cold beer or whisky while I data-mined TIDAL’s catalog into Roon playlists and sat besotted with happiness listening to what felt like endless music.... - Linn Klimax DSM preview23 March 2020, 7:20 pm
The Linn Klimax DSM is the Scottish company’s highest-specified digital music source/integrated pre-amplifier. ... - Ethernet Cable Shootout: Comparing Network Cables from $5 to more than $1,000 USD20 March 2020, 6:41 pm
There are many music lovers out there putting together network-enabled, digital-based sound systems who wonder silently or aloud in the darkness of their listening rooms, “Do ethernet cables make a difference?”...
- PLUSSOUND X6 Palladium-Plated Hybrid Cable Review1 April 2020, 11:12 am
The PLUSSOUND X6 Palladium-Plated Hybrid, (X6 PPH ), is a 26AWG 6-wire Type 6 Litz half palladium-plated copper and half palladium-plated silver cable marking the company’s 8th anniversary. Pricing starts from $999.99. Disclaimer: The PLUSSOUND X6 Palladium-Plated Hybrid cable sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team […] The post PLUSSOUND X6 Palladium-Plated Hybrid Cable Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - FiiO BTR5 Review29 March 2020, 11:41 am
The FiiO BTR5 is their TOTL Bluetooth or wireless DAC/Amp dongle featuring LDAC/HWA decoding, BT5.0 and 9 hours battery life. It is priced at $119.99. Disclaimer: The FiiO BTR5 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank FiiO for this opportunity. To learn more about FiiO reviews on Headfonics you […] The post FiiO BTR5 Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Top Reader Voted Cables28 March 2020, 10:42 am
The following Top Reader Voted Cable scores are assigned by the readers, (‘Score’) and apply only to all reviews were a slider voting system exists. This list includes all cables reviewed up until the end of 2019 that are not currently with an ‘editorial score’. Please note the list will change dynamically as readers continue […] The post Top Reader Voted Cables appeared first on Headfonics.... - Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless – Wireless Weekend27 March 2020, 10:56 am
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless is the company’s debut TWS system featuring aptX, app integration, and BT5.0. It is priced currently at $199.95. Disclaimer: The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless was sent to us on loan as a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We would like to thank Sennheiser USA for giving us this opportunity. […] The post Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless – Wireless Weekend appeared first on Headfonics.... - Ucotech ES-P1 Review25 March 2020, 11:02 am
The Ucotech ES-P1 is a premium MMCX earbud design using a ‘Double Dome’ dynamic driver diaphragm and 2.5mm TRRS balanced options. It is priced at $400. Disclaimer: The Ucotech ES-P1 was sent to us a sample in exchange for our honest opinion and does not have to be returned. We thank the team at Ucotech […] The post Ucotech ES-P1 Review appeared first on Headfonics....
- A&Ultima SP2000 Review1 April 2020, 1:54 am
Astell & Kern’s T9iE recently passed across my review desk, and in the process of reviewing those IEMs, A&K also reached out to me asking if I’d like to review their then-recently released flagship DAP the SP2000. ‘Why not!’ was my enthusiastic response.... - HIFIMAN Shipping Deva Wireless Headphone28 March 2020, 3:38 am
HIFIMAN have launched a new budget-conscious, open-back planar-magnetic wireless headphone – the Deva.... - The Streaming Revolution, Headphones and Hardware Part Three: Headphones and Amps26 March 2020, 4:12 pm
Today we come to the final part of our streaming hardware examination, discussing the exact thing we spend so much time covering here on InnerFidelity: Headphones and amps.... - CanJam SoCal 2020 Postponed25 March 2020, 12:05 am
Organizers today announcing that CanJam SoCal 2020 is to be postponed from June 20-21, 2020 to December 12-13, 2020. It will be held at the same location, the Irvine Marriot in Orange County, and all current ticket holders passes will be honored on the dates.... - The Streaming Revolution, Headphones and Hardware Part Two: Microphone and Mic input20 March 2020, 6:07 pm
Last time we covered the DAC portion of a good streaming setup, with special attention paid to connectivity and latency, which can make all the difference in audio and video being synched... or not. This time we’ll discuss an often overlooked, but equally vital component for the content-creation and online gaming crowd: the microphone input....
