- Métronome Technologie AQWO SACD/CD transport and D/A processor21 February 2020, 5:33 pm
In an era when polar opposites compete as absolutes, it can be a challenge to acknowledge the different and equally valid ways in which audiophiles approach musical truth. But the reality is that our perceptions of how reproduced music should sound are determined, to a large extent, by how we approach the live experience. Fri, 02/21/2020...
- Let rolling streams their gladness show20 February 2020, 6:44 pm
In the 1980s, the CD nearly pushed the LP to extinction. Nearly. For all the claims of "Perfect Sound Forever," the main thing offered by the CD was convenience. Then, in the mid-1990s, the MP3 and the Internet made it easy to extract and distribute the information encoded on a CD. Secret websites raced to be the first to distribute free MP3s of new recordings, sometimes even before they were released. This went on for years, undermining record-company profits, before Napster came along and gav... - Recording of March 2020: <I>Who</I>19 February 2020, 6:05 pm
The Who: Who Interscope B0031280-02 (CD). 2019. Pete Townshend, Dave Sardy, Bob Pridden, Dave Eringa, prods.; Dave Sardy, James Monti, others, engs. Performance **** Sonics **** What motivates an artist to make great statements? Whatever it is, it's certainly a shock to see a rock-era songwriter rediscover his muse after some 40 years treading water. So it is that Pete Townshend re-emerges at the end of 2019 with his most powerful collection of songs since Empty Glass and the best Who album s... - Rega Planar 10 turntable, RB3000 tonearm, Apheta 3 phono cartridge18 February 2020, 6:13 pm
Lately it seems that the more Rega charges for one of its turntables, the less you get—and from Rega's performance perspective that's a good thing. While some turntable designs pile on the mass, hoping to tame resonances and better isolate the record from the outside world, Rega has long advocated ultralow-mass designs. What's up with that?Tue, 02/18/2020... - Analog Manufaktur Germany (AMG) Event in Wisconsin16 February 2020, 8:39 pm
Thursday, February 20, 7:00–10:00pm: Garth Leerer and Ken Bowers from Musical Surroundings, importers of AMG turntables and Hana phono cartridges, will be at Ultra Fidelis HiFi, 7125 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, demonstrating the new AMG Viella Forte turntable.Sun, 02/16/2020...
- Rogers High Fidelity KWM-88 Corona Integrated Amplifier21 February 2020, 3:32 pm
Your car is full of computers that make it easier to operate and maintain; why shouldn’t your hi-fi follow suit? Increasingly, that’s what’s happening. One of the more recent computerized hi-fi circuits sets the bias current of the output tubes on tube amplifiers. Those circuits make it feasible to switch easily between different types of tubes. So if an amplifier is shipped with EL34s, you can change them to KT88s and the automatic-bias circuit will adjust the bias to suit the... - Florida Audio Expo 202021 February 2020, 4:00 am
Photography by Dennis Weeks. Last year saw the emergence of a brand-new regional audio show, the Florida Audio Expo (or FLAX, as some have taken to calling it). By all accounts, the show's inaugural outing was an unqualified success, so TAS sent the two of us to cover the 2020 event. The show ran from February 7th to 9th at the Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore. Like last year, admission was free to consumers, although in 2021 the cost will be $10 per day or $25 for the entire show. Both ex... - German Physiks Appoints New Canadian Distributor19 February 2020, 8:25 pm
The following is a press release issued by German Physiks. February 19, 2020 - We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Red Leaf Audio as our new distributor for German Physiks loudspeakers, electronics and cables in Canada. Their president, David Jensen, has 40 plus years of experience in both the audio and music industries. During that time, he has worked for some of the largest audio companies in Canada and operated his own successful audio store while also maintaining a career as a... - Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Integrated Loudspeaker19 February 2020, 7:36 am
The all-in-one powered-speaker space feels really exciting. It’s both a response to and a repudiation of current mass-market trends. On the one hand, it very much embraces digital and streaming, but on the other, it refuses to compromise on sound. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (T1E) loudspeaker is a good example, and has the added benefit of costing only $599 per pair. This speaker hints at what I imagine the future of hi-fi might be, at least at the entry-level. In design, the T1E is... - Pass Laboratories XP-17 Phonostage17 February 2020, 4:22 pm
Of all the component-to-component relationships in an audio system it’s vinyl playback that most reminds me of a track-and-field relay race. It goes something like this: As the cue lever drops at the start of a record, a tiny signal is handed off like a baton from the vinyl groove to the stylus/cartridge, where it travels down the back stretch straight through the tonearm, and rounds the home stretch into the phonostage—the phono preamp being virtually the last leg before the signal ...
- Cirque pour les Oreilles: Roger Skoff writes about technology and enjoyment.21 February 2020, 6:28 pm
Have you ever seen the Cirque du Soleil? Whether you see it live or in one of its many televised performances, it's a wonder and a glory... and an incredible feat of work. Trained circus performers — already athletes of the highest skill and at the peak of physical fitness — work for months with coaches, choreographers, musicians, and costume and scenic designers to produce a show that's truly remarkable; in many ways, genuinely awesome; and always entertaining. Very much the same ca... - Legacy Audio Features Their New I-V7 Amplifier At FLAX 202021 February 2020, 5:25 pm
Legacy Audio is one of the truly amazing companies within high-end audio as they do everything from front-end gear to speakers and all-in-between. At the Florida Audio Expo 2020 they were showcasing the company's new i-V7 ($7350), which is their most powerful home theater / multi-channel amplifier to date. It features the latest state-of-the-art ICEedge technology to deliver seven channels at 600 Watts @ 8 Ohms, which if you do the math is 4200 Watts in total!---> Read More ... - FLAX 2020: High Fidelity Cables, Bafflex Loudspeakers, Luminace Audio And Esoteric21 February 2020, 5:23 pm
Wow! This must be the coolest looking room at the Florida Audio Expo by far. High Fidelity Cables makes their first appearance at Florida Audio Expo with a system fit for a sci-fi supervillain. High Fidelity Cables is not just a cable manufacturer, they offer a wide range of products from cables to power conditioners and speakers. You are probably wondering what the heck those lightsaber looking things are.---> Read More ... - AXPONA Expanded Exhibit Hall Featuring Ear Gear Expo21 February 2020, 3:34 pm
Audition everything from open-back, closed-back, to in-ear headphones. Everything you need for a headphone set-up including cables, amps, players and accessories will be available to demo in AXPONA's Ear Gear Experience! Hear the best brands in personal audio including: Dan Clark Audio, Schiit Audio, Empire Ears, Audeze, Cardas Audio, Manley Labs, Jerry Harvey Audio, Sennheiser and more! The Ear Gear Experience is the place to be at AXPONA to shop, compare, and learn about everything related to ... - Alcons Pro-Ribbon / Blak Box Immersive Experience21 February 2020, 12:55 pm
Alcons' Pro-Ribbon speakers aid in Australia's Urban Theatre Projects (UTP), a project dedicated to telling real-life stories which portray the many facets of modern-day Australia through site-specific cultural experiences. Many of its projects are presented in Blak Box, a unique, portable venue that uses Alcons Audio pro-ribbon systems for a fully immersive audio experience. UTP's latest production was Momentum, which was presented in Blak Box at Barangaroo Reserve.---> Read More ...
