- Recording of February 2021: Newvelle Records Season Five15 January 2021, 6:56 pm
Newvelle Records Season Five Pablo Ablanedo, Dave Douglas, Sullivan Fortner, Elan Mehler, OWL Trio, Rufus Reid, Carmen Staaf, Patrick Zimmierli Newvelle Records NV025–30 (6 LP) 2020. Reviewed from 16/44.1 AIFF files. Elan Mehler, prod.; Marc Urselli, eng. Performance **** Sonics ****½ If Newvelle Records is any indication, jazz's future looks bright. Since 2015, the New York label has produced four series of artist-curated, all-analog, subscription-only box sets of vinyl records wit...
- Complicated Stories14 January 2021, 5:42 pm
In my As We See It column in the January 2021 Stereophile, I wrote about stories we tell ourselves to make our lives and music better—personal stories like the one about my relationship to my Thorens TD-124 turntable, or about hanging out with your dad (or mom) listening to records. Also hi-fi stories like the ones about the types of audio components we prefer—analog, digital, tubed, solid state—and how they sound. "Stories deepen our relationships," I wrote, "including our relati... - Records to Die For 202112 January 2021, 5:25 pm
Records To Live For! In an ordinary year, the name of this annual feature, published every February since 1991, is a harmless, even amusing joke. In last year's opening essay, I evoked a heavily armed intruder perusing your record collection late at night and holding your favorite record in his hands: Would you risk your life by confronting him? That's hardly the first time that an author of the R2D4 lead essay made a joke about possibly dying. Tue, 01/12/2021... - Revinylization #13: Tone Poet, Analogue Productions, ERC reissues8 January 2021, 4:17 pm
For jazz fans, a new batch of releases in Blue Note's Tone Poet series—vinyl reissues remastered with care and cut from the original analog tapes—is reason for celebration. Fortunately, the batches come frequently. The latest releases, as I write in late October 2020, are very solid, musically and sonically. Fri, 01/08/2021... - Fostex M22RP/S M-S microphone7 January 2021, 8:31 pm
Coincident stereo miking (footnote 1) has two advantages and one disadvantage. Its advantages are that it gives the most stable, specific imaging of any mike technique, and its outputs can be summed for mono reproduction without loss of quality. Its disadvantage is that, in most of its configurations, it tends to produce an overly narrow, shallow soundstage. Tue, 03/01/1988...
- Audio Research Corporation Reference 160S Stereo Power Amplifier15 January 2021, 3:34 pm
The Audio Research Corporation needs no introduction. Its foundational contribution […] The post Audio Research Corporation Reference 160S Stereo Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - KEF Creates Maximum Bass in Minimum Space with NEW Uni-Core Technology14 January 2021, 12:00 pm
The following is a press release issued by KEF. Marlboro […] The post KEF Creates Maximum Bass in Minimum Space with NEW Uni-Core Technology appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Secret Machines: Awake in the Brain Chamber13 January 2021, 4:38 pm
After a decade in limbo, Dallas-bred alt-rock cult favorites Secret […] The post Secret Machines: Awake in the Brain Chamber appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - The Cat’s Grin12 January 2021, 4:56 pm
Jonathan Valin wrote the following essay in response to the […] The post The Cat’s Grin appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Shunyata Research Everest 8000 AC Power Conditioner and Omega XC Power Cord11 January 2021, 2:46 pm
As a long-time user of various Shunyata Research AC power […] The post Shunyata Research Everest 8000 AC Power Conditioner and Omega XC Power Cord appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- Mytek Audio Liberty THX Stereo Headphone Amplifier15 January 2021, 11:43 am
Mytek Audio proudly introduces their new Liberty THX AAA HPA ($1495), an analog headphone amplifier featuring THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology. The patented THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) is claimed By ytek to be the most linear amplifier technology available today. According to the company, their new headamp provides "astonishing musical accuracy, unprecedented dynamic range, as well as infinitesimally low levels of noise and distortion". Using THX's patented feed-forward err... - Enjoy Reading Your Fave Hi-Fi Magazines Online15 January 2021, 11:02 am
EnjoyTheMusic.com invites you to read the many excellent articles and reviews by our partner publications. Stay safe, and remember that our love of music / hobby is one that can be enjoyed within the privacy, and security, of your home, within your car, and on-the-go. We'd like to take a moment to remind our readers that many of our print magazine partners offer online subscriptions. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!... - Tekton Moab Floorstanding Speaker Review14 January 2021, 8:38 pm
For virtually everyone on the planet, this past calendar year brought a range of challenges and sorrows; 10/10 would not recommend. Hooray for 2021, with its promise of health, actual instead of virtual hugs, and a return to normalcy. When looking back on our collective annus horribilis (Latin for dumpster fire), I consider the arrival of a pair of Tekton Moab speakers in my listening room a welcome ray of light. Like many audiophiles confined to home by the pandemic, I've found much meaning and... - TBT: Enjoy the Music.com's 20 Year Anniversary14 January 2021, 1:06 pm
Frankly, 20 years is a short period of time. Has it really been 20 years since EnjoyTheMusic.com was launched?? Would love to say it seems like only yesterday that Yours Truly was this wild four ear piercings, nose ring and dog collar wearing avant-garde young kid strolling the hallways at shows, yet when it comes to the modern Internet 20 days ago seems like forever. Knowing that simply offering basic advice and how-to articles, plus my senseless ramblings, were fun yet the site also needed to ... - KEF Creates Maximum Bass With Uni-Core Technology14 January 2021, 1:05 pm
KEF is releasing their new Uni-Core design, which delivers a completely new take on speaker and subwoofer design for the company. Uni-Core seeks to create a high-level of performance, while reducing the subwoofer or speaker cabinet volume significantly. Between desirable aesthetics and uncompromising performance, the first challenge was fitting two drivers into a compact cube enclosure. Uni-Core uses two dual force-cancelling drivers with concentrically arranged, overlapping voice coils, that ar...
- REVIEW: WestminsterLab QUEST & REI | Preamplifier & power amplifier HONG KONG31 December 2020, 11:00 pm
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: WestminsterLab | Wojciech Pacuła No 200 January 1, 2021 QUEST - PREMIERE ⌈ WestminsterLab is a company founded in London (hence the name), currently headquartered in Hong Kong, run by ANGUS LEUNG. Its offer includes connection cables and amplifiers, belonging to the top high-end level. For this review we received the QUEST preamplifier and REI monoblocks; the preamplifier has its PREMIERE in HF. ⌋ HERE ARE BRANDS IN AU... - AWARDS: Best of HIGH FIDELITY 2020 AWARDS31 December 2020, 11:00 pm
AWARDS Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA | MAREK DYBA Graphic design: Bartosz Łuczak/Piksel Studio No 200 January 1, 2021 ELCOME TO ANOTHER SUMMARY of the passing year - this time we are also saying goodbye to the second decade of the 21st century. Looking at the products we selected for our awards, it is not difficult to notice that among them, next to each other there are three most important audio sources for audiophiles - a turntable, a Super Audio CD player and an audio file playe... - REVIEW | WORLD PREMIERE: Ferrum HYPSOS | Power supply DC POLAND31 December 2020, 11:00 pm
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Ferrum | Wojciech Pacuła No 200 January 1, 2021 WORLD PREMIERE ⌈ FERRUM is the newest Polish audio brand that has just been established. But behind it there is HEM, one of the most experienced audio companies, that has been designing and manufacturing devices for the MYTEK brand for 20 years. Ferrum's first product is the HYPSOS power supply, one of the most advanced DC power supplies on the market. We are the first in the worl... - REVIEW: Esoteric K-01XD | Super Audio CD Player JAPAN31 December 2020, 11:00 pm
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Esoteric | Wojciech Pacuła No 200 January 1, 2021 ⌈ ESOTERIC COMPANY is a relatively young brand, founded in 1987. It is a branch of the well-known Japanese brand company TAEC CORPORATION, which used to operate mainly in the field of professional equipment. Today TEAC offers devices also for audiophiles, from the entry-level and mid-price range, and Esoteric has focused on the high-end. ⌋ HERE ARE FEW AUDIO COMPANIES that... - TECHNIQUE: MITSUBISHI ProDigi. Digital reel-to-reel tape recorders – from the X-80 to the X-880 | PART 3: RECORDINGS (continued) JAPAN31 December 2020, 11:00 pm
Technique Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: press materials | Wojciech Pacuła Translation: Ewa Muszczynko No 200 January 1, 2021 ⌈ DIGITAL SOUND RECORDING – method of preserving sound in which audio signals are transformed into a series of pulses that correspond to patterns of binary digits (i.e. 0's and 1's) and are recorded as such on the surface of a magnetic tape or optical disc. “ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA” | www.britannica.com; access: 09....
