- 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... - FLAX 2020 Recap, plus Magico M6 Speakers, Luxman C-900u Amplifier and M-900u Monoblock Amps, Von Schweikert Ultra 11 Speakers, VAC Statement Electronics, MBL 101e MK II Loudspeakers, Avid Analog Front End, Critical Mass Racks, Børresen 01 Speakers16 February 2020, 5:27 pm
This marks the end of our Florida Audio Expo 2020 coverage, but before I wrap things up, I'd like to mention a few more standout rooms with super systems.Sun, 02/16/2020... - MC Audiotech Forty-10 Loudspeaker, Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL Preamplifier, ZOTL Ultralinear Amplifier, and Reference 40 Amplifier16 February 2020, 2:48 pm
The MC Audiotech Forty-10 ($35,000) is probably the most exotic speaker seen and heard at the Florida Audio Expo.Sun, 02/16/2020... - Kimber PBJ interconnect14 February 2020, 10:00 pm
It's always a jolting, life-renewing Ka-BLAM when a new experience shatters your preconceptions of the order of things. From the moment you realize your dad isn't running right alongside you as you fly down the sidewalk on your first two-wheeler, to when you become a made man, these experiences forever alter how you view yourself and the world around you. Thu, 07/01/1993...
- 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 ... - 2020 Editors' Choice Awards: Loudspeakers $3,000 - $5,00014 February 2020, 12:47 pm
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 $3000 This compact two-way hits it out of the park in sound quality, build, technology, and value. The midrange driver is based on techniques developed for the flagship 800 series, and the new tweeter sits on top of the cabinet for lower diffraction. Among its other virtues, the 705 S2 is seamless and coherent top to bottom, and has surprising dynamic punch and the ability to play loudly for its size. It is a product that few companies would have the ability and resou... - AMG & Hana Dealer Event in Wisconsin12 February 2020, 11:54 pm
The following is a press release issued by Musicial Surroundings, AMG, and Hana. 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. Who’s the Big Dog, then? The new AMG Viella Forte. We will have the entire trio of AMG turntables here, as well as Garth and Ken, for an evening o... - Parasound Launches JC 1+ Dealer Tour at The Audio Salon in Santa Monica12 February 2020, 11:43 pm
The following is a press release issued by Parasound. SAN FRANCISCO | February 12, 2020 -- 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. Those who know The Audio Salon recogni... - PSB Alpha T20 Loudspeaker12 February 2020, 6:10 pm
It’s hard to believe that Paul Barton, founder of PSB, launched his Alpha range speakers all the way back in 1991. Unpretentious in style but heavy on performance, Alphas have had a remarkable run—perennial crowd-pleasers for the budget-minded, and the blue-plate backbone of the company’s loudspeaker lines since their introduction. But thirty years is thirty years—advancements in speaker engineering, materials, and production made an update of the venerable Alpha too big ...