- REVIEW: Ayon Audio EPSILON EVO MONO | power amplifier (mono) | AUSTRIA31 January 2020, 11:00 pm
⌈ AYON AUDIO is an Austrian company founded in 1991. Its owner is GERHARD HIRT. It's a company specializing in expensive and very expensive audio components: amplifiers, digital sources and loudspeakers. This time we got for the test its latest amplifier, the EPSILON EVO monoblocks. ⌋ he Orion XS integrated amplifier that the premiere review of you could have read in November last year HERE was a bold step for Ayon Audio. As Gerhart Hirt, its founder and owner, said at the time,... - KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY | Meeting #124: THE BEATLES • Abbey Road 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, or a remix according to GILES MARTIN | UNITED KINGDOM31 January 2020, 11:00 pm
⌈ ABBEY ROAD album by The Beatles, released on September 26th 1969, only in stereo, on LP. In 1987, the first official version of Compact Disc was released, and on 09/09/2019, the first digital REMASTER was released for sale. On the 50th anniversary of the album's original release, a REMIX was presented. We compare three digital versions of this album. ⌋ bbey Road is the eleventh album of the Beatles and the last one that they recorded. It just so happens that the last album rele... - REVIEW: Audio Stability THE ONE • X-DISC | anti-vibration feet | POLAND31 January 2020, 11:00 pm
⌈ AUDIO STABILITY is a Polish company, founded in 2018, run by Mr. GRZEGORZ ŁABA. It specializes in anti-vibration products. Its offer includes anti-vibration feet and platforms. We test two products from the basic offer - anti-vibration feet, The One, on which one places devices, as well as X Disc, designed for loudspeakers. ⌋ t the beginning there were ... anti-vibration feet. Although the goal of Mr. Grzegorz Łaba was to prepare an anti-vibration rack, the first pr... - REVIEW: Acoustic Revive REALITY ENHANCER PLUGS • RES-RCA | RET-RCA/RES-XLR | RET-XLR | JAPAN31 January 2020, 11:00 pm
⌈ ACOUSTIC REVIVE is a Japanese company founded in 1997 and run since then by Mr. Ken Ishiguro. It specializes in audio cables and anti-vibration products, but also offers innovative products, the ideas of which are most often sourced from University of Tokyo. This time we test one of the most "esoteric" products of this type, namely "plugs" for unused RCA and XLR sockets. ⌋ echnology is one of the areas in which precision is key. This applies to both precision involving the t... - COVER REVIEW: SoulNote A-2 SE | integrated amplifier | JAPAN31 January 2020, 11:00 pm
⌈ SoulNote is a Japanese company, founded in 2004. its founder is a former engineer, one of the directors of Marantz Japan, Mr. Norinaga Nakazawa. It specializes in solid-state amplifiers, phono preamplifiers and digital sources from the medium price range. We test its largest integrated amplifier, the A-2 SE. ⌋ oulNote is a relatively small brand, and its products are made in Japan, in Kanagawa Prefecture. It belongs to the parent company CSR, along with another high-end brand,...
- Unveiling the new GamuT Phi-i speaker series21 February 2020, 11:18 pm
The GamuT Phi 5i loudspeaker The Phi3-i speakers delivers dynamics and soundstage way beyond its compact looks. Using a custom-made Ringradiator and a 5.25” driver from the renowned Danish manufacturer, Scanspeak, the goal is set on an authentic and involving sound with excellent resolution and superb timing. The Phi3-i speakers are able to reproduce an... Read More » The post Unveiling the new GamuT Phi-i speaker series appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier21 February 2020, 7:20 pm
The savvy audiophile is keenly aware of the weakest link of the chain theory when it comes to our hobby. The arena of vinyl playback is one place where this event is illuminated with the brightest of lights. Vinyl hobbyists will debate cartridge types, turntable drive formats, and the methodology for cleaning vinyl, however all... Read More » The post PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - German Physiks appoints new Canadian distributor20 February 2020, 1:31 am
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Red Leaf Audio as our new distributor for German Physiks loudspeakers, electronics and cables in Canada. Their president, David Jensen, has 40 plus years of experience in both the audio and music industries. During that time, he has worked for some of the largest audio... Read More » The post German Physiks appoints new Canadian distributor appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Popstar Aaron Paul & Fine Art Artist, Musician Gregory Petan Receive United Nations, UNCG Cultural Award for "A WORLD SONG" for Peace20 February 2020, 12:30 am
Monday, February 10th 2020, 5:31 PM CST British Recording Artist Aaron Paul, was cited for his outstanding contribution to society through his commitment to supporting inclusivity and diversity through his music, reaching across global cultural boundaries, paving the way for individuals to rise above repression. Gregory Petan, an accomplished fine arts artist and gifted guitarist,... Read More » The post Popstar Aaron Paul & Fine Art Artist, Musician Gregory Petan Receive United Nation... - Göbel Audio announces their new Divin Marquis Loudspeaker!20 February 2020, 12:30 am
Göbel Audio is proud to announce their new Divin Marquis Loudspeaker. Its unveiling will be at AXPONA 2020 in April. The technical specifications are: Principle: 3-Way, high sensitivity, symmetrical bass reflex loudspeaker Driver: 1 pcs. Göbel® High End proprietary long-throw Bass chassis (12 inch), 1 pcs. Göbel® High End proprietary midrange chassis (8 inch), significantly... Read More » The post Göbel Audio announces their new Divin Marquis Loudspeaker! ...