- New Sound for the New Year?13 January 2021, 2:01 am
Roger Skoff writes about what might be the future of our hobby So what do you do when there's nothing to do? That's what a whole lot of us have had to figure out over most of the last year. Without restaurants, the movies, sports, concerts or other live music, without parties, the gym, or... Read More »... - George Thorogood and The Destroyers: Live In Boston, 1982: The Complete Concert12 January 2021, 7:09 pm
I was a total rock radio hound from the seventies through the eighties; I really stood up and noticed George Thorogood and The Destroyers when "Bad To The Bone" first hit the airwaves—especially his over-the-top guitar playing. The song (and George Thorogood) became a point of frequent discussion between my friends and me, who mostly... Read More »... - Meze Empyrean Upgrade Wire - It Just Gets Better!9 January 2021, 9:55 pm
The Meze Empyrean continues to be the headphone that I go to for both reviewing and for simply enjoying the music. Rare, indeed, is the product that is transparent, musical, and truly engaging. That the Empyrean is also one of the most aesthetically beautiful headphones that I have come across, easily validates a form follows... Read More »... - Cooperstown - A Jazz Opera in Nine Innings9 January 2021, 9:47 pm
Sasha Matson, Cooperstown (Jazz Opera in Nine Innings). Albany Records. (2015, 2020 Revised Edition (CD and 24-88 FLAC) (HERE) Baseball and jazz—two great American traditions here combined by composer Sasha Matson for an engaging musical experience. Add opera to the mix and you get some nice theater. Originally released in 2015 as a double CD... Read More »... - Je donnerais mes jours, Songs by Dupont8 January 2021, 9:55 pm
Je donnerais mes jours. Songs by Gabriel Dupont. Rachel Joselson, soprano; Bo Ties, piano. Centaur CRC 3811. TT: 76.58. Downloads: amazon.co.uk (mp3); amazon.de (mp3); qobuz.com (16-bit) Poèmes d'automne. Le chanson de Myrrha. Le Foyer. Mandoline. Les Effarés. Deux mélodies. La Pluie. Chanson d'automne. Annie. Journée d'hiver. Le Jardin mouillé. En aimant. Les Caresses sur des poèmes de... Read More »...
- Issue 1054 January 2021, 7:04 am
Features Old School: The Audiophile Apartment: Mine: It Should Be Yours Music Playlists: We share our readers choices from around the world Future Tense Gear in our immediate future Cover Feature: Awards! And… Integrated amplifier roundup... - REVIEW: Totem Skylight3 January 2021, 6:44 pm
Ironically, this review starts out with the title track from the Kinks classic Low Budget. However, low budget doesn’t mean low quality. Just because you don’t have $60,000 to spend on a pair of speaker cables, doesn’t mean you don’t love music – right? These highly capable, yet diminutive two-way speakers do an excellent job unraveling [...]... - REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson CAV-45S21 January 2021, 10:30 pm
As Ella Fitzgerald’s voice coos out of the Dynaudio Confidence 20s/Rel T-510 six-pack combo, I’m back home again. Not with Ella, mind you, but the sound of a smaller CJ amplifier. Conrad-Johnson has been building great tube amplifiers for just over 40 years now. While some of their Premier amplifiers produce prodigious power, there’s always [...]... - First Test31 December 2020, 4:41 am
The sun still burns hot, a U.S. dollar still equals four quarters, and Klipsch still makes Cornwall loudspeakers. Refreshingly, some things never change. Save for a gap between 1990 and 2005, the company has been building the floorstanders in its Arkansas factory since Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second term. As for the period during which it [...]... - T+A 2500R Disc Player21 December 2020, 4:42 pm
We’ve been listening to T+A’s 2500R for the last few weeks, and are really enjoying it. In addition to playing SACD and CD discs, the 2500R is a DAC, streamer, and ROON endpoint. It also includes an FM/DAB tuner, so you can listen to the radio as well – a nice touch! Priced at $13,000 [...]...
- Hegel Music Systems V10 Phono Stage15 January 2021, 5:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio Electronics Lab, click this link. Have you ever looked closely at the coils of a moving-coil cartridge? If you have a jeweler’s loupe and a cartridge with a relatively open body, it’s worth exploring this tiny, elegant universe. The coils themselves are so small that it seems impossible they could be made by hand, or mounted inside a cartridge, or that they can work at all. ... - Three Reasons Why the SoundStage! Network Has So Many Websites (Important Lessons for Aspiring Online Hi-Fi Publishers)1 January 2021, 5:00 am
Last month, I wrote about our 25th anniversary of online publishing. In that article I described how we began, how the SoundStage! name came about, the events that took place before we secured the soundstage.com domain name for the initial website, and some of the other things that helped us to get off to a pretty good start. ... - Recommended Reference Component: Technics EAH-TZ700 Earphones1 January 2021, 5:00 am
In Brent Butterworth’s review of the Technics EAH-TZ700 earphones, which appeared on SoundStage! Solo in October, he highlighted that they “employ an unusual design that almost no one uses, and that’s for very good reason. From an engineering standpoint, it makes a lot of sense. But from a marketing standpoint . . . not so much.” Brent went on to explain how “the design packs a single driver into a tiny enclosure made from highly non-resonant material,&rdq... - Formats Gone but Not Forgotten1 January 2021, 5:00 am
You have to laugh: there’s an ad on TV in the UK plugging some financial app for people who want to invest in shares but are clearly too stupid to seek out a legitimate, accountable broker. Whatever. Anyway, the gist of the ad is that you wouldn’t ask your brother-in-law or bartender for stock market tips, and it shows some grubby-looking, beardy, unkempt schmuck suggesting one should invest in LaserDiscs to the far cooler-looking target of the advertisement. Chuckle? I almost fell o... - Inexpensive Outboard Alternatives: Bellari VP549 and NAD PP 2e Phono Stages1 January 2021, 5:00 am
In August 2020, I reviewed the Hegel Music Systems H95 integrated amplifier-DAC for this site. If you read that review, you’ll know that the H95, which is priced at $2000 (all prices in USD), is a good performer and good value, but you’ll also see it’s not as feature-rich as some other integrated amps on the market. For example, like all of Hegel’s integrated amplifiers, it has a built-in DAC but lacks a phono stage. Vinyl playback is a pretty big thing for hi-fi buyers a...