- FLAX 2020: MBL North America, United Home Audio, And Wireworld Cable18 February 2020, 5:36 pm
MBL North America makes a return to the Florida Audio Expo with almost the same system as last year. MBL brought out their 101 E MK II Radialstrahier omni-directional loudspeakers ($70,500) that were fed by MBL's Noble Line electronics. This time around sporting all white electronics and speakers in lieu of last year's black and white panda color scheme.---> Read More ... - FLAX 2020: TAC's Room VAC, Von Schweikert Audio, Esoteric, Kronos, AirTight, Critical Mass, Masterbuilt, Acoustic Sciences18 February 2020, 5:35 pm
The Audio Company nailed it this year with their massive Von Schweikert Ultra 11 loudspeakers ($325,000) powered by four VAC Statement 452iQ power amplifiers ($75,000), preamplifier duties carried out by the VAC Statement line preamplifier ($80,000) which was fed by Esoteric digital front end consisting of their Grandioso D1x monoblock DACs ($50,000) with the GI Grandioso clock ($26,000), Grandioso P1x CD transport ($50,000). Streaming from the Esoteric N-01 ($22,000) and the Aurender W2OSE ($22... - Review: YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker18 February 2020, 10:54 am
Keb' Mo' is a great album, made even better in the limited edition SACD version [MoFi UDSACD 2054]. The YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 speaker digs deep and cleanly to animate Robert Johnson's classic "Come on in my Kitchen". Where lesser speakers struggle with the strong tight bass, the YG keeps the rhythms tight and punchy. The image has significant depth as well as width so it seems you are right there in the club with 'Keb.---> Read More ... - FLAX 2020: Mc Audiotech, Linear Tube Audio, Audience, Wolf Audio Systems, And Symposium18 February 2020, 8:46 am
Within Mark Conti's MC Audiotech room at Florida Audio Expo 2020 was their innovative Forty-10 loudspeaker ($35,000 per pair) that includes an electronic crossover to ensure precise frequency split between the drivers. With each enclosure of this two-way being independent, the stylish upper frequency array is loaded with proprietary transducers (drivers). For bass, a specially-developed Folded Cube enclosure internally holds a pair of hi-sensitivity cone drivers. The crossover is adjustable to p... - Rave'in' 'Bout Raven Audio At Florida Audio Expo 202017 February 2020, 7:18 am
With an incredibly smooth and musical sound, Raven Audio was at the Florida Audio Expo 2020 with two systems. One featured a Mytek Digital Brooklyn DAC+ ($2199), Raven Audio Blackhawk / Nighthawk MK3 vacuum tube integrated amplifier, Ce'Lest tower speakers, and Soniquil cabling throughout. System two has a pair of Raven Audio Silhouette MK2 Reference preamplifier and Silhouette MK2 monoblock amplifiers ($15,995) driving the Corvus Reference loudspeakers. Once again Soniquil cabling was used thro...
- 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,...
- From an Editor’s Notebook: A Tale of Two Woes18 February 2020, 2:57 am
Life is hard and filled with sorrow. And sometimes you don't see it coming. Two real woes for high-end audio are at hand. What their outcomes may be, or how they may affect audiophiles worldwide, are yet to be seen. Woe Number One I received a phone call and an email recently from a colleague... Read More » The post From an Editor’s Notebook: A Tale of Two Woes appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Grado Labs Lineage Series: The Flagship Grado Epoch3 Phono Cartridge18 February 2020, 12:00 am
We live in exciting times for phono reproduction, a new golden age for LPs from manufacture to playback. The key lesson learned since the production of full-range stereo LP recordings in 1958, some taped in stereo as early as 1954 and released in 1958, is this: the weakest part of the chain is playback in... Read More » The post Grado Labs Lineage Series: The Flagship Grado Epoch3 Phono Cartridge appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Pushing the Envelope: The Audioquest Dragon Power Cable and Dragon Zero Loudspeaker Cables17 February 2020, 8:45 pm
AudioQuest's founder, William Low, and Director of Power Products, Garth Powell, have once again co-developed the next generation of Audioquest audiophile cost-is-no-object power cables and speaker cables. Interconnects are in development and will be available this fall. They are designed to be the best in the world of connectivity—full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes! I... Read More » The post Pushing the Envelope: The Audioquest Dragon Power Cable and Dragon Zero Loudspeaker Cable... - KEF R3 Bookshelf Loudspeakers Do Small Big17 February 2020, 7:37 pm
"Let's get small, real small!" - Steve Martin, 1977. KEF's new R3 stand mount speakers, the smallest of their recently introduced, redesigned mid-priced R series are a case study in good things coming in small packages. The new R series is comprised of the R11, 7, and 5 floor standers, R3 bookshelf, R2c center, and... Read More » The post KEF R3 Bookshelf Loudspeakers Do Small Big appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - The Florida Audio Expo, Part 417 February 2020, 6:31 pm
Here's the last installment of my show coverage for the Florida Audio Expo. You can see Part 1 HERE, Part 2 HERE, and Part 3 HERE. An absolute semi-truckload of VAC, Esoteric, and Kronos equipment was on display in this monstrous room! The room was filled with people, who where absolutely digging the sound coming... Read More » The post The Florida Audio Expo, Part 4 appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- 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 [...]... - Issue 10026 December 2019, 5:31 am
Features AWARDS! Product of the Year, Exceptional Value, Publishers Choice… AND-PRODUCTS OF THE DECADE! Old School: Juan Calvillo looks back at the Marantz 2252 Headphone Art: Auditioning the Focal Utopia Phones The Audiophile Apartment: Jeff Dorgay spends time with the Pathos Logos Mk.II Integrated Shanon Says: Our Canadian correspondent tells us about power Mine: It [...]...