- The Luxman P-750u21 February 2020, 6:40 am
Breezing through George Benson’s “This Masquerade,” via the Focal Utopia, Audeze LCD-2, and Abyss Diana Phi phones, (thanks to three headphone outlets on the front panel of the Luxman P-750u) it’s easy to make quick comparisons. It’s even easier to get lost in the clarity that these premium phones produce via this incredible headphone amplifier. [...]... - The JL Audio Fathom In Ceiling Subwoofer System12 February 2020, 8:20 am
A well-integrated subwoofer is genuinely a thing of sonic beauty and functionality. Because subwoofers tend to be somewhat imposing, the toughest part of having one (or more) is where to put them. To complicate the issue, a subwoofer often must fit in a less than optimal place, which can make getting excellent bass response more [...]... - An answer to one of audio’s ultimate questions:9 February 2020, 8:12 pm
Just say yes to streaming music at your favorite hifi show. Seriously. Sitting in the airport waiting for the flight home, I’ve just spent the most fun time ever at an audio show. The Florida Audio Expo was an absolute pleasure to attend. But you can read me gush about that tomorrow or Tuesday. For [...]... - The Merrill Audio PURE Tape Head Preamp11 January 2020, 11:47 pm
If you grew up in the hifi era of the 60s and 70s, magazines featured the latest stereo equipment in their ads and editorial pages, and the reel to reel tape deck was the pinnacle. You may have owned one, yourself. Most were bought to record radio broadcasts or to record music to have continuous [...]... - The REL no.25 Six-Pack10 January 2020, 6:39 am
It only takes about eight seconds listening to a double stack of six REL no.25 subwoofers to realize that this is something completely otherworldly. It’s not about sheer bass extension, though there’s plenty of that. The No.25 goes down to about 14 Hz (11 Hz in a well-dimensioned room) and will shake the room sufficiently [...]...
- PMC Cor Integrated Amplifier15 February 2020, 5:00 am
The Professional Monitor Company Ltd., aka PMC, was founded in the UK in 1991 by Peter Thomas, of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and Adrian Loader, of audio distributor FWO Bauch. Their first product, the BB5-A active minimonitor, helped PMC become known for what would become a long line of monitors designed for use in recording studios. Since then PMC has ventured into consumer audio, and now offers many passive speakers in various model lines aimed at audiophiles. However, the sub... - Made in Canada! Axiom Audio and Totem Acoustic Insist on Making Affordable New Products at Home1 February 2020, 5:00 am
Does it really matter where a product is manufactured? It’s a question I often ask my audiophile friends, to learn if a product’s country of origin affects their purchasing decisions -- and lately, the topic has politically become a lot hotter. ... - Recommended Reference Component: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Loudspeakers1 February 2020, 5:00 am
“It’s fair to say that MartinLogan is at least partially responsible for popularizing the electrostatic speaker,” Diego Estan pointed out in his review of the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi loudspeakers, published last month on SoundStage! Access. But the 60XTi ($3499.98/pair, all prices USD) is not one of the electrostatic models for which the company is still best known. Instead, it’s the flagship of ML’s entry-level Motion series, which comprises speakers with dynamic ... - Leaving It Behind1 February 2020, 5:00 am
I’ve been an audiophile for over a half-century, involved professionally for nearly all that time. And I’m looking forward to leaving the latter in 2020 so I can once again just listen for pleasure. ... - Lab12 Integre4 Integrated Amplifier1 February 2020, 5:00 am
When I first got into audio, in the late 1980s, few makers of perfectionist hi-fi produced integrated amplifiers, especially here in the United States. Perhaps rightly so: Most audiophiles preferred separates, often mixing and matching components from different manufacturers. The integrateds then available often seemed like design anomalies -- hastily slapped together, serving as stand-ins to round out a manufacturer’s offerings or introduce new audiophiles to the brand. ...
- The MOON Musical Prize: Elevate The Talent20 February 2020, 4:59 pm
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, MOON have put together a new MOON musical prize called Elevate The Talent: For its 40th anniversary, the renowned Quebec audio manufacturer, MOON, is proud to announce the launch of a new competition for emerging Canadian artists and composers: the MOON Musical Prize: Elevate the Talent. MOON has created the competition [...] The post The MOON Musical Prize: Elevate The Talent appeared first on Dagogo.... - German Physiks appoints new Canadian distributor19 February 2020, 7:49 pm
(2/19/20, Germany): We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Red Leaf Audio as our new distributor for German Physiks loudspeakers, electronics and cables in Canada. Their president, David Jensen, has 40 plus years of experience in both the audio and music industries. During that time, he has worked for some of the largest [...] The post German Physiks appoints new Canadian distributor appeared first on Dagogo.... - Pangea Audio Record Doctor VI record cleaning machine Review17 February 2020, 7:47 pm
Imagine if you will a record cleaning panel gone wrong. It slipped its gears and from most if not all accounts went off the reservation. This is what was relayed to me by a number of sources about such a panel at RMAF 2019, so much so that certain members of the panel and others [...] The post Pangea Audio Record Doctor VI record cleaning machine Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-2-1616 February 2020, 8:11 pm
NARP, the New Album Releases Project, got its start at NAR, New Album Releases, and back then – January 17, 2018, I had no idea that it would evolve into a project and be still going strong just about two years later. A proper backgrounder can be read here: https://www.dagogo.com/what-is-nar/ In light of NARP’s longevity [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-2-16 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Allo USBridge Signature Review10 February 2020, 2:00 pm
Allo’s USBridge Signature, introduced about this time last year, supersedes the original USBridge. I was keen to evaluate this new unit as I was so impressed with the original, and up until this new product was announced the original design was my go-to recommendation for those looking for such a solution. The earlier USBridge was [...] The post Allo USBridge Signature Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- Review: Stax SR-L300 Electrostatic Headphones21 February 2020, 3:50 pm
When most Audiophiles see or hear the word “Stax” they conjure up in their minds lots and lots of dollar, euro, or pound sterling signs floating before their eyes. And not without good reason. A pair of the Stax “flagship” model headphones, the SR-900S is $4,500 (all prices given are US dollars) and the SRT-700T (for tube) or SRT-700S (for solid state) energizer/amp is $3,500. That makes electrostatic headphone listenin... - Audiophile Style State of the Union17 February 2020, 2:50 pm
Over the years the Audiophile Style forum has been an invaluable resource to many audiophiles and music lovers alike. This is all due to the contributions from members of the community from around the world, who freely give their time to help others and enjoy this wonderful shared interest we call audiophilia. Whether one's interests are mainly music or gear or a split between the two, matters not. Audiophile Style is about increasing one's enjoyment of music, gear, and the community in gene... - Coffee Talk With Daryl Wilson, President and CEO of Wilson Audio14 February 2020, 3:50 pm
Our own Danny Kaey sat down with Daryl Wilson, President and CEO of Wilson Audio Specialties, for a 45 minute chat about a wide range of topics including the new Chronosonic XVX, craftsmanship, capacitors, Daryl's vinyl collection and his latest Pink Floyd 45 RPM single of Have A cigar / Welcome To The Machine. - CC ... - Three Blind Mice Supreme Collection 1500 | A Treasure Trove Of Music12 February 2020, 8:28 pm
Several years ago I purchased an album on a whim. It was by an artist named Yoshio Otomo on the Three Blind Mice record label. Nobody suggested I purchase this album. I still don't know why I took a chance on it, other than I absolutely love music. It was the best $25 I've ever spent on music. This album turned me on to a whole new world of Japanese jazz and the Three Blind Mice label. I've since been on a few obsessive missions over the years to find mo... - Redscape 3D Audio for Headphones Review11 February 2020, 3:20 pm
I prefer listening to music (and movies) over loudspeakers rather than headphones. However, I listen to headphones every day, traveling, at the office, or late at night when the family sleeps. I have a love/hate relationship with headphones. I love the personal sound system at my ears, but I hate the “in the head” sound as a result of wearing headphones. Some folks are not bothered by the “in the head” sound or actually prefer it. I appreciate eve...