- New Album Releases Project 2021-1-1111 January 2021, 6:36 pm
And then there were … Liner Notes I’m taking advantage of the Miscellany in Re-Issues, Re-Masters & Miscellany to champion and bring light to the work of one Eleanor Bindman. It is no secret that Bach’s Cello Suites for Solo Cello are some of my favorite pieces of music, and over the years I have [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2021-1-11 appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2021-1-44 January 2021, 11:52 pm
And then there were … Liner Notes. Short and sweet. At the intersection of week 52 and week 1 of any 2 years in sequence, one is should not be expecting anything resembling a pot-of-gold, so there’s just not so much out there from which to cherry-pick. Jean Michel Jarre’s Welcome To The Other [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2021-1-4 appeared first on Dagogo.... - Inakustik Reference LS 4004 Air Speaker Cable, Reference Digital 2404 Air Coax cable and Reference High Speed USB cable Review1 January 2021, 5:27 pm
Synopsis for those who hate to read The Inakustik Reference LS 4004 Air, Reference Digital 2404 Air, and Reference High Speed USB are all not only among the best audiophile cables I’ve heard, they are also among the best values in high-end components that I’ve encountered in the last several years. I have no compunction [...] The post Inakustik Reference LS 4004 Air Speaker Cable, Reference Digital 2404 Air Coax cable and Reference High Speed USB cable Review appeared first on Dago... - New Album Releases Project 2020-12-2828 December 2020, 6:17 pm
And then there were … Liner Notes Christmas week leading into New Year is not the most fertile ground for new album releases and re-issues/re-masters for that matter. To put the latter into perspective, this week, that portion of NARP is comprised of albums by Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, and Swans. Tell me now, [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-12-28 appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-12-2121 December 2020, 8:05 pm
And then there were … Liner Notes This close to Christmas, there’s just no way I was not going to have a festive holiday album on the list. It was SLIM pickings this week, but Jamie Cullum’s The Pianoman at Christmas did manage to grab my attention. Jamie, far better known across the pond, has [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-12-21 appeared first on Dagogo....
- Reality Quest: Power and Digital Audio with the Sean Jacobs DC4 and Sound Application PGI TT-7 (Part 1 of 2)15 January 2021, 5:30 pm
Reality Quest: Power and Digital Audio with the Sean Jacobs DC4 and Sound Application PGI TT-7 (Part 1 of 2) A hundred years ago at the start of the pandemic, I had a few words to say about the Taiko Audio SGM Extreme digital music server. In that piece, I detailed my high level strategy and hypothesis for digital optimization: First Law: Invest in cabling, power, and digital hygiene to do as little harm as possible (di... - Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 1 | Roon Labs Interview11 January 2021, 4:29 pm
It's a new year and it's time for something new here at Audiophile Style. Actually, what's old is new again. I launched a podcast back in 2009, but quickly realized "nobody" was listening to podcasts back then. I put the show on hiatus, was a guest on a few other podcasts, and waited until I was ready to fire things back up. Today is the day to (re)introduce the Audiophile Style Podcast. As much as I'd love to deliver this show to everyone in lossless high resolution audio... - At Long Last! Listen To Your (Physical) SACDs Through an Outboard DAC6 January 2021, 3:50 pm
At Long Last! Listen To Your SACDs Through an Outboard DAC George Graves When Sony/Phillips Announced their new Super Audio CD format (SACD) in 1999/2000, Sony opened a marketing office in NYC to advertise and promote the new format. They reached out to a number of audio writers (including, yours truly) with the “gift” of a new Sony SCD-777ES player (listing for $3500) and a “subscription” to all SACD releases as they came ou... - The Best Version Of ... Nick Drake's Bryter Layter28 December 2020, 3:50 pm
When 26-year-old Nick Drake passed away in November 1974 at his parents’ home south of Birmingham, England, his three albums on Island Records (1969’s Five Leaves Left, 1971’s Bryter Layter, and 1972’s Pink Moon) had sold fewer than 20,000 copies in total, he’d played perhaps a few dozen concerts in his life, and had given only one interview. His death received scant attention even in the British music press, and according to family members he consider... - Review | Boulder 866 Integrated Amp16 December 2020, 6:45 pm
As many Audiophile Style readers know, I fell in love with the RAAL-requisite SR1a headphones this year (link). They are the first true ribbon headphones and have very unique power requirements. Other than using one of only two direct drive amplifiers made specifically for these headphones, from Schiit and RAAL-requisite, the SR1a must be driven by a traditional power amplifier. In other words, these headphones connect to a power amplifier's speaker output terminals, with an interf...
- Craft Recordings Launches “Small Batch” Series With One-Step AAA John Coltrane <i>Lush Life</i>14 January 2021, 4:38 pm
Los Angeles, CA ( January 14,2021)—Craft Recordings today announced its first lavishly packaged and produced “Small Batch” series release: John Coltrane’s Lush Life, an original 1961 Prestige monophonic release recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in his Hackensack, NJ living room studio. The record consists of unissued tracks recorded in three sessions, two in 1957 and one in 1958. ... - Hegel Music Systems Debuts V10— Its First Ever MM/MC Phono Preamplifier13 January 2021, 6:58 pm
Norway-based Hegel Music Systems just announced the February 2021 release of the V10, the company's first MM/MC phono preamplifier, though chief designer Bent Holter says he's been "tinkering" with phono preamp designs since the mid 1990s. ... - Craft Recordings To Launch Exclusive "Small Batch" LP Series8 January 2021, 7:22 pm
Craft Recordings will soon launch a limited-edition one-step series focusing on their most revered recordings available exclusively via Craft Recordings. ... - "Nothing Can Stop the Vinyl Resurgence"—AnalogPlanet's Making Vinyl Video Opener1 January 2021, 8:08 pm
Making Vinyl conference founders Bryan Ekus and Larry Jaffee asked AnalogPlanet editor Michael Fremer to prepare a 15 minute video to open this year's "Making Vinyl" conference held "virtually" December 8th and 9th 2020 via ZOOM for the first and hopefully final time. ... - Gem Dandy's PolyTable Signature And Sorane TA-1L Tonearm29 December 2020, 7:54 pm
With all due respect to Gem Dandy’s new PolyTable Signature “layer cake” of a “two tiered” turntable, the bigger news here is the Sorane TA-1L tonearm George Merrill chose to package with his new turntable. Why is the Sorane news? Because it’s the possible successor to now defunct Jelco. But first, the new $2995 (not including arm) turntable, which, for sure, is also news....