- Weighing Your Personal Happiness Into The Idea Of “Absolute Sound”31 March 2020, 7:59 pm
PartTimeAudiophile Editor Scot Hull took to the airwaves to drop his personal take on the audiophile idea of an “absolute The post Weighing Your Personal Happiness Into The Idea Of “Absolute Sound” appeared first on AudioHead.... - Myra’s Infinite Playlist – A Beginner’s Primer To Yacht Rock HiFi26 March 2020, 5:59 pm
Shuttered restaurants. Cancelled spring break plans. A looming recession. Yup. It’s been a rough month. The global spread of the The post Myra’s Infinite Playlist – A Beginner’s Primer To Yacht Rock HiFi appeared first on AudioHead.... - D’Agostino Announces A New Progressive Integrated24 March 2020, 8:19 pm
Before all the rigorous hand washing protocols in the US were issued, an interesting bit of audiophile news nearly got The post D’Agostino Announces A New Progressive Integrated appeared first on AudioHead.... - Review: QLN Signature 3 Loudspeaker19 March 2020, 7:45 pm
I was first introduced to QLN not too long ago by Well Pleased AV distributor Mark Sossa. QLN as a The post Review: QLN Signature 3 Loudspeaker appeared first on AudioHead.... - AXPONA 2020 And Montreal Audiofest Postponed Due To Corona Virus Pandemic13 March 2020, 8:02 pm
While we still don’t know what the long term effects of the spreading COVID-19 cases across the world will be, The post AXPONA 2020 And Montreal Audiofest Postponed Due To Corona Virus Pandemic appeared first on AudioHead....
- The Empire Ears Valkyrie In-Ear Monitors – They Really Soar Sonically!30 March 2020, 5:00 am
When I first was introduced to the world of Empire Ears back in 2016 at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF), The post The Empire Ears Valkyrie In-Ear Monitors – They Really Soar Sonically! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - So You Think It’s Easy to make an Album of Great music-A History Lesson Pt225 March 2020, 5:00 am
This past couple of weeks backs up my musical premise about recording music in 2020. A new artist Billie Eilish The post So You Think It’s Easy to make an Album of Great music-A History Lesson Pt2 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Enjoy the Music.com To Rebroadcast Our Live Stream Of Blues Masters At The Crossroads 201424 March 2020, 6:27 pm
Enjoy the Music.com To Rebroadcast Our Live Stream Of Blues Masters At The Crossroads 2014 Blues Masters at The Crossroads concert The post Enjoy the Music.com To Rebroadcast Our Live Stream Of Blues Masters At The Crossroads 2014 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Grado Announces New Upgrade to Their Cartridge Line24 March 2020, 5:41 pm
I would like to share some of the changes happening in the Grado cartridge line. The v3 cartridges will be The post Grado Announces New Upgrade to Their Cartridge Line appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - AUDEZE Work From Home Sale23 March 2020, 5:32 pm
To help support our customers who now need to work from home, we’re offering a huge discount – 62% – The post AUDEZE Work From Home Sale appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- Video: True Wireless for Audiophiles29 March 2020, 10:23 pm
Some of you have asked if I could do a quick video on the true wireless earbuds I reviewed a few weeks back. Although far too many combinations to go over, I spent a few minutes with each. Also, this is my first appearance on the YouTube channel so any feedback would be greatly appreciated […] The post Video: True Wireless for Audiophiles appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - AXPONA 2020 Rescheduled Due to Coronavirus9 March 2020, 8:26 pm
AXPONA has been rescheduled from April 17-19 to August 7-9, 2020 out of concern for the health and safety of all participants due to the growing coronavirus situation. This decision was made following an outpouring of feedback from the AXPONA community over the last 72 hours. The three most consistent themes we heard were, 1) […] The post AXPONA 2020 Rescheduled Due to Coronavirus appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Andover Introduces PM-50 Headphones9 March 2020, 7:46 pm
The PM-50 Planar Magnetic headphones create a spectacularly detailed and musical soundscape for private listening. Typical headphones use dynamic drivers, which are susceptible to “cone breakup,” a characteristic distortion resulting from diaphragm flex that reduces listening enjoyment. Andover’s Planar Magnetic drivers instead distribute the driving force across the entire surface of the diaphragm, eliminating cone […] The post Andover Introduces PM-50 Headphones ... - 21 Best Sounding True Wireless Earbuds (2020)7 March 2020, 8:34 am
Sound quality usually takes a back seat when talking about the “Best True Wireless Earbuds.” I want the best sound I could get – everywhere I go. And I’m the breed of audiophile who will bring his Chord Electronics Hugo 2, custom IEMs, Audioquest Jitterbug, and Danacable USB cable with me as a “portable” headphone […] The post 21 Best Sounding True Wireless Earbuds (2020) appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - AudioWise OPTO-DX – The RF Noise Killer22 February 2020, 9:53 pm
Most audiophiles will agree that Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is bad for sound quality. One way it enters our stereo is through our cabling. Fortunately, optical connections aren’t really susceptible to this type of noise. But what if you have a Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler and want to use its dual BNC outputs for […] The post AudioWise OPTO-DX – The RF Noise Killer appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- HiFiMAN HE1000se headphones – seven steps to Shangri-La26 March 2020, 4:03 am
REVIEW: Sonic heaven is the reward for those bold enough to buy into the HiFiMan HE1000se planar magnetic headphones.... - Clearaudio upgrades Balance and Basic phonos to V220 March 2020, 2:57 am
NEWS: If you're hankering for a high-quality phono stage, Clearaudio has just upgraded two of its acclaimed models.... - Linn offers Karousel upgrade, custom options for LP1218 March 2020, 2:45 am
NEWS: The Linn Sondek LP12 just keeps going and going... now also in any colour you like.... - Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier – super in name and sound11 March 2020, 1:06 am
REVIEW: Like it or not, a Naim is never boring, especially a super one (or three) like this integrated amp...... - xDuoo TA-03S DAC/headamp – like a creamy mid-afternoon coffee5 March 2020, 1:19 am
REVIEW: A cosy cafe, a cuppa flat white, mid-afternoon lethargy and some tubes... our millennial reviewer unsurprisingly makes the connection....