- Vinyl Center Hole Reamer From Stable 33.3318 February 2020, 11:59 pm
From the folks who gave us the Stable 33.33 transit platter—a device you might only realize you need after getting one—comes the Vinyl Center Hole Reamer. If you've ever had a too small record center hole—and who hasn't— but were afraid to ream it out with a round file fearing an uneven ream resulting in too big a hole, this device is the solution.... - Vinyl Reports: Old & New, Good & Bad18 February 2020, 8:26 pm
(Vinyl Reports is a new AnalogPlanet feature intended to create a definitive guide to vinyl LPs. Here, we’ll provide sound quality, LP packaging, notes about the overarching vinyl experience, and sometimes music reviews. Today’s vague theme is what this recurring feature is generally about: records new and old, good and bad. Let the fun begin…)... - Parasound Launches JC 1+ Dealer Tour on February 29th at The Audio Salon in Santa Monica12 February 2020, 11:52 pm
SAN FRANCISCO (2/12/19) -- Parasound will kick off a dealer tour for the new John Curl-designed Halo JC 1+ monoblock power amplifier on February 29th at The Audio Salon of Santa Monica, CA. This will be the first of a number of dealer events nationwide to debut this remarkable new Parasound flagship amplifier. It replaces Parasound's original JC 1 after a 'mere' two decades as king of the hill.... - AMG's New Viella Forte Turntable Starring at Ultra Fidelis, Wauwatosa, WI Feb. 20th12 February 2020, 7:31 pm
The Big Analog Dog is coming to town! And by that we don’t mean Garth Leerer or Ken Bowers from Musical Surroundings, importers of AMG turntables and Hana cartridges, two of our very favorite product lines in all the world of audio. Although they WILL be here.... - Abbey Road Mastering Engineer Miles Showell Comments on Apollo/Transco Disaster8 February 2020, 10:49 pm
Firemen work to douse fire. (Photo:Robert Bauer-ribsfitmedia) On Thursday morning (February 6), the Banning, CA building housing Apollo/Transco Masters’ factory and storage space burned. By far the biggest of the world’s two lacquer master disc manufacturers, most of the world’s vinyl mastering facilities (especially smaller ones) relied upon Apollo/Transco blanks, as well as their cutting styli for Westrex cutting heads. Ruled a total loss, 82 firefighters battled the blaze&rs...
- Feeling down? Turn the music up!21 February 2020, 1:00 pm
... - The best speakers for small rooms21 February 2020, 1:00 pm
... - People's Choice: The world's very best headphones18 February 2020, 1:00 pm
... - Review: Meitner MA1 V2 DAC17 February 2020, 1:00 pm
... - How to be a better listener...16 February 2020, 1:00 pm
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- Scott Walker Audio, Synergistic Research and Ted Denney’s Unique Demos | FLAX 202021 February 2020, 10:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile I know, I know. Ted Denney and his Synergistic Research products are a bit controversial in the world of high-end audio. Every time Part-Time Audiophile publishes a review or a show report concerning Synergistic Research products, Ted’s detractors all chime in with angry comments about our listening skills–or lack thereof. Plus, Ted’s politics are the complete opposite of mine, so I’ve kept my distance somewhat over the last year-and-a-half. And yet&h... - Joseph Audio, Doshi Audio, Cardas Audio, Berkeley Audio, Aurender | FLAX 202021 February 2020, 4:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile When I walked into the Joseph Audio, Doshi Audio and Cardas Audio room at the 2020 Florida Audio Expo, I heard Jeff Joseph playing Brubeck’s “Take Five” and instantly thought, “It must be a request.” I mentioned that to others in the room, including Jeff and Nick Doshi, and we all laughed at the joke. Why is this funny? Well, I usually enter Jeff Joseph’s rooms at shows knowing he’s going to play something that I’ve never heard... - High Fidelity Cables, Bafflex Loudspeakers, Luminance Audio, Esoteric | FLAX 202021 February 2020, 1:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile TAMPA, FL (PTA) — This is a story of restraint. High Fidelity Cables, Bafflex Loudspeakers, Luminance Audio, and Esoteric put together an exhibit room that baffles the mind (pun intended) and wowed the senses at the same time. The Story Despite not feeling overly cramped in any of the other exhibit rooms, this was the first time that dreadful claustrophobic audio show feeling reared its ugly head. “There’s just not enough room in this room.” I exclaim... - February 2020 | Monthly Spins21 February 2020, 10:00 am
Part-Time Audiophile Keeley Forsyth: Debris File Under: a gothic-style of vocalization Keeley Forsyth is a composer, singer and actor from Oldham in the north-west of England. Her first album is astonishing and emotional. Probably falls into the Weird Old UK moniker. If the title track doesn’t grab you then certainly the rest of the album will. Almost gothic, close to but not folk. I can hear Brian Ferry singing these songs on a solo album. With violins, guitar, some subtle effects, but ev... - Gershman Acoustics, exaSound, VAC, VPI, Nordost | FLAX 202020 February 2020, 8:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile TAMPA, FL (PTA) — Gershman Acoustics along with exaSound, VAC, VPI, and Nordost put on quite the display. Presented by the Hi-Fi industry power couple, Eli and Ofra Gershman, the system shined with spirit as the Grand Studio loudspeakers held court. The Story Do not be fooled into thinking that the Gershman Acoustics Grand Studio II pictured in this system is merely a custom rack that holds two pairs of the Gershman Studio II monitors in a vertical inverse array, as th...