- You never get over your first (audio system), chasing the dream14 January 2021, 1:15 pm
... - How audiophiles decide what to buy12 January 2021, 12:00 pm
... - Are two Schiits better than one?10 January 2021, 12:00 pm
... - Audiophiliac viewers' crazy good systems, I mean seriously!8 January 2021, 12:00 pm
... - The Audiophiliac proposes useful speaker specifications, and more...6 January 2021, 12:00 pm
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- Living Voice IBX-R3 Loudspeakers | REVIEW15 January 2021, 10:00 am
Here’s a little witticism for you all to ruminate upon before I dive into the Living Voice IBX-R3 (website) loudspeakers: “You can have it all, but just not at the same time.” My wife really likes this one, as it was told to her many years ago by a very smart matron when she was trying to raise children, earn a graduate degree, volunteer in the community, and forge ahead with a professional career. Once she took the advice to heart, her life took on a sense of much-needed focus... - Judy Stuart, The Apostolic Session | The Vinyl Anachronist14 January 2021, 8:00 pm
I really want to more about this Judy Stuart. A couple of days ago I received this 10″ 45rpm single in the mail, The Apostolic Session, and I’m still reeling from the discombobulation of it all. First of all, how many 10″ records do I have in my LP collection? Maybe three, and one of them is Colleen’s? I loved setting the vinyl on the seemingly over-sized turntable platter and pretending I finally lucked into getting a perfectly restored EMT turntable from Hans Van Vliet.... - John Redmon, Honoring Louis Armstrong | The Vinyl Anachronist13 January 2021, 5:04 pm
I review a lot of contemporary jazz albums that are tributes to jazz legends. A big chunk of the jazz canon is about honoring traditions and keeping those musical pioneers at the forefront of the genre. But have I ever reviewed an album from a jazz impressionist, someone who wants to do more than just remind me of a towering star? I’m asking because John Redmon, a Colorado Springs-based singer, pianist and composer/arranger, is a Louis Armstrong impressionist. On Honoring Louis Armstrong, ... - The Jeff Benedict Big Big Band, The Weather Is Here… | The Vinyl Anachronist11 January 2021, 10:00 am
This new album from the Jeff Benedict Big Big Band (website) turned me into a mess for a few hours. That’s mostly because of the title: The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful. I’m not a Jimmy Buffett fan, so I took this title rather literally and questioned whether it was a bit tone deaf. I wrote up about a paragraph and a half, and I stopped at mid-sentence. This isn’t turning out the way I thought. Sax player Jeff Benedict is a talented performer as well as bandle... - Ana Mighty Sound, Great Cartridge Maker and Rebuilder | REVIEW10 January 2021, 10:00 am
Before I even bring up Ana Mighty Sound (website), let me state that I abhor rebuilt cartridges. They are to me, unholy, defiled, inferior, and more often than not, a far cry from the real thing. It is like having your Ferrari serviced by the corner garage operation, or your Rolex tempered with by some counterfeit watchmaker, or worse, having an operation performed by an unqualified surgeon. Even when the cartridge comes back looking like it’s good as new, which it seldom does,...
- Mytek readies Brooklyn Bridge II, Manhattan Bridge & more15 January 2021, 12:23 pm
With Mytek Audio switching production from Warsaw manufacturer (and EU distributor) HEM Electronics to a newly-established company (Mytek Europe), a new website and a slew of new products are slated for 2021 release: First out of the gate will be three new Liberty Series products whose focus is a single […] More The post Mytek readies Brooklyn Bridge II, Manhattan Bridge & more first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or ... - Letters to the editor – Week #2, 202113 January 2021, 9:05 am
Keith C. writes… Good day, John Keith from Malta, love the channel mate. I’m on a journey to build a modest streaming system over the coming years or so. On my bespoke ‘to include’ list is to play my music in different rooms, ideally synchronously. An ex Spotify subscriber I […] More The post Letters to the editor - Week #2, 2021 first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permissi... - A short film about electronica for audiophiles13 January 2021, 7:46 am
---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2021 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Reserved More The post A short film about electronica for audiophiles first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2021 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Reserved... - Mola Mola quietly readies Kula integrated amplifier11 January 2021, 12:53 pm
Shhhhh. The Netherlands’ Mola Mola have this week announced the imminent availability of its first integrated amplifier. The Kula takes its cues from the Makua pre-amplifier’s chassis and steals its circuit wholesale to add an in-house developed power supply and power amplifier – derived from nCore modules developed by Bruno […] More The post Mola Mola quietly readies Kula integrated amplifier first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed ... - A long film about the RME ADI-2 DAC FS11 January 2021, 10:56 am
---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2021 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Reserved More The post A long film about the RME ADI-2 DAC FS first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2021 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Reserved...
- Apple AirPods Max15 January 2021, 11:55 am
No company takes as much flack for even the merest misstep as Apple. It’s like the social media universe is just waiting for another ‘battery-gate’, ‘keyboard-gate’, or ‘bend-gate’ (not forgetting brand new ‘condensation-gate’ attached to these headphones). I guess a two and a quarter trillion dollar company will have its trolls and haters. As you read on, beware, I’m a fanboy. Also, an audiophile. Yet, rarely do the two universes... - Remgewogen—Martin van Hees, guitar/TRPTK15 January 2021, 11:55 am
The new recording from classical guitarist Martin Van Hees (on the TRPTK label), brings together compositional works from prominent Dutch composers: Roderik de Man, Aart Strootman, Jan-Peter de Graaff, Christiaan Richter, Leo Samana, Louis Andriessen, as well as Van Hees himself. There’s such diversity of tone and colour in these works, I decided to briefly review each of them. All, I believe, complement the concept of the album. The expressive layers of each composition come through... - Denafrips Ares II DAC8 January 2021, 12:04 pm
As a devoted analog guy and digital skeptic, I was intrigued by the internet whisper network earlier this year talking about a company making DACs that “sounded like analog”. Enter Denafrips, a company founded just 8 years ago and based in Guangzhou, China. Denafrips is part of a growing trend of ‘Chi-Fi’, gear designed and manufactured by small in-house enthusiast companies in China, a far cry from the large factory outsourced production most audio consumers think ... - Apple HomePod mini8 January 2021, 11:51 am
For a deep dive into the big sibling of the new HomePod mini ($99), please refer to our review of the original, full sized Apple HomePod (and our six month follow up). Many HomePod features found at launch and in updates can be found on the new mini. With the mini, Apple’s smart home ‘Homekit’ features have been improved. Even silly Siri is better and she has added a useful ‘Intercom’ feature. Security, as always from the mothership, is a priority. No ‘a... - Audiophilia Products of the Year 202011 December 2020, 11:22 am
Our writers are lucky to intersect with the gear we do. Even luckier to have the kit in our homes and review it for you. There are numerous requests for reviews that we just do not have the manpower to cover. Imagine the hundreds of pieces we miss? With that in mind, please take into account our 'winners' and rate accordingly. The equipment chosen is for a list we admire unreservedly. We hope you get a chance to listen to the kit in your system. We loved it in ours....
- Emma Swift: Blonde On The Tracks12 January 2021, 8:40 pm
Australian-born country singer-songwriter Emma Swift’s Blonde On The Tracks is a collection of covers of some of her favourite Bob Dylan songs and it’s perfectly timed. Bob is back with his best album in years, the masterful Rough and Rowdy Ways, which came out during lockdown, so there’s an appetite for all things Dylan. Swift even reinterprets one of the songs from his latest record on hers – the reflective and stately ballad ‘I Contain Multitudes’. Like Dyl... - Cardas Audio Clear Reflection power cord12 January 2021, 8:26 pm
The Clear Reflection range is completed (probably… there’s always dedicated phono and digital links to contend with) with the new power cord in the line. Clear Reflection is the upper-middle of the Cardas range, sitting below Clear and Clear Beyond and Clear Beyond XL, but above Cygnus, Parsec and Iridium. There’s also Sky – which sits between Cygnus and Parsec – but that currently lacks a power cord. Clear Reflection differentiates itself from other Cardas cables ... - Audiovector R3 Signature floorstanding loudspeakers12 January 2021, 5:24 pm
Audiovector’s R series loudspeakers represent the company’s core. Yes, there is the more affordable QR series and in-wall models, and technically the Big Three – the R11, R8, and R6 floorstanders – all stand apart from the core line. But the quartet of R1 stand-mount, R C centre channel, R Sub subwoofer and R3 floorstander tested here demonstrate many of Audiovector’s key values. Finished in one of four rich – but not elaborate – finishes, the R3 is... - Staying in is the new going out6 January 2021, 3:01 pm
One of the first statistics published in January, the country’s main music industry body – the British Phonographic Industry – is keen to tell the world just how many records, CDs, downloads, streamed songs and even cassette sales happened across the UK in the previous year. This year was no exception, but it showed just how significant the impact COVID-19 had on the music business in 2020… but for once, it wasn’t all bad! Sales of vinyl LPs have been on the increa... - Arcam SA30 Network streaming system6 January 2021, 1:28 pm
Some audio equipment functions absolutely perfectly, sounds amazing, and represents excellent value for money – which makes reviewing it pretty straightforward. Some audio equipment functions only spasmodically, sounds rough, and represents questionable value for money – and so it too is pretty straightforward to review. Most audio equipment, though, is less cut-and-dried. Most audio equipment works pretty well, has both merits and shortcomings to the sound it makes, and consequently...