- 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. ...
- 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.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-2-88 February 2020, 8:46 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 2020-2-8 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Benny Goodman’s Kingdom of Swing, Part 2 of 24 February 2020, 7:02 pm
Also read Benny Goodman’s Kingdom of Swing, Part 1 of 2 Combos, Maturity and Legacy In the late 1930s the innovative Swing combos of Benny Goodman http://www.jazzhotbigstep.com/45801.html (1909-1986) shaped a new small-band Jazz format. His trios, quartets and sextets introduced sophisticated combo jazz to a broad popular audience. Goodman did for clarinet what Louis Armstrong [...] The post Benny Goodman’s Kingdom of Swing, Part 2 of 2 appeared first on Dagogo....
- 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... - McIntosh Labs C53 Preamplifier Review6 February 2020, 7:20 pm
Amazing. Pretty much the first word that came to mind when I first saw McIntosh Labs latest preamplifier, the freshly updated C53 two channel solid state design. A whopping 16 inputs (9 analog and 7 digital), a built in MC/MM dual input phono stage, a dedicated HXD crossfeed headphone amplifier, an 8 band analog equalizer, support for DSD 512 files via the latest Roon tested and fully supported DA2 digital audio module, I was quite literally amazed at just how full featured this preamplifier...
- 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... - MAJOR VINYL PRODUCTION CATASTROPHE AS APOLLO/TRANSCO LACQUERS BURNS!7 February 2020, 1:35 am
Sadly this is not April 1st, and this is not a joke. The Banning CA facility housing Apollo/Transco lacquer manufacturing burned today and is apparently a total loss. More than 80 firefighters fought the dangerous chemical-laden fire. I haven't had a chance to get into the story details but hopefully no one was seriously injured in the blaze. ... - True Mono AAA <i>Way Out West</i> From ERC Limited to 300 Copies Just Announced and Not Yet Sold Out! (Updated)5 February 2020, 7:53 pm
The Electric Recording Company just announced a limited to 300 copies edition of Sonny Rollins Way Out West (ERC 053M)....
- 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
... - Insanely great: Pathos InPol Ear stereo preamp/headphone amp review15 February 2020, 1:00 pm
... - I can't stand the sound of Auto-Tuned music, what about you?14 February 2020, 1:00 pm
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- Endow Audio, Hegel, VAC, iFi | FLAX 202018 February 2020, 2:26 pm
Part-Time Audiophile It’s difficult to get a new loudspeaker brand off the ground in today’s high-end audio market. I should know, since I’ve tried to do it several times as an importer and distributor. You need so much more than a box that sounds good. You need an idea, and you need to tell a compelling story about that idea. Endow Audio of Georgetown, Kentucky has a few compelling ideas, such as their Point Array technology and their Passive Signal Processor (PSP), both paten... - Zesto, Vimberg, Merrill Williams, Tri-Planar, Stillpoints, Cardas, Sweet Home Audio | FLAX 202017 February 2020, 8:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile I found myself missing Doug White of That Voice That Is! at the 2020 Florida Audio Expo–I missed the sound of the big Tidal Audio systems he assembles and exhibits, that feeling of perfection in every detail. The spirit of Doug White was definitely there at