- Darko’s MAYA music for the Bristol Hi-fi Show 202020 February 2020, 3:28 pm
Indie rock. Techno. Rap. Hip.hop. Punk. Funk. Soul. Motown. Disco. The typical hi-fi show demo rarely features them. Instead, exhibitors tend to prioritise jazz, female vocal, string arrangements and a smattering of well-produced 80s rock. It’s not hard to see why: 1) good recordings pull the very best performance from […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 &middo... - 10 more thoughts on the Bluesound Powernode 2i19 February 2020, 7:05 am
Future-Fi in 2020? If a streaming module isn’t included in an active loudspeaker, we might find it instead in an amplifier powering passive loudspeakers. That hands us a twin-pronged fork with which to skewer the audiophile world of separates laid out in a hi-fi rack with cable salad behind. Canada’s […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audi... - A short film about the Bluesound Powernode 2i18 February 2020, 10:50 pm
The Bluesound Powernode 2i (€899) is a streaming amplifier in which a BluOS streaming module fronts a 60wpc ‘HybridDigital’ amplifier that uses PWM to blurs the line between DAC and loudspeaker driver. Touch panel excepted, playback control is software-based. Smartphone and desktop apps from BluOS, Roon and Spotify. Broadening this […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Co... - KIH #71 – MC Membrain18 February 2020, 9:27 am
Working the waves. Riding them is for surfers. Bending waves is for German Physiks, Manger & Co. Falling somewhere between was the Linæum driver. Slightly evolved, it reappeared with Impact Technology’s Airfoil. When that disappeared, eventual descendants like the Swiss Audio Consulting Rubanoïde and all the current French Audionec models […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private u... - Inside the Golden Triangle with Naim, Lyngdorf & Arcam14 February 2020, 10:56 am
Blue-sky scenario? For the spec sheet on a streaming amplifier coming to market in 2020, the Golden Triangle for this end-user is as follows: 1) Roon, 2) Spotify Connect and 3) Google Chromecast Built-in. Roon for its magazine-like interface and tight Tidal/Qobuz integration; Spotify Connect for its larger library and […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Dark...
- Icon Audio PS1 Mk. II All Valve Phono Stage14 February 2020, 1:35 pm
UK-based Icon Audio is a maker of ‘Award Winning Valve Amplifiers’. Icon also manufactures valve preamplifiers and phono stages (FYI: ‘valve’ is Brit speak for ‘tube’). I was contacted by a local Icon Audio dealer followed by the Canadian distributor to gauge interest for a review. I heard the subject of this review, the PS1 Mk. II All Valve Phono Stage, at last year’s Toronto Audio Show. It had impressed, prepping lots of varied vinyl repertoire u... - Linnenberg SATIE Reference D/A converter with integrated preamp7 February 2020, 3:47 pm
Mark Sossa from Well Pleased Audio Vida (AV) contacted me several months ago concerning a new DAC that he thought I would be interested to review. He tends to find products that are off the beaten track, are worthy of attention for their outstanding quality/performance, and are not in the very highest level of price range. I agreed to review it after confirming that it would work with my stereo system. The DAC was the Linnenberg Satie DAC at $8995, the newest DAC by Linnenberg and consider... - Focal Arche7 February 2020, 3:36 pm
Nearly one year ago, Focal unveiled its first ever dedicated headphone amplifier, the Arche ($2,500). A feature-packed design, this device was offered to be the perfect companion for their ever more impressive line of headphones. But that begs the question, is this device just a completest extra for consumers that have already taken the dive on a pair of Focal Utopia or Stellia cans, or is this an Amplifier/DAC/Interface that can stand on its own four feet? ... - Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas—Igor Levit31 January 2020, 6:12 pm
These complete recordings of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas are always welcome, especially this year during the 250th anniversary of the great composer’s birth. Although listening and reviewing a nine disc set may seem daunting or even onerous, when it’s the greatest set of music in the Western canon, no problem. And when executed by one of the world’s leading and most interesting pianists, the task less so.... - Focal Chora 816 Loudspeaker31 January 2020, 5:03 pm
I first came across Focal speakers in 2014 when they rolled out their new at that time Aria lineup. The proprietary flax drivers and attractive price/value ratio placed them on my short-list when I was hunting for my first serious floor standers. I auditioned the 926 and 948 at Lyric HiFi on Manhattan’s upper east side, and while I ultimately ended up with a pair of Dynaudio Focus towers, I remember being profoundly impressed with how balanced and e...
- 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....
- Critical Mass Systems QXK Rack20 February 2020, 1:20 pm
There used to be one inviolate rule in audio; racks – like fine wine – don’t travel. There was good reason for this; they are heavy and tended not to be in the same high-end league as their electronic counterparts in a system. Critical Mass Systems was one of the first companies to tear up that rule book, producing products that retain all the elements of high-end audio in terms of performance-raising abilities, weight and price. The company’s Olympus V-12 and Maxxum syst... - Enjoy the Music.com And MAYORS Celebrates Luxury Timepieces During Florida Audio Expo 202020 February 2020, 12:42 pm
In 2020 Enjoy the Music.com is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and wanted to do something extra special. During the Florida Audio Expo it worked closely with MAYORS Jewellers, the Southeast's leading multi-brand retailer of jewellery and luxury timepieces retailer, for an exciting evening devoted to mechanical timepieces. For those unfamiliar, MAYORS has 17 stores within Florida and Georgia and is owned by Watches Of Switzerland, a leading luxury timepiece and jewellery company for over 50 year... - Fyne Audio F702 floorstanding loudspeakers19 February 2020, 11:35 am
Fyne Audio is a relatively new kid on the hi-fi block, formed in 2017 by several former Tannoy staff, following the takeover of Tannoy by a conglomerate a couple of years earlier. They’ve not wasted any time, and for such a young company, Fyne Audio now has an impressive portfolio of products. However, that’s what you can do when your team includes five former directors and senior managers, including the former director of engineering, the manager of mechanical design, and the factor... - Mark Levinson No. 5805 integrated amplifier19 February 2020, 11:27 am
Here is one of the true survivor brands. Mark Levinson Audio Systems began life in the early 1970s, from the outset as the highest of high-end companies. The company separated from Levinson himself, went out of business, then became part of the Madrigal Group, which became a part of the Harman Group, which itself became part of Samsung relatively recently. The brand had some fallow periods (this is the polite version; the real deal got real nasty), as well as winding up becoming the in-car upgra... - FinkTeam Borg floorstanding loudspeaker19 February 2020, 11:20 am
There are two types of loudspeaker designer: those that come up with a loudspeaker design and create a whole company around it, and those who take a more ‘hired gun’ approach. Often, the skill set of the founder limits the scale of the operation – not many can design an excellent loudspeaker, market it, sell it, and run a company simultaneously – so the canny ones employ a managing director to run the business side. The ‘hired gun’ speaker designer is usually ...