- Prince: <I>Sign O' The Times</I>15 January 2021, 8:07 pm
As this 1987 LP appears on 180g vinyl Steve Sutherland recalls his interview with Prince back in 1981. Did their meeting influence the singer's signature behaviour? Maybe I should shoulder some of the blame. It was me, after all, who declared in a Melody Maker review of his previous album, Parade, that Prince was God's gift to music or some such nonsense.... - Denon DCD-A110/PMA-A110 SACD Player/Amplifier14 January 2021, 7:02 pm
A 110-year history makes Denon a record-holder in the hi-fi industry – and it's marking that landmark with an Anniversary series that includes this very fine disc player and amp Hi-fi companies marking anniversaries is nothing new – indeed, it seems something crops up almost every month to mark some celebration, from 25 years of the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series upwards. However, few brands have the history to warrant an anniversary as significant as Denon, for this year the Japa... - Top 10 Open-Reel Decks12 January 2021, 6:48 pm
Ken Kessler brings you his guide to the best secondhand buys... While it's true I am obsessed with open-reel tape, I am constantly reminded – not least via our postbag – that 'getting back into tape' is costly for both hardware and software. There are no current decks being produced besides the Ballfinger at £15,000+, brand new pre-recorded tapes start at £200, blanks ain't cheap for those who want to record their own music, and buying vintage pre-recorded tapes requires... - Hana Umami Red Cartridge12 January 2021, 12:54 am
From Japan comes an exquisitely finished flagship MC cartridge that's cooking on gas when it comes to serving up full-flavoured sound. Is value for money on the menu too? By naming the flagship MC in its Hana pick-up range the Umami Red, Japanese cartridge maker Excel Sound has played a clever stroke. Glance at the £3399 cartridge's exquisitely lacquered body and there are no prizes for guessing why the name includes the word 'Red'. But 'Umami'? In Japanese, 'umami' is one of five taste... - Yamaha C-2a/M-2 Pre/Power Amplifier9 January 2021, 1:14 am
With VFETs costing top dollar and facing stiff competition from other semiconductors, the late '70s saw Yamaha unveil a new pre/power amp duo. How does it sound today? It's always intriguing to see how a company reacts to the realisation that a technology it has championed is reaching its sell-by date. This was the situation faced by Yamaha in the late 1970s. Since the middle of that decade, its top-end products had made use of Jun-ichi Nishizawa's Static Induction Transistor – more commo...
- Browns vs Chiefs live stream: how to watch the 2021 NFL Playoffs for free15 January 2021, 7:49 pm
Live stream Sunday's big Divisional Round clash between the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs. Hut, hut, hut!... - Buccaneers vs Saints live stream: how to watch the 2021 NFL Playoffs for free15 January 2021, 7:45 pm
Live stream Sunday's big Divisional clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. Hut, hut, hut!... - Rams vs Packers live stream: how to watch the 2021 NFL Playoffs for free15 January 2021, 7:36 pm
Live stream Sunday's big Divisional clash between the LA Rams and the Green Bay Packers. Hut, hut, hut!... - Ravens vs Bills live stream: how to watch the 2021 NFL Playoffs for free15 January 2021, 7:26 pm
Live stream Sunday's big Divisional clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. Hut, hut, hut!... - Masters snooker live stream 2021: how to watch every pot for free15 January 2021, 5:53 pm
Can China's Yan Bingtao out-pot Scotland's Stephen Maguire and book his place in the semi final of the 2021 Masters? Here's how to stream the snooker for free......
- McIntosh C2700 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and MC462 Power Amplifier Review21 December 2020, 1:00 pm
When I was initially contacted to review the McIntosh C2700 Preamp, I declined because I didn't own a power amplifier that I thought would... The post McIntosh C2700 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and MC462 Power Amplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Sonus Faber Electa Amator III Speaker Review16 December 2020, 1:00 pm
Part of the Sonus faber Heritage Collection, the Electa Amator III stand-mount speakers combine old-world Italian styling and crafts... The post Sonus Faber Electa Amator III Speaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Naim Mu-so 2 and Mu-so Qb 2 Wireless Music Systems Review14 December 2020, 1:00 pm
Today I’ll be checking out Naim’s Mu-so 2 and Mu-so Qb 2 Wireless Music Systems. They’re elegantly styled wireless speakers with powerful... The post Naim Mu-so 2 and Mu-so Qb 2 Wireless Music Systems Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Marantz SACD 30N Network SACD Player Review2 December 2020, 1:00 pm
You may ask what Marantz is doing by offering an SACD/CD player in the days when CDs and SACDs have been pretty much pronounced dead. Ah... The post Marantz SACD 30N Network SACD Player Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver Review30 November 2020, 1:00 pm
Denon’s AVR-X4700H AV Receiver delivers 9.2 channels at 125 watts per with nearly every available audio and video technology packed into... The post Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Marantz SA-10 CD/SACD Player & DAC21 November 2020, 9:39 pm
Just like Rodney Dangerfield, the Marantz SA-10 CD/SACD Player and DAC gets no respect. This is a shame as the SA-10 could well be the best sounding, best built player/DAC anywhere close to its $6990 list price. At the top of the Marantz line of digital products, the SA-10 could easily maintain that preeminent position for years to come. There have been a ‘boatload’ of mergers and acquisitions of audio companies over the last few years. Marantz is owned by Sound United, LLC, a Califo... - Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform12 October 2020, 10:41 pm
The Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform was originally developed for scientific and research applications such as spacecraft design, nanotechnology, and medical research. The patented technology is called “Negative-stiffness”, where the isolating platform seems to float with no resistance. From the manufacturer’s Web site (link below): “Dr. David L. Platus is President and Founder and is the principal inventor of the technology. He earned a B.S.... - Origin Live Gravity One Record Clamp24 August 2020, 3:02 pm
Several readers let me know that they appreciate the short format of the reviews offered here on 10 Audio. The word “pithy” has been noticed a few times in the feedback. Pithy means “concise and forcefully expressive” and “having substance and point” and “short and sweet”. This review definitely supports those definitions. The new Origin Live Gravity One record clamp works differently than the usual “record clamp”. Almost every clamp av... - Magico S1 Mk II Loudspeakers31 July 2020, 10:13 pm
The floor standing, 2-way Magico S1 Mk II speakers are exceptional. Before we get into the specifics of this particular model, let’s take a minute or two and let me share with you why I am a fan of 2-way speakers. Crossovers. Almost every loudspeaker utilizing more than one driver has a crossover. These passive electronic devices split the incoming audio signal into frequency ranges which the various drivers – woofers, midranges, tweeters – can handle. Crossovers are not perfec... - Mivera 1200AS2 Stereo Power Amplifier21 June 2020, 7:50 pm
The Mivera 1200AS2 stereo power amplifier is a limited production offering. The amplifier uses the IcePower 1200AS2 dual-channel module with the IceEdge chipset. The $1000 Mivera amplifier was chosen for this review because, as you can see in the image below, the IcePower module is the sole occupant of the normal-size enclosure aside from connectors and wiring. Now we can hear the sound of the IcePower module itdelf, unaccompanied by added input electronics as we see in amplifiers from Wyred 4 S...