- 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.... - Musical Fidelity M6sDAC Digital To Analogue Converter Reviewed7 March 2020, 10:12 am
a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built digital converter with exceptional measurements, able to lay claim to equally exceptional performance. The post Musical Fidelity M6sDAC Digital To Analogue Converter Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Direct-Drive Turntable In-Depth Review5 March 2020, 2:00 pm
For those looking to play records to a high standard with minimal fuss and an easy upgrade path, the LP5X is hard to fault. It's not the be-all and end-all direct drive deck. But it looks perfectly respectable, sounds great out of the box and has a lot of modding potential. The post Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Direct-Drive Turntable In-Depth Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Fyne Audio F500 Standmount Speakers Reviewed4 March 2020, 8:06 am
An innate musicality that will delight, whatever you play. The post Fyne Audio F500 Standmount Speakers 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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- Technics EAH-F70N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review1 April 2020, 3:30 am
The Japanese giant goes from strength to strength, and this time it’s head-fi. Matthew Jens listens in…... - JL Audio Fathom F113 V2 13.5” Subwoofer Review1 April 2020, 2:03 am
Tony O'Brien has a blast with a premium-priced, high achieving subwoofer…... - Meze Audio Rai Solo In Ear Monitors Review21 March 2020, 2:24 am
Does this classy entry-level in-ear monitor have what it takes to shake up an already crowded market? Matthew Jens decides…... - LUMIN T2 Network Player Review18 March 2020, 2:18 am
Mark Gusew tunes into a sleek new network music player from an exciting name in digital audio…... - Tellurium Q Ultra Black II Interconnect Cable Review16 March 2020, 6:07 am
David Price auditions an enigmatic mid-price RCA phono lead…...
- #MusicMonday: New Music Playlist Feat. Luciana Souza + 19 Other Artists You Need To Hear!31 March 2020, 1:34 am
Here’s another #MusicMonday audiophile playlist of great-sounding music you need to hear, including new music from Grammy award-winning Jazz singer Luciana Souza plus 19 other songs! The playlist starts with more traditional audiophile stuff like Jazz and Blues, then moves on to non-traditional audiophile tracks towards the end. (TIDAL Music Stream Below) Check this music out in High-Resolution Audio! continue reading... - #NewMusicFriday…New Record Releases You Need To Hear feat. Jessie Reyez +16 Other Artists!27 March 2020, 11:48 pm
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... - Hi-Fi Deals: The Best Speakers, Headphones and Electronics On Sale Today (3/27/2020)27 March 2020, 4:50 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... - The Tremendous Q Acoustics 3030i Bookshelf Speaker In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics!27 March 2020, 2:41 am
If you read this site regularly, you know I have a thing for budget mini-monitor speakers. So I’m always excited to get a new pair in the house. Back in January, Britain’s Q Acoustics announced they were releasing the 3030i bookshelf speaker, a larger version of their popular 3020i bookshelf to which I gave a continue reading... - Klipsch Fans Rejoice! These Best-Selling Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers Are Now 25% Off!25 March 2020, 2:37 pm
Anybody building out a high-performing two-channel hi-fi system will need a captivating pair of bookshelf speakers. Enter the Klipsch RP-600M Reference Premiere Bookshelf Speakers. These speakers from the Reference Premiere line (a step above what you’ll see in big box stores), have a fantastic dynamic sound, with smooth highs and tight, punchy bass. That’s due continue reading...
- 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 ... - Preview: Peachtree Audio amp50026 January 2020, 12:48 am
InformationNothing makes a reviewer smile bigger than a quality manufacturer sending a message saying they’d like to send their new top-of-the-line amplifier. That’s what Jim Spainhour of Peachtree greeted me with very recently. The amp500, their new flagship power amplifier arrived within a week and after a 100hrs of burn in, is now playing nice with my main rig.Initial impressions: black backgrounds, outstanding noise floor, and and plenty of torque and juice at 500wpc into 8 Ohms,... - 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...
- 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 […]...