- 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....
- 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... - Aurorasound VIDA Prima Phono Preamplifier22 September 2019, 4:06 pm
Aurorasound is a company in Yokohama, Japan. Designer Shinobu Karaki has 28 years’ experience working for Texas Instruments Japan, Inc. He is also a passionate musician, music teacher and a long-time audiophile. His love of music, combined with trained ears and extensive know-how in electronics and integrated circuits makes Mr. Karaki well suited for designing high-end audio components. Shinobu Karaki-san's designs are state of the art innovative semiconductor technology and combined with ...
- 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... - DIY EL84 Amp Project: Part 2, Circuit Board and Chassis Preparation3 February 2020, 6:00 pm
By Steve Graham DIY EL84 Project: Part 2 – Circuit Board & Chassis Prep I strongly recommend that builders considering this project use the parts and chassis specified in the previous installment in this series. If builders go off-plan, positive outcomes are less certain. This is not to say that if, for instance, different binding posts are desired or a different brand or type resistor is preferred, it should not be used. As long as these parts have the same rating or ...
- SVS Prime Wireless Soundbase Review20 February 2020, 8:49 pm
A couple of years ago, to get all the technology that the $499 USD SVS Prime Wireless Soundbase packs into its chassis you’d be spending considerably more.... - Could you be Loved? Coveting LPs and CDs in a Dematerialized Music Age17 February 2020, 10:38 pm
“I hope you know that this will go down on your permanent record…” The rhetorical wail of Gordon Gano brings a smile to my face every time I hear “Kiss Off,” the second cut on side one of Violent Femmes, the self-titled debut album that the band cut on Slash Records in 1983.... - Aurender W20SE Preview14 February 2020, 9:15 pm
Improving on a product that already deeply impresses with its performance capabilities can be a daunting proposition for a company, but when a manufacturer decides that the time has come to improve on a lauded design – and not in some incremental manner, rather – with a full-blown re-tool from the ground up, it’s hard not to take notice.... - Linn Records: Vinyl to Digital – the Song Remains the Same11 February 2020, 7:23 pm
The year is 1973, the place is Glasgow, Scotland and Ivor Tiefenbrun and co. are spinning professional test LPs on a freshly-turned Sondek LP12, only to deduce the quallity of the albums are total rubbish. So, why not start a record label and do it proper?... - An Analog Reference for Digital Reviews7 February 2020, 10:01 pm
I reference a lot of things in the course of a day. In life, I often find myself needing a point of reference to either carry on a conversation with an individual, or to make sure I’m getting where they’re coming from....
- dCS Bartok – First Contact21 February 2020, 10:27 am
The dCS Bartok is a UK manufactured high-end desktop integrated streaming-capable DAC and headphone amplifier. It is priced at $15000. Disclaimer: The dCS Bartok sent to us was purchased and does not have to be returned to the company. We thank dCS for this opportunity. To learn more about DAC products on Headfonics you can click […] The post dCS Bartok – First Contact appeared first on Headfonics.... - FiiO EH3 NC Review19 February 2020, 10:26 am
The FiiO EH3 NC is the company’s debut active noise canceling closed-back wireless headphones with LDAC and aptX-HD capability. It retails for $199.99 Disclaimer: The FiiO EH3 NC 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 can click […] The post FiiO EH3 NC Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Cayin E01 Review16 February 2020, 11:40 am
The Cayin E01 Motherboard is the third module released for Cayin’s new N6ii DAP featuring a dual operational mode Class A and Class AB amp circuit design and an ES9038PRO DAC. It is priced at $419. Disclaimer: The Cayin E01 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank Cayin for […] The post Cayin E01 Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Sudio TOLV TWS – Wireless Weekend15 February 2020, 2:03 pm
The Sudio TOLV is the debut launch of the company’s first True Wireless System, (TWS), featuring BT5.0, a graphene dynamic driver and 7 hours battery life. It is priced at $129. Disclaimer: The Sudio TOLV sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank Sudio for this opportunity. To learn more […] The post Sudio TOLV TWS – Wireless Weekend appeared first on Headfonics.... - Top Reader Voted DAPs14 February 2020, 11:56 am
The following Top Reader Voted DAP scores are assigned by the readers, (Score) and apply only to all reviews where a slider voting system exists. This list includes all types of DAPs new and historical. Please note the list will change dynamically as readers continue to vote. Higher scoring DAPs will automatically replace lower-scoring DAPs. […] The post Top Reader Voted DAPs appeared first on Headfonics....
- T+A Announces New Planar-Magnetostatic Solitaire P Headphone and HA 200 Amplifier/DAC21 February 2020, 9:46 pm
The high-end of personal audio seems to be experiencing heightened interest from companies who not only design and build the headphones, headphone-amplifiers and DACs that mere mortals tend to covet, but also those companies who up until now have been focused exclusively on building two-channel gear. ... - CanJam NYC 2020: Audio Precision Measurements20 February 2020, 4:04 am
To quote myself, “Measuring is an essential element in the design and manufacture of all audio components. But! As a tool for evaluation, or as a predictor of user satisfaction, today’s measuring procedures are almost useless.” ... - CanJam NYC 2020: JPS Labs, XIAudio and HIFIMAN19 February 2020, 1:41 am
Like I mentioned earlier, when I’m at a CanJam I weave through the crowd down the isles – staying alert for what might jump out at me. This “JPS Labs stack” jumped out big time.... - CanJam NYC 2020: Auris Nirvana and Chord 2Go18 February 2020, 4:21 am
I did not need a divining rod to find the other portable audio DAC superstar: Chord Electronic’s 2Go streamer/server module. ... - CanJam NYC 2020: DUNU Luna and iFi Hip-Dac17 February 2020, 3:43 am
No matter how much due-diligence I do before a CanJam event, I still do not know what is really new and exciting until I get there....