- Part 5: The Last Piece of Pi – The Allo Boss I2S DAC3 January 2021, 9:46 pm
Raspberry Pi with Allo Boss I2S DAC v1.2 (The Last Piece of Pi, I promise) By Steve Graham In the previous Raspberry Pi installment Raspberry Pi Postscript: S/PDIF Vs. USB Sound Comparison, I pitted a Pi with S/PDIF-out HAT board against another Pi employing USB out. The short version of the tale was that I came away underwhelmed by the USB connection. My plan had been to employ an underutilized, USB-connected, Meridian Explorer 2 DAC in my workshop music system. With tha... - Review: Audiolab M-DAC+ Digital-to-Analog Convertor22 December 2020, 3:30 am
Audiolab MDAC+ – Exceptional Build Quality and Sound. MSRP: $1599 Canadian. Review series ‘In the House’ by David Neice Verdict The Audiolab MDAC+ is built as solidly as any military-specification gear and offers a top notch sound field that will not disappoint potential buyers. This DAC will handle virtually all PCM and DSD files, thus making playback of hi-res file downloads an easy affair. An array of flexible inputs and outputs and onboard sound shaping filters and other me... - Raspberry Pi Postscript: S/PDIF Vs. USB Sound Comparison16 December 2020, 6:50 pm
Pi versus Pi By Steve Graham Raspberry Pi 4B with S/PDIF Out versus Raspberry Pi 4B with USB Out Confession time. In responding to those kind enough to comment on part 3 of my Raspberry Pi series, I mentioned that I didn’t have a decent USB DAC for comparison. WRONG. It completely slipped my mind that my PS Audio DAC has a USB input. A cream pie in the face for me. To satisfy my own curiosity and maybe mend a few fences with readers, I’ve run ... - Review: Triangle Borea BR02 Bookshelf Speakers1 December 2020, 10:16 pm
Triangle Borea BR02 Speaker Review by Steve Graham Everything Old is New Again (and that’s just fine by me) I love the vintage vibe of the oak-finish cabinets. Also available in black, white and walnut. Being confined to barracks, as my Dad, a WWII veteran might have said, has me spending a good deal more time in my workshop. Whilst occupied with a fairly extensive woodworking project, steaming music or playing files has been the order of the day. Many days ... - Helping Older People Set Up A Music System In 202025 November 2020, 8:30 pm
There’s a problem in the world today, and I’m not talking about social media or crazy conspiracies. I’m not even talking about the ‘Rona – that’s for someone smarter to figure out. The problem? Our dear 75-85+ year olds are stuck at home and watching TV, because they don’t have stereos. Imagine this. The hi-fi generation has been leapfrogged. Records? Oh, well y’know, the turntable became a chore to deal with. CD’s? We used to have a few..I t...
- Shozy Black Hole Review15 January 2021, 11:32 am
The Shozy Black Hole is a unique semi-open universal single 10mm dynamic driver IEM designed in collaboration with KOOK™ Electro-Acoustic Engineering Lab. It is priced at $799. Disclaimer: The Shozy Black Hole sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at Shozy for giving us […] Shozy Black Hole Review... - iBasso IT07 Review13 January 2021, 11:02 am
The iBasso IT07 is the company’s flagship universal monitor featuring a single dynamic driver and 6 BA driver configuration. It is priced at $899. Disclaimer: The iBasso IT07 was sent to us as a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank iBasso for this opportunity. To learn more about iBasso products […] iBasso IT07 Review... - qdc Dmagic 3D Review10 January 2021, 12:30 pm
The qdc Dmagic 3D is a triple dynamic driver IEM using a 10mm dual dynamic driver and a single 8mm dynamic driver. It is priced at $1315.00. Disclaimer: The qdc Dmagic 3D sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at qdc for giving us […] qdc Dmagic 3D Review... - 1MORE PistonBuds Review9 January 2021, 11:04 am
The 1MORE PistonBuds is an affordable TWS featuring a 7mm dynamic driver, IPX4, and up to 20 hours of battery life. It is priced at $49.99 Disclaimer: The 1MORE PistonBuds sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion for this review. We thank 1MORE for this opportunity. To read more 1MORE reviews […] 1MORE PistonBuds Review... - NF Audio NM2+ Review8 January 2021, 11:01 am
The NF Audio NM2+ is an affordable universal IEM featuring a dual-cavity dynamic driver dual design and 5-axis CNC technology. It is priced at $169. Disclaimer: The NF Audio NM2+ sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Linsoul for giving us this opportunity. To read more […] NF Audio NM2+ Review...
- The V-Moda M-200 ANC Is The Company’s First Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphone13 January 2021, 8:20 pm
In my mind, the V-Moda line of headphones has always had a serious edge in “fun” sound with a DJ-like The post The V-Moda M-200 ANC Is The Company’s First Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphone appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sennheiser Unveils The HD25-Inspired HD250BT For $70, New IE300 In-Ears12 January 2021, 5:48 pm
The Sennheiser HD250BT Wireless Headphone. Bluetooth enabled headphones didn’t start out in the budget side of mainstream pricing, but if The post Sennheiser Unveils The HD25-Inspired HD250BT For $70, New IE300 In-Ears appeared first on AudioHead.... - Beyerdynamic Releases 2 New Flagship Headphones, Wireless and Gaming9 January 2021, 4:35 pm
Beyerdynamic is moving into its third generation of their Tesla flagship T1 open and T5 closed headphones. Costing an even The post Beyerdynamic Releases 2 New Flagship Headphones, Wireless and Gaming appeared first on AudioHead.... - JBL Announces 75th Anniversary Edition Of The Iconic L1007 January 2021, 10:19 pm
On the dawn of a virtual CES, this week Harman announced a special edition of the JBL L100. 51 years The post JBL Announces 75th Anniversary Edition Of The Iconic L100 appeared first on AudioHead.... - We’re Going To CES 2021?4 January 2021, 6:30 pm
There have been several valiant attempts at recreating some sort of show experience in the digital space this past year. The post We’re Going To CES 2021? appeared first on AudioHead....