FLAX in the room hosted by Clearwater dealer Sweet Home Audio. This exceptional room featured a whole rack of Zesto Audio gear matched to a pair of the Vimberg Mino loudspeakers ($31,000/pair), a brand that uses Tid... - The Piega Premium Wireless 701, Cardas Audio, Mofi Distribution | FLAX 202017 February 2020, 5:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile TAMPA, FL (PTA) — On the hunt for streaming, the boys and I find ourselves sweet-talking Mofi Distribution’s Jonathan Derda for the streaming remote control. Little does he know, we have an urge to stream metal via Piega‘s wireless metal speakers. The Story Qobuz streaming at audio shows is sometimes actually harder to find than you might think. It all revolves around the quality of the hotel wi-fi. Some exhibitors give up on streaming early on Friday if th... - Upstream Audio, Aesthetix, Focal, Sonore | FLAX 202017 February 2020, 12:13 pm
Part-Time Audiophile TAMPA, FL (PTA) — Upstream Audio was showing a masterfully configured digital and analog sourced system featuring components from Aesthetix, Focal, and Sonore. The Story At first the system might seem simple and spartan but with a total system cost pushing $72k, it became apparent that the folks at Upstream Audio were not playing around. First let’s talk about the DAC (and CD Player) from Aesthetix. With a price tag of 11,500 USD, the Aesthetix Romulus CD Player ... - Vaughn Loudspeakers, Linear Tube Audio (LTA), MJ Acoustics, Anticables, Wavelength, Aurender | FLAX 202016 February 2020, 4:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile TAMPA, FL (PTA) — As far as I remember this was only the second line array at the show. The other being the one from Bob Carver. Each one sounding much different from the other, this one from Vaughn sounding to me more conventional in a good way. All the players involved: Vaughn Loudspeakers, Linear Tube Audio (LTA), MJ Acoustics, Anticables, Wavelength Audio, Aurender. The Story As far as visually noteworthy rooms at the Florida Audio Show go, this one really caught m...
- 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... - 2go 2yu 2me: Chord Electronics adds streaming to Hugo2, all DACs13 February 2020, 2:38 pm
Chord Electronics news announcements are like buses. We wait months for one to arrive, only to see two turn up at once. This week’s second slice of Chord news is streaming-centric and brings with it the announcement of two new products. First up, the 2go: a rechargeable bolt-on streaming module […] 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 · A... - Podcast #19 – The future of hi-fi show music12 February 2020, 2:15 pm
Take your average twenty-something to an audio show (hi-fi show) and they might return home asking: 1) why are audiophiles so old?; and 2) why do those audiophiles listen to such a narrow range of music? That leaves us to ask: are these two home truths connected? Chicken meet egg. […] 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... - Chord Electronics readies stereo ULTIMAs, PRE 211 February 2020, 12:41 pm
Head-fiers and headphonistas could be forgiven for thinking that Chord Electronics’ work begins and ends with DAC/headphone amplifiers: the Mojo, Hugo 2, Hugo TT2 and DAVE. However, long before Rob Watts was taken on as a full-time digital consultant by the British manufacturer, (now Managing Director) John Franks slowly built […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-202...
- 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....