- Musical Surroundings, Sweet Home Audio, AMG, DS Audio, Rogue Audio, and Magnepan .7 – FLAX 202021 February 2020, 4:18 pm
When I walked into the exhibit room hosted by Musical Surroundings and Sweet Home Audio, I firstly thought “This isn’t The post Musical Surroundings, Sweet Home Audio, AMG, DS Audio, Rogue Audio, and Magnepan .7 – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Suncoast Audio, Magico M6, Luxman, Avid, Doshi Audio, Audioquest, Critical Mass – FLAX 202020 February 2020, 5:18 pm
Suncoast Audio of Sarasota, Florida brought out “the big guns” at the Florida Audio Expo. I could just be referring The post Suncoast Audio, Magico M6, Luxman, Avid, Doshi Audio, Audioquest, Critical Mass – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead.... - MoFi Picks Up Piega Loudspeakers, Keeps It Simple in Florida – FLAX 202019 February 2020, 3:03 pm
There wasn’t a large display of flashing lights, bopping matters or spinning discs greeting attendees in the MoFi room at The post MoFi Picks Up Piega Loudspeakers, Keeps It Simple in Florida – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead.... - The Audio Company, VAC, Von Schweikert, Esoteric, Kronos, Airtight, Critical Mass Systems – FLAX 202018 February 2020, 5:30 pm
The Audio Company of Marietta, Georgia has expertly toured over the last three years what many in our industry consider The post The Audio Company, VAC, Von Schweikert, Esoteric, Kronos, Airtight, Critical Mass Systems – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Linear Tube Audio Launches The New LTA UltraLinear Power Amplifier – FLAX 202017 February 2020, 10:57 pm
Linear Tube Audio (LTA) appeared in a few places around the Florida Audio Show. The US-based company partnered with Spatial The post Linear Tube Audio Launches The New LTA UltraLinear Power Amplifier – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead....
- The New Ear Gear Experience!22 February 2020, 2:08 am
Audition everything from open-back, closed-back, to in-ear headphones. Everything you need for a headphone set-up including cables, amps, players and accessories The post The New Ear Gear Experience! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Dan Clark Audio: Aeon 2 Open-Backed Headphones – A Fantastic Upgrade to a Classic!20 February 2020, 5:00 am
When the original Aeon open-back headphones were released a number of years ago, they took the personal audio world by The post Dan Clark Audio: Aeon 2 Open-Backed Headphones – A Fantastic Upgrade to a Classic! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - It’s Here! HiFiAudio.Guru makes its debut!17 February 2020, 10:55 pm
Visit Headphone.Guru’s all new sister site HiFiAudio.Guru, dedicated to affordable audiophile loudspeaker systems with the goal of bringing new listeners The post It’s Here! HiFiAudio.Guru makes its debut! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Focal Arche DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier Review17 February 2020, 5:00 am
Focal is an extreme high-end audiophile loudspeaker manufacturer who began life 40 years ago designing and manufacturing speaker drivers and The post Focal Arche DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier Review appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Promoting Independent Musicians With a Superb Sound Experience13 February 2020, 5:57 pm
Erzetich, an audio company from Slovenia, has released Gold – a compilation of indie music released on an audiophile-grade gold-plated The post Promoting Independent Musicians With a Superb Sound Experience appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- Chord Electronics Launches New ULTIMA PRE 210 February 2020, 9:30 pm
10th February 2020, Kent, England: Chord Electronics has launched its second ULTIMA preamp following the introduction of the flagship model in 2018. The new ULTIMA PRE 2 is the perfect accompaniment to the 2019-announced ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3 mono power amplifiers, which benefit from the company’s advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction circuitry. It directly replaces its […] The post Chord Electronics Launches New ULTIMA PRE 2 appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - ZenWave Audio’s SCR-14 Speaker Cables – A Giant Killer?8 February 2020, 4:00 pm
It’s difficult to surprise an experienced audiophile. We’ve gone to all the trades shows, purchased and borrowed lots of gear, and visited all our local dealers. We’ve essentially heard all the possible sonic varieties and tradeoffs. But every so often…a product comes along that challenges your preconceptions. A few months back, one such product for […] The post ZenWave Audio’s SCR-14 Speaker Cables – A Giant Killer? appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - New Chord Electronics Stereo ULTIMA Amplifiers3 February 2020, 11:00 am
3rd February 2020, Kent, England: Chord Electronics has introduced its ground-breaking next-generation ULTIMA amplifier topology to (full-size) stereo for the first time, with the introduction of two new power amplifiers, the ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6. The amplifiers will make their world debut at the UK’s biggest show, The Bristol Hi-Fi Show, on February 21st. […] The post New Chord Electronics Stereo ULTIMA Amplifiers appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Chord Company Launches Epic-Range DIN Cable with Proprietary Tuned ARAY Tech31 January 2020, 8:27 pm
31st January 2020, Wiltshire: Chord Company has introduced a DIN-terminated interconnect into its high-performance Epic range for the first time; the popular Epic range sits precisely in the middle of the company’s seven-strong cable range groupings. Epic DIN offers a key performance upgrade over the Shawline range DIN (from £225), plus greater affordability over the […] The post Chord Company Launches Epic-Range DIN Cable with Proprietary Tuned ARAY Tech appeared first on Aud... - CES 2020 – HiFi Adventures18 January 2020, 10:29 pm
High-end audio is undoubtedly dismal at CES these days. In fact, by the time I was at the Venetian on Friday morning, some of these guys already packed up or closed their doors. Disappointing. However, there’s still much to be had with consumer HiFi! I’m a huge geek at heart so I enjoy CES for […] The post CES 2020 – HiFi Adventures appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- Erzetich’s Gold CD is an audiophile offering17 February 2020, 1:26 am
NEWS: Looking for audiophile-quality recordings of new music? Try some Gold...... - The legendary Technics SL1200 spins on12 February 2020, 1:16 am
FEATURE: They don't make 'em like they used to... the Technics SL1200 simply refuses to walk into the sunset...... - Dan Clark’s Aeon 2 ups the game7 February 2020, 1:32 am
NEWS: The new Aeon 2 planar magnetic cans from Dan Clark should appeal to two camps of headfi enthusiasts.... - Sony’s HT-S20R soundbar… the ultimate experience for the price4 February 2020, 1:34 am
NEWS: If you're shopping around for a soundbar, you may want to wait for Sony's HT-S20R.... - Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo – supreme streaming speakers30 January 2020, 11:31 pm
REVIEW: If you're in the market for a "simple" high-end streaming system with minimal gear, the B&W Formation Duo needs your attention....