- LampizatOr MM2 Moving-Magnet (MM) Phono Stage- REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM14 January 2021, 6:00 am
January 2021 LampizatOr MM2 Moving-Magnet (MM) Phono Stage Review Beautiful to behold and a joy to use. Review By Brett The post LampizatOr MM2 Moving-Magnet (MM) Phono Stage- REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - The Beyerdynamic T1 Generation 3: The Return (and Update) of a True Classic!4 January 2021, 6:00 am
Approximately 11 years ago when I first started out in the world of personal audio, my first foray into the The post The Beyerdynamic T1 Generation 3: The Return (and Update) of a True Classic! appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - QOBUZ Shares QOBUZ Holiday Gift Guide 202010 December 2020, 6:10 pm
Qobuz, the first Hi-Res streaming service and the audiophile authority, is out today with its official gift guide for this The post QOBUZ Shares QOBUZ Holiday Gift Guide 2020 appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM10 December 2020, 6:00 am
December 2020 Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects Let’s go skinny dipping… with an impressive leap in cabling technology! Review By Paul The post Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Schiit Introduces It’s Most Affordable Unison USB™ DAC2 December 2020, 6:27 pm
UNISON USB™ FOR $99: MODI 3+ December 1, 2020, Valencia, CA. Today, Schiit introduced Modi 3+, a 3-input DAC with Unison The post Schiit Introduces It’s Most Affordable Unison USB™ DAC appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- Focal Chora 82614 January 2021, 9:26 am
An entry-level range with innovative cone material that’s something to sing about... - Sennheiser IE 80 S BT13 January 2021, 9:33 am
Sennheiser cuts the cord on its popular mid-priced in-ear headphone with this Bluetooth design... - Chord Electronics Poly 212 January 2021, 9:24 am
Add this updated wireless module to Chord’s portable Mojo DAC and you have a versatile music maker... - Dan Clark Audio Ether 211 January 2021, 9:48 am
As an update to its original planar magnetic design, this headphone majors on comfort... - Leema Acoustics Stream IV8 January 2021, 9:39 am
Super talented digital source that brings together CD playback and network audio streaming...
- The Passionate Audiophile – From Robot to Human2 January 2021, 7:33 am
2020 was a whirlwind of a year. But it was an opportunity for self-reflection. Rather than the usual gear-focused reviews, I’m opting for more lighthearted ramblings. I’ll be writing about my personal journey into HiFi. In early February, I lost my primary income streams. These were pseudo-passive streams – and the only reason I was […] The post The Passionate Audiophile – From Robot to Human appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - $3,000 Meze Empyrean Headphones Review25 October 2020, 1:09 am
Now I’ve heard the Meze Empyrean headphones probably a dozen times at the shows. And every time I try to nitpick them, I end up just enjoying the music. It didn’t matter which amplifier or DAC it was plugged into. Music just sounded truthful. I primarily listen to 2-channel these days so didn’t give it […] The post $3,000 Meze Empyrean Headphones Review appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - $62,000 Sonus Faber Il Cremonese ex3me – Absolute Neutrality22 September 2020, 8:16 am
22nd September 2020, Vicenza, Italy: Sonus faber has launched the Il Cremonese ex3me, a tech-rich £48,500 floorstander limited to just 50 pairs, which advances the original thanks to a range of innovative new speaker technologies. The original Il Cremonese was introduced in 2015 with the intention of completing the company’s Homage Collection and was named […] The post $62,000 Sonus Faber Il Cremonese ex3me – Absolute Neutrality appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - ASUS LAUNCHES MQA HEADPHONES18 September 2020, 1:19 am
New ROG Delta S headset adds MQA technology MQA’s award-winning technology has been adopted by global tech leader ASUS for its latest ROG (Republic of Gamers) headphones. The headset, designed to offer flawless audio quality for gaming enthusiasts, was revealed alongside the latest gaming gear during the ROG 2020 META BUFFS international online launch event on 1 September […] The post ASUS LAUNCHES MQA HEADPHONES appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Introducing the New McIntosh C8 and MC83018 September 2020, 1:10 am
New open chassis McIntosh duo combines valve luxury, solid-state power and timeless industrial designC8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and MC830 Solid State Amplifier: stunning looks, legendary McIntosh sound quality September 17th, 2020, Binghamton, NY, USA: Following in the footsteps of McIntosh’s retro-styled MA252 and MA352 integrated amplifiers, (which themselves took design cues from the MC275 Vacuum […] The post Introducing the New McIntosh C8 and MC830 appeared first on Audio Baco...
- Leak Stereo 130 amp, CDT transport – old name, new sound14 January 2021, 2:33 am
REVIEW: Name and looks aside, there's nothing retro about the revived Leak brand, as this amp and transport prove.... - Sony’s SRS-RA5000/3000 wireless speakers coming in February11 January 2021, 1:44 am
NEWS: Sony's new wireless speakers promise to take your musical enjoyment to the next level.... - Falcon Acoustics LS3/5a Gold Badge – the gold standard?7 January 2021, 1:59 am
REVIEW: The legendary LS3/5a monitor gets premium specs... but does it show in the sonic results?... - Audioengine adds HD4 Bluetooth speakers to range4 January 2021, 2:15 am
NEWS: Audioengine's compact HD4 is a wireless and wired solution for your music playback needs.... - Of priorities, perspectives… and being grateful30 December 2020, 2:25 am
FEATURE: Many of us would want to forget 2020... but there were lessons learnt and gratitude for the few bright spots....
- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable Reviewed3 December 2020, 10:09 am
It may have its foibles but so does every audiophile-inspired manual belt drive turntable regardless of cost. A solid turntable capable of great performance. The post Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit27 November 2020, 10:19 am
Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit The post Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - WesionTEK Khadas Tone Board DAC Reviewed17 November 2020, 10:52 am
A clean, clear, neutral DAC and a marvellous little board for all kinds of usage scenarios. The post WesionTEK Khadas Tone Board DAC Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - IPT RigB 500, Cartridge Body Upgrade For VM500 / AT440 Et Al, Reviewed16 November 2020, 8:15 pm
Buy one and avail yourself of what is undoubtedly one of the best moving magnet cartridges around. The post IPT RigB 500, Cartridge Body Upgrade For VM500 / AT440 Et Al, Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Edifier S2000MKIII Active Bookshelf Speakers Reviewed22 October 2020, 2:50 pm
For home listening, the S2000s continue Edifier’s excellent track record with superlative acoustic and electronic design, a vast array of inputs, stylish aesthetics and great sound. The post Edifier S2000MKIII Active Bookshelf Speakers Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Review4 January 2021, 12:59 am
Matthew Jens is overawed by Cupertino's latest technology-packed pair of wireless cans…... - TAD Micro Evolution One Stand Mount Loudspeaker Review22 December 2020, 10:45 pm
Mark Gusew is beguiled by what's undoubtedly one of the most significant new high-end standmounters around…... - Wilson Audio SabrinaX Floor Standing Loudspeaker Review15 December 2020, 5:50 am
David Price auditions an exotic compact floorstander with a pedigree to die for…... - LEAK Stereo 130 Amplifier & CDT CD Transport Review15 December 2020, 3:58 am
David Price goes back to the future with this retro-styled amplifier and CD transport combination…... - NAD Electronics C 298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review10 December 2020, 11:15 pm
Jimmy Hughes samples this iconic company's latest affordable Class D powerhouse…...