- Monitor Audio appoints new UK Sales Director17 February 2020, 3:10 pm
Monitor Audio is delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Davidson as UK Sales Director. Ben brings with him a wealth of technical sales knowledge and is highly regarded within the industry. In his new role, he will lead the UK sales team as well as manage Monitor Audio’s UK key accounts. Previous to his new position, Ben was managing the development of Custom Install and hi-fi products following a long and successful period in business development at Bowers and Wilkins. Aside from his... - HiFiMAN Jade II electrostatic headphone system4 February 2020, 6:28 pm
I first became aware of HiFiMAN roughly eleven years ago, when I sought to review one of the firm’s earliest planar magnetic headphones. However, in the course of reaching out to the firm I learned that even earlier on HiFiMAN had once made a full-range electrostatic headphone called the Jade. At the time I discovered the Jade was no longer in production, but I soon found that it enjoyed an almost reverent cult following among high-end headphone enthusiasts. In fact, one of my happiest mem... - Shunyata Research Alpha USB cable4 February 2020, 3:53 pm
If there’s one fixed point in the audio firmament, it’s that nothing stays the same for too long. Models refresh, new products come along, and benchmarks move with the times; so it is with cables. I am guilty of a little complacence and inertia here in that my range of go-to USB cables (AudioQuest, Cardas, Crystal, Kimber, Nordost) have remained more or less unchanged for a few years, so I thought the Shunyata Research Alpha USB wouldn’t shake that tree too violently. Wrong! If... - Kuzma Stabi S turntable, 4Point 9 tonearm, and CAR‑40 MC cartridge4 February 2020, 3:46 pm
There’s an established hierarchy in vinyl replay that is almost inviolate. The expenditure goes from top down; spend most money on the turntable, then the arm, then cartridge, and so on. This comes from the days when the Linn LP12 held a nation of audiophiles in its thrall; I remember one magazine said (only half-jokingly) that if you were going to buy a system with limited funds, you should buy a LP12 turntable, and start saving for the amp and speakers! While this was an extreme example,... - Kudos Titan 505 stand‑mount loudspeaker4 February 2020, 2:22 pm
I’ve always wanted to say something like this, but the Kudos 505 comes from a race of Titans! It’s the smallest and lone stand-mount in a four-strong Titan range, all of which use the same basic profile; a rear-ported isobaric design, like the 606 and 707 it’s a two-way design, and all of them can be powered actively as well as basic passive operation. The Titan 505 arguably lends itself to passive drive slightly better than its bigger brothers (by virtue of not having those bi...
- 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....
- 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 ... - ZYX UNIverse Optimum Phono Cartridge4 August 2019, 9:41 pm
Another ceiling has been shattered, another mountain conquered, and another superlative surpassed. The new ZYX UNIverse Optimum moving coil phonograph cartridge has risen above the very high pinnacle of performance set by the ZYX UNIverse Premium, reviewed here on 10 Audio. I encourage you to read the Premium review, as this review will only attempt to detail the differences between the $14,995 Premium and the $16,995 Optimum. The cartridge is labeled with the distributor’s name beca...
- 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 ... - Norwegian Night Moves: Yelena Eckemoff’s “Nocturnal Animals” (L & H Production, 2020)31 January 2020, 10:36 am
Album review by Neil Hobkirk Reviewing Yelena Eckemoff’s exquisite Everblue (2015) for Wall of Sound a few years ago, I considered it a compelling answer to the question “When is an ECM album not an ECM album?” To find out just how that record earned such paradoxical status, read my review. But in the meantime, let’s look at how her brilliant brand-new LP Nocturnal Animals addresses not only that question but another, equivalent one: “When is a piano trio not a trio...
- 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.... - Undercurrents No.5: The Steig Connection5 February 2020, 4:48 am
I am an audiophile, which means I exhibit certain tendencies that might be considered compulsive. I can purchase one, three, five, or even 11 records at a time, but never two or four or 12, for instance. ...
- 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 T01 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.... - Unique Melody Mentor V3+ Review12 February 2020, 11:53 am
The Unique Melody Mentor V3+ flagship sees the original V3 from 2017 upgraded, retuned and enhanced with a new carbon fiber shell design. The retail price is $2599. Disclaimer: The Unique Melody Mentor V3+ was sent to us as a loan sample in exchange for our honest opinion. It will be returned after the main […] The post Unique Melody Mentor V3+ Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Astrotec S80 – Wireless Weekend9 February 2020, 11:36 am
The Astrotec S80 is a second-generation True Wireless System, (TWS), featuring BT5.0, IPX5 weather resistance and 5-6 hours battery life. It is priced at $89. Disclaimer: The Astrotec S80 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank Astrotec for this opportunity. To learn more about TWS reviews on Headfonics […] The post Astrotec S80 – Wireless Weekend appeared first on Headfonics....