- DIY Bookshelf Speakers With MarkAudio CHN-50 Drivers11 February 2020, 11:15 am
Intrigued by the potential sonic advantages of a full-range driver, and spotting the introduction of a new kit by British driver manufacturer MarkAudio, I decided it was time to give one a try. The post DIY Bookshelf Speakers With MarkAudio CHN-50 Drivers appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Preamplifier Reviewed5 December 2019, 10:18 am
audibly and measurably linear from input to output, with near-perfect volume control and no superfluous features. I’m pleased to have an M8sPRE amidst my system. The post Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Preamplifier Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Service Spotlight: Custom Cables From Designacable28 November 2019, 10:19 am
a UK-based company providing a massive range of custom made audio and video cables for musicians, studio, stage, cinema and broadcast, essentially any sector of the pro audio, installation or domestic hi-fi market. The post Service Spotlight: Custom Cables From Designacable appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Hypex NC400 DIY Class D Amplifiers Build & Review26 November 2019, 10:41 am
no-nonsense amplifiers with breakthrough technical performance and stunning sonics, some of the best amplification you can buy at any price. The post Hypex NC400 DIY Class D Amplifiers Build & Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - The Audio Appraisal Reference Hi-Fi System8 November 2019, 12:17 pm
The Audio Appraisal reference system. This post will be updated to reflect future changes and kept as a historic reference to log the equipment used to create these reviews. The post The Audio Appraisal Reference Hi-Fi System appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- 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
... - 2019 Capital Audiofest!Analog, Digital GearHighlight Rockville, Md. Show!16 December 2019, 10:31 pm
... - Audio Show Report!Capital Audio Fest 2019Speakers, TT's, AmpsHighlight East Coast Show!23 November 2019, 8:35 pm
... - Audio Show Report:Capital Audiofest 2019!CAF Gets Better And Better Part One13 November 2019, 3:42 pm
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- Apple AirPods Pro Noise Cancelling Earphones Review19 February 2020, 5:05 am
One of the most anticipated headphone releases in the past year, Matthew Jens decides whether these new noise-cancelling wireless earbuds make the grade.... - Optoma P1 4K UHD HDR Laser Cinema Projector Review11 February 2020, 1:12 am
Tony O’Brien reckons that right now, this is the best value ultra short throw projector under $10,000…... - LG OLED65CX TV First Impressions10 February 2020, 11:39 pm
LG’s OLED TVs are always a subject of great excitement for AV fans. LG’s 2019 C9 models, though, were so good that they got us wondering just how much further LG could take OLED technology (at least in its current form).... - Eclipse TD510ZMK2 Loudspeaker Review10 February 2020, 11:04 pm
David Price says this expensive, exotic-looking egg-shaped loudspeaker won't be to everyone's taste – but some will love it…... - Pro-Ject Audio System X1 Turntable Review6 February 2020, 3:47 am
This company’s iconic first turntable has been reimagined thirty years later. David Price listens in…...
- #NewMusicFriday…New Record Releases You Need To Hear feat. Pat Metheny + 15 Other Artists!22 February 2020, 2:00 am
(Annnnd….We’re back! We took a brief hiatus from music posting over the holidays, but new we’ll continue regular posting til’ the end of the year!) 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 continue reading... - DALI IO-6 Premium Wireless ANC Headphones In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics!21 February 2020, 7:55 pm
Audiophiles know DALI for their exhilarating speakers (we gave their Oberon 5 a perfect 10 rating, one of a few we’ve given). Still, last year they opened up a new chapter, releasing their first-ever headphones and wireless at that. I was excited because I love the DALI speaker sound, and their approach to headphone design was continue reading... - Triangle Esprit Titus EZ Bookshelf Speaker Review: Their Breathtaking Natural Sound Will Astonish You!21 February 2020, 3:49 am
Triangle is hot right now. The French speaker manufacturer’s new budget Borea range has been a huge hit, with tons of audio reviewers singing its praises. We made the Borea BR-03 bookshelf our 2019 Product Of The Year, and What Hi-Fi? just gave it a five-star review. Today, I’m looking at a bookshelf from the continue reading... - These Affordable True Wireless Earbuds Are Cheaper Than Ever!19 February 2020, 5:52 am
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of True Wireless Earbuds that are well built, easy to use, and sound good, then the $39 Tranya T3 Sports Wireless Headphones should be on your list! Their rich sound rivals a decent pair of wired earbuds, and they also have an IPX5 Water Proof rating which makes them great continue reading... - Review: iFi Audio’s Hip-Dac Is The First-Class Portable Dac-Amp You’ve Been Waiting For!18 February 2020, 6:01 am
Let me say this. I’ve always loved the way iFi’s portable DAC/Amps sound. I still have an iFi nano iDSD LE (currently $139 on Amazon) that I purchased eons ago, and I have heard just about every one they have put out since then, including the nano iDSD Black Label, and the xDSD. My only continue reading...
- 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... - Klipsch Forte III Speakers22 May 2019, 4:23 am
Link to Specifications My first experience with attempting to fill a large space with sound from home speakers, was my neighbor’s rec room built in the mid-seventies. The room was approximately 30 x 30 with 18ft ceiling. The first time I entered the space Elton John’s anthem “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” was on the turntable. But no matter how far we pushed the volume, the room swallowed the sound. If only the Klipsch Forte III’s had been in t... - Pathos Classic One mk. III18 April 2019, 3:15 am
SpecificationsThe Pathos Classic One mk. III was one of those pieces that I always thought it would be amazing to have. I first heard Pathos audio at a friend’s house and it was honestly the first time I thought I could live without separates! The Pathos piece I heard was the Logos, it sounded amazing but I’m not crazy about that whole giant stereo amp thing. It is a very cool looking piece, as almost all of the Pathos gear is. About a year after that encounter I w...
- 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 […]...