- Red Hot! Take A Look At iFi’s Dazzling New iDSD Diablo DAC/Amp!15 January 2021, 3:56 am
This Pocket-Sized DAC/AMP Promises Reference-Quality Sound! iFi Audio is starting the new year off right with an impressive-looking new DAC/Headphone Amp. Called the iDSD Diablo, it’s positioned at the top of iFi’s considerable transportable DAC lineup and designed to provide reference quality sound for headphones and stereo systems. This new battery-powered product comes in a sexy continue reading... - CES 2021: V-Moda Drops A Stunning Wireless Noise Canceling Headphone, The M-200 ANC13 January 2021, 1:51 am
V-MODA made a splash at this year’s Digital CES with a new logo and dazzling new wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone, the M-200 ANC. The M-200 ANC is their first Bluetooth Active Noise Canceling headphone, and it features V-MODA’s signature steelflex customizable shield design and a new mobile app for customizable sound. The V-MODA app provides continue reading... - Q Acoustics Concept 300 Review: These Sexy Bookshelf Speakers Are Brilliant!12 January 2021, 6:06 am
These Beautiful Speakers are all about Luxury and Refinement! Q Acoustics has never made run-of-the-mill speakers. Even their entry-level 3000 series (check out our review here) is known for innovations like attractive curved cabinets with convenient low-profile binding posts, computer designed point-to-point bracing for low resonances, and decoupled tweeters for a clear top end. They continue reading... - Now That’s A Good Question: What is a Powered Speaker?9 January 2021, 6:40 am
You may have heard the terms Powered Speaker or Active Speaker thrown around and wondered, What is a Powered Speaker? How about an Active Speaker? Are they different? Are they just different terms for the same thing? Well, Powered Speakers and Active Speakers ARE two different things. Both have become more popular in Hi-fi circles, especially continue reading... - CES 2021: Beyerdynamic Announces Their Thrilling Show Lineup8 January 2021, 5:01 am
Hey folks…Well, it’s almost that time again. CES 2021 is right around the corner. The Dates for this huge consumer electronics show are Mon, Jan 11, 2021 – Thu, Jan 14, 2021, and it will be an all-digital show due to the Pandemic. It’s gonna be a smaller affair with fewer vendors, but I’m still hoping to continue reading...
- Small batch Lush Life from Craft announced14 January 2021, 5:16 pm
... - The new headphone amps keep on coming17 November 2020, 6:46 pm
... - Another USB DAC/Headhpone amp - this time from Clarus14 November 2020, 5:10 pm
... - New vinyl catch up15 October 2020, 8:24 pm
... - The Genius of Jazz6 September 2020, 7:37 pm
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- LSA-10 Signature Speakers28 November 2020, 6:15 pm
Speakers have a character. They can be precise, enveloping, dynamic, punchy, demanding, and sparkly, just to name a few. I admit, I’ve owned or reviewed seemingly every type described, and then some. Each has their charms and musical genres where they shine. For 90% of owners the key is owning the one set of speakers that best meets their overall personal taste. Thankfully, the last ten years have brought speaker performance up a full level across all price points making the reward all the... - Magna Riser Slim Line 24 October 2020, 10:00 pm
Less than a year ago I managed to find online a used pair of Magnepan .7's for $800 on the used market. A few days after the panels arrived I decided to experiment by placing blocks of wood under the back end of the angled L-bracket metal legs, thus tilting them to a true vertical position. The sonic differences I stored away in my memory until such time as I could consider potential stand replacements. Magnepan's own oval upgrade model held zero interest for a variety of reasons, so my options ... - Audioengine B-Fi Wireless Streamer22 September 2020, 3:14 pm
Link to specificationsOk, I admit it, the wife and I have been relying on Alexa to stream music in the kitchen and living room. I have my man cave in the basement, so the upstairs is her music domain and she wants it simple. But she loves the playlist I created for her on Tidal to use on her phone when she is walking or gardening. Over the months I endured many a complaint about finding a solution. Not for the first time, the gang at Audioengine have come to the rescue. This past late spri... - Totem Acoustics Signature ONE Speakers5 September 2020, 9:47 pm
Link to SpecificationsHow does one improve on a legend? That was the question facing Vince Bruzzese and the team at Totem Acoustics approximately 5 years ago. The Model 1, a diminutive stand mounted speaker had launched Totem as a major player in the industry 30+ years ago. In the decades that followed, the Model 1 would receive tweeks that owners could spot. However, that has all changed.The Signature One is all new, only the “spirit” as Totem refers to the legacy that the Model 1 p... - Cherry DAC DAC 2 HS11 August 2020, 1:16 am
Link to Specifications Fourteen years ago when I started reviewing gear the digital analog convertor (DAC) was a rare piece of gear. Few models existed and for most audiophiles, fanatics, and hobbyists it was technology to watch rather than pursue. Fourteen years later and DAC’s are an indispensable part of our hobby. The quality and capability have risen dramatically, while the price/performance has dropped even more so. The ability of DAC’s to pull out details i...
- Vermouth Audio Reference Phono Interlinks9 January 2021, 6:09 pm
The Vermouth Reference phono cable gets so much right, especially in the aspects that matter most for musical enjoyment, and at such a reasonable price, that I can only recommend it wholeheartedly.... - NuPrime AGM STA stereo power amplifier28 December 2020, 12:04 pm
Review samples provided by Dimex Retail Price: 1.595 euro Regular readers will know that I have very good experience with NuPrime amplifiers. After years of use with all sorts of speakers and countless comparisons with other amplifiers, I still feel that the ST-10 stereo amp with its proprietary Class-D technique offers a unique proposition and […]... - Wolf von Langa SON18 December 2020, 2:20 pm
Hearing the Wolf von Lange Sons for the first time at Callas Audio immediately primed me for something special. But it wasn't until I had heard them in my own system that I truly and deeply understood the extent of their superlative performance.... - Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp, Neo-Classic 300B and Snapper14 December 2020, 7:48 am
From an American audio brand with a long history, one might expect a stereotypical big and ballsy "American" sound. When talking about transistors this would be maybe something in line with the classic Krell or perhaps McIntosh sound and when talking about tubes, in general, a warm, rich and juicy-liquid sound. But just like modern Audio Research tube amplifiers do not have that kind of sound, neither do the Manley products that I have on visit for review. So, what do they sound like? Read... - Qln Prestige One11 December 2020, 9:01 am
Being great communicators and musical omnivores, the Prestige Ones always put the music first with an energetic, vibrant and involving rendition of anything that you play....
- Top 7 Wireless Speaker kits in 2021 – Complete Guide14 January 2021, 12:36 am
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Communication is an important part of today’s world – especially in the era of rising… The post Mic Monitoring: What Is It and How It Helps Gaming appeared first on Audiosolace.... - PlusSound X8 Tri-Silver Cable Review1 January 2021, 12:50 am
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“Space Oddity,” covered by We Are KING is the first single teased off the BBE Music David Bowie tribute album Modern Love, announced January 8th (Bowie’s birthday), and set for release May 28, 2021. The post Modern Love: BBE Music to release David Bowie Tribute appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Review: Audio Note CD4.1x Integrated Transport and DAC10 January 2021, 7:21 am
With the CD4.1x Audio Note UK shows it is focused on creating supremely musical hardware rather than touting measurements as a metric for success. The post Review: Audio Note CD4.1x Integrated Transport and DAC appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - J-Punk: A Brief History of Docs, Mohawks and Degenerates2 January 2021, 7:21 pm
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Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen. Overstand by Apifera Apifera: [...]... - Album of the Week: Ashley Paul, Ray15 January 2021, 12:00 pm
Have you ever found yourself looking for something without knowing what it was? What a week. I found myself on the hunt for some new music to quell the ache but try as I might, [...]... - More, Much More, From Mytek!15 January 2021, 11:00 am
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Sometimes power is a good thing. Over the course of the past few months, I’ve reviewed integrated amplifiers with power ratings ranging from 8 to 160 Watts and a number that fall somewhere in between. [...]... - HiFi Show Schedule 2021: When You Wish Upon A Star14 January 2021, 3:50 pm
Have I mentioned I miss HiFi Shows? I have. I miss the excitement, the travel, the socializing (remember that?), the news, the views, the gear, and the music. I miss it all. As more of [...]...
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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 […]...