- 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.... - CanJam NYC 2020: HEDDphone and Final Audio16 February 2020, 6:05 am
I’m always telling floorspeaker people how headphones “eliminate the sound of the room,” but laughingly the big jabbering-people-filled room at CanJam NYC’s Marriot Marquis gets so loud by noon – it penetrated even the most perfect fitting IEMs. ... - CanJam NYC 2020: The Intro15 February 2020, 4:15 pm
I didn’t go, but I heard about it. Jude Mansilla’s first ever national Head-Fi meet was in New York City 2006. I remember because one of my friends went and came home raving about “inner ear monitors” by Jerry Harvey. I was like . . . “What the hell is an inner ear monitor?” And, “Are you kidding me? People actually get together to listen to headphones?” ... - Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier Review14 February 2020, 9:36 pm
The name Manley has been legendary in audiophile and professional audio circles for many years now, and I recall my dad lusting after VTL and Manley high-powered tube gear when I was younger, not just because of its sound, but also because it was expensive. But, not so expensive that it was totally out of reach for the average Joe who saved their pennies....
- 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.... - Joseph Audio, Doshi Audio, Berkeley Audio Design, Cardas Audio – FLAX 202015 February 2020, 5:09 pm
By the end of day one I had been around and listened to all of the rooms I was assigned The post Joseph Audio, Doshi Audio, Berkeley Audio Design, Cardas Audio – FLAX 2020 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Reconnecting With Qobuz On Their One Year Anniversary14 February 2020, 10:22 pm
It almost seems strange that the one year anniversary of high resolution music streaming service Qobuz has already crept upon The post Reconnecting With Qobuz On Their One Year Anniversary appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sonus Faber Adds The Gravis III Subwoofer To The Round Out The Line14 February 2020, 7:27 pm
This week Sonus Faber unveiled the latest update to their sub line in form of the Gravis III Subwoofer. The The post Sonus Faber Adds The Gravis III Subwoofer To The Round Out The Line appeared first on AudioHead....
- 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.... - Pro-Ject X2 Vinyl LP Turntable – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM13 February 2020, 5:00 am
Pro-Ject X2 Vinyl LP Turntable Easy to set up and very easy to use. You will not be disappointed. Review The post Pro-Ject X2 Vinyl LP Turntable – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - beyerdynamic to Feature Outstanding Audio at CanJam 202012 February 2020, 2:52 am
Amiron wireless copper, LAGOON ANC and Xelento wireless will be displayed Farmingdale, NY. – February 11, 2020 – beyerdynamic, one of The post beyerdynamic to Feature Outstanding Audio at CanJam 2020 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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- 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…... - SLiC Innovations Eclipse C MKIII Interconnect Cable Review6 February 2020, 12:25 am
David Price samples the best RCA interconnect that you’ve never heard of…...
- 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... - Save A Fortune On These “Award-Winning” Bookshelf Speakers-$40 off w/ Coupon!15 February 2020, 9:49 pm
We recently named the PSB Alpha P5 Bookshelf Speaker “The best bookshelf speaker under $500”, and Stereophile awarded them “2019 Product Of The Year”, just two accolades they have received since dropping early last year. Their sweet highs, coupled with the engaging mids and weighty bass, draw you in, making for a smooth sounding speaker that continue reading... - The Phenomenal Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics!14 February 2020, 6:09 pm
As I said in my post about the Polk Audio Legend L100 speakers, I first came across the $1599 Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was the amp they used to support the L100 demo, and it piqued my interest because it had been so long since I heard one. continue reading... - Pangea’s Brilliant New Audio Rack Holds A Ton For Only $179!12 February 2020, 11:21 pm
Audiophiles with elaborate systems need a stereo rack with a lot of space, and the Vulcan Five-Shelf Audio Rack from Pangea Audio is their new stand which accommodates up to five components. It’s a clean piece of furniture designed to match a variety of decors, and the thick MDF shelves are wrapped in scratch-resistant vinyl. It continue reading... - Outstanding! The Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $500 (2020)12 February 2020, 3:58 am
If you’re just getting into hi-fi, or you’re on a tight budget, it’s a great time to be alive. Affordable audio gear has never been better, especially when it comes to speakers. Current technology allows master speaker designers like ELAC’s Andrew Jones and PSB Audio’s Paul Barton to wring amazingly great sound out of lower-cost 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 […]...